Page 49 of Big Dill

As we pass the dining room, I catch Brody watching me. Not casually. His gaze snaps to mine, sharp and dark. Did he just snarl?

I blink, thrown completely off balance. What is his problem? Does he have something against Liam? Against puppies? Against joy in general?

“Who wants to see a puppy?” Liam announces, stepping fully into the room and lifting Bella.

“A puppy!” Laci squeals, launching herself off the floor.

Liam crouches, lowering himself to their level. God, of course he’s good at this. “This is Bella,” he says gently. “You can pet her. Like this.” He demonstrates slow, careful hands, patient and calm.

Mason hops beside me on the couch, his knees bouncing with excitement and nerves.

“He bit me!” Abby squeals suddenly, yanking her hand back.

Mason scoots closer to me instinctively, edging away from the pup.

“She’s teething,” Liam explains smoothly. “It’s not really biting. She doesn’t want to hurt you.” He glances at Mason, reading him perfectly. “You know how babies get teeth and chew on everything? Puppies do that too. I’m helping her learn.”

He smiles at Abby. “But yeah, those teeth are sharp, aren’t they?”

Abby nods, mollified.

I watch him, how he diffuses fear, how the kids relax around him, how naturally he fits into this room, and something tightens in my chest.

He belongs here.

I don’t.

And from the corner of my eye, I can feel Brody’s presence like a storm pressing against the windows, unspoken, unsettled, watching me.

Abby examines her finger. No blood. “So sharp.”

“Put your hand here,” Liam guides gently, showing her how to stroke along Bella’s back.

“Mason, do you want to pet her?” I ask, and he shakes his head, hesitating.

“I’ll make sure she won’t nibble,” Liam says. Then he sets Bella on my lap. “Here, Jami. Why don’t you hold her while I give her this toy?” A small fox stuffie appears from his pocket. Bella sinks her teeth into it, shaking her head as Mason inches closer, curiosity winning over caution.

“She’s so soft!” he squeals.

“She is soft,” I agree. My eyes flick to Liam as the kids settle into gentle petting. “It must be hard to give a pet up after fostering it.”

“Detachment is the key,” Brody says suddenly, stepping into the room with Jaxon. His gaze catches mine.

Detachment.

I swallow, unsure if I’m imagining it, or if he means me.

“You’re right,” Liam says, softer now. “You have to stay detached. But look at her…” His hand gestures to Bella. “Near impossible.” He sighs. “I’d keep her, but I already have two rescue retrievers.”

Brody snorts, a sound somewhere between amusement and scorn.

“What?” I ask, bristling.

“Nothing,” he mutters, clearing his throat. “So, you’re back, taking over your dad’s practice? Are you here for good?”

Liam nods. “Dad had some medical problems.”

I place my hand lightly on his arm. “I’m sorry.” Even without knowing his father, sympathy feels right.