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“I couldn’t help hearing what Paisley said. About Toby.”

Oh, no. That was how rumors got started.

“It was a joke, Mom. We talked about the fact that Toby’s back in town and that we used to date. She was teasing. It wasn’t anything more.”

Her mother studied her. “Are you sure?”

Reggie made an X over her chest. “Yes. I haven’t seen him since high school. Paisley was just being funny, and later I plan to kill her.”

Her mother smiled. “That seems a little extreme. All right, darling. Have a good night.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Reggie walked through the house to let Belle out for a late-night potty break. The Great Dane shot Reggie a look of incredulity, then reluctantly headed for the chilly backyard. She was back in seconds, shivering and acting offended.

“The temperature is not my fault,” Reggie pointed out.

Belle turned her back to show her displeasure.

“Maybe you’d like to sleep downstairs tonight, not with me,” Reggie grumbled, not really meaning the threat.

Belle ignored her and headed for the stairs. Reggie followed, petting her dog as she went.

“There was a really nice Chihuahua at the shelter. Maybe I should have taken him home instead. They eat a lot less, and you can probably pick up their poop with a tissue.”

Belle shot her the “I can’t hear you” look before walking into the bedroom and going to her big, fluffy bed.

Reggie followed her and knelt on the floor. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t speak of it again. You’re my favorite, and I love you very much.”

Belle nuzzled her cheek.

Sad but true, Reggie thought. Belle was her most successful relationship. At least her doggy companion never hogged the remote.

After spending most of the day translating Gizmo’s technical instructions into something the average person could understand, Reggie was ready for a break. She got out a thick coat for Belle and a matching scarf for each of them and took her dog and herself out for a walk.

Funny how quickly she was settling into a routine with her parents, she thought, walking toward the center of town. While she didn’t want to make the living arrangements permanent, she was glad she’d agreed to return for the holidays.

She greeted people they passed. Most steered clear of the giant dog, which was fine with Belle. She was afraid of strangers. And squirrels, vacuums, aerosols, firetrucks and, of course, Burt.

So far there was an uneasy canine truce. Burt had only gone after Belle twice, and she was almost relaxed as she walked through the house. Reggie suspected the little dachshund was lying in wait, ready to attack when least expected.

She inhaled the cold, crisp air. The skies were still gloriously blue—not a cloud to be seen. The Thanksgiving decorations stood proudly at nearly every house—not a snowman or a hint of Christmas anywhere.

“This is a weird little town,” Reggie murmured. Belle seemed to nod in agreement.

They reached The Wreath and began to walk the outside circle, a path in front of all the stores. Snowdrops Florist had beautiful harvest arrangements in the window. The Nothing-To-Do-With-Christmas store had a lovely display of beach-themed gift items. They passed Joy’s Diner, Jingle Coffee, Poorman Bank and Yule Read Books, her steps slowing with every store until Belle finally turned and looked at her.

“I know,” Reggie whispered. “I can’t help it. I’m scared.”

An emotion Belle could get behind. Still, the Great Dane tugged on the leash as if saying she had to get over it.

“Like you do that.”

But standing in The Wreath with her dog staring at her wasn’t a good look. She sucked in a breath for courage, then started walking again, right up to Judy’s Hand Pies.

She paused in front of the store. There were dozens of pies on display in the window, some sweet, some savory. The smell of freshly baked pies had her mouth watering and Belle nudging at the door.

“We can’t,” Reggie told her. “No dogs allowed.”