Page 69 of Love for a Lifetime

“Said he’s trying to distance himself from his family. He knows they’re a sinking ship, and he wants off before things go south.”

Dawson scoffed. “Should'a jumped ship a while ago then.” The Howards knew how to do two things: Get away with murder and train up-and-coming criminals.

Olivia dropped her fist onto the table with a thud and stared at Dawson with fire in her eyes. “I’ve heard enough. Gage might be serious, and it would be nice if you gave him a shot.”

The room got quiet as Olivia’s outburst sank in. She was right, and her flaming arrow hit him straight in the chest.

“I’m sorry. I’ll give him a chance,” Dawson said quietly.

Olivia ducked her chin and moved her food around her plate with her fork.

Great. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Olivia. Or anyone. He’d been talking faster than he was thinking.

Normal talk resumed for the rest of the meal, but Betsy snuck over to Olivia’s side and whined until she picked the dog up and cradled her to her chest.

So much for forming alliances today.

When everyone had finished eating, Olivia started cleaning up. Lyric jumped into action with her, but Dawson caught her attention.

“You mind if I have a minute alone with Olivia? I’ll clean up.”

Lyric gave him a bright smile and glanced at her friend. “She’s not mad at you,” she whispered back.

“How do you know?”

Lyric patted his arm. “She’ll forgive you.”

“Do you forgive me?” he asked. Lyric turned her back on her old life and was a different and better person. Her change wasn’t anything to scoff at. She’d worked hard and earned mountains of trust she didn’t have before. She’d knit her family back together and become a good wife to Asa.

She was right. People could make drastic changes.

Shaking her head, Lyric waved a hand. “Water under the bridge.”

Dawson bumped her arm with his elbow. “Thanks. Wish me luck.” His eyes shifted to Olivia packing up the leftover food.

Lyric slipped out with a quick goodbye to Olivia. Betsy stood at Olivia’s feet, looking up and waiting patiently for attention.

Dawson scooped up the pup and held her to his chest. His vest probably wasn’t comfortable, but the dog didn’t seem to mind. Her eager tongue swiped over his jaw. He approached Olivia’s side, and she paused what she was doing to look up at him.

He moved Betsy’s paw in a waving gesture. “Hey, I’m your friend who messed up, and I come with a cute puppy to beg for your forgiveness.”

Olivia’s lips thinned and stretched. It didn’t take long for her frown to disappear. “How can I resist the puppy dog eyes?”

“She’s too cute to resist. And she likes me now, so I’m hoping you will too.”

Olivia propped her hip against the counter. “I was talking about your puppy dog eyes.”

Dawson let out a deep exhale. “I shouldn’t have said what I did. You’re right about everything, and I shouldn’t be so cynical. If Gage is making a decision to change, I should support it.”

Reaching out, Olivia brushed her hand over Betsy’s head and ears. “I appreciate it. I hate to think that people who make mistakes have to stay stuck in that trap. Seeing what Lyric and Wendy have gone through gives me a better appreciation for what it takes to dig yourself out of a hole.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” Dawson said.

Olivia continued petting Betsy, showering the pup with attention. They hadn’t heard anything about a family who wanted the dog. Was it wrong to hope Olivia would get to keep Betsy? He liked having a dog that let him get close enough to touch.

Dawson tilted his head to the side. “Can I get some of that attention?”

Olivia laughed and reached up to brush a hand over Dawson’s hair. Her soft touch was barely more than a breeze as her hand swept behind his ear and down his neck.

---