Page 9 of Game Changer

“Bossy’s a big dog.” Liam chuckles.

Lily asks, “Do you like big or little?”

“Dogs?” He smirks.

Mom elbows him. “Of course, dogs.”

Liam chuckles. “I like them both.”

Lily crosses her arms and asks, “Favorite animal?”

He shakes his head. “That’s not a fair question.”

“Mine is horses. Do you have horses?” She doesn’t pause for an answer; she just continues, “Is there pink ones? Daddy says there’s no other pink horse besides my Lovey, who is real, Mr. Doctor.”

“I’d love to meet Lovey, the pink horse.” He chuckles.

“You can’t ride Lovey. Loveys just for cuddles and carrying.”

He holds his hands up. “I wouldn’t dare.”

“It’s not scary, but Grandmother says horses are dangerous and only fools and idiots ride them. Lovey?—”

“We should pay for the cupcakes and get back to the house before it’s dark,” Lindsey cuts her off.

“No payment necessary,” I say as I walk over with a box full. “Consider it a welcome to Blue Valley treat.”

Lindsey smiles apprehensively. “Not necessary, but thank you.”

“You got a treat for Bossy?” Lily asks, pressing her nose to the glass display case.

“Best for Bossy not to eat human treats.” Liam states.

“Sucks to be a dog.” Lily sighs dramatically.

“Lily Boone,” Lindsey corrects her on a laugh as Mom and I try to hide ours.

“I’ll tell you what, next time you come in, I’ll make sure Sydney has something special for Bossy.” Liam winks at Lily.

“Like what?” Lily asks, blue eyes bright and excited.

“I’ll help Sydney come up with something that won’t hurt Bossy’s tummy but will be as tasty to a dog as those cupcakes are for us.”

She holds up her pinky. “Promise?”

He hooks his around hers. “Promise.”

“It was so nice to finally meet you.” Lindsey smiles and holds up the box of cupcakes. “What do we say, Lily?”

“Thank you!” Excited, Lily pushes up on her toes and accidentally hits the box that goes flying. “Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!”

Liam catches it as Lindsey squats down, eye level to her daughter. “It’s okay, Lily.”

“Sometimes I get too c-c-carried away and?—”

Lindsey hugs her. “There’s not one thing wrong with being a happy little flower.”

Lily cries something softly into her mother’s hair that I don’t hear as Liam squats down beside them.

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