Page 9 of Finding Home

“That she is.” He smirked.

The backyard hummed with the traits of a standard Coates’ barbecue. Beneath shady canopies, picnic tables had been draped in blue checkered tablecloths, mason jars filled with yellow daisies at their center. Children giggled and shouted on the wooden swing set, while several adults played yard games.

Atop a small patch of brick, Pete stood flipping burgers, their mouthwatering scent perfumed the air. Beside him, in hopes of rescuing any grill droppings, was Lt. Scout. Elle stopped in hertracks and gave Tobey the same look that a teenager would have upon seeing a member of BTS.

“Oh my god!” Elle fell to her knees, arms flung wide. With a low whistle from Tobey, the black lab ran into her arms. “You are adorable. I love you so much!”

Lt. Scout licked Elle’s face with fevered kisses.

“Did you squeal? Is that allowed at your age?”

“Who wants belly rubs?” Elle ignored Tobey, stroking along Lt. Scout’s velvety chest.

He barked and flopped on to his back giving her full access to his belly.

“Sir, you’re an officer of the law. Show a little decorum.” Tobey wagged a finger.

When Tobey’s police dog partner wasn’t in uniform, he was a lovable goofball. Despite the protest from Tobey, the many selfies of the two of them sharing vanilla ice cream cones showed that her sometimes buttoned-up cousin could be just as playful as his canine colleague.

“You’re going to get dog hair all over you,” Aunt Janet called from the deck, holding two glasses of wine.

“Worth it! I’m in love.”

“Scout!” A tiny voice shouted from the swing set.

His floppy ears perked forward, and he dashed off to investigate.

Elle laughed, walking up the four steps to the deck where Aunt Janet handed her a glass of Riesling. Sipping her wine, she took in the playing children and chatting adults. A gentle breeze stirred the trees, the sky was a slightly darker shade of blue than Elle’s dress. Fat, cotton ball clouds speckled the sky. The almost too-perfect picture was reminiscent of something out of an allergy commercial.

“Eleanor, you get the first cheeseburger. We have brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or lettuce. Your aunt said lettuce may fityour lifestyle better. Please don’t make me wrap this perfectly medium-well angus beef in lettuce.” Pete dramatically pressed his hand against his heart.

She lifted one brow. “My lifestyle?”

“Carb-free.” he said with a horrified expression.

“I prefer the term carb-challenged.” She winked. “I’ll have a brioche bun. Today’s my cheat day. I get one a week and I saved it for one of your famous cheeseburgers and whatever dessert Aunt Janet has whipped up.”

“And wine.” Tobey clinked his glass against Elle’s.

“Oh, that’s not a cheat. It’s a necessity.”

“I didn’t make a dessert,” Janet chirped.

“What?” Elle gasped. “I flew in from California!” She almost pouted.

“Don’t worry. Doc Owens is bringing dessert,” Pete said.

“Dr. Owens is coming?” Forehead creased, she tilted her head.

“He’s Jerome’s best man.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Didn’t we mention that?” Tobey ran his hand over his cropped blond hair.

“You said his partner at the veterinarian clinic was his best man.”

“Yeah, Doc Owens. Speak of the devil.” Pete swung the spatula in the air in greeting. “Doc! We were just talking about you.”

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