Page 106 of Beware of Dog

Tenny stared at her, and then turned to Reese.

“Don’t look at me,” Reese said. “I like Shep. Hi, Shep.”

“Hi, weirdo,” Shep said, and Reese smiled, pleased.

Tenny and Cass stared at one another, at an impasse.

“I think she’s pissed at you,” Shep suggested.

Tenny said, “Yeah. I got that.” Then he grinned, tossed the bag of chips in the direction of the sofa, and opened his arms. “Hey, brat.”

Cass resisted. Longer than Shep thought she would, long enough that Tenny started to look doubtful. Then she took one step, and then the next, frown compressing, until she was within range to hug her brother tight.

Tenny, despite everything Shep knew about him, cupped the back of her head, briefly, and said, softly, “Hi.”

Cass leaned into his chest, face buried, for a long moment; this was, Shep thought, the first time she’d seen any of her brothers since they got together. When he darted a glance to the kitchen, Reese was sipping water and watching them fondly—if robots could look fond.

Then Cass pulled back and socked him in the arm.

“Ow!”

“You scared us to death!” Cass accused. “Why didn’t you call? Why are you here?”

Tenny backed up, palms held out in surrender. “Raven called Walsh. She said you were gettingmarried.” He tilted his head meaningfully in Shep’s direction. “Which: what the fuck?”

“I am getting married.” Cass held up her ring again. “And if you’re ugly to Shep, you’re not invited to the wedding.”

He waved dismissively. “I’ve never been to a wedding, I don’t care.” But his eyes said that was a lie. Shep was proud of himself for being able to read that, after all this time with Cass, and, to a lesser degree, Raven.

“You’re married,” Cass said.

“Yes, but that was signed documents, the courthouse.” He flapped his hand again.

From the kitchen, Reese said, “You’re an asshole.”

Tenny rounded on him. “Hey, you knew that when you married me.”

Reese ignored him. He smiled at Cass and said, “We’re very happy for you.”

Cass smiled back at him. “We have similar taste, apparently.”

“Hey,” Shep said, and Tenny echoed him.

They made regrettable eye contact.

Cass lifted both hands and made a shooing gesture at Tenny, then turned to Shep and beckoned him with a flick of her fingers. What could he do but join her on the sofa? When theywere settled, and she’d wormed her way under his arm and into his side, she said, “Okay, seriously. Why are you two here?”

Tenny dropped into the old threadbare recliner. “Because you’re getting married.” He wrinkled his nose. “Tohim.”

“Himhas a name, and I love him more than anything, so get over yourself.”

Shep had never felt so warm inside. So secure. If Tenny stood up in five seconds and shot him in the head, it would have all been worth it. He tightened his arm around Cass’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to her temple, one that she leaned into, her hand small but steady on his stomach.

Tenny watched them a moment. His mouth pursed up, unhappily, but then smoothed out. He sighed. “Raven said…” he started.

Reese ambled over, still sipping water, and leaned both forearms on the back of Tenny’s chair.

“What did she say?” Cass demanded. It was after four in the morning, and she wasferocious, Shep’s girl. Taking no prisoners.

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