Emily covered her heart with her hand, breath trembling. “See?” she whispered to David. “He’s gentle.” David’s jaw worked. “He’s recovering,” he corrected. “Let’s not confuse the two.” They set rules that first night—no unsupervised time, especially around Lily. Ranger would sleep in the crate. They’d go slow. They’d go steady. They’d earn each other’s trust one inch at a time.
But Ranger didn’t seem interested in breaking rules. He stayed close, but not too close. Watched, but didn’t crowd. If Lily toddled forward too quickly, he stepped back. If David spoke too loudly, Ranger flinched—not fearfully, just… aware. And little by little, something new blossomed in the home.