“You don’t have to guard everything,” she whispered. But Ranger lifted his head slowly, eyes drifting toward the yard again. As if disagreeing. Lily woke up a bit later babbling happily, smashing her tiny palms against the crib bars until Ranger appeared in the doorway, ears perked.
Emily watched him nudge the door open with his nose and sit near the crib, waiting patiently for Lily’s giggles. “He’s sweet,” she murmured. David didn’t look convinced. Still, the household fell into its gentle rhythm. Breakfast. Coffee. A mess of cereal on the floor. Ranger lying nearby, observing everything with that same solemn calm.