Emily nudged his knee with her toe. “I’m serious. Not a puppy. A rescue. A dog who needs a home as much as Lily needs a companion.” David’s expression softened despite himself. “I get it. I do. But bringing a rescue dog into a house with a toddler…” He winced. “It makes me nervous.” Emily leaned her head on his shoulder, eyes drifting again to the baby monitor.
“Maybe that’s why it matters. Lily’s going to grow up. She’s going to learn how to treat others, how to give love, how to be patient, how to be gentle. A dog could help with that.” David tilted his head toward her. “You’ve thought about this a lot.” “Maybe too much,” she admitted with a smile. “But it feels right.”