She led them out front, holding both leashes with careful pride. But as they neared the parking lot, Josh paused. “I’ll take Juniper first,” he said. Gabby stopped in her tracks. “They’re a bonded pair,” she reminded him gently. “You can’t adopt one and leave the other.”
Josh gave a patient smile. “I will take both,” he said. “But look—my backseat’s packed, and now the hamper and toys too. I can’t fit both dogs safely. I’ll drop Juniper home, come back for Juno. Just an hour, tops.”