Lucy nodded at once, already looping the leash more securely around her wrist. “Come on, Rex.” As Rex moved, he looked back once, hard, urgent, unblinking. Emma tightened her grip on the bouquet, smoothed the edge of her nerves, and told herself, just as the doors began to open, that everything was fine. She would walk out last. That was the plan.
Lucy gave the leash a gentle tug. Rex hesitated, not enough to stop them, just enough to disrupt the rhythm. Then he moved, head lowering slightly as they entered the aisle. As they passed the first rows, his nose worked steadily, quick, precise inhales, sampling the air around each guest. Hands stiffened. Knees angled away. A few smiles flickered, uneasy but polite.