After four years away, Briony's studio was still running smoothly.

Back when she first left, they lost a handful of regular clients, but over the past couple of years, business had slowly picked up again.

Briony's return, with Little Nina in tow, sent a ripple of excitement through the staff.

Everyone crowded around to coo at Little Nina, immediately charmed by her sweetness and how much she resembled her mother.

Little Nina was a natural social butterfly; the unfamiliar faces didn't faze her in the slightest.

James scooped her up to introduce her to everyone, then led her off to meet the golden retriever.

Four years ago, he'd been just a fluffy puppy. Now, he'd grown into a full-sized, dignified dog.

His old little dog bed had long since been outgrown.

Hannah Lane had cleared out a storage room, turning it into his own private space.

Sensing something special, Lucky's tail wagged furiously the moment he saw Little Nina.

James kept a gentle hand on Nina's shoulder, not letting her pet the dog-she might be allergic to his fur.

like a real

Lucky barked in

your mom's dog. When she first brought him home, he was just a tiny thing, always following her around," James

didn't Mom take him with her when she left?" Nina asked,

was pregnant with you, sweetheart. She had

poor Lucky!" Nina

gazed up at her, as if he understood every word. He

in for a long

seemed to

family genes are. Both

the office, Briony looked around at the familiar space, her voice soft with

come in every day to tidy up and keep things in order. I

looked at Briony. "Honestly, Briony, I

running down her cheeks. "I had my reasons.

came by a few times. I asked about you, and he said you were fine, but he couldn't tell us more because

"That's all behind us now. I'll be in Northborough

I get

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