The low rumble of a truck on the gravel signaled their arrival before the doors thudded closed. Isobel and Bella Rose stepped out, the morning sun catching in their hair, and began toward the barn. Ryder and Wren crossed the yard, boots crunching over the dry dirt, a small, scruffy puppy darting along behind them like it owned the place.
Wren scooped Rose into his arms, twirling her once before pressing a kiss to her lips that was as playful as it was tender, setting her down with a grin.
Bella Rose bent down, cupping the little puppy in her hands. “Who’s this?”
“That,” Wren said with a proud smirk, “is Ruff. My newest partner in crime.”
The puppy responded with a flurry of puppy kisses to Bella Rose’s cheeks.
“He’s a blue heeler, right?” Rose asked, inspecting his speckled coat.
“Yo
