Work sputtered on until finally it was time to go. Little Cut stopped by my cube, jacket on, briefcase in hand. "What are you doing? It's time to go!"

"Just wrapping up!" I punched send on an email and shut everything off with vigor. It was windy and cold outside. Not the beautiful atumn day I'd imagined for my new puppy's homecoming. It doesn't have to be perfect, I reminded myself. And on the heels of that thought, as though Pa were infiltrating my brain to be sure I was staying on track, I remembered to focus on others.

"How did the jeans work out today? Were you extra productive because you were so comfortable all day?"

"Just the opposite! I felt like I should be at a hockey game or grocery shopping or something. Jeans are so... quotidian."

I had no idea what quotidian meant. "Really? I think they would grow on you."

He gave me a push, "In here." It was a little pet store. My boss dragged me to the puppy items and started loading me up with things. Food dishes, water bowls, collars, toys, treats, food. A squeaky squirrel and a package of bones fell from my mountain of dog things, so Little Cut finally grabbed a cart. It was overwhelming and I could hear ca-ching noises with every item he threw in the cart. We almost made it to the checkout line when he put a hand on the cart to stop me. "Now. You're going to think you don't need this. But you do." He ran down an aisle and came back with a buffalo plaid sweater for my dog that I didn't even have yet.

"Um. Why do you think my dog needs that?"

"Nora," his tone was far more exasperated than I'd heard all the times I'd been late or a no-show for work. "We live in Michigan." And apparently, that was the end of that conversation.

I watched the price get higher and higher as Little Cut chatted with the cashier. I took my jacket off. My gosh, it was hot in here. "Let's throw in the pampered pup package too please," he told the cashier who looked like he wished he was on commission. "It comes with three grooming sessions. It's a good deal."

It was time to use his name again. "Ryan?" But he didn't hear me. I didn't even hear me over the cashier saying an astronomical number. With a deep, square drawing breath, I reached into my purse. Little Cut put one hand on my arm and the other in his back pocket. "It's on me."

"What? No!"

"I have rewards here. I need the points." He was already handing his card over.

The breeze felt amazing on my sweaty face. Though my temperature was starting to regulate. "Thank you so much. You seriously didn't have to do that. My dog thanks you too."

"I was so happy to do it!" And he did sound very happy. Those Cutter kids were really into animals. "Speaking of your dog, any names picked out?"

I took two bags from him to lighten his load. "Not yet. I was hoping it would just... come to me, I guess. How did you settle on Mario?"

"Well, if it was a girl, it was going to be Lucy-"

"For Lucy Pevensie. Of course."

He smiled at me. "Right. But it was a boy. So he was almost Mr. Tumnus, but the day I got him I had pizza from Mario's and he stole my piece right off my plate. So he had to be Mario."

"I like that. He definitely looks like a Mario from the pictures on your phone. The many, many pictures."

"I wouldn't mock too hard, you're about to join club."

*

Marnie screamed so loud when she saw us, I thought my ears were bleeding. Her ponytail trounced in rhythm with her jumps, whacking her in the face. She didn't seem to notice. "I was wrong! I'm never wrong!"

Her enthusiasm was wearing off on me. I was laughing with her, with no clear idea what was so funny. "What were you wrong about?"

"Your palm! I could have sworn you'd never get a dog."

"Wait. That's what you saw?

"Yup!"

"That's why you looked so sad?!"

"What could be sadder than not adopting a puppy when you so obviously want one?"

"Ohmygosh, I thought you saw- never mind. Can I see my puppy?"

"Heeeeere she is" We followed her over to a little kennel with the dog from a few weeks ago. She was even cuter than I remembered. Marnie pulled her out and dumped her in my arms for the second time. This time I let myself fall in love.

"Hey you!" I nuzzled her and she nipped at me.

"What a little sweetheart," Little Cut's hand moved in to pet her because her fur was irresistible. It resulted in his fingers brushing my face too. I pulled my head back up.

"Okay!" Marnie announced, all business. "I have paperwork for you and... another dog for you!" She ribbed her brother who looked alarmed.

"Marnie! I cannot have another pet!"

"But Mario needs a friend!"

"Mario has a friend now!" He gestured toward the puppy in my arms and it was turn to be alarmed. In a good way.

"Okay, okay. I'll leave you alone. For now. Buthold Nora's baby while she does this paperwork, would you?" I started to handmy dog over, then pulled back for one more kiss on her precious snout.