She giggled and tried to see past his hands. "Lyle, lemme see!"
"It's a surprise, darlin'," he drawled, his Georgian accent a sharp contrast to her New Yorker one.
She was quiet until a dog's bark reached them. "What–?" He walked on, leading her down the gravel path.
Once released, her emerald eyes widened. "Sweetheart, we can't –"
"No buts, Linda." He placed an energetic puppy in her hands, mindful of her belly.
"Reese's gonna want a playmate and she'll have a puppy until further notice."
Eyes watering, she kissed him softly. "I love you."
"I love you, too."