Stewart walked over and gently ruffled Irwin''s hair. "So, which one do you want to pick for your mom?"


    "I want to pick two!" Irwin announced brightly. "One for Mom Bryn, one for Mom Rosita so it''s fair!"


    Stewart''s voice was warm and mellow. "Alright, that''s fine."


    Standing nearby, James overheard their conversation and couldn''t help but be puzzled.


    Mom Bryn? Mom Rosita?


    How many moms does this kid have, anyway?


    Stewart signaled to the staff and bought the two ragdoll kittens Irwin had chosen. James, having finished his own paperwork, didn''t pay any more attention to the father and son. He grabbed the pet carrier-with a golden retriever puppy inside —and pushed open the ss door of the pet shop, stepping out into the street. Stewart nced back, his gaze briefly falling on the carrier in James''s hand. His dark brows furrowed ever so slightly.


    By the time James returned to the studio, Briony was already up.


    She was sitting on the sofa, staring absentmindedly at her medical report. Hearing the knock at the door, she snapped back to reality and quickly tucked her prenatal checkup results beneath a throw pillow.


    "Come in," she called.


    James opened the door and stepped inside.


    "Hey, there''s something I wanted to discuss with you," he began.


    Briony looked at him. "Go ahead."


    He gestured toward the hallway. "Can youe out here for a sec?"


    Briony stood and followed him out of the office.


    Near the door sat a pet carrier. The golden retriever puppy had been lying quietly inside, but as Briony approached, it seemed to sense her presence. Instantly, it sprang to its feet, tail wagging enthusiastically.


    A sh of delight crossed Briony''s face. She turned to James. "Whose puppy is this?"


    "A friend''s dog had a litter-way too many puppies to find homes for. He asked if I could help out and take one," James exined smoothly. "But I''m allergic to dog hair, so I can''t keep it myself."


    "Did you ask your other friends already?"


    "Yeah." James shrugged. "No one else was interested."


    Briony pressed her lips together, looking at the puppy.


    The little golden seemed to like her, too. As she met its gaze, it barked twice in excitement, its tail wagging so hard it was a blur.


    Briony''s heart melted. She walked over, knelt down in front of the crate, and reached out her hand.


    The puppy sniffed her fingers with its wet nose, then licked her gently.


    A smile broke across Briony''s face, her eyes softening with fondness.


    She really liked this little guy.


    James sidled over, watching her expression. Seeing her obvious interest, he added, “I just brought him by to see if you might want to help out. You''ve got a big studio here—maybe you could foster him for a while? If not, I''ll post an adoption notice online..."


    "Let him stay with me," Briony interrupted, standing up to look at James. "I had a golden retriever when I was a kid. I know how to take care of them-I''ll be fine."


    James raised his eyebrows. "You''re sure? You know, they say having a pet is a lot like raising a kid. It''s not just a whim-you have to bemitted."


    "I know," Briony replied firmly. "I can take care of him."


    James secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface, he yed it cool.


    “Alright then, I''ll leave this little guy in your hands."


    Briony smiled softly. "I feel like we''re meant to be."


    "Looks that way," James agreed, crouching down to peer inside the carrier. "He seems like a calm one."


    "He reminds me of the golden retriever my granddad used to have," Briony said, her voice gentle as she knelt beside him.


    "So, have you thought of a name yet?"


    Briony thought for a moment, then looked at the puppy. "How about Lucky?"