“Thanks for your help today.” At the end of the street, Alessia said goodbye to Eddie.


    “Are you sure you’ll be alright on your own? I coulde in with you, just in case,” Eddie offered, looking concerned.


    “No need. Go on, get home. See you next week.”


    Knowing how stubborn Alessia could be, Eddie let it go. With her watching, he got in his car and drove off.


    Now there were just three of them left at the corner. Alessia took each boy’s hand in hers, while Rex sat obediently at Ivan’s feet, not moving or barking.


    “Can he hold Rex’s leash for a bit?” Alessia asked York, careful not to overstep.


    York snorted and looked away, a touch of pride in his voice. “Sure, whatever. His family’s so poor, no wonder he’s never seen such a handsome dog.”


    Alessia noticed the flush on York’s ears and chuckled, ruffling his hair. “You little rascal, is it so hard to be nice for once?”


    York huffed in protest, but Alessia just smiled and turned her attention to Ivan, her tone softening.


    “Rex really likes you. Could you help by holding his leash for me?”


    Ivan’s


    eyes lit approval.


    up as he took the leash, looking up at Alessia as if hoping for


    “Well done.” She patted his head, and Ivan ducked bashfully, cheeks pink with pride.


    York watched all this, his jealousy written all over his face.


    “You only ever scold me!”


    “If you did something good, I’d praise you too,” Alessia replied, unfazed by his grumbling.


    “So, you think he’s perfect? He doesn’t even talk–just stands there like a statue.”


    “He just doesn’t want to talk to you.”


    The two bickered back and forth, their voices filling the quiet street. The happiness that had bloomed on Ivan’s face faded, and he stared down at the leash, puffing out his cheeks without realizing it.


    14.48


    Chapter <b>119 </b>


    Alessia always noticed these shifts in mood, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she gently squeezed Ivan’s hand. It was a small gesture, but it had the power to bring a smile back to his face almost instantly.


    When they reached the door, Karen was startled by the dog bounding toward her.


    “Rex, sit!” Alessiamanded sharply. Rex immediately obeyed, tail wagging and tongue lolling, eyes bright with excitement.


    Karen let out a sigh of relief. “Lessie, what on earth is going on?”


    “It’s a long story. Let’s go inside first.” Alessia’s exhaustion was written all over her face, making Karen’s heart ache.


    “You look beat.”


    “I’m fine. It’s just this troublemaker giving me a hard time.” Alessia pulled York out from behind her.


    “Say hello.” She ced a firm hand on the back of York’s neck.


    “Hi, Aunt Karen,” York muttered, reluctant but polite enough.


    Karen smiled warmly. “Come on in. I made some shortbread–have a little, all of you.” She’d spent the whole day distracted with worry over Alessia and Ivan. Brendan had told her toe home early and wait for the kids.


    Unable to sit still, Karen had baked shortbread to keep herself busy and to have a treat ready for when they returned.


    The two boys sat at the table, nibbling the cookies. Rex, now reunited with his owner, flopped down at York’s feet and didn’t move.


    “Lessie, what happened today?” Karen gently pulled Alessia into the kitchen.


    “Just kids throwing tantrums. I’ve already let the Tate family know–someone wille pick him up soon.”


    “And…how was Ivan today?” Karen’s eyes brimmed with worry.


    Alessia shook her head. “Don’t worry, Mom. Things went much better than I expected. Actually, I’ll need to take him back again next week–is that alright?”


    “Of course!” Relief softened Karen’s face in an instant.


    “To be honest, I can hardly believe Ivan even left the house with you. You wouldn’t know it from looking at him, but with everyone else he’spletely closed off–won’t say a word, not even to peop-”