“Lisa is on her way over here right now. She has a kennel that she’s donating to the cause. We can keep him in there when he’s here, and Layla understands that Buddy is going to be living at Mama’s house most of the time, but for this week he can stay here. Right, Layla?”

“Yes, mommy,” Layla said without looking up from Buddy.

I looked at Maggie and signaled her to follow me into the kitchen.

I led her by her hand and then pulled her into my arms as I said, “Do you really think that Layla is going to be okay with Buddy living at Mama’s? I mean, really, that’s not going to happen.”

“I don’t know, Jim. You know we’re not supposed to have pets here!” Maggie said.

I kissed her and said, “It’s time to call a realtor, honey. We need to buy a house with a yard.”

“Oh, baby, really?” Maggie said smiling.

Grinning, I said, “Yes, and I’m beginning to think this whole thing was a part of Mama’s master plan in the first place!”

“I wouldn’t put it past her!” Maggie laughed.