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After the dishes were done, Wilda gave Caleb his bath. When Caleb was out and ready for bed, he brought a book to Milo, who was on the couch in the living room. Caleb climbed up next to him and handed him the book.
“Okay, this looks like a good one.”
Milo began reading, and before he got far, Caleb fell asleep with his head on Milo’s shoulder. Wilda came into the room and smiled when she saw him.
“It’s been a long day.”
“Do you want me to carry him to the bedroom for you?”
“Would you mind? I can still hold him, but he’s beginning to get pretty heavy.”
“He’s a big boy.” Milo stood and picked up Caleb, then followed Wilda to the bedroom. She turned down the blankets, and Milo laid Caleb down and covered him up. “Safe and sound.”
Wilda put a hand on Milo’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
He looked up at her, then looked away and got to his feet. “It’s been a long day for you, too.”
“I think I’m ready to retire. Although I’ll probably unpack another box or two.”
“Save it for tomorrow.”
“I can’t go to bed at eight.”
“You can do whatever you want.” He headed for the door. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Milo.”
“Sleep well.”
He left the room, closing the door behind him, then went to the living room and stood in the middle. “Hmm.” Frenchie ran over to him and whined. “Not yet. I’ll walk you in a little bit.” He took his laptop from his messenger bag and carried it to the couch. After getting comfortable, he pulled up a streaming app and found something to watch, while Frenchie jumped onto the couch and laid his head on Milo’s thigh.
When he finished an episode of the show he was watching, it was time to walk Frenchie. “Okay, boy. Let’s go take a walk.”
Frenchie ran to the door and waited patiently for Milo to arrive, then ran outside when Milo opened the door. Milo followed him outside and went to the front yard. It was a clear night, and the sky was full of stars, providing enough light to see by. He kept an eye on Frenchie until the dog ran around the side of the house.
“Come back here, boy.” Frenchie was barking, and he followed the sound.
Wilda was on the back porch in front of her bedroom door, and Frenchie was at the bottom of the steps, barking at her.
Milo ran up to him. “Oh, hey. Sorry. Frenchie, shush, that’s Wilda. You know Wilda.”
Wilda patted her thigh. “Come see me, silly.”
Frenchie stopped barking and ran up the steps. Milo stayed at the bottom. “Sorry to disturb you.”
“It’s fine. It’s so…quiet out here. Peaceful.”
“Until a dog comes and barks at you.”
She rubbed Frenchie’s ears. “He’s just doing his job.”
“Okay. We’ll leave you to your contemplation. Come on, Frenchie.” The dog didn’t move. “As you can see, he’s highly trained to follow commands.”
Wilda laughed. “Would you like to sit for a minute?”
“Sure.” Milo went onto the porch and sat next to her.
“What are your future plans for the house? Are you going to sell it when it’s finished?”
