"
"Eric." Oliver watched him extract an eight by ten glossy photograph
from the envelope. He handed it to Oliver.
"Last one left." A puppy with big paws and big ears stared up at
Oliver. "She has her shots and everything."
"Cute," Oliver said. "What kind is she?"
"Mother is a golden. Father is a lab. Total retriever."
"Could bring me my paper," Oliver said, starting to slip.
"Might be nice for your daughter."
"Emma," Oliver said, brightening. "Come see her." He took Eric through
the ell and into the kitchen. "Here we are," he said.
"Eric!" Jennifer hugged him warmly.
"Eric has a puppy for us."
"A puppy?" Jennifer looked at the photograph.
"Oh, how cute! How cute! Oh, Oliver, wouldn't it be just perfect for
Emma?"
"Mmm." It was hard for Oliver to disagree.
"I can bring her any time you'd like. Sooner would be better--you
know--bonding and all that." Jennifer nodded wisely and took Eric to
see Emma who was in her playpen in the living room. Oliver went back to
the barn. Christ, he said to himself. It was beginning to get dark, a
relief.
"Gotta go, Handsome." Jacky appeared at his elbow.
"So soon?"
"Long day tomorrow.
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