The building stood wide and warm, lights glowing through the windows inside.
Jamal turned off the engine. "Let's go in through the back. We will surprise them better that way."
After they stepped out of the car, Jamal walked ahead and pressed in the passcode for the gate that led to the backyard.
It clicked open softly, and they walked through quietly.
Immediately, bright laughter floated through the air. The laughter was loud and familiar.
Dawn stopped walking when she saw him. Her heart squeezed, and she smiled brightly as she watched Josh run across the patio with a small white toy poodle chasing him.
"I've missed him."
"Me too," Jamal said with a grin, watching as Josh screamed with joy as the dog barked playfully behind him.
Tears gathered in Dawn's eyes. "Josh always told me he wanted a dog," she whispered. "But he couldn't have one because of Ryan's allergy."
Jamal looked at her gently. "Then we will get him one."
