Emily noticed it first: the way Ranger always positioned himself between Lily and the front door. The way he perked up at neighborhood sounds before anyone else. The way he shadowed Lily on the lawn, his eyes scanning the yard rather than the toys.
“You see that?” Emily whispered one afternoon as Ranger planted himself firmly between Lily and the fence line. “He’s protecting her.” David folded his arms. “He’s alert. That’s different.” Maybe. Maybe not. That evening, their neighbor, Mr. Callahan, waved from across the street with his usual friendliness.