He thought he was stopping for a stray dog in the snow-until he saw what she was hiding beneath her body

She nosed each puppy in turn, then settled beside Finn, who was sleeping with his mouth open and one paw over his brother’s neck.

Cal sat on the floor beside them.

“You were brave,” he said.

Scout rested her chin on the rug. She looked more tired than brave. Cal understood that kind of courage better than any other.