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

had begun to show hints of cream under the dirt and dullness. On the porch, she stopped so abruptly that Cal nearly bumped into her.

Her nose lifted.

Cal froze.

Scout turned and gripped the hem of his coat gently between her teeth. She pulled once, firm and urgent, away from the steps.

Cal followed her gaze to the snow beside the porch post. A small pile continue reading …