Rachel, who was on the other side of the table, turned her head and stared at Rhea with wide-open eyes.
Rhea shook her head, but Rachel only lifted a knowing brow.
"Oh boy." Rhea felt like she'd just stepped in a big pile of dog poop.
Rhea rocked Sarah back and forth in her arms, speaking softly to the little girl. Chip happily held onto her, leaning against her side.
Kay stepped in and smiled. "Do you want me to take her?"
Rhea shook her head. "I've got her. She's beautiful."
Kay put her hand on Rhea's shoulder. "You're so good with her."
Rhea reached up a hand and brushed Sarah's fine hair from her face. "I have a little experience, I-"
"Mom?"
She looked down at Chip. "What is it, sweetie?"
"Can I go pet Misty's dog?"
Rhea looked up and over at Misty.
She was seated beside Avalon. The two women were healing quickly but both of them were still relaxing in their chairs with their men hovering over them.
It was Kay who answered. "If you're okay with him near a dog, he can go over and ask Misty. She'll let him know what to do."
Rhea looked at Chip and he grinned. "I'll be gentle."
Almost as if he was trying to prove it, he lifted up his hand and gave Sarah's foot a gentle pat.
Rhea nodded and lifted her chin in Misty's direction. "As long as you listen carefully and follow her instructions, you can ask."
Chip barely controlled his excitement. "Thanks, mom."
He was gone a moment later, leaving Rhea with Kay and her daughter.
"Thanks, Kay. I didn't know how Misty is about people asking to play with her working dog."
Kay grinned. "Misty is great. She's easy going but she also lets kids play with Roya. She just sets some ground rules and sticks to them."
Rhea nodded slowly.
"Ground rules are great."
Kay nodded. "I'm glad you came today with Chip and Missus... I mean Bea."
Rhea nodded. "I'm getting how difficult it is for all of you. You've known her for years. For me, she's Bea and so very sweet."
"I'm curious how you're both getting along here in Fallport."
Rhea looked over and saw Rachel hogging the space close to Avalon, holding her hands.
"We're both loving it. Working with Brody is great. We both have similar styles and-"
"And the kiss?"
Rhea stopped speaking, her lips parted in shock and her eyes widened. "Did Rachel say something?"