“Thanks, sweetie, but I think I’ll stay here and help your mommy with dinner.” “Okay. Come on, Daddy; come on, Jake.” “Hold on, Sam.” Doug opened the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of beer. “Jake and I need a cold drink to take along.” Jake grinned as he accepted the bottle from Doug. “You’re a man after my own heart.” “Why don’t you take Rascal with you?” Anne suggested as Doug headed for the door. “It’s been awhile since he’s been outside.” “Good idea, Mommy.” “Actually, Sam, I don’t think the barn is the best place for a pup—” Doug stopped when he caught the look Anne gave him. “On second thought, that’s a great idea. Come on, Rascal.” He knelt down to retrieve the puppy from its crate. Anne smiled at Kendall and continued to stir the batter for the corn muffins. Doug handed Rascal to Samantha and walked over to kiss Anne. “Bye, honey, we won’t be long.” “Take your time. I’m not serving anything that’s complicated, so dinner will keep until you get back.”
