"With a dog that size, I think we'll have to." Sam wasn't sure he was capable of thinking of the future, right now, as anything but 'we' and 'us'. Alone is where he gets into trouble. Where he slips and falls. Here, with Gabe, is the first time he's felt anything like balance. Or hope.

He gave Gabe's hand a squeeze and flashed a lopsided grin. "I guess it's a date."