"If it doesn't work, then I'll do what I usually do: I'll blame Isabela and, possibly, her brandy." As if anyone would believe her. "And if that doesn't work, then you're going to hang your head and look foolish right beside me."

She smiled. "Can't go wrong with bribery. He'll adore you." Thoughtfully, she tapped her fingers against the bottle in her hand. "It was only a couple of years before we left Lothering that we found him. He was hurt and was going toe-to-toe with a bear on the outskirts of the village. Carver and I took care of the beast and carried the dog back home. Father healed him and he imprinted on me while I took care of him." She smiled wistfully. "Carver was so jealous. He was cross with me for days."