Lucy nodded at once, looping the leash even more securely around her wrist. “Come on, Rex.” As the dog turned to leave, he glanced back at Emma once—his gaze hard, urgent, unblinking. Emma tightened her grip on her bouquet, smoothed down her frayed nerves, and told herself over and over that everything was fine as the main church doors slowly swung open. She’d walk down last, just as they’d planned.
Lucy gave the leash a gentle tug. Rex hesitated for a split second, not enough to stop moving entirely, just enough to throw off their steady pace. Then he walked forward, his head lowering slightly as they stepped into the main aisle. As they passed the first few rows of guests, his nose worked rapidly, taking quick, precise inhales, sampling every scent coming from each person seated nearby. His paws were stiff, his body tense, a few guests offering uneasy but polite smiles as they passed.
