A cold chill crept up Lucy’s spine. “Rex,” she said quietly, struggling to keep her voice steady. “Heel.” The leash pulled taut as Rex leaned forward, his muscles coiling tight under his skin, his focus sharpened to a razor edge. A few guests sitting near the aisle leaned back nervously, unsettled by the thick tension radiating off the K9.
Vincent shifted awkwardly at the altar, a flash of unease crossing his face before he quickly smoothed it away. Lucy stood near the altar with the other bridesmaids, Rex sitting neatly at her side, his leash looped loose but secure around her wrist. A quiet, tense anticipation rolled through every pew in the church. Then the massive wooden doors swung open.
Emma stood framed in the bright doorway, her white wedding gown glowing, her breath catching as every single face in the church turned to look at her. For one perfect heartbeat, everything was exactly how she’d always dreamed it would be. Then Rex stood to his feet.
