Rex’s growl deepened just a little more. Emma felt a tiny flicker of doubt in her chest. Rex had handled massive crowds countless times before—protests, large public events, scenes far more chaotic than a wedding. Vincent nodded slowly, lowering his voice even further. “I just don’t want him stressed out. Or getting blamed for something. Or worse—getting taken away because someone panics and overreacts.” Before Emma could reply, the wedding music outside began to swell again, signaling the ceremony was about to start.
Vincent glanced toward the church doorway, then back at the tense K9. “Could you have someone take him outside for a bit?” he asked, his tone reasonable, not demanding or angry. “Just until everything calms down inside.” Emma hesitated, her hand still feeling Rex’s rigid muscles beneath her fingers. “Lucy,” she said quietly, turning to her best friend. “Take him out first. Walk him with the wedding party. Let him settle down a little.”
