_Author’s POV_
“You can’t call her that!” Ryan stood with his arms akimbo like a protective mother hen.
Zarelle was examining a bottle of ketchup. She was about to push her trolley away when she heard a joyful bark.
“Daddy!” Pitchy stuck his head out from the tote bag. He was hopping, eager to jump out. To where? Into the arms of the man he was calling Daddy?
Zarelle gawked at the pup. What was going on?
Pitchy didn’t give her the time to react. Like a rocket, he launched himself into Calden’s arms, wagging his short tail feverishly.
There was no mistake about it, Zarelle thought. The man Pitchy was calling Dad was Calden. But why?
Calden stroked the dog’s soft fur. He didn’t look surprised at all to have a talking dog in his arms.
Zarelle hissed, “Pitchy! Get bac
