Blind Date Turned Proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Hearing that, Josie felt a bit swayed. "We can go."

Laura nodded. "Then I'll take care of the arrangements."

Claudia spoke softly, yet her words carried a palpable weight. She added, "Keep a close eye on Leanne when you're out and about. The current situation in Wavery isn't exactly favorable toward her."

"I understand, Mom."

Claudia gently patted Josie's hand resting on her lap, soothing her by saying, "Don't be too nervous. I believe in your ability to handle this."

Josie neither agreed nor disagreed, for she felt as though she was living in a grand gilded cage. She was cared for and looked after, but she herself was not a canary.

Zach was not entirely satisfied with this conclusion. He muttered under his breath, "I wonder what you're thinking."

Laura shot him a glare, showing no fear.

Mark took notice, tapping the rim of his bowl with his fork. "You two have been through so much together. It would be wonderful if you could make it work, but if you find it too hard to get along, there's no need to force it. Considering an early divorce might not be a bad idea."

his words, there was no hint

and white, a clear sign of his discomfort. Laura also felt a bit awkward. She managed to squeeze out a smile and said,

"That's good, then."

a message that read: Grape really misses you. Could

mother, Josie obviously missed her child. Without hesitation,

as soon as she left,

said, "Mr. Russell has given his

finally found a safe place

arrival, the streetlights cast a dim glow on a sleek black Porsche,

car door swung open, and a clear, youthful

spirits. She saw Grape sprawled out in the back seat, surrounded by toys. Overwhelmed with excitement, she threw herself into her arms,

too. What interesting things have you

saw the man rise from the

Justin took me to the amusement park, and we even played hide and seek. But they were so silly, it took them forever to

laughed. "Have you named it

said I should wait for you,