Emily got on the phone at once, rushing into the house along with the two dogs, who thought maybe this was a fun game of tag.

“Yo,” Carter answered in his charming way.

“Carter? Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow?” she asked while the dogs panted by her side, waiting for more playtime.

“Um... I might have a thing tomorrow...” Carter said vaguely.

“Are you sure?” she asked in a sing-song voice, “Because you ...