“Daniel’s gonna love her,” Sylvie states in between little puppy licks and her giggles.

I struggle to keep my attention on the road. It’s a constant struggle to focus on anything when I’m in her presence. She’s all-consuming.

“Should we name her?’ Sylvie holds the puppy at arms-length near the dash.

I smile in her direction, then quickly return my eyes to the street before us.

“I know, I know,” she continues. “Daniel’s been talking more each ...