I return my gaze to Elise, a sense of triumph building in my chest. Mommy. Just as I thought. Clearly these aren’t Linda’s pups after all.
If Elise realizes that her daughter has just revealed her deception, she doesn’t show it. She doesn’t even look at me because her full attention is on her pup. She crosses the kitchen and scoops up the little girl, humming sympathetically. “Poor baby, you’ve had too much excitement this week.”
The child peeks over at me with wide eyes, cuddling closer to her mother but also unflinchingly curious. “Hello there, little one.” I greet her warmly, instinctively stepping closer. “What’s your name?”
Elise’s arms tighten on the girl when I move closer, betraying her maternal instincts even further. “I’m Riley.” The pup yawns, resting her cheek on Jane’s sh
