“This one is mine.”

Maisie licked frosting from her thumb.

“Can your job buy a dog?”

Gwen laughed.

“Apparently this family only cares about dogs.”

PART 10 — WHY SHE LEFT GIDEON’S HOUSE

A month after starting work, Gwen found a small place she could afford.

One bedroom.

A pull-out couch.

Shared laundry.