He tried to smile, but his eyes were wet. “Hey, kiddo.”

“What’s going on? Why are you out here?”

His voice broke. “Linda said Penny has to go. Called her a crippled mutt, said she ruined the house value. Told me if I wouldn’t get rid of Penny, I should leave too.”

“But this is YOUR house!”

“Your dad’s overseas. Linda says it’s her call till he’s back. She packed my things herself. Said I’d be better off at a shelter where they take old folks and their pets.”

I froze. My stomach turned cold. She had no right.

That night, I acted.

First, I booked a suite at the Marriott—pet-friendly, five stars. If my granddad was going to be forced out of his own home, he would at least have comfort.

“Come on, Granddad,” I said, loading his bags. “You and Penny are staying somewhere nice tonight.”

“Lily, I can’t afford—”