Rip watched as Jack and Elizabeth walked through the door. Elizabeth carried a tiny bundle that made small cooing noises the beagle wasn't familiar with. The bundle smelled like all the other humans, only less so. From the day the beagle had met Jack, the constable had always smelled like outside. Elizabeth smelled like chalk dust. This baby smelled...well, like a baby. The scents of Hope Valley hadn't yet replaced the "new baby smell."
"Would you mind holding Abby while I take a nap?" Elizabeth said as she handed the baby to Jack.
Jack smiled and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
Rip waddled over to his usual spot by the fire and watched his master sit down on the couch with his newborn.
"Well, Rip, I guess our quiet days around here are over." Jack didn't sound like that bothered him.
