first stage: denial." Jasmine whispered to Sandy loud enough for Karlee to hear. Karlee would have snapped at them but she would hold her tongue. She just growled.

***

"So how was your day?" Karlee asked Brian as they just finished their supper.

"Austin and Zip dropped by again, asking for you or course." Karlee shot him a glare. "But gave me an exercise from hell." Karlee broke out laughing. Brian just gave a small smile.

"You think all exercise is from hell." Now it was Brian’s turn to shoot her a glare.

"Whatever…but I’m off to bed. Night Karlee." Brian said before he walked to his bed. He circled himself before plopping down. Karlee just smiled before she sprawled out across the mat in the living room. William was already asleep. But Karlee couldn’t fall asleep. She twisted and turned. Sighs of desperation as she got up to pace. The husky was restless for what reason she did not know. Minutes dragged on. An hour later she headed outside. Singing a song always helps a trouble soul her mother often told her.

Karlee wondered through town as she looked around into each dark alley. She decided to head out to the sawmill to sing her song. Her scent was strong, as a another dog had fallen upon her track. A gasp then a little spark. The malamute raised his head toward the sawmill. Steele broke into a trot as he followed Karlee’s sweet scent. He wanted to run after her but kept himself at a trot so if someone were watching, suspicions wouldn’t rise.

Karlee perched onto a pile of cut lumber. She adjusted herself loads of time before settling down. As she looked into the vast starry night, she was searching through her mind what to sing about. Suddenly, an image of Steele popped up. Yes him! Now what song? Karlee continued thinking. She was so deep into thought she did not hear the approaching Steele.

Steele watched her for any signs. He waited for a minute. Looked around to see if anyone was around and opened his mouth. But it was quickly shut as Karlee’s voice shaped into a beautiful tune.

"There’s a tree out in the backyard. That never has been broken by the wind. Many years, we’ve stayed together as lovers…and as friends. What we have…will last forever if we’re strong enough to bend." Karlee paused. How did the rest go? She only sung the song for someone she loved and that was only once before. Very long ago…then the face of the foxhound appeared in her mind. She sighed.

Steele never thought she could sing so beautifully. She amazed him. "That was beautiful…" It slipped out.

Karlee sprung to her feet and nearly fell off the pile in doing so. Karlee turned around slowly to see an in-trance Steele. She blushed deep crimson.

"Oh thank you." Karlee nearly whispered. Steele shook his head to clear his mind and climbed up on the pile next to her. For a while Karlee and Steele just stared into each other’s eyes. Karlee broke the connection and hopped down from the lumber pile.

"Karlee wait!" Steele called out. Karlee faced him as he jumped down to the ground and stood next to her, facing Karlee. "Karlee I was…huh…wondering…if um…if you would like to go out on a date sometime?" Steele was nervous.

"A date?" Karlee asked again to make sure she heard right. Steele nodded.

"I know we just met but well a feeling claims my heart." Steele looked into her eyes. He tried to remain like he knew what he was doing but he was diving into this situation headfirst. Karlee’s expression changed to one that was like a lady being flattered by a gentleman. But her common sense caught her in her dreams.

"Sorry Steele but I don’t think I’m ready." She spoke sadly. She wanted to say yes so bad. Steele’s whole heart sunk. "Good night Steele." Karlee said as she was turning away. Her head low as she walked away.

"Hey at least let me walk you home." Steele said in a gentleman manner and walked beside her. His muscular body towered over her sleek frame. Karlee was walking so close next to him they would have bumped together. Steele and Karlee strolled down the moon lit street toward Karlee’s home. Steele was wounded emotionally but when he got his courage back up, he would ask again. "What if he never asks again?" Karlee thought to herself. As they reached the apartment building, Karlee turned to face Steele.

"Thank you." Karlee nuzzled him warmly. "Have a good night."

"And to you to…" Steele responded as Karlee disappeared around back to the doggie door. "My love." He whispered to himself.