"Most people would say there are too many," Maggie agreed cheerfully. "I have enough space here, though, and the time to care for them, given I work from home."

She'd always been good at feeling out what people needed, and when Dorena's arms tightened around her, Maggie instinctively held on. She didn't cling quite so hard, but her grip was solid and the hug was anything but cursory. Maggie would pull back slowly as soon as Dorena showed signs of letting go. Not before.