too close for comfort

"I'm real sorry you're leaving," Idabelle said as Rita loaded suitcases into her trunk on Sunday morning. "The café customers will be, too, when they find out."
"I'll call you when I get home." She hoped her makeup hid the traces of tears. "Come visit me sometime."
"I'd love to see you in a play," Idabelle said. "Be sure and send me your reviews."
"Thanks for everything." Rita gave her a hug.
A familiar rattling made her swing around, her heart in her throat. A second later, Owen's pickup jerked to a stop a few feet away and he climbed out, cowboy hat in hand. Despite the lump in her throat, she loved seeing his muscular body and mischievous grin one more time.
From the truck came an assortment of animal noises. "What on earth?"
Owen lifted down the puppy. "Without you, Baby's been crying all night." The instant his feet touched the ground, the dog raced over and jumped at her knees. From a carrier, he retrieved Patches, who circled to give Baby a wide berth before rubbing...