"Would you look at that?" Charles said. His eyes bulged. "You got Trash Can to put a lid on it!" He laughed at his own lame joke.

Bentley lifted his eyebrows. "His full name is Trash Can?" His lips twitched with a smile.

Charles moved Sara's long hair out of his face. "Yeah, this dog is a wild child. Pretty sure we got ourselves a wolf in sheep's clothing. Though, apparently right now, he's acting like a little baby sheep."

Trash wagged his tail. He'd rolled over to let Bentley rub his stomach.

Mrs. Smith opened the front door and came outside. "Why Bentley, what a wonderful surprise," she said. She wore one of her favorite satin dresses. At the moment, she had on an apron.

"Hello, Mrs. Smith," Bentley said. He was in super polite mode. It was ADORABLE!!!

"I'm assuming you're here for Sara's birthday," Mrs. Smith said. She smoothed out her hair.

Bentley bit his lip. "That'll be the reason," he said.

"Why don't you all go around to the back of the house?" Mrs. Smith suggested. "We can get the grill started. I've got a ton of hamburgers and hot dogs."

Charles pulled at the neck of his sweatshirt. "Whatever you say, Dearest Mother."

Mrs. Smith kissed Charles's cheek. She was clearly putting on a show for Bentley. "Are you going to put your sister back down on the ground now? The birthday girl doesn't look too happy to be hanging over your arm like that," she said. She leaned over and kissed Sara's cheek, too. "Happy birthday, Sweetheart."

"Thanks, Mom!" Sara said. She crossed her ankles. It was somewhat dangerous to be wearing a short dress while her brother had her draped so carelessly over his shoulder.

Her mother waved a greeting to Erin and Pam. She then headed back into the house.

Bentley's eyes flashed quickly to Sara and then back down again.

Unfortunately, Charles had seen the look. He put two and two together faster than lightning could strike.

"Dude. Sara's getting heavy." He pretended to get really tired. He started to stagger around the yard. "Here, Bentley. You can carry her for awhile." Charles all but THREW Sara at him.

She gave a surprised scream as she tumbled into Bentley's arms. He caught her easily, cradling her slight body against his hard chest muscles.

Charles watched him like a hawk.

Poor Bentley. He put on an Oscar-worthy performance, trying to feign indifference. But it was too late. Charles knew. And if that wasn't enough, the way Bentley's fingertips all too casually fondled Sara's hair was all it took to further convince him.

Seemingly satisfied, Charles grabbed Erin and Pam. He pushed them gently ahead of him. "Let's go, friends," he said. "Time to cook up some grub." He laughed at Sara's horrified expression. "Okay now, Trash Can! You're free to RUN!" He unhooked Trash's leash.

The dog took off running across the green yard.

Sara squirmed in Bentley's arms. "Just so you know, I HATE my brother," she whispered. She tried to ignore the feel of his warm hands against her skin.

Bentley shrugged. He was back in his playful mode. "You ARE really heavy, you know!"

Sara gasped. She thumped him with her fist.

But that only caused his chest to vibrate with laughter. And it was music to her ears.