I kicked off my shoes and dove from the boat, crashing into the water. I swam toward her through the cool waves, tugging her against me and she clung on without complaint, panting heavily. “Wow,” she said breathlessly. “I didn’t know badgers could swim.” I’d never thought I’d be glad to hear her calling me that as I hugged her against my chest and kissed her forehead. “Any creature would figure it out to save you, baby.” She chuckled. “Even a pigeon?” “Even a wingless, legless pigeon.”
