CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN – A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Over the next hour, Rebecca and Sarah watched in a mixture of amusement and trepidation as Helena and Max played. The baby crawled after the dog, giggling madly as Max pranced just out of reach. When Helena tired of crawling, she resorted to grabbing Max's tail, using it to pull herself up to standing. "I can't believe how patient he is," Rebecca marveled, watching as Max stood stock-still, allowing Helena to use him as a furry crutch. Sarah nodded proudly. "He's a sweetheart. Though I think he's starting to get a bit worn out." As if on cue, Max flopped onto his side, his tongue lolling out. Helena immediately crawled over and snuggled into his soft fur. "Oh my God, that's adorable," Rebecca cooed, quickly snapping a picture with her phone. "I have to send this to Luca." As she typed out a message to her husband, Sarah rummaged in her bag. "So, I brought some other entertainment options. How do you feel about finger painting?" Rebecca's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect! Helena'