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Any minute, Tina would be coming outside to get her paper and watch the sun rise — and no doubt she would have Bella with her. Lizzie decided to take Buddy out to meet them.
    Lizzie tiptoed downstairs and pulled on a jacket over her nightgown, then let herself and Buddy out the front door. Almost at the same time, Tina’s door opened and she came out onto her front steps with Bella in her arms. Lizzie smiled and waved to Tina, and Tina waved back. Then Tina put Bella down on the grass.
    When Buddy spotted the tiny puppy, he galloped over, screeching to a halt just in time to avoid knocking her over. He wagged his tail hardas he sniffed and sniffed. He put his front paws down and his rear end up in a “want-to-play?” pose, then sprang into the air and did three quick, joyful laps around Tina’s front yard.
    I’m so happy to see you
!
    Finally, he came back to Bella and settled down next to her so she could cuddle up close. With a contented little sigh, Bella snuggled up to Buddy’s warm belly.
    I’m happy to see you, too
.
    “How did she do last night?” Lizzie asked Tina.
    “She was great,” Tina answered. “She didn’t cry at all — at least, as long as I was right there with her. She ate every few hours, but she slept a lot, too.” Tina put a hand on Lizzie’s shoulder. “Lizzie,what would you think if I said I’d like to adopt Bella? I’ve fallen completely in love with her and I’d like to give her a home here with me.”
    Lizzie’s mouth fell open. “Really? That would be — that would be the best thing ever!” Lizzie had been worrying about how attached Buddy had become to Bella, and how hard it would be for him when they had to give her up to a forever family. But now Bella’s forever family would be right next door.
    Lizzie and Tina sat on Tina’s front step as the sun rose, talking about how much fun it would be to watch Bella grow up, and how happy Buddy would be to have his beloved Bella as a neighbor.
    But when Lizzie went inside to tell her family the great news, Mom just shook her head. “Lizzie,” she said, “Bella may not be ours to give away.”

CHAPTER TEN
    Lizzie was stunned. “What do you mean?”
    “I haven’t had the chance to tell you yet,” said Mom. “Ms. Dobbins called last night after you were asleep. Remember when she told us about Sissy, Bella’s mother? She was so sick, but she’s feeling a little better. Alexandra, her owner, is bringing Sissy up for a visit later this afternoon. You’ll meet them both when you come home from school. Maybe Bella belongs with her mom now.”
    “But — ” Lizzie couldn’t believe it. “But Tina is the perfect person to adopt Bella. They belong together!”
    “Technically, Bella still belongs to Alexandra,” Mom said gently. “She’s the one who gets to decide who Bella will live with. Maybe she wants to keep Bella herself.”
    Lizzie trudged off to school that morning, feeling miserable. This had never happened before. The Petersons had always been in charge of finding the perfect forever home for every puppy they fostered.
    Mom had promised to explain the situation when Tina brought Bella over. Lizzie sighed. At least Buddy and Bella would not understand that they might soon be separated. And at least Lizzie would not have to be there to see Tina’s sweet smile disappear when she heard the news.
    Lizzie was not sure she would have the heart to give her Persuasive Essay speech in front of the whole class. She had been excited about revealing the secret of Bella to Maria, now thatBella was not only thriving but had found a home. But now the home might not work out — and would Bella still thrive if she didn’t have Buddy nearby?
    When her turn came, Lizzie decided to pretend she was giving the speech to Alexandra, Ms. Dobbins’s friend. If Bella’s owner could hear the speech, maybe she would understand that Bella and Buddy should not be separated.
    “Okay, Lizzie, you’re on,” said Mrs. Abeson, after Noah