Alex grinned as he threw the ball down to the edge of the water. Dusty nearly flew over the sand as he pounced on the ball and crashed excitedly into the water.

“Attaboy!” he laughed, patting his legs to call the dog back. “Who’s a good boy? Good boy!”

He groaned as the dog shook off all over him, trying to lift a hand to shield it. He glanced up as the dog ran off to greet someone else who entered the beach. He also greeted them, with a smile and a slight wave.