The Soldier's Homecoming

by Patricia Potter

  “We have some shopping to do before our meeting. We need to check out in thirty minutes.”

  “Shopping?”

  “A leash, collar, dog bed, some dog food and whatever other stuff a dog needs,” he said. “If you’re sure you want that woebegone animal?”

  Her startled look changed to pure joy. “You mean it?”

  “Yeah I do, though I might regret it,” he said. “I called the ranches on our schedule. They were fine with a visiting dog, especially a rescue one.” He smiled. “You might want to close your mouth. You thought I didn’t like dogs?”

  She truly hadn’t known. She reached up on tiptoes until her lips met his.

  “We’re in full view of the hall,” Travis observed as he ended the kiss, “and you are practically naked. Not that I’m objecting, but you might step a few feet back.”

  She did so, and he followed her in, closing the door behind him. “We need to leave in thirty minutes,” he warned her.

  “I can be ready in ten.”

  “Then you’re the first woman that could.”

  “You just haven’t been going around with the right women.”

  “You could be right,” he replied. Fireworks were flying between them as if it were the Fourth of July. The explosions were there, too, as he bent down and finished the kiss that had started at the door.

  He forced himself to pull back before they were there a lot longer than ten or thirty minutes. “I have to get some notes together,” he said as he took a few steps toward the door.

  “Thank you,” she said. “You didn’t have to go to all the trouble.”

  “Yes, I did. It was important to you.” His hand was on the door knob. “Twenty-nine minutes, now,” he teased and slipped out before temptation overwhelmed his good sense.

  Or had he completely lost it in the last week?

  Once in the room, he looked at the notes sprawled out on the bed. He’d updated them early this morning, when he couldn’t sleep. Specific questions he wanted to ask Dr. Payne. There were three big ones: Where was the greatest need? Who should they target? What length of a program was most beneficial? He had several hundred others, but those were the big ones, according to Jubal.

  He took them and his personal items out to the car, paid the bill and told them he and Miss Talbot would be leaving within the next thirty minutes. He would leave his key in the room.

  He turned on the news, but heard just a few minutes before a knock on the adjoining door. He tried not to think of the knock last night.

  “Twenty minutes,” she crowed when he opened it.

  He looked at his watch. “And thirty seconds, but who’s counting?”

  “It took five minutes to check out,” she countered righteously.

  They must have just missed each other.

  She wore black slacks and a sleeveless lime-colored blouse that had the effect of deepening the green in her eyes. She held a lightweight black jacket in her hands.

  “Very businesslike,” he said.

  “And they wrap up into a small ball,” she said. “I’ve become an expert in traveling light.”

  It reminded him of who she was and what she did and where she might be in a few more weeks.

  “Let’s go,” he said.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  JENNY FELT LIKE she was walking out of the pet store with half of its inventory.

  She didn’t realize how expensive a dog could be. Of course, nothing but the best would do for Anna. That didn’t mean cute clothes or a glittering collar. But it did mean a very soft dog bed, a retractable leash, matching food and water dishes, a car safety seat, toys, dog treats and the most highly recommended dog food.

  The purchases took up most of the trunk. Travis looked at the pile of purchases with amazement, and then he worked on attaching the dog carrier to the seat.

  They barely made the 11:00 a.m. appointment with Dr. Payne. The one hour appointment lasted two and a half. With Dr. Payne’s permission, she taped the interview and also jotted down notes.

  This time, Jenny was mostly silent while Travis asked the questions. It was his project. She was impressed with the methodical way he asked questions. Dr. Payne had worked with several of the equine therapy programs and had both comments and suggestions.

  They reinforced much of what the soldiers had said two days ago.

  “Combat today, and in the recent past, is different than in the past,” he started as a prelude. “Veterans today see an average of 1,500 days of combat and go directly into combat when they land on the ground.”

  He looked at Travis. “You know all that. I wish more people did. Civilians can’t begin to understand the intensity of their experiences, and when the vets return, they’re suddenly without the strong personal relationships forged in war and with civilians who have absolutely no idea of what they’ve experienced.”

  “It also plays hell with families,” Travis replied.

  “That’s why a network of therapeutic farms, horse rescuers, ranchers, professional horsemen and professional military members have come together to give veterans—and horses—a new lease on life.”

  He handed Travis a list of programs he’d compiled. “There are other mom-and-pop farms that we don’t know about. They provide free horseback riding for veterans and their families, which is very helpful to both. It puts the vet together with children in a fun experience. On the opposite end, there’s extensive rehab programs operating in conjunction with VA facilities. Those might range from a four-day weekend to others that last a month or more, with full-time therapists. Still, another group of them specialize in teaching vets horsemanship, with the aim of preparing them for jobs in the equine world.

  “All,” he added, “rely on the magic that develops between the horse and veteran, along with the camaraderie of other veterans.”

  “I hear some programs are using rescue horses and wild mustangs,” Jenny inserted.

  Dr. Payne smiled. “I’m especially fond of those. Both horses and vets need nurturing, and it seems that they recognize it in each other. Watching a vet making friends with a frightened mustang is really a wonder to behold. An emotional bond develops. It’s a slow process, but it has great rewards. It gives the vet confidence and a kind of peace.”

  “But what’s the greatest need?” Travis asked.

  “They all play an important role, and they’re all needed,” Dr. Payne said. “It depends on your goals and financing.”

  Jenny had liked Dr. Payne at dinner and liked him even more as the morning wore on. Toward the end, she asked about Covenant Falls and why he thought it attracted so many veterans.

  “Nothing magical about it,” he said. “Josh was the first of the nonresidents who landed there. He inherited the cabin now being used by Travis. When he got married, he called me and said he wanted it to be used by another veteran. I recommended Clint. Then Andy. I understand Jubal Pierce came because of a tie to Clint. So, in a way, it was a string of personal ties. But there’s more. Covenant Falls is an accepting, patriotic community. The fact that there’s a weekly poker game probably contributes to its appeal,” he added with a smile. “Even before Josh, it produced an outsized number of veterans from every war. I plan to do a study of it one of these days.”

  Jenny knew most of that, but she’d wanted to hear it from his point of view. He continued, “The fact that the newcomers were drawn into the community by both the city leaders and former servicemen and women helped them adjust into civilian life. Apparently,” he said with a smile, “they didn’t just adjust but are becoming the heart of Covenant Falls.”

  He paused, then added, “I would love to see more communities like that in the country. Unfortunately, there’s not many, and too many vets feel isolated and alone, even with their own families.”

  She had already noticed the strong camaraderie between the Covenant Falls
veterans, both old and more recent. The partnership between Jubal and Luke Daniels, a Vietnam vet, demonstrated that.

  Travis started to get up. “We should be heading out,” he said reluctantly. “We have a long drive ahead of us.” He held out his hand. “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be calling you in the next few weeks.”

  Dr. Payne stood. “It was a pleasure meeting both of you,” he said. “If I can help you in any way, just call.”

  She said I will at the same time as Travis. Dr. Payne looked from one to the other and smiled.

  Blood rushed to Jenny’s face. “Thank you for everything, including the dinner last night.”

  Dr. Payne accompanied them to the door of his office, shook hands with them and turned back into his office.

  “Did you get what you need?” she asked.

  “Not as definitive as I would have liked,” Travis said. “A lot of options.”

  “Now you sound like a major.”

  “I hope not.”

  “You can copy the interview from my phone,” she offered.

  “I was counting on that.”

  “We make a good team,” she said as they walked to his rental. She was trying to keep it professional, as if last night never happened. The problem was it had happened. The strong attraction between them lingered.

  They were both trying to shove it aside, but it wasn’t working all that well.

  Only a few more days. Would they make it without doing something they both might regret? Odds were not good.

  Maybe Anna would help. Maybe she could put some of those feelings into making Anna feel comfortable and loved.

  Dammit, there was that L-word again.

  She made it to the car before he did and helped herself into the passenger seat as he stepped inside the driver’s side. They drove out of the parking lot.

  Before leaving the base, he turned to her. “Maybe we should get something to eat before picking up the dog. I ate breakfast. You didn’t.”

  Jenny noticed his tone was neutral. And he called Anna the dog.

  He’d obviously decided they needed a little distance between them. It didn’t bode well for a long and happy journey. It was her fault. She shouldn’t have knocked on his door the night before. She should have anticipated what would happen when she saw him in the towel. Most of him, anyway.

  “We’re already late,” she said. And her stomach was queasy. “Unless you want to stop.”

  “No,” he said.

  He turned on the main road, and she picked up the road map they had left on the dash. She knew he’d planned to stay in Stockton tonight, but they were running late and would be even later after stopping off for Anna.

  Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the turnoff into Karen’s property. As before, they were welcomed by a chorus of barking dogs.

  Karen greeted them at the door. The noise from the kennel was more efficient than any doorbell ever invented. “Come in,” she said. “Richard called and said you were running late.”

  She led the way to the living room. Anna was sitting in the same corner, but she sat up when she saw Jenny and walked over to her, her tail wagging madly.

  “Are you sure you can take her?” Karen asked. “It’s not too late to think she might not fit into your life.”

  Jenny picked Anna up. “I’m sure,” she said. The dog immediately snuggled down in her arms.

  “She definitely picked you,” Karen said. “I have the papers ready. They include her vaccination record. Keep them with you. If you visit a groomer, a veterinarian or a boarding facility, you’ll need them.”

  She hesitated just a moment. “I don’t usually adopt out a dog without a fenced-in yard or more information, but instinct tells me you’ll be good for each other. Anna deserves someone who will appreciate her.” She then gave Jenny a paper to sign. In it, she promised to return Anna to Karen if, for some reason, she couldn’t keep her.

  Jenny put Anna down long enough to sign it.

  “I have an extra leash and some supplies you can take with you,” Karen said.

  “We stopped at a pet store before meeting with Dr. Payne,” Travis broke in. “Jenny depleted the inventory substantially. Food. Leash. Collar with Anna’s name and address on it. Food. Treats. Bed.”

  Karen smiled. “You might go ahead and put the collar on now. You are now the owner of one affenpinscher. Any questions?”

  “Not now, but I expect I’ll be calling soon.”

  “A dog’s main need is love,” she said. “If I didn’t think she’d get that, I wouldn’t let her go with you. Please keep in touch and let me know how she does. Just a line or email once in a while. My email address, along with telephone and website, are on the copy of the paper you signed.”

  Jenny gave her a check for the dog and added another as a donation for Karen’s dogs for vets program.

  “Thank you,” Karen said. “It will be used well.”

  “Would you approve of my writing a story about what you’re doing here?” she asked. “Andy told me what Joseph did for her.”

  “I would like to know what you would say.”

  “Not to worry. I know it’s sensitive. And I would need a lot more of your time, maybe like staying through the whole process with a veteran.”

  “I’ll call you if I have a candidate that’s willing to do that,” Karen said.

  “Thank you,” Jenny said. “And I think Travis and I had better get on the road. We have a long drive ahead.”

  “Have a good trip,” Karen said. She put her hands on Anna’s head and cupped her face. “You be happy, little one,” she said and accompanied Travis and Jenny to the door.

  Once in the car, Jenny insisted on holding Anna, rather than putting her in the dog car seat. “It’s too soon,” she said. “I want her to feel safe first, and she’s lap size.”

  “Fine with me,” Travis said. “She is an...interesting-looking dog.”

  “Thank you,” she said. There was a ton of feeling in the two words.

  He gave her that slow, sexy smile that sent her heart racing. “You’re welcome.”

  * * *

  THEY WERE BOTH exhausted when they reached Stockton, and it was nearly nine when Travis drove up to a motel that allowed pets. Jenny had been busy on her cell phone until she found one. They made reservations for two rooms, not necessarily connected. None of the rooms were connected, according to the response.

  One worry off his mind. Adjoining rooms just didn’t seem to work for them.

  Or worked too well, Travis thought.

  He’d had damn little sleep last night. It had been one of aching misery. The morning had been difficult, too. But at least he’d had a new experience.

  He’d never been in a pet store before, and when he thought about it, it seemed rather sad. He knew he was going loco when he hesitated in front of a counter stocked with dog raincoats.

  The point was, though, that now he required undisturbed sleep tonight, or he would run the three of them off the road. Only his many years as a soldier kept him alert, but he was reaching his limit. It was hell getting old. Or older, he corrected himself.

  As they checked in and were told breakfast was included, he bet himself a ten spot that it included the same infernal waffle appliance. Jenny had to pay an extra deposit for the dog.

  They’d stopped at a fast-food restaurant at 3:00 p.m., with Jenny giving several small bites to Anna, who’d gobbled it down like she’d been starved.

  But now it was nine, and he was hungry for something more than a burger and cold fries.

  He asked the manager whether any restaurants had takeout. He wasn’t sure about leaving Anna in a room by herself. The manager recommended a place called the Gray Mule Saloon. It was a winery, he said, but they served a great cheese and fruit plate, and, eyeing Anna, he added that dogs were welcomed on the patio.
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  Travis saw Jenny’s eyes light up, but she didn’t say anything. It was that discretion that led Travis to suggest they go.

  Besides, wine might help him forget that Jenny would be somewhere in the same motel with him.

  They were, thankfully, on different halls. They agreed to meet in ten minutes in the lobby. Anna would chaperone.

  He’d thought she would soon discover that some of her vaunted freedom was limited by a dog. The motel clerk’s recommendation disabused him of that idea.

  He washed his face. He had some stubble beginning to appear, as he hadn’t shaved that morning. He decided not to worry about it tonight, nor change his shirt. His ankle and leg hurt from driving so long. A bourbon would be good.

  Wine, not so good, but what the hell. A couple of glasses, and he would probably sleep like the dead.

  She was waiting in the lobby with Anna on the leash—or a lead, as the pet store owner called it. Anna greeted him with a wag of the tail, but it was obvious that the person she adored was Jenny. Anna tolerated him.

  He got walking directions, and they started out. She had about five brochures in her hand and recited Stockton’s history as a fort. As usual, she told it in such a way that he could almost see the cavalry riding down a dusty street.

  They arrived at the saloon and were seated on the patio with other dogs accompanied by their people. It was a gentle night. The moon was huge, and the stars seemed to be in the millions now that they weren’t competing with the city lights. One look at Jenny, and he couldn’t help but smile at the pleasure in her face. It was far more intoxicating than a glass of bourbon.

  Several different wines were offered for a tasting. To his surprise, he and Jenny selected the same one, and he ordered a bottle along with a cheese plate.

  They didn’t have to talk. They were perfectly comfortable with each other. He’d never been around a woman with whom words weren’t necessary.

  It was after ten when they arrived back at the motel, and he walked her to her room.

  She unlocked it and then looked up at him. “It was a good day.”

  “Yes, it was. Meet you at seven in the morning?”