Showing posts with label Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe. Show all posts

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards, Chapter Three

                           Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards
                                                Chapter Three
The family enjoyed dinner together than gathered in the living room for their traditional celebration. Ben sat nearest the fireplace with Diesel between him and Jake. Jake drew Laurie down next to him. Her parents settled on the couch.
“We’re so glad you could join us, Jake. Despite your protests we know how much we owe you and Diesel,” her mother said softly. She wiped a tear from her cheek. “You saved our son.”
Jake’s cheeks  reddened. Diesel woofed and nudged his arm.
Laurie squeezed his hand.  “You’re embarrassing him, Mom. How about we sing a few carols then open a gift.” She smile at Jake. “We open one on Christmas Eve. You get to pick which one.”
“I didn’t think you’d go through all this trouble,” Jake said. He caught her fingers and raised them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles and her parents laughed.
“Do I need to ask your intentions?” Ben asked. 
Jake’s face flushed again. “No. I think you know,” he murmured to Laurie. Her eyes sparkled in the lights from the tree. 
“I think this year we’ll do things a little different,” Dad said. He waved at the stockings hung on the mantle. “Diesel has a treat waiting for him.”
Ben handed Jake the stocking with Diesel printed in glitter on the front. He felt the shape inside and smiled. “Ah. His favorite.” He pulled out a large bone.
Diesel waited patiently until he gave permission then dragged the bone into the corner to gnaw.
Ben handed him the stocking marked Jake. Puzzled, he found a flat square item in the toe. He pulled out a leather folder. 
“Open it,” Ben urged.
Jake flipped it open. A shiny police badge glittered in the twinkling lights. 
“What’s this?” He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “A badge?”
“Welcome to the police department, Jake. Your application was approved this afternoon,” Dad explained with a broad smile.
“Hey buddy, this is great,” Ben whooped and have him a high five. A lump clogged his throat and he hugged Laurie to his side.
“I think you missed something in Diesel’s,” Mom said gently.
Jake gave her a puzzled frown before he poked around  in the toe.  His fingers found a slender case. He held it up to look at.
“You must have made a mistake,” he said. “This looks like another badge.”  
“Open it,” Laurie urged.
The badge was labeled, K-9 unit. 
“Your Dad’s not the only one with pull. I’ve been friends with the Senator for years. She got the approval today. Diesel will be given to our police department. She wishes you a Merry Christmas,” Mom bragged.
Jake fingered the two badges, unable to believe what had happened. After a few minutes Laurie  tugged him from the room. Diesel followed them into the front foyer.
“Merry Christmas, Jake,” Laurie whispered. She glanced up at the hanging mistletoe and he didn’t need a second hint. 
“You’ve made mine special. And I want to return that for all the years to come.”
Laurie nodded. Jake cradled her in his arms. She fit perfectly. Their lips touched and clung.  
This kiss was more than a promise.
Diesel jumped up to plant a dog kiss on her cheek then Jake’s. Their laughter filled the night.

Merry Christmas to all. 
Official Adoption Website of the DoD Military Working Dog

   The 341st Training Squadron provides trained military  
   working dogs (MWDs) used in patrol, drug and explosive
   detection, and specialized mission functions for the
   Department of Defense (DoD) and other government
   agencies. Conduct operational training of MWD handlers
   and supervisors. Sustain DoD MWD program through 
   logistical support, veterinary care, and research and
   development for security efforts worldwide.

Title 10 US Code 2583 gives priority first to civilian Law Enforcement Agencies, then to prior handlers, and finally to the general public. In the event that a dog’s age or fitness precludes it from being considered for Law Enforcement duties, then a former handler is most often selected. Better than 90% of former MWDs are adopted by their handlers at field units.
All our Military Working Dogs are trained at Lackland Air Force Base and then sent to operational units throughout the DOD. The dogs are usually a German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever and occasionally a mixed breed or other sporting/herding breed dog. They range in age from 1 year to 13 years of age, and include both males and females, although they are spayed or neutered before being adopted.

http://www.save-a-vet.org/d7/adopt

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Posted by Barbara Edwards at 12:30 AM 7 comments
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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards, Chapter Two

                                     Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards 
                                                 Chapter Two 
When she heard the car door slam Laurie rushed outside. 
“I’m so glad you’re home,” Laurie exclaimed. “Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you both home.”
She threw her arms around her mom before she gave her dad a smacking kiss on the cheek. She practically danced in place trying to keep her eyes from where Ben waited to surprise their parents.
Finally her mother glanced towards the house and her mouth opened. 
“Ben? Ben?” Tears ran down her cheeks as he limped to her side.
“Hey Mom. Looks like we’ll both be on crutches for awhile.” he gestured at his casted leg.
Laurie’s Dad didn’t say anything, but clasped Ben’s hand like he’d never let go. 
Jake hung back, not wanting to intrude on the happy reunion. His parents had passed away and he had no family to share the Holidays. Ben’s invitation had been a blessing, giving him somewhere to go to fill the last days with his dog.
He’d hounded the people at the base about adopting Diesel, but although he was being retired he was healthy and could be used by  a law-enforcement agency. 
Jake couldn’t take his eyes from Laurie’s shining face as she watched her parents welcome her brother home. When she turned to him and held out her hand to draw him close, his breath caught. She slid her arm around his waist and he felt as if they were connected. Diesel gave a soft woof and licked her fingers. She grinned as she introduced them. 
“My Dad’s the retired police chief,” Ben said. “Mom says he’ll never stop ordering them around.”
“Why are we standing around in the cold?” Laurie tugged at Jake’s hand as if they were a couple and his heart gave a jump. Diesel lead the way inside, his tail wagging.
Jake couldn’t stop watching her. Laurie was everything he’d ever wanted. Ben had talked about his family and he knew her from the dozens of photos he’d shared. He secretly admitted she’d been the reason he came.
Jake sat down with Ben’s dad while Laurie escorted her mother to her bed for a nap.
“So what are your plans? Ben said you’re getting out.”
“I have to take Diesel to Lackland. I’m on the adoption list if he becomes available, but he’s too good a dog. He’ll be taken right away.” Jake felt Diesel’s warm tongue on his hand and he curled his fingers around his neck. The dog sighed and put his head on his thigh. “Myself? I’ve put  in applications at several police departments. I haven’t heard back yet.”
“Why don’t I take you to the police station? With several men retiring in the new year we have might have an opening. And Ben assures me you’re experienced. That you saved his life.”
“Don’t let him kid you. He saved mine. And I think applying for a job here is a fine idea.” Jake let his thoughts drift to Laurie’s pretty blue eyes and light brown hair. He wouldn’t mind living in the same town, even the same house. 
Diesel woofed as if reading his mind.

Laurie didn’t know what to do next. She had cookies to bake and frost, gifts to wrap, and last minute shopping for fresh vegetables for Christmas dinner. She rubbed her forehead. A gift for Jake and a big bone for Diesel were on her list, too.
Mom made her way slowly into the kitchen using her walker. “Let me do those cookies,” she chided. “You take care of the running around. If I take longer than normal, it’s okay. And don’t forget a big bone for Diesel.”
“Like I could,” Laurie laughed. “It’s too bad Jake has to return him. He loves that dog. And Diesel loves him. I wish he could adopt him, but the rules don’t allow that.”
Her mother gave her a long look. “What is allowed?”
“I’m not sure. He said law-enforcement has first dibs.”
“Really? I’m not surprised. Diesel is a great dog.” Her mother shooed her from the kitchen.  Her eyes twinkled. “Put the phone over here in case I need it. Santa might call.”
Snow had painted the town like an elegant Christmas card. Laurie found an Aran Isle sweater that matched Jake’s chocolate colored eyes in the first store she entered. They even wrapped it. The next store had Christmas stockings and she picked out two for Jake and Diesel. The bone for Diesel was equally easy. Their butcher store had beef leg bones for soup and they gave her one that wasn’t cut up yet.
She sat in the car to organize her thoughts. Up the street Jake and her father exited the police station. After shaking hands, they separated. Jake was walking in her direction. 
She stepped out and waved. His grin lit up her insides like a sparkler. “Where’s Diesel?” she called.
“Keeping Ben company. He’s done it before when I had things to do.” His chocolate eyes heated as he met her gaze. “Would you like to have coffee?”
Laurie nodded. He took her hand as they wandered along the sidewalk. When they passed the decorated Town Green, she wished this time would continue forever. Her heart kept telling her Jake was the one she’d been waiting for. 
She smiled at him when he held open the door to the coffee shop. Heat hit her like a brick after the chilled air. They sat in the booth in the corner and ordered.
They talked for an hour before Laurie realized how much time had passed. She pushed away her empty cup. “I have to get back. Mom’s baking the cookies, but I’m sure there’s other things to do. Time is just flying.  It’s already Christmas Eve.”
“Yeah. Two more days until I turn Diesel in.” Jake’s face saddened.  Laurie tightened her fingers on his. 
“Maybe things will work out so you adopt him.”
“I’m not so hopeful. He’s so good, they’ll be fighting to get him. But thanks for the good wishes.”

Come back tomorrow for the happy ending

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Posted by Barbara Edwards at 12:30 AM 4 comments
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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards

                          Doggie Kisses and Mistletoe by Barbara Edwards
                                                          Chapter One
A ringing phone at two in the morning never brought good news. Laurie pulled the pillow over her head. The trilling stopped for a minute and restarted in the time it took someone to dial.
She sighed and lifted the phone hoping it wasn’t an emergency. Her father was spending the night at the hospital with her mom so it couldn't him.
“Hello,” she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“Hey, Sis, did I wake you?” Laurie snapped upright.
“Ben? Of course you did. Are you okay?” Her brother was on a tour of duty overseas, a constant worry for the family.
His deep laugh boomed over the speaker. “You always ask that. I didn’t realize how late it is. I need a favor.”
“What?” she scrambled to pull up the covers. A glance out her partly open bedroom window revealed falling snow. That explained the chill. The promised white Christmas was arriving early.
“I wanted to surprise our parents. I’m at the airport. Can you come and get me?”
Laurie swallowed the lump in her throat. “You’re home? Here?” Happy tears filled her eyes.
“Can you borrow Dad’s van? I have some extra baggage.” He laughed.
“Of course. You know I’ve been staying at their house, keeping an eye on things.” she checked the time. “I can be there in half an hour. No, make it forty-five minutes. I have to dress.”
“I’ll be at the baggage pick-up,” he added before he disconnected.
Laurie dressed quickly and drove through the deepening snow to Bradley Field. At this time of night, the highway was empty and she made good time. 
She followed the signs to the baggage claim, peering through the windshield. She spotted Ben in his uniform outside the doors. Her heart dropped. He was balancing on crutches, one leg in a cast. She pulled to the curb. Jumping out, she flung herself into his arms. He smelled cold, sweaty and like her brother, all rolled into one. 
“Hey, hey, don’t cry. I hate it when you cry.” He awkwardly patted her back.
“I’m not,” she sniffed and wiped her nose. “What happened? You’re not okay. I can see you’re hurt.”
“Not so bad. Just enough to get me a ride home for the holidays.”
She pushed free and gave him a once-over. Darkly tanned from the desert sun, his handsome face looked tired. His shoulders sagged, but she wasn’t sure if he was in pain or weary.
“Where are your bags?”
“Right here,” a male voice said.
In her excitement Laurie hadn’t noticed the other soldier standing behind Ben. She instantly recognized Ben’s buddy, Jake, from the photos he’d sent home. When he pulled her close her pulse stuttered. He was much more impressive in person. His arm was in a sling. He’d been wounded, too. Her heart went out to him.
His cool lips sent a shaft of heat through her body. His mouth felt perfect. When his kiss was joined by a doggie tongue on her cheek, she laughed and pulled free. The Belgian Malinois gave her a wide dog smile. 
Jake nodded at several duffel bags, taped boxes and the large dog prancing around them. 
“Jake and Diesel are spending the holidays with us. I know Mom has room for a guest.”
Laurie nodded dreamily. Jake wasn’t handsome like Ben, but his dark eyes, high cheekbones and square chin made him strongly attractive. She unlocked the doors and  shoved their gear inside with Jake’s one-handed help.  Diesel jumped in the back at a command from Jake. She helped Ben settle in the passenger’s seat after adjusting the seat all that way back.
“Mom didn’t have a clue. She’ll be so surprised. And Dad. We’re bringing her home from rehab this morning. She’s been so impatient since she broke her hip,” Laurie babbled, too excited to stay silent. She pulled onto the highway. The falling snow draped a white curtain over the trees. 
She glanced in the rear-view mirror. Jake had his good arm slung over Diesel’s back. Diesel panted as the heat kicked on.
“And you, Jake? Are you going to visit family?”
“No, ma’am. I’m supposed to drop off Diesel at Lackland Air Force Base. He’s being discharged. I’m trying to adopt him since he’s been my dog for four years.”
“That’s wonderful. He looks like a nice dog.” Diesel  seemed to understand her compliment and exposed his teeth in a doggy grin.

Christmas Eve morning the sun glistening on the fresh snow roused her from a dream of soft embraces, searching kisses with a man who looked like Jake. Her skin felt hot as she recalled the details. She didn’t even know him.
Through the opened window she could hear someone talking followed by a sharp bark. Pulling on her robe, she leaned close to the frosted glass. She had a clear view of their fenced backyard. Diesel leaped high to catch a snowball then ran in a tight circle, kicking up the loose snow. 
Jake called to him and he dropped. Fascinated, Laurie watched as Jake put Diesel through a series of exercises. He knew more than heel, stay, down, fetch. He jumped over the fence on command and returned. He searched along the fence line for something Jake had concealed. Laurie shook her head. He was a great dog, but she needed a cup of coffee.
Tightening the tie of her robe she went downstairs to the kitchen. If Ben had been awake, the coffee would be ready.  Strong enough to blister paint.
Thankful, she made a pot herself. Thinking about Jake outside in the cold, she poured a cup for him and took it to the door.
She hesitated when she saw him sitting on the back step. His arm was around Diesel. The dog nuzzled his chin when Jake’s head bent and his shoulders shook. Laurie realized he was crying.

Her heart cracked as she stepped back to allow him privacy. He didn’t want to give up the dog that had saved his life numerous times, but he was a soldier who did his duty. Laurie resolved to make this Christmas the best ever for Jake. He’d have happy memories of these few days with his dog, she vowed.

Come back tomorrow for Chapter Two

Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
Amazon Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A
https://www.pinterest.com/barbarae1892/


Posted by Barbara Edwards at 12:30 AM 15 comments
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