Chapter 3

“Good girl!” Airman Stafford rewarded her with the treat. He had a sad shine in his eyes. “I am going to miss you.”

“We’ll take care of her,” Austin promised. He tensed. Erika hadn’t agreed to this yet. Austin glanced up at her apologetically. Fortunately, she was smiling at him.

“Yes, we will,” she said.

Austin leapt back to his feet to hug and kiss his wife. “I love you,” he said.

“I love you, too, you softie.”

Airman Stafford stood to shake Austin’s hand. “Thank you, Mr…uh…” He grinned awkwardly. “This is embarrassing. I…don’t remember your name.”

“Austin is fine,” Austin said. “And this is my wife, Erika.”

“Pleasure to meet you. And you can call me Neil.”