Chapter 48

Indeed it was Trek, clad in jeans and a plaid western shirt, wearing boots instead of athletic shoes or loafers and a dust-tan western hat. He stood at the front the vehicle, a hesitant expression on his face. He reached up and pulled off the sunglasses. Anxiety shone in his eyes.

“Am I still welcome, me and my dog?”

It looked like Trek; it sounded like Trek. Would it feel like Trek? Dan crossed the space in two fast strides and reached out. Trek almost threw himself forward, right into Dan’s embrace. As Dan lowered his head to find Trek’s smiling mouth, he knew for sure. It was his unique, aggravating, exciting, and very precious friend.

“Hell yes, you’re welcome. Both of you.”

Trek returned the eager kiss and then drew back. “You’ve got a dog,” he said. “I hoped you would. Everybody needs a dog, a real special meant-for-them dog. From the way Commando is sniffing her over, it has to be a girl.”