No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

were alive. She loved having her belly rubbed and completely relaxed every time.

“You know, when my mother had her Pomeranian, she was long-haired too. But she would keep it trimmed, at least around her legs where it gets matted from dragging through the dirt and mud. Tasha has been missing a few grooming appointments, hasn’t she? I believe she’s become more hair than dog.”

Hanna jerked up her head in surprise staring at Leo. “It was you he was referring to having a dog like Tasha?”

Leo only nodded.

“I had no idea. I really thought you hated her at first.” After a brief pause, she added, “Or me. Or both of us.”

“I don’t hate either of you. But if you want to get her groomed, we can do that,” Leo offered, accepting the fact Hanna may stay a while. Daring to hope she and Tasha would stay indefinitely.

“I have been taking care of that myself to save money, although you can see I’m not very good at it.”

“That’s settled. After breakfast we go in search of a dog groomer.”

Hanna smiled her agreement. Excited to know she had found a place that felt like a home and no longer needed to worry about her future, at least for as long as this man allowed, she threw her arms around him once more before standing.

When she popped a kiss on his cheek, he stiffened, watching her disappear into the kitchen.

Sam was right, a little lady would fight his demons better than he could alone. He finally admitted to himself that since Tasha had been around, he felt more relaxed. Also, there had been times when he felt those horrible images threatening his mind and Tasha seemed to find her way to him at just the right moment to chase them away.

And Hanna. Never did he imagine any woman would be so kind and understanding as she had been. During the time they had come into his life, Leo could feel the changes come over him. Instead of looking forward to his solitary days, he eagerly waited for Hanna to appear. Anytime that tiny handful of a dog was near, he could feel contentment in the air. He had never felt this calm since returning home from his stint overseas, not even when he rejoined the wife he had loved.

Leo grinned at Tasha hopping into the chair Hanna had just vacated. Who would have ever thought something so small and ordinary as a Pomeranian could change a life? They say surprises come in all sizes. How true Leo found that to be. His life was transforming into a new season just as the leaves outside were becoming bold and falling to the ground. This little warrior of a dog was boldly pushing his demons to the wayside, helping the wall he had hidden behind start to fall.

THE END

Other Books by Jewelz

Voodoo Troops MC Series

Brick Solid

King Loyal

Rash Awakening

Nova Redemption

Ghost Knight

Cowboy Tough

A Brick Solid Christmas

Laying Brick

Silent Chains MC Series

Carving Stone

MC Standalone

Steele Velvet

Billionaire Romance

More of You

About the Author

Jewelz Baxter and her husband call Louisiana home. They love

spending time with their children and grandchildren whom all live

nearby. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be

found on a motorcycle exploring the back roads with her husband.

Connect with Jewelz

e-mail: [email protected]

FB: Author Jewelz Baxter

FB Reader Group: Baxter’s Babes and Bikers

Instagram @ authorjewelzbaxter

Website: www.authorjewelzbaxter.com

Healing Love

Cedar Rose

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Elizabeth Knox for taking a chance on me. To my dad for being a great dad and supporting me. To my mom in heaven, I hope you and Savannah are proud. Savannah, I miss you every day. You were my dog, you stuck with me through deployments and Mom leaving us. And to Boo Boo, stay cute.

This is for my brothers and sisters in arms. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Chapter One

Sienna

I sigh as I grab my bag and head off the plane, home at last. I’m glad to be home, but it’s not where I want to be right now.

The military is or was my life. My family used to joke that I was married to the military. I guess I was. When I signed on the dotted line, that was my vow, to serve and protect. But things change and here I am, back in my small hometown, not knowing what I’m going to do with my life.

I hate change. Funny statement since there was a lot of change in the military, every day you had to adapt and overcome.

But my life was mapped out for me. I knew what I was going to be doing from sunup to sundown. I mean we even know the outfit for the day, ACUs and cap, maybe a jacket in winter. But now I have no idea what I’m going to do and it’s tearing me up inside.

I walk down the gang plank and head out to where my parents will be picking me up. All my stuff was shipped home, so all I have is my backpack.

My mom sees me first and steps out of the car and rushes over to me.

“Welcome home.” She hugs me tight; I can hear the tears in her voice.

“Thanks, Mom,” I mumble.

My dad slides an arm around my shoulders and leads me to the car, it feels nice, like he’s protecting me.

“Glad to have you home, Sienna.” He smiles as he opens the door.

“Yeah.” I nod. He’s a veteran so I think he understands my anxiety more so than my mom.

It’s a couple hours’ drive to home. We don’t have an airport in our town. And while I love visiting the big city, I just want to get home.

“Bug will be happy to see you.” My mom turns around to smile at me.

“I can’t wait to see her,” I say, showing a little bit of life.

The one thing that got me through