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

And now, Abby didn’t want him home.

Abby’s tone softened, “I didn’t mean that.”

A small dagger sliced through his heart as words tumbled out of his mouth. “But you still want me to stay.”

“Sterling, it’s up to you what you want to do. I’m just telling you those who end up retiring from the military seem to have a really good life, afterward. I mean, they don’t have to worry too much about money or benefits. They do well while some of us struggle to make ends meet. I don’t want to see you end up like that when you have an opportunity in your hands to help you in your future.”

Abby’s words made sense. Still, he missed her and Gunner. He hadn’t been present for several of Gunner’s milestones and he couldn’t wait to reunite with the adorable, protective German shepherd. Dogs were a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, both of which he’d accumulated a wealth of during his years of service. He needed Gunner and, whether she knew it or not, he needed her.

After brainstorming countless names, Abby was the one to ultimately name the puppy. Since Sterling was heading out in a few weeks, they decided Abby should name the dog since she’d essentially serve as the primary caretaker for him while Sterling was away. Adopting a dog together when he was leaving seemed crazy to their friends. Yet, they did most things together, the plan seemed logical, at the time, and Abby was fine with taking care of their dog until Sterling came home.

Sterling enjoyed spending time with Abby. He looked forward to every second he spent with her, lengthening their time together by hours or even an entire day, when possible. Yet, what he especially delighted in was snatching her away before her current boyfriend created any plans for them.

The men she dated all seemed like losers. None of them were good enough for her. She only had to look in front of her, into his earnest eyes, to find true love. Yet, she never did. Sterling waited but the opportunity never came for him to reveal his true feelings. But now his service contract was nearly over and he was determined to head back home and sweep her off her feet before anyone else did.

Abby leaned into the camera with a worried look in her eye. “Sterling? Are we okay?”

“Yeah. We are always okay. Why would you ask?”

“You didn’t answer me.”

Lost in his thoughts, he must’ve forgotten to respond. His gaze swept over Abby’s soft, delicate features. Although he spoke to her nearly every day, he longed to be with her. He couldn’t wait to have her in his arms again.

“You look good in your uniform.” She lowered her eyes and paused for a few seconds before she continued. “Sterling, I don’t want you to stay if you’ll be unhappy. Come home, if that’s what you want.”

Her words washed over his tense nerves and tightened muscles. He needed no further reassurance. He’d call it quits, collect his DD-214 and head back home. To Abby.

Grabbing his army issued duffle bag off the carousel; Sterling headed toward the front entrance when his phone chimed in his hand. He placed it up to his ear, turning his head left then right as he spoke.

“Hey. You here? Where are you?”

“I’m right here, silly. Look in front of you.”

He looked straight ahead, past a small crowd of people gathered and grinned wide when he spotted her lovely, familiar face. Abby waved frantically, darted past the boisterous individuals between them, and sprinted toward him. Dropping his duffle to the ground, he grabbed her seconds before she slammed into him, wrapping her straight into his arms, and swinging them in a wide arc across the polished floor. He chuckled into her hair, his heart bursting with overwhelming joy at the sight of her. He breathed in her magical scent, groaning with pure happiness at his good fortune. Abby was amazing and more breathtaking than he remembered her. There was no woman in the world like her.

She laughed as he twirled her about and giggled when he set her feet back onto the floor. With her cheeks flushed and her genuine smile crinkling the corners of her eyes, he knew for a fact he had never seen a more beautiful sight in his life.

She grabbed ahold of his upper arm and playfully squeezed it. Her animated voice and the sparkle in her eyes tugged at his heart strings. “I can’t believe you’re finally here. I’ve missed you so much.”

He picked up the duffle and threw it, casually, over his shoulder. “You missed me? We talked every day.”

She curled her hand in the crook of his arm and led the way. “It’s not the same. You know it’s not.”

He nodded. “You’re right. It’s not.”

They walked for a long while. She reviewed all the latest town gossip while he watched her, admiring all the traits he’d silently treasured over the years. He had to tell her. She needed to know how unique and truly special she was. Before he had the chance to open his mouth and attempt to reveal all that was in his heart, she stopped in her tracks. He looked over at her, noticing a curious tilt to her eyebrows as she tugged hard on his jacket.

She chewed on her bottom lip and lowered her eyes for a second, seemingly unsure about something. “I hope it’s okay. Phil wanted to come.”

Sterling followed her pointed finger over a range of faces, some in small groups while others, alone. His gaze stopped at a smiling buffoon, standing less than ten feet, in front of him. Phil? Why in the world was he here?

She lowered her voice to a whisper, “I meant to tell you. We got back together a week ago.”

Sterling’s jaw slackened and his heart dropped into his stomach. His grip on the bag faltered. Re-adjusting his fingers, he