“Is Pretzel okay?” Juni asked.
“Pretzel’s doing great, sweetie. He’s already getting so big you’re probably not even gonna recognize him.”
“I’ll recognize him,” she said. “He’s my puppy.”
“Pretzel’syourpuppy, huh?” Jodie asked Juni. “I think you’re going to have to talk to your Uncle Kyle about that.”
Oh dear, Maren thought.This might get a little complicated.
If all went well, Pretzel was destined for Lackland AFB and the Military Working Dog program there. During one of their talks, Arden had told her that Kyle’s greatest wish for the Watchdog dog training program was to be accepted as one of Lackland’s suppliers. Arden told her he wasthisclose to realizing his dream and Pretzel was in one of the first litters that would be considered if Kyle got the final acceptance after an inspection of the Watchdog kennels scheduled for later this year.
The door at the other end of the lobby opened. Out stepped one of the men she recognized from the conference room—the one who’d stared at the wall like he was trying to burn a holethrough it. He looked much more relaxed today. He had a boy with him who looked around nine years old, give or take.
“Hi there,” the man said as he smiled at Maren. “We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Shane Foti and this is my son, Kevin.” He turned his attention to Juni. “We’re gonna be hanging out with you today, Juni.”
Juni looked from Jodie to Shane and then to Kevin. “Hi,” she said shyly.
“Hi,” Kevin said. “You like the puppies too, huh?”
“Yeah, I do. I like Pretzel.”
“Pretzel?” Kevin asked. He looked at his father and then back at Juni.
“She renamed one of the puppies,” Maren said. “Hi, I’m Maren. I’m Juni’s mo—aunt.” She almost slipped again and said mom.
I’m sorry, Mira. She sent up a quiet prayer to her sister.I never wanted to take your place. I don’t want to erase you even though I’m pissed as hell at you right now.
“Hi, Maren.” Shane crossed the lobby as he extended his hand. “I know who you are.” There was a tinge of sadness in his eyes as he shook her hand. “Juni’s father was a very good friend of mine.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said almost automatically. “Juni’s a sweet, sweet girl. I’m sure she’s just like her father.”
Shane smiled and nodded. “Thank you.” He turned away and looked at Juni. “All right, are we ready to go see the puppies?”
Juni nodded. She looked back at Maren and Colin. “Hang on,” she told Shane. She ran back through the lobby and stopped in front of them. She held up both hands, pinkies extended. “Pinkie promise,” she sing-songed.
Maren and Colin each hooked a pinkie around hers. “Pinkie promise,” they both said.
“We’ll be back later. In the meantime, you have fun,” Colin told her.
Juni threw her arms around his legs and hugged him. Then she hugged Maren.
“Bye, Auntie Mer. Have fun playing dress up and going shopping. I’ll be right here,” she added. “Don’t you worry about me.”
“Okay,” Maren said, stifling a laugh. “Have a good time.”
Juni disappeared with Shane and Kevin, who was already telling her about one of the other Watchdog puppies named Bennie.
“Like from the song ‘Bennie and The Jets,’” Maren heard Kevin say. “It’s a litter name.”
Jodie smiled fondly after them. “Why is it that Watchdog has the cutest kids? I guess it starts with good-looking bodyguards.” She winked at Colin and smiled at Maren.
Maren knew Jodie didn’t mean anything by the wink. She wasn’t actually flirting. But all the same, she felt the teeniest, tiniest little bit of jealousy.
Oh boy, I really do need a day out. That’s not like me. Jodie’s a sweetheart. And as for Colin, I’m not... I’m not…
Nope. Forget it. She couldn’t lie to herself and deny that she was attracted to him. Not just because he was drop-dead gorgeous, but because he was kind and considerate. He was funny when he let down his guard, and he let it down around her.
She immediately flashed back to the almost-kiss on the couch.
