Page 20 of Small Town Sash

"That's an interesting take on it," Hadley murmured, the corner of her mouth turning up in a small smile. "Divineintervention with a side of canine companionship, right?" Hadley gestured at Dash, who sat obediently by Braden's side.

"Dash is my furry guardian angel," Braden grinned, scratching behind the dog's ears. "Keeps me on the straight and narrow."

"Sounds like a tough job," she teased, stepping closer to offer Dash a gentle pat.

"Hardest one in the Air Force," Braden agreed, his laughter mingling with hers, a brief respite from the juggling act of his life.

"Have you grabbed lunch yet?" Hadley's question hung in the air like an unexpected summer breeze.

"Actually—" Braden hesitated, a mental image of them line dancing the night before swirled with thoughts of impartiality. "I've got to study. Duty calls, you know?"

"Right, of course." Her smile didn't reach her eyes, and he felt a twinge of something akin to regret.

"Rain check?" He offered up a hopeful grin.

"Definitely." Hadley's smile returned, genuine this time.

Braden watched her walk away. Dash was panting at his side. He exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of responsibility settling back onto his shoulders.

When he returned to the Bumblebee Bed and Breakfast, it was bustling with the sounds of lunchtime chatter as Braden pushed open the front door. Jenesa and Avery were hosting his instructors, laughter spilling from the dining room.

"Hey, Braden," Avery called out, waving a spatula. "Join us for lunch?"

"Can't," he replied, holding up his books. "Study time."

"Suit yourself," Avery chirped before turning back to her culinary creations.

Braden made his way through the maze of dogs lounging in the foyer. He reached the stairs when a chorus of barks erupted behind him.

"Dash, no." Braden spun around just in time to see his golden retriever bolt toward the dining room, followed by an enthusiastic parade of canine chaos.

"Rambler's on the loose," Avery yelped as a German shepherd brushed past her, sending a bowl of salad soaring through the air.

"Touchdown," Hunter hooted, catching the bowl but not its contents.

"Guess it's a floor picnic today," Jenesa jested, dodging a slobbering border collie.

"Dash, stop right now," Braden's voice finally pierced the pandemonium, the dogs skidding to a halt, tongues lolling. "Sorry about that," he apologized, cheeks burning as he corralled the dogs.

"Never a dull moment around here," Jenesa laughed, handing him a towel.

"Seems not," Braden mumbled, mopping up salad dressing and dog drool.

"Hey, at least the dogs are entertained," Avery added, a silver lining in her tone as she slipped on a rogue tomato slice but miraculously stayed upright.

"Entertained and fed, apparently," Braden smiled, watching the German shepherd gobble up the last of the salad.

"Next time, maybe put a leash on your partner," Hunter teased, the group erupting into chuckles.

"Or on me," Avery countered, grinning at her own mishap.

"Could say the same for myself," Braden muttered under his breath, thinking of Hadley and how he'd barely restrained himself from accepting her lunch invitation.

As the laughter subsided, Braden excused himself, dog in tow, heading upstairs. He needed to focus on studying, but the image of Hadley lingered, as persistent as Dash's tail wags.

The clinkof metal echoed as Braden clipped Dash's leash onto his harness. He glanced around the training yard, taking in the orderly chaos of canines and handlers weaving through obstacle courses. That's when he spotted Charlie leaning against the fence, a wry smile playing on his lips.

"Morning, Harding," Charlie called out, pushing off the fence to approach. "Heard you're moonlighting as a pageant judge?"

---