A Sterling Welcome

"Yeah." Celine's nerves were still on edge.

Vance said, "Wait in the car for a bit."

"Okay." She let out a sigh of relief.

Vance got out of the car and walked toward Muddlehead as if greeting a long-lost friend, opening his arms.

The dog rushed over, nuzzling and rubbing against him affectionately.

Vance ruffled its head, murmured something to it, glanced back at Celine in the car, and then let go