“You’re such a fuckin’ prick.” Griffin shoots me a glare and jumps to his feet with more grace than he should possess.
He tries to run a hand through his hair but grimaces when he remembers he’s now bald—a gift from me and the other guys in our squad yesterday. We gave him a little trim while he slept, stealing our retribution where we could.
I snicker to myself.
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, asshole.” He eyes my thick dark brown hair. Even with my military cut, it’s still a lot. “While you can,” he mutters ominously.
I scoff and bend down to re-tie my boots. Nothing but perfection. Always. “What did you mean before?”
He waits for me to finish lacing up and the silence grates on my nerves. Griffin’s never quiet, so whatever it is, it can’t be good. I swallow thickly, preparing myself as I meet his steely gaze.
“We’re shipping out.”
My spine snaps straight as dread pools in my gut. “When?”
His jaw ticks. “Three days from now. Big aid mission.” He stands and leans forward, giving my shoulder a firm squeeze. “Time will pass quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be in South Dakota, on one knee, finally giving away that ring around your neck—just wait.”
I look up into my Staff Sergeant’s eyes. A man I’ve known for nearly three and a half years. A man I respect. He’s more than my best friend; he’s family.
Despite all the shit he’s seen in the last decade, he’s still good. More than that, he’s honest. If he says we’ll be back for me to make it home in time, I trust him.
“Thank you, Sir.” He glares at me. I grin wider. “Now fuck off so I can check in on my girl.”
He shakes his head and steps back, letting his heavily tattooed arm drop to his side. His gaze snags on the newest letter sitting on my pillow.
“Still think you deserve better than her,” he mutters but I ignore him, tossing a middle finger in the air.
His comments are nothing new. None of the guys like Marlee, but I don’t care. I love her.
“Fuck off,” I grumble. “And get out.”
“Don’t get cum on the fucking floor!” he shouts, letting the heavy door slam behind him.
A bark of laughter slips from my lips as I fall onto my back to get comfortable. If this letter is what I think it is, I make no promises.
Smiling, I gently slip the folded piece of paper from the bent and stained envelope. I’d expect nothing less when they’ve traveled over five-thousand miles, sometimes farther, depending on where I’m at, and while it sucks being so far from home, I’ve known this was coming for a long time.
It’s been the plan for as long as I can remember.
Work on the farm, get good grades, graduate, join the military, and honor my country. Have a pack of kids and be beyond fucking happy.
I made promises to my girl. Promises I intend to keep.
Four years apart. Together forever.
Happily ever after.
The ring. The wedding. The white picket fence. All the fucking babies I can get her to give me. I want a whole house full of them. I want loud mornings with my family and quiet nights with my wife. Crying and crappy diapers. I want the whole goddamned package.
Don’t realize I’m smiling till it falls. Normally, she writes about home, about my family and how she’s loving college. But that’s not what this letter’s about…
Not atfuckingall.
I jackknife up to a seated position, and the room spins.
Air stalls in my lungs as I finish the shorter than normal letter, already knowing the second I’m done reading, my life will change forever.
Forever.
