by Kaylee Ryan
“So, Slade, how about a tour of those monuments tomorrow?” Lee asks.
“Sure. You tell me when to be there, and I’ll make it happen.”
“You have anything you have to do tomorrow?”
“No, sir. I’m off for the next two days.”
“How about nine? We can grab some breakfast here at the hotel before we head out?” Michelle suggests.
“I’ll be here. Thank you both again, so much for this.”
“You’re welcome.”
I turn to Austyn. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yeah.” I can see it in her eyes she doesn’t want to say goodbye either.
Mindful that her parents are watching, I press my lips to her forehead. “Goodnight, angel.”
“Night.”
With that, I turn and walk right back out of the hotel. I want to stand there and watch her until the elevator doors close, soak up as much of her as I can, but that would be creepy as hell, so I force myself to keep walking.
TODAY IS OUR LAST DAY here. Slade has to report to training tomorrow and our flight leaves later today. Yesterday, we spent the day with my family seeing all the sights. Dawson loved it. I did too. I liked getting to see what he does every day. Well, not really what he does, but get a better glimpse into his world. Last night, Savannah and Brandon went to dinner with us. Savannah’s flight left early this morning.
“Our flight leaves at six,” Mom reminds me.
“I know. We have to leave here at four, right?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
“I’ll be here. I promise.”
Slade and I are spending the day together without my family. Yesterday was great, but I need time with him not under the watchful eyes of my parents. Not that we have anywhere to go, but he’s not kissed me since I’ve been here. Sure, there have been kisses but not on my lips. Sweet, innocent kisses are all he’s given me, which I love, but it will be a few weeks before I see him again, maybe longer, and I need to feel the press of his lips against mine before I leave. I told my parents Slade and I were going on a day date today before we leave. They were fine with it. They’re not stupid; they were young once. Dawson, on the other hand, wasn’t impressed. He wanted to spend more time with his buddy Slade. I’m glad they get along, but I’m not giving in. Not today.
Slade arrives at a little after eight and we head down to the restaurant to eat breakfast with my family. “So what are we doing today?” I ask him.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Tell me,” Dad says, trying to get a rise out of me. I watch as Slade leans over and whispers his plans, our plans for the day, leaving me out of the loop. “Good choice.” Dad grins at him. “Is that close?”
“Yeah, about twenty miles or so. We’ll be back in time for her to make the flight.”
“Ready?” I ask, sliding my plate away from me. I’m ready to be alone with him and see what this big surprise is.
“When you are.”
We both stand and say goodbye to my family. Slade laces his fingers through mine and leads me to the front of the hotel, and my excitement amps up. “No hints?” I ask sweetly.
“No, babe. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Fine,” I concede, and climb into the back of the waiting cab he previously organized.
“Your parents are great, Aust. I can’t believe they did this.”
“They are pretty great,” I agree. “They knew how badly I wanted to be with you, and I was upset they didn’t let me fly out with Savannah. Of course, now I know it’s because we were all coming to see you.”
“You’re lucky to have them. I’m glad to know you have such a great support system when I’m not here.” He pauses, placing our entwined hands in his lap. “You know, when I deploy, because it will happen, I’m glad you have them.”
I fight back the worry that bubbles up every time I think of him deploying. “Do you know how soon that will be?” This is a question that crosses my mind several times a day. I dread that day we get that call.
“No, we find out where we’re stationed in a couple of weeks. After that, it’s just a waiting game for me anyway. I wait for the Marines to tell me where I’ll go next.”
“But Marine deployments are short right, like six or seven months?”
“Yeah, unless it’s a forward deployment. Those can be longer.”
I nod, taking it all in. “Then you go back to where ever it is you’re stationed, right?” On the outside, I’m the model of “put together,” on the inside, I’m freaking out and crossing my fingers it’s not forward deployment.
“Yeah.”
“I hope that you and Brandon are stationed at the same place. It would be nice to get to see my best friend when I come and visit you.” It’s going to suck when she moves away. I’m going to miss her, but I’m happy for them.
“So this summer, huh. They set a date for June?”
“Yeah, they’re going to do it here. Just a small ceremony. Her parents and his. You and me, and I guess maybe some of the guys, if Brandon decides to invite them.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“About what? Them getting married? I’m happy for them.”
“About them doing it here.”
“Oh, that.” I laugh. “I think it’s fine. It’s not about the location or guests. It’s about the two of them. They’re getting their fairy tale ending. That’s what matters. If they’re happy, we should all be happy for them.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.”
The cab stops, and I survey the area, trying to see where we are. When I see a horse and carriage sitting out front of an old rustic barn, I turn to look at Slade over my shoulder. “Is that for us?” I try to hold in my excitement, not wanting him to see the disappointment if it’s not for us.
“Yes.”
Unable to find the handle fast enough, I climb out of the cab and rush to the horses. I can hear Slade chuckling behind me. “Good surprise?” he asks, resting his hands on my hips, pulling me back into his chest.
“Very good surprise.”
Slade introduces himself and takes care of the ride, while I take my time petting the black beauty that’s hooked up to a beautiful white carriage. “Ready?” Slade asks, drawing my attention from the horse.
“Yes!” I say, and the horse nudges me with his nose. It’s like he’s just as excited as I am. Slade takes my hand and helps me into the carriage, climbing in after me. There’s a blanket inside that he lays over our laps.
“There’s a thermos of hot chocolate if you want it. It’s warmer today, but just in case.”
“This is awesome,” I tell him.
He laughs. “Angel, we haven’t even started moving yet.”
“I know, but the thought alone is so sweet.”
“Come here you.” He places his arm over my shoulders, and I go willingly, burrowing into his chest.
“Finally,” he exhales. “I’ve been waiting to get you in my arms since you got here.”
We fall into comfortable silence. Slade keeps me held tightly in his arms as we enjoy the ride. It’s a perfect ending to this trip. Just the two of us. No words need to be said; we know how the other is feeling. We tell each other every day. This is more to soak up each other’s warmth and living in the moment. These times are few and far between for us, and each one is just as precious and memorable as the last.
When the carriage turns to take us back, I lift my head to look up at Slade and find him watching me. “Thank you for this.”
His answer is to lean in and press his lips to mine. It’s soft and slow, just like the ride we’re on. He kisses me, his hands cupping my face until the carriage stops. After thanking the driver and giving him a tip, we go inside to warm up a little and wait for our cab.
“Now what?” I ask him.
“We don’t have a lot of time. I thought we could stop and have lunch on the way back. I wish I could take you to the barracks, but that’s out. Not to mention the other
guys are there.”
“I don’t care as long as I’m with you. Are you going to the airport with us?”
“Do you want me to?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll go.”
That’s how it is with us, easy. I’m sure the day will come where we disagree, but we’re still so new, the feelings so strong that it’s not happened yet. The foundation we’re building is solid. I can only hope it’s enough to pull us through his future deployments.
WE’RE STANDING JUST OUTSIDE OF the security gate at the airport. This is as far as I can go. I have let her go, but for some reason, I can’t seem to do it. My grip on her hand is firm, then again, she’s gripping mine just as tightly. I hate this part, saying goodbye to her. I have this ache in my chest, and there’s a lump in my throat. I’m not usually one to show my emotions but having this time with her, with all of them, means the world to me. Saying goodbye to not just my girl, but her family, is a hell of a lot harder than I thought it would be.
“Slade,” Lee says, shaking me out of my thoughts.
“Yes, sir?”
“Lee,” he corrects me. “It was good to see you. Stay safe,” he says, holding his hand out to shake. Luckily, it’s not the hand that’s holding Austyn’s I’m not sure I would have let go to shake his. Yeah, I know I’ve got it bad.
“Thanks for showing us around,” Michelle says, hugging me. I hug her back with one arm, still not willing to break my connection with Austyn just yet. I know it’s coming.
“Thanks for building Legos with me. When you come home, can we do it again?”
My heart stutters in my chest.
Home.
“I don’t know when I’ll be… there,” I tell him.
“But you have to come home, right, Aust? He’s going to come home?” Dawson asks her.
Lee places his hand on my shoulder. “He’ll be home,” he assures his son. Then he focuses his attention on me. “Remember what I told you. Regardless, you’re always welcome.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“All right, let’s give them a minute to say goodbye.” With a wave from her family, they walk away giving us time.
“God,” Austyn says. I cup her face in my hands, and that’s when her first tear falls. “I hate this, Slade. I hate saying goodbye to you. I know I need to be strong because it’s harder on you if you see me cry, but I miss you and I want to be with you.”
I wipe her tears with my thumbs. “You are always with me,” I say adamantly. “Just like I’m always with you.”
She clutches onto me, fisting my shirt in her hands. Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her close. My hold on her is tight as I bury my face in her neck. We stand there oblivious to those around us. After a moment, I pull back and stare into those baby blues. “I love you, Austyn. With every breath I take, I love you. I know this is hard, baby, but I need you.”
“I love you, too. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t. Don’t ever apologize for showing me how you feel. We have to be open and honest to get through this.” I brush my mouths against hers. “Call me when you land.”
She gives me a watery smile. “Take care of you.”
“I’m always with you.”
She nods. “I love you. I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon, angel. I love you, too.” I press my lips to hers tasting her tears. I can feel the emotion welling up in my eyes, and I squeeze them shut to keep them at bay. Breaking the kiss, I lace her fingers through mine and lead her to her family.
“H—” My voice cracks and I clear my throat. “Have a safe flight. Thank you again, so much for coming here. I can’t even tell you….” I choke up again. “I can’t tell you what this means to me.”
“You’re family.” Dawson says it so simply.
I nod at him and ruffle his hair. I want nothing more than to be a part of this family. For that warm feeling that’s currently swarming my chest, covering the sadness of her leaving to be permanent. After another round of hugs, I watch them go through security until I can no longer see them.
I’m in the cab on the way back to base when my phone vibrates. Combs’s name pops up on my screen.
Combs: You get your girl dropped off?
Me: Yeah, headed back to base now.
Combs: Hoops?
Me: I take it you need a distraction, too?
Combs: Yep.
Me: Count me in.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and the four of us are holed up in our room. We went for pizza and just got back. Drinking is out of the question as we’re underage. We get caught, we pay the consequences. None of us feel like pissing off the Marine Corps or pissing away all of our hard work these past several months. So here we are, living it up playing euchre.
“What are your lady friends doing tonight?” Jeffers asks as he deals the next hand.
“They’re out with some friends. Then going back to Savannah’s house,” Combs tells them.
“That sucks. They’re out living it up, and you two are stuck here. You worried at all?” Spiller asks.
“About what? They’ll more than likely be home early. The party scene is not one either of them are fond of,” I tell him.
“Yeah, but they’re both hot as hell.” He holds up his hands in defense. “Just saying. You know they’re going to get hit on if they’re at a party.”
“Fuck off. We don’t need to hear that shit. Besides, Savvy has her ring on. I’m sure of it,” Combs fires back.
Jeffers laughs. “You think a ring is going to stop some douchecanoe from hitting on her when he sees she’s there alone?”
Combs looks over at me, and I’m pretty certain the pained expression on his face matches my own. This shit is hard enough without these two putting ideas in our heads. I know I can trust Austyn, other guys not so much. Combs reaches for his phone, and I do the same. Jeffers and Spiller don’t say a word as they get up from the table in our small living area and disappear.
“Hey,” Austyn says after three rings.
“Happy New Year, babe.” The noise in the background is so loud I can barely hear her.
“Happy New Year. I thought I was calling you at midnight?” she asks over the music.
“I couldn’t wait that long,” I tell her honestly. I just leave out why the sudden urgency. “Having a good time?” What I want to ask is if any assholes have hit on her.
“Not really. This isn’t really my scene. Savvy and I are getting ready to head to her place.”
“You didn’t drink, right? I mean, not to sound like your dad or anything, but I need you safe.”
“Nope. Not a drop, hence the reason this party is probably lame. We’re both stone-cold sober.”
“That’s good. Be careful driving home.” She starts to speak but is interrupted. “Hey, sexy, let’s dance,” I hear some drunk asshole slur.
“No, thanks, talking to my boyfriend,” she tells him. I smile at that. “He’s not here. I am. I can show you a good time,” he says loudly. It’s so loud it’s as if he’s talking directly into the phone. He must be close to her.
“Angel,” I say, pulling her attention back to me.
“Yeah?”
“Stay on the phone with me and find Savannah.” I look over at Combs, and he raises his eyebrows in question.
“She’s right beside me.”
“Good, ignore that guy and head outside to your car. Wait, is it lit? Are there lights outside?”
“Slade, it’s fine. We’re fine. He’s just some drunk guy. He’s harmless.”
Harmless, she says. “Stay on the phone with me. You need to be alert to your surroundings. Make sure he’s not following you.”
“Slade, seriously, you’re starting to scare me. It’s fine.”
“Reeves?” I turn to face Combs. “Talk to me.” I quickly relay the info and hear him start to give Savannah the same speech.
“We made it to my car,” Austyn tells me.
“Good. Lock the doors once you’re both inside.�
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“We did. What’s gotten into you?” she whispers, and I can hear the panic in her voice mixed with uncertainty.
Fuck! Resting my elbows on the table, I hang my head, keeping my phone pressed tight to my ear. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Jeffers and Spiller were talking about you two getting hit on with us not there, and then that guy was pushy asking you to dance, and I freaked out.”
“I’m okay. He was so drunk he could barely stand. I was never in any danger.”
“If I were there, I would have known that. No, better yet, if I were there, that fucker would have never approached you.”
“Are you done?” she asks, her voice louder than before.
“What?”
“You heard me. Are. You. Done?” She repeats her question slowly. I’m silent, not sure what to say. “I’ll take that as a yes. Now, it’s your turn to listen to me. I’m not incapable of taking care of myself, Slade. I won’t, nor will Savannah, ever put ourselves in a position where we’d be in danger. Frankly, it pisses me off. I know the distance is hard, but it’s as if you don’t even trust me. This will never work, Slade Reeves, if we don’t have trust.”
“Austyn—” I start, but she cuts me off.
“I’ve gotta go. It’s late, and we want to go home. I’m not going to talk to you when I’m upset and chance saying something I’ll regret. Not to mention trying to drive.”
“Call me when you get home.”
“Why don’t you try asking me instead of telling me?” I don’t get the chance to reply because the line goes dead.
I SLAM THE PHONE DOWN in the cupholder and start the car. I hear Savannah tell Brandon she’s gotta go and she’ll call him back.
“What’s wrong?”