Page 28 of Defending What is Mine

I’m probably being ridiculous. Strike that, I’m probably being ri-di-cu-lous. I know it. I just don’t know what to do about it. I can’t stand the thought of staring into those beautifully kind, green eyes knowing that I won’t see them again until sometime next year.

“Mommy, the light is turning yellow.”

I look up and notice at the exact same time as the driver in the blue Hyundai behind us starts to open their door. “Shit.” I offer an apologetic wave and punch the gas, looking back at Nessa through the mirror. “Sorry for cursing.”

As we approach the airport it’s decision time. “Should we drop you at the curb outside of check-in? Or park and walk in with you?” No pressure big guy, but all the marbles are riding on how you answer this question.

“Please come in with me. I’d love it if you two can hang out until I have to go through security.”

That, Mr. Perfect, was the correct answer.

* * *

Thanks to what must’ve been some aggressive driving on my part, we have almost an hour with Jack at the airport. Good thing I packed a coloring book and crayons for Vanessa. He buys Vanessa and me each a cinnamon soft pretzel and we find a quiet place to sit and talk until the absolute last possible minute. Jack tries his best to comfort me, reminding me there’s email and video chat and good ole’ fashioned letters, too. When we hug goodbye, he holds me tight and doesn’t rush to let go, even though he may well miss his flight if he doesn’t.

Finally, he disengages and gives me a kiss that leaves me reeling, then squares his shoulders and picks up his duffel before disappearing through the gate. I watch until I’m sure I can’t see him anymore, an ache settling into my heart, emotion tightening my throat.

As Vanessa and I walk back to the car, I’m lost in thought until she speaks up, snapping me back to reality. “I think he looks handsome in his costume, don’t you?”

* * *

Jack: Then—August

Sitting on the plane, I stare at the terminal as the tug drives away and we begin to taxi toward the runway. When I came home, I believed there was a good chance it would be to bury my oldest brother. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d meet a woman like her. I find myself turning back, craning to watch the terminal shrink in the distance for as long as it’s in view.

Now, as I face the reality that lies ahead, I question if I’ll ever be able to do this again. I question if I’m strong enough to hold a woman like that in my arms, kiss her goodbye, and go off to war. And I’m amazed at how a thought like that, one that completely obliterates my life plan, barely bothers me at all.

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