The truth is, without Nate, the bed is empty. Not smelling his scent or hearing his breathing makes me feel alone.
Yes, there's Alice and I can't thank her enough for being here, but Alice isn’t Nathan.
I sigh, looking out the window. I close my eyes, imagining him hugging me, kissing my neck, and holding me tight. Tears fall, although I try to be strong. I miss him every day. I start counting the nights that separate me from him. It seems that the days go by slowly.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nate
There are four weeks left, and I’ll be able to go home. I miss it so much. I stole a T-shirt with her perfume, and I hold it tightly every night. I accidentally took a thin hair elastic with the shirt, and I always keep it with me as a good luck charm.
Izy is my only reason for living and I believe she always has been. I never imagined that Isabel was Izy. It was a pleasant surprise to see her again—and even more to hear that she loves me. I didn't think anyone in the world was capable of loving me. I just hope she doesn't change her mind, that maybe over time she’ll realize that I’m too simple for her. I would like to give her the world and love her for eternity.
Nobody knows yet, but this will be my last mission. It will be a big blow to my father but I’m leaving the army. I want to live my life with her, travel, kiss her, live a thousand adventures, kiss her again, and have many children. I want a family of my own—a family that doesn’t judge me but loves me, as imperfect as I am.
Just four weeks, unless we finish the mission sooner, which is what we always aim to do. I could go back to Izy and surprise her. We could finally go on our honeymoon.
When CJ stops the Humvee, I sigh deeply as I focus on the mission. I make the sign of the cross and get out of the car. The boys stand around me, waiting for orders.
"Guys, eyes open. Be careful and cover each other's backs. If we find the resource, we can go home earlier."
"Yes, sir."
We begin to patrol the area. The team is attentive to any noise or movement. When we get to our resource, I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Take her to the car, CJ, and I’ll buy your back."
"Yes, sir."
The boys move on, while CJ and I follow them. Suddenly, CJ freezes.
"Fuck!"
"CJ, what is it?" I ask, but inside my heart, I already know. I approach cautiously.
"Guys, advance with caution! Don't go back. The resource must be protected."
"Weister...”
"It's okay. Stay still and relax," I tell him as I crawl on the ground, hoping to not find any more mines. I stick the knife near CJ's foot, trying to figure out what type of mine it is.Please be an anti-tank mine, please.
"Fuck!"Okay, Nathan, think, think, think. It would help if you had a sheet and some weight.
"Okay, CJ, do you trust me?"
"Always, brother."
"I'll be right back. Wait for me here!"
"Where the fuck do you want me to go, asshole?"
"True, my fault. I wanted to play down."
In a nearby building, I find a small sheet and return it to CJ.
"You know Isabel may need Cindy as a partner."
"Really, bro? Now? Does it seem like the time to talk about this now?"
