Page 115 of Forever Fascinating

“I love you, Jana,” he said thickly. “I seriously miss you and can’t wait to hold you in my arms again. It’s days like this that really make me want to light up a cigarette even after all these months. This is hard sometimes, darling.”

“Shhh…” she crooned softly, realizing he was feeling the distance and struggling. “It’s okay, and I’ll be here waiting for you… always. You are the strongest person I know, and time will pass. Find something to keep your mind off of things honey, okay?”

“I know.”

“I love you, too – now please go eat something so I don’t worry. Okay?”

They said their goodbyes as she hung up the phone, feeling tears sting her eyes and wishing she could do something to help him along. It would be so nice to have him closer or be able to see him more often than just for a few days, every couple of months.

* * *

Hey my sweet wife,

I just got the approval for October 10thand I’ll be home for four days. I’ve got a couple of things to talk about and really hope it can just be us for those four days, hanging around the house.

I’ve already bought my plane ticket because I’m so excited… so be ready to get tackled in a bear hug the moment I see you.

Love,

Matthew

* * *

Beloved,

I’ll be waiting at the airport, just forward the email to me so I know where and when to pick you up. I’ll be the woman at security wearing the biggest smile and waving like crazy.

I love you,

Jana

CHAPTER31

JANA

Three months later…

Bradley International Airport, Connecticut

Jana was waitingamong the handful of people standing at the security gate near baggage claim, waiting impatiently for Matthew to arrive. This was the first time she wasn’t on the opposite side, arriving via another plane, and waiting at his gate.

It felt so strange, so alien, to see all these people walking past her with zero acknowledgement knowing they’d just gotten off a flight… especially considering when each time Matthew saw her, there was such a warmth in his welcome.

As the flow of people rounded the corner to exit through the security gates, she saw his beloved smile bloom the moment he spotted her, starting to run despite his gigantic canvas bag slung over his shoulder.

She’d worn a long-sleeved, simple cotton black dress that flared at the waist, with a festive pin on her shoulder and matching belt. It was sedate and almost to the point of dowdy, completely opposite of what she wore beneath as a secret surprise for him.

Gosh, she loved this man…

“Heyyyy, Bunt-boy!” she hollered, excited. “You’re home!”

“You sure are a sight for sore eyes, Mrs. Barlow…” he exclaimed, before rushing forward and pulling her into his arms, kissing her regardless of who was around them.

They stood there, holding, and hugging each other, just needing this moment to say ‘hello’before she took his hand, practically dragging him towards the parking lot in her rush to get him home… and he was jogging beside her, almost in as much of a hurry.

She really wanted to show him around, welcome him into her world, and for him to create a space for himself there… just so she felt that connection when he was gone.

The car ride was quiet, and they held hands the entire time, realizing that he was just taking in everything and looking around. These were sights, streets, and buildings she’d seen all of her life… but to him? It was as foreign as entering another world.

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