Page 90 of Forever Fascinating

Caboose had unexpectedly taken him under his wing since that flight where he’d saved Hot Cakes – and Reaper had done so as well.

“You’re going to be a great dad,” Matthew said quietly. “Thank you.”

“An excellent one,” Reaper retorted glibly, before cracking a slight smile. “Get your head in the game. It helps me to write Sophie, tell her all the mushy stuff so I get it out of my system, go hit the gym, and sleep because I’m finally worn out.”

“Meh, I have a bottle of hooch hidden in my footlocker,” Caboose shrugged. “If I’m in a bad place, I make sure I can sleep – and hard.”

Matthew burst out laughing in surprise.

“Hey,” Caboose grinned, shrugging. “This place feels like a prison sometimes and if inmates can make prison-hooch? So, can I. Don’t say a word to anyone else. Nobody else knows except the three of us. The current flavor is peach, because I snuck a serving from the commissary… don’t ask what I mixed it with, because I’m pretty sure someday it will make me blind.”

This time, Reaper laughed, patting him on the back and shaking his head. Matthew grinned at the two men, realizing that they were all just the same fighting their own private battles in different ways.

“Thanks guys,” Matthew said openly. “I’m gonna be alright. It’s just hard to say goodbye, you know. I’m going to email Jana, shower, and get some shut-eye. I’ll be fine.”

“Good,” Caboose said, reaching out to lay a supportive hand on his shoulder. “And you should let Hot Cakes know one of these days because he would take it better being told to his face than having someone else let him know. We’ll both have your back.”

“Yep.”

“Thank you again… and I will,” he replied, realizing that Caboose was right. The two men nodded, leaving him alone to write his email to Jana – and his parents.

* * *

Beloved,

I am ‘home’… and missing you terribly.

I’m so glad we got those T-shirts and that you thought to get the rings. I keep looking at mine and it helps me so much. I thought about what you said, about wanting to share with family, and realized that I want you to, more than ever.

I’m not giving up on this – and telling our friends and family that we are a couple is our next step. I’m going to tell Jace tomorrow after training and hopefully things go well. I’d like your brother’s support when I eventually change your last name from Sorensen to Barlow.

Yup. I said it.

I thought I would be nervous saying that, but I keep looking at my little blue ring and wishing I’d have thought of it sooner. You are certainly the better part of me, that’s for sure.

A crazy meeting by chance, our wonderfully maddening love, followed by an insanely happily ever after… life sure is incredible with you in it.

I love you – and always will.

Matthew

* * *

Mom and Dad,

I am stupidly, crazily in love with Jana, and I want you both to meet her. We had such an amazing time in Greece together and I’ve attached a few photos. I never realized how complete I feel with her… until we had to say goodbye.

She’s a realtor in Holland about two hours away from you guys, and literally the best person I’ve ever met. Her smile is incredible, and we have so much fun just being together doing nothing.

Thank you both for being incredible role models – and showing me that sometimes support looks different because it’s given in different ways. I found a way that fits me and feel grounded for the first time in forever. I didn’t understand that until recently – guess I am still growing up and maturing.

Mom – I’m so glad you have Sam in your life.

Dad – Thank you for being there… for both of us in different ways.

I love you both – and I can’t wait for you to meet Jana.

Your son,

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