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rom-com.”
    They picked a movie and Calvin pulled her into his arms as they watched. The whole day was spent in bed, sharing kisses, halfway burned popcorn and more bad rom-com films. They both pretended the outside world was elsewhere and the bed was all that mattered. The moments they shared there, the whispered promises, and soft declarations of love their shield.
    He held her tight because he didn't want to let her go. But all good things come to an end sooner rather than later, and no one likes it.
    The next morning he woke, ready to fly out. Zoe wouldn't be making the drive with him, but Grams and Pops were riding up with Layla. Tim had promised to check in on Zoe periodically to make sure she was okay.
    Calvin hated more than anything having to leave her in that bed. He kissed her over and over, each kiss promising her something else he just couldn't put into words. “I'll call you as soon as I land, okay?”
    “You're going to the apartment, right?”
    “Yeah, I can't live on base in the barracks. So I'll just keep the apartment for now.” He kissed her again. I wish I could just lose myself in you right now, Zoe. I don't want to go.
    “Seems like we keep saying goodbye, Calvin,” she pouted softly.
    With a groan he kissed her willing mouth again. “We're getting too good at it, but it's only for a little while longer. You're going to see the doctor tomorrow, right?”
    “Yeah, tomorrow,” she nodded. “Grams is going to take me.”
    “Let me know?”
    “Of course I will. You need to get out of here, Calvin or you'll miss the plane,” she mumbled around his next kiss.
    “I don't want to leave you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her neck instead.
    “But you have to, for now. I'll be here waiting for you.”
    He straightened and smiled down at her. “I know. I love you.”
    “I love you.”
    Calvin glanced back as he walked out of the room and she waved, with a smile on her face.
    I'm a lucky man.
    He climbed in the rental car and started it. Grams waved him on and he backed out of the drive, with her truck hot on his heels.
    As he drove through town, he sighed. I'll be home again soon, Major. He saluted the sign leaving town and with a heavy heart hit the Interstate.
    Layla kept up with him as they drove and he kept glancing in the rear view mirror to make sure she was okay.
    The airport came too quickly for him and he pulled into a parking spot with an even heavier heart. With his bag slung over his shoulder, he waited for his family to park and unload.
    “You did good driving, kid.”
    Layla rolled her eyes. “Of course I did.”
    Grams chuckled. “Now y'all don't be fighting.”
    Pops stretched. “Long ride.”
    “Seemed short to me,” Calvin said softly.
    “Ah, I know boy. But you'll be home soon.” Pops patted his shoulder. “We better get this mess over with.”
    “Yeah, it’s not long.”
    They walked into the airport and Calvin returned the car, signing some papers before turning back to his family.
    “See you soon, big brother.” Layla whispered, launching herself into his arms.
    He dropped his bag and hugged her tight. “See you soon, kid.”
    Grams came next. “Stay strong, you hear me? I expect a call when you get there.”
    “I will, Grams.”
    He hugged Pops last. “See you soon, boy.”
    “See you soon, Pops.”
    With a final glance over his shoulder, he headed through the terminal to check his baggage and go through security. He sat at the gate, waiting just a few minutes before the call came to board. He waited patiently as others loaded in before him, he hated the rush of everyone jumping on at once, it made him feel claustrophobic in a way.
    Finally in his seat, he leaned his head back against the leather and waited for the plane to take off. As they taxied down the runway, his heart broke into a million pieces. Bye, Zoe. See you soon.
     

Chapter Eight
     
     
     
    Zoe relished the quiet with everyone being gone. She opened her laptop and tried to go on