I hate that you feel as though the walls are closing in on you when you are in your apartment. Think about it like this. That was our place. That’s where we fell in love. I might not be there in the flesh, but my heart is there. It’s you, in case you’re wondering. You are my heart, Shayne. And the smelling my shirt thing, well, I can help you out with that too. Expect more to come your way soon. Speaking of smelling, and since we’re confessing our weirdness, I might have sniffed your letter. I swear I can smell you on the paper.
I miss you.
It looks like I need to do my homework on the constellations. I had no idea there were 88. Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t you teach me? We can learn together. Something we can share even though we’re not together. And let me tell you, I am definitely hot for teacher. (See what I did there!)
My parents love you. I’m glad you got to experience the Beth Gregory effect. Mom is definitely one of a kind, and I’m lucky to have her and my dad. Lean on them, Shayne. If you need someone and you can’t reach me, call them. They will be there for you. I know that you have your aunt and uncle and Cassie, but I want you to know that you have my family too. Who knows, maybe one day soon, they’ll be yours too. (Yes, that means what you think it means.)
I love that I’m the last person that you see when you fall asleep, even if it is a picture. I’m honored to hold that position in your life, and I promise I don’t take it lightly. I, too, sometimes find it hard to breathe from missing you. I feel guilty that I even pursued you and asked you to wait for me, but my need for you in my life outweighs the guilt. I’m selfish when it comes to you, Shayne. I promise after this year is up, you get your turn. College, travel whatever you want to do, we’ll do it. Hell, if that’s something you want. Do it now. I’ll hate to miss you kicking ass and taking names like I know you will, but you will have my unwavering support and my never-ending love with you always.
It’s getting late, so I need to get to bed. I need to text you and tell you goodnight, and I need to drop this off in the mail. I hope it finds you soon. I’m doing well here. I miss the hell out of you, and I love you more today than I did yesterday.
Take care of yourself, Shayne. Lean on my family and yours until I’m home to offer you my shoulders once again.
You’re never not on my mind.
All my love.
Ford
P.S. Chad doesn’t have a chance at beating me at poker. I know all his tells.
P.P.S. I love you.
Chapter 24
Shayne
Me: I got the BEST box in the mail today!!
Ford: Oh, yeah? Something from an admirer?
Me: Yeah, some hot guy. He sent me stamps and pens and all kinds of goodies to write letters.
Me: AND… his lightly worn yet deliciously sexy shirt!!
Ford: Have you already sniffed it?
Me: Are you kidding? I’m already wearing it.
Ford: You sure know how to make a man smile, angel. How’s your day going?
Me: OK. I met Aunt Joan at the café for lunch. Daphne was our server again, but since Aunt Joan was there, she was nice. At least to my face. She kept throwing daggers at me when my aunt wasn’t looking.
Ford: Ugh! What a bitch! I hate that you have to deal with her and everyone else in that town.
Me: It’s OK. I’m used to it.
Ford: But you shouldn’t have to be. It pisses me off! *insert angry emoji*
Me: I know. So, tell me how your day has been. I wasn’t expecting you to reply until later.
Ford: I’m in the mess hall eating an early dinner. We’re doing some night training later.
Ford: Chad says hi.
Me: Hello, Chad. I can let you go so you can eat.
Ford: I can do both. I like being able to talk to you now. We’ll probably miss each other later. Last time we did night training, we didn’t finish until two.
Me: What are you eating? Anything good?
Ford: Spaghetti and meatballs. I wouldn’t exactly classify it as good, but it’s sustenance. And I know we’ll need the carbs and protein for what’s coming later tonight.
Me: I had chicken salad on a croissant for lunch. It was really good. The café puts grapes in it.
Ford: Interesting. I think I’d like that.
Me: Next time you’re here, we’ll go and order it.
Ford: Next time I’m there, it’ll have to be delivered because we won’t be leaving the bedroom.