Jake POV

Since Colson had left things have been stressful for me. I have been trying to keep busy with as much as uncle Hunter can provide me with work but I worry to much about Colson all the time to focus on much even though he tells me that he is safe and he's ok, still doesn't help with me worrying. I know he isn't in the war zone but that doesn't mean he won't get hurt on supply runs and patrols he does. I know he is ok; I can feel it if he gets hurt so that eases my mind but still not my worries about him being over there.

I have faith he will take care of himself and trust in his fellow soldiers to watch his back and him with theirs. It would have been nice to know of him being in the service though ahead of time instead of springing it on me and him leaving the next morning. That was a hard and emotional departure, I didn't think I would ever stop crying nor him.

*Flashback*

"Hey sleepy head, come on time to get up baby." I whispered in Colson's ear to wake him up. It's a little after four AM and I know he has to be up to leave in a couple hours.

"Ok I'm awake. Good morning babe." He said softly and kissed me gently.

"Good morning. I have your bags packed except your carry on. I don't know what you need for the plane ride. I have all your stuff already at the front door so go take a shower do what you gotta do to get ready. I have your uniform hanging on the door to the bathroom and your razor and hair clippers on the counter. You just worry about that and I will go fix some breakfast." I said and he nods and gets out of bed.

I go down-stairs and dad, Craig and the twins are still in bed but want to be up before we leave for the airport so I'm sure I will hear them soon enough. I start making pancakes and eggs and bacon. I also put some coffee on and pour six glasses of orange juice and put plates and silverware on the island for everyone.

Just as I flipped the last pancake my family all walk into the kitchen behind a very clean shaven and neat looking Colson in his uniform. He looks amazing in his Army green camo and his hair cut in a high and tight.

"Wow look at my soldier. You look amazing." I said wrapping my arms around his waist looking in his eyes. I can tell he's been crying because his eyes have some redness and are slightly puffy.

"Come sit, breakfast is about done." I said and everyone sat down at the island.

"So, you don't know how long you will be gone Colson?" Dad asked after a bit of silence.

"No, I was just told to be at the airport at 0530 this morning. I wish I knew so I can put you all at ease with this sudden news. I am sorry I didn't mention I was in the service before either. Those weekends I didn't come here and went off for training, with Jake in a coma and still earning your trust and forgiveness, plus my wife and the twins, it just didn't seem as important at the time. I feel horrible for this and it doesn't help with how I must look in your eyes, all of you. I have tried to be a better person and have hoped that I was making things right and now this, I feel like I keep hurting you guys and I am truly sorry." He said with tears forming in his eyes. I quickly get off my stool and grab him and pull him into my arms and wrap my arms around his shoulders tightly with his head in my chest and dad rubs his back gently.

"It's ok, you are a wonderful man Colson and we will manage and keep Jake sane because this is going to test your faith in one another and your bond, you both will have to work hard to keep it strong, not just you, you have us in your corner and please promise to keep in contact as much as you can, alright? You are like a son to me and to Craig, you are family Colson and we love you. You hear me?" Dad asked and Colson nods and looks at dad. He smiles at Colson and takes him from my arms and hugs him tightly and kissed his temple.

"I'm going to miss you Colson, don't worry about the diner, it will give Craig something to do and the twins on weeknights and weekends when they aren't in school. You just worry about staying safe and come back home." Dad adds and Colson smiled.

The rest of breakfast was filled with heartfelt words and more tears from everyone and it was time to load my truck and drive Colson to the airport. When we got there, I didn't walk inside with him. I didn't want to see him fly away from me and also, I wanted him to myself as much as I could before he sees his guys inside.

"Colson, I hate goodbyes or see you later. These past few months have been an emotional time for us and in that time, I have fallen so far in love with you that it is endless. You are my everything and my everything is about to step out of my life for a bit and I don't know how to feel about that. I love you Colson and I am going to miss you so much. I can't imagine my life without you in it, so you better come back to me, you and I have a long life together and it just started. Watch your back and stay safe. I will always worry about you so don't try to tell me not to because I will. I can feel your emotions and I know you can feel mine and right now my heart hurts so much having to see you leave. Please come back to me." I said with tears falling on my cheeks and my voice hoarse and cracking. He doesn't say anything, to chocked up to speak so he hugs me tightly and we hold one another for a little bit before he has to go inside.

"I love you Jake, I love you so damn much. I will see you soon, I promise. I love you baby." He said one last time and we shared one last passionate loving soft kiss before he grabs his bags from the back seat and gets out of the truck and walks in without looking back.

"I would look back at you, but I don't want to lose it right now more than I already am. I love you I will be back, please don't worry to much about me, time will go by fast and I will be home before you know it. I love you." He said softly though our mind link. I smiled a small smile and told him I won't, and I love him too.

*End of flashback*

That morning when I returned home, I shut my door and cried for hours and didn't want to see anyone. For days I stayed in the house until dad came in and forced me out of my room to at least eat and see them for a bit. Gradually I have made progress and even spent my days with Craig managing the diner. He helps cook and manage the kitchen while I manage the paperwork and customers and the twins wait tables and clean the dining room when we close. So far it has worked out well and I keep Colson up to date on the diner and it does help with keeping busy during the day with not thinking to much about him but his scent is all over the diner so that helps keep me calm.

I hear back from him at least twice a week via email and we had managed to have a few skype calls and so far he has been safe and things are running smoothly over there except the sand storms that knocks out the net and phone services often which I knew would happen, he is in the desert after all. I just hope we can talk more in the future but for now, we manage. I can't wait until he is home again safely in my arms and we are whole once again.