I am my beloved and my beloved is mine. -Holy Bible, Song of Solomon 6:3

The room was still dark. A thin filament of sunlight peeked through the windows, obscured by the thick blinds that kept the bedroom darkened, safe and secure from the prying eyes of the world. The Queen-size bed that lay in the center of the room had become nearly undone in the night, the bedsheets now a tussled mess that spoke of a night both wild and wondrous, its denizens still fast asleep beneath a heavy layer of exhaustion and covers that weighed them down and held them hostage in their dreams. Their fingers remained intertwined, a grasp unbroken since the night had begun so many hours ago, and unbroken even in their deep slumber.

The sound of breathing, gentle and slow, began to grow restless. A pattern broke and faltered as his eyes fluttered, the smallest ray of light finding his face and giving birth to the morning. He at first tried to resist, eager to continue in his wondrous slumber, but the march of time would not avail him. A soreness began to creep into his muscles as the joys of the night returned to him once more. He had awoken.

Marc pushed himself to a sitting position, every muscle and sinew voicing their discomfort with each movement. He smiled to himself as he let the pain flow through him. His body was tired, worn and weary, but within him dwelled an infinite happiness that spoke far more loudly than the pain could ever hope to reach. The night had been long awaited, and what a night it had been! He could hardly contain himself, simply letting the memories of him and his wife flow before his eyes.

A muffled voice speaking into the pillows alerted him to his wife’s awakening. Sunset slowly, gently, roused herself from her comfortable spot nestled within the sheets. Her hair was a tussled mess, wild and unkempt, and every move she made was slow and deliberate. Yet as she caught sight of her husband she gave a smile as radiant as a thousand suns, her eyes feasting upon his presence.

“Morning, sweetheart,” she said, leaning towards him and leaving a kiss upon his lips. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” Marc said, creeping back down into the sheets and resting beside her. “How about you?”

“About the same,” she replied, and the two laughed softly as the morning crept into their chamber. “Mmm… I forgot how good you felt.”

“I’m sorry I kept you for so long,” Marc said, pulling Sunset closer to him. “To wait as long as you did, I-”

Sunset silenced him with another kiss, a long, lingering thing that glistened with gossamer strings in the sunlight. “It was worth it,” she whispered happily.

The two lay there together, exhaustion creeping out and reaching for them already, calling for them to rest and slumber once more. Marc’s eyes drifted towards the ceiling as he let his weakness flow, his mind afire with a burning passion he had not felt in years.

Sunset could not bear to rip her gaze from her husband, loving and warm as a spring sunrise. He was scarred and broken, far more rangy and thin than he had once been, the great muscle and mass of his fighter days long forgotten. Yet to her, Marc was a magnificent titan, a god of ancient days untouched and perfect. He had endured fire and flame and the agony of his own tortured mind, but had returned triumphant and more than he had ever been before.

Marc’s internal reverie was interrupted as he felt a weight press upon his chest. Sunset slid across his side, leaning gently against him. Her figure was marked and blackened from burns and scars of days long past, yet he only saw the beauty and purity of her nakedness, the sweet tenderness of her exquisite spirit. He could not help but be aroused by the mere sight of her.

Sunset took notice, giving a tired laugh as she peered down. “Ready for another round, are we?” she asked.

“It’s been two years, Sunset, I’m gonna be hungry,” Marc replied.

Sunset laughed once more, her hand reaching slowly down towards his waist. “So am I, but…”

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongey and bruised,” Marc laughed, wincing as he tried to position himself. “Maybe we should cool it for a little while.”

“I’m good this evening, if you wanna go again.”

“I’ll be there,” Marc chuckled. “So what are we gonna do today, babe? Got a whole weekend to ourselves, and nothing to do.”

“You feel like going into town again today?” Sunset inquired. “The weather’s been nice all week, it’ll be a good time. We can stay as long as we want, and maybe relax along the river. I know I’d like to.”

“Sure, sounds fun,” Marc agreed, rising from the sheets and pulling a face. “Babe, we, uh… you know what we smell like.”

Sunset laughed. “I call the shower- ladies first,” she said, throwing the sheets from her naked figure and walking towards the bathroom. Her steps were slow and elegant, each movement like that of a dancer in form, a simple thing that seemed so sensuous to her adoring husband. His gaze bore into her with a primal hunger, and Sunset was not surprised when she turned about and found him staring at her eagerly. “Like what you see?” she said, laying back against the wall and flaunting herself before him.

“Yeah,” Marc said happily, obviously struggling to keep himself in check. “Uh, you- you sure you don’t wanna hold off for just a minute and we pull-”

“Tonight, Marc. Lady’s promise,” she said, pulling the door to and turning to the shower, letting the water flow and turn hot before she stepped in. As she bathed, she could hardly keep herself from laughing, the image of her husband’s barely contained excitement flashing in her mind. It was better than she had ever remembered, the hunger and desire he felt for her so apparent. It was nothing like they had once shared; their first year together had been somewhat awkward and uncertain. Full of love and excitement, yes, but nothing like this! He had become so wild and passionate, and completely under her thrall. She did not know whether it was the time they had spent separate from one another or something else entirely, but he had become something to behold.

Sunset felt the soreness in her body yet again and she smiled. “Oh, I’m glad you’re back,” she said.

The southern sun shone hot, its rays reaching down from high in the sky and bearing down upon the city below. Savannah was already sweltering as the beginnings of summer fell and made its way through the cobblestone streets. The denizens of the shoreline city crept from shadow to shade in an effort to keep themselves cool, away from the unrelenting heat of the sizzling star that shone above. Not even the breeze from the waters could sate the unremitting blaze.

Sunset and Marc had done their best to avoid the sunshine, seeking shelter in the cooler parts of town as they made their way through the beautiful city, even making a quick stop at a local ice cream parlor to find respite from the sun. However, even they had been forced to find shelter elsewhere, desperately seeking a means to keep cool.

Despite the heat and the sweat on her brow, Sunset’s glorious mood could not be defeated, she still radiant as she made her way alongside her husband. To think it had only been two months ago that they had been here, trying to shakily restore a broken marriage that had nearly disintegrated before their eyes. Yet here she was, alongside him still, and growing stronger with each passing moment. It was a prayer long held, finally finding fruition.

Marc fell into the car seat with a sigh, wiping a thick layer of sweat from his face. He felt the stare of his wife upon him and he turned to her, finding an inattentive look on her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said distantly, reaching out and tracing the muscles in his arms with her fingers.

Marc raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?” he asked. “Because you seem a bit occupied.”

“I’m fine,” Sunset said, her fingers now falling down his chest and down to his waist and began to undo his belt, her gaze so vacant it may as well have been a subconscious gesture.

“Sunset, we’re in a public place,” he reminded her.

“Are we?” she asked.

Most unwillingly, Marc took her hands and pushed them away, her look of disappointment nigh unbearable for him to witness. “Look, how about a plan?” he suggested.

“Mm?”

“We were already planning on going to a nicer restaurant, right?” Marc said. “We’ve got our change of clothes hanging in the backseat, how about we just make it a little staycation and we find a nice, quiet hotel and we relax here tonight? Get drunk and fool around?”

“Ooh, I like the sound of that,” Sunset said, her eyes still fixated on her husband’s groin. “Just make it quick, will you?”

Marc laughed, pulling the car out of their parking spot and driving off through downtown until the two of them found a place suitable, an elegant hotel nestled in the historic district.

“Hey, sweetheart? Small confession,” Sunset said.

Marc closed the door to their room, taking their clothes and hanging them in the nearby closet. “What’s up?”

“You remember this morning?” Sunset asked, her voice becoming tight.

“Yeah.”

“And how I said we’d need to wait till the evening?”

“Uh-huh,” Marc said slowly.

“Yeah, I lied,” Sunset replied quickly, upon her husband and kissing him fiercely before he could even say a word. She threw him into the wall, desperately tearing at his clothes in a frantic attempt to rid him of their presence.

“Babe,” Marc said, barely able to make a sound as her lips pressed against his.

“Get them off,” she said hurriedly, pushing away for a moment as she tossed her shorts from her legs, a wild look blazing in her eyes. “Come on, I can hardly stand it!”

Marc paused momentarily, laughing at his wife’s insatiable hunger. “Where did all this come from?” he asked, throwing his belt aside.

“I have not had sex for two years until last night, it is an ocean in my panties right now so you better take that stuff off or I am gonna lose my mind!” Sunset cried, grabbing Marc and throwing him on the bed, snatching his clothes and tossing them aside, already straddling him before he could even say a word.

The moment was sudden, beautiful, and brief, Sunset laughing joyously as Marc fell to the side of the bed, absolutely bewildered by his wife’s sudden voraciousness. He was surprised by her forcefulness, yet she could see it only intoxicated him further. It was a happiness so real, a passion so fiery, she could hardly believe it was real.

Sunset stretched out, turning herself on her side so that her beauty was displayed before him. “I forgot how good you felt,” she said.

“So did I,” Marc said, giving a breathy laugh. “You were never like this before. So… wild!”

“Does it bother you?” she asked, a tinge of concern beginning to take root in her mind.

Marc snorted. “Are you kidding? This is the best sex I’ve ever had,” he said, leaning in and leaving a trail of kisses across her breasts, each trace of his lips stealing her breath. “I didn’t realize I missed you this bad.”

Sunset laughed. “And don’t you ever forget how good I am,” she said haughtily. “What were you thinking of doing tonight? You said you had a place in mind before we left the house.”

Marc pushed himself upright, leaning back against the wall. “Yeah, I, uh, I was looking at the Pink House. Sound good to you?”

“We’ve never been, have we?” Sunset said. “I know Cadance enjoyed it when she was there once before, it should be really good.”

“Cool. What time you think- around six or seven?”

Sunset leaned over and checked the clock on her phone. “That’ll be a couple hours from now,” she said. “Plenty of time to get ready… and maybe have a little something to eat.”

Marc looked at her in confusion. “Uh, Sunset, we’re going to eat. I think I’m gonna hold off until then,” he said.

“Oh, not anything big, just something light. You know, something quick,” she said invitingly.

He was intrigued. “Yeah? And what did you have in mind?”

Sunset shifted towards him, spreading her legs and giving an inviting smile. “Well, how do I sound?” she asked.

Marc, she soon discovered, was happy to oblige.

Marc couldn’t stop laughing, the sight of his wife’s red face too much for him to keep silent.

“Oh shut up, it’s not funny,” she said angrily, her embarrassment still holding fiercely.

Her anger only made him laugh more deeply. “It’s extremely funny,” he said. “All it means is that I’m good at what I do.”

“Will you shut up?” she said, poking him in the ribs in the hopes that pain would silence him. “It’s not funny!”

Marc fell silent, though his body continued to rock with mirth. Their afternoon outing, and the commotion thereafter, had apparently been more raucous than they had realized. Soon after Sunset had finished, there had been a discreet knock at the door from the hotel staff, notifying a near-naked Marc that other hotel guests were complaining of “loud noises” coming from their room.

Sunset, standing next to her husband as they waited for their table, was immediately aware of her husband’s silent laughter. “Will you shut up?” she asked, beginning to laugh herself. “It was embarrassing, I can’t believe you think it was funny!”

“It’s only embarrassing for you,” Marc retorted. “All it proves is that I’m very good at what I do.”

Sunset shook her head, burying her face in her hands. “I will never live that down.”

“I’ll keep your moans in my dreams,” Marc teased, Sunset promptly pushing him in retaliation.

A few minutes later and they were seated at their table, an elegant, yet minuscule place nestled in the corner of the antique building, a relic of days long past. Marc watched his wife, studying her as she took in their surroundings and the warm candlelight that lay on the table before them. She was herself again, the pallor she wore for nearly a year having finally disappeared. For a moment, Marc felt shame begin to well within him. He had caused that pain, the suffering she had endured. And yet, despite it all, she had stayed. And when she needed him, he had answered the call –and in so doing- restored a love that had nearly been broken forever. She had returned, and so had he.

“What’re you thinking about?” Sunset asked, breaking Marc from his internal reverie. He gave a start and noticed he had wandered into his thoughts, now finding his wife gazing at him with a caring smile.

Marc shook his head. “It’s nothing, Sunset,” he said brusquely. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not worried,” she said. “I just want to know what you’re thinking about.”

Marc gazed at her, giving a dreamy sigh at the sight of her. Her dress was a simple thing, a lovely forest green color that fell just below her knees, a modern yet elegant outfit that fitted the atmosphere. Her eyes shone as she smiled, her face aglow with the inner light that had so entranced him even as a young man. Her hair, long kept short since the beginning of their marriage, was flowing once more like a wave of crimson. No longer was she the young, uncertain girl of their high school days. Sunset had come into her own.

“Are you going to say something, or just keep staring at me?” Sunset asked playfully, she unable to hold back a small bout of laughter. “What has gotten into you tonight?”

“You,” he said simply.

Sunset laughed again. “What about me?”

“You’ve… changed, is all. You’re better than you were before.”

“How so?”

“You look like you again,” Marc said. “Except, more like yourself than you’ve ever been. I don’t know how to explain it, but you’re you- really you. And something a little more.”

Sunset smiled, her fingers tracing the rim of her wineglass. “Because I have my husband back,” she said. “My other half is whole again.”

“Thank you,” Marc said, taking a small sip of wine. An exquisite red, crisp and delightful to the taste.

Sunset cocked her head. “For what?”

“For staying,” Marc said. “After all I did, all the times I was gone, and what I was like when I came back… I just don’t know why you didn’t leave.”

Sunset watched as a part of her husband began to wilt and wither, his countenance starting to fall as the past year began to flow before his eyes. Her heart went out to him, knowing full well the fear he had faced, watching as he had nearly become the man he had sworn to never be.

“Did you really think I was going to leave you?” she asked.

Marc pulled a face, avoiding his wife’s eyes. “I thought that… the moment I put my hands on you, it was over. That that would be it. And after all the… the yelling and the shouting, just…” he faltered, his expression untwisting and becoming a grateful smile. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

Sunset laughed, twirling her glass in her hands. “I was never going to leave,” she said firmly. “I always believed you would come back- even if I didn’t know how. I’ll be with you until the end, Marc. Till death do us part.”

Marc smiled softly, leaning forward to take her hand in his, delighting in the warmth and comfort it brought to him. “Thanks, Sunset,” he whispered. “For everything. You’re more than I could ever imagine.”

Sunset took a deep drink of her glass, her eyes aglow as she gave her husband a joyous smile. “And don’t you ever forget it.”

The moon was high in the sky by the time the two departed from the Pink House, both still eager to continue their little adventure. Under Marc’s guidance they made their way towards the riverfront, Sunset’s inexperience with alcohol leaving her tipsy and somewhat imbalanced in her heels, the cobblestone streets only adding to her troubles.

Marc laughed, feeling his wife shift on his arm as she stumbled again. “You had one glass,” he whispered into her ear.

“Oh hush, ‘Mr. Let Me Drink This Bottle of Bourbon in Ten Seconds,’” she scolded, trying to regain her footing as she held her husband’s arm for support. “You may have a tolerance already, but I don’t. I can’t say this… really my thing.”

“You’re not going to walk barefoot, are you?” he asked uncertainly, having seen his fellow soldiers do far more foolish things while drunk.

“Not on your life,” Sunset replied, her uncertain speech suddenly steeling in resolve. “Just- take it slowly, please. I’m not sure how I’m going to do.”

“Alright,” Marc said dutifully, easing their pace to better aid her. “A few dessert places are still open. Wanna find one and sit down for a bit?”

“Yes, thank you,” Sunset replied. “I think I’ll be fine without anything to eat, though.”

“Something small, got it,” Marc replied, laughing as she gave him a scolding push.

The night was a lively one, many people still walking up and down the street and enjoying the splendid evening. Couples both young and old walked with hands intertwined, friends and families sat at their tables, laughing and enjoying the company of one another. Marc grinned as he saw a small group of drunken young men walking by, their words loud, crude, and raucous as they meandered shakily by- easily identifiable as soldiers.

“Here’s good,” Sunset said, the two taking a seat outside an ice cream parlor, still packed to the brim with people even in the late hours.

“Are you OK?” Marc asked.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Sunset said with a smile, still obviously tipsy. “I’m not going to get sick, if that’s what you mean. I’m just not- well, not used to feeling my head buzz like this.”

Marc laughed, turning to enjoy the exquisite view before them, the lights of man and nature reflecting off the water. Their small excursion had become a fantastic adventure, another tale and memory to keep treasured in his heart. It was more than he deserved- and more than he had ever dreamed of ever owning.

Sunset turned to peer into the store behind them. “I don’t know whether I’m thirsty or hungry,” she said aloud.

“I knew it,” Marc said triumphantly. “I knew you’d want something the moment we sat down.”

“Not anything big, just- a glass of water, or something!” Sunset said defensively.

“Yeah. Sure. Cookies and cream or chocolate?” he asked, already getting to his feet.

Sunset gave a sigh, accepting defeat. “Cookies and cream,” she said meekly.

Sunset’s mood never faltered, even as the night bore on and the streets began to empty. The group of soldiers Marc had seen earlier passed by once more, shuffling back to where their ride home awaited them.

“Well?” Sunset asked, licking the creases of her spoon for every spare drop she could find.

“Well what?” Marc asked, turning to her, his cup long having disappeared.

“Did you have a good time tonight?”

“Of course I did,” Marc said. “Look who I have for company.”

Sunset beamed, the effects of the alcohol still not quite yet worn off. “I’m glad you’re back, Marc,” she said sweetly, her words becoming unfocused as she gave a deep yawn.

“Ready to head back?” he asked her, reaching for his phone as she nodded. “Alright, I’ll call an Uber.”

It was nearly midnight when the two found themselves in the hotel lobby, the pristine establishment quiet and darkened as they entered into the main hall. The clerk at the desk gave them a small smile and wave as the tired couple made their way upstairs, Sunset aided gently along by her husband. As discreetly as they could manage, they entered their room and shut the door, Marc immediately unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it aside.

“I’m beat,” he groaned, leaning back on the bed and giving a huff. “It’s been… a busy day.” Sunset’s gaze was fixated upon him, she leaning back against the wall with a coquettish smile on her lips. “What are you smiling about?”

Her smile only widened, her eyes gleaming with a playful light. “Do you trust me?” she asked.

Marc pushed himself up onto his elbows. “What does that mean?” he replied.

“Do you trust me?” Sunset said again.

Uncertain but curious as to her meaning, Marc decided to play along. “Yes, I do.”

“Close your eyes,” Sunset commanded, Marc giving a sigh before obliging. “Now stay where you are.”

Marc’s lack of vision deprived him, his senses beginning to work in overdrive. A rustle somewhere to his right and he turned-

“Keep your eyes closed,” Sunset said, her voice suddenly close to his face.

“Sunset, what are you doing?”

“Trust me,” she said playfully, leaving a teasing kiss upon his lips. The rustling began again, and the sound of fabric being brought forth met his ears.

“Don’t move,” she said gently, and Marc felt a cloth wrap around his head, covering his eyes and leaving him blind. “Do you still trust me?”

“Always,” he whispered.

Pressure against his lips. A small kiss, loving and soft. He felt the heat of her breath on his face, the softness of her hair brushing against his cheeks. A sound and he knew her hands were upon his clothes, the sound of a belt being unbuckled reaching his ears.

“Every day since the day you first left, I waited for you,” Sunset said, her voice right before him. “The day you left to go to war, a part of me has always been with you. A ceaseless, unquenchable thirst. You had been torn away from me.”

His shoes were the first to go, gently slipping off his feet and soon followed by his socks. “You created a hole in my heart, you know,” Sunset said. “You had come to mean so much to me, seeing you leave was unbearable. I worked. I studied. I did everything I could to fill the void you had left behind, because the very thought of you was more wonderful and more terrible than I could bear.”

Marc felt his pants begin to slide downward, he lifting himself somewhat to aid her. “And then you came back, changed and older than before, but you came back whole, and more perfect than I had even remembered you. I could hardly bear to be away from you, for the mere sight of you made me feel more alive than I had ever felt. You were home. You became my husband. We were happy, even if it was only for a little while. You were mine.”

Marc felt the bareness of his skin against the sheets beneath him, and a gentle pressure of her hands upon his body pushing him further back into the bed. “But then you left me again. Off to try to finish a war that was not your own. You were heroic, brave and perfect. The void you left behind grew, and every day was an agony. I waited patiently- until my patience fell away, and all I could do was dream of you, night and day the memory of you burned like fire in my head.”

Her hands pushed upon him once more, holding him upright as she lay atop him, just at the edge- enough to tease him and cause his breath to quicken. “You took your time in returning. You hobbled and stumbled your way back home. It hurt to see you, to know that the void in my heart would not be easily filled again. I hungered for you, but you weren’t ready. You hadn’t yet come home. So I brought home to you. I met you and took your hand in mine, walking with you and waited. I believed in you, because I knew that if there was any man in the world who could stand at the edge and fight his way back, it would be you. My beautiful, wonderful, magnificent husband.”

Marc felt her raise and then lower, sliding gently atop him and stealing his breath. Though his eyes were darkened, his senses had suddenly come alive, a pulsating joy erupting through him and it had only just begun. In all his years, never had he felt anything like this.

“I could never love you enough,” he whispered, his hands reaching out for her and wrapping themselves around her waist.

“Then don’t leave me,” she said, her breath beginning to quicken. “Not again. I need you. My body needs you, my heart needs you.”

As his breath was stolen from his lungs, he wondered if anything in the world would ever be strong enough to tear him away.

The weekend came and went, and far too quickly they found themselves facing the inevitable morning of a new Monday- PT formations, long work hours in the Georgia heat, foolhardy decisions of young soldiers, and the strict and joyless life of the Army. It was a lifestyle Marc was ready to depart from, but one he awoke to face nonetheless. As his alarm went off on his phone, Marc gave the device a hardy slap, his fingers fumbling for the snooze button as he gave a groan. The weekend had left him sorer, and more properly exercised, than he had felt in many months.

“Mmm…” Sunset, awoken by her husband’s movements, leaned over to watch him leave the comfort of the sheets. “What time is it?”

“Quarter past five,” Marc replied, grabbing his uniform from the dresser and beginning to dress himself. “Go back to bed, I’ll see you tonight.”

“You sure?” Her voice was muffled, still drowsy with sleep. Marc smiled, wondering if she would even remember waking up in a few hours.

“Yeah. I’m good, babe. I’ve got everything I need today.”

Sunset flopped back down onto her pillow, the excitement of the weekend keeping her worn down. “Love you,” she whispered dimly.

“Love you too, Sunset,” Marc said, grabbing his tennis shoes and heading for the door.

Marc’s day went by before him quickly. Monday was often dismal, the foolishness of soldiers over the weekend often coming to cause trouble for those who had been left unaware. Yet for Marc, little seemed to faze him. Yes, his enthusiasm for the military life had waned, but he felt a shield covering his soul as his day flew by. PT came and went, then morning formation followed by vehicle maintenance. Whatever shield that safeguarded his spirit could not be broken, leaving Marc glowing like reflections of the noonday sun.

Lunch call came, and Marc watched as the Troop Bay began to empty, the multitude of single soldiers departing for the chow hall or the nearby food court. Marc, and a handful of other married individuals, remained behind, waiting for deliveries or simply bringing forth meals from home.

The young NCO turned about and saw Bright taking a seat, moving gently as though in pain. “What are you still doing here?” he asked.

Bright initially said nothing, easing down into his seat and giving a long, weary sigh of unhappiness. “Fuck my life,” Bright muttered.

It was more than enough for Marc to guess what was wrong. “Still hungover?” he said cheerfully. Bright gave his Section Leader a glare but said nothing, wise enough to fear reprisal, and causing Marc to laugh. “Not gonna eat anything?”

“If I eat anything I’m gonna throw up.”

“Fair enough. Mind if I eat?”

“Chow down, Sergeant,” Bright said dully.

Marc sat down beside the wretched Cavalryman, easing into his seat as the aching joys of the weekend still settled on his body. “Man alive,” he muttered.

Bright opened his eyes and eyed his leader suspiciously. “What are you so sore for?” he asked. In an instant his eyes went wide as his mind conjured forth the answer. “Holy shit.”

“Shut up,” Marc dismissed.

Bright began to laugh, promptly regretting his decision to do so. “Oh, fuck me… Just- damn, son, the sex was that good?”

“How do pushups sound right now, Bright?” Marc said casually.

Bright’s already pallid face turned green and he stifled a small wretch. “I’m good, Sergeant.”

“Thought so.” Marc returned to his ham sandwich and continued to eat in peace, his mind drifting to thoughts of his wife, the multitude of new experiences and sights blending together into a tapestry of resplendent joy that Marc held precious to his soul. It had taken them so long to reach this point, to come back to where they had once been- no, even better than the life they had shared before. It was deeper, sweeter, more fulfilling than it had ever been before. If only we had time to make it last, Marc thought to himself.

Then the wheels began to turn in his brain, and a thought entered his mind: Why not ask for some time? Pondering the thought, Marc turned to his phone, opening it and going to his messages.

When was the last time we took any time off? He asked of his wife. Marc set his phone down, leaving it on. If he knew her schedule like he thought he did, she would reply in only a few minutes.

His guess was spot-on. A pop-up appeared on the screen, with the words: Not in a couple years, why? What are you thinking?

I think we need a vacation. We have plenty for it now that I’m not paying for the Mustang. I know I should be getting into the ‘Use-or-Lose’ levels of leave, too.

I’d have to ask work. And it’d have to be a few weeks down the road. But I like the idea! Where are you thinking of?

Let me put in the paperwork for it, and I’ll see if I’m clear, Marc responded. But how does Cali sound?

Not LA, Sunset said promptly, and Marc chuckled. Her second roommate at Stanford had been from Los Angeles and had caused Sunset no small amount of irritation. Yes, Rarity lived there and stayed in good contact with the both of them, but this was to be a personal trip, some true time for them to be together. Nah, too crowded. I have a better idea, Marc replied.

“San Diego?” Sunset asked, taking a seat as she passed a plate of chicken and broccoli to her husband. “It could be fun, actually.”

“That’s my thought,” Marc said, taking a stab at the breast before him and taking a good bite. “Got stuff to do, nice beaches. Good seafood,” he added, knowing her great love for fresh seafood. “We’d have a good time.”

Sunset considered the thought for a moment before giving an approving nod. “Yeah. Yeah, it’ll be fun. I say let’s go.”

“Cool. I’ve already got my pass paperwork put in, I don’t know what you need to do to get time off at the therapy center-”

“Neither do I, honestly,” Sunset said. “I don’t think I’ve asked for vacation time since I’ve been there. Have we really been working that much?”

Marc pulled a face. “I’d say, considering the circumstances of the past couple years? Yes.” He took another bite of chicken, letting the juice of the meat flow in his mouth. “Something else about San Diego, too. It’s got a Navy base there, too. So if we end up needing or anything, or –God forbid- something happens, we’ve got somewhere we can go for safety.”

“No trying to work on vacation, alright?” Sunset said firmly, pointing her fork at him. “I want some time alone with you- not you and whatever work they ask you to do.”

Marc snorted. “Like I’d ever try to bring work with me. I don’t even really wanna work now.”

Sunset became confused. “And what’s that mean?”

Marc sighed, finishing off his chicken breast. “Sunset, I’m fed up with this. My contract has barely a year left, I don’t want to do this for the rest of my life. I think… I think this contract will be it. No extension, no new contract, nothing. I’m ready to be done.”

There he had said it. The words long dormant within his mind had finally come forth, his frustrations and weariness no longer willing to remain dormant. Marc’s days as an NCO had been enough to convince him that this was not what he wanted for his future, nor for his wife’s.

Sunset smiled. “I was hoping that was what you’d choose,” she said. “So what’ll we do?”

Marc shrugged, unsure of an answer. “I’ll figure out something. I don’t have any college, but I can do blue-collar work- and I know I’ll get disability pay for the leg, so that’s something to help us a little way. I’ll have Veteran status too, so that’ll help. And you’re smart- I’ll throw my school benefits your way so you can finish your Master’s degree and that should be more than enough for you to get a good job, right?”

“A Doctorate would honestly be best in my field, but a Master’s should be good enough to get something stable,” Sunset said, nodding slightly. “Would we want to stay here in Savannah?”

“I say no,” Marc said with a shake of his head. “Not back home, either. Someplace new, where we can start over again. Maybe San Diego, I dunno!” he added, leaving Sunset giggling. “Charleston, maybe. New York, someplace nice. Where we both can succeed and have a good life. Sound good?”

“Sounds good,” Sunset said cheerfully. “And Marc?”

“Mm?”

“Thank you.”

Marc smiled, devouring the last of his meal. “No problem, Sunset,” he said.

“Done.” A folder slapped the table before his face and Marc gave a jump. Big Mac walked by and flopped down at his computer, sinking into his seat. “CO signed it yesterday. Just remind me you’re leaving the day before you go.”

“Too easy,” Marc said excitedly, grabbing the folder and tearing out his leave form, looking at Captain Armor’s signature as though it were the handwriting of God. “Sign out at Staff Duty or the barracks?”

“Staff Duty,” Mac replied.

“And with that, the countdown begins,” Marc said triumphantly, heading to his car to deposit the paperwork, but not before grabbing his phone and sending one simple message:

California here we come.

The weeks did not pass quickly enough for his tastes. Each day began to feel like it dragged, the countdown towards their departure slow and ponderous. The more he anticipated the forthcoming adventure, the more it seemed to elude him. Each day felt as though a lifetime until finally, after the inevitable eon of waiting, Sergeant Reyes came to the desk at midnight and signed out on leave, joyously able to depart on his next adventure. Ten days of leave was all he could manage, but it was more time to rest, relax, and recuperate than he had been given in years. The long, slow wait was over. The holiday was to begin.

The morning was cooler than it had been in several days, Marc and Sunset taking a quiet Uber to the airport in the early morning as the sun began to rise. Marc couldn’t stop himself from laughing, imagining his friends and peers awakening for their morning PT. The atypical hatred for the dawn, the desire to be anywhere but work would be prevalent among them. Well, look where he was now!

“We got Pre-Check, so we should get in and out quick,” Marc said, leaving the airline’s desk and returning to his wife with tickets. “We’ve got almost an hour to go until they board, so I say we grab a quick nap.”

“Sounds good,” Sunset said listlessly, not even bothering to look at her husband.

Marc regarded his wife with confusion. “Something wrong?”

“I feel terrible,” she replied, her eyes still closed. “Let’s go. I want to sit down.”

Marc kept a dutiful eye on his wife as they continued on their journey. From going through security to boarding the plane his eyes remained open, continuously watching her for the most minute sign of something wrong. Sunset did little but rest and breathe, hardly able to look anywhere but the ground. Even as they boarded, Sunset immediately took a seat and took a bowed position, not bothering to say a word to her husband.

“That bad?” Marc said caringly, placing his hand on her shoulder.

“Hands off,” Sunset said, and Marc quickly relinquished his grip. “Just tell me when we get there.”

Marc grinned. Well, it was not the most ideal beginning to their journey, but the journey was to begin nonetheless. In a few minutes they were on the tarmac and then soon airborne, the jet racing high into the sky as they began the cross-country trek towards the west coast. As Marc continued to wake, and the reality truly set in, excitement filled his veins and left him abuzz. They were actually on vacation! So many things to do, and places to go! They had a magnificent city awaiting them, chock-full of activities and little adventures of their own. It would be more than enough to keep them occupied- and give them many ways to enjoy their time together. It would be a most magnificent adventure.

A sound rang through the plane’s intercom, and a voice crackled over the speakers. “Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking,” it said. “Just letting you know we’ll be keeping the seatbelt light on for a little while longer, we have some mild turbulence ahead that could last a little while. We’ll do our best to keep it comfortable for you.”

“Oh, God help me,” Sunset groaned, having hardly moved from her defeated position. “Please, just let it be over.”

Marc snickered, earning one well-shielded, yet vicious, glare from her eyes.

Soon enough the turbulence made its mark, sending the plane bouncing about in the skies. Sunset clutched her head frantically, beginning to sweat profusely and grabbing at the seat before her. “Please don’t, please don’t,” was all she could manage to say over and over again. Finally, unable to take it any longer, she retched, grabbing a bag from the seat back before her and beginning to be sick.

Marc laughed as the sound attracted attention from the rest of the plane, watching as Sunset’s face became more red than the deep crimson of her hair. As she shakily took the bag away from her mouth, Marc leaned over and whispered, “Having a good flight, are we?”

Sunset’s glare was venomous, and sharper then a fleet of daggers. “Say something else and I’ll stick my tongue in your mouth,” she replied dangerously.

Marc was immediately repulsed. “You wouldn’t,” he said.

“I will if you don’t shut up,” Sunset said, leaning back in her seat and giving a groan of misery. “Oh, just let this miserable flight be over please.”

The plane shook again and Sunset fell forward, grabbing another bag. It was to be a long flight.

The sky was a glorious mixture of pink, grey and orange as the two opened the door to their hotel room, their home on Coronado Island for the next week and a half. It was a plainly decorated, modern-style room with little more than a bed, a TV, and the usual comforts of basic furniture. But it was a welcome sight to the two of them, having endured a long trip from the other side of the country.

Sunset was still shaky, but the worst of the sickness had left her the moment they had departed the plane. Marc, visibly worried about his wife, encouraged her to head for the bed and close her eyes for a time, advising her that some rest would do her worn body good.

“I’m fine. Really, I feel much better,” Sunset pressed, pushing against Marc’s guiding hand.

“You were throwing up almost constantly for almost two hours,” Marc said sympathetically. “Lie down, get some rest, I’ll get you something to drink that won’t keep you sick. There’s gotta be a gas station around this hotel someplace.”

Sunset’s steely gaze met Marc’s ironclad eyes, battling out for dominance. Finally relenting, Sunset gave a defeated sigh and laid back against a cushy set of pillows. “Sorry this is how we kick it off,” she said miserably.

“It’s not your fault, pretty girl,” Marc said gently, squeezing his wife’s hand. “I’ll be back before too long, OK?”

“No goodbye kiss?” Sunset said playfully, and Marc visibly shuddered at the thought. “Just thought I’d ask.”

“Babe, just- eww.” Marc shook himself to rid his mind of the thought. “Be back as soon as I can. We’ll try again for some fun tomorrow.”

The sun was shining through the blinds, a sensation to which Marc was most unused to. Squinting as the light seemed to perfectly find his eyes, he stumbled over to the window and desperately tried to find a means of adding cover. “Stupid sun,” he grumbled.

Sunset awoke at her husband’s ill-tempered voice, shifting in her place on the bed to look. “Oh gosh,” she said, barely able to open her eyes as illness and sunlight struck her in full force. “Please just let me die.”

Marc turned about, surprised to find her awake already. “Feeling any better?” he asked.

Sunset shook her head. “Not yet,” she said woefully.

Marc sat down beside her, his heart hurting for his beloved. They had planned this trip for weeks, a romantic getaway for the ages in a faraway city to celebrate a restored marriage. Instead here they were, with Sunset too ill to even get up.

“You, uh, want me to go grab you some meds or something?” Marc asked, unsure of what to do next. His medical skills went as far as keeping a person alive so the more experienced could work their magic. Healing was a lost art to him.

“Just let me get back to sleep,” Sunset said. “It’s not as bad as yesterday. Just a late start, I think.”

Marc sat down at the desk, looking disappointed. He had planned a special breakfast for the two of them at a nearby café and had kept the visit a surprise. In secret, Marc had actually made several reservations for their trip in an effort to surprise his wife. Unfortunately, it seemed like their first might not even happen. “Do you just want to skip breakfast entirely?” he asked dully.

“I’ll be fine in a little while,” Sunset said. “I may just need a bit.”

Marc nodded, putting on his shoes and heading for the door. “I’ve got my phone in case you need anything,” he said, heading outside into the cool morning air.

The coast was unlike anything Marc had yet experienced. At first used to the heat of his hometown, and then the brutal southern heat of Fort Stewart and Savannah. But on the west coast, the magnificence of the morning was more than he had ever dreamed. The weather was pristine, cool and pleasant to the touch. The sun was already glowing in the sky, and hardly a cloud in sight. It was going to be a magnificent day to spend outside- if only Sunset would actually feel well enough to be out in it!

Marc’s steps took him as far as he could will himself to go, eventually relenting and turning back to the hotel, opening the door and hearing the sound of the TV on and finding Sunset in an upright position, looking far more at ease than he had anticipated. “Better?” he asked.

“Yeah, actually. It just went away all of a sudden,” Sunset said cheerfully, setting down the remote. “How was your walk?”

“Good. This place is gorgeous,” Marc said, tossing his shoes into the corner. “I’d kill for this kind of weather all the time. Way more comfortable than Savannah.”

Sunset laughed. “Why else do you think so many people live here?”

“I can believe it. Gonna take a shower, be out in a bit.”

Though it had been a pleasant morning, Marc felt the grit and grime of sweat and dirt from their flight the day prior beginning to wash away, a pleasant comfort enveloping him as the warmth of the water cascaded down his body. All the stress of the past year, all the tension of his work and duties that kept him pensive began to fade as the reality of his present circumstances set in: he was really on leave, he was on vacation. He could relax and spend real time with his wife. It was wonderful to behold, it was-

The door to the shower opened and Marc gave a start as a head of crimson hair entered through the steam. “Sunset!” Marc could hardly believe it.

“Morning,” she said pleasantly, closing the door behind her. “What? I needed to get clean too.”

“I get that, I just didn’t expect- well, this,” Marc replied.

“Oh?” Sunset’s voice turned sultry. “Am I making you… uncomfortable?”

It was not the word he would have chosen. Whether by instinct or desire, Marc’s gaze was fixated upon her, watching as the water ran down her skin and caused it to shine in the light, every inch of her now sopping wet and steaming.

“Ooh, I feel so much better,” she said happily, running the water through her hair as her poor husband could do nothing but watch helplessly. “Feels so good to get clean. Doesn’t it, babe?”

“Yeah,” Marc rasped. He had seen the view more times than he could count, but could hardly bear to turn himself away.

“Excuse me.” Sunset leaned in close, nearly atop her husband as she reached past his shoulder for the soap, bringing a cascade of suds down her body. “Need any help? You look a little dirty.”

“Sure.” It was all Marc could manage; anymore and he would have likely lost his voice.

“I’ll help you in a bit. Just let me get done first, OK?” Sunset took her time with each movement, rubbing herself down in a glorious display that left her soaked husband absolutely raging- something she did not miss. “Something wrong?”

Marc took a breath, wondering how long he would be able to hold it together.

Sunset smiled, leaning down to clean her legs slowly, letting the soap and water flow down her exquisite legs-

And in that moment, Marc decided he simply couldn’t take it anymore. Sunset gave a shriek, and then hardly a word was said for a while.

Sometime later, the flow of water fell silent and the young couple exited, making their way back to the bed. Not a word passed between them as they put on their clothes for the day, silent as the TV was turned on and they took a seat, Sunset settling down rather gently.

Sunset looked over at her husband, who bore a grin wide enough to stretch from one side of his face to another. “Been waiting to try that?” she asked drily.

“Sort of,” he said. If the words were supposed to shame him, they had failed spectacularly.

“I wish you’d warned me.”

“You were trying to start something,” Marc protested.

“I wasn’t expecting for you to put your- nevermind.” Sunset shook her head, unable to think of further argument.

Silence reigned between them. Marc twitched. Sunset ran her fingers through her hair.

“Did you have a place in mind?” Sunset asked, determined to bring an end to the uncomfortable silence.

“Yes,” Marc answered.

“Then we should probably get going, shouldn’t we?”

“Yes.”

Sunset sighed, rising to her feet, standing before her husband and shaking her head wearily, a smile on her face. “Warn me next time, OK?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“… I’ll be up for it next time.”

“YES!”

The rest of the day passed by in a haze of memories and sunlight. Whether it was the food, the scenery, the people they met or the things they did, Marc and Sunset found the day more wonderful than they could ever have hoped for. Even if the trip had only been for a day it would have been enough to satisfy them, the beautiful coastal city welcoming the tired, happy couple into its arms. It was a day that they were not likely to forget, and a memory to recall when they were old and grey.

They saw the ocean, watching as the magnificent seas lapped against the sands and their toes as they walked along the shoreline. Taking their time along the pier was another adventure, perusing a small sea shack and having a small lunch above the waves, watching as both young old, veteran and newcomer took their rods to the seas below in the hopes of a bite. As the sun continued to rise they spent their time along the seaboard and eventually into the waves, the water cool and inviting as they waded. Though Marc was not much of a swimmer, Sunset took to the water joyously, relishing the feel of the salt against her skin. Her husband, quickly tiring, fell back to watch as she made her way through the surf, every move she made the pinnacle of elegance in his eyes. After they had dried, they returned to the hotel and cleaned up, Marc having made a dinner reservation on the mainland. They dined, they laughed and talked merrily, even as the sun fell and the moon began to rise on the eastern horizon. Eventually they grew tired and relented, unable to continue their adventure further.

As the two relaxed and watched the local baseball game on the TV, Sunset’s head began to bob back and forth, her eyes becoming more and more glazed with each passing moment. Finally, after her head struck her chest, she gave a cry of defeat and grabbed the covers. “That’s it, I’m done,” she said. “I’m going to bed, so turn it down if you’re gonna stay up.”

“Alright.” Marc muted the game, continuing to watch as a Padres player hit a blistering homerun over right field. Marc’s gaze flickered over to his exhausted wife, watching her steady breathing flow through her body, the rhythm comforting to his sight, a relaxing, peaceful thing to witness-

He yawned. “Screw this,” he muttered, turning off the TV and settling in himself.

The morning was serene, Marc waking up slowly as the sun’s light began to filter through the blinds on the window. He sighed, allowing the peace of the quiet dawn fill his very lungs, simply taking each breath as the simplest blessing. Eventually growing restless, he got to his feet and peered through out into the glorious morning, the sunlight dimmed by the morning fog. To some it was commonplace. To Marc, merely being alive to see it was a gift.

A groan from behind him. Marc turned to see Sunset getting out from beneath the covers, heading towards the bathroom in a stupor. “You alright?” he asked.

“Mmf,” was all the reply he received as she shut the door behind her, turning on the fan and essentially cutting off the rest of the world.

Marc slipped back into the covers and rested, closing his eyes and letting the time pass comfortably, a part of his mind wide awake and keeping tabs on the sound filtering through the door, wondering if he should be concerned or whether or not he should take her to a doctor. The Naval base was nearby- it wouldn’t be hard to get some sort of care.

Eventually the door opened and Sunset slipped into the sheets beside her husband and put her arms around him, her breathing heavy but gentle and slow.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Kinda,” she whispered. “I’m tired.”

“Then we’ll rest a bit,” Marc said, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. “The morning can wait.”

The morning grew brighter and began to fade, the morning sun becoming the high noonday light as it crept closer and closer to the afternoon. Marc and Sunset, quite comfortable where they were, felt no great desire to depart from their place of comfort, though the sun continued to beckon and plead at their eyes until they could take it no longer and decided they would have to truly awaken.

“So what it going on with you?” Marc asked, putting his arms through his shirt and beginning to button it. “That’s the third day in a row you’ve been sick or felt sick. Do I need to get you to a doctor or something?”

Sunset sighed, unsure of an answer. “I don’t know,” she said frustratingly. “I feel terrible in the morning but it fades and then I feel fine the rest of the day. I don’t get it, I’ve been fine all day except mornings and it’s just nausea or throwing up, nothing else. I just-”

Sunset gave a gasp so great that Marc nearly jumped out of his skin. “What was that for?” he demanded angrily. “You gave me a heart attack, I thought someone was forcing their way through the door or something!”

“Quiet for a moment!” Sunset began counting on her fingers, mouthing words to herself that Marc could not make out. Sunset gave another gasp, sharp and quick as she brought her hands to her mouth. “Ohmygosh.”

“What?”

Sunset rose to her feet, albeit shakily. “Ohmygosh,” she said again, her voice faint. “I can’t- ohmygosh. I didn’t realize, we were both so occupied with other stuff- oh my gosh.” Her hands fell from her face, which had become stark white as clouds in the sky. “I need to borrow the car for a bit today,” she said. “I shouldn’t be gone too long. Is that alright?”

Marc was left thoroughly confused, at a loss at his wife’s suddenly erratic behavior. “What on earth are you going on about? You’re not making any sense to me.”

“Please, I just need to go somewhere- real quick! I shouldn’t have to be very long, I just need to go somewhere and check something, please!” Sunset pleaded, absolutely incensed by whatever idea had come to consume her.

“I mean, I guess- OK, bye,” Marc said, watching as Sunset grabbed the keys and sped out the door in a hurry. Opening the door behind her, he called, “And what am I supposed to do all day, huh? Just sit and wait for you?”

Marc found himself floundering as the absence of his beloved wife fell heavily upon his soul. So eager was he for her presence that every activity he partook in felt dulled and joyless, no matter what he did to excite himself. Everyplace he went felt devoid of life, every person was soulless and empty. It was as though Sunset’s absence gnawed at his very heart until he could feel neither joy nor the warmth of the sun.

Marc traveled listlessly across the island, walking along the seaboard and watching the waves, even finding a surf shack with ice cream that kept him comfortable and cool in the afternoon sun. It was truly a glorious place to be, though he hardly felt it. Soon finding a small brewery nearby, Marc busied himself with the drinking of ales and the company that passed in and out, as well as the business and affairs of the bartender, letting their words and stories take him away from his anxieties and loneliness. Even when he finally left he felt no joy nor happiness, craving the presence and warmth of his wife. Unable to take it any longer, Marc walked out onto the pier, hoping to cast his sadness and cares into the waves below. As he peered down into the waters, watching a man nearby struggle with his fishing rod as others called cheers and encouragement, Marc felt his pocket vibrate and a familiar jingle reached his ears.

He picked up immediately, eager to hear her voice. “Hey! How’s everything?” he asked.

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, the sound of wind and waves meeting his ears. Finally, as though from a distance, he heard Sunset saying, “Where are you?”

“I’m out on the pier,” he answered. “Are you alright? What did they say?”

“I need you to come back to the room, OK?” Sunset said. “I- I just- I don’t really know how to say it.”

“What’s wrong? What happened?” Marc demanded, his voice rising and catching the attention of those around him.

“Just come back, alright? I’ll explain when you get here,” Sunset said flatly, unwilling to speak further.

Marc gave a sigh, exasperated at her tight lips. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he said. “I might be a bit, I’ve gotta walk my way back.”

Marc tried to keep a steady pace. He walked for a time, trying to keep his emotions in check. If she was truly sick, she would have told me, he counseled himself. If something was really wrong, she would have let me know right off the bat. She’s fine. All his thoughts and wise counsel did nothing to avail him, and Marc soon found himself racing down the seaboard to his hotel, nearly crashing through the door and finding a pensive Sunset awaiting him.

“What’s happened? Is it cancer? A blood disease? Something else, just tell me!” Marc pleaded, grabbing hold of her so tightly that Sunset flinched.

“Marc- Marc, listen to me!” she said, relinquishing herself from his grip and distancing herself. “Maybe… Maybe you should take a seat, OK?”

Marc made his way over to the bed and took a seat, appearing nowhere close to being placated. “What’s wrong? Are you gonna be OK?”

“I’m going to be fine, I’m just-” Sunset hesitated, appearing at a total loss for words. “Marc, I really don’t know what to say…”

“Oh God help me, you’re going to die,” Marc said, rising back to his feet. “What happened to you, who did this-”

“Marc- really, sit down. I’m going to be alright. I’m going to live for a very long time, I just…” Sunset’s words failed her once again and she began to pace back and forth before her husband. “Marc, are you willing to listen to me for a bit?”

“What’s wrong?” Marc demanded again.

“Nothing’s wrong. So, umm- you remember a few weeks back, when we were in Savannah for a weekend, we had a little mini-vacation?” Sunset asked.

“I do. Best sex I ever had.”

Sunset laughed, her voice still high-pitched and anxious. “Yeah, it was for me, too, honestly… but, umm, something was supposed to happen that week that didn’t, and I really didn’t think about it until just recently.”

“What was supposed to happen?”

Sunset bit her lip. “Marc, I missed my period. I didn’t even notice, I was so occupied with you finally being better, but I missed my period. It was supposed to be that Monday, if I was right.”

Marc, who had been prepared for the news of fatal diseases and incurable cancers, was taken absolutely by surprise. “What?” he breathed.

“I went onto the Naval base and got a test done. Twice, actually,” Sunset said, rattling around in her purse and pulling forth a small pregnancy test from her purse. I did one on my own just to be sure. Both mine and the doctor's were positive.”

Marc was shaking his head by instinct, fully at a loss for word. “That’s not possible,” he said flatly. “You told me yourself. You couldn’t get pregnant, there was too much internal scarring from when your powers overloaded. Your body isn’t able to get pregnant.”

“They said it was unlikely that I would get pregnant,” Sunset said. “Almost impossible. But… Marc, I’m pregnant. We’re gonna have a baby.”

Marc’s jaw remained opened, completely slack with shock as his wife’s words fully sank in. pregnant. A child, a real child, his child, was going to come forth into the world. A living, breathing, screaming and crying human child was going to be born into the world, and it would be one to call his own. After the years of trying and hoping and simply no longer believing, the unexpected, the utterly unlikely, the completely impossible had actually happened.

Marc felt his weight shift and turned to see Sunset sitting next to him, the smallest hint of a smile upon her face. “Are you OK?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he said breathlessly. “Just- you’re going to have a baby. Holy crap…”

“I am. I really am,” Sunset said, her smile growing until it became infectious, a glorious glowing thing that shone more brightly than the morning sun. “We’re going to have a baby, Marc. It’s actually going to happen.”

The two sat together until Marc could stand it no longer, he sweeping his wife off her feet and twirling her about as Sunset could hardly contain her laughter of sheer delight, the two laughing and crying as their long-awaited dream had finally come to pass.

We’re going to have a baby.

Author's Notes:

If there was ever a 'win' that needed to happen, I think this was it. I'm glad that this is the longest chapter the story has had yet. They deserve it.

First off, happy New Year, everybody! Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been busy trying to get ready to leave the Army (I've got three days left, so I'm damn close) and preparations for life afterwards, so my apologies for the lack of content. I honestly haven't had much time for it. I should have updates for this story, along with Love Letters of the Princess of the Sun coming along regularly for the rest of 2019, as well as an announcement sometime this year. Likely when this story comes to a close.

On another note, I don't think I've written so much sex before.

Comments and corrections below, as always. Enjoy, everybody!