Finally Home to Yellowstone: Yellowstone Ranch Series

23

He didn't tell me this.

He didn't say anything.

It wasn't until after my next two deployments that I was fully able to find peace. Our last mission to assassin the Taliban leader, was successful. We thought maybe the war would be over soon. Just a few more months and every one could go home. All the gunfire and fire fights around us, we picked up what we had at our site. And planned to take it back to base to start on a new mission, somewhere. I learned later on they were going to send us to Russia. Thank god we didn't, I would've hated the cold.

My buddies and I loaded the last of the medical equipment into a chopper and it took off. It was just us in our little site. At least twenty miles from anyone else. We would leave out in the morning when the chopper came back to get us and our tents.

That night after we ate and drank together, and played some poker, I sat outside my tent and stared at the mountains. The mountains.

I bet Rip was watching the mountains from his front porch. What I would give to be sent there right now. To be back go those nights we would sit and talk and drink on that porch. How peaceful it was there.

I stopped thinking. Peaceful.

It was peaceful. I stood up.

"Guys, I gotta home." I said out loud to my fellow soldiers. They looked confused at first.

"Are you done?" One of the other corporals asked.

I pressed my dry lips together, chapped from the desert sun and wind. "Yeah," I let out a deep breath,"I'm done."

*****

The small black car pulled up to the gate of the ranch and started to drive up.

"Stop here." I spoke up to the driver. He stopped and I got out. I slung my duffle over my shoulder and started walking up the long driveway.

It was a cold October, colder than the first time, and although I layered on my jeans and sweatshirts and vests, I was freezing. Once again, I was still use to Afghanistan's desert heat.

I looked around me and soaked in the Montana view. I missed it. I actually missed it this time. I missed the smell of the snow on the mountains, it smelled like rain. I missed the sound of the wheat and Johnson grass swaying and the whistle of the birds. This is my home. And I was sure this time that I'm staying. Home to stay.

I could see the cabin. It was early. He should be stepping out any minute. And he did. I walked faster. I dropped my bag onto the ground and quickly stepped up the porch steps.

A smile broke out across his face. He sat down his coffee cup as I grabbed his face and pressed my lips onto his.

His lips were warm and soft and made me feel like I was a whole new person. I leaned and deeper into him. His arms engulfed me as he kissed me back.

"Did you find your peace?" He asked between kisses.

"Yeah," I pulled away and moved my hands down to his chest. "It's here." I patted his chest.

"Good." He kissed my forehead. "Because I love you. And I don't want you to ever leave again."

I smirked,"Yes sir."

He shook his head but broke into a smile. I giggled but was soon cut off with his lips pushed against mine.

I was glad to be home. And I wanted to be home. I wanted this is be my home forever. So finally, I found my peace. And I was finally home to Yellowstone.