Coming Home

Prologue

Thirteen years ago.

"Bubba! Nicky! Where are you going? When are you coming home!" Ten year old Atlas Jennings, followed her oldest brother and his best friend to the truck where their recruiter was waiting for them to finish saying their good byes.

Jace Hastings was leaving Magnolia Lakes, Texas. His best friend, Nick, and him were heading off to Afghanistan, both of them had been home for a a month or so when they got the call. He wasn't sure when he'd see little Atlas again.. she's the brightest, smartest, and happiest ten year old he'd ever met and he'd known her since the day she was born.

"We promise We'll see you again Atty, I swear to you. Just promise me you'll never let anything take away your smile. And take care of Ol' Blue for me okay?"  Ol' blue was Jace's  1968 ford Bronco he fixed from scratch. He was leaving it in her possession because her favorite past time was riding passenger.

Jace bent down to Atlas' level and pulled the little blonde girl into his arms, holding her close. He could feel her tears soaking through his shirt and it killed him inside.

He was eighteen years old and about to finally start his life after high school. He was ready but he wasn't ready to leave the only people he'd ever considered his family.

Deep down he know he'd make it back

home to Willow family ranch.

Back to Magnolia Lakes.

He just didn't know when.

Kissing Atlas' forehead, he took off his dog tags and placed them around Atlas'  neck.

"Never take those off sunshine. You hear me?" The little girl nodded her head fast and gave her bubba one last big squeeze, huge tears welling up in her big  ocean eyes again.

"Come home safe bubba. I love you til the moon stops shinin'." She said with one big kiss on his cheek.

He hopped in the truck with their recruiter as they left the only place Jace and Nick had ever known.