Just a Soldier

Chapter 76 - Treasure Hunt

Y/n's POV:

The last week and a bit has been a bit stressful. The only light has been collecting the ring from the jeweller. It's perfect and I'm worried that I won't be able to hide it well enough from her. I end up deciding on leaving it in my new boots I was issued for my deployment. She shouldn't ever be in there!

The last week has consisted of me telling everyone about my upcoming deployment. Ava took it the hardest, which I'm not surprised about. She is so worried that I'm going to get hurt. There were a lot of tears and reassurance from both Scarlett and I. Like with Scarlett, the excitement of staying with her in Atlanta seemed to help cheer her up a little bit. But it still didn't take away from the fact that she'd be away from both of us for a period of time. Since I told Ava, she's been very clingy, and it's become very hard to say no to her. I just don't want to make her even more upset.

Mum and dad have also found it hard to take that I will be deployed. Though, they were both extremely supportive and mum instantly offered to work with Sophie to come up with a routine that works for Ava whilst Scarlett is in Atlanta. Dad was quite quiet after I told him. I knew this was going to be hard on him. When I got shot, it took a toll on him, and I know he's worried that something like that might happen again.

That's the worst thing about all of this. I can't even promise that I will come back completely fine. I can do my job to the absolute best of my ability, but if I'm unlucky, I can get hurt or worse. So, all I can do is assure them that I'm with the best people and I'm very good at my job. That seems to help dad a little. It also helps that I agree to him throwing me a going away party. He really is Tony Stark sometimes!

I told Sophie and Lizzie at the same time when they came over for dinner. It mainly consisted of a lot of threats to make sure that I come back home, or they would both come and hunt me down. Lizzie said she would help Scarlett with Ava whilst they're in Atlanta. I think that Ava is going to end up having a great time there. Everyone is going to dote on her and I'm sure she'll be spoilt whilst surrounded by her favourite people.

By the end of this week, I was looking forward to having a weekend to rest and spend it with my girls. But fate had other ideas. Scarlett has had to unexpectedly go into work today and Ava is busy having an auntie Sophie day. So my wish to have quality time is out of the window. I am also very bored with no plans and no real desire to do much. Maybe I'll go to the gym and tehn head down to the beach for a swim. Whilst I'm eating a late breakfast, I get a text from Scarlett.

Black Widow🕷:
Hey babe. Hope you're enjoying your day to yourself. Lizzie left her bag when she was over last night. It's in the guest bedroom downstairs. Would you mind grabbing it and dropping it off to set later on? Missing you. Xx

I quickly text her back and say that I'll drop it off on my way to the gym later on. When I've finished my breakfast, I clear up and make my way into the guest room to grab Lizzie's bag. When I go into the room, I'm surprised when I see a dress laid out on the bed with a rose and an envelope next to it. Intrigued, I take the envelope and open it.

Bella, this room may seem like just a guest room. But to me, this is the room where our relationship started. The night of your 30th Birthday party we shared our first, and second, kiss in here. I've never felt anything like it. It was like fireworks and butterflies all at once in my stomach, as cliché as that sounds. But in that moment, I knew my life was only going to get better because you were going to be in it. Change into this dress and take this rose to meet George outside. He's waiting to take you to you on a treasure hunt.

I reread the letter multiple times, completely taken by surprise to see this. I get excited at the thought of a little treasure hunt to keep me occupied for the day. I do as the letter says and get changed into the dress. It's a teal summer dress that fits me perfectly. I do my hair and put a bit of make up on, not knowing where this is going to lead me. I also grab a bag to take my purse, phone and keys with me.