Knight In Shinning Camo BK1

Chapter 24: Benjamin

Tossing the bag by the door, I walk back to the living room and put on my camouflage uniform jacket. Rachael said he good byes last night since she has to work this morning. It was already tough leaving my sister, but now I have a wife and daughter too. Jessica and I had a great night last night. I am so proud to call that amazing woman my wife. 

"Are you sure you don't want us to take you to the airport with Rachael's driver?" I turn to see Jessica wearing one of my shirts that hits her mid thigh. My eyes couldn't help but roam her body, but stop when I notice Nala standing next to her holding her hand. "Yeah its okay. Belle is going to be driving picking my up in a couple minutes" I tell her as I finish buttoning the jacket. She nods and walks to me, "Nala, go play with your toys. I will make you breakfast in a minute." Nala walks a couple more feet then goes on all fours. She feels around and finds the couch then goes in the opposite direction finding her toy bin against the wall.

"I made you both lunch. They are on the counter" I tell her as I take her hands in mine. "Thanks. I shouldve gotten up earlier and made you it though" she says as she leans into me. "Don't worry about it. I love to treat my girls plus I figured you were tired after last night" I wink at her. She blushes and looks down. I put my finger under her chin and tilt it up for her to look at me. "I love it when you blush" i kiss her nose. Honking is heard from outside. "That must be them" I tell her. She wraps her arms around my waist. We break apart when we hear another honk. 

"I love you Jessica. I will come home to you and Nala. I promise" I tell her. I kiss her passionately and when we separate due to loss of air I notice the tears building in her eyes. I give her a small smile then turn to Nala. Crouching down I pick her up and give her a hug. "I love you princess. I will be home before you know it" I tell her. I kiss her cheek and then set her back down. "Nala smiles but quickly gets distracted by the toys.

I turn back to Jessica to see tears rolling down her gorgeous face. "Oh Jess" I say under my breath. I walk over to her and wipe away the tears. I kiss her lips gently, "Ill see you soon." She nods and whispers, "See you soon."

I give her a kiss on the forehead then head to the front door. Once my bag is tossed over my shoulder I head outside to see Belle driving Matt's truck. I hope in the back. "Thanks for the ride" I say to them. "No problem" Belle says as she starts backing up out of the driveway. "Is Jessica doing okay" Mattie asked clearly concerned. I shake my head, "I hope so, but she is defiantly taking it hard." Matt nods in understanding. "I talked with Rachael. We plan to drop in often and keep her company" Belle says. "Thanks" I tell her. Luckily I have a great sister and friends that will be here for my them. 

We arrive at the airport and notice the other men already here waiting for us. I hop out of the truck with my bag to give Matt a moment with his sister. I walk over to the others. "Hey man" Jacob says slapping my back. "Hey, you guys all ready" I ask. They nod. "Like we got a choice" grunts Grant. I roll my eyes at his attitude. Grant has a large bruise on his cheek and his knuckles are busted. "I thought we agreed no more fighting Grant" I say sternly. It was Grant's turn for an eye roll. "I fought the day after you wedding so technically it wasn't when we would be called. When the higher ups knowing you got married I figured you would atleast get another day" he grumbles. "Me too" I say under my breath.

"You think she is going to do okay" Trey asks curiosuly. "I think she is going to be okay. This is still new for her. With Rachael and Belle checking in on her Jessica will get by" I say as I rub the back of my neck. 'I hope' I wanted to add, but kept quiet. Once Matt joins us and Belle drives off, we enter the airport. 

The next hour is spent going through security and checkpoints until we were at the right terminal. We were cutting it close, but we made it on the flight with no issues. I was seated next to Matt. We both figured it was best to get sleep now because we still didn't know how soon our overseas trip would be. 

After a three hour flight we landed and took a two cabs. We got out at the base entry since only military was allowed in. I notice an old friend that I went through boot camp with. "George" I said as we shook hands. "Ben! Good to see you guys again" he says. We all show our military IDs. "I heard you got married" George adds. I nod, "yup two days ago." He shakes his head, "Wow. Sucks but when your the top in special operations its hard to stay home for long" he says. "Thanks, we got to get going" I tell him. He nods and we walk through the gates.

We go straight to the commanding officers building. "Captain Standler" the commanding officer says as he stands from his chair. We shake hands then sit. The men sit on the couch further away. Without another moment to waist, he hands me a file. I open it to find information about terrorists. One that was labeled priority. "You and your men will be flown over the location were the men are located and dropped a four miles out. We were tipped that there is stolen weapons and we need it confirmed. You are to take out on site" he states. I nod after slight hesitation. "Yes sir." 

"Captain Standler do you have questions" he raises his brow. I hesitate but end up nodding. "Feel free to speak" he says. "Normally we just take out the building. Isn't it more risky to send us in blind" I ask. When we get sent in for things like this, we normally are given plans and thermal imaging of the place etc. "We have a aerial view of the building. There are important documents that we need to get." I nod. I didn't get the exact answer I wanted. These men trust me with their lives and I want to make sure that its clear what we are getting ourselves into. "Make our country proud men. You flight is in an hour. As soon as you arrive in Afghanistan you will receive more information " the commanding officer says and then dismisses us.

We head silently to our plane and wait it out until it its time to go. "This mission sounds like shit" Grant grunts. "Its not completely clear. Its a mission non the less and we are the Marines for the job" I say trying to encourage our men. "We have been through worse" Jacob adds. This time leaving our homes seems a lot harder then before. Originally the men lived throughout the US, but after a year together they all eventually moved to Bend. We became like brothers that were inseparable.

"Just like always. Lets get in and out" I tell them. "What if its another three years" Jacob asks. "It can't" I answer.  I knew it was possible, I just didn't want it happen. Jessica and Nala needed me. I have three years left before I have to sign for another enlistment. The men would have their enlistments weeks to months around mine. Now that I have a Jessica and Nala it has passed my mind a few times of just retiring. The farm is makes plenty of money. Needing to get in the right mind set. I start focusing on the mission. Getting in and out safely.