3

CHAPTER 3

Driving into the Naval Base, Kimberly felt goosebumps all over her body, she was nervous about seeing Ian, her grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly as anticipation built within her. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had lost weight. She only prayed he was well and okay, her thoughts filled with quiet concern.

After spending 20 minutes looking for a spot to park her car in the already full parking lot, Kimberly luckily found a spot and parked her car, letting out a small breath of relief. Coming out of her car, she couldn’t help but stare at some families who had already reunited and were heading home, her eyes following them for a moment. She could see the genuine happiness radiating from the soldiers and their loved ones, the sight brought tears to her eyes, emotions rising without warning. She quickly tore her eyes away from the scene, wiping a stray tear from her face before it could fall any further. She locked her car and began heading for the harbor where the ship was, she didn’t want to keep her fiancé waiting.

On getting closer to the harbor, Kimberly squeezed her way through the nervous, anxious, impatient, and overjoyed crowd, murmuring her apologies while trying to get to the front, carefully navigating through people who were just as eager as she was.

On reaching, she eagerly waited like the rest of the crowd as the soldiers came out of the large ship one after the other, her eyes not leaving the ship even once, scanning every figure that appeared.

She was already getting impatient because she was cranky from not getting some sleep yet when she noticed a 6ft 2inch guy looking more muscular than the last time, he was breathtaking in his naval uniform, standing out easily in her eyes. Kimberly watched as his eyes searched for something or someone who she was 100% certain was her, she couldn’t help but smile at that, knowing that he was as eager to see her as she was to see him.

As if on cue, his eyes found hers making her heart skip a beat. It was like the whole world stopped moving as she stared at the love of her life, the man whose absence gave her sleepless nights, everything else around her fading into the background. Yes, they do Skype but there is nothing compared to him being with her in person. This is the man she fell in love with 3 years ago, whose voice intoxicated her, whose touch made her dizzy with pleasure. He was now staring at her with a broad smile plastered on his face, one that instantly eased all of her fears.

Kimberly let her heart take the lead as she ran towards him, excitedly jumping on his body almost causing him to lose his balance. He immediately captured her lips with his wrapping his arms around her waist as they passionately shared a kiss, holding onto each other like they had been waiting for this moment for far too long. She had missed the taste of his tongue on hers and the warmth his presence brought, something no distance could replace. She cupped his cheeks with her hands as they kissed to feel him more because she was still finding it hard to believe that he was here with her, holding her securely in his arms.

They finally parted from the kiss after what felt like forever, both breathing heavily as they gazed into each other’s eyes, taking in each other’s presence. God, has she missed those beautiful blue eyes that stole her heart.

“I’ve missed you so bad,” he whispered kissing her once again, his voice low and filled with emotion.

“I missed you too,” Kimberly replied after the kiss, hugging him tightly as she was still straddling him, not wanting to let go just yet.

She reluctantly ended their embrace and unwrapped her legs from his torso to her displeasure, even though part of her wanted to stay like that a little longer.

‘Kimberly, you have to be considerate and understand that he must be really tired and would need to rest’ she mentally cautioned herself, reminding herself to be mindful.

Ian took off his uniform cap and gently placed it on Kimberly’s head, earning a grin from her, a familiar gesture she had grown to love. She always loved wearing his cap each time he returned, it made her feel like she was the one in the military, a small habit that meant more to her than she let on.

“Let’s go home,” she said helping him roll his suitcase as they started walking towards the parking lot with their fingers entwined, neither of them wanting to break contact.

“Your hair has grown a lot longer,” Ian said as they walked back to her car, his eyes briefly taking in the change. Kimberly only nodded in reply not able to find a word because she was still ecstatic about having him beside her, her emotions still settling.

“I love it.” He complimented, making her smile, pleased by his reaction.

“Thanks,” she replied, internally glad that she had been too occupied and couldn’t find the time to get her hair trimmed as it now reached her lower back, something she hadn’t paid much attention to until now.

They got to the car in a comfortable silence and Kimberly unlocked the trunk so Ian could put his suitcase in before getting in the car, moving in sync without needing to say much.

“Here, I got this for you on my way here,” Kimberly said handing him a package, a small gesture she had been eager to give him. He had a wide grin on his face on opening it, clearly pleased.

“Did I mention how much I love you?” He asked kissing her on her cheek and making her roll her eyes, already expecting that reaction.

“I know, right?” She replied before noticing that he had already started munching on the hamburger, fries, and fried chicken she got for him, clearly hungry.

They both shared their experiences and events that occurred during each other’s absence as Kimberly drove them to Ian’s house, easing back into each other’s presence as if no time had passed.