Carlos' POV
Steph and I were enjoying our time together. It was fun setting up the house. We picked out a leather sectional for the living room, a nice, oak dining table for the dining room, and a little Formica table for the breakfast nook. The appliances were new, decent quality, the best that we could afford. The living room held a 50-inch television with a Blu ray DVD player. Lester's room was actually the basement, which was a separate apartment. He had his own little kitchenette, bathroom, main room, and bedroom, the perfect bachelor pad for him. He had access to the main house from his apartment, but also separate outside access. It gave him privacy to come and go as he pleased.
Now, our bedroom was where we spent the most money, especially considering how much time we spend there when we are together, time that's not spent sleeping. We got a nice king-sized bed with a mahogany headboard and footboard. The set came with an armoire for me and a triple dresser for Steph. We had two end tables with one drawer and door storage. They were perfect for storing my condom stash and a couple of the items we used occasionally. Massage oils are big for us, and sometimes lube, but Stephanie also has a vibrator. She was never one for toys, but after being separated these past few months, Steph realized she needed a release. I don't mind. I don't want her to be frustrated. I know that I'm relieving my pressure, so she can, as well.
When I got home to find Stephanie in a foul mood, I thought Lester or I did something wrong. However, when she told me about that ass Carter living across the street, I became livid. There is something wrong with a man who knowingly flirts with a woman in front of her fiancé. I know that Steph doesn't like Carter, but unfortunately, she will probably cross his path often. The cynical side of me thinks that Carter is in D.C. because that is where Stephanie is. However, there is no way for me to determine what is true.
Over the next few days, I was annoyed to discover that every time Stephanie was outside the house alone, Carter found some reason to be outside, watching her or engaging her in conversation. Steph was polite and respectful, given his rank, but she didn't like him. Today, Steph starts her new job. She's excited and apprehensive at the same time. For the first time in her military career, her decisions and interpretations will impact whether those of us in the field will succeed. Failure could mean death. I know the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on her.
I know that Steph is aware that she is doing the job that others will be doing for Lester and myself when we are in the field. In her head, I know that she will always be wondering if the intel she's gathering is for the mission I am on. I also know Army policy. Since Stephanie and I are married, she will never work on a mission that directly involves me. The Army is afraid of emotion, clouding sound judgment. It's easier sending someone you don't know into a death trap then sending the love of your life. Lester and I received notice to report this afternoon. We are both supposed to be on leave for another three weeks, but I have a feeling that the rest of our leave is going to be canceled. I didn't tell Steph yet, because I don't want her to worry about us. She'll be distracted today if she knew, so we decide to keep the news just to us.
"What time are you leaving?"
"I'm leaving in ten minutes. I'm so nervous. I hope I get along with the rest of the team. I'm aware that I'm the youngest working on the team. I hope they all give me a chance to prove myself."
"I'm sure they will, Babe. You have a great reputation that precedes you. I'm sure they are looking forward to working with Jersey."
I kiss and hug Stephanie goodbye before walking her to the door. I escort her to her new car, a year-old white Nissan Sentra. She backs out of the driveway, heading off to the Pentagon for day one. Once I can no longer see her car, I go back inside the house.
"What do you think they want, Ranger?"
"I think we are leaving on our first mission. I have a feeling we won't be back home tonight."
"Shit. Jersey's not going to be happy."
"No, and I'm not happy about that either. I think Carter may have something to do with us being called."
"What are you thinking?"
"I think he wants me out of the picture. I think, no, I know he wants Stephanie. He doesn't see me worthy of her. He sees her, knows her reputation, and wants her to be his wife. I know, deep down, that he wants to make Stephanie a widow so he can swoop in and take my place. Les, promise me that you will always look out for Steph, and if, God-forbid, something was to happen to me, that Steph will never be with Carter."
"Carlos don't talk like that. I've been watching Beautiful's back for the last sixteen years. I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon. But don't talk like that. You're too good and too young to leave Steph behind."
I understand where Les is coming from, but he doesn't understand what I feel in my gut. All I know is that I hope Babe is on our team because if she is, she'll make sure our asses are safe.
We spend the rest of the morning, making sure that all the tasks we needed to do at the house are done, so Steph doesn't need to worry about the menial shit. I write a bunch of e-mails that will be sent to her on a regular basis. That way, she'll always know that I'm thinking of her.
Abuela calls around 1300, just because she had a weird premonition. I somethings think that Abuela is a witch. We both assure Abuela that we will watch each other's back, and she assures me that she'll watch out for Stephanie. She informs me that she has a good friend's daughter here in the DC area who works as a housekeeper. She has her own little company. I get her name and number, promising Abuela that I will have Stephanie call her for help. Abuela still insists that Steph is indeed pregnant. I've learned long ago never to fight with Abuela because she is usually correct.
At 1400, we get a call to report in our fatigues with our go-bags. Shit. We definitely won't be home. I hope Steph is okay tonight. I try to call Steph, but my call goes directly to voicemail. Maybe they'll let me talk to her before we are sent off.
Les and I get dressed, pack our bag, and take one last look at our new home. I hope that leaving becomes easier with time because it completely sucks right now. If Steph is indeed pregnant, I'm pissed that I won't be here with her, helping her navigate the pregnancy, dealing with the hormones, mood swings, and growing belly. She is so much more confident, more self-assured than she was at sixteen, but she still has feelings of inadequacy. I can see those thoughts coming to the surface now. Her therapist in Miami helped to teach Steph that she was exactly the person she was always meant to be, the woman that she was made to be. She told Steph that because she wanted a career, a life other than housewife and mother, she was perfectly normal. After that first year, she continued to see a therapist, but on a monthly basis. Even now, she still sees one once a month. It has helped her tremendously, and I hope she'll seek more help if she feels she needs it once I'm gone.
We leave the house and drive to the pentagon where we are briefed. We're being sent to some hell-hole to take out a prominent drug lord. We have our orders and are pleased to see that Tank and Brown are joining us. We're going to be a four-man team for the foreseeable future. We are expected to be gone three to four months. I asked if I could say goodbye to Steph and was granted permission. I walked over to her division, finding her at her desk.
"Babe," I say as she turns around. I see a beautiful smile on her face before she takes in what I'm wearing. She seems to realize what's happening, and I watch the tears pool in her eyes. Fuck, this is difficult.
"Carlos, when are you leaving?"
"Now. Les and I will be gone for at least three to four months. We just received our orders."
"I thought you were on leave for another month."
"So, did I, Babe. Look, I'm sorry. I don't want to leave you just now, but I must. You know it's what I signed up for. I'll be okay. With Brown, Tank, and Les by my side, we'll be fine. I love you. Take care of yourself while I'm gone."
"God, Carlos, I wish we had one more night together."
"Me too, Babe, but we don't. Listen, I spoke to Abuela Rosa. One of her friends has a daughter who owns a cleaning business in the area. She said to call her to help you out around the house. Her name is Ella, and she is a sweetheart. I think it will be good to have someone helping you out, especially while we're gone."
"Okay, I'll call her. I love you, Carlos. Don't get shot."
"Don't go crazy. Te quiero, mi amor, siempre para siempre."
We kiss, and I hold her as her tears start to flow. I know that she would never tell me not to go, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt when I do have to leave. We are both aware that this could be the last time we will ever see each other, and while I hope and pray that we have many years together, I know that things can go FUBAR.
"I'm okay, Carlos, go. I love you."
"I love you too."
I walk away from Steph, knowing that the rest of her colleagues will support her, understanding what we're up against. I meet up with Les and the rest of the team at the helipad, sending a silent prayer for Stephanie to stay safe while I'm gone.
