Buzz and the rest of the Space Rangers were en route to their shuttle. There was an area for a final farewell to family members, and most of the Rangers were there. Buzz leaned back against the wall, feeling slightly out of place as he waited. He had left the ranch last night, making his goodbyes; the time he spent with Jessie seemed all too short. His thoughts drifted to Jessie and he wondered what she was doing at that moment. It was early in the morning, but she would have been up for a few hours, tending to the horses in the barn. A voice calling his name broke through his fog and he straightened, surprised to see Jessie waving to him from across the tarmac. His face broke into a wide grin as he jogged over to where she stood. He caught her in a hug, lifting her up and spinning her in a circle, "Jessie! What are you doing here?"

She laughed, pleased that she surprised him. "Well, you're gonna be gone for such a long time, I couldn't let ya leave without giving you a proper send off." She grabbed a handful of the purple jumpsuit he was wearing and pulled him in to a kiss. When she broke away, her face fell and she sighed. "I can't believe you won't be around for the holidays; it ain't gonna be the same without you."

"You sure you want to marry into this life?"he rubbed his hand across her back.

She smiled, "As long as it's you I'm marryin', I'll consider it a small price to pay."

He chuckled warmly, "At least we'll be able to talk this time, since the video communication links are all set up."

"Yeah. You'll let me know when, right?"

"As soon as I know," he nodded and played with her braid. "Don't worry; I'll be back before you know it. Besides, between the holidays, the ranch, and keeping Woody and Bo out of trouble, you'll be so busy you won't even miss me."

"I already miss you." Jessie's gaze drifted upwards as an announcement came over the the PA system: "All family members please begin clearing the tarmac. All family members please begin clearing the tarmac." She looked at Buzz, her green eyes wide with sudden dread.

He pulled her against him, letting his hand run over her hair as he breathed in her scent. Buzz pressed his lips against her ear, "I love you, Jessie."

She turned her head and captured his lips against hers, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He moved his mouth with hers and lifted her into the kiss as he felt her fingers rake through his hair. They were interrupted by the whine of the engines.

"Better go; they might leave without you," Jessie whispered.

"I might let them," Buzz muttered, tracing her jaw with his fingertips, his eyes taking in her face.

"And let me be the reason you get dishonorably discharged from Star Command, leaving the universe to fall prey to the forces of evil? I don't think so, buster!" Jessie grinned and pushed him away playfully.

He took both of her hands in both of his and brought them to his lips. "When you go to bed tonight, check under my pillow. I left something there for you."

"You did? What is it?"

He winked broadly, "You'll see. But not until you go to bed!" He gave her hands a final squeeze and released them.

She took in a shaky breath as she watched him walk away towards the line of the other Space Rangers. "Be safe," she called after him; he turned and waved with a reassuring smile. A second announcement cut through the air and she hurried from the tarmac and joined the remaining family members at the viewing area. After a few minutes, the shuttle that would take the Rangers to Star Command steered into sight at the end of the runway. Jessie heard the thrusters fire and the craft sped past. She hugged her waist and watched as the shuttle became a speck in the sky before disappearing into the clouds. With a sigh, she began the walk back to her truck. Her thoughts brightened with the remembrance of what Buzz had said and she wondered just what he had left her. "Not before you go to bed!" his voice echoed in her ears as clearly as if he were standing next to her. She could not help but laugh, "Okay, okay," she murmured as if he could hear.

Later that night, she tucked herself into bed and reached under Buzz's pillow. There she found an envelope addressed to her. She smiled and pulled her knees up to her chest as she opened the letter.

Jessie, if you're reading this, Woody actually remembered to tell you about it (or Bo bailed him out; I told her, too, since Woody tends to forget things). Jessie chuckled and continued reading. By this point, I'm almost to Star Command. I know we already said our farewells, and I know that you feel badly about not coming to see me off, (Ha!, Jessie thought, got you there, Space Boy), so I have a few more things to tell you.

First off, some practical matters: please use my truck at least once during the week, or just let it run for a while, especially during the winter. I've already arranged for any utility bills from my house to be taken care of, and Woody and Bo both know this. That way they can start any work they want to in the house.

Secondly, I know this isn't the first mission I've gone on, and it's not the longest time we've been separated, but the circumstances now are thankfully very different. Jessie swallowed, knowing he meant when she had left for veterinary school and their relationship had broken off. We can still write to each other and as soon as I know the schedule, we can set up the video communication link. But even then, I will miss you every day. I will miss your laughter and easy smile greeting me in the morning. I will miss helping you with the horses; yes, even mucking out the stalls. I will miss the scent of fresh hay and sunshine that linger on your skin, and the way it fills my senses when I kiss your freckled shoulders.

Jessie's cheeks flooded with color as the letter quickly took a very personal turn. She shook her head in amazement that Buzz's words could make her feel like a school girl, even after the length of time they had been intimate. She felt her throat go dry and she was glad she heeded his command to wait to read it. Hopefully I've made my point. Jessie was sure he was grinning when he wrote that, imagining her reaction. I know you'll be fine; you're a bright and strong young woman…it's what made me fall in love with you. But, if or when you feel lonely, read this letter and know that I mean every word and I am counting down the days until the mission is over and I come home to you. Be good, Cowgirl, and keep Woody out of trouble, if you can. I'll talk to you soon. All my love, Buzz

She sighed and held the letter against her chest for a few moments. A slow smile spread across her face and she folded the paper and placed it back in its envelope. She slid it back under Buzz's pillow for safe keeping. She reached over and turned off the bedside lamp. "G'night, Space Boy," she whispered and drifted off to sleep.