A/N: Random Fact of the Day: I've been writing stories since I was 9. I think it will be my tradition to start and end each chapter with a letter. This chapter I had no inspiration for anything besides the letters, so enjoy them. One is from Katie and the other is from Ned. Hope you all enjoy! xx Mariah

Dear Ned,

It's me, your hot mess of a wife. It's so hard to think it's been five days since I've seen your face and two days since I've heard your voice. Your phone call was the best surprise I've gotten in so long, even if we only got two minutes. I thought since you gave me your address I'd send you a letter, so I'll try to make this short and to the point because let's be honest, I'll burst out in tears if I don't and if there are any stains, I apologize, but that's why you love me, right? I'm way too sensitive for my own good.

It sucks that we don't have the privilege of being with each other every day and we don't have the privilege to talk very often either, but as I write this letter to you just know that I am waiting right here in Grandview for you. We may be almost a thousand miles away from each other, but soon we will never be that far away. You're all the way in sunny and humid Georgia and, for now, I have to be okay with it. I miss you like crazy and I've gotten so used to sleeping with you that it's hard to fall asleep without cuddling with your pillow at night.

Stitches is doing good. He is the best pal ever and he's gotten so big! He likes to lay with me, but never for very long. He usually will sleep on your side. I think he misses you too.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Writing it down doesn't do it justice, but I wouldn't trade our relationship for the world. Writing just a simple "I love you" does not wrap up the memories I hold so close to my heart while you are away from me. I love the man you have become over these past few years we've been together. I love the man that you have always been and I love your strength and determination in everything you do. You work so incredibly hard, and it is an honor to be able to call you mine.

You're my husband, you're my soldier and you, my darling, are my superhero. Some people only experience superheroes in books and movie, and how lucky am I to get to call the love of my life mine.

I love and miss you so much.

Katie

My dearest Katie,

You have no idea how nice it was to receive this! I've missed you so much lately. Basic has been hell. It's been a lot of early morning wake ups and five and drills. So many drills babe. I'm the oldest here, besides a twenty-five-year-old, and it sucks. Everyone is faster and stronger than me. It really sucks. So bad. My body also aches, everywhere. There are muscles that ache that I didn't even know were muscles. I'd kill for a massage from you right now. I don't think I realized how much you did for me, but without you life is hell.

Sorry for the delay on my reply. This is day three of trying to finish this. My schedule can get pretty hectic. It's a little better here now, we got our first day off today and sleeping in definitely helped. I have become good friends with two other guys; Jensen is my bunk mate and we play cards most of the time to keep us occupied. He's not too good, but I've been teaching him. I also befriended the only person who's older than me. His name is Jeff, we share a common interest, beer and sports. But that's about it.

I can't tell you how much I miss seeing your beautiful face everyday. Or how much I miss our bed. These mattresses here are so uncomfortable and I have the flimsiest blanket. I can't even describe it. I miss kissing your delicious skin and lips. I miss smelling your hair and feeling your arms wrap around me. I miss everything so much. I never thought I'd be without everything I love so dearly, you know. I saw the most beautiful sunset the last night and all I could think about was how I wish you were there to see it with me. To just sit in silence with you and watch the sunset, to kiss your forehead and breathe in your perfume.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to call you again, but I say a prayer every night that it will be soon. My sergeant is very strict, so I'm not sure if it will be anytime soon. But I hope he will give us our phone privileges soon. Please write again soon! I've read your letter every night before I go to bed. I love you so much Katie. I miss you even more. PS: I got your picture. It made all of the guys jealous to hear about it. Sarg made me give him fifty push-ups for the nudity. Definitely worth it though. Love the color you are wearing ;) Red is just so sexy on you

Ned