A/N: I have no idea what I am doing at this point lol. At one point I was going to just write two letters again and be boring, but I don't know what happened in the middle to be quite honest lol. I hope you enjoy xx Mariah

Ned,

My days feel so long without you. The house is so empty alone. It gets so quiet too. I miss you. I always want you always to remember that my heart is forever yours. There is no other man who can replace the love and support you have given me throughout our beautiful relationship. I know that my stubbornness and anxiety can be unbearable to live with at times, but you have chosen to stand by my side. I fell in love with you hard with no regrets. I could not imagine my life without you.

This distance has not been easy for me. The feeling of not physically embracing you in my arms, comforting you after a rough day of work or cooking your soup to make your cold go away bothers me. As your wife, I am used to taking care of your needs even though I acknowledge how well you can take care of yourself. As long as we maintain constant communication within the next few weeks, I believe our marriage will be stronger than ever.

I'm so sorry you had to do so many push-ups! But I'm glad you liked the pictures. I thought the red would be a nice surprise. I haven't worn that color in so long. I felt so naughty when I put the envelope in the mailbox. My cheeks were so red when I heard the mailman take it.

I hope you're doing better! How have the guys been since you called me last? I know you said Jensen's girlfriend dumped him. I hope he's doing better. My advice to you is to keep busy and to maintain your strength. The more involved you are with activities, the quicker time will pass. Eat healthily, sleep well and work out, if you have time. Take care of your fellow soldiers. They sometimes need support, you know. Socialize with people on a professional and casual level. Make friends and memories. Even though I never have to tell you this, please check your surroundings. Be aware. Okay? I just worry so much about you.

I only see great things in store for us after this, from me starting my career to us having another child one day. There are so many beautiful things to look forward to with you, and I could not be any prouder of the man I married. Thank you for letting me into your heart and lighting up my world. Nonetheless, this is not a goodbye. This is an "I'll see you soon." I send you all my love, kisses and hugs.

Oh, also, Mack's birthday is coming up. April 22nd. I know she'd appreciate a card or something from you. She was asking all sorts of questions at dinner this week. Call me when you can :)

Katie

When it was time for mail, Ned was so happy to hear his name called.

He was given his letter and he laid on his bunk reading Katie's soft, neat handwriting. His heart grew as she asked how his buddies had been. Especially Jensen, who wasn't in the best mental state after his high school sweetheart broke his heart.

The girl had barely made it two weeks into basic before the distance became "too much". Ned and few other guys were betting that she was sleeping around and was too guilty. Ned hated locker room talk. He'd never liked to brag unless it was to his colleagues at the station back home, but that was different. Those guys were his buddies. He'd gone through the academy with them. He'd even gone to school with a few of them.

These guys were different. They were young, fresh-faced eighteen and twenty-year-old guys. He would never speak a word about his sex life, especially not about Katie. She was only for him to this about in that way.

The guys loved to pick fun at him. Especially after Sarg caught him getting dirty photos.

He'd taken his punishment in stride and did all fifty push-ups, earning his photos with a proud pat on the back.

The guys had tried to sneak looks, but Ned kept them on him at all times. They were always tucked on the inside of his uniform, as they were for his eyes only.

The first time Ned had been given computer privileges was the next day. He'd decided to put off replying to her letter and skyped her instead. The guys around tried not to act crazily excited to finally see the mystery face of their buddies wife.

He always talked about beautiful she was, and they believed him after they saw a photo of them that had been in his wallet forever. They still didn't believe she was real. The photo he had of her was old, they'd always say.

It was true. It was from when she still lived in the city and went to school. During their first holidays together as a couple.

The crease down the middle of the photo was more prominent than the faded colors at this point, but the memory that came along with the frozen moment was still just as vibrant as it was the night it was taken.

Her hair was unusually flying free in the cold, Grandview wind and her mouth were open with laughter, the biggest grin spread across her cheeks. His arms were wrapped tightly around her middle and the joy across his features mirrored hers. The snow falling around them was light, and from the amounts sitting atop his wet curls in the photo, it was obvious she had something to do with it. And she must have run right after she did because the picture was of him just catching up with her and lifting her in the air, in front of her parent's house.

Neither of them were looking at the camera because neither of them seemed to notice anyone had a camera out or anything. They were so attuned to each other that it was like no else mattered but each other.

When her face loaded on the screen, half of the guys hooted and hollered.

"She's real!" Someone cheered.

"Aw damn," another muttered. "I'm out ten bucks."

Katie chuckled, hearing every comment as she blew a kiss to Ned. "I've missed your handsome face so much," she breathed. "You look so tan!"

"It's finally turned into a tan, at least on my face and chest. Can't say the same for my legs and shoulders," he sighed, itching his head. "My skin is not too happy with me."

"Oh no!" She sighed, scolding him for not using sunscreen. "I told you the sun is different down there Ned."

"I know. I know. I just missed you scolding me, so I thought… why not." He shrugged, hissing as his shoulders burned.

She laughed, her infectious laughter was music to his ears. He'd missed her so much. He couldn't wait to be home.

Dear Katie,

I was so happy to see your face last night. It's been too long :) Next time I'll have to sneak a face time with you in private instead of Skype.

I have enclosed a small something for Mack's birthday. Tell her I'm sorry that it's not much but I hope she likes it. I found it on my run by the beach. It may only be some shark teeth and seashells, but I know how much she loves the ocean. I tried to get a birthday card, but couldn't find any. Just give her a hug from me, will ya?

Everything is pretty normal here. Like it always is. I've gotten into a routine, my body is used to the workouts and drills now. We're almost to the fourth-week mark! Only six more to go babe and I'm home :)

Jensen is doing better these. I think he's finally starting to get over that girl of his. I hope he finally stops crying himself to sleep. It can get annoying sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night. Something new I learned is my other bud, Jeff, can be rather arrogant, but he seems very loyal and he is very dedicated to the serving. You would like him, I think. Sarg has started to soften a little. He's assigned me computer time every Friday at six like clockwork. Should we make that our skype date time?

Say hello to everyone for me please, I miss everyone so much. How has Emma been? And Jace? Have they gotten bigger? Has Jace learned any new words?

Most importantly, how have you been? I know this nineteenth couldn't have been easy without me. Just remember how much I love you, how much I appreciate you and how much I cherish that you are alive and with me today. I don't know what I'd be without you. I wish I could've called. I tried to explain to Sarg, but he wouldn't budge. I'll try next month. I promise.

How has Stitches been? Hope he's finally potty trained and everything. I know he had an accident the last you spoke of him, but you said he's gotten better.

I dream about you every night. I can't wait until I can touch you again. Kiss you. Feel you. It's been a hell of a month without you. I don't know how I'll last another. Miss you.

Ned