Sighing, I stated, “Why don't you drive to the company and unload? Afterwards, I'll go park. That way you don't have to lug everything too far.”
“You're sure? I don't mind.”
“That's silly. Just pull up to company, unload, and then I'll go find a spot. That'll give you a chance to check in without wondering if you'll be on time.” I looked at the dash clock. There was no chance he would be late. Even if we parked half a mile away. Check-in was in 90 minutes. Plenty of time.
“Okay. Yeah. That does make sense.”
As I parked the Jeep and walked back to the company, our conversation played over in my head.
It's so final. It's like slamming a door shut. I hate it. Colin makes sense. But what do people say in this situation? Bye is just as bad? That sucks!
I continued my trek lost in my thoughts and playing with my set of dog tags Colin had gotten me. I was so lost in my thoughts, I was almost hit by a car from behind because I had drifted to the middle of the straightway in the parking lot. Their horn blaring startled me enough to jump out of the way.
“Are you all right, babe?” Evidently Colin had gotten all squared away and come to meet me, rushing over when he saw the near accident.
“Yeah, I guess I wasn't paying attention. Sorry.”
“That's okay. He shouldn't have been such an asshole.”
I stopped and stared at him. Colin had never really cussed in front of me before. “I think that's the first time you've ever cussed in front of me. Are you okay?”
“I'm fine. Sorry. I was taught not to curse in front of a lady, which is why I never do when you're around. But here”—he pointed back to the company—“that's a whole ‘nother story. In fact, I'm apologizing now for what might pop out of my mouth. Please don't think less of me.”
He had reached for my hand and pulled me to him.
“How could I? So what if you cuss a little, have you not heard me around Dale at the bar? Or how about on the phone with Layla? Seriously? They say cussing is a sign of high intelligence.” I pulled from his embrace, winking and smiling. “Come on. We better get you back to company before Davis starts pitching a fit wondering where the hell you are.”
“He wouldn't. But yeah, we should get back. Real quick first…” He pulled me to him again. “I won't be able to do this later. I love you Joleene. I hate that I never gave you a honeymoon, but I am so glad we got married when we did. I've never been so happy. I. Love. You.” He punctuated each word with a kiss before passionately kissing me.
“I love you, Colin.”
We headed back, holding hands, fingers locked together.
“You know, see ya isn't forever,” I said out of the blue.
“What? Huh?”
“See ya. It gives the other person the feeling it won't be long before they see one another soon. It's not so final.”
“Never thought of that, but yeah, you're right. It has a better ring to it. I like it,” he said, kissing my hand. “But we don't have to say it just yet.” His crooked smile was showing.
The next few hours were spent watching the guys ready their weapons and wondering every time we saw Davis, if formation would be called. At times, the tension in the air was palpable. Other times the guys were joking to help lighten the mood. Some of the wives were talking about their plans for the rest of the day as if this was just another training exercise. I was in awe at their lack of nerves.
“Honey, this is our fourth deployment. I figured out the best thing to do is to try to keep life as normal as possible. But I remember the first one; damn I was a wreck and probably looked like a hag. I was nothing but a ball of nerves. By the way, I'm Stacey. And this here is Keisha and Brittany—Britt for short. You’re Dawson's bride, right?”
“Hi. Nice to meet you, I’m Joleene. Yeah, Colin—I mean Dawson—and I got married right before orders came down. So you've been through this three other times? I can’t imagine going through this more than once!”
“Yep. Hey, come sit. It'll be awhile before formation is called.” I sat down and got to know Stacy, Keisha, and Britt. I actually felt my shoulders relax listening to them. And all they talked about were their kids and what they were going to remodel in the house or what they might do for their next hair appointment. You know, normal conversation.
“So Joleene, we're thinking of planning a spa day in the next few weeks. Want to join us?” Keisha asked.
“Sure. And you can call me Jo. Almost everyone does except Colin.” I smiled, but it was short-lived.
“Company, fall in!” Davis hollered.
Colin ran over and kissed me. “See ya, Joleene,” he said with his eyes dancing above his famous, crooked smile before booking it to the formation.
“Wish Larry would do that.”
“Yeah, Steve isn't that romantic. He even said, bye babe last night before bed, I wanted to slug him,” Stacy stated. All I could do was smile, like a giddy schoolgirl.
“Company, attention!”
The sound of all the guys snapping to was like a clap of distant thunder, truly a sight to behold. Some big wig gave some instructions and then we heard it.
“Move out!”
And with that, a scramble of guys grabbing their gear and waving to their loved ones. Colin made sure to catch my eye
