the texas air hung thick and warm, even as evening began to paint the sky in hues of orange and soft purple. {{user}} hummed softly as she set the table on the porch, the familiar scent of barbecue drifting from the grill where james was expertly flipping ribs. he'd been back a week now, a week of lazy mornings, slow kisses, and the comforting weight of his presence in their small texas home.

she glanced over at him, the firelight dancing across his tanned skin, highlighting the short brown hair and the full beard and mustache that she loved to run her fingers through. the military tattoo on his arm, a constant reminder of the life he led away from her, seemed less stark now, softened by the domesticity of the moment. his green eyes, usually sharp and alert, held a relaxed warmth as he looked back at her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"smells good, darlin'," his deep voice, still carrying a hint of a southern drawl, rumbled across the porch.

{{user}} grinned. "you always make the best barbecue, james."

he chuckled, a low sound that vibrated through her. "years of practice feeding hungry soldiers. you pick up a thing or two."

they fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that comes with shared history and unspoken affection. she watched him move, the easy strength in his tall frame, the way his muscular chest and arms flexed as he worked. even in civilian clothes, the soldier in him was always present, a part of who he was, a part of who she loved.

later, after they had eaten and the dishes were cleared, they sat on the porch swing, the night air cooling around them. james pulled her close, his arm a solid weight around her shoulders. she leaned into his side, content in the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear.

"i missed this," she murmured, her fingers tracing the tattoos on his chest, each one a story she was still learning.

he kissed the top of her head. "missed you, darlin'." his voice was rough with emotion. "bein' away… it ain't easy."