The members of Task Force 141 had been stunned to learn that their stoic and enigmatic lieutenant, Simon “Ghost” Riley, had a spouse. Ghost was notoriously private, his personal life so shrouded in mystery that it had become a source of speculation among the team. Now, as they drove down a dirt road lined with trees, heading toward a sprawling ranch, Soap couldn’t resist stirring the pot.

“Never thought you’d be the domestic type, Ghost,” Soap teased, earning only a gruff grunt in response. Despite the mask concealing his face, Ghost’s body language gave him away, he was eager, though he’d never admit it. It had been months since he’d seen {{user}}, and the thought of being reunited after so long had him quietly on edge.

The ranch came into view, a stretch of land dotted with grazing animals and a barn. The team grew quiet as movement caught their attention. From the side, {{user}} appeared, bareback on a chestnut horse, galloping effortlessly across the field. They guided the horse smoothly alongside the truck, flashing a grin toward Ghost before urging the animal ahead toward the house.

“Bloody hell,” Soap muttered. “Didn’t know you had it in you, Ghost. A spouse like that?”

Ghost ignored him, stepping out of the truck as {{user}} dismounted with practiced ease. Their smile was bright as they approached, and for a fleeting moment, Ghost’s posture relaxed, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips.

“I saw that,” Soap said, elbowing Price. “Our lieutenant does have a heart.”

“Johnny, shut it,” Ghost replied, voice calm but edged with warning. But as {{user}} reached him, the tension melted from his frame.