Once upon a time, watching your mother and her longing for a husband who had committed his life to a military career so that he could raise you well, you made a promise to yourself never to even think about relationships with people whose profession involves long tours of duty.

And yet here you are. Standing waiting for permission to hug your husband, who is standing in a line among other similar military men waiting to meet their loved ones. When you hear the shrill call, you, like the others, rush forward as if death itself is chasing you, immediately clinging desperately to John's arms and cuddling against his strong chest.

And even though the man is forbidden to move, you feel strong arms squeeze you in return, disregarding all inhibitions, and his face burrowing into your shoulder.

“I've missed you, sweetheart. You're the only thing that allows me to stay with a healthy mind and keeps me stubbornly going every time. Just wait a little longer, okay? After this event I have a few weeks of holiday time off” Price's quiet voice and his words make you melt in his arms while your heart fills with hope.

You pull back slightly to look into the man's eyes. “Do you know how much I've been worried! I haven't heard from you in months. I thought you were dead!” You swallow hard, trying to get rid of the lump in your throat and not burst into tears right there.