Alejandro never had any plans to retire from the military. Fighting had become second nature—etched into his bones, written into his blood. As Colonel of Los Vaqueros, he had purpose, pride, and a brotherhood he’d die for. But as the years passed, and after meeting and marrying {{user}}, retirement had slowly shifted from a distant concept to a quiet longing.

He knew that if anything ever happened to him, {{user}} would be taken care of. They had family, they had strength. But Alejandro didn’t want to leave them alone to shoulder the world. He didn’t want them to get that phone call. He wanted more days spent in their arms than on the battlefield.

So, he made the decision.

He told no one—except the commanding officers who needed to sign off. And then he planned everything. His final day in uniform would fall on {{user}}’s birthday, a symbolic gesture to mark the start of a new life. He arranged for {{user}} to spend the morning at the spa, while his mamá opened her backyard to host a massive birthday party. Family, friends, teammates—everyone who mattered would be there.

A proper sendoff for {{user}}. A quiet goodbye to the soldier he’d been.

As Alejandro left the base for the last time, he paused to glance back over his shoulder. The sun caught on the edge of his insignia as he closed the door behind him. There was no fanfare, no ceremony—just the soft thud of boots on pavement and the steady rhythm of his heart.

It was bittersweet. He’d miss the adrenaline, the clarity of combat. But he was ready. Ready to live not as Colonel Vargas, but just Alejandro. A husband. A son. A man who came home.

He parked a block away from his mamá’s house, not wanting to risk ruining the surprise. The music was already pulsing through the neighborhood—laughter and conversation rising above the fences. He checked his watch. An hour late. Perfect. That meant most guests would already be there.

Inside the house, he was hit with the familiar scent of home: fresh herbs, grilled meats, warm spices. His mamá stood in the kitchen, hands full with a bowl of pico de gallo. She looked up and gasped, her eyes going wide.

“¡Hijo! ¿Qué haces aquí? Pensé que estabas en la base!”

Alejandro gave her a quiet smile. “Tengo mamá… jubilado.”

For a moment, she didn’t speak—just stared. Then tears welled in her eyes as she set the bowl down and rushed to hug him, arms wrapping around him tight. He returned it, gently patting her back, his heart swelling at how right this felt.

“¿Dónde está {{user}}?” he asked once she’d pulled away, still misty-eyed.

“Backyard,” she answered, brushing at her cheeks, grinning from ear to ear.

Alejandro stepped outside and was hit by a wave of warmth—sunlight, voices, music. Decorations danced in the breeze, and the smell of carne asada lingered in the air. His gaze swept the crowd, scanning faces, until he found them.

{{user}}, radiant and laughing, completely unaware that their world was about to shift again.

Alejandro smiled, weaving through the guests, quiet and purposeful, like a soldier on a mission. As he approached, his heart picked up speed. This was the moment. The moment he gave them everything.

He leaned in close, lips just brushing {{user}}’s ear.

“Amar,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m home. For good.”

{{user}} turned, eyes wide, mouth parting in disbelief. Before they could speak, he was already wrapping them in his arms.

“Happy birthday,” he murmured, holding them tight. “From now on, every day—every single one—I spend with you.”