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“You should find another job. Something you love doing.”

“You make it sound so easy,” she sighs.

I shrug. “It’s not. I know that. I’m in the same boat, but life is way too short to spend all day doing something you hate.”

“I’ll think about it. Do you know what you want to make for dinner?”

I nod. “Yeah, I found a few recipes.”

“Okay, good. I have my list. Do you want to run to the store now?”

“Sure.”

We head out, and I smile as we walk side by side down the street toward the market. It feels so right being with her. It’s easy, like breathing. She fits in my life perfectly, like she was made for me.

We head into the grocery store and get our ingredients before heading to the checkout.

“I’m paying,” I insist.

Blake opens her mouth to argue.

“You won the marshmallow bet the other day, remember?”

“Are you sure?”

I nod. “I’ve got it.”

We check out and head back to her place to start cooking. I carry the bags, and she tells me about her day as she unlocks the door and lets us in.

We unpack all the groceries and begin preparing our meals.

“If you could do anything, what would you do?” I ask as we cook.

“I’m not sure. Paint, maybe? Or some kind of arts and crafts. Maybe work with kids in some way?”

“Why don’t you do that? You could be a teacher. An art teacher. Maybe work at a preschool or something.”

“Maybe,” she hedges. “What about you?”

“I don’t want to be a teacher or work with kids.”

She snorts. “No, I mean, what are you going to do now you’re out of the military?”

“I’m still not sure. Camden asked if I wanted to work at Semper Fly with him today.”

“The helicopter place?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you going to?”

“No, I don’t think so. I mean, working with other military guys would be good, but I’ve never much cared for flying.”

“What do you love to do?”

“I loved being a Ranger.”

“What did you love about it?”