Time is a funny thing, when you want it to slow down, it only makes it go faster. After our conversation on the couch that night, Morgan and I finally had a clear picture of what we wanted for our future. Now, it was time to put in the work, together.

Two days later, after I dropped my uniform off with the tailor, I went back onto base and had a formal meeting with Annabelle about what I wanted to do with my remaining time on active duty. We went over current Gold Team personal and who I thought would be best in a leadership position. Right away I wanted Rob to take over as Gold One with Monica right behind him as Gold Two. As for another Sergeant to help out, I would have Rob look elsewhere and bring someone in for Gold Three. I believe that will help him make the team his own.

With that sorted out, we moved onto me and what I wanted to do with the remaining two years I have on my service contract. When I told her I would like to be transferred to work at Sniper School, Annabelle was all for it. So much that she called up the current director of the program and had a conversation with him right then and there. Once I passed my physical to return to active duty, I would start with them.

The next part was the hardest. I had to call a meeting with Gold Team to let them know about the changing of the guard. I called for everyone to meet at the cages later in the week and got there early to start going through everything I had in my cage. I would have to clean it out by the end of the month to make room for the new addition.

The team was on time for once, all in street wear and I was happy to see everyone look so rested and relaxed. Looking around the room at everyone, it got me choked up a bit. I have fought beside these men and women for years, they have saved my life and I theirs. When I finally broke the news, there were tears all around but everyone seamed to understand where I was coming from. Once the shock of that moment was over, I also told them that Rob would be the next Gold One with Monica as Gold Two. Rob and I would have a conversation about adding the newest member of Gold Team later. For now, in this moment, it was just about us and the team in this room.

When I finished off my speech I gave them all the information about when the ceremony would be for us to be presented with our medals and the changing of the guard. I thought it would be good for us to do it all on the same day in stead of dragging it all out in multiple ceremonies. With all the information out there, I dismissed everyone. In true Gold Team fashion though, they all stuck around and helped me start clean out my cage. I already knew what I could and couldn't take with me on the move, so I ended up giving a good portion of stuff to Rob. I left a few things in there for now, I'll grab everything else once I officially move on.

With the planning under way for the ceremony, Morgan told me that she is going to be presented with her medal at our ceremony. Her promotion will also come at the same time as well. It made it easier for me to tell my moms who wanted to come up to watch it. The plus side of this being an in house ceremony, we would be able to invite our family and friends.

The planning was a nice distraction from how stressed out I was about going to my first therapy session. With getting to work on something, it helped me sleep a bit better at night but I knew the ghosts would come back if I didn't take this step in helping myself. Doctor Reneé Fasching is a headstrong, intelligent, strong women who wouldn't put up with any of my shit. Our first session we were just trying to get a feel for each other but after that, it was no hold bar. Reneé went in deep and made me dreg up everything I have ever tried to burry from my past. Once she got an idea of what I was dealing with, I started seeing her twice a week. I had a lot I needed to work on with myself and I promised Morgan I would.

Two weeks into working with Reneé, we had our medal ceremony. It was nice to see everyone's family come out for it and we held it inside one of our auditoriums so we had plenty of room for everyone who wanted to come. Moms, Dominic, Dina and Kuzma were all waiting for us in the stands as Major Collins led the ceremony. She started with some background as to what happened and what we did during our time in Ukraine before she started with the presentation of the medals.

She started with mine first. I was already wearing the medal the President of Ukraine gave me as she went into the details of each of the medals I was being given. Once they were all adorned on my chest, she had me stand in place as she went right into the promotion of rank. As Major Collins read through the new oath and I repeated it, I kept my gaze on Morgan. Her proud smile was bright and infectious and I wish I would be able to kiss her after all of this. Once the oath was spoken, I was about to retake my place and let the rest of my team get there medals, but before I could move Major Collins asked me to stay in place.

So I did while she went back to the podium and grabbed my new shoulder boarders. Once she had them in hand she called Kuzma to come up onto the stage to pin them in place. My lip wavered as I watched him walk up the stairs in his suit and stood in front of Major Collins. He took the medals from her hand and came over to me. I knelt down on one knee and let him work on getting the new ones in place. It only took him a few seconds for each one and I knew that he must have been practicing this and nobody told me. Once he was done Kuzma handed the old ones back to Major Collins before coming back over to me and putting his hands on my shoulders, over the new rank insignia.

"Sergeant First Class Daniella Donovan, I love you." Kuzma said. I couldn't help the single sob that escaped my lips and I pulled him into a hug. This was the first time he has ever said I love you to me and it took everything in me not to crush him in my hug.

"I love you too buddy." I said as I finally got my emotions back under control. Once I did, Kuzma gave me one more smile before he turned around and we stood together for a few photos before we walked off the stage together. He retook his seat with the rest of my family as I turned my attention back to the rest of my team.

As everyone went up to receive there Presidential Unit Citation medal I was surprised to see that both Emmett and Cosima were both awarded the Soldier's Medal for there efforts in saving not only my life but also triaging and treating all of the people we pulled out of the bunker who needed medical attention along with everyone else they helped after every bombing. I was happy to see that Emmett's wife pin the medal on his chest and surprised to see Cosima's father pin her award. I didn't think she knew he was back either from her reaction.

After her award was given out there was only one more person left, Morgan. Major Collins turned the mic over to her Major and he started to present her medals. Once he was done with the medals, next came the rank promotion. I put the things I received so far on the floor and waited for my cue. I knew that Morgan wouldn't have her family here to pin the new rank on her, so I asked if I could do it but I wanted to make it a surprise so I asked her Major not to tell her. He was all for it as he knows that we are roommates and have been friends for the longest time so he didn't question it.

When he finished his speech and the oath was spoken, he returned to the podium to get the new shoulder boarders before giving me my cue. While I made my way up the stairs to the stage, he announced that I would be pinning her and handed over the new boarders. As I took my place in front of her, I could see her eyes were already watering. It took my time pulling the old ones off before replacing them. Once I was done, my eyes met hers and gave her a soft smile.

"I'm so proud of you, I know you are going to be an amazing Captain, I love you." I said and pulled her into for a hug. I tried not to get to emotional because we were only supposed to look like just friends. So I let go of the hug quickly and gave her a smile before I pulled away completely before turning around letting our family get a few pictures of us together before we both left the stage.

We all took a collective ten minute recess and I had to disappear to the cages to get the team flag. While in there I also grabbed the new G-1 tab I got from Major Collins and put it in my pocket. As I returned to the auditorium I waited outside for my cue. Looking up at the flag that has been in my possession since I became Gold One, I had to bite back tears. This whole day has been a lot harder then I thought it would be.

The ceremony started back up again once everyone returned to there seats. It didn't take long before I heard them call for the flag and the doors were pulled open. Once they were, I pulled myself together and let my mask slip into place as I walked steady down the center aisle of the auditorium. When I got to my place I turned to face Rob, who had Monica standing right behind him, with the rest of the team in two lines behind her. After a shaky deep breath, I steeled my voice and started to speak. I got out everything I needed to say before Rob and I took a step forward at the same time so I could hand the flag over to him. Once he had it, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the new G-1 tab and pinned it to his sleeve before stepping back and giving him a salute.

The torch was officially passed. My final act as the leader of Gold Team was complete. I stood back and watched as Rob called his team to attention before leading them out of the auditorium as I stood rooted in place. Major Collins called an end to the days ceremony but I barely heard her has I needed to take a few seconds for it to sink in that this chapter of my life is complete.

It left an uneasy feeling in my stomach, having to watch them walk away without me, but a part of me knew this was going to be for the best. Before I could join the rest of the team in the conference room that is down the hall for refreshments, I was stopped by Major Collins. She pulled me in for a hug and just as she let go, Doctor Fasching was standing next to her. It was then that Major Collins introduced me to Reneé as her wife. It took another few seconds to wrap my head around that discovery and I almost punched Annabelle for not telling me about her before this.

We all made our way over to the little party that was being held for all of us and it was nice to get this final end of my time with Gold Team. During the party, the team pulled me up front and presented me with a wooden 'retirement' plaque. In the center is a large Ranger Logo with the 75th Ranger battalion crest underneath it. Next came my ribbons which included all of the ones I was presented today and a copy of the medal I received from the President of Ukraine as well. Then there was a black plaque on the bottom with some of my career achievements written out on it with a few pictures of my team all around the remaining space of the plaque. It made me cry once I finished taking it in.

I was given a few other smaller plaques during the party from different commanders I served with and even got to see the guys of Alpha and Bravo team. Ryan gave me a small plaque with a few challenge coins in it from the missions I was attached to there team on and Raymond was there with a case of beer and an expensive personally engraved bottle of bourbon with a set of tumbler glasses. It was all really nice of them and made me get a few ideas of something I could get in return for Raymond at his official retirement party that's coming up soon.

We didn't stay to long at the party as Kuzma was getting restless after being in a suit all day. My family stuck around our house for a few days before heading home to North Carolina. It took another few days to get back into our daily routine that was starting to change. I've almost come to the end of my physical therapy and knew it wouldn't be long before I would be cleared for active duty again. Morgan was already cleared to go back to working in command on desk duty for now but all it took was her passing the last physical set for the end of next week for her to be fully cleared.

Though the thought of Morgan possibly getting sent overseas again it set me on edge, I worked on it with Doctor Fasching. It took a little bit to come around to the possibility that Morgan could get deployed again somewhere while I was stuck home. But that was apart of our new reality, what we both agreed to. So I took her passing her last physical with a grain of salt, knowing that this is what she wanted to do with her career, something I wouldn't stand in the way of.

From there, time seemed to fly. Soon, I was also cleared to get back to active duty and I officially made my career pivot to working Sniper School. I was just happy that the latest class was at the end of there session, so I had some time before I would really start working again. So while Morgan settled back in to working steadily at a 9-5 pace for the moment, Kuzma and I spent a lot of time together.

After talking it over with him, I signed him up for the rec soccer league. He told me how much he like playing it at home before everything happened and I wanted to give this sport back to him as he clearly loved playing it. While I was still in between the start of the next class of Sniper School, Mallory, Troy, Shane and Logan all came down to visit for a few days. Both Kuzma and Logan were happy to see each other in person instead of a facetime call. Mallory and I wanted to set something up before I started getting busy with work again.

Over the course of the first few months since we got home, I ended up calling Mallory often for advice on things. Mainly, it was for how to set up a good home school structure for Kuzma to get him adjusted to how we do school here in America. She was a great help for all of that and then I just started to call about her about other things when it came to Kuzma. She's one of the few people I know and was close enough to who has a kid I felt comfortable going to about things. She helped put my mind at ease with things and I couldn't help but feel extremely grateful to have her back in my life as a friend.

It didn't take long before the next class of Sniper School started up. Before it did pick up, I went over to the school for the first time since I graduated all those years ago to take it all in and meet with my new Major, Major Ken Tyler who is in charge of all of the instructors at Sniper School. He is a pretty chill guy and gave me all the information I needed to know about the first day and what was expected of me as an instructor. Once we were done with our conversation, I was turned over to Master Sergeant James Cinelli who would be running the day to day operation at Sniper School. From there, he introduced me to the others instructors here. As I got to know some of my fellow instructors, one thing stood out to me pretty quickly, I would be the only female instructor. Though something like this never bothered me before, I've gotten so used to being around so many strong female leaders and teammates, I was kind of disappointed to learn about it.

Master Sergeant Cinelli walked me through the rest of what I would be responsible for during my first class as an instructor. I was mostly going to be in the background this first class, learning the ropes of everything that an instructor needed to know. But I was expected to also help lead some of the classes as we got closer to the end of the session.

By the time I was done with my first day of onboarding, the only question I had for Master Sergeant was if I could go out onto the range and shoot for a bit, to get acclimated to the course again. He only laughed me off before agreeing. It didn't take long for me to get my rifles from my truck with my ammunition before taking one of the spots at the range. With no spotter, I had to do all of my own measurements on my own. The time between each shot was longer, more mentally thought out then normal. It took almost a whole magazine for me to start hitting the targets I was aiming for.

After I got through all of my round and had my paper targets sent up to me I started packing up my gear. I reviewed the targets and saw how bad my first few shots were, they barely clipped the edge of the targets. I knew I was going to need to spend more time working on the range to get back up to speed, but this was like riding a bike, there really isn't a getting off once you learn.

The rest of my time before the next school started up was spent learning about all the different classes from the instructors point of view. The other half was making time to get down on the range to shoot during different times of day before pulling out my ghillie suit out of the garage to tune it up.

By the time the first class started, I felt a little more prepared. Since Morgan and I were both working on base at the same time, we had to send Kuzma to the day care center. I really didn't want to and I felt bad doing it but he was still to young to be at home by himself all day. Once either one of us were done for the day we would pick him up and go over the school work we sent him with. This was only going to be temporary until he starts school in September.

And this was how life continued to move. Morgan got back into the fellowship that my dad wanted her to be a part of while I worked daily at Sniper School. Summer came and went and for the first time in years, I actually took a vacation. Morgan, Kuzma and I went to Disneyworld in Florida for a week once my first class was complete. It was a magical experience to get to see Kuzma just let loose and have fun while we walked around the parks as a family. Even though it triggered panic attacks in all of us most nights, the last night we were in the parks, we stayed to watch the fire work show. It took a lot of strength from Morgan and I to hold it together and not slip into a flashback but as the show continued to play out, Kuzma's face light up more and more. Morgan and I clung to each other later that night in bed as we worked ourself down from the overwhelming panic as our minds kept trying to take us back to the war.

By the time the next class started Kuzma was in the middle of his soccer season and started to make a lot of friends so we found it a bit easier to not have him go to day care often. Even though we couldn't be at every game, Morgan and I tried to be there for as many as we could. At the end of his season, the coach wanted him to go out for the travel team as he was clearly a lot more skilled then the other nine year old's on the pitch. When I asked Kuzma about it, he was all smiles that he wanted to continue. So, we went to the try outs and I watched as he ran circles around a lot of the other kids on the field. It didn't come as a surprise when he made the team.

As September arrived, Kuzma was ready to start school. When I went down to the school to sign him up, I spoke with the principle at length about how Kuzma came to be my kid and wanted to make it clear that he isn't just like another kid who transferred in from out of state. Everyone was really accommodating to everything I had to say and I made it clear that Morgan would be the only other emergency contact. But because we couldn't officially be together still, I had to list her as my roommate, which was disappointing. With all of that taking care of, Kuzma did have to sit for a few basic tests to see what grade he would be the best prepared for. When they came back, we found out that he would be starting the 5th grade. It was a good starting point for him as most of his soccer friends would be in the same grade so he would be starting school with some friends already. Morgan and I spoiled him a bit when we took him supply shopping, letting him get almost everything he wanted, within reason.

Both Morgan and I were able to get the day off to take him to his first day of school. We spent the night before talking only in Ukrainian as Kuzma was really nervous about his first day and his English was getting messy and lost in translation. I made it clear that if he didn't feel comfortable, he could always tell his teacher, who he already got to met, that he could tell her and they would call me to come pick him up and we would just try again the next day. When the morning finally came, Kuzma and I sat together like always and had breakfast before it was time to get ready and go.

Just as Kuzma finished getting dress, I met him in his room and sat down on his bed. Kuzma just finished putting on his shoes and tying them before sitting next to me. I held out my hand for him and waited until copied my movement before dropping the necklace I made for him into his waiting hand. When he picked it up I watched as he held up the chain metal and found the dog tag. He pulled it closer to his eyes and read my name on it before looking at me.

"Just like before, it will keep you safe and you'll always have a piece of me with you." I said. I gave him a smile before he rushed right into my arms. When he calmed down, I put the necklace on him before we met Morgan downstairs.

Together, we all made our way over to his new school and walked him right up to the doors. With one final hug for each of us, he went inside and found his classroom while Morgan and I went home to wait by the phone in cause something happened. Morgan ended up working from home while I tried to do anything but wait by the phone. It felt like torture so I ended up going into the garage to clean up my rifles with my cell phone on loud sitting beside me on the work bench.

The day slowly trekked by and I never got a phone call so Morgan and I were back at the school at 3pm for pick up. We waited on the blacktop with the rest of the parents who were waiting for there own kids, and finally they started to be led out by their teachers. Then we saw him. Kuzma had a smile on his face as he found Morgan and I standing in the crowd. Once the teacher saw us, he ran over to us and I couldn't help the smile on my face. The ride home was full of hearing about his first day and it felt like all the pressure that settled in my chest about this day finally lifted.

Our lives started to settle into a routine when Kuzma started school and time seamed to fly by. Soon it was Kuzma's tenth birthday, then our first real Christmas at home in Georgia as a family. I was at the end of another sniper school rotation and Morgan was wrapped up drafting some operation orders so we couldn't go visit moms. Instead, they came down to us with Dominic and Dina in tow. They all stayed for New Years and Kuzma was happy to have all of his favorite people around.

Then before I knew it we were onto another new year together. More Sniper School sessions, Morgan working hard with the DOD and her new orders that leave her working late more nights then I like, but she didn't have to go overseas so I couldn't complain to much. Kuzma kept getting bigger and he discovered he likes his hair cut into Mohawks for the moment. He even made the claim that they help him run faster in soccer. The now ten year old was excelling at everything he set his mind to and at home, we still had our quiet breakfast mornings, cuddled together.

The more Sniper School sessions I worked, the more responsibilities I got. Now, almost a full year under my belt, I was leading classes more often then not and it's been a long time since I missed a kill shot out on the range. It kept me busy and didn't let me think to much about what Gold Team was up to. Rob and I would still show up unannounced at each others houses and I doubt that will ever change. Monica and I talk often as well and she has come over plenty of times to hang out with Kuzma, because according to her, he is more awesome then I. (I couldn't really blame her) The rest of the team would pop up every once and a while, mostly Emmett and Cosima.

I think Emmett and I will always be linked since he saved my life that day. It made me feel like I gained another brother in him. As for the other medic, Cosima comes around often when she can because with her around, Kuzma has a link to his Ukrainian roots. The pair talk for hours about their country and it was made me happy that he has someone to talk about the good times with.

Every once and a while, Kuzma would ask me what it was like there when we pulled him out, but I didn't have the heart to go into details. Maybe one day when he is older I'll be able to talk about it more with him but for now, it's really just limited information. I think he also realizes how difficult it is for Morgan and I to talk about what we saw and went through there. When I brought these conversations up to Doctor Fasching, she recommended that Kuzma talk with a child therapist that specializes in trauma. Though Morgan and I don't really see many signs of PTSD or panic attacks or things of that nature, we thought it would be a good idea. Kuzma started seeing a therapist and though what is spoken about stays between them, his therapist does give us some insight onto things that he is thinking when it comes to his earlier childhood years.

With all of us getting help for our own mental health, it made it a bit easier to talk about those times. Once every other month, Morgan and I go to a couple therapy session together so we are on the same page with what we want for ourselves and our life together. It was a great help to both of us as our careers pull in different directions.

Life continued to move from there. Morgan started working on more highly classified missions with Delta teams while working with her DOD fellowship and making the occasional trip up to DC for important meetings or for mission command controls while I keep rotating with new sessions of Sniper School. Kuzma is killing it at school, making new friends and getting amazing grades. He loves playing soccer and seems to really be doing well.

Before we new it, summer rolled around and Morgan and I were able to take some time off to spend two weeks with my moms in North Carolina. Kuzma was happy to have play dates with Logan and Mallory was excited to introduce me to her new girlfriend on one of there play dates. While we talk on the phone often enough, she has told me all about this new girlfriend and things seem to be going well for them. The first time I met her over the summer, I did lay into her to try and make sure she wouldn't crack under the pressure and she did well. It also didn't help Morgan ran a background check on her once Mallory gave me her full name. Victoria 'Tori' Barkley is a 6th grade teacher in the town over from Mallory. Other then a few speeding and parking tickets, she was clean. By the time we had to go back home that summer, I gave Mallory my approval and it seemed like she was relieved at it.

When we got home, things moved quickly as Kuzma started school again while I started another class. Before we knew it, it was already Kuzma's 11th birthday which lead right into thanksgiving and then Christmas. Because I was in the middle of a class and Morgan was leading a mission, we couldn't go down to visit moms again. They actually came up to us and then we were surprised when Dominic and Dina coming along too. It was nice to have them here to come home to after long days on base. They didn't stay for New Years though as they had there own parties to get to at home.

As the calendar turned, I knew that this would be a big year for me. I knew it would go quick. The classes in Sniper School started to go by fast and before I knew it, it was already the end of May and at the conclusion of this class, I would officially retire from the military. Everyone at school knew as I started filing the last of my paperwork. Once it was all in, there was no turning back, after these seven weeks, I would be done. All of the instructors at Sniper School knew that this would be my final rotation, so they wanted me to basically run the whole program this time around as my swan song.

Getting to put all of attention into working helped greatly taking my mind off of things. The class ran smoothly and before I knew it, it was the final week. Usually, the last week of Sniper School is the most stressful of our candidates seven weeks here. But this time, I felt all the stress. Filing all of my retirement paperwork, making sure all of my gear was returned to the proper offices, registering my weapons for personal use now that I'm not going to be on active duty, returning all of my old badges and tech all the while running school.

But finally, it was graduation day for the class. Out of the forty two students that we had start the course this time around, only fifteen made it through graduation. This was on the low end of our class turn out, but it didn't help that I wasn't cutting anybody any slack on my final rotation. As the graduation ceremony came to a close, Major Tyler called me to attention next to the podium. Everyone knew at Sniper School but I wasn't expecting anything to come from them, though I found a home with them here, my heart will always belong to Gold Team.

Major Tyler talked about my accomplishments for a few minutes, about all of my medals and ribbons and real world experiences. Then he finally got to the heart of the matter. As he finished up his speech, he called Kuzma up to the stage. It was then that I noticed my whole family was sitting in the back of the auditorium, including Gold Team, Major Collins, and Mallory with her family.

I pulled my focus back to Kuzma as he stood on the stage next to Major Tyler. Major only took another second at the podium before turning the mic over to Kuzma. He was looking at me with bright eyes and a smile as he started to read the little script he had in his hand.

"Sergeant First Class Daniella Donovan, your twelve years of service to the United States is now up, you are now officially retired from active duty service in the United States Army. You'll always be my Dani and I love you, congratulation." Kuzma finished and folded up the piece of paper he read from before looking at me. I dropped to my knee and it didn't take long for Kuzma to crash into me.

The ceremony finished up not long after that. I was barely able to see anybody after the ceremony as Morgan drove us over to the Eagles Nest for my official retirement party. Just about everyone I have served time with was here as it looks like Morgan rented this place out just for us. Lucky for us, Logan kept Kuzma company in one of the corner tables so I could mingle and walk around for most of the night. Seeing all of these familiar faces in the room had me almost in tears for most of the evening.

While I made rounds around the room, a few different people gave me some plaques with different service accomplishments. I got one from the guys at sniper school and another one from Major Collins and command.

As the night got long, the only person missing from this day was Dad. Every once in a while, I would feel like I could see his face in the crowd of people, or just in another guy standing at the bar waiting for a drink. A few times I thought I heard his voice behind me. His presence was in this room tonight, that was for sure. When it started to get later, Moms took Kuzma home for the night along with Logan who was going to be sleeping over at our house so we could all get the night off.

The one thing I wish I could do was have Morgan on my arm for the night. Though she would come and go, we technically couldn't show our relationship off till next week, the first day of June, when my retirement paperwork would officially clear the army's HR department. It didn't mean that we didn't sneak away into the bathroom together and locked the door just to have a moment alone though.

After the night officially ended, we had to get driven back to our house by an uber as we were both way to drunk to drive and even though we tried to be quiet when we walked in, Peyton was waiting up for us on the couch as we stumbled through the front door. She just gave us a look as she took all of the plaques I got earlier that night so Morgan and I could escape upstairs.

When we woke up the next morning, it was to a hangover and we were both annoyed at how loud the house was when we eventually surfaced from our room. By the time we finally got downstairs, the house was full. Mallory, Troy and Shane were here helping out with breakfast for the kids while Dominic and Dina watched the chaos from the sidelines. Morgan and I dove right into the action and helped where we could.

The week past pretty quickly. Everyone was sticking around for a little vacation and before I knew it, it was June 1st. I was officially 100% retired from the Army. When I woke up that morning I held Morgan tightly to my body, not wanting to let go. But finally Morgan started to stir in my arms. When she finally opened her eyes, they found mine and I gave her a smile.

"You know what today is?" I asked quietly in the early morning hours.

"The first day to the start of the rest of our lives." Morgan said and pushed her nose into crook of my neck and I couldn't help but smile.

"Let's go get married." I said. Morgan pulled her head from my neck and I looked at me for a few moments.

"Don't you think it's a bit rushed?" She asked sounding concerned.

"It's not like we haven't been engaged for two years now. Everyone is already here and this has been a long time coming." I said.

"You don't want a big party or an Army ceremony or anything?" Morgan asked.

"I just want you. If you want these things, we can plan something out and take our time." I said not wanting to rush things if Morgan wasn't ready.

"Give me two months. I'm sure your mom and I can plan something great." Morgan said.

"Anything you want baby." I said and pressed a kiss to her lips.

For the first time since I was a teenager, I had no responsibilities. The trust fund my dad set up for me was accessible along with some extra money from the Army that accrued over all these years. So I had nothing I needed to do, nowhere I needed to be. Morgan and Mom started to plan our wedding together while she was working. Whenever I asked her if they needed help, I was always pushed into another room with Kuzma.

With it being summer, him and I got to spend a lot of time together. Trips to the park, hanging out with Robs kids when he was home, going to all of his soccer games, taking him out to different places, his favorite so far was the aquarium. We spent all day in front of one of the giant fish tanks. He liked it so much we went back a few times before the summer ended, Morgan even joined us once.

As June turned to July, the three of us took a trip up to North Carolina to visit my family for the fourth of July. We wouldn't be staying for long, just a few days as Morgan had to work but Kuzma was happy to see his friend Logan. While I was back in my hometown, I stopped by Shane's tattoo shop. I wanted to get two tattoos, the first being a few fish to commemorate this summer Kuzma and I shared together and how much he loved going to the aquarium. I got them wrapped around bicep kind of like the shape of the tank Kuzma and I spent days sitting in front of. I got a bunch of his favorite fish in many different colors. The other tattoo I got was a sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine. I put it on the outside of my right forearm with a few other flowers.

Peyton and I got to spend some time together while the other two were busy working on wedding things that I still wasn't allowed to help with. The only think I was asked so far was what I was going to be wearing, to which I replied my uniform. Peyton and I talked some more about what I wanted to do now that I was out of the Army and I didn't have an answer for her yet. This was something I was still working on with Dr. Fasching as well. I wanted to take some time for myself, to grow mentally and make sure I would be ready for the next step in life. I also wanted to have the summer off and spend it with Kuzma. He was getting older and I swear taller every single day. It wouldn't be long before he started high school and I wanted some more time with my sweet young boy before that happened. Peyton told me that if I ever wanted, a job would be waiting for me at her contracting firm, but I think that was the one thing I was sure I didn't want to be involved in anymore.

By the time we returned home, Morgan told me that everything was planned and wedding would be August 3rd. The invitations went out and if I wanted to ask anyone else that wasn't on the list she already put together, now would be the time. There were a few additional invitations I sent out once I really looked at the list. But I was taken by surprise to see her parents on the guest list as attending. When I asked Morgan about it, she told me that they have been in contact since they saw the news about me getting blown up in Ukraine. Nothing crazy, some texts and phone calls here and there. But when Morgan started going to therapy herself, she worked really hard on trying to get on speaking terms with her parents.

Things seemed to be moving in the right direction as there have been more phone calls and face times. She did tell me that they still haven't seen each other in person yet, neither side could get the stars aligned with work and also some fear of seeing each other in person again for the first time in almost eight years. But, they will both be coming in for the wedding. After Morgan told me all about what's been going on, I asked why she didn't bring it up until now. In the most heartbreaking fashion, she told me she was afraid they wouldn't show up, but once they showed her the plane ticket confirmations and where there hotel reservations are, she felt it was real enough for her to tell me about it.

With all of that going through our minds, the calendar finally turned to August. I was thankful that Moms and Dominic were staying at a hotel for this stay. I don't think Morgan or I could handle the extra stress of having them in our home right now while we were getting everything ready for the big day. The day before the wedding, we had our rehearsal dinner at a nice restaurant in town. This was also the first time Morgan got to see her parents in person. They flew in late last night from California and with us running last minute errands, we didn't have time to meet up before hand. Morgan asked that they get there early so they could have some time together before the rest of the guests arrive.

I was a fly on the wall watching them reconnect for the first time. Kuzma stayed by my side as we both watched them together. The stress started to bleed out of Morgan's shoulders the more they talked with each other. After a good five minutes of them talking, I tried to pull Kuzma away from watching the trio. The eleven year old put up a little bit of a fight at first as he has grown protective of Morgan just as much as I am, but once Dominic walked through the door with Dina trialing not far behind him, he finally left them be.

While I was talking with them I heard heavy footsteps come up from behind us and I turned as I knew who it was. Morgan gave me a smile as she formally introduced me to her parents. I shook both of there hands and was civil for the most part. I knew this was a delicate situation for Morgan so I tried to keep everything light and open between all of us. When Morgan introduced Kuzma to them I could tell they have questions, it's no surprise as Kuzma and I don't look anything alike, but I just pushed the conversation forward to avoid that conversation for now.

It didn't take much longer before my moms walked through the front door, both of them dressed to the nines, really showing off. I couldn't help but laugh as I gave them both a hug as Mom went through what the plans were for this dinner. It would be just a simple dinner with a fun game to be played before dessert. While Morgan introduced her parents to mine, Annabelle walked through the door with Reneé and I couldn't help but give both women hugs. Rob and his wife followed after them with Emmett and his wife and Monica and Cosima. A few of Morgan's friends from work also came to the dinner and I was happy to see them not hunched over a computer. The last five to walk through the door was Mallory, her girlfriend Tori, Troy, Shane and Logan. When I sent Mallory the invitation, she asked if her girlfriend could come. She told me about how serious things were getting between them and I couldn't say no, wanting to see my oldest friend happy.

Dinner went over well and everyone seemed to have a great time. Morgan's hand barely left mine the entire dinner and I was over the moon that now, finally, after all these years we didn't have to hide our love. By the time we got to the game, everyone had a drink or two in them and it made the game more interesting. The game was bride or bride, everyone got a card with some simple questions on it asking about, who made the first move, who cleans more, who drives more, who is the romantic, things like that. It was fun to see what everyone else guessed and to nobody's surprise, Kuzma got the most right answers. Everyone started yelling that he cheated but the reason why he knows everything is because he is there with us everyday to see everything.

As the dinner came to an end, Kuzma and Dominic ran off to the bathroom while Morgan and I settled the bill. When we came back, everyone was still sitting in there seats but Kuzma was holding a wrapped box with Dominic's hands on his shoulders. Morgan and I took our seats confused as Kuzma gave us both the box. We didn't bother trying to open it as we both gave him our complete attention.

"Back home, weddings were always long, a few days. One important thing that is used at every ceremony is a Rushnyk. It's a special towel with important symbols stitched into it as well wishes for the couple getting married. I wanted to give you both something apart of my culture so it would be like we are starting our life together officially, as a family." Kuzma said full nerves. My heart was in my throat as he started to explain and I could only squeeze Morgan's thigh as it was hard to get words out.

"Can we open it now?" Morgan asked as she got herself together faster then I could. Kuzma smiled and nodded and together Morgan and I tore open the wrapping paper and opened the box. The Rushnyk was long and about a foot and a half wide. Beautiful red patterns were stitched into the fabric as we looked all around the towel. Kuzma came over to us as we took it in his hands and pulled it to a certain point and pointed at three ducks, two larger then the third.

"This is us, our family." He said. Needless to say there was a dry eye left in the restaurant as Kuzma pointed out different patterns on the Rushnyk for us and what they meant. After he was satisfied, we put the Rushnyk back into the box to keep it safe for tomorrow and said goodnight to everyone left at the table who stuck around.

As we were putting things into the car, Dominic told me that Kuzma asked him for help in getting the Rushnyk. It warmed my heart to see Dominic take on this uncle roll so naturally with Kuzma and it made me so hopeful for the day when he has a kid of his own. The rest of the crew slowly made there way out of the restaurant and we were given strict instructions on what time we needed to be at the country club tomorrow.

Since tradition wouldn't be followed, Morgan and I sleep next to each other that night with Kuzma only down the hall in his room. The next morning, I was up early like usual and Kuzma and I had our quiet morning together. As we finished our breakfast together and moved over to the couch, I asked if he would like to be one of my brides maids. Dominic was already my best man and going to be walking me down the isle and Rob was going to be another brides maid but I wanted my little man up there with me. Kuzma only nodded and cuddled into my side as we listened to some music playing on the radio.

When Morgan came downstairs for breakfast, I knew we needed to get moving. Kuzma started in the shower first with myself jumping in after him. Morgan got herself into the shower after me as I finished packing everything we would be taking with us to the country club. Once Morgan was done and dressed we left the house and made the half hour trip over to the venue.

After got settled into our own bridal suites, Morgan started to get ready while I went outside with Kuzma to take a look at the grounds. The place is beautiful and I was happy I gave Morgan these two months to plan this out. When we stumble on where the ceremony will take place I almost cried, it was outside in the grass. Kuzma took my hand and we walked a little ways away from the crew setting everything up and sat down in the grass. It didn't take long before we were both laying out, his head on my stomach and arm wrapped around him tightly. Together we just relax and I tried not to be anxious or stressed about the wedding happening in a few short hours from now.

It was a little while later when Peyton found the two of us laying out and got us up to start getting ready. I was happy we were left alone for most of the morning and when I got to my bridal suite, Monica, Cosima, and Mallory were all waiting of me. Kuzma quickly got pulled out of the room by Dominic and the girls had there way with me. They helped me do my hair, putting it up in a simple bun and making sure my makeup was packed on so it wouldn't come off when I started crying.

After they were done with me, I started to get dressed. That part took the shortest amount of time. Just as I was checking over the placement of my ribbons on my chest, the door opened and Peyton and Annabelle both walked in. They were dressed to impress in there own military uniforms and they both took care of making sure everything was in line on my jacket. Once they approved, they gave me each a shot of whiskey to settle my nerves before mom walked in. She looked beautiful in her blue dress as her eyes watered when she took me in.

She was actually here to get me as we were ready to get this show on the road. Dominic was waiting right outside the door with Kuzma and Rob not far behind them. Together, we all made our way to the back doors of the venue waiting for our cues to walk out. Kuzma walked out first with one of Morgan's brides maid, then went Rob with another brides maid now just leaving Dominic and I behind.

Dominic put his hand on my lower back and I turned to him. He opened his hand and inside is sitting Dads dog tag. My eyes water as I looked up at him.

"I saw you weren't wearing yours, so I wanted to let you borrow mine so he is here with you." Dominic said and placed the metal into my breast pocket.

When things got settled at home and I had more time to think about things, I gave Dominic the second dog tag, wanting him to have this piece of dad. Normally, it hangs over the rear view mirror in the Chevelle, but it looks like this is a special occasion. The door opened again and I knew it was our time to move. I wrapped my arm around Dominics and together we walked down the isle.

At the alter, Dominic took his place in line next to me as we all turned around to wait for Morgan. It only took a few seconds for the doors to open again to reveal Morgan, standing at the end of the isle with her father, in a beautiful white dress. Tears were already pouring from my eyes as I watched them walk up the isle together. Once they were right in front of me, I noticed that Morgan's dressed revealed the circular scar on her chest from the bullet that hit her shoulder. You could barely notice it now unless you were looking for it, but I couldn't help myself as I took her hand in mine to lean down and kiss the old scar.

I could hear the gasp Morgan took and I tried to pull it together to pay attention to the master of ceremony. Together we stood in front of him and listened to his words as the ceremony continued. When it came to exchanging of rings, Kuzma stepped forwarded and handed us the wedding bands we choice together. Once the words were said, and the rings were on there rightful fingers, Kuzma took the Rushnyk and wrapped it tightly around our hands, binding us together as the master of ceremony continued speaking. Then the final words were spoke and we were officially wife and wife.

The kiss was full of tears, teeth and love, finally, forever, together. As we turned around all of our guests were cheering for us as we walked down the isle together under an arch of sabers held up by Gold Team. When we got to the end, Rob and Monica held us captive and made us kiss one more time before we were allowed to finish our walk down the isle. We had a few moments alone together to just soak in the moment. After all these years, the on again off again saga to our relationship is finally over. Now we just get to be, fully and forever together.

a/n: Finally, the end.

There was so much I wanted to cover in this final chapter so that is why it's almost 10K words.

I have been so busy between work and my personal life, I have to end this story here. There is another chapter I am working on right now but it's not anywhere close to being done yet. So that will come your way as a bonus chapter with this work officially ending here for now. Once I get around to finishing that chapter I will post it.

the song on the side for this chapter is called The Story by Brandi Carlile.

I hope you guys enjoyed this work even though we all cried through a majority of it.

Until next time,

Amanda.