Gone Away Home by Ember Davis

DUSTIN
It’s time to go home. I’ve allowed my heart to yearn for far too long for the one person who gives me peace. Joining the military didn’t help me embrace the distance I’ve been forced to endure between us. Being on the other side of the globe didn’t help us forget.
When I made the decision to leave Jasper Ridge and the woman who holds my heart, it was for a good reason. I didn’t think I could ever have her when our parents got married. I felt torn in two knowing that Zayla was supposed to be mine, while also being happy for our parents. A year later, I ripped out my own heart.
I’ve been away too long, home is calling to me, and I’m not going to let anyone stop me from claiming my woman.

ZAYLA
Back then, everything was out of my control. I didn’t have a say in our parents getting married. I couldn’t stop him from enlisting. All I could do was learn how to breathe without him, but I’ve been walking around without my heart for 14 years.
Knowing Dustin was halfway around the world and in danger made it almost impossible. No matter how hard I tried to forget and to move on, it was useless. I’ve made peace with being without my other half; knowing that he’s alive has had to be enough.
Now he’s home and there’s a determination in his eyes when he looks at me that I’ve never seen before, even though the things that kept us apart are still there. I’ll happily bring home trouble if it means my heart can be whole again.