**Chapter 1: Arrival in Texas**

The Texas sun beat down on Esme as she stepped off the plane, its intensity a stark contrast to the drizzly Amsterdam morning she'd left behind. She took a deep breath, the dry air filling her lungs, and gazed out at the unfamiliar landscape. A mix of emotions swirled inside her: excitement, nervousness, and a hint of trepidation. This was it, her new beginning. Esme had grown up in the Netherlands, her mother passing away when she was just thirteen. Her father, Henry, had moved to the United States a few years later, seeking a fresh start. They'd kept in touch, but it had been years since they'd seen each other in person. Esme's decision to leave the military and reconnect with her father had been a difficult one, but she felt a sense of restlessness, a need to escape the memories that haunted her. As she made her way to baggage claim, Esme's thoughts turned to her friends back home, Maxime and Jane. They'd been her rock, her confidantes, and she missed them already. But she'd promised herself that this was a chance to start anew, to leave the past behind and forge a new path. The drive to her father's house was a blur of highway and scrubland, the landscape unfolding like a map. Esme's eyes wandered, taking in the endless skies and the sparse, rugged beauty of the Texas terrain. She'd never been to the States before, and everything felt foreign, yet somehow, it felt... right. As they turned into a quiet neighborhood, Esme spotted a small, one-story house with a neatly manicured lawn. A tall, lanky figure stood on the porch, his eyes fixed on her. Her father, Henry, flashed a warm smile, and Esme's heart swelled with emotion. "Dad," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she stepped into his open arms. The hug was awkward, but it was a start. Esme felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what the future held, but as she looked into her father's eyes, she saw kindness and love, and that gave her hope. "Welcome home, kiddo," Henry said, holding her at arm's length to study her face. "It's been too long." Esme smiled, feeling a sense of wonder, as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings, the new chapter of her life waiting to unfold. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of peace. As they pulled away from each other, Esme took in her father's appearance. He looked older, his hair grayer, but his eyes still sparkled with warmth. She felt a pang of guilt for not being here sooner, for not being a part of his life. "I'm sorry it's been so long," Esme said, her voice barely above a whisper. Henry's expression softened, and he put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're here now, that's all that matters. Let's get your bags and get you settled in." As they walked towards the house, Esme felt a sense of excitement, a sense of possibility. She knew that this was just the beginning, that there would be challenges ahead, but for now, she was home, and that was all that mattered. The house was small, but cozy, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Esme felt a sense of comfort as she looked around, taking in the familiar scent of her father's cooking. She knew that it would take time to adjust, but for now, she was grateful to be here, to be starting anew. As they sat down to a simple but delicious meal, Esme felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that this was just the beginning, that there would be ups and downs, but for now, she was home, and that was all that mattered.