Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
I turn on the small television in the bedroom and find some cooking show. I don’t really watch it, but the noise helps keep my brain somewhat calm. However, it’s not really working this time, because all I can think about is the project I want to put together for Chad and the rest of his unit.
Hopping up out of bed, I grab a fresh sheet of paper and pen and start writing. I make a list of different personal hygiene items we could use, as well as individual snacks and candy. Then, I add other recreational items like decks of cards, books, crossword puzzles, sudoku books, and adult coloring books.
By the time I’ve completed my list, I’m smiling, hoping I can pull off even half of this project. The personal notes and pictures will be easy, since we will do those in class, but the other items on the list will require help from parents and the community. My hope is everyone rallies around the effort, since the base is at the edge of town and so many of the families at the school are affected by military deployment.
Monday, I’ll write a letter to send home with the kids, and we’ll see what happens.
Curling up against the pillow I’ve deemed Chad’s, I fall into a fast sleep with thoughts of my husband filling my head.
When I wake on Saturday morning, I reach for my phone and squeal when I see Chad’s name on the screen. I tap quickly, pulling up the messaging app and smile when I see his replies.
Husband: First off, don’t ever EVER worry about bothering me. Your ramblings are the best part of my day, and I want to hear about everything. If it goes through your pretty little head, I want to know.
Husband: I think a quick trip home would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The thought of you being there alone, especially on a major holiday, doesn’t sit well with me. And taking Hannah would be great. I know Erik wouldn’t want her there alone either.
Husband: I can’t wait to hear more about your surprise. Part of me wants to ask for all the details now, but I also love the thought of being surprised. So you share as much info as you want and know I’ll be looking forward to whatever it is you’re cooking up. Oh, and there are twenty of us total in my unit.
Husband: I promise I’ll do everything in my power to be home for Ford and Shayne’s wedding. We should be home in plenty of time. Plus, it would be terrible if the best man was absent.
Husband: God, I miss you. You are the brightest sun in my life, and considering I’m stuck in the desert, under the hottest desert sun known to man, that’s pretty telling. You. You are it, my wife. Thank you for being on this journey with me.
I wipe a stray tear off my cheek as I set my phone down. There’s no reason to reply right now, especially because I know he won’t have his phone on, since he powers it off to save the battery. Just as I turn to replace the phone on the nightstand, it rings. I startle, hoping it’s Chad on the other end, but it’s not his name.
“Good morning,” I greet to Hannah.
“Hey, I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“Nope. I was just reading messages from Chad.”
“Aww, me too. Well, not from Chad, but from Erik. Sounds like they got back to base in the early morning. My messages arrived around 1:00 a.m.”
“Mine too.”
“Listen, the reason I was calling is because I’m off today. Wanna go have breakfast?”
My stomach chooses that moment to growl. “Definitely. The thought of blueberry waffles from the diner has me all sorts of ravenous,” I reply with a chuckle.
“Me too. Meet me there in an hour?”
“Perfect. See you then,” I say before we sign off.
I jump out of bed, eager to share my ideas with the one friend who will truly partake in my excitement because she’s living this lifestyle too. I shower quickly, throwing on comfortable leggings and one of Chad’s oversized Army T-shirts. I swipe a little mascara over my eyelashes and brush out my hair, pulling the wet strands back in a messy bun. Once my teeth are brushed and I’ve added a little powder to my cheeks, I head for the front door, locking up as I go.
The drive to the diner is short, and I’m parking my car in the small lot between it and the library within a few minutes. It’s gorgeous out, and as I slip out of the driver’s seat, I can’t help but take a few moments to close my eyes, tip my face to the sun, and let the warmth seep into my skin.
Of course, like I do almost every other time of the day, I think of Chad. He’s off somewhere in this world, baking under the hot desert sun. I hope he truly understands how proud I am of him, for doing what so few will step up and do.