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“Diva, huh?”
“I’m beginning to think this little one will be a mini Aria.”
“I’m so tired, Caleb.”
“Get some rest. I’ll let everyone know what’s happening. Your mom and Spencer might want to come and see you before they leave, but Clay will take nightshift outside.”
She shakes her head. “No. I’m safe enough with you here. Tell Clay to go home and get some rest.”
I’m speechless. I’ve been asking her for weeks to trust me, and then today, of all days, she gives me that trust. After everything she’s been through, she still shows a strength I love to see from her.
***
I stop my truck outside my house and get out to help Aria. Before I even get there, she’s getting herself out. She looks a little better today. The doctor was pleased with how she was this morning and told her she still needs to rest. Maybe a good night’s sleep and lots of comfort food and love will get her the rest of her strength back.
“Welcome home, babe.”
“Thank you.”
I take her hand and walk her into my house. Inside, my mom is cooking in the kitchen. Clay and Chris are depositing boxes of decorations on the ground, and Aria’s mom and dad are there. Spencer is securing a Christmas tree in a stand.
“What’s going on?” asks Aria.
“I’m not sure,” I say.
I expected to come home to an empty house. Just the two of us to get much needed R&R.
My mom hugs Aria and kisses her cheek. “This house was very dull for it being Christmas Eve in three days. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to inject some Christmas spirit into this family. We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving together, so this is our Thanksgiving. We’ll decorate the tree, eat turkey, and pumpkin pie, and watch terrible movies. All while you, young lady, will go and put your feet up. I’ll bring you lots of hot cocoa and plenty of white chocolate chip cookies.”
Aria laughs at my mom and I take a step back. I was about to tell everyone what a ridiculous idea this was, but I see Aria laughing at my mom’s overbearing ways and I let them get on with it. I’ll do anything to make Aria feel happier and at ease.
“Angela, you had me at cookies.” Aria turns away from my mom and looks around the living room.
“It’s good to see you, sweetheart,” says Aria’s dad.
She nods and walks away from him, farther into the heart of my house. I think it will take a lot to mend their broken relationship. Words can’t be unsaid, unfortunately.
I see Clay fussing over my girl, and Spencer joins in. I don’t know who is worse. They’re like two overprotective parents where Aria’s concerned.
“You good, honey?” asks my mom, breaking me out of my daze.
“I think I am. What do you need me to do?”
“Nothing. This is for you and Aria. Relax. Enjoy this time together. Your father has just gone out for some supplies. He’ll be back soon.”
I kiss my mom’s cheek and fall onto the couch beside Aria. She rests her head on my shoulder and, at that moment, we’re sitting here like a normal, happy family. I never thought this day would come. Ever.
“Bro, if I’ve got to decorate the tree then you have to as well.” Clay throws a bag of tinsel at me and I catch it, making it explode all over Aria and me. We giggle, pushing it back into the bag.
“Can I help?” Aria stands up and takes the tinsel out of my hand. “I haven’t decorated a tree in forever. Well, when I was in places like Africa, I would try to source some kind of tree for our camp, or hospital. I would get the kids to make decorations and we’d hang them on the tree. One year, the only thing I could find was this huge cactus plant. I got a soldier to dig it out for me.” She giggles at the memory. “I think he thought I was a little crazy.”
We all laugh at her infectious giggle. It’s good to hear memories of her time away. She hasn’t shared very much since she’s been back. It’s safe to say her mind has been elsewhere. I’m just glad that she feels comfortable enough today to share something.
“It sounds like you kicked ass over there,” says Clay.
“I don’t know about that, but I liked my job. I enjoyed seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. They didn’t have much to laugh about over there, as you probably already know.” She points over to Clay.
“I never got the chance to really see any of the kids happy. We deposited them to centers like the ones you worked in, and then we were gone again. Their terrified faces will stick with me for life.”
