Page 12 of Soldier Daddy’s Dutiful Little

I pulled on a tank top and shorts, removing the flannel robe I wore when I was home.

It was chilly outside, the pitiless autumn wind blowing dead leaves about the place. I dropped the trash and was turning to leave when I spotted a seemingly familiar grey Mercedes Benz parked opposite the house.

I shook my head, annoyed at myself for wishing it was Oscar every time I saw a grey car. I pinched myself and headed for the front door, making a mental note to come out to sweep away the leaves that littered the front of my house.

“Vanessa!”

There was no mistaking that smooth baritone, but again, I could be hearing things. Again. But I turned around anyway, so I could convince myself that it was just all in my head, like it has been for the past few weeks.

Except this time, it was Oscar Donahue in the flesh. A camo-clad Oscar that was happily waving sheets of paper at me from across the street.

“We did it, Baby! I got discharged!”

I just stood there in a daze as he dashed towards me. The sheer joy I felt when he hoisted me. The happiness that came from being able to hold him again, to inhale his woody pine scent again…

“I’m so glad you’re back. I’m so so glad, Daddy.”

His hand held the back of my head in the tight embrace as he murmured, “Yeah, I’m back, Baby. For good.”

Yes, my Soldier Daddy was back and there was no letting him go now.