“Diva, huh?”

“I’m starting to suppose this baby will probably be a mini Aria.”

“I’m so drained, Caleb.”

“Get some relaxation. I’ll let everybody know what’s occurring. Your mother and Spencer would possibly need to come and see you earlier than they depart, however Clay will take nightshift exterior.”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m protected sufficient with you right here. Inform Clay to go house and get some relaxation.”

I’m speechless. I’ve been asking her for weeks to belief me, after which at present, of all days, she offers me that belief. After all the things she’s been via, she nonetheless exhibits a energy I like to see from her.

***

I cease my truck exterior my home and get out to assist Aria. Earlier than I even get there, she’s getting herself out. She seems just a little higher at present. The physician was happy with how she was this morning and advised her she nonetheless must relaxation. Possibly an excellent night time’s sleep and many consolation meals and love will get her the remainder of her energy again.

“Welcome house, babe.”

“Thanks.”

I take her hand and stroll her into my home. Inside, my mother is cooking within the kitchen. Clay and Chris are depositing containers of decorations on the bottom, and Aria’s mother and pa are there. Spencer is securing a Christmas tree in a stand.

“What’s occurring?” asks Aria.

“I’m unsure,” I say.

I anticipated to come back house to an empty home. Simply the 2 of us to get a lot wanted R&R.

My mother hugs Aria and kisses her cheek. “This home was very boring for it being Christmas Eve in three days. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to inject some Christmas spirit into this household. We didn’t have fun Thanksgiving collectively, so that is our Thanksgiving. We’ll adorn the tree, eat turkey, and pumpkin pie, and watch horrible motion pictures. All when you, younger woman, will go and put your toes up. I’ll deliver you a number of sizzling cocoa and loads of white chocolate chip cookies.”

Aria laughs at my mother and I take a step again. I used to be about to inform everybody what a ridiculous concept this was, however I see Aria laughing at my mother’s overbearing methods and I allow them to get on with it. I’ll do something to make Aria really feel happier and comfy.

“Angela, you had me at cookies.” Aria turns away from my mother and appears round the lounge.

“It’s good to see you, sweetheart,” says Aria’s dad.

She nods and walks away from him, farther into the center of my home. I believe it can take quite a bit to fix their damaged relationship. Phrases can’t be unsaid, sadly.

I see Clay fussing over my woman, and Spencer joins in. I don’t know who’s worse. They’re like two overprotective dad and mom the place Aria’s involved.

“You good, honey?” asks my mother, breaking me out of my daze.

“I believe I’m. What do you want me to do?”

“Nothing. That is for you and Aria. Chill out. Get pleasure from this time collectively. Your father has simply gone out for some provides. He’ll be again quickly.”

I kiss my mother’s cheek and fall onto the sofa beside Aria. She rests her head on my shoulder and, at that second, we’re sitting right here like a traditional, joyful household. I by no means thought at the present time would come. Ever.

“Bro, if I’ve obtained to embellish the tree then you must as effectively.” Clay throws a bag of tinsel at me and I catch it, making it explode throughout Aria and me. We giggle, pushing it again into the bag.

“Can I assist?” Aria stands up and takes the tinsel out of my hand. “I haven’t adorned a tree in ceaselessly. Nicely, once I was in locations like Africa, I might attempt to supply some sort of tree for our camp, or hospital. I might get the youngsters to make decorations and we’d cling them on the tree. One yr, the one factor I may discover was this large cactus plant. I obtained a soldier to dig it out for me.” She giggles on the reminiscence. “I believe he thought I used to be just a little loopy.”

All of us snicker at her infectious giggle. It’s good to listen to recollections of her time away. She hasn’t shared very a lot since she’s been again. It’s protected to say her thoughts has been elsewhere. I’m simply glad that she feels comfy sufficient at present to share one thing.

“It sounds such as you kicked ass over there,” says Clay.

“I don’t learn about that, however I appreciated my job. I loved seeing the grins on the youngsters’ faces. They didn’t have a lot to snicker about over there, as you most likely already know.” She factors over to Clay.

“I by no means obtained the prospect to essentially see any of the youngsters joyful. We deposited them to facilities like those you labored in, after which we have been gone once more. Their terrified faces will stick to me for all times.”

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