“Hello?”
“That, right there, is the most perfect sound in the world,” Colin’s voice came through the receiver of her phone. “I’ve missed you. How are my girls?”
“We are both holding down the fort until you come back. I’ve missed you too. How is Afghanistan?” she asked, unsure what to talk about. She heard his warm chuckle of amusement and felt a flush of warmth in her chest, picturing his smile.
“It’s full of sand and rock. I can’t really say a whole lot in case the phones are traced. I do explosives, not I.T. so I really couldn’t elaborate on that. I sure love hearing your voice.”
“I feel the same.”
“Tell me what’s been going on in your life. How’s our girl? How’s your little chicken-dog?”
“Rags is your chicken-dog,” she bantered, feeling her heart swell at his laugh. “I’m just keeping her until you come back home. Our little girl is doing good. She rolled over the other day and got mad about it.” Ava was touched that he was practically claiming Aurora protectively. She realized that Colin had more fatherly instincts in his pinky finger than her attacker that had donated a chromosome.
“I can’t wait to come back home,” he repeated softly, she could hear the desire in his voice. “I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too.”
“What are you doing in your free time? Are you getting out? I asked Ethan and John to watch out for you since I wasn’t there. I hope you don’t mind,” he asked. “I’ve sent a few packages to you as well.”
“I got the diapers, thank you,” she replied. “I was surprised you bought some more. Aurora is growing by leaps and bounds, so hold off for a bit before buying more for her. Yes, Ethan and John have gone out of their way to keep me included in their little circle of friends. I spend one night a week over there as a freeloader for dinner with everyone,” she teased.
“What about you? What do you need?”
“You,” she whispered truthfully, feeling her eyes get misty at him being away for so very long. “I miss your smile and being with you.”
“I miss being with you too. I am coming back at the end of November or December, Ava.”
“You are?”
“Yes. I’ve decided not to reenlist. I can’t stand being away from you and don’t want to chance bringing you here. It’s too dangerous. I’m coming home and Cooper is going to fly in to spend the Christmas holiday.”
Ava laughed as she heard another man’s voice in the background shouting.
“Hi Ava! Find me some gorgeous girl that thinks I am amazing – I’m much better looking than Wilkes’ ugly mug!”
“Quiet, you idiot!”
“What? Don’t be a hater – just cause I look better than you! I don’t want your chick, she’s too into you…I want her to find me a girl so I can spread the luuuuvvvv! There’s plenty of Cooper to go around for all the ladies!”
“Jeez, did you just hear what I have to deal with every single day?” Colin whispered into the phone, annoyed.
“He’s pretty obnoxious,” she agreed, giggling.
“Problem is, he’s a really great guy but covers it up with all this macho attitude thinking it makes him look tough. When you get him away from the others and he lets down his guard, he’s very protective and caring. He’s the guy that got me through when Ethan was hurt. I was hell-bent on trying to even the score, you know? Cooper talked me out of it and said what everyone else was thinking – and just what I needed to hear.”
“You don’t have to sell me on him – my heart already belongs to a special man,” she confessed tenderly. “I’m glad you are coming home but feel bad that it’s going to cause you to give up your career. I would never ask that of you.”
“I know you wouldn’t – and I don’t feel like I am giving it up. Instead, I realized that my life is back home with you. I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat it, Ava. I want more children than just little Aurora – and I want you to marry me when you are ready.”
“We’ll have to discuss it later on.”
“I know its early, but I can’t help but tell you how I feel,” he admitted. “You take all the time you need and just know that I will be right here waiting for you.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too. Get some rest sweetheart.”
“Goodnight.”
August 2016
Colin,
I’m not going to lie – I am ready for November. I miss the smell of your cologne and the way you look at me. I sent you a package in the mail. Aurora is eating stage one foods now. She loves bananas and butternut squash. When she eats, she makes the sweetest ‘num num num’ sounds and gives me a gummy grin. I took a picture of it and attached it to the email. Let me tell you, she is awfully messy with her food. She sneezed at me during breakfast yesterday and I was late for work. Blueberries went flying everywhere, making her laugh. I wish you could have seen it – I could hear your laughter in my mind. You are always with us, you know.
I love you,
Ava
Colin,
I know who Cooper should write to!
Omigosh, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but there is a girl I work with that is so quiet that she could use someone insane like him to draw her out of her shell. She’s a workaholic and seems like such a good person. Her name is Cora Dillion. Apparently she plays Candy Crush too – I caught her doing it on her phone during her lunch break. Tell Cooper to be on his best behavior- or else I won’t give out his email to anyone else.
Love you,
Ava
September 2016
My dearest Ava,
Cooper said to tell you thank you. Apparently Cora sent him some a few lives for his game, a few emails, and he is on cloud nine. I might be there for Thanksgiving but I’m betting it’s after the holiday. I don’t have my date yet and then I need to arrange my flight outta here.
I can’t wait to see you both.
Ethan said I can use his couch for as long as I need. Apparently he and Daisy are talking about having a small ceremony while we are all down there for Christmas. Shhhh! I didn’t tell you that though – he told me in the strictest confidence to make sure Cooper flew down and didn’t bail out at the last minute.
Apparently everyone is trying to take vacation at once. Post is going home to his fiancée and Luka claims he’s got nothing but parties to go to for the holiday. I think he’s full of it, just like Cooper.
I picked you up another charm today and put it in the mail. I’m glad the commissary on base gets some pretty stuff occasionally. It’s usually uniforms, booze, and snacks. This is a tough lot and we try to keep morale up however we can.
Seeing your photo on my phone helps so much.
I love your smile.
Colin
Dear Colin,
I am trying to send you a video but I think it’s too big to text. I attached it to this email so I hope you can open it. Aurora found her toes! I couldn’t help but laugh and laugh as she stared at them in utter shock. Now, I can’t keep them out of her mouth. It’s so cute how she curls up into a little plump ball of toothless grins. I never imagined how special having you both in my life would make me feel – and I can’t thank you enough for being such an amazing man. Let me know if the video came through.
I love you,
Ava
Colin clicked on the link and saw the video pull up on his phone. The video lagged in several places but it was evident to see what was on there. Ava looked more beautiful than ever, smiling happily at the camera as she set it down and picked up Aurora. He watched fascinated as he saw the baby had filled out so much and curled right up, shoving her foot in her mouth. Ava burst out laughing and picked up the baby, kissing her on the cheeks.
“We both love you so much, Colin. Come home soon!” she cried out happily, before leaning forward to turn off the video. Colin sighed heavily as the video ended and looked around. He saw Cooper on the other bunk opposite of him, watching him.
> “She’s really something, huh?” Cooper asked him in a quiet voice he’d not heard before. The man who always joked around and kidded with everyone actually sounded quite dejected. Colin nodded, studying the man.
“I can’t believe how beautiful she is inside and out. She’s everything to me.”
“You are really lucky.”
“Did you ever email that girl Ava recommended?”
“Yeah.”
“Nothing?”
“I guess not every little email ends in sunshine and rainbows, does it?” Cooper snapped angrily. “Truthfully, I’ve never met anyone so infuriating in all my life. I mean, I sit there and pour out my guts – only to get headbutted verbally in return.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. I guess you and Griffin got the good ones.”
“Coop- you know there is someone out there for you too. Maybe you can meet a nice girl when you go on vacation or something.”
“You know why I like that game?” he said, pointing at the ipad in Colin’s hand. “Because it doesn’t demand anything from me and doesn’t care whether I play or not. Girls are just too demanding and hard to understand,” Cooper said, crossing his arms, irritated.
“You know, not to sound crass – but women are like games. They don’t like games; they are similar to one though. You have to know when to wait your turn, when to step forward, when to put down your cards on the table, and when to cash out and run like crazy. If writing Cora is making your gut instincts scream for you to cash out and run… Do it, buddy. There’s bound to be another girl.”
Cooper lay down in his bunk, staring at the ceiling above him. The man laced his fingers behind his head. Colin thanked God again for giving him the chance to meet Ava and Aurora. Interestingly enough, he could have sworn Cooper whispered aloud something he’d never expected to hear from the arrogant man.
“Not like Cora.”
Chapter 15
November 2016
“Who’s this little one?”
Ava heard exclaimed from nearby as she entered Daisy’s home. Ethan and John had invited her, insisting that she join them for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner barbeque. John insisted on trying to fry a turkey, to which Ethan joked about having emergency medical services on speed dial. It wasn’t funny in the slightest and the danger of frying a turkey was real, but it was also better than spending the day at home alone. Her mother was cooking thanksgiving on Thursday, so the idea of spending time with friends one day and family another made her feel not quite so lonely as she waited for word from Colin.
Walking into the house, she saw several strangers and people nearby that she didn’t recognize. An older woman sat near Ethan, patting him on the leg as she talked to a man that had to be her husband.
“Look at this sweet little child,” the woman crooned. “What’s her name?”
Ethan nodded silently, his face smiling warmly in a silent approval. She realized that this must be his mother and father. Ava grinned happily, pulling up a chair and lifting Aurora out of the carrier she had.
“This little butterball of joy is Aurora and I’m Ava,” she began and laughed as Aurora immediately curled up and shoved her foot in her mouth. “She’s found her toes and hasn’t let go since.”
“It’s nice to meet you Ava, I’m June and this is Martin. She’s absolutely precious!”
“Would you like to hold her?”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” Ava said kindly. “Just be sure to hang on tight because she can get a little wiggly sometimes. She’s really grown a lot as of late and developing quite the personality.”
“Don’t they all? You remember our boy, Marty? He used to be into everything and had absolutely no fear. I always thought he’d make an impressive stunt double because he was so handsome.”
“Instead he was into explosives?” Ava said ruefully, thinking of Ethan’s legs.
“Exactly!” she muttered with a chagrinned smile.
“Tell me all the dirt from when he was growing up,” Ava encouraged, laughing at Ethan’s wry smile as he got up quickly. He walked off chuckling like he was embarrassed and Ava felt like part of the gang, like she belonged.
“Goodness, I’m not sure where to begin. My boy was fearless except when it came to making friends. He really didn’t have anyone close to him until he was about a sophomore in high school. He’s always been incredibly shy and tenderhearted. He doesn’t have many people in his life but the one’s he keeps in his heart are forever. That’s how it was for my boy when he and his friend were growing up- inseparable. They were always together and joined the military together. He’s really come a long way, telling me about the woman he loves, his hopes, and his dreams. That’s why Marty and I flew down so we could meet her.”
“Isn’t she nice?” Ava whispered in awe, seeing Daisy walk into the room with several helium balloons in one hand. It struck her as odd to be putting out balloons as part of thanksgiving but then again, everyone’s tradition was different. Even her own family had Chinese food for dinner every Christmas instead of a roast or duck.
“She’s wonderful,” June admitted with a secretive smile. “I couldn’t wish for better for my son.”
“I think every parent wants what is best for their child.”
“Amen to that, dear.”
Aurora took that moment to let out a screeching giggle before shoving her foot in her mouth again. Ava laughed at the surprised look on their faces at how loud her daughter could get.
“She’s always been like that,” Ava informed them. “When she was first born and it was feeding time, her cries reminded me of a siren that only got louder and louder.”
Glancing up as the door opened, Ava waved happily as Cora Dillion walked in. Apparently Daisy was going to have friends, family, and clients at their pre-Thanksgiving dinner today. John was chasing Lily around swatting her gently on the backside with a spatula, to which Ethan barked out to throw the spatula in the sink to get washed. Ethan was the serious one in the group, John was the goofball when it came to his wife, and Colin…?
Sighing heavily, Ava wished he was here and hoped he would call soon. She missed him terribly and it seemed like he had utterly no news as to when he would be home.
“Are they always like this?” Cora asked quietly, taking a seat near Ava. “Daisy doesn’t seem this informal in our group meetings.”
“She’s not. This is the real part of her and she’s absolutely wonderful. I don’t think there is a better gathering of people to call friends in the world,” Ava admitted truthfully. “I’m glad you came.”
Glancing up, Ava saw the door open again and her heart stopped in her chest as two men walked in wearing camouflage from head to toe. Colin’s beloved eyes met hers and she couldn’t help herself.
Ava ran across the room heedless of who saw her, throwing her arms around his neck. All her fears were gone and she needed this connection like the very air she breathed. She’d wanted to hold him in her arms so many times over the last few months and was jumping at this precious moment. Colin immediately buried his head in the crook of her neck, whispering to her as tears ran down her face. He kissed her tenderly, pushing her hair from her face and smiling.
“I guess I forgot to tell you I was on the way,” he teased, his voice thick with unshed tears and emotion.
“Move it, wuss,” the other man with short black hair and dark eyes interrupted. “I wanna hug the girl that tamed my boy Wilkes-y.”
“Jeez Coop, gimme a minute or two- will ya?” Colin groaned, annoyed, and not moving one inch. She could tell that he was trying to control his emotions as he swallowed several times and kept blinking. That was what she adored about the man – just the way he was so carefree and loving. He was an utterly amazing person and it blew her mind that sheer luck and chance it was that their paths crossed. If she had never met Ethan, or never sent out that initial email – she might not feel so safe and complete deep down in her soul. He was everything she could have
ever wanted in a man – and never realized it.
“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Cooper,” Ava laughed, not letting go of Colin as he hugged her against him. She kissed him on the cheek again, marveling at the amount of emotion coursing through her veins. “No hugs for you, sir. I can’t let go of this guy yet.”
“You’ll never have to,” Colin murmured gently, kissing her brow as she grinned happily.
“Can we get out of the doorway at least?” Mike said ruefully. “It’s chilly out compared to Afghanistan. My bums got goosebumps!”
Ava’s eyes widened as Mike brazenly reached behind him and rubbed his derriere emphatically against the cool air outside. She almost glanced at Cora to see if she’d realized that this was the pen-pal she’d been partnered up with. The man was a bit more obnoxious than she’d imagined and Cora was so sedate. They were polar opposites!
Colin picked up Ava in a bearhug as she threw her arms around his neck. He walked into the middle of the room and set her down. Laughing, she straightened herself and smoothed her hair, embarrassed by the attention they were sure to be getting by now.
“We are making quite the scene,” she admitted.
“You are certainly hogging him all to yourself,” a female voice said from the couch. Ava turned and saw June’s eyes were full of love and tenderness – and staring directly at Colin.
“Hey ma,” Colin said happily, taking Aurora from June’s hands so she could get to her feet. Martin got up and the trio took turns hugging him as Colin gently held Aurora.
Ava was glad that he was holding the baby because she thought she might fall out of shock. Sitting hard in the chair next to Cora, Ava stared up at their smiling faces. Aurora grabbed a fistful of Colin’s hair to which he just flinched and grinned.
Remember Love Page 11
