A Soldier Comes Home

A Soldier Comes Home

“Daddy’s home, Daddy’s home, Mommy,” shouted little Bella, looking out the window, watching her father get out of a car. She jumped down from her chair and ran to the door, running to her father with her arms open wide, she shouted. “Oh, Daddy, I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too, Baby. Where’s your mom?”

Just then, Grace walked outside on the step, smiling.

When Nolan got up to her, he hugged her. “I have missed you so much, Honey.”

“I have missed you too. Do you have to go back soon?” asked Grace.

“No, I’m home on my Christmas break,” Nolan told her.

“I’m glad to hear that. Bella and I went shopping for you. Then I’ve prepared a welcome home party for you, but I want to wait for Christmas Eve to have it. I invited your friends. Eden and Susie.”

“Thank you, honey. I can’t wait.” Nolan smiled.

“I thought, since it's only a week away from Christmas, you wouldn’t mind waiting. I bought gifts for your party and Christmas.”

“Wow, I am so anxious now to open them.”

“Daddy, we have all kinds of things for you.” Bella smiled.

“Your Daddy can’t wait to see everything, Honey.” He smiled.

“I know you are going to like everything.” Bella jumped on his lap.

“What a big girl. You have grown.”

Nolan looked at Grace as he held Bella, “Do you have anything to eat? I am so hungry.” Nolan rubbed his stomach.

“Yes, I just made a fresh batch of bread and some baked beans,” said Grace as she rose from her chair to get them for him.

“You must know how much I like them. My mom used to cook them when I was home.” Nolan told her.

“Do you like them, honey?” he asked Bella.

“Yesss,” she stressed.

“Then let’s eat. I am starving.” Nolan replied, putting Bella in a chair beside him.

As they were eating, Nolan couldn’t eat fast enough.

“I’m happy you are enjoying your dinner.” Grace giggled.

“Oh yes. You’ll have to make this for dinner another time.”

Grace smiled, then added, “Honey, I’m so happy you are home.” She reached to kiss him.

“Daddy, kiss me too, cause I am happy you are home.”

Grace and Nolan laughed as her father reached to kiss her.

After dinner, they decided to go to the living room to rest.

Bella watched her Christmas cartoons while her mom and dad talked. Just then, a knock came at the door.

“I’ll answer it,” Bella offered, rising from the floor where she sat.

When she opened the door, there stood Eden and his wife, Susie, standing in the doorway holding a beautiful cake.

“Daddy and Mommy, Eden and Susie are here.”

“Invite them in,” Grace shouted.

“They bought you something.”

When Grace and Nolan got to the kitchen, they noticed Susie had a cake in her hand.

“Take a seat. Want some coffee or tea?” asked Grace.

“I will have a tea and a coffee for Eden, then maybe we can share the cake, if Nolan doesn’t mind. It was a gift for him as a welcome home gift.”

“You didn’t have to do that. It's so beautiful. Thank you ever so much.”

They all sat around the table with their drink and a piece of Nolan’s cake.

“This is so good,” said Bella.

“Yes, it is. The best cake I ever tasted. You must had paid a lot for it. Nolan mentioned.

“If I tell you, you’ll think I’m crazy, but you guys are our best friends.”

“What happen you didn’t stay in the army, Eden?” asked Nolan.

“I hated it. I missed my wife, and you just feel you will never get out of there.”

“I know it’s not a picnic, but you make good money.”

“Yes, that was the only thing I liked about it, but the killing was awful. All you see is blood.”

“I know where you're coming from. I’ve lost many friends. It’s not a pleasant place to be, but I don’t plan to stay forever.”

“How long have you been there?” asked Eden.

“Going on three years, and my wife said when we have enough money to buy a home, then I can quit. We don’t want to rent all our lives.”

“How many more years will that cover?”

“Maybe around 3 to 4 more years.”

“Long enough on that job,” Eden added.

I keep in touch with my wife and Bella, and knowing they are all right, then I will stay.”

“Well, I think we'd better get going. You just got home today, right?” Eden asked.

“Yes.”

“Then we'd better get home so you can get your rest,” Susie told him.

“I was hungrier than I was tired. My wife made me some baked beans and fresh bread.”

“Wait, I will give you a loaf,” Grace got up from her chair and went to get a loaf of bread.

“Thank you so much. I haven’t had fresh bread for a while,” Susie told her. “It smells good.”

“I hope you enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will,” Susie told her.

As they were walking out the door, Grace reminded them, “Don’t forget to come Christmas Eve to the welcome home party I’m having for Nolan.”

“We wouldn’t think about it. We’ll be here.”

“What time is it starting?” Susie asked.

“It starts at 6:00 PM.”

“Okay, we’ll see you then. Night.”

It seemed to take forever for Christmas Eve to come.

What a time they all had. Eden and Susie brought gifts for Nolan, and along with what Grace got him, he had more than he could hope for. Susie bought him another beautiful cake, and they laughed and talked most of the night until Susie said, “I think it’s time to go home. It’s Christmas tomorrow, and I can’t wait to give Eden his gifts.”

“I have lots for Susie. She’s going to be surprised.” Eden told them.

“The same with me. If Nolan enjoyed his gifts today, he will surely like what I got him tomorrow.”

Christmas arrived, and what a Christmas. It was the best Christmas Grace has had in three years. Nolan wasn’t able to make up for the ones he missed in the three years he’s joined the army.

“Nolan Honey. I will never forget this Christmas as long as I live. It was wonderful and the gifts.

“Me neither, Daddy. I hope you can make it home for the next Christmas.”

“I will try, Baby.” Nolan hugged and kissed Bella.

“I will be hanging the American flag in the living room where everyone can see it. This picture of us together I will hang it beside it. Then the picture in your uniform on the other side.”

“Wow, Honey, You mean so much to me and I will always carry you in my heart no matter where I’m at, or what I’m doing.” Smiling, he reached over and kissed her.

“I feel the same. No one will ever take your place.”