It was the day that Jack was coming home. She was extremely happy, and she made a special lunch for the Dawsons to eat together. Max was playing with Audrey in the den while Rose sliced vegetables and fruit for different parts of the meal. Rose heard Audrey scream and she ran into the den, and everything was all right. Audrey usually did that when she got excited or was very happy. She held a toy in her hand, screamed again, and then tossed it down. Rose just chuckled, and Audrey heard her. She started to crawl towards her mom, and Rose bent down with her arms opened.
"Come on," Rose said, coaching her towards her.
Max watched as his little sister crawled. Audrey finally touched Rose's hands and then gave a big gummy smile.
"That's my little girl." Rose kissed Audrey's forehead and then hugged her. Rose set her back down on the floor. "What are you building, Max?"
"A castle, Mommy."
"It's very pretty, Max."
Max smiled at his mommy. "Thank you, Mommy. Do you want to play?"
"Maybe later, sweetie."
"Can Daddy play with me, Mommy?"
"He sure can. You just need to ask him, okay?"
"Okay!" Max stood up and went into the kitchen, then upstairs, and ran back downstairs.
Rose chuckled. "Max what are you doing?"
"Looking for Daddy."
"He's not home yet, Max. He will be soon, I promise."
Max went back to building his castle, and Rose walked into the kitchen to finish making lunch. As she sliced apples, she felt two hands on her hips. Rose jumped, and turned around quickly, making her fiery, curly, red hair spin around. She saw Jack, with pieces of hair on each side of his beautiful forehead, and him dressed in his Army uniform. She looked into his blue shining eyes, smiled, and wrapped her arms around him. They hugged each other tightly and then kissed passionately. Tears came to Rose's eyes, and to Jack's also.
"I missed you," Rose whispered as she rested her head against his neck.
"I missed you, too." Jack stroked Rose's hair, and then kissed her head.
Max ran into the room and ran towards daddy's leg yelling, "Daddy!"
Jack picked up his son and hugged him tightly. Audrey then crawled into the kitchen, and Jack stared down at her. He noticed since the last time he saw her that she grew chocolate brown hair, beautiful eyes, and learned how to crawl. Jack bent down to pick her up and smiled. A tear came to his eye as his little girl smiled at him. Jack looked at Rose, then at Max, then back at Rose.
"They've grown so much."
"That's what happens when you're gone for a long time."
Jack smiled, and kissed Rose again. "I love you," Jack said putting his hand on her cheek.
She placed her hand on top of his and kissed his hand, then said, "I love you, too."
*****
After lunch, Jack decided to take a shower and a small nap. It was around eight o'clock, and Rose started to get Max and Audrey ready for bed. She first put Audrey to bed since Max loved to help Mommy get his little sister ready for bed.
Max kissed Audrey on the forehead. "Night, Audrey. I love you."
Audrey smiled, and Rose handed Audrey her bottle of milk. Audrey took it happily and started to drink it. Max turned off the light, and Rose closed the door behind her.
"Okay, Max. Let's go and get you cleaned up before you go to bed."
"OK." Max walked to the bathroom, and turned on the light. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, combed the tangles out of his hair, drank a small glass of water, and went potty. They went into Max's room and dressed him in his favorite pajamas. Rose tucked her little boy in and read him part of one of his favorite stories.
"Mommy."
"Yes, Max?"
"Is Daddy home forever?"
"I hope so, Max."
"Does that mean he can make a snowman with me tomorrow?"
"If you get a good night's sleep you most certainly can." Max smiled and closed his eyes. Rose let out a laugh and kissed his forehead. "Good night, Max."
"Good night, Mommy. I love you."
Rose smiled, and gently closed the door behind her. Rose walked towards her room, and silently opened the door. Rose saw Jack laying in bed on his side with the covers over him. Rose gently crawled on the bed, and laid her head against Jack's shoulder. She rubbed his hand and whispered softly in his ear, "Come Josephine in my flying machine and it's up she goes, up she goes."
Jack gently opened his eyes and looked over his shoulder to see Rose smiling. Jack smiled back, and rolled over, getting on top of Rose and starting to kiss her. Rose stroked her fingers through Jack's hair as he started to caress her with kisses.
"I missed you, Jack."
Jack placed his index finger on top of Rose's lips, saying, "Don't say a word."
He then kissed her lips and Rose started to take off Jack's clothing.
