"Mommy!" Maggie had to smile as the two little girls ran to their mother for a hug and she looked like she needed it. Maggie had been watching over the twin girls since they were eight-months-old and Andrea had accepted the nursing position at the hospital. She looked for all the world to be the over-worked single mother of twins.
"How was your day, child?"
"Extremely stressful, Maggie. We had a few major accidents. I lost a little boy today, Maggs. He was only two and the mother had him in her lap while she was driving. He never had a chance when the other car hit them and sent him flying towards the windshield. It was just awful. I've worked there for five years and I'm still not used to it."
"Honey, you just go home with your girls and give them all the love in the world. How is the husband doing?"
"Josh is doing okay. He'll be home in two weeks, so I'll be more than ready to see him."
"Nat said he would be taking a vacation?"
"Yeah, he feels bad about missing so much of their lives. He decided that for the next year or so, he wouldn't produce anyone's record unless they could do it at the studio in the house."
"Mommy, is Daddy home yet?" Andi felt like crying and Maggie's heart went out to her.
"No, Abby, he isn't home yet. Come on, girls, say goodbye to Maggie. We have to go make dinner."
"Mac and cheese!" Andi was still distant through dinner and bath time with her daughters.
"Nat, sweetie, do you want your hair braided for bed?"
"Mommy, Uncle Justin!"
"How are my favorite six-year-olds doing," he asked from the bathroom door, smiling down at Abigail as she tried to climb his pant leg for a hug.
"Did you bring Daddy with you??"
"No, shortcake, I didn't bring him with me. I came to talk to your Ma, but I think Uncle Lance is in the living room if you want to see him." They ran as fast as their little legs could carry them.
"How is my big girl doing," Justin asked softly, noticing the sad look in her eyes.
"Not good, J. I lost one today and all I want is for Josh to be here. And to make things even worse, it's our anniversary and he's across the country." Justin helped her stand and pulled her into a hug.
"Help me pack up some clothes for the munchkins, Andi. I'll watch them tonight and you stay on the phone with Jace as long as you need to." The phone rang then and Justin smiled as Andi answered it.
"Hello?"
"How upset are you, Andrea, please be honest. 'Cause I'm feeling horrible knowing what today is and being away from you."
"I wish we were together, but I know you have to work the same way I do."
"Mommy, we're going to Uncle Justin's?"
"Is that my Abigail?"
***************
He called her on the road
From a lonely cold hotel room
Just to hear her say I love you one more time
And when he heard the sound
Of the kids laughing in the background
He had to wipe away a tear from his eye
A little voice came on the phone
And said "Daddy when you coming home"
He said the first thing that came to his mind
I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
I'm your imaginary friend
And I know I'm in your prayers
Oh I'm already there
***************
Andi handed the phone to her daughter and went into their rooms to help Justin pack.
"Daddy? We're staying with Uncle Justin tonight!"
"I heard, Little One. Were you good for Maggie today?"
"Uh-huh. We even got to play with Copper. He drooled on Nattie."
"I love you, Abby. Have fun tonight. Let me talk to your sister."
"Goodnight, Daddy."
"Daddy? When are you coming home, Daddy?"
"I'll be home real soon, Nattie sweetheart. I love you, Little One. Be good for Justin tonight, okay?"
"Okay. Is Mommy coming too? She's sad." His daughter's simple admission nearly brought JC to his knees.
"I know, but I have a secret surprise for her, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Sweetpea. Give Mommy the phone, love."
***************
She got back on the phone
Said I really miss you darling
Don't worry about the kids they'll be alright
Wish I was in your arms
Lying right there beside you
But I know that I'll be in your dreams tonight
And I'll gently kiss your lips
Touch you with my fingertips
So turn out the light and close your eyes
I'm already there
Don't make a sound
I'm the beat in your heart
I'm the moonlight shining down
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there
We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are
I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there
Oh I'm already
There
***************
Natalie handed the phone back to her mother as Justin and Lance helped the girls into their coats and shoes.
"Goodbye guys," she said giving each man and each girl a kiss as they left.
"Andi?"
"Josh, do you have any clue how much I wish you were here? I lost a patient today and I'd give anything just to be able to touch you to make sure you're okay. I love you. I love you so much and I can't see you...can't look into your eyes to tell you that." Her voice sounded so tortured that JC knew it was time to reveal himself. He quickly and quietly walked through the house and up the stairs to the master bedroom where he found Andrea huddled on the floor at the foot of their massive sleigh bed.
"I need you here, Josh," she whispered while trying to control her tears.
"I'm already here, love. I'm always right there with you." Andi's head shot up and she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
"I love you, Andi girl. I'm home now."
(**song used is performed by Lonestar**)
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