"Why is Daddy's sketchbook here?" Lizzy asked, once the children came home.
"Because he's here. He's asleep. Don't wake him up," Rose said.
"Daddy!" The three girls ran up the stairs and into their parents' room.
They jumped on the bed.
"Girls! I told you not to wake him up!" Rose yelled, walking up the stairs with Alex in her arms.
Jack's eyes opened quickly.
"My angels!" he said, happily.
They hugged him tightly.
"I love you, Daddy," Lizzy and Josie said, who were now almost six.
"Me, too," said Cora, who was now thirteen.
"Daddy!" Alex cried.
Alex was almost five.
"All of you have grown so much!" Jack exclaimed.
"Yes, they have," Rose said.
Jack took Alex in his arms.
Alex hugged him.
"I missed y'all so much," said Jack.
"We missed you, too," Cora answered.
The twins nodded in agreement.
"Oh...happy birthday, Rose," said Jack.
"Thanks, honey. This is the best one I've had." She smiled.
He smiled back.
"Well, lunch is almost ready. Why don't y'all get cleaned up?" Rose asked.
The kids left the room.
"Lunch? We had a good sleep last night. I wonder why I slept so late," Jack said.
"Maybe because we didn't exactly sleep, Mr. Dawson."
"Yes, I believe you're correct on that one, Mrs. Dawson."
Later
Jack and Rose took their children to Lake Wissota for a picnic under the stars.
During the day, they had planned stay in Chippewa Falls for about two more weeks, and then go back to Santa Monica.
When they got home that evening, they went through their mail.
There was a letter from Angie. It read:
March 3, 1919
Dearest Rose,
How are you and the children doing? We're doing wonderful. I had a beautiful baby boy, Nathaniel Jack Dawson. I had him about a month after Pat came home. I know it's been a while sorry. But it's been hectic over here. Is Jack home yet? Or is he okay at all? I hope so. I bet your darling children have grown quite a bit! It's been so long! Please come home soon! We miss all of you. Write back as soon as possible.
Love always,
Angie
March 26, 1919
Dear Angie,
Oh, my, it has been a while! Jack came home two days ago! Yesterday was my birthday, and it was the best one yet! It was amazing. I could just go on and on about how happy I am. The kids are absolutely ecstatic. Cora is now thirteen! The twins will be six on April fifteenth and Alex will be five on October fifth. I can't believe how much they've grown! We're coming home in about two weeks. Sorry this is so short, but I need to take Alex to school.
Love,
Rose