Pen-Pal Romance

Chapter 1

'Dear Connor & Cullen,

Hey little brothers! Hope you both are doing well? Thank you for the care package! I hope you don't mind I shared the goodies with the unit? They enjoyed everything, and Lieutenant Royce wanted to know where the goodies, and ground coffee came from. When I told him you and Connor made them at the cafe you work at, he was greatly surprised.

Speaking of Lieutenant Royce wants to know if you - Cullen, can become pen-pals? I think you should do it, Cul, because he has he has no family in the states, and the Army is his only family. Let me know in your letter, and I will let the Lieutenant know.

I hope you two had a good Christmas with dad? Wait, did you guys even spend it with dad? I hope you guys went out to spend it with him, as he needs you both, even if you don't believe he does?

How are you guys? Connor, how is school going? Are you still planning on playing baseball in the spring? Do you have a boyfriend yet? Tell Cullen he needs to find himself a boyfriend, too.

How are Dean & Molly?

I think my leave in March is still happening, but I am only going to be able to spend a week with you guys, and the other week with dad in Wisconsin. Morgan will be with me obivoulsy.

Have you been keeping in touch with her, I hope? God, I miss her so much!

Alright, I have to end this letter to hit the sack. Can't wait to hear from you guys.

All the love,

Collin :)'

Folding the letter back into thirds, I slide it into the envelope with a sad smile and teary eyes at my younger brother.

"Are you writing his letter, or am I?" I ask him as I place the envelope on the coffee table in front of the couch where we are sitting, and I had read the letter to Connor.

"Can you do it, please?" he shyly asks with his bottom lip pushed out in a pout.

"Not a proble," I assure him. "Are you hanging out tonight with Harris and Tyler?"

"Yeah, and I was wondering if they could come here, if you don't mind?" he replies with a big, bright, hopeful smile.

"Sure," I shrug. "If they need a ride here, let me know, and we'll go get them."

"Awesome, thanks Cullen!" he excitidly replies while leaving the room to grab his phone from his bedroom to text his friends.

Chuckling at him while I walk into the kitchen to sit at the table to write Collin back after grabing the needed supplies.

'Dear Collin,
Hey bro! Connor and I are doing well. We hope you and your unit are safe and well. I'm delighted that you shared your care package with the unit! Next one I will add more.

Tell your Lieutenat Roce that I would love to write to him after your next letter.

Connor and I didn't send Christmas with dad. He was too busy for us to visit him - his words not mine. He doesn't need us, he has the Army as his family. We did send him his gift though, and he said he got it two days before Christmas.

Connor's schooling is going well - he's got all A's and B's. Yes, he is still planning on playing baseball in the spring. No, he doesn't have a boyfriend yet, as he is too young. I don't need a boyfriend, as I need my focus on Connor.

Dean and Molly are doing great, and they send you thier love.

Let me know when you're going to be flying in, and Connor, Morgan and I will pick you up from the airport. I'm sure dad will love to see you and Morgan while you're on leave.

We see or speak with Morgan every day, seeing that she lives next door to us. Yes, before you wonder, we help her with anything she needs, so don't worry about her, we've got her. You know she misses you like crazy.

We love you, and will talk to you soon.

All the love,

Connor & Cullen'

Addressing the envelope, I fold the paper into thirds before slipping it into the envelope, seal it, and place it on the counter to place it in the post tomorrow morning. Sighing loudly as I stare out the apartment window at the fading light.

I miss my older brother greatly, and he has been more of a father to me than a brother for as long as I can remember. I'm glad he has found his passion in life with the Army, but I miss having him around all the time. Collin was only 10-year-old when Connor was born, and then when Collin left for basic training, Connor was 8-years-old, and he doesn't really know our oldest brother.

Our mum left when Connor was 5-years-old, I was 12-years-old, and Collin was 15-years-old. She said she couldn't handle the military life anymore, but that she thought we would strive in the life of a military brat. She left us with dad, and only bothered to contact us on our birthday's, and Christmas. We haven't seen her since she left. When dad wanted Connor to stay with me when he was transfered to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, he signed over gurdianship to me.

Her loss, I guess, as Connor doesn't really remember her. Collin and I have the most memories of her - some good, and some bad.

Standing to my feet, I start preparing dinner for Connor, Morgan, and I as we alternate weekly who cooks dinner. This week is mine.

"They have rides here," Connor says joining me at the stove as I make spaghetti.

"Awesome. Will they be eating dinner here," I ask, adding spices to the red sauce.

"Nope. THey are eating at home before their mom drops theym off," he answers with a happy smile.