Just a Soldier

Chapter 22 - Family Sundae

Y/n's POV:

Today has been amazing. I can't believe that Scarlett had managed to get home a couple of days early. I also can't believe that she had managed to get me the day off so we could make the most of her coming home. I must remember to thank Jimmy for that on Monday.

The evening is really nice, just being the three of us again, knowing that no one is going away any time soon and we can enjoy getting back to some form of normality. Now Ava is off for the summer, I'm planning on doing lots of fun things with her and hopefully Scarlett can join when she's able. I want us to make memories together as a family, that are outside of this apartment. It feels like we don't have enough of those.

We are halfway through Shrek when I realised the giggling had stopped. I look over and see Ava completely out of it, snuggled into a sleeping Scarlett. Her arms are wrapped around her protectively, holding her close to her like she is going to disappear if she let go. I find myself just observing them for a while. They are the two most important people in my life, and I know I will do anything I possibly can to ensure they are both happy.

Not wanting them to end up getting uncomfortable, I carefully unwrap Scarlett's arms and pick Ava up to take her to her bedroom. She instinctively cuddles into me but doesn't wake at all. Thankfully she was already in her pyjamas so I can put her straight into bed. I pull the cover up to her chin and tuck Mr Snuggles under arm.

I place my hand on her head and gently rub my thumb of her forehead. "Goodnight my sweet princess. May your dreams be happy and full of love and the tickle monster kept away! I love you to the moon and back. Sleep tight bug." I whisper so not to disturb her. I place a kiss on her head and slowly walk out the room, leaving the door ajar.

Returning to the lounge, I start to take the next child to bed. I hook my arms under Scarlett's legs and around her back. In one movement I lift her up and carry her bridal style to my room. I pull back the covers and gently lay her on the bed. I quickly brush my teeth and go to the toilet before joining her in bed. She must be really tired as she hasn't moved a muscle.

Once I'm under the covers, I carefully pull Scarlett over so I can hold her, wanting to be close with her. She makes a slight movement to adjust herself and her head buries into my neck. I place a kiss on her head and lay with her, enjoying the moment. It isn't long until I feel my eyes growing tired and I fall into a deep sleep, complete content that we're back together again.

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I wake up to the smell of bacon wafting through the apartment. Is there a more heavenly smell? Rubbing the sleep out of my eye, I grab my phone and see that it is already nine thirty. I rarely sleep in that late at the moment. I trudge into the kitchen to be met by a smiling Scarlett, who looks much more refreshed than I do. "Good morning bella. Sleep well?" She asks and all I can do is nod in response before fighting off a yawn. "Aw, is my baby still tired?" She mocks in a baby voice.

I chuckle and nod again. She walks over and gives me a kiss which instantly makes me smile. "Morning my sweet angel. What are you cooking? It smells amazing!" I say to her in my raspy morning voice. "Just eggs and bacon this morning. I hope that's ok." She replies a little hesitantly. "Of course, that sounds perfect. Is the beast still in bed?" I ask. "She is, looked just like you sprawled out on the bed." She jokes. "I do not sprawl!" I defend with a smile.

Scarlett's attention has returned to the food on the cooker, so I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, placing a kiss on her shoulder. "You seem perky this morning." I say, continuing to kiss along her shoulder blade and up the back of her neck. She naturally tilts her head to the side to give me access to her neck. I chuckle to myself, and I move my attention to where she wanted me.