Just a Soldier

Chapter 73 - Goodbyes and New Year

Y/n's POV:

I'm not going to lie. I'm actually really sad to be leaving New York tomorrow. I have had such a brilliant time celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas with Scarlett and her family. Having dedicated, quality time together with no work or school in the way has been amazing. This whole time has been better than I could have ever expected, and it really saddens me that we have to go back to normality.

Ava has absolutely loved every minute of this trip. She has been thoroughly spoilt by everyone. I think we've all enjoyed seeing her so happy, even at the smallest thing. Like when Ava greets them all with such enthusiasm, I see their own faces light up at the bundle of energy being so happy to see them. Trust me, having been on the receiving end of her excited greetings more times than I can count, I can tell you there's no better feeling!

Tonight, is also the last night of Hanukkah. Melanie has once again insisted on cooking for us all. She told us that she wants to send us home on one last good home cooked meal. Not quite sure what she's trying to say about Scarlett and I's cooking?! I've really enjoyed learning about Hanukkah and the traditions the celebration holds. I've also noticed how much it has meant to Scarlett and her family that we've shown so much interest. Especially Ava. Hunter even bought her, her own dreidel so she could play when we go home.

I'm very proud of Ava and how she has been engaged with it. She's only seven and you wouldn't blame her for not actually having much interest in something like this. But she has listened to everything she's been told, and you know she's taken it in because she'll make a comment later on about it. She even asks more questions too, wanting to know as much as she can. She's always been inquisitive, but this time, I don't think she realises how much that has meant to Scarlett.

That's another thing with this trip, Scarlett and Ava's relationship has continued to grow. If you had observed us a couple of months ago, it was pretty obvious that Ava was my daughter. Not that she doesn't love Scarlett. But now, you would be forgiven in assuming that she was Scarlett's daughter. Well, to me she is. But Ava is so comfortable with her, and Scarlett's maternal instincts have just become second nature to her. Besides, I've also noticed that she is rubbing off on Ava too. There are certain mannerisms that I've noticed which are totally Scarlett.

It makes me so excited to propose to her next year. We're going to London in March, and I plan on making it as special as possible. It's important to me that Ava is involved, which may seem odd, but this is more than just me asking Scarlett to be my wife. It impacts Ava too.

Since getting her parents and Hunter's approval, I've tried to not think about it too much. I know that I'll easily be caught up in negative thoughts of if she'll say yes or not. And if that happens, Scarlett will easily be able to tell something is up and I really struggle to lie to her! The day I got back from seeing Melanie and Karsten, any time I was on my own with Ava she would start whispering ideas to me. It took me awhile to get her to understand why we couldn't have a unicorn involved.

Anyway, back to me moping on the sofa in Melanie's living room. I feel a hand resting on my shoulder and look over to see Scarlett has taken a seat next to me. "Are you ok babe?" She asks, with a hint of concern in her eyes. I smile at her easily and nod. "I am. Just sad about leaving. This really has been a brilliant trip." I tell her truthfully and her smile widens. "It has, hasn't it." She replies. "I guess I just know that once work starts back up for the two of us, we're not going to get time like this together all that often." I admit as she reaches out to cup my face with hand.

"Well, we make time for it. I know that's going to be difficult but knowing that next year is likely to see you gone for a few months, I want to make sure that we have as much time together as possible." Scarlett reassures me. My breath hitches a little at the thought of being deployed next year, but it's a reality that I just have to face. "Now instead of sitting here being sad, let's go join our daughter in kicking Dad and Hunter's ass in a snowball fight!" Scarlett says with a smirk, and I instantly jump up, holding my hand out to her. "Let's not keep them waiting then!" I say, pulling her towards the hallway.