Forever my Marine

Chapter #20

Chapter #20
Louri’s POV
“Scarlett, what are you doing?” I ask as Scarlett climbs on my back while I work on the new desk for her office at the Outset. “The shots have made me clingy.” She says. “Honey I love cuddling but I am trying to carve this for the front of your desk.” I tell her, showing her the outline and it’s the Outset logo. “You are going to carve all that just for me.” She says. “Honey, don't cry please.” I say turning around. “I’m hormonal.” She says with her head in my shoulder as she sits on my lap. “Devon said, what happened?” Melanie says running into my workshop when she sees Scarlett crying. “Louri.” Scarlett starts but can’t finish her sentence and Melanie gets  that look in her eye  she gets every time she learns of me being deployed. “When?” Melanie asks sadly. “January 16th.” I say. “And when were you going to tell us you two are trying to have another kid?” She asks.  “How did you know?” Scarlett asks. “Five year olds are horrible at keeping secrets.” Melanie says with a chuckle. “Hello by the way I drove with your mother from the airport Louri. Devon told us that you two are trying the second we came in the door she’s playing with the kids. Does she know you are being deployed again?” Melanie says and I drop my head. “I’ll send her out here. She's your mother and deserves to know.” Melanie says and I nod and Melanie heads inside to get my mom. “Remember I’m right here with you.” Scarlett says. “Hey so this is the workshop huh? It’s nice. Melanie said you had something to tell me.” Mom says. “Mom please take a seat.” I say and she sighs knowing what I’m going to say. “Address the letters here. I’ll stay with Scarlett and the kids. I’ll call Carly and have her bring me more of my things since she’s flying in for Christmas anyway. Now I require one letter a week minimum because I know you can’t write everyday. I also want video calls once a week and if your superiors won’t let you, I'll talk to them. Good now can I please have a hug.” Ma says, and Scarlett gets off my lap and I stand and hug my Ma. “I love you Mama.” I tell her. “I love you, Louri. When do you leave?” She asks. “January 16th. Take care of my family while I’m away.” I whisper that last bit in her ear. “I will.” She says. “Ok now I can see you and Scarlett were having a moment and I have a tea party to get back to. I would love a tour of your workshop sometime before you leave.” Ma says. “Of course, have a fun tea party.” I tell her. “Can I watch you work?” Scarlett asks. “Sure want to help?” I ask. “I don’t know how.” She says. “I’ll help you come here.” I say. “Ok so this is very sharp so be careful and not much pressure is required.” I say handing her a carving tool and I stand behind her and put my hands over hers and guide them across the wood as she slides the tool across the wood. “Hey look at that you’re a natural.” I say. “I loved the sound it made.” She says. “Want to continue?” I ask. “Only if you’ll keep doing what you’re doing.” She says. “Of course.” I tell her and we continue and talk about random shit and tell horrible jokes.
Scarlett’s POV
I didn’t realize how much time had passed until my alarm to have my daily IVF shots went off. But we did get some of the carving done. “Ope time for your shots.” Louri says. “Yep. This was fun. I should help you more often.” I tell her. “I would love that. Come on, let's get inside.” She says and she puts the tools away and takes off her leather apron and we head inside to find Chris with makeup on and a feather boa around his neck sitting in one of the tiny chairs having a tea party with the twins. And Mom is teaching Devon how to play rummy (A/N for those who don’t know what rummy is. It’s a type of card game.) “Uncle Chwis is a Pwincess.” Louisa says. “He makes a great princess.” Louri says. “We will be right back ok then I will get  started on lunch.” I say. “Shanna and Bri are doing that.” Lisa says. “Oh that means I can nap.” I sigh I have been kinda tired with all the hormones that the IVF shots put in my body. “Ok ready?” Louri asks, taking the IVF shots out of our mini fridge in our room. “Yep.” I say laying on the bed lifting my shirt. “Will you teach me how to do woodcarving?” I ask. “Yeah I’d love to. I'm already teaching Devon carpentry. He said he wants to be like bob the builder.” She chuckles. “He is pretty cute with his small hard hat and toolbelt.” I say. “Yeah he is and we are all done.” She says throwing the needles in the sharps bin. “Are you still having Devon and Mama day tomorrow?” I ask. “Yeah we will be in the workshop.” She says. “Oh what are you making?” I ask. “Starting out with a simple bird house.” She says. “I will be taking lots of pictures of you two.” I tell her. “I figured you would.” She chuckles. “I bought him this as his Hanukkah gift.” She says going into the closet and pulling out a small children's tool set. We just do one gift on the first night of Hanukkah instead of one for each night. “Oh my god that’s so cute. He’s going to love it.” I tell her. “I hope so.” She says.
Melanie’s POV
I’m going easy on Devon while we play rummy since he is five after all. Lisa took the news about Louri’s deployment very well. Bri and Shanna are in the kitchen making lunch and laughing with each other. I wonder when one of them will pop the question. We all know they are gonna get married. Chris is covered in makeup which is quite funny but he will do anything for his nieces and nephews.

A/N
A Devon and Mama day coming up. Anygays see you in the next one.