Forever my Marine

Chapter #24

Chapter #24
Louri’s POV
I have been gone way too long in my opinion Devon’s sixth birthday is in three days I’m going to miss it. As I am feeling sorry for myself in my pod I hear a knock on the door. “Enter.” I say not bothering to get up from my cot since my leg is still all bandaged up. It was nicked by shrapnel two weeks ago but not bad enough to be sent home still hurts though. Scarlett was well let’s say she wasn’t happy when I told her let’s put it that way but she made me promise not to keep things like this from her. “DID YOU HEAR COLONEL!” Walter says jumping up and down. “Hear what?” I ask. “We are being shipped home tomorrow you’ll be home by Devon’s birthday.” He says and I sit up. “Really?” I ask. “Yeah pack your shit we're going home.” He says before leaving my pod. I am going to surprise them. It's a good thing I drove myself to the base so I will be able to get home without getting their suspicions up.
Small Time Skip
I park behind Chris’s truck so they can’t see me. I grab my bag and quietly get out of my truck with my leg throbbing. I grab my sat phone and call Scarlett just like I said I would at this time on Devon’s birthday. I stay by my car so they won’t hear me from outside. I play a recording I took of just the sounds of the camp on my regular phone so it seems like I’m still there.
Scarlett’s POV
Today is Devon’s birthday and he doesn’t want to do anything for it because Louri’s not here. Gizmo has slept with Devon every night these past three and half months. “Devon she’ll call at any minute ok.” I tell him as I comfort the crying child in my arms. “I want Mama here!” He cries and just as he does I get a call from Louri's phone number. “See, there she is.” I say answering the phone and putting it on speaker.
Louri’s POV
“Hey Honey I’ve got Devon here you are on speaker.” Scarlett says.
“Happy birthday little Marine.” I tell him.
“Thank you.” He says oh god he’s crying.
“Did you get the package yet?” I ask, I am the package.
“What package Louri? you never mentioned one.” Scarlett says.
“That’s because it’s a surprise. I got a notification that it arrived. Devon, can you check the front porch for me?” I ask as I quietly make my way to the bottom of the steps of the porch.
“I guess.” He sniffles.
“Louri, he's been upset all day. I had to have Mom take the girls out for a bit. I don't know what to do.” Scarlett says and I can tell she’s trying not to cry.
“I’m losing you, I'll try and talk to you later.” I say as I hear footsteps getting closer to the door.
“Louri I….” I hang up before she can say anything else and I feel bad for hanging up but it’s for a good reason. When Devon opens the door his head is hung and he doesn't see me yet. “MOMMY I DON’T SEE ANYTHING!!” He says. “You will if you look up Little Marine.” I say and his head snaps up and a giant smile forms on his face. “MAMA YOU CAME HOME!!!!!” He screams running into my arms knocking me to the ground. “I couldn’t miss your birthday.” I tell him still on the ground but now sitting up holding him close as he squeezes me with all he has in his small body. I hear footsteps running to us and Scarlett stops in her tracks when she sees me with a giant smile on her face. “Come on little Marine, let's get inside.” I say standing with him in one of my arms picking up my bag with the other. “Let’s go to the living room. I have something for you.” I tell him. “This is really cool, did you make it?” He asks. “I did when ever I got some free time I would work on carving it.” I tell him as he holds the small eagle I made. “You have some explaining to do.” Scarlett whispers in my ear. “I’ll tell you after the kids are in bed.” I tell her and she nods. “LOURI’S TRUCK IS IN THE DRIVEWAY!!” I hear Chris yell from upstairs. “You are so observant Chrissy.” I say as he runs right past us in the living room and he turns on his heel and nearly knocks the couch over with the force of him launching himself at me. His knee went straight into my wound making me yelp. He jumps up concerned. “What did I do?” He asks. “I have a wound on my lower thigh and your knee went right into it.” I tell him. “I still haven’t gotten a hug.” Scarlett says. “How dare I.” I say before pulling her into a hug and giving her a kiss as well making Chris and Devon say gross at the same time. “Children.” I say. “Well since you are home I guess that means she will stop moping.” Chris jokes. “Hey don’t mess with my wife, I moped too.” I say. “You guys have separation anxiety or something.” He says. “That actually kinda makes sense.” Scarlett says. “Yeah it does.” I agree. “I was joking but ok.” Chris says. “Look Mama made me an eagle.” Devon says shoving it in Chris’s face. “Wow, that's really cool.” He says, genuinely impressed. “It is now time. I must rub the belly.” I say and place my hand on Scarlett’s stomach feeling the baby bump that has started to form. “Hello there I’m Mama. I’m the one that acts like a giant child at times.” I say to the baby bump. “Do you know if it’s a boy or girl yet?” I ask. “No, we will find out at this month's appointment in three days.” Scarlett says. “GIZMO!” I cheer as my cat jumps onto the back of the couch and rubs his face against mine and purrs. “Why didn't you react like that to me?” Chris asks. “Do you want the truth?” I ask. “Yes.” He says. “I missed him more than you.” I tell him. “Damn that’s just mean.” He whines. “You said you wanted the truth.” Scarlett laughs. “Oh Lizzie got back from Atlanta last week.” Scarlett adds. “Oh I can’t wait to see her show.” I say. “Me either.” She says. “Can Auntie Lizzie come over?” Devon asks. “Sure I’ll ask her.” Scarlett says as Gizmo curls into a ball in my lap.

A/N
Yeah Louri is home and what a cute way to surprise Devon on his birthday. Anygays see you in the next one.