I sat the plates on the table and called out from up the stairs, "dinner!!"
I heard footsteps running down the stairs and walk into the kitchen.
Taylor sat at the table and started to eat.
"Hold on. Did you wash your hands??" I asked her.
She nodded rapidly. "I promise I did!"
Her four year old brother then came in the room.
"Shane did you wash your hands?" I asked him.
"Yes." He said, climbing onto the chair.
"Liar." Taylor said, chewing her food.
I smiled, picking up shane by the waist. "Come on let's go wash your hands."
We went to the bathroom and I turned on the sink.
I started putting soap all over his hands and running it over the water.
After awhile, I dried his hands and he ran out to the kitchen.
I let out a breath and followed him to the kitchen.
Right as I got in there, my phone beeped.
"Daddy!!!" Taylor exclaimed, standing up from her chair.
I tapped on my phone and his face popped up.
"Hey everyone." He said, smiling through the screen.
"Hey." I responded.
"Dad!!" Taylor exclaimed again.
"Hey princess, how are you doing?" He asked her.
"I'm doing good. Except my 1st grade teacher made me pull a stick today!" She said, crossing her arms.
Pulling a stick means that she got in trouble for talking too much.
"Aww that's too bad."
Shane came up from behind us with food all over his face.
I sighed. "Shane!"
Lucas chuckled. "My son, such a messy eater."
I sighed again, cleaning up his face with a washcloth.
-------
After a little while, Taylor and shane left and I was alone with Lucas.
"I miss you tons..." Lucas said.
"I miss you too."
"I should be able to go home soon." Lucas said.
"You said that last time though Lucas..." My voice trailed off.
"I know.. I'm sorry Maya it's my job."
I nodded. "I understand that."
"Well I got to go... I'll talk to you whenever I can." Lucas said.
"Bye.."
His face disappeared and I got up slowly, searching for Taylor and shane.
I went up the stairs and said, "okay kids time for bed."
They both changed into their pajamas and I was tucking Taylor home.
"Mom when will dad come home?" She asked.
I bit my lip. I felt bad that they had to be without their father for months.
"Soon honey I promise." I half lied.
She nodded and I kissed her forehead, shutting off the lights.
I went to my bedroom and just sat on the bed.
I hope he comes home soon....
-a few days later-
With Lucas.
I got into the plane, putting my luggage above my seat.
"Have a safe flight buddy." My friend from the military said on the other end of my phone.
"Alright. Thanks again for letting me leave early." I said.
"No problem. Have fun with your wife and kids."
The line went dead and I sat down in my seat, waiting for the plane to take off.
----------
A couple hours later, the plane landed in New York City and I grabbed my stuff.
I went out into the airport and headed towards the outside area.
I waited for a taxi to take us to our apartment.
I can't wait to see Maya and the kids in person. It's been months.
I sat in the back of the taxi cab and looked at the busy streets.
We reached in front of the apartment and I paid the man.
I grabbed my suitcase from the trunk and the taxi drove off.
I went inside the lobby to be stopped by the doorman.
"Lucas you're home!" Zack exclaimed.
I nodded. "Don't tell Maya or the kids."
Zack got the hint and nodded. "Gotcha. Good to see you!"
I went up the elevator and pressed on our floor number.
The elevator started and then opened.
Stepping out, I went up to the front door.
-with Maya-
"Taylor please do your homework." I said, trying to stay patient.
"I don't want to!" She pouted.
"But you have to." I said.
She tried getting away from me and I sighed, rubbing my head.
I had a huge headache.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and I went over to answer it.
"Mommy!" Shane exclaimed.
"Hang on one second." I said, answering the day.
"Oh hey lucas." I said, turning my attention towards shane.
Wait a second..
I turned back to the door. "Lucas?!?!"
"Surprise." He said.
Taylor then ran into the room, "dad you're home!"
He picked her up and shane came in as well.
"What are you doing here early?" I asked him, still surprised.
"I'm here to stay... For a few years at least."
I smiled, snuggling up to his chest in a side hug.
I looked down to see my entire family together... For once.
This is all I could ask for.
A/N
This oneshot has been requested by a few people, so I hope you liked it! ☺️
