That comment hit me straight in the gut. Damn, my kid had been special. Time flashed and stopped.
I stared at myself coming home.
I carried my kit bag and opened the front door of my house on the army base.
“What the hell?” I murmured as I glanced at the Christmas decorations.
“Happy Christmas, Daddy!” Liv screeched as she rushed towards me. Mom followed on her heels.
“Happy Christmas, baby girl!” I cried as I lifted Liv and crushed her in my arms. I sent Mom a quizzical look.
“Gran said that because you were protecting us at Christmas and missed it, Santa would come back when you came home.I got up today and knew you were on your way home because Santa had decorated for us again! Grandma’s making dinner, and Santa will be coming back tonight! It’s magic, Daddy! Christmas magic! Santa wants to bring you your gifts!” Livspewed, and I laughed.
“That sounds fantastic,” I exclaimed. Liv wriggled to get down, and she rushed off again. “Wanna explain?” I asked Mom.
“Liv was upset thinking you’d not get a Christmas, so I informed her Santa would come back when you got home. He knew you were protecting us, and in reward, he’d make a second trip for all soldiers who were abroad at Christmas. Liv told all her school friends, and now most of the women on base whose man was away are doing Christmas number two!” Mom explained.
“I just flew in, Mom; do I have time to get her presents?” I said, feeling drained but knowing I’d go back out for Liv.
“No need, Sunny. I know what she wanted, so bought it. And I thank you in advance for my gifts.” Mom grinned, and I burst into laughter.
“Fair enough. Tell me you’re making ham and turkey with all the trimmings.”
“Naturally, Sunny. What else would I be doing?”
The scene faded, and I swallowed a lump in my throat.
Margaret turned to me. “That man knew how to celebrate Christmas,” she said as she began fading. “When the clock hits one, you’ll be visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present.”
???
I sat on my bed and blew out a deep breath. Damn, so many memories, each had hit hard, each of which had somethingspecial attached. I’d not forgotten them, but seeing them so clearly made a difference. Bullet had stood in front of me, and there’d been things I’d failed to remember. The laughter lines around his eyes, the scar by his top lip. Now he was back with me, and I cherished that.
My phone beeped, and I looked up to see two children appear.
“I’m Janie, this is Tommy, we’re the Ghosts of Christmas Present,”Janie said.
“Didn’t we meet you in the dining room?” I asked.
“Yes, and you’re Mr Scrooge. Come on, you old miser, we’re going to make you feel Christmas again,”Janie explained and flicked my head.
Callie stood tall as she investigated the hotel's sitting room. She did not see me as I walked up to her, and I frowned. Her eyes stared through me, and I saw sadness in them. Callie was doing something she loved, investigating ghosts, and yet she was sad. I’d dimmed her enjoyment of this.
Guilt hit me hard. I’d not wanted this. She reminded me of how Mom had looked when she’d lost Bullet. Was Callie already writing me off?
“You okay?” Liv murmured to Callie, who straightened her shoulder and offered a smile. But it didn’t reach Callie’s eyes.
“Of course!” Callie said in a bright voice that was blatantly fake.
“This shit with Dad. He had never been like this before. I am not sure what’s got into him,” Liv said.
“Liv, it’s fine. If Sunny doesn’t want to celebrate with me and the little one, fine. I’ll ensure the baby never misses him at Christmas,” Callie said.
“You won’t do it alone. Gran and I will help. I don’t understand. Dad used to celebrate the other Christmas most ofthe years he was away,” Liv drawled as her eyes clouded with memories.
“Christmas number two?” Callie asked.
“Yes!” Liv began explaining, and I watched as emotions crossed Callie’s face. When Livwound down, Callie offered a sad smile. Each word had been a punch in Callie’s gut.
