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Description
"But he promised, Mommy."
Clara closed the oven's gate, retrieving the tray that had permeated the house with the smell of fresh baked cookies. She squatted down, both hands gently framing her daughter's face.
"I know, honey. But Daddy had no idea a storm would hit us tonight. And it's a bad, bad storm. I can't even call him. The lines are down. Now, I need you to be brave and strong. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?"
Disappointment kept her daughter silent but she managed to nod assent. Clara hugged her tight. Tell me you love me, sweetheart."
"I love you, Mommy." Clara pulled back, gazing deep into the little girl's eyes.
"I love you more, sweetheart."

*****

Evan stopped at the airport's exit to whisper a prayer of thanks. Further flights into Valley Regional Airport had stopped and there had been a question if his connecting flight, an ancient prop plane, might be forced to turn back. Three hours earlier, in sunny Florida, at an officer's gala for the outgoing commander, he remembered how strange to see the holiday decorations and not a snow flake to be seen. When word reached him a storm might cancel his connecting flight, and with no time to change or pack, he raced to the airport for an earlier flight. Evan stared out the large picture window. Well, he thought. You wanted snow flakes you got snow flakes. And with everything closed down, no coat, boots, or transportation to his home in Parkersburg, seven miles away.

Outside, arctic temperatures blasted him. Frigid winds sucked the breath from his lungs. His ears had already begun to sting. He closed his eyes and steeled himself, chasing away any thoughts of can't. Evan bent down into the wind to do what all soldiers do. He put one foot in front of the other and marched.

Along the way, near-frozen fingers cracked when another twisting, spinning draft tried to snatch his gifts. It took his hat instead as he watched it disappear into the snow-flecked night. Evan clutched the toys tighter and turned into the merciless wind. The march resumed.

Soon enough, the face that had motivated every step stood before him. Teeth chattering, Evan bent low, straining to smile. "Mehme, mehme. Mehme, mehme. " Evan stopped, determined not to let his shivering body spoil the moment.
"Daddy?" Calm enveloped him.
"Merry Christmas, my love."

*****

I will be on vacation for the next two weeks so my next postings won't occur until January 7, 2022. I also want to wish everyone, but especially the remarkable people who flattered me with their follows, a very Merry Christmas, the best of Holidays, and the happiest New Year. My sincerest thanks to one and all.

Merry Christmas, everybody !! 🤗🤗🤗

Description
"But he promised, Mommy."
Clara closed the oven's gate, retrieving the tray that had permeated the house with the smell of fresh baked cookies. She squatted down, both hands gently framing her daughter's face.
"I know, honey. But Daddy had no idea a storm would hit us tonight. And it's a bad, bad storm. I can't even call him. The lines are down. Now, I need you to be brave and strong. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?"
Disappointment kept her daughter silent but she managed to nod assent. Clara hugged her tight. Tell me you love me, sweetheart."
"I love you, Mommy." Clara pulled back, gazing deep into the little girl's eyes.
"I love you more, sweetheart."

*****

Evan stopped at the airport's exit to whisper a prayer of thanks. Further flights into Valley Regional Airport had stopped and there had been a question if his connecting flight, an ancient prop plane, might be forced to turn back. Three hours earlier, in sunny Florida, at an officer's gala for the outgoing commander, he remembered how strange to see the holiday decorations and not a snow flake to be seen. When word reached him a storm might cancel his connecting flight, and with no time to change or pack, he raced to the airport for an earlier flight. Evan stared out the large picture window. Well, he thought. You wanted snow flakes you got snow flakes. And with everything closed down, no coat, boots, or transportation to his home in Parkersburg, seven miles away.

Outside, arctic temperatures blasted him. Frigid winds sucked the breath from his lungs. His ears had already begun to sting. He closed his eyes and steeled himself, chasing away any thoughts of can't. Evan bent down into the wind to do what all soldiers do. He put one foot in front of the other and marched.

Along the way, near-frozen fingers cracked when another twisting, spinning draft tried to snatch his gifts. It took his hat instead as he watched it disappear into the snow-flecked night. Evan clutched the toys tighter and turned into the merciless wind. The march resumed.

Soon enough, the face that had motivated every step stood before him. Teeth chattering, Evan bent low, straining to smile. "Mehme, mehme. Mehme, mehme. " Evan stopped, determined not to let his shivering body spoil the moment.
"Daddy?" Calm enveloped him.
"Merry Christmas, my love."

*****

I will be on vacation for the next two weeks so my next postings won't occur until January 7, 2022. I also want to wish everyone, but especially the remarkable people who flattered me with their follows, a very Merry Christmas, the best of Holidays, and the happiest New Year. My sincerest thanks to one and all.

Merry Christmas, everybody !! 🤗🤗🤗