Page 58 of In the Air Tonight

“I’ve got your stuff.” I go back downstairs with his sneakers and sweatshirt. The mornings are still cool, but it’ll be in the seventies by midday. I love the fall, but not as much as I love the lazy days of summer when no one has to be anywhere until cheerleading starts up for Charlotte in late August.

I’m in the kitchen closing lunch boxes when my phone rings. When I glance at it and see that it’s Kane, I grab it. He’s been deployed on the U.S.S.Dwight D. Eisenhoweraircraft carrier for two weeks and is due home later tonight. I’m thrilled to realize he’s back in cell range.

“Hey there.” I hold the phone in the crook of my neck to keep my hands free.

“Hey, yourself. How goes it there?”

“Usual morning chaos thanks to your son.”

“I love how he’s my son when he’s causing chaos and your son when he makes the honor roll.”

“What’s your point?” I ask, smiling. I can’t wait to see him. Everything is better when he’s home.

“No point. Just sayin’. I miss you guys. How’re my babies?”

“They’re wonderful. Charlotte is in charge while I smoke Levi out of the bathroom.”

Kane laughs.

“It’s not funny, and it’s all your fault for telling him a man needs time to himself in the morning.”

“That’s the truth.”

“If you teach Hayes and Hudson that, too, we’re going to have a problem.”

“I can’t wait to see you guys.”

“Same.”

“Date night after bedtime?”

“It’s on.”

We’ve become experts at date nights in our own home, since finding a babysitter for four kids under the age of nine, including nine-month-old twins, isn’t a simple proposition.

“What time will you be home?”

“Should be there by late afternoon. I can see land.”

“They’ll be so excited.” I never tell them he’s due home until he’s back in port, lest something happens to delay him. That doesn’t seem likely today, so I feel safe telling them.

“Same. I’ll take them to the park to give you a few minutes to yourself before dinner.”

“I won’t say no to that.”

“See you soon. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Hurry.”

“I’m hurrying.”

“Was that Dad?” Charlotte asks.

I hand her lunchbox to her just as Levi finally appears in the kitchen to down a protein bar.

I point to his shoes. “Yes, that was him. He’ll be home this afternoon.”

“You get all silly when he calls after deployment,” she says, batting her eyelashes as she mocks me.

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