Page 76 of Coming Home

“But you’re like the greatest teacher we’ve ever had,” John complained.

“Thank you, but as you grow up, you’ll realize that sometimes these decisions are out of your control,” I said.

“But it is your decision. Ben would be okay with you staying here,” Troy insisted.

“It’s only a trial job, right?” Will asked.

I sighed. “It’s a trial that we hope works out for good.”

Troy looked devastated. “But that means my brother’s never coming back to live in Collier?”

I walked over and hugged him. “Troy, Ben hasn’t been here for a long time. This isn’t his home anymore. He has to go where he’s needed, and this job is a really important one. Besides, it’s only in Westin Pack.”

“That’s half a country away,” Will pointed out.

“That’s a couple hours flight away. No way are we just disappearing from your lives,” I insisted.

“Just ours,” John said.

“It’s not like that, John. I will always be a Collier first and foremost and I’ll be home to visit pretty regularly. And that means checking in on you to make sure you aren’t giving your next teacher too hard a time.”

The class laughed.

“This is a really good thing, you guys. And it’s the last day of school before Christmas break, so let’s stop moping and celebrate!”

Even Will and Troy perked up a little by the end of the day. I drove them home, got out the big box of presents from the trunk of my car, and walked in with them.

“What’s all this?” Marnie asked.

“An early Christmas treat,” I said with a big a smile.

“You sorted things out with Ben, I take it.”

“Maybe. I’m flying out to meet up with him tomorrow. We haven’t set an official move date yet, but they are anxious to get him started on his trial period over at Westin Force. I have everything else lined up for the move and am feeling better about it,” I admitted.

“Today was her last day of school. She quit,” Troy pouted.

I reached over and hugged him. Something I had wanted to do in class but hadn’t dared.

“I keep telling you, you aren’t getting rid of me that easily.”

Will helped me carry the packages into the living room.

“Hi Don, how are you feeling?”

“Good,” he said. “It’s a real good day. I’m happy to be home.”

I still worried about him, but he was strong, and I had to have faith that he’d get through this.

I sat down on the floor and passed out gifts.

“Shelby, shouldn’t we wait until Christmas? I haven’t even had time to shop yet,” Marnie confessed.

I smiled. “That’s up to you guys. I’m fine either way. Since I don’t know where I’ll be for Christmas, I just wanted to make sure I delivered these.”

“Let’s put them under the tree,” Will said.

“Yeah, no matter what’s happening, Ben’s never missed a Christmas,” Troy said.

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