Page 26 of Bossy Hero

Two months later

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

Subject: Special Delivery. Emphasis on the “special”

Please let me know when you get the care package I shipped to you. It’s supposed to arrive today, but who knows with the way mail is delivered on base.

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To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

You didn’t have to send me anything. What’s the occasion? And will I need to share with your boys?

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To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

Donotshare this with the boys. As a matter of fact, don’t even show them. I beg this of you.

As to the occasion... I was inspired a few months ago to create this just for you.

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To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

All right, now I’m beyond curious about what you sent. Why don’t you tell me now so I don’t have to wait? This is agony. Is it naughty? My gut says it is.

* * *

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

My lips are sealed. But I’ll give you a hint. It’s homemade

* * *

The next day

To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

Okay, it’s here. And wow. It’s amazing. Thank you so much. You made all this?

I might need you to explain what some of this is, though. The little knit soldier is sweet. I’m gonna pretend it’s a mini-me and call him Little Al. But what’s with the horse? Little Al doesn’t seem to fit on or inside him, so I’m not sure what to do with it. And why does the tip of his nose come off? Then there’s one made of camo yarn in a similar shape as the horse, but I can’t make out what animal it’s supposed to be. Is it an animal?

Don’t get me wrong; I like everything. It’s all very thoughtful and must have taken you a long time. Somehow, you managed to get all my favorite snacks in here too. Now I’m convinced you have someone spying on me. How did you know about my love for Animal Crackers? Does Leo know we’ve been talking?

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