Page 49 of Be With Me
Chapter 24
Bending over to peek in the oven, Debbie grabbed the counter as she lost her balance. The turkey was browning just as it should and looking at the thermometer, it would be done right on time. Now, what else did she need to do? She straightened and glanced around the kitchen.
They hadn’t been in this house that long. After just under two years in Germany, the Army decided to move them to Fort Hood right before the holidays and it wasn’t something she’d recommend doing with two-and-a-half-year old twins. Although the boys had taken the move well. They had their special bags that they got to put things in; Cam took a baseball and his rubber ducky collection, Cal took Dr. Seuss books and his ducks too. Some days she wasn’t sure whether to thank Danny or kill him. They each had their blankies too.
Looking back on the overseas tour, Debbie was happy with the time. She’d opted not to search for a nursing job instead she volunteered with the Army Community Service helping spouses understand the military. She was still learning herself but the FRSA — look at her thinking in acronyms for the Family Readiness Support Advisor — had told her that the younger spouses got intimidated talking to officer spouses. Debbie really loved being able to help them understand what was going on, kinda like Luny did with the soldiers. That she could do the volunteering and bring the boys with her was a bonus.
Her mom and uncle were due to arrive any time now. Mom had come to Germany last year for the holidays and was going to spend this year with them too. Having her with them for the two months was great…okay there had been some stress but overall, they were happy that the boys were getting grandparent time. Luny’s parents had come over too but only stayed a week. Neither of their biological families were there for the twins’ second birthday but their uncles Kevin and Mike had made it over. Kevin had been nursing a broken heart from the slut he’d married. Apparently, Carly had thought it was going to be all roses being married to a soldier and that she was going to have tons and tons of money to spend. Stupid woman. Being a soldier’s spouse took a lot of strength and backbone.
Debbie shook her head and listened to see if she could tell if the boys were being good for their papa. Luny did well with the boys but they were rambunctious. Thank God for Sesame Street and the lessons that they’d learned from the show. Cam loved Big Bird while Cal’s favorite was the Count. It had been so cute one day when they wouldn’t stop touching Luny’s boots and she’d said “hands up”. They’d started dancing, shaking their little butts trying to sing “Rubber Ducky” or at least that’s what she thought they attempted. Now every time you told them hands up, they danced. Honestly? She didn’t care what they did but she did care that they stop whatever they were doing when she needed them to. Cam and Cal always ended up laughing so there was little stress when she stopped them.
She didn’t hear anything, so she pulled the potatoes to her and started peeling. They weren’t going to get in the pot by themselves.
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Mooney was doing his best to corral the twins in the living room while Deb worked on their Thanksgiving dinner. She was going all out since her mom and uncle were coming this year. Actually, her mom was coming to stay with them through the new year again this year. The boys really enjoyed having their nonna around. She spoiled them rotten.
“Papa—” Cam yelled, turning his attention back to the boys.
“It’s Big—” Cal interrupted.
“Birdie!” Both boys were tapping on the bottom of the TV making it wobble. He’d put the parade on for them to watch and maybe distract them for a while.
“Boys, hands up!” Both boys immediately put their hands in the air and wiggled their butts. They’d started doing that last year when Debbie wanted them to stop doing something. She’d said they’d tried singing a song too. Debbie didn’t fight it since they listened instead of a fighting her and it ending in a meltdown. Mooney had to admit it was cute to watch them do their dance.
“Papa, juice?” Cal held out his sippy cup.
“Pees?” Cam had his out too.
“Okay, sit on your tushes and Papa will get some juice for his boys.” And maybe more coffee for himself. Deb kept him up late last night cleaning and preparing for her family.
As Mooney was just about to step into the kitchen, the doorbell rang, setting the boys off and running toward it. He put the cups on the end table before moving after them.
“Camden Jeffery and Calvin Daniel Luna, halt! If you touch that door, no story tonight.” That froze them both in place and had them turning to him with tears in their eyes. “Oh no you don’t. You know it’s dangerous to answer the door.” Mooney squatted down and opened his arms. It didn’t take more than a second before he had two squirming boys.
Standing with his arms full, he walked to the door. “Okay, Cam lean down and turn the knob,” he instructed. “Cal, you welcome our guests.” He learned fast to give them each a task, so unsuspecting visitors weren’t overwhelmed. The heptad had learned but they were probably the only ones.
The door swung open and Deb’s mom and uncle were there. The boys wiggled to get down.
“Welcomeed to—” Cal had started before Cam screamed, “Nonna!”
Mooney let the boys slide out of his grasp as he bent down. He looked away for a second to school his expression. One glance at Marion and he could tell all was not right. She looked frail, like a slight breeze could knock her over. Mooney reached quickly for the twins, but they’d already thrown themselves at their grandmother’s legs. Luckily, Buddy was standing right behind her.
“My grand boys, I’ve missed you.” She bent over to wrap her arms around them, kissing them on their heads.
“We missed—” Cal said.
“you. Come seeded—” Cam continued.
“our costedumes,” Cal finished as he pulled on her hands.
“Boys, couch. Let your Nonna get in the house and take off her jacket.” Mooney looked at the boys and they headed to the living room with no argument. Damn, Debs had done an amazing job with them.
“Mom… I…” Mooney wasn’t sure what to say.
“Leave it for now, Rafe. You, Debbie and I will have plenty of time to talk.” She patted his cheek and he leaned down to kiss hers. He put out his hand to Buddy.
“Sir, welcome.” Mooney stepped back and watched Marion follow the direction the boys went in.
