Page 2 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
A smile eases onto my face and memories of growing up on the farm in central Alabama flood my mind. “Yes, sir. What about you? How much longer does your wife have”?
“Jenny has another two years before she finishes her training. Then we’ll decide if she’ll reenlist or moves on to the private sector.” He turns his attention to the voice coming over the intercom informing us it’s time to board. “Well, it sounds like it’s time to go. It was nice talking to you,” he says standing and offering me his hand. “Best of luck to you.”
I stand and shake his hand. “Thank you and give my best to your wife. My family and I will be praying for her safety.”
His eyes become a little misty as he looks at his daughter before turning back to me. “Thank you, Sergeant.”
I smile, a little at a loss as I lose the moniker I earned over the last eight years. “It’s just Cameron now.”
He takes his daughter’s hand and moves toward the line forming to board the plane. Casey’s bright blue eyes find mine as she waves. “Bye, Cameron.”
I smile and wave before gathering my backpack and taking my place in line.
The flightfrom Philly to Denver was smooth. After a short layover, we land in Tucson, and after claiming my bag, I make my way over to the bank of car rental companies. It takes about thirty minutes for me to reach the front of the line, sign a contract, and drive off in an SUV.
My parents are expecting me to be discharged at the end of the month, but when my commanding officer offered an earlier date, I jumped at the chance to surprise them.
I pull into the driveway of my parent’s home a little after four in the afternoon, grab my bags from the backseat, and walk to the front door. Setting my bags at my feet, I lean in, then ring the doorbell and wait.
“Marie, can you add cereal to the grocery list,” Dad asks as he opens the door, paying no attention to who is on the other side.
I grin as he looks my way, mouth hanging open. “Hi, Dad.”
“Cam,” he whispers, voice cracking as he embraces me tightly.
Dad releases me, then wipes his eyes with the heel of his hand. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he says quietly. Holding up his hand for me to stay where I am, he calls for Momma. “Hey hon, there’s a delivery for you.”
“A delivery? I’m not expecting anything.”
I swallow my laughter. Leave it to Momma to argue.
Dad shakes his head. “Well then, you better come and see if you need to refuse the delivery.”
“Honestly, Mike.” I hear her grumble as she approaches the door. “I said I’m not expecting—Cameron!” She gasps as her eyes fill with tears.
“Hey, Momma,” I manage as she launches herself at me. I catch her easily and wrap her in a hug I’ve needed for way too long.
I set her back on her feet, and Momma cradles my face in her hands as tears stream down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you are here. Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
I chuckle. “It wouldn’t have been much of a surprise if I had.”
“Oh you,” she chastises as she swats my arm. “Well, let's get you inside and settled. Mike, help him with his bags.”
I wave Dad off. “I got ‘em, just show me where to put them.”
Dad pats me on the back as I walk through the door and then closes it behind me. “Follow me, son.”
Samantha
Standing in the middle ofthe church fellowship hall, I admire theWelcome Babybanner adorned with farm animals hanging on the wall.
Hearing a gasp behind me, I turn and smile as my best friend, and mother-to-be, waddles through the door. “Samantha, this is amazing!” Aubrey’s eyes widen as they land on the table for the gifts. “Please tell me all those gifts aren’t from you.”
I laugh as I walk toward the entrance to greet her with a hug. “Hey there, little momma, hey Hutch,” I say as I release Aubrey. “No, Dianne, Lisa, and Janine sent their gifts since they couldn’t be here in person.” I turn back to the decorated hall. “I thought the farm theme was a safe choice since you wouldn’t find out ahead of time what you are having.” I see Hutch hide a smile; I’ve been giving Aubrey a hard time about not finding out the gender for months. “I wasn’t expecting to see you today, Hutch”
“Hey, Sam,” he replies as he steps through the door behind Aubrey. “Momma and Chole have the SUV so loaded down with gifts there wasn’t room for Aubrey to ride with them. What space they did have left was reserved for the food.”
Aubrey rolls her eyes as I fight a smile. “And Heaven forbid I drive myself.”
