Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“If you’d rather it wait until Monday—”
“What’s your idea, Faith?” she interrupts, smiling.
“Well, it’s just that a lot of the kids here at the school are from military families, several of which are overseas right now,” I start, twisting my fingers together nervously. “I was writing a letter last night to my husband, Chad, and well, the days he gets mail make him so happy. I was wondering if I could have my class work on a project—coloring pictures, writing notes, that kind of stuff—to send to his unit.”
Mrs. Ramirez smiles widely. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Faith. In fact, maybe we can turn it into a whole school project. Each class can put together a care package for different units across the globe. We can write letters, collect snacks or personal hygiene items for them, and send them off.”
My heart starts to pound. “Really? You think the teachers would do that?”
“I think they’d all love to be a part of it. Let me run it past them, but as far as your classroom goes, I say do it. I’m sure your parents will all be very supportive of the idea.”
“Thank you,” I tell her, swallowing over the sudden lump in my throat. “I might see what kind of books are available to turn it into a lesson.”
She nods and continues to grin. “This sounds like a wonderful project and learning experience for your young students.”
“I appreciate it,” I tell her, suddenly very eager to go home and write to Chad. I don’t want to give him too many details so he’s surprised when he receives his package, but I want him to know how well it’s going here.
“Have a great weekend,” she replies before exiting my classroom, leaving me alone to finish for the day.
By the time the last ghost is hung, I’m more anxious than ever to go home. Usually, I dread it, on account the house is so quiet and lonely, but tonight, I’m eager to put pen to paper. Hell, maybe I’ll try to call him and tell him over the phone. Of course, maybe we can do more of the other stuff too.
We haven’t had phone sex since the first and only time a month ago, and I’m eager to do it again. Even though I’m touching myself, there’s nothing like knowing he’s observing through the phone and doing the exact same thing on the other end. Watching him stroke himself until he came was exactly what I dreamed about for several of the nights that followed.
It takes intimacy to a whole new level.
I grab my purse from my bottom desk drawer and flip off the lights to my classroom. While locking the door, I take a quick mental inventory of what’s in the fridge at the house and opt to stop by the diner and grab something to take home. After dinner, I can throw on some comfy pajamas and shoot a text to Chad.
Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be lucky enough to talk to him tonight.
Me: Happy Friday, if it’s Friday there. It’s still Friday here, though near nine, so it might be Saturday. Just lying in bed, thinking of you. I have something big I want to share, but I’m torn by how much to tell you because I also want it to be a surprise. Isn’t that silly? Anyway, just wanted to tell you good night. Stay safe. Miss you like crazy.
I set the phone down on the charger on the nightstand and look at the wedding photo in the frame. This is one Shayne snapped right when we were told Chad could kiss the bride. His hands cradle my cheeks as he stares into my eyes.
It’s one of my favorite photos from our wedding day.
Then, something else hits me, and I reach for my phone again.
Me: How many soldiers are in your unit? The thing I’m working on is going to need that info.
Me: By the way, I talked to Ford and Shayne last night. They’ve set a wedding date for this spring, but you may already know that. It’s in about seven months, so your deployment better hold up to the four to six months.
Me: They also invited me home for Thanksgiving, but I don’t know. I want to make sure Hannah isn’t going to be here alone. If she’s not going home, then I’ll stay, and we’ll do something together.
Me: Or maybe I’ll invite her back home with me. We don’t have a long break, only Thursday through Sunday, but it might be fun to take her back with me. I’m sorry. I’m just talking at this point. Ignore me.
I set my phone down again, hoping he’s not wondering what in the hell he got himself into by giving me his phone number. I don’t think he’ll be upset by the onslaught of messages, especially since he always complains about missing me.