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)
I head for the front entrance and smile when I see Hannah already seated in a booth. “Hey,” I greet, slipping into the bench across from her.
“Why are you so smiley? Did you and Chad get a little phone alone time?” she asks, clearly referring to phone sex.
“Uhh, no,” I reply, feeling heat sweep up my neck and land in my cheeks. “I have something I’m working on though.”
She leans forward with excited eyes. “Tell me.”
Once we both order orange juice to drink and blueberry waffles, I proceed to share the details of my conversation with the school principal and the list of items I’ve come up with to send to the unit. By the time I’m done talking, she reaches forward and squeezes my hand. “I’m in.”
Chuckling, I ask, “In for what?”
“To help. I want to help,” she replies eagerly. “This all sounds so amazing. I’m sure the other teachers will think it’s great too. We should go to the base and find other units for care packages.”
“Yeah?”
“Absolutely!” she proclaims. “I’m going to put out a donation box at the shop too. I know some of my clients will contribute. When is the deadline for items?”
“Uhh,” I start, my brain starting to spin. “I didn’t get that far. Do you think two weeks is sufficient?”
“Yes. If you give them any longer, they’ll forget. But two weeks covers people who may not get paid every week and still want to donate items.”
I nod as our food is delivered. “Thanks, Louise. This smells amazing,” I tell the friendly server.
“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but overhear what you’re doing. If you make up a sign, we’ll put a box up on the counter by the cash register. You may want to consider even a cash or change donation box so you can buy things you may want to add.”
My throat is thick with emotion and my eyes mist over with unshed tears. “Really?”
“Absolutely! This is a small community, Faith. There are a lot of military families here, and everyone supports one another. This is a great way to do that.”
I nod, unable to find my voice.
“We’ll get you a sign as soon as possible,” Hannah tells Louise as she dives into her waffles. When Louise walks away, she points her fork at me. “Eat. We have lots to do today.”
“We do?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Yep. We’re going to the base to get more addresses, and then we’re going shopping. If my husband is going to receive one of these kindergarten care packages, I’m helping.”
Grinning, I can’t help but say, “Thank you, Hannah. Not just for helping with this, but for… well, everything. Thanks for being my friend.”
She winks. “Us military wives have to stick together.”
Later that evening, I pull out a pen and fresh sheet of paper. I’m exhausted from the day, but I can’t go to sleep without writing to my husband.
Dear Chad,
I’m not going to share all the details of my big surprise right now. As much as I want to, I think you not knowing is going to make it that much sweeter. Just know my entire heart is going into it.
I spent the day with Hannah, and I asked about Thanksgiving. She’s going home to be with her parents and her brother and his family. She invited me to go with her, but I’m going back to Ohio. When I called my mom a little bit ago and shared the news, she informed me she’s also invited your parents and sister to join us, so the only one missing will be you. You probably won’t know what you’re doing that day, but if you’re able to call, everyone would love to hear from you. Or better yet, a video chat. This could be just wishful thinking, but a girl can hope, right? Anyway, if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. There will be more opportunities.
My classroom looks amazing, all decorated for Halloween. I even found a few Halloween-themed books I’m going to read to my class as the holiday draws near. It may be silly, but I ordered a costume online, too, so when we have our classroom Halloween party and do the costume parade around town, I’ll be dressed up as a witch alongside them. I can’t wait.
It’s dark outside, but I can see the stars so brightly out the window of our home. I hope you like what I did to the place. Everyone chipped in and helped with every room but our bedroom. I wouldn’t let anyone help me there. I want your eyes to be the first to set sights on the private space I created for us.
Anyway, I’m just rambling again. Thank goodness you don’t mind my senseless chatter. I haven’t received a bundle of letters from you since earlier in the week, so I hope that means there’s another bundle heading my way soon. Finding your letters in the mailbox is one of the best parts of my day.