Page 76 of Fighting for Family

“Leo affected a lot of people,” Kassie said. “In this mission, he did some good for his fellow military.”

“Don’t you need to get home?” Catherine asked. “It’s past suppertime.”

“The grans have everything covered. I’m here for you,” she said, brushing the hair from Catherine’s face as she lay in her lap.

“Mom?” Melody said from the hallway.

“Yeah, baby? Aunt Kassie and I are in the living room,” she said, sitting up.

Melody ran into the living room with a tear-streaked face. “I can’t find it.”

“Find what, baby?” Catherine asked.

“I wanted us to all bury Dad with something. I can’t find Grace’s rattle. I can’t give him one of her books. She’ll freak. I’ve never seen a kid attached to a machine gun parts catalog,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“We have a spare catalog we can use,” Catherine suggested. “What did you decide for Derrick?”

“I haven’t decided. When Dad left, he complained about him always playing with his poop. I don’t want to make Dad live in eternity with Derrick’s doo doo,” Melody confessed.

Catherine and Kassie laughed.

“I don’t think Dad would appreciate it. Maybe we can put a picture of Derrick or one of his toy tanks? Catherine suggested.

Melody put her hand on Catherine’s stomach. “I don’t know this baby yet. What can I put in there for him or her?”

“Maybe we can put one of the ultrasound pictures in it,” Kassie proposed.

“Dad will love it,” Catherine said gently. “Did you finish your picture?”

“I’m still working on it,” she said. “I want it perfect.”

“I know you’ll do a great job,” Catherine said. “Did you finish your homework and put it in your backpack?”

“Yeah. Mrs. Smith says I don’t need to do homework if I feel sad,” Melody informed her.

Catherine pulled Melody closer and cupped her face. “We’ll feel sad for a long time. You’ll miss Dad every day. But if he were here, what do you think he’d say about you not doing your homework because your teacher gave you a free pass to feel sad?”

Melody shifted her weight from one leg to another. “He’d say suck it up, buttercup, we still got work to do.”

“Exactly. We’ll get through the hard days together and feel sad. But we can’t let it stop us from living. Does that make sense?” Catherine said, kissing her forehead.

“Yeah. Things feel different without him here. I don’t like it,” she confessed.

“It might feel different, but Dad’s here with us. He lives in your heart. Even if you can’t see him, you’ll remember what he’s told you. When you’re not sure, we’ll figure it out together,” Catherine comforted her.

“You’ll always have your Aunt Kassie and Uncle Chase if your mom isn’t around. Your other aunts and uncles feel the same way,” Kassie soothed her.

“I think I’ll go finish my picture. Can I keep it between Dad and me?” Melody asked.

“Absolutely. Some things don’t need to get shared with everyone else,” Catherine said.

Melody walked down the hall and entered her room.

“You did good,” Kassie praised her. “Let me make you something to eat. You haven’t eaten since lunch.”

“Everything tastes bland. I feel numb, like I’m going through the motions. I can’t get stressed because of the baby. It’s almost like Leo planned it. I can hear him. “Now, Kit Kat, I know I screwed up, but think of the baby,” she said, crying.

“Why don’t I stay with you tonight? Chase left with Whiskey. We can have a sleepover,” Kassie offered.