Long Live the Reckless and the Brave

Finally, I was almost home. The brisk December air slapped me in the face as I took off running across the parking. I tossed my bags on the cold pavement below my feet and caught Juli in my arms, mid-air. Her small body felt so warm against my cold flesh. Even hear tears falling against the crook of my neck made me feel more at ease. I spun her around, mumbling how much I loved her while I kissed her forehead. She wrapped her legs around my waist, lifting her head when I finally stopped spinning, and kissed me with more force than she had before I left. With one hand around her waist to support her, my friend hand ran through her hair. God, it felt good to have her in my arms again.

"I," Kiss. "Missed," Kiss. "You!"

"Not as much as I missed you," I smiled into her lips. "You look beautiful, Juli."

"After all this time, you still know how to flatter a girl," she snickered, releasing herself from my arms. "Come on. We'll talk in the car. Put your bags in."

Doing as I was told, I tossed my bags in the backseat. Juli had texted me before I got on the plane and warned me that she was leaving the younger kids in the care of the older kids, so that she and I could have at least a moment to ourselves. It's not like I didn't want to see my children first thing, but I couldn't deny, it was nice having the feeling of seeing and kissing my wife as much as I want when I first arrive back in Baltimore. Besides, with four kids, I'd have plenty of time to catch up with them.

"So how was tour?" Juli asked, putting the car in drive. She knew how tired I was from the flight. "I mean, aside from everything you've already told me."

"Exhausting, honestly. The only time we managed to have any real fun were the days we had off."

"Well.." She reached over and grabbed my hand. "I'm just happy you're home."

"Me too, baby," I brought her fist to my hand and kissed it. "You have no idea."

The rest of the ride, Juli and I simply chatted over things I'd done on tour, what the fans were like. She told me about how cute Tom and Aubree were when she came over and how deeply she wished that they would grow up and get married, because Aubree is such a "pretty girl." She also decided to inform that she was worried for the band, because if something did go wrong with Tom and Aubree, she may get emotional and quit playing drums. I doubted this, however, because she was too much like her father. When she mentioned another reason the band was stress, I perked up, wanting to know more. Apparently, Stella hadn't informed me that her and Jack were still being "friendly." He still came over to study with her, but they were awkward, which made Juli worry. I didn't think much of it, figuring I'd talk to my daughter when I got home.

Speaking of home, my heart swelled with joy as my big house came into view. I could see the lights on and almost hear the sound of the kids laughing in my head. I noticed that Jules had already hung some Christmas lights outside, probably for Noelle and Liam so they could have something fun to do one weekend, but felt instantly at ease when I didn't see the tree by the window. I loved watching Noelle light up whenever we decorated the tree. It reminded me that the Holiday's could still be fun.

"Leave your bags, Al," Juli grinned lightly. "You can get them in the morning. The kids are dying to see you."

"Okay," I chuckled lightly. "I love you, baby."

"Love you more."

I inhaled deeply and pushed open the door. Instantly, the smell of dinner made me dizzy with hunger, but the scent of a vanilla candle being burned (probably Stella's idea) replaced with me a warm and fuzzy 'no-place-like-home' feeling. I grinned, getting down on my knees and holding my arms open. I cleared my throat, causing all four of the kids to stop what they were doing and turn in my direction. Noelle and Liam came running at me, bright smiles on their faces and their arms wide open. I caught them both, pulling them closer to my body as I kissed their foreheads over and over again. I swear, they've both grown since I've been gone. It broke my heart, but also made me insanely happy.

"Daddy, you back for good?"

I looked at Noelle. Liam was still buried in my chest, so without wanting to ruin the moment, I simply pulled the small girl back in my arms and kissed her cheek. We stayed like that for a good while, just holding each other, until Juli spoke.

"Guys? I bet Daddy is hungry. Why don't you two come help me get him a plate and a drink?"

"Okay, mom," Liam pulled away first, grabbing little Noelle by the arm to lead her away from me. She giggled and took off running after Jules. "I'm glad you're home, dad."

I sighed, fighting back tears as I stood up to face my two other kids. Tom was grinning like a fool, arms open wide, waiting for my embrace. I pulled him close to my chest and ruffled up his hair, then planting a father-like kiss on the locks.

"I hear you grew up and got a girlfriend while I was gone," I chuckled. "I'm happy for you. We really loved Aubree."

"Thanks, dad," he grinned, stepping away from me. "When you put the kids to bed, you should come in my room for some guy talk."

"You got it, bud."

I admired this about Tom - He always put others ahead of himself. I knew perfectly well he wanted to spend more time catching up with me, but Stella's need to have me around made him worry, so he bit the bullet and cut our time short so she could have me to herself. He was a good boy.

"Daddy," Stella had tears glistening in her dark eyes. "I missed you!"

I held out my arms, and much like her mother had done, Stella jumped in them. I wrapped my arms tightly around her body and sqeezed her until she giggled. I placed the small girl back on the ground and brushed some strands of hair away from her face.

"How have you been, honestly?"

"Honestly, I've been good. I've been writing a little more."

"Good? Really? Last time we talked you were falling apart," I rose an eyebrow. "Did something happen.. Something that I should know about?"

"What on Earth are you talking about, daddy?"

"You didn't punch that girl in the face again, did you? Stella-"
"I promise, I didn't punch anyone in the face while you were away."

"Good," I sighed of relief. "So then what has you so happy? That's a big change for no reason."

"It's nothing, dad," she grinned. I knew that grin, she was up to something. "But I'm really tired from watching the kids, so.. We'll talk later, okay?"

"Stella? Wait, I just got home and you're bailing on me? Stella!"

But she was gone, a fit of laughter in her path. Defeated, I glanced to Tom, who simply shrugged his shoulders. Well, something had definitely changed around here, and I intended to get to the bottom of it.

Notes