by Dahlia Rose
My Daddy is a Hero: First Lieutenant Cutter
Copyright © February 2012 Dahlia Rose
Cover Art by For the Muses Design
ISBN 978-1-936668-80-9
All rights are reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Chapter One
“Daddy, Ms. Noelle said it’s our turn to take Sunny Bunny home next week and grandma said we can play with her in the yard as long as she is there.”
The small voice was filled with excitement and David could see it in his daughter’s green eyes.
“Don’t push me!”
Annette yelled and his son’s face came into view. It was an exact replica of his sister’s except for short hair. Andy’s eyes gleamed with mischief and he had a huge smile on his face. He was talking to his children via Skype. While they were safe at home in Georgia he was in a FOB deep in the mountains of Afghanistan. While they ran and played outside in the small suburb they lived in, he dodged bullets and hoped there were no IEDs in the routes they traveled.
His wife had been gone for three years and he was a single dad to the greatest kids in the world. Luckily his mother was their protector while he was in theatre. He felt his grin widen when he saw the two children he loved and would give his life for trying to squeeze into the view of the small webcam. He wanted to surprise them. David was heading home next week after nine-months in Afghanistan. It was March now, and in two weeks they would be celebrating their sixth birthday. He would get to be there and plan the festivities.
“Dad, can I have a pellet gun?” Andy asked
“No you can’t and don’t push your sister,” David admonished.
“But if I’m going to be a solider like you, I need to learn now,” Andy protested.
“How about I keep you a little boy just awhile longer?” David asked with a smile.
“Fine, I guess Ms. Noelle was right when she said I was too little,” Andy said.
“Your teacher told you that huh?” Each time he called them, they had tons of chatter about Ms. Noelle. Her last name was Cherise, but she allowed the children in her class to call her by her first name.
Annette nodded. “I told Andy not to ask you daddy. Ms. Noelle is really nice and when you come home she said I can bring you to class for show and tell in your uniform and you can meet Sunny bunny. Lila is going to have a sleep over with me on Friday night, too, and Grandma said we can make cupcakes.”
“Ms. Noelle said that even though its not for boys I need to be nice to Ann and Lila cuz I’m supposed to protect girls,” Andy stated.
“Because is the correct word buddy,” David said.
Andy sighed. “Yes sir. Ms. Noelle is really smart and Grandma said I can have Jason sleep over that night as well so I’m not in a house full of strogen by myself.”
David laughed knowing exactly what his son was trying to say. “Well when I come home we’ll even out the estrogen part.”
“When are you coming home, daddy? We miss you so much.” Annette’s bottom lip trembled and it broke his heart.
He reached up and touched the screen of his laptop, wishing he could hold his kids tight.
“Very, very soon, Miss. Muffet,” he said using his pet name for his daughter. “You guys go get ready for bed and let me talk to grandma, okay? I love you guys so much.”
“More than chocolate cake?” Annette asked
“More than race cars?” Andy joined in.
It was their little goodbye game even when he was home. He knew eventually when they were old enough it would stop, but until then he enjoyed their innocence as much as he could.
“More than the world and the stars beyond,” David replied. “Go get into your PJs. Andy share the sink with your sister.”
“Yes sir,” his son called as they ran off.
His mother’s face came on the screen and she was smiling. Diana Cutter was, and continued to be, his rock. With the death of his wife, she stepped in for every tour of duty he faced and took care of the kids. She had her own home but barely lived there half the time. His wife Shauna’s parents had their own views about the world and money that he didn’t agree with. They were allowed to see the children, of course. But he preferred for the goals and view of life of his children be one where everyone in the world was on equal footing. He didn’t want his kids to grow up with a social elite attitude, and Shauna wouldn’t have wanted that either.
He could hear the chattering of his children in the background. God I miss them. An idea flew into his head. He’d have to contact Ms. Noelle to make it happen. For right now Diana was the rock that kept his home running smoothly until he returned.
“Are they giving you a bunch of trouble mom?” David asked.
“Those two are the sweetest kind of trouble,” Diana said. “How are you doing? Do you need a care package sent?”
‘No mom, I’m coming home next week,” David grinned.
She clapped her hands in delight. “Oh they are going to be so happy, have you told them? I could go get them…”
David cut her off. “No, Mom, I want to surprise them and I know exactly how, Can I have the contact number for Ms. Noelle? The kids talk about her so much. I think I can set something up and go to the school and do something special.”
“That’s a lovely idea.” Diana beamed. “I’m so glad you’re coming home. John and Lucille have been making noise about seeing them more.”
“I’ll deal with that issue when I get home, Mom. The courts already decided they can’t take custody of my children no matter how much money they have, and they get to see the kids. That’s enough.” David felt himself tense up at the thought of Shauna’s parent making his mother miserable. “I’m glad to be coming home too.”
“Well, here is Ms. Noelle’s number. Give her a call and I’m sure she will be happy to help,” Diana said.
He signed off after his mother gave him Ms. Noelle’s telephone number. Instead of video calling, he dialed her number using Skype calling. It had to be after ten at night and he hated calling so late. He didn’t know if he would have a chance to call over the next few days. Even thought he was going home, a convoy could come up or a mission that could take him away until he was ready to leave. So it had to be now.
The telephone rang and rang and he was thinking about leaving a message when he heard a husky voice answer. David was a transplant from Seattle to Georgia so he could hear the accent in her voice. It was like listening to smooth jazz and drinking southern comfort. Her voice alone gave him a gut reaction of desire. Jesus I’ve been in this hellhole way too long.
“Hi, Ms. Cherise, I’m Lieutenant Cutter, Annette’s and Andy’s dad,” he began. ‘I’m so sorry for disturbing you so late.”
“Oh, Lieutenant, I’ve heard so much about you from your kids. They are both such good students. Please call me Noelle. I was just reading, getting my mind to relax, so it’s no disturbance. Really,” she said. “Are you calling to check in on their progress at school?”
“My mom gives me their progress reports when you send them home,” David replied. “And it’s David, we don’t have to be formal. I wanted to ask a favor… I’m coming home next week. Annette and Andy don’t know, and I want to surprise them. Is there any possible way we could set up something at school in your class?”
She laughed. “Now that would be a surprise. Annette wanted to show you off at show and tell sometime. We could possibly set it up so a big gift is wheeled in at the right time and… Surprise!”
He laughed at her exuberance. “That sounds great. I should be in town by at least Thursday night. I can stay at my mom’s place that night an
d come in to the school early Friday morning…”
“No it would be best to come in at recess. I can’t see you sitting in a box for half the day.” Noelle’s voice held humor.
“That’s the plan then. Thank you, Noelle. I look forward to meeting you. My kids talk about you like you are the best thing since the creation of crayons,” David teased.
Her voice gentled. “That’s nice to know. And they speak of you like their father hung the moon. They are very proud of their dad.”
“I’ll let you get back to your reading. Goodnight, Noelle,” David said huskily. Hearing her say his children spoke of him with pride was another great gift.
“Goodnight, Lieutenant.”
“David,” he prompted.
“Alright… David. It may not be my place but I feel as if I know you listening to your kids and your mother. We’re all so very proud of you and all soldiers for what you do and what you give up in service to your country,” Noelle said and gave a soft laugh. “I just wanted to say that. Be safe and I’ll see you next Friday.”
David turned the phone in his hand long after she hung up. How was it that those few words from a person he’d never met struck a chord in him? Maybe it was that sweet molasses voice that made him feel more pride at her words? He lay back on this narrow bed in the converted shipping containers they used for housing. When he left someone else would sleep on the thin mattress to serve their country. He’d be home holding his kids, drinking a beer on his porch and watching the Georgia night sky in March. Meeting Ms. Noelle Cherise would be an added bonus. David got up and began to pack his personal items, which would be shipped out before him in a few days.
* * * *
One week later, Noelle looked around her classroom while the children worked on various art projects. Andy and Annette sat in their usual seats, oblivious to what would soon happen. She clapped her hands and the kids looked up. Innocence and happiness was written all over their faces, and this was why she became a teacher. To tap this stage in their lives and help them fulfill their true potential. Being a top rated teacher, she had her choice of the best private school offering her a job. She chose the little public school where she grew up.
“I have to step out into the hall for a moment. Miss Patty will be here with you and then we start show and tell,” Noelle informed the class.
All the kids began to talk excitedly except Annette, whose head bent low and her lips trembled. She walked over to their desk and crouched low. “What’s wrong, Annette?”
Little Annette leaned over to whisper in her ears, “I wanted my daddy to be my show and tell, but he is not here. I’m sad about it.”
The words broke her heart even though she knew their surprise was in the hall. She gave Annette a big hug. “Don’t worry. When your daddy comes home we can have a special show and tell, okay? But today we’re going to be excited to hear about what you brought.”
Her student nodded, and Noelle stepped outside and into the chaos of the teachers’ lounge. The whole school had heard of what was planned and the teachers who weren’t with classes were busy making Lieutenant Cutter feel welcome. He’d snuck into the school an hour ago and she was informed by Principal Stewart, who beamed like a ray of sunshine at the event. She was speaking to the twins’ grandmother while the Lieutenant sat with his mother close by, drinking a cup of coffee.
This was Noelle’s first time meeting their father. When they were placed in her class it was by their grandmother, because he had already been deployed. She stopped a minute to take in his features. He was undoubtedly handsome, low cut sandy brown hair and green eyes. She could see him in his children, down to the shape of his mouth. She saw why women said a man in uniform was sexy. Seeing David Cutter sitting there in his left her mouth a bit dry.
“Ah, Ms. Cherise. I take it it’s time for the big surprise,” Principal Stewart spoke as she stood.”
“The kids are ready, and Annette is kind of bummed her daddy was not here.” Noelle smiled. “She’ll be happy to see you.”
“Ms. Noelle, nice to see you again!” Diana Cutter walked over to give her a hug. Her eyes met David’s as he rose and the kids’ grandmother stepped away. “This is Annette’s and Andy’s dad, David.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you Lieutenant Cutter,” Noelle said. She winced internally at the shy sound in her voice.
“I thought we agreed on the telephone to call me David,” he said with a laugh.
“Of course. Are you ready to be in a very big box?” Noelle teased.
“I’m a big guy and it’s a tight fit but for my kids, I’ll make it work,” David said.
“Now, Lieutenant Cutter, after the big reveal you take them home and enjoy spending time with your children.” Principal Stewart beamed. “I hope you get to spend a few months with them before you are deployed again.”
“I’ve done two tours back to back,” David explained. “I get at least a year at home before any new orders come in. I’ll probably be working on the base when my leave ends.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m going to check my messages and then come to your class, Noelle.” Principal Stewart moved with purposeful steps that made her salt and pepper hair bounce. “Don’t start the party without me.”
Noelle turned her attention to David. “Ok, sir, into the box and Mr. Gordon will wheel you in about fifteen minutes from now. You ready?”
He grinned. “More than. It’s been hard being home and not seeing my kids.”
The walk back to her classroom gave her a chance to calm the jittery excitement inside her. Not only was it because of the treat planned for the children that missed their dad. The man left her feeling like a silly schoolgirl with only a smile and his voice.
The class was bouncing with energy when she returned and the kids began their presentations. One child brought his pet grasshopper that got out of the cage and they had to hunt to find it. She had to keep calm when it jumped on her desk and ask Corey to calmly retrieve it and put it in his cage. She was deathly afraid of insects and couldn’t lose her cool by running from the classroom in front of her student. As Cory Bostain finished talking about his pet, she and Mr. Gordon wheeled the box in from the hallway. Finally it was Annette’s turn, and she looked at the box curiously as she stood in front of the class. Principal Stewart and Diana Cutter slipped in the door at the back of the classroom. All was ready.
“I brought my doll Maggie as show and tell. I got her for Christmas from my daddy who is far away. He is a soldier,” Annette began.”
“Annette, are you sure you want to talk about Maggie?” Noelle asked gently.
“Ms. Cherise my daddy is not here I don’t have anything else to show and tell with.” Her little lips began to tremble again.
“Andy, why don’t you come up here and help your sister with this great big box,” Noelle said with a smile.
“It’s for us?” Andy asked. “Is it from our dad?”
Noelle nodded. “Yes it is, so come on and help Annette.”
The box had no bottom. They had wrapped it that way so it could be placed over David’s head. Yet the children ripped the paper off while their classmates whispered excitedly about the really big gift. As soon as they got the paper off the top David popped out and the looks on the twins’ faces were priceless. Noelle couldn’t help but smile through the tears as Annette’s face crumpled and she threw herself into her father’s arms.
“Dad!” Andy cried out, and David caught him with the other hand as he held Annette close.
Noelle was actually holding her breath as he closed his eyes and held his children. Even with the clapping that was going on around them it seemed as if he was in his own world.
“Daddy, do you have to go away again?” Annette asked sniffing.
“No pumpkin, I’m here for awhile.” David wiped away the tears from her cheeks and ruffled his son’s hair before pulled them both close again. “First, you have to do your show and tell, and then I get to take you guys home early. How abou
t you guys do it together.”
The twins nodded and he stood holding their hands in each of his. People filtered away but David’s mother stayed in the back. It was the perfect moment, one Noelle would never forget. She shushed the class so the twins could speak.
“This is our dad and he is a soldier. He just came back from Afghanistan,” Andy began. “It’s a big name for a country far away.”
“His name is First Lieutenant Cutter, because he is a marine,” Annette continued. “We’re very proud of our daddy.”
Perfection, Noelle thought with a smile. Everything went off without a hitch, and she felt honored to be a part of it.
Chapter Two
Being home with his children went past nirvana for David. He wanted to see them grow up, and the long deployments were difficult for them all. He made the decision while he watched them sleeping to change his Military Occupational Specialty. His mom was getting older and he didn’t want to miss any more of their lives. He loved the military, but he loved his kids more. He pulled Andy’s blanket up around his shoulder and brushed away Annette’s hair from her face and kissed her forehead before walking back into the living room. His mom handed him a bottle of Samuel Adams, his favorite brand of beer, and they stepped out onto the patio into the warm Georgia night.
“Feels good to be home,” he said and took a sip of his beer.
“It’s good to have you back safe and sound.” His mom rested her head on his shoulder for a minute and nudged him with her shoulder. “What papers are you thinking of putting in for your MOS.”
David laughed. ‘This is why I could never get away with anything growing up. I swear you tap into my brain.”
“It’s a mom’s job to know. I can see it on your face each time you have to leave them,” Diana explained. “I figured this would be last deployment if you could change it.”
“I can actually. I’m thinking instructor for the new special missions group that’s being formed. When I was gone, my commander offered it to me and I’m going to take it. I won’t have nearly as much time away, only for training weekends or mission exercises. But that would be in different states.”