John had to go on deployment over christmas, he'd tried for weeks before to get leave early, but the mission was important and he wasn't allowed to come home. you understood, of course. It was his job and you knew this could happen the day you decided to marry him.

now, windows misty with the cool morning air, the house eerily quiet, you head downstairs. You'd decided to stay with your parents so you weren't alone, and to no surprise they were already downstairs waiting for you.

one large box sat in the middle of the living room, by the christmas tree, your parents turn to greet you and you sit next to them on the couch. they point to the box and gesture for you to open it.

you take a step forward, confused as to what it could be, as you'd insisted on no presents this year. you cautiously open the top and inside sat your husband- John, smiling up at you with a little gift box, wrapped in christmas presents.

"hey baby" he whispers, his scruffy beard twitching as he smiles up at you, puppy eyes gazing at you, like he always did after a mission.