A Soldier's Creed

Chapter Four

Chapter 4

(A/N: Sorry it’s been two weeks or more since the last update. School has been crazy busy, and I’m in for a long semester. Please bear with me. I know this story is going to be amazing.)

I felt like a girl shopping after my run yesterday. I must’ve gone to four or five stores before I found somethin’ I thought Becca would like. I settled for some new dark denim jeans that make my behind look good (if I do say so myself), a new plaid button up, some new boots, and a brand new Stetson. I even bought her this real pretty bracelet from the one of the jewelry stores downtown, I couldn’t help it. It’s got a tiny cross on it with some kind of blue stones along the edge, nothing too fancy or expensive but perfect for her.

When I got back I saw mama readin’ her Bible, and lookin’ rather exhausted after another long day of work and church. I didn’t want her cookin’ dinner for me; I know she has been cookin for me mostly, because she barely eats a thing herself. So, I took her to dinner last night.

It was nice to see her get dressed up and put on some jewelry. It got me thinkin’ about how lonely she must be. She doesn’t have many friends outside from church, and other than bingo, she doesn’t go out much. She always did put my brother and me first. Other than a couple of dates I can count on one hand, it never seemed to work out.

We talked about a lot. She talked about church and even mentioned my brother a couple of times. Mama told me how much she missed Nathaniel. My good for nothin’ brother hardly even calls her. He got some kind of promotion and moved a town over, but a thirty minute drive is no excuse to neglect our Ma.

What really surprised me was how excited Mama got when I told her about my date with Becca. She told me what to do, what not to do, and everything in between. She started talking about grand-babies. I held my tongue, because it warmed my heart to see a real smile on her face.

We took a walk downtown, before heading home. I’ve come to the conclusion that while I’m here, I am goin’ to take her out at least once month. After everything she’s done for me and continues to do for everyone, she deserves it.

The Next Morning…

…Lord, I thank you for another day. I thank you for the health of my family, and the food in our fridge. I thank you for your unconditional love and patience. Most of all I want to thank you for bringing my boy home to me. I’ve missed him so, his smile, his laugh, and his love. I pray that you bless him on his date tonight. Rebecca Clarkeson is an angel sent to earth, but you know that… you made her. If she is the one you made for my son, then I pray bring them together in your perfect timing. Thank you for bringing me hope Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daniel’s POV:

Only a mother could make her grown son’s eyes tear up. (Eyes that haven’t seen tears for years now) I overheard her praying in her room. Under my breath I send up a silent prayer if there is a God, bless my mama. She deserves it…not me.

I silently knock on her door, to give her some privacy.

“Mornin’ mama, just wanted to say thanks for ironing my shirt.”

The door opens slowly, and I see my mom’s tired eyes peeking out through the cracked door.

“You’re welcome honey. I am a mess right now, but I’ll be down in fifteen minutes and get started on some breakfast.”

“Don’t worry about it mama, I’m just gonna grab a cup of coffee. I ain’t all that hungry.”

“Are you sure sweetie? It’s not good to start your day on an empty stomach.”