15
Bing yawned and stretched just as the plane was beginning its descent to the airport. They hadn’t even told him where he was going. He was normally a part of any covert operations but for this particular engagement, they didn’t want to risk anyone telling anyone else via word of mouth or social media.
Exiting onto the tarmac he was blinded by the bright sunshine and the dry air. His team was escorted into waiting vehicles and transported to the Army post to their barracks. They were given just enough time unpack.
His superior officer, Major Divet, met with him and the others in a common room.
“Corporal Twinkle. I’m glad you’ve arrived. You’re assigned the Beta team for this trip. You’ll be reporting back to me.” The major handed Bing a packet of information. “Here is what intelligence has uncovered so far. You and your team will be investigating this to help inform our response.”
“Yes, sir.” Bingle took the packet, saluted, turned, and left. When he had a private space to peruse the materials he was pleased see some of his National Guard buddies, Private First Class Rondo Helios and Private Second Class Alko Bimble were part of his team. Perfect. They already worked well together. He didn’t know some of the others but suspected they were all fully able to help accomplish the task at hand. He read through the intelligence and the operation and started to formulate a plan.
Mail had been delivered to his room, so he sat on his bunk to read the first letters from Gigget, Djoni, and Amoretta. He smiled. He already missed seeing her face and hearing her voice. He truly was blessed. He settled down to write a quick note to her and the kids before gathering the team and giving them assignments. They’d likely be setting out tonight to start their reconnaissance. The fact that hostages were involved made it more difficult and urgent.
~*~
Gigget was surprised to find a letter from Bing in her mailbox when she got home that Friday. The postmark showed he’d mailed the letter before leaving. She grinned, and rushed the kids inside. She’d already mailed out two more. Was she being too communicative? Would he find her desperate? Or would he find comfort, encouragement, or even courage to do his task because someone at home cared about him?
The kids settled down to play as she read his letter. When she finished she refolded it, put it in the envelope, and stored it in a pretty, decorative box on her desk. Maybe by the time he returned it would be filled with wonderful letters.
Saturday, the kids wrote letters and drew pictures for Bing, and Gigget printed out a photo of all of them to send.
The weather had grown colder. Thanksgiving was coming. Her parents lived too far away to make the trek with her old car. She couldn’t afford a huge meal. She wondered what Bing would be doing. She prayed he was safe and began to watch the news of events in the world with avid interest and no small measure of anxiety, not knowing exactly where he was.
Peace, be still. I’m still in control .
God was always with her and had led her through the years, but rarely had she ever sensed such a direct word from Him. Thank You, Lord. You love Bing and You love me and my kids and I can fully trust You to take good care of us.
Wait. Did she just tell God she loved Bing? The way he treated her, the way he gazed at her with respect and something that might be adoration, the smiles he gave her kids, the integrity and wit he showed, those sparkling blue eyes, that full beard. He was dependable, reliable, kind, generous, and cute as a gnome. He loved and worshipped Jesus too. What more could a woman want?
But did any of that mean he would want her?
He did take you on a date, didn’t he?
Well, yes. But still.
Still what? Just accept that this man actually likes you!
Gigget stilled. The tick-tock of the clock on the wall beat out a steady rhythm. She took a deep breath to absorb this thought. Was it possible that she was developing a love for Bing and him for her? A compulsion to see him by Christmas welled up within her heart. Would they still be communicating? Would they be getting to know each other and still like each other? Would he be back?
She sighed. Could this man be the answer to her prayers? Could God be using this sweet unassuming man to heal her deepest wounds and teach her that she was worthy of love?
I love you. You are worthy because of My love .
Fine, Lord, I’ll trust that what You’re telling me is true even if I struggle to believe it. Help me in my unbelief.
~*~
After a rough week, Bing stumbled back to his barracks. Everything ached, his feet, his back, and his head. An envelope was on his bunk. He smiled as he unlaced his boots and reclined on his bed to read. Did it hold a faint scent of cinnamon and apples? He inhaled. Maybe he was imagining it.
Dear Bing,
It was good to hear from you. The kids enjoyed their letters from you, too. I received another malicious letter and reported it to the police officer we spoke with previously. I’m not as anxious as I thought I would be. Puck installed another two cameras on the property that I can access on my phone. Thanks for sending him. So far, it’s only been deer, some coyotes, rabbits, and raccoons. Oh, and one opossum. Lulu suggested I invest in attack geese to ward off unwanted visitors to the property. Being in the country, that wouldn’t be the worst thing unless they attack anyone delivering packages I ordered. I don’t do that often though.
I think I’ll just rely on God and the cameras.
You are missed. The children pray for you daily, morning and night. Tink noticed the cameras. Now he and Lulu are checking on us more often.
I’m praying you stay safe and God will give you the wisdom you need to complete whatever mission you are on.
Blessings,
Gigget
Bing put Gigget’s letter in his duffle bag where he had stored the previous letters. He could forget some things but these letters were treasures he meant to keep with him always.
Thank You, Lord, for Gigget and her letters. Help me be a man worthy of that woman. I really do believe I’m falling in love with her.
He took his time and wrote a reply.
The next morning would be Thanksgiving Day back in the United States. He anticipated a nicer meal in the dining facility. He’d much rather be enjoying Gigget’s cooking. He’d anonymously arranged for a food drop with a turkey and everything she’d need for a wonderful meal, just in case she couldn’t afford it. Kind of like being a Secret Santa. Flowers were to be delivered today too. He’d set that up before his departure. He grinned. It made him happy to do nice things for Gigget.
Bing already had Christmas taken care of as well. Getting gifts for the kids had been challenging, but Gigget was easier. He hoped to be home to deliver them in person. The way the operations were going, he doubted that would happen, so he’d refrained from making any promises. He rubbed the scruff growing on his chin. His beard was growing back, with a few more grey hairs in the mix. Not enough to look like Santa at Christmas, but who knows, maybe Santa Gnome?
He finished writing and addressed the envelope. Dinner was served and he needed to get this letter out in the mail.