Free Lost Dreams by Jude Ouvrard Page A

know, I know - don't hate me, I know we're only in September. I'm simply too excited about Christmas because it means you guys are BACK!
    Email me back, soldier.
    Ave xxx
    P.S. What do you want for Christmas? I need your list.
    She cracked me up with her Christmas list. I was in the middle of a war zone in Iraq and she was asking me to think about what I wanted for Christmas. My only wish was to be home with Avery and Carter and maybe some of the guys, and have a nice traditional dinner. The perfect juicy turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy and pies. I was never a material guy who needed the newest gadgets. The simpler the better, was my motto. I could use some new clothes but there was no way I was going to ask her to shop for me. I would deal with it when I got back home.
    I wanted to get Avery something. I would have to think about it. She'd changed since the last time I saw her, she was no longer the Army girl. She'd transformed into a beautiful young woman and the photos showed a new side to her. It was refreshing to see her smiling.
    I hit reply.
    To: Avery Lewis
    From: Jeremy Taylor
    Date: 19/09/2007
    Subject: RE: Hey soldier!
    Hey Ave,
    Thanks for the email. It's always good to hear from you.
    It's not going to be a long email because I have to leave in few minutes.
    Regarding Christmas, don’t worry about me. I don’t need anything. I just want to have a good time with you and Carter. The only wish I could make is for a good Christmas dinner. Carter talked about it a few days ago and I think he would like that.
    I think he will love the bracelet. It's a good idea and I’m sure he will keep it with him all the time.
    How's Juliet doing? I heard she was sick a little while ago. Is she okay now? She is such a cute little girl, always smiling. I can't imagine her being sick.
    How are you doing Avery? Are you okay? Are the nightmares a thing of the past? You can talk to me about it, I was there you know. We never really forget but we have to learn to live with it. I can tell you that I'm okay. I've been good for a couple of weeks now. Every night, I try to focus on what went well during my day or what I want for the future. I’m not sure why, but it works and the nightmares are gone. You should try.
    I have to get going now. I have to keep in shape and train a bit before we get back to work.
    Take care Ave and write back.
    Remy xx
    I pressed send and went directly to the bench press. I had to burn off some of my energy and training was something that I needed on a daily basis. It was one of my things.
    I trained until every muscle was screaming at me to stop. The pain felt great and my body hummed with health. This is what had me coming back to do the same thing every day. My body was covered in sweat; a cold shower was going to be necessary.
    ''Remy!'' Carter called after me. ''Avery emailed me.''
    ''Yeah, me too.''
    ''She seems to be going great! There’s something different about her. Good different.''
    ''It's true. I was thinking exactly the same thing. She probably tells you more about her life than she does me, but she seems to be happy again.''
    Carter was getting emotional. ''I can't wait to be with her again.'' He pinched his nose between his thumb and forefinger, trying to keep control. ''That day is coming, right?''
    ''It is man! We're already in September, soon it'll be October.'' I gave him a man hug. ''We'll get there soon.''
    ''Thank you brother.''
    This deployment was really hard on him. He was able to do his job, but he was always thinking about her and I thought it was probably normal. Avery meant the world to Carter, she was what he'd never had, a family. He had put all of his dreams into his relationship with her. He wanted kids and to be there for them. Playing soccer or baseball or even playing with dolls if he had to. He was entering another phase of his life. He wanted much more than just the army. He had an important role in the Special Forces and he was aware of it, but he was looking forward