Though it hurts to go away;
It's impossible to stay;
But there's one thing I must say;
Before I go;
I love you, you know...

Nathan looked at his 3 year old daughter and felt the tears sting his eyes. Jamie was almost 11, he was old enough to understand that daddy had to go and help save his country…Lydia didn't have a clue.

Haley was talking to Jamie upstairs, because he had, inevitably, gotten upset about his fathers departure for war, and thrown a 'big boy' fit.

Now it was just Lydia, and he had no idea how to say goodbye to his 3 year old. The tears fell as Lydia cuddled into him. She at least knew that something was going on, and she certainly didn't like the tension in the house.

Nathan began to hum, as he simply enjoyed the contact he had with his daughter.

"I hope you can understand this one day." He said quietly. "How much it hurts for me to go away." He whispered. "I wish I could stay, but there's something you have to know before I leave." He looked to Lydia, who looked back up at him. "I love you." He kissed her forehead. "And I'll think of you, no matter what. Everything I do, you'll be in the back of my mind." He promised, even though he knew she probably wouldn't understand most of what he was saying. "I know it's late, and I should probably leave soon. Time's getting on, but I just can't bare to leave you." He sighed. "I'll miss you."

"We'll miss you too." Haley's voice came, as she and Jamie stood in the doorway.

"I love you." Nathan whispered, as he stood up and carried Lydia to her mother. "Just remember, those kisses are all mine." He winked, before bending down to see Jamie, with tears in his eyes.

"Don't cry buddy." Nathan took his son in his arms. "Don't cry. I'm leaving, but I'll be back as soon as I can." He promised. "You can make a calendar with mom, and count down the days." He suggested. "I'll be counting the seconds until I'm home with you and your ma and sister."

"I don't want you to go." Jamie whispered. "I don't want you to die." Nathan felt his heart plunge further into his stomach.

"I won't die Jimmy Jam, so long as you remember me." He promised. "I'll always be with you, even when I'm not next to you, I'll be right here." Nathan pressed his hand to Jamie's heart.

"Can I save kisses for you too?" Jamie asked quietly. Nathan laughed and nodded.

"Sure, as long as you don't kiss anyone else except your mom and sister." He kissed the top of Jamie's head.

"Daddy has to go now." He whispered. "Can I get a hug?" Jamie almost jumped into Nathans arms, as he tightened his hold on his father.

"I'll miss you." The young boy cried.

"I love you." Nathan whispered in his sons ear. "Forever."

"Always and Forever." Nathan noticed that Haley had ducked down so she and Lydia could get their goodbyes in too.

"Always and forever." Nathan repeated, softly kissing his wifes lips.