Aaron sighed as he went outside to make a call. The team had been called on a case a week before Christmas. He was supposed to be home with Matthew and Beth wrapping gifts and finishing the decorating, but instead he was in North Dakota in the freezing cold dealing with an unsub.
"Hello," Beth's voice floated across the line pulling him from his thoughts.
Aaron grimaced, "Hi."
"You don't sound happy." She commented.
He chuckled, "You know me well. This case isn't going well, and it's been three days."
"Matthew wants to talk to you," She said.
"Daddy," The little boy yelled. "I miss you!"
"I miss you too Mattie."
"Are you coming home?"
"Not yet," Aaron said. "Soon."
"Will you be home for Christmas?" The boy was obviously worried.
Aaron cleared his throat and looked up. He wanted to promise his son that he could come home, but he knew better. He wasn't sure what to say.
"I'll tell you what," He finally said, "How about you help Mommy finish up the Christmas decorating. Hang the popcorn and the mistletoe, and wrap all the presents."
"Are you gonna be home?"
Aaron frowned, "Matthew, I wish I could promise you I'll be home for Christmas. In my heart I'm already there, sitting right next to you. My thoughts, prayers, and dreams are there with you. I'm gonna do my best to be home for Christmas."
"Kay," Mather said passing his mother the phone.
"We know you're doing your best," Beth told him, "We just miss you."
Aaron nodded to himself, "I know. I'll be home for Christmas, even if it's just in my dreams. I miss you. Tell the boys I love them."
"I will. We love you too. Now you'd better get to work, we want you home."