The flight had been long but uneventful.
Emily kept herself busy by reading letters Alice and Eugene had sent each other post Market Garden.
She couldn't help but imagine herself in Alice's place as she read them.
October 7, 1944
Sweet Chérie,
Thank you for the early birthday letter and new photos. The one I have carried since Normandy was starting to get worn, not that I minded it.
Captain Winters made battalion. We lost William Dukeman. But now we finally get a break after marching and fighting. The last company we fought were SS.
I'm sorry I can't be there for your birthday. I'm sending you an early gift I found in Holland. I hope it makes it. Don't open it until then.
I love you with all my heart.
Gene.
20 October, 1944
My Love,
I received your gift in the post not two days after receiving your letter. I promise not to open it, no matter tempted I am.
The base is so frighteningly quiet with you lot gone. Even with the replacements coming and going.
You'll be happy to hear I have successfully broken the nose of one of them, but now they all keep their distance.
Rose dreadfully misses Shifty. I hope he knows that, but he doesn't get too distracted.
My heart broke at the news about Will. He had such a kind soul and lovely singer. How are Johnny and Frank holding up?
I love you, Sweetheart. I hope you receive my early Christmas package in time. There are some bits to share.
With all my love,
Alice
October 31, 1944
Gene read and reread Alice's letter. He hadn't realized how much he was smiling, he hoped the replacement with the broken nose wouldn't be assigned to his unit. For the kid's sake.
He sighed, folding the letter and pocketing it before pulling put his new photos of Alice. They were a mix of just Alice and of them both together.
POP POP POP POP
Gene jumped and ran to the medic jeep, nearly running into Leutenant Welsh.
"He didn't say the password, he must've been about to say he was Moose." The private explained while Harry jumped into the jeep.
"Meet me at the tracks Gene, Moose got shot." Harry called out as he drove off.
"Yes sir! Spina!" Gene shouted.
Spina came running.
"Ambulance, railroad, Leutenant Heyliger got hit!" Gene said, jumping into the ambulance at the same time as Spina.
They arrived while the Private who shot Moose was apologizing profusely to Captain Winters.
"He didn't say the password, but you should have given me the chance to say it." Winters said calmly as Harry arrived with Moose. "Stretcher!!"
Gene dove out of the ambulance to help Harry and Dick carry Moose. "I got him, Harry." Gene assured. "Did you give him morphine?"
"Uh yeah." Dick answered.
"How much?" Gene asked, looking for the syrettes on Moose's jacket and not seeing any.
"I can't remember, I think it was two or three syrettes maybe?" Dick said.
"Two or three syrettes maybe?!" Gene repeated, getting angry now. "Jesus Christ, were you tryin' to kill him?"
"I think it was two." Dick said.
"Don't you think it might be important that I know how much medication the man had? Because I don't see one goddamn syrette on the man's jacket!" Gene scolded fast with his cajun burr as they lay Moose on the stretcher and began loading him into the ambulance.
"I'm sorry, doc." Dick apologized.
"It's a good thing he a big man, maybe he'll stand a chance!" Gene snapped.
"He was in a lot of pain, Doc." Harry explained. "We didn't know what to do."
"Yeah, well you oughtta!" Gene barked, rounding on them both. "You know you are officers, you are grown men, you oughtta know!" He furiously clambered into the back of the ambulance. "Alright, let's go! C'mon! Move it!"
December 16th, 1944
Dear Alice,
We're moving out again. It's cold, we lack winter clothing, and rations. Thank heavens your care package and Christmas gifts arrived on time. The men are singing your praises. God bless your Aunt Cynthia too. She is a Saint."
I love you. Merry Christmas, Chérie.
Forever yours,
Gene.
"Doc, what's takin' ya?" George called from the truck.
"Gimme a hand, will ya?" Gene grunted, lifting the big box that was the care package from Alice.
"Jeez! What's in this thing?" George asked heaving it onto the truck.
"Early Christmas gift from Alice. She said there's a little somethin' for all her boys." Gene answered with grin as he sat down.
"Are you gonna open it?" Julian asked.
"When we get to wherever we're headed." Gene said, lighting a cigarette.
The further they traveled, the colder it became. When they reached the Ardennes Forest, it slowly dawned on the men just what they were in for.
Gene opened the box, figuring now would be a good time distribute whatever it was Alice had sent.
A strong aroma of rum, wine, and spices punched the air, drawing the men close.
A card sat on top, Eugene picked it up and read aloud. "I keep some bottles of liquor tucked away for the Christmas season, solely for mince pies and plum pudding. Happy Christmas, boys. Don't indulge too much."
Each man in Easy Co received three mince pies, along with coffee grounds and bags of herbal teas from Alice's Aunt Cynthia.
The cheers picked up when they all received small packets of lucky strikes.
There was something for Captain Winters as well, an extra 1/4 pound bag of ground coffee.
A smile lit up Dick's face.
"What about me?" Captain Nixon asked.
"Same fo' you." Gene said. "An' another mince pie."
Emily entered her dark, cold, and quiet apartment.
She was tired, numb, didn't quite know what to do with herself.
She licked up her phone and dialed.
It rang only twice before being picked up.
"Emily?" Shane's voice came with a crack.
"The plane landed safely." Emily giggled. "I miss you."