I returned home from deployment three weeks ahead of schedule to surprise my husband and our four-year-old daughter

I was dressed in my Army uniform.

Lily was perched on my shoulders, laughing happily.

“Mama?”

“Yes?”

“Why did Daddy say soldiers don’t love their babies?”

I set the box aside.

Then I knelt down in front of her.

“Because Daddy said something that wasn’t true.”

She thought about my answer for a moment.

“Do soldiers love their babies?”

“More than anything.”

“Even when they go far away?”

“Even then.”

She reached out and wrapped both arms around my neck.

“I’m glad you came back.”

I held her tightly.

“So am I, sweetheart.”

Then she leaned away from me and smiled.

“Can we make pancakes?”

I laughed, although tears were still in my eyes.

“Of course.”

“With chocolate chips?”

“Extra chocolate chips.”

She dashed toward the kitchen, her little feet making quick, heavy sounds against the wooden floor.

I followed close behind.

For the first time in many months, hearing footsteps inside my home no longer filled me with fear.