Chapter 20-21 - Adopted into a Modern Family

Chapter 20 – Homecoming

US Military Base – Germany

The American base in Germany was a temporary stop, but for Grant and his team, it was their first taste of civilization after five months in hell. When they stepped off the C-17, they immediately felt the difference. The air was fresh, without the oppressive heat and constant dust of Afghanistan. They were away from the war, at least for a while.

Grant adjusted his backpack and looked around. Soldiers from other units milled about the base courtyard, some in groups chatting, others hurrying to their destinations. Command had informed them they would be there for a few hours before boarding the next flight to the US. Enough time to eat something decent, relax a bit, and, in Grant's case, buy a few things.

"Shall we go to the base store?" Murphy asked, patting Grant on the shoulder. "I want to pick up a few things before we leave."

"Good idea," Grant replied.

The two of them headed to the PX (Post Exchange), the military store inside the base. The place had everything: clothes, electronics, souvenirs, and even fast food. For someone who'd spent months eating MREs (prepared army meals), any new food was a blessing.

Grant grabbed a cart and began filling it with what he needed.

"What are you buying?" Murphy asked, grabbing an energy drink from the fridge.

"New clothes, some souvenirs for my family, and a decent watch."

He chose a sturdy, functional black G-Shock, perfect for military service. Then he picked up some t-shirts, cargo pants, and a new pair of boots. He also bought a small collection of chocolates and European sweets for Lily and Joe, imagining how excited his little sister and little cousin would be.

As they were paying, Collins and Logan appeared.

"Guess who just ate a real burger after five months?" Collins said, smiling contentedly.

"I wish we had more time here," Logan commented. "A night on the town would be nice."

"Maybe next time." "Grant replied, picking up the bags.

Time passed quickly, and soon they received the order to board again. This time, their destination was Fort Moore.

The flight to the United States was long, but no one cared. They were finally heading home. Anxiety filled the plane as they flew over the Atlantic. Some soldiers slept, exhausted. Others chatted, laughing, and telling stories.

Grant remained silent, watching through the small window. He felt a strange mixture of relief and unease.

When they landed at Fort Moore, the feeling of being in the United States again hit them hard. As soon as they stepped off the plane, they were greeted by other soldiers and officers from the base.

"Welcome back!" said the unit commander, shaking each of their hands.

The battalion was assembled in one of the hangars, where the command gave a brief speech. It was protocol, but also an important moment.

"Gentlemen, you did an exceptional job. You accomplished your missions with honor and professionalism." Now, it's time to rest.

The commander paused and smiled.

"The battalion is officially off for a month. Enjoy it, see your families, relax. But remember, in a month, you'll be back to continue training and prepare for whatever comes next."

The group erupted in celebration. A full month of rest was rare for the Rangers.

Grant grabbed his things and headed to the barracks. Now, all that was left was to notify his family.

He took his phone out of his pocket and dialed Mitchell's number. After a few rings, his father's image appeared on the screen.

"Son! Are you here yet?"

Grant smiled.

"Yes, Dad. We just landed."

Mitchell sighed, visibly relieved.

"Thank God! Cam! Come here!"

In seconds, Cam appeared on the screen, giving Mitchell a gentle push.

"My baby's back in the States!"

Grant laughed.

"Dad, I'm not a baby anymore."

"You always will be!"

Lily appeared soon after, jumping up and down with excitement.

"Grant! When are you coming home?"

"Tomorrow morning. I have a month off."

Mitchell and Cam looked at each other.

"A month? Really?"

"Yes. But then I'm going back to Fort Moore."

"That's great! We'll make a special dinner!"

"I'm counting on it."

After a few more minutes of conversation, the call ended. Now all that was left was to pack her things and catch her flight to Los Angeles.

She was going home.

Chapter 21 – Homecoming

The flight to Los Angeles was uneventful, but Grant felt tired as soon as the plane landed. He adjusted his cap back, ran a hand through his beard, and grabbed his backpack from the overhead compartment. He was wearing a black sweatshirt, jeans, and tactical boots, trying to look as casual as possible.

The plan was to arrive unexpectedly.

He caught a taxi at the airport and went straight to his parents' house. The neighborhood was as usual: quiet, with well-kept houses and children playing in the yards. When the car stopped in front of the Pritchett-Tucker house, he took a deep breath. It was good to be back.

Grant got out of the car, grabbed his suitcase, and walked to the door. Before ringing the doorbell, he smiled. He imagined their reaction.

He knocked twice.

There was silence.

Then, hurried footsteps.

The door burst open, and Mitchell appeared in an apron, holding a dish towel.

"Who's y—"

Mitchell's eyes widened.

"GRANT!?"

Before Grant could answer, Mitchell pulled him into a tight hug.

"Oh my God, you're here!"

Cam appeared shortly after, flour in his hands.

"Mitchell, what was y—"

He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Grant. His face went from confusion to pure excitement in seconds.

"GRANT! MY BOY!"

Cam practically jumped to hug him, crushing him against his chest.

"We didn't even know you were coming! You should have warned us!"

"It was supposed to be a surprise," Grant said, laughing.

Lily came running down the stairs.

"What's going on?"

When she saw Grant, she froze for a second.

"GRANT!!!"

She jumped into her brother's arms, nearly knocking him over.

"You're back!"

"I am, sis." He spun Lily around in the air before setting her down.

Mitchell discreetly wiped his eyes and took a deep breath.

"You look... different."

Cam crossed his arms, scrutinizing Grant from head to toe.

"Yes! That beard, the glasses, the backwards cap... you look like an action star!"

Grant laughed.

"I just wanted to sneak in without attracting too much attention."

"Well, mission failed, because we're going to make a scene about you being here!" Cam declared.

"Speaking of which... that smells good. What were you guys cooking?"

Mitchell's eyes widened.

"Oh! The bread's in the oven!"

He ran into the kitchen, while Cam laughed and pulled Grant inside.

"Come on, come on, you have to tell us everything!"

After a morning of conversation, laughter, and catching up, Grant and his family got in the car and headed to the Dunphy house. It was impossible to go home without stopping there.

When they arrived, Cam and Mitchell made a point of knocking on the door.

Phil opened it and smiled when he saw his brothers-in-law, but before he could say anything, Grant stepped out from behind them.

"Hey, Phil."

What happened next was a blur. Phil screamed in surprise, Claire came running in, Alex and Luke came out of the kitchen, and Hailey came from upstairs.

"GRANT!?" Hailey exclaimed, running down the stairs and jumping on him like Lily had done earlier.

"You guys need to stop attacking me like that!" Grant joked, hugging her.

Alex, who always maintained his composure, adjusted his glasses and tried to appear indifferent.

"I thought you wouldn't be back for a few weeks."

"Surprise."

Luke looked at Grant in admiration.

"Man, you look like a mercenary in a movie!"

"Why is everyone saying that?"

Claire put her hand to her chest.

"Oh my God, Grant, I was so worried!"

She pulled him into a motherly hug.

"You seem so much more mature..."

Phil put an arm around Grant's shoulder.

"I bet you have some amazing stories to tell."

"Some, but nothing that could be turned into a comedy special."

"Well, we're going to your grandfather's house for a celebratory lunch," Mitchell explained.

"Great!" Phil said. "We'll come with you!"

And so, the caravan headed to Jay and Gloria's house.

The Pritchett house was bustling. Gloria had prepared a veritable feast, and Jay, even though he tried to hide it, was visibly excited.

When Grant walked through the door, Joe ran to him and grabbed his leg.

"You're back!"

Grant picked his cousin up and smiled.

"I'm back, big guy."

Manny squeezed his hand.

"You look different, hermano." It looks like...

"Don't say 'mercenary.'"

Manny laughed.

"Then I won't. But I'm glad you're back."

Jay walked over, looking Grant up and down.

"You look like a real soldier now."

Grant smiled.

"Because I am."

Jay nodded and squeezed his shoulder.

"Proud of you, kid."

They sat at the table and lunch began. Gloria made sure to fill Grant's plate with Colombian food.

"You need to eat well! I bet that army food is no good!"

As they ate, Grant told a few stories (the ones he could tell) and answered questions about Afghanistan.

"Have you ever thought about writing a book?" Alex asked, intrigued.

"Not yet, but who knows?"

Luke was fascinated.

"So you've jumped out of a plane with all your military gear?

"Several times."

"That's really cool!"

The conversation continued lively, with laughter, stories, and emotional reunions. It was good to be back.

For a moment, Grant forgot what he'd been through in the last few months. He was home, with his family, and that was all that mattered.

Chapter 11 - Chapter 20-21