Chapter 2: D Day
The morning came quicker than Elizabeth had hope. Unlike most mornings, she was wide awake, knowing that in a few short hours she'd have to let him go. She quietly rolled over onto her back, trying to allow Jack all the sleep he could get. He'll need it, she thought to herself.
Not able to calm her ever increasing nerves, she decided to talk to the one that held their future.
"You'll watch over him, won't you Lord?" She whispered another prayer for safety as she wrapped her arms around Jack's warm body, kissing his back softly.
"He will," Jack sleepily whispers back before rolling over to face his beautiful wife. "God and I had a little chat earlier. You have nothing to worry about." He gave her a warm smile. Dimples out in full view.
"You know it doesn't work that way Jack." Still she couldn't help but smile a little.
"Sure it does. Have faith, beautiful. We have to hold onto hope."
"Easier said than done."
"I know, but what choice do we have but to try?"
"Well there's always Ben and Jerry's ice cream." They both laughed. It was common knowledge that ice cream with Elizabeth comfort food of choice.
"Tasty yes, but not super helpful long term."
"You and your logic." She rolled her eyes at him.
"I have an idea." Jack gave her a quick tender kiss on the forehead. "Well technically, it was your idea, but let's try it together this time." Jack took his wife's hand and rested his forehead against hers as he began to pray.
"Lord, first off, thank you. Thank you for my beautiful wife, our families and friends. You've truly blessed us."
Jack let out a deep sigh, moving his free hand to her cheek before continuing.
"You know what today is. You've known it was coming before we did. Please be with us. Grant us your peace as we follow your will for our lives. Keep us each safe and help is to remember that no matter what, you are with us."
"Amen." They both said barely above a whisper. They continued to lay there in each other's arms for a long while before Elizabeth spoke again.
"How much time do we have?"
Jack let out a groan as he glanced at his watch, "A couple hours before we should leave."
"So we have some time?" she said playfully as she rolled over him straddling his hips.
"Yes," he moaned gruffly. "And I don't want to waste it, especially after seeing you in this." He began running his hands over the silky material covering her body. "When'd you get this one. It's… um… perfect."
She smiled. Happy that her plan to sneak out of bed after he had fallen asleep to put it on had worked.
"Nice surprise, huh?"
"Very nice." He began running his fingers along the lace hem. He let out a sigh of contentment as his hands slide underneath the fabric, roaming her body. He dragged his fingers down her back. She moaned deeply as his lips moved along her shoulder to her neck, taking his time as he made his way up to her lips.
Even after all the love they shared the night before, he could help but wanted to feel her all over again, committing it memory for the long nights ahead. More importantly, he wanted to make her feel the overwhelming love that he had for her. Never wanting her to doubt his love and dedication to her.
"I want you," he whispered.
"I'm yours."
Soon they were completely and passionately lost in each other. Giving to each all they had one last time for the foreseeable future.
…..
After regaining some of their strength, Elizabeth got out of their comfy feather bed and slipped on another one of Jack's t-shirts.
"You sure look good in my clothes Mrs. Thornton," he said with a mischievous grin as he sat up in bed pulling her back to him. He began kissing her tenderly. Feeling the heat from his body through the shirt she returned his affections with her own. His hands moving up her back, then back down as he wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulling her even closer.
After another long passionate kiss, Elizabeth went downstairs to start on breakfast. Jack pulled on a pair of PT shorts and began running over his deployment checklist one last time. Once he knew he had everything the army required of him packed and ready, he moved on to his own list.
He went down stairs to his desk in the office, pulling out a small box from the top drawer. He opened it up to reveal the St Christopher medal. It was given to him by his father the day he graduated high school. He'd carried it with him through basic and his previous short deployments. It's was important to him, especially this time to carry it. He closed the now empty box and grabbed a photo that had been underneath it, moving to sit in an old big arm chair that use to sit in his dad's office back home.
Jack stared at the photo. The photo was of Jack as a little boy. He was sitting on his father's lap wearing his dad's flight helmet, in the very same chair he was sitting on now.
"You okay?" Elizabeth's soft voice pulled him out of his past.
"Yeah. Just looking at this photo of my dad and me." He held up the picture for her to see.
"I remember seeing this one." She leaned down to kiss his cheek. He pulled her gently into his lap.
"He'd be so proud of you, sweetheart."
"I hope so."
"I know so."
Elizabeth had only met Jack's father a few times when they were dating. Tom Thornton was a good man. He was an officer in the Air National Guard. He'd been killed in a car crash on his way home from work one night. It devastated their family. Jack missed his father so much. He hoped Elizabeth was right, that he would be proud of the man Jack had become.
"Shall we eat?" he asked.
"Yup. I made your favorite."
"Eggs in a basket?"
"With fruit and home fries!"
Jack kissed her cheek as they heading out to the dining room.
"This is wonderful Elizabeth. Thank you!"
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Last time you were deployed, and we'd Skype, I swear you spent half the time complaining about the food." She laughed. "Figured this is the least I could do."
"Remember the first time you tried to make these?"
"Are you referring to the time the bread caught on fire? Or the time I gave you food poisoning?"
"Were those two separate times?" he questioned with a laugh.
"Very funny. You have to admit I've gotten much much better."
"Won't argue there!" He smiled back at his wife and continued eating.
After breakfast Elizabeth noticed Jack getting more and more quiet. The went to sit in the living room as they finished their coffee.
"I don't want to do this Elizabeth," he said sitting his mug on the coffee table.
"Do what?"
"Leave you. To not be able to see you or hold you. Not knowing how you're doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to serve my country. Honored even. But leaving you it's..."
"We'll make it through. It will be alright, remember? You've made sure of it. I have the Hogans and Lee. Rosie says we're doing girls night once a week. And my parents are only a hour and half away."
"I'm sorry I'm leaving."
"You don't need to apologize for this. You're a soldier. God called you to be a soldier and Jack Thornton, this next parts important…. I love you. I love you with everything that I am. So you go. Focus on what's in front of you and come back to me."
"I love you, Elizabeth. More than anything." He leaned in to kiss her. So happy to have her in his life. He sometimes wondered what their life would be like if God had called him to be something else. A painter perhaps. Anything where leaving her for months at a time wasn't part of the job description.
Nevertheless, this was their life and even with this, he felt blessed by it. He was married to an amazing woman, who loved him with her whole heart. To top it off, she understood his calling to be a soldier and took to the role of an army wife with such grace and dignity. She was proud of him, and made sure he knew it. He was proud of her, and couldn't imagine his life without her.
They continued sitting there just holding each other. Not needing words, just trying to enjoy the time they had left.
Before they knew it, the clock chimed a new hour. It was time to get ready.
…..
Elizabeth was in the bathroom putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She was initially going to wear her short red "date night" dress. It was his favorite. But Jack, knowing how hard today was going to be for her, as well as the effect that particular dress had on him, insisted that she dress comfortably.
"She looks great in anything" he'd thought."but that dress, damn. I'd never make it out of this house on time. If at all."
She settled on leggings and her blue t-shirt dress and jacket. Finishing the look with her beautiful star necklace. Once she was satisfied, she went to her closet to grab something special. A surprise she had for Jack that she'd been working on since she was told he would deploy.
Downstairs Jack in full uniform, busied himself with one last task. A little surprise for the love of his life. He'd been putting it together since he was told he would deploy. As he finished, Rip came over demanding his attention.
"Hey buddy." He scratched the hounds ears. "Cody's going to come hang out with while I'm gone. He's a good kid. You look out for him ok." Rip licked Jack's had as if to agreed.
"Then there's Elizabeth." His voice caught in his throat. "She is the sun and the moon and the stars… don't forget that. Take care of her."
He looked up as she descended the stairs.
The sight of her took his breath away. Something she'd been doing from the first night they met.
He walked across the room, taking her in his arms.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you. And you…" She adjusted his dog tags. "You in your uniform has always made me swoon."
He cover her lips with his own. Sharing a slow emotional kiss.
When they pulled away, Jack looked over his shoulder at the clock.
"It's time." He headed back up the stairs grabbing his duffle. Taking one last look around the room they shared. He took a deep breath before heading back down stairs.
He said goodbye to Rip, and they headed out the door.
….
The hangar where the soldiers and families were assembling had be cleaned and decorated for the occasion. Flags, and red, white and blue banners draped everywhere. The large hangar doors to the back were open wide allowing for a breathtaking view of the morning sky over the mountains. Below that, the aircraft that would take the soldiers overseas sat at the ready. Elizabeth took a deep breath as Jack let go of her hand.
"I'm going to go drop off my duffle and check in."
"You'll be back?"
"Right back." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips before walking away.
"I can do this…" she mumbled to herself. She glanced around the hangar at the other families waiting. Some she recognized from her school and a few were even her 1st graders. She continued to observe from afar. Allowing them privacy.
She imagined what it would be like to have to do this one day with her children. Having to explain to them why daddy was leaving. Encouraging them that it would be okay. She said a quick prayer for the everyone there.
"Our children," the thought brought a smile to her face. That would help her get through the next few months. Holding onto hope of a future together. She just needed to remember that.
"Hey beautiful." Jacks approach startled her causing her to jump. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you! What were you thinking about?"
"Us, our future." She nodded in the direction of one the families she had be watching.
"I'm looking forward to that too." He beamed with pride at the thought, causing Elizabeth's cheeks to turn slightly red. They stood facing each other, her arms around his neck, his around her waist. Simple taking in the feeling of being together.
"I have a surprise for you," she spoke softly, as if telling him a secret.
"Oh?"
"I slipped something in your pack this morning before we left." She saw the confused look on his face and smiled. "Take a look."
He knelt over his pack and unzipped the pocket she pointed to, pulling out an old leather bound book.
"Is this?"
"My journal. It's the one I was using when we're dating. In fact I started it the night we met."
"Are you sure you want me to take this?"
"I remembered you complaining there wasn't enough good reading material over there." She giggled. "I figured, it would help you feel me with you."
Jack felt his eyes begin to sting. Not wanting to cry in front of the men, he took a deep cleansing breath, holding the book to his chest.
"I love it. I'll keep it safe."
"I know you will." She ran her hand along the side of his face.
"I have a couple surprises for you too."
"You do? Where?"
"You'll find them when you need them." He smiled mischievously at her.
"Really?" She gave him a look.
"Yes. Trust me."
"Lieutenant Thornton?" A voice called out.
A young tall blonde enlisted man approached Jack and Elizabeth. A big smile on his face.
"Elizabeth, may I introduced Corporal Doug Burke. Buke, this is my wife Elizabeth."
"Ma'am." Doug extend his hand, and Elizabeth graciously took it.
"Nice to meet you."
"Doug is one of the men in my platoon. He and Tom actually went to school together."
"Really?"
"Yup. Use to get into trouble for all sorts of things back then, right Burke?"
"Yes Sir. But if I remember correctly it wasn't ALWAYS our fault." Doug smirked. "Lieutenant Thornton and Leland Coulter blamed a number of things on Tom and I."
"Like what?" Jack faked offense.
"Like the time you thought it'd be funny to have a barrel of fireworks go off at 3 in the morning on your grandpa's farm. Right where Tom and I were camping…"
Jack let out a big belly laugh. "That was something alright. Scared the cows in the next field and most of the neighbors. You tried to get back at us with that trick with the old cow's milk." He turned to Elizabeth. "They took a bucket of nasty old milk and rigged it to fall as we came home from school. Little did they realize we were already home and the got Mom instead."
"Oh I thought I was gonna die that day, your mom can be scary!" They all laughed. "Good times. And may I say, I'm beyond honored to serving with you now Sir."
"Honor's mine Doug. You all squared away?"
"Yes Sir! We're all ready to go I believe."
"Good to hear. Why don't you head over to formation and I'll be with you shortly."
"Yes Sir, ma'am." He saluted and was off.
"He seems like a good young man," Elizabeth stated.
"Yeah, one of my best. He's a good kid."
The soldiers were beginning to line up in formation. Elizabeth held on to Jack, her arms wrapped around his waist. She had no idea how she was going to bring herself to let go. Jack held her face in his hands, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. He kissed her forehead, her nose and finally her lips passionately. Not caring that they were in a room filled with people. To Jack and Elizabeth in that moment, there was no one else in the room. Just them.
"Come back to me," she whispered.
"I will." He gulped, fighting his own emotions. "I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too." She took a deep breath, straightening her posture. "Remember now, no fear." She gave him the smile that melted his heart.
"No fear." He held her hand to his chest right in front of his heart staring into her deep blue eyes. "I have to go."
"I know." Her voice cracked and the tears began to fall, breaking Jack's heart.
He reluctantly pulled away to grab his pack. Not fully letting go of her hand until the distance gave him no other choice.
She watched as the soldiers marched out of the hangar in an orderly fashion toward the aircraft. Never taking her eyes off her husband until he entered the plane.
She along with most of the families, stayed until the planes had taken off and were out of sight. It took all she had in her to keep it somewhat together. She walked back out the hangar with the other loved ones. They all seemed to gain some comfort in that moment at the fact that despite what they felt, they weren't alone. They all exchanged heartfelt sentiments of "calling me if you need anything" and "we'll get through this together."
As she climbed into her car, she took a moment to catch her breath. Focusing on breathing in, and out. Once her heart rate slowed, she turned on the engine. Looking up she noticed a sticky note on the inside of the windshield.
"Oh my goodness, Jack. How did you… " She reached up and carefully took the note off the window.
"I love you, my strong beautiful wife.
Yours forever,
Jack"
Bringing the note to her lips, she let out a whimpered "I love you, Jack."
She placed the note safely in her wallet. Before putting her purse back on the floor she notice another note. This one on the cd player.
"Who doesn't love a good mixed tape. Or cd rather.
Love you"
"I love you, Jack Thornton. So much." The tears had a mind of their own now. Spilling down her face at a rapid speed. She didn't care right now either. She pushed play on the player, leaning her head back as she listened. The cd was full of encouraging faith based songs and songs that held important meaning to them. She was overwhelmed by the care and love Jack had for her.
After she felt calm enough to drive she put the car in gear to headed for home. Making a quick stop at the market first. She knew she would get through this with God's help; and a lot of ice cream.