*a little steam in this folks. enjoy*
Chapter 13: Heart's Longing
Jack was not enjoying their 4th straight rainy night at Outpost Vegas. He felt like he was living in a mud hole. Still fully suited up, he walked the inside perimeter of the post. Checking in with each of his men on duty as he went. Most had already racked out for the night, but they had a number of men stationed in the lookout towers through the night. Jack wanted there to be no surprises on him and his men. If the enemy was out there, they wanted to see them in time to do something about it. Jack took one last look around seeing that everyone was where they should be before heading into his quarters.
He walking into the glorified shack, collapsing on the bunk with a thud.
"Easy sir." Wyatt said with a laugh before turning back to his book. "You break that thing you'll be sleeping on the floor."
"Yeah I know." Jack smiled weakly before rolling over to his back. He reached over pulling the latest letter out from Elizabeth. He'd already read it at least four times, but he never tired of it. Each time he re-read it, he could hear her voice in his head. He missed it. More than anything he wanted to hear her sweet voice and infectious laugh.
"You're really hating this aren't you?" Wyatt ask, placing his book on the ground.
"Hate what?"
"Being stationed in this dump. You can tell me. There's no soldiers around to keep focused on the mission."
Jack still hesitated.
"Come on Jack, be real here." Wyatt insisted.
"Yeah. Yeah I'm not happy right now." Wyatt nodded. "I miss Elizabeth more than I thought possible. I guess I got spoiled before, being able to call her now and then."
"I hear ya. It's like going back to the old days out here."
Jack nodded. "I think it's worse because of the holidays. We've never spent a holiday apart since before we got engaged."
"Really?"
"Yeah. We just never liked being apart."
"What made you chose this life then?" Wyatt said with a laugh.
"I chose it before I met her. Most days I don't think it would have made a difference. I wanted to serve my country, follow in my father's footsteps. But right now I just want to be home."
"3 months down sir, and who knows; maybe we'll be out of this hole and back at the FOB(Forward Operating Base) soon. Then at least you can call."
Jack nodded as Wyatt picked up book again. Jack took out the letter, to read one more time.
"Dear Jack,
I hope things are going well there. I sent a care package out for you the other day. Hopefully it doesn't take to long to get to you. I miss you so much babe. Rip does too. He still follows me around trying to look out for me.
My parents were up this weekend and we had a great visit. Mom and I really connected, it was such a blessing.
When they had me to show them around Fort Hope, we bumped into Private Addison. He seems to be doing well. He's bummed he may not fully heal till after the unit returns. I can understand that. He feels he has a job to complete. He said he owed you for his injuries not being worse. He didn't elaborate at all. It did have me wondering more what happened. Sounds like you were a hero babe. As worried as I am for you, know that I am so incredibly proud of you.
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it seems like everyone is gearing up for Christmas. It won't be the same without you here, but I am looking forward to seeing the family together. Do you know that other than that first Christmas, we haven't spent a holiday apart since we met? It's kind of funny actually. I was so crazy about you back then, still am actually. That will never change. Ever.
The care package you sent is still a huge hit. The kids love going over at looking at the bulletin board and the photo album of the pictures. That alphabet book is insane! Most of the kids have been working on writing their names. It's so much fun to watch them learn and get excited.
I miss having you with me. I would love nothing more than to just curl up with you and listen to your heartbeat. It's the simple things you know. Of course I miss everything about being with you. I've been thinking about you a lot. Imagining what it will be like when you return. I have to be careful though, I was thinking about the day before you left the other night while Rosie and I put together the bulletin board. She caught me. I guess I had a look in my eyes. Not sure she blamed me. She just liked to tease.
I should go. Remember that I love you, and no matter where you are, I'm thinking of you.
Yours, Elizabeth"
Jack folded up the letter, tucking it back in it envelope.
"Hey Wyatt, I'm gonna take a walk alright? Maybe grab a shower."
"Roger that. I'll keep an ear on everything."
"Thanks." Jack grabbed a small toiletry bag out of his pack and heads toward the back of the outpost camp. Some of the man rigged up a kind of gutter system that worked as a great shower when it rained. With all they were getting tonight, it was a good night for it.
Jack took off most of his clothes, placing them safely under the shelter so they'd stay somewhat dry. He stood still watching how the water poured down from the gutter above. Mesmerized by how the moonlight bounced off of it as it fell.
The camp was quiet. Just quiet enough for Jack to hear all his thoughts. Every one of them in that moment were of Elizabeth. His beautiful wife whom from the first day they'd met had taken his breath away.
He reached over into his jacket's chest pocket, pulling out one of the pictures he carried with him always. He looked at her smile and wished in that moment that he would open his eyes and be home in her arms. He wanted to feel her with him so badly. He stared at the picture a few moments more before putting it back in the safety of his jacket pocket.
Moving to stand under the water, eyes closed, he let it rush over him. He imagined he was home. Thinking back to the morning the day before he left.
The Day Before Deployment…
Jack had just arrived back home from his morning run. He quietly took off his sneakers, placing them in the hall closet. He went to the kitchen, downing a glass of water before heading back upstairs. Stepping softly so not to waking Elizabeth if she was still asleep.
Reaching their doorway, he grinned ear to ear. Pleasantly surprised to find Elizabeth out of bed, wearing only his old Columbia University tee. He sneaked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her close. She moaned as he began slowly kissing her neck.
"Hmmm, I'm gonna miss this." She turned to face him, kissing his lips and running her fingers slowly up and down his muscular arms. "Good run?"
"It was. Its unseasonably hot out though."
"I can see that." she laughed scrunching up her nose at him. "You're covered in sweat."
"What this?" He peeled off his shirt and gestured to himself. "I guess I better go shower then."
"Probably…" she was getting more and more distracted as his lips found their way back to her neck.
He slowly moved his lips up to her ear, softly whispering, "Well then, you're coming with me Beautiful." She let out a delighted squeak as he lifted her up in one effortless motion. Her legs now wrapped around his midsection, kissing him deeply as he carried her away.
In the shower, Elizabeth took her time with Jack, trying to commit every inch of him to memory as she moved the washcloth over his body. Jack moved his hands up and down her arms slowly as she took the soapy cloth down his abdomen. He'd never grow tired of moments like this, or any moments with her for that matter. He looked down into her deep blue eyes. Seeing all the love she had for him in them.
"My turn." He said barely above a whisper as he tried to focus on his beautiful wife, instead of the fact that he would soon be leaving her. Something he still wasn't sure he could do. She grabbed her shampoo handing it to him. He took a small amount and began working it through her thick curly hair. She released a light moan at the feeling of his hands gently massaging her scalp. She leaned back into him, wanting to feel as close to him as possible. Jack turned Elizabeth to face him, gentle pushing her back into the running water, rinsing her hair.
"You are everything to me." He said as she pulled her head back out from the water stream.
"And you to me." She leaned in kissing him so deeply and powerfully it made it hard from them each to stand. In that moment he was ready to defy his orders. Jack felt he would do whatever it took to never leave her side. He knew in reality that he couldn't. If he tried he'd just end up in serious trouble, no job, jail time even. It would be desertion, clear and simple.
He cursed himself briefly for choosing a path that would take him away from her. Deep down he knew he didn't truly choose this path, he had been chosen by the one above. He was so grateful that Elizabeth understand that. She hated this as much as he did, but was proud of the man he was and what he did.
Jack took the soapy cloth and began washing her. Taking his time just as she had done. Kissing her as much as possible. He loved this woman, with everything that was in him. He wanted to remember this moment, needed to remember this moment. Elizabeth would always be enough for him. Her love, her touch, her loving glances, her faith in him. It was everything.
He guided her back under the water, rinsing her. Watching the water flow over her, he couldn't help himself as his lips ran a path over her body that lead back up to her neck. His favorite spot.
"I think… we should go back to the bed." She said as she fought to stand and catch her breath.
"Oh really?" He said coyly.
"Yes." She gasped, holding his shoulders tight. He quickly turned the water off, carrying her back out the way they came.
Present Day…
Jack's mind brought him back to the reality of being thousands of miles away. Thankful for the love he had back home. It was her love, with God's help that would bring him home.
He grabbed his things are walked back to his bunk. Hoping for sleep to come quickly.
….
The next morning Jack and Sergeant Wyatt woke up before the sun. Today they were taking a group of men on a patrol around the surrounding area they were located in. They geared up and notified the company as to which of the men where to accompany them.
As the men were getting ready, Burke approached Jack. Unhappy that he had been chosen to stay behind.
"Sir? Permission to speak?"
"Of course Burke, what is it." Jack asked already knowing what the problem was.
"Why am I being left behind?" Burke asked, trying to keep his question between him and Jack alone. "Did I do something wrong last time we were out?"
"Of course not! Burke, you're one of the best men we've got."
"Then why am I not going with you?"
"Relax for a moment and listen. You should know by now that we need good men everywhere. I'm not about to leave this post undermanned incase the enemy decides he'd like to take it for himself. I need good men in both places. Understood?"
"Understood sir." Doug was clearly still a little annoyed.
"I get you're disappointed, but I stand by my decision. Look after the post and keep an eye on the men under you. Got it?"
"Yes sir!" With that Burke soluted Jack and was off.
The rest of the men gathered up as Sergeant Wyatt opened the gates. Jack and Sergeant Wyatt lead them men off on patrol. Their goal was get to a better idea of their surroundings, and see if they could get an idea of where the enemy patrols were coming from. It seemed like every few days a group would advance on the post, guns and mortars blazing. They never came too close. It seemed as if they were doing it enough just to rattle them. Jack figured it was a precursor to a bigger move to come. Riling them up and putting them on edge.
They weren't out more than an hour when they found something. Off in the distance Jack saw a primitive camp. He quietly gestured for the men to take cover.
"What do you see sir?" Wyatt asked quietly.
"Hard to say. Looks like upwards of 50 men over there."
"50?"
"Yup. I don't think this is their permanent camp either. Let's get the men back." The managed to reserves back without being detected.
Once back at Outpost Vegas, Jack called back to the FOB Eagle to report their findings. He suspected from what he could see that the men camping there were many leaders from multiple zones. Most looked like they're just arrived. By the way the camp was set up, it looked like there were at least 6 sub groups. The enemy must know the tactical advantage of controlling an outpost like Vegas.
"Are you ready for them if they come?" General Avery asked of Jack.
"Hard to say. We can handle what we saw today. But I believe it's a safe bet to assume there are plenty more and in that case, we will be outnumbered. I can assure you however that our men will fight strong."
"Roger that Lieutenant. We'll send another squad out that way to aid in an advance offensive movement. Let's see if we can't thin these guys out some. In the meantime, keep your men alert and ready. We'll have a team assigned for backup if necessary."
"Roger that."
"Alright. Eagle 1 out."
Jack hung up the phone and briefed Wyatt on the conversation. They had to come up with a plan of attack, as well as a good defence plan until the reinforcements arrived.
….
"Lee? Hi, what's up?"
"Rosie said you were heading out to your parents for the holiday. I figured I'd take your car to get check out the car before you head out."
"It's only a hour and a half drive Lee." She laughed.
"Still, it won't hurt to check." He smiled. "That and Jack made me promise."
"Alright then. But you should know I was planning to drive Jack's Jeep out there instead of my car."
"No problem! I'll take a look at both."
"No that wasn't what I meant!" She called out.
"I know." Lee gave her his patented grin as he headed out to the garage. "Mind if I take the car out for a bit?"
"If you think you need to go for it. I'm in for the rest of the day." She was confused why Lee would need to take it, but knowing almost nothing about cars, she let it go.
Elizabeth kept herself busy most of the day, wrapping presents and packing for her trip.
She felt she'd accomplished a lot when she heard the garage door open. She walked out as Lee was getting out of the car.
"Coffee or tea Lee?"
"Hmm, tea sounds great. I'll be in in just a sec. I wanna get the Jeeps oil change going."
A few minutes later Lee came into the warmth of the house. After washing his hands, the two sat down at the table, conversing while they sipped their tea.
"So what made you decide to take the Jeep up to Boston instead of the car?"
"Well Jack asked me to drive it ever once in awhile so it stays running well. I haven't done that at all yet." They laughed. "Also for his Christmas present this year I'm getting the sound system replaced."
"Really? That's awesome! Which system?"
Elizabeth went to grab the information from the office, handing it to Lee.
"Jack picked it out a while ago, just for fun. He has no idea I'm actually getting it put in. My dad's got a great mechanic he uses who is giving me a great deal."
"You will win wife of the year for this!" Lee laughed. "How are you going to tell him?"
"I think I'm going to take a picture of myself sitting in the jeep and send him."
"That's perfect Elizabeth! He'll love it."
"I hope so."
Lee looked down at his cup, thinking about all the memories he had with Jack. "I'm glad he found you Elizabeth."
"Why? Because of his Christmas present?" She laughed.
"No but that is a great gift." He laughed. "You guys are just great together."
"Thanks Lee." The two of them sat quietly drinking their tea remembering old times.
Just Before Christmas Break Junior Year...
With finals over, Jack and Elizabeth spend time the night before they both left for home together.
"Rosie out with Lee?" Jack asked.
"Yup."
Jack reached for the remote, pausing their movie.
"What's wrong?" She asked
He took her face gently in his hands, kissing her. Lightly at first. Almost teasing. Letting the fire burn slowly.
A moan escaped her lips, turning the slow burn inside him to a roaring fire.
"How am I supposed to be without you for break?" She whispered, only an inch from his lips.
"Two weeks." He kissed her lips again. "Two weeks until you and Rosie come to us for New Years."
"Hmm, I'm looking forward to that."
"Me too." They continued exploring each others mouths with great intensity. As their kiss continued, Elizabeth's hands moved up from Jack's waist to his back. Unintentionally sliding just a bit under his shirt. The feeling of her fingers moving across his skin was like a bolt of lightning, making it harder to control his growing dseries. He moved his mouth from her lips down to her neck, leaving a trail of light kisses as he went.
His lips on her neck made her feel alive, awakening feelings she didn't know she had. She leaned back, enjoying his affections. In the moment Jack laid her back on the couch, sliding up next to her. Finding her lips again. Their hands and tongues exploring each other with great boldness.
Just as their emotions were beginning to really get the best of them Elizabeth's phone rang. They pulled back for a moment, looking at the name on the ID, only to start back up again. The caller was relentless as it rang again.
"It's just Rosie, I'll call her back later." She said, completely out of breath as she moved her focus back to Jack. Once her phone stopped, Jack's started. He dragged himself away, frustrated. Looking at his phone he answered.
"Hello Leland, this better be good…. You what? Ok. Ok." He put down his phone just as Elizabeth's rang again. "Answer it, trust me."
She gave him a look but answered her phone. "Hey Rosie. What's up?... You're what!" Jack started laughing as Elizabeth jumped clear off the couch. "Oh my goodness, that's wonderful! Yes yes let's go out to celebrate… okay, we'll see you there!" she hung up tossing her phone on the couch has she ran to her room. "Rosie's engaged!"
"Elizabeth, what are you doing?" Jack asked trying to control his laughter.
"Rosie said to meet them at the pool hall for drinks in an hour. I have to get dressed."
Jack just shook his head. She was beautiful enough just as she was. Though he did notice his fingers running through her hair left it in quite a mess. He sat back on the couch, thinking about the big step Lee was taking. He was happy for him. Lee knew right away he wanted to marry Rosie. He just had to wait for her to figure it out too. Now they were engaged. Jack wonder how long he'd wait before asking Elizabeth. He had a plan in his head on how he wanted to do it. Even looked at a few rings. It would happen someday, without a doubt. His thoughts drifted back to what they had just been doing, and how good it felt.
"I'm ready. How do I look?" Elizabeth walked back out, skinny jeans, white blouse under her leather jacket. Heels in hand.
"Lord have mercy…" Jack thought.
She laughed at his gaping mouth stare. "That good huh?" All he could do was nod as she walked over giving his neck a good long kiss.
"If she keeps this up, we might be beating them to the alter."
Present Day…
"So, I should show you something." Lee spoke, breaking Elizabeth from her daydream and back to the real world. He got up walking to the garage door. Elizabeth was confused but followed. Lee opened the door and handed her her keys.
"What?" She asked, still confused.
"Look at your keys." She looked down noticing a new key fob. "Push this button."
She did as told and heard her car immediately start.
"Wait, what just happened?"
Lee laughed. "Your husband." He handed Elizabeth a note, kissed her cheek and went to shut off her car. "I'll finish up on the oil change on the Jeep now."
She closed the door, taking the note in the office to read. She curled up in Jack big brown chair, pulling his Army throw blanket around her.
"Merry Christmas Beautiful,
Every winter you complain about how you have to get up earlier in the cold to start your car. Granted, I usually tell you not to worry and go out and do it for you. You know I don't mind, I love taking care of you.
I hate that I'm not there right now. And I mean that for a lot more than starting the car in the mornings, hah. Anyway, my gift to you this Christmas is your very own personal car starter. Even though I can't be there, this makes me feel like I can still take care of you.
I love you Elizabeth, Merry Christmas"
Out in the garage, Lee was busy cleaning up to go home. He took a seat on Jack's old work stool. Missing his best friend. He'd taken his wedding band off to work on the cars, now that he was pretty much done he pulled it out of his pocket slipping it back on.
He smiled to himself remembering Jack and the night he proposed to Rosie.
Just Before Christmas Break Cont…
"To Lee and Rosie!" Jack said raising a glass. "May your future be full of love, laughter and a little craziness."
"Cheers!" The four cheered, clinking their classes together.
The girls sat at the table gushing over Rosie's ring while the guys headed toward an empty pool table.
"Congratulations Lee. Rosie and you are perfect together!"
"Thanks man. I'm really happy."
They both turned back to look at the beautiful women in their lives as their laughs carried through the hall.
Lee took a shot, sinking two. "Now that's a good start!" He smiled. "Hey Jack, what was with your tone when I called earlier? You two get in a fight?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Dude, I thought you were gonna rip off my head."
Jack took another shot before realizing what Lee was referring to.
"Um no. No fighting." He grinned bashfully.
Lee burst out laughing. "Oh so I interrupted something huh? That explains the attitude."
Jack rolled his eyes.
"Think you'll be offering that beautiful girl a ring of her own someday?" He said taking his next shot, narrowly missing.
"Now that you can count on it." The two clanked their glasses again. "I'm working on a plan actually."
"Seriously? That's awesome!"
Jack took his next shot, sinking it perfectly.
"She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, Lee. Thanks for dragging me out here earlier this year. I owe you."
"Well thank Rosie too. The whole thing was her idea."
After their game ended the guys walked back to their table. Jack walked over to Rosie giving her a brotherly kiss on her cheek.
"Congratulations Rosie. And thank you."
"For what?" She laughed, completely confused as Jack went to wrap his arm around Elizabeth.
"For meddling in my life months ago." He smiled at Elizabeth, kissing her lips.
Rosie clapped her hands together. "Oh it was my pleasure!"
Present Day at Camp Eagle...
Shane was just returning from a mission tired and shaking what felt like buckets of sand off his clothes. Not long after, he was flagged down but the general.
After being briefed on the situation Shane was told to ready a group of men to add to the forces at Outpost Vegas.
"Am I to stay there to sir?"
"No, I think Lieutenant Thornton has it at well at hand. We just need you and your men to aid the two squads I'm sending up."
Shane went to confer with his fellow officers which squads should transfer over to Jack's command. He couldn't help but wonder what sort of situation his good friend might be about to find himself in.
….
A few hours later, Jack's men opened up the gate at Outpost Vegas, letting Shane and his men in.
"Long time no see." Jack said as he approached Shane.
"I know. Man… this place is a dump." He laughed.
"Don't laugh too much. You guys may be next out here next."
"In that case, clean it up a bit before you hand over the keys alright?" Shane and as the walked further into the camp.
"Can I interest you in some bad coffee?"
"With you, of course." Shane smacked Jack's back as they walked off to share a cup of coffee while the new men got situated.
"Here Jack." Shane handed him some mail. "These came in for you recently."
"Thanks." Jack went through the stack finding letters from Viola and Lionel, Cody and his brother. "This is just what a needed. Thanks."
Shane nodded. "So what can you tell me about all this? Why am I transferring some of my men to you?"
"Annoyed?"
"Not at all. Just concerned." Jack explained the situation as best as he could. Giving Shane more rather than less to worry about. Jack said they'd be advancing on the enemy camp within the week. Shane wished he was staying. He wanted to be right along his men as well as Jack, but his orders were to return. He know Jack was more than capable, which gave him comfort.
A few hours later, Shane and the group of his men not staying heading back to the FOB.
After making sure everyone including the new soldiers were set and where they needed to be, Jack retired to his bunk for the night. Taking with him the letters he had received.
"Hey bro,
Happy late Thanksgiving and early Christmas. Hope you're doing well. I take it you're still in the hole in the desert, as you called it?
Things here are good. You'll be happy to know, I told Mom about Julie. Oddly enough it sounds like Mr. Thatcher handled it better than she did. Go figure. Mom's first reaction was "That man's going to kill you son!" I checked with Julie however and she said no kill order has been issued so I think I'm good. For now.
I'm flying home for Christmas and hopefully swinging down to visit with the Thatchers as well. To be honest I'm kinda nervous. Wish I had you there as my wing man bro. Elizabeth said she'll be my wingman in your absence, hah. Quite a woman you got there.
Well I'm gonna get back to studying. I has a paper to write and since I'm such an upstanding person now, I know I can't just find an old one of yours to copy. Oh the good old days. Hang in there man. Love ya."
Jack smiled as he folded the letter back up. He'd love to watch his brother squim in the presence of the Thatchers. He wasn't worried though, he knew Tom could handle it, especially with Elizabeth looking out for him.
He grabbed Cody's letter next. His young pal, who meant a great deal to him. The two had connected over the loss of their fathers. Cody was much younger than Jack had been, but the hurt inside them was the same. Cody had come a long way since then. Jack was happy to see how much of the blessing of a loving home had been for Becky and Cody.
"Hi Lieutenant Thornton,
I hope you are safe and well where you are now. We had a great Thanksgiving with Mrs. Thornton and the Cantrell's. You were very missed. I asked Mrs. Thornton if you would get the day off and she said that you would have to work. I don't think that's fair.
Rip is doing well. I've been going over and helping walk him some. Especially since it's getting colder out. I know Mrs. Thornton doesn't really like it when it gets too cold.
Hockey seasons rolling! I've been watching the Bruins play and cheering them on while you're gone. So far they're doing good.
-Cody
Lastly Jack opened the envelope from his sister in law. He chuckled at the colorful hand turkey drawing from his nephew, Wes. Wes made Jack excited about being a dad someday. He was such a good fun loving kid.
"Dear Jack,
When Wes heard you were not making it home for Thanksgiving, he strongly insisted you have this. My does this boy love you! I honestly believe you are his favorite.
I hope you're well. I hate that you're away from communications. Must be so hard for you. I talked with Elizabeth recently and she is doing well. I'm so excited she's coming up for Christmas. We'll all take care of her, don't you worry.
I love the gift ideas you had for her! We'll take care of our part and make sure it's ready for Christmas day! I'm so glad she has you!
Love you dearly,
-V"
Jack took all the letters and placed them with the others he'd received since his deployment began. He laid back thinking about Christmas and Elizabeth. He thought of Wes again and what the holidays would bring in the future. He drifted to sleep having dreams of children, love and laughter. God willing, they'd get to experience all of that together.