Mission Of Gold
Amanda slowly walked to her father's grave. It had been over two months since she had visited his grave.
She glanced around. The trees were sprouting their leaves, the grass was beginning to push through the ground. A warm breeze waved her hair. Spring was a time of renewal, of new life. In a way, she had started a new life, as Mrs. Lee Stetson.
As she made her way, she was surprised to see several iron benches scattered around the cemetery. There was one in front of her father's grave. Grateful for having a place to rest, she lowered herself onto the bench and breathed deeply.
"Hi, Dad. I'm glad to be here. So much has happened." She touched the wedding ring she wore. "Lee said he told you we're married, and about my shooting.
"I don't know how long we're going to be able to keep the marriage secret. You're probably wondering why we're keeping it a secret. It's a complicated situation. We're worried about keeping Mother and the boys safe, so we think we shouldn't tell anyone we're married.
"I don't know how long we'll be able to keep it a secret. I want everyone to know, especially the family. Dad, he's working hard to earn their trust. Phillip already thinks he's a 'cool dude,' as he calls him. Jamie's been a tougher sell, but I think he'll win him over in the end. Lee wants so much to be part of the family. He's never had a real family before, so it's all new to him."
She touched her chest. "Most of the pain is gone. I just have to take an aspirin sometimes, and I get tired pretty easily. The worst part is I have some nerve damage in my right shoulder, so my arm is pretty weak, but with the physical therapy, it's getting stronger.
"Lee's been fantastic. He stayed with me in California and took such good care of me. Mother was there for part of the time, and she got very close to Lee." She shook her head and chuckled. "She doesn't know that we're married, but she's figured out we were together in California. So, anyway, I'm going to be fine. I'm determined to come back from this and get my field agent status. And I'm so happy to be married to Lee. It feels so right."
She paused and gazed at his headstone. "Daddy, I think I died at the hospital," she said, and swallowed hard. She had not called him 'Daddy' since she was twelve. "I was in a field, and I could smell hay. There were birds singing, and it was warm.
"Then you were there. You were so young and were in your Army uniform. Daddy, you said you missed us, but you were happy. You knew about Lee and thought he was a good man who loved me with all his heart. It was so peaceful that for a moment, I wanted to stay there with you. But you said…"
Her throat closed. Clearing her throat, she spoke again. "You said it wasn't my time, that I still had more to do. That you'd see me again one day. I heard Mother and Lee calling to me. I remember nothing else until I woke up. Did I die, Daddy?"
There was no answer to be found here. I guess I'll find out one day. She checked her watch. "I'd better go. I'll talk to you soon. Daddy, I love you.
She made her way to her car, where Lee waited.
