Ah, the words we've been waiting for!

As much as I'm happy to read those three little words, I can't help but have a bad feeling. Emily's there, isn't she?

Lindsy -wanders off muttering "stupid drongo" under her breath-

It's a start, right???
But someone has still got alot of 'splain to do!

Tracy, you have redeemed yourself a little!! But, we still have a mess on our hands, don't we???

I'm just thanking God that Jack had not proposed to Emily yet!!!

Joy

Ack!!! Ack!!!! Ack!!!!! How can he love two women at the same time? Why didn't he contact her? I thought I'd never say it -- but -- Jack is a drongo!!!!!

kav

Catching up on these last two posts and I'm certainly glad to see Jack admit to Sue he loves her; but, I'm confused about Jack and Emily. I'm too tired tonight to figure it out, so I'll just say I'm liking where this is now headed...that is, if it stays on course with no detours down Emily Lane! That would make me

Lynn

Joseph glanced to the wall clock and sighed. Sue had left nearly ten minutes ago and still not returned. Cracking a bread stick in his palm before taking a bite, he looked over his shoulder to where Sue had gone, but she was no where to be seen. A waiter passed and Joseph quickly asked, "Excuse me?"

"Yes, sir? Are you ready for dessert?"

"No. Have you seen a blond woman around? She was going to the ladies' room but never came back."

The waiter straightened and scanned the crowd, then looked back. "I'll have someone check the room." He then hurried away.

Breaking the stick into smaller piece, Joseph watched as the waiter walked to a female waitress. She looked over to him, which he acknowledged with a nod, then walked to the hallway that led to the washrooms. "Your dinner, Sir," Another man, dressed in the same attire as the other waiters, placed the two plates of food onto the table, glancing curiously to the empty chair.

"Thank you," Joseph quickly said, dismissing him.

After a moment, the young woman returned to the waiter and shrugged, shaking her head. Seeing, Joseph stood, tossing the napkin aside, and hurried to the front of the restaurant, unsure if Sue possibly left. He waited for a few guests so hurry past before walking to the door and tried to push it open. When it didn't budge, he glanced around. The attendant standing nearby bit back a smile as he quietly said, "That is the entrance door, sir."

Joseph nodded and moved to the next door, which opened easily.

As soon as he stepped onto the restaurant porch, he heard the sounds of crying. Immediately, he bristled. Grabbing for the knife he always kept at his hip, he slowly edged to the side of the porch that rounded the building and overlooked the harbor. The cries turned to whimpers as he stepped into the sun's setting light. "Don't move," he called, his eyes adjusting to the scene.

Sue stood within the arms of a young man, presumably a soldier judging by the navy jacket he wore. "Sue?" he quietly asked. The man quickly pulled back and looked to Joseph. "Who are you?"

Sue's eyes widened and a blush slowly crept into her cheeks. "Joseph," she breathed, a tear rolling down her cheeks. "This... this is Jack Hudson."

Joseph's hand couldn't seem to hold the knife anymore and it slipped from his grasp. He mumbled an apology and knelt to get it, then straightened. "Jack Hudson?" he repeated, staring at the officer as if he were a ghost. "But she said you were... I mean... you're -"

"I'm not dead, if that's what you're trying to say," Jack said, cutting off the incoherent question. He stepped forward, first looking to Sue to make sure she was steady, then reached out a hand. "I'm Jack Hudson, which you already seem to know."

Joseph swiftly took the extended hand. "And I'm Captain Joseph Green."

Jack's head cocked slightly and he looked over the tall man. "Joseph Green," he mumbled, then clapped his hands together. "You were on the Oklahoma, weren't you?"

"Yes, sir. I didn't know of you there but then again I was just on it for a few weeks before it..." he let the sentence hang.

"Were you there?" Jack asked, obviously referring to the same day.

Joseph shook his head. "No, I wasn't. I was... on shore."

Feeling Sue's hand on his shoulder, Jack turned around. "Jack, Joseph showed me the harbor this morning," she said quietly. "I wanted to... I wanted to see where you... died." She smiled at the word and Joseph felt a pang of jealousy; just like that, he was pushed out of the situation. Sue loved Jack - it was so evident in her eyes.

He slowly held out his hand to her. "Sue, thank you for today."

Sue looked surprised by his words but took his hand. "Thank you for showing me around. It was... lovely."

Nodding, Joseph placed a hand on Jack's shoulder and said, "She loves you, sir. Take care of her."

Jack gave a lopsided smile and nodded. "I will."

Okay, well that one problem is resolved, but there's still one more to deal with... the fact that Jack was there with ANOTHER WOMAN!!

Lindsy

oh Jack, how are you going to fix this!!!

Whew! One down, one to go! But, that was the easy one, Tracy. How is poor Jack going to extriicate himself from Emily's clutches?

Okay, that's a little harsh, I know. Poor Emily...all she did was succumb to those dark chocolate eyes, just like the rest of us and now she's going to have her heart broken, just like we'd have our hearts broken.

Lynn

Joseph was great about the situation....now on to dealing with poor Emily!

Do you think it's possible to take y'all's collective mind off of Emily for a wee bit?




Jack Hudson stood on the wooden porch of the cabin, his heart enveloped with grief. Everything about this date brought back such horrible memories that he would break down at the thoughts. His sobs broke the sombre silence of the early morning, as if even the birds and air itself stood quiet for the remembrance.

He could only remember the horror, the tragedy, the events, and most of all, Benji. His dear friend who had died a faithful soldier; a young man who's life was cut short along with countless others. As the years passed, more and more numbers were added to the tally of those who died on that day, and now, it rested on 2,403. The number constantly echoed in Jack's mind, the catastrophic amount of lives lost staggering.

And knowing that only one in that mass of unknown names and bodies, one, was Benjamin Sutton made his heart ache all the more.

"Jack?" He turned slowly, eyes locking with the love of his life. "Are you all right?"

Wanting desperately to nod, Jack instead shook his head as a tear fell from his eye, his heart breaking. "Sue," he whispered as she came to his side and touched his face. "It hurts so bad. I... I hate remembering it."

She nodded, understanding grazing her beautiful features. Sue gently took his right hand in hers and, as she had done on the night of their reunion, she kissed it. "I love you, Jack. And I thank God every day that he saved you."

He managed a meager smile and turned to look back at the prairie that surrounded their home. "Why do you think He did, Sue? I mean, so many died. Why not me?"

"Maybe because he has something in store for you."

"Like what?" He slowly stepped back and motioned around himself to the farm. "This? Is this my purpose? Is my life supposed to be spent remembering everything I saw that day? Is my purpose to just... endure and soldier on?"

Finally, his voice broke and emotion fell over him like a wave. All the anguish inside of him broke free and he fell to the floor, weeping. Sue was immediately by his side, wrapping her arms around him.

"I'm so sorry, Jack," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

It took him several moments before he could speak, and when he did, he looked at her. "I couldn't stop thinking about you, Sue," he mumbled, emotion choking his words. "While the bombs were falling and men were dying, all I could think about was if I would ever see your beautiful face again." She helped him against the outer wall of the home and smiled, tracing her fingers along the edge of his jaw, her own eyes filled with tears. "I dreamed of holding you just one last time, of telling you how much I loved you."

"I know," she said, so quietly. "I prayed the same thing when I got that letter." The notice of Jack's death that she had received had quickly become known simply as 'that letter'.

"And now I have you." His small smile widened. "And you're stuck with me."

Sue stood quickly and placed her hands on her hips, smiling. "I guess that's what happens." She lowered a hand and helped him up. She remembered so clearly the night he proposed in person; his every action was timid, as if he were afraid to offend her and she would refuse his offer. And when he finally got down on one knee and took out the velvet box, his right hand trembling while his face showed the effort, she fell into his arms, accepting without his question.

"I love you, Sue," he said, brushing away a strand of hair from her eyes before leaning forward and kissing her softly, almost teasing her when he stepped back suddenly. "What do you think my purpose is?"

She looked at him, her heart pounding with love. His flushed face and wet eyes spoke of the nightmares he still saw, and she hoped the next thing she said would erase those memories, at least for a little while. "I think you're supposed to be a father."

He smiled, almost wishfully, then his eyes went wide and his smile fell as his mouth opened. "Wa-wait, what?"

Sue couldn't help but grin as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're going to be a daddy, Jack."

Aw, I get it now, Tracy! You are creating a beautiful story of purpose and love. And their going to have a baby! Now, I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us as Jack and Sue Remember Love!

Lynn

I'm right there with you Lynn.

Tracy, at first I was going to answer no to your question, but that was before I read this delightful post.

You're definately weaving a masterpiece, here.

Lindsy

That's the best purpose to have. I'm loving where this is going. You certainly took us on a ride!!!!!!!

If that doesn't give him a sense of purpose, I don't know what will.

I quite agree.

Daddy Jack. Has quite a ring to it, doesn't it?

Tina

Thank you all for reading! I know you could have read any others but you stuck with me on this one Thank you!

Final post coming soon...


"You'd better hurry back," Sue called over her shoulder as she opened the oven door and checked on the Christmas pie baking within. "The pie is almost ready."

Jack nodded and pulled the front door open. Stepping onto the porch, he breathed deeply, the scent of winter's coming hanging in the air. He used to love this time of year, and after Sue's wonderful news, he felt like a renewed man, given a second chance at life. The beauty of autumn passed slowly and winter seemed just within grasp; the air was crisp and the few leaves left on the trees were tumbling to the ground with each breath of air that came.

Shrugging the coat over his shoulders, he hurried to the mailbox, a smile on his lips. Everything about the coming season brought excitement, even though the past still held tightly to him.

He stopped in front of the white box and flipped the top open. Removing the envelopes within, Jack looked at them, flicking through quickly. His eye caught one name in the return address and his pulse quickened. He ripped the envelope open quickly and took out the white note inside. The handwriting was soft and feminine.

Dear Jack,

It feels so strange to be writing to you from such a distance. I hadn't realized how used to you I had become. I pray that you've found happiness, even though it's hard for me. Without you, my life seems alot quieter, like I didn't have time to think when you were here - but now that you're gone, in a way I wish my thoughts would stop. I keep imagining you with her, wondering if you love her as much as I loved you. Do you love her, Jack? Are you happy? I hope that you are.

Before we met, I knew a man at the hospital and the other day, we ran into each other. He is a really great man, and even though I don't know if I will ever feel for him the way I felt for you, I think I could love him. His name is Captain Joseph Green, just in case you wanted to check for a criminal record.

I sincerely hope that you're happy and having a wonderful life, Jack. I always knew that there was someone else out there for you, and I thank God that I had the time with you that I did. I love you, Jack, and I always will.

Thanks for the time we had,
Emily Anderson

He barely kept from smiling as he read her words, but his smile soon faded when he read the last. Jack traced his finger over the bold letters of her name, memories of her auburn hair and dancing eyes flooding back.

"Jack!" He looked up. "It's freezing out here," Sue called as she walked onto the porch. "I can't read you from there, but come on in. The pie is done." Unable to control the motions, he slowly moved his hand to his chest, pointed to himself, then crossed his arms over and then pointed to her. She smiled and replied, "I love you too. Now come on before you freeze!"

Smiling, Jack folded the letter, placed it back into the envelope and closed it, leaving inside all the feelings he had for the girl; his love was Sue and his home was here. He, too, thanked God for the experiences that he had, which led him to the life he had now, and the amazing way in which the Creator taught him how to remember love.

Beautiful moment and a great way to work the title into it! Loved it!

I knew it, I knew it, Emily was the nurse that Joseph stayed back for!!!!!!!!!!! Yay baby makes three and Emily is officially out of the picture. Seal up that letter Jack and put it away. Then hold Sue and your baby!

I love how you're tying this all together. It's like a present wrapped neatly with a perfect bow.

Just lovely.

Lindsy

What a beautiful way to give Joseph and Emily happiness too!! Perfect!!!

Jack and Sue are going to have a baby!! I love that Jack's first purpose was to come back to Sue, to remember his love for her - then to make a life together!! And, now, the ultimate purpose - to be a father!!!

Very well done, Tracy!!!

Joy

Thank you so much, Cindy, for all your notes and help! They were all greatly appreciated
And thanks to all for letting me write this story, I so enjoyed it!



The church may have looked small and empty from the outside, but inside, it bustled with activity as the Sunday service slowly began. An organ seated in the far corner of the wooden building played a haunting tune that Jack vaguely recognized as Amazing Grace. Sue gently led him through the crowd of chattering people, her focus on two particular seats directly in front of the organ.

As they came near, Jack caught sight of a couple seated behind the chairs. He swallowed hard as the easily recognizable Japanese man looked at Jack and smiled. Managing a tight smile in return, Jack pulled back on Sue's hand until she turned to him. "What's wrong?"

He silently mouthed, "I don't want to sit there."

Suddenly, as if it all were happening again, Jack's right arm began to ache and the memories he had fought to keep at bay for the past months flew into his mind. The planes, the bullet, the surgery... He had still found little use from the hand, but had become accustomed to the uselessness. "Why not?" Sue asked, quietly cutting into his thoughts. She could tell that something was wrong when his eyes took on the look he often wore when his memories flooded back.

Jack noted the main pew in the middle, which they were just about to pass and motioned to an available space. Unsure, Sue agreed and walked back. Jack quickly took his seat and looked to the preacher as he walked to the pulpit and spoke.

The message came and ended and all the while, the only thing that Jack could focus on was the Japanese man. The anger inside of him threatened to boil over, and as if sensing it, Sue gently squeezed his hand and glanced at him, smiling.

When the singing had ceased and the crowds began to stand and exit the building, Jack and Sue remained seated. Jack couldn't help but feel like a hypocrite as he sat in the church, his only thoughts on the hated man.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he looked back and came face to face with the same man. He slowly stood, his legs suddenly shaking. "Hello, sir," the Japanese said, his eyes smiling to match the one on his lips. Jack managed a nod but said nothing. The man's smile faltered and he glanced around at the slimming crowd, then looked back. "You're a soldier, aren't you?"

Surprised, Jack nodded. "Yes."

"I could tell by the way you looked at me." He sighed, then said, "I... were you there the day my country bombed Pearl Harbor?"

"Yes." His left hand balled into a fist without his knowing and when he realized it, Jack quickly released it.

"I knew by the look in your eyes. Sir, I have no idea what you went through that day as I am not a soldier, but... I want to say that I am sorry. I do not agree with what my countrymen did, and with all that I am, I wish they had not done so. But my wishes do not cancel their actions."

Jack felt Sue's hand on his arm and he bit back his initial reply, knowing that what he would say could not measure to the words the man before him was saying.

"Sir... I am... I am sorry. I am so, terribly sorry."

Slowly, Jack moved his right arm from his side, ignoring the stabbing pain. The Japanese man's eyes turned to his arm then back. As if somehow knowing that the arm was injured in the attacks, he quickly met Jack's hand and firmly grasped it, tears forming in his eyes.

Jack felt unable to speak past the lump of emotion, but he quietly managed. "No, sir. I ask... please forgive me. I am sorry for judging you."

He released Jack's hand then cleared his throat. "Thank you."

Jack watched the man turn to leave and felt a burden lifted off his shoulder, almost as if everything, all the pain and anger he held on to, was taken away. He closed his eyes and silently thanked God for his forgiveness. Looking behind him to the small stage, he laid eyes upon the wooden manger which sat beside the large cross. Tears welled in his eyes as he understood why he could be forgiven.

Christmas wasn't a time for celebration, he thought solemnly as his eyes fogged. It was a time to reflect on the gift that God gave, and to be thankful for his love.

He then looked to the woman at his side and knew that his thankfulness should not end there. "Merry Christmas, Sue," he whispered. She simply smiled, tears in her own eyes, and kissed him.



Estimated word count: 16684

I am to see this end, but what a wonderful story. You have captured the time period well! :capping:

Thanks, Tracy for writing such a marvelous piece.

Loved it! What a beautiful story about love and forgiveness. You really made the events and emotions come alive! Way to go Tracy!!!!




You've turned a cowphooebayeen event and made something beautiful come from it!! See, I told you I'd use that word.

Tracy, you have a remarkable talent when it comes to writing period pieces.

I felt like I'd gone back in time to witness all the pain and turmoil that happened in Pearl Harbor that day and felt it as it continued to seethe in Jack.

Absolutely beautiful story. I wish I could say more, but there's really nothing to say.

Lindsy

Nice, tight story, Tracy. You did a great job and thank you for taking care of poor Emily's broken heart because we all know she couldn't help falling in love with Jack...after all, none of us could either.

kav

Amazing Ending!
Fantastic Job!

Tracy...catching up and its the end. Its hard to top what Debbie, Cindy and Kav have said, except to say a supurb story...you have captured the turmoil of both war and spirit and shown how God's love and forgiveness can heal both. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story!

Lynn

It's very satisfying to know Jack came to a place of forgiveness. It's amazing what it does for the heart, and we all know that Jack's heart is to full of love to hold on to hate.

Thanks for writing and sharing Tracy!

Tina

This is such an amazing story! thanks for sharing, your ending really said it all... that's all I can say

God put that Japanese gentleman in that particular church on that particular day!! I'm so glad Jack was able to forgive!!!

Beautiful story, Tracy!! Thanks for sharing once again!!!

Joy

Wow, I just got an opportunity to finish ready this story, Tracy and you did a wonderful job of handling it. All the emotions and sorrow were well portrayed. Very good job.

- RSL

Tracy, I had printed this story out and read it and didn't realize I never got back to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Well, most of it Jack being with Emily was a bit of torture but you did make it worth our while. Very moving story with such an amazing touch of grace in the end as Jack realized his error in judging the man, and was humble enough to admit it.

Enjoyed the story, glad to see Emily moving on. and that Jack and Sue are togeather starting a family.

Dianna