Off Limits Marine

Annie rolled off the bed and slowly walked to the dresser. She had tucked the envelope beneath a stack of her grandmother’s embroidered handkerchiefs. From what she understood, every soldier wrote a letter meant to be delivered in the event of his death. Annie had received the envelope and read it once, then promptly tucked it away, unable to read through her tears. After that, there never seemed to be a right time to look at it again—until now.

The envelope was right where she’d left it, slightly crumpled and stained with tears. She sat back down on the bed and ran her fingertips over the writing that was once so familiar. These last few weeks, she’d been so consumed with thoughts of Gabe, she suddenly felt the need to be close to Erik again.

Annie walked to the overstuffed easy chair and sat, tucking her feet beneath her. Sliding her finger beneath the flap of the envelope, she held her breath, not certain she was ready to face the emotions within.

They’d fought the last time they were together. She’d finally told him that she was fed up with living her life alone and asked him to leave the Marines once his tour was up.

Erik had tried his best to appease her, but she had been intractable. She wanted him to make a choice, yet he refused. So they’d parted in anger. He’d called a day later to smooth things over, but Annie still wasn’t ready to let go of her resentment. And then it was over and she was left with no choice but to live with those feelings.

Annie unfolded the letter, drew a deep breath and read softly.

“‘My dearest darling,’” she murmured. “‘I’ve never been one for flowery words and romantic sentiments, but know that I have loved you from the moment we met, and if it’s possible, I will keep loving you in the hope that we will meet again someday. I know I haven’t always been the perfect husband, but you’ve been the perfect wife. Don’t spend too much time mourning me. There are plenty of men out there who will fall madly in love with you the moment they take your hand and look into your eyes. Live your life, find someone to love and all will be well again. I promise. My love forever, E.’”

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