Soulmates

Chapter five

My mother and I were sitting with Kelly and her parents at Jamie's funeral. I was sitting near the aisle when a little girl, about two, climbs in my lap. "Dada," she murmurs in a tired whisper and falls asleep in my arms.

Tears fill my eyes and I look around to see if someone was looking for her. A woman across the aisle was looking at the girl in my arms with her hand over her mouth. I get up and bring the child over to her. She looks behind me and says in a choked whisper, "I'm Monica, Kelly's cousin. I didn't know she was in a relationship since Katie?"

"We can talk after the funeral," I say quietly and she nods. She tries to take her daughter, but she holds onto my uniform. "Why don't I just place her in her car seat after this is over?"

She nods lightly and says in a choked whisper, "You kind of look like her father. He was killed in Iraq a few months ago."

"Kevin Jones," I ask quietly and she nods vigorously. Tears fill my eyes and say, "I fought with him and Jamie years ago."

"You're the iron goddess," she asks in a choked whisper, smiling lightly and I nod. 

I sit back next to Kelly and she looks at me in awe. She strokes the girl's hair and she snuggles in my arms. "Monica asked about our relationship. I told her we could talk after the funeral. I'll let you decide what you want to tell her," I say quietly and kiss her temple. 

"I don't want anyone knowing I'm pregnant yet, but we can announce our engagement," she says quietly and rests her head on my shoulder. 

I kiss the top of her head and she waves to Monica, who waves back. My mother and Valerie turn to look back at us and notice Monica's daughter asleep in my arms. My mother meets my eyes and tears fill hers. I give a small smile and discreetly caress Kelly's stomach. 

"Would anyone like to say something about Sergeant Jamie Dawson before we lay her to rest," the priest asks.

It goes quiet a moment, but no one stood up. I kiss Kelly's temple and walk up to the front of the church. I remove the medal I received for saving her life and place it on Jamie's casket.

"I'm Lieutenant Jennifer Williams. Five years ago I was Jamie's commanding officer and I was honorably discharged after taking four rounds while she was trying to unjam her rifle.

"I was given a medal of honor when it should have gone to her. I'm alive today because of Jamie. She pulled me to safety and formed surgery that saved my life, because without it, I wouldn't be here," I choke quietly as tears roll down my cheeks. 

Kelly and Monica come up as I slip into an anxiety attack. Monica was able to take her daughter and Kelly leads me out of the church. As soon as we were outside she caresses my face in her hands and holds my eye contact. "Breathe Jennifer," she says in a soothing whisper. "I think you might have PTSD. You've had two attacks just talking about being over in Iraq."

"I stopped taking the medication after Jess and Cassie died. I'll start taking it again," I choke in a whisper as tears roll down my cheeks. She wipes my eyes and I let out a calming breath. I hold her hand to my face and say in a relieved breath, "You seem to be the best medication so far."

She gives me a kiss and asks softly, "Are you okay to go back inside or wait in the car?"

"I'm okay if I'm with you," I choke quietly and she nods lightly. 

We go back inside and Valerie gets up to hug me. "Thank you," she chokes in a whisper and says, "It was nice to hear about how brave she was fighting for this country."

"Mom, try not to make her talk about it much. She has PTSD," Kelly says softly rubbing my back in comfort. 

"A mother deserves to know how brave her daughter is," I choke quietly and turn to Kelly. "Thank you for looking out for me. I'll be okay as long as I have you."