Forget (Colonel William Tavington story)

Chapter 30

Tavington rowed out to the middle of the lake close to Middleton place, "Well, since you're going back tomorrow. I thought I'd give you a good farewell. I hope you like it." He saw her face looked down, a tear ran down her cheek. He leaned forward and cupped her cheek, brushing the tear away with his thumb. 

She nuzzled her head into his hand, closing her eyes, "I don't want to leave you." 

"I don't want you to leave either... or get married... I know it sounds selfish." 

"Snuggles, I want to stay with you and you only. I wanted to marry you." 

Tavington felt his heart break at the words she was saying, "Turn around darling." 

Marie turns around to face the shore, tens of thousands of floating lanterns filled the sky. She marveled at the sight, it was beautiful. 

"Oh William..." Marie beams, "I love it. It's so pretty." It was as if hundreds of fireflies took to the sky. Tavington smiled at her smile, enjoying that she was happy. 

"Marie... you make me so happy," He said, reaching out and touching her hand, "I'm going to Cowpens next week to fight." 

"W-What?" 

"The war should be over after that." 

"Will! You can't go!" 

"Sunflower, I have too." 

"Well then..." Marie took off her necklace and handed it to him, "Here's something for good luck." 

"Darling." 

"Please William, take it." She put it in the palm of his hand and closed his fingers around it, "I'll see you when the war is over." 

"When the war is over, we will meet again." 

"Do you promise to come back alive?" 

"I promise." He put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her into a sweet kiss. She rested her hands on her shoulders. 

"I love you William." 

"I love you too Marie." 

"And even if I do die, I will always be here," He pressed his hand to her heart, "In there, I will be your guardian angel to look after you and make sure you are okay." 

Marie felt herself tear up at his words, she wanted him to come back alive and hearing him say that (even though it might be true) made her heart break. 

"W-Will, please don't say that." 

He sighed and shook his head, "I don't want to leave you..." He handed her a floating lantern and smiled, "Send it to the heavens." 

On sync, Marie and William sent their lanterns into the sky, they seemed to dance in the heavens, the lights floating around like tons of fireflies.

"I love you my beautiful Sunflower," He leaned forward and kissed her nose softly.

"Stay safe." 

"I will."