It's the height of the American Revolution. You're a widowed colonist, trying your best to raise your toddler son, keep your home out of enemy hands, and stay out of this wretched war. One day, you happen upon a wounded soldier, in need of help a...
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"Thomas!" you exclaimed rather loudly, your feet already racing towards him. The elation in your voice carried across the field, betraying whatever modicum of sense your mind desperately held onto. The constant challenge of your heart weakened any resolve of your mind's defenses. And now with just the sight of him standing there, it would seem your heart became the victor.
Thomas met you with an embrace that warmed any remnants of doubt. His face bore a frantic expression.
"Cora, thank God! I feared the worst."
You searched his handsome face, hardly believing he was here. It was weeks since called to active duty and it most certainly favored his strapping form.
"I thought the Colonel had sent you away, that I'd never see you again," you couldn't help the despair in your voice. You two had no goodbye, but were rather ripped from each other's lives. Yet, here he was in all manner of military dress, looking as polished as a Spanish dollar.
"I never imagined he would let you return," you breathed with relief. His fair face was restless with concern.
"He hasn't quite," he said cautiously.
"Let us go inside," he nodded towards the door, his umber eyes scanning the sprawl of trees past you.
You led the way with Sadie following, stomping the mud off her feet by the door, Samuel babbled on excitedly to Thomas, telling him of all the bugs and critters he found on your hunt. Thomas smiled patiently as he listened, but his fingers tapped anxiously against the hilt of his sword.
"Samuel, how would you like to help Sadie clean the quail for supper?" you bent over, lovingly brushing some dirt off his cheek. Sadie held the quail up in each hand and motioned for Samuel to follow her.
"I don't think he's taken a breath since we took off at dawn," you chuckled, looking back at your comely soldier.
"Darling," he said, suddenly grabbing your waist to pull you back to him. The strength of his touch instantly made you blush with recall: How those hands of his pressed you against the table behind you. How they passionately found your skin, igniting a lust you thought died with your husband. The memory stirred a desire in you but was squelched by the alarm in his eyes.
"What is it?" you asked, searching his face for any sign of regret, that perhaps he missed you just the same.
"The Colonel doesn't know I'm here," he said with a deep and faltering breath.
"But...then why did you come?"
"The infantry is heading south," he continued, "The Colonel has his orders, as do I. We've been summoned to join General Cornwallis in a strike against the marquis de Lafayette."
Your eyes dropped sadly at the news.
"So, you came to say goodbye," you replied, swallowing the sorrow that lingered in your throat.
