"I was waiting so long for him to come home, but now I'll never be able to be embraced in his warm strong arms, or feel his sweet kisses any more. He died a hero." ~Jamie "I have to take care of mommy, I have to be the man of the house just like my daddy told me to. I have to be brave for mommy."~Camden "Me, I don't have anyone. I have my mom and pop but that's it, I don't have a fiancé or a son like Lucas did. It should've been me." ~Nathan

Being a marine was all Jules wanted to be, despite her parents reservations. However, being caught in an explosion in Afghanistan, Jules is sent home with no memory of her time there or the love she found overseas. Now, two years later, Julia is working in the local library, with an overprotective mother who would do anything to keep her from learning the truth. But will a chance encounter with someone from her past make Julia remember who she truly is -and can she ever be the same person again? Just a few notes: 1. My knowledge of the Armed Forces is limited so expect mistakes although I shall try my best to make everything as accurate as possible. 2. I have recently posted the prequel to this book called 'Seven Years'. 3.This book is dedicated to all the men and women who put themselves in harms way to serve their country, wherever they may be; past and present.

"Do you have to leave?" I say through tears. "I promise I'll be home before you know it." That's a lie. It'll feel longer than what it actually is. And it will all feel like hell. "I'll be lost and...and...alone without you, Matt" I sob even harder. "Don't say that. You'll have Aunt Kathy and Jo. Trust me when I say this: they know exactly what they're doing. They've been through plenty of these before." I nod, not trusting my voice, afraid I'll break down again. His hand comes to my cheek as he wipes a tear that's falling. His arms then indulge me in a huge hug, his familiar cologne invading my nostrils. "STARKS! We're boarding!" I flinch at the fact that its time to let him go. He kisses the top of my head, "I love you." He whispers in my ear. "I love you too." I respond weakly. "I love you most." And with a final, hard kiss, he walks away from me. Kathy holds me and lets me cry on her shoulder as Matt looks back at me, and walks into the plane. ~~~ **This is an original story by @QuackingDuck. Any other publication of this story has been stolen** ~~This story contains mature content~~