Heroes Never Die (8 page)

Jan hurried into the room clapping her hands.  “It’s time!  Kaitlyn, you look adorable.  Violet accentuates your grey eyes,” she complimented as she smoothed Kaitlyn’s dress.  “Now take your place,” she directed as she pointed toward the hallway outside of the door.  “And remember – walk slowly.”

Kaitlyn handed Stephanie her lush bouquet of violet hibiscus, purple clematis, fuchsia-speckled caladium leaves, and contrasting pink roses.  “Good luck, Steph.  I hope you will always be this happy.”

Stephanie watched as Kaitlyn took her place.  They had shared so many laughs, so many secrets, even tears, as they journeyed into adulthood.  I’m so glad you’re here to share my special day, Kaitlyn.

“You look magnificent, Stephanie,” Jan fondly praised as she kissed her cheek.  “I’m so happy for you.”  Stephanie stood poised as Jan inspected her gown to make sure every seam was perfect.  “You’re all set.  Take your place with your dad.”

Robert entered the room.  Stephanie looked at him and smiled.  His steps came to a sudden halt and Stephanie instantly noticed how striking he looked in his formal mess dress.  Then his sparkling eyes.  “You look radiant, Stephanie.”  He stepped up to her and kissed her cheek.  Then he tried to hug her without crumpling her dress.

“You look so handsome in your uniform.  I’m going to be proud to have you walk me down the aisle, Dad.”  She watched his jaw stiffen and she knew he was struggling.  He had helped her take her first steps as a baby and now he was helping her take her first steps as a grown woman.

“The pleasure is mine.  Are you nervous?”

“I have butterflies in my stomach.”

“It’s not too late to back out.”  His eyes twinkled even more.

“Not in a million years,” she playfully assured him.

“We have to go,” Jan rushed them.

“I’d like to have a moment alone,” Robert requested.  He waited for the photographer and Jan to leave the room.  Then he lifted Stephanie’s chin.  “I want you to know, sweetheart, that I love you very much, and I want your happiness more than anything.  I just wish your mother were here to see you.  She would be so proud of you.”

“She is here, Dad.  I’m wearing her dress and her tiara just like she always wanted.  I even smelled a hint of her perfume when I put on her gown; at least, I imagined I did.  And if she were standing here right now, she would tell you that you were always a wonderful father to me.”

“I appreciate that more than you can ever know…I guess I should give you some fatherly advice before you get married.  This could be my last chance to lecture you.”

“Give it your best shot,” she giggled.

“I know you and Brian will be happy together, but if you ever find yourself feeling neglected, you are never to look outside of the boundaries of your marriage to find the fulfillment you want.  Do you understand me?”

Stephanie wasn’t sure if he was teasing or if he was being serious.  Either way, his advice was hysterical.  “Sure, Dad, I understand.  I’m not supposed to fool around with other men, but I am supposed to fool around with Brian.”

“Your translation needs some help,” he groaned, “but you have the gist of it.”  Robert held out his arm, and Stephanie gracefully tucked her arm inside of his.  Robert stood motionless and Stephanie sensed his reluctance.  Then finally, he took a step forward.

When Stephanie reached her bedroom doorway, she glanced back at the étagère holding all of her favorite dolls and stuffed animals.  Goodbye childhood.  Wish me luck.

Robert and Stephanie walked downstairs to the terrace doorway.  Stephanie smelled the fragrant sprays of deep purple and violet flowers in the warm afternoon and she saw a table holding a luminous fountain of sparkling champagne.  Her wedding cake was draped in lavish sugar flowers that matched her bouquet, the chairs were covered with white linens and violet bows, a giant tent with cathedral windows was elegant enough to serve the banquet, and the ceremonial platform had an archway that was woven with more flowers.  It’s everything I dreamed it would be.

The ‘Wedding March’ began to play and Stephanie’s stomach flip-flopped with nervous excitement.  She glanced at her dad.  “I’m ready.”

Robert and Stephanie stepped out onto the terrace and everyone rose from their chairs.  Stephanie heard the guests gasp with admiration when they saw her.  She looked ahead and saw Brian in his mess dress.  He was the most handsome man she had ever seen, and she would never forget the look of amazement that came over his face when he saw her.  She was anxious to pledge her life to him.

Stephanie’s dad sweetly kissed her goodbye, and then Stephanie handed her bouquet to Kaitlyn.  Brian reached for her hands and she gazed into his genuine eyes.  Suddenly, all of the noise seemed to fade and nothing else mattered except being with Brian.  Today is the happiest day of my life.  Then she repeated her vows.

Stephanie watched as Rowdy removed his white gloves with formal precision.  He held Brian’s gloves and then handed Stephanie’s ring to him.  She smiled as Brian slipped the diamond eternity ring onto her finger.  Then Rowdy handed Brian’s ring to Stephanie.  She gently slid the ring onto his finger and promised that her love would never end.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced.  Brian took Stephanie’s hand and they turned to face their guests with jubilant smiles.

Stephanie noticed an honor guard of eight saber bearers along both sides of the aisle.  Rowdy immediately introduced the couple.  “Distinguished members of the Armed Services, ladies and gentlemen,” Rowdy boomed.  “It is my privilege to introduce for the first time – Major and Mrs. Fairchild.”  Stephanie watched as the guests rose to their feet and clapped with thunderous approval.  Then Rowdy commanded, “Center Face!”  The saber bearers turned and faced each other.  “Arch Sabers!”  Each saber bearer raised his saber with his right arm.  They turned their sabers clockwise until the sharp end was up.  Then each man smacked his saber against the opposite blade.  Stephanie heard the clash of the steel blades.

Brian slipped his arm around Stephanie’s waist and led her under the saber archway.  Our first steps together as husband and wife.  The last two saber bearers lowered their sabers and refused to allow Brian and Stephanie to pass.

“Major Fairchild,” Rowdy ordered.  “Kiss your bride!”  Stephanie melted when she saw Brian’s mischievous grin.  He pulled her close and gently folded her back into his arms.  Then he pressed her mouth with a kiss.  “Well done, Major Fairchild!” Rowdy commended.  The guests roared with approval, and the bearers lowered their sabers to allow Brian and Stephanie to pass.  Then Rowdy gave the last order, “Rear Face!” and the sound of swooshing blades being returned to their ceremonial belts was heard.

The formal part of the ceremony was over, and Stephanie felt a deep sense of pride.  I’m Mrs. Brian Fairchild now.  And I want everyone to know it.  She took her place beside her groom and pressed Brian’s mouth with a heartfelt kiss.  I never want this day to end.

The time came to leave for the honeymoon.  Stephanie and Brian joined Robert in the privacy of his study.  Stephanie was saving the most difficult goodbye for last.  She hugged her dad tightly.  “Thank you for giving me such a wonderful wedding, Dad.  It was everything I dreamed of and more.”

“It was my pleasure, sweetheart, which reminds me, I want to give you and Brian your wedding present.

“Dad,” she objected.  “You’ve already done more than enough.”

“When you find out what it is, you’ll see that it’s pure selfishness on my part.”  Robert opened the middle drawer of his desk and pulled out a check and held it out to both of them.  “Now you can buy the house you have your hearts set upon, and you’ll live close to me just like you promised.”  Stephanie gasped when she saw the amount of the check.

Brian refused to take the check.  “We can’t accept it, General.  It’s far too generous.”

“Brian,” Robert explained.  “Approximately two hours ago you married my daughter.  That made you family.  I expect you to take this check just as I would expect my own son to take it.”

Stephanie watched as Brian swallowed hard and accepted the check.  “I’m very humbled, sir.”

“And I’m very proud to have you as my son.”  Robert hugged him and warmly slapped his back.  Then he pulled Stephanie close, and the three of them huddled.  “I love you both.”

Stephanie’s insides burst with happiness.  Her family had grown to include Brian.  The change felt natural, as if Brian had been a part of her life all along.  “Thank you so much, Dad.  We were afraid someone would buy the house before we could.”

“You two lovebirds had better hit the road before you miss your flight.  Now get out of here and go enjoy your honeymoon.”

Stephanie looked into her dad’s eyes.  She knew she would be returning, yet saying goodbye seemed so final.  She looked at Brian.  His expression told her that he was anxious to begin their new life.  He took her hand and headed toward the front door, but Stephanie paused for a moment and looked back.  Once she left her familiar home, she could never return to the childhood she once knew.  But in a strange and wonderful way, she knew the life she was meant to live all along was just one step away.  She looked to Brian.  He was happier than she had ever seen him.  He pressed her mouth with a kiss and led her to a waiting car.  Rowdy opened the door and ushered them inside.  My life has just begun!

Chapter Seven:

The cool, crisp days of autumn made their colorful appearance.  Stephanie marveled how she and Brian had become increasingly reliant upon each other for love and support.  She recalled what her dad had said about clinging to Brian instead of the things that used to make her happy and, as usual, her dad was right.  She shuddered at the thought of living without Brian.

Robert invited Stephanie and Brian over to watch a college football game.  They were enjoying the rivalry when, mid-game, the news broke in.

“We have just received word from the State Department that an American Naval ship, the USS Polaris, has been attacked by Iraqi fighter jets.  The State Department has confirmed that twenty-three crewmen aboard the USS Polaris are dead as a result of the unprovoked missile attack.  President McCarthy has called an emergency meeting of his cabinet to discuss the available options.  I repeat…”

Stephanie was alarmed.  The President had already vowed to keep the Persian Gulf open, and striking an American Naval ship was striking the hearts of home.  With Iran’s destruction imminent and Saudi Arabia tilting toward Russia, the area was wide open for Russian aggrandizement.

The newscaster now had a panel of experts to lend their opinion in this perilous situation.  Stephanie could feel a violent storm brewing and she left the room and walked to the kitchen as though being out of earshot would end the talk of war.  She could still hear Brian and her dad in the family room trying to predict the outcome.

“Will you bring me another beer?” Brian called.

Stephanie went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of beer.  She reached in the drawer for a bottle opener, lifted off the cap, and poured the beer into a tall glass.  She filled a bowl with pretzels and returned to the family room.  “Here you go, hon.”  She handed Brian the beer, set the bowl of pretzels on the table, and took a seat next to him.  The football game had resumed and the afternoon slowly returned to normal when the newscaster suddenly broke in with another special bulletin.  Brian and Robert fell silent.

The bulletin was being broadcast live from the White House.  President Patrick McCarthy, from his desk in the Oval Office, addressed the nation.  His face was as serious as his lengthy message, and just as Stephanie’s dad and Brian had predicted, the President declared war.

Stephanie reached for Brian’s right arm.  News of the war flashed across the TV.  Scenes of the destruction played while the newscaster solemnly reported the increasing number of fatalities, but all that Stephanie could do was worry about her newlywed husband who could be called away to serve any day.  She glanced at him.  His gaze was intently focused on the TV, his mouth set in a straight line.  If you only knew how much I need you.

As Brian drove home that evening, the ominous threat of war loomed over Stephanie.  She was quiet and apprehensive.  The two men she loved most were under the Army’s authority, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing either one of them.  She reached for Brian’s hand, but neither of them spoke a word.  She knew that Brian would never admit it, but the war was on his mind, too.

Stephanie walked inside their home and headed straight for the kitchen.  She began to wash some cups that were in the sink just to keep herself occupied when she heard Brian walk up behind her and put his arms around her waist.  “Don’t you think those could wait?” he asked as he kissed her neck.  Stephanie didn’t respond.  She didn’t want him to see the silent tears streaming down her cheeks.  Brian turned her around to face him.  “Hey,” he said as he dried the tears on her face with his hand.  “I know the war is on your mind, but you can’t let it get you down.”

“But what if you receive orders?  I can’t bear the thought of being without you.”

“Don’t do this to me, Stephanie.  It would kill me to have to leave you, so let’s hope it never happens and leave it at that.”

Stephanie almost felt ashamed for being blind to her husband’s feelings.  His pain would be just as great as her own, and now that the war was a threatening reality, there no longer seemed to be the bright promise of tomorrow, but only the remnant of today, and she needed him to hold her tight so she could feel safe again.  “Make love to me, Brian,” she pleaded, wanting him with all of her might.