OCTOBER
Dear Henry,
Today has been too short. It was Jamie´s birthday and when I got up this morning the first thing I did was start on a cake, because I wanted to make it from scratch. But Red had other things in mind... he jumped onto the counter when my back was turned, and the whole bowl fell to the floor and I just ended up getting Jamie a birthday doughnut, and my Mom made the cake we had at dinner. Jamie loved the Buzz Lightyear toy btw, thanks so much!
We missed you, it would have been nice to have you at the table. Between entertaining Jamie and trying to keep Red off my lap I am exhausted. But Jamie is growing up fast, and I am trying to savor every moment.
Stay safe, where ever you are.
Hugs,
Jess
NOVEMBER
Dear Jess,
I´m glad Jamie liked his gift! It was the least I could do. It´s not everyday you turn three.
Red is so needy, whenever I come over he always trys to absorb me. So easy to imagine him competing with Jamie for your lap... I would just settle for a hug.
Thanks for your gift! We all missed Thanksgiving dinner this year, it was hectic day and we saw some unfriendly fire. The can of pumpkin pie mix was perfect, everyone loved having a little taste of home (yes of course I shared, it was THANKSGIVING!). We figured out a way to cook just about everything, but it was definately not a traditional meal, haha, especially without a turkey.
Please make me a pie when I come home?
-Henry
DECEMBER
Dear Henry,
Your gift came in the mail today! You are so thoughtful, I love love LOVE IT! What girl doesn´t love something sparkly...I have been wearing these earrings nonstop for the last couple days. Did you really order Tiffany´s online? I had no idea you could do that!
It is getting cold here and we had our first real fire in the fireplace. Do you remember last year, when you first came over and we made cookies with Jaime and you started a fire for us then? A year goes by so quickly.
I hope you are safe and warm, and I am sending you extra hugs and all my love to keep you extra toasty. You have told me the desert gets cold at night.
Henry, I am so glad that you are part of my life. These past 12 months have been really blessed ones, and our relationship has filled me with joy and hope for the future. You are a good man, and you have been good to me and my son. I want to be honest and tell you that I think I am falling in love with you. Maybe I am telling you this too soon, but it has been on my mind a lot lately and I felt I should share it with you.
Please do your best to stay safe, and know that we pray for you every day.
Merry Christmas...
Hugs,
Jess
JANUARY
Dear Jess,
I am missing you today.
This morning the sky was overcast, and as we move the gray clouds seem to follow us. This is not the way I thought I would spend New Year´s, I hoped to be home already and be able to spend it with you and Jaime. Now it looks like I won't be back until March at the earliest.
Thanks for your last letter, and the gift. I have been wearing the scarf a lot, especially at night, and now it´s a dark green instead of light.
Being away all this time has really made me think alot about my life at home, who I am, what I want. Jess, I have to tell you, I was not looking for anyone when you came into my life, but you have made such a difference and you have helped me to become a better person. Without you now I feel like something is missing.
Hope to see you soon.
-Henry
FEBRUARY
Dear Henry,
This month I feel like I have been overdosed with chocolates and hearts and right now I am so sick of pink! The only cards I got that I liked on Valentine's Day were from you and Jaime, of course. Jaime's was a blue heart, and when I asked him why blue he said it was because he knew it was my favorite color, haha! He is such a smart little guy. Your card was amazing, thank you, and the lilies at work!!! All the other girls were beside themselves with envy....
The only way things could have been better would be with you there. Maybe next year?
Start thinking about when you come home next month! Once you know your flight details send them along, Jaime and I would be more than happy to pick you up. I will have a pie waiting.
Hugs,
Jess
Dear Jess,
There is something I have to tell you.
I am in love with you. Every word you write feeds me and makes me believe it more.
Cannot wait to see you next month, hold on tight.
Love,
Henry
MARCH
Jess and Jaime stood waiting anxiously by the exit terminal, after scanning the arrival boards and seeing the flight landed on time.
It seemed like years as Jess stood there, Jaime's hand clutched in hers, eyes scanning the crowd for his fatigues. And then she saw him, smiling with his backpack over one shoulder, striding towards them. She thought that she might scream but both her hands flew to her mouth and she felt a flood of relief. Time stopped as Jaime leapt at him, and she heard his easy laugh as he held the three-year-old in his arms and hugged him tight. Then his eyes met hers and he pulled her close under his free arm and they stood like that, close together for a moment savoring the feeling of being toegether. Finally he leaned bcak and put Henry down, turning to face her. She felt tears on her cheek and brushed them away with a sleeve, embarassed.
"Jess," He said, taking her hands in his. "Your prayers and words and your gifts helped me to get through. You helped me stay positive, gave me a piece of home and eased my mind... I am so glad to be home with you, babe."
Jess smiled and saw Jaime clap his hands. She gave Henry's hand a squeeze as he drew a breath and continued.
"There is one gift you can give me, though, that would make me even more happy."
As he said this he sank to one knee, and removed a little blue box from one pocket. Jess felt her eyes growing wide and she started crying more, looking at him in disbelief. She felt Jaime clutching her leg. The diamond inside was small, simple, perfect. The biggest gift from Henry yet.
"Jess," Henry said in a soft voice, "will you be my wife? Will you let me be a permanant part of your life and Jaime's life?"
Jess felt like exploding with happiness, with joy. She became suddenly and accutely aware of the people around them, many of whom had stopped to watch. Jaime's clutch on her leg seemed electric, and when she opened her mouth she was surprised her voice didn't send of sparks or fireworks.
"Yes."
The sounds of people around them cheering and even Jaime's excited burble seemed to fade as he rose up and put the ring on her finger, arms wrapping around her and pulling her close and she kissed him.
"That is the best gift of all, babe. Your love."
He whispered it quietly but she could hear his smile, and she knew exactly how he felt.
