Wedding a Warrior

by Hannah Conway

  Whitleigh led the children down the hall, to the right, and out the side doors toward the playground. Sunlight greeted them as they stepped outside. Jameson ran after squealing girls. Others sat in the sandbox and pushed cars along dirt paths. One or two flung themselves wildly across the monkey bars. Some resorted to the swings. Their small feet swung high into the air and looked strange compared to the giant sky overhead. All of these children were fearless. Fearless to a fault, yet, wasn’t that faith? Whitleigh smiled. A childlike faith, yes, she wanted that.

  “Ms. Haynes.” Mrs. Ruthers called from the double doors, waving her over. She stood with the principal.

  Whitleigh hugged her arms to her chest. Apparently something was up.

  “Ms. Haynes.” The principal’s brows drew together. Her graying hair appeared unusually untidy. “We know you’re close to Brady.”

  Whitleigh’s lips parted. Her heart stopped.

  Mrs. Ruthers reached for Whitleigh’s hand. “He’s okay, Whitleigh.”

  Whitleigh slumped over, holding her knees. “Thank God.”

  The principal placed a hand on her shoulder. “His daddy’s been hurt. They don’t think he’s going to make it overnight. Brady’s with his family right now waiting to hear news.”

  Oh, Brady. No. Whitleigh shook her head in mute denial. Did she dare ask? “Wha… what happened?”

  “The insurgents in Iraq set off a roadside bomb as his father’s convoy passed.” The principal lowered her head for a moment. She wiped a tear. “Most of the men were killed.”

  Whitleigh worked to breathe past the tightening sensation growing in her chest. “Can I see Brady?”

  “We hoped you’d ask.” Mrs. Ruthers exchanged a glance with the principal. “His Momma said he’s been asking for you to come. He says you’ll pray for his dad… and…” she choked a bit and swiped at the tears falling from her eyes, “… and he’ll get better.”

  “Give me an address and I’m there.” Whitleigh took the slip of paper from the principal’s hand and made her way to the car. No time remained to doubt, only act.

  Chapter 8

  MAY 22nd

  Dear Collier,

  Collier sat outside his barrack. It had been too long since a letter came from Whit. His stomach knotted as his eyes scanned over her words.

  Where do I start?

  So much has happened. I’ve spent a lot of time since we last talked praying about what I should do.

  I’ve doubted, I’ve worried, I’ve pouted, I’ve been kissed by Bryant, and forced to question if I really loved you, wanted to marry you now, or ever.

  What? Collier clenched his jaw. Bryant went too far. Collier’s heartbeat pounded in his ears.

  I’ve concluded that none of it matters.

  Didn’t matter? Collier bit at his thumbnail.

  Not that you don’t matter or we don’t matter, but as I sit here beside Brady, this sweet boy whose dad—a soldier—was injured and now fighting for his life, I have a new perspective. Life is fleeting, and what am I if I’m not loving God and loving others?

  I have to honestly say that I’m still unsure about what answer to give you, but I am praying about it. I will not leave you hanging. I will not let you leave for Korea without an answer. Please forgive me for putting you through this, and I can understand if you are angry with me, but I want peace and joy, and that comes from obeying God, and not through following any of my own desires. Can you understand that?

  He understood it more than most things in life. Collier gripped his chin. Whit made sense. He got it, but still, the waiting was killer. What if she said no? Did it change his decision to be obedient to what God called him to do? Collier huffed. Of course it didn’t change his path, only made it more difficult.

  I want to make sure I’m really obeying God.

  Collier pinched the bridge of his nose, head bowed. This is what he’d prayed for Whit—to be fearless, follow God no matter what. She’s just looking for assurance before she takes that leap, but where would she leap? The letter shook in Collier’s hand. He gripped his chin and smiled through the pain in his heart. No matter where Whit decided to leap, he’d be happy and certain it was in the direction God wanted her to go.

  I won’t see you until your graduation… do you want to hear my decision then?

  Maybe. Collier shook his head. He’d want to see her no matter what she’d have to say.

  Please know I love you. So much. More than myself, my plans, your plans, any of our wants or desires.

  Love me always,

  Whit

  Collier held the letter over his heart. “I’ll always love you Whit.”

  He pulled out a small notepad and began to write.

  Dear Whit,

  Bryant kissed you? I'm gonna

  I know you're going through a lot. I'm so sorry…

  I miss you. I love you. Take your time deciding

  Forget it. Collier crumbled the paper and shoved it into his uniform pocket. He tugged on his dog tags as he rose to his feet. The phone booth line would be shorter this time of day anyway.

  The phone rang only once.

  “Whit?”

  “Collier.” Her voice carried waves of relief through loud music and clanging dishes. “Hold on a sec. I’ll take my break. It’s so good to hear your voice.”

  “It’s always good to hear yours.” He smiled like she could see.

  “I’m guessing you got my letter.” The background noise faded.

  “It’s always good getting something from you.” He pressed the receiver close to his mouth. So much to say. So much not to say.

  “You mad?”

  “At Bryant.”

  “Ignore him.” She scoffed. “I put him in his place. He’s still pretty sore over it.”

  “I bet.”

  Neither said much. Collier raked his teeth over his bottom lip. Afternoon sunlight lit up the phone booth like a magnifying glass—he was the ant.

  “Brady’s dad?” Collier rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.

  “Still not looking good.” She made a clicking noise. “Brady’s hanging in there and so is his momma. The church has stepped in to help with meals and housework. It’s amazing to see really.”

  “Haden and I will pray for Brady’s dad and his family.”

  “Prayers work.”

  The silence returned.

  “I know you worry about me going to war, Whit. I can’t promise—”

  “Collier, you don’t have to promise or explain.”

  “So, um.” He tucked a hand in the back pocket of his uniform. “I’ve been thinking about the Honduras trip.” Not really, but it gave them something to talk about other than one of many depressing topics.

  “You gonna be able to go?”

  Maybe he should’ve picked another subject. He shook his head. “Um, I, well, I’m sure there’s someone else who can go.” Silently he added, just not Bryant.

  “I understand.” Her voice didn’t sound understanding. “I’m sure the name on the plane ticket can still be switched out.”

  “So you’re still going?”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “I want you to go. It’ll be good.” Collier smacked his forehead. He pressed his lips together. Why couldn’t he say what he wanted? Beg her to marry him? No. He wouldn’t. She needed this time to think and pray.

  “I know waiting for me to give you an answer is torture.” She sighed. “I’m so sorry Collier. I’m not trying to hurt you.”

  “I love you, Whit.” He let his shoulders drop. “I’ll wait for your answer and be okay with your decision… even if…” his throat dried. “Even if it’s not what I want.” He pressed a palm to the glass window of the phone booth. The drill sergeant would make him clean the prints off later. “Above my happiness, or what I want, I want you to follow God.” He sighed. At times the truth was heavy. “You’re right about finding peace and joy in obeying God.”

  “You’ve got it, don’t you?”

&nbs
p; He smirked. “Through it all.” Collier held a hand over his heart. “Through it all.”

  “Collier?”

  “You gotta get back to work?”

  “Tables waiting.”

  “Sounds like the tables are turning on this conversation.”

  “Ha.”

  “I’m the one who usually has to go.”

  “I love you, Collier.”

  “I love you more than myself, Whit. Always and forever.” He closed his eyes. “So I’ll see you at the graduation ceremony.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. I know I’ll have an answer for you by then.”

  His heart pounded in his chest.

  “See ya.” Her voice rose with a slight giggle.

  The line went dead. Collier held the phone in his hand for a moment and then hung it on the receiver. He stepped from the booth and lifted his chin toward the sky. Trusting and waiting—not matter what.

  JUNE 16th

  COLLIER stood in the position of attention. Well-manicured green grass bent beneath his shiny black shoes. Second in formation, third row back, dead center, Haden at his right side on the ceremony field. Collier’s knees bent at a slight angle. Soldiers who locked their knees in formation passed out, a strange yet entertaining sight to behold. He squinted, rubbing the blue nylon cord dangling from his hand. The Georgia sun glared and beat down on the bleachers overflowing with anxious family and friends. Whit sat amongst the crowd. Somewhere.

  Collier’s Adam’s apple dropped and caught on the collar of his dress uniform. Beads of sweat bubbled on the small of his back. She’d have an answer for him today.

  “We made it.” Haden’s voice rolled out in a low whisper. “Can you believe we made it?”

  “I wouldn’t believe it if you didn’t.” Collier gave a slight nod in Haden’s direction. Haden stood, chest puffed out, alongside the other soldiers. Collier smiled and looked forward.

  “You got it with you?” Haden all but winked.

  Collier’s cheeks warmed. “Right here.” He tapped his side pants pocket.

  “Good man. It’ll work out, you’ll see.”

  Hopefully. Collier swallowed and tapped the small box tucked into his pocket. His hands dampened and he pushed the box, the ring, and a possible proposal from his mind.

  The Commander of Ceremony took his place at the podium, first turning to the audience of civilians. “Family, friends, welcome to the Turning Blue Ceremony.” He then positioned himself in front of the newbie soldiers, back turned to the crowd. “Infantrymen, you have set yourselves apart from other soldiers of the armed forces merely by your appearance. You are stronger, faster, highly trained, always prepared, and deadlier than any weapon.”

  Collier stood tall. Muscles, now much larger than those fourteen weeks prior to Basic, flexed beneath the jacket of his Army greens. His buttoned uniform stretched taut across his chest.

  The Commander of Ceremony surveyed the soldiers before him. “You, Infantrymen, are the only branch of service that holds this blue cord. Ever since the Civil War, Infantrymen have worn blue to signify courage and honor.”

  Everything God called him to in life, in love. Collier took an inward breath, letting it fill his chest.

  “You, Infantrymen, are not called to a life of comfort. You will find yourselves hungry, tired, and wet, but never alone. The men to your right and left serve and sacrifice with you. These fine few and proud are your brothers.”

  Collier and the other soldiers in formation bent their arms into a salute, responding to the Commander of Ceremony. The tips of his fingers hovered at the edge of his brow. He held the salute until the Commander dropped his.

  “Parade rest.” The Commander’s voice echoed over the expanse of the field. The soldiers thudded into position in a single swift motion, legs shoulder length apart, back of their hands pressed to the small of their backs. “Family and friends, you may now turn your soldier blue. Please place the cord over their right shoulder.”

  The bleachers emptied. He waited, silent, alongside Haden. Would Whit show? Of course. She had an answer to give and he prayerfully hoped it was one he wanted to hear. Collier tugged at his collar. Too much remained unsaid between them for her not to come.

  Haden whistled the Army song and tapped his toe, waiting for no one in particular. Making the trip from Oregon to Georgia would’ve financially crippled his family.

  Collier buried his mouth on top his clutched fist. His gaze landed on family members gathered around their soldier, helping to place the infantry cord on their son’s shoulder. His mom would’ve been here. So would his brother. Collier gave a nod to Heaven. Whether they could look down on him now, he didn’t know, but he found comfort in the thought.

  Collier cleared his throat as it tightened. “Want me to give you a hand with the cord, Haden?”

  “Haden?” A delicate voice called from the crowd.

  Haden’s posture stiffened. His lips parted. “Emilee.”

  She leapt into his wide embrace.

  “I can’t believe you came!” He swung her side to side. “Kiss me.”

  Collier tried not to watch or listen, but their glee splattered into his personal space. He huffed and folded his arms, averting his gaze.

  There. She was almost hidden by people much taller than she. Collier stood on the balls of his feet. There, again. Long, blonde hair brushing against her shoulders. A whimsical floral dress gathered at the waist. Large sunglasses covering those sparkling blue eyes. Whit. His heart sighed. She came, like she said she would.

  One leg in front of the other, her hips swayed until she stood inches from him. She pulled her sunglasses off, closing them in her hands. Her red lips curved upward. Beautiful. He remembered to breathe.

  “You’re here.” He reached out, cradling her elbows in his palm.

  “I said I would be.”

  “I thought with everything that happened between us, well, you know.” He winced. “I thought you might change your mind about coming.”

  Her lips folded into a pout. “I’ll always be there for you.”

  He wrapped her in his arms, fingers tangled in the hair spilled down her back. It hurt so good to hold her. “I’ve got so much I want to say.”

  “Right now, let me turn you blue.” She giggled, hand held out. Collier placed the cord in her palm.

  “Am I doing this right?” She tugged at the buttoned shoulder tab on his dress jacket.

  He nodded his head. Her touch rendered him silent.

  With a careful pat of the shoulder tab, she finished. The blue braided infantry cord hung over and under his right shoulder, officially making him a warrior; one of America’s finest.

  “Whit?” Collier wet his lips, collecting her hands in his. He leaned forward. Did he dare steal a kiss? She didn’t move.

  “I won’t keep you waiting any longer.” Her eyes searched his. “If you’ll still have me, I’d love to be your wife.” No hesitation existed in her voice.

  Collier fought the urge to shout and twirl her all at once. “Are you sure?” He held her face between his hands.

  She nodded and laughed. Her eyes sparkled.

  “This isn’t going to be easy for either of us.” He released his hold on her face and brushed his palm across her smooth cheek. “You heard the Commander speaking, and we’re both getting a taste of all the uncertainties in the Army.”

  “I’d rather face life’s battles as your wife than as your girlfriend.” Those words were a melody.

  He heard it with his own ears. Letters and phone calls couldn’t compare to hearing the words first hand.

  “What about all the plans you’ve made for your future? What about summer mission trips? Who’s going to go on the mission trip in my place?” Why did he care? She said yes.

  “Now who’s having doubts?”

  “No doubts. Not ever. I only want to make sure that you’re sure.”

  Whit chuckled. Her hair shimmered in the sunlight. “If it tells you anything, I threw away my calendar.”


  “No.”

  “Yup.” She pressed her lips together and arched a brow. “Reese and Lennon said it was time for an intervention. Ha. They were right, so we got out the calendar, ripped it to shreds, and decided I could have one again when I stopped relying so heavily on it.”

  “Wow.”

  “And why would I only do summer mission trips when my mission field is anywhere I go?”

  “You’re incredible.”

  “I’m so thankful God helped me to see these things. He’s given me amazing friends and family to pray with me and give sound advice.” She radiated peace and joy. Collier stepped back only a bit and admired her. She pulled him close. “As far as the Honduras trip goes…” Her grin slid sideways. “I’ve got a plan for your replacement.”

  Collier winced.

  “It’s not Bryant.” She tilted her head and placed a hand on her hip.

  How could he not appear relieved? Collier slowly bobbed his head. “I’m a bit sore over him kissing you.”

  Whit tucked her chin. Her shoulders sank. “I didn’t want that to—”

  “Not at you, but a bit at him still.” Collier gathered Whit into his arms. “I’m more upset that he was the last one to kiss you.”

  The sly grin returned to her face. “Want to change that?”

  Collier lifted Whitleigh from the ground. She giggled, arms tight around his neck. He placed her feet back on the ground and covered her face with kisses. The sweet scent of sweet pea and honeysuckle that defined her so well swirled around him.

  Collier removed a small box from the pocket of his dress pants. He lifted Whitleigh’s hand as he took a knee. Whitleigh covered her mouth. Her eyes glistened.

  “You deserve a proper proposal.” He slid the piece of parachute cord from her left ring finger. “You deserve a proper ring.” Collier removed the solitaire diamond ring from its case. “Whitleigh Haynes, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Yes.”

  He stood. “You won’t regret this, Whitleigh Haynes.” He kissed her once more, holding her face between his palms. She pressed her forehead into his chest, arms tight around his back.