Scarecrow and Mrs. King
"There Comes a Time"
Written by Anne Riener
"There Comes a Time"
Written by Anne Riener
The morning slowly dawned and small patches of sunlight filtered through the gray curtains. Shrouded light, softly diffused through the window made the bedroom furniture glow.
Lee Stetson stood looking out the window, watching the sunrise. The sky was awash with early morning vivid red and orange autumn colors that made promise of a pleasant day. He fervently wished his mood had matched that of the sky.
Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed the sleeping form in his bed and sighed. It wasn’t often enough to his liking that he got to wake in the same bed with his wife. He watched her silently doze for a moment longer, before returning to stare out the window.
A few moments later, he heard Amanda stir and climb out of bed. She padded quietly across the carpet and coming up behind him, she wrapped her arms around his chest, placing feather-light kisses across his shoulder blades.
“Beautiful morning, isn’t it?” she stated simply.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Why don’t you come back to bed?" She drew lazy circles with her fingernail across his bare chest.
He grabbed her hand, stilling the movement. Gently squeezing her hand, he brought it to his lips, kissing her wrist. Then stepping back from her embrace, he turned and wrapped his arms around her waist, while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Slightly bending over, his lips touched hers.
This time she stepped back and reaching out her hand, she took his, leading them back toward the bed.
Lee’s body leaned against the headboard with Amanda’s chest resting on his torso. She placed butterfly kisses on his chest. Then reaching under his chin, she tilted his head. Her big brown eyes looked into his and he swore she could stare straight into his soul.
“Are you going to visit your parents’ grave site this morning?”
He turned away, clenched his jaw and swallowed hard.
“Would you like some company?”
“Maybe later,” his voice choked with emotion.
“I know this anniversary is tough, but I want you to know I’m here for you.”
He cleared his throat, then quickly schooled his features. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be a stick in the mud, Amanda, but this is the first anniversary of their death since our wedding.”
“It’s also the first time since your uncle’s death.”
He put his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I know the Colonel and I weren’t very close, but I always thought he would be around—you know?”
“I know, Sweetheart.”
“His death was unexpected—just so sudden.”
They were both quiet for a moment—holding onto one another.
“I’m glad you are here for me.” He kissed the top of her head. “It meant a lot to me that you spent the night—the whole night with me, Amanda. We don’t get to do that enough.”
“Yeah,” she said, disappointment evident in her voice.
“Sometimes I think our marriage is a figment of my imagination.”
“We knew it would be tough—”
“Please, don’t say it,” he interrupted her.
Amanda was silent for a moment, thinking of what words to say to comfort him. "I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He released her and then rolled over onto his side, his elbow propping him up. “What are your plans for today?”
“Actually, I need to go home and take care of a few things. How about I meet you at the cemetery around noon? Then we can go do some lunch, and after that I plan on spending the rest of the afternoon with my husband.”
“I’d like that.” With a contented smile, he leaned forward and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Did you want to take a shower first or should I?”
“Who said we can’t conserve water and take one together?”
“I’d say I like the conservationist in you.”
“I thought you might.” She acknowledged with a playful wink.
*****
Amanda opened the front door to her house and after placing her purse on the stair railing, she walked into the kitchen. She was momentarily startled by seeing her mother sitting on the stool, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Morning, Amanda. You’re getting in awfully late.”
Her hand on her chest, she caught her breath. “Mother, you’re home. I thought you were with Captain Curt this weekend.”
Dotty leaned over and kissed Amanda on the cheek “Plane troubles—so Curt had to cancel on me and don’t go changing the subject. Come on, Amanda, I’m a grown woman—you’re a grown woman. I know what’s going on with you and Lee and it’s not happening in the editing room.”
Amanda could feel a blush spread across her face. Her mother patted her hand. “You know, I love Lee and hope to see the two of you get married someday. I just don’t understand what you’re waiting for.”
“Mother, it’s complicated.”
“What’s complicated? You love him, he loves you, he gets along great with the boys, he’s practically a permanent fixture in this house. But who am I to pry into your business?”
Amanda rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“So how is Lee?”
“Actually, he’s not doing so well today.”
“Is he sick? I could make him some homemade chicken soup.” Dotty stood up taking a step toward the cabinets.
“Mother, sit back down.” Amanda put her hand on her mother’s shoulder.
“What is it, Amanda? Is there something wrong with Lee? Because I just won’t accept it and neither should you.”
“Mo-ther, please.”
Dotty was silent.
“You know I told you Lee was an orphan.”
She nodded her head, encouraging Amanda to continue.
“Well, today is the anniversary of Lee’s mother and father’s death. And he’s having a rough time of it—so I wanted to be there for him.”
Reaching up, Dotty squeezed Amanda’s hand. “As you should be."
“Thank you.”
“I know I shouldn’t pry.” Amanda glanced sideways at her. “How did they die?”
“They were killed in a car accident when he was five-years old.”
She gasped. “Oh, the poor little boy! Was he in the car with them?”
“No, he was at home with a babysitter that night.”
“And you told me his uncle raised him, right?”
“Yes, his father’s half-brother took him in when he was seven. And then with the Colonel’s passing—this year has been doubly hard on Lee.”
Dotty patted Amanda’s hand again. “Tell him I love him and if there’s anything I can do for him, let me know.”
“I will Mother—and I know he knows you love him.”
“And why aren’t you with him now?”
“He wanted some time alone this morning, but I’m going to meet him at Arlington National Cemetery later on.”
“Arlington?”
Amanda winced, when she realized her gaffe. “Yes, his father was in the military. He served in the Army during World War II.”
Dotty nodded. “Your Uncle Chester served in World War II with the 101st airborne. I wonder if he knew—”
“Major Stetson,” Amanda supplied. “I seriously doubt it. I’m going to pick some fresh flowers from the garden.”
“The chrysanthemums are just beautiful this time of year, and the delphiniums and carnations would make a wonderful arrangement,” Dotty suggested.
“Thanks, Mother. I love you.” Amanda gave her mother a hug.
Dotty returned the sentiment. “I love you, too.”
*****
“Good afternoon Mr. Stetson, Mrs. King,” the doorman to Lee’s apartment complex said, after they entered the front entrance.
“Good afternoon, Fred,” they chorused together.
“Mr. Stetson, this package arrived for you by special courier while you were gone. I signed for it.”
“Thanks.” Lee swapped a tip for the package.
“What is it?” Amanda asked, curiously.
Lee read the address label. “It’s from the Department of the Air Force. It must be some personal effects of my uncle’s.”
Amanda put her arm around him, leaning her head on his chest. “Come on—let’s go up to your apartment.”
A few moments later, Amanda entered the apartment with Lee following right behind her, his free hand on the small of her back. She walked over to the sofa and sat down. Removing her shoes, she tucked her feet underneath her.
Lee placed the box on the coffee table and then ran his hand through his hair.
“Are you going to open it?” she inquired.
He shrugged his shoulders and then walked over to the kitchen. Coming back with a pair of kitchen shears, he cut the tape and opened the package. Reaching into the box, the first thing he pulled out was a letter. Quickly scanning it, he handed it over to Amanda. He then emptied the remaining contents of the box; removing some file folders, a few photographs, a manila envelope, and some other items. Opening the manila envelope, addressed by a bank, he found a key that looked like a safe deposit key. He placed all the items on the coffee table. Underneath everything else, he found several envelopes and cards bundled together with a large rubber band. The paper was stained yellow by age. He removed the rubber band and taking the first envelope from the top of the pile, he turned it over. His finger traced over the familiar handwriting of his mother’s. Subsequently, he opened it and began to read.
“What do you have there, Lee?” Amanda asked him.
“I think these are love letters from my mother and father.” He thumbed through the rest of the stack. “Some look like they date all the way back to the war.” Lee clutched the letters protectively to his chest.
“Oh, Sweetheart. What a find!”
“I wonder why the Colonel never gave them to me before.”
She shrugged lightly. “Maybe he didn’t know about them or they had been lost in storage.”
Lee sat down on the sofa next to Amanda. He handed her the first letter. “Amanda, could you please.”
She began to read aloud.
October 3, 1944
Jennie,
Writing this is harder than I thought it would be—but I’m going deep undercover, in enemy territory, and I don’t know if I’ll make it out alive.
I don’t know why I find it so difficult to express my feelings, but I might not ever get the chance to say this to you. . . I love you, Jennifer Hamilton. There I said it. Well, not really, I guess, I wrote it.
You’re unlike any woman I have ever met, Jennie. I remember the very first moment I saw you—my heart began to beat in perfect sync with yours. That’s why I had to kiss you.
I need to ask a favor—please put me out of your mind and go on with your life. I’m sorry for how that sounds, but I need you to be happy. I’m sorry for letting you trust me, I’m sorry for getting you involved in this business, but most of all I’m sorry for letting us fall in love.
My ride is here and I need to take off.
I’ll never forget you.
Matthew
Amanda finished the letter and wrapped her arm around Lee. She smiled up at him, arching her eyebrow.
“What?” he asked with a puzzled expression on his face.
“What is it with you Stetson men? The first time they say ‘I love you,’ they can’t say it in person,” she teased. Leaning forward she touched his cheek and kissed him.
Returning her kiss, he chuckled, then handed her another letter. “Here.”
She cleared her throat before reading.
November 2, 1944
I want you to know this Matthew Stetson, no matter what; I will always walk with you!
Stay safe and come home to me.
Jennie
“Aww, how sweet. Your mother was an amazing woman.”
“Yes, she was. Like someone else I know.” He pulled her even closer, leaning his forehead against hers.
Untangling herself from him, Amanda folded the letter once more and slipped the paper back into the envelope, prior to picking up another one.
June 16, 1945
My Jennie,
I am back in the States, waiting for orders regarding my next assignment. Although the Germans have surrendered, it would appear this damn war is far from over. I have a good idea where I will be sent next, but as you know, I can’t divulge that information.
Do you remember our last night together? We danced all night long. I never wanted to let you go. Hell, I almost proposed to you before we said goodbye, but I didn’t think that would have been fair to you. While away on my mission, I honestly thought once we were back together that everything would be normal. But what has ever been normal for us?
Matthew
Lee looked over at Amanda who appeared to be lost in thought. “What?”
“Nothing,” she answered.
“No, really, what?”
Amanda looked up at him; he could see her eyes radiating the love they shared back at him. A luminous smile formed on her face. “I’m just amazed how much your parents’ lives seem to parallel ours. Our relationship has certainly never been normal and how one chance encounter changed both our lives. I guess it’s true—people really are destined to be together.”
Lee tried to swallow the lump in his throat, while he gently stroked her cheek with his fingers.
Seeing he was emotionally affected, she paused, patting his leg. “Would you like me to keep going?”
He nodded, and she continued.
August 1, 1945
Darling Matthew,
I dreamt of you again. We were walking hand in hand, down by the River Thames. We stopped in front of Tower Bridge and watched the sunset turn the sky a bright reddish-orange. You turned to me and smiled; that smile you reserve only for me.
It rained all day yesterday. But what else does it do in London? It only served to add to my loneliness.
Every day I miss you more and more and I wait with open arms until the day you return to me.
Love Jennie
Neither Lee nor Amanda said anything. She looked over at him, and seeing the silent confirmation, she read another letter.
November 28, 1946
My dearest Jennie,
You said only life and death situations seem to bring out the romantic in me and you know what—you’re right. What happened last month scared me—I almost lost you, Jennie. I can’t imagine my life without you. I feel uncomfortable not being there to protect you and I need to watch your back, as much as I need you to watch mine. I miss my partner. It’s almost as if we can read each other’s minds—know what the other is thinking and feeling.
We’ve been friends for so long and been through so much together. We’ve laughed together and we’ve cried together. You have been, from the moment I met you, and always until the end of days, my soulmate. I wish I could be doing this in person—I had it all planned out in my mind, a candlelight dinner, a dozen roses, a chilled bottle of champagne, a romantic evening just the two of us--
When I return from Japan, I want you to be my wife—so what do you say. . . will you marry me?
Matthew
Amanda shook her head in amazement, her eyes twinkling as she teased Lee. “Like father, like son.”
Lee smiled back and gave her a quick peck.
She reached over and picked up another envelope.
September 23, 1947
Matthew,
I understand the reasons why we need to keep our marriage a secret. We’ll make the most of it.
I love you with all my heart.
Jennie
“What?” they asked simultaneously, looking at each other, surprised. Had Lee's parents married in secret, too?
Amanda scanned the letter again, verifying she had read it correctly. She then handed it over to Lee. The look on his face confirmed what she had read was right.
Lee turned his attention from the letter to a picture of his parents on the end table. He picked up the silver frame and gently caressed their picture with his fingertips.
Amanda turned the letter over to see if anything else had been written, finding nothing, she reached for another letter to confirm the Stetsons actually had a ‘mystery marriage,’ too.
January 16, 1948
Dear husband,
It’s been five lonely months since you last held me in your arms. I lie in our bed, curled up with your pillow as I fall asleep thinking of you, reliving the precious few nights we have shared together. I remember your warmth, your touch, our love, and how safe I feel in your embrace.
My days without you are long, but my nights without you are endless. We can’t keep living like this. I’m miserable without you by my side. I hate keeping this secret. I’m afraid—afraid that if something happens to you, no one will know what you are to me. I want to start a family with you. I would love to give you a son—a boy who looks just like you.
We really need to discuss ending this secrecy.
Jennie
Amanda quickly tore open the last envelope and read the contents.
February 13, 1949
Jennie,
I’m so sorry you were angry with me and please forgive me.
I agree with you, Sweetheart, this mystery marriage is taking a toll on us. I’m just as miserable without you by my side. I once told you that I did not want anything from you but your love, but I was wrong. There is something more I want—I want to live like normal people.
I think it’s time we went public with our marriage and to hell with the consequences.
No more secrets. . . no more lies. . .
Matthew
Amanda folded the letter back up and placed it down on top of the other letters on the coffee table, before she looked over at Lee. Tears glistened in her eyes. They both sat quietly for several minutes, reaching over she offered her hand, which he took. Amanda gave his hand a gentle squeeze, before her voice broke the silence. “Lee, we need to talk.”
Lee Stetson stood looking out the window, watching the sunrise. The sky was awash with early morning vivid red and orange autumn colors that made promise of a pleasant day. He fervently wished his mood had matched that of the sky.
Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed the sleeping form in his bed and sighed. It wasn’t often enough to his liking that he got to wake in the same bed with his wife. He watched her silently doze for a moment longer, before returning to stare out the window.
A few moments later, he heard Amanda stir and climb out of bed. She padded quietly across the carpet and coming up behind him, she wrapped her arms around his chest, placing feather-light kisses across his shoulder blades.
“Beautiful morning, isn’t it?” she stated simply.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Why don’t you come back to bed?" She drew lazy circles with her fingernail across his bare chest.
He grabbed her hand, stilling the movement. Gently squeezing her hand, he brought it to his lips, kissing her wrist. Then stepping back from her embrace, he turned and wrapped his arms around her waist, while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Slightly bending over, his lips touched hers.
This time she stepped back and reaching out her hand, she took his, leading them back toward the bed.
Lee’s body leaned against the headboard with Amanda’s chest resting on his torso. She placed butterfly kisses on his chest. Then reaching under his chin, she tilted his head. Her big brown eyes looked into his and he swore she could stare straight into his soul.
“Are you going to visit your parents’ grave site this morning?”
He turned away, clenched his jaw and swallowed hard.
“Would you like some company?”
“Maybe later,” his voice choked with emotion.
“I know this anniversary is tough, but I want you to know I’m here for you.”
He cleared his throat, then quickly schooled his features. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be a stick in the mud, Amanda, but this is the first anniversary of their death since our wedding.”
“It’s also the first time since your uncle’s death.”
He put his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I know the Colonel and I weren’t very close, but I always thought he would be around—you know?”
“I know, Sweetheart.”
“His death was unexpected—just so sudden.”
They were both quiet for a moment—holding onto one another.
“I’m glad you are here for me.” He kissed the top of her head. “It meant a lot to me that you spent the night—the whole night with me, Amanda. We don’t get to do that enough.”
“Yeah,” she said, disappointment evident in her voice.
“Sometimes I think our marriage is a figment of my imagination.”
“We knew it would be tough—”
“Please, don’t say it,” he interrupted her.
Amanda was silent for a moment, thinking of what words to say to comfort him. "I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He released her and then rolled over onto his side, his elbow propping him up. “What are your plans for today?”
“Actually, I need to go home and take care of a few things. How about I meet you at the cemetery around noon? Then we can go do some lunch, and after that I plan on spending the rest of the afternoon with my husband.”
“I’d like that.” With a contented smile, he leaned forward and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Did you want to take a shower first or should I?”
“Who said we can’t conserve water and take one together?”
“I’d say I like the conservationist in you.”
“I thought you might.” She acknowledged with a playful wink.
*****
Amanda opened the front door to her house and after placing her purse on the stair railing, she walked into the kitchen. She was momentarily startled by seeing her mother sitting on the stool, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Morning, Amanda. You’re getting in awfully late.”
Her hand on her chest, she caught her breath. “Mother, you’re home. I thought you were with Captain Curt this weekend.”
Dotty leaned over and kissed Amanda on the cheek “Plane troubles—so Curt had to cancel on me and don’t go changing the subject. Come on, Amanda, I’m a grown woman—you’re a grown woman. I know what’s going on with you and Lee and it’s not happening in the editing room.”
Amanda could feel a blush spread across her face. Her mother patted her hand. “You know, I love Lee and hope to see the two of you get married someday. I just don’t understand what you’re waiting for.”
“Mother, it’s complicated.”
“What’s complicated? You love him, he loves you, he gets along great with the boys, he’s practically a permanent fixture in this house. But who am I to pry into your business?”
Amanda rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“So how is Lee?”
“Actually, he’s not doing so well today.”
“Is he sick? I could make him some homemade chicken soup.” Dotty stood up taking a step toward the cabinets.
“Mother, sit back down.” Amanda put her hand on her mother’s shoulder.
“What is it, Amanda? Is there something wrong with Lee? Because I just won’t accept it and neither should you.”
“Mo-ther, please.”
Dotty was silent.
“You know I told you Lee was an orphan.”
She nodded her head, encouraging Amanda to continue.
“Well, today is the anniversary of Lee’s mother and father’s death. And he’s having a rough time of it—so I wanted to be there for him.”
Reaching up, Dotty squeezed Amanda’s hand. “As you should be."
“Thank you.”
“I know I shouldn’t pry.” Amanda glanced sideways at her. “How did they die?”
“They were killed in a car accident when he was five-years old.”
She gasped. “Oh, the poor little boy! Was he in the car with them?”
“No, he was at home with a babysitter that night.”
“And you told me his uncle raised him, right?”
“Yes, his father’s half-brother took him in when he was seven. And then with the Colonel’s passing—this year has been doubly hard on Lee.”
Dotty patted Amanda’s hand again. “Tell him I love him and if there’s anything I can do for him, let me know.”
“I will Mother—and I know he knows you love him.”
“And why aren’t you with him now?”
“He wanted some time alone this morning, but I’m going to meet him at Arlington National Cemetery later on.”
“Arlington?”
Amanda winced, when she realized her gaffe. “Yes, his father was in the military. He served in the Army during World War II.”
Dotty nodded. “Your Uncle Chester served in World War II with the 101st airborne. I wonder if he knew—”
“Major Stetson,” Amanda supplied. “I seriously doubt it. I’m going to pick some fresh flowers from the garden.”
“The chrysanthemums are just beautiful this time of year, and the delphiniums and carnations would make a wonderful arrangement,” Dotty suggested.
“Thanks, Mother. I love you.” Amanda gave her mother a hug.
Dotty returned the sentiment. “I love you, too.”
*****
“Good afternoon Mr. Stetson, Mrs. King,” the doorman to Lee’s apartment complex said, after they entered the front entrance.
“Good afternoon, Fred,” they chorused together.
“Mr. Stetson, this package arrived for you by special courier while you were gone. I signed for it.”
“Thanks.” Lee swapped a tip for the package.
“What is it?” Amanda asked, curiously.
Lee read the address label. “It’s from the Department of the Air Force. It must be some personal effects of my uncle’s.”
Amanda put her arm around him, leaning her head on his chest. “Come on—let’s go up to your apartment.”
A few moments later, Amanda entered the apartment with Lee following right behind her, his free hand on the small of her back. She walked over to the sofa and sat down. Removing her shoes, she tucked her feet underneath her.
Lee placed the box on the coffee table and then ran his hand through his hair.
“Are you going to open it?” she inquired.
He shrugged his shoulders and then walked over to the kitchen. Coming back with a pair of kitchen shears, he cut the tape and opened the package. Reaching into the box, the first thing he pulled out was a letter. Quickly scanning it, he handed it over to Amanda. He then emptied the remaining contents of the box; removing some file folders, a few photographs, a manila envelope, and some other items. Opening the manila envelope, addressed by a bank, he found a key that looked like a safe deposit key. He placed all the items on the coffee table. Underneath everything else, he found several envelopes and cards bundled together with a large rubber band. The paper was stained yellow by age. He removed the rubber band and taking the first envelope from the top of the pile, he turned it over. His finger traced over the familiar handwriting of his mother’s. Subsequently, he opened it and began to read.
“What do you have there, Lee?” Amanda asked him.
“I think these are love letters from my mother and father.” He thumbed through the rest of the stack. “Some look like they date all the way back to the war.” Lee clutched the letters protectively to his chest.
“Oh, Sweetheart. What a find!”
“I wonder why the Colonel never gave them to me before.”
She shrugged lightly. “Maybe he didn’t know about them or they had been lost in storage.”
Lee sat down on the sofa next to Amanda. He handed her the first letter. “Amanda, could you please.”
She began to read aloud.
October 3, 1944
Jennie,
Writing this is harder than I thought it would be—but I’m going deep undercover, in enemy territory, and I don’t know if I’ll make it out alive.
I don’t know why I find it so difficult to express my feelings, but I might not ever get the chance to say this to you. . . I love you, Jennifer Hamilton. There I said it. Well, not really, I guess, I wrote it.
You’re unlike any woman I have ever met, Jennie. I remember the very first moment I saw you—my heart began to beat in perfect sync with yours. That’s why I had to kiss you.
I need to ask a favor—please put me out of your mind and go on with your life. I’m sorry for how that sounds, but I need you to be happy. I’m sorry for letting you trust me, I’m sorry for getting you involved in this business, but most of all I’m sorry for letting us fall in love.
My ride is here and I need to take off.
I’ll never forget you.
Matthew
Amanda finished the letter and wrapped her arm around Lee. She smiled up at him, arching her eyebrow.
“What?” he asked with a puzzled expression on his face.
“What is it with you Stetson men? The first time they say ‘I love you,’ they can’t say it in person,” she teased. Leaning forward she touched his cheek and kissed him.
Returning her kiss, he chuckled, then handed her another letter. “Here.”
She cleared her throat before reading.
November 2, 1944
I want you to know this Matthew Stetson, no matter what; I will always walk with you!
Stay safe and come home to me.
Jennie
“Aww, how sweet. Your mother was an amazing woman.”
“Yes, she was. Like someone else I know.” He pulled her even closer, leaning his forehead against hers.
Untangling herself from him, Amanda folded the letter once more and slipped the paper back into the envelope, prior to picking up another one.
June 16, 1945
My Jennie,
I am back in the States, waiting for orders regarding my next assignment. Although the Germans have surrendered, it would appear this damn war is far from over. I have a good idea where I will be sent next, but as you know, I can’t divulge that information.
Do you remember our last night together? We danced all night long. I never wanted to let you go. Hell, I almost proposed to you before we said goodbye, but I didn’t think that would have been fair to you. While away on my mission, I honestly thought once we were back together that everything would be normal. But what has ever been normal for us?
Matthew
Lee looked over at Amanda who appeared to be lost in thought. “What?”
“Nothing,” she answered.
“No, really, what?”
Amanda looked up at him; he could see her eyes radiating the love they shared back at him. A luminous smile formed on her face. “I’m just amazed how much your parents’ lives seem to parallel ours. Our relationship has certainly never been normal and how one chance encounter changed both our lives. I guess it’s true—people really are destined to be together.”
Lee tried to swallow the lump in his throat, while he gently stroked her cheek with his fingers.
Seeing he was emotionally affected, she paused, patting his leg. “Would you like me to keep going?”
He nodded, and she continued.
August 1, 1945
Darling Matthew,
I dreamt of you again. We were walking hand in hand, down by the River Thames. We stopped in front of Tower Bridge and watched the sunset turn the sky a bright reddish-orange. You turned to me and smiled; that smile you reserve only for me.
It rained all day yesterday. But what else does it do in London? It only served to add to my loneliness.
Every day I miss you more and more and I wait with open arms until the day you return to me.
Love Jennie
Neither Lee nor Amanda said anything. She looked over at him, and seeing the silent confirmation, she read another letter.
November 28, 1946
My dearest Jennie,
You said only life and death situations seem to bring out the romantic in me and you know what—you’re right. What happened last month scared me—I almost lost you, Jennie. I can’t imagine my life without you. I feel uncomfortable not being there to protect you and I need to watch your back, as much as I need you to watch mine. I miss my partner. It’s almost as if we can read each other’s minds—know what the other is thinking and feeling.
We’ve been friends for so long and been through so much together. We’ve laughed together and we’ve cried together. You have been, from the moment I met you, and always until the end of days, my soulmate. I wish I could be doing this in person—I had it all planned out in my mind, a candlelight dinner, a dozen roses, a chilled bottle of champagne, a romantic evening just the two of us--
When I return from Japan, I want you to be my wife—so what do you say. . . will you marry me?
Matthew
Amanda shook her head in amazement, her eyes twinkling as she teased Lee. “Like father, like son.”
Lee smiled back and gave her a quick peck.
She reached over and picked up another envelope.
September 23, 1947
Matthew,
I understand the reasons why we need to keep our marriage a secret. We’ll make the most of it.
I love you with all my heart.
Jennie
“What?” they asked simultaneously, looking at each other, surprised. Had Lee's parents married in secret, too?
Amanda scanned the letter again, verifying she had read it correctly. She then handed it over to Lee. The look on his face confirmed what she had read was right.
Lee turned his attention from the letter to a picture of his parents on the end table. He picked up the silver frame and gently caressed their picture with his fingertips.
Amanda turned the letter over to see if anything else had been written, finding nothing, she reached for another letter to confirm the Stetsons actually had a ‘mystery marriage,’ too.
January 16, 1948
Dear husband,
It’s been five lonely months since you last held me in your arms. I lie in our bed, curled up with your pillow as I fall asleep thinking of you, reliving the precious few nights we have shared together. I remember your warmth, your touch, our love, and how safe I feel in your embrace.
My days without you are long, but my nights without you are endless. We can’t keep living like this. I’m miserable without you by my side. I hate keeping this secret. I’m afraid—afraid that if something happens to you, no one will know what you are to me. I want to start a family with you. I would love to give you a son—a boy who looks just like you.
We really need to discuss ending this secrecy.
Jennie
Amanda quickly tore open the last envelope and read the contents.
February 13, 1949
Jennie,
I’m so sorry you were angry with me and please forgive me.
I agree with you, Sweetheart, this mystery marriage is taking a toll on us. I’m just as miserable without you by my side. I once told you that I did not want anything from you but your love, but I was wrong. There is something more I want—I want to live like normal people.
I think it’s time we went public with our marriage and to hell with the consequences.
No more secrets. . . no more lies. . .
Matthew
Amanda folded the letter back up and placed it down on top of the other letters on the coffee table, before she looked over at Lee. Tears glistened in her eyes. They both sat quietly for several minutes, reaching over she offered her hand, which he took. Amanda gave his hand a gentle squeeze, before her voice broke the silence. “Lee, we need to talk.”