Chapter 11
Lilly
My jaw dropped wide open when took in the sight of him. I leaned against the open door, grateful for something to keep me steady.
“You’re wearing your uniform,” I said as if he didn’t know what he was wearing. Anxiety coursed through every vein I owned.
“I just came by to tell you I’m speaking at the local high school this morning. Okay if we do dinner instead of lunch?”
I nodded, my mouth still frozen. He wore the midnight blue dress uniform of the United States Marine Corps. I’d seen Marine dress blues on television or in parades, but nothing prepared me for witnessing the regal garments in person. It came complete with a white belt across his midsection with a matching white peaked cap and gloves. Colored ribbons decorated his chest, and his black shoes shone with fresh polish.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I cleared my throat, hoping the large lump that formed would dissipate. “You look so handsome.”
“Thank you.” He took my hand. “Why are you trembling?”
“I thought maybe…you were going back.”
“No. I’m just speaking to a bunch of high schoolers who enlisted. My contract’s over, and I’m not eligible because of my leg.”
“Do you promise?”
He took off his cap and placed it inside the crook of his arm. He snapped both feet together. “Yes ma’am, I do.”
I touched each of the gold buttons on his coat, my body relaxing with his confirmation.
“I should have just called you. I know the uniform is a little much. I wanted a reason to see you this morning.”
“May I come with you? To hear you speak? Is that allowed?”
“Yes. Yes. And Yes.”
I bit my lower lip to keep from smiling too bright. “Do I have time to change?”
He looked down at me, his gaze lingering over my pink yoga shorts and a tank top.
“Affirmative. There’s no way I’m taking you to a place with a bunch of horny high school boys looking like that. I may be a Marine, but there’s a limit to how many guys I can fight off.”
***
On the way there, James explained what every symbol and ribbon meant. I kept stealing glances at him. He always looked gorgeous, but in his military uniform, his quiet dignity showed more clearly. I’d taken a record shower, changed into a gray pencil skirt and white lace blouse. I twisted my hair up into a chignon and wore my mother’s pearl necklace. But next to him, I looked casual. I suppose anyone would.
He shifted the gears in his old moonlight blue Trans Am. The engine revved every time he accelerated. He told me stories about how he and Colton had fixed it up before he enlisted. What is it about a man who can drive a stick? Or a man in uniform? Scratch that…what is it about this man that made me dread my own choices. Soldier, what have you done to me?
“Do you usually speak at these things?” I asked.
“Naw, the recruiter asked me specifically. He was my recruiter. I’m doing it as a favor to him. Truth is, I’m nervous. I have no idea what to say to them. I don’t even have a speech planned. That’s pathetic, right?”
“If it comes from the heart, it’ll be perfect.”
He kissed the back of my wrist. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“How did you get this one?” I asked, pointing to a bronze star. The only medal he hadn’t talked about.
His smile faltered, and his fingers tightened on the wheel. “For surviving, Lilly. It’s the one I would trade away in a heartbeat. I carry it with pride, but it weighs me down sometimes.”
I didn’t ask him anymore. I leaned my head against his arm, watching the tall trees, heavy with fall leaves, drift by us. The world was a kaleidoscope of greens, yellows, oranges, and reds. The day had a crisp bite to it, but it wasn’t cold. Scents of cider, cinnamon, and evergreens fragranced the air. I wondered if Europe would smell this way.
A few minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot. No sooner had we entered the building then he was whisked away by one of the teachers. I waited at the sidelines, admiring the way he handled himself, the tallest and humblest man in the room.
“Showtime,” James said.
“Break a leg.” I slapped my hand against my mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
But I doubt he heard me over his own laughter. He hugged me hard. “Don’t apologize. I needed that.” He touched his lips against my temple before taking his place on stage. There were at least thirty recruits there with their families. The boys looked young to me, much too young for the sacrifices they were making. I sat in the back.
The recruiter, Jonathon Mitchell, gave a speech himself before introducing James. As he spoke, a strong surge of pride and awe poured through me.
“Corporal James Thomas Hutchinson came to me like many of you, as a cocky eighteen-year-old. Nevertheless, I knew this boy was Marine material. He proved me right, being awarded the Bronze Star for his valor. After his Humvee flipped upon tripping an IED, he attempted to rescue a fellow soldier, carrying and dragging the other man through the desert until they reached help. In the process, he injured his own leg beyond repair.”
Captain Mitchell continued, voicing many kind words about my heroic soldier, but I couldn’t digest it all. Why hadn’t James told me this?
James stood, his feet moving in a slower rhythm than usual. I gripped the edge of my seat, taking in his nervous expression. He took a long sip from a bottle of water before clearing his throat.
“I was asked to come here to explain what you might expect. I can’t do that. This job isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. I can lend you this advice, though. Whether you’re in boot camp or battle or somewhere in between, there may come a time when you question your decision. When you wonder why you signed up for this gig. During those times, don’t think about how you’re defending freedoms or our way of life. That’s a lot of weight. Trust me, your packs will weigh you down enough. Instead, think about your mother, your brother or sister. Think about your girl…or your guy. Think about the six-year-old who lives next door to you or your sixty-year-old grandma in Florida. Think about them with every grueling activity, every bone-breaking run, every rigid cadence, every night duty. That’s something tangible. Something you can hold onto each night. Remember those faces. You’ll see them during the sweltering days and freezing nights. Now, take a long look to your left and your right.”
All the cadets followed his orders. James paused, watching them, making the moment more poignant.
“Let me introduce you to your new family members. What Sergeant Mitchell didn’t tell you is the man I tried to save died. He died in my arms. He wasn’t much older than you. I’d trade the medal to have him back. But what can we do? We keep being Marines. We do this job, this honorable job that requires much of us. It’s a steep fine to pay, but you already know that. We enlist, we defend, we protect. We do it for our families, our neighbors, and our friends. The ones back home and the ones who fight beside you. Before you arm yourself with weapons, arm yourself with knowledge. Take your training seriously. Never forget who you are fighting for. I wish you all good luck, Godspeed and OORAH!”
He got a standing ovation, many of the cadets grunting their approval. Tears stung my eyes, but I clapped until my palms turned red. I don’t think I’d ever been prouder of anyone in my life.