8 comments/ 5300 views/ 12 favorites Keeping My Promise By: GatorRick Several days later, after the party her parents had thrown for her, I had to tell Emily that I had to go back to Iraq. I would be leaving in the morning. She was crying and holding on to me saying, "No . . no . . no. You have to stay with me. I need you. I want you more than anything I have ever wanted in my entire life. I can have daddy fix it so you don't have to go back." "Emily," I replied. "When I entered the Marines I swore an oath . . . a solemn promise to serve and protect my country. What kind of man would I be if I went back on my word?" The next morning I left. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my entire life. My last vision of Emily was seeing her sobbing in the arms of her mother and father. ******************** The trip back to Iraq was completely different than the one Emily and I had made just a few short weeks ago. No first class seats, no noisy excited service personnel happy to be going home. Just a military no-frills jet transport plane. Just by looking at their faces you could tell the old-timers going back for another tour from the first-timers with that scared look of uncertainty in their eyes. With the exception of a few quiet conversations the trip was made in virtual silence. Arriving late in the day I made my way to the Admin Offices to report my arrival. "Gunnery Sergeant Steiger reporting back for duty," I stated to Colonel Jacobs. He returned my salute and told me to take a seat in front of his desk. "Word is you got shot up pretty badly in Germany escorting that young lady home. Hell of a thing, three and a half years in this sand pit without a scratch and then you almost check out in a supposedly safe place. Hell of a thing," he restated shaking his head. "Go get settled in. There is a meeting for the entire command tomorrow morning at 0800." As I got up to leave he stood, extended his hand to me and said. "Good to have you back Gunny. You've been missed." Making my way to my old quarters I ran into Lieutenant Mitchell my squad's commander. "Steiger, what the hell are you doing back here?" Lieutenant Mitchell asked me. "I would have thought you would have requested a reassignment after getting all shot up." "No, Sir," I replied. "I signed on for this additional tour and I fully expect to complete it." He just shook his head and said with a smile. "Welcome back. It's good to see your ugly face again. Do you know about the big briefing tomorrow?" "Yes, Sir. The colonel told me about it when I reported in this afternoon." "The word is that there are some big changes in the works. What they are I have no idea. I guess we'll find out in the morning." He responded. "Now go get settled in and grab something to eat before they close the chow line down." At 0800 the entire command gathered for the briefing. Our mission had been changed. US forces would no longer take the lead in the fight against ISIS. The Iraqi army would now assume that responsibility and we would back them up only if the need arose. Well, we would see about that given the past history of the Iraqi forces. Only time would tell. About a month after I returned my snail mail finally caught up with me. I had over a half dozen letters from my mom and sisters and there were four from Emily. My sisters' letters were full of news from home. Both had graduated and had gotten great jobs in their chosen fields. They missed me something fierce and prayed everyday for my safety. Robin, the older of the two, wrote that she had a boyfriend and it was serious. She was expecting him to 'pop the question' any day. She told me her answer would be yes, but there would be no wedding until I was home safe and sound. Mom's letters mostly concerned her new job and how rewarding it was, both financially and professionally. A common theme in all of them was her worry about my safety. In several of mom's letters she mentioned that she and Emily were frequently in contact with one another and that was all she would say. Emily's letters on the other hand were something quite different. 'She missed me . . . she wanted me back home with her . . . was there anything she or her father could do to get me out of Iraq'. I finally wrote back . . . ******************** Dear Emily, This is an extremely difficult letter for me to write. I want you to know that I have thought long and hard on how to put my thoughts down on paper. I want you to understand one thing. I love you and I always will love you. But that guy, Quentin, was right. You are far, far out of my league. I am just a plain kind of guy. No where near to being in your class. You deserve someone far better than me. I want you to promise me something. I want you to go out and find someone who will love you and care about you just as much as I do. Rick ******************** Ten days after I mailed the letter to Emily we got the word. Our entire command was being withdrawn from Iraq within the next six months. We were going home. I thought about extending my tour with the new command replacing us but something my mother had told me hit home. She said after all the sacrifices I had made that it was time for me to think about myself. That six months simply crawled by, each day seemed like a week. But finally we were relieved and I was going home. So for the first time in almost four years spent in Iraq, I would being going home to stay. Armed with my Honorable Discharge and DD214 Form I applied for my G.I. Benefits to finish my education. After a total of six years in the Marines I was once more a civilian. I only needed eight more courses, less than a year, to complete my Electrical Engineering Degree. Coupled with my grades from the on-line courses I had taken while in the Marines and with my SAT scores from high school. I applied for and was accepted to M.I.T. located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had written to my mother and sisters telling them about the letter I sent to Emily. I asked them not to divulge my whereabouts to Emily. Mom didn't like it one bit and told me that in no uncertain terms but said she would respect my wishes. The first semester went by quickly. My grades were good. All 'A's' and a 'B' in a class that no one had ever earned a grade higher that a 'C'. I was right on track to graduate at the end of the following semester. All I did was go to class and study. A week before my last semester ended I was in the library trying to decipher a particularly difficult equation that I knew would appear on my last final exam. A large shadow loomed over me. I looked up to see George Samuelson standing right in front of me. "You are a hard man to find Mr. Steiger. Took me almost a year to finally track you down." He stated. "Did Emily pay you to find me?" I asked, looking up at him. "Nope," he responded. "This was strictly a 'pro bono' job, completely off the books." About that time I noticed we were attracting some dirty looks from those seated around us who were trying to study. "We better take this outside," I said to him. Gathering my books and notes we proceeded to leave the library. Stepping out of library I saw a Mercedes parked at the curb. Peter Thornton, Emily's father, was standing beside it. "I thought you said you were doing this on your own?" I remarked shaking my head. "I am," he answered. "But when I found you I just had to tell Mr. Thornton. I only told him. Not Emily. He wants to speak with you for a few minutes and I would greatly appreciated it if you would. Please, it will be well worth your time if you do." George and I walked over the car. Peter Thornton extended his hand and said. "Please Rick, give me a few minutes of your time. Let me talk with you. I have a lot I need to explain. Can we take a short walk? George will hold your things until we get back." We walked through the quad and found a secluded unoccupied bench upon which to sit. It was autumn and the Fall leaves were in their full glory. We sat and he turned to me. "As you know Emily is my only child. Her mother and I had given up hope on ever having a child when to our surprise and utter delight we found ourselves pregnant. When Emily was born it was as if she was a gift from God." "I admit we spoiled her something terrible. Whatever she wanted, she got. We never thought to say 'No' to her. Both her mom and now I realize that was the worst thing we could have ever done in raising her." "When the man who was to escort her home from Germany didn't show up, that was my doing. Emily wanted to spend more time with you and asked me to engineer a scenario where you would be asked to complete the journey with her. To my everlasting shame I did so." "When I heard about you being shot in Mannheim I realized just how much caving to Emily's wishes could result in a tragedy and destroy someone else's life." "To her credit when she called me with the news of what had happened in Germany I believe she finally started to come to the realization of what she had caused. For the first time in her life she was forced to see the repercussions of her selfishness." "When she asked if I could arrange to have you treated in Mannheim instead of the military hospital in Landstuhl. She knew that if you were in the military hospital her chances of being able to see you would disappear. So I arranged that as well." "During all the days you were with us in Marblehead I witnessed a transformation in Emily. She was taking some small steps in changing her behavior from a spoiled self-centered girl into a responsible adult." "When you left to return to active duty she was devastated. She was frantic. She implored me to do something to get you back to the States and back to her." "When I told her I wouldn't do it. You made this mess, I told her, you have to fix it. She became severely depressed. That's when her nightmares began. Every night she had terrible dreams about you." "In her dreams you did not survive the attack in Germany. Everyone blamed her for your death. Her nightmares were so intense we even had her undergo therapy. Nothing seemed to work." "Then she received your letter telling her that she was far out of your league and wanting her to promise you that she would find someone far better than you to love her. Someone who would love her and care about her as much as you did." "That really pushed her over the edge. The nightmares became worse. She rarely got a full night's sleep." Pulling an envelope from his jacket pocket he handed it to me. "She wrote you this letter the same day she received yours." I took it from him and noticed the envelope was stamped 'UNDELIVERABLE RETURN TO SENDER'. Opening it, I withdrew the folded letter from within and began to read. My eyes immediately became full of tears making it difficult to continue reading. ******************** My Dearest Rick I have just finished reading your letter in which you asked me to make a promise to you. You want me to find someone to love me and care about me as much as you do. I will not, I cannot, promise you that. I already have found someone to love and care for me. That person is YOU! I have been a selfish and spoiled brat all my life, getting everything I ever desired, without regard to anything or anyone else. When you got shot in that railway station protecting me I began to realize just how screwed up I really was. You were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for me . . . for me. What had I ever willingly sacrificed for anyone. In a word . . . NOTHING . . . not one damn thing! If you can find it in your heart to come back I make this solemn promise to you. I promise to love you forever and ever . . . to stand by your side as my one and only true love until we grow old together and die. I love you so very much. All my love forever, Emily ******************** I folded the letter and returned it to its envelope. As I attempted to hand it back to Peter he held his hands up refusing to take it. "No, it was written to you," he said. "It was meant for your eyes only." "All I ask is that can you find it in your heart to go and see her." "WOW!!" This a lot to process. I take the last of my final exams tomorrow. I will only promise you that I will think long and hard about this after I'm finished with the examination." "That is all I can ask of you, Rick," he replied. "If you do find it in your heart to see her, call this number," he said as he handed me a card. "It's George's private number. He'll come and get you." Geez, just what I needed. A major distraction just before my last college exam. I really wanted to ace this test. Focus, Rick, focus. I told myself. Exam first then decide what to do about Emily. But I couldn't help myself. All I could think about was Emily's letter. Did she really mean what she wrote? Did I have a chance to be happy with her? How would I know for sure? So instead of studying that night my mind drifted back to those weeks we spent together in Germany. ******************** As Emily and I were walking through the Mannheim station to catch the Frankfurt train a crazed man with an automatic rifle came running toward us shouting 'Allahu Akbar . . Allahu Akbar'. My combat training kicked in. I pushed Emily to the floor and covered her with my body. I was aware of bullets striking the pavement around the two of us. I never felt the two that struck me in my upper back and shoulder. As I rolled off of Emily I saw that German security had reached the scene and killed the man. The last thing I remember, until I woke up sometime later, was asking Emily if she was okay. I woke to the incessant beep . . . beep . . . beep of a heart rate monitor. Sitting in a chair, sleeping next to my bed, was Emily. It looked like she hadn't changed her clothes in days. She was covered in dried blood, my blood. She was holding my hand with our fingers intertwined. I squeezed her hand ever so slightly and her eyes sprung open. For several moments we looked into each other's eyes without speaking. "Oh my God, Rick!" she exclaimed. I was so scared. I thought you were going to die. The doctors told me that you did die, twice, on the operating table. Both times they were able to bring you back." "How long have I been out of it?" I wanted to know. "Two days," she answered. "I haven't left since you went into the emergency room. I just couldn't." "I called your mother right after you went into surgery. We have been in constant contact ever since. Let me call her right now," she whispered. Taking her cell phone from her lap she punched in a number. "Barbara, it's Emily. He just woke up! He's going to be all right!" She exclaimed. "I'm passing the phone over to him so you can talk with each other." Mom and I talked for almost ten minutes. Well, Mom talked, I should say she laughed and cried, for most of the time. She was so happy and relieved to hear my voice and to know I was going to recover. After saying good-bye I handed Emily back her phone. Looking at her I asked, "Barbara . . .? Emily . . .?" "Yes. Your mom said it would be much easier to be on a first name basis rather than Mrs. Steiger or Ms Thornton. Too formal given the circumstances." "Thank you, Emily. I'm sure my mother appreciates everything you have done. I know I do." "Have you had any sleep in the past few days? Or a chance to clean up? I asked her. "No. I didn't want to leave until I knew you were going to be okay." She answered. "I was so scared." Looking down at the front of her dress, she said, "I guess I really need to go find someplace to stay and get cleaned up." As she left she said she would return the next morning. The next morning, before Emily returned to the hospital, I was visited by an Army Captain. He came to inquire about me. He told me I was being placed on indefinite leave to recover from my injuries by the Marines Corps. My question for him was, "Why wasn't I transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the closest military facility?" He had no answer for that simply stating that he was instructed to tell me that I was to be treated here if I asked. Before I could pursue it any further Emily burst into the room and the topic was not brought up again. ******************** My recovery did not occur as quickly as I had hoped. Three days after I first woke up the doctors discovered some additional internal bleeding. It necessitated another surgery. That set me back for almost three weeks. The second setback was a really bad infection at the site of one of the bullet wounds in my shoulder. It was handled by massive doses of antibiotics. That took sometime to clear up and it was an additional month before the doctors felt comfortable in releasing me. Everyday of all those weeks Emily visited me. We spoke often about what had happened in my life as I grew up. She was not as forth coming in describing what had happened during her life. Finally the day came when I was released from the hospital. Emily secured a car and driver to take us to the Frankfurt Airport telling me she didn't want to take the train. Too many bad memories. When we were safely on our way she informed me that she would take me home first and then would make her own way home afterward. I looked at her and simply said. "NO. I made you a promise that I would see you safely back to your home and I fully intend to keep my word." As she turned to look out of the window I caught just a glance of a smug look of satisfaction on her face. When we arrived at the airport the driver dropped us off at the 'Squaire', a large area with restaurants and shops, where the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel was located. Emily explained to me that since our original reservations had long since expired she had called ahead to secure a new one. She told me that there was only one room available so she had booked it. Emily checked us in at the front desk and we went up to the room. I opened the door and followed her inside. "Uh Oh. Looks like we have a problem." I remarked. "There's only one bed. Well, I'll just sleep on the floor. It won't be the first time or, if you prefer, I'll spend the night in the lobby." "You'll do neither, Rick. It's a king size bed. Plenty of room for the two of us. I promise not to attack you in the middle of the night. But that's a promise I may not be able to keep," she giggled. The next morning Emily woke me up saying, "come on sleepy head. We have a plane to catch." After showering and dressing we left the hotel for the short walk to Terminal One and the Lufthansa desk. Emily had already made arrangements for our flight back to Boston/Logan so checking in was a snap especially since it appeared we were flying first class. I watched her slide her credit card across the counter to the agent and, without batting an eye, signed a receipt for over sixty-four hundred euros. With boarding passes in hand, we cleared the security check point and proceeded to the departure gate. I looked at her, and raising an eyebrow, said. "Really, Emily, really. First class?" Flying home in first class with Emily just re-affirmed my earlier belief . . . . this woman was way, way out of my league. I mean two first class tickets probably set her back at least seven thousand dollars converting the euros to dollars in my heard. This girl spent money like there was no tomorrow. Yep, way out of my league. Eight and half hours later we landed in Boston. After clearing passport control and customs we entered the arrival hall where Emily spotted someone she recognized. Taking me by the hand she introduced me. "Rick, this George Samuelson, my dad's right hand man. George, this is Gunnery Sergeant Frederick Steiger the man who saved my life . . . twice." Keeping My Promise George shook my hand vigorously, slapped me on the back explaining that Mr. Thornton would have accompanied him but Emily's mother was still recovering from surgery and he did not want to leave her alone. After placing our luggage in the trunk we set off for Emily's home in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Emily insisted I ride in the back seat with her as George drove. In a little less than an hour's drive we pulled up to a wrought iron gate that swung open allowing us to drive up to the house. We had no sooner stopped and gotten out of the car when the front door opened and an older man rushed out of the house. Enveloping Emily in his arms I heard him say . . . "Thank God you are home safely, pumpkin. Your mother and I have been so worried about you." Releasing Emily he grabbed me in a bear hug and exclaimed. "You must be the man who saved my daughter's life! There is no way I'll ever be able to repay you, but I will damn sure try. Come in . . . come in. Emily's mom is just inside waiting." Taking me by one arm and Emily by other arm he walked us into the house. Sitting in a wheelchair in the foyer with a blanket over her legs was a woman I took to be Emily's mother. As soon as Emily saw her she broke free from her father and rushed over shouting, "Mom, mom. What are you doing out of bed? Are you okay? George said something about another surgery . . ." Before Emily could get another word out her mom pulled her onto her lap, hugging and kissing her. "Calm down pumpkin, calm down. Yes, I have had several surgeries. The first was two days before you were kidnapped. It was partially successful but it encouraged me to continue in the hopes of walking again." "The second one was just about the time you were to originally come home. That is why your father was unable to go and get you. The final one happened just a few days ago. The doctors told us, looking at Emily's father, that there is no reason I won't be able to resume a full and active life in a few months." With Emily pushing her mother's wheelchair her father took my arm and we followed them into the sitting room. As we enter the sitting room I was astonished to see my mom standing there. She rushed over and the next several minutes were filled with hugging, kissing and a lot of tears. I will admit a lot of those tears were mine. "How did you get here? I mean I just don't understand how did . . .?" "Emily and her father arranged all of it. I received a telephone call very, very early this morning from Mr. Thornton telling me to pack enough clothes for a week and for your sisters to do the same." "I had to explain that both of your sisters were taking their final exams at the university. I knew they would drop everything to come but I also knew that they had to stay behind and finish their tests. "Mr. Thornton had arranged for a car to pick me up and take me to the airport." "This nice man" she continued, nodding at George, "picked me up and drove right here." "We'll leave you two to catch up with each other." Peter said, escorting his wife and Emily from the room. Boy did we ever catch up with what had happened since the last time I saw them. Mom told me both my sisters were finishing their last semester of college and were still living at home. I spent the better part of an hour explaining everything that had happened to me over the past few months. That night there was a welcome home celebration the Thornton's threw for their daughter at their country club. I wore my full dress uniform at Emily's request. When we arrived at the club it appeared that the party was already in full swing. Mr. Thornton, pushing his wife in her wheelchair, led us in. Emily had grasped my arm as we followed. We were soon mobbed by well wishers and admirers. Emily was overwhelmed by her friends. She tried her best to include me, but it was soon apparent her friends were really not interested in me. There was this one guy, he was introduced to me as Quentin Reynolds and he proceeded to shoulder me aside in order to embraced Emily. I thought he was a little too familiar and intimate with her. To her credit she slipped away from his embrace and rejoined me. "Old boy friend . . . old ex-boyfriend," she whispered. As he moved along he gave me a snotty and condescending look. After spending some time listening to these insufferable people fawn all over Emily. I took the opportunity to step outside onto the patio for a breath of fresh air. Standing there I thought to myself that many of these people didn't even acknowledge my presence. While I was standing at the edge of the patio overlooking the darkened golf course someone grabbed me by the arm, spun me around, got in my face and yelled. "I want to speak to you asshole. I don't know who you think you are with Emily falling all over you. You think just because you saved her life it means anything. My tax dollars pay you do that. You're nothing but an ignorant, stupid jarhead. You are not even close to being in her class." As he continued his tirade he drew a crowd from amongst the guests. Just as I reached to remove his hand from my arm and teach this insufferable bastard a lesson or two in proper behavior; Emily, her father and George Samuelson pushed their way through the crowd. "Quentin Reynolds," Emily screamed furiously. "You are a complete asshole. Get out . . and get out now!" Now Peter Thornton is not a small man but George Samuelson was at least five inches taller and fifty pounds heavier. In a loud voice Peter thundered. "George help this piece of trash out of here." "With pleasure boss," George replied grabbing Reynolds by his collar and the seat of his pants then frog marched him through the assembled crowd of on-lookers. Then Peter Thornton, to his credit, proceeded to tell the crowd, in no uncertain terms, what I had done in twice saving his daughter's life and what it had almost cost me. He finished by saying, "my wife and I owe this man a debt we can never re-pay. I am proud to say I know him and I consider him more than just a friend." The rest of the evening went just fine and I will admit Emily's friends were a whole lot nicer to me. But I still harbored some lingering doubts. Was it because of what Peter had said or had these people truly accepted me as one of their own. I kind of think it was the result of Peter's little speech. Especially, after I overheard one of Emily's girlfriends say to her companion as they were leaving. "Well he won't last long. When she tires of him she'll dump him like she's done with all the rest of her boy toys. As nice as he appears, he's just not in her class." Now while I may not have much experience with girls in a social setting I am not entirely clueless. What was I experiencing with Emily. Did she love me or just have a case of serious hero worship? Or even perhaps a little guilt? This was something I would have to think long and hard about before putting any more energy into building a relationship. A couple of days later I told Emily that I was going back to Iraq. I would be leaving in the morning. She was crying and holding on to me saying, "No . . no. You have to stay with me. I need you. I want you more than anything I have ever wanted in my entire life. I can have daddy fix it so you don't have to go back." "Emily," I replied. "When I entered the Marines I swore a oath . . . a solemn promise to serve and protect my country. What kind of man would I be if I went back on my word?" The next morning I left. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do in my entire life My last vision of Emily was seeing her sobbing in the arms of her mother and father. ******************** The ringing of my telephone snapped me back present. It was one of my classmates, Rob Dawkins, asking me a question about tomorrow morning's test. Rob was another veteran who was using his G.I. Benefits to get a degree. We spent a good hour going over the equations we thought might appear on the exam. By the time we finished and ended the call it was after midnight. Crawling into bed I saw Emily's letter on the night table. Pulling her letter from the envelope I read once more. It was something in the very last few sentences that gave me pause for thought. 'If you can find it in your heart to come back and forgive me I will make this solemn promise to you.' 'I promise to love you forever and ever . . . to stand by your side as my one and only true love until we grow old together and die.' Then there was the part where she wrote '. . . . I will make this solemn promise to you. I promise to love you forever and ever . . .' Perhaps, just perhaps, there was something there to build on. ******************** Gathering up everything I would need for the final exam that morning I headed over to the classroom building where the test would be conducted. Fortunately, that last exam consisted of questions that Rob and I had prepared for. I finished early, before anyone else. When I turned it in Professor Frasier asked me if I was so sure of my answers to turn my test paper in so quickly. I replied telling him I thought I nailed it. He just looked at me and said the results would be posted before noon on his office door. A little after twelve I waited as some of my classmates looked at their test scores. When it was my turn I saw there was no grade posted next to my name just a note, 'see me'. Walking into his office I found him sitting behind his desk. Without looking up he just grunted. "Have a seat Steiger." Handing me my test he simply said, "perfect score. Just like your mid-term." "This is the third different class you've taken with me, isn't it?" I nodded my head, yes. "On every one of my mid-term and final exams you've not missed a single question. In all my years at this university no one has ever done that, no one." "I understand that you are graduating at the end of this semester." "Yes, sir. I am." "Have any job prospects yet?" "No, just a couple of tentative feelers. But nothing solid." Professor Frasier handed me a card. "Here, contact this guy. He's an old friend of mine. He heads up the HR Department at APEX." I sucked in my breath. APEX was the largest electrical engineering contracting firm in the northeast. "I contacted him less than an hour age. He's expecting your call. I think he has something right up your alley." "I've looked into your record, Steiger. You have accomplished a lot in your life but you have so much more to look forward to as well." "You know my son was a Marine. He didn't survive the First Gulf War. I think you are a lot like him." He rose and came out from behind his desk. Shaking my hand and then pulling me into a bear hug he whispered in my ear. "Semper Fi, Semper Fi, son. Make me proud." I left with tears in my eyes and I returned to my apartment. I withdrew the card Professor Frasier had given me from my shirt pocket and made the call to Mr. Thomas Miller, Director of Human Resources, APEX, INC. A woman's voice answered. "Mr. Miller's office." "Good afternoon my name is Frederick Steiger. I'd like to speak with Mr. Thomas Miller, please," I requested. "May I ask what this is in reference to?" She asked. "Professor Arthur Frasier, here at M.I.T., gave me Mr. Miller's card and number earlier this afternoon." I replied. "One moment, Mr. Steiger. Mr. Miller is expecting your call. Let me transfer you. Please hold for just a moment." Mr. Miller didn't waste any words. "Arthur Frasier and I go back a long way." He explained. "In all the years I have known him he has only recommended two people to me for employment. I hired them both and never regretted it. He didn't speak of either of them in such glowing terms as he did of you. You must be something special in his eyes." "Anyway," he continued. "APEX is starting a new project after the first of the year. Before I go any further are you amenable to re-locating?" "I'm not sure. Where do you have in mind?" I replied. "Good answer. Arthur told me you always wanted to have all the information before you made any decisions," he chuckled. "The project is in Florida. It going to encompass all of the southeastern states." He then went on to give me a brief description of what the project entailed. "I'm leaving tomorrow, December fifteenth, on vacation with my family for a few weeks." He told me. "First one in a long, long time. Can we arrange to meet in three weeks? I'll clear my calendar for January fifth and answer any questions you may have then." "As for now consider yourself hired. I'll have my secretary draw up a contract with all the details as to salary, benefits and the like. She'll send it by courier to you along with all the specific details of the project. Take a few days to read it all over and if you agree sign the contract and send it back." "Thank you, thank you for this opportunity Mr. Miller. I really appreciate your offer." "Don't thank me. Thank Professor Frasier. He has a great deal of faith in you." "Yes sir. I won't let either of you down, I promise you." I said as we ended the call. I immediately tried calling Professor Frasier but got a busy signal. Trying again ten minutes later I got a hold of him. "Professor Frasier. I want to thank you so very much for putting in such a good word for me with Mr. Miller. He's offered me a job." "Yep, I already know. He called me immediately after he spoke with you. I must say he was quite impressed with you." "Yes sir. Thank you, again. I give you my solemn promise that I will not let you down.' "I know, son, I know you won't. Now go and enjoy what little time you have off over the Christmas Holidays." ******************** It had been a long, exciting day for me and I was mentally exhausted. My head had no sooner hit the pillow when my eyes snapped back open. I knew what I had missed in Emily's letter. Grabbing it from the night table I read it once more. Not anywhere in her entire letter did she write . . . . 'I need you' or . . . . ' I want you'. All she wrote was . . . . 'I love you' and . . . . 'I promise you'. I fell asleep knowing what I was going to do the following morning. Waking the following morning. I showered and shaved. After dressing I made a call. "Hello, George? It's Rick Steiger. Can you give me a ride." With a great deal of relief in his voice he replied. "I'll be there in less than two hours, Rick." Twenty minutes before George arrived a FedEx courier delivered a package containing the contract and documents with the details of the APEX project Thomas Miller had promised. When we arrived at the house George told me to go on in and he would look after my things. Knocking at the front door, for the first time in quite some time, it was opened revealing Peter Thornton standing there with a big smile on his face. "Thank you for coming, Rick. Come in, come in. Please step into the parlor. Emily is upstairs in her room. I'll go get her." I went into the parlor as Peter Thornton went up to Emily's room. I heard him call her name as he reached the top of the staircase. ******************** Sitting in my room, staring at the bleak winter landscape outside the window, I heard my father call my name. After knocking at the closed bedroom door he stuck his head inside. "Emily, may I come in for a moment?" He asked. Entering into my room he softly said. "Pumpkin, you have a visitor waiting to see you in the parlor." "Daddy, who is it? I really don't feel up to having any visitors." "I think you will want to see this person." Taking my hand he helped me to my feet. "Please come downstairs with me." "Okay. Just let me run a brush through my hair first." Coming down the stairs with my father I saw my mother leaving the parlor with a smile on her face. As I stepped into the room my father closed the door behind me with my mother standing beside him. The man standing there turned around. It was Rick!! I know my eyes got as big as two dinner plates and I seemed to have lost the ability to speak. All I could do was rush over, throw my arms around him and burst into tears. He gently led me to the sofa and sat down, pulling me onto his lap. I couldn't stop crying as I held him tightly, refusing to let go. He had his arms wrapped around me and kept whispering in my ear. "It's okay . . . it's okay. Everything is going to be okay sweetheart." Finally, after several minutes I was able to somewhat compose myself but I still refused to let go of him. Kissing him over and over and over I declared. "I love you! . . . I love you! . . . I love you!" When he said he loved me too, it brought about another crying spell from me. Then we had the conversation we should have had a long time ago. He told me of his belief that I was just using him to fulfill some sort of short time desire of wanting him to satisfy a selfish need. He explained to me he fell in love with me in spite of feeling that 'he wasn't in my league'. "You were out of my class both socially and economically." He told me. "I felt with all your money you could buy anything you wanted, me included. But I couldn't help myself. I fell in love with you." "So I reached a decision. I would disappear from your life. Then you would be able to find someone else with which to spend the rest of your life. Someone in your . . ." I stopped him right there. "You were right! That's exactly what I was doing. I was using you to fill some childish, selfish desires on my part. I used my father to 'fix' things for me. Just as he always did." "He fixed it so you would be selected to escort me out of Iraq. Then he arranged for you to have to escort me home from Germany. There was no escort waiting for me at Ramstein." "Then when you were shot in Mannheim I got scared. I could have been the cause of your death. Just because you were someone I wanted for a short term fling." "Then you recovered and told me you would fulfill your obligation to escort me home I sort of forgot about those feelings, to my shame. When I purchased the airline tickets home for us I wasn't trying to impress you. I have always flown first class." "You did give me a little pause for thought when you commented to me." "Really, Emily, really. First class?" "Then when we got home I forgot about everything. All I wanted to do was show you off to my friends. Then at the welcome home party when Quentin Reynolds said those hurtful things to you I thought he was going to ruin everything." "But then what he said did something to me. I saw the real me. Selfish, self-centered, controlling. Someone who used people to get what I wanted. I didn't like what I saw." "The day you left to go back to Iraq I realized for the first time what I was losing. Then your letter really drove home the truth about me to myself." "That's when the nightmare started. Every night the same nightmare. You were dead and everyone was pointing their finger at me. I caused you to die." "I wrote you a letter but it was returned as undeliverable/return to sender. I was devastated. I thought you might have been killed." "I still had your mother's phone number. So I called her. She told me you were alive and had come back home to finish your degree. No matter how much I cried and implored. She wouldn't tell me where you were." "In the letter I wrote you I . . . ." "Stop. I know what you wrote," he said pulling an envelope from his jacket pocket. "It's why I came back." With a confused look on my face I stuttered, "what . . . how did you get that?" "Your dad fixed something for you one more time." He replied with a smile on his face. The rest of the afternoon was spent just talking and alternately kissing and hugging each other. Keeping My Promise Three hours later there was soft knock at the parlor door. Emily's mom stuck her head in and asked. "Would you two care to join us for dinner?" We sheepishly broke our embrace and I answered my mother. "Yes, mom we'll be in shortly." Then I resumed kissing Rick. Fifteen minutes later we strolled into the dining room. My dad looked up and, with a huge smile on his face and burst out laughing, asking. "Are you sure we aren't interrupting anything?" I looked at my father with a shy smile on my face I replied. "As a matter of fact, yes you were. But to keep up our energy levels in order for us to continue, we do need eat." That comment broke everyone up and Rick and I sat down joining my mother and father for dinner. ******************** After supper I excused myself and said I needed to call my mother to let her know my plans for the Christmas Holidays. When she answered her phone I told her I would be spending Christmas with Emily and her family. "Mom I will come home between Christmas and New Year's to spend time with you, Robin and Linda. I promise, mom." "You are spending time with Emily? That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you, Rick. Give Emily a kiss and hug for me." "That is no problem, mom. In fact, I have already been getting in a lot of practice." "Wonderful, Rick we'll see you sometime after Christmas then." After finishing my phone call to my mother I spent the rest of the evening filling everyone in on what I had happened in my life over the past two years. It was quite late in the evening when I made my way to the room I was to occupy during my stay. On the queen size bed was my suitcase with the package from APEX laying on top of it. I was too tired to open and read it so I placed it on the night table. After unpacking my clothes I made ready for bed. I had no sooner crawled under the covers and closed my eyes when the door opened and Emily crept into the room. "Rick, I can't stand not being with you," she whispered sliding into the bed alongside of me. Believe it or not we actually did get a little sleep that night. When I woke up the following morning Emily had disappeared. I dressed and went downstairs carrying the FedEx package with me. Sitting at the table with a cup of coffee I was soon joined by Emily and her parents. "What do you have there?" Emily asked, spying the open package. "With all the excitement yesterday I completely forgot to tell you I've been offered a job with APEX Electrical Engineering. This is the contract they have proposed to me," I said, holding up a sheaf of papers in one hand. "And this is a detailed description of the project they want me to work on," I said, holding up a thickly bound file in my other hand. "I need to review the contract and get back to them if I find it acceptable. Then I need to take a long, hard look at the details of the project. It should take most of the morning." "Can I sit with you while you go over everything? I'll be as quiet as a mouse, really I will." Emily begged me. "We can we use the library." She suggested. As we sat at a table I pulled the contract from the package. I looked it over and was pleased to see that the salary APEX offered was substantially higher then I expected. The benefits included paid health and life insurance, profit sharing and the kicker was for every dollar I contributed to a 401retirement plan APEX would match it with four dollars. While I was studying the fine print of the contract Emily picked up the bound project description file. When I put the contract down she asked, "what is an EMP?" I read the project description titled when she handed it to me. +Hardening Electrical Infrastructures From EMP Attacks+ I immediately knew why APEX was offering me this job. The last two courses I had taken from Professor Frasier dealt with theoretical approaches to protecting infrastructures from EMP attacks. It took me several moments to make the obvious connection and then Emily again asked. "What is an EMP?" "An EMP is an electromagnetic pulse," I explained to Emily. "It is a short burst of electromagnetic energy. It may be caused by natural occurrences such as lightning or solar flares from the sun. Or it could be caused by, man-made ones, like a nuclear explosion. EMP interference is extremely disruptive and damaging to all electronic equipment." "Think of the damage it could cause. No electricity in your home. Everything that runs on electricity would stop working. No heating or air conditioning, no cooking or refrigeration, no electric lights or telephones. Cars, buses, trucks and airplanes would stop. Computers wouldn't work, banking would come to a stand still." "Wow! That's bad! Can this EMP thingy be stopped?" She questioned. "Not entirely. But electrical infrastructures can be protected or shielded." I answered. "Do you want me to explain how?" "No. I don't think I would understand a word you'd say." With that she picked up the contract to look at it. "One more question and then I'll be quiet, I promise. What is this about Re-location Bonus?" "I didn't want to tell you right now but APEX will be paying me to move Florida." I responded. The only sound she uttered was "Oh." I read through the projection description for the next half hour. It would be a massive undertaking, but not an impossible one. I made a few notes on questions I had to be discussed when I met with Mr. Miller in early January before calling it a day. I celebrated Christmas with the Emily and her parents. When I told Emily about my plans to fly home to see my mother and sisters she asked if she could come along. "Why not? I'm sure mom would like to see you again." "I'll get us tickets for the twenty-seventh. Okay?" "Rick, I can get us the tickets. We could fly first . . . ." "No, Emily. I'll get them and we will be flying coach." ********************* Getting to our seats, in economy, for the flight I let her have the window and I sat on the aisle. "This is cozy. Now I can get really close to you," Emily grinned as she lifted up the arm rest between our seats. The visit with my mother and sisters was absolutely wonderful. That first day we caught up with what everyone had been doing. Robin told all of us about her job as a C.P.A. at a large accounting firm. Linda informed us that hospital she worked at was paying for her to go back to school for a Masters Degree in Nursing. Emily was all bubbly, asking questions and making positive comments about my sisters' accomplishments. When I was telling them about my new job and subsequent move to Florida Emily became strangely quiet. Mom picked up on this and spoke to me about it later in the evening when we were alone. "The first time I ever spoke with her was when she called with the news you had been shot. I heard in her voice just how scared she was. As we talked over the next several hours and days I could tell she had feelings for you. Deep seated feelings that even she was not aware of at the time." "Now that she has recognized those feelings I think she's afraid you are going to move out of her life," mom explained. "No, mom. I'm not leaving her. At some point I'm planning on asking her to marry me before I have to relocate. I haven't decided just when." "Well, Rick come with me I have something to give you," mom said, leading me into her bedroom. Going to her jewelry box on her dresser she withdrew an old ring box. "Before my mother, your grandmother, passed away she gave me these to give to you. She made me promise to only give them you if I thought the girl you planned on marrying was truly in love with you. I think Emily really is deeply in love with you." Opening the box I saw a beautifully matched engagement and wedding ring set. "They are absolutely stunning," I told my mother. "Are you sure you want to give them to me?" Giving me a hug and quick kiss on the cheek, she answered me. "I cannot think of anyone more worthy than Emily." While mom and I were alone Robin and Linda were talking with Emily. "When's the wedding?" Robin asked her. "We want to be bridesmaids." "Wedding? Rick hasn't even asked me to marry him," Emily replied. "And now he's moving away to Florida." "You know, Emily," Linda said. Our brother is the smartest person we know. But he is absolutely clueless when it comes to dealing with girls." "We need a plan to wake him up." So the three of them hatched a sneaky, devious plan. Well mainly Robin and Linda did. They were going to put their little plan to work that very evening. But like the old cliche goes 'The best laid plans of mice and men . . .' Now I have to tell you something about my sister Linda. Mom always said 'if something enters her head it immediately comes out of her mouth'. That night was no exception. The three conspirators joined mom and me in the living room. Robin began to talk but before she could get two words out of her mouth Linda jumped up and blurted out. "Rick, Robin and I want to be bridesmaids at your wedding to Emily. When are you going to get off your butt and ask her to marry you?" As soon as she realized what she said she clamped her hand over her mouth and abruptly sat down. Robin shook her head and gave her sister the 'way-to-go' look. Emily's face was beet red and couldn't look at anyone. Mom and I burst out laughing. Mom looked at me and I nodded my head. Dropping to one knee in front of Emily in a soft voice, I said. "Emily Marie Thornton, I fell in love with you the very first day I saw you. That love has only grown stronger and deeper over the years. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" I waited for what seemed like hours, holding up the ring mom had given not more than fifteen minutes ago. I know it was only seconds when Emily screamed. "YES!! YES!! OH, MY GOD!! YES!!" She threw her arms around me and whispered in my ear. "I promise to love you forever and ever. I'll never stop loving you. After calling her mother and father with the good news Emily, my mom and sisters spent the rest of the evening talking wedding plans. The rest of our visit flew by and all too soon we were on our way back to Massachusetts. ******************** On January fifth I went into the city to meet with Thomas Miller and the other representatives from APEX. After answering the few questions I had regarding my employment contract I signed it and then began asking about some of the technical points of the project. "Your questions would best be answered by the project director," he said. "He is in the conference room with some of the other team members." Imagine my surprise when we walked in and I saw Professor Frasier conducting the meeting. "About time you got here, Steiger," he said with a big smile on his face. "Have a seat." At the conclusion of the meeting professor Frasier asked me to stay after everyone else had left. "I suppose you are curious as to why I am here." He stated. Then he went on to explain that his move to APEX had been in the works for quite some time. "All I needed was to find someone who I could trust to work with me. Someone smart and methodical. Someone who thoroughly analyzed all aspects of a problem before making a judgement. That someone turned out to be you." "In two weeks you will join me at the University of Florida in Gainesville. They have an excellent college of engineering with a fine department of electrical engineering. We are going to create, within that department, a curriculum of electromagnetic compatibility. The discipline will include methods of ensuring correct equipment operation in the presence of EMP and other RF threats. In other words we will finally be turning theory into reality." "When you arrive I'm putting you into an accelerated Ph.D. program. You already have a BS degree and you know what that stands for. A MS degree is more of the same and a Ph.D. means it is just piled higher and deeper. But you have to have those letters after your name to establish credibility with those funding the grant." Later that evening I told Emily everything that had happened to me that day. She was happy for me but I could see in her eyes she was planning something. The next few weeks flew by filled with everything I had to do before moving to Florida. Closing out my apartment did not present a problem. It was a furnished apartment so all I had to do was remove my personal belongings. Peter and Marie Thornton were gracious enough to allow me to store my belongings at their home. They also offered me a room to stay in until I had to leave. I'm sure Emily had something to do with that. A week before I was to travel to Florida Emily and I went into town. She wanted my input on what to put on a gift registry for wedding presents. After we finished at the mall we went out for lunch at Riley's Bar and Grill. The place was crowded but we managed to find a table. We had just finished ordering from the lunch menu when Emily grabbed my arm and in a low voice told me that Quentin Reynolds had just entered the bar. "Hopefully, he won't see us." But it was not to be. He spotted us and quickly made his way over to us. "Well . . well . . What do we have here?" Answering his own question he continued almost yelling with anger. "The bitch and the asshole. Emily, you humiliated me before all my friends when you had me thrown out of the country club." Standing up I interrupted his tirade. "Quentin, that was over two years ago. It's a long time to carry a grudge. Why don't you just let it drop and move on?" "Not on your life. I'm going to beat your ass now that your gorilla isn't here to protect you and then I'm taking Emily with me. I'll show her what being with a real man is all about," he yelled as he grabbed at Emily's arm. I stepped between him and Emily and pushed him away from her. With that he took two steps toward me and threw a punch. It sailed by my head. Assuming a boxer's stance he warned me . . . "I learned to box at college and I was on the boxing team for four years. The first rule I learned was to never let your guard down." I allowed him to strike me first so I would be able to claim self-defense if the need arose. So the next punch from him hit me in the same shoulder that had been wounded. It forced me to one knee. As I was getting up I struck him right in the nuts with my left fist. He immediately dropped his guard and clutched at his balls with both hands. My next punch caught him flush on his nose which exploded spewing his blood everywhere. He went down and stayed down. Leaning over him I said . . . "and I learned to fight at Parris Island and the first rule I learned was . . there are no rules in a fist fight." "Now get your sorry ass out of here. If you ever come after Emily or me again I'll put you in a wheelchair for the rest of your life." The bartender came out from behind the bar and pulling Reynolds to his feet threw him out into the hands of the waiting police with the warning never to return. When he came back he simply remarked, "lunch is on the house." One of the other patrons came by my table with his cell phone in his hand. "I captured the whole thing on video. I just finished up loading it to You Tube. I bet it goes viral," he boasted. "Well, that was exciting, Rick. That jerk has had it coming to him for a long time. I went out with him once with a group of friends and that was one time too many. He kept pestering and pestering me to go out with just him. I finally told him if he didn't leave me alone I would tell my father." The night before I had to leave for Florida Emily and I discussed our wedding plans. She told be she had planned on having a simple affair with just family and a few friends in attendance. I told her that what ever she wanted I was okay with it. I just wanted to be married to her. I will not tell you what the rest of the night entailed. When my alarm sounded at five the next morning it was tough rolling out of bed. I had a long day ahead of me. First on the agenda was a final meeting at APEX and then a two o'clock flight from Boston to Atlanta and then a short flight to Florida. Trying to be as quiet as possible I stumbled to the bathroom for a shower and shave. When I returned Emily was awake and sitting up in bed. Sitting on the bed along side her we embraced and kissed good-bye. "Call me when you get to Florida," she instructed me. "I will sweetheart, I will," I replied as I left. ******************** It was just after five in the evening when the flight from Atlanta landed at Gainesville Regional Airport. Making my way through the terminal I went to baggage claim. While waiting I took my cell phone out and made a call to Emily. "I'm here," I said. "I know. Turn around, sweetheart." I did and saw her standing just a few steps away. Rushing over I swept her into my arms. "What are you doing here?" "Did you think I was going to stay over a thousand miles away from you with all of those beautiful coeds at the university just waiting to get their hands on you." "Emily, you have absolutely nothing to worry about." "I know that, silly. I just couldn't stand to be away from you. So right after you left this morning I had George take me to the airport. I caught the eight o'clock flight. I've been here since noon. I went to the hotel and changed your reservation from a single to a double." Later that evening we both went back to the airport to pick up Professor Frasier and his wife who took a later flight. On the way back to the hotel Emily and Professor Frasier's wife, Susan, sat in the back while the professor and I sat in the front. We discussed the meeting we would be having the following day with the university officials concerning the new curriculum. The two ladies sat in the back chattering away amicably. The next morning at breakfast Susan announced that she and Emily would engage a realtor to search for something more permanent than the hotel to take up residence while living in Gainesville. They would begin searching that very morning while Professor Frasier and I went to the university campus. I got back to the hotel a little after four in the afternoon. Emily was already in the room with a stack of brochures. "Rick, Susan and I went all over the city looking at places. By noon we had pretty much ruled out apartments, too many students, too much noise and too many parties." "So we started looking at houses. I think I found the perfect place. Look at this," she said, handing me a listing description complete with photographs. "It's brand new and in a gated community. Huge kitchen, a living room and family room each with its own fireplace. There is also a room dedicated as an office for you. Upstairs there are five bedrooms each with it's own bathroom. It has a huge attached three car garage and a screened in heated pool with jacuzzi." "Emily, how much is it? Can I afford this place? It appears to be far beyond my resources." "Before I answer your questions answer just this one for me," she replied. "Do you like it?" "Yes, but . . . ." "Let's look at it tomorrow. It's Saturday and you don't have to go over to the campus. If you like it as much as I do we'll figure something out. Okay?" Looking at the real estate listing once more I saw the price. "Emily, there is no way I can afford this place." "Rick, once you see this place you will fall in love with it. Don't worry about being able to afford it. I'll buy it as my wedding present to you." "Before you say another word I have to tell you something. Do you remember me telling you about the trust fund my grandfather set up for me?" "I only told you the first part of the stipulations for me to inherit it. I met the first part when I went to Iraq and I then received the first third of the trust. There are two more stipulations. I am to receive the second third when I married. The final third of the trust will be paid when I have my first child." Keeping My Promise "Now before you think I am using you to gain this money I have something you have to read," she said as she handed me a signed document. I took the papers from her hand and read them. Looking at her with some puzzlement I re-read it once more. "Is this what I think it is, Emily? Are you are transferring to me the remainder of your entire trust?" "Yes. I spoke with the attorneys and they have assured me it is perfectly legal. There is nothing in the terms of the trust that prevents me from doing this if I desire. I have signed it, it has been properly notarized and the attorneys handling the trust have the original document. You have a certified copy of the original." "You will receive the second part of the trust the same day we are married. The final third will be yours when you give me our first child." "Emily, I can't accept this from you. I just cannot . . . ." I started say before she interrupted me. "You will accept it. Part of the wedding vows we will be making to one another will include the phrase 'for richer or poorer' this is just the 'richer' part. I love you so very much. Without you in my life this money means nothing," she said crying as she hugged me tightly. "All right, Emily, I'll accept this but let me make one thing perfectly clear to you. It will not be my money it will be OUR money." Ten days later we were married. Both the wedding and reception were held in the Baughman Center a stunning, elegant contemplation space in the heart of the University of Florida campus. Designed to bring the picturesque outdoor setting inside, the soaring windows and delicate natural materials echo the serene Florida surroundings. From travertine marble floors to the hardwood paneled ceiling, this is one of the most peaceful, beautiful spots in almost all of north Florida. The ceremony was a small intimate affair with immediate family, a few close friends and colleagues. My sisters got their wish and were bride maids. I asked Professor Frasier to be my best man and George Samuelson was one of the groomsmen. We recited our vows before the pastor from the local Lutheran Church just as we had practiced the night before at the rehearsal. When it was time to exchanged rings I said. "I, Frederick Wolfgang Steiger, take you, Emily Marie Thornton, to be be my lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold until death do us part." Then it was Emily's turn as she placed the ring on my finger she recited her vow. "I, Emily Marie Thornton, take you, Frederick Wolfgang Steiger, to be my lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold until death do us part." Then she continued, deviating from the rehearsal vows, by saying. "I promise to love and cherish you, for the rest of eternity and beyond." I don't remember much of the remainder of the ceremony until it came time to kiss my bride. Her kiss drove all rational thoughts from my mind. All I wanted was to begin the honeymoon right then and there. The reception, however, did go on as planned although I couldn't tell you a thing about it. Emily and I decided to spend our honeymoon at an undisclosed B and B in St. Augustine. A week later we returned home, I went back to work and Emily occupied her days by shopping for furniture for our new home. ******************** I awoke from a troubled night filled with the same nightmare of that tragic day over two years ago when the love of my life almost died. The spot next to me in bed was empty. I could hear sounds of my new husband, of only one month, in the kitchen preparing breakfast for the two of us. He soon returned carrying a tray with coffee and buttered toast. Sitting on the edge of the bed he handed me a mug of piping hot coffee and a slice of toast. After I finished my coffee he placed my empty mug on the night table. "Was it the same nightmare?" He asked. I nodded my head yes. "But it has only happened once since our wedding." "Emily, its been over two years now. You have got to let it go. It wasn't your fault no one blames you least of all me." "But I blame myself. If I hadn't been so selfish, so self centered it never would have happened. All I ever thought about was me . . . me . . . me. Everything I ever wanted, I got." "Truth be told I'm not unhappy about having the nightmares. They serve to remind me of just how much I could have lost." "Now I just need you to hold me." My husband got back into bed, rolled over to me and held me tightly in his arms whispering the same comforting words in my ear as he had the night before as he calmed me down from my nightmare. I began kissing him as my hand began caressing his naked shoulder. My fingers lingered lightly over the scars left by the two bullets that had struck him as he lay on top of me protecting me that afternoon so long ago. Looking into his eyes I whispered, "I love you so very, very much Rick. Just hold me, just hold me and never let me go." I then rolled onto my side and Rick snuggled up behind me. When I wiggled my butt into his groin it triggered the desired result. "Rick, it appears something has come up between us and I have the perfect place for it," I whispered. As we were making love I posed a question. "Sweetheart is it too soon to start making babies to fill up all these empty bedrooms?" He stopped in mid-stroke as he contemplated what I had just said. A split second later he renewed his efforts with even more vigor. I guess that answered my question. When we finished and just before I fell into a satisfied sleep I thought to myself . . . 'keeping my promise is going to be so much fun'. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++