Miles Apart

Dearest Scott,1

I don't know what to say. No sooner than we set our wedding date, you're gone. Mom and Dad practically had to carry me away from the tarmac after the plane took off. I didn't want to leave. I knew that if I left that it would be real. You're really off to war. 2

I can still smell your Addidas cologne. I still feel the stubble on your cheek rubbing against mine. I can still feel your lips against mine, your arms holding me tight before you got on the plane. I think I even saw a tear coming down your cheek as you brushed away my own tears. "Chin up, babe! I'll be back before you know it." That's what you said. You're going to be gone for six long months and I don't even know if you are going to make it home. I keep picturing that scene from "Pearl Harbor" where she stands there as the plane lands, only to find out her love has been killed in action.3

Only I don't have a Ben Affleck to pick up the pieces, and I don't want one. I only want you back in my arms. I want to fight with you about stupid things, like the color we want the livingroom to be. I don't want my last memory of you to be that man with the melancholy smile, trying to hold back tears as you salute before turning around to board the plane. I hate seeing you cry, and what's worse your last memory of me would be the stupid girl who can't keep the tears from falling in torrents. And you know how much I hate to cry.4

I hate it that I haven't been able to stop crying since you left, and that was three days ago. I hate it that you joined the damn military. I hate it that I just cursed because of how much I hate this. But I'm so damn proud of you too, love! I love what you're doing...you're my hero. I miss you, Scott.5

Yours Always and Forever,6

Laura7

........8

My love, My Laura,9

I miss you so much, too. I almost broke down on the plane when Kroulik reminded me that I'm not the only person in this situation. His wife has a baby on the way, a baby that will be born while he is gone. He's planning on making it home, and babe, so am I. I'm going to get back to you no matter what. I'll be back in your arms before you know it. Six months isn't so long, babe. I'll be back before Christmas. Haha...makes me think of that song "I'll be home for Christmas....you can count on me..." Well you can count on me, Laura. I'm going to be home.10

You might go and spend some time with Kroulik's wife Amanda. She know's what you are going through and then some. You two could help each other out. And remember, our wedding is two weeks after I get back. There's a lot to get done in six months. You'll be so busy that you'll hardly recognize that I'm gone. Trust me, I watched three sisters plan their weddings, and they had a year to do it. 11

There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't think about you. I'll call you as soon as I can, love. 12

Love, Scott.13

P.S. Who needs Ben Affleck or Josh Hartnett? I'm all the man you need!
...........14

Dearest Scott,15

Oh Scott! It was so good to read your letter and hear your voice on Tuesday! But I have to admit that I can't believe everything is fine when I hear explosions in the background. I pray for you all the time. I've been going to visit Amanda, and she comes over often as well. I can't believe the strength of that woman! She's seen her husband go through one tour before this. She said the only thing that got her through was support of friends and prayer. That's what I'm doing. I'm praying so hard for you and for myself. I'm going to be strong.16

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a month since you have been gone. It seems like so much longer. I seriously want to write you every single day, but I know that you wouldn't want that, you'd tell me that my life would be better spent getting out there and doing something. I've decided to do some volunteer work at the VA. I figure it will help me feel better doing something that helps your fellow soldiers. Oh, and I have an interview with that news internship on Friday next week! Wish me luck, love!17

Only about five more months and you'll be back in my arms. And soon after that, you'll never leave my arms again, because we'll be man and wife! Mr. and Mrs. Scott Latimer! Can't hardly wait!18

With all the love I can give,19

Laura20

........21

My Laura,22

I know that I haven't been able to call or write in awhile. I'm so sorry, but the action has been pretty fierce. I can't lie to you. I want to tell you that everything is great, but I know that you would see right through that. You always did have a way of just knowing things. I am including something in this letter that should make you smile. I won't spoil the surprise. You're smart, you'll find out.23

Life here, while dangerous, can be pretty funny. Chambers somehow got stuck to the toilet seat, and it took two of us to get him off. Kroulik got him off, but I loosened it up for him, hahaha. We also had an "Iraqi Idol" competition with karaoke one night, and I ended up winning. Can you imagine Sgt. Fairweather singing to "Genie in A Bottle"? I swear I almost peed myself laughing.24

I think about you all the time, love. I think about your smile, the way you blush when I call you my sexy sweetheart. You always did get embarrassed and say "I'm not THAT sexy.." I miss your soft skin, your touch, your kiss. I miss the way your eyes sparkle. I hope they sparkle when I get home the way they did when I gave you that ring! I miss you my love. I can't wait to get home.25

Love, Scott26

........27

My Dearest Scott,28

What the heck!?!?!?! I nearly peed MYSELF laughing at that cd you sent! You won that contest singing "Baby...One More Time"? I don't know what would have been more funny, you or Sgt. Fairweather! Ohh Scott, I love hearing your voice. Even if it is to the tune of a Brittney Spears song.29

I have some good news (insert drumroll here)I GOT THE INTERNSHIP!!!!! I'm so excited! Amanda and I went out shopping for new clothes to celebrate. I got new clothes for the workplace, and she got clothes for the baby. She's due any day now. I don't know why she decided to wait until the baby is born to find out what it is. I'd go crazy. 30

It's not too long and you'll be back in my arms. I'm praying for you almost every minute of every day. I can't wait for your next call. Until then, I think I'll go listen to "Baby...One More Time"...31

Yours, Always and Forever,32

Laura33

.........34

My Love, My Laura,35

Baby I'm so proud of you! By the time you get this letter, I will probably have already called you saying how proud I am. I can't wait to congratulate you in person. Can you believe it's been a little over three months? We're over the halfway point, love. It won't be long til I am back in your arms.36

Things are easing up around here, which is a welcome relief. At the same time, it keeps us on edge. We don't know if we're getting most of the bad guys, or they are just quieting down trying to throw us off their trail. Seeing as we have brought down quite a few of them already, I'm going to bet my money that we have them under control. Don't worry about it, babe.37

Tell Amanda congratulations on her baby girl! Kroulik has done nothing but smile since he heard the news. Are you going to put that smile on my face someday? I hope so. I want to have a family with you, Laura. You'll be a great mommy. 38

Love, Scott39

P.S. It's been almost three and a half months! We're over halfway!40

..........41

My Darling Scott,42

Oh love!!! This might be the last letter you get in Iraq! I'm so glad that your tour is being cut short! I can hardly wait to kiss you, hold you....Oh Scott! I can't wait to see you again! This letter is really wierd. I'm sorry but I just got off the phone with you and couldn't wait to write you! 43

With all my Love, 44

Laura45

..............46

Laura stood waiting on the tarmac for the plane to land. Off in the distance she could see the faint figure of the plane and the distant roar of the engines. She turned to Amanda Kroulik. Amanda smiled back at her as she held her little girl. Laura reached out and grabbed Amanda's free hand to give it a squeeze. Both of them turned to watch the plane as it came to land. The engine's growl grew louder and louder as the plane raced towards the ground. Laura could barely contain herself as the door slowly opened.47

A figure came bursting out of the depths of the plane, racing towards the crowd. It was Scott. Laura gave Amanda's hand one last squeeze before racing off towards her love. They met in a sweet embrace that turned quickly into a sweet kiss. Laura looked up to see Scott's eyes misted with tears of his own. He kissed her once more.48

"Baby, I'm home."