Forget-Me-Nots in September (13 page)
Jude nodded. “I'm fine.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Gran, Aunt Tasha just rang. Bev's flight is due to leave at four. He'll be in Birmingham sometime overnight. Mum says we can stay with them. She'll make up the beds.” Linea turned to Jude. “You're more than welcome to come. Bev thinks the world of you and he'll want to see you.”
Jude's heart leapt. “But won't it be family only?”
Mrs. Bowen echoed the sentiment. “Bev thinks of you as family. I was going to suggest you came. Linea beat me to it.”
“OK,” Jude managed. “Thank you.”
“If we leave at eight,” Mrs. Bowen said, “we'll be in Birmingham by lunch.”
Linea nodded. “I'll let Mum and Aunt Tasha know, although they'll probably have left by now.” She plopped down on the sofa beside Jude. “You know, Bev did nothing but talk about you the day before he went back.”
“I'd offered to go to the repatriation with him, but he didn't want me there.”
“He didn't want anyone there. He's typical army. Thou shalt not cry, you know? He likes to pretend he's this big, strong bloke who isn't fazed by anything.”
“Only he isn't. I know that.”
“Thing is, in front of his men and the rest of the camp, he has to be this fearless leader who is the bedrock of his unit and there to support them.”
“I thought he just didn't want to be seen with me.” Jude wrung her hands. Maybe she'd been wrong about that as well.
“Oh, no. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Linea touched her hands. “I'd turned up to tell Gran about my new job and seeing him was a bonus. But he insisted he had a date and couldn't stay. He almost ran over to your place.”
Jude's heart sank. “But I wasn't there.”
“He was devastated. Not even I could cheer him up. But don't blame yourself for not being there. Stuff happens and we misread things and⦔
Jude looked at her. “I thought you and he were married⦔
Linea laughed. “Me and Droopy-drawers? No way. Aside from the fact he's my brother-in-law,” she held up her left hand, “I think my husband would object somewhat. No, Bev is besotted with you, and looking at you, I think it goes both ways, right?”
Jude nodded. “Yeah. That's why I went away. I wanted to give him space if he was with you.”
“But now you know he isn't, we can be friends. So, let me help you pack and then we'll go over to Gran's. I don't think you should be alone tonight.”
~*~
Bev existed in a sea of pain. He was running towards Jude, arms outstretched, trying to catch her to propose, but she was getting further and further away. Then he was trying to get to the truck with Jude in his arms. He could hear the gunfire around him. Bullets hit his back, went through his armor and into the woman in his arms.
People fell and died around him. He was flying. Blue sky and bright sunshine filled his vision. “Noooooooâ¦.”
“Colonel. Col. King, can you hear me? Bev, open your eyes for me.”
Bev fought to do what the voice commanded. He was a soldier and had to obey orders. “Jude?”
“It's all right, Colonel. We're almost back in England. It won't be long now.”
Bev fought whatever was holding him down. “I need to see Jude. Have to tell her sorry. Have to marry⦔
“Colonel, if you can't keep still I'll have to sedate you again.”
“Have to find Jude⦔ He broke off in a groan as pain ripped through him. “Pleaseâ¦find her⦔
“I will, but you have to lie still.”
Bev closed his eyes. A phrase ran though his head, about his enemies gloating over him in death. Was he dying? Was he dead? No, if he were dead he'd be in heaven, he knew that, and heaven didn't hurt. What about the others? Did they die? Was he the only one left?
The next time he opened his eyes, he was in a room surrounded by equipment. Machines beeped. Wires seemed to trail from every part of his body. And he hurt. He groaned.
A blonde woman in green scrubs with a clipboard smiled at him. “Afternoon, Colonel. How are you feeling?”
Bev moved the mask over his face. “Jude⦔ he managed.
“She's on her way,” the nurse said. “As are the rest of your family. Do you need something for the pain?”
He nodded. He wasn't sure which hurt more. His back or his stomach. But he could feel his legs and arms and hopedâ¦prayed that was a good sign. The darkness descended again and he let it take him. Perhaps she'd be here next time he woke.
~*~
When Jude and Mrs. Bowen arrived at the hospital, a waiting, worried-looking couple welcomed them both with a hug.
Mrs. Bowen turned. “Jude, this is Henry and Tasha, Bev's parents.”
Jude balanced on one crutch. “I'm Jude Travisâ”
Bev's mother hugged her. “You're Bev's girlfriend. He's told us so much about you in his letters and when we saw him last week he showed us your picture. It's lovely to meet you.”
Taken aback at the word girlfriend, Jude hugged her back.
Bev's father hugged her next. “Thank you for coming. He's been asking for you constantly.”
“Really?” she managed. “I⦔
He turned to the nurse. “This is Jude.”
The nurse smiled. “I thought it was. There was a photo of her in his uniform pocket. It's with his things beside the bed. Do you want to come in? He isn't awake, but just hearing your voice will mean a lot.”
“OK.” Jude followed the nurse into the room. Bev lay there covered with bandages, tubes and wires seemingly coming from every other part of him. She swallowed hard. “What happened to him?”
“He was shot several times,” the nurse replied.
“Jude⦔ Bev groaned.
Jude made her way over to the bed. She sat and grabbed his hand. “I'm here, Bev.”
“Jude, I'm sorry,” he called. “I didn't mean to hurt you. Why won't you answer me?”
“I'm here,” she repeated. Tears filled her eyes. “And I'm so, so sorry. I love you. Don't you leave me. I need you.”
Bev's eyes flickered and opened. “Jude?”
“Yes, I'm here.” She kissed his fingers. “You scared me.”
“I scared myself. I couldn't find you.”
“I'm here now, Bev, and I'm sorry for being an idiot.”
“Don't leave me⦔ His voice faded as his eyes closed.
“I won't. Sleep now. I'll be here.”
~*~
Over the next two days, Bev seemed to be making a little progress, which was an answer to prayer. Jude headed back up to the ward after another lunch in the hospital canteen. She had texted her parents to let them know where she was. Dad said the renovations were done and they were just finishing the decorating now.
The nurse smiled. “He's awake and longing to see you all.”
Henry King looked at her. “You should go in first, Jude.”
She shook her head. “No. I'll go last.” She lowered herself onto one of the seats in the hall and closed her eyes as the others took turns to go in and see Bev. Her stomach had turned into a bundle of nerves, but she really had no idea why.
Mrs. Bowen came out. “Henry, you and Tasha take me for a coffee. Leave the two young people alone for a while.”
Jude watched them leave, then looked through the glass window. She wanted to see him, but at the same time was afraid to.
Bev lay on the bed, his gaze firmly on her. He raised a hand and waved. She waved back. He rolled his eyes and beckoned to her.
Jude stood and balanced on the crutches, swinging herself in.
“Why didn't you come when Gran left?”
“Scared. I messed up, remember. Got things wrong and⦔
He grabbed her hand, tugging her to sit beside him. Then he put his fingers on her lips. “It doesn't matter. Linea explained. Kinda funny if you think about it.”
“So why does she call you Droopy-drawers, or don't I want to know?”
He grinned. “You'll have to ask her, but it could be why my brother's nickname for me is Chav.”
Jude snorted. “Maybe I should buy you some braces, mister.”
He curled his hand around her face, trapping her hair between his fingers. He gently pulled her towards him and kissed her slowly.
She closed her eyes, letting the soft touches grow in intensity until every part of her ran with fire.
Bev pulled back. “I love you. I wanted to tell you before I left, but you weren't there.”
“I'm sorry⦔
“Shushâ¦then I thought I'd never be able to tell you, because as those bullets hit me, I thought I was dead. But you're here and I'm here and God's given meâ¦us, a second chance.” He reached beneath his pillow and pulled out a small red box. “I have something for you.”
Jude's heart pounded. “Bev?”
“Open it.”
Jude's fingers didn't want to work and it took several attempts to open the tiny, red velvet box. Inside glittered the most gorgeous ring she had ever seen. Gold forget-me-nots entwined around the front half of the band. She put a hand over her mouth. “Bev, it's beautiful.”
“I ought to be on one knee, but I don't think I'm up to that yet. But I don't want to wait any longer.” He pulled the ring from the box and slid it onto her left hand. “Jude, will you marry me?”
“It's a perfect fit,” she whispered.
“Just like you and me.” He looked at her.
“Yes, I'll marry you,” she whispered, throwing her arms around him and kissing him.
He returned the kiss with so much passion it sent his heart racing enough to set the alarms off.
By the time four nurses rushed into the room, Jude was sat on the chair looking as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, but her firm grip on Bev and the huge grin on her face probably gave the game away. But she didn't care. And she knew Bev didn't either.
Thank you
We appreciate you reading this White Rose Publishing title. For other inspirational stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at
www.pelicanbookgroup.com
.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].
White Rose Publishing
Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Loveâ¢
an imprint of Pelican Book Group
Connect with Us
www.facebook.com/Pelicanbookgroup
www.twitter.com/pelicanbookgrp
To receive news and specials, subscribe to our bulletin
May God's glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
You Can Help!
At Pelican Book Group it is our mission to entertain readers with fiction that uplifts the Gospel. It is our privilege to spend time with you awhile as you read our stories.
We believe you can help us to bring Christ into the lives of people across the globe. And you don't have to open your wallet or even leave your house!
Here are 3 simple things you can do to help us bring illuminating fiction⢠to people everywhere.
Â
1) If you enjoyed this book, write a positive review. Post it at online retailers and websites where readers gather. And share your review with us at
[email protected]
(this does give us permission to reprint your review in whole or in part.)
Â
2) If you enjoyed this book, recommend it to a friend in person, at a book club or on social media.
Â
3) If you have suggestions on how we can improve or expand our selection, let us know. We value your opinion. Use the contact form on our web site or e-mail us at
God Can Help!
Are you in need? The Almighty can do great things for you. Holy is His Name! He has mercy in every generation. He can lift up the lowly and accomplish all things. Reach out today.
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10 (NAB)
We pray daily, and we especially pray for everyone connected to Pelican Book Groupâthat includes you! If you have a specific need, we welcome the opportunity to pray for you. Share your needs or praise reports at
http://pelink.us/pray4us
Free Book Offer
We're looking for booklovers like you to partner with us! Join our team of influencers today and receive at least one free eBook per month. Maybe more!
For more information