Chapter 5
The pair talked all night about their families, the war efforts, and their past times. Mabel was fascinated to learn that Jacob had been a train mechanic before joining the army war efforts. He recounted the plight of a slave he met one day while his train stopped just below the northern mouth of the Mississippi River. After hearing the story of the slave's abuse and escape he knew he had to do anything he could to help abolish the practice. He decided to join the army, where it turned out he not only excelled in marksmanship, he also proved to have talent in reading maps and was well liked by all his charges.
Mabel loved the way his warm tenor voice seemed to soothe the nerves in her body, yet at the same time made her hair stand on end. His sharp cheekbones sat high on his face and gave him a pronounced jawline, which cut an impressive silhouette against the firelight. She felt her heart beat fast in her chest, when he reached down and took her hand in his and she gazed deep into his eyes. In his eyes she saw passion and promise resting there and knew that they were simply meant to be together. “Mabel. I've really enjoyed our time together tonight. You have given me a reason to end this war, I do believe.”
“Well, the war itself is reason enough to end it. Thank you for the compliment though. I must say that I am quite struck by you. I confess, Jacob, I've never had these types of feelings for a man in all of my days. This is new territory for me. “
She felt Jacob squeeze her hand and he moved in closer to her, wrapping his free hand around her shoulder and pulling her closer to him. Mabel felt an irresistible pull and leaned in toward him, letting his warmth transfer to her own body. She wrapped her own hands around his neck and pulled him into her, as they embraced in a passionate kiss. The heat rose in Mabel's chest and she felt a yearning she had never encountered before.
The fire died down as the pair were still entwined in one another's arms, forgetting the horrors of war for a few brief hours, lost in the sensations of their love making. Mabel felt the chill from the night air and snuggled closer to Jacob's chest. He held her closer, rubbing her back and whispering, “I love you, Mabel. I have since I first laid eyes on you. I realize that we don't know much about each other, but for what's left of this life, I think I want to spend it getting to know everything about you. I want to know all the little things that make your eyes twinkle. I want to know what makes you sad and I want to know all of the fears you keep bottled up behind those sparkling blue eyes. Mabel, I'm not a smart man at all. I don't know the inner workings of the universe. I don't know all the words great thinkers use to describe the reason for life. There is one thing I do know, though. I know this war may end my life, but it won't end my love. Be my bride, Mabel and give me a reason to fight.”
Mabel's eyes misted over, and though she barely knew the man, she did trust his words, and his kind eyes, and his soft touch. She felt in her heart that what was meant to be was happening before her eyes. She smiled, hoping to ease the tension between them. “You're right. You're not a smart man.”
“Hey! That wasn't the point--”
“I think you could make me very happy, Jacob. That's all that matters. I love you handsome soldier, and that's a yes. I will be your bride.”
As the sun rose and the pinks and reds became visible in the horizon the pair sat up in the army issued cot and embraced once more before they separated for their daily tasks. Jacob furrowed his brow while looking around the camp. He noticed the number of tents in the sick area growing by the day. He was losing men whom he came to know as friends and brothers by the handfuls. “What's wrong, my love?”
“We're nothing but sitting ducks here. I've seen the enemy take far too many of my friends, neighbors, and brothers. I want you to start packing up your bags. We're in a good spot here. You won't be needed here anymore Mabel. I don't want you on the front lines. I'll arrange for the pastor to marry us this afternoon. We're taking the initiative now. I'm turning this unit into an attack unit.” Jacob then took off his dog tags and handed them to Mabel. “I love you, Mabel. Keep these safe for me always, as you do my heart.”