May 2, 1861
Sapphire,

I must admit, dearest Sapphire, that I have thought and dreamed of you every moment that my hands lie idle. Your last note rose my spirits so, despite the brevity, and I knew that I could not wait to see you again as well. Sapphire, my darling, I do care for you more than I ever thought possible. I dream of our reunion, of the moment I have the shortest leave to see you again.

I have heard from my family. Anthony is in the 5th Maine and has been given leave until June. He has gone home to the family for a brief time, though I am in Bangor awaiting the first day of training. I muster in on May 28th and we shall head south on June 9th. I fear that my notes from that time on shall be short and sporadic. They tell us mail may take almost two weeks to arrive if we are not encamped. That leaves me despondent for I know I shall have to wait to hear from you once again.

I am glad that you are going to be in Maryland, though I worry about your closeness to the capital and to the south. The fear that you should be wounded leaves panic in my heart and I worry that I shall never see your beautiful smile again. Please take care, Sapphire, for the thought of loosing you frightens me more than the bullets and weapons I shall face in war.

I must go. They are calling for any mail to be sent and I wish this to reach you soon. I long for your next letter to keep my thoughts light and to bring my soul to life.

May 13, 1861
Logan,

The Hurst family has been ever so kind to me and I have been attending worthless tea parties and galas. The people here in Silver Spring seem to believe that the war is nothing but a waste of time and agree that the fight shall be over soon. I hope they are correct for I miss seeing your and hearing your voice as much as you miss me. The days drag on here and all I can think about are those few brief moments in Boston. All propriety aside, Logan, that was the happiest time in my short life. I wish for those moments to return and I can only wish that you feel as strongly as I do.

Logan, now may not be the proper or correct time to tell you, but I do believe I love you. I look forward to your letters, reread each one several times and pray each night that the Lord is watching over you in this war. I am frightened that as the days move on and battles are reported that I will hear about your being injured. My heart cannot control the pain I feel just thinking that you could be wounded and I could be so far away and I know now that I need to tell you the truth…

I do believe this is love.

Please take care, Logan, for if I were to learn of any pain inflicted upon you, I know I would surely die from the hurt of it.

May 23, 1861
Sapphire,

This must be brief for I was told to turn out my lamp, but I could not attempt to sleep without responding to your letter. I received it this morning but did not have a chance to read it until supper. I cannot begin to express how happy and excited I was to see your handwriting, especially your confession to me. Sapphire, I cannot deny my feelings a moment longer and must tell you that I believe I love you as well. Seeing the words in your writing made me realize that whatever I am feeling I have never felt before and shall never again. I miss you, Sapphire, and should anything happen to me during battle, which I swear it will not, I could not die peacefully without admitting the truth. I do love you, Sapphire, and I do believe I will until the day I die.

Time for sleep. Goodnight my darling, may all your dreams and prayers be answered and may the Lord protect you until I can be with you again.

June 5, 1861
Logan,

I have been dreadfully bored here and have come to the realization that my only joys are writing to you and reading the letters you have sent. The Hurst family contains five people. William Hurst is a shopkeeper and a rotund little man with the personality of stale bread who wears a monocle and bobs his head when he speaks. He snores something awful and slurps his soup in the most disgusting way! His wife, Edna should have been quite a beauty if she would not have invested her time in flowers and pastries and actually danced at the galas she attends. She is quite a bore and only plays the piano. They have three children, my dear friend Martha, her brother William the second and the baby, Mark. Martha is a pretty little thing, but quite airy. She is completely obsessed with the Northern Army men that pass through to their work in Washington DC. Her suitable match theory is about the only entertaining thing she has said since my arrival. I wonder if I had been like her before joining the cause. William and Mark are only children and they play war outside. Edna finds it entertaining but each crack of their wooden swords reminds me that you are laying your life on the line for the preservation of the Union. I worry so about you, Logan, especially now that you are preparing to leave for battle. Please be careful, Logan.

Enclosed you should find a gold cross. It belonged to my great grandmother. May her soul and it keep you safe until we meet again.

June 28, 1861
Sapphire,

I apologize for the lateness of my note, Sapphire. We have been constantly moving around and looking for the Confederate Army. However, we have not seen any signs of them in all our time here. I am growing tired of Virginia and wish that we were back in the cooler air of Maine. June is incredibly humid here and the weather is unbearably hot. The men grow ill from the bites of insects and the army officers are finding it difficult to concentrate in the heat. I, however, have been able to stay strong only by the thoughts of you. I wear the cross you sent me and have not removed it since it fell from the envelope. Even now, as I pen this, I think of seeing you again and hold the cross against my heart. You are the only thing keeping me from succumbing to the boredom and heat and my love for you grows stronger with every word I write and every note I read.

Your last letter about the Hurst family was quite entertaining, though I do wish you were here. We are so close to each other without even knowing it, Sapphire. I wish I could just run across the border to your arms, but I cannot desert my friends. I have met some interesting men in the army, some just boys and others much older. I feel that we are making history with every step we take and still I wish that history could be different. I fear that the world we return to once this war is over will not be the one we enjoyed as children.

I must go, but know that I think and dream of only you and our next meeting.

July 8, 1861
Logan,

I cannot write a lengthy letter today, Logan, for I must meet with someone in but a few moments. When I read that you are in Virginia, I knew that I had to pen this as quickly as possible. Logan, the Rebels are heading for Manassas, a city slightly south of Washington DC. I cannot tell you how I know this, but I do, and I ask that if you should receive this soon that you beware of where you are headed. Logan, I have been to the south with the Hurst family for business trips and the men there are out for the blood of Northerners. I have pretended to sympathize, attempted to make them believe that I am as callous as they are towards the needs of slaves. But Logan, they care not about the men that fight for the Union. They will not be sorry to see you shot in cold blood. Please, please I beg of you to take care, Logan. I fear that you will see the bloodiest of battles if you are in Manassas at the time of the South.

I love you Logan and I long to hold you again.

Sapphire cracked open the door to her bedroom, peering into the darkened hall of the Hurst home. The house was still and silent, the occupants fast asleep in their beds with dreams of magnificent balls in their feeble minds. Yet she could not sleep. Since the news of the Rebels moving towards Manassas had arrived in Silver Spring, Sapphire had worried about Logan. His letters had never specified just where in the state of Virginia his troops were encamped, but her instinct told her it was too close to the Rebels.

Quietly slipping out of her bedroom with her boots clutched in her hands, Sapphire headed for the wooden staircase that would lead down into the kitchen. Mr. Hurst still had Negroes working in the house and many would be up through the night protecting his land. Sapphire wished to slip outside and walk to the small creek that ran nearby. The trickling water could be heard from her bedroom window and Sapphire hoped that dipping her feet into the cool water would comfort her on this warm summer night.

Cautiously she made her way down the back staircase, pausing at the door to the kitchen and opening just enough to look into the dimly lit room. She held her breath, trying to listen for any movement in the house but finding none. Quickly crossing the kitchen, she slipped out the back door and down the dirt path that led through the property.

Sapphire stayed hidden in the woods that surrounded the house, listening to the sounds of nature. This was one part of Maine she missed dreadfully: the serene untouched beauty that lay in each and every hillside of Harmony. The Crane compound had been grand: the rolling hills, the beautiful woodlands and the wild roses that surrounded the small cottage on the outskirt of the property. Most of all, she missed Logan. The mere thought of him made her heart constrict in pain. While she missed her family, she didn’t feel quite as horrible when she thought about them and their life in Harmony. But Logan, her dear sweet Logan, was fighting another man’s war and it frightened her dreadfully.

A crunching noise brought Sapphire’s travel to a screeching halt, her body pressing into a nearby tree as she listened. Whomever or whatever it was seemed to be moving towards her in the woods. She held her breath, praying this creature wasn’t something more harmful. Her heart sped up, her hands growing clammy as she considered that fact that this could be anything from a bear to a deer to a Rebel officer. Closing her eyes, she heard the cracking of a nearby twig and shrieked in fear.

“Sapphire?” Logan grabbed her, covering her mouth with his hand. “Are you trying to wake the dead, woman? You shall alert every man in town to my being here!”

Sapphire sucked in air in shallow unsteady breaths, her erratic breathing calming only the slightest. Struggling, she whirled around in his arms and slapped him. “How dare you scare me so!” she scolded, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly on the lips.

Laughing, Logan clutched Sapphire tightly, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. “Oh my darling,” he kissed her cheek. “I have missed you so,” he rested his forehead against hers. “Oh Sapphire.”

“Logan? What is it?” she asked, raising her hands on the sides of his face. “Oh my God,” she ran her fingers through some blood on his cheek. “You are bleeding!”

“It is not my blood, Sapphire,” he caught her hand in his and led her to a fallen log. Motioning for her to sit, he knelt in front of her. “Your note was correct, Sapphire, the Secesh were moving towards Manassas. The intent was for us to attack days earlier, but the ferries to bring us across the river had not arrived. So we waited. Thirty thousand men just sitting and waiting,” he covered his face with his stained hands.

“Logan,” she breathed, feeling his pain. “Logan, was there…”

“It was terrible,” he continued. “McDowell believed we had the strength to beat the Rebels, Saph. The men trusted his opinion, but we were afraid. The Confederate Army had time to seek reinforcements, they took the higher ground and the battle began.”

“Oh Logan.”

“The blood ran as freely as the river, Sapphire. Men lost their limbs from cannon balls, arms and legs and,” he covered his mouth. “Sapphire, the screams of pain and the deafening blasts of the cannons still echo in my mind. Men begged for water, for us to save their lives and the men and women that traveled as medical staff could do nothing. They bled to death on the battlefield with bullets raining down upon us. So we started to run. We were ordered to retreat back across the river,” he paused. “As I was running,” his eyes filled with tears, the emotion connecting in his throat, “I was thinking about you and holding the cross you sent. I prayed that the Lord let you know I loved you and that we would see each other again. I stumbled when a hand grabbed my leg and the man there begged me for a drink. I had none to offer and looked into his eyes, his pale empty blue eyes,” he was entranced, tears rolling freely down his cheeks. “It was Anthony.”

“Oh Logan no!” Sapphire cried.

“He had been hit in the stomach and the blood was pouring from the wound. His clothing was torn to shreds and his arm was twisted oddly, as if broken. We were quite far from where the shooting was then and I pressed against the blood, but it just kept coming,” he cried silently. “He…he actually begged me to kill him, Sapphire. He said the pain was unbearable and he rather die than suffer so. As he took his last breath, he asked me to tell Mother that he loved her and that he was sorry he had not listened to her wishes and stayed at home. He wished Father could have bought him out of his enlistment like Mother offered. And then…he closed his eyes and spoke no more.” His shoulders shook as he sobbed.

Sapphire pulled Logan into her arms, cradling him close. “Oh my dear sweet Logan,” she whispered into his ear, rocking slightly. “Oh Logan I…I am so sorry.”

“There was nothing I could do for him,” his voice was laced with pain. “It is my fault he joined that blasted war, Sapphire! He was doing it to prove that he could be a hero like me, to step out of my shadow. It is my fault he died…I killed him!”

“No, Logan, do not think that way,” she cupped his cheek, forcing him to look into her eyes. “Anthony wanted to go to war because he believed in the cause, as you do. His death is not your fault. If it is anyone it is Beauregard’s and those blasted Rebels!”

“How…how did you know about Beauregard?” he asked. “And why are you in Silver Spring if the war was at Manassas?”

“I,” she sighed. “I suppose I should confess to you just what part I am playing in this war, Logan. I am not actually a Union field nurse. I am a spy. Dr. Walker is organizing a small group of us to be used in the south. Because of my family celebrity, I cannot do masquerade as someone I am not, however I can use our Southern connections to try and learn about the movement of the Rebel troops.”

“A spy?” Logan’s eyes flashed. “Do you know what danger your life can be in if you are caught, Sapphire?” He stood, glaring at her. “You could be killed if the Rebels learn what you are doing.”

“Well they will learn if you yell so! Logan, before I met you I had absolutely nothing to live for. The only way I could help the Union was to become a spy. They would not allow me to join the medical staff because they said I was not homely enough! I had to do something!”

“But a spy?” he asked enraged.

“Please, Logan. I take great care in my work and no one suspects a thing. The Hurst family has been close to the Crane family for nearly a century. This is just another visit to spend time with their daughter, as far as they are concerned, and when they grow weary of me I will simply go visit another friend. I promise, I shan’t be caught.”

“It is so dangerous, Sapphire.”

“So is your duty, but we each must answer the call of our nation.”

He sighed. “I came to you tonight for another reason, Sapphire. After witnessing what happened at Manassas, I had to be with you and I knew that I had to have you as my own. I needed your comfort and your love, but now especially I need more.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, dazed by his change in tone.

Kneeling before her again, Logan dropped his voice to a whisper. “Anthony’s death has taught me that I may not live forever, Sapphire. I love you, darling, I have told you as much, but I need to know you feel the same as I do.”

“Logan, you know I love you,” she smiled slightly, taking his hands into hers. “I love you with all my heart and nothing shall ever change that.”

He smiled. “Then Sapphire, I have something very important to ask of you, but you must keep an open mind. What I request may not be something you find appropriate.”

She nodded.

“I love you and I cannot stand the thought of not having you as my wife. In my entire life I never believed I would find someone to love, someone I would feel so connected to as I do with you. I long for your letters, for your kisses and the look in your eyes when you glance at me. I dream of you each and every night and I know that I want nothing more than to spend my life with you. Sapphire, I want you to come with me right now and marry me. I have a preacher in town that will marry us tonight and,” he dug into his pocket, “because I hoped you would say yes I managed to purchase these in Washington before coming here,” he revealed two plain gold bands. “I do not think it is so wrong for a man to wear a ring, do you?”

She shook her head no, fingering the rings that lay in his palms. “I do not stand opposed to your wearing a wedding ring, Logan, not at all.”

“Does this mean?” he asked hopefully, eyes lit with joy.

“Logan, I would be honored to become your wife tonight,” she replied, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I shall marry you.”

He stood, his smile brighter than ever before. Offering her his hand, he spoke, “Then come with me, Sapphire, we shall begin our life together tonight.”

The Battle of Bull Run (AKA First Manassas) took place on July 21, 1861. The battle was named for the large river that ran through the city of Manassas in Northern Virginia, just slightly south of Washington, DC. The Union with about 30,000 men was led by General Irvin McDowell, who separated the troops into several smaller brigades for attack. However, the ferries never arrived to bring them across the river. The Confederates had about 22,000 men after the reinforcements arrived and took the higher ground, giving them an upper hand. General PGT Beauregard led the Rebels. He was an arrogant man that perfumed his hair and later was nicknamed the "American Napoleon" because of his height. The Union was devastated, loosing about 3,000 men and forced to flee Northward and back into DC. The loss annoyed Lincoln, who then realized that the battle was to be long and arduous, as opposed to the beliefs of the people that expected it to be over before Christmas.

Chapter Nine

The pale moonlight glittered on the ground below, lighting the way for the engaged pair as they walked the silent streets of Silver Spring. Each darkened house held sleeping civilians who lay blissfully unaware of the bloodshed that had taken place on the river Bull Run. Peacefully they slept, dreaming of the next cotillion or coming out where life would for one brief moment be as it was: calm and serene. Silently, Logan led Sapphire down the darkened alleys, guided only by the crevices of light from the moon and his own sense of direction. He would pause every so often, listening for the sounds of hooves beating on the ground or a voice in the night.

“Logan, do you believe it is not safe for you to be present?” Sapphire whispered as he held her close in the shadows, his eyes peering into the street. She feared for him when he was away at war and being in his arms now made her wish he never had to leave her side again.

“I do not know, Sapphire,” he looked down into her sparkling blue orbs. “But if I am safe, there is no better reason to hold you than this,” he teased.

She blushed, laughing silently. “You cad.”

“I am but a man in love,” he told her, brushing a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. “The church is across the way. We must be silent, darling.”

“I love you, Logan,” she replied, clutching his hand tightly. “Come, Logan,” she tugged on his arm, pulling him into the thoroughfare. “I wish to be your wife!”

Logan chuckled softly, running across the roadway with his bride-to-be. They arrived on the steps of the old church, the wood creaking beneath their weight. Logan began to step inside, removing his cap from his head, but Sapphire caught his arm.

“I need you to help me position this,” she dangled a white handkerchief in front of him. “I cannot go inside without my head covered.”

Logan smiled, positioning the white material atop her head and using one of the pins from her hair to hold it in place. “Wait here, there is something else you need,” he looked around, rushing off the second he spotted what he was looking for. For a moment or two he disappeared behind a house leaving Sapphire alone on the darkened porch of the church. He returned with two red roses and a sweet smile on his face. “For you.”

Sapphire removed the roses from his hand and inhaled their sweet fragrance, blue eyes filling with tears. “They are perfect,” she whispered, taking hold of his hand again. “I do believe that family will be missing these roses.”

“I doubt it,” he slowly opened the door to the church, surprised by the beauty of the building as lit but the flickering candles. Sapphire clutched his hand tightly, growing nervous as the wooden door shut behind them. The church was small, seating maybe thirty people inside its wooden walls. A small organ was placed to the left of the altar and a small piece of red material ran the length of the aisle between the wooden pews.

“Mr. Fitzgerald, right on time,” the priest smiled, entering from a door on the side. He was tall, about Logan’s height, with graying hair and shinning green eyes. He was plump and jovial, seemingly excited about their impending nuptials. “And you must be Ms. Crane. Your beau has told me much about you in his attempt to persuade me to marry you this night.”

Sapphire blushed. “Thank you for being a willing participant, Father. Logan and I wish to be wed immediately.”

“I see. So then I see there is no reason for me to ask if you have any doubts or confessions before this union is to take place?”

“None,” Sapphire looked at Logan. “This is what my heart wants.”

Logan smiled at her. “Mine as well, Father Burns. Sapphire and I have no secrets between us. There is nothing to keep us from being married.”

“There is but one thing I will not consent to,” Sapphire’s eyes twinkled mischievously and Logan could see the gears turning in her head. Whatever she was about to say was most certainly going to throw the good Father for a loop.

“And what is that child?” Father Burns asked with interest.

“I shall not agree to obey and serve Logan. He knows I shall love him and care for him, but never obey or serve. I am to be his wife, his partner, but not his slave.”

“I cannot…” Father Burns began to protest.

“Father, do not try and convince her,” Logan laughed. “She is honest in her words. She shall never obey and I shall never ask her to. I am fighting a war for the freedom of slaves, I would never wish my wife to be one.”

He nodded, shrugging slightly and sighing exasperatedly. “I shall remove those words then. Now, let us not waste a single moment more. The night grows short,” the kind Father spoke, leading them down the small aisle to the altar. Opening his missal, he began to read the Latin words to the couple gathered before him. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is an honorable estate instituted by God in Paradise and into which these two persons present come now to be joined.”

Sapphire looked at Logan and he at her, their eyes meeting in a heated gaze of love. Neither would have expected this to happen, nor would they have dreamed that they would meet their one true soul mate in the midst of war only to be married in the darkness of night.

Turning to Logan, the priest smiled gently, “Will thee have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will thee love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?“

Still looking deeply in his bride’s shimmering eyes, Logan replied, “I will.”

Father Burns’ smile grew as he turned to Sapphire, noticing the young girl’s joy. “Will thee have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will thee love him, honor him and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will,” Sapphire agreed.

“Logan, take Sapphire’s right hand into your own and repeat this vow after me,” Father Burns instructed. “I, Logan, take thee Sapphire to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I pledge thee my fidelity.”

Turning sideways, Logan’s calloused right hand lifted Sapphire’s, holding it gently as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. “I, Logan, take thee, Sapphire, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I pledge thee my fidelity."

“Sapphire, repeat these same vows to Logan.”

In a near whisper, with tears rolling silently down her pale cheeks, Sapphire spoke, "I, Sapphire, take thee, Logan, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I pledge thee my fidelity."

Opening his prayer book, Father Burns held it out. “Logan, place the wedding ring upon these pages,” he motioned to the upturned missal.

Logan released Sapphire’s hand and removed the rings from his pocket, laying them upon the white pages of the book. He watched as Father Burns made the sign of the cross over the shiny gold bands.

“Bless these rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love. Amen.” He looked at Logan. “Remove Sapphire’s ring from the book, with each line move the ring from her thumb to her ring finger. With this ring I thee wed, and with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Taking hold of Sapphire’s left hand, Logan placed the ring on her thumb. “With this ring I thee wed.” He moved it to her index finger, “And with my body I thee honor.” Then to her middle finger, “And with all my worldly goods I thee endow.” Finally, sliding it into position on her ring finger, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Repeating the action with Logan’s ring, Sapphire repeated the words, “With this ring I thee wed, and with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Father Burns motioned for them to kneel, reading from his prayer book, “Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Rise.”

Sapphire and Logan rose, joining their hands again and looking into each other’s eyes. Logan raised her tiny hands to his lips, kissing the gold band without breaking eye contact with her.

“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Logan and Sapphire have consented together in holy wedlock and thereto have given and pledged their fidelity each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He made the sign of the cross over the pair. “You may kiss your bride.”

Logan’s lips descended slowly upon Sapphire’s, chastely kissing her as his hand caressed her cheek. His bride, his wife, was now in his arms and the love he felt could not be conveyed in words or actions. Slowly drawing away from her, he smiled. “I love you.”

“And I you,” she replied, resting her forehead to his.

“Thank you, Father,” Logan smiled at the priest.

“Anything in the name of love,” he replied. “Go and enjoy what time you have together,” he ordered them. “For once the morning sun rises, you two will be torn asunder by the will of man.”

“Thank you again, Father,” Sapphire called as they disappeared out the door into the night, the door shutting with a click behind them.

“You’re welcome, child,” Father Burns replied to the closed door. “May God watch over your souls and keep harm from breaking your solemn union,” he sighed, making the sign of the cross and bowing his head in prayer. “Only God can protect you now.”

Logan walked Sapphire to the door, his brown eyes filling with sadness as they stopped on the back porch of the Hurst home. He sighed mournfully, refusing to relinquish her hand and watch her disappear into the house. She was his wife, the woman he loved, and he didn’t want their night to end. What should have been special and beautiful was about to be tarnished by the thoughts of separation and it broke his heart to know it might be months before he saw her again. Pulling Sapphire into his arms, Logan’s lips met hers in a passionate, soul-searching kiss. Their lips meshed repeatedly, her hands clutching at his shirt as their bodies pressed together. They only broke the kiss minutes later, when their lungs begged for air.

“Logan,” she whispered, her hand cupping the cheek she had slapped earlier and her lips just inches from his. “I do not want you to leave. Come inside with me, Logan. No one has to know you were away tonight.”

“Sapphire…”

“No,” she argued. “This is our wedding night, Logan. I refuse to watch you disappear back into the dark before we have finished our time together. If we are silent, we can be in my room within seconds.”

“It is not proper, Sapphire,” he countered.

“Nothing about our relationship has been socially accepted, Logan. Please, I wish to spend the night in the arms of my husband,” she begged him. “We do not know when we shall be together again.”

“We could get caught.”

“And there in lies the thrill,” her eyes sparkled. Quickly she opened the door, peeking into the kitchen and looking around. “No one is inside, we can take the servants staircase up to my room and none will be the wiser.”

He nodded, following her across the kitchen and up the dark servant staircase to the top floor. She paused a moment, listening to the silent halls and glancing around. When she thought it was safe, she pulled him down the carpeted hallway and into her bedroom, locking the door behind her.

Logan took a minute to look around the bedroom at the fine furniture and comfortable surroundings. The oak furniture was covered in lace doilies and the glass bottles glistened in the moonlight. His fingers brushed over the furniture and silver combs as he walked to the bed, eyeing the soft cloth of the sheets that rested beneath the canopy. He had nearly forgotten what a mattress felt like and cautiously sat upon Sapphire’s bed. His hands reached for her and she came, gently placing herself on the bed beside him and resting her head on his shoulder.

“I am afraid, Logan,” she murmured into his neck.

“There is nothing to fear, my love,” Logan lifted her chin to look deep into her eyes. “We do not have to do anything tonight, Sapphire. I just wish to hold you.”

“No, I wish to be with you,” she stressed, a gleam never before seen appearing in her blue eyes. “I wish to…” she blushed.

“Are you sure?” he asked quietly, his thumb caressing the silky smooth skin of her cheek.

She nodded.

Rising back to his feet, Logan turned Sapphire so her back was to him. Placing her long blond locks over her right shoulder, he kissed the sensitive skin of her neck and undid the top button to her gown. Sapphire sucked in a breath, surprised at how her body was reacting to his lips on her skin and his fingers on the material on her back. Slowly, each button came undone, revealing more of the barely covered skin beneath and loosening the gown from her body. When his nimble fingers finally reached the small of her back, Logan slipped his hands inside the material and pushed it aside, sending it to the floor where it pooled at her feet.

“You are not wearing a corset,” he whispered in her ear, fingers sliding along her back.

She shivered. “I do not believe I should be bound in any form,” she breathed.

He smiled, kissing along her shoulder and moving the strap of the camisole. “Your skin is so soft and smooth.”

Her eyes fluttered shut and she leaned back against him, his palms flattening against her stomach and slowly moving higher to cup her breasts.

She froze.

“Sapphire, if I am going too fast simply say the word and I shall cease,” he whispered in her ear.

“I—I am frightened, Logan,” she shuddered, her arms tense at her sides.

“Do you trust me?” he asked her.

“With all my heart.”

“Then let me show you how much I love you, my darling,” he turned her, looking deep into her eyes. Lifting her hand to his lips again, he kissed the simple gold band on her finger. “I am your husband, Sapphire Fitzgerald, and as such I shall never hurt you. I shall never ask for more than you are willing to give.”

Her eyes teared when he spoke her new name, but a smile lit her beautiful face. “Make me your wife, Logan. In every sense of the word I want you to make me yours.”

His lips met hers again in a sweet kiss as gentle hands slowly removed her remaining garments. Each piece of white material fell to the floor, joining the fate of her dress. Lastly he removed her shoes and black stockings, stepping back to look over the woman beneath the clothing. Her hands flew to her body, covering her gentle curves as she looked away.

He laughed. “I have never known you to be shy.”

“You have never known me at all,” Sapphire quipped coyly.

“Now that is the woman I married,” he smiled. “Do not hide from me, Sapphire, I merely wish to see what God and nature has created as the most perfect woman on earth.”

She blushed, slowly letting her hands slip away from her breasts. Her eyes met his, which danced with lust and appreciation. “Do you like what you see, Mr. Fitzgerald?”

Swallowing hard, he nodded. “You are gorgeous, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Simply stunning.”

“You are wearing far too much clothing, darling,” she looked into his eyes, her own filled with seduction. “I vowed to care for you and I believe you need what only a wife can provide,” she dexterously undid the buttons on his shirt and trousers, quickly helping him shed the unwanted material. When his somewhat bronze skin appeared, she licked her lips unconsciously and ran her fingers over the taught muscles. “Military life does so agree with you.”

He chuckled, watching as her tiny hands ran over his skin. Logan enjoyed watching her blue eyes dance with wonder as her fingertips explored his body. She slowly became acquainted with his chest and stomach, looking and moving lower and gasping in surprise when she saw him in all his glory. Looking up at him with uncertainty in her features, Sapphire touched him.

Catching her hand, Logan shook his head. “Let us not worry about certain things, my love,” he swept her into his arms and gently placed her in the center of the bed. Crawling upon it, he leaned over her and kissed her lips sweetly. “Are you sure, Sapphire?” he questioned, brushing her hair from her face.

“We are married in our hearts, in our souls…now marry me in body,” she told him, caressing his cheek.

And he did. Joining their bodies together, Logan felt his heart swell with love at the sight of the woman before him. Slowly, lonely tears rolled down her cheeks and he kissed them away, promising that this would not last long and that for each moment of pain a moment of joy would replace it in their future. He used his hands and lips to bring back the excitement he had seen in her eyes, his words made her heart dance in her chest as together they moved towards the valley of paradise. Whatever happened after this night was in the hands of fate, but this was for them. As Logan brought Sapphire to her peak, light flashed behind her eyes and his lips silenced her cry. Together they went over the edge and into blinding light of passion, crashing together on the shore of love.

Moments later, their chests heaving from the effort to catch their breaths, Sapphire and Logan collapsed into each other’s arms. Her petite form lay draped over his chest, his fingers running the length of her side.

“Did I hurt you, Sapphire?” he asked, kissing her forehead.

“No,” she shook her head, her breath brushing against his ear. “I feel wonderful,” she admitted without provocation.

“Good, I was worried I would have scared you away,” he laughed gently, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.

“I do have one question, husband dear,” Sapphire spoke after a moment of silence. She played with the hair by his ear, her fingers gently dancing in his dark locks.

“Anything, wife darling,” he told her.

“Wherever did you become so educated in affairs of the bedroom, Mr. Fitzgerald?” she teased. “Have you much practice?”

He blushed, looking down at her. “No, I merely followed what my heart ordered. Every movement was dictated by my soul with your pleasure in mind. It was as if I had been with you in many lifetimes before.”

“I agree,” she murmured against his neck. “Logan, I wish you would not go back to war,” she whimpered, tears filling her eyes and cascading down her cheeks.

“Oh Sapphire, darling, I too wish I could remain with you in wedded bliss for eternity, but I must complete my assignment. I shall return to you each time we are near and our letters shall keep us together.”

“It will not be the same,” she cried, her tears coming faster. “I do not wish to lose you.”

“You will not lose me, I promise,” he kissed her softly. “Please do not cry, darling. I hate to see you in such pain.”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I am sorry,” she apologized. “I cannot help but worry about you now. We are no longer two, Logan. We are one person, one heart. I do not know when I can see you again.”

“I shall always be here,” he pointed to her heart. “Sapphire, I shall be on leave in December, we shall see each other then.”

“Five months!” she whimpered.

“I shall try to slip away when we are again near each other, darling, I promise,” he hugged her gently. “Let us get some rest. I was only given until noon to be with you.”

“Why rest?” she asked, picking herself up and leaning over him. “Why waste what precious time we have together?”

“Why indeed?” he swallowed hard. “I love you, Sapphire Fitzgerald.”

“And I love you, Logan Fitzgerald, with everything I am and everything I shall always be,” she sealed the promise with a kiss.

Logan and Sapphire spent the night in each other’s embrace, sharing the love that would bind them forever. As daylight came, Sapphire slumbered peacefully, dreaming of the future she would have with her husband at her side. Logan, however, dressed himself in his uniform and placed a kiss against her lips and a note on the pillow beside her. He didn’t wish to leave her this way, but had no choice as the occupants of the house slowly began to wake.

“I shall miss you my darling,” he whispered, “and I shall spend every moment thinking of only you. I love you, Sapphire, forever and always,” he vowed, climbing out her window and down the trellis, disappearing into the sunrise with tears in his eyes. His heart was pained to leave his bride, but he knew it was what he needed to do. Five months away from her would be long and arduous, but her love would keep him strong…

And the blessing of the priest that married him would keep him from harm.

Chapter Ten

July 22, 1861
My darling wife,

I apologize from my heart that I must leave you while you sleep. The daylight is creeping in; the sky delicate shades of orange and yellow as the sun rises over the country. It is the exact color of your hair in the candlelight and I already ache from missing you. I have decided it would be best if I leave before the occupants of the house awake, finding me wrapped in your arms. They may not understand our eloping and I would rather you not have to face a long inquisition.

I love you, my dearest, and I shall think of you every moment that I am away. Until we can be together again…

Your husband,

Logan

My heart is yours,
Sapphire Fitzgerald

Eternally,
Logan

Heart and soul,
S. Fitzgerald

Your husband forever,
L. Fitzgerald

Your one and only wife,
S. Fitzgerald

Your husband,
Logan

Longing for you,
Sapphire Katherine Fitzgerald

December often brought snow to the small town of Harmony, blanketing the beautiful landscape in a powdery white cover that glistened in the dimmed sunlight. Logan had missed the snow, learning that the south often received rain in the fall and winter while the north was showered in falling leaves and giant snowflakes. It disappointed him to be so far from home for so very long, but finally he had returned. The moment the train pulled into the station, he had grabbed his pack and started off for Raven Hill, not having told either his family or Sapphire the exact date of his return. Fortunately, he had made good time from their recent location in Virginia and had been granted slightly more time than other men since he had not taken grievance time over the loss of his brother. He was looking forward to spending each earned moment with his wife and family.

Slowly, he walked up the path to the mansion where his wife was waiting. He paused in front of the house, looking at the garlands and beads that decorated the marble pillars outside. Never in his life had Logan come to the mansion on Raven Hill. Many people had talked about the owners, discussing how they preferred Boston’s high society to the quiet little town of Harmony. For years he avoided this place, hating the people that thought the town too beneath them to even visit. But now, now he looked forward to the moment he would step inside and hold Sapphire again.

Dropping his bag on the step, Logan used the brass knocker to notify the family of his presence. He waited, his breath forming clouds of smoke in front of him as he clapped his hands for a little extra warmth. It was surprising how accustomed he was becoming to being in a warmer climate. Growing impatient, he knocked again and heard someone call out to be patient. Finally, the door opened.

“May I help you?” the maid asked, looking Logan over. The lack of sleep and bathing left his appearance with much to be desired and her eyes filled with disdain. His rumpled Uniform hung loosely on his muscular form and he was covered in dirt.

“I am here to see Sapphire Crane,” Logan peered inside around the maid.

“Ms. Crane…”

“Logan?” Sapphire gasped, coming down the stairs very slowly. She was about halfway down before she spoke again. “Is that you?” Tears filled her eyes and she shook from the sheer joy of seeing him again. She had waited for this moment for months, dreamed of the day she opened the front door to find him waiting for her.

She looked like an angel at the top of the steps but he didn’t take long to look her over. He had been away from her too long to ponder how beautiful she looked or how slowly she seemed to be moving. He had to hold her again. “Sapphire!” he rushed inside, nearly knocking the maid to the floor in his attempt to pass her. “Oh darling!” he grabbed his wife, pulling her into his arms and kissing her soundly on the lips. She gasped slightly in his mouth, but returned the kiss with as much fervor.

She laughed at his excitement, pressing herself as close to him as he possibly could. His strong arms held her close, his lips meshing with her over and over as they ignored the maid that was standing by the open door. Slowly, Logan realized that her stomach pressed against him before her chest did and looked down, eyes wide with wonder and surprise. He could barely move as he noted the rounded mound of her stomach and the way her left hand rested against the swell.

“You are?” he barely was able to form the words.

She nodded her head in agreement, eyes sparkling as she looked at the pleasure written across his face. Since she discovered herself that she was with child, Sapphire wondered how her husband would take the news. With his being at war, she worried that he would be angry or disappointed at how much he would miss. She knew now that he would actually be far happier than she ever expected. “Almost five months.”

“Sapphire?” his brown eyes rose to meet her blue ones. “Why did you not tell me in your letters? I should have known that you would not have allowed them to send you home unless there was a good reason!”

“It is not something women speak about, Logan, you know that. I tried to leave you hints in my letters, but I could not bear to tell you that way. I rather wanted to see your face when you found out,” she smiled, placing his hand against her rounded abdomen. “The baby has longed to meet its father.”

“Oh Sapphire,” he caressed her stomach, eyes tearing. “A baby,” he smiled, ready to kiss her again. His wife was making all of his dreams come true. “You do not know how happy you have made me, Sapphire Fitzgerald.”

“And you must be Logan,” a pleasant voice came from the entrance to the sitting room. Katrina stood regally between the glass doors with a smile on her aging face. “I am Sapphire’s mother, Katrina. Maureen, have Fritz bring Mr. Fitzgerald’s bags to Sapphire’s room. He shall be staying with his wife this evening.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Maureen waved over the butler, passing on the order before disappearing into the kitchen with the other help.

Logan assisted Sapphire in descending the remaining stairs, the pair stopping in front of Katrina. “I am Logan, Mrs. Crane, and I apologize for my sudden arrival both into your home tonight and your life in July. I wanted to surprise my bride.”

Sapphire leaned against him, reveling in the warmth of his embrace. “Did I not tell you he was a wonderful man, Mother?” she gushed, catching the reflection of candlelight in Logan’s wedding band. “I knew he would be surprised with his present.”

Logan began caressing her stomach again. “It is certainly a wonderful gift.”

“One that should have come within the bonds of a proper wedding,” Arden boomed from the top of the stairs. Sapphire’s eyes flew to him, noting that he did not look pleased. His graying hair was parted neatly, his large square frame casting shadows in the hall. “So I finally meet the prodigal son-in-law. Did it ever cross your mind, Mr. Fitzgerald, that you and my daughter should have sought our blessing in this marriage?”

“It did, sir,” Logan turned to the steps, releasing Sapphire from his arms but taking hold of her hand. “Our wedding was not to be an inconvenience to anyone. I had but a few hours of leave and I wanted to make Sapphire my wife that night before I had to face another battle. My duty is not easy, Mr. Crane, and I would never risk breaking societal expectations, but what we did was for us.”

“What about your family, do they know?” Katrina asked.

“No, I wanted to tell them in person, with my wife at my side,” Logan smiled at his blossoming wife. “Of course, I had not known about the baby either, so I assumed she would be more willing to go visiting.”

“How romantic,” Kat admired the man’s honor. “Arden, do stop being so pompous. The children are married now; it is far too late to change anything. We are going to have a grandchild this time next year,” she beamed.

Arden smiled slightly at that thought. “I still wish for there to be a formal wedding.”

“There will be, Father, I promise,” Sapphire smiled. Turning to her husband, she replied. “You must be tired after your long trip. I shall show you to our room and then you may freshen up. Tonight we shall invite your family to supper and tell them of our wedding and of their pending grandchild.”

“I like that idea,” he agreed, wanting more than anything to take a long bath and then a short nap. “But should you be climbing the stairs in your condition, Sapphire darling? I do not want you injuring yourself.”

“I actually wanted to speak to you about that,” Arden joined them in the foyer. “We have a small cottage on the property. Mind you, it isn’t as grand as the house itself but it is one floor and has enough room for the two of you and a child. If the two of you would like us to have it prepared for you, it can be furnished and ready by the weeks end.”

“What do you think, Logan? Would you rather have our own little house while you are on leave?” Sapphire asked, rather hoping her husband would agree. It would be nice for her to finally have her own home with Logan.

Logan didn’t want to dash her hopes, but his main concern was his wife. She would receive far better care in the mansion than in the cottage on the grounds. “I would rather wait and have our own house when I return from war, Mr. Crane. I would hate for Sapphire to be so far from anyone in her condition. While the offer is kind of you, I would much rather be here where Sapphire can be properly cared for.”

Arden nodded. “I can tell you were the best choice as a husband for my daughter, Mr. Fitzgerald. Welcome to our family.”

Sapphire beamed. “Thank you, Father!” she hugged him.

“My little girl,” he placed a kiss in her hair. “Now go, take your husband to his room and get ready for supper. I shall send someone for his family.

“Thank you, Father,” she took Logan’s hand and practically dragged him towards the stairs. She was going to take advantage of her Father’s kindness while it lasted. He had never shown interest in her or her siblings.

“You are doing the right thing, darling,” Katrina kissed Arden’s cheek, watching the children ascend the stairs and head for their bedroom.

“I know,” he sighed, watching them go upstairs. “I know.”

Chapter Eleven

The gentle glow of candles flickered across the wooden floors that were covered by hand-embroidered rugs. The candelabras were strategically placed in the room with only one glass lantern sitting atop the writing desk in the corner. In the hearth, a crackling fire warmed the room and helped to light the darkened place. Against one wall, in the center of the room, stood a four-poster bed made of mahogany with an armoire and dresser to match. Logan’s eyes skimmed the beautiful room, the rich red of the sheets and drapes reminding him of how near Christmas was. It was beautiful and in one corner, hidden from view as one entered the room, was a large wooden cradle and other items for the baby. For a moment, he focused on the collected materials and wondered if Sapphire had ordered them while he was away.

“My father,” she spoke, stepping further into their bedroom and lifting the soft yellow blanket from the bassinet. “He purchased many things for the baby through catalogs and little shops here in town. My aunt even sent the baby a blanket she has made. Father can hardly wait for his first grandchild. He has broken several societal rules in preparation.”

“I see,” Logan lifted a tiny baby suit. “Are they really this small, Sapphire? I can hardly believe a child would fit in such a thing.”

She giggled. “Neither can I,” her hands rested against the growing mound of her stomach. “Considering how large I am starting to feel, I cannot imagine this child fitting in that tiny bit of material.”

His eyes fell upon her stomach and his hands rose to meet hers as if to prove that what he was seeing now was real. Gently, his large, calloused hands began to move over the soft cotton of her dress. “I never dreamed,” he paused, his eyes slowly meeting hers. “I never dreamed that I would find you this way, Sapphire. Of all the scenes I envisioned for my return, your being pregnant here in Harmony was not one of them. I am glad you are safe now.”

“Not safe,” she replied, holding his left hand against her stomach. “My heart is not safe from pain, Logan. I fear that one morning I shall wake to a knock on the door and a soldier will be on the other side to tell me of your passing. I have heard about your mother’s health after Anthony’s. Everyone in town has heard the tale of her learning from the soldiers.”

“I should have come home then. I should have been the one to tell her about Anthony,” he sighed, walking over to the bed and sinking onto the mattress. “I wanted to, Sapphire, and my commander offered me the chance, but I could not. I had learned your whereabouts and I knew that I had to be with you. I left that night and returned the next morning a different man. I have something to live for now, Sapphire, and I refuse to let anything take me from you.”

“Logan, I wish this war would end. People are so hopeful that it will not last much longer,” she joined him, gently sitting beside him. “Some even are so hopeful to say it may end before Christmas. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

He shook his head. “After seeing what I did at Manassas, Sapphire, I would hardly believe this can be resolved shortly. So many men were killed there; it is difficult to believe that something so traitorous could be settled so soon.”

“But Logan,” she took his hand into hers. “It is so dangerous for you to be away. With Anthony’s death…”

“I should be with my family,” he looked at her stomach again, his hand resting on the swell. “Our family.”

“I wish you did not have to return after the holiday,” a tear rolled down her cheek. “I cannot bare to watch you leave again and know that you may be wounded or worse and I shall be helpless to do anything.”

“Let us speak of happier things, darling,” he knelt on the floor, his face even with her rounded tummy. “Let me speak to my child. Plug your ears.”

“Excuse me?” she laughed, blue eyes sparkling.

“You heard me, dearest. Plug your ears. I wish to have a conversation in private with my daughter and you may not hear what I am about to tell our child.”

“Logan, I do not believe that he or she can hear you. You are being silly if you think,” she was cut off as she received a swift kick in the ribs from her child. “Why I never!”

Logan laughed, having felt the kick. “I do not believe she likes being told she cannot do something, Sapphire. She most certainly will be like her mother.”

“She?” Sapphire’s eyebrow rose in query. “How do you know it is a daughter?”

“Call it intuition,” he kissed her stomach. “Now if you please. You are wasting time I might have speaking with my child while my water is being warmed,” he motioned to the small kettle near the fireplace.

With a huff, Sapphire plugged her ears with her fingers and closed her eyes so as not to look at her husband. She couldn’t believe he was bold enough to ask her to do something so silly or that he could wish to speak to her stomach. He was never going to be forgiven for this!

Gently, Logan lifted the blue blouse his wife wore, revealing the taut skin covering the womb where their child rested. He used his index finger to trace circles on her stomach, awe-filled eyes amazed by the beauty of her bare skin with the candlelight highlighting it. Splaying his fingers over her stomach, he against kissed her navel and spoke softly. “You probably will not see me for some time, my darling little one, but I entrust your care to your mother and her family. I believe that they will love you more than any child on earth shall ever be loved. As your father, I love you more than anything else in this world, except perhaps your mother, but I am off helping our country uphold the values we all believe in: liberty and justice for all men. It isn’t safe and I may be hurt in the process, but I want you to know that no matter what I love you and your mother so very much.”

Looking around, he noticed that Sapphire had tears on her cheek, obviously having listened to his conversation. She sniffled, wiping away her tears and looking into his eyes. “Why must you be so sweet, Logan Fitzgerald?” Tears filled her eyes again, spilling over quickly. “No man could ever be the father of husband you are to us. Promise you will come home safe.”

“I promise,” he kissed her stomach again. “Does it hurt?”

“Does what hurt?”

“This?” he touched the sides of her stomach. “It looks so tight.”

“Not at all, though my back is sore,” she pouted.

“After I wash I shall take care of that,” he helped her lay down and then readjusted her shirt. “Rest for a time and I shall join you the moment I am done.”

“All right,” she leaned back against the pillows of her bed, hands resting on the top of her stomach. She watched as he poured a bit of the steaming hot water into the cooler water in the basin. After testing the water’s temperature, he quickly discarded his filthy clothing, leaving them on the floor. Sapphire licked her lips, appreciating the view of his rippling muscles as he began to wash the dust from his skin. Each movement cause a new set of muscles to flex and Sapphire thought she was going to die from her want to touch each bulge.

Logan smirked, his eyes focused on the mirror that rested by the washbasin, his brown eyes focused on his wife, who was obviously enjoying the view. Nearly laughing, he undid the hook on his pants, dropping them to meet his coat and shirt on the floor. Hearing his wife’s gasp, he commented, “Are you enjoying the sights, Mrs. Fitzgerald?”

Sapphire blushed, shifting her eyes away. “I was not looking at you, Logan,” she mumbled, chewing on her bottom lip. “I was merely…”

“Watching me,” he interrupted, winking at his bride. “I am not sure I have anything to wear to supper beside my uniform, Sapphire. I may have my suit but it will be quite wrinkled.”

“Then I suppose it might be a good time for my surprise,” she pointed to the armoire. “I had my mother find out your measurements. You shall find something appropriate in there.”

Opening the door by tugging on the brass knob, Logan hesitantly peeked inside. He was surprised to find a brand new navy blue suit inside, black buttons on the jacket and matching vest. Beside it hung a crisp, new white shirt and some clean undergarments. He smiled at his bride. “You are quite a thoughtful woman, darling.”

“I just assumed that you would have nothing but that nasty Union uniform and though I am proud of your wish to defend our nation, I do not wish to be reminded of it every moment of your leave. So if you will kindly change into that, it would be appreciated.”

Logan merely removed the undergarments. “I do not wish to wrinkle my suit when I lay with you. Instead, I shall merely put on these.”

Her blush deepened. “Logan, you cannot be serious!”

“Is a man not allowed to recline with his wife in his underclothing? I would hate to ruin your image of propriety, Sapphire, but you are with child and have seen me in much less of a state of dress before.”

“I know that,” she giggled. “I just…forget it. Do join me, Logan. I wish to be in your arms again. It seems as if it were forever since we have been in each others arms.”

“I thought you would never ask,” he quickly changed into his clean clothing and climbed onto the bed with her. Resting on his back, he opened his arms. “Come here, my love.”

Crawling closer, Sapphire rested her head against his chest and listened to the thudding of his heart. The melodious sound echoed in her mind and she felt herself slipping into the safety of his love and warm embrace. “Logan?”

“Hm?” he murmured, wrapping her in his arms and placing a kiss atop her head. His hand rested against her stomach, feeling as their child moved inside her.

“I love you,” she yawned, stretching slightly and shifting as close as her pregnancy would allow. “Forever.”

“I love you too, Sapphire,” he responded, kissing her lips gently. “Always. Now rest, my darling. I shall be here when you awake.”

“Promise?”

“I do.”

She nodded and slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Logan watched his wife rest for a while, his thoughts centering on the life that grew inside her. Never before had he felt that he had so much to lose in his life. Should anything have happened to Sapphire or his child while he was away, the repercussions to his existence would be dire. He knew that should she ever leave him behind in this world, he would die a slow and painful death for his heart would be taken to her grave. Yet, as he watched her sleep peacefully in his arms, he knew that should anything happen to him in war, Sapphire would never be the same fiery woman he knew and loved. She would be devastated with his death and even their child would not save her from the blackened life she would live without him.

With his thoughts on surviving this time of his life, Logan Fitzgerald began to fall into a fitful slumber tainted with the memories of a man at war.

The marching blue clad soldiers moving through the hillsides blocked the lush greenery of the land around him. The spring had made the land blossom, the warmth of the summer made it shine in all its glory. Their location would have made the perfect place for Sapphire and their daughter to join him for a picnic and the untouched land reminded him of the open hills near Harmony.

They moved on along the countryside, the sun beating down on them as they marched on towards their destiny. Logan could feel his stomach knot with apprehension and he became tempted to flee for his life. Something inside him stirred when he thought about his wife and daughter at home without him, awaiting word that he might be wounded in battle. He knew now that this battle might be his last and part of him wanted to run from what could be his last moments on earth.

Suddenly, gun smoke filled the air making it gray and foggy, further tarnishing the perfection of the hills. Breathing became difficult as the density of the atmosphere thickened with each new shot. The blare of cannons and other weapons of war deafened him as he poised ready to fire his gun. He needed to defend his country and protect himself from the flying metal that hurled towards him. A promise was a promise and he had promised his wife he would return home safe.

A shot rang out and he felt the searing pain as it pierced his flesh. Stumbling backwards, he lifted his hand to the wound, inspecting it to judge the damage. Deep crimson blood sullied his hand and he felt the life draining from his body. He fell to his knees, eyes closing and body going limp. The burning in his body seemed to spread like a raging fire to the areas around and he knew deep in his soul that he had broken his promise to Sapphire

For a time he lay there, listening as the battle raged on around him. Slowly, the noises grew lower and lower as the armies moved further away, chasing each other to the death and leaving him behind to die. He was alone like his brother, listening a random gun being shot. For what felt like hours, he lay there suffering. The final day of this devastating battle and he would now go home like his brother and be placed in the cold cemetery. His wife would be forced to mourn him.

The wind blew softly against his skin and he heard the beat of hooves moving closer. Had he found the energy, he would have called to the rider and begged them to help him, much like he imagined his brother to a time before. “Logan!” Sapphire screamed and he felt his head being lifted into her lap. “Do not leave me!” she begged, crystal tears falling against his cooling face.

Summoning all of his strength, Logan’s eyes fluttered open and he looked deep into her fear-filled blue eyes. “Saph,” he breathed, her name coming out with the breath. He couldn’t leave her this way.

“Logan,” she whimpered, shaking terribly as she caressed his cheeks. “Oh darling, do hold on. The General promises to bring aid soon. He is going to let us move you, Logan. I brought Trista along, darling. She is safe with my family in a town nearby. She cannot wait to see her Father again. She loves you so.”

“Tell her…”

“Do not speak, sweetheart,” she bent closer and kissed his head. “Save your strength, Logan, you are going to make it, darling. We’re going to be together again soon.”

His heavy lids began to close and Logan knew that the end was near. He fought with all his might to hold on to the delicate strands of life that seemed to be slipping from his grasp. With his final breath, he whispered, “I love you, Sapphire,” and then faded into the unconscious.

Her screams pierced the air as her heart shattered with his death.

Sapphire shook her husband gently, trying her best to rouse him from his slumber. The maid had knocked on the door, calling through the cracks that dinner was to be served soon in the dinning room and that the Fitzgeralds were already present. With the families assembled downstairs and her parents obviously trying their best to control the news of their marriage and child, Sapphire knew they must be quick to join them.

“Logan, darling, wake up!” she insisted, shaking him again. How a man could sleep through her annoying him she would never know. Looking down at his face, Sapphire noticed for the first times the lines of worry that appeared on his brow as he dreamed. He looked more disturbed asleep then he did in the daylight hours when the war would plague his memory.

“Sapphire,” he murmured, still dozing.

“Logan!” she shook his again. “Get up!”

His eyes slowly fluttered opened and Logan looked around the room, expecting to find bloody soldiers surrounding him. Instead, he found himself trapped between the crimson sheets on Sapphire’s bed, the warmth of the fire waning as it began to turn into small glowing embers. “Where am I?”

“Well I wonder,” she shook her head, crossing her arms over the swell of her stomach. “Logan, are you feeling well, darling? You look pale.”

“It was nothing, my dear,” he sat up, looking around the dimly lit room. “How long have I been sleeping?”

“A few hours. The maid has been sent to bring us to dinner. You must dress now; our families await our presence in the dinning room.”

Logan groaned. “You should not have woken me. I would rather sleep than see my father again,” he sighed. “I do not wish to see him, Sapphire. I can only imagine what he will have to say about our wedding and the war.”

“Well, darling, we shall have to face him now. We cannot hide away from him forever, can we?” she watched him get off the bed and move to the armoire, where he removed his suit.

“No, I suppose not,” he pulled on his shirt, covering the muscles she had gently stroked while he slept. “Are you sure you are feeling well enough to deal with both families at once, Sapphire? It cannot be healthy for our child if you become ill.”

She shrugged. “I have handled my family well on my own, Logan. I am sure that with you at my side I shall be able to confront the Fitzgerald family. Besides, it is not as if they could possibly tear us apart, darling, we are already married.”

“This is very true,” he continued dressing, straightening his tie in the mirror. “You have done well in ordering my suit, dear. It seems as if I were there to have it fitted.”

“I am a magician,” she teased, getting off the bed and reaching for his hand. “Come, Mr. Fitzgerald, let us surprise the family with our news.”

He smiled brightly. “Our very well developed news,” he bent and placed a quick kiss against her stomach before adding one to her lips. “Have I told you how beautiful you are looking this evening, my love?” he asked, leading her from the room and down the grand staircase.

“No, you have not,” she squeezed his hand. “And I would not mind hearing so again.”

“You are stunning,” he stopped outside the dinning room. “I shall go in first. Permit me to shock them once with my being present and then again with the reason for my being here.”

Sapphire laughed. “You truly are a cad, Logan. I cannot believe you would frighten your mother so by surprising her this way.”

“I wish it would frighten my father into a fit of hysteria. You would love to see his Irish temper get the best of him,” he kissed her lips. “When I say ‘I wish to introduce my wife,’ enter the dinning room and take your place beside me.”

“Yes, sir,” she winked playfully. “Enjoy the game,” she blew him a kiss as he opened the door. He caught it and tucked it away, disappearing inside the great hall.

“Ah, I see one of our final guests have arrived,” Arden waved Logan over to the table. “Do join us, Logan my boy.”

“Logan?” Prudence, Logan’s mother, spun around, facing the doorway her son had entered in. Her face had been turned away as she chatting with Katrina, a friend of hers from the clubs of Harmony. “Logan!” she screamed. “You are home!”

“Logan!” Tessa, his sister joined in, dashing from her seat and into his arms. He pulled her close and she ravished his face with tiny wet kisses. “I have missed you.”

“And I you,” Logan laughed at his sister’s exuberance, heading for his seat at the table.

“Logan,” his father nodded coolly, little Patricia at his side. “You have returned.”

“For the holiday,” he replied equally as even.

“Why did you not come to the house the moment your train arrived?” his mother questioned, tears rolling down her cheeks at seeing her son again. “We have missed you so! We would have welcomed you with open arms!”

“I had someone I was inclined to see first,” Logan responded, placing his sister back in her seat. “Mother, Father, I would like to introduce you to my wife, Sapphire.”

The doors at the end of the room open and Sapphire entered, one hand on her stomach as she joined her husband at the table. Marcus, Logan’s father, gasped in surprised as the pregnant beauty kissed his son’s cheek and took his hand, proudly displaying her wedding band on the hand caressing her stomach. Prudence swooned, falling back against her chair and turning ashen as she looked at the girl her son had married. She frantically waved her handkerchief in front of her face.

“Dear Lord! My son has married a hussy!” she cried. “Married as hussy and agreed to raise her bastard child! He shall burn in hell!”

“My daughter is not a hussy!” Katrina cried indignantly.

Tessa bubbled excitedly. “Oh Logan! Is Sapphire having a baby?” she asked, her eight-year-old mind running full steam at the thought of being an aunt. “When will we see it?”

Logan ruffled her hair affectionately, laughing at the scene they had caused. “Do be calm, Mother. Sapphire and I married in July; we have been secretly wed for months.”

“And you have not said a word?” Marcus growled, standing up and forcing his chair backwards. “You have kept your wife and future child from us without warning? I would have thought we raised you better!”

“Sapphire and I had no choice but to marry when we did! I had just witnessed my brother’s death and thought it better to be with the woman I loved rather than stand a chance of never being happy! Sapphire and I are blissfully happy!”

“Love?” Marcus scoffed. “You are but a pathetic excuse for a son! How could you even believe that you could love anyone but yourself?”

“Marcus!” Prudence cried. “Please!”

Sapphire’s eyes grew dark with rage and both Arden and Katrina knew what would come. Calmly, their daughter stepped forward, placing both her hands against the oak of the table. Her eyes squinted and she leaned over slightly looking into the hazel eyes of Marcus Fitzgerald. “You, kind sir, are the most pathetic excuse for a man that should have ever walked this planet. Logan has been nothing but charitable and loving; he has saved my life and in return I have saved his, by accepting his plea to be his bride! I love Logan and he loves me and when he asked me to elope and become the woman he spent his life with, I agreed. I do not care of the war; I do not care of how long our union shall last. What I care about is the man I love returns my affections and has become the father of my child. You say he is a sorry excuse for a son, but you do not even know half the man your son is! You are not even half the man he is! You can take your decency, your propriety and your money and stuff it, Mr. Fitzgerald! If you do not accept us, approve of us, then feel free to leave!”

Prudence went to speak, but Sapphire glared at her. “And you! Should I ever hear you call my child a bastard again I will pluck your tongue from your mouth and serve it to my dogs! My child is formed from the love and perfection of a Holy and agreeable union of love and trust!”

“Sapphire, do calm down darling,” Katrina spoke gently. “You will upset the baby.”

Saph took a deep breath, straightening herself and looking bashfully at her husband. The pride in his eyes shone brightly and he placed a soothing hand against her back. “My wife has spoken,” he said to his parents. “If you do not wish to accept us, our wedding and our child, you may feel free to leave this house and know that you have lost your son forever.”

Marcus began to leave, but Prudence caught his coat. “Sit down, Marcus!” she demanded.

He cast her a look.

“I said sit! I shall not lose another son this year! If you have nothing polite to say, then feel free not to speak at all. Your voice shan’t be missed.”

Marcus fumed, sitting back in his seat. Logan assisted Sapphire to her seat and then took his place beside her as dinner was served.

As the staff began to clear the room, allowing the Cranes and their guests to enjoy supper, Tessa bounced in her chair and looked around at the adults. She couldn’t believe the excitement that was raging through her veins. “Logan! Logan!”

“What, Tessa?”

“Are we really going to have a baby?” she giggled excitedly, causing Katrina to laugh and nearly choke on her dinner.

“Yes, Tessa, Sapphire and I are going to have a baby,” he smiled at his sister.

Mary-Anna leaned on her elbow, batting her eyes at Logan. “My sister always did have the handsome suitors.”

“Oh stuff it, Mary-Anna,” Jacob hissed in her ear. “He would not even look at a toad like you!”

“Shut up, Jacob!” Mary-Anna cried.

“Make me,” he stuck out his tongue.

“I will make him!” Tessa giggled, kissing Jacob on the cheek.

“Eww!” he hissed. “Mother!”

Sapphire laughed, Prudence joining in the mirth at the display of the children. Marcus and Arden remained silent, watching their families bond and enjoy this time together. In Marcus’ mind there could be worse things than the union of the Cranes and Fitzgeralds, but still he did not wish to admit that this eloping could be a positive thing. To Arden, however, the silence was a chance to watch Marcus. He did not trust this man at all and had originally been wary of their children’s union for that reason. He worried about the safety of his daughter and grandchild.

The remainder of dinner was filled with questions from Mary-Anna, Jacob and Tessa about the baby and their whirlwind romance. Logan and Sapphire tried to explain their adventure on the train, the fear the war had breed inside them and the love their letters had conveyed. Sapphire admitted that she was looking forward to their baby’s birth in April and only wished Logan could be home for it.

All agreed and for a brief moment, Sapphire felt as if everything were right with the world. The thoughts of the war were forgotten in happier conversation and plans for the baby. For a time, it was as if they were simply a wedded couple starting a family. Yet deep down inside, Sapphire knew that this happiness would be short lived. For as the new year approached, her husband would be sent back to the battlefield and she would be alone with their new child…

She only prayed the nagging feeling of dread inside would be wrong and that Logan would return at the end of the war: alive and home to her arms.

Part Three