- Loving Wives
- If Only In My Dreams
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Click hereSecond Lieutenant Dan Miller paused for a moment as the distant rumble of gunfire caught his ear. After nearly a year spent patrolling the streets of Baghdad, he recognized it as a mixture of M16 and AK fire. Some other patrol was engaged this Christmas Eve.
Not his concern, he reminded himself. Not that he didn't hope the distant firefight wouldn't turn out to be a win for the good guys, but his attention needed to be focused right here on the two dismounted infantry squads he was leading tonight. The Army had drummed in his mind, from his first ROTC course all the way through Ranger School, that you always kept your mind on your mission, on your troops. To let your attention wander was to fail, or worse, get someone hurt when it could have been prevented.
They continued on their assigned route, moving carefully but without hesitation. They had covered this route in daylight and in the dark before and were familiar with the twists and turns of the ancient streets they followed. They moved openly, another small demonstration that they were the ones in control.
Dan recalled talking to his father, Sergeant Major (Retired) William Miller about his experiences in Vietnam. His dad had been a "Lurp", a member of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols that had become the 75th Rangers. One of their missions had been to "Take back the night from Charlie". Here they held the night, and planned on keeping it.
The point man lifted his hand and issued a sharp challenge. Dan hastened forward to meet with the leader of the Iraqi Police unit who's path they had crossed. The past year had seen him learn enough of the local dialect to exchange information with the senior police officer, whose English was on a par with Dan's Arabic. Neither force had seen anything suspicious.
He shook hands with the Iraqi officer and they wished each other good fortune as they parted. Dan admired the Iraqi forces, especially the police, who took hard licks and heavy casualties sometimes but kept right in the thick of the fight.
A quick check of the time and the recognition of the landmarks about them confirmed that it was time to swing back towards the battalion area. Automatically the pace quickened, his own as much as those of his men. He had a letter from Lisa that had been marked "Do not open until Christmas" and by the time they got back it would be well after midnight.
For one moment he allowed his mind to dwell on his wife. Two years of dating had led to their marriage right after their college graduation. It seemed as though they had spent most of the time apart since then. His attendance at the Infantry Officer Basic Course had been without dependants, as certainly Ranger School had been. Then they had finally settled down at their first permanent post when the unit was alerted for deployment overseas.
Many of the personnel were on their second tour, including his platoon sergeant and two of his squad leaders. Dan had followed his father's advice and kept his mouth shut and his eyes and ears open, allowing his experienced NCOs to teach him the real life skills he needed.
And damn it, he was wool gathering again. He firmly thrust any extraneous thoughts out of his mind, and kept his mind on the mission until the patrol was safely back in the cantonment area. After the debriefing he was making sure that weapons were cleaned, turned in and the patrol members all taken care of when he felt a touch on his arm. Dan turned to look at the smiling face of Platoon Sergeant Russell Mentor.
"I got it El-Tee. I've been goofing off all night here anyway. You go take a shower and rest. Sir." The NCO's smile grew broader and he winked. "You done good as always Lieutenant. Your dad will be proud of you. Now let a broken down old non-com handle a little sergeant's business."
They exchanged salutes and Dan headed off for his room. He carefully hung up his gear, then sat down heavily on the rickety chair. He pulled his boots off and wiggled his toes. His eyes strayed to the fat envelope sitting on the desk next to him, surrounded by pictures. He checked his watch. It was nearly 1 AM local time, therefore it WAS Christmas. He decided to postpone his present until he had taken a shower.
Still, he stretched out his hand and ran his fingers over the thick oversize envelope while he studied his pictures. There were three of them. On the left was one of Lisa and he on their honeymoon, standing on the beach. On the right was one just of Lisa. He had taken it camping while they were still dating. She leaned against a wood railing, a breeze whipping her long black hair, and, he always noted, blowing her thin, short dress tight against her body.
Then there was the one in the middle. A lump grew in his throat. It was Lisa smiling into the camera. She was holding up a tiny little hand as though it was waving to him. Other than that, not much could be seen of his son Dan Junior. He was the son born five months after Dan's deployment, the son he had never seen.
Dan headed for the shower. On the way he paused by the paper hung on the back of the door. Picking up the pencil on a string attached to it, he marked off another day on his short-timer's calendar. Less than a month to go before rotating back to "The World" as the older guys termed it.
After showering he stretched out on his bed, propped his head up on the pillow and carefully opened the letter. It held a smaller envelope and two pieces of cardboard. No, he corrected himself, each piece of cardboard was actually a sandwich, holding something inside it. He was sure it was pictures.
Dan laughed. Trust Lisa to know him. She could have sent everything by email, or sent it to him during their on-line chats. She knew that he would probably not be able to resist opening downloaded files early, but he would grit his teeth and refrain from opening her letter until it was time. It didn't make much sense but that's how he was and he loved Lisa for knowing him.
The smaller envelope had a message on the side. "Open me second". He picked up one of the unopened packets. Nope, this one said "Open me last". He slid his fingernail along the seam of the other one, cutting open the tape.
Dan blinked back tears. Dan Junior looked back at him, propped up on some sort of pillow or something. His little boy was grinning at the camera. Lisa had dressed him in a tiny baseball uniform, that of Dan's beloved Chicago Cubs. He carefully propped the picture up next to the lamp beside his bed.
Now the letter. He held the envelope up to his nose for a moment. Now THAT you couldn't get through an email. The definite fragrance of "Shalimar", Lisa's favorite perfume. His closed his eyes for a moment as memories drifted through his mind.
He grinned. That minx. Just like her to do something like this. Just a little scent and a few vagrant thoughts and something was already stirring. He figured he better read the letter before all the blood left his brain on its journey somewhere else.
"Dearest Friend,
Isn't that a hoot, honey? I've been reading some early American History lately and that was how John and Abigail Adams addressed each other in their letters. I thought I would try this and see if I got a smile. Oh, well, I have more ways than one to charm one out of you.
Everything is going well here, as it has been, except that I miss MY 'Dearest Friend' so much. But you know that. I knew what your career plans were before we got married and I knew this would happen, and probably will again. I'm an Army wife and I'll be waiting for you when you get off that plane.
In the meantime, since you have been a good boy and not opened this until Christmas, you are entitled to your Christmas present. Thank God I managed to figure out the timer on the camera. Open the one marked "Open me last" right NOW."
Dan chuckled. He HAD been a good boy. He opened the final insert and gasped. There were several pictures. No wonder she hadn't sent these over the net.
The first picture was of Lisa stretched out on their bed. Candles lit the room, although their effect was somewhat muted by the camera's flash. However that same flash did a wonderful job of revealing Lisa's tan skin set off by the lacey white negligee she was wearing. She was giving the camera a naughty smile.
The second was more of the same. Lisa had lain down on her side, her head propped up on one hand. Her leg was akimbo, the foot resting on her other knee. The white lace had fallen away from her body, giving a tantalizing glimpse of the dark patch between her legs. She had her other hand lifted and one finger was crooked as though she was beckoning him towards the bed.
Dan whistled sharply. He was already squirming on the bed. The last one, now, he could feel the sweat breaking out on his forehead, and elsewhere. Lisa was kneeling on the bed, her arms outstretched. The negligee gapped open from her throat all the way down. Nothing showed beyond her smooth skin, although he convinced himself he could see her nipples through the lace.
Instead of a naughty look this time, the one that Lisa wore tugged at his heart strings. Along with her body language, it mingled desire and longing. It aroused him and yet at the same time made him feel homesick and happy to be loved so much all at once.
He laid the pictures beside him and picked up the letter and began to read again.
"I hope those had the effect on you that I wanted darling! I giggle when I remember your older brother Seth and his wife telling how she had to smuggle pictures like this to him when he was in the Gulf in the first Iraqi War. So as not to upset the Saudi's sensitivities she wrapped them around a 6 volt battery and put them inside an plastic flashlight. He had to keep them hidden. Well, remember, before you show these off that I'm YOURS and yours only.
My beloved husband, its Christmas. Its a day of rejoicing, saddened for all three of us because we're apart. But when you dream tonight, dream of our tree with the lights blinking on and off and the star on top. Dream of us snuggled in front of the fireplace, wrapped up with our little one cuddled between us, the floor strewn with wrapping paper and ribbons. There will be carols playing on the CD and we'll sing along softly so as not to wake Dan-Dan, asleep after so much excitement.
Dream of you putting him to bed and then finding me on our bed, waiting for you as I am in these pictures, as I will be waiting when you get home. Dream of a long night, as full of passion and love as I can make it.
I'll take Dan-Dan to Mass today and light a candle for you, as I do every day. See that candle in your mind, it will be in the front window lighting the way home for you.
Merry Christmas my love and lover. Come home safe to us.
Yours always,
Lisa"
Dan carefully placed everything on the table. He pulled on a t-shirt and his uniform pants. He stepped into his running shoes and walked down to the mess hall. He drew a cup of coffee and looked around. Sergeant Mentor was sitting by himself reading a letter of his own. He looked up as Dan approached.
"Hey, El-tee. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas indeed, Sarge."
(The End)
(To all our troops overseas this Christmas, and every Christmas before and every one still to come. God Bless you all.)
- COMMENTS
Casbo38, didn't you read "I finally figured out the timer on the camera."? She is a true Loving Wife, not a hoe like those in so many of these stories. Great job with this, patricia51.
detroitdave
Damn, you made my eyes leak. Brought memories of holidays and time spent far away, counting the days until I returned to "The world".
Never easy being away from loved ones in the military. Especially in a war zone. Many of us recall those times. Thanks for sharing your words with us. I never got any photos like those in your story though. 5*
Christmas 1984. I was in the Falkland Islands, 1000ft up on Mount Kent, in the middle of a 4 month tour. The shooting was past, I wasn't in harm's way; but none-the-less, I was 8000 miles from home. Every letter from my then girlfriend was essential for my sanity. In the last few days of my tour I was informed that I would be staying an extra ten days because my replacement had something more important t do in the UK. You could probably have heard my teeth grinding for miles. Got home in early March '85, married her in July. We've been married now for 37 years. This story is a true picture of what it means to serve your country. Bless 'em all - past, present and future.
I went into USMC planning on making it my career. Vietnam cured me of that. I saw some very good men But due to judges etc I saw dregs of society also. I also saw the way politics and career enhancement were more important than EMs lives.
Drugs, divorce, mental emotional etc played havoc in war especially.
I now advise grandkids not to go in until the politicians kids are not only in But are in combat roles
As an old Marine, thankfully, this ended happy. No, I saw no combat. But I saw and heard of alot of divorce. So thanks. S. F.
“ Anonymous2 months ago
cooorny...”
Not hardly. Not even close to your condescending remark.
Every deployed serviceman or woman lives for letters just like this. It’s what keeps us going. It keeps us alive because your loving significant other is worth staying alive for. This author understands that perfectly.
Shame on you for posting that. I can see why you posted as anonymous.
Perfect. Army Wife is one of the toughest jobs in the Army. A Loyal army wife is a credit to the service and the bedrock a soldier builds his career on. A loyal soldier is worthy of that wife.
The service to our country and the love of the ones at home are so precious that nothing
makes me feel better. Great concise story and God bless you for writing it.
Very touching. I’ll never forget the 1991 New Years letter I got was my wife telling me of her 3rd miscarriage. We were never able to have kids but she soldered on with me until she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2013. Army wives have it as tough as any of us overseas ever did.
Thanks for the story, reminded me of the Christmas’s that I spent in Nam. Some memory’s deeply felt and great, an some not so grand. Nice share with a fellow vet
A very well written and moving story especially for this category. Keep writing
A story that deserves my evaluation and certainly my comment.
Literotica allows these trips. In the world there are not only sluts or sluts, cheaters, and hokey husbands. Condescending horns who yearn to be humiliated, eat their cream pies, or raise children who were raised by bulls. Or vengeful people who, in search of their pounds of flesh, ruin their cheating spouses and their cheating partners, even to events of mutilation or death...
Literotica is about relationships between people, complicity and love at different levels.
This is one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever encountered around here.
Four stars. A job I will remember for a long time.
But that's just my opinion.
Nice
I have tears running down my face.
Oh, it's because I bit my tongue very hard.
Ha
Merry Christmas
Five Stars
Excellent!!! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.. but you did not. I appreciate. 10 stars, because if you know me, you know i can't count, and you know I constantly bitch about the scoring system. The Bear approves. I spent a year in 'Nam, and left my fiance alone in N.J. I trusted her her, but felt it would be wrong to marry her before doing. Technically, my best friend, her younger sister, and my 3 brothers all promised to protect her. They did, I came home, we married, and 50 years, 5 kids 10 grandchildren, her stroke, and my stroke,( and minor prostate cancer) She hasn't killed me yet. Thank you for a beautiful story.
The BEAR
So bloody disgusting that this is the exception and not the norm for military personnel from all countries.
Every man should be blessed with a wife like that.
Thank you for this poignant story of faithful love stretching from a war zone to “The World”! I’m remembering a similar experience during my year in ‘Nam over 50 years ago...still with the same wife! Anyway, thanks again for sending me down memory lane!
Great story. I echo the comments of other veterans about this story. Being far away for too many Christmases is one of the toughest times a soldier faces. I love your story.
Brought back too many memories. If you never been in a combat zone (or in the military) over Christmas you will not get it - it is they loneliest place in the world even when you're surrounded by your comrades. Getting letters like this (or any letters) is what keeps us going over holidays. The worst is getting a Dear-John at Christmas (so many suicides); I only hope the offending spouse reaps the wrath of hell for doing it to their military spouse.
There is a good Hallmark movie that expresses what a letter can do for a military member in combat, 'The Christmas Card' that always makes me melancholy. I came home wounded to the dear john.
Your description brought back memories. Hope was defined in counting down days.
The terms used. The way each of the men are address each other in rank and status...all good. You’ve made a tired old Ranger yearn for the camaraderie of those interludes. Thank you.
Vampire Possum one-zero
Remembering many missed holidays and holydays I missed because of deployments.
But also rememebering someone had to do it and as senior individual I felt it was my duty. The Old Sarge...
Thank you from a veteran of multiple combat zones, tours, and the occasional crisis, for 26 years. We need more stories like this.
God bless you for this. The hopes and dreams you bring up are what kept many of us going.
To JHarp: I was in Germany in the late 70's and TDY to many bases. It wasn't unusual to hear an announcement over the base PA system letting people know when a flying unit would be returning from a deployment. This let spouses gather at the airfield to greet their loved ones. We called the announcements “Jody Alerts” because those who needed to knew it was time to clear out of the house of apartment.
About cleaning and turning in weapons; in 1971 I was on one of the Air Force’s visit Viet Nam tours and we had a weapon assigned to us “if needed” but the only time I saw it was the one time I cleaned it, test fired it on full automatic on the range and then turned it in to be stored in a locked CONEX unit. Two people had a key to the lock but many sections had a bolt cutter. They didn’t want people who were drunk of depressed getting their hands on a M-16. Bet it’s the same reasoning today.
Like many readers I too spent Christmas and many other holidays away from my wife rereading a letter and being grateful for having a loving wife waiting for me. This story could easily have been in the Romance section.
Very nice story. It may be an “oldie” but it’s my first time to read it. One thing in it puzzled me though. The phrase, “weapons were cleaned, turned in...”. I don’t understand that at all. Turn in weapons? To who? WHY? Other than that bit of unexplained whatever, it was a really nice story. D
For those of us who can say, "been there, done that", it recalls sad but good memories for us. Those letters from home kept many of us sane. Thanks!
Can't think of a better letter to receive for Christmas for a husband far from home.
I know this is an oldie, but it sure is a goodie! I stumbled into it as a contest winner, and it is truly lovely.
I'll definitely be dipping into some of your other writings here.
Thanks!
...you need to read more carefully. She said in her letter that she was glad that she figured out the timer on the camera. If it hadn't been for that, you'd have a damn good question!
After reading this heat-warming story, I think that I am going to have to read all of Patricia's stories. This story sure hit the spot with me. A true 'Loving Wife'...not like the ones in other stories that only really, really love their husbands AFTER they are caught cheating. Thank you for a wonderful story...especially for the vets serving our country.
As an old combat (Vietnam) vet, I know I liked it, and if you really sent it to your husband in the zone, he'll keep it forever.
This story had everything. Any military person serving overseas, especially at Xmas, would dream of receiving a letter like this from a loved one. Why are there stupid comments made about his wife being a cheater, just because some spouses cheat doesn't mean that everyone is that way inclined. I thought this would be a great way to be reminded of my loved ones back home. I was just lucky that I or my children were never called to serve overseas, that horror we luckily escaped. I know this story was written nearly 10 years ago but it is still as great now as it was then. 5 * * * * *
Faithful, my ass!! The guy taking the pictures ripped off the lacey white negligee and fucked the shit out of the little slut.
That love and loyalty still exist - alas, even if only in fiction.
I have no more patience with cheaters than the next person, but your sick mind imagines facts not in evidence.
Why does it seem to bother you that a Loving Wife may actually BE a LOVING WIFE?
Wow, brought back memories of loving times with my first wife while I was in Viet Nam.
Isn't it a bit strange that the "good guys" of your narrative are separated from their homeland by an ocean and a continent, whilst the presumably bad guys are defending their own neighbourhood?
... was of her spreadeagled as her brother-in-law (his brother) pounded her relentlessly. While Dan was deployed in Afghanistan, Dan's brother was deploying his own troops in his adulterous wife's pussy; there was no doubt Dan Dan was his brother's child.
Messing with another country is one thing, having your wife being messed with by her lover was another matter entirely.
Sleep tight, military cucks...
I recall many holidays that left my bride and me with this melancholy longing. A loving couple in the truest sense.
Thank you
Mike
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I'm not sure how I missed it when it was posted as I make a point of reading all of your stories. Certainly worth 5 stars.
Thank you.
Loving wives usually love only their husbands. This story is great; it's not your typical "Loving Wives" submission but it's well-written and believable. If my wife were like Lisa, I'd be a very happy man. Well done, patricia51!
Thanks for writing this story, it's very descriptive!
Yes, it is like that over Christmas, & all throughout the year, for many of us who work overseas in the Forces or not.
Great story well written great premise great description sting emotion Thanks great read!
I had 17 Christmas's over seas in 22 years in the US Army.
This story is soooo true to form, yeah the pictures wives send, the letters. Wow its all there. Thank You for this really great story. SFC, U S Army, Retired
Finally a real Loving Wife Story. Thank God not everyone is a selfish perverted cheater!
I was reminded of my own experience in Desert Shield/Storm. Very well done.
Very well written and a great, touching story. I feel fortunate to have stumbled across it on Memorial Day weekend. Great reminder of the sacrifices our troops and their families make for our country.
That was a very heartfelt and soothing story, wish all our servicemen got one just like it.
Good Job
A real loving wives story not what I was afraid of,the "loving wife" telling hubby she was a slut and rubbing his face in it...
Patricia that was beautiful. I have been there from his side but not hers. It was nice to hear her side. Thanks for the read. Jim
As a Marine who spent several Christmas's away from home this struck a deep chord with me. Great story.
...is touched by your amazing stories. Yet again I salute you.
You've captured very well the feelings of being deployed and in love.
I cannot know how you came to absorb the level of military authenticity you display, but you have it pretty well on the head.
A pleasure to read and ... thank you.
Wasn't what I expected when reading a loving wives story, but it was a wonderful read! Having been over there, it's good to see stories like this. I hope to see more stories like this of yours as I look into your archives.
I want to Say Merry Christmas to Everyone at Literotica and to my favorite writer Patricia51 my favorite of all Merry Christmas to you and the family.
I hope you continue writing those great stories.
Pat Murray
Atlanta,Ga.
touching, loving, "Loving Wives" story.
I saw it on the December 2005's Category Nominees' list and it didn't sound familiar!
Beautiful story and MUCH better than getting a box of crubmled up cookies!
A touching story of true love told by a master. Thanks Patricia for you beautiful tribute to the fighting men laying their lives on the line for us everywhere - may they all have a Lisa to come home to!
Great piece of writing, and all too sadly, very real and poignant.
Good luck in the contest.
That's a great story to warm all our hearts for the season. I was not married when I was in Viet Nam, but too many of my friends who were got letters that were a lot different and more disturbing than this. Good job. I'm motivated to read more of your stories, most of which I see are rated HOT.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to our fighting men. Your stories are always works of art. Good luck!
Cookie :)
And a tribute to our fighting men everywhere; may they all have someone like Lisa to love.
A wonderful story!
think that this was a Romance story not what we find in loving wives.
So very well written. I actually had a lump in my throat at the end, and had to fight back the tears. I think it is safe to say you have touched so many of our hearts with that letter. So tasteful, and so much the truth too.
I see you did not waste your free time this weekend, despite your football game. I feel free to comment here as I only just saw the draft, so here goes...WOOOOOOHOOOOO!
Show them a "real" loving wife. And a real man as well.
This was really touching, and had a very clear and weighty feeling tone to it that I really enjoyed. Your writing is quite "real," which makes the story like being transported. Good luck in the contest!
What more can be said, except great work Pat.
You really can write anything and write it well. That was a beautiful letter and a nice reminder of the good men and women who serve us all. A great picture of real love lived out in the real world.
wishing you a merry christmas and happy new year. a fan always.
could write something so simple yet so meaningful. thank you for those that can not.