Prologue - November 1952

Army Sergeant Edward Colonna returns home after six years overseas, only to find the love of his life in one, Isabella Swan. Can their love survive the test of time when he is sent away again? (Set during the Korean War era; late 1940's to early 1950's). Originally written for the Christmas Wishes Compilation..This is an expanded version.

**** You Belong to Me ****

Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.

Many thanks to Cared Cullen for taking the time out, during the Christmas rush to help me with it. She designed the beautiful banner and beta'd the story which included assistance with the Gaelic. You are the best my dear!

At the end of the final chapter, I will reveal details of the true story which inspired this fiction.

Prologue***November, 1952***

"Your sister looks beautiful."

My mother's voice sounded softly in my ear as she took a seat in the chair next to mine.

I nodded, watching as my baby sister, her eyes shining, swept past us in Paul's arms, sharing this, their first dance as husband and wife.

November 1949

***Three Years Earlier***November, 1949***

Supper over, Alice and I were doing dishes when the front door opened with a bang. We knew who it was, before he spoke a single word.

Em never did anything quietly.

"Ma, your favorite son-in-law is here!" He bellowed from the parlor, causing the two of us to giggle.

Mom was laughing and shaking her head from where she sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of tea during a rare moment of peace.

December 1949

***December, 1949***

The weeks leading up to Christmas were hectic, as always, even more so this year as we prepared for the arrival of Em and Rose's baby.

Strangely enough, I saw Ed quite often during that time. It all began when I was invited to Joe and Elise's house to play pinochle, and Ed was there when I arrived. After that, it seemed that every time Alice and I went to visit at Rose and Em's, he was either already there or arrived shortly after.

January to March 1950

***January, 1950***

Hurried footsteps along the hall woke me before dawn. Alice and I scurried out of bed, only to find both our parents dressed for the day and milling around the kitchen.

"What's happened?" Alice asked, her face a mirror of my worried expression.

"Nothing's wrong," Mom smiled, but I could see a hint of fear in her eyes. "I was just comin' to wake ya. Em's takin' Rosie to the hospital."

May 1950

***May, 1950***

For months, everything had been perfect.

Too perfect.

I should have known it was too good to last.

One Friday evening, when both Joe and Ed were required to stay late on base, Elise and I were invited to Vicky's for dinner. Vicky explained that Jimmy was working late as well, and the three of us could have a 'girls' night'. She was so intimidating, even over the telephone, that I didn't dare refuse.

June 1950

***June 1950***

The day after Ed's telephone call, the girls and I spent the morning at the beach. With nothing to distract me but the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the occasional happy squeal of a young child chasing the surf, I was able to truly reflect upon the past few days.

Thinking about Ed, it was easy to forget the angry expression from the last time we'd been together. In my mind's eye, all I could see was his tender smile; the one he wore just before his lips would met mine in a tender kiss.

I sighed and closed my eyes.

I missed him.

July to September 1950

**July, 1950***

The following weeks passed in a flurry of activity.

Ed still had his job at the base and I still had mine at the mill, but we tried our very best to spend our evenings together.

Many of those evenings were also spent in the company of family and friends who had missed Ed for six long years, and were about to lose him again. I couldn't begrudge them their time with him, but I lived for those evenings that we were able to be alone.