I heard the front door shut, and it seemed early for Oliver to be home.  I met him in the hall as I went to investigate, but he had a sorrowful look on his face.

I paused and my heart dropped.  My stomach turned, as I could see he has bad news.

"The Confederates made their move on Ft. Sumter.  It was a massacre, and Lincoln has called for 75,000 men to enlist.  The war has begun."

"No!"  I shook my head in disbelief. 

"I have plans with your father.  As soon as Lincoln called for troops, I am to travel to his home and join with him and your brothers.  Jeremiah will also meet us at your father's home.  I wrote my Uncles and gave them the same instructions, only they are to come here along with Armstrong.  He will also live here with you. 

"Oliver, I'm not this strong. I can't do this without you."  I started to cry.

"We have no choice, Naomi.  We both knew this day would come."  He pulled me into a hug.  "We have tonight, then I leave first thing in the morning."  He kissed my head as I sobbed into his chest. 

I felt his strong arms lift me and carry me upstairs.  He spent that day and entire night making love to me until we were too exhausted to go any longer, then we fell asleep. 

I woke to him sitting on the edge of the bed staring at me.  "I just want to memorize your every feature." 

He pushed my wild hair out of my face.  "Every beautiful feature." 

"Will I be able to write you?" 

"Yes, and please do."  He kissed me again.  "My uncles will be here in two days.  They're very charismatic, and I think you'll enjoy them.  You'll still have Mae, Bub, Claire, Mimi, Armstrong, and my Uncles.  I put another two cots in the safe room and added plenty more provisions."

He leaned down and kissed me, then pecked my cheek, then my nose.  "I'll write every chance I get."  He said.

I jumped out of bed and wrapped a blanket around me.  "I'm walking you down."  I wiped away the first of many tears.

He said goodbye to everyone, before pulling me into his arms and holding me tightly.  "I have your photograph, and it will provide me much comfort.  I love you, Naomi.  More than my own life." 

"I love you more.  I'll miss you every moment of everyday."  He pulled back and wiped my tears.  "Let's just hope the war is short lived." 

He climbed into a wagon with only one burlap bag, and Bub took him to catch a steamboat east to my father's home. 

I ran to my quarters and started my two day sobbing tantrum where I didn't leave my bed. 

"Your husband didn't leave you here to sulk while he's off fighting a war!  You have a household to run, and two crazy old men downstairs waiting, quite impatiently, for your audience.  Get up, and get to it!"  Mae opened the curtains and let the sunlight assault me. 

"I won't be of any help. I'm useless without Oliver."  I covered my face with a pillow.

"I'm drawing you a bath to wash that stink off.  You've not bathed for lord knows how long, and this room smells of rotting flesh."  She pulled me up by my arms, and I groaned. 

Mae pulled me out of my severe depression that day.  One day at a time, I grew stronger.  Finally, after a month, I received word from my husband.

"Camp Morton                   April 28, 1861

My Dearest Love,

Time moves so slow not having you in my arms.  I have missed you dearly over these past few weeks.  Weeks that feel like a lifetime. 

I do hope this letter finds you, and our loved ones in good health.  I worry for you every single moment I'm not there with you.

I am with your father and brothers at Camp Morton.  The training moves quickly, and soon we will be sent to the south.  I'm unsure how long I'll be at one place, but I have faith your letters will reach me. 

You will be pleased to know that our educations gave us all the rank of Officers.  We will take part in leading men into battle, then watch from afar.  I'm unsure how long that will last, and we are all hoping to be assigned to the same regiment.

Naomi, I love you.  Dear God, I love you.  I look at your photograph every night and dream about holding you again.  Please do write me soon.  I need to know that you're healthy and unharmed.  Please make sure you are eating and resting.  I need you to be strong and keep our home ready for my return. 

With all my love.

Captain Oliver Westlake

I sat at my husbands desk and wrote him back promptly.

"May 14, 1861

My Dearest Husband,

I was relieved to have received your letter.  It did find me in good health, but I am lonely without you.  My bed is cold, and my heart breaks more and more with each passing day.  I need you, Oliver.  My mind, body, and soul aches for your warmth.  I do hope this letter finds you also in good health.  Please give our family my love. 

You were right about your Uncles. They are charismatic, although protective.  They are also our largest form of entertainment. Bub is lost without you, and the same with the others.  We all miss you deeply. 

So far, all has been quiet since your departure.  So many men have enlisted and the town is even quiet, except for the latest gossip about Miss. Jennings and Mr. Bruce. We both know it's merely gossip, and does not prompt judgement on the two.

Armstrong is certain the Union Army will be taking our ships for use in this war.  Our distillaries may be turned into factories to make ammunition.  Bub and your Uncles have been preparing the fields for spring planting.  The grapes are also being tended to by myself and Mae. 

I am glad I don't have other news to report, as we are safe and life seems to go on, but I will never move on without you. 

All my love,
Naomi"