Fading Thunder_A Historical Romance

by Sheila Hollinghead

  Velma gave me a hopeful look, but I shook my head. “Someone needs to stay in the office.”

  When William made no effort to move away, Velma spoke. “What did you do during the war?”

  “The same as thousands of other soldiers. I obeyed orders.” His eyebrows rose. “It’s something I’m still very good at.”

  Velma laughed, a little too loudly.

  I tugged at William’s arm. “I don’t have much time.”

  “Oh. Sorry.” He grinned at Velma, giving her a mock salute as we went out.

  After we were safely on the sidewalk, heat rising up in waves to meet us, I shot him a look. “Why were you flirting with Velma? You know how Laurie feels about her.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with a little harmless flirting. It’s not like I’m going to marry her.”

  “Why flirt with her then?”

  “It was just a bit of fun.”

  I sighed heavily and didn’t speak again until we were sitting in a booth. We placed our order and waited for our food. I propped my elbows on the table and rested my chin on my folded hands. “I wanted to ask you a couple of questions.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Are you Joe Joe’s father?”

  He inclined his head and grinned. “Finally figured it out, did you?”

  I leaned back in the booth, lifting my braid from my neck to let the blowing air cool me. I had expected his answer and felt no emotion other than curiosity. “Why would you lie?”

  “Sylvia thought it would be better. I was young, naïve, and she had me wrapped around her little finger. She said it was to protect me.” He shrugged his shoulders.

  “You didn’t think it through. Didn’t you consider that people might recognize a resemblance between you and Joe Joe?”

  “Most people have — Momma was the first.”

  “Aunt Jenny knows he’s your son?” My mouth gaped open. The waitress brought our food, and William didn’t answer until she had moved away.

  “Yes, the whole family knows. It’s not the end of the world.”

  I searched William’s hazel eyes, pained to have been excluded. He bit into his hamburger and we didn’t speak for a minute or two. He contemplated me.

  Finally, he shrugged. “I figured you knew. Even Laurie knew. I just took it for granted, or I would have told you.”

  I didn’t know whether to believe him or not, but decided to let it drop. I took a sip of my Coke and licked my lips. “There’s another thing — are you in touch with Sylvia?”

  “She has given up her parental rights. If she contacts me, I will let her meet with Joe Joe. So far, she has shown no interest in her son.”

  “So, you don’t know where she’s at?”

  “I know. I have her address. I haven’t seen a need to contact her.”

  “Have you given her address to anyone else?”

  “No. Why are you asking?”

  “She sent Michael a letter.”

  He raised both eyebrows at me and grinned. “Wow. She doesn’t give up, does she?” He finished his food and gestured to mine. “You gonna eat that?”

  I gave him half of my french fries, hoping I could eat at least a few. I took a bite of my grilled cheese and washed it down with another sip of the Coke. “Someone’s been in touch with her, telling her things. I don’t like it, but there’s not much I can do. Hopefully she’ll stay in California.”

  “Jay, knowing her, she’s not coming back — she’s got it too good there.”

  “That’s nice to know.”

  Michael came in the glass door, and I waved to him, hoping he was no longer irritated. I slid over so he could sit beside me.

  William shook his hand. “How’s it going, Mike?”

  “Not bad.”

  “He’s been making rounds with Dr. Driscoll,” I explained. Michael smelled of cows and antiseptic.

  William nodded. “Did you get a letter from the parade committee?”

  “Parade committee?” I asked.

  Michael surprised me when he nodded. He had not said a word to me about it.

  William spoke to me. “They want to honor the vets at the Fourth of July parade.”

  I smiled. “That’s a wonderful idea. Oh! That’s this week — Thursday.”

  Michael called the waitress over and ordered two cheeseburgers and fries. When she left, he glanced from William then to me. “I’m not going.”

  William nodded. “I understand. It’s going to be hard.”

  When Michael didn’t answer, William stood. “I’ve got to get back to work. Daddy’s probably having a fit, wondering where I am.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “I’ll see you later.”

  Michael nodded a goodbye, and William left.

  I took another bite of my grilled cheese, chewing slowly.

  The burgers and fries arrived. Michael took a swig of his drink before he spoke. “So, did he tell you anything?” He bit into his first burger.

  “Yeah. He’s Joe Joe’s father.”

  Michael nodded his head. “I figured he would admit to it. I was looking at Joe Joe when we ate supper with them last night. He looks a lot like William.” Half his fries were already gone.

  “I guess so. I don’t know why I never saw it before.”

  “Probably because you were trying to see me in him.” He started on the second burger.

  I shook my head. “No. I was trying to see Dan in him.” Condensation from my drink had dripped to the table, and I wiped it away with my napkin. “He also told me he knows where Sylvia is, but he hasn’t been in touch with her.”

  “Let’s just drop it, okay? Sylvia is out of our lives. No need to even think about her. If she writes again, we’ll burn the letters without opening them.”

  I didn’t answer, knowing I’d be too curious to destroy a letter without knowing its contents.

  Michael gestured at my plate. “Are you through?”

  I looked down at my half-eaten sandwich, and realized my stomach was churning again. I took another sip of Coke before I answered. “I’m finished.”

  “Jay, you need to eat. You’ve got to keep your strength up.”

  “I can’t. Not that.” The smells coming from the grill were getting to me. “Let’s go.”

  “I’ll meet you back at the office.”

  “Okay.”

  He went to pay the bill, and I walked out into the humidity and heat. Nauseated, I went around to the back of the office and sat down on a bale of hay, taking deep breaths, breathing in the lingering smells of horses and leather. It was cooler here; the building cast a shade over the entire area. When the sickness subsided, I went in. Velma had gone to lunch, leaving Wilbur.

  He took the unlit cigar from his mouth. “You done good, young lady. The place is already looking better.”

  “Thanks.”

  The door opened, and Michael came in, his arms full. I stepped forward to help him.

  “What’s all this?” I asked.

  “I bought a hot plate, electric coffeepot, cups ... a few other things.”

  “Michael!” I moved closer. “We can’t afford this,” I whispered.

  He ignored me, setting things up behind the counter. He handed me the coffeepot. “Will you fill this for me?”

  “You want coffee, as hot as it is?”

  “No, I was going to heat up some water and make you a drink. I got lemon juice, cinnamon, honey ...”

  I didn’t say another word. My lips trembled as I went to the sink in the back room to fill up the pot.

  Chapter 26—Another Pregnancy

  I called Aunt Jenny to let her know I’d be late. I wanted to get the office in order before Thursday. We were planning to close the office for the Fourth of July, unless there was an emergency. Michael went out on another call and told me he’d meet me at home.

  When I finally arrived to pick up my son, Laurie and Aunt Jenny were in the kitchen, washing the dishes.

  “Would you like to eat supper with us?” Aunt Jenny asked.
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  “Michael was called out on an emergency. I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”

  Aunt Jenny wrung out the dishrag and wiped the counter around the sink. “We’ve already eaten. Why don’t you eat, and you can take Michael a plate?”

  Although I wasn’t hungry, it sounded like a good plan. I nodded. “Where’s Momma?”

  “She’s already gone to bed,” Laurie said. “We fed James Colton. He’s in the sitting room playing with Joe Joe.”

  “Where’s Zeke?”

  Aunt Jenny dried her hands on the dishcloth. “He went out with Colt. They should be back in a few minutes.”

  “All right. Let me go speak to James Colton. I’ll be back in a second.”

  James Colton looked up from the toy truck he held in his hand and got to his feet, running to me. I picked him up and gave him kisses. Joe Joe had followed him at a slower pace. I knelt down to give him a few hugs and kisses too. “Y’all can play for a while longer,” I told James Colton. “Momma’s going to eat supper.”

  “Okay, Momma.”

  I ruffled Joe Joe’s golden curls and gave James Colton another kiss before returning to the kitchen.

  “We have some news for you, don’t we Laurie?” Aunt Jenny was positively glowing.

  I glanced from one to the other. Both pairs of eyes were shining.

  I smiled. “Good news, I take it?”

  Laurie nodded, her eyes misting. “I’m going to have a baby.”

  I threw my arms around her, and Aunt Jenny joined us. It was several minutes before we were able to wipe our tears away.

  “We have prayed so long,” Aunt Jenny said, pouring the tea.

  I sat down at the table. “I’ve been praying, too. I’m so happy for all of you. I know Walter is thrilled.”

  The leftovers from their dinner had been covered with a cotton tablecloth, and Aunt Jenny removed it, revealing bowls of peas and butterbeans, mashed potatoes, gravy, meatloaf, and biscuits. I fixed my plate, dipping out a little of everything.

  Aunt Jenny and Laurie joined me at the table with glasses of iced tea. The food had looked good, but my appetite was nil and I toyed with my food. I managed a few butterbeans and a bite of the biscuit.

  Laurie shook her head at me and frowned. “You look like something the cat drug in that the kittens wouldn’t have.”

  I laughed, but Aunt Jenny scolded her daughter. “Laurie! That’s rude!”

  “Don’t get onto Laurie. It’s true, Aunt Jenny. I think I’m sicker this time than I was when I was pregnant with James Colton.”

  “You were pretty sick then,” Laurie said.

  “You haven’t been sick?”

  “I’m as fine as snuff and ain’t half as dusty.” She looked positively glowing.

  “How far along are you?” I asked.

  “Not far. I’m figuring the first of March.”

  “That’s close to my due date. Our children can grow up together, like Joe Joe and James Colton.”

  Laurie nodded her head. “I ain’t even been nauseated.”

  “You don’t know how lucky you are.” I took a bite of the meatloaf and chased it down with a swallow of tea. I forced myself to take another bite, chewing slowly until I got it down. After another drink of tea, I pushed my plate away.

  Aunt Jenny blinked at me and leaned forward. “Goodness, child! Is that all you’re going to eat?”

  “I’ll eat some more in a bit.” I traced the flowery design on the tablecloth.

  Laurie cleared her throat. “William told us he ate lunch with you today.”

  “Yeah, he did.” I considered telling Laurie of his flirtation with Velma but decided against it. Maybe it was only harmless fun, as William had said. I took another sip of tea. I stood and took my plate to the slop jar, planning to rake it in.

  Aunt Jenny got up to stop me. “Jay! You said you were going to eat more.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t. It’s delicious, Aunt Jenny, but I just can’t. I’m going to fix Michael’s plate, get James Colton, and head home. I’m worn to a frazzle. Tomorrow I’ve got to take Zeke to the bus station. He needs to get back, according to Dr. Burch.”

  Aunt Jenny nodded. “He told us. Colt or I can take him for you.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Jenny. That would be a big help.”

  Zeke came in, and we explained the plan to him. I didn’t linger over my worries. I had to think positive and hope for the best. I didn’t want to upset Zeke — not that he appeared upset at all.

  I fixed Michael’s plate, and Zeke, Laurie, and Aunt Jenny walked out with me, helping me get James Colton in the car.

  After I got in, Aunt Jenny leaned in the window. “Are you going to the parade on the Fourth?”

  “Michael said he’s not going.”

  “Well, we’ll be there. It’s to welcome all the soldiers back. Michael was the last one to return,” Laurie said, as if I didn’t know.

  “I’ll try to persuade Michael.” They’d be honoring Dan and William, as well as other men I knew. I should be there for them, even if Michael refused. “I’ll go, but I’ll check in at the office, find out if there’s anything urgent, and then I can walk to the parade from there.”

  “They’re setting up a grandstand on the corner of Main, for all the families. The men they’re honoring will sit on stage. When it’s over, we’ll come back here. Colt is going to grill hamburgers, and we’ll have watermelon and homemade ice cream.”

  “Uncle Colt has a grill?” I asked.

  Laurie grinned. “Yep. He bought one a couple of weeks ago when Walter was telling him how good food tastes cooked on one.”

  “Come over after the parade and eat with us,” Aunt Jenny urged.

  “You’re too good to me, Aunt Jenny. James Colton and I will come, even if Michael doesn’t.”

  She nodded and stepped back. I told Zeke goodbye, refraining from mentioning Grace, sure that it would only drive them closer together. Grace would tire of Zeke soon enough. I only needed to be patient.

  I waved goodbye and drove home. I got James Colton inside and got him ready for bed. By the time Michael returned, I was reading my son a bedtime story. He looked tired.

  “Rough time?” I asked.

  “Not too bad. It would have been easier if I’d been called in sooner. One of Jack Branson’s horses had a splinter in his flank. Jack didn’t notice until it had formed an abscess. Anyway, I got it taken care of.”

  “Good. Supper’s on the table. It’s from Aunt Jenny.”

  “Thanks. I’m starving.”

  James Colton and I followed him in the kitchen. I poured Michael a glass of tea and James Colton a glass of water, then sat down with Michael to keep him company. I told him about Laurie, and he smiled and nodded.

  I explained that Aunt Jenny would be taking Zeke to the bus station first thing in the morning as I got up to refill his tea. “Do you remember the parade is Thursday?”

  He raised his chin. “Yes. I told you I wasn’t going.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t have my Dress Blues.”

  “Where are they?”

  “Stored away.” His eyes challenged mine.

  “I’m going to go. William will be there —”

  “And Dan?”

  Heat rose to my cheeks. “How am I supposed to know? You said he was in Plainsville.”

  “He’ll be there.” Michael’s lips stretched thin.

  “Why shouldn’t he be? He contributed to the war effort, training paratroopers.”

  Michael didn’t answer. He swallowed down the last of his tea and got up to take his dishes to the sink.

  “Anyway, Aunt Jenny said Uncle Colt will grill hamburgers afterward. She invited us over.”

  He didn’t answer.

  “Tell Daddy goodnight,” I told James Colton. My son surprised me when he climbed off his chair and went to Michael. Michael picked him up, swung him in the air, and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  James Colton squealed in delight and threw his
arms around Michael’s neck. When he released his father, I took him from Michael’s arms and carried my son to his bed.

  Chapter 27—The Fourth

  On the Fourth, I left Michael at home and took James Colton with me to the office, to be sure there were no emergencies. Velma had not left any messages for me. I tidied up before taking James Colton to look for the rest of the family. Aunt Jenny had gotten Zeke on the bus the day before, and he had arrived safely.

  There was no need to borrow trouble from tomorrow. Until I knew more about Zeke’s condition, I was determined not to worry. Today, I would enjoy the parade.

  The sidewalks were packed, but I found my family easily enough. The parade began soon after I got there. Since William would be riding on a float, Uncle Colt put Joe Joe on his shoulders so he could see his daddy go by. Aunt Jenny picked up James Colton and positioned him on her hip. Michael should have been up there on the float, waving to his son, but I supposed he had his reasons. The high school marching band came by last, playing the songs of the armed forces, ending with “The Marines’ Hymn.”

  We made our way over to the grandstand. I sat on the end, holding James Colton and wondering if I should even be there. If Michael refused to be on stage, maybe I should have stayed away, too. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t just there for Michael but also for William and the others who had served during the war. Dan had made it, decked out in his officer’s uniform. My eyes roamed over the crowd, and I thought I spotted Michael, his cap pulled low over his eyes, his shoulders slumped, and his hands in his pockets. But if it was him, I lost him in the crowd as the float came through.

  Dan, William, and twelve other men were on the stage, all in uniforms. They had to be burning up with the heat of the July day. A canvas top had been rigged to offer some shade. Since it was late afternoon, it was not blistering hot, but the heat was still stifling. Sweat dripped between my shoulder blades, and I was wearing a summer cotton dress. I could only imagine how the men felt.

  Our state representative was introduced and addressed the crowd. James Colton squirmed restlessly in my lap. Joe Joe was in Uncle Colt’s lap, leaning his head against my uncle’s chest. Aunt Jenny rummaged in her purse and came up with a stick of peppermint candy. She held out her arms for James Colton. With a grateful smile, I handed him over, and he settled down in her arms.