by Hazel Gower
“No, she wouldn’t. She has no idea how beautiful she is, and not just on the outside. Bianca thinks she’s as big as a house, not a gorgeous, voluptuous size fourteen. She doesn’t see the men stare at her. ” Greta shook her head. “She drives me nuts. ”
The love for her friend that shone through his sister’s eyes was clear. “I know you think you know her, but I bet there are a million things she didn’t tell you, ” Greta said.
“I’m sure there are. I can’t wait to learn more about her. I loved all your letters telling me what you two got up to. ”
Greta grinned. “Did she tell you that every week she goes to the children’s ward at Mercy Dawn Hospital and brings them special packs, all made with natural ingredients and all allergy free. ”
He shook his head and wondered why she’d never told him about that.
Gwen laughed. “Of course she didn’t. That’s not the only thing she volunteers to do. Sometimes it’s darn annoying to be compared to her. Mum loves her. ”
Caleb knew his eyes had widened, and he looked at his sister in shock. “She volunteers for Mum’s Delta Club stuff?”
“Yep. Every boring bit of it. ”
“Even those stupid fund-raiser balls she has every year. ” He raised his eyebrow at Greta in disbelief.
Gwen nodded and he moaned. “Shit, that’s coming up soon. ”
“Huh, and Mum’s already put you in it. ”
“She what?”
“Yeah, and guess what it is this year. ”
He glared at his sister as she paused and then broke into giggles.
“Date night. ”
“What do you mean ‘date night’?”
“Well, this year she’s auctioning off dates with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, and as soon as she knew you were coming home, you were on the list. Don’t worry. She added Gavin too. He’s about as happy as you. On the positive side, the event’s already sold out. ”
“What about you? Are you on helping?”
She looked anywhere but at him. “Um, how about we pack up? I think I’ve eased your worries enough. ”
He had to admit he did feel better and wasn’t worried about how Bianca had run off on him. But she still hadn’t answered his question. “Very good distraction. I still want to know. ”
Greta yanked at the blanket, and as he got up, she mumbled, “I convinced Bianca to take my place. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I knew you wouldn’t want her to do it, and I’m trying to prove a point to her. So you can’t bid on her. ”
He glared at her. “Why the hell not?”
She started walking away from him down the path with the blanket and wine in hand. He grabbed the remaining stuff and stomped after her.
“Because I’m proving to her she’s wanted. I made a bet that at least four men would bid on her. ”
He growled and reached for his sister, stopping her. “Why did you do that? I want her. You know how I feel about her. ”
“She doesn’t. It’s taken you forever to come home. When you do, you take over, expecting her to follow you and fall at your feet and say yes. I love you to pieces, Caleb, but you’re not her only option. ”
“What do you mean?”
Greta took a step back out of his hold. “She has a man sniffing around her. He’s a doctor, one of the children’s doctors at the hospital. ”
His brain went into overdrive, planning everything he had to do to make sure she didn’t choose him. “She never mentioned him. ”
“Of course she didn’t, and for many reasons, one being it’s still very new with the doctor. It’s taken her forever to catch on he likes her. She’s clueless when men flirt with her. The only reason I know about him is I was at the hospital with her the last couple of times, and there when he asked for her number. She put that down to him wanting to tell her what patients he had that week so she would bring the right treats. ”
His sister rolled her eyes. “And when he asked her out for coffee, she said he was just being nice. He was grateful she treated his patients so good. So see, I told you she sucks with picking up when men want her. I sent you that letter as a warning. Bianca wasn’t going to wait for you forever. Bianca tells herself she hasn’t been waiting for you, but I know the truth, and I think she’s starting to see it too. That’s why she started writing to you less. Bianca was weaning herself off you, probably so she could move on. ”
Greta started walking away, and he watched her for a moment, realizing everything she said was true.
“Look, you have to spell it out with Bianca. Get a banner that says, I lov—”
They both stopped walking and Greta stopped talking as they came upon Bianca. She stood frozen as she stared at both of them. Caleb debated what to do for a moment. Her face was white and her body seemed to be trembling. He glanced at his sister, hoping she might know what to do.
Greta walked to Bianca, and he watched as she backed away holding her hands out.
“No, give me a moment or two. I need…” She shook her head and shot a look at him. “I came back to apologize for running. You blindsided me. A lot has happened in the last twenty-four hours. And I heard some things…” She took a couple more steps back. “I don’t know what to say now. ”
A tear slid down her cheek, and Caleb couldn’t stay where he was. He needed to go to her. She didn’t have time to back up enough before he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
His sister nodded and walked past him.
They held each other for a couple of minutes before she pushed on his chest and said, “She’s right, you know. Well, about most of what I heard. ”
“What part did you hear?”
“About me not telling you about the men in the letters and that they might be interested. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me about them? I thought you told me almost everything in those letters, but I learned you only tell me some of what you do. There are so many things I want to know about you. Why don’t you say no to my mother? You know she’ll bowl you over if you let her. ”
“I like helping your Mum. ” Bianca stared up at him. “This sounds silly, but you are kinda a fantasy for me. Not real. I know I used to follow you around when I was little, before you went to the Army, but to the grown-up me, you’re a dream. Something that I thought would be always out of reach. ” She held his hand and started walking toward the cars. “It just hit me when Greta said it. I haven’t been writing to you as much because I’ve been weaning myself off you. I’ve been preparing to put my big girl panties on and go out and find my Mr. Right. ”
They’d reached his car, and he caged her against it. “Don’t. I’m him. I’m your Mr. Right. ” He tilted her head up and brushed his lips to hers. “Your letters kept me sane. They let me into your world. I fell in love with the woman who sent me those letters. ” He cupped her face. “I love the woman who sent those letters. I want to learn and get to know you better and keep falling for you each day a little bit more. ”
He traced her lips with his tongue before seeking entry and meeting hers. His hands traveled down her body until he lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around him.
“Give us a chance? Let me get to know you, and you me. I’ll ask you again in a couple of weeks if you’ll be my wife. ”
Bianca bit her lip and nodded. He grinned.
“One more thing. For this to work best, you have to live with me. ”He waited, hoping he hadn’t pushed her too far.
She studied his face before she mumbled, “Okay. A couple of weeks. ”
He smiled and captured her mouth in a no-holds-barred kiss. They split as a car honked. Her cheeks turned a pretty pink, and she opened his car and got straight in. He walked around to the driver’s side, sat down, shut the car door, and started the engine.
****
They’d stopped by her apartment, and she’d packed clothes, underwear, shoes and anything she would need for the next couple of weeks. By the time
they got back to the base and unpacked her things, it was late, and Bianca had to get up early for work the next day.
The week flew by. Bianca left for work at four thirty in the morning and came home mid-afternoon. Caleb spent the first two days relaxing and unpacking. On Wednesday, as soon as she got home, they went out furniture shopping. They did the same on Thursday and stayed out late thanks to it being late-night shopping.
At first, she’d been reluctant to choose anything for the house. She didn’t want to intrude or get his hopes up. But once she saw his tastes and the things he kept picking, she couldn’t hold back. By the end of Thursday night, she’d well and truly taken over.
Caleb didn’t seem the least worried. He smiled at the salesmen and said, “Whatever my girl wants, I’m happy with. ” Then he’d kissed her no matter where they’d been.
Friday night had been chaotic. She had a Delta Club meeting, and she’d called Mathew to see what patients he had at the hospital so Saturday she could bake and bring the treats to the hospital before Caleb’s party.
Caleb hadn’t wanted her to go to the Delta Club meeting. “Come on, beautiful, I’m sure my mother would understand if you missed the meeting. I want to spend time with you. We can go out to dinner or a movie or even do both?” Caleb pulled her to him and tried to convince her. He almost did, but the big fund-raiser ball was next week, and she knew his mum was counting on her.
“I wish I could. You’re so tempting. But I promised your mother I would help, and the ball’s next week. ”
Caleb hadn’t been happy. She left the meeting early, but Caleb wasn’t home when she returned. A note on the table told her he’d gone out with his mates. Bianca waited up for Caleb because he’d wanted her to stay and have time with him. She felt so bad for leaving him.
Bianca watched TV for half an hour and, after a while, got bored. So she washed clothes, ironed, and folded Caleb’s uniforms while she waited for him. As she went into their room to put away his items, she paused at his underwear drawer and stared at her letters, all of them in a neat bunch. Sitting on top was the worn picture of her lying on the hood of her car in her white bikini.
“Oh, God. ” It looked like he’d kept them all. Carefully, she lifted the three neat stacks of letters and sat on the bed. Slowly she sifted through them. They were in order of the date she’d sent them, and she was sure not one was missing. There were photos of her in the middle of letters, ones that Greta must have sent.
She opened the first one and read.
Dear Caleb,
I don’t know how to start this letter. I’ve written it a million times in so many different ways. I started off one with “how are you?” and then I reread it and thought, Idiot. I said to myself, he’s away at war. He’s probably not going to answer that or he’ll think I’m silly.
Next, I started it with “I hope everything’s all right. ”I only wrote that one once, as I figured that’s worse than how are you. Of course everything’s not all right. If it was, you wouldn’t be where you are. Greta wouldn’t have asked me to write you a letter because you’re getting down.
So then I started the letter with how well school’s going and that I seem to be doing okay with the workload and the other girls at school aren’t picking on me anymore. But that didn’t sound right either, no matter how I worded it.
Now I’m going to try something simple. I’m really sorry to hear you’re down, but I thank you for your service, and if there is anything I can do to make you feel better, I will happily do it.
Stay safe, and know that no matter where you are and what you do, you are loved by many.
Lo—
Regards,
Bianca
Bianca ran her finger over the crossed out word "love. " "Regards" had been a better choice even if love had been the truth. The letter was in bad condition, the ends tattered, and it looked like it had been folded many times, and opened, again and again.
She remembered his response to this letter, had kept it. She’d read it a thousand times.
Dear Bianca,
None of your questions were silly. I’m doing better a lot better since I got your letter, and the fighting has died down. I’m basically keeping the peace now.
Nothing much happens here. So getting your letter was a nice surprise.
I’m so glad the nasty girls at school are treating you better, and I stick by my words that I said before I left, they are just jealous of how gorgeous you are.
I would love to hear more about what you are up to. I eagerly await your next letter.
Love, Caleb
Bianca knew the letter by heart before she replied. That was how it all started. She couldn’t believe he’d kept them all.
She read them and came to one that had given Caleb the idea for the lookout.
Dear Caleb,
All men are assholes. Either that, or there is something wrong with me.
A couple of letters ago I mentioned I never got to go to the lookout and make-out like everyone else said they’d done. And how all the girls said how wonderful and magical it was. Well, I finally got to go to the lookout, and I have no idea what all the fuss is about. I hated it, and if I never have anything like that happen to me again, I will be happy.
Sorry for the rant, but I have no one else to tell. Your sister is one of the girls who love the lookout. Greta thinks it’s romantic, and the best place to get it on. I told her it was good, as I didn’t want her to think I’m weird or that something is wrong with me.
I vow from today on that if anyone can make that spot romantic and make it wonderful and magical, I will endeavor to marry him.
Thanks for listening to my rant, and you don’t have to respond to this one. I just needed someone to rant to.
Thanks.
Bianca
Bianca closed her eyes and remembered the other day at the lookout. It had been magical and wonderful. Caleb had made the lookout romantic for her.
Wow, she was the luckiest woman, and she’d gone and ruined it.
She got his present from her hiding spot and put it in her bag. Tomorrow she was going to make one extra change to it.
After putting on her nighty, she went back to the bed and continued to read the letters, crying as she remembered every reply he’d sent. She loved Caleb so much, and the more she read, the more she fell in love with him all over again.
****
He’d drunk too much. He walked home from the barracks where he’d been catching up with his mates. They’d all been eager to find out how things were working out for him with his girl.
Caleb had told them how perfect Bianca was, and he just wished now that she would agree to marry him.
He saw Bianca’s car parked out front. He took a breath to steady himself before he strolled through the front door. The lights were off, and everything looked in place. He checked the lounge to see if she’d waited up for him. Finding it empty, he staggered up the stairs and saw their bedroom light on.
Straightening, he walked into the room to see his letters sprawled over the bed. Bianca lay on the bedfast asleep. She looked so enthralling, her hair arrayed around her like a halo. Her nightshirt rode up, showing her shapely thighs.
Caleb leaned down to brush some hair off her face. Her eyelids fluttered, and she smiled. “Caleb. You’re home. ” Her eyes opened, and she pulled him to her. “You kept them. You kept every one of my letters. ”
“Of course I did. I kept anything that had to do with you. ” He sat on the bed, pulled her on top of him, and laid down.
“I missed you. I’m already hooked on sleeping on top of you. Hold me tight tonight. I think I’m falling more in love. ”
He leaned down to see that her eyes were closed. He grinned as he realized she was talking in her sleep and what she’d said. Closing his eyes, he fell asleep content.
Chapter Four
Bianca snuck out of bed carefully. She didn’t want to wake Caleb. She went to her cake shop to make her hospital treats for the kids
.
Around lunch time, as she arrived at the children’s ward, her phone rang. She answered, “Hello?”
“Where are you? You don’t work today. I missed you this morning. I didn’t even get a kiss. ”Her heart beat faster as soon as she heard Caleb’s voice.
Bianca closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of being wanted by the man she loved. “I didn’t want to wake you. Saturdays I come to the children’s ward at the hospital and give treats to the kids. ”He’d looked too good this morning to wake, and she knew if she had, she’d never have left.
“Why didn’t you wake me up? I would have come with you, ” Caleb mumbled.
“I didn’t know you’d want to come. I knew you were out last night, and I didn’t want to wake you up. ”
She heard a loud sigh and the water running. “How about I come and join you now?”
She looked down at her watch and knew it would take him an hour to get here if he showered. She didn’t usually stay much longer than that. “Thanks for the offer, but stay and relax. I only stay about an hour and half. I’ll be home before you know it. ” It seemed to take him a while to answer and agree before he hung up.
She arrived home a bit later than she’d intended, and Bianca knew, from his voice on the phone, that he thought she’d forgotten his birthday. There was no way she could, even if his parents weren’t throwing a huge party for him this afternoon.
Bianca hoped he liked his present. She’d had no idea what to get him. She’d left work early Friday and wandered around the shops. She knew he wore dog tags, and when she walked past the jewelers for the hundredth time, Bianca finally went in and got him a present. She’d taken it back this morning to get a little something extra added to it, and Bianca was going to give it to him tonight. She also went home and changed into a little something for Caleb.
****
Caleb knew he was sulking. He sat on his lounge with a beer and pretended to watch TV. Bianca had gone this morning without telling him. She didn’t even wake him to give a morning birthday kiss.
He felt bad for being annoyed with her, especially when he knew she was doing something special for a lot of sick little children. He just thought that on his birthday she would spend the day with him. Invite him to come along at least. Nevertheless, no, she’d gone without even a morning kiss. He knew Bianca hadn’t gone there to see her doctor, but as the hours went by, that’s all he could think about.
