William jumped out and gave a wave. “Sorry I’m late.” He looked slightly abashed as he cleared his throat, as if surprised to see our little group.
Uncle Colt walked out into the yard to meet him. “We’re running behind as it is, son.”
William’s face was wreathed in a smile as he hurried around to the passenger’s side to open the door. “Just a second. I’ve got a surprise.”
I gasped when Sylvia placed her hand in William’s and stepped out, one graceful, silk-clad leg exposed to the thigh before she yanked down her too-tight dress.
Chapter 8—Sylvia
Michael had come up behind me, unnoticed. When I glanced at his hand on my shoulder and looked into his eyes, he mouthed, “Be nice.”
I nodded and stepped forward to greet my cousin. “William! We were getting worried about you.”
William gave me a warm embrace and then pulled away, indicating Sylvia. “I think you know my bride.”
It took a moment for his words to register. “Your bride?”
He beamed. “We married this morning.”
The others milled about us, Aunt Jenny’s face as stunned as I was sure mine was.
Yet she was the first to hug Sylvia. “Welcome to the family,” she exclaimed with what seemed to be sincerity. She turned to scold William. “Why didn’t you let us know?”
His ears reddened. “We... I wanted to surprise everyone.”
“Well, you managed that, son,” Uncle Colt said, shaking William’s hand before pulling him into an embrace.
Michael stepped forward to congratulate William. I found myself pushed forward as everyone pressed around the couple. I came face to face with Sylvia.
I tried to imitate Aunt Jenny’s graciousness. “You got a great guy there. The best.” I leaned forward awkwardly to give her a hug.
When I pulled back, she raised an eyebrow and leaned forward to whisper in my ear. “Maybe not the best, but he’ll do.”
I didn’t know what to say, heat rising to my face. I moved away, to the edge of the throng crowding them. I watched Michael give Sylvia a quick hug, and she whispered in his ear also. He joined me, his face flushed. I wondered what Sylvia said to cause such a reaction.
Michael looked at his watch. “I told the preacher we’d be there by two. It’s already ten after.”
“I’m ready.” My head was beginning to ache and my new shoes pinched my feet.
Michael spoke quietly, but everyone stopped speaking to listen to his words. “We’ve got to get going. All who would like to join us are welcome. Or, feel free to stay here with William and Sylvia.”
Sylvia’s mouth opened into an O, and she rushed forward to take my arm. “Of course we’re going with you. You need a matron-of-honor, don’t you? And you two can ride with us. We’re old friends, aren’t we?” She squeezed my arm. “And now we’re family.”
Michael and I had planned to ride in separate cars — he with his father and his uncle and me with Aunt Jenny and Uncle Colt. I looked at Michael. His lips were pressed together, but he nodded his head.
The house’s front door shut with a bang, and, startled, I jerked around to face the porch. Momma was standing there, in the same dress she had worn yesterday, with her hair still uncombed. Why hadn’t Aunt Jenny seen to her? I sighed. There was no need to blame Aunt Jenny. She may have tried and Momma had refused.
“Who is that?” asked Sylvia.
“My mother,” I said flatly.
“Oh? Well, she needs to ride with us then. She’s the mother of the bride!”
Amazingly, Sylvia moved forward, gliding over the lawn as Momma walked down the steps. She took Momma’s arm and led her toward us. I didn’t wait. I opened the door of William’s car and climbed in. Not until Michael politely held the door for Momma did I realize Momma would be sitting between Michael and me.
Momma slid in beside me, without acknowledging my existence. Michael, William, and Sylvia climbed in, and we were finally on our way.
I racked my brain for something to say but came up empty. It didn’t matter. Sylvia prattled, seemingly oblivious to the torture I was enduring. Or, maybe, she was only too aware of it.
Thankfully, it would be a short distance. Even so, I was on the verge of tears, embarrassed by the woman next to me. Everyone knew about Momma. Why did it sting so? What did I care what Sylvia thought?
Michael’s sulky expression told me he would be of no help to get through this ride.
Finally, I spoke. “This is such a surprise, William. I didn’t even know you knew Sylvia.”
Red spread to the tips of his ears. “We’ve known each other for a while.”
Sylvia giggled. “We actually met three weeks ago. At a party.”
Three weeks? Had William gone crazy? I had nothing more to say so I sat in silence the rest of the way while Sylvia launched into details of exactly how they had met.
Michael jumped out of the car as soon as it pulled to a stop. He helped Momma out, while the other cars and trucks parked around us. Uncle Howard opened my door, taking my hand to help me. He led me up the cement walk, up the steps, to the double doors of the church, one of which opened.
The preacher stood on the threshold and put up a hand, stopping us from entering. He surveyed Uncle Howard and me for a second and then his eyes took in the small crowd gathered on the steps below us. “I thought you had changed your mind.” He glanced down at his watch. “You should have called. The organist has gone, and I have a funeral in fifteen minutes.”
I sucked in my breath and laid a hand on his arm. “You don’t have enough time to marry us?”
He sighed heavily and checked his watch again. “Come out to my car. I already put my Bible in there. But hurry — I can only spare you five minutes.”
The crowd parted, and Uncle Howard and I followed the preacher. But I veered off, leading Uncle Howard instead to Michael’s rusting truck. The others followed us, making way for the preacher. There, in the church yard, by the old truck, Uncle Howard placed my hand in Michael’s.
Michael gave me an encouraging smile as the preacher opened his Bible. My hand trembled as we said our “I dos.” The preacher gave a curt nod before hurrying to his car and driving away.
We had not exchanged rings, and Michael had not even lifted the veil to kiss me. It was all so sudden. Blankly, I stared around at our family. They were all watching us, some smiling, but most looking slightly confused. It was Aunt Jenny who brought us back to reality.
“Go ahead, Michael. Kiss your bride.”
He glanced around at the faces surrounding us, and a broad smile emerged, and his eyes darkened. “I’ll be happy to.”
He lifted my veil, and his warm lips met mine. His hands encircled my waist, pulling me to him. And then everyone was laughing and offering their congratulations.
Somehow, despite everything, happiness flowed through me. Where and how we married wasn’t important. That we had pledged our lives to each other was all that mattered.
Zeke grabbed me about my waist, and I tousled his hair. And, before Sylvia could speak, I took the lead again and maneuvered our way to Uncle Colt’s borrowed car instead of hers.
I allowed myself a sigh of relief as I snuggled against Michael, and we returned to Uncle Howard and Aunt Liza’s house.
Chapter 9—The Feast
The old table almost groaned under the weight of fried chicken, dressing, dumplings, butterbeans, peas, cornbread, biscuits, pecan pie, and a seven-layer chocolate cake.
While my aunts prepared the feast, I slipped away from Michael and went out to Uncle Howard’s shop to change. Laurie came with me and Sylvia followed, although I had not asked her.
Sylvia and Laurie perched on the edge of the bed while I removed my hat and coat. Sylvia smiled sweetly at Laurie.
“So, you’re my new sister-in-law. I know we’ll get along wonderfully.”
Laurie looked like a deer caught in the headlights. She gave a tentative nod. I wanted to laugh at her expression but kne
w she didn’t see anything funny in the situation.
I gathered my things to change into and headed for the small closet in the back when Sylvia’s next words to Laurie stopped me.
“I know we’ll have so many good times when I move in with your folks.”
I swirled around to see Laurie’s mouth agape.
I frowned at Sylvia. “You and William are moving to Covington County?”
She giggled. “Not William. He’s joined the army. It’ll just be me.”
“You’re dropping out of college?”
“Phtt... what good is college? I was just there to find a husband.”
Poor William. Poor Laurie. Poor Aunt Jenny and Uncle Colt!
I cleared my throat. “Surely you’d rather stay here, with your family and friends.”
For the first time ever, Sylvia appeared embarrassed. “My mother and father expect my husband to support me, now that I’m married.”
Her mother and father had kicked her out. That was the only explanation. She had pressured William into marrying her because she had had no other choice. What of Dan? Had he refused to support her? But had she even been seeing Dan? I only had Michael’s word for it.
How would my aunt and uncle manage Sylvia? I shook my head and left Laurie to deal with her. By the time I had changed, both were gone.
I started out the door, but Michael bounded up the steps and blocked my path. I put up my palms to his chest. “We need to... ”
But his mouth was on mine, stifling my protest as he pushed me back into the shop.
After a long, satisfying kiss, I managed to pull back. “Michael...”
“Don’t worry. They’re all adults... well, except for Zeke. They won’t worry if we’re late for dinner.”
“Wait. Please.” I was holding onto his shirtsleeves, breathing heavily.
He didn’t release me, but he stopped for a moment. “What?”
“Did you know Sylvia is moving in with Uncle Colt and Aunt Jenny?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Nope.” And he dipped his head to kiss me again.
I turned my face away. “Michael... please. I’m upset.”
He sighed deeply and took my hand. “Come on. We can’t stay here to talk.”
He led me outside and to the cedar tree, the one under which he had buried Chance. I shivered, and he pulled me close, into his warmth. I played with the buttons on his shirt until he stilled my hand.
“Tell me why you’re so upset,” he said.
“Did you know Sylvia even knew William? Had you heard they were getting married?”
“No. William has always kept to himself, kept his nose to the grindstone. It beats me how she got her claws in him.”
I relaxed, glad to hear that he shared my sentiments.
His fingers undid the bobby pins holding my hair in place, and my hair tumbled around my shoulders. I pulled away from him to peer into his face. “She’s going to ruin Aunt Jenny and Uncle Colt’s lives.”
He shook his head. “Not unless they let her.”
“And Laurie. She’ll make Laurie’s life miserable.”
“Jay, you cannot solve everyone’s problems. Your aunt, uncle, and yes, even Laurie can handle Sylvia on their own.”
I knew he was right, but worry nagged me. “Why do you think she’s not staying here in town, with her mother and father?”
He hesitated a moment. “She told me they kicked her out.”
I wanted to ask when he had spoken to her but decided today was not the day. “Why would her parents kick out their only child?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It doesn’t concern us. Are you going to let Sylvia ruin your wedding day?”
“She already has.”
He shook his head at me. “No, she hasn’t, Jay. She’s only messed up a couple of plans. Don’t allow her to ruin your happiness.”
I struggled to smile, struggled to let it go. I sighed. “I know you’re right...”
“I’m glad you agree. Now, can we go back to the room?” His look had excitement building inside me once again.
My eyes widened. “Now? You mean now?”
“Yes, now.”
I tore my eyes away from his intense gaze and swallowed. “Can we wait until after dinner?”
He sighed heavily. “You choose dinner over your husband?” I peered back into his dark eyes, and he flashed me a smile. “I submit to your wishes.” He grabbed my hand, already ushering me toward the house.
“But I’m warning you. Eat quickly. I don’t know how much willpower I have left. Don’t be surprised when I drag you out of there.”
I laughed, but his look told me he might not be kidding.
I’d barely laid my fork down when Michael was pulling me to my feet. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Thank you, everyone, for coming today and celebrating with us. And Jay and I want to wish you all a goodnight.”
Zeke piped up. “But it’s not even dark yet.”
Several laughed, and someone shushed Zeke. I couldn’t speak, and Michael wasn’t going to wait for me to get my jumbled thoughts together. He took my hand in his and led me out the back door. My cheeks were flaming hot.
Outside, the cool wind calmed me. As we approached the shop, Michael swept me into his arms and carried me in, setting me on my feet just inside the door. The fire was going — Michael or Uncle Howard must have started it. The room was cozy, the covers on the bed turned back.
He pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me. I nestled in his embrace, where I belonged, where I was safe, secure.
He spoke into my ear. “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery.”
“Scripture on my wedding night?”
“God invented sex, didn’t he?” He smiled and released me.
I went to change, my fingers aflutter. When I came out, Michael had pulled down the shade on the lone, small window, darkening the room. A candle sizzled to life, glowing softly. He stood waiting.
I walked across the floor, raised my face to his, and he kissed me.
We only had seven days. I couldn’t... wouldn’t think of the war, or of Sylvia, or the short time I had with my husband. This was my wedding day, and Michael was the one I loved. This was the moment I would live in. This was where I would be right now. And I forgot all but Michael.
Part Two
Chapter 10—Goodbye
I promised myself I would not cry. I would not break down in front of Michael. No matter what. I would send him on his way with a smile and no worries about me.
I kept busy the day he was to catch the train, helping Aunt Liza prepare breakfast, but making sure she made the biscuits on this last day. I would learn to make better biscuits while he was gone.
Aunt Liza and Uncle Howard didn’t go with us to the station but made their goodbyes at home. My aunt kissed his cheek and then brushed away her tears as Uncle Howard’s handshake turned into a bear hug.
Michael stepped back and draped his arm around me. “Thanks for all you’ve done for me. I know you’ll take good care of Jay while I’m gone.”
“I’m sure the war will be over soon. Wait and see. You’ll be back before two wags of a dog’s tail,” Uncle Howard said, smiling broadly. “They won’t know what hit ’em when we get through over there.”
They walked outside with us to the truck, Uncle Howard still offering words of encouragement. I went around to the passenger’s side and climbed in. Michael finally broke away and rolled down the window before closing the door.
Aunt Liza leaned in. “Take care, Michael. Jay, you sure you don’t want us to go with you?”
“No, ma’am. I’m fine.”
She nodded her hea
d and stepped back. Michael rolled up the window and cranked the truck. My aunt and uncle both waved goodbye as he pulled out onto the road, my aunt still wiping away her tears.
Michael patted the seat next to him. I slid over without speaking. He draped his arm around my shoulders, driving with one hand while I changed gears. I didn’t speak. If I had tried to say anything, the tears would come. It was easier to just smile.
Michael cleared his throat. “This old truck has about had it. You can buy a car or truck with the money I send you.”
The surprise I felt drove any hint of tears away. “I like this old truck,” I protested. Besides, the truck would be the only part of Michael I’d have left. It had been the center of our wedding, and I would not give it up — not now, not later.
He turned his head to grin at me. “I like it, too. But I want something that will hold up better for you. I should have thought about it and helped you pick out something.”
“I can do that when I need to. I’ll just drive this truck until it gives up the ghost.”
He chuckled. “I just want you safe.”
I nodded. “I’ll try to stay safe. And you try, too?”
He took a deep breath and spoke without taking his eyes from the road, although he pulled me closer to him. “I will, Jay. I want to come back to you. I plan to come back to you. But just know if anything happens...”
“Shhhh...” I placed a finger on his lips. “We’re not going to deal with ‘ifs.’“
He sighed and squeezed me until I had difficulty breathing. He swerved over and pulled off to the side of the road, throwing the truck into neutral and putting on the parking brake. He turned and faced me. “But, don’t you think we need to consider the future? We need to make plans.”
I shook my head. “We’ll take one step at a time. Live in the now. I’m keeping you right here.” I lay my hand over my heart. “That way you’re never far from home, no matter what happens.”
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