His eyes held mine. “And I’m taking you with me. You’ll be right here.” And he mimicked my gesture.
“You’ve got it easier. I’m keeping you here in Alabama. You’re taking me into boot camp.”
He grinned, and then he pulled me to him.
I closed my eyes. One day, one hour, one second at a time. With God’s help I could deal with this.
He released me, and his lips clamped tightly shut. I turned away, unable to look at him again. Instead, I straightened and smoothed my hair, putting my hat back in place. I used the rearview mirror to put on red lipstick, something cheery, while Michael drove the rest of the way in silence. When we reached the train station, he pulled to a stop and came around to open my door. I gave him my hand and stepped out.
Michael got his things out of the back of the truck while I took a steadying breath. I’d pretend he’d just be gone overnight to get through this. It wouldn’t be long until I’d see him again. I would be visiting right after he finished basic training.
I followed him onto the platform, and he put his bag down. People milled about, but I only saw Michael. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box.
“I bought something for you. I hope you like it.”
I took the box from his hands and opened it. Inside was a silver, heart-shaped locket. “Michael, it’s beautiful!”
I kissed his cheek, and he motioned. “Open it.”
I smiled at him, sure he had placed a picture of us inside. I unlatched it, and my mouth fell open.
I stared down into Poppa’s kind face. My tears streamed unheeded, my vow not to cry forgotten. On the other side was a miniature picture of Chance. I looked up at Michael, searching his eyes through my blurry vision. “Where did you find the pictures?”
He ignored my question. “Do you like it?”
I couldn’t answer, only nod.
“Want me to help you put it on?”
“Sure,” I answered in a shaky voice, swiping at the tears.
I turned my back to him, and he draped the necklace around me. His lips touched my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
“Stop it! People are watching,” I whispered. And sure enough, several people were smiling in our direction.
“Who cares? You’re my wife.” He took my shoulders and swirled me around to face him.
I threw my arms around his neck and held him tight, squeezing my eyes closed, willing the tears not to come again.
He gently pried me loose. “Jay, I’ve got to go now. You are coming to visit me after basic?”
I pulled the handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the lipstick from his face. “Of course I am.”
“That’s why you need a new car or truck. Unless you ride the bus or train?”
“I have time to figure all that out later. I’ll write and let you know.”
“All right. I’ve really got to go.” He dug in his pockets again. “I almost forgot. Here are the keys to the truck.” He dropped the keys in my hand.
He held me close one last time and his warm lips found mine. I forced myself to pull away and smile into his face. “I love you, but you’ve got to go, or you’ll miss the train.”
“I love you more.” He caught my hand and kissed my palm.
I gave him a gentle push, and he moved along with the crowd, and then he was boarding. His face appeared at one of the windows. I gave him a wave, and he smiled as the train pulled away.
I consoled myself that I would see him in seven weeks. But when I got to the truck, I laid my head on the steering wheel and wept as if the day would never come.
Chapter 11—Marla
When I got home, Marla met me at the front door.
“Marla! I thought you weren’t coming back until after New Year’s.”
“I persuaded my parents to come back early. I wanted to be here for you.” She embraced me, and I allowed her to comfort me for a moment before pulling away.
I attempted a smile. “I’m fine. I’ll see him right after basic.”
She nodded her head. “I made a pot of coffee. Would you like a cup?”
“That sounds good. Where are Aunt Liza and Uncle Howard?”
“They left right after I got here. One of your neighbors, Mrs. Higgins, invited them over for dinner.”
I cast about for a topic to get my mind off Michael. “Did you hear about Sylvia?”
For a split second, a cloud passed over her face, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. “I’ve heard lots of things. What specifically?”
“She married my cousin... William. You remember him, don’t you?”
Was it relief I saw? Marla was so good at covering her emotions, it was difficult to tell.
She raised an eyebrow to me. “You’re kidding. Sylvia’s married? Your cousin doesn’t quite seem her type, does he?”
“Type? She has a type?”
Marla laughed her silvery laugh. “Well, maybe not.” Her smile faded. “It sounds like we’re gossiping, Jay, and you know I despise gossip.”
“I just wanted to tell you a bit of news.” I took a seat at the table. “I’m sorry.”
“No, not you. Me. I was the gossip.”
I shook my head. “It was me, too.”
Marla poured our coffee and sat down opposite me. She looked into her coffee cup, her face sad.
“What?” I asked.
She looked up, her eyes startled. “Why are you asking what?”
“There’s something wrong.”
“Oh, Jay! The United States is at war. Dan’s in the army, William has enlisted, and Michael just went off to boot camp. Of course there’s something wrong.” She smiled at me, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
I searched her face. “No, there’s something else. What is it?”
She shook her head.
“You know by not telling me, I’ll just worry more.”
She sighed. “Your burden is big enough. I don’t need to add to it.”
“Marla...”
She shrugged her shoulders. “All right, I’ll tell you. Dan and I are getting married, as soon as we can.”
With Sylvia married and moving away, Dan and Marla surely should be able to make a go of their marriage. “Wow. That’s terrible news.” I grinned at her.
She smiled at that. “Miss Smarty Pants... that’s not the bad part. Dan wants me to move to Covington County.”
“You mean you’re not going to finish college? Sylvia dropped out, too.”
“No, I’m not dropping out. I’ve already talked to the dean, and I only have a few more classes to finish. He’s given me permission to take a special test. If I pass it, I’ll receive my degree.”
“Oh? I heard that men enlisting were being allowed to do that.”
“Well, since Dan’s in the army, the dean extended that policy to include me. Daddy being on the board might have something to do with it, too.” She smiled at this, but I knew her better than to think she used her father’s political clout to get preferential treatment.
“But why does Dan want you to move?”
“His father has been having some health problems and may have to have surgery. Dan thinks I can help out with the bookwork, help relieve some of the pressure on his dad. You know I don’t want to go, but I don’t know what else to do.”
“The Drake farm is so beautiful that I’m sure you’ll love it there. It sounds like a good idea.”
“Oh, Jay! You know I don’t want to leave you — with Michael gone.”
“Dan may be going to war, too,” I pointed out.
“Yes, and I wish we could be together, to support each other during this time.”
“We can visit on holidays.”
“So, you’re definitely going to stay here? I thought you might decide to move back.”
I shook my head. “I always wanted to move home, set up a veterinary practice with Michael. Now I’m going to stay here with Aunt Liza and Uncle Howard, get on full time at the store... and wait for Michael to come
home.”
“Why can’t you set up practice now? Dan and I could help you get started.”
“No. I can’t ask you to do that. I’m not sure how folks at home will accept a woman vet.”
“I’m sure they’ll love you.”
I stared into my coffee cup. She didn’t know. Momma had alienated so many. Not only would I have to fight against the prejudice of being a woman in a man’s position but also the stigma of being the daughter of a mentally ill woman. Would anyone be willing to take a chance on me?
And I had never fit in at home... But I missed it so. Our farm, the fields of cotton, memories of Poppa... I fondled the locket.
And Zeke was there, needing me. And Laurie, Uncle Colt, and Aunt Jenny. Of course, Sylvia would also be there, a thorn in my side. But if I did move back, perhaps I could mitigate the problems she was sure to cause.
Really, why shouldn’t I go back? I could be paying on the farm, getting a practice established... and Marla would be there. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.
In seven weeks, when Michael got out of basic, I would see him, and we could discuss it face to face.
I smiled at Marla. “On second thought, it does sound like a good idea. I’ll talk it over with Michael.”
She gave a little squeal. “Oh, I know he’ll agree. I’m a little nervous moving to a strange place... but with you there, I’m sure I’ll adjust.”
“It just might be for the best.” And suddenly I felt better as a bit of happiness lifted some of my sadness.
THE OLD TRUCK BARELY made it to North Carolina. I had to make several stops along the way to add water to the radiator. I pulled into the parking lot of the motel where Michael had asked me to meet him. He had sent me a map with detailed instructions on how to get there, knowing my predilection for getting lost.
He waited at the front, near the road. I almost didn’t recognize him. He had lost weight but gained muscle. His face had hardened. As I slowed, he didn’t wait for the truck to stop. He grabbed the handle and swung the door open.
I stopped as he slammed the door shut and slid across the seat toward me. I didn’t even have time to put the truck in neutral before his hands pulled my face toward him. He kissed me, his lips warming mine.
I protested weakly. “Wait, Michael. The truck’s rolling.”
He pulled back, his body still leaning against mine. He gestured. “We’re at the back. Pull around.”
His kisses had left me breathless, and I didn’t speak as I did as he told me. When I had parked the truck properly, he again kissed me before grabbing my hand. I followed him out on the passenger’s side, and he draped his arm around my waist as we walked up the short sidewalk to the room.
He unlocked the door, and I entered. The room was small and shabby but clean. He pulled me toward the double bed.
“My bag... “
He shook his head. “It’ll have to wait.”
Later, I lay wrapped in his arms as he slept. I untangled an arm to allow my fingers to trace the line of his jaw. The dark circles beneath his closed eyes and the heaviness of his sleep, not even twitching at my touch, told me a little of what he had been through. A sigh escaped my lips. We had so little time left together before he shipped out. I snuggled closer and his arms tightened around me. When they did, I sucked in a breath. We had forgotten!
I chewed on my bottom lip while I mulled it over. There were only six days during the month when most women could get pregnant. I counted the days and let out a breath I had not known I was holding. My chances of pregnancy were slim. Still, there was a chance. We had to be more careful next time.
Michael opened his eyes and smiled at me. Ease and excitement fused in my stomach.
Before he was able to kiss me, though, I scrambled from the bed and threw open the drawer of the nightstand. “Hold on a second.”
His eyes clouded for a moment and then cleared as he slapped a palm to his forehead. “I forgot. You should have reminded me.”
“Well, you didn’t give me much chance.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking...”
“We’ve got to remember...”
“I will from now on. I don’t want you pregnant, with me shipping out...”
“Michael, I’m pretty sure ... it’s not the right time of the month for me to be ovulating.”
His eyes lost some of their worry as he climbed out of bed. “But you can’t always be sure, can you?”
I licked my bottom lip. “I’m as sure as anyone can be. And you know that many couples try for months before the woman gets pregnant. Really, the chances are slim.”
He held me at arm’s length, his eyes searching mine. “How could I have been so foolish? When I saw you...”
I smiled, holding his gaze steadily. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine...”
Pregnant or not, I finished in my mind.
“I know you will be.” His fingers trailed down my arms. “Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”
I laughed softly. “I know. Did you plan anything special?”
“Maybe. Would you like a little preview?” And his fingers intertwined with mine.
Chapter 12—The Farm
Michael and I had finally talked, and he agreed it was a good idea for me to move to the farm. I moved down in the middle of March, soon after Marla.
I had already been there a couple of weeks but hadn’t seen her yet, having been too busy clearing out the overgrowth around the house. Weeds had taken over in the years the house had set empty.
One morning I arose, planning to attack the weeds again, and then get ready for a job interview with the local vet. Instead, I was hit with a longing to see Cedar Springs, and I knew, with a fierce certainty. It was a misty morning when I walked the road to where the trail led into the clearing. I climbed the slope and walked through the trees until I came to the spring.
I settled onto a boulder, watching the water flow, when an intense wave of nausea hit me. The coolness of the March wind did little to ease my dizziness. I went over to the soft grass at the edge of the clearing, retching. The muscles in my stomach and chest soon ached from the intense vomiting.
I had fallen to my hands and knees, unaware of how much time had passed, when I felt someone’s presence. A light touch on my back drew my eyes up, and I squinted. The mist had cleared and the bright morning sun blinded me for a moment. I blinked before Laurie came into focus. She held a wet handkerchief toward me.
I sat back on my heels and wiped my face. “Isn’t it Monday? Aren’t you supposed to be at school?”
“I was on my way to school and heard a hellacious sound. Didn’t know it was you.”
“Laurie! Don’t say that word.”
“What? Hellacious?”
Not being able to answer, I hung my head miserably and gagged.
Laurie pulled the handkerchief from my hand and went to the spring. She returned quickly, kneeling beside me. “Do I need to get the doctor?”
I waved a hand, and she moved back. Without looking at her, I answered. “No. I’m not sick.”
“Could have fooled me. You’re sicker than I was after I ate Sylvia’s cooking.”
That made my lips twitch. I took several shallow breaths before I could speak. “What did she cook?”
“Something called S.O.S. Don’t ask what it stands for... You’ll get on me again for saying bad words.”
“Sorry...” I managed before retching. When my stomach emptied, I looked up. Laurie was pondering me, her brow furrowed. I sat up, still feeling too weak to stand.
“Well, if you ain’t sick, that must mean you’re expecting. I’m going to be an aunt.” Her grin spread across her face, her freckles darkening, her hazel eyes dazzling in the morning sun. She climbed to her feet and held a hand out to me. I grasped her arm, and she pulled me up to stand beside her.
I couldn’t help smiling back at her. “Laurie, as much as I love you, you’re not my sister.”
“Being double cousins makes us as close as sisters, don
’t it?”
I shrugged. “I’ve always wanted a sister. You might do. And every child needs an aunt, right?” My aunts — what would I have done without them? Without Aunt Jenny and later, Aunt Liza, what would have become of me? I thanked God every day for giving me my family.
She yanked on one of her braids. “Wait until I tell Momma.”
“No, Laurie. Don’t tell Aunt Jenny.” I grasped her shoulders, turned her to face me, and searched her eyes. “Don’t tell anyone. Please?”
“It ain’t like no one’s gonna find out. Hard to keep a big belly from showing.”
“I know I can’t keep it a secret forever — just for now. I’m only a month along.”
She pulled away and yanked again on one of her braids, her forehead furrowed. “Why don’t you want folks to know?”
Laurie was one of a kind. Seventeen and still wearing two braids. I ignored her question, heading to the stream to wash my face. “You’re going to be late for school. You’d better get going.”
“I’m already late. Might as well just stay here.” She lifted the metal dipper from the nail on the side of the tree and brought it to me. I thanked her and dragged the dipper into the spring bubbling from the ground and took a sip of the sparkling water. The nausea and dizziness had left me — at least for now.
I washed the dipper and hung it back on the nail. Laurie moved away to take a seat on one of the rocks, watching my every movement. She didn’t plan to leave. She was twice as stubborn as Momma and almost as exasperating.
I plopped down beside her and plucked a piece of broom sage, twirling it through my fingers. Farmers’ wives cut swaths of broom sage, gathering handfuls to make brooms. They — we, for I’d done it dozens of times myself — would take the narrow ends and tie them together with twine. I probably needed to make a couple. I’d been so busy, cleaning out the old house and trying to persuade Zeke to come back to the old homestead...
Zeke was reluctant to leave the friends he’d made in town. Who could blame him? The old farm held bad memories for him, working as both of us had from morning to dusk... and he’d been so young. His memories of Poppa were probably fading, and the house held no special meaning for him.
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