From the Ashes of War, page 11
part #3 of The War Trilogy Series
She glanced down at Sophie, who rewarded her with several thumps of her tail on the floor.
“Come sit with me?” he said, scooting back on the bed until he could lean on their pillows.
“No, I should finish my letter—”
“The mail’s already come, Anya, so it can’t be posted until tomorrow anyway. Please?” he asked again, patting the bed beside him.
She held the long sigh pushing against her angst, trying to think of another excuse, but none came to mind. So she capped her pen and set it down. He offered his hand as she approached her side of the bed, and while she would have preferred to finish her letter, she thought a few minutes with her husband wasn’t too much to ask. If she could just keep her emotions in check.
“Anya, we still haven’t talked much about what happened the other day. When I said those stupid things, and you got upset with me.”
“I know.”
“I’m so sorry we quarreled. Saying what I did and blurting it out like that. Well, surely you know I didn’t mean it?”
She traced her finger along the wavy path of the pale blue chenille bedspread. “I’m not sure what to think, to be honest. It was my fault, losing my temper and jumping to conclusions.”
He reached over to raise her chin and make her look him in the eye. “Honey, I’m not asking for an apology. There’s no excuse for going off on you like I did, and I promise it won’t happen again.”
She nodded, but couldn’t think how to respond.
“Anya, we have to be able to talk about things. Otherwise, we let it get all knotted up inside, and it puts so much stress on our relationship.”
“Danny, it’s not that easy for me.” She closed her eyes, hoping to dial back the quiver in her voice. She shook her head and tried again. “I’m not used to always sharing every thought that crosses my mind, or every feeling I have or don’t have. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, or that I’m angry with you. I’m trying—really, I am—but it’s just hard. You’ve known me long enough now to know that about me.”
He played with one of her curls, wrapping it around his finger. “I know, and believe it or not, I would never ask you to be someone you’re not. But for the sake of our marriage, we have to work at it. I need to be more sensitive to how new all of this is to you. I keep forgetting everything you’re dealing with—including ‘that old hag’ Mrs. Smithson, as Dad liked to call her.”
A smile tugged at one side of her mouth. “Your father was very wise, I think.”
“Crotchety at times, but yes, he had his moments.” He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Are we okay?” he whispered.
She nodded, her eyes searching his, wanting so badly to tell him yes.
Even if it was a lie.
16
On Saturday morning, Danny rode to the theater with Joey to help him prepare for the re-opening after the dimout. Record crowds were expected at all Chicago movie theaters as restrictions for electricity usage had eased for the time being.
“Lieutenant McClain!” Cosmos cried, snapping a salute. “Sergeant Cosmos Benedetto reporting for duty, sir.”
Danny laughed as he returned the salute. “At ease, Sergeant. Nice to see you again.”
“And I’m overjoyed to see you, my friend! As it would happen, I arrived early to talk to Joey before commencing upon my duties, but now I shall address both of you, with your permission?”
“No problem, Cosmos. Joey’s in his office, so let’s go talk in there.”
“Oh. Well, uh … perhaps we could simply convene here at the concession stand instead?”
Danny paused, noting a shift in Cosmos’s demeanor. “Is there a problem?”
“Uh, well, you see I haven’t been back in … uh, in there since I found your beloved father on the fateful day of his earthly demise.”
“Oh yes. Of course, I understand. You wait here at the counter, and I’ll go ask Joey to join us.”
A couple of minutes later, the three gathered by the lighted concession case.
“Go ahead, Cosmos,” Joey said. “We’re all ears.”
Cosmos stood straight as a rod, wringing his hands.
“Are you okay?” Danny asked.
“Yes sir. I mean, yes sirs.” He cleared his throat and finger-combed his thick black hair. “It is actually more than okay. For the news I wish to share with you gives me the greatest possible joy. Over the past few days, what with our evenings off during the dimout, I have had the pleasure of sharing the company of a beautiful young lady who seems to find favor in yours truly. And even though it’s only been a few days, already my heart has embraced such a profound love that I can barely sleep or eat or do much of anything, apart from thinking of her. But don’t worry, for I shall perform my duties here at the theater as always, to the best of my abilities.”
“You always do, Cosmos,” Joey said. “Is this lovely young lady anyone we know?”
A blush crept across his finely-chiseled face. “Well, yes, as a matter of fact, you do. I’m speaking of none other than your lovely ticket sales clerk, Miss Patsy Malone.” He stepped back with great flourish, having completed his declaration.
“Patsy?” Joey said. “Why, of course! I’m not at all surprised.”
The glee on his face drained. “What? But how—”
“Are you kidding? She’s had her eyes on you since her first day on the job.”
“Ah, you’re not just saying that, are you?”
“No sir. Many’s a time I’ve seen her glancing in your direction when you weren’t looking.”
“Oh, now you’re just trying to make me feel good.”
“So have you told her how you feel?” Danny asked.
“Yes, in fact just last night I shared with her the blissful state of my emotions, and the love that’s taken root in my heart for her.”
“And?” Joey asked. “What did she say?”
His round jovial face filled with wonder. “Gentlemen, she shocked me to the very core of my being when she announced that she fell for me the first time she laid eyes on me. Can you believe that?” He roared with laughter, clasping his hands together in front of him.
Joey patted the big guy on his back. “Cosmos, that’s great.”
“Love at first sight for both of you,” Danny added, reaching for a handshake. “It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
“No sir, it doesn’t. But I would be remiss if I didn’t ask for your permission to proceed with Miss Malone, seeing as how we both work here together. I know that many businesses have strict policies prohibiting employees from dating one another, and I would never want to—”
“Hey, we’re practically family here, so don’t give it another thought. You both have our blessing.”
He grabbed Joey’s hand and pumped it over and over. “Such relief and gratitude flows over me to hear of your approval.”
“Couldn’t be happier for you, buddy.” Joey pulled his hand free and gave him another pat on the back before turning toward his office.
“Well, thank you, but there is one more thing, if I might be so bold as to ask another moment of your time?”
Joey turned back around. “Sure, what is it?”
“Joey. Danny. The two of you are as dear to me as if you truly were my brothers by birth. And with that in mind, I have an audacious favor to ask you.”
“Yes?” Danny asked.
“I realize this is a huge imposition and perhaps even presumptuous on my part. But I wondered if Patsy and I might join you for dinner after church tomorrow. As you probably know, Sunday is Mother’s Day, and that’s part of why I’m asking. You see, Patsy’s mother died less than a year ago, and I know that tomorrow will be a difficult day for her. Which is why I would like to introduce her to your mother, as a gesture of compassion and endearment.”
Danny and Joey sputtered as they looked at each other for help. Then Joey said, “Why not? Mom would love to see you and meet Miss Malone.” He looked at Danny. “Do you think the girls would mind if we added another couple of chairs to the table?”
“Not at all. They’ll be delighted.”
“Wonderful,” Cosmos said, beaming again. “And now, with an extra spring in my step, I shall get to work. But first, if I may?”
The McClain brothers smiled as they received the usual Cosmos Benedetto bear hug then sent him on his way.
With both their husbands at the theater, Anya walked to Millie’s to finalize their plans for tomorrow’s Mother’s Day meal. Jimmy sat on Anya’s knee, giggling each time she bounced him and cooing quietly once the “horsey” ride was over.
Millie finished their grocery list. “I think that’s all. Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
“I think I can find my way around Chaney’s,” Anya teased as Millie handed her the list. “And it’s not too much to carry home, so I’ll be fine.”
“All right. Then when Jimmy wakes up from his nap this afternoon, we’ll walk to Lindsey’s to pick up the flowers.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to pick them up? I don’t mind.”
“Heavens no. We love to take a stroll in the afternoon. And besides, Lindsey’s is just a couple of blocks the other direction. We’ll be fine.”
“Then I think we’re all set. I hope Betty is pleased. She’s been rather quiet the last few days. It’s so unlike her, I don’t quite know what to do.”
“We keep forgetting she’s still grieving. I’m sure that’s most of it.”
Anya put Jimmy against her shoulder and patted his back. His thumb went directly into his mouth as he studied her with his big brown eyes.
“He’s so beautiful, Millie. It’s not fair that he has such long lashes. Mine are impossible.”
“I know. I’m forever envious—” Millie covered her mouth with her hand and bolted from the room.
“Millie? What’s wrong?” Anya asked, following her down the hall.
“Nothing! I’ll be back in a mo—”
The bathroom door slammed abruptly, jolting Jimmy from his drowsy state.
“It’s okay, Jimmy,” Anya said quietly. “Why don’t you and I go visit the rocker in your room. Would you like that?”
He looked at her, then back toward the bedroom door, then back at Anya again. A whimper-washed yawn answered before the thumb plugged his mouth again. She rocked him only a few minutes before he drifted off to sleep. She quietly laid him in his crib, covered him with a pale blue blanket, then tiptoed from the room.
“I’m so sorry,” Millie said, appearing from her bedroom in a different dress.
“Are you all right? You don’t look well.”
Millie ran her fingers through her short hair then plopped down on the sofa. “I don’t feel well, but don’t worry. It’s not contagious.” She looked up at Anya with a lazy smile. “Although, I almost wish it were.”
“What?”
Millie lifted a warning finger to her lips. “Joey and I are telling everyone tomorrow, but I can’t sit here and act like I don’t know what’s wrong. I’m pregnant again, Anya.”
“Oh Millie, that’s wonderful! That explains why your face looked a little green earlier.”
“Yes, I’m afraid I’ve had a rough go of it this time around. I was so proud of myself for not getting sick when you were here the other night, and now I’ve gone and spoiled the surprise.”
“Don’t worry, I promise not to tell. I’m so happy for you. Really, I am. You and Joey must be so pleased.”
“Yes, well, it’s sooner than we’d planned, but I can’t say that I mind. We’d like our kids to be fairly close in age so they’ll be friends, you know?”
“That makes sense.”
“Anya, what about you? Have you and Danny talked about having kids?”
She straightened, folding her hands in her lap. “Yes. I mean, we’ve talked. It’s just that … well, it seems like …”
“I’m sorry,” Millie said, shaking her head. “In light of everything that’s been going on, I’m sure having babies is the last thing on your mind right now. Please forgive me and my big mouth.”
“There is no need to apologize, but I suppose you’re right. I have a lot on my mind, especially after meeting with Reverend Forsythe. He asked a lot of questions, and I suppose I’ve thought of little else ever since.”
“I’m so pleased you’re seeing him. He’s so easy to talk to. Much more personable than most clergymen, don’t you think?”
“Yes, he is. Even though I’m not used to calling him by his first name. That seems disrespectful, somehow.”
“You’ll get used to it. You’re seeing him again next week, right?”
“Yes. Well, I need to be going,” she said, standing again.
“You don’t have to go.”
“Actually, I do. And I think you need to get some rest while Jimmy’s napping.”
“Maybe so,” Millie said, rising to her feet. “But I promise I’ll feel better tomorrow and help with making brunch.”
“Good,” she said, giving her sister-in-law a hug. “I’m looking forward to it. And I promise not to breathe a word of your secret. I’m so happy for you, Millie.”
“Thanks, honey. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the next one announcing a secret of your own.”
“Who knows, maybe so.” She gave a wave over her shoulder as she slipped out the door.
When Anya returned home, she put away the groceries she’d purchased and checked the list again to see if there was anything she should do. That’s when she noticed the letter resting against the toaster on the kitchen counter. She recognized Sybil’s handwriting and the postmark from London. She tore open the envelope as she started up the stairs to their bedroom.
Dear Anya,
It was so lovely to hear from you again. I suppose I’ll never grow used to having you and Kate and Gigi so far away in America. I keep expecting to run into all three of you whenever I’m out and about. And it saddens me all over again to think we’re so far apart.
But I do my best to stay busy. Phillip was able to find a position for me at the American Embassy (though I’ll always believe he “created” the job, regardless of what he says). I’m an assistant to Lieutenant Keith Carter, who is in charge of consolidating all war-related offices into one. A massive undertaking, oddly enough. But he’s a pleasant fellow, fastidious to a fault, and most accommodating.
And speaking of Phillip, I suppose you and the girls won’t be surprised to hear that we are seeing each other. Dating, I mean. I guess I’ve been blind as a bat, but a couple of weeks ago, while we were walking home from dinner at a nearby pub, he stopped in the middle of the pavement, took hold of my hand, and asked if I could ever think of him as more than just a friend. If I’m honest, I’d been wondering if I might be falling in love with him, but didn’t dare allow myself to hope. And yet, once he declared his feelings, I wept with tears of joy as I told him yes! He pulled me into his arms right then and there and kissed me so sweetly, I could have died from the sheer joy of it.
Anya, I feel as if God has given me a second chance, even though I was quite certain I would never again find happiness. After that horrible Christmas when Jack wrote, asking for a divorce so he could marry his pregnant American girlfriend, I thought my heart would never heal. Then the fire and the loss of our unborn child … I truly thought my life was over.
And yet, as I look back now, I see how God surrounded me with three angels—you, Kate, and Gigi. And in Phillip, the Lord also gave me a knight in shining armor. He has been there for me through the darkest nights, and now, in the brightest hope possible.
And last night, my knight in shining armor dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. He presented me with the loveliest diamond ring as I cried, “Yes! yes! yes!” over and over. I was shaking so, he could barely slip it on my finger. Oh, how I wish I were telling you this face to face!
I can’t believe how happy and blessed I am, but the real news—are you ready? —we are to be married this weekend at a nearby chapel, then five days later, we’ll fly to America where we’ll be living! I’m writing Kate and Gigi too, and asking the three of you if there’s any way we could all get together in New York once we arrive. Would that be possible? Could you and Danny come? Please, please say yes!
I’ve enclosed a card with our travel arrangements and Phillip’s number at the embassy, but I shall leave the rest of the plans to the three of you, hoping we might all be together again. Oh Anya, I’m so ridiculously happy! And I can’t wait to see you!
Until then with love,
Sybil
17
Following the Sunday morning church service, Danny felt a bit awkward as they stood in line to shake hands with Reverend Forsythe at the back of the sanctuary as they normally did. Anya had been quiet after they arrived with Betty and took their usual seats in the fourth row near the center aisle. She still hadn’t shared much about her conversation with the pastor, and he couldn’t help wondering if it might be uncomfortable for her today. He tried not to overthink it. The fact that she went to see him was a start, and for that he was grateful.
Still, he wondered why she seemed so reticent to tell him about it. He hoped this habit of holding back from him wasn’t going to be a habit. Maybe it was simply part of the adjustment she was undergoing. Meanwhile, he continued to pray for patience.
“Hello, Betty, and happy Mother’s Day,” the reverend said, shaking her hand. “How lovely you look this morning.”
“Thank you, Jonathan. And thank you for such a wonderful message today.”
“You are most welcome. I see you have all the family together today. I trust they’ll make it a special day for you.”
They all took turns greeting him, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands. Danny appreciated the ease with which he greeted Anya, making no deference that would embarrass her. She rested her hand in the crook of Danny’s elbow as they spoke, and he took that as a good sign.
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