“I know. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“It’s beautiful, Otami,” Riley said, looking around his new home.
“It is beautiful,” Otami agreed. “Nita and her brothers helped with the painting and scraping. I did the decorating. It wasn’t all that difficult, since there are only four rooms. Cleaning the dirt and mildew was the worst. The house had been vacant for too long. Can you imagine, Riley, it only costs one hundred and twenty-five dollars a month. We must pay the electric bill. I looked and looked until I found what you could afford to pay on your salary. I know how to be economical.”
.Riley grinned. “That’s exactly what I need, an economical wife. Why do you keep looking out the window? Surely you aren’t expecting company, or are you?”
Otami frowned. “Something must be wrong. It always happens at this time of day. It was my last surprise for you.”
“You mean there’s more?”
“Yes, one more thing.” Otami leaned over the kitchen sink to look through the window. “Ahhh, here it is. Come quick!”
Riley leaned over the sink and stared out into the twilight. “I’ll be damned,” he said. “Don’t tell me you have something to do with this?”
Otami laughed helplessly. “His name is Pete and every morning he brings that bull he’s leading to the field behind our house. Then he comes back in the evening to take it somewhere else. I couldn’t wait for you to see it. I thought it would remind you of Texas and your steers. It’s an old bull and it can barely walk, as you can see. But it is the same color as the pictures you showed me of your cows. Some days, it wanders down onto our lawn; that is why the grass is cropped so close. This will be another memory for us to hold close.”
“You are a piece of work, Mrs. Coleman. How could you keep that a secret?”
“It was easy. Don’t you see, Riley? This was all meant to be. Everything fell into place; everything worked out for us. It was not wrong for us to marry. This place is perfect for us. This will be our beginning roots, the start of our memories. Tell me I did right. Tell me this was meant to be. I need you to tell me, Riley.”
There was a lump in Riley’s throat. “It’s right. It was right from the minute we met. We both know that. I’ll be telling you that every hour of the day. You’ll get tired of hearing it.”
“Never!” Otami cried.
“Are there any more surprises you haven’t told me about?”
“The bull was the last one.”
Riley grinned and looked around him. It was time to explore his new home.
He was standing at one end of a long room divided by a bar that separated the living room from the kitchen. The appliances were old but sparkling clean. Chrisp white curtains fluttered in the warm breeze at the louvered windows. White wicker furniture boasted colorful yellow-and-lime-colored padding that complemented green-and-gold flecks in the new tile floor. Otami’s Hong Kong picture set off one stark white wall to perfection.
“I put that up there for you by myself,” Otami said, pointing to a brass butterfly near the front door. “The hook is for your navy cap. I bought it at the Ginger Jar—it is my wedding present to you.”
Riley drew her close to him, overcome. “Thank you,” he whispered against her sweet-smelling hair.
Silvery moonlight penetrated the lacy curtains, illuminating the farmhouse bedroom; chasing away the deepest shadows. Otami lay with her head nestled in the hollow of Riley’s shoulder, her face, like his, betraying a sublime satisfaction. They had made love, shared love, brought to each other the best they had to give; it had been like opening a doorway to heaven.
Otami moved against him, her dark almond eyes opening slowly as she reached up to caress his cheek. She felt the tremor that rippled through him. “My Riley, my husband, did I please you?”
“Your husband is pleased.” Riley sighed, drawing her closer, pressing his lips against her brow. His fingers slid through her long black hair. This woman, with her small high breasts and soft yielding thighs, fit him like a glove, as though she had been made for him. And he knew beyond doubt that it would always be this way between them, a sweet offering of love and amazement, because what they brought to each other was more than physical; it was the touching of souls.
Blissful, euphoric days followed. The communion between Riley and Otami was so complete neither felt the need for anything or anyone. Their lovemaking was wondrous and spontaneous. Shared, enjoyed . . . perfect.
On the third day of their honeymoon, Riley armed himself with a screwdriver, a spatula, and a hammer and finally managed to pry open the front door of the farmhouse. “I think, Mrs. Coleman, that it is time we explored this beautiful little island. What do you say? Why don’t we take a picnic lunch and start out after breakfast and explore till we’re tired.”
“Where would you like to go? Guam is only thirty miles in length, twelve miles in width, and four miles wide at its narrowest point. I learned that on the second day of my arrival,” Otami said proudly.
“I can do better than that. I,” he said loftily, “have a brochure on the island. I also have all the poop from fellow officers. While you’re making the pancakes I’ll tell you exactly what we’re going to do. While you pack our lunch I’ll take a shower. Is that fair?”
“No. But I am a good, obedient, Japanese housewife and will do as I’m told. Until such time as I don’t like your orders and then I will resign. How do you like that, Mr. Coleman?”
“As long as you warm the syrup and melt the butter for the pancakes, you can do whatever you want. You can even walk on my back.”
“No, thank you. I am a modern Japanese. I will just cook and clean and make love to you.”
“Well said,” Riley beamed. “Now, let’s see. We can take a drive through the Nimitz Hill area and get a panoramic view of the natural harbor. He’ll be able to see the Glass Breakwater. My C.D. tables told me it was named after Captain Henry Glass, who claimed Guam as a possession of the United States. I think that’s a must. I’d like to see it, wouldn’t you?”
“Absolutely,” Otami cooed in his ear as she set his plate of pancakes in front of him along with the melted butter and warm syrup.
“Do that again.” Riley grinned.
“Do what?”
“Nuzzle my ear.” Riley groaned as Otami willingly obeyed.
“What are you crossing out?” she asked a moment later.
Riley was flustered. “I—I didn’t think you’d want to go to Nimitz Beach Park. I’m not sure I want to go there, either. It was the battle site of the American invasion in 1944. Why don’t we leave it for last.”
“All right, Riley. But I think you should see it. It will be, something for you to talk about with your father later on.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you.”
“Yes. You aren’t going to be able to hide from your father forever. Sooner or later you will talk. This will be common ground, something he can relate to.”
“You always know just what to say and when to say it. In a way, I am hiding out. Why couldn’t I say the words? Why did you have to say it for me?”
“Because I’m me and you’re you.” Otami smiled and the tricky moment passed. “Would you like a slice of mango?”
“Nope, I’m full.”
Otami set about clearing the table. “Where else are we going?”
“To Fort Soledad Vista Point. According to this guide we’ll be able to see Umatac—the place Magellan is said to have visited in 1521. We might want to tell our kids about it someday. History, you know.”
“If we do all that you’ve said so far, it will be time for lunch. Where will we picnic?”
“Another cup of coffee, Otami. Quick, you aren’t anticipating my needs. Two sugars.”
“Two sugars, is it? I think I might like a second cup myself. I’ll sit here till you fix it.”
“I get the point.” Riley laughed, jumping up to pour the coffee. “How about this place?” Riley asked, pointing to a map. “It’s called Yigo. The CO was tel
ling me there’s talk about building a memorial park on the spot to commemorate the half a million Japanese and American soldiers—and civilians as well as Pacific Islanders—who lost their lives during World War Two in the Pacific conflict. They plan to erect a monument on the sight that will symbolize the determination of the United States and Japan to promote friendship and world harmony. Supposedly it will be a figure praying for eternal peace.”
Otami’s expression was as solemn as Riley’s. “I think that you and I are the two perfect people to visit that sight. I will pray that it comes to pass and is built.”
“Something else to talk to Pap about someday. I think that will be enough for one day. Provided that truck will get us back and forth. Wear good shoes, Otami, in case we have to hoof it. I wonder if there’s gas in the tank.”
“Of course there’s gas. Who’s going to do the dishes?”
“Not me, I have to take a shower and shave. Guess it’s your turn.”
“I have a better idea. I’ll wait until you’re finished and then you can dry as I wash. This marriage is fifty-fifty, remember.”
“Okay, okay.”
“When we come back from exploring, would you like to make love down in the glade where all the wild ferns grow? We can make a bed of them. We can even bathe in the pond.”
“It’s a puddle, not a pond. If you do the dishes, I’ll meet you there.”
The rickety truck proved to be a horror. Otami prayed and constantly blessed herself, to Riley’s delight. The day flew by. The picnic lunch was quickly devoured, and before they knew it, it was time to head back to the farmhouse.
“There’s a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator for us.” Otami smiled. “My uncle sent it. While he could not participate in our wedding or give his blessing, he did what he could. He is a fine old gentleman and he loves me dearly. It is his way of wishing us well without losing face. We must drink the toast he wanted. I will prepare it for us.”
Riley waited until Otami returned with a tray and two glasses. He took his glass from the tray and handed Otami hers. “I think we should have a flowery toast, something meaningful and different, but I can’t for the life of me think of a thing. Why don’t we drink to our new life, yours and mine? To love and understanding. May our new life be filled with humor, beautiful music, and wondrous words. To us.”
“To us,” Otami said softly. “Always us.”
The fanuchanan, or rainy season, came and went. The fan-umnangan, or dry season, set in, and Riley’s two years in Guam were almost up. He’d come to love his new island home and dreaded the day he’d be ordered to leave. Otami had settled into the little farmhouse as though she’d been born there. She continued with her studies at the university and often, late at night, Riley would find her bent over the long, narrow kitchen table with its butterfly cloth, studying. The moment she spotted him, however, she’d run to his arms. Riley had never been happier in his life. This was paradise. This was home. He hoped he’d never have to leave.
But as always, with something so fragile as perfection, snafus are bound to happen.
When Riley’s tour of duty in Guam was up, new orders sent him to Atsugi, Japan, and from there to Vietnam. Immediately, he was flying night missions over the Mai Cong Delta in Coleman aircraft.
When Thad Kingsley looked at the postmark on Riley’s letter, he paled. Jesus, how had the kid ended up in Vietnam? He was supposed to remain in Guam—forever and ever, if necessary. What had gone wrong? He read the letter.
Dear Uncle Thad,
I know this letter is going to come as a surprise to you. I’m here! God, I hate it. I know that I’m capable of killing to get out of here. I am killing. Every day I kill. I try not to think about it, but sooner or later I have to take count and it makes me sick. I didn’t know it was possible to be so piss-assed scared, but I am. I don’t mind telling you I have had to fight with myself to keep from writing to Pap to get me out of here.
Otami went back to Japan. I haven’t heard from her for a long time. She was going to see if her parents would welcome her back. She was worried about it; I could tell from the sound of her letter. The main reason she went back instead of staying in Guam to wait for me is she’s pregnant. Jesus, Uncle Thad, she’s going to have my baby all by herself. She needs her family. You have their address. Will you check on things and see how it’s all going? If Otami’s parents refuse to accept her back into the family, see what you can do for her. You might have to intervene and do some business with my bank back in Texas. Otami has all the papers. Do what you can.
I hate this place. I don’t know why I’m here. No one else seems to know, either. How did this happen? Who’s responsible? The only thing that makes it all bearable is that I’m flying Coleman planes. I feel safe in them.
Give Otami a kiss for me if you see her soon and tell her how much I love her. Take care of her for me, Uncle Thad.
All my best,
Riley
Thad felt out of his depth. He hated Vietnam almost as much as Riley did. His gut churned and he knew his new ulcer was going to start acting up.
Maybe it was time to put in a call to Moss. He’d call Billie later; right now Riley needed his father’s reassurance. He could be tactful, casually mention the boy, and see what developed in the conversation. He also had to get in touch with Otami and see what was going on. He’d have to go to Tokyo—this was too important to trust to a phone call. For Riley Coleman—for Billie’s son—he would do anything he could.
Thad didn’t sleep that night at all. At first light, he called Sunbridge and was told that Mr. Moss Coleman was away on a business trip and would be back in three days. By midafternoon he was in Tokyo and at the address Riley had sent him. He rang the bell and a trim maid in a silk kimono opened the gate for him. “Yes?”
“I’d like to see Otami. Tell her Admiral Kingsley is here.”
“You come inside house, sir. Missy Otami is in garden. I fetch her.”
Thad stood with his hat in his hands. He didn’t know much about Japanese furniture or houses, but this place looked fit for a king. Wealth, the kind the Colemans were used to, was right here. Perhaps more.
The naked fear in Otami’s eyes was more than Thad could bear. He quickly rushed to assure her that nothing was wrong, then kissed her. “That was from Riley.”
“You have heard from him? Tell me. Is he well? How is he? I have had no word for many weeks now.”
Thad handed her Riley’s letter and watched as her hungry eyes devoured each word once and then again. She folded the letter carefully and handed it back to Thad. “Thank you so much for coming here. I know Riley was very worried about my family. They opened their arms to me. I am most fortunate that they love me as they do. You are to tell Riley that I do not need Coleman money. My family would be dishonored if they could not take care of me, their daughter. Riley will understand. I must accept, for the misery I caused them in the beginning.”
“I’m happy that everything has worked out for you. Riley will be relieved.”
“I’ve written him many letters explaining things to him. Soon he should receive them. Perhaps all at one time.”
Or not at all, Thad felt like saying. The Vietnamese had a knack for knocking out mail planes. “If you want to write a letter, I’ll take it back with me to Atsugi and put it on the next flight. Riley will have it by tomorrow night. Would you care to have dinner with me?”
“Admiral Kingsley!” Otami said, clearly shocked. “You must dine with my family. My father would be most upset if he found out you were here and did not honor us for dinner. My mother has a passion for American film stars and will want to . . . how do you say . . . pump you for inside information. Say you will dine with us.”
“I’d like that very much. I want to meet your family.”
“Good. I have met Riley’s family. By that I mean you. Now it is your turn to meet my family. I would be very honored.”
“Otami, when is the baby due?”
Otami laughed. “
Any day now. My mother is much concerned. My father is also concerned, but he pretends that he isn’t. Men are strong and brave. This is women’s business. It will be the first grandchild for my parents. We are all nervous. Me especially. I wish Riley were here. My mother says it will be a boy. My father wishes for a girl that will look like me.” Otami shrugged to show she couldn’t fathom this kind of thinking. “I am praying for a son for Riley. But a daughter will be nice, too.” She smiled impishly.
“Twins,” Thad said inanely. Otami giggled.
Dinner was served Western style for Thad’s benefit. He appreciated it and said so.
“We wish to make our daughter’s uncle welcome. We could do no less for you, Admiral. I must admit that Yankee bean soup is not something I would want to eat every day.” Shadaharu Hasegawa said with a twinkle in his eye.
“It’s not a favorite of mine, either.” Thad grinned. Both men laughed. Thad sucked in his stomach, waiting for what he knew was coming next.
“Come, we will have a cigar. In the garden. The women will have tea and then we can talk some more. My daughter will pester me if I keep you to myself. Go, go,” he said, making shooing motions with his hands to his tiny wife and daughter. He rolled his eyes and said in an indulgent tone, “I promise you, my wife, that you can discuss film stars with Admiral Kingsley later if he is amenable.” Thad nodded and the tiny woman squealed with pleasure. Otami put her arms around her mother and left the room. “Women, they are fond of films.”
Uncertain of what his response should be, Thad merely agreed.
When the cigars had been lighted, Mr. Hasegawa spoke. “Now that we are out of earshot of the women we must talk of the young man, Riley, and his family.”
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