‘Eunice! Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve been so worried about you.’
Eunice laughed. ‘I wanted it to be a surprise. I’m so glad you could come. We only wanted our closest friends and family here. And when I heard George would be here for Christmas, we decided to do it.’
‘It’s a shame Bess couldn’t be here. Does she know?’
Eunice’s face clouded for a moment and she sighed. ‘Poor Bess came to see me before she left. I know she did you a terrible wrong, but she has been a good friend to me and I can’t find it in my heart to be angry with her. She’d even knitted a little matinée jacket for the baby, would you believe?’
‘Bess, knitting? Now I’ve heard everything!’
Eunice laughed. ‘I know. So, you see, she’s not a bad person, just a little . . . sad, I suppose. I so hope she can find happiness wherever she’s going.’
‘So do I. I have been so angry with her, and I doubt we could ever be friends, but I wish things had been different between us. Maybe working in the field will change things for her. She’s certainly brave. I admire her in a way. I wish I could be as fierce.’
‘I can’t imagine you ever being fierce, April. I just hope she stays safe and doesn’t do anything foolish. She promised me that she had sworn off men for the duration. Says it’s too much trouble and she can’t trust herself not to mess things up. Maybe, when she stops searching so hard, she’ll find the love she’s longing for.’
‘I hope so.’ April looked over to see George and A.J. standing together, laughing. ‘Now, why don’t you introduce me to your brother?’
They walked over to them and A.J. gave April a hug. ‘Good to see you, April. I’ll never forget the part you played in getting us back together. I owe you.’
‘You owe me nothing except making sure that you and Eunice are happy for the rest of your lives. What a shame Crawford couldn’t be here.’
‘I wrote and told him, but don’t think he got the letter. Never mind, I’ve got Homer, and my new best buddy George here.’ He clapped George on the shoulder.
George grinned at her. ‘So you’re the famous April my sis has been telling me so much about? Well, well, if I didn’t know you were already taken, I’d be very happy to meet you. As it is, I will have to live with my broken heart for the rest of my life.’
April blushed and Eunice hit him on the arm. ‘Stop it, George. You are incorrigible.’
Nancy walked over with Homer and gave Eunice a tight hug. ‘I’m so jealous you made it up the aisle before me and Homer.’
Eunice’s eyes went wide as she glanced between them. Nancy squealed and held out her left hand to show a small diamond solitaire ring. April and Eunice gasped.
‘I don’t think I can take much more good news today.’ April laughed. ‘Homer, you are one very lucky man. Nancy is a catch.’
‘I’m the lucky one, April. I never thought in a million years I’d meet a man like Homer.’
Homer gazed down at her, love shining in his eyes. ‘Nope, April’s right, Nance. I’m the lucky one.’
If only Crawford were here, April thought, the day would be complete.
Just then, the vicar came over to congratulate the happy couple. Mrs Granger was with him, looking surprisingly relaxed considering how hard she’d taken the news.
‘April, my dear, how lovely to see you. I hope you brought your major with you to add some glamour to the proceedings?’
‘Not today, I’m afraid.’
‘Oh well, never mind. I’ll have to make do with these two fine fellows.’ To April’s utter astonishment, she patted both A.J. and Homer on the arm.
Eunice leaned over to her. ‘George has won the day,’ she whispered. ‘My mother can never resist him, and the fact that he loves A.J. means she’s started to accept him too. I just wish Father could have been here.’
‘He’ll be back, my dear. You all think I’m foolish for believing it, but I know in my heart he’s still alive.’
The wedding breakfast was held at the hotel across the road. Everyone had pooled their rations, and somehow, A.J. had managed to get hold of a turkey, so they all sat down for a wonderful roast dinner with plenty of wedding toasts and laughter. There was even a cake, baked by Mrs Granger, that was utterly delicious.
Suddenly the door swung open, and a tall figure wearing a side cap rushed in. A.J. was the first to spot him and stood up with a huge grin. ‘Crawford!’
April’s heart leaped. Crawford was back! She jumped up from the table and rushed over to him. He threw his arm around her shoulder. In his other hand, he was brandishing a bottle of champagne. He let go of April, walked over to A.J. and clasped his hand.
‘You think I’d miss my old buddy’s wedding? No, sir. We drove through the night to get back in time. And I get to see my girl early as well. And I managed to dig this out. Can’t have a wedding without champagne.’
Nancy cheered at that and ordered more glasses from the barman.
Mrs Granger bustled over, fluttering her eyelashes. ‘Major, how marvellous. I’m sure we can find you some food and there’s plenty of cake.’
Crawford sat down beside April and took her hand. ‘So, honey, I realised something while I was away. You want to know what that was?’
April nodded.
‘Well . . .’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, and April’s heart thumped with excitement. ‘I realised that I asked you a very important question before I went away, but I didn’t ask properly. So I’m going to do it now.’ He opened the box to show a beautiful diamond ring sitting in the middle. He removed it from the box and took April’s left hand in his. ‘April Harvey, I love you with all my heart. Will you please do me the honour of promising to marry me?’
April, overcome with joy, managed somehow to whisper, ‘Yes,’ and Crawford slipped the ring on her finger. It sparkled in the light and there was rapturous applause around the table. She stared at it for a moment, then looked back at Crawford.
‘It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.’ She threw her arms around his neck and Crawford kissed her tenderly.
The champagne was poured and George shouted, ‘Merry Christmas and here’s to strong British–American relationships!’
Everyone raised their glasses and repeated, ‘To British–American relationships!’
Then Nancy piped up, ‘And here’s to us three girls, the G.I. Brides!’
Epilogue
May 1943
April stood in front of the mirror and smiled. Crawford’s mother had surprised her by sending April her very own wedding dress. She had been going to wear a lilac suit that she’d managed to buy cheap, so when Crawford had delivered the dress two weeks before, she’d cried with joy. It was, quite simply, the most beautiful dress she’d ever worn. Mrs Beetie had rushed to alter it, and it now fit perfectly. It was white with long sleeves and a fitted bodice that cinched in at the waist, and a full skirt with a lace over-skirt embroidered with tiny violets and studded with seed pearls that finished just above her ankles. A headdress with a long, floaty white veil completed the outfit. Mrs Teague’s trusty gold shoes were once again on display, and though the dress was clearly a little old-fashioned, it was so romantic and perfect that April felt like a princess.
Mrs Teague bustled over, looking resplendent in a primrose yellow suit, with a matching hat and a small veil. She looked exactly like the mother of the bride should look, April thought fondly.
‘You look breathtakingly beautiful, my love. I’ve never seen a lovelier bride.’
April smiled and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Mrs Teague. I think you are quite possibly the most marvellous woman in the world.’
Mrs Teague’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Oh, pish, April. See what you’ve made me do? I’ve no time for tears. Come on, the car’s waiting.’
They walked out to the car. The neighbours who wouldn’t be coming to the wedding stood and applauded April as she walked o
ut, holding a posy of violets to match her dress. She blushed and waved, then settled herself in the car that Crawford had arranged for her.
It took about half an hour to drive to the church, during which time, April was lost in her thoughts. Since that wonderful Christmas Eve when Eunice had got married, life had been busy.
Eunice had given birth to a beautiful baby boy just a month before, which April had helped deliver. They’d named him Alex, and April adored him and couldn’t wait to stand as his godmother at his christening next month. As for A.J., he seemed to have completely forgiven Eunice and spent as much time as he could with his new family, who he adored. As for Alex’s grandma, she wouldn’t hear a word said against the little boy. He filled the void in her heart that had opened when confirmation arrived that her husband had died. It had been a terrible time for the family, but little Alex’s arrival had helped soothe some of the pain.
When she arrived at the church, April saw a host of friendly faces waiting for her. Nancy and Homer were standing on the steps, and she grinned at them. Eunice stood beside them, holding Alex, who was fast asleep and looked like a little angel. He really was the most delicious baby she’d ever seen. Inside the church, she knew that some of her hospital friends would be waiting – including Mattie and Jean, and even Sister Mulholland had taken a day’s leave especially. April had been touched.
The colonel and Red were also in the congregation, and A.J. would be standing at the altar with Crawford. His choice of best man had caused several raised eyebrows amongst his colleagues, but April was delighted. She loved A.J. and knew how important it was for Crawford to have someone from his past with him. She wished she could have had someone too. She had written a letter to Theo to tell him about her impending marriage. He’d not replied, although Reverend Osborne wrote to wish her happiness. Theo, apparently, was growing stronger, and hopefully could be sent to a convalescent home soon. The fact that he may well die in the home was left unsaid. It was a miracle that he’d lived this long.
April shook her head. Today was a happy day, and although thoughts of Theo were inevitable, it was Crawford she needed to concentrate on.
She looked at Mrs Teague. ‘Ready?’
Mrs Teague nodded. If Crawford’s choice of best man had raised eyebrows, then April’s choice of who was to walk down the aisle with her had too. With no close male relatives, she’d asked Mrs Teague if she’d give her away. Her landlady had sobbed with delight and pride, and now she stood, ramrod straight, arm in arm with her surrogate daughter as they prepared to walk down the aisle. They looked at each other, smiled and nodded, then April walked towards Crawford, who was standing by the altar, resplendent in the same dress uniform he’d worn at the Thanksgiving dinner when he’d proposed to her. His beautiful green eyes were fixed on her, and she was sure she could see a tear sparkling on his cheek. Her heart swelled. Never could April have imagined such love would enter her life. The sun streaming in through the stained-glass window of the Madonna and child shone on the gold braid on his shoulders, and April suddenly remembered her hope when she’d first seen the window, that it was a sign she’d find her family. And now, she realised that maybe it had been.
The ceremony was a simple one, and when the vicar asked, ‘Who gives this woman to be married to this man?’ Mrs Teague stepped forward and said firmly, ‘Her family and I do.’ She turned to April, and with tears in her eyes, lifted her veil. Then she kissed her on the cheek and whispered, ‘Be happy, my precious daughter.’
April couldn’t prevent the tears welling at that. She clasped Mrs Teague’s hand and whispered back, ‘Thank you, Mother.’
As Mrs Teague held April’s hand towards Crawford, her tears were falling so fast she could barely see. Noticing her distress, Crawford took her shoulders and leaned down and whispered, ‘I am honoured to have you as a mother-in-law.’ At that Mrs Teague started sobbing in earnest, and April realised that she was not the only one to have found a family. She smiled tremulously at Crawford, her heart full of love, and together they turned to the vicar, ready at last to dedicate their lives to one another.
*
After the ceremony, April stood on the church steps with her incredibly handsome husband, both being showered with rose petals. She laughed with delight, then looked up at Crawford.
He smiled down into her eyes. ‘How do you feel, Mrs Dunbar?’
‘Never better, Major Dunbar. The happiest I’ve ever been! But before we leave, can you come and meet my other mother?’
She pulled him down the steps and around the church, out of sight, and stood before her mother’s grave.
April crouched down and carefully laid her bouquet on the gravestone.
‘It’s my wedding day, Mum, and I wish so much that you and Dad could be here. I’ve brought Crawford to meet you. He’s the most amazing man in the world, and I know you’d love him. So would Dad.
‘I’m glad I could get married close to you, Mum. I feel your spirit strongly here. Do you think that’s strange? I came to Cornwall searching for my family and found instead that you’d had to cope with loss too, yet you’d managed to find love and start your own family. Your story inspired me to stay strong, and now I’m on the way to creating a whole new future for myself. So, thank you, Mum. Thank you for being strong and brave and not giving up hope. I pray that somewhere you can see me, so happy and content, even in the midst of war. I love you always, Mum.’ She kissed her fingers and touched the gravestone, wiping the tears away.
Crawford saluted, then helped her to her feet and they returned to their guests. Once they were again standing on the church steps, April looked out at the small throng of well-wishers. This was what she had been searching for all her life, and though she knew there was uncertainty and danger to be faced, with Crawford by her side, at least she wouldn’t have to face it alone. Just as her mother had, she had risen from the depths of despair and created her own happiness. And she vowed that no matter what happened, she would always remember that, even when all hope seems lost, you can find your way back to the light.
Suddenly Crawford turned April towards him and, clasping her by the shoulders, he kissed her deeply while cheers and wolf whistles erupted around them.
‘Oy oy, you two. Time enough for that later; we’re all starving.’
Giggling, April pulled away and looked over. Nancy was standing there with her hands on her hips and a cheeky grin on her face.
Crawford smiled down at April, then turned. ‘As always, Nancy, you’re right. The sooner we’ve eaten, the sooner I can be alone with my wife.’ And taking April’s hand, they ran down the path towards their future.
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge a few very special ladies.
There were many air force wives who were kind to me. A special thank you to Nancy, Jeanette, Margarita Rosa and Mary Lou for many lessons, especially the haircuts, the beauty tips, the plucked eyebrows, the beautifully made gown for my graduation ball, the Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes for genuine eggnog and cranberry bread. After graduation, thanks to your families for the welcomes to Washington D. C. Virginia, Texas, and Mexico.
Con un abrazo
Eileen.
About the author
Eileen Ramsay grew up in Dumfriesshire. After graduation she went to Washington D.C., where she taught in private schools for some years, before moving to California with her Scottish husband. There, she raised two sons, finished her Masters Degree, fell in love with Mexico, and published her first short stories and a Regency novel. The family returned to Scotland where Eileen continued to teach and write and to serve – at different times – on the committees of The Society of Authors in Scotland, The Scottish Association of Writers and The Romantic Novelists’ Association. In 2004, her novel Someday, Somewhere was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award.
Also by Eileen Ramsay
Flowers of Scotland Series
Rich Girl, Poor Girl (previously published as Butterflies in Decemebe
r)
The Farm Girl’s Dream (previously published as Walnut Shell Days)
A Pinch of Salt (previously published as The Broken Gate)
The Dominie’s Lassie
The Quality of Mercy
Harvest of Courage
Danger By Gaslight
Never Call It Loving
The Feein’ Market
Lace for a Lady
The Wings of Friendship
Someday, Somewhere
A Way of Forgiving
The Stuff of Dreams
Rainbow’s End
Welcome to the world of Eileen Ramsay!
Keep reading for more from Eileen Ramsay and to discover a recipe that features in this novel.
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Dear Reader,
Each book I’ve written is special to me, but The G. I. Bride holds a special place as it’s the book that finally allowed me to write about AJ, a real-life inspiration whose mother’s support helped me get my first book published.
As many of you know, I have spent a great deal of time in Edinburgh with the U.S. Airforce, and in California with the U.S. marines.
It was in California where we met a marine family who had two children, a nine-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. As a mother of two boys, nine and five, we had a lot in common. Their son belonged to a swim club and, strangely enough, our oldest son (a superb swimmer) joined the same club, both of them being trained by the incredible Coach Malone. Every Friday evening our families met at the swimming pool; the two older boys disappeared to the changing rooms, the two moms took the younger children to sit and watch. We became friends. The little girl was called AJ, short for Applejack, and she and our Alistair became inseparable. Little AJ was so kind and gentle, and these became the key characteristics that I wanted my AJ to display in the book. And the friendship between little AJ and our Alistair was the inspiration behind the close friendship between Crawford and AJ in the book. They were the best of friends and nothing could come between them.
The G.I. Bride Page 32