Love Finds You at Home for Christmas

by Annalisa Daughety

  “He sounds amazing.” She leaned closer to him. “Do you want to tell me what happened?” she asked softly.

  Cliff looked into her green eyes and knew he could tell her anything. He could tell her the true version, not the sugar-coated one. “We were in a foxhole together. There was heavy firing. All of the sudden, things got eerily quiet and then there was a huge explosion. It seemed like the end of the world. Just before we were hit, Charlie jumped on top of me. He caught the brunt of the force. I was injured.” Cliff’s hand went to his shoulder.

  She grabbed his hand. “Oh, Cliff. I’m so sorry.”

  He looked down at their intertwined hands. “And he was killed. Saving me.”

  Chapter Eight

  .................................

  Ruby stared in horror. The grief on Cliff’s face was enough to bring tears to her eyes. “I can’t imagine how horrible that must’ve been for you. How horrible it must still be.”

  He gripped her hand. “Is it okay for me to tell you this? I was afraid it might be too much for you to deal with.”

  She managed a smile. “Now, Cliff. Haven’t I proved to you that I’m tougher than I look? You can tell me anything, especially things like this that you obviously need to talk about.”

  “I wanted to tell you a few weeks ago. I know you probably thought I was avoiding questions about my family.” He shrugged. “I just wasn’t ready to talk about it until now.”

  “Of course. I understand. Sometimes we have to sort things out in our own heads before we can talk about them to someone else.”

  He nodded. “That sounds about right.”

  “What’s happened to you—what you’ve gone through—is a terrible burden to bear alone. How are your parents?”

  He let go of her hand and heaved a great sigh. “They blame me for his death.”

  “No. You can’t think that.”

  “I don’t have to think it. I know it. When I got back, I had to stay at their house while I recovered. I could see how much my being there pained them. I know that when they look at me, all they are thinking is that I let them down. That if I would’ve done a better job of protecting him, Charlie would still be with us.” He sighed. “Today would’ve been his twenty-second birthday.”

  She reached over and took his hand again. “I don’t believe for a minute that your parents place the blame on you. Cliff, this is an awful war. Nearly everyone I know has lost a family member or a friend.” She sensed this wasn’t the time to tell him about Joseph. Even though that experience had been hard on her, it wasn’t as traumatic as what Cliff had gone through.

  He nodded. “I guess. But I spent my whole life looking out for Charlie. He was the baby of the family. I remember once when we were kids and we went fishing. He went to dig for more worms but got lost in the woods. I think we were probably six and eight at the time. Once it dawned on me that he’d been gone too long, I was terrified. I yelled and yelled. He’d sat down under a tree. When I finally got to him, he just grinned. He told me when he couldn’t find his way out, he just stopped because he knew I’d find him.”

  Ruby smiled at the sweet memory. “You were a good brother.”

  “He trusted me to keep him safe. Always. When we were kids. And then later in that foxhole, I should’ve been the one to cover him. I should’ve been the one to anticipate what was coming.” Cliff looked at her with tortured eyes. “Not the other way around.”

  “Sometimes things happen. Things we don’t understand or can’t explain.” Ruby squeezed his hand. “It’s easy to place blame on ourselves or on the people around us.” She shook her head. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that we can’t do that. We have to just trust that God will take care of us. That He is bigger than all of the bad stuff. Bigger than the wars or the hunger or the sadness.”

  Cliff shook his head. “I don’t know. I used to believe that. But I’m not sure if I do anymore.”

  “Sometimes it just takes some time. Your grief is still fresh. In fact, I’ll bet you moved here before your wounds even healed completely.” She remembered Hazel asking about his arm the day he’d carried her suitcase into the dorm. Now it all made sense. “Am I right?”

  He nodded. “I couldn’t stand to stay at my parents’ house any longer. And my arm doesn’t bother me that much anymore. Just every now and then it still aches.”

  “You’ve been through a lot.”

  Cliff shrugged. “No more than most. Like you said, there are lots of people who’ve dealt with loss.”

  Ruby frowned. “Don’t do that. Don’t try to act like what you went through with Charlie wasn’t terrible. But you are going to have to let go of the guilt. It was not your fault. From what you’ve said, there was nothing you could do.”

  “Sure there was. I could’ve done for him what he did for me. I could’ve tried to save his life.”

  Ruby sighed. Nothing she could say would make it better or make his hurt go away. And letting go of the guilt was something he’d have to do on his own. But she could stand by him and help him however she could.

  The thought came as a surprise. Because wanting to help him get through the toughest trial he’d ever faced meant one thing.

  She cared about him.

  And the realization terrified her.

  * * * * *

  Cliff felt as if a weight had been lifted. He’d hated feeling like he was keeping something from Ruby but hadn’t wanted to admit his weakness. He wanted her, of all people, to see him as a strong, able man who could handle anything. Over the past weeks, he’d tried to steer her away from the topic of his family. But now, having told her what had happened and having heard that she was on his side—and seen the empathy in her eyes—he was glad he’d finally opened up.

  “Thanks for being such a great listener.”

  She smiled. “I’ll listen to you any time you want to talk.”

  “Any time?” He grinned. “Do you mean that? And do I always get to pick the topic?”

  Ruby laughed. “Yes. And no.”

  “Fair enough.” He looked down and realized he was still holding her hand. It felt nice.

  “I have a confession.” She grinned. “Earlier when I fired the gun, I didn’t actually fire it at anything.”

  He burst out laughing. “Then what was that all about?”

  “I guess sometimes I’m too stubborn for my own good. I really just wanted you to know that I knew how to use the gun. Sometimes my stupid pride gets the best of me.”

  Her honesty surprised him. “You realize I never would’ve known that you didn’t fire at a rabbit.”

  Ruby nodded. “Yes, but I don’t like the idea of being dishonest. Especially not with you.” She grinned. “I think we should promise to always be honest with each other, even if it isn’t pretty.”

  He stood up and offered his hand. “Sounds like a plan. Never hold back.”

  “Sounds good.” She clasped his hand and allowed him to pull her up from the log. “You know how I told you that I had to go to the admin building after work today?”

  He kept his grip on her hand as they started walking through the woods and was pleased that she didn’t let go. “I’m still not convinced you weren’t caught wearing sandals on the line again.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him. “I told you I learned my lesson about that. Actually I had to go over there to let them know that I’ll be staying on through mid-December.”

  He stopped walking and turned to face her. “You will?” He knew she picked up on the excitement in his voice, but he didn’t care. “What about college?”

  “I think it’s more important for me to stay here, where I’m actually making a contribution to the war effort besides just rationing or buying war bonds. You know? Every day when I go to work, I think about how what we’re doing here in this little plant in Arkansas could be helping my brothers wherever they are stationed. And right now it’s more important for me to do that than it is for me to go back to
classes and do my student teaching.”

  Cliff didn’t try to hide his grin as they started walking again. “Well, I can’t say that I’m sad about your decision. I didn’t even know you were considering it. I’m a little surprised you didn’t say something sooner.” If she’d gone to the trouble to schedule a meeting with the higher ups, it meant she’d been thinking about it for a while.

  She shrugged. “You know how I am. I like to figure stuff out on my own. I guessed you’d think my staying was a good idea. Same with Lola. I didn’t tell her either. I wanted to make sure the decision was mine and mine alone.”

  Cliff could respect her quest for independence, but it worried him some too. Would Ruby ever be able to let go of some of that and have a real relationship? The more he got to know her, the more he wondered. “Well, that’s great. I’ll be happy to have you around—for a few more months anyway. December, did you say?”

  She nodded. “That’s right. I’ll work right up until Christmas, then I’m planning to go home to see my family. I can start back to classes in January.” She shrugged. “If I were only taking myself into consideration, I’d probably just stay here until the war was over. But my parents are not going to take the news well. Papa has paid a lot of money for me to get a college education. I don’t want to let my family down by dropping out, especially when I’m this close to finishing.”

  “You’re a thoughtful daughter.”

  “I love my parents. I don’t like the idea of doing anything they don’t approve or aren’t proud of. It wasn’t easy for them to let me come here in the first place, so I know the idea of my sitting out of college, even just for a semester, is going to be a difficult one for them. But I think this will be a pretty good compromise and will make us all happy.”

  Hearing Ruby talk about her parents made Cliff wish he could mend his relationship with his. But maybe things would never be the same. Maybe the pain of losing Charlie would have a lasting impact. “That’s wonderful.”

  They stopped at the tree where the guns were propped. “This was fun.” Cliff grinned. “Despite your competitiveness.”

  Ruby blushed. “I don’t know what makes me that way. I suppose it irritates me when I don’t feel like I’m being taken seriously.” She shrugged. “Just like the day we met. My brother came to get me, to try and convince me that working at the AOP was a bad idea and I should just come home.”

  “Maybe he was just trying to look out for you and keep you safe.”

  She nodded. “I know. And I’m grateful for that. But I don’t want to be kept safe and sheltered. I want to have adventures and experiences that I can’t get on the farm raising pigs.”

  Cliff smiled at the passion in her voice. She was unique. “Maybe the key is finding balance. You don’t necessarily have to conquer the world by yourself, but I’m willing to bet that a lifetime of experiences awaits you.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  He winked. “I know so.”

  And he hoped many of those experiences would include him.

  Chapter Nine

  .................................

  August 31, 1943

  Dear Hazel,

  I know you must think I’m a terrible friend, as I’ve received two letters from you since I’ve found time to write. I think of you often and selfishly wish Troy would be transferred back here. But I’m so glad to hear you like it there. It sounds like y’all have found a good group of friends from church.

  I’m sure you’ve heard from your mama by now that I’ve been out to your house a few times with Cliff. Your parents are so kind to me, and your mama let me use her kitchen to bake. Cliff was thrilled to finally sample the molasses cookies. Have you given the recipe a try yet? I made some changes to it last week and added some pecans. You know how I love to come up with new recipes. It’s a rare treat now that we’re rationing sugar.

  Cliff finally told me about what happened in that foxhole with his brother Charlie. Poor Cliff—I can’t imagine losing one of my brothers, let alone feeling responsible for his death. I don’t really know how to comfort him, other than to just listen and to pray. Charlie sounds like he was such a great kid. I remember how torn up you were last year over your cousin—now I realize it must’ve been Charlie.

  Cliff and I spend a lot of time together. In fact, he’s my best friend here. I’ve never had a boy as a best friend. It’s kind of nice.

  Last week, Cliff and I went to the skating rink, and the funniest thing happened. It turns out that my roommate, Lola, has been seeing Cliff’s friend Harold. Lola has been trying for ages to fix me up with a certain boy, and Harold had been telling Cliff about a girl for him. It was us all along! They were so surprised when we walked in together, and we all had a good laugh. Of course, Cliff was full of himself on the way home, all puffed up and joking that they’d picked him out for me because they knew he was my dream man. I just laughed at him. He always jokes about us dating, so I know he’s not really serious about it.

  I hope it’s okay to talk about Cliff like this to you, seeing how he’s your cousin and all. But I assure you, we are only friends. He hasn’t kissed me or anything, and if he tried, I’d tell him not to. My decision to remain single hasn’t changed, and it never will.

  It’s strange to think that classes at Harding will be starting soon. I wrote to all my suitemates and let them know I won’t be back until January. The only one I’ve heard from so far has been Betty Jo—you remember her, don’t you? She’s convinced that I’m having some great love affair and that’s why I’m not going back. Some girls are so silly, aren’t they? And my parents aren’t exactly thrilled about my decision to stay on at the AOP, but they didn’t put up much of a fuss. I am starting to get a little bit homesick, but I keep telling myself Christmas will be here before we know it.

  Your mama told me that you and Troy will be here for Thanksgiving, and I am counting down the days! Your parents have invited me for Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve already promised Cliff I’ll make a dessert. He sure does have a sweet tooth.

  Well, I’d better end this. I’m about to go play baseball with a group of friends. It should be fun. I can’t wait to see the look on Cliff’s face when he sees that I know how to catch a ball!

  All my love,

  Ruby Jean

  * * * * *

  “Batter up!” Cliff called from his spot on the pitcher’s mound. Even though he’d gone to college on a football scholarship, he’d always loved to play baseball. So when Harold suggested an end-of-summer pickup game, he’d been the first to sign up.

  Ruby clutched the bat and did a couple of practice swings. “Show me what you’ve got, Hamilton.” She stepped up to the plate with a sassy grin on her face.

  The upside to not being on her team, Cliff realized, was getting to face her from the mound. “If you want me to, I can pitch it slower for you since you’re a girl and all,” he called.

  She laughed. “Just try to get it over the plate. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  Cliff released the ball.

  Ruby swung and missed.

  “Strike one,” Harold called from behind the plate.

  She made a face. “I’ll get the next one.”

  “Come on, Ruby!” Lola yelled form the sidelines, where she and some of the other girls waited their turns. “You can do it.”

  Ruby tapped the bat against the plate and hoisted it over her shoulder. “I’m ready.” She grinned. “Try to put it over the plate this time.”

  He chuckled. “Keep your eye on the ball. Maybe that will help.”

  Cliff heard Andrew Wallace laugh from his position at shortstop. “Don’t give her pointers, Cliff. Remember, she’s not on your team no matter how pretty she is.”

  Cliff grinned. Andrew might not understand it, but even playing for the opposition, he was always on Ruby’s side. He stood for a minute on the mound, then threw the ball over the plate.

  Ruby swung and connected. The ball went flying toward left field, and she took off runn
ing. Her teammates cheered.

  Cliff watched her go. She sure could run.

  The trouble was, he wasn’t sure if he could ever catch her.

  * * * * *

  “That was so much fun,” Ruby said after the game. She plopped down on the grass next to Cliff. “I’m glad we did this.”

  Cliff nodded. “And congratulations on your victory.” He leaned close to her. “Don’t tell anyone from my team, but I was rooting for you,” he whispered. His breath tickled her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

  She grinned. “Thanks. You were the best player out there. And too bad that fellow struck out at the end or else y’all would’ve won.” It had been a real treat to see Cliff in action. He’d told her about his years as a football player, so she’d known he was athletic. Getting to see it firsthand was fun. “You were a good coach too. Why, Lola could barely even swing a bat at first, but after you showed her what to do, she scored a run.”

  “Thank you, Ruby. Sometimes I think about what it would be like to be a coach. Maybe someday I’ll get the chance.” He smiled. “You never know what the future holds.”

  Ruby dusted off a smudge of dirt from the knee of her dungarees. “You’re right. You never know.” She grinned. “A year ago if you’d told me I’d be staying here for the fall, working instead of going back to school, I never would’ve believed it. But the decision just felt right.”

  “What did your parents say?” The concern in his blue eyes was evident. He knew how worried she’d been about broaching the subject with her family.

  “It wasn’t the easiest conversation. But they finally agreed.” She shrugged. “Even though Papa made it clear he’d rather I return to school, he left the final decision up to me.” She smiled. “I could tell he was proud of my promotion to line inspector.”