Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  Steve shrugged out of his flying jacket. ‘What’s troubling you, Luke?’

  His friend grimaced. ‘A few more months and it will all be over.’

  ‘Is that something to look miserable about?’

  ‘No, it’s a blessing, but what the hell are we going to do about our girls? Ricky’s alright; Jean is happy to go with him because she has a large family, so it’s easier for her. Our two, however, are the only children their parents have.’ He gave Steve a troubled look. ‘How can we ask them to leave their folks and come to Canada?’

  ‘It’s complicated.’ Steve sat on the other chair. ‘But if we are sure they are the girls we want to spend the rest of our lives with, then we have to do all we can to keep them with us.’

  ‘You’re right, of course – but, as you say, it’s complicated.’

  Steve stood up and stretched. ‘I know with time getting short this problem is gnawing away at us, but there is no point worrying about it just now. My mother always told us not to cross our bridges until we get to them. So, there isn’t a damned thing we can do about it now, and no amount of fretting will bring a solution before its time. At the moment we still have a job to do, so let’s concentrate on that.’

  Without them even noticing, winter set in and Christmas was only days away.

  ‘Hey.’ Sandy peered in the door. ‘I’ve just heard a rumour that we are standing down until after the New Year.’

  ‘Where did you hear that?’ Steve wanted to know.

  ‘Sarge told me.’

  Luke’s face lit up. ‘It must be true, then, because he knows everything. Wonder what the chances are of getting fourteen days’ leave?’

  ‘Let’s find out.’ Steve was already on his way out when he bumped into Ricky.

  ‘Is it true?’

  ‘We are on our way to check.’

  They hurried into the operations building and went straight up to the duty officer. After explaining what they had heard he confirmed that operations were being suspended for two weeks.

  ‘What about leave?’ Sandy wanted to know.

  ‘It will only be a limited number. The base has to be kept operational – Christmas or not.’

  Ricky turned to Steve and implored, ‘Go and put in a good word for us. We deserve a break, don’t we?’

  ‘I’ll see what I can do.’

  While they waited for him to work a miracle for them, Geoff, Terry and Jake arrived, along with a lot of the other crews. The rumour was flying around the base at great speed, and they all wanted to know if leave was possible.

  ‘Steve’s gone to find out,’ Luke explained.

  Steve was soon back and smiling. ‘I saw the wing com­mander and he has all the details. My crew and Sandy’s are to have ten days’ leave, starting 23rd December.’

  A cheer rang out and some of the others hurried off to find out if they were going to be lucky as well.

  That evening, they all sat round a large table and decided what they were going to do with this unexpected stroke of good fortune. All the English boys were naturally going home, Ricky was invited to spend the holiday with Jean’s folks, Luke was to stay with Harry and Sybil as he already knew she would be on leave at that time, and that left the two pilots.

  ‘We could go to Harry as well,’ Sandy suggested.

  ‘Luke wants to spend time with Sybil, so we’ll only be in the way,’ Steve teased, standing up and pulling over another chair for Nancy, who had just arrived.

  ‘Sorry I’m late. I’ve heard the good news, so what are you all planning to do?’

  Steve explained. ‘What about you? Are you on leave as well?’

  ‘I am, so why don’t you and Sandy come home with me? Mum and Dad would love you to spend Christmas with us.’

  ‘That’s very kind, but are you sure they won’t mind?’

  ‘I’m positive, Sandy.’

  ‘Thank you. We would both love to come,’ Steve said.

  ‘Good, that’s everyone settled.’ Ricky was buoyant with excitement. ‘We’ll have to go on a food-scrounging expedi­tion again.’

  ‘Steve, you must both come and see Harry and Sybil while you are in London. They will be disappointed if you don’t,’ Luke pointed out.

  ‘We’ll come so we can all see the new year in together. What about your folks, Nancy, would they like to join us as well?’

  ‘I’m sure they would love to.’

  ‘We may possibly be into the last year of the war. It has been going on for so long it’s hard to believe it could actually be coming to an end.’

  That comment from Andy caused a moment of quiet as they contemplated what that was going to mean for all of them. For the Canadians, the prospect of spending the Christmas after this one in their own homes was bittersweet.

  They had been very successful in scrounging food, and were in high spirits as they crammed their bags full.

  The London train was crowded, as usual, but they managed to find Nancy and Jean seats in a carriage, while the rest of them got as comfortable as possible in the corridor. Jean and Ricky got off first, then Luke, and after a change of train Steve and Sandy were able to sit with Nancy in a carriage.

  The moment they reached the Dalton home, the front door flew open and they were greeted enthusiastically. Inside was warm and bright and they had clearly done their best to make it look festive. The lounge was decorated with home-made paper chains and the small tree in the corner was decorated with brightly coloured ribbons. A log fire was burning in the grate.

  ‘We are delighted you could all make it here for the holiday.’ Tom shook their hands. ‘Sit down, lads, and tell me what you have been up to.’

  ‘Now, Dad, you know you mustn’t ask questions like that.’

  ‘Sorry, I couldn’t help it. They have medal ribbons on their tunics, and you don’t get them for nothing.’

  ‘All the more reason for you not to ask,’ she scolded lightly.

  Steve shot her a grateful glance. She obviously hadn’t told her parents what had happened, and that was a good thing because it could bring back distressing memories of the son they had lost.

  She gave a slight nod, indicating he was right.

  The conversation then turned to general subjects, and after relaxing with tea and biscuits they unpacked their bags.

  ‘My goodness,’ Sally exclaimed. ‘You have been to see your friendly farmer again. We will eat well this Christmas.’

  ‘I’ve got a contribution as well.’ Nancy pulled a large white basin out of her kitbag. ‘A proper Christmas pudding made especially for the top brass.’

  ‘How did you manage to get that?’

  ‘I spun a good story about how my parents were going to see the Canadians had a proper British Christmas.’ She grinned at her mother. ‘The chef gave me that the next day, suitably disguised, of course.’

  Tom kissed his daughter’s cheek. ‘How did we ever come to have such a smart girl?’

  ‘Just lucky, I guess.’

  Steve watched the display of family affection and his heart dipped, knowing he was going to try and take their much-loved daughter away from them. There was a real chance that Nancy would refuse, of course, and he was well aware of that. He was in no doubt he wanted her for his wife, and she had shown, in many ways, that she cared deeply for him. Whichever way this went, hearts would be broken unless he could find a solution.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The holiday was relaxing and full of laughter. Tom and Sally made such a fuss of them they almost felt as if they were family. Being so far from their own folks at this time of year was hard, and they were both grateful to be made so welcome.

  Dan was often mentioned, and Steve could see that having two pilots to share the festive holiday with them was helping, in a small way, to fill the void his loss had made.

  A couple of days before New Year’s Eve, they both went to visit Harry and found his small house filled with friends and neighbours. One glance was all that was needed to tell them that Sybil and
Luke were crazy about each other.

  ‘I hope you are going to come and see in the new year with us?’ Harry asked.

  With a glass of beer in one hand and a sausage roll in the other – at least he thought it was a sausage roll – Steve nodded. ‘That’s why we are here. We thought it was a night when we should all be together, so would it be all right if we brought Nancy and her folks with us? I know Ricky would love to have a night at the pub with everyone, so assuming you are in agreement, Nancy has gone to let him know we are meeting here. I hope that is all right?’

  ‘Wonderful! Bring everyone and we can go to the Jolly Sailor and have a damned good party.’ He raised his glass. ‘We’ve really got something extra to celebrate this year, because there’s no doubt next year will see the end of this bloody war.’

  ‘There’s still a way to go,’ Steve cautioned.

  ‘I know, lad, but there’s no stopping now. That blasted man is already beaten and all he’s got to do is accept that fact.’

  There were murmurs of agreement, which called for another round of drinks for everyone.

  When they arrived back at the Dalton house, Nancy hadn’t yet returned from Jean’s and the lounge was empty. Steve could hear voices in the kitchen, and hoping it was Tom and Sally on their own, he said to Sandy, ‘Don’t come into the kitchen for a while. I need to have a talk with Tom and Sally.’

  ‘Okay – I know what’s that’s about, so good luck.’

  He walked into the kitchen and was relieved to see them on their own. He pulled out a chair and sat at the large table with them.

  ‘Hello, Steve, I thought I heard you come in. Do you want a cup of tea?’

  ‘Please, Sally. Harry said he would be delighted if you would come and celebrate New Year’s Eve with us. They are planning a huge party, so it will be lively, believe me.’

  Tom chuckled. ‘We’ll look forward to that.’

  Steve drew in a deep silent breath. ‘I would like to discuss something with you while we are alone, if you don’t mind.’

  They were both immediately serious, and Sally nodded. ‘We are pretty sure we know what it is.’

  ‘I feel it is only right you should know I intend to ask Nancy to marry me, and if she should accept it would mean her coming to live in Canada. I know this is hard for you and all I can do is assure you that I love her very much and can give her a good life.’ Although they were doing their best to control their emotions, he could see they were devastated at the thought of losing their daughter as well. ‘I know it is asking a lot, but I would like your blessing.’

  Tom was the first to answer. ‘We have been aware for some time this might happen. We like you, Steve, and would be happy to see our daughter married to such a fine man, but she is all we have and Canada is so far away.’

  ‘Couldn’t you stay in England?’ Sally asked hopefully. ‘You’re a good pilot and the RAF would love to keep you, I’m sure.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but I have to go home,’ he told them gently. ‘Nancy has already told me it is not possible for us to be together, but we love each other, and I can’t give up hope that there is a solution to this problem. All I can do is promise you that I will not put any pressure on her. Whatever she decides, I will accept.’

  Tom nodded. ‘We can’t ask for more than that. Our daughter’s happiness is our main concern, and if this is what she wants, then we will have to let her go.’

  Sally drew in a ragged breath. ‘You both have the right to be happy, and if that means you be together, then you have our blessing.’

  ‘I agree. Does Nancy know what you intend?’ Tom asked.

  ‘Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first because I knew this would not be easy for you to accept. However, with the end of the war in sight, it is now time to plan for the future – a future I want to spend with Nancy, if she will have me.’

  ‘There is no doubt she thinks a lot of you. We have seen it in her eyes when she talks about you.’

  ‘I fear she will refuse me because it would mean leaving you, but it is only right you know what I am going to do.’

  ‘That was thoughtful of you.’ Sally poured them all another cup of tea.

  ‘I hope I haven’t spoilt this time of year for you. Harry is looking forward to meeting you.’

  ‘Not at all, lad,’ Tom smiled then. ‘You have been frank and straightforward with us, and at least we now know the situation, so we thank you for that. Our daughter deserves the best, and if she will have you, then we will have to accept that and be happy she is with a good man.’

  ‘Thank you for taking it so well.’ He stood up feeling relieved as he left the kitchen. They would not oppose the marriage even though it would tear them apart. Before closing the door, he saw Sally grasp her husband’s hand and bow her head. He hated upsetting them like this, but far better they knew what he was hoping for, than having this thrust upon them. He’d had to be open with them because he doubted Nancy would even consider leaving her parents, regardless of how they felt about each other, and he might need Tom and Sally on his side.

  Sandy looked up when he walked into the lounge. ‘That took a while. How did it go?’

  ‘Better than expected, considering I have just thrown their life into turmoil.’

  ‘You’ve got a tricky situation to deal with, Steve, and I really do hope you can, somehow, marry Nancy. And while we are on that subject, will you be my best man when we get home?’

  ‘I’d love to.’ Smiling with pleasure, he shook his friend’s hand.

  ‘I’d like the whole crowd there, so do you think Luke and Ricky would act as ushers? It’s going to be a big wedding.’

  ‘I’m sure they would.’ Steve eased himself into a chair and sighed deeply. ‘That brush with death certainly brings life into focus. Each day is a treasure. Does that sound daft?’

  ‘Not at all. You’ve never talked about it and I haven’t liked to ask, but how did you fly that plane when you were so badly injured?’

  ‘You and Luke helped tremendously. I was fighting to stay conscious, but there was only one thing in my mind, and that was to get the plane down safely or I was going to kill everyone on board.’

  Sandy nodded. ‘When they got you out of the plane, we thought you were dead.’

  ‘It obviously wasn’t my time, thank goodness.’ He tipped his head to one side and listened to the front door closing. ‘Ah, Nancy’s back.’

  She bounded into the front room with a wide smile on her face. ‘Jean and Ricky are coming to the party.’

  ‘Ricky wouldn’t be able to turn down a visit to the Jolly Sailor,’ Steve laughed, remembering his friend’s antics when they had been there before.

  ‘They are going to meet us there. Jean’s family love Ricky and he’s keeping them well entertained. Where are Mum and Dad?’

  ‘In the kitchen.’

  The two pilots watched her leave the room, and Sandy said, ‘She’s lovely when she’s happy like that.’

  ‘I’ve noticed,’ Steve told him. ‘But I think she’s beautiful whatever mood she’s in.’

  ‘Of course you do.’

  ‘Everyone’s coming to the party.’ Nancy felt the teapot and finding it hot, poured a cup, smiling at her parents. ‘It’s going to be a wild time with all four Canadians there.’

  ‘I can’t imagine Steve being wild. He’s very controlled.’

  ‘He is the quietest of the group, I agree, but he still enjoys himself and joins in the fun.’

  ‘Are you in love with him?’ her father asked bluntly.

  She drained her cup before answering. ‘We get on well together, but friendship is all there can be between us. When the war is over, he will return to Canada and we will never see each other again.’

  ‘You haven’t answered my question. Are you in love with him? We need to know.’

  She looked directly at her parents. ‘If you want a straight answer, then yes, I am.’

  ‘And you are just going to let him walk away?’ her mother asked.
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br />   Nancy nodded. ‘That’s the way it has to be. Just another casualty of this blasted war, I’m afraid.’

  ‘You are going to sacrifice yours and Steve’s happiness because we lost Dan?’

  ‘Yes, Dad. Don’t look so serious. He will be here for a while yet and we will enjoy each other’s company while we can. All I want now is for him and his friends to be happy. They’ve had a tough time.’

  ‘How tough?’

  ‘Very, Dad. If it wasn’t for the strength and courage of Steve, his crew would all be dead now. Sandy risked his own safety to guide them back.’

  ‘Will you tell us about it?’

  ‘If the boys haven’t mentioned it, then it wouldn’t be right for me to go into details.’ When she looked at them, the pain in her eyes was clear to see. ‘We nearly lost him; that’s all I can say.’

  ‘And I will tell you something, Nancy. You have your future ahead of you, and you mustn’t jeopardise your happiness for us.’

  ‘I will do what I feel is right, Mum. Now what are we going to wear for the party?’

  Sally turned to her husband and sighed. ‘She’s just as stubborn as Dan. How did we manage to have such deter­mined children?’

  ‘Just lucky, I guess, as she has often reminded us.’

  They all laughed then, and the serious subject was pushed into the background for the moment.

  On New Year’s Eve, they arrived at Harry’s to find the house full to bursting, and the moment the pub opened they all trooped over. Ricky and Jean’s arrival completed the party.

  Tom and Sally got on well with Harry the moment they were introduced, and he spent some time in deep conversation with them. Steve could guess what they were discussing – their girls. Ricky pushed his way through the crowd and handed him a pint of beer. ‘Having a good time at Jean’s?’ he asked.

  ‘Terrific. They are a great bunch and happy for us, so we are going to get married as soon as this lot is over.’

  ‘Congratulations. Are you going to marry her here or at home?’

  ‘It will have to be here because that will make it easier for her to get the necessary permission to come to Canada. My family will be disappointed, of course, but we can have another little service for them later.’