by Alexa Kang
Anthony's lips quivered. He didn't want to cry in front of the general but he could no longer control himself.
"She was captured by a Nazi unit along with another nurse and a medic," Castile said. "She escaped and was hiding with a German family outside of a small town called Cochem."
"Where is she now? Can I go see her?" Anthony's face was wet with tears, but he no longer cared. Tessa was alive. She was alive. That was all that mattered.
"She's at an army rest area in Liège. She's being processed. We have to make sure she's in good health, and we have to interview her about what happened to her when she was with the Nazis. If she has any important information, we need to know."
"Can I go see her?"
"Of course." The general smiled. "That's why I'm here. She's been through a lot. She'll be relieved from commission. She's going home."
"Home? Chicago?"
"Home to London. That's where her parents are, isn't it?"
London…
"You've been through a lot too," Castile said. "The Orion mission is over. Klaus is dead. It's time you got a break. You'll be on furlough starting tomorrow. Perhaps you would like to go to London?"
Anthony nodded. Yes. He wanted to go to London. He would go anywhere in the world to see Tessa.
"We have recruits arriving at our bases in Gloucestershire. There's an opening for an instructor. Someone with extensive battle experience like you can set a good example."
Gloucestershire? Training? What was the general saying? Anthony could not understand.
"When your furlough is over, you'll be reassigned to Gloucestershire. It'll be your job to train new recruits and get them ready."
"I'm not going back to Germany?" Anthony asked.
"You're not going back to Germany."
A deep breath of relief escaped Anthony. He felt the weight of the entire world had been lifted off him. It was over. His war was over.
London.
After all that had happened, and all that could have destroyed everything they had, he and Tessa had both come out alive. He would see her again.
32
When Aaron woke up in the morning, he hadn't the slightest clue what he should do with himself. His wedding was still hours away. What should the groom do in the hours before the wedding?
Here, in the foreign city of Liège, now a U.S. Army occupied zone, there was no one to tell him what he should do with himself before the wedding. Some of the volunteers at the Salvation Army had joked that as the groom, all he needed to do was to show up at the altar. Joking aside, he could never take his wedding that lightly. It was a rare blessing—a gift—to find love at this juncture of his life. He had almost given up, not to mention how the war had reared its ugly head and nearly taken his dream away. No. He would not take this day lightly.
But how should he approach the day? Shouldn't he be doing something? Sitting here alone churning in anticipation was torturous.
If the wedding were held at home, and he were getting married in normal times back in America, maybe he would know better what he should be doing. Maybe there would be guests to greet. His sister Cecilia and her husband would be with him for sure, as would his nieces and nephews. Maybe they could have told him what to do.
Stop! He told himself. He felt ridiculous. He wasn't a young man anymore, and this wasn't a party. He was a doctor. An esteemed professional highly regarded by his community. He should handle his wedding with solemn dignity. The nervous anticipation with which he awaited his wedding was unbecoming of someone of his age and stature.
But no. His bride…the thought of her brought a rush of joy to his heart. He gazed out the window of his hotel room to the house across the street where his bride was staying. How fortunate he was to have found her, in war and in life.
He checked his watch. The time had arrived. He straightened his clothes and walked outside. The war was ending. He could sense it. The world was entering a new era, and so was he. His future was no longer a monotonous passing of years with no significance. There was so much to look forward to. A jolt of energy ran through him. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this vigorous and alive. He couldn't wait for the next chapter of his life to begin.
In the room that had been turned into the bridal suite, Tessa helped Ellie put on her wedding gown. It was sewn together with pieces of silk fabric recovered from fallen parachutes. The women from the Salvation Army had done a work of wonder putting it together so quickly.
"You look gorgeous!" Tessa gave Ellie a hug, then quickly pulled away. "Oh no, I don't want to mess up your beautiful dress."
"Don't be silly." Ellie embraced Tessa again. "This is the happiest day of my life. I'm so glad you're here. It means so much to me and Aaron to have you be a part of our wedding."
"I'm glad to be here too," Tessa said. "Anyway, I can't miss your big day since you and Dr. Haley have decided to rush your wedding date to include me."
"I don't mind the rush. We don't want to wait anymore. If we've learned anything from what happened to us, it's that we have to seize every moment and not let happiness pass by us. Aaron and I were too hesitant for too long. If we hadn't been so lucky, we could've lost our chance forever." Ellie took Tessa's hands. "You saved me, and now he and I can be together because of you. Thank you, Tessa. Aaron and I owe you everything."
"Don't give me all the credit. We got through it all together. You would do everything you could to save me too," Tessa said. She hadn't forgotten how Ellie had almost sacrificed herself to please Pfeiffer in order to protect her and Tyler. "We have Anke and Fritz to thank too, for taking us in."
"Yes," Ellie said. "I'll never forget them. Bless their hearts. We have so much to be thankful for, don't we? Everything could easily have gone wrong for us. We might have never made it back. From now on, we'll have to remember to make every moment count."
Make every moment count. More than ever after their ordeal with Pfeiffer, Tessa knew how easily she and Anthony could have lost everything they had. When she saw Anthony again, she would do everything she could to cherish every moment they would have together.
In the small chapel, beams of sunlight shone through the window down to the army chaplain, who was reciting the familiar vows.
"Will you, Aaron Haley, take Ellie Swanson, as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"I do," said Aaron, who could not take his eyes off his bride.
"Will you, Ellie Swanson, take Aaron Haley, as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"I do."
At the altar behind Ellie, Tessa felt the joy of the day filling her entire being. Tyler, who was serving as the groomsman, couldn't stop grinning in his spot behind Aaron. How lucky they all were, to be here today. Her only regret was that the Blade did not make it out alive to be here with them.
"With this ring, I thee wed." Aaron picked up the wedding ring from the open Bible and put it on Ellie's finger.
Ellie did the same. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Tessa gazed at her own wedding ring, which she had put back on her finger after their escape from Kampfgruppe Pfeiffer. Anthony should be in London by now. She would be leaving for London tomorrow too. Very soon, they would be able to see each other again.
Tomorrow could not come fast enough.
33
With his rucksack slung over his shoulder, Anthony walked down the unfamiliar tree-lined street, searching for the address written on the small piece of paper he held. He counted the building numbers until he came to the small gate of a charming double-fronted red-brick house. There, he stopped and hesitated. The front door of the house was only steps away.
He tightened his fingers around the small piece of paper. How he wished he didn't have to meet his in-laws all by himself for their
first meeting. It was so odd to think they were his family. He had never even met them, and yet, they were the dearest people to his wife. He hoped they would like him. Juliet probably wouldn't be a problem. From the way his father and Uncle Leon had talked about her, she sounded like a warm and caring person. Tessa's father was a different matter. Anthony had heard from both rumors and his own family that the highly-regarded actor Dean Graham was not an easy person with whom to get along. He hoped he could impress Dean. It was the only way that Tessa would be happy. He didn't want Tessa to have any misgivings or regrets when he took her back to America after the war was over.
He walked up to the front door, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell. Shuffling sounds of footsteps approached, and the door opened. A blonde woman with emerald-green eyes greeted him.
"Good afternoon," Anthony said.
"Anthony?" The woman stared at him. She looked somewhat shocked.
"Yes. Are you Juliet? I mean, Mrs. Graham?" Anthony asked. He didn't know why she was looking so strangely at him.
"Anthony!" Juliet put her hand over her heart. "I'm sorry, you must be Anthony Ardley, William's son. For a moment, I thought I saw Anthony Browning." She smiled. "Leon told me you look like our Anthony Browning, but I didn't expect…Never mind. Pardon my manners. Please come in. You can call me Juliet. Dean and I've been waiting for you. How was your journey? Are you tired?"
Anthony's mind eased with Juliet's warm welcome. He followed her into the house. The art deco design of the front room, furnished with dark mahogany wood furniture and a red carpet, was much bolder in style than the parlor of his own home in Chicago. Posters of West End theater productions hung above the sofa and display cabinets, providing a colorful contrast to the cream-colored walls. An entire collection of the works of William Shakespeare lined the shelves of the bookcase. In the center of the room, a man was playing music on a beautiful antique grand piano.
The man stood up when they entered. He bore a striking resemblance to Tessa and carried the same air of aloofness. But unlike Tessa, he exuded a unique, attractive energy. His presence filled the room, overshadowing everyone and everything else that shared his space. He watched Anthony without showing any emotion. Anthony felt a distant barrier between them.
"Dean!" Juliet walked over to the man, seemingly oblivious to the tension emanating from her husband. "Anthony's here." She smiled at Anthony. "Anthony, this is my husband, Dean."
"Hello, sir," Anthony said. The man did not respond, but continued to stare at him. Anthony had never seen anyone with eyes so piercing and yet so captivating. He felt like he was being examined under a bright spotlight.
"Take a seat, Anthony," Juliet carried on. "Make yourself at home. You must be tired and hungry after your long journey. I'll go get us some tea and sandwiches. When I come back, I want to hear all about what happened to you since you got to Europe. I have so many things I want to ask you about Tessa." Juliet turned to her husband. "Dean, would you please keep Anthony company? I'll be right back."
Anthony wished Juliet would not leave them. Dean Graham still hadn't said anything. Anthony felt he should try to break the ice. He acknowledged the man again. "Mr. Graham."
Dean came closer. His expression was stern. There was nothing welcoming in the way he was looking at Anthony. Anthony braced himself. He still wanted to make a good impression on Dean, but this was not going to be easy after all.
"I'm not pleased with all that's happened recently," Dean said. "It's bad enough my daughter went to war to run after you. Then our worst fears. We got the news she was missing. Do you know how worried Juliet and I have been? We had no idea what happened to her. Juliet was devastated. As if that wasn't bad enough, we found out she was taken prisoner by the Nazis."
Anthony swallowed hard. Hearing the way Dean Graham recounted the events of the past months, he felt guilty. It was terrible indeed what Tessa had had to go through, all because she wanted to be with him.
"So, what have you to say for yourself?" Dean asked.
"I'm very sorry, sir."
"Don't call me sir. I'm not in the military."
"Sorry sir, I mean, Mr. Graham." What should he call this man? "I, too, am very sorry for what happened to Tessa. I never, ever wanted her to be harmed."
Dean crossed his arms. "My daughter went through hell because of you."
Not wanting to appear disrespectful or upset Dean any further, Anthony stared down. He wondered if it might appease Dean if he apologized again. But then, he changed his mind. Instead, he looked up and faced Dean. "I regret what happened to her, Mr. Graham, but I have no regret that she and I are together."
Dean looked furious now. If looks could kill, his eyes would be shooting arrows, but Anthony decided he had to hold his ground. He was Tessa's husband. However displeased Dean Graham might be, the man would just have to accept this fact and make peace with him. "I love your daughter. I will never regret that, no matter how you feel about it. As for what happened to her, I will make it up to her. I will do whatever I can to love her and make her happy for as long as I live." He waited for Dean to berate him some more, but instead, a sparkle gleamed from Dean’s eyes.
"Dean!" Juliet's voice broke their standoff. She had reentered the room with a tray of tea and sandwiches. "Are you giving Anthony a hard time? Stop it. He's our guest."
To Anthony's surprise, Dean broke into laughter. "I was just playing with him," the actor said and offered Anthony a handshake. "Come on, Anthony. Put down your bag and take a seat. Have some tea. I'd think twice about the sandwiches though. Juliet's culinary ability has been called 'questionable' on kinder days."
"Dean! We're greeting our son-in-law and you're making disparaging remarks about my culinary skills. How rude." Juliet put the tray of tea and food on the coffee table. "I make fine sandwiches. Do have some, please, Anthony."
Confused by Dean's temperament, Anthony hesitantly sat down. Dean showed not a trace of the fury he exhibited only seconds ago, although he could still feel the man scrutinizing him.
"Don't mind him, Anthony." Juliet gave him a cup of tea. "What did you say to him, Dean? He looks all pale. The poor boy came a long way to see us. Couldn't you at least try to be nice?"
"I needed to know if Tessa has put herself in good hands," Dean said. "You missed it, Juliet. Our son-in-law made the most heartfelt declaration of love for Tessa." He beamed at Anthony.
Anthony put his tea down. He felt his face burning up. What a brash thing he had done. He openly declared his love for Tessa in front of her father.
"Don't listen to anything he says, Anthony." Juliet handed him a plate of small sandwiches. "A lot of times, he's acting and putting on airs. It's an occupational illness."
"Yes, my dear. It is my occupational illness." Dean pulled Juliet toward him and kissed her on her cheek. "That's why I married you. My illness gets worse and worse every day, and I need a nurse to look after me."
Dean and Juliet continued to tease each other. No adult couple Anthony knew ever behaved so dotingly with each other in public. Watching them, he was reminded of something Tessa had said back in Chicago.
I've never seen anyone more passionately in love than my parents. When I fall in love, I want to be just like them.
Yes. It would be a great thing if he and Tessa could remain so in love too when they grew older.
Feeling more at ease, he took a bite of a sandwich. The taste of fresh bread and jams set off his appetite. He hadn't realized he was this hungry. He eagerly took in every morsel while he tried to answer Juliet's questions about his trip to London, his furlough, and his next army assignment. When he finished eating, Juliet asked him, "Would you like to freshen up and take a rest? Let me show you to the guest room."
He glanced at Dean, who gave him a sharp but approving look before turning away to sit down at the piano. Once Dean began to play, Anthony understood why Tessa had always said that she couldn't play the piano as well as her father. Dean was practically a virtuoso. Anthony had never hear
d a more hauntingly beautiful performance of Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata than the one he was hearing now.
"Come on," Juliet said to Anthony. He picked up his rucksack and followed her. When they reached the top of the stairs, Juliet paused. "Before I take you to the guest room, would you like to see Tessa's bedroom?" She placed her hand on the doorknob of the first room on the left.
"Yes," Anthony said. How amazing. Here, pieces of Tessa's past were slowly revealing themselves. He had not realized how much there was to discover when he embarked on this trip.
Juliet opened the door and let him in. Tessa's bedroom was not what he imagined. Back in Chicago, she had kept her room bare and impersonal. She stayed there like a permanent guest. If she had moved out, there would be little trace of her or her memories. This room, in contrast, was filled with reminders of a life left behind. The interior walls, covered with yellow wallpaper with a daffodil pattern, gave the place a warm, cozy feel. A Victorian-style desk lamp with a pearl-embroidered lampshade sat on top of the dresser. A teddy bear lay on the little sofa seat. This was unexpected. Anthony had never thought of Tessa as someone who liked toys.
"This is Rudy." Juliet picked up the teddy bear and handed it to Anthony. "She loved Rudy. When she was young, there were times when I had to work the evening shifts and Dean had to perform at night. She had a nanny, but I knew she felt lonely without Dean and I. Rudy was the one who made her happy and kept her company."
Anthony looked at the bear. It made him feel a little sad. Tessa had never behaved like a child since she arrived in Chicago. Seeing her room now, he realized how quickly Tessa had had to grow up after she had left London.
As if she understood his thoughts, Juliet put her hand on his arm. "But she has you now."
Pleased by her words, Anthony put the teddy bear back and walked up to the small chest of drawers with a model sailboat on top.
"Dean got her this sailboat for her thirteenth birthday," Juliet said. "Tessa was a difficult one to buy gifts for. She never liked girlish toys. She did like this boat, only I never thought that by the next year, she would sail away from us."