The Barnstormer

by Jane Lewis

  He stood and gathered her in his arms and swung her around the room. Frankie whispered in her ear, “I’m going to make you so happy. We’ll make love every night and have babies, if you want them.”

  She whispered in his ear, “I want them, but I can’t wait to do what we do to get them.”

  He closed his eyes and reveled in the kiss she planted on his lips. She kissed him with more passion than anyone ever had, even Audrey. He’d never wanted another woman as much as he wanted her. He wouldn’t have long to wait; she would be out of school in a few weeks.

  She settled in the bed and smiled. “I’ll talk to Ma, and we’ll set the date for two weeks after graduation. Does that suit you?”

  He grinned at his fiancée. “Suits me fine.”

  She smoothed her cover. “I want Lisbeth and Dottie as bridesmaids.”

  “Perfect, ’cause I want Victor and Al to be with me.”

  Hattie entered her room. “I’m fixing supper for you Frankie.”

  Ruthie raised her voice, “Ma, we have an announcement. Frankie proposed to me, and I accepted.”

  “Oh, thank God. Frankie, I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law than you.” She folded her hands under her chin, happiness evident on her face.

  He stood. “Do you think Mr. Douglas will be upset because I didn’t ask his permission?”

  “No, he already mentioned he hoped you two would get married. You already have his permission.” She smiled and looked from her daughter to her future son-in-law.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Ruth Ann sat in bed studying pattern books. She flipped the page and recognized what she wanted. A picture of a model about her size in a simple sleeveless empire waist dress filled the page. “I like this one.”

  Delores took the book. “Yes, it’s beautiful. I think the dress would be lovely made of ivory satin.”

  Hattie stood and gazed over Delores’ shoulder. “Beautiful. Will you have enough time to make it?”

  Ruth Ann’s aunt studied the picture. “I don’t see a problem. I’m glad you chose a simple one.”

  “Let’s go to the store and get what we need.” Hattie glanced at the clock. “It’s early. Barringer’s doesn’t close for a couple of hours.”

  Delores dog-eared the page. “I need to get all of Ruth Ann’s measurements before she goes back to school.” She glanced at her niece. “I’ll be back in a few days when you feel better, get your measurements, and show you the material and buttons.”

  Ruth Ann rose from her bed and paced the room. “Dottie and Lisbeth can wear one of their Sunday dresses. Frankie, Victor, and Al will wear their best suits.” For the first time in years, she enjoyed spending time with her mother. “I’ll help you with the cake and decorations when I get home.”

  Hattie shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. I don’t want you to worry about a single thing. I’m planning to serve wedding cake, peanuts, candy mints, and punch for the reception. Lisbeth and I will decorate the gathering room.”

  She hugged her mother. “Thank you. I hope everyone will come to my graduation.”

  “Of course, we will except for Walter and Delores.”

  Delores stared at the floor. “We’ll be there in spirit.”

  Hattie walked toward the door and turned and stared at her daughter. “Ruth Ann, I know we haven’t gotten along in the last few years, and I’m sorry. I made some mistakes when I was young, but everything’s fine now. I should have known everything would work for you, too. We learn from our mistakes. You’ll know soon enough a mother wants what’s best for her daughter.”

  Delores hugged her. “I’m so happy for you and Frankie. You couldn’t have found a better man to marry than him.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Delores.”

  She heard the front door close and the screen door snap as her mother and Delores left for town. She counted the minutes until her barnstormer got off work.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Frankie wanted to kick his heels and run everywhere. His happiness and energy swept through the hangar to his friends. Al cleaned the hangar from top to bottom, and Victor finished paper work he’d stashed for three months.

  He motioned for Al to join him in Victor’s office. They sat in chairs opposite the boss. “I want you to stand with me when I marry. I want the two of you as my best men.”

  Victor and Al smiled at each other. Victor said, “I’d be honored to be one of your best men.”

  Al wiped a tear from his cheek. “Son, I’ve seen this day comin’ for a long time. You and Victor are more like brothers than any I’ve ever seen. Now you will be, and you’ll be marrying the girl you’ve always loved. I’m very proud of you, son.”

  He regarded the old man he loved so much. “Another thing, Al. Can my kids call you Grandpa Al?”

  Al smiled, and his lips trembled. “You bet they can.”

  He glanced at Al and back to Victor. “I don’t know what I would do without you two.”

  Victor said, “Why don’t you take off early and spend time with Ruth Ann.”

  Frankie stood. “Thanks, I need to go by the jewelry store. Ruthie needs a ring on her finger before she returns to school. See you both in the morning.”

  He arrived at Price’s Jewelry Store right before they closed.

  Mr. Price cleaned the glass cases. “What can I help you with, Frankie?”

  He searched the store until he spotted the ring counter. “I need an engagement and wedding ring. Ruthie and I are getting married.”

  Mr. Price placed several wedding sets on the counter. I’m not surprised. I remember Ruth Ann buying you the tie clip for Christmas.”

  Frankie chose a simple fourteen karat gold and platinum set with a small diamond. “I like this one.” He checked the price. Yep, in my price range. “Do you have a plain wedding band for me? I’ll buy it today, too.”

  Mr. Price said, “Good choice, I think she’ll like this one. Yes, here’s a popular men’s wedding ring, a plain fourteen karat gold band.”

  He put the ring on his finger, a perfect fit. “Yes, I like the plain one, I do a lot of work with my hands, and I don’t need anything fancy.”

  Mr. Price took the rings. “If Ruth Ann’s set needs to be sized, I can do it here. May I gift wrap hers?”

  “Yes, I’m going to give the engagement ring to her this afternoon, thanks.”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Ruth Ann stood at her window watching for Frankie. She couldn’t stay in the bed one minute longer. She saw the Ford coupe turn in the driveway. She raced to her dresser, combed her hair, and pinched her cheeks before settling in bed. She fumbled with a book and pretended to read. She heard his footsteps on the stairs.

  He knocked on her door. “Are you awake?”

  “Of course. I can’t sleep when it’s time for you to come home. I can’t wait until I’m waiting for you in our own house.”

  Frankie sat in the chair beside her bed and handed her the present. “This is for you, baby doll.”

  She reached for the box. “You bought me a present. What is it?”

  “Open it and see.”

  She tore the paper off and opened the box. “Frankie, it’s beautiful.”

  He pulled the box from her hands, removed the engagement ring, and placed Ruthie’s left hand in his. He placed the ring on her finger. “Ruth Ann Douglas, with all my love, I give you this engagement ring. I can’t wait to place the wedding ring on your finger.”

  She stared at the ring. “How did you know my size?”

  “I didn’t. Mr. Price said he’d resize if need be. Is it the correct size?”

  She admired her ring. “Yes.”

  Frankie removed his from a pocket. “Let me show you mine.” He placed it on his finger. “I wanted a plain gold band. Do you like it?”

  She kissed the gold band gleaming on his left hand. “Yes, now all the women will know you’re taken.”

  He leaned over to kiss her. “I’ve been taken for a long time.”

  Hatti
e peeked in the bedroom. “What’s all the excitement? I can hear you in the kitchen.”

  She held her hand out. “See my engagement ring.”

  Hattie gazed at her pretty hand. “It’s beautiful, Frankie. You did a great job picking it out.” She stopped in the door before going downstairs. “I’m fixing enough supper for you, will you join us?”

  He licked his lips in anticipation of the good food. “I sure will, Mrs. Douglas.”

  Hattie’s voice softened, she gave Frankie a sincere smile. “We want you to call us Ma and Pa like our kids do. We’re so proud you’ll be part of this family.”

  He didn’t know what to say, his chest swelled with pride. “That’s an honor but may take me some time to get used to it.”

  With Hattie downstairs he plucked Ruthie from the bed and put her in his lap. She put her arms around his neck, and they kissed and held each other. He ran his hand under her gown, her smooth skin seared his heart with desire, his erection growing by the minute. He rolled her nipple between his fingers. She groaned and sucked his bottom lip between her teeth. He removed his hand and pulled her close placing tender kisses on her neck. He stood with her cradled in his arms and placed her in the bed. The vision of crawling into bed with her every night took his breath.

  He sucked in air and sat in the chair. “We need to talk about some things.”

  She smoothed her hair. “What’s on your mind?”

  “About my house, I know it’s small and not what you’re used to.”

  She put her finger to his lips. “Stop, I’d live with you anywhere, even in the shanty house.”

  He relaxed in his chair. “I know we’ll outgrow it when we have kids, but right now, it’s all I’ve got.”

  “Right now, it’s all we need. I love your house. I think it’s cozy, and the closer I am to you, the better. I wanted to talk to you about something also.”

  He leaned closer and put his elbows on his knees giving her his full attention. “I’m listening.”

  “How do you feel about me working? You know I want a career. I don’t want to be an actress in Hollywood or New York but I do want to act on stage and I’d like to teach. I hope to have my own theater someday.” She stared at him waiting for his reply.

  He kissed her on the cheek. “Baby doll, I would never take anything from you. I’ll support you and help you all I can. But what about kids? I want kids, do you?”

  She fumbled with her cover. “Of course, I can’t wait to have your children. I talked to Ma, and she wants to be our babysitter.”

  “Sounds like you and Hattie are getting along better.”

  “We are, for the first time in years. Did you ask Victor and Al to be your best men?”

  He settled in his chair and stretched his legs. “Yes, they both agreed. What shall I tell them to wear?”

  “They can wear their Sunday suits. Dottie and Lisbeth are wearing their Sunday dresses.” She tilted her head and smiled at him. “What are you going to wear?”

  “I’m going to buy a new suit. What are you going to wear?” He gave her a devilish grin thinking about what she wouldn’t be wearing on their wedding night.

  “Not telling. It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride’s dress before the wedding.”

  Frankie could not sit still, he jumped from his chair. “Ruthie, I can’t believe you’re marrying me. I’m the luckiest man in the world. I’m so excited I can’t sleep, eat, or concentrate on my work. Baby doll, you are making me crazy!”

  She climbed out of bed and snuggled her head on Frankie’s chest. “You are making me crazy, and I have to finish school and take final exams. Now, kiss me.”

  He lifted her off the floor. She held on tightly and nestled her face in his neck and inhaled his scent. Today he smelled like spice and soap. She laughed.

  He released her. “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m laughing at the thought of a man smelling like Pond’s Extract Vanishing Cream.”

  “What brought that to mind?”

  “You.” She put her finger on his chest. “You smell like spice and soap, and I like it. Now, kiss me, again.”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Ruth Ann met Frankie at the door with her suitcases. She tiptoed and kissed him wrapping her arms around his neck. “Let’s go. I’m ready to get this school work done so I can come home. I miss you already.”

  He placed her bags in the car. “After we’re married, I will not spend even one day without you in my bed.”

  She felt the same aching in the pit of her stomach she always experienced when Frankie stood next to her, but when he mentioned bed, it was if an electric current swept through her body. “Frankie Howard, you are some kind of a man, you have no idea what you do to me.”

  He winked. “I crave you like a man dying of thirst in a desert.”

  She smiled and winked. “In a few weeks’ time, you will never be thirsty again.”

  Hattie breezed out to the porch and hugged them. “Be careful. Ruth Ann, call me collect, when you get to Atlanta.”

  She hugged her mother. “I will, see you at graduation.”

  She scooted over in the front seat and sat as close to Frankie as she could. The ride to Andrew’s Field quick, she spotted the large black airplane with gold trim sitting on the runway. “Are you flying this one today?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I know you’re nervous about flying again, and I wanted you to be comfortable. The Stinson Trimotor has three engines and lots of room.”

  She climbed in the airplane seat, fastened her seat belt, and waited for Frankie to finish his pre-flight check list. The plane appeared much larger than the other planes and had more gauges.

  He settled in his seat and started the engines. “What do you think?”

  She ran her hand over the instruments encased in glass. “This is amazing, but how do you know what each of these gauges are for?”

  He taxied down the runway. “It’s not complicated. I can explain them to you.”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t need to know, as long as you and Victor know what you’re doing. And Lisbeth, too, I keep forgetting she’s going to be a pilot. How’s she doing in her lessons?”

  “Fine, as anything else she does. She’s a very smart girl. Both of you are.”

  “How fast does this thing go?”

  He checked the gauges giving his full attention to the task at hand. “Our cruising speed will be around one hundred twenty-five miles per hour. You’ll be in Atlanta in no time.”

  She settled in for the flight, and soon they landed at Candler Field. The plane made her feel safe, along with her trust in Frankie.

  He parked the plane. “I promised your mother I’d ride with you in the taxi to the school and make sure you get settled.”

  She unfastened her seatbelt. “I can’t wait for you to see the school and where I’ve lived for the last eight months.”

  He helped her out of her seat. “Find us a taxi. I need to talk to the ground crew. I want them to put gas in the plane while I’m gone.”

  The taxi stopped in front of her living quarters. Frankie leaned toward the front seat. “Can you wait for five minutes? I won’t be long.”

  She opened the door to her apartment, and they stepped inside. “Nice place. Where do you want your suitcase?”

  “Just here. I’ll take care of it.” She grabbed his hand not wanting to let him go. “I wish you would stay with me.”

  Frankie scrutinized the small space. “Precious, if I stayed here alone with you, things would happen. I’ve got to go. If you need me, if the dandy says anything out of the way or bothers you, call me.” He gathered her in his arms and kissed her until he felt her desire rise to meet his. “I love you, and I’ll see you in two weeks at graduation.”

  Her legs shifted to jelly. When he sat her on the floor, she grabbed his arm to steady herself.

  He pulled her close. “Are you all right?”

  She put her head against his chest. “I’m fine. You make me feel
weak in the knees.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I hope I always will.”

  She watched Frankie make his way to the taxi taking her heart with him. He waved, she smiled and waved. She missed him already.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Frankie entered the semi-dark theater with Ruthie’s family. Sadness filled his heart when he saw the stage. He regretted not seeing her performance in the play, but at least he could attend her graduation. Jacob, Hattie, Victor, Dottie, Lisbeth, and Frankie sat close to the front. Soon the 1937 graduating class of the Atlanta Theatre of the Arts took their seats on stage. The President of the College called Ruth Ann Douglas. She walked to the podium to receive her certificate. The Douglas family jumped to their feet. Jacob whooped and hollered the loudest.

  Frankie whistled and yelled, “That’s my girl.”

  After the ceremony, he ran to the stage and grabbed Ruthie, kissed her, and hugged her close. “Now, you’re coming home with me.”

  She kissed him. “I didn’t think these two weeks would ever end.”

  Ronald and Jenny Price made their way through the crowd toward them. He put a protective arm around Ruthie.

  Ronald put his hand out. “Congratulations, I hear you’re engaged.”

  Frankie shook Ronald’s hand and grinned when he winced from his handshake. “Thank you. We’re getting married in two weeks.”

  Ronald put his arm around the girl. “This is Jenny Price she’s going with me to New York. We leave Monday morning.”

  Frankie and Ruth Ann burst out laughing. Ruth Ann controlled her laughter and peered at the confused pair. “Good luck in New York. I hope you both make it big.”

  Before everyone boarded the flight to Saplingville, Jacob pulled Ruth Ann and Frankie aside. “For your graduation present, your mother and I found a place for rent on Main Street. We believe it would be perfect for the little theater you want to develop. We’ll pay the first three month’s rent, and then you’re on your own. It’s going to need some work. You’ll have to build a stage and any rooms you need for teaching.”