by Leen Elle
Chapter 18
November 23, 1944
"Are you going to get dressed?" Sarah asked, staring strangely at Lilli, who was still in her pajamas, her hair in the curlers they had experimented with the night before.
"Is there a reason I should? You and Gracie will be gone for the day, and I'll be here, catching up on my reading."
"It's Thanksgiving, you're not staying here alone all day, you're coming with us!"
Lilli tried to stay calm, "It's alright Sarah, I will be fine here by myself. I could have gone home, don't feel bad, go enjoy your family, and if it makes you feel better, you can bring me some leftovers."
"I'll do no such think, you are family, and you're coming."
Lilli laughed at Sarah's sincerity, "I've not even been here a month, I'm not family."
Sarah reached for her hand, "You've become like a sister to me. You came to help me when you didn't even know me and I'm paying you next to nothing to be here. Gracie adores you, and so do I. I've never met a sweeter, kinder woman. You are truly a gift, please join us for Thanksgiving."
Lilli couldn't speak, she had no idea Sarah felt so strongly. She had been growing very attached to both Sarah and Gracie, but never knew Sarah had become attached too. Not realizing she was doing it, Lilli nodded her head in agreement and Sarah squealed with excitement. Sarah pulled Lilli to her feet, pushing her toward the bedroom. The moment her door closed, dread poured over her.
Sam would be there, at the very same table, surrounded by his family. She had met the whole family several times, but only briefly, and never all together. Watching them all enjoy Thanksgiving dinner might be like reading one of Sam's letters, a family she had so desperately wanted to be a part of only months ago. How would she survive?
Knowing she could not back out now, after Sarah's kind words, she said a quick prayer and got busy. She pulled out the curlers, revealing a mass of curly hair which hung to her shoulders. Laughing as she gave them a quick bounce, she pinned them back away from her face, leaving them hang down her back. She picked a plum dress with a full skirt and slipped into her brown pumps. After earrings, and a bit of blush and mascara, she was ready to go.
"My, you look wonderful!" Sarah gasped as Lilli exited her room.
"Oh please, you look just as nice as I do."
"That's very nice of you to say, but you look incredible! Maybe you'll be able to get Sam's mind off the woman that broke his heart."
Lilli felt as though she had the wind knocked out of her. "What?"
"Sam was writing to a girl while he was fighting in the war. He was an idiot and lied about something rather important, and she said she never wanted to see him again. He's still madly in love with her and sometimes we catch him moping a bit. I understand why she was so hurt, but in his defense, this was the first time he'd ever wanted a girl and he went about it the wrong way. He thought he was doing what was best, but that doesn't always translate in woman's language."
"Did he tell you her name?" Lilli asked softly.
"Hmm, what was her name, oh! You're going to laugh, I think her name was actually Lilly. I could be wrong, he only told us once when he got home, he wasn't exactly eager to talk about it. But he used to write to me about her, and told me she was the most wonderful woman in the world, of course, he didn't need to tell me that." Sarah laughed, pulling Grace's coat around her.
"Why not?" Lilli asked, trying to busy herself with the diaper bag.
"Because any woman that deserved Sam's attention would have to be pretty wonderful." Sarah sighed. "I know I'm his sister, and I'm probably biased, but I think Sam is one of the best men in the whole world. He would never take advantage, and would treat any girl of his like a princess, I don't know what woman doesn't want a man like him."
Lilli felt her cheeks flame and wished she had said no to dinner. Only a moment later, Sarah was ready to go, a bundled Grace in her arms. Lilli followed them, trying to settle her mind as they drove down the road to the big house. They arrived quickly and before they got out of the truck, Sarah noticed something was wrong.
"Is everything alright?"
"What?" Lilli asked, coming out of her thoughts at Sarah's voice.
"You look a little out of it, are you alright?"
"Oh yeah, I'm fine, just thinking. Why don't you go in, I'll get Grace."
. . .
The door opened and Sarah stepped in, greeted by the entire family in the same moment. After everyone had hugged her, they asked where Gracie was, Lilli walked in, as if on cue, the baby in her arms. Sarah took her, showing her to the aunts and uncles that had only seen her once. Everyone's attention was on Sarah and the baby except Sam's, his eyes lingered on Lilli.
She stayed close to the door, unbuttoning her trench, revealing the most flattering dress he had ever seen. When she turned to deposit her coat on the rack, her skirt flared a little at her knees, and her hair, which held more curl than usual, bounced into life every time she moved. Sarah had found her again and was introducing her to Mom mom and Pop, Aunt Tracy, Aunt Abby, Uncle Lew and Uncle Carl. When she was finished with the introductions, she settled on the couch. next to Annie.
Sam couldn't manage to take his eyes off of her, even though he knew he should. He wasn't sure when it was that her beautiful violet eyes locked with his, but after she'd held the gaze for a moment, she popped to her feet and raced down the hall. Sam was quick to follow, keenly aware of his own mistake.
"Lilli!" he called, catching her before she entered the bathroom.
"What, not content to watch me from across the room so you had to follow me to the bathroom?" she said angrily, her arms crossed over her chest.
"No! I came to apologize. I wasn't sure you were coming today, and when you walked in, I guess I didn't handle it very well. I always wanted you to meet my family, just under different circumstances."
"Circumstances where you could stare at me?"
Sam nodded, "Stare, hold your hand, keep my arm around your shoulder and parade you around the room as my girl."
"Stop."
"Ok, I'm sorry. I just wanted to say, I'll leave if you want me to, if that will make it easier."
"I couldn't ask you to leave your family on Thanksgiving."
"Well, they won't let you leave."
Lilli studied him for a moment. Sam wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for as her eyes brushed over him. "We'll both stay, but please stop staring, it's unnerving."
"I may have to speak to you at some point, to seem normal."
"Don't they all know?"
"Only Katie, and she won't give anything away, I threatened her."
Lilli laughed and Sam couldn't help smiling at the sound, "Ok, but after tonight, I'll expect you to keep your promise about keeping your distance."
"Yes ma'am."
Sam lingered in the hallway, waiting to walk her back into the room. She stayed, staring at him, "May I go to the bathroom now?"
"Oh! Yes of course, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you really needed to use it. I thought you were trying to get away from me."
"I admit, having to use the bathroom came at the perfect time."
Sam laughed, "Could I say one more thing before I go?"
"What is it?" Lilli asked, surprisingly patient.
"When you go back out there, Aunt Tracy and Mom mom are the most entertaining in our family. If you're feeling bored, or overwhelmed, go sit beside them, I guarantee you'll have fun."
"Thank you for the tip."
Sam nodded and walked down the hall, trying to keep his nerves below the surface. Uncle Lew grabbed Sam first and had his attention when Lilli re-entered the room. He watched as her eyes swept the room nervously and wanted to rush to her rescue. Thankfully, his mother captured her, ushering her toward the kitchen.
. . .
"You look lovely dear." Mrs. Carter smiled, coming to Lilli in the living room.
"Oh, thank you."
"Sarah tells me you enjoy cooking."
"Very much."
"Would you think me a horrible hostess if I asked you to keep me company while I checked a few things in the kitchen?"
"No, not at all, actually, I would enjoy a minute away from the crowd. It's a bit overwhelming out here."
"Goodness dearie, this is nothing, just wait until Christmas! There will be at least fifteen more people here, maybe more if my nephews come home like Sam did."
"That would be wonderful," Lilli said sincerely. "Can I help you with anything?"
Mrs. Carter scanned the kitchen, "Yes, you could put the cranberry sauce into that glass dish."
"Alright."
"I'll be honest Lilli, I didn't ask you to come in here to help. I wanted to ask you a question."
"Of course, anything."
"Did you know my Sam before you came here?"
Lilli was thankful to have her hands busy, "I don't understand, why do you ask?"
"Because I've never seen Sam look at a girl like he's been looking at you. Sam has always been particular about girls, I think it's because of his sisters. He never wanted to break a girl's heart because he never wanted his sisters to go through it. I'm just glad he wasn't a womanizer like his friend Joe Sinclair was."
"What?" Lilli said, suddenly struck.
"Oh yes, Joe always had a girl or two or three. Sam told us he was writing to more than six girls during the war. But I've gone on a tangent. I think I got a little excited when I caught Sam's gaze. I probably should have kept my mouth shut but I was so curious, forgive me."
Lilli managed a laugh, "It's fine Mrs. Carter, I don't mind."
"I've been praying a long time for someone like you to come along."
Mrs. Carter didn't seem to notice the effect her words had on Lilli. She hoped that Mrs. Carter wasn't able to see the blush and worried expression that now took over her features. Hopefully Mrs. Carter didn't have her heart set on Her, because she was the one girl that Sam Carter couldn't have, he had his chance, and he'd ruined it .
Chapter 19
December 2, 1944
"So, tell me about Thanksgiving." Wes asked as soon as he slid into the booth.
"What about it? The food was delicious, as always, and it was nice to see my grandparents, aunts and uncles."
"Any one else?" Wes questioned, clearly knowing more than he was telling.
"Lilli came, she didn't go home, so Sarah insisted she come."
"Now this is what I've been waiting for! Did she stay the whole day?"
Sam shook his head and laughed, for a guy, he certainly was nosy. "She was pretty uncomfortable when she first came in, and of course, I didn't help things by staring at her."
"What do you mean by staring?"
"I mean I couldn't take my eyes off of her! She was beautiful and she was talking to my family, I was like a bumbling idiot! I even followed her to the bathroom. By the end of the night, she seemed to be doing a little better, but she never looked at me. I thought losing her would be the hardest thing I would ever have to go through, you know, never seeing her again. But seeing her and knowing she's not mine is far worse."
"Would it help if you stayed away from her?"
"Probably, but then how would I get her back? How could she be so close and I don't even try?"
"You have a point, is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, not really. But gosh, I feel like all we talk about now is Lilli. What's going on in Wes' world? Kelly Peters has had her eyes on you at church lately."
"She has?" Wes asked in surprise.
"Yes! How could you not notice? Don't you want to be married someday?"
"Well sure, but I only want to marry the right girl."
"And where do you think you're going to find her if you're not looking?" Sam laughed.
"You're one to talk! You wouldn't so much as glance at girls that swooned over you in high school! You waited for one special girl and zoned in." Wes smiled, then continued. "Believe me, I regret dating a few of the girls I did in high school. I lead them on when I knew I wasn't going to marry them. I through having a girlfriend gave me a certain status in high school, but no more. Do you remember Theresa Atkins?"
"Yea, of course, you dated her junior and senior year, everyone thought you two would get married."
"So did she, when I broke up with her... Let's just say I don't ever want to see that look again."
"You're a good man Wes Mason, any girl would be lucky to have you."
"Any girl?"
"Yes, any girl." Sam laughed at the expression on Wes' face. They continued to talk as their food arrived. It was a relief to have some time away from the orchard. He loved his sisters, but spending time with Wes helped to clear his thoughts a bit. After lunch, Wes was quick to leave, claiming he had somewhere to be.
After setting everything up, Wes reached the parking lot first and sat in his truck, waiting for Kate to pull up. He thought back to his lunch with Sam, glad he'd gotten to say some of the things on his chest. He wanted Sam to know how serious he was about finding the right girl. If he knew that, maybe he would understand when he told him that girl, was Kate.
He rubbed his hands against his trousers, a little nervous to see her tonight. It was unusual for him to feel so jittery, but he knew they had some very important things to talk about. They didn't see each other much, even though he was home. It had proven difficult to get away from their families and anyone who might report seeing them together to their families. Only recently had Wes discovered Peace Valley Park, with a secluded trail that lead to a beautiful hill top view.
Kate arrived ten minutes later in her mothers station wagon. A beautiful smile filled her lips and lit her eyes as she stepped out of the car. Her brown curled hair had fallen over one shoulder as she climbed out. She was bundled in a heavy overcoat and a scarf tied tightly around her neck. It only took a moment before she was in Wes' arms, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.
"I've missed you." she breathed, hanging on his neck.
"Me too, you're beautiful."
"Why did we have to come here? It's so cold!" she released her hold on him to pull gloves onto her fingers.
"We will warm up while we walk, and I have something special waiting at the top. Now, did you bring a picnic for us?"
"Yes, but could you carry it for me? No peeking!" she said, her face suddenly serious.
"Promise," he laughed, wrapping one arm around her back and grabbing the basket with the other. They started to talk about their week and soon found themselves laughing, an action that was quite common whenever they found themselves together. Trekking the narrow path lined with trees, they breathed heavily, little white puffs escaping from their mouths. After a half hour walk, they had arrived, Kate gasped at the spread laid out before her.
Wes couldn't hide his pleasure at her excitement. Before taking his truck to the parking lot, Wes had come and set everything up. A fire blazed in front of a bench covered with blankets and pillows. There was a small table filled with fixings for hot chocolate and s'mores. Candles were placed strategically to make it a little more romantic.
"You did all this?" she asked, awe filling her voice.
"Yes ma'am, just for you, shall we sit and eat?"
She nodded fiercely, running to the bench, snuggling amongst the pillows and blankets. Wes was right behind her, sitting as close as he could. The picnic she packed was delicious and contained some of his favorite foods, but the conversation was better. Wes clung to every word that came from Katie's mouth, her perfect teeth, sweet voice and animated eyes were almost more than he could take.
When they had finished every morsel in the basket, Wes made them two cups of hot chocolate, then snuggled Kate close. Her head rested on his shoulder and she played with his fingers while they sat, quietly admiring the view. Wes lowered his head, burying his lips in her hair and whispered, "I love you Katie."
She turned, her brown eyes opened wide, her face only inches from his, "What?"
"I love you."
Without a word, she
wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. She kept her lips on his, her hands in his hair, pulling herself closer to him. Eventually, she pulled away, her eyes sparkling and her cheeks bright, "I love you too."
Wes sighed in relief, "Can we tell everyone now?"
"That is the first thing out of your mouth? You're not going to tell me why you love me or how much you love me? You just want to know if we can let our families in on our secret?" she teased.
"Believe me, I have plenty of reasons why I love you. Like, that smile, or your beautiful brown eyes, or delicate fingers. Then there's your fun loving personality and passion for life, not to mention your deep love of your family, which I'm hoping, will one day include me. And I know that I love you so much that I want to spend more time with you. If we told, I could come over for dinner and hold your hand! I could take you out on proper dates, we could go to dinner or to the theater. I need to be near you more than once every few weeks, please, please Katie? I won't ever let you go, there's no reason not to tell."
Kate sat thoughtfully, she took a deep breath and began to speak. "I am ready to tell Wes, truly I am. I know you're the only man for me, the perfect man, I know you'll treat me well, and that you'll always love me, and I'll always love you. I know you'll make me laugh when I'm sad, and that you'll be a great Dad and partner, but I can't tell now. You're going to think I'm ridiculous, but Sam is having such a hard time right now about Lilli. I feel like, if we tell, and we're around him acting in love, he'll lose his head. I mean, not lose his head, but he's taking things slow now, and he's doing well. He might have a real chance at getting Lilli back, but if he rushes things, she'll be gone and she'll never come back.