Last night had been the defining line of my life.
“Take good care of her,” the chef responded. “Good luck and a lifetime of happiness!”
The snowplows had moved on. The roads were cleared and, with the chains removed, we were able to make better travel time. I sat contentedly beside Bob, with my head on his shoulder. Last night had been the defining line of my life. I had emerged as a woman — and I was truly happy with me.
Bob broke the silence. “Laurel, there are a few things I want to share with you before we get home. You must know that I love you and wish we could be married. It would also solve the problem you have with your parents….but, you know how I feel about the war. You are everything I ever wanted in a wife, but you are so young — maybe too young emotionally to face the tragedy and the sacrifices the future may hold. I think about you every night, trying to imagine how wonderful it would be to come home and have you waiting at the door for me….maybe holding our baby in your arms. I dream of always having you close and loving each other for the rest of our lives….like we were last night. It all seemed so right and natural. I made up my mind that I had to tell you of my feelings — I love you, Laurel. Do you feel sure you could love me forever and always be there for me?”
His confession took me by surprise. I wasn’t prepared for such a serious decision nor commitment. Hundreds of thoughts were rushing through my mind, but there were no doubts or regrets when I responded, “Darling, I promise I’ll love you forever. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“Tomorrow we’ll go down to the jewelers and you can pick out your engagement ring. I hope you’ll understand that I can’t afford much right now on my salary, but if everything goes okay in the war, I’ll make it up to you when I get back.” He pulled over and parked the car.
He tightened his arm around me and pulled me closer. “I love you,” he whispered in my ear — then he kissed my ear lobe, my forehead, the tip of my nose and my lips. I was overwhelmed and felt a little dizzy — like being swept up in a whirlwind. I could hardly wait to tell my parents the good news.
My father must have been watching for the car — he was at the curb before Bob could shut off the engine. He grabbed me by the arm, as I opened the door, and shoved me in the direction of the house. “Get inside, I’ll talk to you later. Right now, there are a few things to discuss with Bob.”
My father was extremely angry — I was afraid he would hit Bob and perhaps jeopardize his military career and the opportunity to attend officers’ training school . I walked inside and watched from the window. My father spoke heatedly and shook his finger in Bob’s face.
Bob looked him straight in the eyes — without flinching or saying a word; then, he got back in the car and drove away.
As for me, I was forbidden to ever see Bob again. I burst into tears and went to my room, locking the door behind me — thankful that I wasn’t slapped. While sobbing on my bed, I vowed that nothing would ever cloud the beauty and passion Bob and I shared. I would remember our weekend together forever and hoped he shared my feelings.
“If only I could leave this house — but where would I go? I’ll call Bob from the office in the morning….”
More tomorrow - …turn so painful overnight?
