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         I took a few moments to check out the bedroom and bath, to be sure that nothing was being left behind. Everything seemed to be accounted for. As I snapped the locks on the suitcase, a shiver surged through my body, as though my happiness was being locked out to remain at the hotel.

           I sat quietly on the bed, admiring my engagement ring, which I knew would have to be removed before we left the hotel. I wanted to tuck it away safely, so it wouldn’t get lost and, at the same time, would be close to my heart.

           “Bob….I wish I didn’t have to remove my ring. If only it could remain exactly where you placed it.  With all my heart, I want everybody to know we‘re engaged. It shouldn’t have to be this way. Sooner or later my parents will have to accept our decision to be married.” I held my hand out before me and a ray of sunshine, coming in through the window, caught the diamond at the right moment — flashing it in the sunlight. “This is the most beautiful engagement ring I ever saw. Thank you for asking me to be your wife. Every time I look at my ring, I’ll be reminded that you love me.”

           Bob sat down beside me and held my hand to his lips. “Laurel, my love, if you think it’s best not to wear your ring at this time, I’ll agree with your decision. Pin the ring inside your bra….better use two pins to be sure you won’t lose it. Think of it as a part of me that you wear next to your heart….It will bounce along with you wherever you go….Come on….smile. That was a funny one!”

           I gave him a smile. My heart was telling me how wonderful it could have been if we announced our engagement, with both of our families together. I hated the sneaking around and discord within the family, but had no intention of subjecting Bob to another abusive episode with my father.

           “I hope you are not thinking about me with that frown on your face?….” Bob asked.

           “No darling, just wondering why my parents are so rigid and puritanical.”

           “Everything will work out just fine. Just remember that old expression about not crossing the bridge before you come to it. Someday they will be tickled to death to see you get married and move out of the house.”

           “You’re probably right….”

           “We’ll work on that one when I get back. For now, let’s get going before we miss the train.”

           The station was just a short ride from the hotel. Our train was very long and crowded with soldiers, who were probably stationed at Atlantic City. I think Bob was worn out from saluting by the time we settled down in our seats for the scenic ride through the pines. After the train pulled in, Bob rode with me in a cab to the bus station.

           “I don’t want you to go, Bob….” I held his hand tightly and did all I could to hold back the tears.

           “Don’t cry, Laurel. You’ve been so strong. Give me a smile and tell me you love me.”

           “I love you….and I can’t stop the tears….I’ m sorry….”

           He hugged me close. “I’ll think of some way to see you before I go back to camp.” We embraced one last time and he got back into the cab, which would return him to the train station for his ride home.

           I had just boarded the bus when I heard someone call my name. JB was seated a few rows down and beckoned for me to take the seat beside him. He took my suitcase and put it in the overhead rack and got comfortable in the aisle seat.

           “Bet you’re sorry you didn’t have to sit on my lap,” he laughed. “Where have you been anyway? I went over to your house on Friday to take you to the movies and your Mom said you had left for the weekend. She thought you went to Atlantic City and couldn’t understand why you would have to stay overnight when it was just a 30 minute bus ride away”

More Tomorrow… “there was tension in the air”