Chapter 14

November 24th, 1945 

The time had passed by so very quickly with the new baby, Thanksgiving, and the wedding coming up. Now that the war was over and the men returned to their homes, we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with Freddie's parents. We had also invited Betsie to join us. The week after we had Bonnie, dear Mr. Linder had passed away in his sleep. Poor Betsie was a mess, but Freddie and I helped her through it and a few months later she was nearly her old self again. Mr. Linder had left her everything, including the house, and being that she was over 16 she no longer required a guardian. So here it is, a week before our wedding and still so much to do. 

I had been searching for a wedding dress since Freddie proposed to me, but just couldn't find anything that suited me. There was Momma's wedding dress, but I would rather where an old set of rags than anything of hers. The Warner's had offered to pay for the wedding given my circumstances with my family. I don't think I could have asked for a better set of in-laws. As I put Bonnie down to sleep, I hear a noise near the bedroom door. "Psst, Come here hun. I have something to show you" whispers Freddie's mother, and motions me over to her.

I follow her to her bedroom and she tells me to wait where I'm at. Emerging from her closet she comes out with a large bag, and unzips it, revealing a beautiful wedding gown. "It was mine when George and I got married" she explains, with a large smile. "Oh, Ruth! It's beautiful...but, I can't wear your wedding gown!" I reply. "Sure you can! I was waiting to see if you found one you liked, but now that we're this close to the wedding I thought it was a good time to offer it to you. Why don't you try it on?" she offers. Moments later I stand in front of her in the most beautiful gown I've seen. It's perfect.." I softly breathe. 

Later that evening a party was held for Freddie and I by a few friends. We enjoyed a delicious cake that Betsie made, and we received a few wedding gifts, along with many well wishes and congratulations. When the party was over Freddie kissed me goodbye and left to stay with a friend for the week before the wedding. "You need time to prepare for the wedding, and besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder" he told me. Thank goodness Eloise was there to help with Bonnie or I surely wouldn't have been able to get anything done. 

As the week pressed on and the wedding was drawing nearer, I began to get anxious. Taking a seat on my bedroom floor with Bonnie I begin to think of the wedding, of all the preparations, and of my future. "Goo?" Bonnie gabs as she blinks at me in a confused manner. "Oh darling not to worry! I'm sure everything will be wonderful" I tell her kissing her forehead softly. 

The night before the wedding I woke drenched in sweat after a horrible nightmare. I checked on Bonnie, who was sound asleep and decided to get a glass of water from the kitchen. Downstairs I noticed that the parlor light was on, and I found Betsie putting the finishing touches on the bride and groom cakes. She had stayed over to help out with things but I never meant for her to be up all night getting it done. "My goodness Betsie what are you doing up this time of night?" I ask surprised. "Well I just needed to put the finishing touches on the cakes, but I'm finished now" she replies.

"What about you?" she questions. "I had a horrible nightmare Betsie. I can't even really remember all of it now, but I remember a bright flash of light and someone laughing. Anyhow, it just gave me the heebie jeebies, ya know?" I explained. "Aw, I'm sure your just stressed about the wedding. You need to get your rest! In a few hours you'll be Mrs. Freddie Warner!" she exclaims rather loudly. "Shhh! We need to get to sleep" I say giggling slightly. 

The sun shone brightly in my room, and the birds outside my window chirped happily. This was my wedding day! I got out of bed excitedly, thinking about the day and noticed Bonnie wasn't in her crib. Eloise had left a note for me :

From the top of the stairs I could hear lots of chatter coming from downstairs. When I found the source of the noise, Eloise turns and shouts "She's up! Good morning to the Bride!"  "Let's get to the church and get you ready!" Betsie squeals with glee. Eloise gathers up Bonnie and her things and we all take off to church. 

Eloise, Betsie and Ruth practically tackled me. Make up, hair accessories and jewelry flew through the air as the girls prepared me for my wedding. They all gave me wedding day gifts. From Ruth something old (her wedding dress). From Eloise something new, a gorgeous pair of white satin pumps. Last but not least something borrowed, and also blue from Betsie, who lent me a sapphire hair pin. "You look incredible!" Betsie shouts. The girls nod and clap their hands together excitedly. An usher pops her head in and informs us that it's time for the wedding to start. 

Ruth takes my hands in hers and smiles at me happily. "In my prayers I thank God for sending such an incredible woman to my son. I'm truly happy for you both" she tells me sweetly, before embracing me tightly.

"Ready to get married!?" Betsie asks as she opens the door. I felt absolutely beautiful from my head to my toes, and overwhelmed with excitement to be marrying the most wonderful man. I had a strange nervous feeling, but I chalked it up to wedding jitters. As Betsie hugs me tightly I reply happily, "YES!"

Standing in a small alcove tucked out of sight from the congregation I hear the music pouring through the church as Mrs. Warner carries the flower girl down the aisle, Bonnie looks so beautiful in her little dress.  Next is the bridesmaids and the groomsmen making their way down the aisle slowly. Mr. Warner takes my arm in his and smiles at me "Are you ready?" he asks. Oh how I wish Papa could've walked me down the aisle, I miss him so very much. Mr. Linder had offered, but with his passing someone else would have to. Proud I was to have someone so good as Mr. Warner to give me away. He is such a warm-hearted man. Smiling so big my cheeks were hurting, I nod and whisper "Absolutely!"

Turning the corner, and starting down the aisle I see Freddie standing at the end of the aisle with the pastor. My word, I never saw a more handsome man than my husband to be! The church is filled with beautiful flowers on pedestals lining the aisle, and an elegant lace  runner for me to walk down. As soon as Freddie's eyes meet mine I blush to a perfect cherry red and my stomach flips over, filling with butterflies.  At the end of the aisle the pastor asks "Who gives this woman away?" Mr. Warner responds and softly kisses my cheek, releases my arm, and takes a seat on the pew. 

As I take my place beside Freddie, I notice that he had been crying. He subtly wipes his tears and stands up tall. The pastor clears his throat and speaks loudly but smoothly, "We are gathered here today, to celebrate the marriage of Freddie and Nora. God has brought them together by love, and today we shall witness their promise of honor and commitment before the Lord our God. If you both will please face one another." Freddie turns and looks into my eyes, my stomach gives another leap, and my cheeks grow red as I blush.

The pastor instructs Freddie to repeat after him, the vows, "I Freddie, take thee Nora, as my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, til death do us part." Freddie speaks his vows looking deeply into my eyes, and then it is my turn to make my vows to my beloved Freddie. As I speak our wedding vows, I feel as though our souls rise up out of our chests and interlock in the bond of marriage, two hearts becoming one new soul.  

"And now, the exchanging of rings" the pastor informs us. He speaks about the symbol of the ring being that of a reminder of this day and our promise to each other. Freddie and I each place a ring on each others finger as we seal our commitment. "With this ring, I thee wed" , we say to each other. I barely notice anyone else in the room, or that we are even in a room. My mind is far away in some peaceful beautiful place with Freddie, our hands locked together tenderly, our feet floating above the ground. 

I snap out of my intimate daydream just as the pastor proudly announces "I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride!" Freddie takes me in his arms and kisses me lovingly, and my heart is truly filled with joy. 

The pastor declares, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Freddie J. Warner!" Freddie puts his arms around me and I lean against him. We turn to face our family and friends, as they cheer and clap enthusiastically. From the corner of my eye I see Betsie dabbing her eyes, and Eloise clapping wildly. As we start down the aisle I see Ruth Warner with tears in her eyes, "Beautiful! Just beautiful!" she calls out. We exit the sanctuary beaming happily and step outside to have our photo taken. 

Chapter 13

The weeks roll by quickly, the snow is heavy and hearts are cheery as everyone is in the spirit for the Christmas holiday. Betsie had been a bit under the weather, and just as she was getting better, it seemed I had come down with the illness. This particular day as I was darning some old socks, I began to feel very dizzy. I made my way to the powder room to get a cold towel, but once there I found it harder and harder to stand. I leaned over the sink to balance myself, but suddenly felt myself falling. 

I slowly open my eyes as a bright light shines into them, causing me to squint. "Nora! Oh, good you're awake! I was hoping it would be soon. How are you feeling?" Betsie asks. Confused I sit up and look around noticing that I am at Dr. Jenkins office, on a hospital table. "I-I guess I'm alright. Why am I here...what happened?" I ask curiously. "Well you-" Betsie starts, but before she has a chance to explain there is a knock at the door and Dr. Jenkins walks in and gives me a smile.

"Well hello there young lady! Quite a fainting spell you had earlier. Nothing to be alarmed about though. You may feel dizzy from time to time over the next few months. Just get plenty of rest and don't over do it. You wanna take it easy you know?" he says brightly. 

In utter shock I stare at him. Betsie giggles and claps her hands together holding them to her chest in delight. "You....you mean I'm pregnant?!" I almost yell. Dr. Jenkins chuckles and answers, "Yes, just over a month. 5 weeks and 3 days to be exact. It looks like you will be welcoming your little one into the world on Monday August 20th, 1945. My secretary will set you up with your next appointment. Congratulations!" Dr. Jenkins pats my shoulder and leaves the room. 

Betsie squeals with glee, "I'm so happy for you Nora! Are you alright?" I sit smiling in absolute joy and respond, "Alright? I couldn't be happier! Oh my goodness! What will Freddie say?" "You know you don't have to worry about that! He'll be overjoyed! I told him that I was taking you to the doctor, but he doesn't know about the pregnancy" Betsie smiles. Just then Freddie practically bursts through the door in a frantic state. "Darling! Are you alright?" he says worriedly. Turning I smile at him and tell him everything is fine. "I'll give you two some privacy" Betsie politely offers before exiting the room. Freddie looks truly confused and comes over to me. "Sweetie, I have some wonderful news. Late August we will be having a baby!" I tell him. 

Freddie's jaw drops to the floor, then he takes me in his arms and spins me around before kissing me. "This is glorious news darling. I can't believe it, I'm gonna be a Papa." Freddie stands smiling at me, then as a thought pops into his mind, his expression changes. "There's so much to do! Sunflower, I have some things I need to take care of. I'll see that Betsie gets you home safe" he says hurriedly. I nod and smile, shaking my head at his frenzy about the situation. 

8 MONTHS LATER . . .

The morning of August 10th, 1945 was just like any other morning for me, with the exception of feeling extra uncomfortable. My feet were swollen and my back was achy. Freddie had insisted to his parents that I move in with them, and they had agreed. They even invited Freddie's cousin, Eloise to come stay with them, and to help me. I was all too grateful!  Betsie visited every day after school, and of course Freddie was right by my side whenever he wasn't working at the shop. 

As I awoke that day wondering how much longer it would be until the baby arrived, Eloise knocked on the door softly and entered the room. "Nora.." she whispered "Are you up?" "Yes" I called. I let out a groan, and she helped me up, out of the bed. "Not long now" she says. On my way to the powder room I gasped and gave a frightful but excited look at Eloise. "I think it's time!" I shouted.

"Oh my goodness! Ok now, stay calm. Let's get you to the doctor, and I will call everyone and let them know" she tells me. I nod with an apprehensive expression and voice my concerns about the baby being early. "Nora, I promise it's going to be just fine. C'mon then let's get you to Dr. Jenkins office" Eloise says gently guiding me out the door.

We arrive at Dr. Jenkins office and I get settled in. Freddie comes flying into the room still in his work apron and looking frazzled. "Nora my darling are you alright?" he questions slightly out of breath. I softly laugh and tell him I'm just fine. 

"Ready to have a baby?" the doctor asks. "Everyone out! Scoot, scoot!" Dr. Jenkins says as he shoo's everyone out of the room. "Now Nora, be strong and do just what I tell you, ok? Everything is going to be fine" he comforts. I lean back and prepare to push, as sweat is already forming on my brow.

As soon as physically possible, Freddie comes bounding through the door. He rushes to my side and declares, "It's a girl! A beautiful baby girl! I'm a FATHER!" He then proceeded to engulf the doctor in an enormous hug, at which point Dr. Jenkins gave Freddie a slightly odd look, and said he would give us time alone. At 2:32pm on August 10th, 1945 I had given birth to a bouncing baby girl, who we named Bonnie. Bonnie Judith Warner, our darling daughter. They even let us use Freddie's last name on the birth certificate, as we would be getting married in a few short months. More and more people came to visit, including Betsie of course. Who, squeaked with excitement and took Bonnie from my arms happily.

After everyone had gone, Betsie said she needed to be getting home to help her Grandfather, and Freddie had offered to go get me some food. Not long afterwards a knock at the door startled me slightly. "Wow! That was fast!" I call out to the opening door expecting to see Freddie. But, it wasn't Freddie, it wasn't Freddie at all. As the door opened, in walked Momma, and the smile I was wearing fell to the floor. 

"M-Momma...what are you doing here? How did you know..." I trail off. Momma approaches me, leans over slightly to take a look at Bonnie, and then wrinkles her nose. "Don't be silly Nora, why everyone in town knows all about how you've thrown your life down the toliet" she says smugly. Surely she was drunk again, for she reeked of alcohol. Laughing and hiccuping slightly she continues "Whatever will you do with it? As if settling for a grubby shop boy wasn't enough, now this?" Sitting upright I interject in a stern voice "It is my daughter, and her name is Bonnie." "Oh Nora, Nora, Nora. I tried to love you, I tried to teach you, but you were always such an odd girl. Always full of preposterous notions, and no interest in becoming a lady of society. I'm afraid I lost hope for you long ago, I don't think you are ready for this" she blabs on, her voice slurred. I sit in frustration, not even justifying her idiocy with a response. 

Just then Momma shouts, "This is for your own good!", and snatches Bonnie from my arms rushing out of the room. The blood in my veins pulsing angrily, I jump up from the chair, and get out into the hall where I yell for Bonnie, for Momma, for someone to stop her. 

Down toward the end of the hall I see a cluster of people, and run to them frantically. Exhausted from giving birth I collapse to the floor, but not before I am able to take in the scene that is in front of me. A group of doctors and nurses have tackled a woman to the floor and are injecting something into her arm to calm her as she kicks and screams violently. The deranged woman is Momma. A doctor stands holding poor Bonnie who is crying her lungs out. Momma is still trying to shout out the most horrible things, but my vision turns fuzzy, and I pass out.

When I awake I've been returned to my bed and Freddie is standing there talking on the phone softly but very angrily indeed. "Oh, I will call you later, she's just woken up" he tells someone. Turning he tells me that he was speaking with Betsie about what just happened. "Where's Bonnie!?" I interupt. "Sweetheart she is just fine. She is sleeping soundly, which probably what your mother is doing as well. I spoke with the doctors, and they said that they haven't seen a sight like that in a long time" he tells me. 

"What happened to her?" I ask Freddie. He explained that from what the doctors told him Marion Bracford was a heavy alcoholic, and that her mind was ill, because of it. They also said that Papa's death surely wasn't a help and sent her off the deep end. She was recommended to be institutionalized for the remainder of her days, but needed family consent. Because I was the only living relative, the decision was mine. "Freddie, can I be so cruel?" I ask him. "Sunflower, the decision is yours to make. You know what the right choice is" he points out. Thinking to myself I wonder if I could send her away like that. She had tried to be a good mother, but she had also failed miserably, and caused a lot of grief in the process. "She tried to steal our Bonnie..." I say under my breath. "She'll never stop, and she'll end up hurting herself or others. Where are the consent forms?" I ask Freddie. 

After I signed the consent forms, I requested to see Momma one last time, to try to explain things. Bonnie was safely with Freddie in our hospital room, and a nurse escorted me to where Momma was. It only took a moment being in the same room with Momma for me to realize that I had made the right choice. Approaching her I began, "Momma, after speaking with the doctors it seems that it would be best for you to remain here where you can get the help you need-" "Oh my word!" the nurse says and pushes a red button. Two other nurses come and escort a very angry Momma away. My nurse turns and says, "It's good that she's here", before wiping my face, where Momma had spit on me. 

Chapter 12

Monday November 13th, 1944
Betsie had explained to Mr. Linder about the situation with me and Momma, and thankfully he had agreed to let me live with them. So, when Betsie and I returned from wedding shopping I was glad I had my own room to put everything. Best part is, I don't have to worry about Momma disturbing it. Mr. Linder tells me that Freddie called while we were out. "Said something about a date tonight. He'll be here to pick you up at 7 o'clock unless you phone him and tell him otherwise" Mr. Linder smiles. "Thank you for letting me know. Gosh! I only have an hour before he arrives, better get changed" I reply. 

It seems like no time before Freddie is ringing the doorbell to pick me up, and I rush downstairs to meet him. "You look beautiful, Sunflower. Ready to go?" he asks when I open the door. "I am indeed" I grin, and we go out to the car. "Thank you darling. Where are we off to?" I ask him, once we're seated in the car. "I know it's a bit odd for a date on a Monday, but I didn't have to work and well I thought we'd get a little dinner, is that alright with you?" he replies. "Yea that sounds great! I am starving after shopping all day with Betsie" I tell him. "Great! I know just the place" he smiles, and we take off. 

We pull up to Winston's Diner and I throw Freddie a grin. "You in the mood for a burger?" he asks, already knowing the answer. "Don't forget the milkshakes!" I say playfully. "Just thought we could do with some fun. I hear they even have a jukebox!" he says excitedly. "Why Freddie Warner! Do you think we should?" I question. "That's all applesauce Nora, we're respectable adults now. I think it's only fair that we cut loose every now and then" he laughs. I blush lightly and softly say, "I have always wanted to try out that swing dancing. Momma never let me before, said only hussies danced like that." Freddie winks and opens my car door "You're no hussy Nora, but let's have some fun!" I agree and hop out of the car. 

Once we're seated, and order our food we discuss wedding details and chose a date to be wed. The following year on the first of December, I would be Mrs. Freddie Warner. The waitress brings our food and I barely hear her ask if I would like a refill as I snap out of my daydreaming. "Oh, yes please" I tell her, and we enjoy our meal. 

The juke box blares a lively tune and Freddie jumps up asking me if I'd like to dance. "Sounds swell!" I tell him. On the dance floor he teaches me the Lindy Hop and I laugh as I try to get the moves down. I catch on quickly though and before you know it we're whirring around the dance floor. Freddie grins and says, "These squares got nothin' on you sunflower!" "You're clowning!" I chuckle. "Yea? Well, how come I ain't laughin'!?" he flirts. I shake my head and blush, as the song comes to an end. "My goodness I'm tired! You gotta be a live wire to dance like that all night!" I exclaim. "It's great fun though, isn't it?" Freddie asks with a large grin on his face. "And, how!" I reply. 

"C'mon sugar, let's get some fresh air" he suggests. Stepping outside he suggests that we could watch some tv at his folks house, I agree that sounds like a great idea. 

As we arrive at Freddie's house, I notice there are no lights on. He must've noticed my wondering as he piped up, "My folks are on a business trip for a few days. If you aren't comfortable being over here without them here I understand." I blush deeply and reply, "I don't mind at all." 

Inside the house Freddie starts a fire and we snuggle up on the sofa to watch some tv. "Sure gets chilly early nowadays, seems like November shouldn't be so cold yet" he mentions. I nod and softly kiss his cheek. He looks into my eyes and leans in slowly to kiss me. His lips hug mine in a passionate kiss and I wrap my arms around him tenderly. 

He takes me in his arms as we continue kissing, my heart begins to race as I feel his arms enclosing me lovingly. As our passion increases he stops kissing me and leans back so that we're looking into each others eyes. "We should slow down a bit" he says softly. I shake my head and whisper, "Only if you want to." 

He smirks a bit bashfully, then kisses my cheek. He tells me that he'll be right back and I scurry off to unpin my hair. I let my hair down and run my fingers through it, pinch my cheeks for some color, and take a look in the mirror. Looking down I see that my hands are slightly shaky, I clasp them together and half smile. "Don't be silly, it's Freddie, your fiancé. In about a year he will be your husband" I think to myself. I take a deep breath and exit the powder room.

Arriving in back in the living room I see Freddie has lit some candles and spread out a large comfy blanket on the floor next to the fire. "Is this...alright?" he asks nervously. I smile sheepishly and reply, "Yes." We both have a seat on the blanket and stare into the fire. I feel Freddie's hand brush over mine gently as he softly caresses my forearm, and I lean in to kiss him.

He slowly lays me down as we kiss and I feel my heart begin to race. Stopping he takes his shirt off and leans over me kissing along my neck, and I feel him begin to undo my dress. My heart is beating so fast, I'm afraid it will pound right out of my chest. I'm sure he can tell, because he smiles at me and asks if I'm alright. I timidly tell him yes, as I slip out of my dress, as he disrobes and pulls the blanket around us. 

I really have no words to describe the next part of our evening. My heart was beating faster and faster, our breathing heavy, and then my mind was clear and my body light. Light, as though I were flying through the clouds. Free, serene, and perfect. As we lay together, my head resting on his chest, all is quiet and still. The only sound I hear is the faint sounds of Freddie breathing as his chest rises and falls, and the crackling of the fireplace. 

Freddie looks into my eyes and smiles at me happily. "That, was amazing...I love you so much darling" he says sweetly. "Yes, it was. I love you too Freddie" I reply contently. "You're welcome to stay, or if you like I can take you home" he offers. I politely tell him that while tonight has been incredible, I think it would be best if I went home. Less questions, and I didn't want Mr. Linder and Betsie to worry. "Good idea, let's get you home" he says.

Freddie drops me off, kisses me goodnight and heads on back to his place. As I try to creep in the front door a light flicks on, and I cover my eyes, blinded by the sudden change from dark to light. "Nora!" a voice whispers, and I uncover my eyes to see Betsie standing there looking slightly shocked. I give her a guilty smile and she grins. "Ooo...where have you been young lady? It's nearly 1am...and your hair is all unpinned!" she says in a hushed but excited voice. I press my fingers to my lips and point upstairs. 

Upstairs in my room Betsie pries jokingly "So...you had a good evening then?" she asks. I laugh and spin around the room in a circle with my arms out to the side. "Oh Betsie it was indescribable" I tell her. "Betsie you have to make the mother of all promises not to say anything" I continue. Betsie smiles and shakes her head, "I'm only teasing! By the state your hair is in, I have a pretty good idea of what might have happened. You know I won't tell a soul." I blush deeply and we smile at each before busting out laughing. "Well, in other news, we set a date for the wedding. Freddie took me dancing....swing dancing!" I tell Betsie. She gasps jokingly "My, my you've been gettin' in all kinds of trouble tonight haven't you?" She laughs. She asks eagerly about the date of the wedding and I tell her the date we have chosen. 

"Nora, I'm so happy for you two! I can't think of a more perfect and loving couple! Say, are you going to finish school?" she asks. I tell her that Freddie is going to speak with his parents first, but that our plan is to live with his parents that first year, and have a private tutor to finish our last year of school. "It would just be too strange to be married and still go to school" I explain. "Well I'll sure miss you being there, but I know we'll still see each other" she mentions." "Why Betsie of course! You know Freddie and I love you!" I tell her. I hug her tightly and smile thinking about how wonderful the future is shaping up to be.