Chapter 9

After arriving at the Betsie's house I put my belongings in her room and change into my nightwear. I wander downstairs and find Betsie digging around in the fridge. "BOO!" I shout and Betsie squeals. She clutches her chest and shouts "Nora! You scared me!" We both laugh and she explains that she was looking for a snack for us. "I'm in the mood for some ice cream. How about you" she asks. "Of course! That's just what I need after a night like tonight." I reply. Finding some other goodies we make ice cream sundae's and devour them happily.

I help Betsie clean up and we go upstairs to talk. I plop onto the bed, laying on my stomach and Betsie takes a seat beside me. "Well, I wouldn't be worried about Margo, you know Freddie isn't going to let anything happen regarding that" Betsie points out. I nod "Yea, Freddie told me he was going to talk to his parents about her behavior. I don't think I should worry..." Betsie places her hand on my shoulder "Nora, Freddie loves you more than anything you know that." I smile but then my thoughts return to Lon and the supposed wedding. Frowning I say "My concern is, what are we going to do about all of this Lon nonsense!" "Don't worry Nora, we'll think of something. I'll not see you marry that awful knucklehead!" Betsie scowls. 

Standing up Betsie smiles "C'mon now, before I forget! You're birthday present. I hope it's not corny..." Betsie says as she holds out a beautiful porcelain doll. "I wanted to get her for you a long time ago but she's all the way from France, and I had some saving up to do. I hope you still like her." Betsie says uncertainly. "Like her? Oh Betsie, she's gorgeous! I love her! Thank you very much" I reply. I had always wanted a porcelain doll ever since I saw Shirley Temple with one in the picture shows, but Momma always told me it was a waste of money. "It's just not practical Nora" she would tell me. Momma, how could she say those aw- my thoughts are broken by the telephone ringing. 

Betsie reaches over and answers the call "Hello? Oh hey ya, Freddie! Yes, she is right here, one moment." She smiles and hands me the receiver. "Do you want me to step out?" she asks. "No, no that's all right" I answer. "Ok then I'm going to lay down and get some sleep" she mentions. I nod at her and press the receiver against my ear. "Hello, Freddie?" I ask softly. "Nora my sweet! Glad I caught you before you went to bed. I called your house but no one answered. I didn't know you were stayin' at Betsie's tonight or I would have called there" he chuckles. "Well, that's a long story, might we discuss it tomorrow?" I suggest. "Oh of course! How about I come pick you up in the morning? I've got somewhere special I'd like to take you" he offers. I grin and tell him that, that sounds wonderful. 

The next morning I tell Betsie about my date with Freddie. "I hope you didn't have plans for us today" I apologize to her. "Actually quite the opposite. I told Grandpa that I would go with him to bingo at the center. I've also got to do the shopping so it's great that you have plans. I mean, I would have invited you along but I am pretty sure you will have more fun with Freddie" she laughs. "Oh great! Well I'm not sure what all he has planned but maybe we can catch up later?" I ask. She nods and tells me that she'll leave a key in the flower pot outside if I am home before them. The door bell rings and I answer it. Handsome Freddie Warner stands in front of me and smiles "Good morning beautiful! Are you ready to go?" he greets. I blush slightly and reply "Hiya yes, I'm ready" 

As Freddie and I get seated in the car and begin our drive I tell him about everything. Lon, the wedding and Momma's harsh words. Freddie shakes his head in disbelief. "Darling she can't make you marry him. I don't blame you for staying with Betsie. We will figure this out" he says looking very concerned. "I have a special day planned for us and if it's possible I would hope I can take your mind off all of this" he smiles. "Thank you sweetie, I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time. I'm not going to think about any of that right now, it's just you and me!" I tell him happily. He takes my hand in his and gently squeezes "Wonderful, because we've arrived" he reveals. I clap my hands together as I realize where we are, the carnival!

Freddie purchases our tickets and we make our way over to the skating area. "This is wonderful Freddie! I haven't been skating in so long" I exclaim. We rent some shoes and lace them up to skate. As we skate around hand in hand all of the drama from last night seems so far away. Spinning around in a circle holding each others hands we laugh and go faster and faster. Until, whoops! "Oof!" I shout and I tumble backwards. "Oh good heavens! Nora, are you ok!?" Freddie blurts out. He lifts me to my feet and I tell him I'm just fine. We laugh and he suggests that we get something to eat and play a few games. Spending the afternoon at the carnival is just what I needed to take my mind off everything. Freddie even gets me a delicious cotton candy. "I'm glad you're having a good time Nora, but I have another surprise for you" he tells me. "Aren't you going to tell me where we're heading next?" I pry. "Ah, ah, ah!" he smirks waving his finger at me. "If I tell you that, then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" 

We drive for a few hours, chatting and laughing. "Wow, where are we?" I ask, "I've never been way out here." Freddie points to the horizon "If you look way out there, over by those mountains, you'll have a clue" he hints. "Isn't the country side beautiful sunflower? I used to come out here with my grandparents. Remember me telling you about it?" I think for a minute and then answer "Oh yes! I remember now you would drive out to the countryside and spend part of the summer with them at the beach. The, beach!? You're taking me to the beach!" I shout excitedly. I had never been to the sea before and had always wanted to go, and now here I am actually going. "Nora I would do anything for you" Freddie says as he kisses my hand.

"I packed us a picnic. I wasn't sure if we would be hungry or not." Freddie says. "That was sweet of you. I could eat something" I reply. "Well hey, great! I brought all kinds of things to eat. I brought you're favorite, watermelon!" he says excitedly. "Oh gosh Freddie this is so romantic! A picnic by the sea, it's like a dream" "I'm so glad you're enjoying it sweetheart. Today has been alot of fun. I always feel so happy when you're by my side" he tells me sweetly. "C'mon I wanna show you something" he continues and takes me by the hand. 

We walk out to the edge of the mountain and look out at the water. "What a beautiful lighthouse" I point out. "Yea it's a nice one. We used to visit the little old lady that lived there, but she's been gone awhile now. Not sure who owns it now. Later we can go down to the beach if you like. I picked out a swim suit for you for today and I hope you like it. But, before all of that I just want to tell you I talked with my parents last night about Margo. They just want me to be happy and not have to worry about money, but they agree that you are who will bring me joy. Now, I know you've been having a rough time lately and I know that there are things in life you are unsure about but I hope you are sure about me. For me, you are everything, my first waking thought and the last thing on my mind at night" I blush intensely and reply "Freddie you know I feel the same way. You have been there for me through so much. I love you dearly."

"Sunflower, I want to spend every day making you happy, and seeing that beautiful smile of yours. I want to take your mind away from your troubles and be there for you through everything" Freddie says as his voice shakes a little. Then, would you believe it he slowly takes a knee and opens a little black box with a gorgeous diamond ring in it. As the ring glistens in the light of the evening sun he says "Nora my darling, will you make me the happiest man and be my wife?" Utterly stunned I cover my mouth with my hands. I am completely lost for words from shock, I'm so happy I could cry. Finding my words again I reply in a shaky, but happy whisper "Oh Freddie...of course I will!" Freddie grins from ear to ear and places the dazzling ring onto my quite shaky hand. I stare at it, as it gleams. "Freddie, it's beautiful!" I tell him. I look up from my diamond companion and see Freddie has tears in his eyes. "Oh darling what is it?" I ask him, concerned. He kisses me passionately and he holds me close. He softly whispers in my ear "It's just that you've already made me the happiest man in the world."

"If you're still up for it, we can go down to the shore" he suggests. "Absolutely, that sounds swell" I beam. After we get changed we walk down to the beach just as the sun is setting. The rest of the evening is a blur as we take a swim and look for seashells. "My fiancé and I..." I think to myself. Freddie looks into my eyes as the shimmering sun kisses the gentle waves of the ocean, this wonderful moment is immaculate.