Chapter Text
“You are, and always have been, my dream.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
Lina can’t believe it as she steps off the plane. It’s dizzying being back in America after so long. It’s familiar and not at the same time.
I was a different person then.
Taking a deep breath, she readjusts her bag and crutches before heading outside. It’s packed outside, what with cars honking and beeping and people shouting.
“The sweet sounds of America,” Lina mutters to herself.
“You can say that again.”
Her head snaps up at the voice.
Vera, dressed in a dark blue dress with sunglasses to match and her hair falling in loose curls around her face, smiles down at her.
“Vera!” she exclaims.
“Lina!”
Dropping her bag, Lina throws her arms around her, squeezing tight.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Vera says quietly. They stay like that a few moments more before breaking apart. “I was worried sick about you.”
Lina nods wordlessly. “I am better now.” She shifts her weight from one leg to the other, grimacing as she does.
Silence hangs over them. It’s heavy and uncomfortable. It’s the kind of silence that comes when a tragedy has occured. When you want to comfort someone but don’t know how.
“If you ever want or need to talk, I’m here for you, Lina.”
“Thanks, Vee,” she says softly.
“Now, let’s get your bags and get going,” Vera says, clapping her hands together,
“I have my bag.” Lina gestures to the small duffel bag on her shoulder.
“Lina, that cannot be all you packed,” Vera says.
A sheepish grin plays across her expression and she shrugs.
“No matter. We can share clothes.” She motions for Lina to follow.
They walk to the parking lot, eventually stopping at a deep blue convertible. Lina hesitates before opening the door.
“Lina, are you okay?”
“I’m nervous to see everyone.”
“Trust me. They are excited to see you.”
Slipping into the passenger seat, she glances out the window. The world blurs past.
“How’s Bill?” she asks, breaking the silence. It’s a question she’s been avoiding since she learned the news.
Something she’s thought about every night.
If I had been there, I could have saved him mayhaps. Or I could have pushed him out of the way. It could have been me instead.
A smile lights up her expression at the mention of Bill. “He’s good. Just about done with physical therapy.” Silence falls over them for a moment. “Looking forward to seeing you,” Vera adds.
“This is not about me. This is about you. You’re getting married!” Lina giggles.
“I know. I can’t believe it.” Awe laces Vera’s words as she speaks.
“Do you know who’s going to be there?” she asks softly.
“Eugene will be there, yes.” A smirk plays across Vera’s expression as she says this.
“Oh.” Lina’s voice is barely above a whisper.
Eugene.
Just his name alone brings a dusting of pink to her cheeks. Her heart starts to beat a little faster at the realization.
I’m going to see Gene. Very soon.
“I thought you were going to write him all the time.” Vera’s words bring her back to reality.
The silence that follows is awkward.
Lina shrugs. “I haven’t gotten around to it.”
“Lina!” Vera groans.
“What? I’m going to. Eventually.”
Vera groans, shaking her head. “You are truly something else, Lina.”
They lapse into easy silence once more. Lina’s gratfeul for the quiet. It soothes her nerves, calms her soul.
“How are you finding Paris?” Vera asks.
A grin lights up Lina’s expression. “I love it. It’s just as magical as it was the first time.” Her nerves are starting to calm as she keeps talking. “I work in a cosy bookstore. I have some friends.”
She falls quiet for a few moments, searching for the right words. “It is everything I imagined and more.”
“I’m glad, Lina.”
After a few minutes more, the car finally pulls to a stop. Her heart starts to beat faster, nerves starting to get the best of her.
I don’t think I can do this. What if they forgot about me?
“Now, shall we go see our husbands?”
Lina sighs, tilting her head back as Vera’s words sink in.
This is going to be a long trip.
She spots a bunch of people sitting on the porch banister. From her, she can’t tell who’s who.
Not that it matters.
What matters is they’re all here. We’re all here.
“Go ahead,” Vera says quietly.
Lina runs as fast as she can with her crutches toward the familiar figure. When she’s close enough, she throws her arms around him.
Lina doesn’t try to stop the tears from falling.
“I missed you.”
“Missed you too, sweetheart,” Bill whispers. Lina doesn’t move.
Hugging Bill is like returing to a familiar place. The familiarity, the security, it’s still there even after all this time.
Her tears fall harder, staining his shirt. Bill doesn’t say anything, just hugs her a little tighter.
“Is this really happening?” she mumbles.
He laughs and instantly she’s taken back to Toccoa.
After a few moments more, they pull away. “You look good, kid.”
“You do not look bad yourself,” Lina says.
She glances around, still not believing that they’re all here again.
Ralph, Toye, Liebgott, George, and James.
No sign of Eugene.
The thought brings her a sense of relief. At the same time, it brings a sudden ache to her chest.
Mayhaps he doesn’t want to see me. Mayhaps he didn’t mean what he said.
It’s silent for a few moments before anyone speaks again.
“Guess what?” Lina says, a smile playing across her face. “Between the two of us, we have two good legs,” she says, gesturing to herself and Bill.
Everyone bursts into laughter at this.
Everyone except James.
James is laughing so hard he snorts into his drink.
“Ya might be onto something, kid,” Bill says, slapping her on the back.
Her muscles tense up at the touch. Heart starting to race, she takes a shuddering breath. “Shit, kid. Are you alright?”
“Yes. Just an old memory.” She hopes no one can hear the slight tremble in her voice.
Bill frowns but doesn’t say anything.
To her relief, Vera cuts in before any questions can be asked. “Come on, Lina. I’ll give you the grand tour.”
Lina follows Vera into the house. The moment she walks in, she feels at ease intstantly.
The living room is cosy, blankets and pillows strewn about. Pictures of Vera and Bill sit on top of the fireplace.
A record player sits on one of the end tables.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Vera asks.
“Yes. Just overwhelmed.”
And terrified.
She doesn’t say that, though. It’s easier to keep things inside. To push things deep down and forget about them.
They continue walking, heading into the kitchen next. There’s a small table set for four. Next is the dining room, where a larger table sits.
There’s a few paintings on the wall, no doubt chosen by Vera.
“This is where we’ll have dinner tonight,” Vera says.
“You mean we aren’t eating in the kitchen?” Lina quips, bursting into laughter.
Vera shakes her head, her perfectly curled hair falling into her face. “No, Lina. We’re not eating in the kitchen.” She laughs as she says this though.
“I missed this. It’s like old time,” she adds.
“I missed this, too,” Lina mumbles quietly.
“Do you want to see upstairs or do you need a quick rest?”
Lina turns her words over in her mind before responding. “Lead the way.”
The walk up the stairs is slow going but she manages.
“Bathroom is the first door on the left,” Vera says, pointing to a closed door. “That’s mine and Bill’s bedroom. And then the guest rooms,” she adds, pointing to three doors that are all slighty ajar.
“Yours is the middle one.”
Lina walks into the room, glancing around. The walls are off — white, decorated with photos of flowers and faraway places she doesn’t recognize.
Slipping her arms out of her crutches, Lina flops onto the bed. She doesn’t move for a few moments.
“Lina, I ask this because I care about you. Do you not have a bed in your apartment?”
“I have a bed! It’s just nowhere nice as this.” Lina sinks a little deeper into the mattress, letting out a sigh.
“I’ll let you get settled.”
It doesn’t take her long to unpack. She’s never been one to need many things.
Once she’s settled, she wanders back downstairs. It’s quiet inside, to her relief.
While she’s wanted nothing more than for this trip to arrive, she’s gotten used to the quiet of her new life.
I’ll take the chaos of this over silence anytime.
A door slams shut and she startles at the noise.
“Lina Grace.”
The voice she’s been longing to hear since they last saw each other sends a jolt through her.
Whirling around, she meets his gaze. “Eugene.” The first thing she notices is his eyes aren’t bloodshot. They’re warm and inviting, full of light.
Hugging him tight, she buries her face in his shoulder. “I’ve missed you terribly.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
Hugging Gene is like coming home, like finding herself once again. The familiarity, the ease with which she falls into his embrace. Everything is just as she remembers.
In his arms, she feels safe.
They break apart much too quickly for her liking.
Neither of them says anything. Instead, Lina looks him up and down, drinking in the sight of him.
He’s wearing shorts and a t — shirt but somehow he makes it look even finer. His hair is messy, as if he’s just woken up, adding to the charm.
“How’s Paris?”
“Magical as always.” There’s a wistfulness to her words and she wonders if he notices.
If only we were in Paris together again. Then it would be perfect. Everything would be perfect.
“How is Louisiana?” she asks, emphasizing each syllabe in Louisiana.
Eugene laughs, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he does. “Also magical. You should see it sometime.”
Lina turns his words over in her mind. She can’t count how many times she’s thought about it.
Leaving Paris.
Going to see Gene.
Paris, while wonderfuly amazing, isn’t the same without Eugene. It’s not the same as before.
“Mayhaps sometime soon,” she finally says, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
“We could sit on the couch if you want.”
She nods wordlessly, maneuvering towards the couch. Gene sits next to her, pulling her close.
Her head rests upon his shoulder, relaxing at the security his touch brings her.
It’s as though nothing has changed.
“How is everything going with physical therapy?” Gene asks quietly, interrupting the silence.
Lina turns her head to meet his gaze. “It’s okay. Not as exhausting as it was.”
“That’s really good. Soon you’ll be outrunning us all again.”
“Mm, no thank you. I don’t want to run anymore,” she quips.
Gene chuckles at this.
“Not how we used to at least,” Lina adds.
That was awful. If I never run Currahee again, it will be too soon.
“Me either.”
Silence falls over them, a welcome comfort.
“Excited for tomorrow? I hear you’re Vera’s maid of honor.”
Lina sighs, “Nervous. I do love weddings, though. I went to one back home before I left.”
“Really?”
Lina nods. She hesitates before speaking. “There was a small chuppah and they broke the glass at the end. There was so much dancing.”
Her lips curve upwards, “We had so much life in us.”
She can still see it so clearly in her mind. How the sound of the glass echoed in the silence, a forbidden tradition in the face of evil.
“You still do, chérie.” He laces his fingers through hers, squeezing gently. “As long as you’re still breathing, you have life in you.”
Lina doesn’t say anything for a few moments. Instead she nods, not trusting herself to say anything.
“What are you doing in Louisiana?” she asks, desparately hoping to steer the conversation away from her.
“Construction work.”
Her lips curve into a smile. “You build things?”
Laughing, Gene nods. “I grew up seeing my papa and grandfather do that.” A brief pause passes before he continues. “I couldn’t do something medical again.”
At this, his expression darkens.
She knows all too well what he means. The horror, the death, the blood. It never leaves your memory.
Worse, it seems to ingrain itself permanently. Night is the worst time, she’s come to learn. When it’s quiet and there’s no one around.
War never leaves.
“Do you see things?”
“All the time.”
Lina squeezes his hand tight. It’s her way of saying I see you. I know what you’re going through.
“I know what you mean,” she says softly. “I don’t think I could do it, either.” The words are heavy. She’s never thought aobout it before.
Not being a healer. It’s always been what she’s done.
“Sometimes I think about it.”
“You’d be good at it. If you still wanted to do that.”
She turns the words over in her mind, trying to make sense of them.
I don’t know if I could still do it. I don’t know if I could keep facing Death.
“Mayhaps one day. I need to finish school first.”
They lapse into companionable silence, the kind that comes with years of knowing a person.
Sometime later, the door swings open. She doesn’t bother lifting her head off Gene’s shoulder.
Noise filters in, most of it coming from George, Babe, and Bill. They make themselves comfortable in the living room, sprawling out wherever there’s room.
“How about a game of cards?” Bill asks.
“Got any m & m’s?” Lina asks, giggling.
“We got tootsie rolls.”
“That works.”
Bill makes his way to the kitchen, rummaging around for a few moments. He comes back with a deck of cards and a bag full of what Lina assumes are tootsie rolls.
The cards are dealt in a flurry, scattering all around them. Lina snatches hers up, studies them intently.
It’s just as it was in Aldbourne. Everyone laughing and joking, crowded around.
Lina reaches for a tootsie roll, unwrapping it quickly and popping it in her mouth.
“Lina!” George says.
“What? They’re good,” she mumbles. A grin tugs at her lips and she can’t but giggle.
“Nothing has changed with you, kid. Absolutely nothing,” Bill chimes in.
“Three of a kind.” She smacks her cards down on the floor,
Reaching for Gene’s hand, she laces her fingers through his.
“I did not think we would be here like this so soon again.”
“Neither did I,” Ralph says.
“I knew. You just can’t stay away from me, Lina,” George laughs.
“Yes, that is exactly it George.” Lina giggles, shaking her head.
A few beats of silence pass. “Vera, do you have anything to drink?”
“I’ll go see what we have.” She stands and starts to walk into the kitchen. “Keep playing for me, darling,” Vera calls out.
Gene lets go of her hand, glances at his cards briefly. “
“Raise,” Liebgott says.
Lina quirks a brow at this. “Bet.”
“You can’t bet now.”
“Then what is the fun?” she grumbles, grabbing another tootsie roll.
“Well, normal people play with money, Lina,” Vera says, handing her a glass. “Some wine for you.”
Lina nods her thanks before taking a sip. It’s sweet and tastes vaguely of some kind of fruit.
Liebgott groans, though he doesn’t say anything.
The game continues for a while longer. Lina sits, head resting on Gene’s shoulder, watching the others.
Everything about this moment is beautiful.
She wishes she could freeze time, if only so she can stay like this a little longer. It’s the first time in a long time that she’s felt at home.
At peace.
“Komskyeet, did you fall asleep? You’re too quiet,” George says, laughing.
“No. Just taking it all in,” she says softly.
George nods before turning back to his cards.
The next round goes much faster than before to Lina’s relief.
“Well, I’m going to bed now. I’m exhausted.” Vera says when the round is over. She sets her cards down before making her way upstairs.
“Yeah, we should probably call it a night,” Ralph says.
Lina stands, slipping her arms through her crutches. She makes her way upstairs slowly.
“Right behind you.”
Turning to meet Gene’s gaze, she nods. “Thanks.”
“‘Course. I don’t think Vera would be too pleased if you showed up with bruises from falling.”
A jittery laugh slips past her lips. “Mayhaps not.”
When they reach the top of the stairs, neither of them says anything. Lina smiles as she drinks in the sight of him.
“I missed you,” she whispers.
Lina wonders if he can hear the longing in her voice. If he knows how much she’s thought about him since he left.
If he does, he doesn't acknowledge it.
“I missed you too, Lina Grace.”
A few beats of silence pass.
“You goin’ to sleep?” Eugene asks, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.
“No. I am going to write,” she says. “You can sit with me if you’d like.”
Eugene laughs softly. “Sure. Give me a few minutes?”
Nodding, Lina heads into her room. She spots a pile of clothes sitting on the bed, no doubt from Vera.
Slipping out of her clothes, she changes into a pair of pajamas.
She props her crutches against the wall before making herself comfortable on the bed.
Reaching for her journal, she flips it open to a blank page, words spilling out.
Bill and Vera’s wedding is tomorrow. I can’t believe how fast it came up. The days seem to fly by compared to when the war was going on.
A bunch of people from Easy are here. George, Joe, James, Joe Liebgott, Ralph, and Babe are here. It’s as if nothing has changed.
Everyone is laughing and joking. It’s nice to be around them again.
Eugene is here, too. It took everything in me not to collapse in his embrace.
I’ve missed him so much, it physically hurt. We didn’t talk about much. Not that I minded. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this all.
“Lina Grace.”
“You can come in,” she says.
The door opens and Gene walks in.
She grins, motioning for him to sit next to her.
The mattress shifts momentarily beneath their weight.
“How is the writing going?” Gene asks.
“Good.”
Lina turns the words over in her mind. She’s not sure quite how to say this. Words used to be the way she connected with people. How she helped heal.
Now, she’s buried under the weight of everything left unsaid. “There is a lot coming back here,” she finally says, voice wavering.
Closing her journal gently, she sets it off to the side. Her head finds a comfortable resting spot upon Gene’s shoulder, while he wraps his arms around her.
His touch is everything she’s been craving for the last however many months. Comfort, warmth, security.
Home.
Lina wishes she could bottle up the feeling.
I wish I could feel like this all the time.
Sighing, she sinks a little deeper into Gene’s embrace. He hugs her gently, as if he knows what she’s thinking.
“You doin’ okay, Lina Grace?”
She hesitates before answering. “I am okay.” Her voice wavers slightly and she groans inwardly.
“That doesn’t sound promising.” His eyes, so bright and blue, are tinged with worry.
“Paris is not the same. It’s beautiful and magical but something is missing.” Sadness laces her words as she speaks.
She searches his expression, hoping he can figure out what she means without having to say it. Lina’s not sure she can bring herself to say the words, no matter how badly she wants to.
“‘Course it’s not the same. You’re not the same you were, either.”
Lina sighs. “I want to be, though. I was happy then.”
“You seem happy now.”
“Of course I am. I am with you and you’re you.” She laughs softly. “You’re lovely.”
Easy silence falls over them as they lay there, holding each other close.
This is how it’s supposed to be. Without a doubt.
She must fall asleep because when she wakes up, Gene’s gone.
Lina frowns. Reaching for her journal, she continues writing.
Seeing him was like coming home. It was familiar and comforting. I missed his touch. I didn’t realize how much I’d come to rely on the safety
We sat on the couch and that’s all we did. We didn’t have to fill every second with chatter.
Tomorrow will be one of the happiest days. I cannot wait to witness Vera and Bill marrying.
They’re going to have a beautiful life.
They already do, if I’m being truthful.
I should go to sleep now. Tomorrow is a big day and I do not want anything to go wrong.
“What in the world are you doing up?” Gene asks, chuckling.
“I thought you left.”
“No, just gettin’ some water.”
Lina doesn’t say anything, just nods.
Once Eugene is settled next to her, she rests her head upon his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat.
The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulls her into a state of peacefulness. It’s a picture perfect moment, one that can’t be beat.
**********
Lina wakes up early, the excitement and nerves of today getting the best of her. She’s never been able to sleep long, even before the war.
Eugene is gone, no doubt with the rest of the boys at the church.
Hurriedly, she slips out of her pajamas and into a pale yellow sundress.
Heading downstairs to the kitchen, she looks around the cupboards before pulling out what she needs.
Eggs, flour. Blueberries. Milk.
“Now I just need the mixer,” she mumbles, opening and closing cabinet doors. “Where would I be if I am a mixer?”
Sighing, she looks around the kitchen for her instructions from Bill. “Call this number for any questions. Do not try to figure it out. I’m being serious.”
Lina makes her way to the phone, taking care to dial the phone number carefully. “Ask Bill where the mixer is. I have ingredients but no mixer.”
“Hello to you too, Lina,” Babe chuckles. The line goes silent for a few moments.
“In the cabinet next to the fridge.”
“Thank you. See you later.”
Hanging up the phone, she heads to the sink and washes her hands before starting to prepare breakfast.
It’s simple enough. A batch of muffins and coffee.
Once she finishes mixing the ingredients, Lina starts measuring the batter.
“Oh no. The oven,” she groans. Hurriedly, she presses the button to start preheating the oven.
Lina lets out a sigh as she starts to make coffee. “I can do this. It will be fine. Today is good day,” she says quietly.
Sitting down at the table, she glances out the window. The sun is starting to rise higher and higher. It’s a clear, cloudless day, the sky a brilliant blue.
It’s the perfect day for a wedding.
The oven goes off a few minutes later, startling Lina out of her daze.
Once the muffins are baking, she pours herself a cup of coffee before sitting back down at the table.
The quiet is a balm on her soul, a welcome relief before the chaos of the day. Taking a sip of her coffee, she lets out a sigh.
It’s this time she likes best. When the world is still waking up. When she can let her walls down, if only for a little while.
Vera comes down the stairs a little while later, wearing a deep red dress.
“Are they already gone?”
Lina furrows her brows at this. “Was I supposed to make sure of that?”
Vera’s naturally pink cheeks go white at her statement.
“I’m kidding. Vera, I swear to Hashem, the boys are gone.”
Groaning, she collapses in one of the kitchen chairs. “Lina, that was not funny.”
“Sorry, Vee. I thought I’d lighten the mood a little,” she says sheepishly.
A few beats of silence pass before Lina says anything more. “I made breakfast. Do you want some?”
Puzzlement plays across Vera’s expression. “You know how to cook?”
Lina sighs, “I know how to bake. I made muffins. And coffee.”
She busies herself with putting a few muffins on a plate before pouring herself and Vera each a cup of coffee.
Setting them on the table, she sits across from Vera.
A few beats of silence pass. “So, today’s the day,” Lina says in a singsong tone.
At this, Vera laughs softly, a smile lighting up her face. “I know. I can’t believe it’s finally here.” Voice filled with awe, a faraway look comes over her.
Lina recognizes it instantly.
It’s the look of finding your person, of unconditional love.
“Okay, I grabbed the dresses from the closet. They are by the door. The flowers are at the church. The boys are at Babe’s.” Lina drums her fingers against the table, feeling as though something is missing.
“Oh, the makeup!”
“I have it all ready.” Vera points to a small bag on the counter.
“Oh, good.”
Frowning, Lina sighs. “There’s something else.” She racks her brain, sure there’s something important she’s forgetting. Finally, it hits her. “Who else is going to be there for you at the wedding?”
“I don’t need anyone but you,” Vera says. “I don’t have anyone else besides you and Bill.”
“I’m sorry.”
Vera tries and fails to stifle a laugh. “Thank you. I’ll be okay, though,” she says softly. “It’s going to be an amazing day.”
“It will be. And I’ll fight anyone who tries to make it not amazing,” Lina says, her voice firm and expression stoic.
Vera bursts into laughter at this and Lina joins in, their laughter filling the small kitchen. It’s one of those rare, perfect moments, the kind that would grace a picture frame.
Silence falls once again, the anticipation of the day stealing all their words away. Lina pops a bite of her muffin in her mouth, taking a large sip of coffee to wash it down.
After a few minutes more, the silence is broken.
“We should get going,” Lina says. “Do you want me to drive?”
“Sure,” Vera shrugs, tossing her the keys.
Lina shoves them in her pocket before grabbing their dresses from the coat closet.
They make their way to the car, Lina slipping into the driver’s seat.
“Lina, I love you but who taught you how to drive?”
Awkward silence fills the car.
“No one.”
“Lina, what do you mean?” Vera asks, her voice rising.
“I didn’t need to know back home! I walk everywhere!”
Vera lets out a sigh, covering her face with her hands. “You have to be joking. That’s the only explanation right now.”
“George and Babe told me the basics.”
“Of course they did,” she mutters.
“Right is to go, left is to stop. Turn the wheel the way you want to go.”
The silence that follows speaks bounds.
To Lina’s relief, they arrive at the church a few moments later.
“No one look at us!” she shouts.
“Was I not supposed to announce that?”
Vera bursts into laughter. “You are truly something else, Lina. I don’t know what it is but you are something else.”
At this, Lina laughs.
Footsteps echo in the empty sanctuary and Lina freezes.
A man in white robes seems to appear out of nowhere. “Vera, it’s good to see you.”
“Hello, Father John. This is Lina, my maid of honor.”
“We have a room for you to get ready over here and the men are down the hall.”
They head towards the empty room.
There’s a few chairs and a small table where the flowers and boutonnieres sit.
Lina drapes the garment bags over the chairs.
The door shuts quietly behind them. She turns around to see Vera collapse in a chair, letting out a shaky breath.
“Are you okay?” she asks, worry lacing her words.
“I’m so terrified. What if I forget what I want to say? What if I pass out?”
A knowing grin plays across Lina’s expression. “I’d be worried if you weren’t terrified. But do not worry about messing up. Your heart knows what to say. That’s all that matters.”
“Besides, Bill is madly in love with you. Even if you did mess up, he wouldn’t notice.”
A silvery laugh slips past Vera’s lips. “You’re right. Everything will be fine.”
Silence.
“Do you want to give the boys their boutonnieres?” Vera asks, breaking the silence.
“Sure. I will be back.” Lina grabs the box and slips out the door before Vera can respond. She heads down the hall, footsteps echoing in the sanctuary.
It doesn’t take her long to find the boys, what with the loud laughter filtering through the air.
She knocks softly before pushing the door open. Bombarded by shouts and laughter, she takes a small step back.
“Lina Grace,” Gene says, smiling.
His words set off a torrent of butterflies in her stomach.
“Komskyeet! What are you doing here?”George shouts, interrupting the moment.
“I have special deliveries.” She hands out the boutonniers to them, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
“Thanks, Lina.”
She nods, not saying anything for a few moments.
“How is it going here? Are you all ready?” she asks.
“Hell yeah. It’s going to be great,” George says, slapping Bill on the shoulder.
Lina giggles at this, nodding as she does.
“What about you, Bill?”
“Terrified and excited,” he mutters.
“So is Vera,” Lina giggles. “Do not tell her I said that, though.”
“We won’t,” Eugene says, squeezing her hand gently.
“Okay, well I have to go. See you soon. Don’t break anything!” she calls as she walks down the hall.
“Bill is also terrified and excited,” Lina says before the door is even shut.
“How are they? They haven’t done anything crazy, I hope.”
“No. I told them they cannot break anything.”
“Good.”
“Shall we start with the makeup now?” Lina asks, reaching for the bag.
Vera nods wordlessly.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lina starts to do Vera’s makeup.
She takes her time, making sure to use her steadiest hands.
“You know last time we did this, you were helping me get ready for a dance,” she says quietly.
Vera laughs, “I know. Look at us now.”
“Yeah,” Lina sighs. “Look at us now.”
They lapse into silence once again, both of them too lost in their thoughts to say much of anything.
“Okay, I am done,” Lina says. “Open your eyes.”
Vera looks at herself in the mirror, her expression quickly changing to one of awe and amazement.
“Lina, you are amazing!”
A dusting of pink works its way up her cheeks at Vera’s response.
“Thanks,” she says quietly. “Now time to do your hair.” Lina claps her hands together excitedly.
Vera hands her the hairbrush. It’s heavier than Lina expects, what with the ornate decoration.
She separates Vera’s hair into equal sections before starting to braid it.
Once she’s finished, she secures it with more than enough pins.
Just to be safe.
Lina busies herself with tidying up before sitting down for a few moments.
“And now for the grand event,” she says, whirling around. “The dress.” A knowing grin spreads across Lina’s expression as she speaks.
The giddiness and excitement is palpable as she helps Vera into her dress. It’s a tea length dress with a sweetheart neckline and lace on the sleeves and skirt.
“Wow, Vee! You’re so beautiful,” Lina exclaims.
“Last time I imagined myself standing in a wedding dress, it was to a person I didn’t love.”
“Well, that is in the past,” Lina says softly. “You adore Bill and he adores you.”
Vera nods.
They lapse into silence for a few moments before Vera breaks the silence.
“Okay, now we have to get you ready.”
Lina unzips the garment bag holding her dress. It’s a pale purple with long sleeves and an A - line neckline.
Slipping out of her clothes, she steps carefully into the dress.
“Wow,” she whispers.
“Eugene is going to faint when he sees you.”
Lina shakes her head and laughs. She sits down in one of the chairs, working her hair into a braided crown.
Once she’s finished, she starts to do her makeup. It brings her an odd sense of peace. Gives her something to focus on.
Something besides the thoughts that race through her mind.
Humming quietly, Lina spins around, her skirt billowing out around her.
Giggling, she reaches for Vera’s hands, twirling her around.
“I think the coffee is gettng to you,” Vera laughs.
“No. I just love weddings.”
“I am going to peek outside,” she says, moving towards the door.
A knock at the door startles them out of their reverie.
“Looks like you two are having fun,” George laughs. “Are you ready?”
“I am,” Vera says, smiling.
“See you out there.” He winks at them before slipping back into the hall.
Lina turns to face Vera. “See you in a few.” She squeezes her hand gently, gives her a knowing smile.
Slipping into the hall, Lina walks to her place near the front of the sanctuary. She makes eye contact with Gene, who stands opposite her.
The all too familiar feeling of butterflies reappears in her stomach.
The first strains of music start to play. Everyone turns as Vera glides down the aisle.
The grin on Vera’s expression is one Lina’s never seen before. It radiates from inside her, lighting up the entire room.
Lina glances over at Bill. His expression matches Vera’s.
It’s the same look that she saw on Vera’s face earlier this morning.
The look of unconditional love, of being with the person who makes you .
When she’s close, Vera hands Lina her bouquet.
Father John starts to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate the joining of this man and this woman in marriage. There are no obligations sweeter or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. True marriage is the holiest of relationships. The state of matrimony is based in this deep, invisible union of two souls who seek completion in each other. Do you understand this?”
“Yes,” Vera and Bill say in unison.
“Who gives this woman away in marriage?”
“I do, sir,” George says.
Father John nods.
George walks to his spot next to Gene, Ralph, and Babe.
“Now, the bride and groom have decided to do a reading of a poem before saying their vows.”
Bill starts to speak, voice wavering slightly. “Into your hands I put my trust. Into your heart I give my love. Into your soul I offer my spirit. Into your mind my words are free.”
Vera speaks next. “With all of your love I know am yours. With all of your words, I know I'm secure. With all of your kindness, at last I can give. With all of your gentleness, I too can be there.”
Lina watches in awe, smiling so big it makes her eyes crinkle.
“I give you my heart, you give me your spirit. I give you my soul, you give me your body. I give you my love, you give me your love. I give you my all, you give me freedom,” Bill and Vera say in unison.
“With you I feel.”
“With you I want.” Vera says quietly, inching closer to Bill as she does.
“With you I love, with you I am,” they say softly.
“Now, the bride and groom will exchange vows.”
Vera takes a deep breath before speaking.
“Bill, when I first met you, I thought I had you figured out. American, loud and brash. A bit of a show — off.”
A few people start to chuckle, including Lina.
“As I got to know you, I saw you were so much more than that loud person I first met. You’re kind and caring and funny and supportive like no other.”
Vera’s smile grows bigger as she speaks. “You’re fiercely protective. You never fail to make me laugh. I look into your eyes and I see home. I didn’t have a home until I met you. I was drifting, a ship lost at sea.”
An ache seizes her chest at the words. The feeling of drifting is one she knows all too well.
“When I first met you, I was grieving. I was grieving the loss of who I was, who I was supposed to be. Then you came into my life like a hurricane, turning everything upside down.”
Lina tries and fails to stifle a laugh.
“I saw a side of you that most people probably don’t know about. Your kindness and support gave me a place to be vulnerable. To let my walls down. For that I’ll be eternally grateful,” Vera says, voice wavering with emotion.
“You are my home, my safe harbor. With you, I know that everything will be okay. I know that whatever life throws our way, we’ll get through it.”
A few beats of silence pass. “I truly have never met someone as loving as you. With you by my side, my world is whole. I promise to love and cherish you. Forever and always.”
Bill clears his throat before speaking. “I’m not good at this sort of thing but I’m going to try. Vera, when I first met you, I knew instantly that you were going to change my life. You are one of the kindest, most patient people I know.”
Vera’s smile grows wider as Bill speaks.
“I know sometimes I can be a little stubborn.” Once again, a laugh from everyone.
“You were by my side during one of the darkest times. Words can’t begin to say how grateful I am for you. You never wavered. Not even once. You’re so incredibly strong.”
Bill pauses for a few moments. “We didn’t meet under the best circumstances but none of that matters now. All that matters is we have each other. And I promise, I’ll never let you go.”
His voice is thick with emotion, awe and admiration lacing his words. “I promise to love and cherish you always and forever.”
A few beats of silence pass before Father John speaks.
“Bill, will you take this woman, whose hands you hold, choosing her alone to be your wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor her at all times, and be faithful to her?”
“I do,” he says, sliding a ring onto Vera’s finger, hands shaking slightly.
“Vera, will you take this man, whose hands you hold, choosing him alone to be your wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor him at all times, and be faithful to him?”
“I do.” She slides the ring onto Bill’s finger with shaking hands.
Tears prick Lina’s eyes. The look that Bill and Vera share is one that can only be described as true love.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Bill pulls Vera close, their lips crashing into each other. It’s a long few moments before they pull apart, both of them grinning ear to ear.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Father John says, though it’s barely heard over the cheering from Babe, George, Ralph, Joe Liebgott, James, Joe, Gene, and Lina.
Vera and Bill walk back down the aisle towards the church doors, stepping out into the warm summer air, sun shining brightly above them.
Lina and the others follow close behind. Stepping out into the sunlight, she lets out a sigh.
She glances around, taking everything in.
How beautiful this all is. How beautiful that I was alive to see my best friend get married.
She finds Gene leaning against the railing, grinning.
“Where to next, lovebirds?” Lina giggles as she makes her way to stand next to Gene.
Vera looks at Bill for a few moments before speaking. “Home,” she says softly.
“You two should ride together. You are the married couple after all,” Babe says, elbowing Bill in the side.
Lina nods in agreement. She reaches for Gene’s hand as they walk down the church steps.
She slips into the backseat of George’s car along with Ralph, Eugene, and Joe Liebgott.
The ride back to Bill and Vera’s passes by in a blur. Once the car is stopped, Lina steps out, taking a deep breath.
“You alright, Lina Grace?”
Glancing up to meet Eugene’s gaze, she nods. “Overwhelmed in the best way possible.”
“Who’s ready to celebrate?” George shouts.
Everyone erupts in cheers as they rush towards the house.
“Wait,” Bill says firmly. He scoops Vera up, slowly crossing the threshold into the house.
“Okay, now ya can come in.”
Lina giggles.
“Who wants a drink?” Vera says, digging through the cabinets.
Everyone answers at once, their voices a boisterous cacophony of noise.
As she sets a bunch of liquor bottles on the table, Babe, George, and Joe Liebgott start pouring drinks.
Someone hands her a glass and Lina takes a large sip.
She coughs, cheeks flush with color. “What is that?” she mumbles.
“Vodka.”
“Oh.” Lina tilts her head back, downing the drink in one go.
“Damn, Komskyeet!”
“I didn’t know you drank vodka.”
She giggles at George and James’ reactions. “It is popular back home.”
“Lina Grace, you never fail to surprise me,” Gene laughs.
Grinning, she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
His eyes are full of life. Full of warmth. It’s intoxicating, being this close to him. Her heart starts to beat a little
“Still breathing, Lina Grace?” Eugene whispers.
Lina nods, not trusting herself to speak. She finds herself pulling him closer, until there’s barely any space between them. Her lips crash into his and she pulls Gene closer deepening the kiss.
Her heart is beating so fast she’s sure everyone can hear it.
It’s a fervent kiss, one that she’s been counting down the days to ever since that day in Austria.
When her lungs start aching due to lack of air, Lina reluctantly pulls away.
Neither of them says anything for a few moments.
“We should go find the others,” Lina says softly.
It doesn’t take them long to find the others out back, sitting around a campfire, loudly talking.
“Komskyeet! Where have you been?” George says.
Lina smirks. “Around,” she giggles.
Easing herself into a chair, she watches the flames dance. It’s hypontising, fire.
How it destroys, leaving nothing in its wake.
Fire leaves a clean slate.
Tilting her up to the sky, she lets out a deep breath. The stars are out in full, twinkling above like millions of tiny jewels.
“Care to dance, Lina Grace?” Gene asks quietly.
Nodding, she reaches for Eugene’s hand.
“Wait, Vera! Have you and Bill had your dance yet?” Before Vera or Bill can respond, Lina’s shouting, “First dance! First dance!”
James and George join in, their voices mingling together to create a cacophony of noise.
Vera shakes her head and sighs. Still, she lets Bill take her hand in his.
Bill adjusts his crutches so they rest against Vera’s waist. They dance slowly back and forth, moonlight casting a spotlight on them.
“Wait, Komskyeet!”
She turns just in time to catch a camera from George. Grinning, she snaps a photo of Bill and Vera.
“Hey, kid get a picture of this.”
Before Lina can respond, Bill dips Vera, her head a few inches from the ground.
Lina’s mouth falls open and she shuts it just as quickly. Hurriedly, she snaps a photo of them. “Alright, now you two lovebirds can dance,” Vera says, smirking as she takes the camera from Lina.
Eugene draws Lina close until there’s hardly any space between them. Resting her head against his shoulder, they sway back and forth slowly, under the light of the stars.
The familiarity of this moment brings back a flood of emotions and memories.
Aldbourne and then Paris.
Let me stay like this forever. As long as I have Eugene by my side, I’ll be perfectly okay.
“Come to Louisiana with me after this,” Gene whispers.
Lina pulls her head off his shoulder to look him in the eyes.
“Just for a little bit,” he adds hastily. “I just thought, maybe you’d finally like to see it.”
At this, she smiles.
“I’ll go anywhere with you,” Lina says softly.