#vintagelavenderskies | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

msmercury84 · 10 months

Text

"I Double Dare You," "Leigh Sings on a Record"

A couple of months after Pat and Johnny Martin visited the Guarneres, Leigh was working at the radio station in Philadelphia. She had just completed her morning show. The station manager went into the studio to speak with her.

He told Leigh that there was an important long distance call for her from Laverne Andrews. She went to the station manager's office to take the telephone call.

Andrews surprised Leigh, telling her that the sisters' record label, Decca, wanted to make a new record from the master tapes of the Paris concert that was featured on CBS radio nationwide. Laverne said the concert was very popular and well liked by those who heard the broadcast. People had been writing to Decca to inquire if an album of the show was going to become available in stores.

The new Mrs. Guarnere was almost shocked into silence by the news. Andrews then informed her,

"They've told us that this album will probably be a big seller. Hold on to your hat, Leigh, since you performed in that show, you're getting a small percentage of the royalties from the sales.

Our manager said that you unfortunately won't get the same percentage we get. We're in favor of you getting the same amount, but legally speaking, our manager's hands are tied." Leigh told her,

"Don't even worry about that. This is incredible news! I'm just happy to be on the recording. When will the album be available to buy? That's the first question Bill will ask." Laverne told her that the album would be released around Thanksgiving.

When Leigh was finished with work for the day, she stopped by a local market to get the ingredients for antipasto and a nice bottle of red wine. After returning home, she quickly made the batter for a few batches of pizzelles and set about making Bill's favorite cookies.

Leigh decided to make her husband's favorite meal of spaghetti with one meat ball. She used the gravy recipe from her former roommate and made the antipasto. The red wine was uncorked to allow it to breathe.

After the cooking was finished, except for the pasta, Leigh put on the red Wiggle Dress with the Sweetheart Neckline, the dress Guarnere liked the best on her.

When Bill got home, he noticed the dress,

"Baby, you look like a million bucks!" He then embraced and kissed her. Guarnere added, "Somethin' smells great. Is that ( he pronounced the word as " dat") your spaghetti gravy an' some pizzelles?" Leigh confirmed that she made the gravy and the cookies. She excitedly told him the good news about the album. Bill shouted,

"Holy God, Sweetheart! That's wonderful news!" He gave her an extra passionate kiss, saying,

"Think of it, you're gonna be on a record. Those things will sell like hotcakes. Gettin' even a small percentage of the money will be a super addition to our savins account. We can put it toward buyin' a house or startin' a family, whatever ya wanna do."

"I'm in favor of either idea, so whatever you decide is fine." They wound up deciding to put the money in savings for hospital expenses when they were ready to start a family.

"Honey, I gotta tell Ma an' Pop the good news. Is it OK if I call 'em before you call your folks?" Leigh said that was fine with her. Guarnere quickly dialed the telephone number for his parents' house. Augusta answered and Bill told her,

"Ma, I have some excitin' news."

"Are you and Leigh havin' a baby?"

"No, Ma, this is even bigger news than that." When he told Augusta about the record album, Leigh clearly heard her shouting,

"Oh my God, Billy! Leigh's gonna be on a record? Wait just a minute, I need to tell your pop." Mrs. Guarnere translated her son's message and Joseph replied.

"Your pop says to tell Leigh congratulations. He's very happy for her. Would ya please put her on the phone?" Bill handed the telephone to Leigh,

"Hello, Mama. I'm still shocked by the good news."

"Sweetie, you've earned it because of your talent. As soon as that record goes on sale, you bet your bottom dollar that we're buyin' it." Leigh thanked Mrs. Guarnere for her kind words. Before hanging up, Augusta told her,

"We're proud of you, Leigh, and we love you." Leigh told her mother-in-law that she loved her and her father-in-law, too. The Spencers were as happy as the Guarneres to hear about the record and Cal said that he would buy a copy as soon as the album went on sale.

After the call ended, Bill told Leigh,

"Baby, I've always been proud of ya, but this is the icin' on the cake. I'm gonna be the first one in line at the record store when it goes on sale, even if I have to wait there all night. While I'm waitin' in line, I'll tell people that the same Leigh Guarnere on the record is my wife."

"Actually, Honey, you won' t have to buy the record. Once it's made, we'll get a complimentary copy from Decca Records." Bill looked agitated for a moment and he frowned,

"Oh, hell, we ain't got a record player. I'm gonna buy a nice one an' I want ya to go wit' me to pick it out. You know what sounds good, since you're a professional singer an' a musician." Leigh agreed to go to the store with him, asking,

"Please, Bill, don't brag too much. Other people probably aren't as crazy about my singing as my sweet husband."

"I'll try to not go overboard wit' the braggin'. Sweetheart, those people in Paris gave ya a standin' ovation. That record company decided to make a record outta that broadcast. You sang in that show an' you're part o' why that show was a success." Leigh hugged him,

"I appreciate your support and your enthusiasm, Honey. It's wonderful that we'll have a recording of the night our engagement was announced.

"I wish somebody made a movie of that show. Someday our kids could see their beautiful ma on stage, an' they could see how much their ma an' pop love each other, 'course they'd already know that."

"I wish a movie of the show existed, too. That way our kids could see how handsome their pop looked in his uniform. They could see and hear what their mama did onstage, too."

"How about we return to reality and have some supper?" Bill insisted on helping her get everything served. Once they were seated he asked the blessing.

"Antipasto before the spaghetti, you're spoilin' me, Baby."

"I thought we should celebrate the good news." Guarnere got the spaghetti served and he brought the bowl of sauce to the table with some freshly grated parmesan. They enjoyed fresh garlic butter on some Italian bread Leigh made the day before.

"The first time you made this gravy for me was when we got to Aldebourne." Leigh laughed,

"That was the day I surprised you with what I didn't wear. Good thing I had the gravy simmering because we were also simmering and supper was delayed." Guarnere winked at her,

"Oh, I'll never forget how ya surprised me. You're doin' better, Baby. Bein' in an Italian family an' livin' in an Italian neighborhood is payin' off. You didn't call it sauce."

"I'm doing my best to be a good Italian wife and fit in where the neighborhood is concerned.

"Baby, you're the best wife in the neighborhood an' you're fittin' in just fine."

The next day, after Bill and Leigh were finished with work, they went downtown to shop for a record player. After listening to several models, they chose an RCA record player and radio combination with built in speakers. A salesman introduced himself and asked if he could assist them.

"I'm Bill Guarnere an' this is my wife, Leigh. We'd like to buy this record player an' radio. My wife sang as a guest in the concert wit' the Andrews Sisters that was on CBS Radio last October. Decca Records is usin' the tapes from that show to make a new record that's coming' out in November." The salesman replied,

"My wife and I really enjoyed that concert. Mrs. Guarnere, are you the same Leigh Guarnere who is on our local CBS Radio station?" She confirmed that she was the singer named Leigh who had shows on CBS Radio. Then the salesman added as he looked at Bill,

"If that's the case, you're the paratrooper who joined them onstage when the Andrews Sisters sang to you and your wife, of course she was your fiancee then. I'm definitely buying that record.

Mrs. Guarnere, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you please autograph my record album after I buy it?"

"I'd be happy to sign it." She gave him the telephone number of the receptionist at the radio station and asked him,

"Would you please call this number after you get the record? I'll get a message from the receptionist and I promise to come back here to sign your album."

The salesman thanked Leigh and he rang up the item on the cash register, thanking Bill for his purchase. Guarnere carried their new record player and radio in its sturdy cardboard box to their car.

"Baby, you got a fan wantin' your autograph an' the album ain't even for sale. Ya can't blame me for feelin' proud."

"It's nice that the salesman enjoyed the radio broadcast from Paris. I was surprised the he wants me to sign the album for him. I thought that he was going to ask me if I could get the Andrews Sisters to autograph the album for him."

After Bill loaded the box into the trunk of their car, he kissed Leigh before opening the car door for her,

"I'm still gonna be your biggest fan, no matter how many albums are sold." Leigh had a mischievous glint in her eyes,

"That's a good thing, Honey. I plan to reward my biggest fan in the bedroom." Guarnere chuckled,

"You're somethin' else, ya little fireball. Does this mean that I have to buy all the records or will ya reward me wit'out spendin' all o' our money on records?"

"No purchase is necessary, you handsome smart ass. I'm all yours." Before he started the car and drove home, he told her,

"I like the sound o' that, Baby."

A few days after the record player was purchased, Leigh once again received a call from one of the Andrews Sisters while she was at work. Maxene Andrews told her that a concert was being planned at Madison Square Garden a few weeks before the album went on sale. Andrews asked,

"Is it possible for you to do this show with us? We're doing many of the same songs that were in the Paris concert. Since you're going to be on the album, it stands to reason that you should be in the show, too." Leigh excitedly confirmed that she would love to be in the show.

Andrews asked if Leigh would once again wear the red velvet and lace dress again. Their costume designer thought that the red dress looked perfect for the upcoming show since the Paris concert was basically being re-created. The dress was currently in storage along with the sisters' trademark uniforms.

"I'd love to wear that beautiful dress again." She was happily surprised when Maxene told her,

"Leigh, we're going all out. If your husband would agree to join us again onstage, we would like to rent a top quality tuxedo and dress shoes for him." Leigh smiled, imagining Bill's reaction to the news.

"That sounds wonderful! I think we already know Bill's answer to your question." She gave Andrews the correct sizes for the trousers, shirt and the tuxedo coat, plus Bill's shoe size, adding, "My husband will be very eager to be onstage with his favorite group." Leigh laughed,

You might hear my mother-in-law's excited response when I tell her the good news. Mama tends to get loud when she's excited or happy about something."

"We would be glad to meet with your parents, in-laws and other family members after the show is over." Before the women ended their conversation, Leigh told her,

"I'm sure everyone will be excited to meet you and your sisters. My mother-in-law and the others are big fans of you and your sisters' singing." Predictably, Guarnere was excited about the show and he liked the idea of wearing the tuxedo onstage.

"They're payin' good money to make me look like a sharp dressin' man. Not only do we get to sorta relive the Paris show, I get to join my beautiful wife onstage an' be there wit' my favorite group." Leigh told him the rest of the good news about the show,

"Honey, they're reserving the best seats in the house for our families, plus they are paying to send us, our parents, Teresa, your other sisters and their husbands and their kids plus my grandparents, to a very nice hotel in New York City. They're providing limousine service for all of us, too." Bill grinned,

"We're all goin' in style.

Lacey Davis, who was living in New York City, was scanning the staple publication of the entertainment industry, "Variety." An ad mentioned that the famed trio's Paris concert featuring the star of the Philadelphia CBS affiliate would soon be sold in record stores. Davis then read a paragraph about the Andrews Sisters and Leigh appearing in a concert at Madison Square Garden to kick off the release of the record.

She angrily threw the magazine into a nearby trash can. Lacey still felt that Leigh had cheated her out of the recognition and fame that should have been hers. Davis was still working on regaining her figure after giving birth to a son. The baby was adopted by a childless couple in the borough of Queens.

The night of the show, family members and friends of Leigh thoroughly enjoyed the V.I.P. treatment of staying in a nice hotel and riding to Madison Square Garden in limousines. Gina Ricci traveled with the Spencers and had a room reserved at the hotel.

It was the first time some of the Guarnere family, Leigh, her parents and her maternal grandparents visited New York City. Leigh told her grandmother, Mary Elliott,

"I thought that Philadelphia was a large city. This is overwhelming." Mary agreed that the size of the city seemed daunting. She and her husband, John were enjoying spending time with their granddaughter and Bill. Both of the Elliotts adored Guarnere. They thought of him as their grandson by marriage.

The Elliotts met Bill when they traveled to Philadelphia for his wedding to Leigh. Mary was instantly taken with his polite behavior. John admired Bill's courage and compassion.

Guarnere's parents thanked John and Mary for the fresh beef that was delivered in a railroad car for frozen food. Mary and Augusta became friends very quickly. Despite the fact that Mrs. Guarnere was the same age as Louise Spencer, both women were alike in many ways. They loved their families and they also loved to prepare food for their families.

Since they experienced dire economic conditions when they were much younger, Augusta and Mary knew all too well about occasionally not having enough to eat. This made them determined to ensure that every visitor to their homes would never leave with an empty stomach.

The Guarneres, the Spencers, other family members and Gina Ricci took up a large section of the first row of seats closest to the stage. Everyone wore their best clothes and Bill was gently teased by his sisters for "lookin' like a high society fella" in his tuxedo.

Augusta knew in advance that Bill would go onstage with Leigh and the famous trio of sisters. She was proud and very eager to see her son in the spotlight. Prior to the show, Bill had a corsage of white Sweetheart Roses delivered to his wife. She pinned them on the red velvet dress covered in red lace. Leigh enjoyed the message Guarnere wrote on the card enclosed with the corsage,

"My beautiful bride will be a star tonight. Love, Bill."

The sisters and Leigh performed the same songs that would appear on the album of the Paris concert. Her grandparents were in

awe of her singing. They hadn't witnessed Leigh performing in front of a large audience and they were amazed at the way she seemed to own the stage. When Bill was asked to join the group onstage, Augusta was clearly heard as she loudly exclaimed,

"That's my son! 'atta boy, Billy!" A photographer from The New York Times took several pictures of Bill, Leigh and the Andrews Sisters. When the sisters announced,

"We're doing this next number for the newlyweds, who were married in June." Bill once again gently pulled Leigh onto his lap as the sisters sang, "In Apple Blossom Time." Augusta used her lace edged handkerchief as she wiped away tears of joy, telling her husband in his native language,

"It's so sweet and beautiful." Mr. Guarnere agreed. Bill gave his wife a tender kiss before he left the stage. He was grinning and wiping her red lipstick from his lips with his handkerchief as he walked back to his seat.

The next song was a new number called "Strip Polka," about a burlesque performer who "stops (stripping) and always just in time." Patty Andrews usually performed a comedic routine during an instrumental part of the song.

She asked Leigh if she would try the comedic routine since her family was in the audience. Leigh happily agreed to learn the routine. During the instrumental section, the music suggested the 'bump and grind' burlesque style. At first, Leigh stood at the microphone.

As the music played, she got into the spirit of the music and put both hands on top of her head, doing a comical, exaggerated swaying of her hips. Then, she realized that the sisters were looking at her with raised eyebrows and questioning expressions on their faces.

Leigh looked embarrassed at being caught up in the music and immediately stood up straight, looking very proper as the audience laughed and applauded. Bill was smiling and applauding, loudly saying,

"Ain't nothin' my baby can't do!" The photographer from The New York Times made sure that Leigh's performance was documented on film. Once again, the audience gave her a standing ovation at the end of the concert. This was also photographed for the city's leading newspaper.

As promised, after the concert was over, the sisters signed autographs and posed for pictures taken by Leigh's extended family and friends. Augusta and Joseph posed with the sisters for a picture that would be prominently displayed in their home.

The next day, Lacey Davis saw the pictures and the reviews about the concert. She looked wistfully at the pictures of Bill wearing a tuxedo, thinking,

"He looks so damn handsome, even if he only has one leg. I'd change my mind about not liking crippled men if I could have one night with him. What the hell does he see in Leigh?" She was almost nauseated at the way the reviewer of the concert seemed to gush over her former singing partner's performance.

Bill asked the reporter to send copies of the pictures and the story in the newspaper. The news writer obliged and sent enough pictures for most of the immediate family members plus Bill and Leigh. He also sent enough copies of the paper for everyone in the family, the friends of the family, and the newlyweds.

Four months later, after regaining her figure, Davis took a job as a receptionist in a music producer's office. She planned to save her money so she could eventually move to California, specifically Hollywood.

Lacey hoped to begin her career in show business as a dancer in movies. She thought that living far from newspaper coverage of Leigh's performances would be healthier for her than seething as she read a review or saw a picture of the woman she perceived as her rival.

A few days later, Grayson O'Brian heard the guard who occupied the office close to his prison cell talking excitedly with another prison guard about his favorite radio performer, Leigh Guarnere.

The guard told his friend that the CBS radio star's performance with the Andrews Sisters would be made into an upcoming record album. Gray fervently hoped that the guard wouldn't be allowed to play records in his office. O'Brian thought that he heard enough of Leigh's singing on the radio without having to hear her on a record.

As promised, Bill and Leigh were sent a complimentary copy of the upcoming album. Guarnere eagerly played the album on the new record player. He and Leigh cuddled together on the couch as they listened and reminisced about the night their engagement was announced during the broadcast. Leigh was taken aback at the way she sounded on the record. She asked Bill,

"Honey, did I really sound like that or did they somehow enhance my voice?"

"That's exactly how ya sounded, Baby. You done the best singin' I'd ever heard that night. Leigh, you owned that stage an' that audience." She kissed him, I

"Flattery will get you everywhere with me." When the audience began to applaud for Leigh and the standing ovation took place, Bill was happy to see that his wife had a beaming smile as she relived the event.

"That's when ya owned the stage, Baby. I'm still goddamned proud o' ya." When the records went on sale, the fans of Leigh's radio program bought several copies. Those who knew Leigh in the neighborhood asked for and received autographs on their albums.

The CBS radio station in Philadelphia sponsored a meet and greet session in a local hotel for fans of the various radio shows. Leigh signed several albums and met fans during the event that was advertised in the newspaper as "A Luncheon With Leigh."

Bill asked for and received a few hours off from work to attend the event with his parents. Cal and Louise Spencer took a train to Philadelphia and they were seated with Bill, Augusta and Joseph Guarnere in the audience. Teresa, Julia and Maria were unable to get time off from work and they were disappointed to miss the event.

Bill, the Guarneres and the Spencers were both happy and proud when Leigh asked them to stand up while the audience applauded for them.

She and Bill replaced Augusta's and Joseph's record player when it died of old age one month after the luncheon event sponsored by the CBS affiliate in Philadelphia. The elder Guarneres frequently played the album. Their son favored the album over other albums owned by himself and Leigh.

The release didn't make Leigh an overnight star as Bill had hoped, but the national sales provided enough money to cover hospital and living expenses for more than one baby. A small amount of the money was saved to purchase their home or possibly another house in the same neighborhood.

@belladonnange @bellewintersroe @lizziebitch33 @marycorleone @alluringmoonlightbabe @cagzzz107 @f1-and-shiz @havaneselover08 @stinkyrat09 @theretroloverofmusic @bookfansworld @breadsprinkles1q

#bill guarnere #wild bill guarnere #how-are-those-nuts-sarge #mrsalwayswrite #vintagelavenderskies #bill guarnere imagine

9 notes · View notes

msmercury84 · 2 years

Text

"I Double Dare You," "Paris Part 1"

*Author's Note: Bill Guarnere actually went AWOL after getting hold of some black shoe polish and painting his cast to look like a boot. He had the cast removed by doctors and Guarnere underwent painful sessions of running and walking to get his leg in condition to walk. Getting busted down to the rank of private made problems for him after the war had ended. Guarnere's mother's maiden name was DiSabato according to information provided at Find A Grave. My depiction of Bill Guarnere is solely based on the actor's portrayal in the movie.*

*Smut warning. Some of this chapter is not intended for readers under the age of 18.*

***********************************************************************

The Netherlands, early November, 1944.

Dick Winters sat at his desk at Army headquarters, trying to adapt to paperwork instead of leading Easy Company. One of his aides announced,

"There's a Sergeant Guarnere to see you, Sir."

"Send him in." Lewis Nixon remarked,

"Look what the train brought in!" Bill limped into Winters' office, standing at attention and saluting when he stood before his former Commanding Officer.

"I went AWOL from the hospital to get back here, Sir. I hope it don't cause a problem for ya." Winters smiled,

"And would it worry you if this caused a problem for me, Sergeant Guarnere?" Bill smirked,

"Not a bit, Sir."

In mid October, Guarnere decided to borrow a farmer's motorcycle to make a quicker trip to check on his men up and down the line.

A German sniper fired at Bill, knocking him off of the motorcycle and fracturing the tibia in his right leg. Guarnere was sent to a military hospital in England. He learned that he would be sent to a replacement depo, often called a 'repo depot,' when his leg was healed.

Bill wanted to return to Easy Company. He got hold of some black shoe polish, painting his cast to look like a boot. Guarnere made it as far as the nearest air field before he was caught.

He told the MPs that he would go AWOL again because he wanted to go back to Easy Company. The cast was removed and Guarnere was made to walk and run until his leg was close to healing. Bill was also busted down to private for going AW0L. Somehow the paperwork never got through, so he remained a Staff Sergeant.

Winters told Guarnere,

"We both know who is appearing with the Andrews Sisters in Paris. Since your leg isn't completely healed, I am giving you a ten day 'R and R' leave to join Leigh in Paris. I will contact the USO.

When they are made aware of the situation, they should give me the name of the hotel where she's staying, her room number and the telephone number. Once everything is set up, do you want me to tell her you're going to Paris or do you want to surprise her?"

"I'd like to surprise her, Sir."

"Very well, Sergeant Guarnere. I'm going to do my best to get you on the next military flight to Paris. Some of the paperwork will be fudged a little bit, but I'm confident that you can be included with some commissioned officers.

Once they learn that you're visiting your girl, who happens to be the Songbird of the 506th, the same woman who is currently with the Andrews Sisters in Paris, you should be added to the passenger list with no problems. How about checking back with me in a couple of hours, Sergeant Guarnere?" Bill thanked Winters, adding,

"Sir, would ya please get the item out o' the safe that (he pronounced the word as 'dat') you've been keepin' for me? I'm takin' it wit' me to Paris. Thanks for takin' care of it for such a long time."

Winters smiled as he got up from his chair and crossed the room, stopping in front of the safe. He opened it, taking out the blue velvet box containing Bill's grandmother's engagement ring. Dick closed the safe and handed the box to Guarnere,

"Let me be the first to congratulate you on your engagement to Miss Spencer."

"Thank you, Sir." He saluted Winters and left the office. Guarnere went to the barracks and placed two shirts, two ties on hangers, a spare dress uniform and two pairs of trousers in a garment bag. He placed boxer shorts, several pairs of socks and two packs of condoms in his duffel bag.

Bill planned to shower, shave and change into his dress uniform after he had lunch. He had the ring safely tucked away in a pocket of his regular uniform. George Luz and Bull Randleman walked into the barracks. Bull was smoking a cigar. Luz grinned,

"Look what wandered in, Bull. We got Wild Bill back."

"Glad to see you." Guarnere explained how he went AWOL and returned to Easy Company. He added,

"I got a surprise from Captain Winters. He's givin' me a ten day pass to Paris since my leg ain't healed all the way. Winters is gettin' the name of the hotel where Leigh's stayin' an' her room number from the USO. When he tells 'em about my surprise for my girl, they should cooperate wit' him.

Winters is tryin' to get me on the next military flight to Paris. Leigh doesn't know that I'm payin' her a visit. I'm gonna surprise her wit' somethin'." Bill took the blue velvet box out of his pocket. Luz commented,

"Some guys get all the luck. Wild Bill in Paris! The city will never be the same. She'll really like that velvet box. All jokin' aside, congratulations. Ain't a doubt about Leigh accepting your proposal." Randleman took the cigar out of his mouth, telling Guarnere,

"Congratulations, Buddy. 'bout time we had somethin' to celebrate 'round here. Leave it up to you to go AWOL just to get back to us." George asked,

"So, can we see the ring?" Guarnere smiled, opening the box. Randleman commented,

"It's real pretty." George replied,

"That's a gorgeous ring, Bill." Luz smirked, adding,"Won't be long before the MPs bust you for stealin' it."

"Bull, will ya smack him for me?" Randleman grinned and lightly smacked the back of Luz's head. He then returned the cigar to his mouth.

"This was my Nonna DiSabato's engagement ring. Wit' Italian families, the oldest son usually gets the ring. My oldest brother is wit' the merchant marines an' he has no use for it right now. My other brothers are already married.

Nonna left it to me. Before we left the states I asked our former CO if he would keep it safe for me. He kept it in a safe in different Army offices everywhere we've been. I thought it was the right time to propose since we'll be in Paris together." Bull asked,

"Is nonna the Italian word for grandma?" He pronounced the word "Eye-talian."

"Yes."

Guarnere closed the box lid and returned the velvet ring box to his pocket.

"Have you scallywags had lunch?" When Luz and Randleman told Bill they hadn't eaten yet, he said,

"Let's get somethin' to eat, boys. After that, I gotta finish packin' and clean up. I'll probably have a plane to catch." The men went to the mess hall. They wound up sharing a table with Don Malarkey ,Skip Muck and Frank Perconte.

While they ate, Luz told Malarkey, Muck and Perconte about Bill going AWOL to return to Easy Company. The men weren't surprised by Guarnere's actions. George added,

"Wild Bill has been given a ten day leave to Paris, the lucky bastard."

"Since my leg ain't totally healed, Captain Winters gave me the leave. I'm surprisin' Leigh. Boys, I'm also takin' her a gift." Bill removed the ring box from his jacket pocket and opened it. Muck, Malarkey and Perconte congratulated Guarnere. Frank told him,

"I had a feeling you two would wind up getting married. You're not only getting engaged to a nice, pretty girl, she's a damned good cook, too!" Don told him,

"Leigh is a wonderful girl. I still can't get over how she gave me that ticket to the Glenn Miller concert." Skip said,

"I hope your engagement is as sweet as when I proposed to Faye." Bill thanked the men and started to eat lunch.

************************************************************************

At the same time in Paris, Leigh had finished rehearsing with the Andrews Sisters. She was indulging in some shopping. Spencer was in a lingerie boutique. She had already purchased a sheer peach silk peignoir.

Leigh also bought a strapless black lace bra with a matching garter belt, sheer black panties and black silk stockings. She found a bolero length bed jacket made of sheer dotted black lace. The jacket had capped sleeved and was intended to be worn open. It was long enough to cover the strapless bra.

Earlier in the week, Spencer went to a gynecologist to obtain a method of birth control that would be more reliable than condoms. It would also allow more sensation and pleasure for Bill.

Another USO singer and Leigh had become friends while she was in London. Angela Francisco was married and she told Spencer about a diaphragm, which was worn internally.

Francisco said that only married women in the United States could get fitted for a diaphragm, but she had heard that any woman, single or married could visit a doctor in Paris and obtain the device.

Leigh had no problem whatsoever getting her preferred method of birth control. She received instructions on how to properly use and wear it.

Spencer wasn't sure when Bill's next leave would take place since he was in an army hospital recovering from a broken leg. She knew that they were bound to have a very passionate evening when Guarnere got his leave. Leigh intended to wear the black lingerie for that occasion.

Back in Holland, Bill arrived at Captain Winters' office on time. He saluted and asked,

"Do you have any news about the flight, Sir?"

"As a matter of fact I do, Sergeant Guarnere. If you can be packed and ready in an hour, I will send a driver to take you to the air field."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll be ready to go. I really appreciate ya doin' this for me. "

"You're welcome, Sergeant Guarnere. At least try to take it easy and I hope you have a good time." Bill saluted and replied,

"Thank you again, Sir. I intend to have a good time." He gave Winters a cheeky wink and left the office.

Bill quickly showered and shaved. He ensured that everything he needed was packed. Guarnere would keep the velvet box in an inner pocket of his dress uniform. He was certain that Leigh would be unable to feel the box in his pocket when they embraced.

A driver took Bill to the air field where he boarded a plane with some military higher ups. A few hours later, he landed at an Army airfield in Paris. Winters had given him the name of an official to contact regarding transportation, so Bill asked a nearby MP officer the location of the official's office.

Guarnere soon located and spoke with the official. Twenty minutes later, he was in a jeep with a driver provided for the occasion. Bill made small talk with the driver as they made their way to the city.

Once they reached the city, Guarnere gave the driver the address to Le Bristol Hotel. He arrived at the hotel fifteen minutes later. Bill took his duffel and garment bags from the jeep, thanking the driver. The young man told Bill to call Captain Winters when he was nearing the end of his stay to ensure a ride back to the Army base.

Bill looked at the large, white painted structure. Balconies were provided for every suite. He made his way inside, taking note of the marble floor and the elegant decor, thinking,

"They went all out an' sent my baby to a fancy place. I sure as hell couldn't afford to stay here." Bill spotted an elevator on the left side of the busy lobby.

Guarnere entered the elevator and an Elevator Operator in a dark blue uniform asked in perfect English the floor Bill desired. He told the man that he wanted the fifth floor. When the elevator stopped at the fifth floor, Bill tried to give the Operator a tip. The man refused, saying,

"You are helping to fight the enemy. I will not accept a tip.Your service is greatly appreciated, Monsieur." Bill thanked the man, got his bags and entered the hallway. He noticed a large sign posted in the center of the wall. It listed the suite numbers with arrows indicating the location to the right or to the left.

Bill saw that Suite 520 was on the left side of the building, so he turned to his left and walked down the long corridor that was covered in thick beige carpet. Midway down the hallway, he saw brass numbers, 520, above a door on his right. Guarnere placed his bags on the floor and knocked on the door.

He grinned, hearing Leigh replying,

"Just a moment, please, I'm on my way to the door." She was wearing a cornflower blue Wiggle Dress with her usual stockings and black open toed pumps. Spencer opened the door and her eyes widened with surprise as she saw Guarnere standing there. She exclaimed,

"Oh my God, Bill! What a wonderful surprise! Come in, Honey." Guarnere entered the suite's living room. It was decorated in light blue, tan and white. He put his bags on the floor while Leigh shut and locked the door. Bill pulled Spencer close to him, giving her an extremely passionate kiss.

The kiss was so intense that they remained in each other's arms as Bill attempted to guide Leigh to the nearest wall. They narrowly missed falling over a coffee table in front of a white couch. Guarnere almost knocked over a chair as he found the wall and leaned against it.

Spencer had her arms around Bill's neck as his hands moved from her waist to cup her ass and caress it. He deepened the kiss and Leigh sucked the tip of his tongue into her mouth. The kiss went on a bit longer, then Guarnere broke the kiss, looking into Spencer's eyes, telling her,

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Bill." He continued to hold Leigh close.

"You're a beautiful angel. I love it when ya wear a Wiggle Dress."

"Thanks, Honey. I made a few more of these in different colors since you like them so much. How did you get here? I thought that you were still in the hospital. How is your leg?" Bill told her about going AWOL to get back to Easy Company.

"They took the cast off an' they made me start walkin', then runnin' to get me back into condition. Captain Winters gave me a 10 day R&R pass 'cause my leg ain't completely healed. He got your suite number from the USO an' he put me on a VIP military flight that brought me here. Now I can hear my baby singin' wit' my favorite group."

Leigh made a mental note to be sure that there was a VIP seat available for Bill in the theater. Guarnere looked around the suite,

"My angel is gettin' the star treatment. A crystal chandelier an' all o' this fancy furniture. I've missed my sweet baby."

"I've missed you, too. Thank God you're OK. It scared the hell out of me when I found out you got shot. Bill, please, no more stunts on a motorcycle, OK?" He chuckled,

"Captain Winters kinda said the same thing. Baby, where's your bedroom? I need to put my stuff away." He smirked, adding,"That is if you want me to sleep in your bed."

"Of course you're sleeping in my bed, you sexy smart ass. Just follow me, it's right through these glass doors." Guarnere opened the door for Spencer and followed her to the bedroom. A queen sized bed occupied the center of the room and another crystal chandelier hung in the center of the ceiling.

Floral curtains were pulled back to reveal windows and the French Doors leading to the balcony. Bill hung up his uniform trousers, shirts, ties and an extra dress uniform in an armoire to the right of the bed.

He put the contents of the duffel bag into the top drawer of a chest of drawers that sat beside the armoire.

"Sweetheart, is there a way to close those drapes? I ain't plannin' on puttin' on a show just in case anybody can see in these windows when we get busy."

Spencer showed him how the sash of the curtains could be removed, allowing the curtains to cover the windows. Leigh suddenly thought about the lingerie she had purchased earlier and she asked Bill,

" Honey, do you mind waiting in the living room? I bought a new outfit and I thought I'd model it for you, to see what you think of it. I just need to put it on and get fixed up a little bit." Guarnere agreed to wait in the other room. He first visited the bathroom beside the bedroom before returning to the living room. Bill washed his hands after he was finished in the bathroom. He wasn't sure which towel to use, so he dried his hands on a medium sized towel on a rack by the sink.

Once he was in the living room, Leigh opened the door to the armoire on the left side of the bed and she removed the bag containing the lingerie. She opened the top drawer of the chest of drawers beside the armoire, taking out the bag containing her diaphragm and the spermicidal jelly.

Spencer took the bag with the diaphragm into the bathroom. She removed her slip, garter belt, stockings and her panties before carefully applying the spermicidal jelly to the center of the diaphragm before inserting it.

She washed her hands and dried them on the small towel hanging on the rack by the sink. Then she carried the bag and the items of clothing back to the bedroom.

Leigh closed the curtains and removed her dress, hanging it up in the armoire. She placed her slip, garter belt, stockings and panties into a bag for the hotel's laundry service. Her bra went into the top drawer of the chest of drawers.

Spencer put on the black lace strapless bra and the lace bolero jacket. She then put on the see-through black silk panties, the matching black lace garter belt and the black silk stockings.

Leigh took care to ensure that the seams of her stockings were straight and she put on her black open toed pumps. She opened the middle drawer of the chest of drawers, extracting her small cosmetics bag.

Spencer applied eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, a hint of blush, powder and she also touched up her red lipstick. She brushed her hair and left the bedroom.

Leigh quietly entered the living room and stood in front of Bill.

"What do you think of my new outfit, Honey?" Guarnere put the newspaper on the coffee table and looked up. He was almost slack jawed at the sight of Leigh in the lingerie.

Although another part of his anatomy was responding to what he saw, Guarnere felt as if his brain had frozen. He couldn't find a coherent word to say. Bill had never been tongue tied around a woman before.

Spencer smiled,

"Do I pass inspection, Sergeant Guarnere?"

"Oh, hell yes! Jesus, Baby, you're stunnin'. All the pin up girls in the world ain't got nothin' on you." Bill noticed her black silk panties and said in an almost reverent tone,

"Holy God, those panties are see-through. I can see every perfect inch o' you. Baby, you have the most beautiful...you know what I mean. I don't wanna say anythin' disrespectful."

Spencer felt extremely pleased that Bill was enjoying the new lingerie. She walked closer and straddled his lap, giving Guarnere a very passionate kiss. Bill held her close and Leigh began to unbutton his dress uniform jacket.

Guarnere let the jacket fall to the floor, feeling glad that he stashed the box containing the engagement ring in the chest of drawers instead of keeping it in the pocket of his dress uniform.

Spencer nibbled his ear and she gently sucked on Bill's neck. She noticed that his cock was extremely hard. Leigh ground her pelvis against Guarnere, making him groan softly. Spencer untied his necktie and unbuttoned his shirt.

Bill quickly removed both items, letting them fall to the floor. He had a wicked grin as he used both hands to reach around Leigh to unhook her strapless bra. It fell on the floor in front of the couch.

Guarnere adored the sight of the sheer black lace bolero over her bare breasts. He caressed and kissed Spencer's breasts before he wrapped his lips around her nipples, sucking on them. She arched her back, loving the feeling of his lips tugging gently on her nipples.

Spencer reached down to unbuckle Bill's belt. He removed the belt and she stood up so Guarnere could remove his boots, socks and trousers. The boots were left by the coffee table while the socks and trousers wound up on the floor.

Leigh rubbed Bill's cock through the material of his boxer shorts. He groaned a bit louder when she gently squeezed his cock. She looked into Guarnere's eyes as she licked her lips. This slightly obscene behavior further aroused him.

Spencer straddled his legs again, rubbing her silk covered sex against his engorged cock.

"Baby, will ya stretch out on the couch for just a little bit? We can get right back to this, but I need to taste you. Could ya just take off the panties an' leave on the stockins an' garter belt?"

Leigh got up and sat on the couch beside Bill to remove her garter belt. She unfastened the stockings from the tabs on the garter belt, then she stood up, looking into Guarnere's eyes as she slowly removed the panties. Spencer let them fall to the floor and she reattached the stockings to the tabs on the garter belt and fastened the garter belt.

Then, Bill stood up, allowing Leigh to fully recline on the couch. She opened her legs.

"You look hotter than hell itself, Baby." Guarnere knelt over Spencer, kissing his way up her legs. He paused to suck on the soft flesh above her stockings. Leigh moaned softly, opening her legs a bit wider. Bill told her in a husky sounding voice,

"You're a fuckin' goddess." He lapped at the lips of her sex, working his way up to her clit. Bill wrapped his lips around the small nub of flesh, gently sucking on it. Spencer moaned louder. She tried very hard to not thrust her pelvis into his face as Guarnere continued to suck on and lick her clit.

A few minutes later, Leigh felt an orgasm building and Bill sucked a bit harder on her clit, sending her over the edge. Her pelvis involuntarily thrust up as the orgasm washed over her body.

Guarnere waited until Spencer had finished coming. Then, he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, putting her on the edge of the bed. They stripped the bed of the duvet, top sheet and pillows. Bill said,

"I need to take care o' somethin'. "

"I'm wearing something inside called a diaphragm. It's better birth control, plus you can feel more this way."

"I like the sound o' that. Now, what way does my sweet angel wanna make love?"

"Your sweet angel has turned into a horny little devil. I want to ride that magnificent cock." Guarnere chuckled at her remark and he sat up in bed, leaning his back against the headboard with his right leg bent at the knee and his left leg extended.

He watched Leigh approach the bed and he reclined on the bed, grinning as she straddled his hips. Spencer rubbed her sex on his cock. Guarnere groaned as he felt how wet she was.

"That feels so good, Baby." Spencer guided the tip of his cock into her interior. She made a throaty sounding moan as she slid down the length of him.

Leigh slightly circled her hips as she rode Bill. Then she did something she knew that he loved. Spencer moved up until only the tip of his cock remained inside her, then she quickly slid down the length of him again.

Guarnere groaned as she picked up the pace of riding him. He held both of her breasts in his hands. Bill soon reluctantly let go of Leigh's breasts so he could get a firm hold on her hips as he thrust up into her.

This position stimulated Spencer's G-spot and she could feel another orgasm building. Guarnere continued to thrust up inside her. He groaned at the sweet friction. Bill knew he couldn't last much longer, and he reached up to rub Leigh's clit.

That action soon helped send Spencer over the edge. She cried out passionately as she came. Guarnere felt her contracting around his cock. He started to come,

"Oh...fuck, yes!" Bill gently put Leigh on her side and he withdrew from her. He got the sheet and a pillow. Spencer snuggled up with her head on his chest.

Guarnere stroked her back,

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Baby, you're perfect at makin' love."

"I never came that hard before. Bill, you've always been perfect at making love."

"I'm sorry it didn't last very long. Bein' able to feel everythin' made me not last as long as I should."

"I'm not complaining, so there's no need to apologize."

"Will ya wear that outfit again sometime? You looked so beautiful an' sexy. " Leigh assured him that she would wear the black lace ensemble whenever he wanted. After snuggling for awhile, Bill and Leigh took a quick bath together.

Spencer put on her dress and clean lingerie plus a clean garter belt and stockings. She went back to the living room to take all of her items of clothing to put in the bag for the hotel's laundry service while Bill retrieved his clothes, a fresh pair of socks and a fresh pair of boxer shorts and got dressed in the bedroom.

Leigh noticed a piece of paper on the floor of the suite's living room. She picked it up and was stunned to see a note in Guarnere's handwriting saying, "Find the address for Lulu's."

Spencer was shocked. She couldn't believe her eyes. Still, there was no denying the fact that Bill wanted the address for the well known whorehouse. Leigh trusted Guarnere completely from the time they met.

She tried to remain calm and rational, thinking,

"There has to be a reasonable explanation for this." A nagging doubt wouldn't go away, and she wondered,

"Have I been played for a fool?" Spencer felt as if her heart would break when she considered the possibility that if Bill was planning on visiting Lulu's, their relationship was over. She would never be able to forgive him.

Guarnere entered the suite's living room.

"Sweetheart, do ya feel like goin' out for supper or do ya want to order from room service?" Leigh got up from the chair in which she'd been sitting. Bill saw the expression on her face. Spencer's emotional pain was almost palpable.

"What's wrong, Baby?" Leigh walked across the room to stand in front of Guarnere. She held up the note Bill wrote to himself.

"This goddamned paper I found on the floor is what's wrong! Why the fuck are you so interested in Lulu's? I know what and where it is. One of the singers I worked with in London, Samantha Meeks, found out that her boyfriend was screwing around behind her back at that place!" Bill was shocked to hear Leigh swearing at him. Spencer added,

"Goddamn it, Bill! I have trusted you completely! I gave you myself and my heart! How dare you do this to me!" Leigh began to cry as if her heart was completely shattered.

Guarnere took her hand and Spencer pulled away from him. She glared as she pointed her finger at Bill,

"Don't you fucking touch me! I'm very close to throwing you out of this suite, bag and baggage." She turned her back on him, walking across the room.

"Leigh, will ya please sit on the couch wit' me. I can explain why I have the name of that place." She sat down on the couch, still sobbing.

"At least have the decency to tell me the truth. Even if it's something I don't want to hear."

Bill got his handkerchief out of his pocket and tried to dry her tears. Spencer took the handkerchief out of his hand and blew her nose as the tears continued to fall. Leigh got up and went into the bedroom. She put the handkerchief in a bag for the hotel's laundry service.

Spencer returned to sit on the couch. Guarnere pulled her close to him, saying gently but firmly,

"Leigh, I need ya to listen to me. Don't do or say anythin' else until I have a chance to explain this to ya. I wrote the name of that place down for 'One Lung' McClung, Shifty Powers an' Bull. I promised 'em that I would find out where it was.

I know it looks real bad where I'm concerned, but you're tryin' and convictin' me for somethin' I didn't do. I kept it quiet 'cause I know Melissa is your friend.

Baby, I would never think of goin' behind your back an' seein' some broad in a place like that. I love you, nothin's changed my mind about that."

"I want to believe you because you mean the world to me." Guarnere pulled her close to him,

"If you can get away long enough to get to Holland, you can ask Bull, Shifty an' McClung. They won't protect me by lyin'. I don't think Bull is treatin' your friend right at all, but that's his business." Leigh moved back enough to look into Bill's eyes and realized that he was telling the truth.

"I should've known better than to jump to conclusions. It looked for all the world that you were interested in that place. Can you ever forgive me for being so stupid?" Bill cupped his hands around her face,

"There's no reason to forgive. Like I said, it didn't look good where I was concerned. I understand why ya got upset." Guarnere had newfound respect for Leigh when she stood up to him. He loved her feisty nature. She embraced him and Bill held her close. He chuckled,

"When you get fired up, ya curse like a sailor. Good thing ya didn't tell me my boot needed to be tied. I have a feelin' that you would've kicked my ass into next week." Spencer laughed at his remark,

"I told you a long time ago that I can curse a blue streak when I'm angry or upset." Bill kissed Leigh.

"Are ya feelin' better now, Baby?"

"Yes, much better."

"Glad to hear it, Honey. Let me tell ya about a crazy thing I did in Eindhoven before I broke my leg. When we jumped into Holland, the Dutch people loved us. Whatever they had, they shared wit' us. They had lots of apples.

We put the apples in our jump suit pockets. Pretty soon, I had about ten thousand apples." Leigh laughed at Bill's comment. He continued,

"All at once," He imitated the sound of German machine gun fire, "what do ya think I did? I got a goddamned apple outta my pocket. I thought it was a grenade, an' I threw it at the Germans. I'm throwin apples after the goddamned Germans! They thought it was a secret weapon. Leigh, ya shoulda seen the look on their faces."

Guarnere wondered if Spencer wanted to go out to eat. Leigh thought it sounded like a good idea. She put on a claret colored Wiggle Dress with three quarter inch sleeves and touched up her makeup and lipstick. Bill was already wearing his dress uniform, so he didn't need to change clothes.

Leigh grabbed her purse. Bill opened the door leading to the hallway, allowing her to exit the suite first. Spencer locked the door to the suite and Guarnere closed the door behind him.

Bill and Leigh found a bistro not far from the hotel. They enjoyed the simple high-quality home style cooking. After supper, Guarnere leisurely smoked a cigarette as they strolled hand in hand, looking at the Eiffel Tower.

The following night, Bill and Leigh returned to Spencer's suite after they had supper at the bistro they visited the night before. Guarnere had his usual cigarette after supper. There was a hint of a chill in the air and the clear sky sparkled with stars.

Guarnere asked Leigh if she would like to sit on the balcony in front of her bedroom. He opened the French Doors leading to the patio and waited for her to go outside first. Bill was pleased that room service had left a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket of ice, two champagne flutes on the table and a vase of red Sweetheart Roses.

Leigh noticed the champagne and the roses.

"Honey, did you order this?"

"Yes, I wanted to spoil my angel a little bit." He wanted to have the perfect romantic setting for what he had in mind.

"Thanks, Bill. They're beautiful." He pulled out one chair for Leigh, making sure she was seated before he sat down beside her.

Spencer smiled,

"You've always been extremely romantic. That's another thing I love about you. There's something about Paris, romance seems to be everywhere.

I'm here with the handsome man who owns my heart. It's a perfect evening." Guarnere poured the champagne into both champagne flutes. He raised his glass,

"To the beautiful love o' my life an' to love." Spencer raised her glass. They carefully touched the glasses together and sipped the champagne. Leigh told him,

"This is delicious. You made a good choice of champagne, Honey."

"I'm glad ya like it, Baby. I gotta confess, I asked the guy downstairs at the desk, what the best champagne was as far as my money was concerned. He told me to order this." Spencer figured out that Bill spoke to the Concierge of the hotel.

"It's sweet that you went to all that trouble to get the roses and a good bottle of champagne. As you would say, you went all out tonight." Guarnere thought,

"I'm goin' all out to make this perfect for my baby. I want this to be a night she'll never forget." Bill got up from the table, saying that he had a small surprise for her.

"Will ya keep your eyes closed, Honey? I'll let ya know when to open 'em." Leigh promised that she wouldn't open her eyes until he told her it was OK to open them. She was extremely curious about the surprise Guarnere mentioned.

When Bill returned he stood beside Leigh. He gingerly got down on his knees, mindful of his healing leg. Then, he got the ring box out of the pocket of his dress uniform jacket and held it in his hand.

"Open your eyes, Sweetheart," Spencer's eyes widened with surprise when she saw Bill on his knees and the blue velvet box in his hand. She had a radiant smile on her face as he told her,

"Baby, I've had this since the day we visited Ma and Pop before we both shipped out to England. Captain Winters has been keepin' it in safes in every Army office where we've been stationed. I've been waitin' for the right time an' place to do this." Bill opened the blue velvet box, showing her the ring.

"Leigh Spencer, will you do me the honor of becomin' my wife?Sweetheart, I love you an' I want to spend the rest of my life wit' ya. I want your face to be the last thing I see before I go to sleep an' the first thing I see in the mornin'. Baby, I promise to love you for the rest of our lives an' I will be a devoted husband.

Leigh felt elated as she bent down to kiss Bill, telling him,

"Oh, Bill, yes! Honey, you just made my most desired dream come true! I love you with all of my heart. Knowing that I will go to sleep and wake up beside you every day for the rest of our lives sounds like heaven to me. I promise to love you forever, and it will be an easy promise to keep. It's a beautiful ring! Would you please put it on my finger?"

Guarnere took her left hand and kissed it before he slipped the ring on her finger.

"It looks beautiful on ya, Honey. This was my Nonna DiSabato's ring. She left it to me in her will. In Italian families, the oldest son gets the ring. My brother Ernest is in the Merchant Marines, he didn't need the ring. All my other brothers, except Henry, were already married when Nonna died. I don't know why, but she insisted that I should get her ring." Bill stood up since kneeling was causing his right leg to hurt.

Leigh stood up and hugged Bill, telling him,

"You picked the most romantic location to propose. Baby, I'll never forget this night as long as I live. I like the sound of Leigh Guarnere, it has a nice ring to it, no pun intended.

Someday, I'll tell our children and grandchildren about how you proposed to me. Bill, I can't begin to describe how much I love you and how happy you've made me tonight. You surprised me and you made me the happiest woman in Paris."

Guarnere gave Spencer a passionate kiss.

"Honey, you made me the happiest man in Paris when ya told me 'Yes.' I know when the time comes, you'll be the sexiest and most beautiful Nonna in South Philadelphia."

I was hopin' you wanted to have kids, 'cause I'd like to have a family someday. 'course I don't want to have as many kids as Ma and Pop had."

"Bill, I want to be the mother of your children and I hope we have a fairly big family, with least one little boy who looks and acts exactly like you and at least one girl.

"You'll have your hands full wit' a kid like me. If we have a little girl, I hope she looks just like her beautiful Ma. I hope she's a singer, too. Is it OK wit' you if we wait until after the war is over before we get married? That way, we can plan a nice weddin' ceremony and include our families an' friends."

"Honey, it's fine with me to wait until after the war is over. It would definitely give us time to get everything arranged the way we want. I don't think a little boy like you would be a problem. Are you sure you want an exact replica of me? I'm not sure the world is ready for another Leigh Spencer." Bill chuckled at her question,

"I wouldn't want our little girl to be any other way. You're perfect, Baby."

"I think you're perfect, too. Let's tell our folks the good news. Due to the circumstance of the calls being made, I don't think the Andrews Sisters will object as long as we don't talk too long."

"That's a great idea, Baby. Is it OK if I call Ma and Pop first." Spencer said that was fine. Bill called the front desk and asked them to place the call to South Philadelphia. He gave the operator the telephone number.

While Guarnere waited, he asked Leigh,

"What time will it be at home?" She told him that the United States was five or six hours behind Paris time. The operator told Bill,

"I have the connection made with the other party. You may speak to them now. Bill said

"Hello."

"Billy, is everything OK?" Guarnere smiled,

"Ma, things couldn't be better. I just proposed to Leigh an' she said, 'Yes!'"

"Oh, that's wonderful news, Billy!" She paused to tell Bill's father.

"Your pop says 'congratulations'. I'm gonna let everybody know the good news. This is probably costin' a fortune to call, so I'd better be goin'. Give my love to Leigh! I couldn't have picked a better daughter-in-law." Guarnere promised to deliver his mother's message to Spencer.

He told her,

"Ma sends her love. She said that she couldn't have picked a better daughter-in-law."

"That's so sweet. I couldn't have picked a better mother-in-law."

"Thanks, Baby. It's great that you an' Ma are crazy about each other."

"I think the world of her, your dad and your sisters. Now, it's my turn to tell the good news to my folks." She got the operator to place a person to person call to the Spencers. The operator made the connection after a few minutes. She told Leigh that she could begin speaking to the other party on the line. She said,

"Hello." Cal answered her immediately,

"Leigh, good to hear from you! What's going on?" Spencer had a brilliant smile on her face as she replied,

"You're gaining a son-in-law after the war is over. Bill just proposed in the most romantic setting, Paris!" Cal teased her,

"And you turned him down." She giggled,

"Dad, you know how much I love him. Bill gave me his grandmother's engagement ring and it's absolutely stunning!" Cal congratulated his daughter.

"He wrote to me a few months ago, asking for our blessings.

Wait just a minute, your mother just walked into the house." Cal told Louise that Leigh was calling from Paris. Louise picked up the phone,

"What's going on? I just got back from my hair appointment." When Leigh gave her mother the news, she replied,

"Oh, that's wonderful! Congratulations! When is the wedding?" When Louise learned that the wedding would take place after the war was over, she told Leigh,

"You'll have plenty of time to plan everything just the way you want it. Your father and I are delighted to welcome Bill into the family. You couldn't have picked a better man for your husband." She and Cal promised to write or call soon. Leigh told Bill,

"Mom just said I couldn't have picked a better man to be my husband. I agree with her one hundred percent."

"How about we celebrate wit' a toast?" Leigh agreed and Bill poured a small amount of champagne in each glass. He raised his glass,

"To my angel, may we have a long lifetime o' love." Spencer raised her glass,

"To you, Honey, may we have a long lifetime of love." Guarnere suddenly realized something, commenting,

"Sweetheart, I can't believe that I didn't get somethin' for your birthday an' our anniversary." Leigh kissed Bill,

"This beautiful ring more than makes up for it. You gave me the perfect gift for both occasions. This is something I've wanted for quite some time." Guarnere tenderly kissed her. That night, after making love tenderly, Bill and Leigh fell asleep in each other's arms.

@lizziebitch33 @wontyoutakeitback @alluringmoonlightbabe @bookfansworld @stinkyrat09 @celie-voss @cagzzz107 @ethereal-jumpwings @havaneselover08 @lenabob @leksi-rae @marycorleone @f1-and-shiz @bellewintersroe @softguarnere @vibing-away @theretroloverofmusic @brassknucklespeirs @breadsprinkles @itstheheebiejeebies

#bill guarnere #william guarnere #easy company #band of brothers #vintagelavenderskies #bill guarnere imagine #bill guarnere smut #band of brothers imagine #ethereal-jumpwings #ethereal jumpwings #rogue-barnes-durin-main

20 notes · View notes