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harryforvogue · 2 months

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Part Two | Chapter Twelve: Kiss Me Like You Want To Be Loved

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

July 1919

In the span of just one week at Aunt Geraldine's home, we've caused quite the ruckus.

Still she shows remorse when we pack the taxi and glance at the massive house once more before turning to hug each person. The train we've decided to catch is an early morning one, too early for little Grace to stand outside fully awake, knuckling her eyes as she waits for her turn to be hugged. I hug her tightly and tell her I'll see her soon and we can read all the books we can. She smiles at the idea, and Geraldine sends her back inside to go back to sleep. I nod appreciatively at Geraldine and let myself be engulfed in a hug.

During this week Geraldine has become a friend to me, despite her lack of relation to me. Her hug for Harry is shorter and more cautious, but loving nonetheless.

Regardless of the pleasantries, I feel it's my duty to step forward and apologize for the mess Harry and I have made during our stay.

"If we've disrupted you in any way," I insist, holding Jared's hands, speaking firmly. "I'm sorry. I couldn't have predicted any of it."

Jared gives me a nonchalant shrug and tells me that it's the price of marriage, but Geraldine is kinder yet more strict when she speaks to me, holding my elbow tightly and making sure I hear every syllable of her words.

"Don't you ever apologize for a man," she tells me lowly, furrowing her brows. "You are too good for him."

I shake my head and nervously check over my shoulder to see if Harry's listening or within earshot. "I rather think we're both pathetic enough for each other."

Geraldine smiles, holding a hand to my cheek. The gesture suddenly, and quite violently, reminds me of my mother, who used to hold my face like this when I'd be crying to wipe the moisture immediately after it fell from my eyes. She never tolerated weakness in the house, though on some events, weakness was the only friend I had.

"You are too good for him," Geraldine repeats, leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead. "Be safe. Let us know you've arrived in Newport safely."

We've decided Newport is the next destination. Harry's decided it. He's told me that men in his company have raved about how beautiful of a place it is and how he must go to see it himself. It's on the East Coast and only a day's ride by train.

"I will," I promise, waving goodbye to them as I walk to the car. I sit beside Harry and wait for the rumble of the car against the pavement to remind me how far I'll be from the family soon.

Harry notices a few minutes later, cautiously peering at me. His curls are tucked behind his ears, and the way he ducks his head allows a strand to fall into his eyes. He messily pushes it away when he glances at me, waiting a moment to gauge my expression before speaking. This is progress, I think, though it's not anything more than an inch in the direction of our goal.

"Are you alright?" he asks finally.

I crack the window open a bit and nod, glancing out. "I'm going to miss them."

"Oh," Harry says, agreeing. "Me too. They're a lovely family. I do hope to visit them again soon before winter."

"Geraldine reminds me of my mother."

"Do you miss your mother?"

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek. "A lot." I look back at him and study his now distant eyes. "Don't you miss yours?"

"Of course I do." He stares out the window behind me, his eyes oddly matching the color of the sky. "I miss her all the time."

"She should visit us."

His gaze flickers to mine as he raises a brow. "I couldn't convince her to leave London. I doubt she'd want to be here. You know how she is."

"Still," I say. "It's a thought."

"Maybe soon." He cracks his knuckles. "I can't wait to sleep on the train."

"You didn't sleep well?"

"No," he admits, rubbing his eyes. "Barely slept. I've got a migraine."

I turn my body towards him. "Did you have a nightmare?"

He pulls his palms away from his face and sends me a wry smile. "Yes, I did have a nightmare."

"Will you tell me about it?"

Uncertainty touches his eyes as he focuses back on the scenery outside the window as we just pass over the recent town and enter a larger field, the breeze from the cracked window blowing his hair around.

After a tense silence and inner battle, he nods once. "Alright. I'll tell you on the train." He seems to regret the words as soon as they come out of his mouth. "But you won't do anything except stay quiet and listen. I don't want commentary."

I cross my arms. "I want to comment."

"Well, I won't let you."

"Is it about France?"

"Yes."

"How about this: for every bad memory you tell me of France, I'll tell you a good one."

"Annaliese," he says dryly, "I mean no offense, but there is nothing you can say that will make me think France is a nice place. I appreciate the thought, but it's going to be useless."

I mull this over in my head, eventually agreeing to it. "You're right. I want you to be comfortable."

His glassy eyes soften before they glance back out his own window. This is progress, I think happily. The kind of progress we need.

***

"Who will we be staying with?" I ask Harry as I sit in my seat on the train, taking my hat off.

Harry says, "We're staying at a hotel. I do know some people in Newport, but I doubt I'll go to see them. It's best if you sleep now."

"Are they the friends from the army?"

Harry nods. "Though, I wouldn't call them my friends. Friends stay in touch and none of us have decided to do that."

I stretch my legs the best I can, slumping against my seat. The thought of his promise brightens me, and I eagerly turn to face him. "Okay well, start talking, Styles. Tell me what your dream was about."

Harry, alarmed at my eagerness, raises his brows. "Annaliese, it's not one of those cute bizarre dreams."

"I'm not excited to hear your misery, Harry," I assured him gently. "I'm excited to hear you talk. I want to know."

A part of this desire comes from wanting to fill in the blanks of what happened during the time I was absent from his life. I want to know it all: his early mornings, his training, how he felt on the trains, how he felt having a dry laugh with his company. I want to know all the happiness but also the pain. If the pain outweighs the happiness, I will be more than willing to oblige and listen to his struggles.

Harry seems conflicted, unsure where to start, but finally, he gathers his thoughts and begins in a deep voice just as the doors of the train cars close and it jerks to a start. I listen intently.

"I can't sleep on the mattress very well," Harry admits, looking out the window, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm too used to the hard ground of the trenches or the cots in the infirmary. The night you accidentally came to my room was the last time I tried to sleep on the bed. It's quite uncomfortable for me. I laid down on the floor with my blanket over me, just thinking for a bit." Harry's ears go pink. "I have to do that before I sleep, to tire my brain out. If not, my body will be tired, but not my mind, and it's my mind that puts me to sleep, isn't it?

"I had settled in and shut my eyes after thinking a bit. Most of my dreams occur after I've already woken up through the night, but this time I had the dream as soon as I drifted off. It was quite bearable at first, just memories of France and my company, but it soon became violent."

He pauses and I think he's finished, but then he picks back up.

"I didn't think you could hear things in your dream. But it's the most frightening part, I think. Hearing things you can't see, wondering how your brain is able to come up and mimic those sounds when you've buried them in your everyday life. I don't hear those noises anymore, but for some reason, my brain likes to remind me of them, to make sure I don't forget them.

"I heard," he says, frowning, "the shells." He pauses once more, clearly trying to filter as best as he can. "See, the thing with shells," he continues, glancing at me, "is that you can tell what kind they are and how close they are as you spend more time at the Front. And these particular ones in my dream, they were both loud and shrill."

He doesn't need to fill me in for me to figure out what that means.

He opens his mouth and then closes it. "That's it. That's my dream. I was at the Front and I heard shells, increasing in both volume and quantity until I was suddenly awake," he concludes quickly.

That isn't the full story, but I remain patient. I wait a minute before speaking. "Did you get hurt?"

Harry raises his eyebrows. "In my dream or during the war?"

"During the war," I clarify. "You mentioned the cots in the infirmary."

"Oh. Well, yes. I did, a few times, but it was nothing more than a few grazes." His expression turns sour. "I did, however, have an unfortunate incident with a broken shrapnel."

"Will you tell me about it?" My eyes wander to the cut that runs through his eyebrow, knowing the scar was the result of that particular incident.

He glances down at me for seemingly eternity, before shaking his head. "Not today." He looks ashamed.

My heart aches with love for him and the steps he's taking. He's wiping his palms anxiously on his trousers, fingers trembling. Impulsively, I reach over and touch his hand in an attempt to stop the quivers. He freezes. I hold my breath as I pick up his hand and turn it over, palm facing upwards. I study the long digits of his hands, slowly tracing the lines separating his fingers into thirds.

I pick up his hand again and put it in my lap, encasing it with both of my hands.

His green eyes are stormy, his tense body conflicted. I trace the veins on his wrist as I wait for him to either relax or pull away. His eyes burn into mine, searching through them for some answer that I hope I'm able to provide him.

When he makes no move, simply watching me, I push myself closer to him, begging him in my head to not move away. My shoulder brushes against his, then my ankle, then my knee, and finally my thigh. The warmth of his body pressed to mine makes me smile reassuringly at him, reminding him that it's alright with my expression. He doesn't move or shift or even breathe, still as if he's being hunted, eyes firmly glued to mine.

"I'm sorry," I whisper sincerely. "I wish I could fix it all for you, my love."

I crane my neck slowly and focus on his mouth. His pink, wide mouth that's always thinned or in a firm line. Keeping a tight grip on his hand to ground him, I carefully look at his dark eyes with a look that reads "Stop me now" before I press my lips to his, watching his eyes flutter shut just in time.

To say I've missed his kisses is a grave understatement. It's a brief, chaste kiss, but it's not one sided. I've shared enough kisses with Harry to know that. Harry tilts his head and kisses me back slowly, his pulse quickening under my fingertips. Slowly, I pull back and quickly check his reaction. His eyes open and he stares at me for a minute, jaw tight with either regret or interest.

I never find out which one it is as the train conductor comes by to ask for tickets. Harry shows him both of ours. He doesn't say anything, but he leaves his hand in my grasp, giving my fingers the softest squeeze. His frame is more relaxed, breathing heavy, but that's all.

The storm passes and he finally glances at me and whispers, "You should get some sleep. We've got a long ride."

I nod, feeling like a teenager who has just got her first kiss with her high school crush. Oddly enough, the fluttering in my stomach feels a lot like how it did during my first kiss with Harry, on that hot summer evening in London, exactly 3 years ago.

***

When I wake up, Harry's still gazing out the window. He's called for lunch and the smell wakes me like an animal out of hibernation. Harry gives me a soft smile and lets my hand slip from his when I begin eating.

When talking with him, I must listen closely to his words. I lean in, listening to him intently, watching his every movement on his face to grab onto his softening eyes -- a clue I've read to look into when inspecting a man's face, particularly a man you're in love with -- and his fluctuating voice as it increases when talking about something exciting and decreasing when making observations of the city we're passing.

Unhappy with the lack of findings, I sit back in my seat across from him and just listen instead, glancing out the window as he points out what exactly we are passing. Currently still in northern Pennsylvania, it's all just open fields. It's quite a romantic scene, I think to myself, the skies littered with a few white clouds acting as chaperones over the cattle and horses that graze in the fields. Occasionally, we'll see farmers herded animals, but for the most part, it's free will. I find myself longing to be in those fields, frolicking with my husband beside me, asking me not to go too far or he'll miss me.

The husband in question sits in front of me, talking about labor unions in Pennsylvania. When I glance back at him, his eyes are wide with excitement over his own findings in the library and book ship in Bellefonte. I listen halfheartedly for a moment before returning my full attention to his voice, finding serenity in the low rumbling tone rather than the words they're making. His eyelashes flutter when the sun hits his eyes squarely, his green eyes becoming paler like a cat's eyes. Unlike a cat's pupil, however, he doesn't recoil and become slits. They stay wide and excited as he continues speaking, incorporating his hands in his speech to aid him as well.

When he finishes his speech, glancing at me a bit shyly, the tips of his ears are pink, and I highly doubt it's due to the heat from the sun and lack of curtains on the window.

"That's all," he concludes with a slight cough. "That's all there is until 1917. Not quite sure what happened with the men all away when American troops began migrating to the east for the war. I don't think there would be strikes with no men."

I put my chin in my palm and tilt my head. "Can't women go on strike?"

He raises his eyebrows, most likely surprised I was even listening. "Well, yes," he says, quite mildly, "but there isn't a reason to go on strike in dire situations. Ends must be met, right? Despite living conditions. If the price of living is high, though it doesn't seem like it was during the war in America particularly, it doesn't correlate with the wage of the workers. That is," he continues, "the reason for most strikes. The lack of good pay. But at this point, desperate times called for desperate measures. The American government, like the British government, if you remember, became strictly war manufacturers. Someone has to do the work, regardless of how much they're getting paid."

"What if," I say, "the woman refused to work?"

"That's entirely possible and completely up to the woman. If she were single during the war, I doubt her working a man's job bothered her. Independent women, I find, are far more ambitious than married men," he adds.

"Really? You believe that?"

"Yes. I see that dynamic between us."

"Between us?" I hum, running a knuckle over my lips to hide a smile. "You think I'm more ambitious than you?"

"Yes," he answers confidently. "Do you disagree?"

"Not exactly. I'd argue we're both quite ambitious. In different ways. For example, while I may be adamant about my work and creating a living for us, you're more ambitious about traveling and researching history."

"Traveling," he says with a twitch of his lips, "isn't ambitious."

"I'd argue that it is."

"Why?"

"It takes guts to go to a foreign country and expect to just blend in."

He looks thoughtfully out the window. "Right, but it wasn't just me who blended it. I believe it was harder for you to settle in, with English being your second language and the Americans so... American."

"It was your idea to come here."

"It was yours. I merely agreed. And you've been here longer than me."

"You've been in a more foreign country for longer than me. While France is my home country, it's unknown territory for you."

"Was," he interjects, glancing back at him. "It was unknown territory."

Leveling with him, I reply, "It still is."

He shakes his head slightly and links his fingers together, rubbing over his silver wedding band. "I think your definition of France and mine are wildly different, Annaliese."

This is true, but a part of me strives to continue educating him in the country that I've loved even during the years I've been away from it, to remind him what exactly beauty is. The appeal of the country shouldn't have been the proximity to the enemy on the eastern front, but the people, the language, the arts, and the communities built into the villages for many generations. It is the true meaning of what it means to be French, yet when he closes his eyes, he imagines machine guns, artillery, and scarlet blood.

"I understand," he continues, unbuttoning his jacket and removing it swiftly from his torso, "that we're quite different in our definitions, however, I can assure you that I have no plans on changing my mind about it." He proceeds to undo his collar and open it, revealing a flushed pink color, his chest rising and falling a little easier. He rests his head back and sighs deeply. "And I have no intention of you converting to my side."

"Well that's a relief."

He smiles a bit, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, well, you stay in your area, and I'll stay in mine."

"Because if you tell me about your experiences in France, I will not think of France as just yards and yards of trenches. I will still see it as the beautiful country I know it as because I know that the war is over and well in the past--"

"Miles," he softly interjects. "Miles and miles of trenches."

I pause, quickly assessing the atmosphere between us. His eyes have become a little glassy and unfocused as I continue to speak, so I catch my breath and stop talking.

"Nothing will change your mind," he says finally, resting his temple on the window, "and nothing will change mine. Seems like we're in agreement." The light streaming past the glass creates a small rainbow against the bridge of his nose.

Dropping the subject, I nod. "Very well. Nobody's won this round."

"Round?" he says, distracted."Are you keeping score?"

"I'll be damned if I let you win."

"I've already let you win a few times."

"Stop letting me. I want to win fair and square. I'd be more than happy to admit when I'm wrong and apologize when needed."

He doesn't reply, closing his eyes instead, offering me nothing more than an amused expression and a shake of his head.

A few moments pass in silence until he opens his eyes again and watches me. I feel his gaze on me, and to give him peace, I don't startle him by glancing back immediately. "Hey," he finally says softly. He bumps his knee against mine gently. "I don't want you to ever apologize to me. Please don't again."

I bump his knee back. "I don't like when you apologize either."

"Then let's make a deal. Nobody apologizes."

I stick my hand out and look him in the eyes. "Sounds good."

He hesitates for a moment, but finally places his hand in mine, giving it a firm shake. When he goes back to sleep, I hold that hand in my lap, running my thumb over my palm. I watch him sleep as his protector.

***

Summer is, arguably, the best season. Spring, while a predecessor of summer, often has cold fronts and the rain is icy, dark clouds hovering over our heads. Rather less in New York, but the gloomy weather stays as if we were still in London, now just surrounded by skyscrapers instead of fancy buildings with ancient architecture. London has, to me, quite a Gothic touch, and perhaps the gloominess of the weather fits its personality, however, spring in the East Coast is vastly different, thankfully. As we still find ourselves in the East Coast, the state we are in now, traveling fast towards our destination has no change. I'm unsure where exactly we are, I think, looking out the window, finding nothing more than a thick post rain fog that blocks my immediate view.

Summer brings rain, and sometimes it is frigid and cold, but when you're inside, staring at the soft rain dropping onto the windows and eventually disappearing into the atmosphere, you can't help but grow an appreciation for it. The air is humid and thick, barely breathable, and the rain a cold contrast against the skin to ease the tightness caused from the lack of air. The rain holds oxygen and solace.

Harry's slept through the rain, but he's rising now, his eyebrows pinched together with discomfort. Upon opening his eyes, he sees me and sits up a little straighter, rolling his tight neck.

"It rained?" he murmurs, knuckling an eye. My heart swells with love, wanting nothing more but to cradle him to my chest and tell him that yes, it rained, but I didn't let him get wet.

"Yes," I reply instead, smiling. "It looks lovely, doesn't it?"

Harry's unfocused eyes drowsily glance at the window. "I can't see anything."

"That's the best part."

He slants me a look and hums.

"I think we're almost here. I overhead the conductor a few minutes ago. I wish we could get something to eat," I say.

He's still rubbing his eyes. "I'm starving."

"What's the plan for Newport, then?"

"Still the same." He stands up and stretches his long legs, suddenly aware of the cold, bending down to pick up his jacket and rest it on his shoulders for warmth. "I'm going to sleep so well tonight."

Taking the topic of conversation to be a little cheeky, I say, "Sure! I'll keep you warm."

He sits down again and glances out the window, fog still blocking his view. "You're quite funny."

"Fine, I'll take the floor then."

He ignores me, running his finger over the foggy glass. "We can get two rooms."

"I will hurt you if you pay for separate rooms just to sleep, Harry," I say seriously. "Hey." I deliver a small kick to his ankle. "Stop thinking about it."

To my surprise, a slight smile plays on his lips, a mild one. "I'm kidding."

"I don't think you are," I reply suspiciously.

"If there's a couch, I'll sleep there."

"Or, I can make a wall between us when we sleep and we'll stay on our sides, hands to ourselves."

He rests his head back and looks at me through his dark eyelashes, raising an interested eyebrow. "You really want this," he states, not quite a question.

"Well, most wives would like to lay with their husbands."

"Most husbands would like to lay with their wives," he answers with a strained undertone. "And I can assure you that I am no exception."

There's a less reasonable side of me that wants to lean in and argue with him that all his actions and words prior to his conversation have suggested otherwise, that he would rather lay on the cold, hard floor than lay on a comfortable mattress besides his wife. His face gives him away, surprisingly, since he's been so hard to read recently, but this is clear on his face, in his transparent eyes with which he holds eye contact with me, waiting for his words to settle into my head. They no longer hover, settling finally. And then it hits me, quite violently, that the issue isn't laying besides a body, but what happens when temptation gets the best of him.

I feel my face growing hotter, and he seems to relax when he sees the realization on my face.

"You know I would not mind that," I say firmly, hating the blush on my face.

"Maybe not, but I would. You have always known how hard it is for me to keep my hands off of you."

I do know. I think about it all the time. "Is it so bad to want to lay with your wife?"

"Of course not," he says, peering distractedly out the window. "But it's not the right time. I've told you that it's not you."

"Well, why does the thought of sleeping with me displease you so?"

"Displease me? It doesn't. It's quite attractive, but it's...it's..." He breaks off, slightly flushed. "Never mind."

Eagerly, I continue to convert before it's lost. "I want to know. What is it?"

"You'll laugh."

"I won't!" To be truthful, there's a chance that I might.

He starts, pauses once to inspect my unmoving face, and then sighs, continuing once more. "I treat it like a reward. For when I'm better."

"For when you're better?"

"Yes. I'll have you as a reward for when I'm healthy again."

Perhaps this won't be as funny as I anticipated. "Are you sure that's such a good idea? I'm not too excited by it."

"You don't think it's odd? Or creepy? That I use you as an incentive?"

I smile, nudging his knee with mine. "I don't think it's odd or creepy, but it might be a little useless. I don't think I can last as long as your recovery seems to be taking."

His eyebrows shoot up. "Are you making fun of my illness?"

"Well." I shrug. "You are testing my patience. If you think I'm waiting that long, you're wrong. What if mine stops working?"

Wide eyes blink at me. "Stops working?"

"Yes," I say seriously."

"Wow. Your priorities are not in order."

"Think about it."

Harry smiles. "I have a feeling you'll hurt me if I tell you I expect you to wait for me."

"I'll wait because I have no other outlet for relieving my pain."

"Pain," he repeats, eyebrows raised.

"And I'll wait, but I won't be happy about it."

"I don't expect you to be happy about it."

"Harry," I say, squeezing his hand. "Don't worry about whether I'll be happy or not. I'm completely kidding. If it's helping you, then it's okay. I'm here for you, remember? The point is to make you comfortable. Don't worry," I add. "It won't suddenly become inoperable."

Harry's hidden dimples suddenly deepen when he turns his head to look at me.

"I know that, Annaliese," he says, flicking my forehead. "Quit saying that. I don't like the image in my head."

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duketheman · 4 years

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Generation 4 Part 4

Skipping ahead seven months

Sunday November 24, 2019

"John Ross comes home for the Holidays"

It's 4:30am & I'm finishing up my cup of coffee & Mary is asleep as she's getting close to the Delivery date & I want her to rest. I'm sure she'll be up before I get back from the Airport with JR! His flight is scheduled to arrive at 6:00am & I'm being cautious as to have plenty of time to park & meet him at the gate! We don't miss Church, so we'll attend evening service tonight! It's 4:45am & I'm on my way to Miami International to pick up JR. Mary is so excited & as for Kellyanne, I've asked George to bring her to the house later! JR wanted to surprise her, so we didn't mention him coming home yet! It's 5:30am & I've arrived at the airport. I park in the Garage & walk across to the terminal to the arrival gate! I go to the coffee shop & purchase a Cinnamon Bun & a cup of coffee, sit down & wait for the flight to land! Ahh, his flight is landing! It 6:15am & late. But no matter, it's here, safe & that's what counts! The airport is just starting to get crowded Thanksgiving holiday & all! It's 6:40am & JR is just getting through Security! I tell: ~JR!!!!~ He sees me & walks towards in my direction. First words out of his mouth: ~Dad, how Kellyanne, God I miss her! Oh you to Dad, how have you & mom been, Is she showing big now?~ I reply: ~We've been fine & yeaaa! She showing real big son! Did Kellyanne tell you she's got a baby sister coming around the same time as you new baby

brother?~ He replies: ~Yea, that's something, isn't Dad! Weird but I like it. They can be best friends! Let's go home Dad, I really want to to see Mom. I miss her so much! Sometimes when I was down & stuck on something I thought I couldn't do; Mom encouraged me & told me I can do anything if I put my mind to it! Just like when I was a kid! She called me allot Dad!~ I reply: ~She's that way son. Always has been. She loves you more than anything! Let's go, she's probably awake & cooking us breakfast as we speak!~ We pick his bags out from the Baggage Carousel, left the terminal & walked across to the garage where my Beamer was parked! It's 7:55am & we're headed for home! We're pulling into our Driveway & it's 9:00am. JR darts for the house! He really missed his Mother! I get the bags & carry them into the house! I open the door & the two of them are hugging each other like it's been years! My wife is crying she's so happy to see her little man! I walk by them with the bags & carry them upstairs to JR's room! I smell food & I welcome it, I'm starving! She's got Bacon, sausage, Biscuits, white gravy, eggs & grape jelly on the table. Grape is JR's favorite! We have Orange juice, milk, coffee & apple juice for Mary. My wife says: ~You boys dig in now, while it's hot!~ Nobody has to tell me twice, I'm hungry! I'm finished eating, & I get up, pick up the table & clean everything up. That gives time for Mary to catch up with JR! Afterall, at 12:30pm, Kellyanne will be here & they're going to be spending an awful lot of time together! I'm done with the dishes, those two are still at it, so I go into the library & read up on seaman regulations! They're constantly changing! Wow, two hours & my eyes are killing me, I need a break! Doorbell is ringing, it 12:25pm. It's George, Lucy & Kellyanne! I invite them in & before I can say anything, Kellyanne sees JR. She yells out in Joy: ~John Ross! 'O John Ross, I didn't even know you were going to be here! When did you get in?~ He replies: ~I wanted to surprise you! I got in early this morning! I've missed you so much Kellyanne!~ She replies:

~John Ross, I've missed you terribly! I'm so happy you're home! How long are are you home for John Ross?~ He replies: ~ I have to leave on January 2, 2020. I'm here until after the Holidays!~ The go into the other room so they can talk! Man, I can't tell who's belly is bigger! Oh well, next month the new ones will be filling everybody's hearts with joy!

Skipping ahead to November 27

It's 7:00am & Mary, myself, JR, George, Lucy & Kellyanne are getting ready to board a flight to Valdosta Regional Airport Headed to spend the Holidays with my parents! Mary's Parents & Julia's Mother will also be joining us at the Mansion! We've checked our luggage & it's 7:30am. Our flight leaves at 8:00am & we're going through Security now! It's 7:55am & we're boarding the plane! The trip is expected to be smooth & take approximately 4 hours with 1 stop. We should be landing at about 12:00pm! I will be happy to see my parents & JR certainly will enjoy seeing all of his Grandparents in one place. This will probably be the last time he'll see his Grandma Rachael! She's been in poor health lately. I'm glad she'll have time with JR! It's 12:05pm & we're landing. We disembark the plane & run through Security. It's 12:45pm & we're heading towards the Baggage Carousel! The ladies are seated so not to put strain on them. They are just about a week from due date! My Father has sent a Limousine service to pick us up because of the amount of people! I spot the Chofer holding a sign with our name on it! I signal him to come & give us a hand! We get a Baggage cart & load the luggage onto it & head for the door. The Car is parked at the loading zone. We help the ladies in the we get in. The Chofer loads the luggage in the trunk! We're on our way to Madison County, just across the State line. About 30-35 minutes from here to the Mansion! It's 1:30am & we're pulling onto the Grounds of Newport Mansion! George says: ~Dang Harry, dis place be beautiful! I ain't neva seen a place be like dis!~ I reply: ~It's just a place to live George! Too big for me!~ My Parents are both outside waiting for us as we pull up! My Mother is quite famous for her Sweet tea & Lemonade! My Grandma Nippy's recipe! She welcome everyone. She kisses me on the cheek & my wife & says:

~We've missed you!~ She shakes the hands of George & Lucy & says: ~You're most welcome here, consider yourselves part of the family. My name is Candace, you may call me Candy!~ She looks at Kellyanne & says: ~Now, who do we have here child? Such a Beautiful young Lady!~ She replies: ~My name is Kellyanne Mam, Pleased to meet you! Mother replies: ~ So polite! Well then Kellyanne, you can call me Grandma if you wish. ~Now everyone, this is Charles, my husband Harry's Father!~ She turns to JR & says: ~Now John Ross, come here my boy & let you Grandma give you some love!~ He walks over to Mother & holds out his arms & my Mother gives her Grandson a hug to remember! She says: 'O John Ross, I've missed you so much! I'm so proud of you & I'm so glad you could make it & spend the Holidays with us!

Rachael, will be flying in tonight, Will & Laura are driving & should be here soon! Our family keeps growing! Now for you two expecting Mothers, arrangements have been made with Madison County Memorial Hospital! I have a Dr Jameson on call in case of an emergency! I believe your Doctor is Kleinpeter? Dr Jameson says that he knows him!

Dr Jameson has with your permission agreed to take over while you're here? Both Mary & Lucy simultaneously say: ~Of course, & thanks Mom, Mary adds!~ Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show our guest to their rooms!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, (looks at us) right this way please?~ George asks: ~Harry, a Butler, well day beat all! Dis place be Beautiful Harry!~ Mother says loudly: ~We've had a late lunch prepared for you, if you're hungry!~ I reply: ~Yes, thank you Mother, I'm quite

hungry!~ George adds: ~Me too, me belly be achin, really achin! Me be thirsty too! Harry, Rich people drink beer?~ I reply: Yes George, my Father was born in Texas. He enjoys a cold Bud once in a while! But he quite likes his Brandy!~ He replies: ~Me too!~ I leave my wife upstairs to change & come down to say a real hello to my Father: ~Hello Father, I've missed you!~ He turns to me & says: ~Son, I've missed you too! I'm so happy you came to spend the Holidays with us!~ He hugs me & says: ~ I love you Son!~ I've always been close to my Father! He's a Good man & has always done his very best for his family! I ask: ~Father, will my Sister & Brothers be joining us?~ He replies: ~Jaime had to make a choice! She's spending Thanksgiving with Bill's parents! They'll be joining us for Christmas! You're Brothers have to work through Thanksgiving because of some bureaucratic meddling! They'll be joining us this weekend!~ Everyone is coming downstairs, let's go into the Drawing room, Huntington will be serving a late lunch! Just some horderves & little stuff like that to hold you over until dinner.~ We all enter the Drawing room & Father asks: ~Drinks anyone?~ George is ready: ~Bud please?~ Father replies:

~Of course George, Would you be a Seaman by any chance my good man?~ aye, Me would Sir!~ Both our wives reply: ~Sprite if you don't mind?~ The kids have already got Coke! I request: ~Scotch on the Rocks~ In comes Huntington: ~Horderves!~ He's serving us one by one! Shrimp, Caviar, Olives, Rolled Ham, & other various treats! Kids ask him if he'd just make the a couple sandwiches & he happily agreed! We sat, enjoyed each other's company toasted the expecting Mother's & my Parents as well as Mary's & of course Rachael! It's nice being around family & friends. I'm really glad we made this trip!

4:00pm & Mary's parents just arrived from Raleigh, NC. They've got to be tired, that's at least a 11 hour trip; allowing stopping to rest & eat! Straight through, mmmmh, I'd say 8 1/2 hours! Either way, it's hard on them at their age! Mary & Mother & myself meet them at the car, & I get their luggage out of the trunk! Laura looks at her daughter & begins to cry out of happiness! She places her hand on Mary's belly, giggles & says: ~I can feel the little guy kicking in their!~ Mother walks up to Laura & says:

~Welcome my Dear Friend, we're so glad you could join us for the Holidays!~ She replies: 'O Candice, we appreciate you guys so much. I wouldn't miss it for the world, & besides; my Baby is having a Baby! Now where is John Ross?~ I reply: ~He's somewhere around here with Kellyanne!~ She replies: ~Kellyanne? Our Little man is not so little anymore, is he?~I reply: ~No Laura, he's in love!~ She remarks: ~Well, that sounds serious!~ I say: ~Yes, it is!~ Mary hugs her Father & kisses his cheek, hugs him again & says: ~'O Daddy, I've missed you so much! How have you & Mom been doing? Have you stayed well?~ He replies:~Yes my Dear, We've been well! I get quite bored with myself since I retired from the University, but it's worth it to spend more time with your Mother! We've missed you too!~ Candace he says: ~Where's Charles?~ She replies: ~Charles has gone to the Airport! Rachael's flight is scheduled to arrive at 5:00pm from Dallas! They'll be pulling in before you know it! Let's go inside?~ We all go into the Mansion & Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Dear friends to their room?~ He replies: ~Yes mam~ She adds: ~Will, Laura, We'll let you freshen up! We can talk after!~ Huntington grabs their bags & shows them to their room! It's 6:00pm & Father's arrived with Rachael! Mother & I meet them at the car. I open the rear passenger door & help Rachael out. I hug her & say: ~Mom, I'm so glad you could make it! The Holidays wouldn't be the same without you!~ She replies: ~I almost didn't come Harry, I was hurting, but I want to see you & my Grandson one more time before I join my Baby & Jimmy in Heaven! Where is that boy?~ I reply: ~I'll find him for you Mom! He's around here somewhere, he doesn't know you're here yet!~ Mother asks: ~How was your trip Rachael? How are you feeling?~ She replies: ~The trip was fine Candy, I'm just a little tired! How are you doing?~ Mother replies: ~I'm doing pretty good for an old Lady! Come inside & rest, I'll have Huntington take your bags to your room!~ They go inside & I'm in search of my son! There they are, on the swing! I call out: ~JR! Your Grandma Marcantel is here! Go see her!~ He replies: ~Grammy's here, come on Kellyanne, you'll just love her!~ He takes Kellyanne by the hand & heads for the house to see his Grandmother! She has pancreatic cancer & it's spread beyond control! There's no more they can do! This is the last time he'll see her! She's all that's left of Julia besides my son! I go back to the house & go inside! Everyone is sitting in the Drawing room talking & getting to know each other! I ask George: ~How's it going Buddy, enjoying yourself?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya be havin a huge family ya be Harry! Me like very allot!~

It's 7:00pm & Huntington announces: ~Dinner is being served in the Dinning room!~ We all go towards the Dining & are seated! George's eyes have doubled in size! I haven't seen this table filled in years, since my Wedding! The food looks Delicious. Tomorrow is the Big one, Thanksgiving! Mother goes all out! We finish dinner & retire to the Drawing room. It's 9:00pm & my Father offers drinks. The kids are drinking soft drinks. The ladies all, except for Mother, request just water. Rebecca needs to take her meds. The remaining four of us have Brandy! We sit & visit & we are truly family! It's 10:00pm & we're all tired! Rachael calls me over & whispers to me: ~Harry, please take me to see my Julia in the morning?~ I reply: ~Of course I will Mom! First thing.... We say Goodnight & retire to our rooms respectfully! My poor Mary, her legs are swelled up, so I run her a warm bath. I wash her back for her, I love pampering my wife! I take a shower & we both get into bed. I rub her legs for her to make them feel better! We lay down & I put my arm around her, resting my hand on her belly! I can feel the baby moving around inside of her, God is Good! Goodnight all!

Thursday, November 28

Thanksgiving Morning

Julia's Grave

It's early, 6:00am, & My son & I are up drinking coffee! The others are still sleeping. I promised Rachael that I would take her over to the East side of the property to see Julia's grave! JR wanted to come along to see his Mother's grave & asked if he could come along! It's 7:00am & Rebecca has come down stairs. I ask: ~Coffee mom?~ She replies: ~No, but thank you Harry! Coffee doesn't agree with me anymore. Maybe some juice diluted with water?~I reply: ~Sure mom, Apple juice okay?~ She replies: ~That will be fine Harry, Thanks!~ She takes out this pharmacy of medication out & begins to take them a few at a time! She asks: ~Harry, can I have a piece of toast, no butter? Just to settle my stomach!~ I reply: ~Sure mom, I'll fix it for you now!~ I give a plate with toast & she nibbles on it until it's gone!

It's 8:00am & I borrowed my Father's car! We're enroute to the East side of the property where our Family Cemetery's located! It's about a twenty minute drive. It's 8:25 & we've arrived at the cemetery. I help Rachael out of the car & the three of us walk over to Julia's grave. Rachael puts her hand on the Gravestone & talks to her daughter with tears in her eyes: ~I'll be with you & your Daddy soon Baby! We all miss you so much! John Ross is here! He misses you too Julia! But he's doing fine! You'd be so proud of him, he's grown into a fine young man!~ She closed eyes and said a prayer. JR took hold of her hand & prayed with her. He said: ~I love you Mom, I've never forgotten how you use to hold me! I never will Mom, I promise!~ I too had my own private talk with Julia, I shall keep to myself! Rachael asks: ~Harry, what a beautiful Headstone! I've never quite seen one like this before!~ I reply: ~Julia always loved the Dolphins! I only thought it right to have them watch over her!~ She replies:

Thank you Harry for that! She always thought they were the true Mermaids of the Sea! She had a whole shelf full as a little girl!~ I place an array of Julia's favorite flowers on her grave! I say: ~Mom, you know we all love you. You know JR & I love you. My Parents love you! Mom, we'd like to move Dad from Shreveport & lay him to rest beside Julia with your permission! Mom, we've a spot here for you too! She's got tears in her eyes & replies: ~Harry, we have nobody in Shreveport! Yes, of course you have my permission! Harry, our Julia loved you very much! God Bless you

Harry!~ We get back in the car & ride back to the Mansion! Throughout the day we all had time to catch up. Later that evening......

Thanksgiving Dinner

6:00pm

Huntington rings a bell: Dinner is being served! May I offer my Heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Mother announces: ~Today is Thanksgiving Huntington, & you are considered part of this family. You'll be eating with us tonight Huntington!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, thank you mam!~ I've never seen Huntington smile before, but he's smiling now!

The twelve of us all go to the Dining room & are seated as such: Mother & Father at each end. Rachael is seated on Mother's right & Huntington on her left. Kellyann is seated next to Rachael & JR next to Huntington. Lucy is seated next to Kellyanne & her George next to JR. Mary's Mother is seated next to Lucy & he Father is seated next to George. Mary is seated on my Father's left & I on his right! My Father says Grace over the Thanksgiving Feast. Amen. The table is set in a Formal matter & with a Feast fit for Royalty, everything anyone could imagine. My Mother always does it right!

We eat drink & be Thankful for the food, love of Family & all God has provided us! God is Truly Good! God Bless us all!

We're finished with dinner & all retire to the Drawing room for Drinks & conversation! Mother decides that it's time that we put some Christmas music on! Tomorrow she will be putting up a tree! She has a 21ft Douglas Fur being trucked in from Atlanta in the morning.

We're singing Christmas Carols, we've only 27 days till Christmas! It's 11:30pm. Rachael looks tired. She needs to rest, I help her upstairs to her room! She's in pain & I ask: ~Mom, is there anything I can do?~ She replies:

~No Harry, It'll pass! I just need to rest! Thank you Harry, for everything! I reply: ~Goodnight Mom, Sleep well!~

I go back downstairs & join the rest of the Family! It's 1:00am & we decide to end the night & retire to our rooms.

Mary's Water Breaks!

We say our Goodnights & go upstairs. While in the bathroom, Mary calls me in: ~Harry, it's time,my water broke!~ I reply ~Darling, it's too early!~ I'm quite anxious by now! She has a bag ready & I proceed to take her downstairs, only stopping to knock on Mother's door to let her know & Mary's parents, who's wanting to accompany us. They'll drive since their car is here! Mother's calling Dr Jameson to meet us at Memorial!

We make Madison County Hospital & its 2:15am. Professor Covington drops us off at the Emergency entrance & I grab a wheelchair & wheel Mary in. I'm going out of my mind & Mary is cool, calm & collective. We get her admitted & Dr Jameson arrives. He examines her & says: ~How are you doing young lady?~ Mary replies: ~I'm having a Baby!~ He turns to me & asks: ~Your the Father, Are you going to be in there with her~ I reply I can be there too?~ He replies ~Yes, of course, better hurry & get ready! She's almost fully dilated, it won't be long! He tells the nurse to have me wash my hands, get me a gown & mask. He has Mary get in a gown & lay on a gurney. The wheel her I to the delivery room & I follow. They transfer her to a Delivery table. The Dr asks: ~Want an epidural?~ She replies: No Doctor, I want this to be natural!~ The nurse says: ~She's fully dilated Doctor~ He replies: ~Good, I want you to breathe!~ I'm watching this as he reaches between her legs, gently grasp this little head coming out of my wife!

Friday November 29, 2019

Time of Birth: 4:11am

Harry Jr. 7 lbs 13oz

He's crying as he comes out. I always thought they had to swat the rear end. I'm evidently wrong! He hands him to the nurse who places him on my wife's belly as he cuts the umbilical cord & cleans the fluids out of his mouth & nose! They wrap him in a blanket & hand him to me, while they clean Mary up! He's perfect & healthy & his Mother his okay too. God is Good, thank you Lord!

They're done cleaning her up, I kiss her & say:

~I love you Mrs Newport, he's perfect. ~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, I love!~ They hand her the baby & she's as proud as she can be! She crying & says: Harry: ~His name is Harold Joseph Jr.!~ She named him after me!

They tell they're taking her to the room & will let me know when I & the Grandparents can come in! I go to the visiting room & give Mary's parents the news. They are ecstatic that they have a new Grandson. It's 5:30am & I call my Mother. I spoke to JR & told him he has a new baby Brother. Everyone is excited to hear the news & are making ready to come to the Hospital. It's 8:00am, my parents, JR & Kellyanne arrive to visit Marry! The Baby is in the Nursery for now & can be viewed through a window. George & Lucy will visit later when I come back to the Hospital! Rebecca is not feeling well & is resting in her room. Mother has hired a nurse to stay with us as long as Rachael needs her! It's 10:00am & I kiss my wife, tell her I love her & I need to go get a couple hours rest & check on Rachael! We'll ride home with my parents & I'll return this afternoon. We head home & Mary's parents will follow so she can get her rest. We get home, it's 10:50am. I go upstairs to check on Rachael & find she's in pain. I ring for the nurse & she explains that she just gave her a shot of Morphine & anymore would be dangerous! She get some cool towels so to bring her temperature under control. I ask: ~Mom, how are you doing?~ She replies: ~It'll pass son, thank you~ She told me to get the envelope out of the Nightstand next to the bed: ~Harry, that letter gives you my Power of Attorney to handle any & all my business if necessary! I'm leaving the house to John Ross! It's his Mother's Childhood home! Please see that it's taken care of?~ I reply: ~Mom, you're not going

anywhere!~ She replies: ~Sure Harry, please do as I ask?~ I reply: ~I will Mom!~ The Morphine's doing its job & she falls asleep! She's a good woman & when she's gone, JR's only link to Julia will be too! He loves his Grammy & she loves him! Cancer took Julia, her Father & now it's taking Rachael!

The Christmas tree’s Delivered

It's 11:35am & The delivery truck is here from Atlanta with the Christmas tree. Beautiful tree Mother has them bring it into the house & set it up in the Grand Foyer. She loves to go big! I'm going to lay down for a couple hours so I can get back to the Hospital! It's 2:30pm & I'm headed back to the Hospital, George & Lucy are accompanying me! Lucy's looking pretty tired & I hope she's okay! George is getting excited about having another child! It's 3:00pm & we arrive at the Hospital! We park, go inside & we pass Mary's parents on the way out! Laura says: ~The Baby is perfect Harry!~ Professor Covington adds: ~Yes he is, congratulations my boy! We're going back to the house. See you there!~ I reply: Thanks, I just want you to know, I'm really glad you could be here! Talk to you when we get back!~ We go up to Mary's room, she's breastfeeding the baby! George is immediately embarrassed so she covers he breast & he relaxes! Lucy say: ~How are you feeling Mary?~ She replies~ Alls well Lucy, the baby's healthy & is a perfect little guy! He looks like Harry~ She smiles & winks at me! I'm so happy they're both okay! Mary asks Lucy: ~How are you Lucy?~ She replies: ~Oh, I'm Ooooo, ahh, I'm doing, ohhhhh, George: I think it's time~ as she holds her belly... George replies: ~Time for what me luv? Oh, Oh naw, now?~ He runs out in the hall yelling for a nurse. Lucy calmly walks out & sits in a wheelchair. Mary says: ~Go with them Harry, until he settles down! I'll be fine, not going anywhere!~ I tell George to settle down, & I ask the nurse to call Dr Jameson! Lucy's water just broke & now George is frantic: ~Calm down George, everything is fine. That's supposed to happen! Weren't you there when she had Kellyanne?~ He replies: ~Me wasn't here Harry, Navy, on a

Ship!~ I reply: ~Okay old man, everything's good!~ He settling down, Doctor's here & he takes her into the exam room! Been fifteen minutes & the Doctor comes out & asks George: ~It's time Mr Richards, coming?~ I say: ~Go with the nurse George! She'll show you where to wash your hands!~ He replies: ~Fer what? I reply: ~So you can be in there with her!~ He replies: ~Me, in der, me can be wit me Lucy? Ohhh, Okay, Me be seein ya Harry!~ He looks awfully nervous, I sincerely hope he doesn't faint! I tell him to let me know when the baby comes. I go back to my wife's room, she's holding the baby! She hands the little guy to me. He's grabs my pinky finger. His grip is strong. Just like when JR was born! I'm holding a miracle in my arms, a new life. I'm worried about Rachael too, I don't think she's got long. She says she's ready, she wants to be with Julia & The Rev!.......

Friday, November 29, 2019

Time of Birth: 7:03pm

Anabel 6lbs 2 oz

It's 7:15pm & George comes into the room: ~Me little girl be born at 7:03pm. She be Beautiful Harry, but Me need a beer!~ I ask: ~What's her name George?~ He replies: ~Anabel Josephine Richards, after me Mum!~ I reply: ~That's a Beautiful name George, is she in the Nursery?~ He nods his head Yes, & we go to see the Annabelle! She's really quite a beautiful baby. George says: ~She got me mum's eyes~ I reply: ~She's Beautiful George, Congratulations old man!~ He replies: ~Well then, Me be thankful to God, & Harry, ifin ya not be mindin, Me & me Lucy be wantin fer ya & ya Mary to be da Godmuder & Fadder, dat is, ifin ya not be mindin?~ I reply: ~George, we will be honored!~ Next he takes me to see Lucy, she had a rough time of it. She went natural too, but was in labor four hours! She's doing well now! George says: ~Me neva see nuttin like it Harry! Dat der Doctor reach down der & he pull me little girl out! Harry, she be so little, when I be holdin her, be like a bird! Awhh Me be Lovin her Harry & me Lucy too!~ I reply: ~I know old man! You call Kellyanne yet & tell her she's got a new Baby sister?~ He replies: ~Nay, Me ferget Harry! Me do now!~ I tell him I'm going back to Mary's room, there's only twenty minutes of visiting time left. Both our wives need to get their rest. Mary & Harry Jr are scheduled to be released tomorrow. I'm back in Mary's room. The nurse just gave me a ten minute heads up! I say: ~Darling, you sure gave us a Beautiful baby. I love you with all my life!~ I kiss & hold her in my arms for a minute. It's 9:00pm straight up & the nurse reaffirms it by telling me, Visiting hours are over. I say thanks, kiss my wife & tell her I will be here at 8:00am to sign her & the baby out! I meet George out in the hall, head downstairs & to Father's car! We head back to the Mansion. It's 10:00pm & we arrive, followed by my sister Jamie & her husband Bill Langley. They drove in from Little Rock! We step out of the car & greet them. I introduce George & fill them in with the news. Been a busy last couple of days. Jamie asks: ~How is Mary & the baby?~ I reply: ~They're doing well & Jamie, Little Harry is absolutely perfect!~ She hugs me & kisses me on the cheek: ~I'm glad Harry, you two deserve all the happiness in the world!~ Then she turns to George & says: ~How are your wife & baby doing?~ He replies: ~Good, me be thankin ya fer askin~ We go I to the house & our parents are waiting for me. They didn't know that Jamie & Bill were coming in tonight? Mother sees Jamie, & is surprised: ~Jaime, I wasn't aware you were coming in tonight! She hugs & kisses her hello, hugs Bob, he's a man of few words! Jaime sees Father, & like a little girl, runs into his arms: ~Daddy, 'O I've missed you Daddy! How have you been?~ He replies: ~Quite well Jaime! I've missed you too! I wish we could see more of you!~ They hug & my sister is reluctant to release him. She's always been a "Daddy's Little Girl". Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Daughter & Son in-law to their room?~ He replies ~Yes Mam! He takes their bags & shows them to the room! Mother says: ~Tomorrow's the first day of December Son! Everyone will be here, the girls will be home from the hospital & we're going to decorate the tree!~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, I'm bringing Mary & the Baby home tomorrow morning. Lucy & their little one should be getting the next day! Right George?~ George replies: ~Right, Sunday!~ Mother replies: ~Good then, this is so wonderful, I just love Christmas time! God has graced us once again with two new lives, what can be better than that?, Goodnight you two! We tell my mother Goodnight & she goes upstairs! My Father says: ~You both look like you can use a drink! I reply reply: ~Scotch please Father?~ George replies: ~Me too, please, Me be thankin ya fer it Sir!~ My Father says: ~Very well~ He pours us both a Scotch on the rocks. We toast each other, drink our drinks & say Goodnight! Its been a long couple of days but we're Blessed!

Continued

#newports

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