Chapter Thirteen

June 1919

France

"I 'm so glad you found us, my dear girl. If this horrible war was good for nothing else, it brought you here to us."

Molly blinked back tears as her great-aunt Delphine pulled her into a warm hug, then set her back and kissed both of her cheeks. "I'm going to miss you, Auntie."

"And we shall miss you, dear Molly, but you'll write to us, and we will write to you, and it will be the next best thing to having you here." Delphine hugged her again, then patted Molly on the shoulder. "Wait right there."

Molly nodded and dabbed at the tears escaping from her eyes despite her best efforts to curtail or contain them. She felt so fortunate she'd been granted a brief leave to visit her aunt and Sadie. The two women lived in towns about six hours apart, so Molly had traveled first to see her aunt, then would stop to see Sadie before making her way to the coastal town from where she would board a ship and finally sail home. She and Sadie had hoped they'd get to travel together, but it looked as though Sadie would be in France a while longer.

The gift of finding her relatives in France wasn't lost on Molly. She'd felt so alone in the world when her parents had passed. She hadn't thought either of them had a living relative left, but here she'd found Delphine with her intelligent grandson and her sad daughter-in-law, who moved about the house like a ghost lost in her grief.

Molly had sent a telegram to her aunt two days ago, letting her know to expect her. Delphine had welcomed her with kisses and smiles, then stuffed her full of a simple, delicious meal and served apricots ripe from the trees with fresh cream that tasted divine for dessert.

Although Molly hadn't much time to linger, she was glad she'd made the effort to see her aunt one last time. At Delphine's age, Molly doubted she'd see her again this side of heaven, and the thought saddened her. She knew Lars and Marnie would be overjoyed to welcome Delphine at Dogwood Corners, but even without asking, Molly knew her aunt would never leave the farm she'd worked so hard to keep.

She couldn't blame her. She knew what it was to have your heart tied to a place like hers was tied to Dogwood Corners.

Delphine returned and motioned for Molly to take a seat at the small table by the window.

"I have three things to give you, Molly dear." She slid a photograph in a pasteboard holder across the table.

Molly opened it and stared at the unfamiliar faces with eyes so like her own. "This is your grandmother when she was a young woman. That's me beside her, and our sister, Chloe. She passed before your mother was born. You look so much like us, Molly. I think I would have known you if we had passed on the road by happenstance."

"We do share a resemblance," Molly said, smiling at her aunt, pleased to have the photograph.

Delphine presented her next gift, setting it on the table. "This belonged to my grandfather. I want you to take it."

Molly picked up a small leatherbound book of poetry. The pages were yellowed with age, and the leather cracked in some places, but she could see notes in the margins.

She looked to her aunt. "Did he write the notes?"

"He did. He was an educated man. One who loved learning. My grandmother was far beneath him in station but he loved her." Delphine gazed out the window, looking lost in her memories for a moment before she pushed a velvet box toward Molly. "This was a gift given to my great-grandmother. She gave it to my grandfather to give to his bride on the day they wed. My grandmother gave it to my mother on her wedding day, who passed it to me, and I am passing it to you, Molly."

Carefully, Molly opened the velvet box and gasped at the glorious necklace it held. A delicate necklace with a gold chain nestled on a bed of dark-blue velvet. The center of the necklace was a flower with a pearl in the middle and each petal was a perfectly cut stone of turquoise. To either side of the flower were silver leaves encrusted with diamonds. Pearls of descending size made tiny blossoms on the leaves. Hanging from the center flower was a pendant suspended by more silver leaves with diamonds. A larger turquoise flower was the center of the pendant with diamonds and pearls encircling it. Three more leaves and one pearl drop dangled from the flower base.

"I can't take this, Aunt Delphine. It has to be worth a fortune!" Molly shoved the jewel box toward her aunt.

Delphine fluttered her hand in the air, then nudged the box back in Molly's direction. "The value isn't in the diamonds or pearls. It's in the sentiment. It's been a gift of love for a century. I want it to continue to be worn in love. Someday, when you have a son or a daughter, or even a grandchild you adore, pass the necklace on to them along with the story of the heritage. That's where the riches lie, darling. Our family loves long and hard with a fierce loyalty and passion. That blood flows through you, Molly. You remind me so much of your grandmother. You have that same spunk and fire for life she always possessed. Don't lose the light that shines in your heart and eyes, Molly. Promise me."

"I promise, Aunt Delphine, but I …" Molly swallowed hard, unable to comprehend her aunt giving her such precious gifts. She thought of the woman's grandson. If Delphine sold the necklace, she could send him to college, sell the farm, and live in leisure. She would never have to work again.

However, she understood what her aunt was saying, and she knew Delphine was giving her the jewels so the woman wouldn't be tempted to sell the farm. The farm was a heritage to pass to her grandson. It might not feel like it was worth much today, but one day, the value would increase and provide for his future. Not only that, but the land kept them tethered to their past, to their loved ones who were no longer with them.

"I thank you for this incredible gift, Aunt Delphine. I will treasure it—treasure it all—as long as there is a breath left in my body."

"I know you will, darling." Delphine patted her cheek. "Now, before we both begin to blubber again, let's pack a basket for you to take to your sister, then you best be off. You can't miss the train, and it's getting late."

Before Molly could protest, her aunt had started packing a basket with apricots, cheese, and a few pastries. As a special treat, she added a jar of fresh milk.

"Sadie will be so grateful, Aunt Delphine. Thank you." Molly tucked her treasures into the handbag she carried, then took the basket from her aunt and set both the bag and basket by the door. "My heart aches that I may never see you again."

"Oh, darling girl. We shall write letters. Who knows. One day, you may return to France, or we may come to America. Anything is possible." Delphine hugged her close again.

Molly closed her eyes, memorizing the details she could of the woman who connected her to her ancestors.

"It certainly is, Aunt Delphine." Molly kissed her aunt's cheeks, gave her one last hug, then grabbed the bag and the basket and hurried outside. " Au revoir! "

" Au revoir , chérie! " Delphine waved, then Molly turned and rushed down the road that carried her into town. She got there just in time to board the train. On the trip to see Sadie, she tried to sleep but couldn't. She thought about writing letters, but lacked the focus. Finally, she gave up and watched out the train window. In areas where war hadn't touched the landscape, it was lovelier than anything Molly had seen. In the places where battles had been fought, the ground was churned and the landscape so barren Molly despaired that nothing would grow there again. With all the death and horrors that had traveled through those areas, it seemed impossible to picture them green and growing.

Molly gave thanks again that Friday and Harley John had survived relatively unscathed, and that she and Sadie and the other women serving in France would make it home alive. The Signal Corps girls had lost two members to the dreaded influenza. Their loss was felt by each member of the Corps, especially since one of them had passed on the day the Armistice was signed.

Before she allowed herself to become completely maudlin, Molly shifted her thoughts to going home.

Home.

To Dogwood Corners. To Pendleton. To her family.

To Friday.

They'd continued writing to each other. With the war over, it seemed letters from the States arrived at greater speed. Friday expressed his love for her clearly in each letter. No doubt existed in her mind that what Friday felt for her was real, just as the love she felt for him was timeless. No matter where life took them, she would love him. Always.

Friday was immersed in work on his family's farm and struggling with civilian life.

Although he hadn't come right out and said it, she picked up from a few comments he'd shared that his younger sister was waltzing on his nerves with regularity. January was young and na?ve, ignorant of the devastation the war had wrought on Friday. Molly wouldn't wish her to be any different, though. Those of them who had served in the war had been forced to grow up too fast and mature beyond their years, draining away their youth.

Thoughts of growing up too fast made her think of Brett and Ben Rawlings. Thus far, no one had heard a word from the boys other than one postcard. Molly and Sadie had both asked around, hoping to find news, even bad news, about them, but it was as if the twins had disappeared into thin air when they'd set foot in France.

Desperately, for the sake of Kade and Caterina, Molly hoped they weren't among the unknown whose remains were sinking into the earth or at rest in unmarked graves.

So much for giving up her morbid musings.

Molly purposely looked out the window at the landscape that was lush and green and lovely. She'd barely set foot off the train when Sadie was there, pulling her into a tight hug, both of them laughing and crying and acting like a couple of ninnies.

"Come on. I have a meal all ready for us. How long can you stay?" Sadie linked her arm around Molly's and led her away from the depot.

"I have two hours before I need to catch the train."

"That's plenty of time to eat and rest, or rest and eat." Sadie glanced at her. "You look as tired as I feel."

Molly crossed her eyes and made a silly face, causing Sadie to laugh. "I'd be insulted if it weren't true. You look exhausted."

"I am, but I'll be heading home soon, and I want to do all the good I can while I'm here. So many of these poor men are …" Sadie paused, and Molly could hear the unspoken word. Hopeless . They were hopeless.

"Let's think of happier things today," Molly said, following as Sadie led the way to a courtyard abloom with flowers. They sat at a small table in the shade of an olive tree and enjoyed cool green salads served with cold chicken, slices of cheese, and crusty bread. They had sweet tea to drink, and Molly quickly drained her glass. "I haven't had sweet tea for ages. It's good."

"It is good. There were days tea and cheese sandwiches were all that got me through." Sadie sat back as one of the kitchen staff came out and refilled their tea glasses, leaving behind an open-faced tart made with cherries and thinly sliced almonds.

"Oh, before I forget …" Molly handed Sadie the basket she'd brought along. "From Aunt Delphine for you."

"Is that milk? From a cow?" Sadie opened the jar and took a drink. Molly hoped it hadn't spoiled in the heat. Aunt Delphine had wrapped it in a towel soaked in cold well water. "It's so rich and creamy."

"At least she still has her cows and chickens, as well as a big garden and her orchards. The apricots are from her trees, and she made the cheese."

"Thank you, Molly. If you give me her address, I'll write her a note of thanks."

"Of course. She'll be pleased to receive it, but write it in French." Molly wanted to show Sadie the gifts Delphine had given to her but decided not to risk the chance of anyone seeing the necklace. She needed to find a better way to carry the necklace than in her bag in the event someone stole it. Molly concluded the safest place would be sewing it into her uniform. She'd do that tonight when she returned to her room, regardless of how late it might be when she returned. Several of the girls had already gone back to the States, leaving Molly a room to herself. Some nights, it seemed too quiet without the buzz of conversation or the giggles that had often erupted over shared stories.

"How are you, Molly? Really and truly?" Sadie asked, reaching across the table and placing a hand over Molly's.

"Honestly, I'm tired, Sadie. I could sleep for a week and still be exhausted. I think it's more a tired in mind and spirit than body kind of tired. It will take all of us time to adjust when we return home. Has Harley John had any struggles?"

"Many. Not only was he adjusting to being back in the States and no longer in a war zone in a foreign country, but his father was dying. I'm so glad he made it home and was able to spend time with Mr. Hobbs before he passed. He hasn't written much about it, but I think losing his father was very difficult for him." Sadie brushed at a lone tear on her cheek, then looked at Molly with a grin as she changed the subject. "Did you know he's taking flying lessons?"

"What? I hadn't heard that. In Pendleton?"

Sadie shook her head. "No, he met a pilot who gave him a ride after Harley John did some work on his plane. The pilot lives near Tacoma, I think, and Harley John has gone over there to learn how to fly. He's always wanted to fly. It's why he collected feathers all these years."

"Oh, that makes sense. I knew he liked feathers, but didn't realize about the flying." Molly had been so wrapped up in her own troubles, it had taken a few years before she realized Harley John had endured a childhood of abuse and neglect. It wasn't until he began spending more and more time at Dogwood Corners that Molly started to pay attention to the quiet, introspective boy who had captured Sadie's heart.

"What about Friday? How is he doing?" Sadie asked as she finished her salad and cut off a piece of the tart.

"As well as can be expected. I think it has been hard for him to adjust to life in a peaceful community on a peaceful farm after everything that he survived."

Sadie nodded and pushed the tart closer to Molly. "It's not like a body has a switch they can turn off and forget everything they saw and experienced during the war. It will take time and patience as well as prayer and healing."

"I agree with your diagnosis, Doctor Hobbs," Molly said, offering Sadie a cheeky grin as she cut into a piece of the tart and tasted it. "Oh, my word! That is delicious. Tell me you got the recipe."

"I did get the recipe. In fact, I have a whole notebook that I filled with nothing but recipes."

"Good. I hope you'll share some with me. I collected a few, and you're welcome to them once we're back home." Molly looked across the table at her sister. "Speaking of home, how much longer are you contracted to stay in New York?"

"Through the end of the year, then I'll be free. I've already written to Nik to let him know I'd like to go into practice with him next year when Doctor Reed retires. Imagine it, Molly. I'll be doing what I always wanted to do, right there at home."

Molly tilted her head to the side. "But I thought your dream was to travel the world on endless adventures."

"It was," Sadie said, holding up her hands and motioning around them at the beautiful courtyard. "I think I've had about all the exciting world travel I can stand for a good long while. I'm ready to go home. I've been ready to go home since the day Harley John had to tell me goodbye. I still think it's ridiculous they wouldn't let him stay here with me, but perhaps it is for the best. If he'd stayed, he wouldn't have been there for his father those last few weeks before he passed. He wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn how to fly and fulfill his dreams, so maybe everything happened just as it was supposed to, despite how desperately I miss him."

"It will make it that much sweeter when you get to see him again."

"What about you?" Sadie asked as she forked another bite of the tart. "Will you go to visit Friday right away when you get home, or will you stay in Pendleton awhile?"

"I'm not certain. You do know Mama is planning a big party to welcome me home, don't you?"

Sadie nodded. "I wasn't sure if you knew. She's written about it in her past two letters. It sounds like she and Dad are planning quite a shindig. Maybe you should have just let them throw a going away party so you wouldn't have to endure the welcoming home celebration."

"Don't I know it!" Molly exclaimed, then cut off another piece of the tart. "I think I could stand it if Friday came, but if he won't be there, it's going to be hard to smile and act like I want to be there when all I'll really want to be is with him."

"Are you going to move, Molly? To Dundee, I mean. To be with Friday?"

"I don't know, Sadie. We haven't made those kinds of promises yet, or even discussed that far into our future. I figure if he sticks around until I get home, he'll be doing better than that weasel, Andrew."

"Friday is nothing like Andrew. Nothing at all. Why, I bet Andrew is one of those fellas who would do anything to get out of serving in the war. He's more like a slippery eel if you ask me. Don't you dare compare a fine soldier like Friday to a spineless lunkhead like Andrew. You deserved far better than him, Molls. You shouldn't spend one more second thinking about him. He isn't worth it. Especially not when you've got a man like Friday on the line."

"Friday isn't ‘on the line,' as you put it, although he is a fine, wonderful, amazing man whom I happen to love very much."

Sadie offered a satisfied smirk. "Yes, he is, and yes, you do. So, what seems to be the trouble?"

"I just don't know what our future will look like. I can't go back to work at the telephone office. What else am I going to do? Friday is a farmer, but I'm not sure he's locked in on growing nuts forever. It just seems neither of us knows what we want to do."

"But you know who you want beside you, Molly. The what is never as important as the who," Sadie said with the sage wisdom of one newly married.

"Tell me about Faustin and Julienne and Claude and Alexa." Molly changed the subject, tired of discussing her future plans, or the lack of them.

"Alexa and Claude are getting married. It's quite exciting. Faustin is like a whole new boy, showered with love and affection from Julienne and living in a home where he can thrive. I'm ever so glad I took him with me when I delivered Claude to his sister's home to recover. Faustin still sends me little notes and the cutest drawings. I miss him."

"You always will, Sadie, but you did a wonderful thing taking an orphan off the street and finding him a loving home. Maybe you're more like Mama than you think."

"If only," Sadie said, rolling her eyes. "I fear I'm far too bossy and opinionated to ever come close to being like Mama, but she gives us something to strive for, doesn't she?"

"She does." Molly took the last bite of her tart, finished her tea, then wiped her mouth on a napkin. "I'd love a tour of the hospital, then I had better head out."

"Come on, let's go." Sadie carried her basket with her and set it inside the small space she used as her office, then showed Molly around the hospital. The soldiers still there recovering all looked at Sadie with admiration and affection. They greeted Molly politely when Sadie introduced her as her sister.

The men seemed quite impressed to learn Molly was one of the Signal Corps girls, and two of them thanked her for her service because a quickly placed phone call in October had saved their entire regiment from being killed in an ambush.

Emotional after visiting the patients, Molly went into a bathroom to freshen up and give herself a moment to gather her composure before Sadie walked with her to the depot.

"I'm so glad you came, Molly. It means so much you went out of your way to visit. I suppose I won't see you until I can return to Pendleton, but I hope you'll keep on writing to me, even when I'm back in New York. I absolutely, solemnly promise to do a better job of writing letters than I have in the past."

"I'll hold you to that, Sassy Pants."

"You do that, Bossy Britches."

The two young women hugged, then laughed as they kissed each other's cheeks. Sadie gave Molly a box of decadent chocolates to enjoy on her train ride and stood waving until the train chugged around a curve out of sight.

Molly sat back in her seat, glad she and Sadie had become good friends. She would miss her sister but looked forward to the day when they lived closer to one another.

Thoughts and decisions weighed heavily on Molly as she returned to the house where she'd stayed the past few months and made her way up to her room. She turned on the light, took out one of her older nightgowns, and used it to cut out fabric to make a pouch she could carry inside her skirt. She had to sew buttons inside her two uniform skirts, but when she finished, she could carry the jewelry box inside the folds of her skirt without anyone noticing it, and she wouldn't have to worry about it getting lost or stolen from her bag or luggage.

Two weeks later, she once again looked out the porthole of the ship that had carried her across the ocean and peered up at the Statue of Liberty as they sailed past it.

America, at last. How fitting to dock on the Fourth of July.

Molly had returned with two stripes on her uniform sleeve to denote her year of service in France and a special commendation signed by none other than General Pershing for her fearless service. Yet, as she watched out the port window, the war suddenly seemed so long ago and far away.

A band played on the pier and greeted them as they left the ship. Molly reported to the training office from which she'd departed more than a year ago. She applied for transportation home and was told by the quartermaster he could route her to Spokane, but not to Pendleton.

"With all due respect, sir, I do not wish to travel to Spokane, but to Pendleton."

The man sneered over his spectacles. "Young lady, you are still in the Army, and you'll go where we send you."

Molly straightened to her full height, lifted her chin, and looked the man square in the eye. "Yes, sir! I have been in the Army for more than a year. I served in France, right on the front. I've been through a hail of bullets from a sniper on my way to camp, outran poisonous gas, and even took a piece of shrapnel in my hand. I am fully aware of being in the Army, but I also know I need to travel to Pendleton, my point of enlistment, not Spokane."

The man began muttering under his breath about impertinent, audacious women and spoke a few profanities that stoked Molly's ire while simultaneously leaving her greatly offended.

"Sir! I might add during my time of service, every officer of the Signal Corps treated us with respect and dignity. I would ask no less of you."

The man turned red from the tips of his ears all the way down his scrawny neck. "I beg your pardon, Miss Thorsen. I will see to it you have transportation to Pendleton."

Inwardly fuming, Molly went for a walk before joining Caterina's parents for a fine Italian meal at their home located above the Italian grocery store they owned. Sadie had lived with them the entire time she'd been in New York. They were every bit as wonderful as she had described them.

After a decadent meal that reminded Molly of home and Caterina's restaurant, Caterina's parents filled a basket full of food that would keep on her journey home, like jars of olives, dried meat, cheese, and crackers. Their son Brando then escorted her back to the hotel where she was staying.

"Please give Luna a hug and kiss from us, and this." Brando handed her a paper-wrapped box to give to his daughter, Luna, who had moved to Pendleton a few years earlier and married Hunter Douglas.

It wasn't a large or heavy package. Molly would make room for it in her things if she had to leave behind something else to do it.

"Tell Hunter to bring her for a visit soon. We miss her."

"I'll do that, sir." Molly smiled and hurried inside to her room.

The next morning, she packed her things and made her way to the train station, where she boarded a train with a ticket for Pendleton.

When the train rolled to a stop in Pendleton, Molly experienced a storm of emotions. Joy. Gratitude. Hope. Anticipation. Regret. Disappointment. Fear. With no idea how to wade through them all, Molly shoved them aside and glanced out of the passenger car as the community band played a rousing tune, and two familiar faces—her brothers—held up a big banner that read Welcome Home, Molly!

Molly grabbed her things and made it no farther than the first step off the car before her father was there, sweeping her into one of his warm hugs.

"Welcome back, Mollsy Doll. We sure missed you," he said, setting her on her feet and taking the bags from her hands.

Marnie was next in line to hug and kiss Molly, rocking from side to side as she squeezed her tight. Both of them were crying by the time her mother let her go. From there, Molly was hugged and kissed and hugged some more by her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and even the pastor and his wife.

"You are quite the hero," the sheriff said, shaking Molly's hand. "We read in the paper about you, Miss Thorsen. Thank you for your service and sacrifices."

"It was my pleasure, sir," Molly said, unaware an article had been published in the newspaper. She'd have to ask her mother about it later. "Thank you for your service and sacrifice every day. You've worked a long time at keeping our town safe."

"That's my pleasure, Miss Thorsen." The sheriff winked at her and moved on.

Molly found herself being hugged by Quinn Williams, then shaking hands with Quinn's husband, Walker. Quinn was one of the lead reporters at the local newspaper, and Walker was a talented architect who'd designed any number of the homes and businesses in the area.

"When you catch your breath, Molly, would you allow me the honor of interviewing you?" Quinn asked.

"I heard there was already an article in the newspaper about me. Surely, you don't want another."

"Oh, but I do!" Quinn squeezed her hand. "The article in the newspaper was last year when you got hit with shrapnel. Did your wound heal?"

Molly nodded and glanced down at her hand. The red scar was hidden by her glove. It was hot enough she was ready to shed her hat and gloves and the uniform, and slip into something cool and cottony. "It's healing, thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that, Molly. May I interview you?"

"Don't hound her, wife. She just arrived home." Walker gave Quinn a pointed look.

The woman grinned at her husband, then at Molly. "No more hounding, but everyone would love to read about your experiences. You don't have to talk about the war or being on the front if you'd rather not. You can share your thoughts on the country, or things you saw, that sort of detail. Whatever you are comfortable talking about is fine. People just want to celebrate you for being a hero."

"I'm not a hero. Not at all. Harley John was the one in battle who saved several men."

"And we've run a few stories about him already," Quinn said. "You are a hero to every female in the country, Molly. Because of the Signal Corps girls, President Wilson finally got behind the suffrage movement. The Nineteenth Amendment was passed by Congress a month ago, giving women the right to vote. Everyone knows the president supported it because he couldn't very well expect women to go off to war and serve on the front lines while he continued to refuse to allow them to vote. You and the Signal Corps girls gave all of us a voice."

"Oh," Molly said, letting Quinn's words sink in. Molly hadn't thought of her service in those terms—of being an inspiration or a reason that all women would soon be allowed to vote. For that thought alone, she felt compelled to tell her story. "I'll do it, Quinn, but can we wait until tomorrow? I just need a good night's sleep before I try to wade through my memories of the past year."

"Of course. Would you like me to come out to the house tomorrow morning?"

"That would probably be best. Shall we say ten?" Molly asked.

"That's perfect. I'll see you then." Quinn gave her another hug, then she and Walker moved back so more people could greet Molly.

By the time her father settled his big hand on her shoulder and her mother and Sophie flanked her, Molly felt as though she'd been hugged, squeezed, kissed, and patted half to death.

"Thanks for coming, everyone, but we're going to take our girl home," Lars said in a deep booming voice that carried over the crowd.

Molly leaned back slightly, resting against his solid strength, while Marnie and Sophie held her hands.

"Just a little longer, Molly, and we'll take you home unless you'd rather skip lunch at Caterina's," her mother whispered, waving at their friends as they made their way across the platform and down the steps.

"I can suffer through the meal," Molly whispered, then grinned at her mother.

Marnie winked at her and tightened her grip on her hand. "It's so good to have you home, sugar. I missed you so."

"I missed you too, Mama." Molly kissed her mother's cheek, then walked with Marnie and Sophie to the restaurant.

The tables had been shoved together, making one long table down the center of the dining room. Molly was given the seat of honor at the head of the table. She looked around at her family, including all the children from the orphanage, and felt awash with thanksgiving that they were all there, well and happy, and Molly had made it home to see them again.

She'd noticed the absence of one particularly dear face and turned to Marnie, who was seated to her right. "Where's Harley John?"

Marnie glanced at Lars, who sat beside her, then back at Molly. "He went to take his final flying lesson. He'll be back tomorrow in time for your party."

Molly's eyes widened as she gaped at Marnie. "You mean all the folderol at the depot wasn't it?"

Marnie laughed and shook her head. "Not at all, sugar. That was just the community saying hello. The party will be at our house tomorrow evening. We've planned a supper for those who can come. Please don't worry, sweetheart. It's just an informal way for everyone to welcome you home."

Although she wasn't thrilled with the idea, Molly didn't voice any objections. She recalled quite clearly the promise she'd made to her mother when she'd left last year that she wouldn't fuss about a welcome home party.

The conversation was loud and lively around the table, and Molly ate until she was sure she couldn't hold another bite. Caterina had made all her favorite dishes. For dessert, she served a chocolate torte along with vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Molly ate a scoop of each and a large piece of the torte. She was sure she'd waddle the rest of the day, but the food was wonderful, and the faces of her loved ones returned her appetite to her that she'd lost earlier when she'd faced the crowds at the train depot.

Suddenly weary, she fought to keep her head up and eyes open.

"She's going to end up with her face in the ice cream," Noah teased as he walked around the table and helped her to her feet. "Come on, Molls. You can ride home with me and Alek."

"Heaven help us! The boys'll do her in with their driving," Sophie said in mock despair, making everyone laugh.

Caterina met Molly at the door, giving her another hug. "We're so glad you're home, darling girl."

"Thank you, Aunt Cat. I'm glad to be back. And I'm so, so sorry about Brett and Ben. Still no word?"

Caterina shook her head, tears filling her eyes. "Not yet, but I refuse to give up hope."

Molly gave her another hug, then accepted the hand Noah held out to her as he led her outside. Alek ran ahead and started Noah's auto, which was parked around the corner, and drove it close so Molly didn't have far to walk.

Noah helped her into the auto that had once been Harley John's, then walked around to climb behind the wheel while Alek jumped over the front seat into the back.

"How are you, Noah?" Molly asked as he pointed the vehicle to head out of town toward Dogwood Corners. "Truly?"

"Feeling better every day," Noah said, grinning at her. He still seemed thinner and paler than she remembered, but he'd grown a few inches and looked more like a man than the boy she recalled. Despite the breadth of his shoulders and his height that had to be close to six feet, he still sported freckles on his nose and a twinkle in his eye that always made him look like he was plotting mischief.

"I'm glad, Noah. So glad. Are you still having problems breathing?"

"Sometimes, but not like I was. The wheezing in my chest is only bad when I'm out in the dust too long."

"And the wheat," Alek said, leaning over the front seat. "We thought he was going to die last August when he went out to the wheat field. He wheezed until he couldn't breathe. Thankfully, Nik was there and knew what to do."

Molly's eyebrows shot upward. "And I'm just now hearing this?"

Alek shrugged. "Mama and Dad didn't want to worry you."

"Good heavens!" Molly wondered what else had happened no one wanted to "worry her" over.

"You two better start spilling the beans about everything no one thought I needed to know. Come on. What else?" She glowered at Noah and then Alek.

"There isn't much to tell," Noah said, glancing over his shoulder at Alek as though in warning.

"That's right. We had our meatless Mondays, and on Sundays, we rode in the wagon instead of driving the autos to save gas. We saved flour and only had baked goods on the days Gertie was making stuff to send to you and Sadie and Harley John. Oh, and we collected peach pits."

"Peach pits? Whatever for?" Molly turned and looked at Alek.

"You mean to tell me I know something about the war you don't?" Alek asked, so excited he was practically crowing. "Whizbang! How about that!"

Molly couldn't help but laugh at him, then she reached back and swatted him on the leg. "Tell me!"

"I'm getting to it, but I just need to swim in this a moment." Alek sank back on the seat, hands behind his head, a big smile on his face, as though he were out for an afternoon drive without a care in the world.

"Swim faster," Molly prodded, swatting his leg again. "The peach pits, Alek. What did you do with them?"

"Well, there was this scientist fella who figured out activated charcoal could keep that nasty gas the Germans tossed out like candy at a parade from killing people. They could burn peach pits, or walnut shells, and it turns into the right kind of charcoal to use to make the filters to go in the gas masks, so everyone was saving the pits and shells and taking them to collection spots. We had one down by the depot. I read in one of Dad's magazines that it took seven pounds of peach pits or walnut shells to make one filter for the gas masks."

"That's fascinating, Alek. I had no idea." Molly glanced at Noah. "I brought home my gas mask if you two want to see it, but do not tear it apart, please."

Alek sat forward, his hands gripping the front seat. "Really? I can try it on?"

"Yes, you may, but no frightening any of the little ones, and no demolishing it."

"I won't, Molls. I promise."

Molly smiled at Alek, then looked to Noah again. "So, what else happened around here?"

Noah shrugged. "I'm not the best one to ask. I spent six months trying not to die from the flu."

"I'm ever so glad you didn't." Molly leaned over and rested her head on Noah's shoulder, astounded it had gotten so broad and firm. She remembered when he'd been a skinny little boy, all arms and legs and gangly feet. But he'd always been sweet and tenderhearted. Going to war would have destroyed the spirit of someone like Noah, and she was grateful the flu had kept him home, even though it had nearly ruined his health.

"I'm kinda glad about it myself." Noah grinned down at her as he turned onto their road.

Molly sat up, eager to catch her first view of Dogwood Corners. There were days she considered if she'd built it up in her mind to look better than it had. However, when Noah turned on the lane lined with dogwoods and started toward the house, Molly knew she hadn't imagined a thing. The place was just as lovely, just as wonderful, as she remembered. Perhaps even more so.

Noah drove around to the side of the house where a new building had been erected. It appeared to be a place to park the automobiles out of the weather. Bricks had been laid to make a path from the building to connect with the walk that went around to the back door.

"No one mentioned this," Molly said as Noah parked the auto inside. There appeared to be room for at least three more automobiles in the long building.

"It was Mama's idea. She got tired of trying to scrape the frost off the windows, so she suggested figuring out a place to park the automobiles out of the weather. Walker Williams designed it." Noah got out as Alek gave Molly a hand, and the three of them walked outside. "He called it a barn for automobiles."

"We can push the doors shut like this." Alek gave a wide double door a push, and the two halves swung into place, meeting in the center of the parking bay.

"How clever!" Molly said, then linked her arms with Alek and Noah. "Show me what else is new out here because once we go inside, I'm taking a bath and going to bed."

"In that case, come see the lily pond. Sophie asked about putting one in, and we all helped." Alek grabbed Molly's hand and tugged her into the backyard. By the time the boys had led her all around the yard, Molly was beyond exhausted. Arthur Meade, the groundskeeper, greeted her with an exuberant wave and shook her hand until she felt like her arm might fall right out of the socket. She kissed his weathered cheek, then trooped inside the house.

"Child, we thought you'd never get home!" said their cook, Gertie. She nearly smothered Molly with hugs and kisses before passing her over to Shea, Arthur's wife and the housekeeper.

"We saw you pull in, Molly. I've got a bath all ready for you," Shea said, giving Molly's waist a light squeeze as they started toward the back stairs. "Go on up and take all the time you like."

"Thank you," Molly said, trudging up the stairs. She wondered if there had always been that many steps or if exhaustion had weighed her down.

Molly went into her room where she removed her hat, gloves, shoes, and jacket. She carefully removed the necklace from Aunt Delphine and set the jewelry box on her dresser, then pulled a light summer-weight nightgown from a drawer and headed to the bathroom down the hall. The house had several bathrooms, but the girls shared one bathroom and the boys another.

Molly closed the bathroom door behind her, removed her uniform, wondering if she'd ever put it on again, and sank into the tub of water. Although the day was hot, the bath Shea had drawn was the perfect temperature. Molly washed her hair, then leaned back in the tub, allowing herself the luxury of soaking until she could hardly keep herself awake. Draining the water, she used the shower nozzle to rinse off, then wrapped her hair in a soft towel that smelled of sunshine and flowers and settled another towel around her.

She rubbed lotion into her skin, pulled on her nightgown, then studied her reflection in the mirror. Her face was thinner, her body leaner, and she no longer bore a look of young innocence. She'd seen, heard, and experienced too much in the war to ever look that way again.

A thought of Friday came to mind. She prayed, as she so often did, that he was well and not haunted by the nightmares of his time in France.

Just whispering his name brought a smile to her lips and a light to her eyes. Molly admitted she might not be the same girl who'd left Pendleton, but she'd returned a woman in love.

As she combed the tangles from her hair, brushed her teeth, and slathered on another layer of lotion, she thought of Friday, wondering when she could see him. Now that she was home, the only other thing she wanted was to set eyes on the man who'd captured her heart.

Molly gathered her dirty clothes and towels and left them in the hamper, then made her way to her bedroom. Someone had carried up her bags. Before she allowed herself the luxury of uninterrupted sleep, she took out her journal, indulging in a moment to study the dogwood blossom, daisy, and poppy she'd pressed between the pages, then she turned to a fresh page, wrote the date, and jotted a few notes about her arrival in Pendleton, who was there to greet her, the meal at the restaurant, and being driven home by Noah and Alek.

Yawning so widely her jaw popped, Molly set down her pen, threw back the covers on the bed, and slid between the cool sheets. As she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep, Friday's smile filled her dreams.