Posted by hummingbird on 6/26/2014, 7:47 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Chapter Thirty-Three December 23, 1944
“That’s the last of them. Now go! Shoo! Out of the kitchen. You need to get off your feet for awhile,” Selma scolded Nora.
Seemed like as Nora progressed further into her pregnancy, Selma got more and more bossy.
“Mother, I’m fine...stop fretting over me,” Nora replied.
“Well, somebody has to. I worry about you. You need to take better care of yourself. Let’s go to the parlor and relax. I’m sure your father has a fire in the fireplace by now.”
Len was reading the Saturday edition of the Chicago Tribune as he sat next to a cozy fire. As the ladies made their way to the parlor, Nora glanced out the window.
“Looks like we’re going to get some more snow,” she said as she noticed fresh flakes swirling toward the ground. She stopped and her hand went to her throat as she noticed a government vehicle slowing down and pulling into their driveway…just like Sal...
She let out an audible gasp before backing away from the window shaking her head and repeating the single word, “no….No…..NO...NOOO….” The first word started as a whisper...the last word came out as more of a guttural wail, “NOoOOo….”
Selma turned and rushed to Nora. “What’s the matter, honey?” she asked.
Nora’s heart was beating wildly, her stomach was churning, bent double, she was sobbing uncontrollably.
Selma looked where Nora’s eyes were cast. A government vehicle...they always brought bad news…Oh, God, no...have mercy…
“Oh, Baby...come here,” she said to Nora softly. She pulled Nora close as Lenny Hanen went to answer the knocking at the door. Nora wept against her mother as she hadn’t done since her childhood years. Selma held her daughter tight, consoling her. “I’ve got you, baby, I’ve got you…”
Two military officers entered the Hanen foyer. Once they shook off the snow and removed their hats, Lenny Hanen recognized one as his son-in-law. He began to shake his hand, then pulled him into a firm man hug slapping him on the back. “Barux hashem! (Thank God) barux hashem!” Lenny uttered in Hebrew awe. “Welcome home…”
Bo glanced into the parlor to see Nora sobbing in her mother’s arms. He made his way quickly to her side and placed his hand gently on her hair.
“Red...honey...it’s me…” Bo said quietly. “Red?...”
Nora’s tear-stained eyes looked up from her mother’s shoulder into the eyes of her love.
Selma released Nora, and she stumbled into Bo’s arms. They held each other in a death grip, crying, tears mingling together. Then kisses, sweet and passionate, engulfed them both. Deep, desperate kisses...like they only had that moment...like some strange twist of fate would tear them apart again...
Finally, Nora pulled back , still crying, holding his face in her hands, “Let me look at you...oh, let me look at you...are you alright? You’re really here...I can’t believe it…you’re here...how?...why?...” She pulled him back into a tight embrace.
“It’s a long story…” he whispered against her neck. “I’ll explain it all later...but, I’m home...for good. Oh,honey...I love you…” he whispered. “I’ve missed you so much…”
“I’ve missed you too...” she whispered back amid sobs. “Why didn’t you write to me? I’ve been so worried…”
“I did write, but...well, that’s another long story. I’ll tell you about everything later…” He held her tight until her sobs ceased, kissing her neck and murmuring comforting words until she finally calmed down.
Finally, Bo pulled back to face her again and gave her a long, lingering kiss. He looked down at her belly and ran a hand across it.
“What’s this?” he asked smiling.
“It’s our baby” she said quietly, “I’ve been writing about the baby for months….”
Bo shook his head with tears in his eyes. “I didn’t know...I didn’t get your letters…”
“Well...you’re going to be a daddy in about two months,” she said softly, smiling at him through her tears.
Bo put both hands alongside her expanding belly. He was grinning all over.
“I guess I don’t have to ask if that makes you happy...your face says it all.”
“Oh, honey! I’m thrilled...I didn’t think it could get any better than coming home and holding you in my arms...but now this...a baby...I’m overwhelmed…”
He gave her another kiss. “I’m so happy.” He kissed her again and hugged her tight. “Are you okay now? I should introduce you to Officer Connor.”
She nodded.
Bo took Nora’s hand and they joined the others waiting in the foyer.
“Officer Connor, I’d like you to meet my wife, Nora.”
“You too, Officer Connor, thank you for bringing my husband home to me. Such a surprise…”
“A good surprise!” said Officer Connor. “That's the kind of surprise I like to deliver. Now I’ll be on my way and let you folks catch up.” Then to Bo he said, “Wishing you the best, Buchanan.”
“Thank you, Sir.” After a final salute between the two, Officer Connor was on his way. Nora went back into Bo’s arms for another embrace when Selma interrupted them.
“What about me? I haven’t gotten a hug yet. Don’t you have a hug for me?” asked Selma.
Bo reluctantly let go of Nora and laughed. “Of course I do, Selma, come here.” He embraced his mother-in-law.
“It’s wonderful to have you home,” said Selma. When she released Bo from her grasp, she looked at him. “Now...are you hungry? You come right with me to the kitchen, I have some good food leftover from dinner...come on…”
Bo laughed, “Now I know I’m back home...she’s already trying to feed me.” He wrapped an arm around Nora, and they followed a determined Selma to the kitchen.
