“I can’t be a cookie-cutter wife. I tried, and I just can’t do it. I’m never going to look like one of those women in an appliance ad.”

He laughed.

“I’m serious, Byron. I can’t stay married if that’s all it’s going to be.”

“What do you want from me, Doll? Life isn’t like some movie where we can just ride off into the sunset. Did you think being married was going to be easy?”

“Yes!” She sighed. “I did. Easier than this, anyway.”

“Well, it isn’t. No matter how much we wish it was. Doll, I’m going to mess up. I can’t promise you I won’t. But you don’t have to be like a woman in an ad. They’re not real. I know that. I wouldn’t want that.”

She was quiet a moment, then said, “You want to know what I want?”

He nodded.

“I want you to talk to me. Tell me how you’re feeling. Did you know I’ve been taking notes on what you say about my suppers? It’s the only shred of evidence I’ve had!”

He hung his head. “It’s not easy for me.”

“Well, you said yourself, life is hard,” she said. “It’s just not fair that Roy knows you so much better than I do.”

“… I’ll try, Doll.”

“I mean, talk to me about more than just Chryslers. I want to know about your past, and what you’re really thinking. About me, our life. Even the war.”

He sighed. “I’ll try.”

“One other thing, too. I want to take flying lessons.”

He looked up. “Flying lessons?”

She gave him a look.

“All right, I’m sorry. Really?”

“You don’t understand what it’s like never to get to drive, Byron. It’s my own life and yet it feels like I’m just along for the ride. I want to fly. And I want to be at the controls when I do it.”

“Doll, it’s just—not very wifely, taking flying lessons. And it’s dangerous.”

She pointed her chin.

An awkward moment passed. Then, suddenly he took her face in both his hands, and kissed her like they weren’t even married yet. It took her breath away.

He pulled back from her, and said, “Want to get something to eat? At Shorty’s or something?”