I took it out and then I cried. Then I pinned it on the inside of my bra and wore it there awhile. Then I pinned it on the outside of my bra. After supper I pinned it to my sweater. I walked around the house but no one even noticed it. I’m glad. I can’t talk about this yet. I love you. I could never love anyone this much again if I lived a thousand years. You angel.

Love,
Rhoda

February 14, 1956

Dear Malcolm,

Happy Valentine’s Day. HERE is the letter I wrote to you in January.

Dear Malcolm,

It was the worst Christmas I ever spent. All I did all day was drink sherry and walk back and forth from our house to Charles William’s house to Irise’s house. Their wedding was so beautiful. I had a red velvet bridesmaid’s dress and the church was full of candles and I cried like a baby when they pronounced them man and wife. I got your letters but I can’t seem to answer them. Do you mean it that you love me? I have never stopped loving you a second. No matter where I was, I was thinking about you dancing that first night I went to Homecoming with you.

I don’t know what else to say.

I love you,
Rhoda

Dear Rhoda,

I have to see you. Can you come here at Easter? I know that seems like a long way away but if I could look forward to that, it would change things for me. I could come to where you are if you can’t come here.

Love,
Malcolm

Dear Malcolm,

I will come at Easter and I will write to you every day until then. What difference does time make anyway? Time is just a way we measure eternity. We don’t even know if time is true. I love you,

Me

Dear Rhoda,

Errington and I are going to keep Phinias tied to the bed until you get here. I told my folks I had to stay in Atlanta to study. My aunt is going to be out of town and she said you could stay in her apartment if you wanted to. It’s a nice house out in Ansley Park and we wouldn’t have to be with Charles William and Irise all the time. Don’t take that to mean anything. I like Charles William and I am really sorry I said that about him to you. You better call me when you get this letter so we can make plans. She is my mother’s sister and she lives by herself. She’s my favorite aunt. I told her I was in love with you and she wants to meet you.

Love always,
Malcolm

Dear Malcolm,