“I hope so—more than anything! She has been through so much. You know Nora comes first—I can’t let her down again!” Eloise’s voice trembled.

The major held Eloise gently. “I know—I understand.”

The conversation she just heard stunned Nora. She knew Sam was a devil and this information proved her right. Still in shock, Nora rocked back and forth as her mother’s words played back in her mind, “Nora comes first—I can’t let her down.” Tears streamed down her face as she hugged herself, relieved Sam would finally be out of their lives.

Chapter 55: April 1970

Chapter 55

April 1970

That spring Major Hawkins did his best to gain Nora’s affection. Every night he came for dinner bringing flowers or small gifts for both Eloise and Nora. They had fun trying to guess what he would bring them. One night he arrived empty-handed.

Nora spoke up first. She looked at the major, circling him before their eyes met. “Nothing? You didn’t bring anything?”

“Nora, don’t be rude. The major doesn’t have to bring something every night. He’s been spoiling us.” Eloise reprimanded her daughter but, at the same time, winked at the major.

“Oh, but I do have a surprise. Since it’s getting warmer, I thought Nora and I could walk to Shelley’s Ice Cream Parlor and buy an ice cream treat after supper. Yesterday I noticed the new shop had opened. It’s not far from here. What do you say, Nora?”

“Can I pick out the flavor?”

“Sure thing,” the major agreed.

A new ritual began. Eloise cleaned up the dishes while Nora and the major surprised her with a different flavor of ice cream each night. After a couple weeks, they became comfortable with their evening walks.

“Have you ever married?” Nora asked one night.

The major was silent for an awkward moment. “Yes, I married soon after I graduated from West Point. Ginny Upton swept me off my feet. We were high school sweethearts.” He grinned as he remembered his young wife.

“What happened? I can tell you were happy,” Nora said without thinking.

“I was happy. We were married three years and expecting our first child. Ginny was beside herself with the baby coming. I can picture the bloom on her face, her eyes filled with joy.” He paused and looked down. His smile disappeared, replaced with a deep furrow between his brows.

“What happened?” Nora looked up, sensing his distress.

“I haven’t mentioned Ginny to anyone in so long, not even your mother. Oh, she knows I was married but I never told her more, and your mother didn’t ask. It’s very hard for me to talk about. But . . . I’d like to tell you.” The major motioned to a nearby bench. “Let’s sit for a moment.”