Chapter 4

Clara entered the photography studio wearing the ivory dress and the ring Daniel had bought for me.

The photographer looked between the three of us. “Which one of you is the bride?”

“My sister,” Clara answered. “I’m only here with them.”

Film was still in short supply after the war, and our appointment covered three exposures. Clara used two for portraits of herself, then asked Daniel to take one with her. Daniel glanced at me. “Do you mind?”

“Go ahead.”

When they finished, the photographer removed the film and explained that there were no exposures left.

“We booked a wedding portrait,” Daniel said.

“I can schedule you for next week.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said, picking up my purse.

Daniel followed me outside and handed me a train ticket. “I changed my mind after last night. I don’t want you waiting here alone.”

“This is for Friday. You can meet us in Washington.”

It was a coach ticket. The Army had arranged sleeper berths for Daniel and Clara.

“There’s no room in the family quarters yet,” he said. “You can stay at a hotel until I get settled.”

“Will the Army allow that?”

“I’ll work something out.”

In my first life, I had believed him. I spent two weeks waiting alone in a cheap hotel before returning home.

I placed the ticket in my purse, and Daniel frowned. “There it is again.”

“What?”

“That look. You act as though none of this matters.”

“You already made the arrangements. What would you like me to say?”

“I want you to tell me what you’re thinking.”

He stepped closer, but Clara called his name from behind us.

A delivery truck skidded at the corner and jumped the curb. Daniel turned at once and pulled Clara against him.

Someone in the crowd struck my shoulder as I tried to move back. The truck clipped a mailbox, sending its metal post into me. I hit the pavement with pain tearing through my wrist and ribs.

Daniel shouted my name. Before he could reach me, Clara gripped his uniform and struggled to breathe.

“I can’t breathe, Daniel.”

He helped her onto the steps and began calming her. The truck driver and another man carried me to a car and took me to the hospital.

My wrist was fractured, and my ribs were badly bruised. The doctor kept me overnight for observation.

Daniel arrived after dark with his tie loosened and his uniform jacket over one arm. He came to the bed and looked at my bandaged wrist.

“What did the doctor say?”

“I’ll recover.”

“I should have come with you.”

“Clara needed you.”

“She was in shock. I stayed until she fell asleep.”

“Is she all right now?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

He reached toward my uninjured hand, but I moved it beneath the blanket.

“Eleanor, she was closer to me,” he said. “I could reach her. I didn’t know you would be hit.”

“I understand.”

My answer only deepened the crease between his brows. “You can be angry with me.”

“There’s no point.”

“You never used to talk like this.”

“What time are you leaving for Washington?”

“Nine tomorrow morning.”

“Then you should go home and rest.”

Daniel gripped the back of the chair. “I can request a delay.”

“Clara’s pass and berth have already been arranged. The Army won’t change your orders because of my wrist.”

“I could stay one more day.”

“The doctor will discharge me tomorrow.”

He watched me for a long moment. “Do you really want me to leave?”

“You already decided to go.”

A nurse entered and announced that visiting hours were over. Daniel put on his jacket, then paused at the door.

“I’ll come back in the morning.”

“You have to take Clara to the station.”

His hand remained on the doorknob. “I’ll arrange for someone to take you home.”

I closed my eyes, and after a moment, I heard the door shut behind him.