With a final burst of laughter, they departed.
“Oh my goodness,” Aleida murmured, her face pressed to his chest.
He tipped up her chin. “Did I embarrass you?”
“Quite. But in a very good way.” Her gleaming smile confirmed it.
Something surged in his chest. “Shall we invite them all to the wedding? Even Lou?”
“Especially Lou.” Then her eyes widened, as if she realized what he’d asked and what she’d blithely accepted.
He couldn’t look at her, could barely speak. He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Will you come? Will you come to the wedding?”
Aleida’s breath pulsed against his exposed throat, his exposed heart. “Nothing—nothing would make me happier.”
Hugh pulled back to study her face, to ensure he’d heard properly. Peace and joy and trust and absolute love radiated from her.
Only one response was possible. He kissed her.
46
SUNDAY, MAY18, 1941
Hugh’s arm felt good in Aleida’s hand—strong and capable—even when suspended by a sling with a cast on his poor hand.
Spring sunshine and humor danced in his hazel eyes as they walked back to her flat after church. “How does it feel to be a celebrity?”
“Goodness.” Aleida laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder. Not only had Hugh’s hospital broadcast made her a household name, but in the past week she’d been interviewed by many of the papers about the Granville case. “I’m glad the radio waves carry only voices, not faces.”
“Wait until after the war when the BBC can bring television back.”
“Will you be on television? Everyone knows your name and voice, and sometimes your photograph is inRadio Times, but for everyone to recognize your face like a film star...”
Hugh rubbed his chin. “You would deprive the nation of my distinguished jawline?”
She laughed and nudged him. “You might become insufferable.”
“Then I shall stay with radio so you can continue to suffer me. For life.”
Aleida’s chest swelled with the magnitude of her decision. All week she’d asked herself if she’d acted hastily, if she could trust her own judgment. But this was Hugh, her beloved Hugh, and he’d offered as lengthy of an engagement as she desired.
She squeezed his arm. “For life.”
Across the street, three boys played amongst the trees in the square. Although German air raids now came infrequently, they had grown in severity, with the raid of 10 May the worst ever.
She sighed. “Despite our best efforts, too many children remain in the cities.”
“The situation is bound to improve with the changes coming to your department.”
“In time.” Aleida turned the corner of the square to her street. “Mr. Armbruster is excited that Mr. Farnsworth will take Beatrice’s position. Mr. Farnsworth is eager to help the evacuees and to support foster families and billeting officers. It’s good to—”
A man stood by the door to her building. He looked like ... “Mr. Randolph?”
“Pardon?” Hugh said.
The man met her gaze. Yes, Mr. Randolph.
Terror snaked in her belly. She dropped Hugh’s arm and ran forward. “Theo? Is Theo—Teddy—is he all right?”
