He smiled, and my whole world came into focus. I had never seen anyone look happier, and I couldn’t help but match his beautiful smile with my own.
“I love you, Ally.”
“Then kiss me,” I whispered.
He drew me into his arms and lowered his lips to mine, holding me with tenderness and care as his hand came up to the back of my head and he deepened the kiss.
I’d never experienced anything like it in all my life. Wonder filled my heart as I clung to him, allowing his love and affection to envelop me completely. I’d had no idea love could feel this way or that I could be so happy under the touch of such a good man.
I wanted more, and when he pulled away, I almost felt bereft.
“I need to be careful,” he said with a chuckle, “or I might get carried away.”
I smiled as I pressed my cheek to his chest, listening to the beat of his heart, shocked thatThe Annals of San Franciscohad been right, after all.
And if it had been right about me being Sam’s wife, then it meant the fire would also happen as it said.
A sobering thought that dampened my newfound happiness.
“When can we get married?” he asked, his lips pressed against my hair. “How much time do you need?”
“I don’t need any time.” I finally pulled back. “Perhaps we should freshen up first.” I smiled. “I have a gown in my trunk that might serve as my wedding dress.”
His face fell as he said, “I should take a couple of days to make this hotel a little more livable for us.” He ran his thumb over my lower lip. “There aren’t any walls, and we’ll be in need of some privacy.”
My cheeks warmed.
“I think I can get some walls up tomorrow,” he continued. “How about we get married the day after that?”
I nodded. “Wednesday, then?”
He smiled again and kissed me, and I didn’t hurry him in the least.
I would have time in 1929 to share my news with Mama and Papa, and though they wouldn’t be with me when we married in 1849, I wanted their blessing. It didn’t seem right to get married without it.
I just hoped they would give it.
22
October 9, 1929
Hollywood, California
Brilliant sunshine brushed my face as I slowly opened my eyes the next morning. It was the first time in weeks in this path that I didn’t wake up before the sun to head to Bennett Studios. I wanted to languish in the slow morning, but there was too much to tell my parents, and I was afraid Papa had already left for the day to work on postproduction. His schedule wouldn’t ease up until the movie released.
As quickly as I could, I jumped out of bed and grabbed my silk kimono off the footboard, slipping it on as I ran out the door. The smell of coffee wafted up the back stairs as I made my way into the kitchen, tucking a wayward lock of hair under my sleeping cap.
Mama was standing at the stove, humming “How Can I Keep from Singing?” Her family in the 1600s had not sung as part of their Quaker worship, but she loved to sing and often did it quietly when she thought she was alone.
I paused for a moment on the steps, taking in the scene, so similar to a thousand other mornings I’d entered this room throughout my life. I had told Sam that I wanted to stay in 1849 with him,and I didn’t regret that decision, but being back here, it wasn’t as easy to accept.
Mama glanced up from the stove, where she set the coffeepot, a beautiful smile warming her face. “Good morning, Ally.”
“Good morning, Mama. Are you the only one awake?”
“Papa is in his study gathering his things to head to the studio, but everyone else is still in bed. I didn’t want to wake anyone, since we’ve all been working so hard.”
“Can we talk to Papa?” I asked quickly. “Before he leaves? I have a few things I need to tell both of you.”
