Beyond the Shadow of War (43 page)

47

The snow was falling again as they left the hotel in a yellow taxi. Anya watched out the window as they passed block after block of high-rise buildings, masses of people walking the sidewalks, and seas of yellow cabs just like theirs. When it all started to blur, she turned to Danny, smitten by the smile on his face.

“It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? The city?”

“All these buildings and all these people. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Well, yes, New York is big, any way you look at it. And the population is something like seven and a half million, or thereabouts.”

“Is all of America like this?” She turned to look up at the skyscrapers rushing by them. “I can’t even grasp it.”

“Oh, don’t let it carry you away,” Betty said. “The rest of the country, for the most part, is nothing like this.”

She turned toward her. “Is Chicago as big as New York?”

“Heavens, no. Thank goodness!”

The taxi delivered them to a lovely restaurant where the three of them dined by candlelight just around the corner from Central Park. After dinner, they sipped steaming cups of coffee before the waiter brought their dessert. Danny and his mother chuckled as Anya savored her first bite of New York cheesecake. She closed her eyes, savoring the heavenly blend of flavors.

It was the strangest thing. She supposed others might begrudge the presence of a mother-in-law at a time like this, but Anya felt only gratitude. Through the handful of letters they’d exchanged, she knew Betty‌—‌as she insisted Anya call her‌—‌to be a godly woman who loved her family. Even now, sitting across from her in the cozy restaurant, Anya knew that without Betty’s faithful prayers, she probably wouldn’t be here.

They asked about her trip across the Atlantic, but she kept the conversation light, not wishing to dampen their first night together. She told them about Gigi and Kate and little Joss, and how they’d survived the long months together in London and the difficult voyage across the Atlantic. Danny asked if anyone special had come to see her off. Only then did she remember his part in Charlie and Sophie showing up the day they left Southampton. She thanked him for such a wonderful surprise. He asked how Sybil was doing, and she told him all she knew. As she did, the same bittersweet ache wrapped around her heart.

Betty reached for her hand across the table. “How nice to have friends you care about and who obviously care so much about you. We’ll look forward to a time when they might come for a visit.”

“I would love that.”

Moments later when they stood to go, Anya swayed, nearly tumbling into Danny.

He grabbed her just in time. “Are you okay?”

“I’m not sure. It felt like I was back on the ship.”

“You’ve had sea legs for a long time. You’ll get your land legs back in a day or two.”

“I hope so. I’m anxious to put all that behind me.”

They hailed a cab and returned to the hotel. Betty had moved her suitcase to a room down the hall when they first returned from the harbor. As they stopped outside her door to say goodnight, she gave both of them a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Danny escorted Anya down the hall to their room. Once inside, he reached for the
Do Not Disturb
sign and placed it on the outer doorknob. With a silly grin on his face and a wink of his eye, he closed the door.

As the morning light streamed through the window, Danny felt Anya roll over and snuggle close beneath the covers. He slid his arm around her, loving the warmth of her body so close to his.

He sighed happily as he kissed her forehead. “Good morning,” he whispered.

“Mmm.”

“You can say that again.” He kissed her soft cheek.

“Mmm. Can’t we just stay here all day? Do you think your mother would mind terribly if we skipped breakfast?”

“Oh, I’m sure she’d understand.”

“Good.”

“Good.” He kissed the soft spot below her ear. “If she knocks on our door, I’ll let you get it.”

“No problem. But I wonder … do you think she’d mind if we skipped lunch too?”

“Why? Did you have something else in mind?”

“No.”

“No?”

“Well …”

“Well?”

She turned on her side and rested her head on his shoulder. “Well … the thing is, I don’t want to leave the room today. And if you must know,” she added, barely above a whisper, “I don’t want to leave this bed.”

He turned, pulling her closer still. “I think that can be arranged.” She kissed him gently with a soft sigh. “There’s just one problem.”

She looked into his eyes, a tiny crease forming between her brows. “What’s that?”

He stared into the eyes he loved so dearly, hating to break the moment. He kissed her cheek, then inched his way up to whisper in her ear. “If you must know, I need to go … brush my teeth. Yes. That’s it. I need to brush my teeth.”

“Are you sure?” She smiled and rolled back onto her pillow. “Because I’ll probably fall back asleep and who knows how long I might sleep?”

  He stared at her lips for half a second, debating. “Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll be sure to wake you when I return.”

He kissed her cheek again, then rolled out of bed. He made his way to the bathroom, and when he flipped on the light, noticed an envelope had been slipped under their door. He picked it up and recognized his mother’s handwriting.

“What’s that?” Anya asked.

He turned back toward her as he opened it. “A note from Mom, by the looks of it.”

“What’s it say?”

“Let me see … oh my goodness, she’s gone.”

“What?”

He wandered back toward the bed. “It says, ‘By the time you read this, I’ll be on the train heading home. You were so kind to let me tag along, Danny, but you and Anya need some time alone. Your hotel bill is paid in full for two more nights, so have some fun. I’ll see you when you come home. Love, Mother.’”

“Oh, she didn’t need to leave.”

“I know, but I’m not surprised.”

“You’re not?”

“That’s just Mom. Always thinking ahead, always anticipating the needs of others.”

Anya stared at him a moment longer. “It’s very thoughtful of her. She’s just as I’d imagined her, Danny. So genuine, so kind. I can’t tell you how pleased I was to finally meet her yesterday.”

“She never had daughters, and if the way she treats Millie is any indication, she’ll be spoiling you rotten too. Which is fine by me, in case you were wondering.”

“I thought you were going to brush your teeth?”

“Oh. Right.” He turned to go then stopped. “You won’t fall asleep, will you?”

“I don’t know. I suppose it’s possible. So …”

They didn’t leave their room all day.

On Tuesday morning, they decided to venture out and see the sights. First stop, the world’s tallest building‌—‌the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan. With a brilliant blue sky as backdrop, the building’s panoramic view of New York astounded them. The brisk wind stung their eyes as they looked far below at the golden rays of the sun dancing on the ripples of both the Hudson and East Rivers. Danny pointed out the Chrysler Building with its classic art-deco architecture and several other famous structures.

“It’s so beautiful, Danny. But doesn’t it seem odd compared to the bombing damage in London? I hadn’t thought how strange it would look, literally unscathed by the war.”

He stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. “You’re right. Hadn’t thought of that either, to be honest. But I remember reading about a B-25 that crashed into this building just last year.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it was a Saturday morning back in July and extremely foggy. The pilot got confused and flew right into it.”

“How horrible.”

“Surprisingly, only a dozen or so folks were killed. The small crew on board the plane died, of course, and the others who were working on the floors where it hit. Since it was a weekend, there weren’t as many casualties as there might have been.”

“I didn’t notice any damage to the building, did you?”

“No, come to think of it.”

They made their way all around the observation deck, taking in the view to the north, east, south, and west. When the wind picked up, they headed back down the elevator. They rode the subway south, hopping off to take a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge where they asked a stranger to take their picture with the famous structure behind them. Danny asked if she’d like to take a ride on the Staten Island ferry. She declined, saying it might be decades before she’d ever take another boat ride.

“I see your point. Well, what else would you like to see? Times Square? A show on Broadway?”

She took hold of his hand again. “You know what I’d really like?”

“Surprise me.”

“I’d like to have an early dinner at a quiet restaurant. Preferably one that serves cheesecake.”

“I believe we can make that happen.”

“Good. Afterwards, I’d like to go back to the hotel.”

“Oh, I
know
we can make that happen.” He kissed her soundly then raised his hand. “Taxi!”

48

13 February 1946 

Chicago, Illinois 

Anya spotted Joey on the platform as they stepped down from the train at the LaSalle Station shortly after seven that evening. She might not have recognized him apart from his waving hands as he dodged people and mounds of luggage to reach them.

“Joey!” Danny engulfed his brother in a hug, slapping his back.

“Hey, baby brother! But enough about you.” He stepped back and elbowed Danny out of the way, opening his arms to her. “Anya! At long last we meet!”

She stepped into his embrace, surprised to find him taller than Danny. “Hello, Joey.”

Joey released her, then reached for her hand. “If Mom hadn’t come home gushing about her newly-arrived daughter-in-law, I would have thought you existed only in Danny’s imagination. But here you are!”

“Yes, here I am,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about you through the years. I’m glad to finally meet you in person.”

He narrowed his eyes toward Danny. “Don’t believe half of it.”

“It was all good. I promise.”

“Somehow I doubt that, but let’s get going.” He reached for her bag and took another from Danny. “I’m on strict orders to hurry home with you two. Everyone’s anxious to see you. Mom’s been cooking all day, so I hope you’re hungry.”

He chatted nonstop as they made their way through the crowded station. Once they reached the car and stashed their luggage in the trunk, they climbed inside. Danny insisted she ride in the front seat with Joey to give her a better view of the city. He’d told her Chicago wasn’t nearly as big as New York, but gazing up at the tall skyscrapers and the galaxy of city lights against the ink-black sky, she couldn’t tell much difference until they left the metropolitan areas.

She warmed to Joey immediately, pleased to find him just as charming and funny as Danny had always described him.

“How’s my nephew doing?” Danny asked from the backseat.

“Oh yes,” Anya added, “congratulations on the birth of your son. I can’t wait to meet him. Danny tells me he’s quite a handsome little guy.”

“Oh, is he ever! Cute as a button and smart as a whip. Takes after his father, of course.”

“Don’t listen to him, honey. Jimmy’s the spitting image of his mother. You’ll see.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “The spitting image? What does that mean?”

Joey laughed. “Good question. And I have no idea where the expression came from, but it means there’s a striking resemblance between two people. You’ll see when you meet Jimmy. We’re identical. Well, except for the age difference, of course.”

A snort sounded from the backseat. “Behaviorally, they’re remarkably similar.”

“Nice one, Danny.”

The teasing continued and with it, waves of laughter. It reminded her of the verbal jousting between Charlie and Danny. She found it relaxing, this warm relationship they shared. Much to her relief, she realized her silly worries about meeting Danny’s family were evaporating.

Danny scooted forward and tapped her shoulder as they turned a corner. “Anya, look.”

Most of the houses on the block were lit up with Christmas lights. Anya couldn’t make sense of it.

“I don’t understand. It’s the thirteenth of February. Do all Americans leave their Christmas lights up all year?”

Danny patted his brother’s shoulder. “Joey, Joey, Joey, what have you done?”

“Don’t look at me. I’m just the chauffeur.”

As they pulled in front of the house, Anya couldn’t believe the crowd of people all bundled in the front yard, waving and cheering as they drew to a stop. She spotted a sign over the front porch that read, “WELCOME HOME, DANNY & ANYA!”

A flutter of butterflies troubled her stomach. “What’s happening? Danny, did you know about this?”

“No, I didn’t. Are you okay with this?”

She nodded. What else could she do?

He hopped out of the backseat and opened her door. The crowd raised their voices, all singing together for them.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

With Danny’s hand clutching hers, they moved into the bustling crowd of well-wishers who hugged her and welcomed her. A moment passed until a path cleared for Danny’s parents as they made their way to her.

Betty hugged her tight then stepped back, her eyes filled with tears of joy again. “Welcome home, Anya!”

Danny shouted above the chatter as he introduced her to his father. “Dad, this is Anya. Anya, this is my dad.”

Mr. McClain held out his hand to shake hers, his eyes glistening in the glow of the colorful Christmas lights. He started to speak, then clamped his jaw tight, his smile wavering. Anya looked at his hand, ignored it and stepped slowly into his unsuspecting arms. Around them, lots of
ahhhs
accompanied the crowd noise and those still singing. He stiffened at first, then relaxed as he wrapped his arms gingerly around her.

They stood there for a moment unable to speak. Then, “It’s nice to meet you, Anya. Welcome home.”

Anya pulled back just enough to look into her father-in-law’s eyes. “Thank you, Mr. McClain. It’s pleasure to meet you.”

Betty looped her arm through Anya’s. “Oh, Anya. I can’t believe you’re finally home! I hope it’s all right that we invited a few friends to welcome you.”

“It’s very nice. Very kind of you.”

“Don’t worry,” she whispered in Anya’s ear. “We’ll shoo them all away in a bit. I know you must be exhausted.”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you, Mrs.‌—‌I mean, Betty. Sorry. I keep forgetting.”

“You call me whatever you like, sweetheart. Now enjoy yourself. We have refreshments inside if you’re hungry.”

Before she could respond, Joey reached through the crowd for her hand. “Anya, there’s someone here who wants to say hello. You too, Danny. An old friend of yours.”

Anya and Danny shared a look.

Suddenly, a fiddler stood before them, his head bowed as he played “Here Comes the Bride.”

“Cosmos?”
Danny sputtered. “What are
you
doing here?”

With an exaggerated flair of his bow, he finished the song and took a deep bow. “Mr. Danny and Mrs. Anya, yes! It is I‌—‌Cosmos Francis Benedetto at your service!”

“But how‌—‌”

“How is it that I am here? I’m here at the request of your family, and most especially your brother Joey, who asked me to bring my fiddle to play for you and all these fine people, as we celebrate together the Christmas that the two of you were not able to share together.”

Anya couldn’t believe it. The same Cosmos who had “kept watch” over her in Framlingham after Danny left‌—‌here? In Chicago?

Suddenly, Joey popped up beside them, a mischievous grin on his face. “Surprised?”

Cosmos played another round as others joined to sing. After the applause ended, he started to speak to them, then paused. He tapped his quivering mouth with the tip of his bow and tried to collect himself, then tried again. “It is with the utmost pleasure that I, Cosmos Francis Benedetto, accepted your brother Joey’s invitation to join the two of you in this auspicious gathering of your friends and neighbors as we recreate the holiday ambience to welcome you both home. Especially you, Mrs. Anya, as you start your life here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The crowd cheered, “Here, here!”

“Oh, thank you, Cosmos,” she said. “What a surprise to see you again. I’m … speechless. Really. It’s so kind of you to come.”

He laughed heartily. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Anya!”

He placed the fiddle beneath his chin and played a rousing introduction to “Joy to the World.” He wandered off as the crowd joined in, their voices sending puffs of fog along the way.

Joey draped his arm around Danny’s neck. “Nice homecoming, eh?”

Danny shook his head as he chuckled. “Never saw
that
one coming.”

Anya stayed close to Danny’s side. “What’s he doing here? I thought he lived in New Jersey. Is that close to Chicago?”

Joey grinned. “No, not at all. But a couple days ago, the little guy showed up at the theater and said he wanted to take me up on my offer of a job.”

Danny blinked. “You offered him a
job
?”

“Well yeah, but I never thought he’d take it!” He turned to Anya. “See, he came through town back in January to see Danny. Actually, I believe we have
you
to thank for giving him the family’s address?”

She felt the sheepish grin creep across her face. “Oh … right. I forgot.”

Danny narrowed his eyes at her. “You forgot. How convenient.”

“Not a problem, though. Right, Danny?” Joey prodded.

He laughed. “The missus and I will talk about this later.”

“Anyway,” Joey continued, “that’s when I met him, Anya. In fact, we spent a very interesting day with him while we waited for Danny to come home from his job at the library. Cosmos said he’d been traveling a lot and decided to stop by and see Danny while he was in Chicago. Then, as I said, he showed up a couple of days ago and told me God wanted him to live here in Chicago, especially with his dear friends here.”

Danny smirked. “Oh, how I wish Charlie was here.” He shook his head as he watched the feisty Italian playing his fiddle and dancing through the crowd. “Wow. I don’t even know what to say.”

“Nothing to say, brother. We’ll all be one big happy family. You and Anya, Millie and Jimmy and me, Mom and Dad‌—‌and Cosmos.”

They gradually moved inside. Anya marveled at the house so warmly decorated for Christmas. Fragrant garlands of pine gracing the banister. Mistletoe hung from light fixtures here and there. And in the corner of the living room, a Christmas tree glowing with colorful lights, and an angel atop with wings touching the ceiling.

“I can’t believe you did all this for us. Have all these decorations been here since Christmas?”

Betty chuckled. “No, we put them up when I got back from New York. It was actually Danny who gave me the idea.”

“Me? What are you talking about?”

“Yes you, though you didn’t know it at the time. It was that first morning in New York after you heard Anya’s ship was on its way again. You were so excited, Danny, and you said it was ‘almost like Christmas.’”

“You’re right. I did say that.”

“That’s when I got the idea to have another Christmas to celebrate Anya’s homecoming. I called home and told Dad and Joey to find a tree and start decorating.”

“Well, you couldn’t have surprised us more.”

She kissed his cheek. “Now, you two go get something to eat. We’ll open presents after everyone leaves.”

Neighbors came and went; everyone wanting to meet Anya until she thought one more smile would surely break her jaw. Many had helped with the spread of food, unlike anything she had seen since before the war. While sampling a cookie, she was delighted to meet Lara Zankowski‌—‌or “Mrs. Z” as Danny called her.

“I feel as though I already know you,” Anya said, “from all Danny’s letters telling me about his favorite teacher.”

“Really? Well, teachers aren’t supposed to have pets, but between you and me, Danny was always my favorite. He always shared my love of history, and what teacher doesn’t love to have a student catch the passion for the subject matter?

“Now, Joey? That was a totally different situation. That young man didn’t care one iota about his studies, but oh my, what a charmer he was. I lost count of how many girls vied for his attention in the classroom. But I loved him from the start. Which is a good thing now that I’m his aunt.”

Danny caught Anya’s eye, crooking his finger for her to join him in the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, but could you give me a moment? Danny’s motioning for me.”

“No problem, I need to walk home. School night, you know.” She placed her hand over Anya’s. “You tell that handsome husband of yours to bring you over for coffee once you get settled. All right?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll look forward to it.”

With a quick hug, she was gone. Anya worked her way over to the kitchen where Danny introduced her to Mrs. Martello and her sister Angelica. He told her they lived side by side in the two houses across the street.

“Are these the ladies whose snow you used to shovel?”

“Best snow boy we ever had!” Mrs. Martello said. “We haven’t had a decent shoveling since he left.” She took both of Anya’s hands in hers and gave her a peck on each of her cheeks.

Her sister Angelica did the same. Anya noticed they both wore the same sweet fragrance.

The elderly pair gave them a large gift box wrapped in festive Christmas paper.

“Don’t let the paper fool you.”

“It’s your wedding gift.”

“Oh, how thoughtful,” Anya said, motioning for Danny to help her unwrap it. As they lifted the lid, the overpowering scent of mothballs wafted from the box. Inside, wrapped in layers of white tissue paper, they found a knitted blanket. Patterns of bright color on a black background. “Oh my goodness, what a beautiful blanket.”