On Wings of the Morning (32 page)

“All right, I’ll tell Mata,” Otto said. “I’m sure she will be delighted not to have to cook. I’ll tell you the basics, though. We’re going to buy a couple of twin-engine surplus Beechcraft and use them to run an air service from Pioneer Lake to Minneapolis and maybe a couple of other cities.”

Betty clapped her hands. “What a wonderful idea!” she exclaimed. “And that will certainly help the airport grow.”

***

Otto rang the doorbell at Betty’s house promptly at six. Mata had put on one of her church dresses and Otto wore his suit. Betty promptly opened the door. “Come in, come in,” she told them, kissing first Mata and then Otto on the cheek. She showed them into the parlor where drinks were ready. “I hope martinis are all right.”

“Just fine,” Mata said. “I’ve acquired quite a taste for them.”

“They’re better than dark beer, I’d say,” Otto noted. He raised his glass. “A toast: to our airline business.”

“To our business,” the other two echoed, clinking their glasses with his and taking a quick sip.

They chatted for a while and then Betty stood up. “Dinner’s ready,” she said. “Let’s eat.”

They talked as they ate.

“I think we can operate as a charter so we can see what kind of business is out there,” Otto said. “This beef is delicious, Betty.”

“Thank you, Otto. Sarah showed me how to make it.”

“I’ve checked over the finances, and the income from the airport will fund the purchase of the aircraft,” Mata said. “I’m going by average price at auction from last week.”

“How do you find these things out, Mata?”

“I have my ways.”

“I know that.”

“So, anyhow, I’ll file papers for our incorporation as a business. We need a name for the Department of Financial Institutions, though.”

There was silence as they contemplated various names.

“What about ‘OK Airlines,’” Betty asked. “You know, after your nickname, Otto.”

“That sounds like a cowboy airline. Not the image we want, I think.”

“What about the initials of our first names?” Mata said. “You know, ‘MOB Airlines.’”

Otto made a wry face. “We lost our mob connection when Wilson died.”

“Oh. You’re right.”

“What about Pioneer Lake Airlines?” Betty asked.

“Well, that says something about where we fly from. It doesn’t say where we fly to,” Mata offered.

“Wisconsin Airlines, then,” Betty said.

“We wouldn’t fly to Wisconsin only. We’ll be flying to Minnesota as well,” Mata told her.

“W and M Airlines, then?” Betty said.

“I’ve been thinking of M and M Airlines.” Otto said thoughtfully. “That could stand for ‘Mata and Maria’ in honor of you and Mama, Mata, and for my B-17. It also could stand for Milwaukee and Madison since we could fly to those places.”

“I like that,” Betty said.

“So do I,” Mata added.

“Well,” Otto told them as he raised his glass, “To M and M Airlines, then. May we prosper.”

“Hear, hear,” the other two said.

Six months later, M & M Airlines was thriving. Word got around that Otto would provide a fast, comfortable trip to Madison or Milwaukee for local businessmen, and for hunters and fishermen who came out to Pioneer Lake year ‘round to enjoy their sports. Initially, Betty and the Kerchners operated the service as a charter, with flights flown as needed. Otto found he was flying himself ragged, so he scheduled first one flight at noon, and then two other flights at ten and two. The Beechcraft was almost full for most flights, and about six months in, Otto realized he needed another pilot and also realized his airport manager had multi-engine experience. He hired Mata’s Pete as the airport manager and gladly gave up some of the runs to the cities to Jimmy.

Otto was at his desk one Friday morning. Betty was at her place in the outer office. She came in to where Otto sat and closed the door.

“Hey, good-lookin’,” Otto said.

“Don’t flatter me, Otto. We need to talk.”

“Those words usually mean I’m in trouble.”

“You’re not in trouble. I just want to talk seriously about something.”

“And what would that be? Business is booming.”

“I want to talk about us, you wonderful man.”

“Us?”

“Yes, I want to know where you think we are going.”

“I hadn’t thought much about it, Betty. I guess overseas I got used to just getting through the next few minutes or the next hour or the next day. I had general dreams and plans for after the war, but the accident changed all that.”

“Otto, I love you and I will stay with you no matter what. I just wanted you to know that.” She stood up and went back to her desk.

Otto sat there for a while, puzzled. Then he realized what Betty was saying. He arose from his desk and went out to her.

“Yes?” she said, looking up at him.

“We’re going flying, Betty.”

“Right now? I have all this paperwork.”

“I’m the boss and I’m giving you the rest of the morning off to go flying with me.”

Betty stacked the pile of papers on her desk in a neat pile. “Well, OK, boss.”

She walked with him to the J-5 which had some age on it but was kept in pristine condition by the A&P man Mata had hired. They were soon drawing repair and overhaul jobs from 100 miles around.

Otto climbed in first and then Betty after him. He ran a quick check of the controls and cranked the engine. It seemed puny by comparison with the B-17 or even the M&M Beechcrafts. They taxied out and held at the end of the runway to allow two aircraft on final to complete their landings.

Otto took off smoothly, and soon they were at ten thousand feet amid scattered clouds and brilliant sun. Otto fished around in his pocket and, holding the stick with his right hand, held the box out to Betty with his left.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Something I should have given you months ago. Betty, will you marry me?” He pulled off the top of the box to reveal a brilliant diamond.

Betty’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, yes, Otto! Yes, my love!” They went into a long passionate kiss. Only the Piper slipping off to one side brought them back to where they were.

“Whoa,” Otto exclaimed, “We’d better straighten up and fly right.”

“Let’s land! I want to tell everyone! My parents will be so pleased! They think the world of you, Otto.”

Otto set the J-5 down on the smooth summer grass and taxied to the hangar. They worked together to secure the aircraft. Otto went over to tell Jimmy they would be away for a few hours. He and Betty hopped in her car and took off.

“Who should we tell first?” Otto asked her.

“Mata! She’s like a sister to me.”

“Me, too,” Otto chuckled and Betty smacked him in the head.

They soon were at the farmhouse. They walked in to find Mata cleaning the kitchen floor. She looked up as they came in, alarmed.

“What’s wrong? Has something happened? Tell me!” She quickly relaxed when she saw their faces were relaxed and smiling.

“Sit down, Mata,” Otto told her. “We have some news.” They all sat at the kitchen table. Otto put his arm around Betty. Mata looked expectant.

“Should you tell her?” Otto asked Betty.

“I can, if you want.”

“OK, then.”

“Mata, your brother and I are engaged.”

Mata screamed and launched herself out of her chair, reaching to take Otto and Betty in her arms. They embraced as Mata babbled what seemed like a hundred questions.

“Where will it be?
When
will it be? What will your colors be, Betty? What about attendants?” Mata was flushed and smiling.

“Hold on, Mata, this just happened about an hour ago. We’ll have plenty of time to plan, but we haven’t talked about any of the details. I do know that I want you to be my maid of honor.”

“Oh,” said Mata breathlessly, “I’d love to. I’d be honored, in fact.”

“We can have the reception at my parents’ house. They adore Otto so I know they’ll say yes!”

Mata and Betty were soon caught up in a whirl of plans and ideas. Otto excused himself to go outside and walk across the pasture in the warm June late afternoon sunlight. So many things had happened to him in the past year, but this was the best. He smiled at the thought of him and Betty together for a lifetime. Maybe his luck had returned after being absent for so long. He certainly hoped so.

***

Betty’s parents were about as excited as Mata, but managed to disguise it better than she did. Mrs. Ross came over and kissed each of them on the cheek. Mr. Ross hugged Betty and shook Otto’s hand. “I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said. “Welcome to the family, son. We’re proud to have you.”

“Thank you, sir. I promise to take good care of Betty.”

“We know you will,” said Mrs. Ross. “We think of you as part of the family already, Otto, and wish you both every happiness.”

Mrs. Ross took Betty’s arm and escorted her into the parlor. “We’ve got a lot of planning to do, so we might as well get started.”

“Thanks, Mom, but I want Mata involved. I’ve asked her to be my maid of honor.”

“How delightful! What a lovely girl she is. Well, we’ll just have to wait until we can all be together. Why don’t we do it over dinner, say this Friday about seven? Come early for drinks.”

Mr. Ross asked Otto, “Who will be your best man?”

“I thought I’d ask Mata’s beau, Pete Johanssen.”

“Oh, yes, I know the family. Good solid people. Off the subject, I want to ask you something, Otto.”

“Certainly.”

“You know that vets have been going back to college on the G.I. bill. I think that’s commendable. However, I heard a story that somewhat bothered me, and I wanted to get your perspective as a veteran on it.”

“Go ahead, please.” They had reached the parlor by this time and all took seats. Mrs. Ross took a small silver bell and rang it. Sarah appeared.

“Sarah, we’d like some tea, please. And we have great news—Betty and Otto are engaged.”

Sarah clapped her hands and then quickly dropped them and curtsied. “Yes, ma’am,” she murmured, and left the room.

“So,” Mr. Ross continued, “I heard that a group of vets, students at the U. of W. at Madison, came into the cafeteria to find the tables covered with trays and dishes left by other students who weren’t vets. The veterans swept everything off the table onto the floor. Can you explain why they would do such a thing? It doesn’t make sense to me, as responsible as they are normally.”

Otto thought for a second. “I don’t know the people involved, so this is just a surmise, but in the military, you’re taught to be responsible for yourself and for others with you. I think the vets saw the students who had left a mess for others as immature and irresponsible and reacted by clearing the tables. They probably also saw it as showing a lack of respect for those using the tables after them since I believe students are supposed to clear the table after they’re done.”

Mr. Ross looked thoughtful. “That makes sense. Thank you very much for your perspective.”

Otto nodded. “Glad to share what I think.”

Sarah appeared with a tea service and set it down on the table in front of Betty and her mother.

“Thank you, Sarah. That will be all for now,” Mrs. Ross said.

Sarah curtsied. “Yes, ma’am. And may I convey my best wishes to Miss Betty and Captain Kerchner?”

“Thank you, Sarah. We want you to attend, of course, and James as well.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I would be honored and I know James will be also.” She turned and glided out of the room.

“Well, would you care to join us for dinner? We’re having roast,” Mrs. Ross offered.

“Thanks, Mom, but we have some other people we want to tell and Mata is expecting us for dinner. You’re very kind to offer.”

They all stood. “We’re so happy and pleased,” Mr. Ross told them, offering his hand to Otto and then kissing Betty on the cheek. Betty kissed her mother on the cheek and Otto gave her a hug. Saying their good-byes, they walked out the front door, which James held for them.

“May I say ‘best wishes’ to the happy couple,” he smiled, leaning his head in their direction.

“Thank you, James,” they said in unison and then laughed at themselves. James joined in.

Otto and Betty climbed in her Packard. “Well, where to?” Betty smiled.

“Anywhere you want,” Otto told her. “The world is ours.”

“I like the way you think, mister. What about your place for a meal?”

“Sounds good to me,” Otto replied, thinking, I must be the luckiest guy in the world.

The wedding took place at the Presbyterian Church Betty’s family attended. Holiday greens and wreaths decorated the long sanctuary, lending color to the white walls and dark trim. Mata and Betty and a couple of their friends worked for three days to put up wedding decorations. The reception was to be at her parents’ house.

Betty stood in her mother’s wedding gown, which fit her perfectly. Mata fussed with her train and veil. “Are you nervous, Betty?”

Betty laughed. “What do I have to be nervous about? I’m marrying the man of my dreams!”

“I haven’t seen Otto as happy as he has been these past few months. I think he could fly without an airplane.”

“We’ll have plenty of time to fly with airplanes. Did I tell you that we’ve decided to build a house out by the airport?”

“No, there have been so many details I don’t recall you telling me that. That sounds wonderful. When will the house be ready?”

“February, we hope. In the meantime we’ll live at my house and sell it when the new house is ready. Daddy already has a buyer for it.”

The door opened and Mrs. Ross came in. She embraced Betty and Mata. “You both look so lovely,” she told them. “This is such a happy day.”

The lady in charge of the ceremony stuck her head in the door. “Five minutes, ladies.”

“I have something to say to you, Betty, Mrs. Ross,” said Mata.

“Yes?”

“I have never said this before, so I want to now. I want to thank you both for accepting and loving Otto after he came back. Few people did, and you and Mr. Ross have made such a difference in his life. I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings.”