“Well.” She rolled to him, nuzzling her head to his chest.
He pressed his lips to her hair.
“I have something I’d like to ask you before you leave.”
“All right.”
“Do you love her?”
He drew a breath. “I do.”
She ran a finger over his chest, as if she were tracing his ribs. “Will you remember me?”
He sat up and looked into her eyes. “Forever.”
They embraced, their foreheads touching together. She kissed him on the cheek, and then slipped out of bed.
“Come downstairs,” she said, putting on her dress. “I’ll make you breakfast before you leave for the train station.”
He nodded.
She slipped on her shoes and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Bruno climbed out of bed. He quickly dressed, packed his leather case, and went downstairs, all the while hoping to gain a few more minutes of time with her. He entered the kitchen to the sound of meat sizzling in a hot iron skillet. A scent of frying bacon filled his nose.
“It smells good,” he said, approaching her.
She turned and pressed a hand to her stomach.
“Are you all right?”
Her face went pale. She cupped a hand to her mouth and dashed to the sink, where she leaned over and vomited.
“May I help?”
“Leave me,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”
Ignoring her plea, he placed a hand on her back, feeling her muscles contract as her stomach heaved.
She took in several deep breaths, and her body relaxed. Celeste, her eyes bloodshot, stood and faced him.
Bruno retrieved a dish towel and handed it to her.
She wiped her mouth.
Bruno swallowed. “How long have you been feeling ill?”
Her hands trembled. “The past three mornings.”
He clasped her fingers. “Are you—”
Celeste’s eyes welled with tears. “I think I’m pregnant.”
CHAPTER25
OLDENBURG, GERMANY—JANUARY23, 1917
Anna, accompanied by Max and Nia, stood on the landing as the evening train chugged into the Oldenburg station. Her heart rate quickened as the train’s wheels screeched over steel rails. Although she was excited to see Bruno, an uneasiness stirred inside her.It’s been so long since we’ve been together. I hope things will be the same between us.In an attempt to bury her worry, she removed her leather gloves and ran her fingers through Nia’s fur.
