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“He is bringing us dinner tonight, so you will get to meet him. He’s dreamy!”
Ethel decided after we all got to know him we would think up a song about him. Suzy was most excited about that. “I love the songs you make up, Mom!” I looked at Ethel with loving envy at Suzy now able to call Ethel mom.
Jon arrived with a large bag full of folded paper cartons. As he unpacked all the food, I brought plates and bowls for the Chow Mein, rice, and egg rolls. I suggested he leave the fortune cookies for dessert. Marie and Suzy could not figure out how to use the chopsticks. They watched closely as Jon pulled the noodles into his mouth and tried to copy his technique. After several attempts, I handed the girls forks. They dove into the rice and Chow Mein. After more success with her fork, Marie said, “This is nearly as good as your chicken and dumplings, Mom.”
During dinner there were a million questions for Jon not only from the girls but also Ethel. He held up well during the inquisition. After all, he’s a military man.
Jon stood from the table and said, “I am sorry to say this, ladies, but I must retire for the evening. I have a full day tomorrow. Before bedtime, open the fortune cookies and see if they have any news about your future.”
Jon leaned over to me and said quietly, “There are two more work days this week, and I need to be there.” To the whole group he said, “On Saturday I’ll come back and take you all sightseeing in Washington.” Everyone was excited about that. I felt like I knew every inch of D.C. now, but I wanted to see it from Jon’s eyes and in that gorgeous car!
Ethel announced bedtime for everyone because we all needed good sleep. Suzy reminded her that there were cookies to eat. I showed them how to crack open the cookie and find the strip of paper inside.
I had to laugh when Marie said, “That is one strange looking cookie. Can we eat it?”
I told them of course they could but read their fortune first.
Marie said, “Mine doesn’t make sense. Those that live in a glass house should not throw stones.”
Ethel said, “It means don’t be mean or others will pound you!” We all giggled.
Suzy said, “Mine makes sense! It says Sing every day and chase the mean blues away. We do that most days!”
Marie wanted to know what Ethel’s fortune said. My no-nonsense sister said, “Mine makes no sense at all. These are not really fortunes, just sayings to sell a cookie. Anyway, it says Expect the Unexpected. Well, I definitely have learned how to do that!”
I waited until the others were finished, then I read mine aloud. You will be happy with your spouse. That got smiles from everyone. Well, if I had one, I certainly would be.
Ethel reminded us what was next with a firm, “Okay, girls, off to bed while Annie figures out how to land a husband!”
The girls went to the bedroom to lay out their sheet, blanket, and pillows on the floor next to my bed. I was getting tired so joined them in the room to change into my pajamas. I told the girls I wanted to read them a book I bought just for them. They hopped up on the bed and snuggled up to me. Ethel went to the parlor to clean up dinner dishes. The story I read them was Make Way for Ducklings. It’s about some mallard ducks that decide to raise their family in a big city pond. I must have fallen asleep as quickly as the girls.
In the morning I opened my eyes to the sunlight peeking through the curtains. I could hear the rhythmic breathing of two sweet girls next to me. There was a strong sense that Momma was watching and smiling.
“Good morning, sunshine!” I said as I entered the kitchen where Ethel was cooking eggs in Momma’s cast iron pan. The smell of bacon was what lured me out of bed. And yes, buttered grits were simmering in the pot on the stove.
Ethel smiled at me and said, “Morning, sleepyhead. We have a lot to talk about before the girls are up. Have a seat. Breakfast is nearly ready. I want to hear about your intentions with Jon. He seems like a great guy. Is there anything crazy in his background?”
I said, “Nope, nothing that I know about. He is a good man and a great dad.”
Ethel jumped right on that last part. “WHAT? He has children?”
I told her the whole story as I knew it. Jon had been married. His wife died in childbirth. His daughter, Lisa, is just turning one. He has a fulltime housekeeper who takes care of Lisa while he works. Jon’s job is important, and he is dedicated to it.
I told her how devoted he is to his daughter and to his work. I used to think there was no room for me, but the last few weeks have shown me he wants to add me to his life. He told me before he left last night that meeting Ethel and the girls sealed the deal for him. He wants to move this relationship forward. When I told Ethel that part, she came over to me, swallowing me in her arms and said, “Oh, my sweet sister. I am beyond happy for you. But take it slow. I don’t want this to be like all the others. Make sure he is right for you. Not just you being right for him.”
You just have to love a sister like that!
JUNE 1945
Ethel
Decisions, Decisions
Life is about daily choices. The Nash sisters know that with a plan choices are easier to make. All three of us remaining sisters have our own individual plans. With telephones readily available now, we have frequent conversations to help each stay on track. Marie was ready for college. I wanted her to be the first Nash woman with a college degree. Caroline was more stable and independent in life. And Annie was good. With Larry’s help, I started my own ice cream shop in Haw River, just outside of Burlington. To make it through the slow winter months, we also did laundry for the locals. I told people my business tag line was, “I serve you sweets and wash your drawers!”
“What is it about the men in our lives?” I asked Annie on the phone. “Frank couldn’t be bothered with us, Larry left, and George got himself killed at work. He and Joe were good men. Joe worked himself to death for Burlington Mills. And your Jon . . . since we all celebrated V Day in May, when will he come home?”
Annie said, “Let’s not be so depressing. It is hard to not worry. I don’t know when Jon will be coming home, but I think it could be anytime now. Lisa, Jon Jr., and I will throw a big party when he does!” And then she brought up Larry, neatly changing the subject, which she is so good at. “But Ethel, Larry’s back and very good to you.” Then she asked how the ice cream business was going.
