Beyond the Shadow of War Read Online Free

weeks.”
    “Sure you did.”
    “Hours and hours.”
    “Of course.
    “Okay, have it your way. It was ad-libbed. All of it. Spur of the moment.”
    “That’s more like it.”
    They all laughed, accustomed to the familiar banter between the two.
    “I thought it was splendid, love,” Sophie added. “And Danny, might I add that I also wish you and Anya every happiness. Now, are you ready to cut the cake?”
    “Actually, there’s something I’d like to do first.” Danny set down his glass then reached into the pocket of his jacket. “I received a telegram this morning from my parents, and I’d like to share it with all of you.”
    “Go ahead and read it, Danny,” Sophie said.
    He looked at Anya and gave her a wink. “All right, here’s what they wrote. ‘Shocked and delighted to hear of your wedding. Stop. Wish we could be there. Stop. We cannot wait to meet Anya and welcome her to our family. Stop. God bless you both today and may He bless your marriage always. Stop. All our love, Mom and Dad.’”
    When Danny’s voice cracked, he busied himself folding the telegram then tucked it back in his pocket.
    “How lovely,” Sophie said. “A fine message to cheer you on today.”
    Anya reached up to kiss his cheek. “That’s lovely, Danny. So thoughtful of them.”
    Later, after cutting the cake, the newlyweds thanked Patrick for all his kindnesses, then joined Charlie and Sophie in Patrick’s automobile for the short drive to the Wickham Market Station. They chatted happily along the way, arriving in plenty of time. As the men walked ahead, carrying their luggage, Sophie looped her arm through Anya’s.
    “Oh Anya, I hope you and Danny have the most unforgettable honeymoon. Just relax and forget about everything else whilst you’re in London. Promise?”
    “We’ll try.”
    When they arrived at their train carriage, they said their goodbyes.
    “Have a wonderful time!” Sophie said. “Be sure to say hello to the king and queen for us, won’t you?”
    “We will!”
    Then, before climbing the steps into the train, Anya stopped and turned back to Sophie, pulling her into a final hug. “How can I ever thank you for all you’ve done? You’ve been so kind to me. You didn’t even know me, and yet you loaned me this beautiful dress, and helped find clothes for me, and fixed my hair today … and helped calm my nerves after the wretched nightmares. How can I ever repay you?”
    Sophie stood back and grabbed both of Anya’s hands. “There’s no need. It’s been my pleasure, Anya.”
    Anya blinked away the tears and took a deep breath. “The thing is, I don’t even know how to properly thank you for being … my friend.”
    “And you will never know how pleased I am that I got to be that friend for you. It’s been my honor.”
    “All aboard!”
    “Goodbye!”
    “Have fun!”
    “Thanks for everything!”
    “Goodbye!”
    Danny stood aside and held out his hand to his wife. “After you, Mrs. McClain.”
    “Why, thank you, Mr. McClain.”

3
     
    With his new wife seated beside him on the train, her head tucked beneath his chin as she slept, Danny gazed out the window watching the farm fields and houses and little hamlets pass by. The thoughts rambling through his mind followed no particular script; just a jumbled maze of rabbit trails hopping here and there. But one by one, they all ended with the same thought.
    We’re married?
    We’re married!
    I can’t believe we’re actually married!
    He gently kissed the top of her head as she slept beside him, inhaling the scent of her hair, and thanking God for the miracle of their love story.
    She’d been strangely quiet once they’d settled into their seats on the train. At first, they’d chatted quietly about the wedding and the honeymoon they’d be spending in London. Despite the bumpy, peculiar path their lives had taken these past few weeks, he was already learning to read the signs of her shifting moods. Eyes that wouldn’t meet his, staring