Surprise!

March, 1958

“I don’t really think we should get married at church,” Lois said. “And, I think we should do it next month.”

Bill stopped rolling his cigarette, set the half-formed cigarette down and looked at her across the table.

The river paid them no mind as it meandered past the screened porch on the back of Florence and Clair’s house.

“What? Why?” Bill asked. “I thought you wanted to get married at your church and you and Flo have already started planning the wedding.”

Lois watched as the thin cigarette paper slowly unrolled and the tobacco strands unraveled to lay like brown straw on the white paper. She lifted her eyes to his. “Well, I thought that too, but now it just doesn’t seem all that important. She patted her stomach.

“Let’s just get married at the courthouse. That way we can do it faster.” She averted her gaze, stared out over the swirling water. “You know, before I start showing.”

“Showing? Showing what?”

Looking at him, she smiled. “I’m pregnant.”

Mouth dropping open, he jumped up, knocking his chair over. “What?” he said, almost yelling.

“Shh, not so loud,” Lois said, looking around. “Do you want everybody to know?”

to be continued...

*Author's note: This is a fictionalized version of what I was told by Mom. 

Goodnight Lover

July 25, 1962

Fairbanks, Alaska

…conclusion

Honey, don’t feel bad about the rain we had, about 4 days in the last week, and it’s sure cooled off too. The temp. has been down in the 50s and like you said, it’s a nice easy rain, the kind people like to get.

Well sweetheart, you know how much I miss you and the kids and it sounds like they are really growing up. Probably end up being mommy’s little darlings instead of daddy’s. Don’t get mad, sweetie, I was only kidding. You see, I know they love us both the same amount.

Honey, from what you’ve told me, Billy and Carla sure have tried to be good, so go ahead and get them some new things if you want to. I think they’ve really earned them, trying to be good and help you. I know they’re naughty sometimes, but they’ve tried, so give them a treat once in a while for me too.

Will close now so I can get some sleep as it’s almost 12 o’clock p.m., you know, midnight when things used to happen.  Guess I’d better shut my mouth before I say too much and you get embarre-assed (can’t even spell anymore).

Goodnight lover and don’t ever forget how much I miss and love you and the kids. Closing now and going to get some shut-eye.

All my love and kisses,

Always,

Your loving husband,

Bill

P.S. Give the kids a hug and kiss for me and tell them how much I miss them.

Bill

P.S. Got a letter from Dollie but haven’t had a chance to answer it yet. Like I said, I’ve been helping Noel in the evening and on Sun. (my day off) work here at the boat and get them moved out of their house. It sure helps on the rent and eats and is sure swell of them.

Love always,

Bill

Don't Lose Any Sleep

July 25, 1962

Fairbanks, Alaska

continued...

 

Actually, until you get to Dawson Creek, the trip is easy and you can make good time. The roads are all paved up to about 90 miles this side of Dawson Creek then you hit gravel and that’s when you slow down under 60 mph and try to enjoy the scenery. Another thing, there are plenty of places along the Alcan to gas up, eat and lodging. It’d be a lot cheaper in the long run than flying. You could make 2 or 3 trips by car for what it’s cost to fly one way. Whichever you want to do say so and we’ll start working on it. O.K.?

Jerry told me Neil got a letter from his dad and he’d crated and shipped some of the stuff to him. Guess it kind of took the wind out of him a little. As far as I know he’s still mad at me, according to Jerry. He kind of keeps me informed about what he’s (Neil) doing. Said Neil was going to become a city cop here. Also heard they’re kind of hard up and will take almost anyone.

Honey, don’t lose any sleep over what you think he might say, because I could tell Irene some things about him, but she probably wouldn’t believe any of it anyway. If you decide to drive and she wants to come along make sure we don’t foot all the bill, only half. It might not be very nice of me to say a thing like that, but he could have had her up here a long time ago if he’d have wanted to. But, to hell with everything and everyone until he’s got what he wants first. He paid back what he borrowed. 

...to be continued