After eating a sandwich and finishing the tea, Caitlin returned to her grandma's world. Christmas 1942. How do we celebrate Christmas with over half of our men gone? We hold prayer vigils at the church and at each other's homes, and though it helps some, uncertainty hangs over us. Every day I walk to Mrs. Chadwick's to see if there is any news. It always comforts me to see the blue star in the window. Too many homes in town have seen the blue turn to yellow, which means that son, brother, or husband is not returning home. We know Marshall is somewhere in England, but details are lost to us. Estelle is getting married in May to Henry Winfield of Lexington. He won't be drafted as he had polio as a child and walks with a limp. Estelle loves him deeply. Henry works at the bank in Lexington and will be a good provider and wonderful husband to my loving sister. Never did Caitlin imagine reading about her grandmother's life. Yet, here it was in her hands. She skipped pages. October 30, 1943. Miracles do happen. In a few minutes I am heading to the train station to meet Marshall. Yes, he is coming home. The telegram his parents received said he had been shot in the leg. Somehow I doubt it will change him. I stood with Mrs. Chadwick as we waited for the train. When the whistle blew, my heart stopped. Marshall stepped down and walked towards his parent without a limp. How is that possible? As he hugged his mother, he winked at me. My heart fluttered and resumed beating. I finally took a breath. My one true love came home. The Chadwick's came to our house for supper. His tales of war were not to my liking and I excused myself, finding solace on the front porch. Soon Marshall joined me, apologizing for his rude behavior. That's what war does to a man, he said. I smiled at him and then we both looked away. Minutes passed before we started talking. I know its last minute, he said, but will you go to the Halloween dance with me tomorrow night? I said yes. And now I cannot wait for our first date. Morning light shone in the window and startled Caitlin. "This is too exciting to stop reading now." She refreshed her tea and grabbed a granola bar. "Somewhere in here are answers to my life. Through Grandma's words I'll discover my place in this world."
She lay on the couch and opened Journal two. January 15, 1944. Will wonders never cease? Marshall Chadwick proposed to me last night on the front porch. I thought something strange was brewing when Mama fixed chicken and biscuits and blueberry strudel and laid out the best china and silverware. Mama, is the President coming for supper? I asked. No, love, Marshall's coming to dinner. Now, run along and pretty yourself. After two bites of food, Marshall excused himself. Thank you, I said rudely to my family who kept chattering and staring at him. When I went outside I saw him pacing. Sorry about my family, I said to him. They're great people. It's. Well, they know my true reason for being here. The words deflated my heart quicker than a pin in a balloon. You're returning to England, aren't you? No. He took my hands, looked deep into my eyes and said, Emmaline, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Mind you, I want to start my own ranch and life will not be easy. I cannot promise you riches and travel, but I can give you all of my love and me. Yes, I said without hesitation. I know without a doubt I will love this man for all eternity. Even when I have no breaths left to take, I will still love this man. The words reached Caitlin's soul. "How did she know with such certainty? Did I not feel the same when I saw Garrett and we cried over granddaddy's death? The question now is, does Garrett believe the same about me?"