#etherealjumpwings

Four months later, Bill and Leigh sat at the dining room table eating supper. Bill had put in a long day doing construction work. Leigh sang on two morning radio programs and she had an appointment with Doctor Simms before arriving home in the afternoon. She told Bill,

"We're going to have a member of the family staying with us."

"That's nice, Sweetheart. How long will we have company?" Leigh stifled the urge to blurt out the news that had her smiling since she got home.

" I think our visitor will stay for about 18 years." Bill looked puzzled.

"I'm more tired than I realized, 'cause I coulda sworn that ya said our company would be here 18 years." Leigh grinned,

"That's exactly what I said, Pop. Our visitor will be here at least 18 years." Bill realized what Leigh was trying to tell him, and a huge smile appeared on his face.

"Sweetheart, did ya just tell me that we're havin' a baby?"

"I saw the doctor today. It's official, I'm pregnant! We'll be parents in about seven months." Bill got up from the table and Leigh stood up, walking to him. She gave him a passionate kiss.

"Leigh, you just made me the happiest man in South Philadelphia. I love you an' the little one. This is great news! From now on, ya won't have to lift a finger. I'm takin' over all the housework. I don't want my angel wearin' herself out. You need to take it easy since you're carryin' our baby."

"Honey, I appreciate your offer to help and I love you, too. I don't want you wearing yourself out doing all the work around here. Since I love our baby, too, I'm following the doctor's advice.

He told me to do everything I normally do, plus some mild exercising. I was told that it's good for both me and the baby.I asked him if we could still be intimate during pregnancy and he thinks it's fine."

"If the doc says it's OK, then it's fine wit' me." He looked shocked,

"Baby, ya actually asked him if we could still make love?" Leigh giggled at Bill's reaction,

"The doctor is perfectly aware of how I became pregnant and I'm sure it didn't shock him when I asked a reasonable question." Bill looked sheepish,

"I guess I got a little carried away."

"It's OK, Honey. The continuing intimacy is up to you. I'm in favor of it, but you may change your mind when I resemble a hippopotamus."

"Sweetheart, you'll always look beautiful to me."

"Please remind me of what you just said when I'm no longer able to see my feet." Bill chuckled at her reply.

"Have you told our folks yet?"

"No, I thought the father of the baby should be the first to know. For some odd reason, I could imagine George Luz saying,

'Leigh, it's nice you told Bill. Now you need to find the baby's father and tell him. Then, you would tell him, 'Shaddup!'" Guarnere laughed.

"That sounds exactly like somethin' he'd say. What the hell, let's call an' tell him the good news! I got his phone number written in that address book in the livin' room. Let me get it, Baby. It still wouldn't hurt to take it a little bit easy." Leigh rolled her eyes at Bill being overly protective of her. She knew he meant well and was determined not to be too critical.

Guarnere went through the dining room into the living room. Leigh heard swearing as he stubbed his sock clad left toes on the end table beside the couch.

"'course I had to stub my real toes instead o'runnin' into this goddamned thing wit' my wooden foot on my wooden leg. OK, now where's the address book? Here we go! " He got the book out and walked to the telephone, thumbing through the pages,

"There he is, George Luz in Rhode Island." Bill dialed the number. The phone on the other end of the line rang a couple of times. Guarnere grinned when he heard Luz say,

"Hello."

"Hey, George, how are ya doin'? "

"Bill, is that you?" Guarnere smirked,

"Hell, no! It's General McArthur! " He heard George laughing.

" I just got the best news from Leigh. We're havin' a baby in about seven months!"

"That's great news! Congratulations, Wild Bill! Please congratulate Leigh for me, too. We're still trying for the first little Luz."

"Just relax, it'll happen. She just told me an' I thought of callin' you."

"I'm glad you called. We're visiting some of my wife's relatives in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and it would be great if all of us could meet somewhere."

"That's a great idea. Let's see what we can set up." The men made plans to meet and include their wives. They settled on meeting within the next two weeks. When the conversation ended, Bill went back into the kitchen and told Leigh of the plans he and George made.

She was pleased to have the opportunity to see George and his wife. By the time they got ready to go to bed, Bill had contacted Joe Toye, Donald Malarkey, Johnny Martin and Buck Compton. Leigh said,

"We still haven't told our folks."

"Let me call Ma first, she's gonna be really loud an' excited." Bill dialed the number and Augusta answered the phone. He told her,

"Hello,"

"Billy, is everything OK? You're callin' kinda late."

"Everythin's fine, Nonna." He grinned, waiting for his mother to answer him.

"Have you been drinkin'? You know I ain't your Nonna." Bill laughed,

"You're Nonna Guarnere again, Ma. We're havin' a baby! Leigh found out today." Augusta shouted out,

"I'm gonna be a Nonna again! Oh my God, Billy, that's wonderful news! How is Leigh?"

"She's fine, Ma."

"Put her on the phone, Billy." He handed the phone to Leigh.

"Hi, Mama! I'll need all sorts of advice about babies because I know absolutely nothing about them. I'm just over the moon with the good news!"

"Sweetie, I'm so happy for you an' Billy! Don't hesitate to ask me anytime for advice. You'll be a great mother, Leigh. Well, if ya don't mind, I need to talk wit' my son a little."

"That's fine, Nonna." She handed the phone to Bill. He smiled as he heard his mother telling his father the good news in Italian.

"Your Pop says 'Congratulations' to you an' Leigh. We're the happiest grandparents in South Philadelphia! This is important, Billy. Make sure you're extra patient wit' Leigh. Her hormones will be changin' because of the baby.

She might get irritable or she might cry for no reason at all. Son, she might wanna...ya know, more than usual. Leigh might have cravings for food that's kinda strange. My cousin craved calimari all the time when she was expectin'. Anyway, it's all normal for expectant women." Bill was shocked his mother mentioned that Leigh might want more sex.

"Ma! You shouldn't be talkin' about that stuff wit' me!" Augusta and Leigh were laughing at his reaction.

"Billy, I've had ten children an' I know what women go through when a baby's on the way. Don't be so shocked. We didn't order ya from a catalog, ya know! Anyway, just be patient, like I said. Both of you will be great parents. Thanks for the good news, Billy! I love both of ya an' the little one. Good night, Son. "

"We love you, too, Ma. Good night." Leigh said,

"Now it's my turn to call. Did your mom mention something about sex? You turned as red as a tomato."

"I'm just an innocent boy. You an' Ma are corruptin' me." Leigh playfully swatted Bill's ass.

"That's my sassy angel." Leigh dialed her parents' phone number. Her father answered.

"How are you, Grandpa? " Cal Spencer asked,

"Leigh, are you OK?

"I just wanted to tell you and Mom that you're going to be grandparents in about seven months. I went to the doctor today and we're having a baby!"

"Louise, Leigh and Bill are having a baby!" He got back on the phone, saying,

"We're both excited. That's wonderful news! I would guess that Bill is very excited about the baby."

"We're both excited, Dad." She told him the manner in which Guarnere learned the news. Cal laughed and said,

"I would expect nothing less from you, Leigh. Congratulations! We love both of you and the baby, too."

A few weeks later, Bill was helping Leigh wash the supper dishes. She felt a strong, sudden wave of nausea and she ran to the bathroom. Leigh was aware that Bill was following her.

"Honey, please, just go back into the kitchen. I don't want you to see me like this." She was struggling to keep the nausea under control. Bill looked concerned.

"It ain't nothin' to be ashamed about, Baby." Leigh tried to close the bathroom door, but she wasn't able to do it. She lifted the lid on the toilet seat and immediately lost her supper. Then, she walked to the sink to splash some cold water on her face.

"Is there anythin' I can do to help, Baby?"

"Yes. Please get a glass from the kitchen. I need to use some mouthwash." He went to get a glass. Leigh felt dizzy and she started to sit on the bathroom floor. Another round of nausea hit her. As she opened the lid on the toilet seat, Bill entered the bathroom and held her hair back with one hand. He then set the glass on the floor and rubbed her back with his other hand.

"It's gonna be OK, Baby. Maybe you'll feel better now. " She closed the lid and flushed the toilet again. Leigh got the glass and poured some mouthwash in it. She swished it around in her mouth and spat it into the sink. Then, she rinsed the sink.

"I didn't want you to see or hear that. I'm so embarrassed." Bill kissed the top of her head,

"Don't be embarrassed, Leigh. It's somethin' natural."

"You'll probably never want to touch me again. This is probably happening because I'm pregnant. We know how I got pregnant. Now, you'll associate making love with this disgusting display." Bill fought the urge to laugh at her remark, because he knew she was upset.

He put his arm around Leigh, leading her to the couch.

"Baby, it'll take a hell of a lot more than an upset stomach to make me give up makin' love to ya. You're still the most beautiful woman in South Philadelphia an' I love you, even if ya do this every day. Now, just lay down here." he put a pillow from the couch under Leigh's head.

She complied and reclined on the couch.

"That's it, Honey. Do ya need a cover? How about I use this little blanket thing on the couch?" He took the hand crocheted afghan made by Leigh's great aunt, draping it over her.

"Thanks, Bill. I think I will lie still for awhile. I'm really dizzy. Oh, damn it! I need to finish doing the dishes." Guarnere kissed her forehead,

"Rest as long as ya need to, Baby. Don't worry about the dishes. I can get 'em done. Let me call Ma, she'll know what to do about this sick an' dizzy stuff." Augusta told her son that this is normal during pregnancy. She told him to get some soda crackers for Leigh to eat after her stomach settled a little more.

"The best thing for her is to get some rest. Tell ya what, I'll call Maria an' ask her to drop me off at your place. I can make some tea an' help both of you learn how to deal wit' this." Bill thanked his mother. He picked up the telephone, carrying it into the next room. Guarnere kept his voice down, telling his mother,

"Ma, I'm worried about Leigh. She's lookin' kinda pale. Thanks for offerin' to come over. I'd pick ya up in our car, but I don't want to leave Leigh by herself when she's feelin' bad. I'd better get back before she decides to finish doin' the dishes." Augusta reassured Bill that Leigh would be OK and that she would see them soon."

Guanere hung up the telephone and carried it back to the living room.

"Baby, Ma is gettin' Maria to bring her here. She said she knows how to help ya deal with bein' sick an' dizzy. " Leigh had her eyes closed and she replied,

"I'm glad she's coming over. Honey, I have to get up and get the dishes done. The kitchen needs to be cleaned up, too. I don't want your mom and Maria to think that I'm bad at keeping our home clean." Bill walked over to stand beside her.

"Honey, you're stayin' right here. If it worries ya that much, I'll get everythin' done." He added,"If ya need anythin' just let me know. Don't try to get up, OK, Honey?" Leigh promised that she would stay on the couch and that she would alert him if she needed help.

Guarnere went into the kitchen. Most of the dishes were washed and put away. He finished washing the remainder of the dishes and he soon had them dried and put away. Cleaning the kitchen didn't take long since it wasn't as messy as Leigh thought it was.

Augusta and Maria soon arrived. Mrs. Guarnere showed Bill how to make ginger tea. She brought the tea into the living room, advising Leigh to,

"Sip a little bit at a time, Sweetie, it will settle your stomach. Another thing that helps is keeping some soda crackers on the table by your bed. Eat one or two about a half hour before ya get up in the morning."

The tea helped settle Leigh's stomach. She thanked Augusta for the tips and she thanked Maria for bringing her mother in law over to visit. Leigh's morning sickness disappeared in her fourth month.

Leigh needed maternity clothes as her figure expanded. She was appalled at the notion that women had to hide something that was natural. Societal norms demanded that any sign of pregnancy should be concealed.

The word 'pregnant' was not used in polite conversations. Women were either described as "expecting" or "having a baby." Since many women worked during and after the war, the dated notion of keeping a visibly pregnant woman sequestered at home until the baby was born was fading away.

She made a few dresses that had panels on the inside of the garments that could be expanded to accommodate her growing figure. Catalogs touted girdles that promised to "disguise" pregnancy.

Leigh's doctor was considered to be radical among his fellow obstetricians because he vetoed the "eating for two" idea. He also advised his patients to not wear the girdles since he thought the garments could harm the developing baby. Support garments for his patients' backs were deemed safe.

One night, during supper, Leigh told Bill,

"You wouldn't believe the number of women who say, 'Oh, I see you're expecting.' I'd like to look them right in their eyes and say, 'I'm knocked up and I enjoyed every minute of getting into this condition!" Guarnere laughed loudly, replying,

"I wouldn't be surprised if ya did it!"

One evening as Bill and Leigh sat on the couch listening to the radio, Leigh felt the baby move for the first time. She excitedly told Bill. He was thrilled by the news, and he put his hand on her slightly rounded midsection, hoping to feel movement.

Although he couldn't feel anything, Bill thought that as the baby grew, he would be able to feel his future son or daughter moving. He excitedly called Augusta who was thrilled to hear the good news.

"Billy, don't worry or feel upset. The first time a baby moves, it's somethin' that only a woman can feel. I can't really explain it, but it's because when a woman is carryin' a baby, it's a small change that only the woman feels sometimes.

I'm sure your baby is just fine and you'll be able to feel your little one movin' around soon." Guarnere thanked his mother for her encouraging words and they ended their conversation.

Later that week, when Bill took Leigh to the obstetrician and gynecologist, he was surprised when the nurse asked if he would like to join Leigh and her doctor in the examination room.

He went into the room and saw Leigh, fully dressed, sitting on the examining table. Dr. Simms, a soft spoken, tall man with dark brown hair, introduced himserlf , telling Bill,

"Mr. Guarnere, your wife asked if you could come into the room to hear something. I just listened to the baby's heartbeat and everything sounds fine. Your wife wanted you to hear the heartbeat, too." He asked Leigh,

"Do you want to be the first one to listen or would you rather have your husband be first?"

"I think the baby's father should be the first to hear the heartbeat." Dr. Simms got a stethoscope and positioned it on Leigh's abdomen. He smiled, then he asked Leigh to hold the stethoscope in place.

"You're all set, Daddy. Just put the ends in your ears." Bill followed the doctor's instructions and he had a big smile on his face as he heard the strong, rhythmic beating of the baby's heart.

"It's comin' in loud an' clear! This is so amazin' an' wonderful! Sweetheart, thanks for lettin' me come in to hear this."

"I wouldn't want it any other way." Bill listened a few seconds more and he removed the ends of the stethoscope, handing them to Leigh. She put the ends in her ears and immediately smiled.

"You're right, Bill, this is both amazing and wonderful to hear our baby's heartbeat. This absolutely makes my day!" Bill and Leigh embraced as the doctor commented,

"I never get tired of seeing the happiness of future parents when they hear their child's heartbeat for the first time. It's obvious that Mamma and Daddy love each other and their baby. I'm happy for both of you." He added,

"Thank you for your service, Mr. Guarnere. I wanted to enlist, but I'm 45 years old. That's too old for Uncle Sam. My son is 11 years old and he has been enthralled with paratroopers. He wants very much to be a Screaming Eagle someday.

Your wife has been telling me about your bravery on the battlefield, especially in Bastogne. You made quite a significant sacrifice for our country. I was wondering, if it wouldn't be an imposition, if I could get your autograph for my son. He would be over the moon to have an autograph from a real Airborne Screaming Eagle."

"Sure thing, Sir. I'd be glad to sign my name for your son. You're welcome, an' servin' our country was the right thing to do. My sweet wife brags too much about me. I ain't a hero. The heroes are the men who didn't get to come home.

I was just doin' my job, just like every other man in the Army, Navy, Air Force an' the Marines. I'm proud of what I gave for our country. Let me call the man who was our leader. I'll see if he has any extra Screamin' Eagle (he pronounced these words as 'scrimmin' iggles') patches. If he does, I'll ask him to send one to me an' I'll give it to you for your son." The doctor thanked Bill and gave him a pen and a pad of paper. He asked the doctor for his son's name and then he wrote:

"For Jimmy Simms, best wishes to you. Staff Sergeant William J. Guarnere, 101st Airborne, Company E, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment."

The doctor thanked Bill and Guarnere thanked him for allowing him to hear the baby's heartbeat. When Bill and Leigh returned home, he immediately called his mother.

"Ma, Leigh's doctor let me hear the baby's heart. It was good and strong soundin'. It was amazin'! I coulda listened to it all day." Augusta was happy to hear the good news.

"Billy, that's wonderful! You got to do somethin' your pop didn't get to do. He wanted to listen to your heart, but the doctor didn't want husbands in the examination room. He was real strict.

You really get to understand what a miracle it is when ya hear that little heart beatin'. I'm so happy for you an' Leigh and I'm lookin' forward to meetin' my sweet grandchild."

From that point on, until the baby arrived, both Bill and Leigh talked to the baby. Guarnere kissed Leigh's bulging abdomen telling the baby,

"This is your Pop, little one. Your ma an' I love you, an' we're lookin' forward to meetin' you. Kid, you got the most beautiful ma in the entire city."

One night after making love, Leigh began to giggle.

"I think we either woke the baby or he or she wasn't impressed with moving around so much. I feel some kicking going on." Guarnere placed his hands on her abdomen and laughed as he felt the kicking. He told the baby,

"What your ma an' I done is somethin' we do 'cause we love each other."

Leigh felt huge at end of her second trimester. One evening as they sat on the couch, listening to the radio, Guarnere made a joking remark that would have usually resulted in her laughing and calling him a "smart ass." Bill had no intention of insulting Leigh when he told her,

"I've always heard that fat ladies are great singers. You should be doin' your best singin' soon." Bill's words deeply hurt Leigh.

"I never thought you would say something to hurt me. How could you be so mean spirited?" She got up and walked into the kitchen. From there, she went outdoors, slamming the door.

Leigh considered walking to her in-laws' house, but she didn't want to involve them in the situation and upset them. She sat on the back steps and began to cry.

Bill was close behind her. He turned on the outside light from a light switch in the kitchen and saw tears running down her face. He thought,

"What the hell was I thinkin'? I hurt my angel. Why did I have to run my mouth like a goddamned moron?" He opened the kitchen door and went down the steps to stand by Leigh.

"Sweet Baby, I'm so sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt ya an' make ya cry." Leigh didn't look at Bill or answer him. He tried to find a way to get her to go back into the house.

"Baby, it probably ain't safe for ya to be out here by yourself." She answered without looking at him,

"I'm very safe. Who would want to molest an ugly fat lady like me?" Bill felt deeply ashamed.

"Won't ya at least look at me, Leigh?" She turned her head to look at him. Bill could see the emotional pain in her eyes.

"There, I looked at you. Now, leave me alone."'She turned away from him, adding, "There was nothing remotely funny about what you said.

I've never been cruel or mean to you. Everything I've done for you was done out of love. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty because if I had everything to do over, I'd still cook for you to help you get stronger and I would still try to save you from getting shot."

She paused to wipe away some tears before adding, "Damn it, Bill, you really hurt me!" Leigh turned away from him as she began to sob. She got up with difficulty.

Guarnere held out his hand to help steady Leigh so she could have an easier time getting up. She brushed his hand away and walked up the stairs, into the kitchen. From there, she went to their bedroom, turned on the light and closed the door.

Leigh got a small suitcase out of the closet, opened it and placed it on the bed. She started to put in a few items of clothing, thinking,

"I can go home, but how can I tell Mom and Dad that Bill doesn't love me anymore?" She sat on the bed beside the suitcase and began to cry in earnest with deep, wracking sobs. The last time she cried in that manner was when she learned from Nixon that Bill was seriously injured in Bastogne.

Bill followed her upstairs. He could hear her sobbing before he entered their bedroom. Upon entering the room, he was shocked to see the suitcase on the bed.

Guarnere felt consumed by guilt. He sat beside Leigh on the bed and put his arm around her after offering his handkerchief. She took the handkerchief and used it, placing it on the floor.

"Seein' you this upset 'cause o' somethin' I done is like a knife in my heart. Why are ya packin' a suitcase?" Her statement hit him like a hammer.

"Our marriage is over."

"Baby, what are ya talkin' about? You're ready to walk out because of somethin' I said? Let's talk about this, please, Leigh."

"You wouldn't have said something that hurtful if you loved me." Leigh broke down sobbing again. Bill pulled her close to him, rubbing her back to soothe her.

"No, no, no! That ain't true at all. I love you wit' all o' my heart. Please, Sweetheart, don't say or think our marriage is over. You need to listen to me. I ain't losin' my angel over somethin' stupid that I said. Leigh,I've never been more sorry for sayin' somethin' in my whole life.

You don't need to leave, ain't no reason for ya to go anywhere." Guarnere put his hands on her shoulders, gently turning Leigh to face him. He tenderly cupped her face in his hands.

"Baby, I'm sorry for runnin' my mouth like a goddamned fool. I never meant to hurt your feelins an' I hate myself for upsettin' you this bad." He got up and walked to the chest of drawers where he opened the middle drawer and got out a few of her lace edged handkerchiefs. Then, he returned to the bed, sat down and dried her tears with one handkerchief.

"Sweetheart, you're still beautiful to me, especially since our baby is growin' inside ya." He tenderly kissed Leigh, adding, "You kinda have this glow an' your body is luscious right now. Don't feel fat or ugly, because you ain't. In my eyes, you'll always be a beautiful angel.

I hope you can forgive me. I'd give anythin' to take back what I said, an' I wish I never said it. Ma told me some things about women who are expectin'. I shoulda used my head an' not acted like a moron."

He continued to hold Leigh close to him while stroking her back. It took awhile, but she calmed down. Then, she moved back enough to look at Bill,

"I forgive you, Honey. I know my hormones are giving me mood swings and I'm overreacting to things that wouldn't usually upset me. What you said hurt, but I'll get over it because I know you didn't intend to hurt me in the first place. "Thanks for being so sweet and understanding."

"I promise to think before I go runnin' my mouth like that again." Guarnere stood up, extending his hand to help her stand up. Once Leigh was standing, Bill took the suitcase off of the bed and put it into the closet.

"Would ya like to go downstairs an' listen to the radio before we go to bed?" She told him yes and they returned to the living room. Later that night, they made love tenderly, snuggling together until they fell asleep.

The doctor had already decided that Leigh's pelvis was too small for her to deliver the baby naturally and he told her that she would have to have a procedure known as a C-section. The Caesarian surgery involved cutting into her abdomen and removing the baby from her uterus. A date for the procedure was selected for the beginning of her ninth month.

Baby showers and lots of baby clothes from Maria and Julia ensured that the newest family member had all the necessary items. The Andrews Sisters surprised both Bill and Leigh when they paid for two years of diaper service and purchased a $500 savings bond for the baby.

Leigh had a great deal of difficulty getting into and getting up from a chair. She encountered the same problem with the couch. After an appointment with the doctor, Leigh started to laugh once she and Bill were out of the office.

"Oh, my God! I've never seen anything funnier than a room filled with women who are wallowing getting out of the chairs or cautiously and slowly sitting down. Yes, I know that I do the same thing." Guarnere grinned,

"It did look kinda funny, but I didn't wanna to laugh at them an' I sure as hell didn't wanna laugh at ya for doin' the same thing."

The day for the surgery arrived. Leigh's parents were staying in a hotel because they didn't want to give Leigh and Bill the added hassle of having guests.

Both sets of parents and Bill went into the hospital's waiting room in the Maternity Ward. He tried not to worry about his wife and the baby, but he felt anxious every time a nurse came to the door to announce the name of a new father. Bill thought smoking a few cigarettes would help calm him, but they didn't ease his anxiety.

Finally, a nurse walked into the waiting room. Bill's parents and the Spencers heard the nurse tell Bill,

"Mr. Guarnere, your wife did just fine with the surgery. Since she had the 'Twilight Sleep' for her procedure, the doctor wanted to wait until your wife was no longer feeling sedated. Would you like to visit her and your son?" The new grandparents hugged each other and Bill quickly got up from the chair in which he thought he'd waited a lifetime.

The nurse walked down the hall, showing him the room. He walked in and immediately smiled when he saw Leigh holding the baby. Since she didn't go through hours of labor, the new mother had her hair brushed, her lipstick was freshly applied and the nurse had given her a sponge bath. Bill kissed her.

"Baby, you look beautiful." Guarnere bent down to place a tender kiss on his son's cheek. Leigh told him,

"I know we agreed to decide on a name together, but I chose his name. I hope you don't mind. Bill, I want you to meet William Henry Guarnere."

"Sweetheart, that's wonderful. I ain't upset one bit. I just wish..."

"It's OK to cry, Honey." Bill assured her that he was fine.

"Would you like to hold him, Pop?"

"Oh, hell, yes!"

Bill had previous experiences handling his sisters' newborns. He carefully picked up his son, supporting his head and back.

"Look at all o' that hair! We have a handsome son, Baby. He's really alert. I bet he's smart like his ma."

"You're very level headed and smart, too, Bill. He looks just like his pop. I hope Billy acts like you, too."

"He's smilin' at me! Sweetheart, he loves me already!"

"Of course he loves you. Billy has heard your voice for a long time. He knows you. Honey, if you hand him back to me, there are two items in that bottom drawer behind you. I bought one and made the other for him. The stuff in the middle drawer can wait until we have a little girl." Bill protested,

"Do I have to give him back already?" Leigh assured him that he could hold Billy as soon as he got the items out of the drawer. He gave the baby back to her and opened the drawer, extracting a small Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap.

"Honey, that's cute. It's a little bit big, but he'll grow into it. Maybe he'll be a baseball fan like his uncle." Bill looked into the drawer and pulled out a one piece sleeper garment.

Leigh had embroidered Guarnere on the front of the garment and she had also embroidered tiny sergeant's stripes at the top of each sleeve.

"That's somethin' else, Baby. I love it! You even got his name on the front an' ya done a great job on those stripes. They look like the real thing!" Leigh handed Billy to him.

"I made the same designs on three other sleepers so he can have a fresh outfit when we have visitors. Honey, after we're released from the hospital and settled in, how about getting a family portrait done?"

"That's a wonderful idea. I love it! Baby, I insist on helpin' wit' diaper changin', bathin' him, whatever needs to be done. This is somethin' I really wanna do." He noticed that Leigh was quiet.

"Are ya feelin' OK, Sweetheart?"

"You should add feeding to the list. Bill, you're married to a freak. Not only could I not bring him into the world the usual way, I can't nurse the baby because the milk ducts in my breasts never developed fully. You noticed, without a doubt, that my breasts didn't get bigger. There's no way to fix what's wrong with me."

"You ain't a freak, Leigh. If we have to use bottles, then that's what we'll do." He handed Billy back to Leigh.

"We'd better give our folks a chance to meet him." Leigh agreed and Bill went back to the waiting room. He found a nurse and asked if both families could go into the room together. She told him that was fine, but no additional visitors were allowed in with them.

Leigh held her son in her arms, softly singing to him. Bill stepped into the waiting room,

"Both families are allowed in. C'mon back an' meet our perfect little boy." Both sets of parents immediately fell in love with the newborn. When Leigh introduced Billy, Mrs. Guarnere cried, telling her,

"Sweetie, that's a beautiful thing ya done, namin' him for his uncle." She dried her tears with a lacy handkerchief. Bill's father brushed away a few tears, too.

The Spencers and the elder Guarneres thought the Phillies hat was adorable and they loved the embroidered 'onesie' sleeper. Little Billy smiled and tolerated being passed from grandparent to grandparent in a good natured manner. Louise and Augusta said that Billy's smile was probably due to him having gas, but Bill insisted that his son was smiling at him.

Both families agreed that he looked exactly like his father and they declared that he was perfect. Bill and Leigh agreed with their parents' assessment of Billy.

When the grandparents returned to the waiting room, Teresa Guarnere and her sisters were there, eagerly waiting to see the baby. Bill told them,

"Good to see all of ya. Follow me an' you'll see the most handsome baby boy in Philadelphia." When they entered Leigh's hospital room, she was holding Billy and singing to him. The sisters also fell in love with their new nephew. Teresa was the first to hold him. She told Bill and Leigh,

"He's a cutie and he looks like his pop. Will ya just look at those long eyelashes! I'd be happy to babysit anytime." Maria held him next, and she was enjoying meeting her nephew. She told Leigh,

"You're lookin' great for a woman who just went through labor. This little one is an angel!" Leigh thanked her.

"My pelvis is too narrow, even with the expansion that naturally happens during labor, so I had to have a C-Section." Maria told her,

"Don't hesitate to call me to help wit' him. You'll need to do some healin' an' my kids are old enough to stay on their own. My God, he looks like his pop!" Leigh smiled.

"Thanks for the offer to help, Maria. I'm restricted from lifting and doing normal household activities until the sutures come out. I agree, he's handsome like his pop." Bill said,

"In all the excitement, we didn't tell all of ya his name. Honey, tell 'em his name. She done a wonderful thing."

"We'd like you to meet William Henry Guarnere." The sisters smiled, then wiped away some tears. They thought that naming the baby for his uncle was "somethin' beautiful." By then, the baby was in Julia's arms. She kissed his cheek.

"You two have a little angel. He's perfect!" She held him close to her with one arm as she got a handkerchief out of her purse. She asked Maria,

"Would ya please hold him? I need to get a handkerchief out of my purse an' use it." Maria held Billy while Julia dried her tears and blew her nose. In addition to Bill, she was also close to Henry. Then, Billy was returned to her arms.

"You can call Aunt Julia for help, too. I'd enjoy helpin' you an' this sweetheart. Leigh, it might not feel like it now, but you're better off havin' that surgery. You'll still be tight downstairs, if ya catch my drift." She, Teresa, Maria and Leigh giggled. Bill looked horrified.

"Holy God, Julia!" She laughed at his reaction and teased him by saying,

"We all know how babies get here. I was just statin' a fact, baby brother. Are ya sayin' that you ain't pleased wit' your wife still bein' 'like new' downstairs?" Bill slightly blushed as Leigh laughed loudly.

"Yes, I think it's great news. Can we please stop talkin' about this stuff?" His sisters' laughter continued. Julia noted,

"Hang on. This little fella's wet. Where are the diapers?" Leigh told her,

"They're in the top drawer of the cabinet behind Bill." Julia asked,

"Do ya know how to change a diaper?" Bill admitted that he had no idea of what to do. Leigh also admitted that she'd never changed a diaper.

"Watch me an' learn." Julia walked them through the basics, adding,

"Be sure to have extra material in the front, to protect his little..." Bill interrupted his sister,

"Thanks, Julia, I get the idea." She laughed.

"Are you gonna turn red again?"

"No, I just get what you're sayin'." The baby managed to slightly spray his aunt while she was working on the diaper. Bill laughed.

"He has a hell of a good aim. Spray her again, Billy!" Everyone in the room laughed. Julia grinned,

"Billy just brought up the next thing I was gonna tell ya. Little baby boys do this a lot, so be prepared." She smiled at Billy.

"Sweetie, make sure an' spray your old man like a good little boy." Billy grinned at her.

"I swear to God, he just smiled at me! That ain't no gas, that's a smile."

"He smiled earlier, but Ma an' Mrs. Spencer said it was gas." Bill looked at Billy.

"That's a smile, no doubt about it. Thanks for showin' us how to change diapers, Julia. Thank all of ya for offerin' to help us until Leigh is back on her feet." Leigh told them,

"Your offer to help is greatly appreciated." The sisters each held and kissed Billy once more before leaving, promising to return the next day. They agreed that Leigh and Bill needed to rest.

Before they left, Bill showed them the baseball cap and the specially embroidered 'onesie.'

"Leigh made this an' three other sleepers wit' this design. She done a hell of a good job wit' the stripes, they look like the ones on my old uniform." The sisters agreed with Bill, telling his wife that she "done a great job" with the sleepers.

After they left, Bill placed Billy back into Leigh's arms. A nurse came into the room, saying that she had to take Billy back to the nursery. Both parents reluctantly let him go, giving him kisses before the nurse took him out of the room. Bill sat on the edge of Leigh's bed.

He gently embraced her and gave Leigh a tender kiss. Bill reluctantly ended the kiss and cupped her face in his hands.

"My heart's about to burst wit' all the love I have for you, Baby. Gettin' Billy is one o' the best things that ever happened to me." He gave Leigh a more passionate kiss and she eagerly returned it.

"I love you to the moon and back, Honey. Thanks for giving me Billy. When I'm completely healed from surgery, how about exploring my downstairs?" Bill chuckled,

"I'm lookin' forward to it, Sweetheart."

"Sorry I laughed when you blushed, but your reaction was funny."

" That's OK, Leigh. Even if ya laugh, I still love my sassy angel. I guess I'd better get home an' let ya get some rest. I'll see you an' Billy tomorrow.

Baby, I'm sorry that I didn't bring roses for ya. I wanted you to have somethin' special, but I was so worried about the surgery, I didn't think of buyin' some in the gift shop downstairs." Leigh told Bill that he didn't need to buy a gift for her. The nurse returned to let them know that visiting hours were over. Bill kissed Leigh's hand and left the room.

She got comfortable in the hospital bed and soon went to sleep. Bill called George Luz and Johnny Martin when he got home, telling then about Billy's arrival.

The following day, Bill brought in a vase containing one dozen red roses with a small ribbon banner on the vase that said "Mother" in gold foil letters.

"You shouldn't have spent so much money, but I'm glad you did. Honey, the roses are beautiful!" Guarnere was pleased that she enjoyed the roses.

"Baby, you deserve a whole room filled wit' roses. I wanted everybody in the flower shop to know that we have a healthy, handsome little boy. I didn't have the flowers delivered 'cause I wanted to bring 'em to ya myself. I wanted to celebrate an' thank you for Billy. I love you, Leigh." Bill leaned down to embrace and kiss Leigh.

"I love you, too, Bill. Remember, you're half of the reason we have Billy. I need to find a way to thank you for our sweet son. What would you like for your gift?" Guarnere thought for a moment.

"When you're able to cook again, how about my favorite meal an' some pizzelles?"

"That's fine with me, Honey. How about some antipasto, too?"

"That would be perfect, Baby." She added, "When I get back to work, I'm going to dedicate all the songs on one show to you. I already discussed this with my boss before I got admitted to the hospital."

"You're somethin' else, Leigh. I'm lookin' forward to that show."

By the end of the week, everyone Guarnere knew in Easy Company knew about Billy. Colonel Sink and Dick Winters both purchased a $50 Savings Bond for the newest member of the Guarnere family. Bill's brothers in arms chipped in for a $100 Savings Bond for their new nephew. The Andrews Sisters sent a dozen pink roses to Leigh and they also paid for two years of diaper service, cleaning and delivery included.

Numerous cards were sent to Bill and Leigh, congratulating them on the birth of their son. After an eight day stay in the hospital, Bill took his wife and Billy home. During the 1940s and into part of the 1950s, hospitals kept maternity patients and newborns hospitalized longer than they are hospitalized in the 21st Century.

With help from Bill's sisters and Guarnere himself, Billy got accustomed to his home.Leigh healed at a normal rate and she was soon able to take care of her son and return to work. One of Bill's sisters or his mother was always on hand to help with Billy until Leigh got back from work in the early afternoon.

Leigh was determined to get her figure back and she consulted Dr. Simms about the best exercises to accomplish her goal. She exercised faithfully and had her figure back before the year was over.

Bill was true to his word. He eagerly helped with Billy, changing diapers, feeding him and giving the baby his bath. Leigh admired his skill at getting Billy back to sleep after some loud crying.

She asked Bill what he did and he told her that he just sat and talked to Billy. Leigh thought that Billy found his pop's voice soothing. One night, after Bill got the baby to sleep. He returned to their bedroom, telling Leigh, in a soft voice so he didn't wake Billy,

I am here to inform you that they have selected a singer to appear with them in Paris. One of those shows will be broadcast courtesy of the Armed Forces Radio network. That broadcast will be carried on major radio stations back in the states the following day. The singer they selected is the Songbird of the 506th." Leigh was stunned by the news.

"Sir, is this really happening? Are you sure someone isn't playing a prank?"

"It's really happening. I talked to the top brass with the USO. They had one of the agents for the Andrews Sisters in the audience at the USO concert you did in London.

He was very impressed and he let the USO know that you would be the best singer to work with the Andrews Sisters. You have the talent, plus they want someone who could dance in their high energy style."

Spencer clapped her hands together, shouting,

"Hot damn!" She instantly realized what she did, saying,

"My apologies, Sir. I am just excited."

"No harm done, Sergeant Spencer. I thought I'd give our songbird a gift and the remainder of the day off from work to celebrate." The colonel showed Leigh what he was hiding behind his back, a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne.

"I had a couple of bottles from the stash I'd been keeping after the celebration when we were still in the states. I'm saving one for after the war and this one is for you."

Leigh had a beaming smile on her face.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Sir! I really appreciate having the rest of the day off, too."

"Since this is a special occasion, I'd like to have you come in tomorrow afternoon and work a half day. If you would like to let your folks know the good news, you may use the telephone in my office."

"Thanks, Sir. Yes, I'd like to call my parents." She left the champagne in her office and locked the office door, taking the key with her. Leigh's parents were both excited and surprised by her good news.

"Sir, I don't mean to impose after you have been extremely generous, but may I call Bill's parents to share the good news? They're like family to me." Sink permitted the call.

The normally austere colonel chuckled when he heard Augusta Guarnere loudly proclaim,

"Oh my God, Sweetie, that's wonderful news! I'll be sure to tell everybody. Does Billy know?"

"No, Mrs. Guarnere. I just learned the news and I'm on my way to find Bill to tell him."

"I'm proud of ya, Leigh!" Spencer thanked her and ended the conversation.

She thanked the colonel again and returned to her office to get her purse and the champagne bottle. Leigh turned around to leave the office and nearly collided with a young man in a uniform. He told her,

"I didn't mean to surprise you, Sergeant Spencer. Colonel Sink sent me with instructions to drive you to your house. He just wants you to be safe." Leigh thanked the soldier and accepted the ride to the house.

Once she was inside the house, Spencer put the champagne bottle in the refrigerator. She saw a note from Bill on the kitchen table:

"Sweetheart, I'm going to the Blue Boar with the boys. Love ya, Bill."

She went upstairs to change into some red shorts and a red and white floral print short sleeved blouse. Spencer knotted the blouse at her waist.She put on red espadrilles for footwear, touched up her eye makeup, powder and lipstick and brushed her hair.

Spencer put a few pound notes in her purse along with her hairbrush and cosmetics. She walked downstairs and left the house, locking the door.

Leigh made the short walk to the Blue Boar. She could hear the animated conversation as she approached the door. Joe Toye could only see a side view of Spencer from where he sat. Her head was obscured from his line of vision by a tall shrub that was close to the window. He told his brothers in arms,

"I hope that dame in the red shorts comes inside. I can't see her face, but she has curly brown hair and she's built like a..."

George Luz could see Leigh's face. He interrupted Joe,

"Knock it off, Joe!" Toye gave George a puzzled look. Bill was watching an intense game of darts involving Buck Compton and Babe Heffron.

He told Joe,

"Go introduce yourself. Ya might meet a nice girl like Leigh." Spencer entered the pub, looking for Bill. George Luz told him,

"Bill, you're right about what you told Joe. I don't think you want Toye to introduce himself to this girl." Guarnere turned around in time to see Leigh walk into the pub.

He frowned, immediately telling Joe,

"Watch what you say about my baby. Her body ain't for you to talk about. Show some respect!" Toye apologized to Bill. Guarnere stood up and walked over to Leigh. He embraced and kissed her,

"Sweetheart, what are ya doin' here this early?"

"I just got some incredibly good news from Colonel Sink. Bill, I still can't believe it! Maybe you should sit down first." Guarnere found an empty table and pulled out a chair for Leigh to be seated. He took his seat on the opposite side of the table,

"There, we're both sittin' down. What's goin' on, Baby?"

"I was working and Colonel Sink stopped by my office. He said that he'd just spoken with a higher up from the USO. They have been working with the Andrews Sisters back in the states. Three USO women from all over the country have performed with them.

An agent who works for the Andrews Sisters was in the audience when we did the show at The Stage Door Canteen in London. The agent told the Andrews Sisters about me.

Bill, the Andrews Sisters want me to appear with them in a few concerts in Paris! Can you believe it? Colonel Sink let me call my folks and your folks from his office to tell them the good news." Guarnere looked surprised.

"Holy God, Leigh! That's (he pronounced the word as 'dat's') goddamned great news! Think of it, my baby performin' wit' my favorite singin' group! I bet Ma was real excited an' happy." He walked over to Leigh's side of the table, picked her up and carried her in his arms to the area of the pub where the Easy Company men were sitting. He told them in a very loud and excited voice,

"Fellas, Leigh's appearin' wit' the Andrews Sisters in Paris!" Buck Compton was startled and he hit the wall instead of the target with the dart he threw.

"Guarnere, that had better be the truth, or I'm using your ass for a dart board." Leigh told him,

"Buck, it's the truth. Colonel Sink just told me. He gave me the rest of the day off to celebrate."

The Easy Company men congratulated Leigh. Luz asked her,

"Can you get Patti Andrews' telephone number for me? Seriously, though, congratulations, Leigh. You're one hell of a good singer." Spencer replied,

"Thanks, George. I already know her telephone number, it's

Pennsylvania 6-5000." Bill and the men laughed at her response of quoting the title from a popular song.

Andrew Herriott walked over to where Bill was standing with Leigh in his arms.

"Congratulations, Miss Spencer. I couldn't help but overhear the good news. Please accept my offer of a modest dinner and drinks for you and your fellow. It's on the house. I'm serving shepherd's pie this evening." Spencer thanked him. She told Bill,

"I love to be in your arms, Honey, but would you please put me back on my feet?" Guarnere chuckled and gently put her back on the floor in a standing position,

"Sorry about that, Sweetheart. I got excited hearin' the good news ya told me."

"No need to apologize, Bill. It's OK. Would you like to stay for dinner?"

"Sure, Baby." He asked Andrew,

"What kind o' pie are ya talkin' about, Sir?"

"It's mashed potatoes served over beef and vegetables in gravy."

Bill thought the shepherd's pie sounded good. He and Leigh went back to their table and had dinner with a glass each of dark beer. As they ate, Spencer told Guarnere,

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be selected to perform with the top singing group in the states. When I told your mom the good news, I think Colonel Sink heard her shout,

' Oh my God, Sweetie, that's wonderful news!'"

Bill laughed,

"When Ma gets excited about somethin', she can get pretty loud. I'm the same way, an' I probably got that from her." Leigh grinned.

"I almost forgot to tell you, Colonel Sink gave me a bottle of champagne to take home. It's chilling in the refrigerator as I speak. It's another bottle of Moet et Chandon," Spencer lowered her voice so only Bill could hear her,

"That was the brand of champagne we had on a very special night at Fort Benning, the happiest night of my life.

"Sweetheart, I'll never forget that night." Leigh was quiet for a moment.

"This may sound crazy, especially since I got the performing gig of a lifetime. I appreciate it, don't get me wrong. If it ever came down to choosing between a singing career or being with you, I wouldn't have to think very long about it.

Bill, nothing could make me happier than I was that night at Fort Benning when you told me that you love me. When these shows take place, you will probably be deployed somewhere.

If I'm performing during a time when you get a pass or a leave, we can't be together. Honey, what I'm trying to say is that I don't want you to think that the shows are more important to me than you are." Bill reached across the small table to take Leigh's hand. He reassured her,

"Baby, I don't have a problem wit' you doin' those shows. Hell, I'm proud of ya! You're talented an' you earned the chance to sing wit' the Andrews Sisters.

I wouldn't be much of a man if I made ya quit doin' what ya love. Honey, I'm OK wit' it, honestly. Don't you worry about havin' to choose me or the singin'. I love you, Leigh. You're my everything."

"Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I used to think that performing was top priority and that I loved singing more than anything. That changed when I fell in love with you. Bill, you're my everything and I love you, too."

A half hour later, when they finished eating, Guarnere asked Leigh,

"How 'bout we go back to your place an' celebrate wit' that champagne?"

"I like the way you think." They exited the pub. Bill had his arm around her shoulders. He leaned in close to whisper in her ear,

"Baby, you look hot as hell in those shorts. Wearin' your blouse like that does somethin' to me, too, ya little fireball."

"Thanks, Honey." She whispered,

"Is that so? Show me how much these clothes get you worked up." Leigh expected him to show her once they returned to the house she shared with Melissa.

Instead, Bill took her hand. They headed down the cobblestone street as he scanned the area, looking for a good spot that would provide some privacy.

Guarnere saw a side street with a narrow alley between some houses. He could see that it was a dead end of sorts and covered in the shade provided by a few trees that were at each side of the alley.

They walked to the end of the narrow space. Spencer put her purse beside her feet. She started to lean against the brick wall of the house.

"Let me stand there, Sweetheart. I don't want ya to get your skin scraped by the bricks," Guarnere leaned against the wall, standing with his feet parted enough to allow Leigh to stand in the space between his feet.

"Here's what the clothes an' the woman that's wearin' 'em does to me."

Bill pulled Spencer close to him, giving her a deep kiss. She felt as if Guarnere was sucking the oxygen out of her lungs with the intensity and the raw passion of the kiss.

He held Leigh's ass and his tongue licked against her tongue. She moaned into Bill's mouth as he sucked the tip of her tongue into his mouth.

Spencer ran her fingers through Bill's hair, then Leigh tenderly cupped his face in her hands as she captured the tip of his tongue in her mouth, sucking on it. She felt his cock becoming hard and pressing against her.

Guarnere nipped at her earlobe before sending trails of kisses down her neck. He stopped to gently suck on the soft skin at the junction of her neck and collarbone. Spencer replied in a breathy voice,

"Oh, Bill..." She felt herself becoming wet.

He untied and unbuttoned her blouse enough to get one hand inside it. Bill cupped her breast through her bra. He pushed her blouse off of her shoulders enough to allow him access to her bra straps. He pushed the straps off of her shoulders until her breasts were exposed.

Guarnere's tongue and lips worked on one nipple, then the other. He stepped back to admire the sight of her nipples jutting out before lowering his mouth and once again sucking her nipples. Bill loved the soft sounds of passion that Leigh made.

She ran her fingers through Bill's hair, cradling his head close to her breasts. Leigh shuddered,

"You're making me come!" He unbuttoned her shorts enough to allow his hand to reach into her panties. Guarnere grinned as his fingers encountered the unmistakable evidence of her arousal.

Bill unbuttoned her shorts and rolled her silk panties down until he saw the dark brown curls between her legs. He rubbed Spencer's clit and she shuddered a few minutes later as she came again. Guarnere told her in a husky voice,

"You're a fuckin' goddess, Baby. Christ, I wish I could strip those shorts an' panties off so I could kneel down an' taste you. Goddamn, Leigh, your...I better not say it. That ain't showin' respect for the angel I love. You're so beautiful an' perfect down there."

Leigh began to gently squeeze and stroke Bill's cock through his uniform trousers. Guarnere groaned, telling her in a lower pitched whisper as he looked into her eyes,

" I could fuck ya right where you're standin', right here, out in the open." Spencer trembled against Bill as she became more inflamed by his words. She told him in a passion filled voice,

"I'd let you do it, right here. Take me home, Bill!"

Guarnere quickly got her panties back in place and her shorts buttoned up. He pulled up her bra straps and buttoned Leigh's blouse. She picked up her purse.

Bill rearranged himself inside his trousers and pulled his uniform shirt out to hide evidence of his arousal. He picked up Spencer, carrying her in his arms.

Leigh put her arms around Bill's neck, holding onto him as he quickly covered the short distance between the side street and her house. Neither of them cared if they attracted attention. Both Bill and Leigh were concentrating on matters of a more pressing nature.

Spencer had the house key in her hand as Guarnere got her to the front door. He held her in his arms as she opened the door. Bill kicked the door the rest of the way open.

Guarnere put Leigh back on her feet long enough to turn on the lights and lock the front door. He grabbed her purse, handing it to Spencer as he said one word,

"Upstairs." Bill picked her up and hurried up the stairs to Leigh's bedroom. He opened the door and kicked it open the rest of the way so they could enter. Guarnere placed Spencer in the middle of the bed.

Leigh pulled the bedspread and top sheet from the bed, pushing the pillows to the floor. Guarnere shut the door and began to removed his boots. Spencer quickly disrobed, letting her clothes fall on the floor beside the bed. She reclined in the middle of the bed, propped up on her elbows.

Bill nearly tore off his clothes, leaving them where they fell. He walked over to stand beside the bedside table and Spencer. As he opened the drawer and got a condom out of the cardboard pack, Leigh sat up and encircled his cock with her fingers, stroking up and down.

She lapped up a few beads of pre-come. Bill's knees felt weak.He rolled on the condom, pinching the tip to remove air. In one fast move, he was on the bed and kneeling in front of Spencer.

Guarnere entered Leigh. He tried to move slowly inside her, to give Spencer as much pleasure as possible. Leigh met him stroke for stroke. She had her arms around his shoulders.

He increased his thrusting and was surprised to feel her fingernails scratching his back. Bill thought it was hotter than the fires of hell. Guarnere suddenly stopped moving, despite the fact that he was enjoying himself tremendously. Leigh asked,

"Why are you stopping?"

"What do ya want, Baby? What can I do for my angel?" Spencer nearly shouted in a husky sounding voice,

"Fuck me!"

"Bill started to thrust harder and faster. Leigh put her hands on his ass, pulling him into her. Spencer circled her hips and she started to come, crying out,

"Hell, yes! So damned good!" Leigh held onto Bill as her body trembled. Guarnere felt her contracting around his cock. His thrusting became deeper, losing rhythm before he came, groaning and calling out,

"Fuck, yes!"

Bill held Leigh close to him,telling her,

"You are one hell of a woman, Leigh. Let me get rid of this thing an' then we can snuggle up." Bill withdrew himself from Spencer, sat up and removed the condom, placing it in the wicker trash basket by the bed.

As Guarnere got the top sheet and pillows, Leigh saw the scratches she put on his back. Bill put the pillows on the bed and put the sheet over both of them. Spencer said,

"Oh, Honey! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." Guarnere stretched out on the bed, putting his arms around Spencer, pulling her close to him.

"You didn't hurt me, Sweetheart." Bill ran his fingers through Leigh's hair.

"You're perfect, Baby. No other woman has ever gotten me worked up as much as you, an' no other woman has ever made me come as hard as you do. 'course I've never loved a woman as much as I love you. I'm honored that you're my girl."

"I'm honored you chose me to be your girl and I love you madly. What we just did is the most erotic thing that's ever happened to me. Remind me to wear shorts more often." Guarnere chuckled at her comment, replying,

"You better believe I'll remind ya to wear those shorts again." After a brief nap, Guarnere and Spencer had a bath, but not together since the bathtub would accommodate one person. After they got dressed, Bill and Leigh went downstairs to cuddle on the couch and listen to the radio.

Guarnere lit a cigarette, taking a drag from it, exhaling the smoke. Spencer put her head on his shoulder as she snuggled close to Bill.

"Baby, I'll get the champagne an' the glasses. You don't have to do nothin' except have a few drinks an' celebrate." He put his cigarette in the ashtray and went into the kitchen. Bill got two wine glasses and the bottle of champagne.

Guarnere brought the glasses and bottle into the living room, placing everything on the coffee table. He removed the foil wrap and the cork from the bottle and poured half a glass of champagne for Leigh and a half glass of champagne for himself. Bill raised his glass, saying,

"Here's a toast to the talented woman I love. Congratulations, Baby, I'm so proud of ya!" Spencer raised her glass and gently touched the wine glass held by Bill.

"Thanks, Honey. I'm still stunned that I will be performing with the Andrews Sisters. A few year ago, I was in my dorm room listening to them sing on the radio and I was singing along with the music." Spencer suddenly realized that she didn't tell Guarnere all of the good news.

"Bill, I can't believe I forgot to tell you an important detail about one of the shows. The Armed Forces Radio network is somehow sending that broadcast to all of the major radio stations stateside the day after the show."

"Holy God, Baby, that's wonderful! Our folks can hear ya on the radio. Hell, most of the country will hear ya singin' on the radio. Honey, you're gonna be a singin' star, just like Judy Garland and Dinah Shore.

Before ya tell me it ain't that big a deal, think about this, Leigh. It could be your big break to really make it as a singer. How many times have ya heard people sayin' that you could be a singer on the radio? I'm excited for ya!"

"Bill, the other women who sang with the Andrews Sisters were also on the radio. I'm excited about this, too, but if I think about it too much I'm afraid I'll get nervous when the time comes to do the shows. Honey, I appreciate how much you support and believe in me. Do you really think that I can do a good job in those shows? I've never performed with famous people before." Bill tenderly cupped her face in his hands as he looked into her eyes.

"Sweetheart, I know you're gonna do just fine. I'd be nervous to perform wit' the Andrews Sisters. Ain't nothin' wrong wit' feelin' a little nervous. Don't let your nerves take over. Use it to make yourself work harder to do your best job of singin' that you've done in your life.

Leigh, I know you can do this. That agent knows ya can do it, too or he would've picked somebody else. You have my support one hundred percent, Baby. If I'm able to go to those shows, you better believe that I'll be in the front row to hear my angel singin'."

"Thanks for the good advice, Honey. I'm truly blessed to have you in my life." Bill tenderly kissed Leigh.

"Baby, I feel the same way about you. How about we drink some of this French stuff? Let's celebrate a little." He finished the cigarette and they enjoyed some champagne before going to bed.