Shall Love Return

A preview Each day brings new hope and promises to deliver chances to our happily married couple, Ann and Henry. While their engagement went fast but also the pair were settled into a brand new home. Henry's Uncle Tom had given his lovely cabin across town as a wedding gift to celebrate the joining of his nephew and beautiful now wife, Ann. A month had passed by before the couple decides that Henry shall travel out west in search of opportunities to begin his family. A week had gone by before Ann received a telegram from Henry. It read of such high hopes that he'd come across in a town close to home.Dear Ann, "It's with great excitement I'm able to share this wonderful news today." I've been thinking about getting into the textile factory with my brother, Pete. He's been looking for a new worker and even though he's not the person in charge of everything he'll be getting me an interview for the position. Oh, Ann wouldn't it be amazing to start our life out so promising? I must go for now but I'll send word soon darling. With all my love, Henry After Ann was finished reading Henry's letter she smiled and danced around the room. Ann thinks back on the first day she'd met Henry. She felt anxious and just knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Their love was not only rare but something special too. While Henry was getting settled into his new work. Ann too was getting more familiar with the new house and the kind folk that lived here already on the property. That would be Sam and his wife, Kate. The two also had two daughters Lily and Marie. The girls were still young at age nine each. Sam and Kate were fortunate to have them as they'd had twins at the time of Kate's labor. Ann was pleased to meet everyone and especially since Henry was away she wouldn't feel so alone. Kate and her became close friends soon. Ann would enjoy Kate's friendship and the two did just about everything together each day. The new home had lots of things to see and hold a future for her. The next morning everyone got up early , she wanted to go to town and visit the local general store to get supplies. Ann was anxious to plant more flowers and vegetables in the lovely gardens that was there. Kate and Ann thought lilies, daisies, as well as sunflowers would be a nice addition to the flower beds. Maybe some squash and melons would be good too The ladies gathered all of the seed packets and the owner loaded up all of the other stuff they'd been wanting today. When they got home, Sam came to help unload the car for them and put everything in the barn. The whole property was beautiful. And having gardens, a barn, and a lovely lake too. It was a perfect gift from Henry's Uncle for the couple. The future is so bright Ann said, to Kate after going inside. She smiled then said, yes Ann I'm sure you are right. Then said, so what do you have in mind for supper tonight? Well I was thinking of the pot roast. We can go pick potatoes and carrots from the garden. She laughed, saying that it sounded delicious. The women started to prepare the meal by going to the garden and picking all the vegetables needed first, after that they'd have to be washed and peeled. So while Ann did that Kate would put the roast on the stove. It's going to be a couple hours before the vegetables were going to be put into the pot. Ann got our flour and the other things she was needing to bake the biscuits. They'll be ready just in time for them to have their meal tonight. The girls came inside and asked what they could do to help make the meal? Kate looked up and told her children that they could start by washing the dishes. Both laughed and said okay mother. Then got busy with the chore. When they were finished they again asked, what else? Then Ann thought well you two can set the table and get out a basket for the biscuits to be placed in. Everything was done now and all that was left was to sit down to eat. They all said a prayer before beginning to eat. Kate started out a conversation with her girls to ask how was school going so far? Lily and Marie told her that it's fine and they liked their teacher too. The days would pass by quickly while everyone now felt happy to be together it be great to hear how Henry was doing at the factory. It wasn't long and she received a short telegram from him just to say he'd been good and couldn't wait to see her. Yup life was great and it'd be even better soon enough, she thought. The next morning she planned on shopping for the surprise dinner she wanted to make for Henry. Ann would welcome him home the best she knows how and smiled because it was coming up. The two went to town and got a smoked ham to fix that night. So all that would be needed to do tomorrow when he got home would be to make side dishes then Ann could spend more of the day with Henry. They all understood how much they missed each other. It was only now going to be but a few hours before bedtime and Henry would be leaving for home. He wrote Ann once more because he was truly happy to be leaving by train but mostly to be home. He couldn't think of it enough. All of his things were packed and ready, taking his seat the train left the station. The ride would take a few hours before he got to town. He'd walk the rest of the way home. On the way Henry spotted some beautiful flowers and picked some for Ann. Henry enjoyed the fresh air of the country then couldn't help smiling about all of the surprises he had in-store for his wife. The walk took a little while to conquer so he did find a spot to rest before going the rest of the way. There was a pretty lake near by and he thought it was going to be great to do some fishing in it too. About thirty minutes went by and he returned to his pathway home to surprise Ann. All along he was carrying her birthday present and couldn't wait for her reaction to it all. He thought of the serious question he planned to ask Ann as he hoped she'd agree Henry saw the surrounding fence around the property and knew he'd finally was home it was the best thing ever for him to have finally arrived. Ann could see and hear him out the window. Everyone saw the biggest smile on her face. She couldn't get outside fast enough then naturally heard Henry calling to her. The day was perfect now and the two would have so much to talk about after Henry put his things away. He'd grown a small mustache and wondered what Ann would think but nothing mattered to either one now but to be in their arms again. This would be the best time and holidays coming up for everyone. They were all so happy today. Chapter 2 Henry Surprises Ann Henry's plan for Ann's upcoming birthday gift has now begun. He hopes that she will love it as much as he does. While back at home Ann will have finally received word from Henry. His letter explained that he'd be coming home for the holidays soon and that he couldn't wait to hold her again. Later on that afternoon she'd write to Henry and make sure he'd know everything was well too. She missed him each day since his return to work with the factory. The textiles were vigorous work. The temperature was always hot inside the factory but none the less Henry loved the job. The following morning Henry was talking to some of the other workers and explained how he wanted to surprise his wife for her birthday. They'd be back together finally after all these months apart so he wanted to try and make the gift unique for Ann. All the women smiled about Henry's plan and he enlisted all of their help with the idea. He didn't know yet what to get his lovely wife but he wanted it all perfect. One of the ladies, said to him when did you two get married? And it was at that moment Henry knew the best thing he could do for Ann. At lunchtime Henry sat down with his co-workers and asked them what they thought about his idea of a real wedding for Ann's birthday.This time he could afford to make the day as perfect for her as she wanted because the first exchange of vows was a very small ceremony and they'd been in such a hurry due to the times being so difficult for everyone during this tragic period for our country. The economy had families having to provide for the family by any means necessary. It was hard for everyone especially the women because not only did they have to manage a household but also most had to find work too.To help feed the family. The men took any work they'd find and usually these jobs consisted of long hours with little pay. Henry's co-workers were mainly women though it was a clothing factory. Most had the skills or training already so it was easy for the ladies to get on at the textile warehouse. Another woman sitting at the table suggested that Henry could easily have Ann's dress made there. He stood up and said, "Oh what a great idea!" Then he smiled and thanked them all for being such wonderful women. Henry now was really excited to have Ann's gift finished and to be able to show her his devoted love. The following evening Ann sat near the fire on the sofa. She would send her finished letter off to Henry. The next couple months couldn't come fast enough. Ann missed her husband so much and it'd make everything better to have him there. Henry had been resting himself as the day wore on to long and he'd need sleep to go at it again tomorrow. Yet all on his mind now was how beautiful Ann would look for her birthday and while having the best day too. Henry laid in bed for the night and made it fast to sleep tomorrow would be here soon enough. The next morning everyone seemed to be in a spirited mood. Some were humming and a lot were smiling too. Henry was waving to his co-workers as he headed to the break room. He pulled out a portable chalkboard to show everyone some of his ideas for the dress he thought of already. One of them asked Henry if maybe a fancy ball gown type of wedding dress could be done. Henry thought yes that'd be perfect for her he just knew Ann would love a fairytale themed dress. He also was thinking that it should be two colors both blue and white like those lovely dresses in the movies. Henry hoped she'd love the idea too but then knowing her so well he smiled thinking about her happiness. The week that followed mostly had everyone picking fabrics out and how they'd lay out the stitching of the pattern of her dress. Each day that passed by made it one more day closer to being home for Henry. The next week began the last of sewing Ann's beautiful present. Henry would have two more weeks before saying goodbye to everyone here then taking a train home to Ann. He was so happy to tell her everything. It seemed like the next time he saw her he'd be forever thankful. Even as Ann thought the same as Henry it definitely couldn't come soon enough before they'd lay eyes on one another again. It was two days later Ann received word from Henry again he especially was happy to be coming home and looked forward to being there a while this time. Even though it was hard to be away Henry also found that his wife always smiled. He considered himself lucky to have found Ann. And she knew Henry would always be a wonderful person. It'd be time to travel home soon as Henry got through the weeks that followed and he could tell his loving wife or even show her his intentions to celebrate their love. The day would come as Henry worked so hard to make it through the days without Ann. The time they spent together next would be some of their best. The holiday spirit smiled upon them and the horizons gave love within each moment spent. Henry returned home and the next morning he would tell Ann everything that occured within the last few months. He'd start out with the gifts of producing their life and acknowledging her birthday coming up. He calmly asked Ann to remarry him so they could have a real ceremony and she could celebrate her birthday as a princess.She was his world and her life but to receive such love was a unique story told. Henry loved Ann forever. There's so much to do coming up for Ann. Everyone is sitting at the breakfast table .While she was explaining to Kate all the good news. She said, "Oh how magical Ann." And I would love to help if you permit me, dear friend. Ann said of course I'd love it. So many things to do and prepare for. Both men looked at each other and thought the same thing. It was nice to see their wives smiling. Even the girls were excited to help out too. Ann saw how lit up their eyes had appeared then asked if they wanted to be her flower girls? They said yes to Ann right away and smiled too. Telling her thank you for letting them be a part of her and Henry's surprise wedding. Sam and Henry got up from the table then excused themselves because work was needed to be done. Both Ann and Kate had to get started with plans too. They saw the men at the door and wished them a fantastic day They cleared away the dishes from breakfast and thought about flowers, dresses, and all things to celebrate the wedding for her birthday. Ann told her she had one other gift from Henry to open and asked her if she'd want to go with her to see what it could be? Both entered the bedroom and saw a wrapped box laying on the bed. Oh wow I wonder what it might be? Kate smiled and said I guess there's only one way to find out. They walked towards the bed and Ann told Kate yes you are right then proceeded to open Henry's present. She exclaimed, "Oh look how beautiful." It was a dress Kate as she couldn't wait to try it on to see how it was going to fit. In the meantime both Henry and Sam were cutting the fields while getting better acquainted. Henry didn't have much time to get familiar with a new home before leaving to find an opportunity for himself. It was nice to meet everyone now that he was back. A few hours had gone by before they decided to stop for a water break. Henry laughs out loud as a bewildered Sam questions him about Henry's actions. He simply told Sam that he left Ann's gift on the bed this morning and probably right about now she was opening it. Henry told Sam how he spent the last couple of months back at work planning for the dress to be finished before he came back home. That was great Henry he replied and I'm sure she's going to be happy when you come in for the day too. He laughed again as he told Sam he was probably right. Both men would go back to work for another couple of hours before it was time to go eat lunch. Neither could wait with all the work they'd already done today. The women prepared lunch for everyone to eat and was almost finished as the two men walked inside and said to themselves something sure smells delicious. Ann and Kate walked out of the kitchen with smiles on their faces. Henry looks at his wife and asks if she'd seen her gift yet? She said, "Oh yes and it's lovely Henry thank you so much it's just perfect. He was glad Ann liked it too. The colors are just wonderful I really love it Henry. Kate pointed out to everyone let's eat y'all I'm starving so without hesitation they each sat to dig into the fabulous meal the ladies made. They each thankful for another meal to share in as everybody was now eating. It wasn't long before they were done and the women cleared off the table once again while Henry and Sam returned to work outside. Later, after retiring for the evening, Ann and Henry talked about some of her ideas that she'd already came up with for the wedding. She said to him wouldn't it be nice to have both our families here for the ceremony? Henry, with a happy look on his face agreed with his wife. He told Ann, let's have a big ceremony and we could invite friends too. So she'd have to go into town to buy the stationary and handwrite all the invitations. That would be her first chore to plan for the big day. She would ask Kate to go with her to help pick out the design. The next morning they arrived at the general store in town. Ann told the clerk what she was looking for today and the store owner said, " He had several options for her to pick from but whichever one she decides to use it'd be two weeks before they would have them available to pickup. He also gave Ann a tip that she could find a tailor two doors down the street if her dress needed any alterations.Ok she said, thanking him. Taking their leave of the shop the women both giggled with a delightful laughter. On the way back to home Kate says I liked the white-laced one. Ann, laughs and tells her she did too. They were so pretty. Oh yeah, what about the girls' dresses Ann? It would be a good idea to visit that seamstress back in town Kate maybe we can tomorrow? Sounds good to me, said Kate. I'm sure the girls will be happy to get measured and fit for their own dresses. The two arrived shortly after their lovely day and laughed once again before going through the front door. It's still going to be an hour before the girls would be home from school. Ann would ask them to come with their mom and her to help get the dresses finished. It'd be natural for the two to be excited when in turn would Ann be also happy that the girls were going to help celebrate. The following morning Ann, Kate, and both girls met with the seamstress and she took measurements of everyone. Ann still had to try on her dress too. She decided on having Kate's dress to match the girls or at least the color. After the measuring the seamstress showed Ann a book of patterns for ideas on the dresses she might like. She politely says, "thank you." Then opened up the book to see the patterns. While Ann was searching through the pages, a happy seamstress, offered to everyone some refreshments and small sandwiches to her customers. Thank you, that would be nice the ladies all said. Everyone took time to share a bite to eat and some lemonade to help rinse the food down. They were all happy to have come today but also had to go to the general store too. Ann needed to let the owner of the shop which design that she wanted and how many to order. How much fun it was the last few days for her it had been. And now they all were going to return home. It was a very productive day Ann felt it was happening. She had her invites ordered, and the dresses being sewn. The color she thought was going to match with her's, everyone seemed to love the idea too. Tomorrow she'd go back to the shop to finally try on her wedding gown that Henry had made for her. Hopefully It wouldn't have a lot of alterations needed. She loved it as it was so much. It be next week before the girls and Kate would be trying on finished dresses. A lot of the planning was in place by now and Ann could breathe a little more but she also wanted to have a girl's day to let her friends know how thankful she was and to have fun with everyone. So at supper she surprised everyone with the news of her ideas. She asked them if they'd be okay with having a beautiful picnic with her to celebrate all their hard work so far and afterwards go to the beauty salon to have a fun-filled afternoon too. They all smiled of course that's a lovely idea. The girls were laughing out loud and told her we've never been there before. It's going to be a lot of fun, I promise. She planned on having a light breakfast picnic by the river before going to the beauty salon in town and the day before the ceremony would be perfect for everyone. In the meantime Henry was busy planning his suit and Sam was happy to be the best man. He was going to let Ann know his list of guests too. It was probably going to take a whole day to address all of their invites. She heard word from the store's owner that they were ready to be picked up. Tomorrow she'd go get them and start sending them to all their friends and family. The next morning Henry told Ann before she left that he had a surprise. She smiled and said okay Henry. He took her to the barn where he and Sam were working on an archway for the wedding. She saw what he was talking about and just busted in happy tears. It's so beautiful Henry! I can only imagine how lovely the addition will be. The couple had but a month now before the wedding and still had a lot more to do. When she got back from town she'd have to have her menu to prepare for too. The amount of guests that were coming was going to need a caterer. So when she did get home she asked Kate if she knew of anyone that could help for the wedding. Kate said her aunt had a small catering business and probably be exactly what she wanted. Ann said that's wonderful Kate, thank you. The food wouldn't be too hard to figure out because she thought finger snacks, cold salads, and a bunch of smoked hams would be served on the special day. The week passed and the girls would need to see how the finished dresses looked. Ann was happy to see such hard work completed and the seamstress did a fantastic job. Now that all of the dresses were finished it was really a relief to her. Now all she had to focus on was the music and flowers. A Lot of people were going to be there and she started feeling nervous but in a good way. The flower garden welded so many flowers and it was easy for her to create bouquets. She wanted to match the archway with the same kind of flowers. The next day Kate would ask Ann about making the bouquets and she said it'd be neat to have flowers from the garden since there was plenty to use. It was only a week away before the wedding and everything was pretty much ready. Ann had a caterer, dresses sewn, and flowers decided on They'd just have to be picked a day or so before the wedding ceremony but at the same time was looking forward to sharing a day with all of the girls. She had Kate help her to prepare the baskets and got the girls to bed early so the two could plan out tomorrow. Ann, Kate, and the girls woke the next morning with lots of smiles. They all met in the parlor to get ready for their day. Just a perfect start to the day having breakfast by the river was very tranquil for everyone. Kate spread the blanket out and Ann took out the food from the basket. Fresh orange slices with raspberries were starters then we enjoyed buttering the soft loaf of bread. It was a very peaceful morning and everyone wouldn't be forgetting this moment ever. Kate and the girls were happy for her Ann was happy to have such good people as her friends. Ann told everybody how great everything was today and how it'd been spending time with all of them. The women both started to pack the basket back up so they could all continue the day. Kate drove everyone into town in her husband's car. It was time for haircuts, braiding, or whatever else the girls needed done, preparing for the big day tomorrow ahead The two girls were easy they both wanted a hair cut and style with wash. Ann and Kate had their fingernails manicured then painted. Along with hair dressing necessary for a beautiful day tomorrow. Three hours would pass and it was time for a break then finish up after the timeout Kate laid her book down that she'd been reading while there was a towel on her head while her hair dried. About fifteen minutes went by and they were being finishing up at the salon. It all seemed perfect to celebrate the day. Soon Ann couldn't wait now. It would be the best day ever to hold. Henry was just as thankful he could finally give his wife what she deserves. The morning came and Ann felt like she'd never forget it ever, thanks to everyone. She looked out of her window and could see rows of chairs with a decorated archway inside the center of it all. Their pastor from the little community church would perform the ceremony of the couple. Ann thought it was very nice of him to stop by and offer his service. Down the hallway, Henry was getting ready too. He'd be the first of the two to be seen. Henry would wait at the altar till Ann walked the journey to combine each other. Both Ann's and Henry's family were all there. The good thing also about today was that everyone could meet. A lot of laughing and carrying on was going on till the music started. Everyone rose when Ann appeared her father would be the one to walk alongside her till reaching Henry at the altar. The two held hands when the preacher began telling of pretty much a fairytale life and it was exactly the type of relationship she had with Henry. Both looked at each other while he started explaining vows and we agreed to his blessings. The I Do came next and the ceremony was ending with both Ann and Henry saying, I do. Everyone clapped at the end and started saying congratulations to the couple. Music played once again as guests began dancing after the wedding couple's first waltz. It was a perfect day for Ann now that she had her dreams come true because of Henry. Everyone enjoyed the music, food, and ceremony today. Ann talked with her mother for a while and thanked her for always supporting the two of them. Her mother was just happy to see her daughter this successful in love. It was also time for a dance with her father he told Ann how proud that he was of her and hoped that all of the future be prosperous. She hugged him then thanked her father. Just as Henry walked up and politely asked if he could have the next dance? Ann smiled then told Henry of course darling. So the day was wonderful, right Ann? Yes Henry I definitely agree with you on that. The guests continued to talk, laugh, and enjoy a beautiful day for the following hours no one wanted the day to end but some people had responsibilities and needed to take care of them too. Some started to say goodbye and their sincerest congratulations. Yet Ann still had one thing she needed to do and that was to throw her bouquet to all the single women. As the girls lined up you heard nothing but giggles from the women. Ann turned around away from facing the women then threw the flowers up in the air. The girls all reached out to catch them but only one caught the bouquet. So Ann had a wonderful birthday and wedding today. The couple enjoyed not only the ceremony but the whole day. Even the special speeches from the families were nice. Maybe even one day she'd bare a daughter to help have a joyous day like this one for herself yet one day who knows what's ahead. To be continued - I hope that you all have enjoyed the first draft-C.S. ©2024