Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.

Thanks again to Cared Cullen for all her help! You are the best my dear!

***********************YBTM********************

***August, 1951***

I was seething.

It was the night before Alice and Jasper's wedding, and we'd just suffered through what had to be the most painful wedding rehearsal in history.

Even though Alice had hoped that Father Kucinski's attitude toward her marriage would change once her classes were completed, I hadn't seen any evidence tonight of that being the case.

To the contrary, Father had been gruff and downright rude towards my sister, causing poor Alice to remain on the verge of tears throughout the entire ordeal.

Our parents and the others like Em, who was merely here to help cart us out to dinner afterwards, were seated far enough away from the altar rail that they weren't privy to the worst of Father's despicable behavior.

Those in the wedding party, such as Rose, Laura and Franny seemed confused by his demeanor, but no doubt chalked it up to a bad mood having nothing to do with the wedding itself.

Father was known for being a bit of a grump.

Jasper, who knew the truth, was too much of a gentleman to call out Alice's pastor for his mistreatment of his fiancée. But I could see his frustration, as he stood by my sister's side.

The rehearsal over, I watched as Father exited through the sacristy, and then I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I felt compelled to do next.

Without a word to anyone, I marched back down the aisle toward the front doors.

Em must have caught my expression and decided to follow. "Bella, where you going?" He called after me, once we were outside.

I stopped, turning to face him. "There's something I need to do. I'll only be a few minutes, and then we can leave for dinner."

He grinned while studying my expression, "What's going on?" He pressed, "You got a scrappy look in your eyes, like you're about to go nine rounds with Jersey Joe."

My shoulders sagged as I glared at my brother-in-law.

He was too perceptive.

Em never lost his smile. "Come on, spill."

I considered doing just that until a vivid memory of Ed's bruised and swollen face flashed through my mind. "I can't tell you."

Em eyes grew wide, "Ay! Why the hell not? I'll keep it to myself if you want."

"I actually don't care about that, not any more. I'm more worried that you'll punch a priest and go to Hell, and it will be my fault." I slapped my hand over my mouth realizing that I'd given entirely too much away.

His eyes grew even wider, as did his smile. "Oh, now I gotta know."

I furiously shook my head; refusing his request once again.

"Bells, I promise to control myself and not hit a priest." He answered with a chuckle, "Christ, would you just spit it out already."

After another minute or two of Em's pleading, I folded like a house of cards. "Alright, if you must know, I'm on my way to bawl out Father Kucinski for his treatment of Alice."

Em lost the smile, "What'd he do?"

I briefly explained how Father had behaved both during Alice's classes and at the rehearsal tonight. By the time I'd finished, Em's countenance had changed to one of contained anger. "Father obviously still believes that she is turning her back on her vocation." I took a deep breath. "There's nothing I can do to change the past, but I can try my best to keep him from ruining her wedding day."

Em pursed his lips in contemplation. "He made her cry?"

I nodded, watching him carefully.

He blew out a breath, "Well, I doubt I'd ever hit a priest, but it's probably good that you made me promise anyway." He shrugged and his smile was back. "What are we waiting for? Let's go."

"You're going with me?" I stammered.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world."

In less than I minute, I stood at the rectory door knocking furiously, while Em waited at the bottom of the porch steps.

Father bore a grim expression when he opened the door to find me standing there. "How may I help you, Miss Swan?"

I cleared my throat and attempted to keep my voice at a reasonable volume, "This will probably fall on deaf ears, but I'm going to say it anyway." I folded my arms across my chest. "Father Kucinski, you owe my sister and her fiancé an apology."

His eyes widened in surprise before narrowing into a glare. "Miss Swan, tread carefully, remember that I am your pastor and that title demands your respect."

"Respect has to be earned. I'm sorry Father, but you have lost mine." I retorted. "You should be ashamed of yourself. Alice is one of the sweetest, most caring people I've ever known. This should be the happiest time in her life, and you've managed to make her feel wretched." Father's expression remained impassive, "She told me about your insistence that she has a vocation for a religious life."

"That is correct." He stated simply, "If you're here in some misguided attempt to change my mind, I'm afraid you're wasting your time, Miss Swan."

"No, Father, I have no intention of trying to change your opinion. I don't agree with you, but I'm here simply because I don't want my sister in tears on her wedding day. I want your promise that you will be kind to her before, during and after the ceremony."

Father looked taken aback by my request, "Precisely when have I been unkind?"

I narrowed my eyes, "You made her feel uncomfortable every time she met with you for her classes and tonight you were downright mean."

"Maybe it's her conscience making her feel uncomfortable. Maybe your sister knows she's making a mistake."

"Nonsense!" I said as my temper flared again, "Father, marriage is also a vocation. Did you ever consider the possibility that Alice is meant to marry and raise children in the faith, possibly even have a hand in her husband's conversion?"

Father scoffed at my statement, "As a member of a religious order, she would have the opportunity to bring a greater number of souls to Christ than in the role of wife and mother. It is my duty to recognize that and to steer young people toward a life dedicated to the service of God. In all my years, your sister is the first one to disregard my advice and go her own way. And to add insult to injury, she chooses to marry a Protestant..." He shook his head.

"It's her life, not yours," I snapped, "You don't know my sister, Father. I do, and I trust her judgment implicitly. Protestant or not, Jasper loves her with all his heart, and treats her like a queen. He is perfect for her," I paused, lowering my voice while trying to regain my composure. "I know this may come as a shock, but you don't know everything." I could hear Em chuckle as Father glared at me disapprovingly, "I said that you'd lost my respect, however, if you are willing to set your arrogance aside,"

Father looked appalled at my apt description.

"And give my sister a happy wedding day, you will earn my gratitude and regain my respect."

Father Kucinski scowled and took a step back, his hand on the door, "I believe this conversation is at an end."

Before he closed the door however, Em called out to him, "You know, Padre, I don't profess to know everything about my faith, but I seem to remember something about pride being one of the seven deadly sins, as in someone being too prideful to admit when they're wrong. Maybe you should do what youse priests do best and pray over that one."

"I'll take that under advisement, Mister Colonna." He responded before slamming the door in our faces.

***YBTM***

The next morning we rose before the sun.

Pop and Patrick dressed early and made a quick exit in order to wait at Em and Rose's flat, leaving the house to the women.

There we gathered, bride, mother of the bride, and sisters of the bride in order to ready ourselves for the day ahead. Before long, with Elise's assistance, we'd donned our gowns, and Mom was pinning Alice's veil in place.

That was the moment when my eldest sister decided to share her good news. "I'm glad you didn't decide on an autumn wedding Alice," she remarked softly as she stared at her reflection in Mom's full-length mirror.

"Why's that, Rose?" Alice asked.

"Because any later than now and I'm afraid Elise would have had to let my dress out."

I glanced at Rose, not comprehending at first what she meant, but something in her statement caused my mother to gasp and cross the room to where she was standing.

"Rosalie! I knew it!" Mom exclaimed as Alice started to giggle. When Mom threw her arms around Rose's neck, it finally dawned.

"Oh, Rose, that's wonderful!" I exclaimed.

Franny and Laura sat on Mom and Pop's bed, dumbfounded, until Mom put them out of their misery. "Rosie is with child, girls." She announced with a happy smile before turning back to Rose, "Oh, mo stór this happy day is now even more blessed."

Thankfully, the ceremony went off without a hitch, and even though Father Kucinski never apologized to Alice and Jasper, he did manage to behave himself. As a result, the only tears shed were happy ones as my mother watched yet another of her daughters walk down the aisle.

At the reception, everyone had a great laugh when Em told them what I'd said to Father the night before. Everyone that is, except my mother. She grew angry when she learned how Alice had been mistreated, and I had a feeling that Father Kucinski hadn't heard the last of this matter from the Swan family.

That evening, once I was alone in my bedroom, even the exhaustion I felt from the long day didn't prevent a feeling of sadness from settling on me. This would be the first time in my life that I wouldn't be sharing a room with either Rose, Alice or both. I suppose some girls would have reveled in the solitude, but I merely felt empty.

As soon as my head came to rest on the pillow however, all my thoughts turned to Ed. I wondered what he was doing during his last few days in Japan, and if he was thinking of me at that precise moment.

My heart ached as I closed my eyes and prayed that God would keep him and Joe safe from harm during their time in Korea, returning them to their loved ones safe and whole.

***YBTM***

The remainder of August passed quietly, and soon it was Joe's turn to go overseas.

As she'd said we would, Elise and I relied on one another heavily during the months that followed. As a matter of fact, we spent so much time together, that I began to feel as close to her as I did to my own sisters.

Knowing that Ed was now in a war zone had added a whole new set of fears to those I'd already been carrying around, but by trying to remain strong for Elise, I found that it was easier to remain strong for myself as well.

It was a bitter lesson, but I knew that if, someday, I wished to be married to Ed, there was no getting away from the fact that an army wife's life was one of sacrifice.

We heard often from our men, and were delighted to learn that, not only were they stationed in the same camp, but they were even housed together in the same tent. Upon hearing that, I made sure to thank God for His mercy in allowing the man I loved to have his brother with him while so far away from home.

***November, 1951***

The months passed and soon it was a few weeks before Christmas once again.

Mom and I set an entire Saturday aside just to go Christmas shopping. It wasn't often I got to spend time with her alone, and I reveled in the chance to talk. I even treated her to lunch at a fancy tea room. She was happier and more relaxed than I'd seen her in ages.

We purchased gifts for everyone, but may have gone a little overboard on Maggie.

At almost two years of age, this Christmas promised to be quite exciting, and we couldn't resist the excuse to spoil her.

I remember noting to myself as we boarded the bus for home that it had been a perfect day. Being with my mother had taken my mind off of my cares, even if only for a little while.

The bus was crowded. Finding only one vacant seat near the front, I gestured that Mom should take it, before making my way to an open seat in the next to the last row.

Once we reached our stop, I grabbed my parcels and pushed through the crowd to the back exit, knowing that Mom would leave through the front. I made it to the doors and had just set my front foot on the pavement when I felt a searing pain in my other leg; the bus doors having closed on it, just above my knee. Before I could react, the bus jerked forward and proceeded to drag me down the street. I vaguely registered the sound of my mother's screams as I felt my entire upper body being pummeled into the pavement. Seconds later, the world around me went dark.

***YBTM***

When I opened my eyes again, I could make out a tall building above me, silhouetted against a grey sky. It registered that the pain in my leg had lessened, but I couldn't make much sense of what was going on around me. There was a lot of commotion, raised voices, and then suddenly I was being lifted and moved.

All I wanted was to close my eyes again.

The sound of my mother's voice pulled me from my stupor. "Bella, wake up my girl…"

I blinked hard, while searching for her, "Mom?" I whispered.

"I'm right here, dearest. Try to stay awake. They're taking you to Saint Vincent's." Even in my semi-conscious state, I could hear the distress in her tone.

One thing was certain; I did not want to go to the hospital. But, as much as I wanted to protest, I couldn't seem to force the words out; the need to sleep more powerful than before.

At the continued urging of those around me, I was able to, for the most part, keep my eyes open.

By the time I was settled in a hospital bed, the fog had lifted and in its place there was pain.

So much pain

Some, like the abrasions on my face and arms burned like fire. Others, such as the injuries to my leg and back throbbed and ached while lying still, and became almost excruciating if I tried to move.

As the nurse treated the cuts on my face, I looked past her, searching the room and finding only hospital personnel. "Where's my mother?" I rasped.

"Your doctor will be here shortly," she answered in a no-nonsense tone, "It will be up to him whether you're allowed visitors."

"But… my mom was there… I want her to know I'm alright…"

"I'm sorry Miss Swan, hospital rules." She gave me a sympathetic smile then and patted a place on my arm that wasn't hurt. "Doctor Rubin will be here soon."

At the mention of my doctor's name, I relaxed a little. Doctor Rubin had known me all my life, delivered all the Swan children, and seen us through countless childhood illnesses. He was kind and caring, and our entire family thought the world of him.

As I lay there waiting, I tried to piece together what I remembered. As I recalled my upper body colliding with the pavement, a wave of nausea hit me.

I took a deep breath before exhaling slowly, willing the feeling away.

Every inch of my body continued to throb in pain, the worst being the pain from my leg. Curious, I carefully pushed back the sheet and gingerly lifted the hospital gown just enough to have a look.

Above my knee, where the bus door had closed on it, my thigh was deep purple in color.

No wonder it hurts

At least I could be thankful that nothing seemed broken.

I covered my leg again, not wishing to see it. Then I remembered how I winced when the nurse attended to my face, and was glad there was no mirror handy.

Suddenly I felt very small and alone. I was bruised and battered, and all I wanted at that moment was my mother.

"What's all this, Sis?" The welcome sound of Doctor Rubin's voice stopped me from surrendering to the feeling of despondency that threatened.

His words even made me want to smile, although doing so was painful.

Despite the fact that, as I said, Doctor Rubin had known me all my life, never once in all that time could I remember him calling me by my given name.

I swore it was because he couldn't remember it.

Whatever the reason, to Doctor Rubin all the Swan girls were known as "Sis", and Patrick was "Buddy".

In answer to his question, I gave a little shrug and then winced from the pain in my shoulder.

He listened to my heart and asked where I hurt. After a brief examination of my bruises and abrasions, he instructed the nurse to bring my mother into the room.

"I'm going to have my nephew take a look at you, Bella. He's a specialist and will help determine that there are no internal injuries." He turned to Mom then. "Irene, can you tell me exactly what happened?"

Mom held my hand; I noted that hers was trembling as she swallowed back tears, before giving an account of my ordeal:

As soon as she'd exited through the front door of the bus, the driver had quickly pulled the lever, jerking both doors closed. Several passengers, seeing that my leg was caught, shouted for him to stop. My poor mother screamed and hurled herself toward me. Despite all the yelling and pleading, the driver drove away and made no move to stop until I had been dragged for half a block.

Later, while I was being loaded into the ambulance, my mother overhead the bus driver being questioned by a patrolman. The driver was a surly, ill-tempered man, and his only response to what he'd done was to blame me, stating that I "should have exited through the front door".

"He wasn't even sorry?" I asked as my own tears spilled over, the events of the day finally catching up with me.

"There, there, Sis," Doctor Rubin patted my arm. "I'll have the nurse administer something for your pain, it will help you rest." He turned back to my mother then, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Irene, in a couple of days, I'm going to have another of my nephews pay you a visit. He's an attorney."

Before he left, Doctor Rubin had the nurse give me an injection for pain and instructed that, as long as I promised to rest, my mother would be allowed to stay with me.

I was beginning to feel rather sleepy by the time the younger Doctor Rubin appeared. He couldn't have been much older than thirty, and I silently noted that he was quite handsome.

As soon as that thought crossed my mind however, I grew cross with myself.

How dare I notice whether or not another man was appealing while the one I loved with all my heart was on the other side of the world, and in the middle of a war zone no less?

I was a dreadful person

Still put out with myself, I nevertheless attempted to respond to young Doctor Rubin's questions, although the medication had made me feel so woozy, that I doubted my answers made sense.

Whatever I said, it must have amused the doctor because he laughed softly and then turned to face my mother.

Mom was also grinning, although there was something else in her expression too… maybe slight embarrassment?

I closed my eyes. I didn't care. I needed sleep.

That night I tossed and turned; my dreams strange and confusing. In them, I watched as a constant stream of family members, both Ed's and mine, appeared beside my bed speaking to me in muffled tones, concern etched on their faces.

Accompanying the visions, I also heard whispered voices all around me and, now and again the strangest sound of all; that of booming laughter which I could have sworn belonged to Em.

***YBTM***

I awoke before dawn, feeling horrid.

If possible, my pain was even greater than the day before.

The hospital chaplain stopped by to check on me and bring me communion, then the younger Doctor Rubin came to see me again breaking the bad news that I'd be staying in the hospital for a couple more days. As he put it, he wanted to be sure that "my kidneys had not sustained any permanent damage."

As much as those words should have concerned me, I was more worried about missing time, and money, from being out of work. Especially since now I'd more than likely have a hefty hospital bill to pay.

When Sister Bridget, the nurse on duty, arrived with my pain injection, I refused, citing how disoriented it had made me the day before.

"Miss Swan, the doctor says you're to rest as much as possible." Sister explained. "That's the only way your body will heal. I needn't tell you how difficult it is to do so while in pain."

I nodded, she had a point. "Sister, I promise to rest, but I don't want anything stronger than aspirin."

She sighed and shook her head, but ultimately didn't argue further with my decision.

I spent the balance of the day sleeping or reading from the stack of magazines that had been left at my bedside. Every time I was tempted to feel sorry for myself, I thought of Ed, far away from home and possibly in danger, and was abruptly ashamed.

So, I did what little I could by praying and offering up my suffering for his safe return.

***YBTM***

That evening, when visiting hours arrived, I was awake and alert.

A state I regretted soon enough…

Mom and Pop came through the door first, followed closely by Em and Rose.

"You look more yourself tonight," Mom said while patting my hand, the relief evident in her tone.

Pop wasn't smiling as he looked me over; taking account of my injuries. I noticed when he leaned in close to kiss my forehead that he was gritting his teeth, something he only did when he was very angry.

"What's wrong, Pop?"

He frowned deeply and cleared his throat, "Nothing, my girl. I'll just be glad when you're well enough to come home."

Mom cut in, "Your father's a little worked up. We met with Mister Bergman today, Doctor's Rubin's nephew."

"Oh," I nodded, "the lawyer?"

"Yes. He's paying another visit once you're out of the hospital, we'll discuss things then. Your Pop's a bit angry because we learned that the driver has had several complaints made against him for his treatment of passengers, but so far the bus company has responded with only a slap on the wrist."

"We'll see how they like it when we take them to court," Pop grunted out before shaking his head. "When I think that we could have lost you…"

I bit my lip and tried to reassure, "I'll be fine, Pop."

He nodded and went to stand by the window, staring out into the night. I knew he needed a few minutes to shake off the bad mood.

I turned to Rose and Em, "Where's Maggie?"

"She's downstairs with Alice and Jasper. They'll come up after we go back down. Patrick, Franny and Laura are here too."

Visitors had to be over age twelve so, although I knew Franny and Laura would come up with Alice, I felt sad knowing I wouldn't see my little brother until I was released.

Rose stepped closer until she was right next to the bed, "How do you feel?"

I shrugged. "Not my best," I admitted, "but I refused the pain medication, I didn't like feeling so muddled…"

I was surprised when Em snorted out a laugh at my statement.

When I noticed Mom and Rose trying not to smile, I grew suspicious.

"Someone want to tell me what's so funny?"

"Well," Rose began, biting the inside of her cheek still in an effort not to smile. "It seems that pain medication has a strange effect on you, little sister."

Em laughed out loud then, "You can say that again. Some of the things you said last night… Christ, it was better than watching Jack Benny."

My eyes opened wide in horror. "What?! I don't know what you're talking about. I fell asleep after Doctor Rubin left and didn't wake up until this morning."

"Afraid not, Bells. But stop lookin' so worried. You were a riot; kinda like Aunt Julie when she has too much anisette." He chuckled again.

A knot formed in my stomach, and I turned toward my mother, "Tell me," I urged.

Her eyebrows rose, "Bella, there's no need to upset yourself over this. Em's just causin' trouble." She shot a pointed glare in my brother-in-law's direction.

I swallowed hard, "I'll worry a lot less if I know what I said."

Em didn't miss the opportunity to interrupt, "Let's see," he paused, "you mentioned someone named Brownie Donovan…"

"Brownie Donovan?" It was a name that hadn't crossed my mind in years. "Why was I talking about him?"

Em grinned, "Well, I think your exact words were: 'If that nurse tries to force that bed pan on me once more, I'm gonna give her a taste of what I gave Brownie Donovan.'" Em laughed loudly, "I know there's a story there, and I'm dying to hear it."

I scowled at him while inside I was sick with worry that I'd threatened a nurse.

My mother must have sensed my anxiety, "Bella, I was with you all afternoon, you refused the bed pan, but you were very polite about it." She was smiling, seeming just as amused as everyone else.

After rubbing the back of my neck with my hand I sighed, "Brownie was the neighborhood bully. The first week we moved into our house, he tried to block me from cutting through the side alley."

"You should probably know that Bella was in first grade, and Brownie was at least two years older and twenty pounds heavier," Rose interjected.

Em tilted his head, watching me, "So, what'd you do?"

I shrugged slightly and looked down at my hands where they were folded on my lap. "I punched him in the stomach as hard as I could and while he was doubled over, I walked past." Em guffawed, while my parents and Rose laughed as well, "I may have also told him that if he ever tried that again, I'd let everyone know that he got beaten up by a little girl."

"I knew you were a scrapper," Em was still laughing.

"Is that all I said?" I asked, hopeful, although sensing that wasn't the case.

Rose shook her head, "No, you also told us that the younger Doctor Rubin was 'dreamy' like Gene Kelly, but that your heart already belonged to Gary Cooper."

"Good heavens!" I could feel the blush rise in my cheeks as my family continued to laugh.

"I'm assuming you really meant Ed?" Rose inquired.

"Of course, I… I always think of him as the strong, silent type, like Gary Cooper, but I don't think I've ever said those words out loud. Oh, dear…" I placed both hands on my cheeks as I tried to calm down, "Well, at least I didn't say that in front of the doctor…"

One glance at my mother's face told me everything I needed to know. I'd made a fool of myself in front of the young Doctor Rubin. "I wanna go home!" I wailed while attempting to slide further under the blankets.

My family was no help whatsoever in easing my embarrassment as they continued to laugh at my expense. "Elise and Esmeralda thought you were a crack up."

"They were here?!"

Rose nodded. "Relax, Bella. It was actually kind of sweet when you talked about how much you loved Ed."

"The best part for me was when you made a list of everyone you were going to slug, startin' with the bus driver and ending with President Truman for sending Ed overseas." Em laughed again.

"Stop," I begged before staring him in the eye, "We will never speak of this again. And don't even think about telling Ed," I warned, pointing a finger at him, "or you'll move to the top of that list."

***YBTM***

A few minutes after Em, Rose and my parents left, the rest of my sisters, along with Jasper and Patrick appeared. "Patty!" I exclaimed in surprise as I held my arms open for him.

He quickly ran to my side, but paused upon reaching the bed, "Are you alright?" he asked warily. I didn't blame him for being afraid to touch me; no doubt I was a sight.

"I will be after I get a hug," I smiled softly and wrapped my arms around him. "Did you have a few birthdays since I saw you last?" I giggled, "How did you get up here?"

"That would be my doing," Alice admitted. "I glared at anyone who looked like they might try to stop us." She shrugged, grinning sheepishly, "Patty missed you."

I mouthed a 'thank you' to her before hugging my brother again and then getting hugs from Franny and Laura as well.

***YBTM***

"Thought you might need some company," Alice said as she sat beside me on the sofa. "You look better today."

I'd been home from the hospital for days now, and thankfully the bruises and cuts on my face were beginning to fade. As per doctor's orders I was not to return to work until the following week because he wanted me to rest as much as possible. Mom, in an effort to enforce his instructions, wouldn't let me help much around the house either. If it hadn't been for Rose bringing Maggie to visit every morning, I would have been bored to tears.

"You don't need to babysit me, Alice." I grumbled, "I'm sure you'd rather be home with your husband."

Ever since Edward had left, but even more so since I'd had my accident, my sisters had given up many a happy evening with husbands or boyfriends in order to try and cheer me up.

I didn't want or need their pity…

"Stop that," she narrowed her eyes. "You act like spending time with you is a chore. Bella, you're not only my sister, you're my best friend. When you hurt, I hurt. You can't sit there and tell me that if I were in this situation, you wouldn't do the same."

I looked down at my lap, "Of course." I sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Alright," She gave a nod. "And don't apologize; I don't blame you for being out of sorts."

That was the beauty of my relationship with Alice, she didn't easily take offense; or hold grudges.

"Now, what did the lawyer say?" She asked, curious.

"He is meeting with someone from the mayor's office tomorrow, hoping to resolve everything." Mister Bergman, Doctor Rubin's other nephew, had been to see me the day after my release from the hospital. He was very hopeful for a settlement, especially since the city owned the bus company and knew that if they didn't do right by me, it would be very bad for their public image.

"I can't go; I'm still supposed to be resting, so Mom and Pop are going in my place."

She smiled and gave my arm a reassuring squeeze. "Everything will work out."

"I hope so." I frowned. "My hospital bill alone is almost a hundred dollars, not to mention the loss of two weeks' pay..."

We were quiet for a minute before Alice spoke again. "Well," she paused, "I have some good news. It's still early, but I wanted you to be the first to know, apart from Jasper of course," she giggled nervously.

I smiled, waiting for her to continue.

"Um, alright so, I suspected I was, and I went to the doctor for confirmation," the words came out in a rush, "and now I know for sure." She turned and looked me in the eye. "I'm expecting."

My lips parted in surprise before turning up into a smile. "Oh, Alice! That's wonderful!"

"You really think so?" She asked, seeming uncertain.

"Silly girl, why would you ask that?"

She blew out a breath, "I'm sorry. It's just that… oh, Bella, for the past two years, my life has been perfect, and you've had to put yours on hold… it's so unfair."

"Hey, didn't you just say that when I hurt, you hurt?"

She nodded with teary eyes.

"Well, it's the same for me. And seeing you happy, makes me happy as well. Live your life and stop worrying about me." I hugged her. "Edward is who I want. He's worth waiting for."

Alice sniffled and nodded.

"Besides, the next couple of years are going to fly by; what with you and Rose giving us two more babies to spoil!"

Alice's answering smile was jubilant.

***YBTM***

The following evening, I felt a little jubilant myself, especially after Mom and Pop returned from the attorney's office. Let's just say that I was glad I was sitting down when they told me that I would be receiving close to two thousand dollars as compensation for my injuries and time off work.

The lawyer for the city had been quick to inform them that the bus driver had been fired before my release from the hospital.

Pop thought the driver got off too easy, but I could tell he was impressed by Mister Bergman's negotiating skills.

Almost two thousand dollars…

Even after paying my hospital bill, doctor's bills and attorney's fee, I'd have a great deal of money left. I was giddy at the thought.

This was going to be a very good Christmas

***December, 1951***

"Too bad it's winter. You could take that windfall to the track and have some fun." Ever since I got the money from my accident, Em had been trying to find ways to multiply it for me. He pursed his lips while he thought. "You just say the word and I'll go see Nick. A couple of good bets and you could turn that money into a nice little nest egg."

Nick, as in Nick the bookie…

I giggled as I thought about what upstanding citizens my parents were in all things, except for the fact that they, especially my mother, loved to bet on the horses. And when they couldn't make it to the track, they had no qualms placing bets with Nick.

Actually, I found Em's offer mighty tempting. Not that he gambled a lot, but when he did, Em always seemed to win.

"That's okay, Em. I think I'm just going to leave it in the bank for now. I'm sure it will come in handy someday."

He nodded as he handed Maggie over to me.

"Sure you don't mind watchin' her?" My sister asked.

I shook my head, smiling widely, "Are you kidding? This little angel and I are going to have a grand time."

Rose and Em had been saving to buy a home for a while. With another baby on the way, they'd decided the time was right to tour the new houses being constructed just south of the city.

Mom and Alice were helping at Saint Benedict's Christmas bazaar, so I jumped at the chance to watch Maggie.

"She's been fussier than usual," Rose offered while running her fingers through Maggie's brown curls, "I think she's cutting more teeth."

"She'll be fine," I assured, "Go enjoy your day. Although, if you buy a house, I don't want to be around when you tell Mom you're leaving the neighborhood."

Rose grinned sheepishly, "We'll only be a couple of miles away."

I shook my head, "You know our mother; she'll cry as if you're going to live on the moon."

It was true. When Alice and Jasper got married, they moved into a flat that was six blocks from our house. As much as she tried to hide it, I could tell that Mom was put out that they were so far away.

I didn't allow myself to contemplate the bitter tears she'd most likely shed if someday Ed and I married, and the Army sent us God knows where…

I sighed, it was silly to worry about that now, while the man I loved was still on the other side of the world and I wouldn't see him for almost another two years.

***YBTM***

"Let me take her," Pop held out his arms for a very fussy Maggie. "I'll rock her while you fix a bottle."

I nodded and handed her over. We'd had a lovely day until Maggie decided to fight her nap. Pop had watched patiently while I wrestled with her, before setting aside his newspaper and offering to help.

He carried Maggie to the rocking chair while I darted into the kitchen to warm her milk.

After placing the pan of water on the burner, I made my way back toward the parlor. Maggie was no longer screaming, so I took that as a good sign.

Midway through the dining room, I was able to hear Pop's rich baritone as he sang to his granddaughter.

When first I saw the love light in your eyes
I dreamt the world held naught but joy for me
And even though we drifted far apart
I never dream but what I dream of thee

It wasn't often that he graced us with his beautiful singing voice, making it a rare treat when he did. This particular moment was made all the more sweet by the song he'd chosen to sing. He'd met my mother when they were very young, both teenagers, and said that this ballad, more than any other, always made him think of her.

I love you as I never loved before
Since first I met you on the village green
Come to me or my dream of love is o'er
I love you as I loved you, when you were sweet
When you were sweet sixteen

I relaxed against the threshold while allowing the lovely words and melody to wash over me. Maggie lay in my father's arms staring up into his face, seemingly just as mesmerized as I was.

I love you as I never loved before
Since first I met you on the village green
Come to me or my dream of love is o'er
I love you as I loved you, when you were sweet
When you were sweet sixteen

******************A/N************
A/N My Irish grandfather had an Italian bookie named Leo (not Nick). Leo's grandson is now married to one of my Italian cousins. I'm telling you, everyone is connected. lol

Song rec: "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" by Al Jolson. My grandparents…this was their song (and my grandfather not only loved to rock babies to sleep, he also had a beautiful singing voice).

Most of the events in this chapter were based on absolute true events. More about that at the end…