July 4th, also known as Independence Day, in the United States is a holiday that symbolizes and honors our daily freedoms and independence which our great forefathers faught for so long ago. In the aftermath of France's recent terrorism, I found the irony that my next post for this story continues my storyline for the Warbucks' adoption party, which in the 1982 movie was around Independence Day for the grand finale's fireworks! I wish at this time to dedicate this chapter to all those who have been impacted by the recent events in France, but to also remind all of us that terrorists ultimately win when FEAR takes control of us and we unintentionally sacrifice our daily freedoms in order to "stay safe from harm."

SO LET US ALL STAND WITH FRANCE! *The darkness of a few men will never vanquish the peace-loving, kind, and courageous hearts of millions. The good will always prevail! - dodinsky*

There is nothing to FEAR but FEAR itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

On a side note, I know this Thanksgiving, I for one, will be extra thankful and blessed that all my friends and family are safe this winter season for all the upcoming holidays! God Bless and Don't Be Terrorized!

July 4th 1933 (10 minutes before midnight)

Dear Bessie,

OH BESSIE! I can't sleep, I'm still riding on that cloud nine, it maybe cloud twenty after tonight's festivities! However, my daughter is passed out next to me in bed after she came down from her sugar high! Bessie, she's sprawled out next to me, she's such a cuddler that even though she's exhausted and out like a light she still needs my reassurance and love through our physical contact. She didn't even twitch when I turned the light on and maneuvered my pillows around so I could semi sit-up right to write to you!

Oh that's not all, after I laid down for my nap earlier, I was only asleep for 15 minutes when I felt eyes starring at me. When I peeked around one of my lids I saw my baby girl longingly looking at me from a few feet away so I slowly raised my arm as an invite and she instantly clambered in front of me so I could spoon her for an hour or so. I think she was instantly out when her head hit the pillow then too!

We were out for at least an hour before my phone rang from my night side table, it was 'Mama Esther,' she was making sure we hadn't disappeared somewhere because apparently we were the only people unaccounted for during her roll call. Let's just say my 'jumping jelly bean' was up and raring to go after the call so any thought of snuggling for another half hour or so was out! However, she was not pleased that I insisted she take another bath while I took a shower to get today's grim off before the party; but, after she saw the bubbles she relented and had a ball for 20 minutes in my bathtub while I attended to myself. Once, I completed my hygiene I hopped out of my shower to see how wrinkled Miss Annie had become, but since she wasn't satisfied with them yet I handed her a wash cloth to take care of her body while I took care of her curly locks.

The only hitch we had to the whole bathroom escapade was Sandy wanting to join Annie in the tub! I'm not sure I would have found as much humor in it if I had been fully ready; but, since we were both already wet Annie and I had a good laugh over his antics because he sure shot out of the tub quickly when he realized his error in judgment.

After I tackled Sandy and toweled him off, I then silently told Annie to get out of the tub when I held up her towel for her to use. I then wrapped her unruly locks in another towel in order to wring out some of the water. Once, everyone was somewhat dry, the plug released on the tub, and Annie's attempts to mop up some of the water from Sandy's water adventure our little troop headed out into my room to retrieve our party dresses or lay in the corner to sulk a bit!

Thank goodness Cecile made two similar red dresses for Annie because she insisted on wearing one of them to the party! However, I took that dress from Friday night and pitched it once she changed out of it yesterday! I just had to keep reminding myself that it's not the same one, the one on Friday had white trim around the waste plus Annie loved it!

Once she had her dress on and I had my slip on, I assisted her with her hair before I attended mine! Our time together mirrored the night of the movies, but instead of trying to slyly figure out a way to keep my little girl around, I was basking in the knowledge that tonight would be one of many nights to come for this 'girlie ritual.' Oh Bessie, Annie's my daughter through and through! I know I am getting ahead of myself in my story, but we signed her adoption papers tonight! We signed them together even though we won't be married until next Saturday, Mr. Donatelli and the board of directors wavered that little detail so Oliver and I could both officially claim her tonight! It's one of the reasons I'm still floating on this wonderful cloud!

Anyway, after I had Annie all squared away, I started in on myself! I remember, Annie getting upset at first because I was pinning my hair up, "MOOOOOM, why ya pinnin' your hair up inta your ol' hairdo? It's suppose'ta be a fun night not a work night!"

"Annie, darling, I'm just pinning it up in a loose hairdo, don't you worry the old Miss Farrell is long gone! Besides if my hair is down the pearls that your father gave me earlier today will partially be hidden by my hair!" My response seemed to pacify Annie especially once I stepped into my dress and added the pearls to my attire. She stated that I would 'knock Oliver's socks off' once he saw me tonight! Annie's expressions are quite unique but I'm starting to figure them out on my own.

"Well, Annie, let's hope not too hard, after all the wedding is Saturday and we have a party to attend and host tonight! Let's go find the other ladies and see how they are doing, shall we?" Bessie, I barely got the last part out before Annie with gusto grabbed my hand as she called to Sandy for us to leave my rooms. Thank goodness for all those dance lessons as a child and into my teens because I never thought I would need to be so agile in my heels as I have in the last week! I think I'm going to need to wear my flat shoes more often if I want to keep up with my little ball of energy and not break my neck in the process!

We eventually found all the girls and their female caretakers in one of the larger suites down the hall that four out of the six were sharing this weekend. The girls were twirling and dancing around in their party dresses als the radio nearby tuned into some smooth dance music, however, the irony was not lost on all the adults, when Dick Powell's voice soon came on singing The Gold Diggers Song (We're in the Money) from the hit movie 42nd Street. I'm not sure what was more shocking the song or the fact all the girls including Annie started to sing it nonchalantly as they continued to dance and twirl in circles around us. It wasn't until Annie saw the horror registered on my face that she stopped singing and dancing in order to check up on me.

"Mom, what's the matter?"

I remember feeling like a fish out of water with my mouth shutting and closing as I tried to figure out my response. Thank goodness, Annie is perceptive child because she listened to the lyrics her friends were singing and then shared a look of understanding with me.

"Mom … we didn't … I mean … we've heard this song'a million times … I ne'er thought … I mean …"

"It's okay, darling, let's just not sing it in front of your daddy okay? I'm not sure he will see the humor in it," I stated as Annie hugged and agreed with me whole heartedly. The other girls had acknowledged our concerns and had stopped singing the catchy tune soon after, and quickly apologized to all of us. I remember feeling like a heel because their singing and dancing were purely innocent and unfortunately our shock and horror toward the song's irony stopped them dead in their tracks. Bessie, I would also say fear of being verbally and possibly physically reprimanded for their antics were forefront in their minds.

"It's okay girls," soothed Annette, "I'm just curious how do you know all these songs?"

"Oh, well when Miss Hannigan passes out, we sneak inta her room and grab her radio'ta listen'ta it," July stated nonchalantly.

"Yeah, so we can work or take a break with music on," continued Tessie, "that's a popular song, we …"

"It's okay girls, just like Miss Farrell said it's not a song to sing around here! The words to the song just aren't very flattering for this household and Annie's new situation. You girls have witnessed the love Mr. Warbucks, Miss Farrell, and Annie share together, but some people may think there are other motives for their sudden makeshift family … that's all," Annette finished as all the girls in the room nodded their heads in understanding.

Thank goodness another catchy tune came on the radio and the adults got the girls into the party mood again! It was about 15 minutes later when all the men came searching for us and found all of us dancing or laughing together. Actually some of them joined in on the dancing fun, which surprised a few of us, especially when shy Dexter twirled Pepper and Jane around. However, Mama Esther's entrance into the room, to announce that the festivities were ready outside, caused everyone in the room to excitedly file out of the room leaving Oliver, Annie, and I together for a brief moment.

Oliver stated that FDR and Eleanor had arrived and were settling into their room, and that he would like us to join him as he checked in on them. His request had Annie attempting to dash out of the room, but she quickly stopped when she realized she didn't know where she was going. She graced us with a sheepish grin as she waited for us to join her.

As we walked down the hall toward the guest wing Oliver continued to look at me in a peculiar way, as Annie pranced in front of us oblivious to her daddy's gaze. I finally quirked my eyebrow in silent query causing Oliver to lean in close to my ear, "You are absolutely breath taking, and I'm glad we moved the wedding date to Saturday! I will only have to live another week of torture before I can fully claim you as my 24 hour enchantress." The heat from his breath and his heady words had me instantly weak in the knees causing me to stumble just slightly as we continued toward the Roosevelts' suite. Thank goodness, he had me tucked under his arm as we walked down the hall in a comfortable sideways embrace, otherwise I probably would have fallen on my face!

Bessie, I know my face flushed with embarrassment, but I also felt a rush of pleasure and excitement too! The only thing I could do was share a similar look and exhale, "me too," before we reached the Roosevelts' rooms. We then parted from our embrace to a more decorum stance, after all, the Roosevelts were unaware of the new romantic development between the two of us!

However, when we entered the Roosevelts' suite, all subtlety went out the window when Annie ran up to Eleanor and 'spilled the beans' about our engagement and upcoming nuptials. I recognized the look the President and the First Lady initially shared of shock, incredulity, and skepticism about all the possibilities and reasons we were getting married. Thank goodness, Annie was able to innocently recap all the recent events and the 10 years of denial between the two of us in less than five minutes in order to share our 'fairytale' (per Annie) to the President and the First Lady. Otherwise, they may have continued to think … well that Oliver and I … have been having an affair for years … or worse that I was doing it for his money! I'm no ninny Bessie, I know what people will say outside these walls, and the Roosevelts' initial reaction proved my suspicions correct; however, after Annie's jubilant explanation both genuinely congratulated us as President Roosevelt shook Oliver's hand vigorously, and Eleanor actually reached out to give me a wonderful hug!

After her hug Eleanor grabbed my hand to admire my ring. Annie then went on to tell them the story of the ring and why Oliver choose the blue diamond. Let's just say my face was bright red and Oliver's ears had turned the same shade; however, after Eleanor and Franklin's appraisal Oliver proceeded to tuck me into his side again as we shared a chaste kiss of love since precedence was no longer required among our 'friends' (at least, I know our little sprite is working on the 'friendship part' between her two heroes!).

Then Bessie, my next dose of happiness occurred, President Roosevelt joked with Oliver that he'd be gaining an amazing and beautiful wife but loosing one of the most talented personal secretaries in the United States. Oh Bessie, Oliver's face was priceless he looked like a fish out of water and was rendered speechless for a moment, but I imagine my look was similar because I never thought about how marriage would impact my career.

However, my fears were short lived when Oliver finally found his voice and emphatically stated, "Franklin, I would be a knit whit if I let marriage interrupt the greatest team to weather the Great Depression! Do you know how many secretaries I went through before Grace came to work for me?! I don't even want to count how many I had the decade before her ten years, I imagine over fifty, but I don't want to presume for her, if she wants to quit that's up to her!"

"Why would mom have'ta quit her job?" innocently asked a perplexed Annie.

"Well, dear, most women stay at home after getting married to attend to the household needs and to raise their children," explained Mrs. Roosevelt.

"But mom does attend'ta the household now, and well she attends'ta me too! She didn't have'ta stop workin' this past week so why would she need'ta now just 'cause they're married? That seems silly," answered our daughter with a look of incredulous on her face.

"I couldn't agree with you more, my dear, but that's up to your mom," interjected Oliver.

"Well, I guess I better put my two cents into this debate," I softly stated as I tried to staple my budding pleasure, I was suddenly feeling due to my two loves defending and supporting me, "President and Mrs. Roosevelt …"

"It's Eleanor and Franklin, dear," softly interjected Mrs. Roosevelt, "If you are marrying my husband's friend/nemesis, it's important that you address us accordingly. Besides any mom of Annie is a'okay with me!" She stated with a genuine smile as she tweaked Annie's nose, and in turn received a jubilant grin from Annie.

"Okay, E-E-Eleanor and Franklin, I absolutely adore and love Oliver and Annie, but I also love the invigorating and stimulating life I lead as Oliver's personal secretary. Not only do I get to utilize my different languages but I also get to assist Oliver with different business details. Plus, like Annie said I'm already in charge of making sure all the household departments work effectively and efficiently the way Oliver expects them too; and, since Annie's arrival several of the household staff have taken it upon themselves to give her different lessons throughout the day so the majority of her needs are met without me hovering over her every minute of the day. With that being said, I think I would immediately become bored if I gave up my job and I would probably find myself back in Oliver's office begging to assist him with the daily humdrum of Warbucks International within a week. So, to answer you F-F-Franklin and Eleanor, I'd like to keep my job for now."

You would have thought I wrote Oliver a 100 million dollar check after my response. He was ecstatic, beaming from ear to ear, and he just couldn't stop squeezing my side as he planted several endearing kisses to my forehead. His jubilance was obviously catching because Annie started jumping up and down with excitement before throwing herself into our embrace! Of course her actions had the Roosevelts joining in on the enthusiasm as well, however, before we could strike up another conversation Drake cleared his throat announcing his arrival.

"Sirs and madams, excuse me for interrupting but I've been instructed to come and find you since the party has already begun and the honorees are nowhere to be found."

"Thank you, Drake, I'm sure a certain Hawthorne is about ready to c-c-come … what's the saying … oh yes, 'unglued' if we don't show up soon. Tell her, Annie and I will be out shortly, after we make sure Grace and the Roosevelts make it down that horrendous contraption, called an elevator, safely," semi-joked Oliver during his instructions; however, some of his directions seemed vague with only Drake and Annie fully understanding their meaning.

Once, Oliver and Annie walked us to elevator safely and watched us descend to the lower floor, I overheard a little bit of their conversation as it drifted down to us.

"Daddy Warbucks, I need'ta use the facility real quick!"

"Hurry up, my dear, I am sure your grandma will …"

That's all I heard before 'Mama Esther' and Mrs. Greer came swooping in to lead us out onto the backyard terrace! It was truly amazing and breath taking, the gardens had been transformed into a spectacular circus haven, Bessie! The team of women pulled it off, Oliver and Annie were going to love it! I know my inner child was excited, and if Annie's friends were overwhelmed with excitement, it was a sure indication of how my little girl was going to be, as several of them came bounding up to me pointing out all the different parts of entertainment for the night! There was a huge elephant and at that moment Miss Hannigan was on it! I totally forgot she was invited until I saw her with Punjab ... I think she was in awe of Friday night's hero! (On a side note, Bessie, Oliver and I both objected to her invite initially, but Annie begged us to invite her even after Friday night's episode. She stated that they've always had an understanding and in their own way cared about each other. Then Annie turned on her 'puppy dog eyes' as she silently pleaded for Miss Hannigan to be invited to the party, then she reminded us that she did try to stop Rooster at the bridge. Ugh, so we relented, begrudgingly, to make our little girl happy!)

Anyway, even before I could fully comprehend all the festivities, Burt Healy struck up the band which started to play a catchy tune, and I learned it was called "I Don't Need Anything But You" after the fireworks show. Anyway, Annie and Oliver's voices started to fill the yard and everyone scattered to the sidelines as the different circus members silently directed us there. Then just as I was about to ask Abigail what was going on Annie and Oliver appeared on the terrace singing and dancing! It was amazing Bessie, later as Oliver waltzed me around the fountain he told me that Burt Healy and his team wrote the song hastily after hearing about Annie's rescue and upcoming adoption; and, that's where my two loves were during our free time practicing their song and dance routine. They wanted to surprise me … mission accomplished!

Oh Bessie, during their song and dance I was in between tears and elation, but oh … when the song slowed just a bit and Oliver stopped his routine to give me a kiss in front of everyone … I was shocked but so excited! It was a silent statement for the rest of the world that we were together! It was sweet and loving but nothing heated like we've encountered recently when we've been alone together!

Anyway, once the song died down Oliver gave Annie her locket to 'seal the deal,' however, I believe they forgot the microphones were still on because everyone at the party and around the world got too listen to their endearing exchange. Then Burt Healy announced that the fireworks, to celebrate Annie's adoption, would commence as Oliver lead Annie to the foun

"Maaaama, whaaatchaa dooooin'?" Annie slurred out as she rolled over toward Grace to snuggle into her side but found her waste instead of her chest to nuzzle on. Grace put down her diary and her pen on the other side of her as she began to hush and soothe Annie back to sleep.

"I'm just writing down my thoughts, dear, mama had too much energy and excitement coursing through her body after the party to sleep right away," softly stated Grace as she ran her fingers tenderly through Annie's red locks.

"Oooookay, but don't staaaay up'ta late ya've got work in the moooooornin'," Annie warned as she proceeded to roll back over to ward off the light before dozing off again, however, her comment caused Grace to softly chuckle at the irony of her words right before her first yawn of the evening occurred.

Goodness the sandman is starting to sprinkle his sleeping dust over me, however, I'm not done spinning my tale yet! Now, where was I? Oh, yes!

Then Burt Healy announced that the fireworks, to celebrate Annie's adoption, would commence as Oliver lead Annie to the fountain as he gestured for me to join them! He then tucked Annie and I into his sides as we watched the fireworks together as a family.

The rest of the night was filled with squeals of laughter from the children and boisterous guffaws from the adults! I can't wait to see all the candid moments Alan shot throughout the night especially if he captured Annie and Eleanor on the elephant together! Wouldn't that be enticing for a newspaper to print on it's front page?! I just know Alan was hard at work snapping photos all night long, and I can't wait to see them.

It was such an enchanting evening and when the three of us weren't walking around together as a family rubbing elbows with Oliver's business associates and chatting with our friends and family, Oliver was twirling me around the terrace! Every time he did Annie would watch us from the sidelines with an ear to ear grin, and once the music stopped she would generally dash toward us to give us a big hug before running off again! Oh Bessie, I know Annie was the belle of the ball, but I felt like the princess being waltzed around the ballroom by her knight in shining armor!

Anyway, Oliver and I didn't loose ourselves completely in each other, we also took turns dancing with different associates, family, and friends. I would say that the society vultures in attendance actually appeared subdued and very supportive especially since the Roosevelts were in full support of our upcoming nuptials and Annie's adoption. The most comical moment was when Annabelle, Abigail, Mama Esther, Eleanor, and myself were chatting in a small group, and Eleanor actually pointed out that the 'cats had their claws clipped tonight.' We all shared a rather hearty laugh, however, Eleanor did pull me aside later to give me some friendly advice that the circle of socialites were a petty lot and to watch my back. I told her I was very aware that I would not be welcomed in most of the circles and if I was invited it would be under false pretenses. She also stated that she was sorry about her initial reaction toward our upcoming nuptials, but after Annie's shortened story and Mama Esther's longer version she's glad we finally came to our senses!

Unfortunately, the belle of the ball, her ladies in waiting, and young knights came down from their sugar highs and were each being claimed slowly by the sandman! By 10:45 p.m. Annie was leaning heavily against Oliver, and he soon hoisted our tired little girl into his arms. The majority of the party goers took this as their cue to collect their children, and if they didn't Christian's similar actions with C.J. clued in the slower ones. Oliver then grabbed my hand as we lead our guests to the front door so the three of us could bid them goodbye. As we were saying goodbye to the guests that weren't staying the night, our guests who were, slowly ascended the stairs or the elevator to return to their rooms.

Around 11:10 p.m., my last dose of happiness today shot through me as Oliver and I climbed the stairs together and then headed toward my chambers. After all, the sandman had already claimed Annie well before we bid the last guest goodbye. Once, we entered my room deju vu settled over us as we proceeded to attend to Annie like we did the night after the movies; but, instead she was joining me in my bed to avoid anymore nightmares for now, and Oliver and I were sharing tender kisses and caresses before I lead him to the door instead of whispers between boss and secretary. We both shared similar feelings of longing, desire, and love with a look of promise at my door before we parted ways after one last earth shattering kiss.

Oh good heavens that's the third yawn in less than two minutes, Bessie, the sandman is really trying to claim me now! I also better heed my daughter's advice and get a few winks of shut eye before the daily humdrum of tomorrow rolls around! I'm just glad I get to snuggle with my little sprite again tonight even if Oliver is absent! I just have to keep reminding myself and my heart to be patient because I have less than a week before I am finally Grace Elizabeth Warbucks married to the man of my dreams!

Until next time my friend!

Grace

Another round of thank yous to my previewers and reviewers:

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