And then there were three chapters to go... thank you so much for the reviews!

January 16, 1946

Ever since her having it out with Henry, the honesty between siblings seemed to extend to Christopher as well. Both brothers came by the house even more so than usual. Sometimes Christopher brought his family, especially for Sunday dinners ("if the girls aren't driving me up a wall," insisted their father), but mostly just themselves, eager to become a family once more, moving on together with Jack.

It didn't escape either brother that as time continued to go on, Evelyn became more forlorn and quiet. Each had witnessed the aftermath of some of her nightmares, but the men also knew it had something to do with the few and far between calls from a certain soldier. Although they never brought up Liebgott to her, they, secretly and in agreement, hated the man that made Evelyn frown in thought.

Evelyn tried to focus on her happiness with Liebgott before they got home, but sometimes it only served as a reminder of what they once were. Their happy little bubble in Europe had been exposed to the harsh light of reality. And his constant silence on the phone did nothing to help her nerves.

She tried not to worry. Really, she did. Throwing herself into more hours at the hospital, she spent the remainder of her time with Eugenia, helping around the house. Her nervous chatter and constant movement didn't escape her mother either.

Deep into Eugenia's latest project (Chinese calligraphy), she watched as Evelyn crumpled up another piece of paper. "Darling, take it slow. The characters take time and patience, not effort."

Evelyn huffed, annoyed. "Remember when you researched the art of French baking? Let's go back to that." It didn't help that her stomach audibly rumbled. Somehow, even after three large meals a day, she was constantly hungry, as if the excess of food stretched her stomach and made it a greedy monster. It didn't help that her mother's cooking was phenomenal.

Eugenia smiled and walked to the box freezer just outside in the garage. Retrieving a container, she opened it and held up an array of perfect cookies. Her daughter's eyes lit up and she grabbed a handful, thanking and complimenting her even as her mouth became full. "There's my beautiful girl."

Evelyn rolled her eyes but smiled around the crumbs on her face, before brushing them off. "I'm going to roll out of here one day."

"You mean when this young man sweeps you off your feet?"

Evelyn slowly dragged her eyes to Eugenia and smiled a bit, although she could feel the sadness in it. "Yeah," she murmured softly. Or if.

Eugenia wasn't one to push much on her children, being a big believer in experience and getting to a conclusion on their own, but she sat down again and began to gracefully paint out a few more characters on the paper, her eyes averted from Evelyn. "When did you last speak with him?"

Evelyn bit her lip and followed her mother's lead. She began to try the calligraphy again. "He called on Sunday."

Humming under her breath, Eugenia nodded. "From what you've told me about him, it seems as if he's your polar opposite."

Evelyn didn't have a response for that, knowing it was true, and now wondering if that was a good thing. Thankfully, Eugenia continued. "Your father and I had a similar relationship." She tried to hide her smile, but it was too hard. "He was so stern when I met him. Hardly spoke a word. You can imagine my surprise when he asked me to dinner that first time."

Evelyn smiled in return. "I bet."

She nodded, still focused on her pen. "Even after years of marriage, sometimes it would drive me mad when I couldn't get him to express to me what he was thinking, what he was feeling. It was incredibly frustrating." She paused a moment, dipping the tip in the ink once more. "But your father was more for showing how he felt. You remember? " Evelyn nodded back, silently taking it in. "Although quiet and contemplative, he loved in his own way, and, as you know, it was more than enough."

Evelyn was silent for a long time, focusing on copying a Chinese character from a book. Slowly her pen slid over the paper. When she finished, Evelyn was surprised to see an almost perfect replica of the character. She looked up to see Eugenia smiling. With a tap of her fingertip, she pointed to the translation inside the book to her daughter: patience.

January 18, 1946

Evelyn would never wish to go back to war. But Jesus, she was bored.

Sitting in her bed, attempting and failing to read a novel, she sighed and started going over her time in Europe again. The adrenaline. The drama. Her friends. Liebgott. She would never tell her mother, but she felt so incredibly lonely without their daily camaraderie.

Suddenly, Evelyn sat up in bed, the finger twirling absently in her hair freezing. She thought she heard arguing downstairs. Getting up, she slowly crept towards it. Sure enough, by the front door, there were voices. Walking down the stairs, she found both of her brothers standing there, their bodies blocking the visitor from view.

"Sorry," Henry said, shrugging. "Never heard of you."

Christopher crossed his arms on his chest. "Maybe you should try a telephone next time. You know, before you just stop by without warning or invitation."

Her eyebrows flew up when she heard the visitor. "Really guys? You're gonna barricade the door? Ain't gonna stop me from seein' my girl."

Henry sucked on his teeth angrily. "Your girl?" he sputtered. "Who do you think you are, you-"

"Joe?"

Her brothers turned at her voice, and she was then able to see Liebgott between them. When his eyes met hers, he grinned. "Hey Cassidy. Can I come in?"

"No, you can't -"

"Chris," Evelyn said, cutting him off with a hand to his arm. It took her a moment to recover from the surprise of seeing Liebgott, especially in civilian clothing. It was a shock to her system. "It's OK." She turned back to Liebgott. With a shy smile, she added, "Of course you can come in, Joe."

Liebgott stepped up and slid in between the two other men. He couldn't help his smirk as he went by. "'Scuse me, gents." When he was inside and in front of her, the snarkiness left his face as he looked down on her and took her hand in his.

At the feeling of his warmth, relief and happiness flooded her. She wrapped her arms around his middle and hugged him hard. With a chuckle, he circled his arms around her, leaning a cheek against the top of her head. "Where the hell have you been?" she demanded in a whisper.

Liebgott smiled wide. "I missed you too, Cass."

"Doesn't even know her first name," Henry muttered.

Christopher's eyes narrowed at them. "Watch the hands," even though Liebgott's hands were well high of her waist.

Just then, Evelyn's mother came in from the kitchen, causing Evelyn to break away from him, not wanting to cause her mother any concern. "Joseph!" To the shock of her children, she walked right up to Liebgott and kissed him on both cheeks, her face beaming. "I thought I heard your voice."

Liebgott gave her a smile. "It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Cassidy." Evelyn's mouth dropped open almost simultaneously with Henry and Christopher. The two men might not be able to recognize it, but Evelyn saw a hint of a smirk at the corner of Liebgott's mouth, obviously proud of himself.

Her mother tutted him in admonishment. "How many times do I need to remind you, dear? Call me Genie."

"Genie?" added Christopher after a moment. "Ma, what's going on?"

Eugenia and Liebgott turned to them. Evelyn's mouth was still open, but she closed it when he winked at her. Henry and Christopher scowled when they saw it, especially when Evelyn recovered enough to grin.

Her mother patted him on the cheek. "Joseph paid me a visit on Monday. We chatted over tea for the afternoon."

Liebgott grinned. "You know, when you're volunteerin' at the hospital, doll." Evelyn's mouth dropped open again at the sneaky pair.

Henry turned to Christopher and mouthed doll? And then turned back to the pair in front of them. "You met our mother without asking first?"

Eugenia stepped in then with a scoff. "Someone needs to ask your permission, Henry Patrick, to speak to me? Please tell me when that began, I'm curious."

Liebgott's grin only widened. "Now I know where you get your spunk, Cass." He turned to Eugenia. 'I've managed to make your daughter angry more than a few times, ma'am."

Both brothers snorted and murmured "Good," together, but their mother ignored them. She patted Liebgott's cheek again in adoration. "Evelyn has always been strong-minded. I hope that won't deter you."

"No, ma'am."

Henry perked up. "Deter him? Deter him from what exactly?"

Eugenia waved him down with an impatient hush before turning to Liebgott again with a big smile. "Come now, Joseph, come into the kitchen. I just went shopping and picked up some of that lemon pound cake you like."

"Thank you, ma'am. That sounds wonderful."

"Genie. Don't make me withhold the cake."

He followed Eugenia into the kitchen, but not before he popped his head around the corner again. He couldn't help the grin at the three frozen Cassidy children still standing there. "Are you comin', Cass?"

Mentally shaking herself, Evelyn walked forward, incredulous. Christopher frowned deeply. "Evelyn. Her name is Ev-e-lyn, you -"

"Christopher!"

He snapped his mouth shut at his mother's reprimand. He turned to Henry. "Christ, I think we're in trouble."

Liebgott stood outside the Cassidy house with Evelyn well after the sun had set. Eugenia insisted that he stay for dinner, and he did so happily, rotating between listening to Eugenia tell stories of her daughter, winking to Evelyn, and trying not to smirk at her brothers. He succeeded for the most part, although he was only human and they were hilariously annoyed at the situation. She made him promise to come by again in two days for Sunday dinner when all her children and grandchildren would be home again.

Finally, they were alone outside. Well, as alone as they could be. Both suspected her brothers were watching from a window somewhere.

Liebgott wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Christ, I've missed ya."

Evelyn burrowed her face into his chest. "I was starting to think…"

His hand cupped her cheek and he dragged her eyes to meet his. "What did I tell ya? I'll never lie to you."

She fidgeted nervously. "It's just...whenever we spoke on the phone, you never said much."

He snorted. "I hate those damn things. Talkin' to you just made me miss ya more." He brushed his lips across her forehead. "But I'm sorry if it made you doubt my intentions. It just took me awhile to get everything settled."

"Settled?"

Liebgott grinned then. "Yeah, I've been drivin' my old cab all hours of the day to save up, any chance I can get, but I finally found a barbershop to rent. It has an apartment upstairs, bit small, but big enough for us and maybe a little Liebgott or two. Plus it's within walkin' distance to the nursin' school, so you can get back to…"

He was cut off when she jumped high into his arms, wrapping her arms and legs around him. She kissed him like she never had before, pouring every emotion from the last few months into it, and didn't stop even when shouts of protest erupted from inside the house.

When they finally broke apart, both smiled wide and leaned their foreheads against each other. "Like I said, I missed you too, doll."

Evelyn's face hurt so much from smiling so hard. "I knew my mom would love you."

"That she does, but then again, I'm damn lovable."

She chuckled before finally dropping to her feet. The commotion inside seemed to subside. "So humble, as always." They stood apart, but hands still clasped. It was time to give her brothers' hearts a break. "I can't believe you came here to talk to her. Even before tonight."

Liebgott's grin widened and he kissed her forehead. Against her skin, he said, "I have to get her on my side before I can ask to become part of your family. Only right." He felt her skin sear under his lips and he chuckled. "It took awhile, but my ma finally stopped cryin'. Baby boy and all that. Also didn't help you aren't part of the tribe, but she got over that eventually."

"Tribe?"

He looked down at her and smirked. "You ain't a Jew. But don't worry, after everything I told her about ya, she's excited to meet you now."

Evelyn stuttered, her eyes wide. She didn't even consider their differences in fundamentals. "Are you sure? It sounds like religion is important to her."

"Cass…"

She covered his mouth with her hand. "But it's not that important to me what we belong to. If it makes her happy, you can let her know that…" Her face seared again. "...when the time comes, hopefully when we have…"

Liebgott's smile was wider than she had ever seen it. "Are you tryin' to stutter to me that when we start makin' our dozens of perfect babies that you'd be OK with them bein' raised Jewish?"

Evelyn blinked at him. Dozens? "Of course. Especially if it means so much to your mother. But can we go back to the quantity you just -""

And this time Liebgott kissed her like he had never done before. And sure enough, the outrage began inside the house. He tried to say so much in that kiss, but he was abruptly cut off when the front door suddenly opened.

"Oy! Hands off!"

With an exasperated sigh, Liebgott pulled off her and gave her brothers a look. It took everything inside him not to smirk at their angry faces. "Tell you what, fellas. You let me say goodnight properly to you sister, and I'll take ya out for a few after dinner on Sunday. My treat."

Henry's eyes narrowed at him. "Are you really trying to barter our baby sister's innocence with us?"

Evelyn gaped and hit him in the arm hard. "Christ, Henry, cool it. You're acting like he's going to shed my clothing right here on the front porch."

Christopher nodded. "That's right. And that isn't ever gonna happen. Because you aren't ever gonna lay your hands on her."

She rolled her eyes but stopped when Liebgott stepped forward. "Joe -"

He looked back at her and winked. "It's OK, Cass. I'm just gonna tell them like it is." He turned back to the men. "Listen, I wanna take you fellas out and lay it down, but if it's gonna happen now, it's gonna happen now." He paused. "I'm gonna marry your sister." He raised his voice when Henry looked like he was going to interrupt. "I love her and she loves me."

Henry scoffed. "You act like she's already said yes."

Christopher nodded again. "Yeah, have you even asked her yet?"

Liebgott shook his head. "I wanted to talk to you first. And of course your mother." They had no argument for that. "And I would marry her tomorrow if she didn't deserve a goddamn proper wedding." The brothers remained silent and he took that as a good sign. "Now, like I said, I'd like to take ya out Sunday night if you're willin'."

Henry and Christopher looked at one another before sighing. Christopher, ever the big brother and with a better level head, spoke first. "Alright." Henry remained silent, but he didn't argue.

Liebgott grinned and held out his hand. It took Christopher a moment, but he finally shook it. Henry took even longer. Liebgott waited patiently before grinning again. "I bet ya both like me after a few in ya."

Henry almost cracked a grin. Almost.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Now will you both let me say goodnight to my goddamn fiance?"

This question only created a new uproar.

"You said you haven't asked her yet, you lying son of a -"

"No! Absolutely not!"

With a deep sigh of annoyance, she turned to Liebgott and shook her head. Leaning up on her tiptoes, she kissed him briefly, making sure to sneak it in before her brothers could drag her away. "I'll see you Sunday."

Liebgott gave her a wink. "Count on it, doll." And with that, he turned and left the simmering silbings alone.

Evelyn turned to her brothers and gave them a pointed look. "If you think just because I became a combat medic that I don't know how to shoot a variety of guns, then you are sadly mistaken. I also have some brass knuckles I've been dying to use."

Liebgott caught the tail end of that statement and grinned as he walked down the street towards his cab.

Henry scoffed while Christopher looked taken aback.

"We're just protecting our…"

"What are you doing with a pair of brass knuckles?"

She grinned before kissing each of their cheeks. "Your sister came home a paratrooper. I'd be careful if I were both of you." And she walked into the house.

Now that the secret was out, Eugenia and Evelyn spoke openly about Liebgott's visit to her mother earlier in the week.

"He is quite handsome, isn't he?" Eugenia said while cleaning a whole turkey, preparing it for the dinner that night. She caught the blush on her daughter's face, but didn't say anything to further her embarrassment. "And so polite."

Evelyn snorted. "I think the boys will disagree with you there."

Eugenia only smiled. "Oh, I caught his spice. You need someone like that, my darling, to keep up with you. But it's obvious he cares for you." Evelyn blushed again. "He spoke of his plans. I couldn't give him my blessing until I spoke to you, of course."

Evelyn bit her lip and looked at her mother, stopping in her task of shelling peas. "And now?"

Eugenia washed her hands silently in thought before sitting down with her daughter. She took the bowl of peas away and held Evelyn's hand. She waited until their eyes met. "Do you love him?"

Evelyn nodded. "Very much."

"And you want to marry him?"

She bit her lip again. "Yes."

Eugenia smiled and shrugged. "Then what's there to discuss? The boys will come around. You know how overprotective they are of you." She studied her daughter. "It would help if you allow them to believe they'll be giving away a virtuous baby sister. Maybe a white lie about how you'll sleep in the extra bedroom until the wedding day, or something of that nature."

Evelyn's jaw dropped before she blushed brilliantly and swatted at her. "Ma! Christ!"

Eugenia chuckled and shook her head. "Your father and I had to say something similar to my mother. I never knew if she actually believed it, but she never said otherwise."

Evelyn grinned, squeezing her fingers. "So you like him?"

"What's not to like?" Eugenia's smile softened. "Your father and Jack would like him too."

Evelyn got quiet. Her father had been gone so long; her mind went solely to Jack. She swallowed hard before attempting to smile back. "I wish they were here," she said quietly. "They'd help you be the voice of reason against Chris and Henry."

Eugenia chuckled softly, but her eyes were pained. "Jack always was the easiest baby. He just wanted everyone to get along."

"Easier than me?"

Eugenia scoffed. "Absolutely. You were a nightmare!" Her daughter mock gaped, having heard this before.

Leaning into her mother's shoulder, she sighed happily. "It means so much that you like him."

She ran a hand through her hair, resting her cheek against it. "Watch out, my darling. I am in danger of loving him."

Dinner on Sunday was similar to that of Friday, except Evelyn had the pleasure of seeing Liebgott play and interact with her nieces and nephew. They absolutely devoured him as they waited for dinner to be ready, and he happily kept up with them, but didn't miss the two men in the corner of the room watching his every movement. It took everything inside him not to throw them a wink.

At dinner, Eugenia kept them all entertained, but Liebgott began sharing his own stories of Evelyn, usually those of when he fell in love with her. Evelyn had a feeling that he was saving the stories of when she repeatedly threatened him or maybe the time she puked on his boots for the pub with her brothers later. When she received a conspiratorial wink from him, she knew then that her suspicions were true. What a smart ass. But she grinned. It was a good move.

Sure enough, the three men returned from the pub well after Eugenia went to bed and Elizabeth had left with the children. Evelyn was sitting on the couch, attempting and failing to read a book while she waited. Her ears picked on a sound of laughter and talking and before she could get up, the front door opened.

They all lit up when they saw her. "Ev, you're still up! Shouldn't you be in bed?" cried Henry.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You say that like I'm still five, Henry."

Christopher grinned. "We'll always see you like you're five, sis."

She turned to Liebgott, whose face didn't give anything away. He looked at the two men. "Mind if I say goodnight to her?"

Henry rolled his own eyes but Christopher shrugged. "She's your fiance." One down.

Liebgott held out his hand to her and she took it with a grin. They walked outside. She was antsy for details. "Well?"

He smirked. "Well what, doll?"

She smacked him laughing, but noticed the curtain in the window shifted, so she backed away a bit, not wanting to push her luck in case the night went well. "Stop it. Tell me what happened. Chris seems to have thawed."

Liebgott grinned. "Yeah, I like him. Reminds me a lot of Lip. Lookin' out for ya in his own way."

She grinned back. "I never thought of it that way, but you're right." She risked a step forward until they were a few inches from one another. "Well, I got ma's blessing."

His grin widened. "As if there was any doubt." But his face gave him away; he was relieved. Two down. "Give me another night out with Henry, and I'll get him. My charm is irresistible."

Evelyn laughed, but quieted as he pulled her closer with an arm around her waist. "Is that so?"

He studied her eyes but continued to smirk. "That's right. I got you, didn't I? Toughest Cassidy of them all." He brushed his lips across her forehead. "My ma would like you to come to dinner Friday. She's already shoppin' and plannin' what to make." Before she could reply, he added, "She's been out recruitin' too. I have me a client base a mile long. Gotta love Jews. Always got one another's back."

She shook her head, smiling. "You're something else."

To her surprise, he sighed impatiently. "Christ, can I take Henry back out now? I ain't poppin' the question until he gives me the OK, but I gotta tell ya, I'm itchin' like mad to ask ya, and this ring is burning a hole in my…"

She cut him off with a kiss. To both of their surprise, there was no eruption inside. Maybe Christopher dragged Henry from the window, but neither noticed nor cared. Slowly, they deepened it, getting to know one another again, after months apart and a lifetime ahead of them.

Finally, they broke apart, both breathing heavily. Evelyn's hands clenched fists into his jacket. With determination in her heart, she surprised him by dragging him back into the house. Neither was shocked to see both brothers sitting there, but they were stunned to see Liebgott again.

She gave them both a look but held onto Liebgott at the same time. "I'm going to marry this man. I'd appreciate it, especially with Dad and Jack gone, if you would both give us your blessing. I already got ma's, but yours mean just as much."

Henry looked down at his hands but Christopher stood. He looked at his sister and smiled. "Does Joe make you happy?" She simply nodded. "Then of course you have my blessing, Ev. I'm happy for you. Elizabeth is going to be thrilled."

Evelyn smiled back before kissing her eldest brother on the cheek. She knew her sister-in-law would love anyone unconditionally, her heart was so big. She turned to Henry.

As if he felt her hard look, Henry looked up at her, ignoring the other two. "Christ, Ev, as if you'd give me a choice. When you put your mind to something, no one can talk you…" He stopped when she barreled into him, hugging him hard.

"Thank you," she whispered in his ear. "And you'll learn to love him."

Henry chuckled. "We'll see about that."

"I did."

They turned to the other two. Henry met Liebgott's eyes and gave him a stiff, but discernible nod. Liebgott nodded back before looking at Evelyn. "Cass, can you join me outside for a minute? There's somethin' I'd like to ask ya."

As the pair walked back outside, her face bright red but holding the goofiest of smiles, Henry snorted. "Evelyn!" he called after them. "If you're going to pop the question, you can at least use her real name! Ev-e…"

Christopher gave him a jab in the ribs, the front door long closed. "Give it a rest." He looked back to the front door and what was undoubtedly happening on the other side. He grinned. "Guess ma's gonna have to deal with another son now."

Henry grumbled. "He better not think he's the favorite."