Wedded Bliss

Tully unlocked the door of his apartment and entered carrying two bags of groceries, several books, a stack of mail, and a briefcase. Somehow he managed to get to the kitchen table where he dropped everything. He put the groceries away and placed the books and briefcase on the desk in an alcove where he did his studying. Mary Ellen was still at work at the hospital, and he told her he would do the shopping and cook dinner.

His scholarship included a stipend that covered the rent of the two-bedroom apartment, utilities, and groceries. He attended classes in the morning, put-in afternoon shifts two days a week as a mechanic at a local garage, and studied in the evenings. Mary Ann worked the morning shift in the Labor and Delivery Department at a local hospital. Together they were very happy and were saving a nice nest-egg for a house in the future. Weekends were spent together, exploring the areas around Lexington and Louisville, visiting family, or just staying at home enjoying one another's company. Once, Hitch had flown in for a few days when he had a break in classes and Troy had visited on two occasions. Now, Hitch used his time to see Isla and Troy was preparing to return to Germany as a general's aide.

Tully glanced at the mail. There was a letter from Moffitt and one from Hitch. He quickly read through them and smiled at his friends' stories and updates on their lives. Hitch had enclosed some more helpful hints for Tully's English and math classes. The new First Lieutenant had been very helpful tutoring the new First Sergeant in the months leading up to the start of classes so Tully would be prepared. Finishing the letters, he sat at the desk and removed his papers and more books. He got the classes that didn't interest him out of the way first before settling in with his introductory courses in Anthropology and Archaeology.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he heard Mary Ellen's key in the lock. He went to meet her.

"Hi Sweetie," he greeted her with a kiss and enfolded his arms around her in a hug.

"Hey, yourself," she replied. "Looks like you've been hitting the books."

"Yeah, I wanted to get as much done before you got home so we could spend the evening together," he hung up her coat and she slipped out of her shoes. "I was just about to start dinner."

"No, you continue with your studying, I'll cook," she said, heading to the kitchen.

"Absolutely not," he insisted. "You sit at the table and talk to me. You've been on your feet all day." He poured her a glass of wine and a beer for himself before putting together his grandmother's recipe for chicken pot pie. When it was in the oven, he fixed a salad and she set the table.

"I feel so sorry for Hitch and Isla," he said. "I got a letter from him today and he misses her so much while he's at Cornell and she's in England."

"I know," Mary Ellen agreed. "She misses him as well. I hope something happens soon and she can at least find a way to dance here in the states."

"That would be great," Tully concurred. "But Hitch wants her to have every opportunity to fulfill her dreams. He's willing to sacrifice their time together now, so she won't regret anything in the future."

"I know," Mary Ellen sighed, "and I really don't quite understand why they are keeping their relationship a secret from their families."

"Yeah, I wanted everyone to know how I felt about you from the start," he leaned over and kissed her again. "It's got something to do with their families always thinking the two of them should get together and they don't want to hear the I told you so's just yet.

"Crazy," Mary Ellen poured water into the glasses and Tully held her chair for her.

"I heard from Moffitt, too," Tully dished up the chicken pot pie and sat down next to her. "Cambridge has endowed a Moffitt Chair of Anthropology with Doc as the first Chair-Holder."

"Tully, that's fantastic!" Mary Ellen was surprised. "I can tell you're so proud of him."

"I am," Tully grinned. "He deserves it. Who knows, I may need to do a year at Cambridge studying with Dr. Moffitt."

"I would support that idea anytime," Mary Ellen raised her wine glass in salute.

"I know you would," Tully was certain. "You're always there for me."

"And you for me," she replied.

"How was work?"

"I helped deliver two babies today, both boys born to veterans and their wives. It was so amazing being with the moms as they brought new life into the world. I know I'm in the minority, but I wish fathers got to be in the delivery room to witness their children being born. It's such a bonding moment."

"I don't think I would like that at all," Tully shook his head. "I'd probably pass out and everyone would have to step over me."

"After all the atrocities you witnessed in the service, I think you could handle watching your child enter the world," she disagreed.

"I don't know," Tully continued to protest. "Once in North Africa, Troy had to deliver a baby and I was glad to be keeping a lookout for the Jerries. Hitch had to assist him, and the kid turned green just watching it all."

"You're exaggerating," Mary Ellen smiled at the thought of Hitch attending a birth with Troy calling the shots.

"Yeah," Tully grinned back, "I'm still glad I didn't have to help. Wait a minute, you aren't trying to tell me something are you?" Tully looked at his wife quizzingly, his fork stopping in mid-air. She looked at him and it took a moment for her to realize what he was asking.

"No," she firmly assured him. "Definitely not!" He let out his breath in relief and sipped his beer.

"Thank God," he admitted.

"Would it be so very terrible?" she asked teasingly.

"Well," Tully knew he was treading on thin ice with how he would reply. "not really, I guess. We both want children. I was just hoping it wouldn't be until I'm further along in school or after I graduate. I want to be able to support my family."

"So, you expect me to stop working when I have our child?" she continued.

"Well, um," he sputtered, "I guess I haven't given it much thought. I guess, maybe I did think that, but I also guess you're going to set me straight about things."

"You're sure guessing a lot," she deadpanned. "Actually, while I want to be a good mother to any children we might have, and care for them, I think I would also like to work part-time when they are old enough."

"Sweetie, if that's what you want, then that's what we'll do," Tully assured her. "Who knows, depending on what type of position I get, we could be living on-site in some remote area of the world, or I might spend a few days at home each week with the kids while you work."

"I can imagine any and all of those scenarios," she commented. "By the way, just how many children do you see us having?"

"Well, I come from a big family," he stated, and she got a little anxious, "but I think two or three is plenty."

"My thoughts exactly," she was relieved, "but not just yet."

"Agreed," he affirmed and began clearing the table. She removed two dessert plates from the dish cupboard and went to the small pantry.

"While you were studying last night, I made this for you as a token of my love," she pulled out a blackberry pie and cut two slices. As she was placing a piece on his plate he pulled her onto his lap.

"I love you so much," he said, kissing her firmly on the lips.

"The feeling is mutual," she said putting her arms around his neck and returning the kiss. It was sometime later before they tasted the pie.