Debbie Macomber - Hearts Divided

Hearts Divided

Debbie Macomber

Katherine Stone

Lois Faye Dyer

In every life, there is a defining moment,
a time of truth.

For Helen, Winifred and Clara,
it was during the Second World War
that they learned the lessons of the heart
and found the love that sustains.

For their granddaughters, its now.

Debbie Macomber

Katherine Stone

Lois Faye Dyer

HEARTS DIVIDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5-B POPPY LANE

Debbie Macomber

February 2006

My dearest readers,

All I was planning to do was meet my dear friends Katherine Stone and Lois Faye Dyer for lunch. Before I knew it, the three of us were plotting some loosely connected stories about three war bridesand their granddaughters. Katherine had been discussing the idea with her editor (who is also mine) and she asked if Lois and I wanted to be part of it.

My mother was a war bride. Not in the traditional sense, however, as my mother and father married at home during the war. Shortly after their marriage, Dad shipped out to Europe and they didnt see each other again for three very long years.

The concept for this anthology appealed to me for another reason, too. My father fought in France and was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, near Bastogne. He never spoke of his imprisonment until the end of his life. With his World War II experiences on my mind, I sat in the doctors waiting room one dayand stumbled upon a magazine article about the work of the French Resistance. It fascinated me, and my story was born.

I decided to give my fictional war bride a home in Cedar Cove, Washington, the setting of my ongoing series of books, which started with 16 Lighthouse Road. (The sixth title, 6 Ranier Drive, will be released in September 2006.) I thought that Cedar Cove was the right sort of town for Helen, and I hope youll agree.

I also hope you enjoy 5-B Poppy Lane. This story is special to me because I wrote it in memory of my parents and the love they shared for over sixty years.

Debbie Macomber

P.S. I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at www.debbiemacomber.com or at P.O. Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

To my parents
Ted and Connie Adler
who married July 25, 1942
before my father
headed off to war

Prologue

Helen Shelton
5-B Poppy Lane
Cedar Cove, Washington
April 1

My dear Winifred,

Youve been on my mind all week, and I decided the best thing to do was simply write. Im much more comfortable with a pen in my hand than sitting at a computer, not that I have one. I do envy you and Clara communicating via the Internet, though. I got a kick out of Claras e-mail addressif thats the correct term. Clara@AppleButterLadies.com. Yours is obviously because of the secret codes you learned during the war. Unfortunately, those computer machines intimidate me. My granddaughter, Ruth, keeps saying theyre not as difficult as they seem, but I dont know.

You remember my friend Charlotte Jefferson-Rhodes. She, too, has encouraged me to learn. She tried to persuade me to sign up for a computer class at the Senior Center, and I considered it for a timea brief time. But somewhat to Charlottes chagrin, I decided Im just too old and set in my ways. I find holding a fountain pen intensely satisfying, old-fashioned or not. I realize my reluctance is a disappointment to you and Clara, and I apologize. I agree it would be a wonderful way for us to keep in touch. The two of you are as dear to me as family. In my heart, you are family. After the war, it was you, and Sam, of course, who showed me that life was still worth living. Im deeply indebted to you both.

Speaking of the war, I find myself thinking more and more about those years in France. I woke in a cold sweat last night, dreaming of Jean-Claude. Ive never spoken to my children about my experiences during the Second World War because I didnt know how to tell them Id been married before and that Id loved a man other than their father. As you know so well, Sam was my hero, my second chance at love and life. He saved me, and gave me a reason to live. Ill always be grateful that he brought me to you and Clara. You are the sisters of my heart.

All these years, Ive pushed the war memories into the depths of my mind, but now theyre here again, unwanted and unyielding, refusing to leave. Im thinking that perhaps I should write them down for the family to read after Im gone. As youve so often said, they have a right to know. Im beginning to agree with you.

Now enough about that! Let me go on to more pleasant subjects. The main one is your birthday. Your 80 th ! For years you bemoaned the fact that you were younger than Clara and me. I havent heard you mention that lately. At any rate, your birthdays coming soon and its the perfect opportunity for the three of us to get together. Winifred, just imagineeighty years. Who would ever have believed wed live this long? I know I didnt. But then, I always assumed Id die before Sam. That wasnt to be; God had other plans.

In any event, this is a special birthday and we should celebrate. Traveling isnt as easy for me as it once was, and I suspect it isnt for you, either, so that trip we always talked aboutthe three of us going to Hawaii and Hong Kongis out. But were not dead yet! Ive still got some spring to my step and so do you! However, I doubt either of us could keep up with Clara.

What would you think if I booked us on the passenger ferry up to Victoria, British Columbia? Its spectacular there this time of year. We could stay at the Empress Hotel and tour Butchart Gardens. The hotel is lovely, and their high tea is not to be missed. Ive already written Clara and suggested the three of us go there together. How does that sound? Ill wait to hear back from you before I make the hotel reservations.

I wanted to ask your impression of how Claras doing. Losing ones life mate is devastating. It hurts so terribly, as you and I both know. Although its been nearly twenty years since Sam died, hes still with mestill a part of me. I know you understand what Im trying to say. Those first few weeks I was numb, and I know Clara probably is, too. Im thankful her familys close by.

You asked about Ruth. Yes, my granddaughters still living in Seattle, attending the University of Washington and working toward her masters in education. I was thrilled when I learned that shed chosen to finish her schooling in Washington State in order to be closer to me. Shes very good about staying in touch but cant visit as frequently as wed both hoped. Ill give her a call next week and see if she can come to Cedar Cove for lunch. Ruth is a delightful child. Grandchildren are indeed a blessing. How fortunate you are to have three granddaughters. Three! Ruth is my only one and I feel especially close to herand she to me.

Do get in touch soon, and let me know if you can manage a trip to Victoria in June. The three of us will have a grand time! And since youre the youngest, Clara and I will expect you to carry the luggage.

Much love,
Helen

One

R uth Shelton hurried out of her classroom-management lecture at the University of Washington, where she was completing her masters of education degree. Clutching her books, she dashed across campus, in a rush to get home. By now the mail would have been delivered to her small rental house three blocks from the school.

Ruth, Lori Dupont called, stopping her in the hallway just outside the door. Theres another antiwar rally this afternoon at

Sorry, Ive got to run, Ruth said, flying past her friend and feeling more than a little guilty. Other students cleared a path for her; wherever she was headed must have seemed urgentand it was, but only to her. Since Christmas, four months ago, shed been corresponding with Sergeant Paul Gordon, USMC, who was stationed in Afghanistan. Thered been recent reports of fighting, and she hadnt received a letter or an e-mail from Paul in three days. Three interminable days. Not since theyd initially begun their correspondence had there been such a lapse. Paul usually wrote every day and she did, too. They e-mailed as often as possible. Ruth had strong feelings about the war in Iraq, although her opinions didnt match those of her parents, who endorsed this undeclared war.