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  ‘So am I.’ Reid’s attention was caught by Timber who was dancing. ‘That man’s all legs, but he’s soon recovered from this morning’s crash.’

  ‘Thank God.’ Bouncer sighed. ‘That was dicey, Reid. We’ve been together a long time and it would have been tragic if he’d bought it now.’

  ‘It certainly would.’ Reid’s expression was grim for a moment, and then it cleared. ‘Annie won’t marry until the war’s over but I’ve managed to pin her down to early June by convincing her that it will be finished long before then.’

  ‘I should think that’s a safe enough bet.’ Bouncer looked over the rim of his glass. ‘Who’s going to be your best man?’

  ‘You, of course.’ Reid sat back to allow more drinks to be put in front of them.

  ‘Smashing party,’ the tall pilot told them. ‘Aren’t you two going to join in? We’ll let you dance with our girls.’

  ‘We might take you up on that later,’ Bouncer told him. ‘We’re busy planning Reid’s wedding.’

  That announcement was all it took for the pilots to stampede to the bar and order what they considered enough drinks to celebrate with. The table was soon crowded with glasses of beer; the squadron was hell-bent on toasting Reid’s forthcoming wedding.

  Bouncer roared with laughter at the chaos and his friend’s look of dismay. ‘That will teach you to try and keep this a secret, old boy.’

  Reid winced as someone thumped him on the back but he took the boisterous congratulations with pleasure.

  ‘Tell me all the details,’ Bouncer asked, when things had quietened down a little.

  Reid then related what had happened as he’d proposed to Annie on the stroke of midnight.

  His friend was nearly crying with laughter. ‘And what did you do then?’

  ‘Mind your own business.’

  Bouncer held up his hand. ‘Don’t worry; my imagination will fill in the details. Tell me what plans you have for the wedding.’

  ‘Annie’s asking Dora and Jenny to be maids of honour, Kate a bridesmaid, but James has flatly refused to be a page boy. He’ll be sixteen later this year and he wasn’t going to have anything to do with it.’

  Bouncer choked on his beer and they both burst out laughing, trying to picture the rather serious boy in satin breeches. Reid couldn’t help remembering the look of horror on James’s face at the suggestion. When Annie had suggested that he be an usher he’d accepted with indecent haste.

  ‘Why didn’t Jenny tell me? I spoke to her only yesterday.’

  ‘She’d been sworn to secrecy until I’d told you,’ Reid explained. ‘So don’t go making her pregnant until after the wedding.’

  His friend looked smug. ‘Too late, old boy, she’s three months now.’

  Reid’s grin spread. ‘Congratulations. It’s going to be an interesting wedding.’

  ‘Specially if the bride’s pregnant, as well.’ Bouncer watched Reid’s face carefully.

  ‘She won’t be,’ he replied with confidence.

  ‘Really? You sound so sure, and that makes me think …’ He paused and frowned, then shook his head. ‘No, you’re trying to kid me you’re waiting until the wedding night and I certainly don’t believe that!’

  ‘I can’t control what you believe.’ Reid’s expression gave nothing away. What happened between him and Annie was private and nothing to do with anyone, not even this great friend of his.

  ‘True,’ Bouncer agreed, changing the subject smartly. ‘Oh, by the way, I’ve managed to rent a house just down the road from the airfield and Jenny’s moving in next week. I’m fed up with being parted from her. Where are you and Annie going to live?’

  ‘Don’t tell Annie any of this,’ he admonished, ‘but I own a piece of land in Berkshire not far from my family’s factory in Thatcham, and I’m going to ask Bill to design and build a home for us.’

  ‘I thought he was a professional sailor.’

  ‘No, he’s an architect really, and he’ll be out of the navy as soon as this war ends, if he can arrange it.’ Reid couldn’t help remembering how tired Bill had looked last time he’d seen him. To make a man fight in two world wars was asking too much of him, and it had obviously taken its toll on his health. ‘Rose and Bill own the building firm of Grant Phillips and they’re going to be very busy when this lot’s over. Rose told me he’d designed the Roehampton houses they live in.’

  ‘Ah, well, then he knows his job if they are his.’ Bouncer studied his friend thoughtfully. ‘What do you think your brother would say about you marrying Annie?’

  ‘He told me once that if he didn’t make it through the war, then I could marry her.’ Reid looked into the distance, remembering that time, and wondered when the pain of losing his young brother was going to heal. It would take a long time.

  ‘Ah,’ Bouncer nodded understandingly. ‘He’d like to think you were looking after her, then.’

  ‘Yes, he would. He only ever wanted Annie to be happy, and I will make her happy.’

  35

  May 1945

  Annie closed her bag and glanced at her watch. Reid should be here any minute now. They had decided to make an early start and it wasn’t even light yet. Reid had managed to get some petrol so they were going to take a leisurely drive to Wales, lasting most of the day, and snatching the chance of a few hours alone together. It had taken them until the beginning of May to arrange leave at the same time, and even this had not been certain until the very last minute. Things were happening so fast. Hitler had committed suicide a week ago on the 30th of April, and it was expected to be only a matter of days before Germany surrendered.

  Annie gazed around the Nissen hut that had been her home for so long and let out a ragged sigh. It seemed as if she’d been shut away here for ever. Sleeping in this hut she shared with fifteen other girls whenever she could grab a few hours’ rest, and working the rest of the time. Oh, it had been exciting at times, but mostly plain hard graft, except for the trip behind enemy lines to find Jack Graham. It still hurt her when she remembered how he had suffered on the journey to the Brittany coast, but at least he had died in his own country with his wife and a son by his side. She was glad she’d been able to do that for him. Jack had been a wonderful man and he would always hold a special place in her heart. Her thoughts drifted back to the winter of 1940 when she’d joined the WAAF, and she smiled as she remembered the laughter at their military issue underclothes. She wondered where most of those girls were now. Annie hoped they’d survived because they had been a good crowd. The one friendship that had remained from the start was with Dora, who was now happily married to Annie’s own brother. She could never have imagined that one of the girls she’d met on her first day in the forces would end up as her sister-in-law. After she’d completed her training as a wireless operator she’d been transferred to Cheadle and then on to Chicksands, where she had remained, and it was during those years she had faced her most painful and challenging times: the loss of Paul, Jack Graham and George. But there had also been times of laughter and friendships made, like Jean and Sam, with his adorable son, Jacques.

  After another quick check of the time Annie picked up her bag and walked towards the gate. Reid had been pulling strings to get them this leave. They’d been able to snatch a couple of days now and again, but at last they could go to Wales for seven whole days. Reid’s parents were already there, so a belated engagement party had been organized. She smiled in anticipation at the thought of seeing everyone again. There had been regular reports from her mother and Rose, of course, so she knew that Jacques had blossomed now he had a proper family, as he called it, and Maria was almost back to full health. Sam doted on both of them, Rose had told her, and Annie was delighted. That family had suffered so much and they deserved to be happy now.

  Reid was already there, leaning on the car in his usual relaxed manner. As soon as he saw her he came towards her and wrapped his arms around her with a groan of pleasure. ‘Ah, I’ve missed you, my darling,’ he told her before
kissing her as if he’d never let her go.

  Then he tossed her bag into the back of the car and they were soon on their way. Annie was looking forward to a leisurely drive, though she didn’t know where he’d managed to get the petrol for such a long journey. But quite frankly she didn’t care – she was with Reid and they were going home for a few days.

  He gave her a quick sideways glance. ‘I’ve managed to wangle Charlie leave as well, and he’s making his way by train.’

  ‘Oh, why didn’t you bring him with you?’ she asked. ‘We could have all travelled together.’

  His glance was smouldering. ‘Hell, Annie, I’ve hardly seen you since New Year and I want you to myself for a while, you know that.’

  Annie saw his point. She was just as frustrated with this long separation, and was yearning for the time when they could be together. How she wished this flaming war were over. ‘That’s a good idea because once we get to Wales any time alone will be hard to come by.’

  ‘I’m glad you agree. Charlie’s bringing his girlfriend, by the way.’

  That news didn’t please Annie. ‘Oh, dear.’

  ‘Ah,’ Reid remarked, ‘you don’t sound as if you like her.’

  ‘Well, I’ve only met her once but to be honest I didn’t take to her. She tried to order me out of my own home.’ Annie gave a resigned shrug. ‘Still it’s Charlie’s life and if he’s happy then that’s all that matters.’

  A deep chuckle came from Reid. ‘If she tries to do that with Rose, then she’ll really be cut down.’

  Annie grinned at him. ‘That should be interesting. The house is going to be packed by the sound of it.’

  ‘Hmm. I hope they’ve given me a room near yours.’

  Annie smiled broadly. This was something he didn’t know about. She was tempted to wait and let him find out when they arrived but decided against that. ‘Rose wrote and asked me if we wanted a double bed.’

  He pulled the car over on to a grass verge, stopped and then turned to face her. ‘And what did you say?’

  ‘I told her that as the house would be crowded one bed would do, even if it was in the shed!’

  He hugged her. ‘That’s marvellous. At least I’ll have you all to myself at night. I hate being away from you and can’t wait until we’re married.’

  ‘I feel the same.’

  Reid started the car and they resumed their journey. Annie laid her head back and closed her eyes.

  ‘Are you all right?’ he asked. ‘You look tired.’

  ‘I didn’t get off duty until three o’clock this morning, so I haven’t been to bed.’ They’d been so busy and it was a relief to get away for a while. She’d always loved her job as a wireless operator, but now, with the war drawing to a close, she wanted to be free of the stress. She wanted to be married to Reid and have children.

  ‘In that case you rest. I’ll wake you when we stop for a break,’ he said.

  *

  They drove at a sedate pace, stopping by the roadside to watch the dawn come up and eat the food they’d brought with them. They sat there for some time just talking and enjoying the solitude. They did this a couple more times as the day wore on, in no hurry to reach their destination, and each time they resumed their journey Annie slept.

  But just after three o’clock Annie opened her eyes and sat up straight. The car had stopped near a pub and there was no sign of Reid. She was surprised to see the place surrounded with every kind of vehicle, including push-bikes. One hell of a racket was coming from the pub. A group of people came along the road, laughing and singing and waving flags, and then disappeared inside. What on earth was going on?

  Just as Annie clambered out of the car to investigate Reid came through the door and ran towards her in long, loping strides. She watched his fluid movements and wondered how many times he’d hurtled towards his Spitfire like that? Several times a day in those terrible months of 1940, she guessed.

  When he reached her she was swung off her feet as he danced her round and round in excitement.

  ‘Reid!’ she gasped. ‘What’s happened?’

  ‘It’s all over!’ He kissed her, then said, ‘Germany has surrendered. It’s official. Churchill has just announced it on the wireless.’

  Annie gave a squeal of delight and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  ‘They won’t need us any more, my darling, and we can get out of the air force as soon as possible.’

  Before Annie had a chance to say anything a crowd erupted from the pub and towed them inside.

  ‘Landlord,’ an elderly man in ARP uniform called. ‘Let’s have some drinks for the pilot and his lady.’

  Reid was wearing his best uniform, with its medal ribbons. It didn’t take a genius to know what he’d been doing during the conflict; he was a highly decorated pilot, though she’d never once heard him talk about how he won his medals.

  A whisky was thrust into her hand, and it was more than an hour before they could slip away and continue their journey. All Annie wanted to do now was celebrate with the family. All the way along their journey there were crowds of people hell-bent on celebrating; it was impossible to drive through some of the villages without stopping to join in. Everyone thrust drinks into their hands; it was obvious that some carefully hoarded bottles were being opened at last, having been saved for this very occasion.

  Annie had lost track of where they were but it didn’t really matter. No one cared about anything except that the war was over, and the country was one great big, cheering, laughing party. One man had dragged his wind-up gramophone out on to the street, and when the people started to line up for the conga Annie laughed at Reid. ‘Oh no, not that again!’

  ‘Come on,’ Reid said and dragged her towards the snaking line of revellers. ‘Let’s join in and remember the night I proposed to you.’

  They danced their way up the street, through people’s gardens, and back again towards their car. As soon as they reached it Reid lifted Annie off her feet and dumped her in the front seat. ‘Let’s get out of here or we’ll never see the family tonight!’

  They were both laughing as they inched their way along the crowded street, and once they were clear Annie laid her head back. The conga would always remind them of Reid’s proposal of marriage, and it was such a happy memory.

  Reid grinned as another group cheered and thumped on the car as they went past. ‘We’re going to be a bit late, I’m afraid.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter.’ Now the first feeling of euphoria was passing Annie began to grasp what this meant to her, Reid and their families. Bill, Will and Charlie had survived … A tear trickled down her face as she remembered those who wouldn’t see this day. Paul, George, Jack Graham, and his younger son, lost when the ship had been torpedoed … And she couldn’t even imagine how many friends Reid had seen die.

  She felt Reid squeeze her hand and she gave him a tearful smile.

  ‘I know, darling, it’s a bitter sweet moment, isn’t it?’

  She was unable to speak. The pain of loss was heightened at that moment.

  It was almost dark by the time they reached Wales, but the house was ablaze with lights, just the same as every place they’d passed and stopped at along the way. Obviously the first thing everyone had done was rip down the hated blackout curtains.

  As soon as they drew up the front door opened and the children came running out with torches in their hands. They were flashing the beams up into the sky and screeching at the novelty of being able to show a light. After years of trying not to show even a small chink of light this was unbelievable fun for them. There wouldn’t be any more need for the air-raid wardens to walk down the street shouting, ‘Put that light out!’

  Annie laughed and shielded her eyes as Jacques pointed the light straight in her face. Reid swept the small boy off his feet making him squeal in delight.

  ‘The war’s over!’ Jacques shouted at the top of his voice. ‘The Germans gone. We can go home now.’

  ‘That’s wonderful.’ Rei
d put Jacques down and watched him hurtle towards Sam and Maria, who had come out of the house with everyone else.

  ‘What a difference in the boy,’ Reid said to Annie.

  She nodded but didn’t have time to say anything as Kate and James hugged them. It was an unusual gesture from James, but this was a special time – a time to let the emotions run riot. And when she saw the happiness of Sam, Maria and their small son it made her almost believe that the terrible struggle had been worthwhile.

  Once inside Annie looked around the crowded room and gasped. Will, Dora and her family were there; Reid’s parents; Rose, Bill, Charlie and Bob. ‘How did you all manage to get here at the same time?’ she asked in wonder.

  Bill smiled and kissed her cheek. ‘This is your engagement party and we were determined to make it a real family affair. After all, we’ve had to wait a long time for you to make your mind up.’

  Annie laughed and slipped her arm around Reid.

  Wally arrived with a tray of drinks. ‘We didn’t expect the end of hostilities as well when we arranged this knees-up, so we’re going to have a double celebration tonight.’

  Annie raised her eyebrows at her sister. ‘Where are you going to put everyone, Rose?’

  ‘It’ll be a tight squeeze,’ Rose answered. ‘James and Kate will be sleeping at the cottage with Jack, so we’ll put at least two or three in every room. We’ve got some bunk beds to put up down here. But I don’t think any of us will be sleeping tonight, do you?’

  ‘I doubt it very much.’ Annie gazed around at the sea of faces. ‘I thought Charlie was bringing his girl.’

  ‘He did. She’s in the kitchen helping with the sandwiches.’

  Annie gaped at Rose in amazement. ‘You’re joking.’

  ‘No, I’m not. She seems a nice girl,’ Rose said, ‘and she pitched in as soon as she arrived.’

  ‘Really?’ Annie still couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The girl she’d met would never have volunteered for kitchen work. ‘That doesn’t sound like Pat.’