The Big Day

Hearing the truck coming up the dirt drive of her parents’ home, Liz took one last look in the dim mirror. She’d chosen a crisp white blouse and navy skirt with matching shoes and handbag.
The skirt hem lay just above her slender calves and was fitted to show off her petite waistline. The cotton blouse was buttoned all the way up to the ruffled collar and dark brown locks of curl brushed the tops of her shoulders. She took a deep breath before walking onto the large front porch.

Her mother and father sat quietly rocking. She knew that for their sakes she would hold herself in check but it had been three long years since she’d seen Wyatt. He’d been serving as a Military Police officer in the army, stationed first in England, then France for nine months, and then finally in Germany. He entered the service on September 27, 1942 and had been discharged yesterday, September 9, 1945. While constant letters had warmed her heart and occasionally flushed her cheeks, nothing could compare to this moment. As Wyatt stepped out of the truck in his army dress uniform, heat filled her belly and her heart raced. He was more handsome that she had remembered. Breathe, Liz, breathe. She could feel his eyes moving up her body, taking in every inch like a long cool drink of water. When at last they met her own, she could stand it no longer. She couldn’t recall her feet touching the ground as she ran into his arms, only the feeling of being swallowed up in his strong embrace and his warm lips against hers.

Liz remembered herself and quickly pushed away from his arms. She nervously wiped at the fresh creases in her skirt and then forced her gaze to her parents. Gripping his cap in his hands Wyatt addressed them.

“Mr. Rampy, Mrs. Rampy.” His voice was confident but respectful.

There had been no need to ask for permission. Both Liz and Wyatt were twenty-six years of age and a nine-year courtship left little doubt as to his intentions. Still, he waited silently for a sign of their approval. Without any change in his countenance, Liz’s father gave a subtle nod. Liz let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Suddenly, her legs were swept from under her as Wyatt hoisted her into the truck cab and jumped in beside her. She waved her hand out the window as they sped down the dirt road and out to the main highway which would lead them straight to the Weedowee Courthouse.

Amie Sexton
Copyright 2002