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Deb smiled up at her and said, “You saidourhouse.”

“I did, yes,” Harriet replied and held out her hands. “Let me make love to you everywhere and all night because we can in our own home.”

“We’ll need to close the windows first. We’re far away from town, but you know people sometimes walk through fields to get places. I don’t want anyone to see me without my clothes on.”

“Neither do I. You’re only mine to look at that way.” Harriet winked at her.

CHAPTER 16

1943

“Ilove that he’s in school now,” Harriet said as Deb pushed deep inside her. “God, yes.”

“You love that our son is in school?”

“Yes, because it means we have a few hours every day to do this.” Her head went back as Deb’s thumb moved to stroke her, too. “I’m…” Harriet pressed her palm against the headboard behind her and let out a yell.

“I suppose I like that he’s in school, too,” Deb said as she lowered herself down on top of her.

“Don’t get me wrong; I love him. But having a few hours to ourselves a few days a week has been amazing.”

Deb chuckled against Harriet’s clammy skin.

“Yes. And he’s learning, so that’s important, too.”

“Roll over, sweetheart,” Harriet instructed.

Deb shifted until she was on her back, lying next to Harriet, and Harriet took her in, like she did every time they did this. Deb’s body was still just as perfect as when she’d touched it for the first time. She was soft in all the right places, with curves that Harriet loved to get lost in. Harriet climbed on top of her and kissed her deeply.

“I want to get married,” she said when she moved her lips to Deb’s neck.

“Wearemarried.”

“Again.”

“Why?”

Harriet looked down at her and said, “My brothers all got sent off to fight, and one of them…”

“I know that.” Deb cupped Harriet’s cheek.

“And with JD off, too, you know I don’t want to go anywhere, but…”

“But what, Harriet?”

“I want to have a little ceremony where you and I both wear white dresses, and Paul can be there. He doesn’t have to know what it’s for.”

“No,” Deb stated, shaking her head before she slid up the bed, making Harriet move off to her side and sit back on her knees.

“Sweetheart, I’ve got a little training from my mama, and they’ll train me up, too.”

“Harriet Louise, I said no.”

“It doesn’t work like that.”

“No. I am your wife. I’ve been your wife ever since we kissed when we were twelve years old, but when you put this bracelet on my wrist, I became your wife in front of God, if no one else, and I am telling you no.”

“Deb, we’re at war, and I’ve got some medical training.”