#booklover0618

[msmercury84]

"Viva Las Vegas! Is Stardom in the Cards for Leigh?" "I Double Dare You-A Rendezvous With Destiny"

*Author's Note: Bill Guarnere enjoyed trips to Las Vegas where he had fun in the casinos. This information came from podcasts and interviews with his granddaughter.*

In February, 1946, Leigh got a call at the CBS radio station from Maxine Andrews. She was surprised when Andrews asked her to join them in for a few shows in the up and coming gambling mecca of Las Vegas.

Andrews explained that the sisters were performing at the Flamingo casino and resort on the same bill as Louis Prima. She told Leigh that all expenses would be paid by the manager of the popular trio.

Leigh happily accepted the offer of a two week vacation, providing that her and Bill's bosses would agree to their taking time off from work.

Since Bill had never taken his vacation time from his government job, he was cleared to go. Leigh's boss gave his approval quickly, knowing that the CBS affiliate would get publicity.

After leaving work one afternoon, Leigh decided to do a little shopping for the Las Vegas trip. She bought a light gray , long sleeved wiggle dress with pleats at the bottom of the back of the garment. It fastened in the back with a row of small scarlet buttons. The buttons began after a sharp 'v' in the upper back of the dress.

Then, she purchased some scarlet pumps and some long scarlet gloves to accent her dress. Bill had bought a brooch that looked like a red rose on a slender gold stem and Leigh planned to wear it on the dress.

Leigh found an excellent bargain in the same downtown Philadelphia department store where Bill bought the red wiggle dress and the red satin bra, panty and garter belt set for their first Christmas as a married couple.

She bought a coat in the same shade of scarlet as the buttons on her dress. It had faux black and gray fur trim on the cuffs, the top and the bottom of the coat. It had been reduced to 50% off the ticket price and Leigh was delighted to pay $20 for the well made garment.

Later that day, after the supper dishes were washed, Leigh told Bill,

"Honey, I bought a dress and some new items for our trip. Will you let me know if you like them? I'll model them for you." Guarnere agreed to give his opinion on the dress and whatever else she bought.

Leigh went upstairs to their bedroom. She took the dress out of the bag from the department store. Then, she took off her day dress and put on the new dress and the new red pumps.

It was a little difficult for Leigh to button the dress, but she was able to get it fastened. She walked downstairs.

"Here's what it looks like from the front." Leigh then turned around to let Bill see the back of the dress.

"That dress is really doin' somethin' to me, Baby. It's almost as sexy as the black lace set ya bought in Paris" He walked over to stand behind Leigh and he embraced her, pulling her close to him as he kissed her neck.

Leigh could feel that Bill was becoming aroused and she moved her behind against him, prompting a faint groan from Guarnere. He nibbled her right earlobe, whispering,

"Baby, ya know what that does to me. You're beautiful all over an' that dress shows your sweet, sexy ass off to perfection. Do ya have a coat to go wit' this dress? I can't go through the train station like this."

She moved forward slightly, giving herself enough room to reach back and gently stroke Bill's hard cock through his trousers.

"You would certainly attract attention this way. Let me go upstairs and get the coat I bought and see if that helps. I bought this on sale with money from my check. Honey, I don't want you to think I'm spending your money foolishly." Guarnere kissed her neck,

"You don't have to explain, Baby. I know you wouldn't do anythin' like that. You're always very careful wit' money. If you want somethin' or if ya really need it, like a new coat, let me know. I'd like to spoil ya once in awhile."

"You're so sweet and understanding, Honey. Stay nice and hard for me until I get back."

"All I have to do is think o' you in that dress, Baby. I'll be ready for ya." Leigh went upstairs to their bedroom. She took her coat and her red gloves out of the bag from the department store and put on both items.

Before leaving the bedroom, Leigh quickly unfastened her garter belt, removed her panties and fastened the garter belt again. She placed her panties in the hamper.

Next, she went into the bathroom, removed her red gloves, inserted her diaphragm, washed her hands and put the gloves on. Leigh walked downstairs to find Bill in the same spot, patiently waiting for her.

She turned in a small circle, modeling the coat and gloves.

"You look like a movie star in that coat an' those gloves. Baby, you're a beautiful, classy lookin' woman. You're gonna turn some heads in that outfit."

"Thanks, Honey. The only head I want to turn is yours. Does the coat help your...condition?"

"It will at least let me walk through the train station wit'out drawin' attention to myself. You really look like a million bucks in that outfit." Leigh carefully took off the coat and gloves, placing both items on the coffee table.

"I have a little surprise for you. If you're still in the mood, do you want to find out what it is? You'll have to unbutton those buttons in the back to see it." She winked at him.

Guarnere had a slightly wicked grin as he replied,

"I'm always in the mood where you're concerned, ya little fireball. If you turn around, I can get to work on those buttons." Bill kissed Leigh's neck again before he started to unbutton the top three buttons on the dress.

He saw that she was still wearing her bra, so he unbuttoned a few more buttons. Leigh ground her bottom against his hard cock, prompting a slightly louder groan from him.

Guarnere unbuttoned a few more of the scarlet buttons to reveal the top of her garter belt. He grinned, knowing that Leigh probably wasn't wearing panties. Bill unfastened two more buttons and slid the dress down slowly to reveal her bare ass beneath the garter belt.

He slid the dress down her legs, asking her to step out of it. Leigh complied and Bill gathered up the dress, carefully folding it and placing it on the coffee table.

Guarnere cupped her ass in his hands. He nibbled her ear and whispered,

"You look so goddamned hot, Baby. I wish you'd go wit' out panties all the time. Let's take this upstairs. We don't want anybody payin' a surprise visit, catchin' us gettin' busy." He picked Leigh up and carried her to their bedroom.

He placed her on the bed and quickly disrobed. Leigh removed the bedspread, the top sheet and the pillows. Bill removed her bra and began gently sucking on her nipples.

Leigh ran her fingers through his hair, loving the feel of his lips. A few minutes later, she was on the verge of coming. Bill abandoned her breasts for a moment as he traced kisses down her torso, pausing to look at her.

"You wanna watch me, don't ya."

"Oh, yes, Honey. It makes everything more intense when I watch you licking and loving my...pussy."

Bill groaned softly,

"Goddamn! I love it when ya say that. Let me show ya how much I love it." He maintained eye contact with her as he gently sucked her clit between his lips. He alternated licking and sucking until her hips rose involuntarily.

"Oh God, Baby that's so good!"

Guarnere continued to look into her eyes as he worked two fingers into her warm interior.

"You're soakin' wet. That's my sweet angel." He broke eye contact for a moment to devote his attention once again to her clit. Leigh watched him and that quickly sent her over the edge. She called out his name as a glorious climax swept over her.

Bill never stopped, he helped Leigh ride out her orgasm. He was proud and happy to know how much he pleased her. Once she recovered, Leigh was trying to pull him up, wanting to continue their lovemaking. Guarnere grinned,

"My baby's ready, ain't no doubt about it. Tell me what ya want, Sweetheart." He stayed still despite his need to get relief for his nearly aching cock.

Leigh arched her back, trying to get him inside her. She knew what Bill was doing and it further inflamed her desire.

"I want you to fuck me!"

"Oh, hell, yes!" He moved up as Leigh slightly closed her legs, making it easier for him to enter her. Bill easily slid his cock into her.

He thrust into her, saying,

I'm fuckin' the hottest...(he thrust into her again) the most beautiful...(he thrust into Leigh again) an' the sexiest woman in town." Leigh tried a technique that Julia told her about. She tightened her grip on him with her vagina, being sure to meet his every stroke.

Bill quickly picked up the pace as Leigh grasped his ass, pulling him into her. They kissed passionately until Leigh broke the kiss, calling his name.

Guarnere loved to hear her saying his name.

"You're so good at fuckin'! Bill circled his hips and they continued, going at a frantic pace. Leigh felt another orgasm building. When she contracted around Bill's cock as she came, his thrusting lost rhythm and he groaned as he came.

In the afterglow, Leigh lay in his arms. Guarnere ran his fingers through her hair.

"Baby, I don't know what ya were doin' inside, but it was hotter than the fires of hell."

"A woman I know told me how to do that. She said it drives her husband crazy."

"I'd like to thank her, 'cause I loved it. Not that I haven't enjoyed the way ya make love, you're perfect, Sweetheart." Leigh giggled.

"You can call and tell her any time. You already have her telephone number." Bill stopped running his fingers through Leigh's hair.

"Baby, please tell me it wasn't Ma who told ya how to do that." (He pronounced the word as 'dat') Bill was greatly relieved when Leigh assured him,

"It wasn't Mama, Honey."

"I don't have that many phone numbers for people except Maria an' Julia."

"It wasn't Maria."

"Holy God! It's Julia. Oh, hell, that's more than I ever wanted to know about her an' Sal. I'm glad she told ya, but, Jesus! Knowin' what my sister does in the bedroom, I could do wit'out that part." Leigh couldn't suppress her urge to laugh.

"Does this mean that you never want me to do this again?" Guarnere quickly answered,

"Oh, hell, no! I loved it. I'll just enjoy it an' try to not think about how ya learned it."

Bill and Leigh departed Philadelphia on a cold, snowy day for Las Vegas. The trip would take several days on the train. Leigh wore the new gray dress, the scarlet shoes, scarlet gloves and her new coat.

She and Bill were treated to a private sleeper room on the train, courtesy of the Andrews Sisters' manager. The room had a bed that could also serve as seats, should they decide to stay in the room.

They enjoyed the accommodations and discovered the experience of making love while traveling at about 60 miles per hour on the new diesel engine train.

Bill and Leigh enjoyed their suite at The Flamingo hotel and casino. This trip began their love of casinos and Las Vegas. While the temperature was cool, it was warmer than the weather in Philadelphia.

Leigh met with the woman in charge of the Andrews Sisters' costumes. She eagerly accepted the sisters' generous offer of a custom made dress for the show. The dress would be a sleeveless wiggle style dress made of red silk. Patty, Maxine and Laverne now wore cocktail type dresses for their concerts.

The night of the show, Bill had a corsage of a white rose edged in a thin gold colored stripe and tied with a thin gold metallic bow sent to Leigh by a courier.

Midway through the show, Leigh did a solo as the sisters took a break. She told the audience,

"My next song, " Ooh, Papa, Do," is dedicated to my husband, Bill Guarnere. Honey, would you please stand up?" A stage hand directed a small spotlight from the stage to illuminate the area where Guarnere was standing.He smiled as the audience applauded.

She walked to a concert sized grand piano, sat down and started to play the introduction to the uptempo song. The band joined in and Leigh started to sing.

"I've got a man who loves me, I swear by the stars above. And every night, we dim the lights, he tells me of his love. When he kisses my cheek, all I can speak is 'Ooh, Papa do, Papa do.

He lets me know he needs me. This I do declare. This much I know, I love him so, I'll take him anywhere. When he says goodbye, all I can cry is 'Ooh, Papa, do, Papa do.'

"Ooh, Papa do, do the things you do. It sets my soul on fire. Ooh, Papa, do I really go for you. You're my heart's desire.

When time comes for him to leave me, I stand with tears in my eyes. This much I know, I love him so, he's the man I idolize. And when he holds me near, all you can hear is, 'Ooh, Papa, do. Papa, do. Ooh, Papa, do. Papa do. Ooh, Papa do. Papa, do."

Bill enjoyed the slightly suggestive lyrics of the song. He thought,

"My baby is outdoin' the singin' she did in Paris. She's lookin' an' soundin' super hot."

The following day, Maxine called Leigh. Louis Prima's wife, Keeley Smith, had to have an emergency appendectomy. Prima wondered if Leigh would be interested in filling in for her. This would be his last show since he was taking time off to help Keeley after she got home from the hospital.

Andrews didn't have to wait for an answer. Leigh happily accepted the offer. Bill was delighted with the news and he promptly called Augusta to tell her the good news.

Since Leigh was a fan of Prima's music, she was familiar with the way he and his wife performed the songs on their record albums. She needed no coaching on how to perform. Keeley was known for being the 'straight man' to Louis' humorous interpretations of some of the songs.

Of course, Prima and Leigh rehearsed, but she effortlessly stepped into the new style of performing and singing. Lacey Davis and one of her friends decided to attend the Prima show.

Both women moved to Las Vegas in hopes of finding work as singers or chorus girls. Davis had yet another job as a receptionist. Her friend was still looking for work and they shared a small apartment on the outskirts of town.

Lacey wore a wiggle dress in emerald green with matching shoes. Her roommate Angie Shane, a tall blonde, wore a cocktail dress made of blue taffeta. She wore matching blue shoes.

Before the show began, a man in a tuxedo walked onstage to tell the audience,

"Keeley Smith is in the hospital. She had to have her appendix removed. Fortunately, an extremely talented woman performing with the Andrews Sisters here at The Flamingo will fill in for her."

"Leigh Guarnere, who is also known as The Songbird of the 506th, will appear with Louis Prima." Angie noticed the sour expression on Davis' face. Lacey felt her stomach clench as she heard the name of her perceived rival being announced. She cursed under her breath.

Then, she briefly filled Angie in on the backstory of how Leigh got everything she ever wanted, from their days as USO performers to the present time. Shane reserved judgment of Leigh since she was also a fan of her singing.

Leigh had the audience alternately applauding and laughing throughout the show. Bill had a beaming smile as he proudly watched her perform. In the middle of the show, Prima told the audience that Leigh was "married to a paisano from South Philly who fought in the 101st Airborne. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause for this paratrooper who served our country." A spotlight shone on Guarnere as the audience applauded.

Lacey told her friend,

"I will never understand what the hell a good looking guy like that sees in her." Angie correctly thought that Davis was jealous, bitter and petty, especially after Lacey told her,

"He lost most of his right leg in the war. Crippled men do nothing for me, they're disgusting, but I'd overlook the lost leg for a roll in the hay with him." At the end of the show,after Leigh had a standing ovation with two encores, she started to walk to her dressing room. Louis Prima approached her.

"Kid, there's someone who wants to talk to you. He's waiting in my dressing room. Looks like you just made a big break in show business." Leigh thanked Prima, who walked with her to his dressing room. After she entered the room, Louis went to a pay phone to call the hospital to find out how his wife was faring after surgery.

A tall, thin man with gray hair, wearing a tuxedo shook hands with Leigh, telling her,

"Mrs. Guarnere, my name is Martin Beckley. I'm a talent scout for Decca Records. Please, have a seat. I need to discuss some business with you that could change your life in a big way.

After hearing you with the Andrews Sisters in Paris, I wanted to sign you to the Decca label as a recording artist. Then, the Andrews Sisters told me about your husband's injury in the war and I wanted to wait to offer you this opportunity until he was well again.

Louis Prima, the Andrews Sisters and I all agree that you have the talent to become a major singing star. I realize that this is very sudden, but I need you to think about signing a contract with Decca to be our next big recording star. You can think about this for a few days and we can meet here."

Leigh was stunned for a moment by the news. This was the realization of a dream she had for many years. She saw no sense in making Beckley wait for an answer, so she told him,

"Mr. Beckley, I appreciate this offer and I'm both honored and flattered by the fact that you and four professional vocalists think that I have the potential to become a star." He smiled, waiting for Leigh to continue speaking. A look of bewilderment replaced the smile on his face as she added,

My husband and I are planning on starting a family. There's no way I could be a devoted and nurturing mother if I toured the country doing concerts and promoting my records.

Sir, my husband fully supports any decision I make regarding a singing career. It would be highly unfair to make him the sole parent of our child or children.

I love my husband very much and I intend to be a devoted wife, too. It might not make sense to you, and I know you don't make an offer like this without great consideration but I'm very content to keep my life as it is right now. Thank you, Sir, but I need to turn down this offer. Just knowing I'm good enough to be a star is completely satisfying."

Beckley could tell that Leigh was serious about refusing the recording contract.

"I respect your decision, Mrs. Guarnere, but I can't help but feel that you're throwing away the opportunity to live a financially comfortable life. If you ever change your mind, please call the telephone number on this card." He paused to get one of his business cards from an inner pocket of his tuxedo jacket, handing it to her. Leigh thanked him for the card. Beckley added,

"If I'm not available, please let one of the Andrews Sisters know if you change your mind. Their manager could then contact me. I would be happy to help you book shows here in Los Vegas whenever you would like to perform. A voice like yours will never go out of style, no matter what type of music is popular. " He shook hands with her.

"I appreciate your offer to book me for concerts here in Las Vegas. That sounds like something I'd enjoy doing." Before she left to go to her dressing room, Beckley told her,

"If that's the case, I will keep in contact with the Andrews Sisters and Louis Prima. I'm certain that they would enjoy sharing a stage with you again ." Leigh then exited the room and walked down the hall to her dressing room.

Bill was sitting on a chair in her dressing room, patiently waiting. He noticed a strange expression on her face as she entered the room. By his estimation, Leigh appeared to be stunned.

"Baby, is everythin' OK? What goin' on?" She hugged him and pulled a chair close to where he was sitting and sat down.

"Bill, Louis Prima told me that someone was waiting to meet me in his dressing room. A producer from Decca Records, Mr. Beckley, was waiting for me. He's wanted me to sign a contract since the time of the Paris concert. All this time, he kept in touch with the Andrews Sisters and he wanted to wait until you were healed from your injury before he made me an offer." She paused, wondering how to phrase the rest of the news.

"Go ahead, Sweetheart, this sounds like somethin' big."

"Mr. Beckley said that he, Louis Prima and the Andrews Sisters all agree that I could be a recording star." Bill excitedly and loudly told her,

"Holy God! I knew ya were gonna make it big! Baby, this is amazin' news! I gotta call Ma an' tell her ya signed a recordin' contract. My baby's gonna be a star!" Leigh took Bill's hands in hers,

"Wait a minute, Honey. Please listen to me before you call Mama. I didn't sign the contract." Guarnere looked puzzled,

"Leigh, what's goin' on? Your dream finally came true."

"That was my dream before we met. Remember when we discussed this in Paris? I haven't changed my mind. As I told Mr. Beckley, we're getting ready to start a family. I can't be a devoted mother if I'm on the road constantly doing concerts. I want to be there for the baby's first words, the first time he or she crawls, the first steps..." Bill cut in,

"Sweetheart, think about this. You're throwin' away a chance only a few singers get. Ya know I'm behind ya 100 percent. I'm willin' to do whatever it takes for ya."

"Honey, I know that and I appreciate your devotion. Babies need their mother, too. How can I bond with him or her if I'm not there? Chances are excellent that we would have to move, too.

I love our life in South Philadelphia. Everything we need is at home. Being a devoted wife and mother is more important to me than any recording contract. Not going to sleep and waking up beside you would be unbearable. My mind is made up, Bill.

Mr. Beckley told me that I could do concerts here anytime and I like that idea." Guarnere realized that he couldn't change her mind. He put his arms around Leigh, pulling her close to him, giving her a passionate kiss. When the kiss ended, he tenderly cupped Leigh's face in his hands.

"Baby, you mean the world an' everythin' to me. Knowin' you gave up bein' a star to be my wife an' the ma of our kids makes me love ya to the moon an' back. How 'bout we start a family after our first anniversary?"

"I'm glad you understand, Bill, and you mean the world and everything to me, too. That's fine with me. I'm honored to be the future mother of your children. You're somethin' else." They kissed again and departed the room.

Midway down the hall, Leigh realized she left her purse in her dressing room. Bill needed to use the men's restroom, so they agreed to meet further down the hall.

After Guarnere exited the men's room, he waited for Leigh to return. Lacey Davis lied to a security guard about being a friend of Leigh's since their time as USO singers to gain access to the dressing room area behind the stage. She hoped to run into Bill. Lacey's eyes brightened and she smiled as she saw him standing in the hallway. He was surprised by her saying,

"Hello, Handsome. Remember me?" Bill slightly frowned.

"I remember ya."

"How about we slip off and have a drink together. We can get caught up on everything that's happened since the last time I saw you."

"No thanks. I'm waitin' for my wife. She forgot her purse." Lacey moved closer to him,

"Oh, come on. One little drink with an old friend won't hurt anything."

"No offense, but you ain't exactly what I'd call a friend." Lacey noticed Leigh coming out of her dressing room. She waited until Leigh was close enough to see her, then she put her arms around Bill as she gave him a passionate kiss.

Guarnere was angered by her behavior. He pushed Lacey away from him, taking care not to hurt her. He glared at her as he said,

"What the hell do ya think you're doin'? Like I told ya before,I love Leigh an' I'm a happily married man." Leigh heard Bill's statement and told Lacey,

"As my husband said, what the hell are you doing? You're really pathetic, Lacey, to throw yourself at a man who obviously isn't interested in you." Davis sneered,

"Little Miss Perfect, God's gift to showbiz.Your hubby is too much of a gentleman to do anything in your presence. I bet I could change his mind if you weren't with him." Bill angrily asked,

"Who the hell do you think you are? You don't know me! My baby is a beautiful angel. Beautiful on the inside an' outside. She has my heart for eternity." Leigh added,

"As you can plainly see, my husband can think for himself. If you ever touch him again, you'll be wearing one of my stiletto heels up your ass." Bill couldn't help but grin when he heard her reply to Lacey. Davis ignored Leigh as she concentrated on another way to manipulate Guarnere. She thought,

"He's fiery and passionate. I like that." She couldn't understand why Bill wasn't receptive to her. Other men were, for the most part, easy to convince and seduce. Davis honed in on what she thought would appeal to Guarnere.

"You need an experienced woman who knows how to please a man. I can do things your little wifey doesn't know how to do. No doubt you were goody two shoes' first lover." Bill turned away from her, putting his arm around Leigh's shoulders. Before walking away, he gave Davis a verbal parting shot.

"My baby is perfect at makin' love. Nobody could please me more than Leigh. The Army had trainin' movies about broads like you. They said stay away from 'em 'cause those broads had so many men, a guy could get the clap." Davis's face flushed due to anger and she stalked away, cursing as she walked.

"That's telling her, Honey." She and Bill laughed as they headed for their suite in the hotel. Two days later, they started their trip home.

While Bill and Leigh were on the train to Philadelphia, they were unaware of an article in the top entertainment publication, Variety. Beckley immediately contacted a reporter and told him about a woman who turned down a chance to be a recording star in favor of being a devoted wife and mother.

Lacey Davis spotted the story as she read the publication. She angrily threw it in the trash, thinking to herself,

"What's wrong with that stupid bitch? She threw away the chance of a lifetime! I would literally kill to have a recording contract. It makes me sick that a big time guy like Beckley thinks she's star material. If I could get an audition with Louis Prima, he would see that I'm just as good as she is."

Lacey forced herself to snap out of her musing about Leigh as she boarded a city transit bus to get to her audition.

The elder Guarneres and the Spencers were happily surprised to learn about the offer of a recording contract to Leigh. They weren't surprised at her decision and both couples were looking forward to becoming grandparents.

[msmercury84]

"I Double Dare You" "The Guarneres Reminisce About the Peeping Tom of Aldebourne"

*Author's note: This story came from my imagination. Warning: Small scene with smut.*

***********************************************************************

One autumn evening in 1945, as Bill and Leigh were seated on the couch listening to the radio, lyrics from one song made Leigh laugh. She told him,

"That reminds me of Aldebourne. Honey, do you remember the peeping tom that had the village in a bit of an uproar?" Guarnere chuckled,

"I sure do, Baby. That's (he pronounced the word as "dats") when I thought he was spyin' on us the day we had the picnic."

*****************************************************************

Training was over for the day on a Friday in May, 1943. The men of Easy Company were looking forward to having a much needed break the following day.

Since the men knew in advance about their day off, Leigh planned a picnic for herself and Bill. She made sandwiches from homemade Italian sausage and homemade bread. Spencer found some onions and garlic in the farmers' market in the village that would be cooked with the sausage.

Bill bought a good, relatively inexpensive bottle of red wine from Andrew Herriott, the owner and bartender of The Blue Boar. Leigh improvised a primitive type of antipasto from vegetables and some ham that was sold in the farmers' market. She also had a few apples and some freshly baked pizzelles.

*****************************************************************

One month before the picnic, American servicemen stationed in the Aldebourne area, the girls they dated and a few residents of the village became concerned about a peeping tom.

A soldier from Dog Company and his date thought that someone was spying on them. One week later, the same thing happened to a soldier from Charlie Company and his date. Both couples had been enjoying each other's company in a secluded pasture on a country lane.

On both occasions, when the men looked around the pasture, there was no sign of a peeping tom. The young women refused to go out with the soldiers again until the peeping tom was apprehended. The servicemen who had to wait until the suspect was nabbed by the village constable were extremely eager for this person to be caught.

Two local sisters, the Taylors, sold their parents' farm after the deaths of their mother and father. They moved into a stone cottage not far from Leigh's and Melissa's house in the village. Both women were in their early 30s and were attractive and shapely with brown hair and blue eyes.

One evening, as the eldest sister, Jean, was locking the front door, getting ready to go to bed, her younger sister, Ava, was in her downstairs bedroom. Ava preferred to sleep with the window open for fresh air. She kept the blind pulled halfway down the window for privacy.

Standing with her back to the window, Ava removed her clothing and put on a nightgown. She was planning to put her clothes into a hamper that was close to her bed when she heard the sound of footsteps outside her window.

Ava thought that someone was walking home from one of the pubs and thought nothing of the incident. She placed the clothes in the hamper and was on her way to turning off the light in her room when she froze in her tracks.

The sound of heavy breathing was unmistakable and it seemed to be outside her window. Ava went to a closet and got out her father's shotgun, sticking the barrel out of the open window. She startled Jean by shouting,

"Get away from here, you pervert or I'll shoot your bollocks (balls) off!" The sound of heavy footsteps walking away relieved Ava. Jean came into her room, asking,

"Did you see who it was? Are you OK?" Jean learned that Ava didn't see the heavy breather and that she was unharmed.She told her younger sister,

"Good job you have Father's gun and you know how to use it. I don't think we need to worry about being bothered again. Even if this peeping tom isn't in his right mind, he isn't mad (crazy) enough to risk losing his bollocks." Jean went to her bedroom and both women were soon asleep.

Early the next evening when Bill arrived for supper, Jean introduced herself and said that she was coming to speak to Leigh. Guarnere opened the door for her, telling Spencer,

"Sweetheart, Miss Taylor, the lady from next door want to talk wit'ya." Leigh welcomed Jean into the house and asked her to have a seat in the living room. Spencer offered her visitor a cup of tea and Jean accepted it. After Leigh made the tea and brought in a tray with cups, milk, the tea pot, and napkins, she served her guest, herself and Bill some tea. She told her neighbor,

"I'm sorry that I don't have lemon slices and sugar. Lemons are hard to find and sugar rationing is taking its toll." Taylor smiled, commenting,

"It's fine. We've the same situation at our house and we're all doing our bit for the war effort." She took her tea with a small amount of milk. Guarnere and Spencer preferred their tea without milk.

Jean told Bill and Leigh about her sister's experience with the peeping tom and asked the couple if they had heard or seen anything the previous evening.

Both Guarnere and Spencer said that they noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Leigh told Jean,

"We were listening to the radio. Sorry, the wireless, and the blinds were down, so we didn't see anything." Then, Jean laughed, telling them what her sister said to the stranger outside her window. Leigh laughed and Bill asked,

"No disrespect intended, but what are ya callin' 'bollocks'" Jean slightly blushed,

"It's male anatomy, two, erm...items." Bill laughed as he realized what Jean meant.

"I'm not laughin' at ya, Miss Taylor, I never heard 'em called that name before. You ladies ain't got nothin' to worry about. A man doesn't wanna lose important parts like that."

"That's what I told my sister."

"I'll keep an eye on your place. If you ladies ever need help, just call Leigh an' I'll be glad to help ya." Spencer wrote down the telephone number and handed it to Jean. She thanked Bill and Leigh, then left while she could still have enough light to feel safe walking outside. Guarnere offered to walk her home if she was scared, but Jean assured him that she was fine.

The following day, news of the heavy breathing outside the neighbor's window made its way through the village. Colonel Sink decided to send a few servicemen to help patrol the village with the constable. The soldiers who were denied recreation with their girlfriends until the peeping tom was caught eagerly volunteered.

One month later, the colonel decided to discontinue the servicemen's patrolling of the village. The constable and Sink thought that the peeping tom was discouraged from his activities due to the inclusion of soldiers who were being trained to fight in the war.

The following weekend, one soldier and his girlfriend were sitting under a tree near a rural property lined by a fence and some trees. While the couple began to remove a few items of each other's clothing, the young woman heard someone walking near the fence line that was obscured by trees.

She looked up and was startled to see a shock of red hair. Then, she noticed brown eyes gazing back at her. She screamed and her boyfriend immediately put on his uniform shirt. He told her,

"Stay here, I'm gonna teach this guy a lesson he won't forget." As the young woman buttoned her blouse and tucked it into her skirt, the soldier walked toward the fence, loudly saying,

"Clear out of here, buddy, or you're asking for trouble." He heard the sound of someone walking away from the fence line. By the time the soldier climbed over the fence, there was no sign of the peeping tom, only cattle standing in the field.

His girlfriend was in no mood to return to their previous activities and she insisted upon going home. As they walked to the village she said,

"He must have been very short because his eyes looked to be at the level of a child." Her boyfriend replied,

"He was probably bending over to peer through the leaves." Word soon spread throughout the area that the mysterious "peeper," the name given by the residents of the village, was a "ginger" (red hair), having unkempt, long hair and brown eyes.

******************************************************************""

On the day of the picnic, Leigh packed the food into a large basket along with cloth napkins, two plates, two wine glasses and a medium sized blanket. She wore a red day dress, along with the usual undergarments, stockings and a pair of low heeled black pumps commonly called 'flats.'

Spencer brushed her hair, touched up her make up and reapplied her red lipstick. Bill soon arrived with the bottle of red wine. He insisted on carrying the large picnic basket. They left the cottage and held hands as they walked on a road leading from the village to a secluded country lane.

Neither Guarnere nor Spencer had been in this area before. Leigh told Bill that the lane reminded her of home.

"If this is where ya wanna have the picnic, Sweetheart, it's fine wit' me. Let's look for a nice, quiet spot in case we wanna get up to somethin' later."

"In case we want to get up to somethin'? Are you falling out of love with me already, Sergeant Guarnere?" Bill noticed the impish twinkle in her eyes and he grinned.

"Ain't no danger o' that happenin', Baby. You got my heart for eternity. I love seein' ya in red. You look good enough to eat."

"Is that a promise? " she slightly blushed before adding, "I mean the part about 'eating.'" Guarnere had a wicked grin as he said,

"Oh, I guarantee it. You ain't the only one enjoyin' it. You taste so damn good!"

"Bill, not so loud, a farmer might be working close by."

"I'm tellin' the truth. 'course I don't wanna encourage somebody to watch us. Sorry 'bout that. I'll try to keep it down so everybody don't know our business."

"Thanks, Honey. You're very good at that...you know what I mean."

"You bet I know!" Spencer laughed,

"Smart ass." They walked past a small house with a gate surrounding it. After passing the house, they went around a curve in the lane and found an ideal spot for the picnic and privacy.

An isolated pasture with three large trees was a short walk from the road. The pasture was lined on three sides of its perimeter by trees instead of fences.

Someone must have owned the pasture because the grass wasn't tall and choked with weeds. Bill looked around to see if there was a farm house tucked away within sight of the pasture.

He didn't see a house close by and he decided that this area had enough privacy for a picnic and some erotic activity. Bill and Leigh walked toward the trees in the center of the pasture.

They decided to sit under a large oak tree that was flanked by two other oak trees. A gentle breeze was blowing and they sat in the shade after they spread the blanket on the ground.

Leigh unpacked the picnic basket, setting out the food, plates, silverware, napkins and two wine glasses. Bill got the bottle opener and the bottle of red wine out of the basket. He opened the wine bottle and poured some wine in each glass.

Guarnere grinned as he noticed the sandwiches.

"Homemade bread an' homemade Italian sausage. It smells great! You're one hell of a good cook." He stopped himself from saying what he thought, "You'll be a perfect wife, Sweetheart" Bill didn't think it was the right time to propose to Leigh. Although he was fairly sure that she would agree to marry him, he thought it best to wait and find out how she really felt about marriage.

Leigh got out a dish with a small lid and opened it,

"I made a kind of makeshift antipasto from your mom's recipe. I hope it turned out OK."

Guarnere got a fork and put some of the antipasto on his plate. He sampled it.

"This reminds me o' Ma's cookin'. You done a good job wit' this, Baby." Leigh was pleased that he liked the side dish. They enjoyed the sandwiches and they casually talked while they ate their lunch.

Leigh got out a small box and opened it.

"How about a few pizzelles, Honey? If you don't feel like having cookies I brought apples, too." Bill got two cookies out of the box,

"You're spoilin' me, Sweetheart. Ya shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

"It was no trouble at all. I like to make your favorite dishes." Spencer laughed at Guarnere sneaking another cookie out of the box.

"Eat as much as you want. I won't slap your hand if you want another cookie. I saved the sugar rations to make them."

"I gotta keep my cookie swipin' in good shape for when we get back home. It's kind of a joke wit' me an' Ma. When I was a kid, she wanted to make sure everybody got equal amounts o' food.

Pizzelles have always been my favorite. I'd eat two of 'em real fast. When Ma wasn't lookin', I'd swipe a few more. One time, when I was real little, Maria an' Teresa were watchin' me so I wouldn't get into the cookies.

I started cryin' 'cause I wanted another cookie. They felt sorry for me, an' they said,

'Oh, the poor baby! He must be hungry.' Then they each gave me half a pizzelle. I made out like a bandit an' I showed those dirty (he pronounced the word as 'doity') rats. I was smart, like a fox." Leigh giggled at the story,

"How many times did that work for you?"

"Just a couple o'times. Ma got a real kick out o'it, so I didn't get in trouble." He noticed that Spencer's glass was empty.

"Would ya like a little more o' the wine?"

"Yes, just a little bit. It's really good."

"The guy at The Blue Boar said this was a nice red wine. It ain't bad. I think I'll have a little more, too." Guarnere poured the wine. He leaned back against the tree. Leigh moved back to sit with him and Bill put his arm around her shoulders.

They sipped the wine and relaxed, enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful pasture. When they finished the wine, Bill decided to recline on the blanket. He rested his head on Leigh's lap.

She stroked his hair and had her arms around him. Guarnere reached up and gently pulled her close for a kiss. The kiss quickly deepened and he sucked the tip of her tongue into his mouth.

Bill reluctantly broke off the kiss,

"Stretch out beside me, Baby. It'll be easier than bendin' down to kiss me. He moved aside and Leigh lay beside him. Guarnere put his arms around her and the kissing resumed.

They enjoyed the slow, sensual kisses. Leigh sighed into Bill's mouth as his tongue explored her mouth.

Guarnere moved his hands down to Spencer's hips, pulling her as close to him as possible. He paused to kiss her eyelids, then he gently nipped at her ear before kissing her neck.

Bill loved the little gasp from Leigh when his lips touched the soft skin on her neck. He unbuttoned the top button of her day dress, kissing every inch of exposed skin as he unbuttoned the next button on her dress.

Leigh was caressing Bill's back, loving the feeling of his lips on her skin.

"If you keep this up, I'll be tempted to strip off everything and ask you to make love to me. We've never done it outdoors." Guarnere found the idea extremely arousing.

"I love the way you're kinda wild. Sweetheart, I don't wanna disappoint ya, but I didn't bring anything' wit' me for protection, 'cause I wasn't sure if ya would wanna make love outdoors."

"You're not disappointing me, Bill. I'm sure we can think of something. How about I do what you promised to do for me? I enjoy it, and I need to practice so I can be good at pleasing you that way."

"Only if ya really wanna do it, Baby. I don't want ya to think ya have to do that."

"I love all of you, and you taste pretty damned good, too."

"Then, I'm all yours. Do whatever ya want wit' me. Seems like I was gettin' ready to do somethin'..." He moved down and started to slowly trail kisses up Leigh's leg, moving her dress up a little.

Bill repeated the same actions on her other leg and Leigh felt herself becoming wet. She moved her dress up above her knees.

"Looks like my angel is tellin' me to move a little faster." He chuckled before kissing his way to her thigh. Leigh opened her legs slightly to accommodate him. Bill lowered his voice for only Leigh to hear,

"I think my beautiful baby is already nice an' wet. I'm gonna enjoy takin' those panties off so I can taste you." He moved her dress up further and licked the silk fabric between her legs.

" Baby, you taste good!" Bill sucked her silk covered clit.

"Oh, my God! That feels wonderful." Guarnere continued sucking her clit. A few minutes later, Leigh came. Bill enjoyed her sounds of passion. He began to remove her panties.

Suddenly, she heard the sounds of heavy footsteps near the line of trees in front of them. Keeping her voice down, she told Guarnere,

"Somebody is on the other side of those trees." Bill turned away, to rearrange himself in his trousers to hide the sign of his arousal and swore under his breath. Spencer quickly pulled her dress down to cover herself.

"Where did ya hear the noise, Baby?" She pointed to the trees closest to them. Bill looked in the direction Leigh was pointing, keeping his voice low as he told her,

"I don't wanna scare ya, but I see some brown eyes an' red hair. That guy almost has hair in his eyes. He must be a nut. No wonder he's watchin', no girl would go out wit' somebody lookin' that bad. I know one thing, his peepin' days are over!"

Guarnere got up and quietly approached the area where the peeping tom stood. Leigh followed behind him, not feeling afraid since Bill was with her. She was angry that the peeper spied on them and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind.

Bill used a type of hand signal that was becoming second nature to him. He had his right hand, palm down, pushing in a downward motion.

"What does that mean?"

"It means stand down, stay back. Sorry, Baby, we've been learnin' all sorts o' hand signals lately." All at once, a large tongue appeared from behind a branch. Guarnere replied,

"What the hell...?" Leigh started laughing,

"It's a cow!"

She moved a small branch and revealed the face of a bovine absorbed in eating a few leaves. Leigh quickly looked down, wanting to see the underside of the animal so she would know if it was a cow or a bull. Bill told her,

"I see horns on that thing. It's a bull. I may be from the city, but I know bulls are dangerous. We gotta get movin'!"

"Cows can have horns, too. I looked at its undercarriage, so to speak, and I saw udders. You're right, bulls aren't something to mess with. If I'd seen something else, I would've kicked off these shoes so I could run faster and told you to run like hell." She looked at the cow, still munching on leaves,

"I wonder if this is the local peeper. Think about it, the cow has shaggy red hair and brown eyes. It walks with a sort of heavy step and sometimes cows sound as if they're doing some heavy breathing."

"You might be on to somethin', Sweetheart. It makes sense. No wonder nobody saw the guy when they went lookin' for him. A cow standin' in a field ain't an unusual sight around here. How can we prove what you said?" Leigh thought about a solution and carefully went through the branches to get closer to the cow.

"This always worked when one of my grandpa's cows got out of the fenced in pasture or if he was trying to get the cows into the barn to milk them." She gently swatted the cow's rump, telling it,

"Go home!" The cow turned around and started walking away. Leigh followed it,

"Don't worry about the basket and the blanket, we can get it later. Let's follow the cow home and we can talk to the farmer. Once you're in this pasture, remember to look down frequently or you could have fresh cow pie on your boots.

Cows 'go' whenever and wherever the notion strikes them, and there might be several smelly 'land mines' scattered around." Bill chuckled, thanking Leigh for her tip.

"I learned somethin' new today. Too bad we never had the chance to get Sobel in this field an' not tell him about those land mines. It would have been funny as hell to see his boots covered in cow shit." He took Leigh's hand as they walked across the pasture.

As they strolled toward the barn, Bill noticed a man who appeared to be in his late 60s walking toward the cow. The tall, slightly heavy set man was bald with a fringe of white hair and blue eyes. He wore sturdy boots, well worn brown trousers, suspenders and a light brown shirt rolled up to expose his sun tanned arms. Both Bill and Leigh heard the man say,

"So there you are, Delilah. I see you broke out of the barnyard again. I've half a mind to sell you next market day." He noticed the American soldier and presumably his girlfriend approaching him, asking,

"Young man, are you and your young lady lost?" Guarnere smiled,

"Sir, my name is Bill Guarnere, Sergeant Guarnere, an' this is my girl, Leigh Spencer. No, Sir, we ain't lost." The man introduced himself to the couple,

"My name is James Alderson and this is my farm. If you don't mind my asking, why are you following my cow?" Leigh grinned,

"This will sound as if I'm crazy. Have you heard about the local peeping tom? I have reason to believe that your cow could be the 'peeper'." Alderson looked a bit puzzled,

'Yes, I know about the peeper. Why do you think Delilah is the perpetrator?"

"Mr. Alderson, as you know, the peeper is supposed to have unruly red hair and brown eyes. Delilah wasn't in your pasture when she made her presence known during the picnic we were having.

The peeping tom is supposed to have a heavy footed walk and is also known for heavy breathing. I grew up in a rural area of Ohio and I'm familiar with cattle. I'm guessing the heavy breathing is Delilah sort of snorting, for lack of a better word.

Does she have a habit of getting out of your pasture?" Alderson considered what Spencer told him, then he started to chuckle. The chuckle grew into loud laughter as he said,

"I never dreamed that my cow would cause havoc in the village." He laughed again, "She flummoxed the constable. He couldn't find a man and even got some of you Yank soldiers to help find the elusive peeper." He opened a gate to the barnyard and Delilah walked in, heading for some food in the barn. Before the cow got past him, Alderson patted her back and chuckled,

"You made quite a stir." Then, he answered Leigh's question, "Yes, Delilah has a bad habit of getting out of the fenced in area near the barn. She likes an occasional stroll in the village, too." Spencer asked,

"There were no peeping tom reports for a month, did you find a way to keep her at home?"

"I kept Delilah in the barn during that time. It seemed the perfect solution to her escaping, but she was unhappy. She didn't eat as much as she normally did. I rang (called) a veterinarian, thinking she was ill.

He said that she was depressed, not physically ill. I never realized that cows could feel depressed. The doctor also told me that she's getting out because she's looking for companionship. Delilah should be very happy next week, I'm getting her bred with a bull who lives down the road." Bill made Leigh blush a bit when he asked Alderson,

"In other words, Sir, are ya sayin' that she's lookin' for some action? I know I'm happier..." he noticed that Leigh was blushing and decided to leave well enough alone, adding, "Never mind, Sir, I'm talkin' too much." Alderson tried to suppress a grin as he figured out why Spencer was embarrassed.

"Yes, that's another way of saying the same thing. No harm done, Sergeant Guarnere. If you or your young lady see Delilah again, just send her home. I'm going into the village to speak with the constable and clear up this peeper situation.

Would you and your young lady like a lift into town? My vehicle isn't working at the moment, so I'm taking my horse and wagon." Both Guarnere and Spencer thanked Alderson, declining the ride back to the village. Bill replied,

"We appreciate ya offerin' to take us into town, but we need to get the picnic basket an' some other stuff. It ain't that much of a walk." Alderson excused himself in order to go to the barn and get the wagon and horses ready for the trip into the village.

Bill and Leigh left the farm and went back to retrieve their items from the picnic before they walked back to the house Leigh shared with Melissa. Residents of the village were relieved to learn that the peeper situation was over and they were amused to learn that a cow straying from her pasture was their suspect. Leigh was jokingly called "Sherlock Holmes" and "Cowgirl" by George Luz since she figured out the identity of the peeping tom.

***********************************************************************

After Bill and Leigh finished reminiscing about the peeper, Bill told Leigh,

"I had another run in wit' a cow in Normandy. The krauts shot a cow on some guy's farm. We were hungry an' a guy from C Company was fightin' wit' us. He got separated from his unit an' he tagged along until he caught up wit' 'em again.

This kid grew up on a farm an' he said we could eat some fresh beef instead o' those lousy rations. He told us that he would dress the cow an' then we could start cookin' the meat.

I didn't know he was talking' about cuttin' up the carcass for meat. I thought he was nuts an' he was gonna try to put a dress on the cow." Leigh laughed,

"Was the meat good?"

"It was real good, but we had to be careful eatin' because there was a lot o' shrapnel in it. We cooked it over a fire we built. I wonder if that guy got back home?"

"I hope he got back. I'm glad you got home, you're somethin' else, Honey. Even if you did tell Mr. Alderson that we were sleeping together." Guarnere smirked,

"Are ya telling' me you don't feel happier after gettin' up to somethin'?"

"Of course I feel happier, you adorable smart ass!" Bill winked at her,

"That's my baby!"

*Author's note: The story of the cow in Normandy came from Bill's and Babe's book. I paraphrased the story. The story about Bill's older brother and sisters giving him extra cookies is true. I changed it from doughnuts to cookies. The quotes about "Oh, the poor baby" and "Smart like a fox also came from his book.*

@marycorleone @billguarnereimagine @hbowar @william-guarnere @billguarneresmut @bellewintersroe @wildbillguarnere @footprintsinthesxnd @alluringmoonlightbabe @cielie-voss @breadsprinkles @belladonnange @wexbandxofxbrothers @f-1-and-shiz @brassknucklespeirs @leksi-rae @cagzzz107 @lenabob @lizziebitch33 @vibing-away

[msmercury84]

"I Double Dare You," The First Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Guarnere

*Author's note: Prices of women's dresses were researched at a website dedicated to the prices of women's clothing in the 1940s. Bill and some of the Easy Company veterans would say, when it was snowing, "At least I'm not in Bastogne." The real Wild Bill didn't discuss the war with his family until HBO featured "Band of Brothers." Until the book and movie came out, they had no idea how he lost his right leg. For this reason, I'm having my fictional version of Guarnere keeping his nightmares and trauma to himself. The black and white picture is Gimbel's department store in Philadelphia during the mid to late 1940s.*

***********************************************************************

Bill and Leigh decided to drive to the heart of downtown Philadelphia to see the Christmas lights and do some window shopping. Both of the Guarneres were trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for each other. They strolled the streets hand-in-hand, looking at the decorated window displays of some department stores and smaller shops.

While looking at the display in a department store's window, Leigh noticed a red wiggle dress with a red satin bow in the back. The dress had a square neckline and she was quite taken with it until she saw the small sign beside the garment stating, "Only $45, perfect for decking the halls or ringing in the new year."

She decided to remain quiet about liking the dress because it cost nearly three times the price of the dresses worn by most women in that era. The department store had prices higher than other stores, but their items for sale were considered top quality.

Bill noticed the way Leigh was gazing at the dress.

"Baby, that (he pronounced the word as 'dat') would look stunnin' on you."

"It's very pretty, but the price is extortionistic. I could make a dress similar to it for much less money." She secretly hoped that the manager of the Women's Clothing section would allow her to put it on layaway after the holidays were over and she could wear it next Christmas.

While waiting to cross the street, Bill told her,

"Sweetheart, I done a real stupid thing earlier today. When I was gettin' in the car to go home from work, I kinda tripped an' smashed the hell outta that nice watch ya got me for my birthday before we went overseas."

"Honey, are you OK? I hope you didn't get hurt."

"I tripped on my good leg. I'm fine. I'm really sorry about breakin' the watch."

"A watch can be replaced. As long as you're not hurt, that's the most important thing." They continued their walk down the street. Leigh decided to find a nice replacement for the watch that was broken. She thought that she would look at watches during her lunch hour on the following day.

On the way home, Leigh said,

"I'm looking forward to helping Mama with the Feast of the Seven Fishes this year."

"You done one hell of a good job fixin' the feast in Aldebourne." He had a devilish grin as he added, "I remember not havin' you beside me an' sittin' up so I could see where ya were. I got treated to a beautiful sight o' you bent over tendin' the fire. You looked really sexy in that silk an' lace set I bought for your birthday.

That reminds me, I might find a little somethin' for ya to wear that's sexy. I enjoy seein' you in that fancy stuff anytime."

Snow began to fall and Bill was glad they didn't have a long drive to get home. The weather made him think about Bastogne. He didn't notice the hushed atmosphere outside as the snowflakes swirled in the air. Guarnere was transported to the frozen Bois St. Jacques where endless shelling from the enemy shook the ground and the deafening barrage seemed to go on forever.

Bill was aware of his surroundings as he drove to South Philadelphia, he saw the traffic, the movement of the windshield wipers and the snow. Still, he felt as if he could hear the exploding shells and the occasional screaming from men who were hit by enemy bullets or shells and the shouts of "Medic!"

Counseling for veterans wasn't provided along with the physical therapy for those who needed it and the reintegration into civilian life. Veterans had to deal with what would be known today as PTSD. The term used to describe the psychological trauma some of the veterans had was called shell shock.

Those suffering from this type of trauma were encouraged to "suck it up," "keep a stiff upper lip" and to "get on with their lives." For these reasons, most veterans never discussed what they did in the war with their wives and families. As far as some of these veterans were concerned, the war was over and they had to go on with everyday life.

Leigh noticed that Bill was unusually quiet and she guessed that he was thinking about the war. She knew that the one year anniversary of his life changing injury was coming up and she hoped that she could help him if the memories were too intense.

Guarnere forced himself to stop living in the past. He saw that Leigh looked worried.

"Sweetheart, I'm gonna be OK. There ain't nothin' for you to worry about. I'm just thankful that I'm not in Bastogne."

Bill pulled the car into a parking space behind the rowhouse. He shut off the engine and took the key out of the switch. Then, he got out and opened the car door for Leigh. As she exited the car, Bill ensured that the car doors were locked.

Guarnere took her hand and they walked up the back steps. Leigh unlocked the door and they entered the kitchen. After supper was over, Bill helped her do the dishes and they listened to the radio before going to bed.

After being asleep for about three hours, Leigh noticed that Bill was restless. She immediately noticed that their bedroom was very cold and Leigh knew that Bill couldn't sleep in a cold room.

"The temperature must have dropped quite a bit outside. I'm going downstairs to put more coal in the furnace. Would you like to have an extra blanket on the bed, Honey?" Guarnere was already putting on his wooden leg. As he donned his trousers, he told her,

"I can take care o' the furnace, Baby. You don't have to do that. Leigh, I know you're lookin' out for me an' I know you're doin' this because ya love me. Sweetheart, let me do what I know I can do."

"I'm sorry, Bill. I didn't mean to treat you like an invalid. I got carried away. From now on, if you know you can do something, I won't try to stop you." Guarnere put on the shirt he had worn earlier in the day and some shoes. He walked over to Leigh's side of the bed and kissed her.

"Thanks for understandin', Baby. You didn't hurt my feelins. While I'm in the basement, you could put an extra blanket on the bed if you want, 'cause it takes time for the room to get warm."

Leigh got up and went to their closet. The blankets were folded and stored on a shelf. She selected a soft wool blanket that she bought in London and put it on the bed. Then, she got back into bed and waited for Bill to return from the basement. Guarnere soon entered their bedroom,

"We should be feelin' warm soon, Sweetheart." He took off his shirt, trousers, socks and shoes. Then he sat on the edge of the bed to remove his wooden leg. Once he was in bed, Leigh turned off the lamp on the bedside table. Bill stretched out on the bed, pulling Leigh close to him.

"I can think of a real good way to warm up, Baby." Guarnere kissed Leigh, quickly deepening the kiss as he began to caress her." After the kiss ended, Leigh told him,

"I like the way you think, Honey. Let me put my diaphragm in and then I'm all yours."

Two days after Bill and Leigh noticed the red dress in the department store's window, Guarnere was on his lunch break. He decided to drive to a diner that was in the area of the department stores. While he was stopped at a red light, Bill noticed Leigh looking at the red dress in the window of the store.

Leigh entered the store. Bill found a parking spot close to the diner. As he crossed the street to the diner, he hoped to find a table next to the window. Guarnere wanted to find out if his wife was purchasing the dress.

He got a seat at the last table available that was beside the window. After a waitress took his order, Bill watched the front doors of the store. Soon, Leigh exited the shop. She was disappointed because the store didn't have a layaway policy.

Guarnere noticed that Leigh didn't purchase anything since she had no bags from the store. After he finished his lunch and a cigarette, Bill went into the shop and found a middle aged woman who was a sales clerk. He described Leigh to the woman and she confirmed that a customer fitting her description asked her about the possibility of putting a dress on layaway.

Bill told the sales clerk that the woman in question was his wife and he wondered if she put the red dress in the window on layaway. The clerk said that her customer was disappointed because the department store didn't do layaways.

"Ma'am, would ya happen to know what size dress she wanted? I want to buy that for her Christmas present, but I don't know much about the sizes for women's clothes." He gave the clerk what he hoped was his most appealing smile.

The woman was charmed by Bill's polite demeanor and his smile. She told him the size of the dress that Leigh wanted. Guarnere thanked her for her help and asked,

"Ma'am, is there a way for you to hold the size she wanted in that dress until tomorrow? I can pay for it on my lunch break." She took Bill's name and he gave her Augusta's number so if a call was made about the dress, Leigh wouldn't find out. The clerk told him that the dress would be held until 1 p.m. the following day.

Leigh went from the department store to a jewelry store that was further up the street. She was unaware that Bill had seen her and she was hoping to find a nice watch for him.

The jewelry store had a nice selection of men's watches, but Leigh was unable to find what she wanted. She left the shop and went to a nearby department store. After looking around for a few minutes, Leigh found a watch that was a very popular brand. It was guaranteed to have unbreakable glass on the face.

Since the extended Guarnere family was so large, the adults drew names of family members. Leigh was happy to have Augusta as the recipient of her gift. Bill had selected Teresa as the recipient of his gift.

Leigh was hoping that Bill would honor the decision they made to buy one gift for each other. While they both worked, neither position paid a large amount of money. She had just started working for the radio station in late August and while Leigh technically had her own show, she was paid the same salary as anyone starting out on the radio at the CBS station in Philadelphia.

The following day, Bill visited the department store on his lunch break and purchased the dress for Leigh. The sales clerk who helped him put the dress on hold asked him,

"Sir, would you be interested in some lingerie for your wife? We have a lovely red silk bra, garter belt and tap panty set that arrived this morning." Guarnere was interested in seeing the set. He remembered Leigh's bra and panty size from the time he bought the satin and lace set for her birthday. He bought the red silk set. The lingerie was a little more expensive than Bill realized, but he thought,

"I never had a chance to spoil my baby very much durin' the war. I know we agreed to one gift, but Leigh's done so much for me an' she deserves a little somethin' extra. It won't hurt me to take my lunch to work wit' me instead o' eatin' in town." As Bill paid for the items, the clerk told him,

"Your purchases qualify for free gift wrapping. Would you like to have the gifts wrapped, Sir?" Bill agreed and he went to the gift wrapping department of the store.

He chose shiny red wrapping paper with small gold bells printed on it for the box containing the dress. It was topped with a gold ribbon and a large gold bow. The box containing the lingerie set was wrapped in blue paper printed with tiny silver angels. This package had a silver ribbon and it was topped with a medium sized silver bow.

Guarnere thanked the young woman who wrapped the gifts. She carefully placed small cardboard guards around the bows and placed both packages in a large shopping bag. As she handed the bag to Bill, the gift wrapper told him,

"Your wife is a lucky woman to have a nice, good looking guy like you for her husband."

"Thanks, Miss. I'm really lucky to have a beautiful angel for my wife. Maybe you heard her singing on the radio? She has two shows on the CBS station here in town. Her name is Leigh Guarnere."

"I only get to hear her early morning show before I go to work. She's extremely talented." Bill thanked the young woman for her help and her compliment about Leigh. He then looked for a Christmas card for Leigh.

Guarnere found a selection of Christmas cards nearby and looked for a few minutes until he found the perfect card. It had poinsettias on the front of the card that were accentuated with red glitter.

Written across the top of the card in gold colored cursive writing was, "Merry Christmas to My Sweet Wife." Guarnere paid for the card and borrowed a sales clerk's pen to write on the inside of the card,

"Baby, I love you more and more every day. This Christmas is extra special because it's our first Christmas together as husband and wife. Marrying you is the best thing I ever did. All my love, Bill."

Two weeks before Christmas, Leigh paid the remaining balance on the watch. The department store had free gift wrapping and she selected shiny red wrapping paper with a gold bow.

She also had a package wrapped for Augusta. Teresa told Leigh that she overheard her mother saying to Louise Spencer that she accidentally ruined her bathrobe in the wringer of her washer.

Leigh got the correct size from Teresa and she selected a chenille bathrobe in the same shade as her favorite robe, white with a red rose appliqued on the front. Augusta's gift was wrapped in white paper printed with holly berries and it was topped with a large red bow and red ribbons.

She found a card for Bill that had a picture of a cozy room with wood burning in a fireplace. The printed message on the front said,"Merry Christmas to My Dear Husband." Leigh wrote,

"Bill, this reminded me of the living room in Aldebourne where we spent a very special Christmas. You make our house a home and I will love you for eternity, Leigh."

Next, she purchased a card for Augusta that had a Christmas Tree with glittery ornaments. The message said, "Merry Christmas to My Mother-In-Law." Leigh wrote,

"Mama, you made me feel as if I was part of the family from the first time we met. Your cooking advice is making me a better cook and a better wife for Bill. You're a good friend and you're like a second mother to me."

Leigh called Augusta when she got home from work the following afternoon. She told her about an idea she had for an extra gift for Bill, saying,

"Mama, does Pop have time to take on extra work? Bill doesn't have a nice suit. When we had our portrait done, Bill said that his dress uniform was the best suit he had.

If Pop has the time, I'd like to pay him his usual fee and ask if he would make a suit for Bill." Augusta asked Joseph and he said that he would be happy to make a nice suit for his son.

"Sweetie, just bring over Billy's uniform. He can use that to get the right length for the trousers and a nice jacket. Pop said for you to pick out the material for the suit and the lining of the jacket.

He doesn't want to take your money, but I told him that you insisted on payin' for the suit since it's a present for Billy. Joseph wonders if you can drop off the uniform in a couple of days." Leigh told her that she would drop off the uniform after she finished her afternoon show.

Since the elder Guarneres lived within walking distance of Bill and Leigh, she got Bill's dress uniform from the closet, placing it in a large department store bag and took it to her father-in-law. He calculated how much fabric should be purchased and Joseph told Leigh that he had buttons for the trousers and the suit coat. She only needed to buy thread that matched the color of the material.

Leigh took a bus into the downtown area to visit a department store that sold fabric and items used for sewing. She found a nice cotton/wool blend fabric in dark charcoal gray and the matching thread. Then, she located a dark gray silk lining for the suit.

Once the items were purchased, Leigh took the bus back to South Philadelphia and dropped off the items for the suit at her in-laws' house.

Joseph took Bill's uniform and the material to his shop that was in the basement of their house. He wrote down the measurements for the length of the sleeves, the length of the trousers, the waist of the trousers and the width of the chest area and the width of the shoulders for the suit coat.

Leigh stopped by her in-laws' house later that day to retrieve Bill's dress uniform. She returned it to their closet and Guarnere never noticed that the uniform had been missing for one day.

The week before Christmas, Augusta called the secretary at the CBS radio station in downtown Philadelphia to leave a message for Leigh. She was happy to learn that the suit was completed.

Leigh took the bus home and walked to Joseph's and Augusta's house. Joseph was very pleased when she told him while paying for the suit,

"Pop, this is much better quality clothing than anything in the stores. It's beautifully made." The elder Guarnere put the suit in a box and the box went into an unmarked bag. He hugged his daughter-in-law and told her that he looks forward to having her and Bill at the annual Christmas Eve feast.

Leigh walked home and was surprised to see that Bill was already home. He had returned from hiding her gifts under the bed in the guest room. After he embraced and kissed her, Guarnere asked,

"Did ya do some Christmas shoppin', Baby?"

"As a matter of fact, I did. I need to put this away, and then I'll get supper started." She went to their bedroom and put the box under their bed. Leigh hid the box among the gifts that were already wrapped and stored under the bed.

Julia and Teresa told Leigh that Bill was notorious for snooping around to find his gifts for Christmas. Leigh stashed the wrapped box containing the watch behind a large box of tampons. She knew that Bill wouldn't look in the area around the box.

She was slightly amused by her husband's embarrassment seeing her feminine hygiene products. Although Bill knew about women having periods, he felt no need to discuss the topic with his wife.

Leigh was talking on the phone with Teresa when she told her,

"You know I love Bill, but I had to laugh when I came back from the drugstore last week with a box of Tampax. He walked upstairs with me and we were talking about what to have for supper.

I went into the bathroom and got the box out of the brown paper bag. Bill started to follow me into the bathroom until he saw the box. He slightly blushed and backed away from it." Teresa laughed, replying,

"One of my friends at work has been married for ten years. She sends her husband out to buy feminine napkins from the drugstore. Joann says it used to embarrass him. Now it doesn't bother him one bit. Could you imagine Billy Baby buying that stuff? His face would be as red as a tomato."

"I agree, but I can't do that to him. He's so sweet and kind. I don't want to do anything to embarrass Bill." Teresa told her sister-in-law that she understood.

"I'd like to have a good marriage like you and my baby brother. Ma says that you two were made for each other."

The following evening after work, Bill drove downtown to buy a Christmas Tree and a tree stand. Once he purchased the items, he was walking back to his car. He passed the upscale department store where he'd purchased Leigh's dress.

Guarnere glanced in the display window and noticed a small sign advertising personalized Christmas ornaments. Blown glass angels with various shades of hair colors hung on a small Christmas Tree. "A perfect gift for the angel in your life. Our in-store artist will paint the correct shade of hair and the name of your loved one on the ornament for a small fee."

Bill walked into the store and asked a clerk where he could buy the personalized angel ornament. He was directed to a department in the middle of the first floor.

After waiting patiently in line for fifteen minutes, Guarnere bought the angel ornament for $7. Most ornaments sold for prices ranging from fifty cents to $2. The artist made the angel's hair brown and painted Leigh's name on the back.

A small machine that blew a stream of warm air sat on a table next to the artist. He carefully held the ornament in the warm air until the paint was dry. Then, he carefully packed the fragile ornament into a box.

Bill declined having the box wrapped since he was eager to get home. When he entered the kitchen, after embracing and kissing Leigh, Guarnere got the box containing the ornament out of his overcoat pocket.

"I got a little somethin' for our Christmas Tree, Sweetheart." Leigh opened the box and was surprised to find the personalized ornament.

"Honey, it's beautiful! I didn't know the hair color and a name could be added to an ornament. Thanks, Bill. You're so sweet and thoughtful."

"I wanted my angel to have a special angel for our Christmas Tree." After supper, Bill got the tree into the tree stand. He and Leigh put on the lights and a new set of bubble lights.

Leigh put on the decorations she took to Aldebourne. Bill helped her place the new ornament toward the top of the tree, along with the star for the top of the tree. The angel ornament was included on every Christmas Tree the Guarneres had over the years.

The Spencers and Louise's parents, John and Mary Elliott, reserved hotel rooms and took a train to Philadelphia to celebrate with the Guarnere family.

Both Louise and her mother were in awe of the amount of food prepared for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Family members crowded the dining room and a smaller table was set up to accommodate the guests. Everyone enjoyed the food and conversations during the feast. After the feast was finished and the dishes were washed and put away, the Guarneres, the Elliotts and the Spencers attended Midnight Mass.

Bill awoke on Christmas morning as dawn was breaking. He was eager to give Leigh her presents. Guarnere quietly got out of bed and put on the clothes he had worn the day before and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

He knew that Leigh had bought the ingredients for Strata. Bill decided to surprise her by preparing the Strata and the coffee. It didn't take him long to get the ingredients into a pan and into the oven.

While their breakfast was baking, Guarnere made fresh coffee. He got out two trays, two plates, silverware, two coffee cups and napkins. Once the Strata was ready, Bill put a portion on Leigh's plate and the plate went onto the tray. He filled the cup with coffee, got the silverware and a napkin.

Then he carried the tray to their bedroom. Guarnere walked to Leigh's side of the bed and kissed her cheek, telling her,

"Merry Christmas, Baby." She awoke and was surprised to see the tray in Bill's hands.

"Merry Christmas, Honey. I slept too long. You didn't have to make breakfast."

"I enjoy cookin' an' I wanna spoil my angel."

"Thanks, Bill. You're so sweet. That Strata looks delicious!"

After breakfast was over and the dishes were washed, Bill went into the guest room to retrieve Leigh's gifts. She went into their bedroom to get the package containing Bill's suit and his Christmas card. Then she got the box containing the watch from the bathroom cabinet.

She carried the gifts and card downstairs, placing them under the Christmas Tree. Leigh saw two gifts under the tree. She grinned, thinking,

"We both decided not to honor the decision to get one gift for each other." Bill was sitting on the couch."

"Go ahead an' open your presents, Baby. I hope ya like 'em." Leigh got her gifts and placed them on the coffee table, along with the card from Bill. She bought his gifts and card, placing them on the coffee table next to her presents.

Leigh got the larger box and remarked,

"This is beautifully wrapped." She removed the paper, saving the ribbon and bow to use again, and opened the box. Leigh was extremely surprised to see the red wiggle dress.

"Honey, this is a wonderful surprise! I wanted to put this on layaway, but the store doesn't do layaway on items. Oh, Bill, this is beautiful and very extravagant." She hugged and kissed him, "Thank you. I never thought that I would have this dress." Bill smiled,

"I'm glad ya like it, Baby. That dress was made for you." Leigh handed Bill the large box.

"I hope I got the right color for you, Honey." He removed the wrapping paper and opened the lid. He wasn't expecting a new suit. Guarnere took out the suit coat and trousers.

"Baby, the color is perfect." He tried on the jacket and held up the trousers, adding," It looks custom made."

"It is custom made by one of the best tailors in Philadelphia for his son. I paid Pop for his work since this is your present. Plus, I didn't want to take advantage of Pop's generous nature."

"Leigh, you're an angel, ain't no way you would take advantage o' anybody. It's sweet o' you to pay Pop for his sewin'. You're real thoughtful, too. I needed a good suit." She returned Bill's embrace,

"When we had our portrait made, you said that your dress uniform was the only good suit you had." She opened the next present,

"Oh, Baby, it's gorgeous! I'm looking forward to modeling it for you." Leigh gave Guarnere a passionate kiss. After the kiss ended, she handed the second gift to Bill.

"You have another present, Honey." He opened the gift and grinned as he saw the watch.

"You know I needed this. It's shock proof, the glass is unbreakable an' it's even waterproof! Ya went all out 'cause this is a really good watch. I'm puttin' it on right now." Guarnere set and wound the watch before he put it on. He embraced and kissed her.

"That's a classy lookin' watch an' suit. Since we wear nice clothes for Christmas, I'm wearin' my new suit to Ma's and Pop's house." He gave Leigh her card and she handed Bill's card to him.

She read the message and hugged him,

"It's beautiful and I love what you wrote, Honey. Marrying you is the best thing I ever did, too. I want to display my card on the table before I get cleaned up. I'm wearing that exquisite dress today and I plan to model that lovely set for you soon."

Guarnere opened his card and read the message written by Leigh. He tenderly kissed her.

"That does remind me of the livin' room in Aldebourne. That was a hot time on that couch. Baby, even then,I was hopin' that you would be my wife someday. You make this house a home for me, too. That was a sweet thing to say."

There was a small gathering at the Guarneres' since Julia and Maria were spending Christmas Day at the homes of their in-laws. Both sets of parents and Leigh's grandparents thought Leigh's new dress was very pretty and that Bill looked very handsome in his new suit. Joseph was proud to hear his daughter-in-law say that one of the best tailors in the city made Bill's suit.

Augusta was surprised to have her favorite robe replaced and she also enjoyed the card Leigh gave her. Bill and Leigh had given their parents and her grandparents 8x10" copies of the portrait they had made shortly after their wedding.

The newlyweds were glad to get a gift of frozen steaks and some other cuts of beef from Leigh's grandpa. Cal and Louise gave Bill and Leigh a $25 gift certificate from Popi's restaurant. The Spencers also gave a gift certificate in the same amount to the elder Guarneres. Teresa liked Bill's gift of a new purse. Leigh helped him pick it out in one of the local department stores.

Before Bill and Leigh returned home for the evening, Augusta gave her a gift from Julia, since she got Leigh's name for the gift exchange.

"Sweetie, Julia said that you might want to open this at home. That's why I didn't bring it out earlier." Leigh was both eager and curious to find out what her sister-in-law bought.

Once they got home, she opened the box from Julia and was surprised to find a red silk robe that matched the lingerie set from Bill. One of Julia's friends worked in the store and she saw Guarnere buying the gift. She let Julia use her employee's discount so she could purchase the robe.

Bill was pleased to see that Leigh had the matching robe to the set. He wasn't aware it was for sale and he guessed that it went on sale after he bought the lingerie for Leigh. The day after Christmas, Leigh called and thanked Julia for her gift, telling her,

"It was a perfect match for a set Bill bought." Then, Julia told her about her friend who worked in the store and saw Bill buying the red satin set.

"My friend told me about a fresh little girl who works in gift wrappin'. She heard the girl tell Billy Baby, 'Your wife is lucky to have a nice, good lookin' guy like you." Leigh smiled when Julia told her Bill's reply to the girl. Before going to bed, Leigh began to plan a special supper for New Year's Eve.

[msmercury84]

*Author's Note: Before I post my new chapter, here's a Christmas chapter from last year.*

"Christmas and New Year's Eve in Aldebourne" from "I Double Dare You-A Rendezvous With Destiny."

*Author's Note: Smut warning at the beginning of the chapter. Not for readers under the age of 18.*

Leigh awoke in the middle of the night with a need to visit the bathroom. She very carefully climbed over the back of the couch to avoid disturbing Bill. Spencer made her way upstairs and turned on the hall light so she could have an easier time seeing. Once she finished her business in the bathroom and washed her hands, Leigh decided to brush her teeth. She didn't want to have bad breath from the extra Limoncello she drank.

Once Leigh finished brushing her teeth and rinsing out the sink, she turned off the hall light and quietly went downstairs. On her way into the living room, Spencer noticed that the fire was dying down. Bill had stacked some firewood by the fireplace. She got several pieces and used the poker to break up the fragments of the wood that was nearly gone.

Guarnere turned over, expecting to put his arm around Leigh. He sat up, looking for her and saw her bending over fixing the fire. Bill noticed that she didn't need help with the fireplace and he grinned as he took in the view of the silk tap panties moving up slightly to show her behind.

"That's (he pronounced the word as 'dats') a beautiful sight, Baby." Spencer was startled and she almost dropped the poker. 

"Oh, Honey, I didn't mean to wake you, I was trying to be quiet." 

"You didn't wake me. I noticed my angel wasn't beside me, so I was lookin' around to see where ya were. Seein' ya bent over like that really does somethin' to me, Sweetheart." Leigh put the poker in a metal umbrella holder that was by the fireplace.

She walked over to the couch. Guarnere loved the sight of her breasts slightly bobbing in her silk bra as she strode toward him. He got up from the couch to allow Leigh to get back to the side on which she was sleeping. 

"Baby, how did ya get up wit'out gettin' me to move?" 

"I crawled over the back of the couch because I didn't want to disturb you." 

"If you need to get up again, wake my ass up an' I'll move. You could've hurt yourself." 

"I'm fine and it wasn't much of a drop to the floor if I fell." 

"Promise me you'll ask me to move, OK, Honey?" Spencer agreed. 

"You done a good job gettin' the fire goin'. I ain't just talkin' about the fireplace." He winked at Spencer before he stretched out beside her. 

"I'm sorry that I passed out from drinking too much. That was foolish and selfish. Honey, I really wanted to make love with you." Guarnere pulled Leigh close to him, kissing her.

"Don't worry about it, Sweetheart. I ain't upset wit' ya. It can happen to anybody. Are ya feelin' OK?" 

"Thanks to you, there's no hangover. You're so sweet to take care of me." 

"Anytime, Baby. How do ya feel about me takin' care o' you this way?" Bill traced his fingers down her back as he gave Leigh a slow, sensual kiss. When the kiss ended, she replied,

"Go right ahead, Bill, I'm all yours." Guarnere gave her a tender kiss that quickly turned passionate. Leigh opened her mouth to allow his tongue in. Bill softly groaned as she sucked on the tip of his tongue. Spencer broke the kiss to nibble at his ears. She kissed his angular jaw line.

"Honey, you look good enough to eat." She gently sucked on his neck, taking care to keep any marks below the area that the collar of his uniform shirt covered.

"Baby, I don't care if ya leave marks on my neck. I'm not ashamed to show that my angel loves me." Leigh continued to explore his body with her tongue and lips. She flicked her tongue over his nipples and Bill chuckled. 

"That kinda tickles." Spencer continued to move down his torso, moving the waistband of his boxer shorts enough to allow enough room for her tongue to go under the waistband. Bill's cock was hard and Leigh stroked him through the fabric of his shorts. She reached into the opening on the front of his shorts and gently grasped the shaft of his cock.

She held him as she first licked and then gently sucked the tip of his cock. He groaned louder, trying very hard not to thrust his hips up as Spencer lavished attention on the tip, alternating between licking and sucking. Leigh noticed a few drops of pre come. She lapped them up,

"You taste so good, Baby." Guarnere gently pulled her up.

"Let me make love to ya, Sweetheart." She reclined on the couch as Bill began to kiss the tops of her breasts. He sucked her nipples through the silk bra. Leigh sat up so he could remove the bra.

Guarnere carefully placed the bra on the coffee table. He turned his attention back to Spencer's breasts and her nipples.

"You're beautiful. " She moaned softly, running her fingers through his hair. He wrapped his lips around her nipple, sucking harder. Bill gave her other nipple the same treatment before he pushed the covers back and moved down her body. When he encountered the damp silk fabric between her legs, Guarnere smiled, 

He gently sucked her clit through the silk. Leigh's hips thrust up as she moaned louder. Bill loved to hear her sounds of passion. He removed the silk panties, placing them with the bra on the coffee table. 

"Baby, would you open your legs for me? I love to look at ya, an' it's easier to taste ya this way." She eagerly did as he asked. Leigh felt incredibly sexy and extremely aroused. He stroked the silky curls between her legs, telling her,

"You're perfect, Sweetheart." He bent down to capture her hard clit between his lips. Spencer was moaning louder as Bill gently sucked her clit and worked two fingers into her wet interior. Guarnere continued to suck her clit as he thrust his fingers into her. Leigh's hips raised as she started to come. Bill smiled, looking up at her, 

"Leigh, you are so goddamned gorgeous when ya come." He kept sucking her clit as she rode out her orgasm.

"Oh my God, Bill!" He licked the lips of her sex, working his was back to her clit.

"You taste so good." Guarnere moved up to hold her, giving Spencer a passionate kiss. She tasted herself on his lips.

"That's hot as hell. Baby, I need you inside me." Bill grinned as he got a condom out of the cardboard carton on the coffee table. He carefully put it on and knelt over Spencer.

"Do you wanna be on top, Honey?" She got up and Guarnere reclined on the couch.

"Oh, hell yes!" Spencer straddled his hips, moaning loudly as she slid down his hard cock. Leigh started to circle her hips as she rode him. She would move up until only the tip of his cock was in her, then Spencer would quickly slide down his cock.

Bill groaned, grabbing her hips as he thrust up into her. He adored the sight of her full breasts bobbing. Guarnere moved his hands from Leigh's hips to her breasts, cupping them.Spencer moved faster, circling her hips. Bill loved holding her breasts, but he needed to grab her hips as he thrust up into her, faster and harder.

"Honey, I hate to stop you. Can we try it with me bending over, like I was when you saw me in front of the fireplace?" Bill had a wicked grin.

"OK, you little fireball. First, ya need to turn over an' get on your knees." Spencer eagerly got on her knees, raising her ass up a little bit. Guarnere groaned softly,

"Oh, Baby..." He inserted his cock into Leigh, grasping her hips. She gasped at the sensation of being completely filled by him. Spencer didn't realize what made this position feel wonderful. Bill was stimulating her G-spot as he thrust into her.

"So damned good!" She pushed back against him as he thrust harder and deeper into her. Spencer could feel an orgasm building within her. Bill increased the speed of his thrusting. Leigh felt the pleasure surging through her body.

"Oh, fuck, yes!" Guarnere felt her contracting around his cock and hearing her comment pushed him over the edge. Bill thrust deeper as he came.

"So good!" When her climax ended, Leigh lay atop him. Bill gently turned Spencer onto her side. He withdrew from her and removed the condom. Guarnere put it on a newspaper from the day before. He pulled on his boxer shorts and took the paper to the upstairs bathroom. Bill put the used condom in the toilet and flushed it. Guarnere washed his hands and stopped by Leigh's bedroom, getting a nightgown out of the chest of drawers. He went downstairs and handed the nightgown to Leigh.

"I thought ya might like to sleep in this." She thanked him and put on the gown before reclining on the couch. He put the newspaper in the fire, along with a few more pieces of wood.Bill went back to the couch and stretched out beside Leigh, kissing her tenderly and holding her close to him. He made sure they were both covered with the sheet and the blankets.

"Sweetheart, you're goddamned good at makin' love. All the practicin' we done is really payin' off." Leigh smiled, 

"I have a good teacher." Bill kissed the tip of her nose, 

"I just happen to be crazy in love wit' my student. Baby, honest to God, I wanna take time makin' love to ya like you deserve. A beautiful woman like you should be appreciated and savored like a good bottle o' wine or some top shelf whiskey." Leigh gave him a tender kiss, 

"Honey, the way you make love to me is fabulous. Have you ever heard me complaining?" 

"No." 

"Then there's no need to feel the way you do."

"I love you." 

"I love you, too, Honey." 

"It probably ain't too long after midnight, so that makes it Christmas mornin'. Merry Christmas, Baby." Bill kissed Leigh. She returned the kiss, 

"Merry Christmas, Honey. That's one of the best Christmas presents I've had. It was the right size and it fit me perfectly. I wouldn't think of exchanging it for something else. You gave me a very impressive 'package.'" Guarnere chuckled, 

"The wrappin' could've looked better."

"The ribbon on that package should be blue because it's worthy of winning first prize."

"I'd tell ya to go ahead an' get the ribbon, but I know you would probably do it. I don't wanna wear it around the house." He smirked and added, "At least ya didn't have a tag  on your legs that said, 'Don't Open Until Christmas.' 'course it's Christmas, so I'd just ignore the tag." Spencer slightly blushed, then she burst out laughing at Bill's remark. The more Leigh thought about his remark, the harder she laughed. 

"Bill, that was a perfect comment. If we were home now, we would be visiting our relatives later in the day. I don't think I could keep a straight face if I saw a tag on a gift saying " Don't Open Until Christmas." I would be laughing my ass off and blushing at the same time."

"Are you ready for some sleep, Baby? You wore me out an' I loved every minute of it."

"I'm worn out, too, but it was worth it." She put her head on Bill's chest and he put his arms around her. They soon drifted off to sleep.

Guarnere awoke again just before daybreak. Despite having Leigh beside him, he was too cold to sleep. He carefully got up from the couch, not wanting to disturb Leigh. He put on his uniform trousers, shirt, socks and boots. Then, he put an extra blanket on her after he tucked the top sheet and blanket around her. Bill went upstairs and got his OD jacket and some gloves. He quietly went downstairs, putting the gloves and jacket on the dining room table. 

From there, he went to the basement, found a shovel and began to shovel coal into the furnace. Guarnere hoped the house would be warm before Leigh awoke. He went upstairs, putting on his jacket and gloves and went outside to bring in some firewood. Although it was still dark outside, Bill was surprised to see what he estimated to be over a foot of snow on the ground. He guessed that the temperature was in the single digits.

The road through the village that led to the Army base was completely blocked by the snow. Guarnere didn't envy the person or people who had to clear the road in the icy wind. Once he got back inside, Bill got the fire going again in the fireplace. He took off his boots and placed them on the hearth to dry. Then, he quickly removed everything but his boxer shorts and got back on the couch, snuggling close to Leigh and spooning with her.

Guarnere drifted off to sleep after the house started to warm up. He awoke later, checking his watch, discovering it was 7 a.m. Spencer yawned and stretched. She turned over to face Bill, smiling and telling him,

"Good morning, Honey." He returned her greeting, giving Leigh a kiss. 

"Sweetheart, let me take a quick bath an' shave. After that, I'm takin' care of breakfast. By the time you clean up, everythin' should be ready when you come down to eat.

When I was up earlier gettin' coal in the furnace an' a fire goin' in the fireplace, I wanted to surprise ya wit' breakfast in bed. Well, breakfast on the couch. Then, I got back on the couch an' went to sleep."

"You've done enough work, don't worry about cooking. I don't mind fixing our breakfast." 

"I know ya don't mind, Baby. It was so cold that I woke up early. I didn't want you gettin' up to an ice cold house. It wasn't a big deal to stoke the furnace. You made that delicious feast last night. I wanted to make somethin' we have every year for breakfast on Christmas mornin'. It's called a strata. If you got eggs, cheese, bread an' Italian sausage, I'll get it cooked. It ain't no trouble an' ya know I enjoy cookin'." Bill gave her what he hoped was his best persuasive look. 

"How can I say 'No' to those adorable puppy dog eyes? You probably used that expression to your advantage when you were a little boy. OK, you win, Honey. I have all of the ingredients in the kitchen." Guarnere smirked, then kissed Spencer.

"I can't help it if I'm adorable. Thanks, Sweetheart. I promise you're gonna enjoy the strata."

After bathing and shaving, Bill went downstairs to prepare breakfast. While he was in the kitchen, Leigh bathed, washed her hair and shaved her legs and her under arms.

Spencer put on her panties, bra, slip, garter belt and stockings before putting on another Wiggle Dress that she had made. It was cranberry colored with a sweetheart neckline. She had a clip on each side of the dress that looked like tiny sprigs of holly with berries.

Next, Leigh put on new black open toed pumps that she bought in London. She applied her makeup and went downstairs. Bill heard her walking downstairs and he left the kitchen, going into the dining room. Guarnere smiled, 

"There's my beautiful angel. I wish every dress ya had was a Wiggle Dress. Your body was made for that style. I made fresh coffee an' the Strata has to bake for a few more minutes.

"I wish those things on your dress were mistletoe." Since Melissa was at the house Bull shared with "Popeye" Wynn, Bradford Freeman and Floyd Talbert, Guarnere didn't need to keep his voice down when he added, "I'd enjoy kissin' ya under the mistletoe. Then, I'd put one o' the mistletoe things on the waist of your panties an' do lots o' kissing' under the mistletoe." 

"You don't have to find mistletoe, Bill. You're welcome to kiss those areas whenever you want. I should get mistletoe and put it above your boxer shorts. That way, you might allow me to make love to you with my lips and tongue." 

"Baby, you don't have to do that. You probably wouldn't tell me if ya didn't like doin' it." 

"I want to do it, but you never let me try to please you that way. Bill, I wouldn't insist on doing it if I didn't like it. I really would tell you if I disliked doing something." 

"Most o' the time, I want to be inside ya. From now on, if you wanna do that, just tell me. I'll sure as hell enjoy it." 

"I'll need to practice on you so I can please you as much as you please me." He winked,

"They always say 'practice makes perfect.' OK, you wild little devil, let's have some breakfast, an' then I'll give ya your Christmas present." 

"I need to get your gift and your card from my bedroom." 

"You'll have plenty o' time after breakfast."

"I'm doing the dishes since you went to all the trouble of cooking." 

"Ain't that much of a mess, but we can clean up together, Sweetheart." They walked to the dining room table. Bill had already set the table. He pulled out a chair for Leigh. She thanked him.

"I'll bring everythin' in that we need, Baby." He returned with a pot of fresh coffee and filled both cups. Then, Bill went back into the kitchen and brought out a fairly good sized baking dish with a lid. He put it on the table, removed the lid and showed her the Strata, saying,

"It turned out great. I think you're really gonna like this, Leigh." He asked her for her plate. Guarnere put a serving on both plates and took his seat at the table. Leigh took a fork and tasted the Strata. She chewed and swallowed the food,

"Honey, this is delicious! Is this one of your mom's recipes? It's everything for breakfast in one dish. This is so good that I'll have to have a second helping." Guarnere was pleased that Spencer enjoyed her breakfast. 

"Yes, Ma learned it from my Nonna DiSabato. It's been a Christmas family tradition for a long time. You eat as much as ya want, Baby." He grinned, adding, "Since it's Ma's recipe, I'll tell ya what Ma would say to you if you wanted another helpin', 'you an' Billy are too skinny.'" Leigh laughed,

"That's very accurate. She's so sweet and your mom has a great sense of humor. From the first time I saw her, she treated me like family. Actually, all of your family made me feel as if I belonged with them." Bill grinned, thinking,

"Ma an' everybody else knows that you're gonna be part of the family someday." Guarnere swallowed some food and replied

"Thanks, Honey. My folks are crazy about you, too." They enjoyed breakfast and Bill insisted on getting more coffee for himself and Leigh.

"That's sweet of you, Bill, but you don't need to wait on me hand and foot." 

"I enjoy doin' things for my baby." He was proud that Spencer liked the strata enough to have a second, albeit smaller, helping.

"Would you please show me how to make Strata sometime?" Bill told Spencer that he would be glad to teach her. He turned on the radio, finding some Christmas music. After they finished eating, Guarnere and Leigh washed the dishes. Coming out of the kitchen, Bill heard noise made by some very familiar sounding engines of Sherman Tanks. He looked out of the window, 

"Baby, they're drivin' tanks down the road to clear off the snow. That's a hell of a good idea. Those tanks can get through about anythin'. They need 'em all over Philadelphia, they work better than snow plows." Spencer came out of the kitchen and went to stand beside Bill. 

"Those tanks work better than any snow plow I've ever seen. I wish I had a camera. My grandpa would love to see those tanks going through the snow. He's fascinated with all things mechanical." Guarnere put his arm around her shoulders, 

"Is this the same man who sends that excellent beef to Ma and Pop? I'd like to meet him an' your grandma after the war is over." 

"Yes, he sends the beef to your parents. I know that he and my grandma would love to meet you, too. My grandma has the same kind of caring and giving personality that your mom has. She would cook a huge, delicious meal for you and she would think that we're both too skinny. No visitor to her house goes away with an empty stomach. She is one of eight children and she knew some hard times growing up.

My great grandpa was a farmer and he worked hard. Sometimes he wasn't able to sell what he grew on the farm because of a drought or other bad weather affecting the crops. They had just enough to survive. That's why she insists on cooking and sharing what she has."

"I understand growin' up like that. She sounds like a really nice lady, Honey." They watched the tanks, then Spencer went upstairs to brush her teeth and get Bill's present and Christmas card. Guarnere brushed his teeth after Leigh was finished. She took the package and card to the living room.

Bill walked into the living room and bent down to get her gift and card out from under the couch. He then gave her the gift and card as he sat beside her on the couch. 

"This is beautifully wrapped." She removed the silver wrapping paper and the red ribbon. Leigh set the ribbon aside to keep. Spencer opened the box. She took out the silver bracelet,

"Bill, this is absolutely stunning! Someone carved the flowers and the butterfly into those pieces of silver. I love it! Thank you so much, Honey! Would you please put it on me?" Guarnere was happy that she enjoyed her gift. 

"Sure thing, Sweetheart. Which arm do ya want it on?" Spencer held up her left arm and Guarnere carefully fastened the bracelet.

"There ya go, Baby. It looks nice on you." She opened the card and read what Bill had written. Leigh kissed him.

"The card is beautiful and so are the words that you wrote. Thank you, Baby. I only wish my gift to you would be as nice." 

"Honey, you gave me that feast last night. Nothin' I could find would come close to toppin' that." Bill opened his gift, 

"Baby, where did you find these cigarettes? I've looked all over Aldebourne an' part o' London trying' to find this brand. You know they're my favorite!" 

"I sent money to my dad and he bought them. Then, he sent them here. As I said, you should have a better gift." 

"This gift is fine. I've been cravin' this brand like crazy. Lucky Strikes ain't bad, but Pall Mall are the best. You're so thoughtful, Sweetheart." He read his card.

"That's so sweet. You're a blessin' an' I love you, too, Leigh. If it's OK wit' you, I'd like to put my card up here on the coffee table to kinda display it." Spencer told him that was fine with her. 

"That's a good idea, Bill. I'll put my card with yours. This bracelet fits as if it had been made for me and it's perfect with my angel necklace. Honey, thank you so much." Guarnere pulled her close to him, giving her a tender kiss. Leigh broke the kiss to tell him,

"Thanks for the delicious breakfast, too."

"I'd be glad to cook for ya any time, Baby." 

"Where did you find this bracelet? I've never seen such delicate and beautiful work like this." 

"I looked all over London, I was startin' to wonder if I'd have to find somethin' else, then I found this jewelry store that was kinda off the main part o' town. I wanted to find somethin' you could wear wit' your necklace. As soon as I saw the bracelet, I knew it was for you. Like I said about that fancy underwear I got ya for your birthday, that bracelet is beautiful an' elegant, just like you." Spencer smiled and kissed Bill again, 

"Honey, I thought that it would be kind of a sad day since we couldn't be with our families, but you made this a very happy Christmas." 

"I got an idea, why don't we call our folks later today?" 

"That's a great idea. It would be nice to talk to everyone."

A co-worker called and told Leigh she heard from her boyfriend who lived at the Army base that the football game was cancelled. The soldiers decided to have a snowball fight that would take place at 1 p.m. She also asked if Spencer could help make hot chocolate o coffee for everyone. Leigh promised to be there.

Later, in the afternoon, Bill and Leigh got a ride to the base in a jeep that was passing by. The men couldn't resist a snowball fight. For those at the Army base not taking part in the snow throwing, indoors was the best place to be to avoid getting hit by dozens of snowballs as they flew through the air. The men in Easy Company wanted to be on the same team as Buck Compton. They knew that the former college baseball star could throw an object a great distance with a great deal of accuracy.

Leigh was watching the snowball fight from the Mess Hall. She, Melissa and three other WAACs volunteered to help one of the cooks make hot chocolate for everyone. The cook took her into a storeroom after getting her to promise that she wouldn't tell anyone about several bags of sugar provided by the Army. Sugar was rationed in both the United States and the United Kingdom. A less than scrupulous person could make a fair amount of money selling the sugar on the black market.

A co-worker called and told Leigh she heard from her boyfriend who lived at the Army base that the football game was cancelled. The soldiers decided to have a snowball fight that would take place at 1 p.m. She also asked if Spencer could help make hot chocolate o coffee for everyone. Leigh promised to be there.

Later, in the afternoon, Bill and Leigh got a ride to the base in a jeep that was passing by. The men couldn't resist a snowball fight. For those at the Army base not taking part in the snow throwing, indoors was the best place to be to avoid getting hit by dozens of snowballs as they flew through the air. The men in Easy Company wanted to be on the same team as Buck Compton. They knew that the former college baseball star could throw an object a great distance with a great deal of accuracy.

Leigh was watching the snowball fight from the Mess Hall. She, Melissa and three other WAACs volunteered to help one of the cooks make hot chocolate for everyone. The cook took her into a storeroom after getting her to promise that she wouldn't tell anyone about several bags of sugar provided by the Army. Sugar was rationed in both the United States and the United Kingdom. A less than scrupulous person could make a fair amount of money selling the sugar on the black market.

Spencer and Adams heard the commotion outside as they got the hot chocolate prepared. Leigh looked out of the window, smiling as she watched Bill, Joe and Buck gang up on George, Frank and Don. The men were running and laughing as they pelted each other with liberal amounts of snow. Melissa looked and told Leigh,

"It's sweet to see 'em playing like young boys. I'd like to think that we'll all be home this time next year." 

"I'm glad they have a chance to have fun and goof off. This brings home the point to me that despite their training, they're still young men. Melissa, from your mouth to God's ear. I hope we're all home by this time next year " Melissa noticed Leigh's bracelet, saying,

"Oh, that's so pretty! Did you get that today?" 

"Yes. This is my gift from Bill. I love it!" 

"Denver gave me this necklace." She untied the top of her apron to reveal a necklace consisting of a small blue stones on a dainty silver chain.

"That's lovely! It really compliments your blue eyes and that delicate chain is perfect." 

"Denver had a tag on it that said, 'Don't Open Until Christmas." Spencer burst out laughing. She kept her voice down, telling Melissa why she laughed. Leigh was blushing and laughing. Adams laughed loudly. The other women glanced in their direction, but said nothing and continued to make hot chocolate. When the laughing and giggling was over, she asked her friend,

"Did Bill enjoy his feast?" Leigh told her about the dinner and about inviting Perconte. Spencer invited Melissa and Bull to supper. She then told her friend about Frank saying how he enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner with the Guarneres. Adams grinned, asking her,

"What did Bill think of that?"

"He asked me if I had heard what Perconte said. Then, he said, 'that's a sweet idea, Baby.' I agreed with him." 

"It sounds like Bill wanted to know how you felt about getting married." 

"I thought the same thing. When I answered him honestly it made him happy. As you can probably guess, I would be all for getting married."

"I thought so. I have a feeling you will be engaged or married by the time the war ends." Before Adams could answer about the supper invitation, the cook walked in saying,

"It looks like the snowball fight is tapering off. Is the hot chocolate ready?" They told him yes. Soon, some of the men walked into the mess hall, hoping to get a cup of coffee. They were surprised to learn that homemade hot chocolate was available. When the cook told the men that some WAACs prepared it, the men were eager to sample the hot chocolate.

The majority of the men enjoyed the homemade hot chocolate and the remainder had coffee. The cook told the WAACs that their help wasn't needed in the cleaning of the utensils and other items used to make the hot chocolate.

Bill and Leigh were preparing to leave. Colonel Sink had a jeep with a driver to take anyone home who did not live on the Army base. The driver was waiting in the warmth of the Mess Hall. Buck Compton was throwing a few snowballs at George Luz. Both men were still in a playful and mischievous mood. Luz asked Spencer,

"Why didn't you join in the snowball fight? " 

"I'm not dressed for it. If I had pants and boots, I would've been out here with you guys. Believe it or not, I don't throw like a girl." Bill raised his eyebrows,

"That so?"

"You bet your ass it's so." Both Compton and Luz laughed at her reply. Buck said,

"You talk a good game when the fight is over. Let's see what you've got." George told her, winking to let Spencer know that he was joking,

"She won't do it, Buck, Leigh doesn't want us to laugh at her when she can't throw a snowball." Leigh asked the men,

"Do you want me to hit a certain target or a person?" Luz was laughing, 

"Buck, don't tempt her, that woman's hands are lethal weapons. You want proof, ask Bill." Guarnere laughed, telling George in a good natured way,

"Shaddup, Moron. Ain't nothin' wrong wit' my baby's hands. She happens to be very skilled wit' her hands." Leigh blushed a bit and Bill quickly added, "Get your minds out o' the gutter. She's a talented musician." Luz had a wicked grin as he said,

"Are you sayin' that she's also a good organ player? She probably gets lots of practice playing with a certain organ..." George was silenced when a snowball thrown by Leigh hit his head." Spencer wasn't offended by Luz and she was laughing as the snowball hit its intended target. Bill laughed loudly and kissed her.

"That's showin' him, Baby. Good job!" Compton grinned, replying,

"Damn good throwing, Leigh." George grinned.

"I didn't even see that comin'. Boys and Little Sure Shot, how about a quick snowball fight?" The men were interested, but Spencer told them,

"I want to do it, but I need pants, a shirt, a coat, boots and gloves." Compton saw Frank Perconte. He called him over, asking if Leigh could borrow the items of clothing she needed." Perconte was glad to help. He asked Bill and Leigh to walk to the house in which he lived on the base. Once they got to the house, Frank escorted Leigh to his room and brought out everything she needed, including socks. Perconte removed his boots.

"I hate to miss the snowball fight, but I only have one pair of boots." Spencer thanked him. Perconte and Guarnere went out of the room to give her privacy so she could change her clothes." Leigh took off most of her clothing and she hung her dress, slip and coat in Perconte's closet. She put her garter belt, stockings and shoes in the closet, then she quickly donned the borrowed OD trousers, socks, shirt and boots. Spencer tucked the surplus material of the trousers into her borrowed boots.

She was surprised that everything fit fairly well. Leigh grabbed up the gloves and the OD jacket, leaving the bedroom. Bill saw her walking into the living room of the house.

"Sweetheart, you look adorable. I wish I could get a picture of ya in the OD uniform an' boots. Frank, thanks for helpin' her."

"I brought a camera from home. Wait just a minute and I'll get it." He soon returned with his camera. Frank took one picture of Leigh standing by herself. In the next picture, Bill had his arm around her. They both thanked Perconte for his help. She wrote down her parents' address so he could send the pictures to them.

Bill helped her into the jacket and Spencer got it fastened. Then, she put on the gloves. Guarnere held the door open for her. They walked back to rejoin Compton and Luz. Both men told Spencer that she looked cute in the borrowed uniform and boots.

Word quickly got around about another snowball fight. By the time everyone arrived, it was Bill, George, Buck, Leigh, Muck, Penkala and Malarkey against the same number of men from Charlie Company. One man from Charlie asked,

"Is it true you got a skirt fightin' with you?" Spencer stepped forward.

"Yes, it's true."

"We won't be rough on you, Doll, but we're goin' after those boys from Easy."

"Treat me like the rest of the boys, or you can suit yourself. I won't take it easy on you guys." The men from Charlie got a good laugh at her reply. Both groups separated on the area normally used for drilling exercises. Two makeshift snow forts, which were big walls of snow made by participants of the earlier game, still remained.

The battle began in earnest. Compton gave the opponents a rapid fire barrage of snowballs. Luz and Bill provided cover for Buck while Muck and Penkala made extra snowballs. Leigh was the unofficial sharp shooter and she made several accurate, rapid shots at the men from Charlie. Bill was extremely proud of her.

"Baby, where did ya learn to throw like that?" As she dodged incoming snowballs, she answered,

"I grew up with two male cousins who are like brothers to me. We lived fairly close together and spent lots of time together playing. They taught me how to throw." Toward the end of the battle, one man from Charlie pointed to the knitted hat he was wearing, telling her,

"If you can hit my hat, I'll give you 10 bucks." He stood near the wall of his team's snow fort. Spencer accepted the deal. She took careful aim and hit the intended target. The Charlie Company paratrooper looked at her in awe.

"Doll, you got a good pitching arm." When the fight ended, he walked over to Leigh, shaking her hand and handing her the money she'd earned. Buck Compton upped the ante. He told Spencer if she could hit a certain branch of a nearby tree, he would give her an additional $15.

The branch was toward the top of the tree. Leigh took her time and hit the branch. Bill grabbed Leigh around the waist and spun her around before setting her feet gently on the ground again.

"Ain't nothin' my baby can't do!" He gave Spencer a passionate kiss. Colonel Sink walked out of the Mess Hall in time to see Guarnere kissing a small paratrooper. He walked over to investigate, grinning as he recognized Leigh.

"Miss Spencer, why are you in uniform?" She explained the situation and Sink laughed.

"How about showing me your throwing skills?" Sink asked if she could throw a snowball over the opposite snow fort. That was a fairly long distance shot, but Leigh made it. The men and Sink applauded. Buck Compton gave her the money she earned. Leigh told him that she couldn't take money from a friend. He insisted, saying that she earned the cash. Spencer thanked him.

The colonel wished everyone a Merry Christmas and took his leave, telling the group that he wanted to get inside his quarters where it was warm. Guarnere walked Leigh back to Perconte's house. He told Frank about Spencer's throwing skills as she went to Perconte's room to change clothes. She thanked him again for all of the items she borrowed. Frank said that he would see them at supper.

They went into the Mess Hall to let the driver know that they were ready to leave. Although the main road was made passable, the deep snow made the colonel decide to ensure that anyone needing a ride into the village wouldn't be forced to walk. Guarnere and Spencer thanked the driver and he took them to the house. They entered the house. Leigh immediately started to get supper prepared.

"You're an amazin' woman, Baby. I wish my folks an' my sisters could've seen ya throwin' those snowballs. Next time somebody says somethin' about somebody throwin' like a girl, I'm gonna tell 'em about my girl. If you threw like that as a kid an' if you was in my neighborhood back then, I woulda fallen in love wit' ya, right on the spot.

Baby, I can warm everythin' up. I've had lots o' practice helpin' Ma. You worked wit' the food yesterday an' you've been busy today. Why don't ya take it easy an' let me take care o' supper." 

"Thanks, Honey. I really appreciate the help. All I need to do is cook the remaining oysters, make a batch of pizzelles and make some fresh coffee." 

"I can make the coffee for ya. You have enough to do, Baby." Spencer kissed him, 

"You're so sweet, Bill. Now, I can get everything ready before Perconte gets here. I just need to get my dress changed to what I wore earlier today." Leigh went upstairs and put on the cranberry colored Wiggle Dress and her open toed black pumps. She touched up her makeup and brushed her hair.

Spencer went downstairs and into the kitchen. She got some water to put in the Christmas Tree stand. Then she plugged in the lights on the tree. She turned on the radio and then she got white placemats with tiny holly leaves and berries embroidered on the edges. She put the placemats on the red tablecloth gracing the dining room table.

Soon, the table was set. She went into the kitchen and put on a white apron with red poinsettias embroidered on it. Bill was busy getting the food reheated.

"You're lookin' beautiful, Baby." Leigh thanked him and got to work making the pizzelles. She giggled when Bill tried to grab a few fresh cookies, sneaking behind her to get to the platter of cookies on the kitchen counter. 

"Honey, I won't smack you with a wooden spoon for taking some cookies. Eat as many as you want." 

"It makes Ma crazy if too many people are in the kitchen wit' her when she's tryin' to cook. I learned how to steal a few cookies when I was a kid." 

"If you got caught, did you stay out of trouble using your adorable puppy dog eyes expression?" Bill laughed, 

"Most o' the time it worked. A couple o' times, Ma hit my ass wit' a wooden spoon, but she didn't hit very hard." Leigh laughed as she finished making one batch of cookies. She had enough batter for a second batch, so she worked on getting the crispy cookies finished.

After the cookies were made, Spencer started to make oysters in polenta. Bill had the food ready and he was making the coffee.

"We have a lot of food. I hope you and Frank have good appetites." She heard someone knocking at the door. Spencer told Bill she would be back after she answered the door. Leigh was surprised and happy to see Melissa,Bull and Perconte. Melissa told her,

I hope this isn't extra work for you, but when Frank told us how good the supper was last night, Denver and I decided to come back here instead of eating in the Mess Hall."

"I was just telling Bill that we had a lot of food. You and Bull are more than welcome to eat here." She greeted Perconte,

"I'm glad to see you, Frank. Would you like some fresh pizzelles and coffee?" Leigh hung his and Bull's coats on a coat tree by the door. Melissa took care of her coat. Adams told Bull and Frank,

"Boys, help yourselves to some homemade candy. We tried to make all of the usual Christmas treats." Bill came out of the kitchen and he greeted Perconte and Randleman. He told Bull,

"You're in for a real treat, Buddy. Leigh made the Feast of the Seven Fishes." Guarnere explained the traditional meal and told Melissa and Bull about the items they were about to eat.

"My Baby went all out makin' the food from Ma's recipes. She even made Limoncello." Guarnere told them about the potent aperitif. Everyone enjoyed their supper. When Bull and Melissa complimented Leigh's cooking, she told them that Mrs. Guarnere sent her recipes for the feast. Randleman told Bill,

"Your mama must be one hell of a good cook!" Guarnere smiled,

"Thanks, Bull. Ma's a damned good cook. Leigh cooks just like her. This is the first time my baby tried to make this feast. It usually takes at least two women to do all o' the cookin' " Spencer thanked Bill for the compliments. The group talked, ate, laughed and enjoyed each others' company. Bill got up to refill the coffee pot and the wine glasses. Frank had a few extra pizzelles.

Leigh brought out the Limoncello and the delicate glasses. Bill told Randlman and Adams,

"This is strong stuff, but it's good. It can knock ya on your ass if you ain't careful." Everyone sipped and enjoyed the aperitif. Bull told Bill,

"Buddy, that's strong as moonshine. It's damned good." Melissa enjoyed the drink as much as her boyfriend.

"Denver is right, it is as strong as moonshine. This puts Tennessee sippin' whiskey to shame." Leigh made sure everyone had plenty to eat. To her surprise, every morsel of the food was eaten, including the pizzelles.

"Tonight, I'm helping with those dishes." Bull, Melissa, Frank and Bill told her that they would all pitch in to get everything cleaned up. Guarnere was also sent to relax, since he helped get everything ready. He decided to call his parents. It took a long time for the operator to set up the person to person call. Guarnere thanked the operator and wished her a Merry Christmas. The phone rang in South Philadelphia. Augusta answered and Bill said,

"Merry Christmas, Ma!" She smiled and told him "Merry Christmas" and asked about the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

"Ma, it was perfect. Leigh done a great job wit' everything. A buddy o' mine said it was his first Christmas Eve away from home an' the feast, so she invited him, too. He's the guy who called the spaghetti at Camp Toccoa 'Army noodles wit' ketchup.'" Mrs. Guarnere laughed,

"I remember hearin' that story. Son, did you give Leigh the ring?"

"No, Ma. I thought about it, but I wanna wait until the war is almost over. How's everybody doin'?" She said that everyone was fine.

"Ma, you would've been so proud o' Leigh. She done everything exactly right. My baby even made pizzelles an' Limoncello. She had me an' Frank back for supper today. That made lots o' leftovers. Her roommate Melissa an' her boyfriend were here to eat, too. Melissa's boyfriend is a paratrooper, too, an' he's from Arkansas. He said to tell ya that you're a damned good cook."

"That's sweet of him. Be sure to thank him for me. I can tell you're really proud of Leigh. That's a lot of work for one woman to do. She told me more than anything, she wanted you to have a good feast on Christmas Eve. Please send her our love, Billy." Guarnere smiled when he heard what Leigh told his mother.

He told her about the snowstorm, the snowball fight and Leigh winning money by throwing snowballs. Augusta enjoyed hearing about Spencer borrowing the uniform, boots and coat, plus the way she could throw.

"Leigh can do just about anything. I gotta tell the girls about her. Julia will love hearin' about this. All of your sisters will be proud of her."

"I'm real proud o' my baby." Mrs. Guarnere promised to give Bill's dad and sisters his love. They ended the call since it was expensive to call from overseas. Guarnere went into the living room.

"Ma sends her love. She's tellin' the girls about you winnin' money throwin' snowballs. The phone's all yours, Baby." Leigh thanked him and went into the dining room to get the person to person call placed to her parents.Cal answered the phone. He enjoyed hearing about Leigh making the feast, the snowstorm and the snowball fight. Spencer asked his daughter,

"Did you put those boys to shame with your ability to throw the snowballs?" Leigh giggled.

"Yes." She added, "Dad, the Army base sent Sherman Tanks driven by men in the motor pool to open the main road. I wished I could've taken a picture of that for Papa (her grandfather)." Cal agreed that his father-in-law would have enjoyed seeing the tanks in action.

Mr. Spencer chuckled when Leigh told him about borrowing the uniform and boots so she could participate in the snowball fight.

"If they had enough sense to allow women into major league baseball, you would be a great pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds." She thanked her father and told him about Perconte taking a picture of her in the uniform. Leigh briefly spoke with her mother, who was busy preparing supper for a house full of relatives and friends. They both sent Bill their love and they wished the couple a Merry Christmas.

After Frank went back to the Army base with Bull and Melissa, Spencer and Guarnere listened to the radio and snuggled on the couch. Leigh got extra blankets for the bed in her room. Since the roads were open, she and Bill didn't want to risk sleeping on the couch. After Spencer washed her face and brushed her teeth, she put on her nightgown. Then she went into her bedroom to remove her bracelet and necklace, placing the jewelry in their proper boxes.

Guarnere stoked the furnace with coal and got ready for bed, brushing his teeth. He got into bed.

"Honey, you gave me some great gifts. Ma told me what ya said about wantin' more than anythin' for me to have the feast. I love you, Leigh. I hope you ain't too upset wit' me, but we need to wait until mornin' to get up to somethin.' I didn't get much sleep an' I'm beat." Spencer got into bed, shutting off the bedside table lamp.

"Thank you for my beautiful bracelet and card. I love you, too, Bill. I'm really tired, too, so it doesn't bother me at all to wait until morning." They snuggled close and Bill wrapped his arms around her before sleep claimed them.

On New Year's Eve, many Easy Company men and several townspeople gathered at The Blue Boar to celebrate. Leigh played the piano and sang while Dexter, Nigel and the owner of the pub played the trumpet, trombone and clarinet. Spencer wore a blue wiggle dress which went well with her angel necklace and her new bracelet.

"This song is an old American Jazz tune, " A Hard Man is Good to Find." Loud laughter came from the audience. Spencer laughed.

"Let me try that again. The song is called ' A Good Man is Hard to Find.' My first statement is undeniably true." More laughter came from the audience and Bill winked at Leigh. Dexter, Nigel and Andrew played the intro to the song along with Spencer. They received a loud round of applause. Leigh asked her fellow musicians if they knew the old Sophie Tucker song, "Some Of These Days." When the men said that they were very familiar with the song, Spencer told the audience,

"I learned the next number from my boyfriend's mother. She does a fabulous rendition and she also sounds like Sophie Tucker. This is 'Some Of These Days." Bill soon found out that Leigh learned a great deal from Augusta on how to sing the song. Guarnere had a big smile on his face as he listened to Spencer. Leigh played and sang a few more songs. Andrew Heriott announced that it was getting close to midnight. Spencer went back to sit at the table with Bill.

As the crowd counted down the last ten seconds of the year, Guarnere stood up and extended his hand. Leigh took his hand and stood up. Bill pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around Spencer and giving her a passionate kiss.

The patrons in the club sang "Auld Lang Syne" as the couple kissed. Bill broke the kiss, telling Leigh,

"Happy New Year, Baby. Here's to another year of bein' together. I love you, Leigh."

"Happy New Year, Honey. I love you, too. Let's hope we're back in the States by this time next year."

"I'll drink to that. It would be great to celebrate New Year's Eve in Philadelphia again." Bill was hoping that Leigh would be his fiancee during the new year.