Page 89 of Beyond the Clouds

They were still a block from Inga’s house when a voice shouted out from the crowd, “Delia! Over here!”

It was Katherine Birch and her husband, also on their way to the election night party at Inga’s house. Before the war, Katherine, Delia, and Inga lived in neighboring apartments at the Martha Washington. Now Katherine worked at her own dental office and shared a town house with her husband in Midtown. Delia and Katherine exchanged hugs while Finn shook Jonathan’s hand.

“Have you heard anything yet?” Katherine asked.

Delia shook her head. “Somebody on the subway said the momentum is behind Hoover, but I guess it’s still up in the air.”

“Inga says that Benedict has already accepted an appointment to Hoover’s cabinet if he wins,” Katherine said. “What about the two of you? I’ll bet he will find something if you want to go overseas again.”

Finn smothered a laugh. “Never! I’ve already done my time. All I want is to get old in my own home.”

“Amen!” Jonathan said.

Although neither Jonathan nor Finn had external scars, the war left them both with wounds that couldn’t be seen. Jonathan had served as a bomb-disposal expert in France and had seen enoughdevastation to last a lifetime. Memories of Belgium still periodically haunted Finn, and yet he thanked God for his imprisonment. It taught him patience and humility. It taught him the blessing of nourishing food, of sunlight and freedom. Most of all, it taught him to love his fellow man.

“Look!” Delia shouted, pointing to the ticker display on theTimesbuilding.

Herbert Hoover Elected31st President of the United States.

Delia squealed and jumped into Finn’s embrace. He laughed and marveled at the fact that two orphaned kids could ever grow up to have rubbed shoulders with an American president. He let go of Delia to hoist Gerhardt up, pointing to the glittering lights announcing Bertie’s ascendency to the White House.

“Come on,” Katherine said. “Let’s go pester Inga and Benedict for something to eat, then head out for the fireworks.”

Finn lingered a moment longer, his eyes lifted to the glittering lights of the city against the night sky. He and Delia had been blessed beyond all measure. They had survived a difficult childhood and had endured the heartbreak of war, but all along they’d been blessed by heaven-sent people to light their way. The goodness of Sister Bernadette, of Mathilde Verhaegen and Father Gerhardt and Bertie Hoover. Finn had done his best to emulate their courage and compassion, which was all that God asked of him.

He shook away the poignant memories and hurried after the others, for Benedict and Inga’s parties were always terrific. Tonight was meant for laughter, celebration, and hope for all that lay ahead.