“Well, baby brother, I got a phone call from Linda who
had gotten a rather interesting phone call from Mrs.
Szabo.” Ginger had caught up to the two brothers by
now. Hank gave her a very sympathetic look when he
made his comment about the call from Mrs. Szabo.
“I’m a dead woman.” Ginger can just imagine her
mother’s call to the Metcalf house.
“I guess I should be upset with you for cheating me
out of being best man but I can’t say as I blame you.”
Hank hugs his brother and new sister-in-law.
Turning to Ginger, Hank tells them the series of
events that led up to his being at the train station
at 2:00 in the morning. “Your mother called the house
and asked Linda what was going on. She didn’t quite
understand your note and then when Linda asked her if
your wedding gown was still in your room, Linda
figured out what had happened. You look beautiful, by
the way. Linda called Father Dreher’s office. Father
Dreher’s secretary told her that Father had headed to
the train station to marry you two. Linda called me
and the rest, as they say, is history.”
“After talking to your mother, Linda figured that you
wouldn’t have packed any clothes for your honeymoon.
She gave me your sizes so I bought you a change of
clothes so you can at least go shopping for what you
need once you get to Wichita. There’s a toothbrush,
hair brush and a few other things Linda thought you
would need. Welcome to the family, Ginger.” Hank
leans over and gives his new sister-in-law a kiss on
the check and a big hug. It wasn’t that long ago that
Hank remembers Jeff welcoming his bride into the
family. The pain of Sara’s death was still there but
it was decreasing with every passing day. Now he
could remember the good times and the love without it
tearing him apart.
“You and Linda are life savers. Not only did I get a
husband, but I got a new brother and sister in the
bargain. Thanks.” The Metcalfs had always made her
feel like a member of their very special family but
now that it was official, Ginger thought she would
cry.
“Ginger, don’t cry. It’s just a pair of slacks and a
blouse.” Hank never could stand to see a woman cry.
“Jeff . . . Linda and I figured you might be a little
short on cash right now. Take this, you can pay me
back when you’ve got a big league contract again.”
Hank hands Jeff fifty dollars.
“I really wish we could stay and visit more, Hank but
we’ve got to get to the ticket agent.” Jeff is trying
to move his brother towards the conductor and ticket
agent.
“What’s your hurry? Your train doesn’t leave for
another hour.” Hank says with a laugh in his voice.
Hank knows why Jeff is in such a hurry.
Jeff takes his brother aside. “Hank, the team doesn’t
pay for anything more than a seat on the train for
minor league players. We tried to get a roomette or
berth on the train here, but there weren’t any
available. We got married over 8 hours ago and have
been sitting up in the dining car and finally fell
asleep in our seats. It’s not exactly the way I had
planned to spend my wedding night. I have to get to
the conductor and book a roomette for the remainder of
the trip to Wichita.”
“Oh, c’mon Slugger. So you have to wait a few hours.
You’ll survive.” Hank had almost forgotten how much
pleasure he got out of torturing Jeff.
“Hank, we’ve been waiting for two years already.”
Jeff was trying not to sound too desperate.
They got to the conductor to exchange their seat
tickets for a roomette. “I’m sorry sir, there are no
roomettes or berths available.”
“Good Lord, this can’t be happening” Jeff can barely
contain himself.
