The morning of the wedding had arrived, and the happy couple were curled around each other in bed.

Elli had been ecstatic that they were having a baby but was annoyed that they had sworn her to secrecy. They wanted to keep it in the family for now.

Abe's hand was resting on her belly, Anna smiling as his thumb brushed her skin. "I wish I could feel the baby moving," he sighed. "I know it's so early, but to feel it even once would be amazing."

"I know," she whispered, trying not to let sadness take her. They both knew that he might miss all of the pregnancy, perhaps even more.

Abe kissed her forehead, grinning against her. "You're gonna be my wife in a few hours," he murmured.

Anna smiled, the sentiment filling her entire being. "Mrs Coleman," she said. "That will take some getting used to."

"Do you think Elli will want to take my last name?" he asked, Anna glancing at him now. "Sam says if I want any legal claim to her, I'll need to adopt her. And Heidi has a contact who will help me get that sorted."

Anna kissed him tenderly, resting her forehead against his. "I don't know that she would want to lose her connection to our parents," she said slowly, "but, I know that she'll want you to adopt her."

"So, she'll keep her last name like you did?"

"I always wanted to change my name. But there was already growing anti-Semitism when my adoption was finalised. So, they kept it German to keep me safe."

"You were still their kid," he assured her. "You're so much like your Mama by the sounds of things."

"It's going to be really odd not having them here today," she managed, her throat aching. He cuddled her closer. "I know your parents aren't here either-"

"It ain't the same," he agreed. "They'll be watchin' baby. I have no doubt. Maybe even alongside my Daddy. I just hope they think I'm good enough for you."

"You're perfect, Abraham Coleman. Truly, you are." He kissed her deeply, Anna already getting carried away and pulling him closer to her as she lay back.

But then, there was a loud knock at the door.

Abe groaned loudly, Anna giggling a little as he looked up. "Yeah?" called Abe, the door opening as Hollywood walked in. "That wasn't an invitation, you dumb fuck!" snapped Abe, covering Anna with the blanket despite her being in her night dress.

Hollywood just laughed, as ever impervious to Abe's grumbles. "I ain't tryna sneak a peep at your bride to be. Anyways, you shouldn't even be here! It's bad luck to see the bride on the weddin' day."

"I'm not gonna spend a night away from her 'cause of some dumbass tradition," grumbled Abe.

"Nevertheless," continued Hollywood, "you gotta get up. You've got patrols to do this morning. You're lucky that Hatcher gave us all the afternoon off to celebrate with you. Don't test his patience."

"All right!" acquiesced Abe. "Now fuck off."

"I'll be just outside the door," said Hollywood, shooting Anna a wink and making her laugh. "Love the night dress, by the way," he added.

"Get out before I smack you!" threatened Abe and Hollywood darted out, laughing to himself. "I hate that bastard."

"No you don't," smiled Anna.

"No, you're right. I don't." Abe got to his feet, hastily pulling his clothes on.

Anna stood up too, ready to kiss him goodbye.

His arms wound around her, holding her against him as he grinned down at her. "Guess I'll see you later. You'll be the one in white, right?"

"I have no idea, Gabby picked my dress." She kissed him hungrily, both of them getting carried away again.

"Nope," he said, pulling away quickly. "You know I can't stay away when you kiss me like that!" He pecked her on the forehead. "'Til later."

"Until later," she returned, watching him dart out of the door.

Anna wasn't on her own for too long. Elli, Gabby and Heidi soon came in to get her ready. Rosa was there too. She had arrived last night. It was lovely to be able to see her again. Gabby was exceedingly stressed, and her mother seemed to be able to lift that from her easily. She bustled off at one point to deal with something for Gabby. Anna had no idea what it was but left them to it. She didn't care about the specifics of the day. She just wanted to get to Abe.

Very soon, her hair and makeup were done, and the girls were ready to help her into her gown. Elli was dressed, Gabby even making her a crown of flowers to decorate her short curly hair.

Heidi was grinning at Anna as she brought the dress in. "This was mine," she said, glancing at her. "I thought you'd prefer that to something brand new."

"Thank you, Heidi," smiled Anna. It was ankle length, the material light and pale yellow in colour.

"I took off all of the sparkles," whispered Gabby, taking her hand as Anna stared at it. "I knew you'd like it simpler."

"Oh Gabby," she managed. "Thank you. Thank you both of you."

"Come on," said Gabby. "Let's put it on you!"

They helped her put it on, Elli bouncing up and down in excitement. When she was ready, Elli took her hand, and spun Anna to look in the mirror.

The most beautiful woman Anna had ever seen stared back at her. She'd never shied away from her reflection, but now she was in awe. She loved it. She had never felt more truly herself. The dress fit perfectly, the curves of her body flowing perfectly with the fit. Anna felt tears well in her eyes, Elli squeezing her hand as she grinned at her.

"No!" cried Heidi. "You'll spoil your make up!"

Anna dabbed her eyes quickly. "Thank you. To all of you. This is honestly one of the best days of my life."

There was a light knock on the door, and Heidi squealed and opened it.

Hollywood walked in, his eyes locking on Anna as a huge grin spread across his face. "Jesus," he said, his hand over his heart. "You look so beautiful, Anna."

"Thank you," Anna smiled, but then looked at him quizzically. "Shouldn't you be with Abe?"

There was a slight blush to his cheeks. "Well," he began, taking a deep sigh, "I thought you might like someone to escort you down the aisle."

Anna's eyes became blurry again and she surged forward and hugged him.

"Anna! Make up!" whined Heidi.

"I don't care," said Anna, now drawing back. "That is so sweet of you."

He seemed genuinely relieved. "I know I'm not your Papa, but I hope that I'll do."

"I shall be very proud walking beside you," she said, both of them smiling at the other.

"Shall we?" he asked, holding his arm out for Anna and his hand out for Elli.

Happily, they all walked together to the church, Anna's heart thumping in her chest. If it were up to hr, she would have run there. She wanted to see Abe more than anything else in the world. She had t know if his smile was as big as hers, if his body tingled in the same way hers did.

As they got to the door, Heidi and Gabby kissed Anna's cheeks, then hurried inside.

When it was just the sisters and Hollywood, Elli spun around and grinned at Anna. "There's one last surprise for you," said Elli, Anna looking at her quizzically. Elli pulled her a little way into the door, just so that she could see someone sitting at the back of the church, beside Rosa.

It was Helga.

Anna's hand went to her mouth.

"Gabby telephoned her! Do you like it?" Anna tried really hard to hold back her tears as she hugged Elli tightly.

"I love you so much, sweet girl."

"I love you too," she whispered. "But I have to go and walk down the aisle now."

Anna laughed, drawing back.

Elli smiled, as the Priest arrived at the door to greet them. He nodded, then turned to the very small congregation. "Will you please stand for the bride."

"Don't worry," Hollywood whispered to Anna, "Sam is there to translate for Abe."

Anna stifled a laugh, then stepped into the doorway. She watched Elli do her very practiced walk down the aisle, smiling to herself. But then, as though she couldn't help it, Elli ran the last few steps and threw herself into Abe's arms. He caught her, grinning as he whispered something to her.

Anna really couldn't stop the tears. She could see the love between them, and it just made her heart sing. All the nervousness had suddenly abated.

"Ready?" whispered Hollywood, Anna gripping his arm tightly.

"I have never been so ready for anything in my life," she replied, and he patted her hand.

Hollywood stepped forward, and Anna followed him. Her eyes were completely fixed on Abe and Elli. He still had hold of her, both of them watching as she walked towards them. She was so ready for her life to truly start. It felt as though she were finally stepping out of darkness and into the light of a new and brighter day. She hadn't expected it to feel this way; they were no different. And yet, for her, everything was changing. As she drew closer to them, she could see Abe had tears in his eyes. Elli beamed at her, letting Abe place her down so that he could take Anna's hand. As their fingers touched, Anna closed her eyes for the briefest moment; she wanted to savour it.

Hollywood slapped Abe on the back as he took his seat.

Abe took Anna's face in his hand. "Why are you crying baby?" he whispered.

Anna smiled as her eyes opened. "Because I'm in love with you," she managed, "and I'm so happy."

He grinned, pulling her closer. Elli went to leave them, but he caught her. "Elli darlin'," he said, looking at her, "these vows are as much to you as they are to Anna." He took her hand, Anna taking her other and squeezing it. Elli was glowing, keeping her hands tucked safely in theirs as they turned to face the priest.

He was smiling at them both. "Before we begin," he said, Sam standing beside Abe and whispering the translation, "I am supposed to read a verse for you all. Instead, I would like to take a personal moment of reflection." He cleared his throat. "These last years, have brought the entire world, to a standstill. So much have we all struggled, and so much have we all suffered. Life seemed to ebb away. We were at odds with our fellow man for reasons only God knew." He looked at the three of them. "Yet, when moments like this happen, I wonder if he knew that such love, would stem from such sorrow. You two people, show us that from amidst the ashes of our fallen world, love still finds a way to bloom. It is so welcome. Bless you... and bless you all."

Abe looked at Anna, and she at him, both of them smiling. Then they looked down at Elli, Anna kissing her hand and Abe copying.

"Let us begin."

***

The party was automatically in full swing the moment that the bride and groom walked through the door. Gabby had thought it best to simply have it at their house; it kept it away from the prying eyes of those not invited. Everyone that was there was ecstatic. Hatcher even made an appearance to congratulate the happy couple, bringing with him a bottle of wine from Hitler's personal cellar at the Eagle's Nest. Gabby had truly outdone herself, and Anna was so grateful. It was more than they had ever expected. They made sure to go around and thank everybody for celebrating with them, their jaws aching from smiling so much.

When Helga finally got her moment, Anna threw her arms around her squeezing her tight. "I can't believe you made it!"

Helga laughed and rocked her. "I wouldn't miss your wedding day, you know that!" chastised Helga, pulling back from her to look her over. "You look so beautiful, my darling."

Anna reached out for Abe and tugged him forward. "Helga, this is Abraham."

"Hello, Frau Helga," said Abe, his pronunciation off. "It is nice to meet you." Anna beamed up at him, Abe throwing her a wink. "Sam has been teaching me a few phrases."

"Thank you." Helga grabbed him and pulled him into a vice like hug, eliciting a chuckle form Abe. "It is nice to meet you too."

"I'm gonna leave you two time to catch up," said Abe as he was released, kissing Anna's hand for good measure. Anna watched him as he bowed out, every part of her tingling with anticipation at knowing he was her husband.

Helga read her expression. "You really are so very in love, aren't you," she said, recapturing Anna's attention.

"Yes," she replied wistfully. "Please, let's sit." Anna guided Helga to chairs at the side of the room, so that they might talk just to each other. "He's certainly very handsome," said Helga, both of them watching Abe as he scooped Elli back up in his arms again. "And he's so good with Elli."

"They adore each other," affirmed Anna. "It makes me so happy."

"So, you are set on America then?"

Anna let out a long breath. "Yes," she said, taking Helga's hand. "I think, after everything that has happened, we need a new start. I don't feel the tie here anymore."

"I think that is understandable," agreed Helga. "But I will be really sad to see you go."

"I don't want to leave you, it's just-"

"Oh my darling, that wasn't to make you feel guilty. It's just the truth. You think I expected to be able to hang onto you and Karl forever? I know he had always had his heart set on Paris. It's something you come to accept as a mother." Their gaze grew sad for a moment, both of them remembering him. "He would have loved seeing you today, you know that?" said Helga after a while. "He'd love the fact that Abraham makes you smile so much."

"Abe reminds me of him some times," admitted Anna. "He's carefree, and always finds the happiness in everything. It's comforting." They squeezed their hands, both of them trying not to let their mood fall too much. "How are the children?" she asked.

Helga sighed. "Fine. I tried to get Freda to come with me, but she's not ready just yet."

Anna's mouth twisted a little."I understand. I hope she can forgive me."

"She will in time," comforted Helga. "I think she already has, to be honest. I wonder if she's just too sad to say goodbye. I think being confronted with your new life is too much for her."

"Yes," said Anna slowly. "That does seem for the best."

Helga looked at her curiously.

"I'm pregnant," whispered Anna.

Helga gasped. "You are?!"

"We realised yesterday. But only Elli knows. So you're sworn to secrecy."

"Of course!" promised Helga.

Anna fell silent again. She couldn't help but remember Freda's face when she had told her about Reina. It broke her. "Will you tell Freda that I love her? And that I always will."

"Of course I will," promised Helga. Another silence. "You will write to me, won't you? Even when you're in America-"

"Of course I will!"

"It's just... I know this might be the last time I get to see you," Helga mumbled.

Anna's heart panged. She hadn't considered that. But that was the reality. She would likely never see her again... Or the children... or Maria. Dear Maria... she missed her so much. What if she never found out what happened to her friend? Had she found her husband? Was she happy?

Anna blinked away the tears, drawing Helga's hands to her mouth and kissing them. "Then we make the most of tonight," Anna said, Helga smiling. She pulled her in, hugging her tight just as Elli came bounding over.

"Elli!" cooed Helga, looking up at her. "You are so grown up! So beautiful! I bet you don't remember me-"

"Yes I do!" insisted Elli. "You showed me how to make Stollen."

Helga's eyes brimmed with happy tears, taking the little girl's hand as her other clasped Anna's. "Your parents would be so happy that you have found Abraham," she urged, a smiled spread across her face. "I'm so sorry that they are not here to celebrate with you."

"But you are," said Anna.

Helga kissed their hands, blinking away her tears.

"Anna," said Elli. "Gabby says it's time for speeches."

"Of course," said Anna, dabbing her eyes as she got to her feet. "I'll be back soon," she assured Helga who nodded happily.

Elli dragged Anna up to stand beside Abe who welcomed them both with open arms. They tucked themselves into him, happy in his warm embrace.

"How my girls doin'?" he asked, his hand now resting on Anna's waist.

"The best!" cried Elli, Abe grinning at her as Gabby tinged a glass to call a hush.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she called. "The groom will now say a few words." Anna looked to see that Rosa was now sitting with Helga, ready to translate. It warmed her heart.

"First off," began Abe, "I'd like to thank y'all for comin' today. It means so much that we can all celebrate such an amazing day together." He paused. "Y'all know me as a man of few words, and I'll be frank, I ain't great at speeches..."

"You ain't kiddin'!" heckled Hollywood, everyone tittering.

"But," smiled Abe, undeterred, "there are a few things I need to say here on the best day of my life." He took a deep breath. "There is no way, that growin' up, I ever expected that this is where I would end up. I mean, with all of you. It's crazy to me that I've made it through this last year, and that is down to each and every one of you. If I hadn't met all of you, this day wouldn't be happenin'. And I need y'all to know how grateful I am for that fact."

Abe glanced down at Anna and Elli who beamed back at him. "But nothin' has changed my life quite like these two," he continued. "I have never had a love like this, and it just grows and grows each and every day. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life loving you both, and whoever else might come along. Cheers." He kissed Anna deeply as cheers and clapping erupted in the crowd. He picked Elli up so that they could both kiss her on the cheek, Elli grinning at everyone.

"Nice hint at the end," grinned Anna.

"I mean it," he returned. "I'm so ready for our life to begin." He took her hand, all three of them re-joining the party to continue celebrating this perfect day.

***

Anna held Elli close as they watched the boys pack up. She was already crying, Anna trying very hard to keep her own tears at bay.

The final two weeks had passed by far too quickly. Married life was bliss. But they had known it was all about to end. Anna and Abe had barely slept. They couldn't stand that they were about to be parted. Elli had ended up climbing into bed with them, so sad that her nightmares had returned. The three of them had curled up together, unable to talk about what the morning would bring. Now confronted with it, none of them knew how to be.

Gabby and Heidi tried to soothe Elli, but she wasn't having it. Abe was helping Hollywood get them all organised as they grouped together to climb into the truck. The boys came and said their goodbyes to the sisters, Anna trying her best to smile for each of them. Then, finally, the worst moments were upon them.

Abe came and stood beside Anna, his hand in hers as the original four men all joined them. Frenchie, Ewie, Sam and Hollywood all hugged them goodbye, promising to write to them and send them photographs. They had been through so much with these men, and Anna was so grateful to them all. She had told them over and over again how much she adored them, and it was breaking her heart to know that even if they all pulled through, she would likely not see them again, at least for many years.

Hollywood came over to Heidi, both of them grinning at one another. "We had a lot of fun, didn't we?"

Heidi giggled. "Yes, we did," she sighed. She reached up and kissed his cheek. "Have a good life, Matthew."

"And you, Heidi," he replied.

Gabby and Heidi finished their goodbyes, including Abe. They both hugged him tightly, wishing him luck. Then they stepped back, leaving the others their personal moments.

Anna pulled both Sam and Hollywood into a tight embrace, her cheeks already wet. "You bring him back to me, you understand?"

"We'll do our best," promised Hollywood.

"If you do go to the Pacific," began Anna, but she couldn't finish. It was too much.

"We'll keep him safe," vowed Sam.

Anna nodded in thanks. "And yourselves. I don't want to lose any of you."

They smiled as best they could at her, hugging her and Elli one final time. "We'll be in the truck," murmured Hollywood, patting Abe's arm as they left them to say goodbye.

Abe turned to the two of them, Elli crying loudly as she looked at her shoes. Abe crouched down, wiping her tears away. "Don't cry, El," he said softly, "it won't be for long, I'm sure."

"I'll miss you," she choked out.

Abe's own eyes brimmed with tears. "I'll miss you too. But I need you to stay here and look after Anna. You'll be an auntie soon enough, and she'll need your help."

"You'll be back before that though, won't you?" she asked.

Anna hated that Abe couldn't answer. He simply didn't know. None of them did.

Abe scooped Elli up into his arms, holding her close as she wrapped herself around him. "I love you, Elli," he said. "You're my first baby, you know that, right?"

Elli managed a nod, Anna's eyes screwing shut as she watched them.

Abe kissed her cheek, then placed her down on the ground. "Can you give me and Anna a moment? Is that all right?"

Elli nodded, running into Gabby's embrace for a moment.

Anna and Abe stared at each other.

She didn't know what to say. This was such an odd goodbye. Anna desperately wanted to tell herself that this wasn't the last time she would see his face, but how could she know? If he went to the Pacific, he might never come back.

Silently, he cupped her face, Anna holding his hand against her cheek. He bent down and kissed her very gently, Anna stifling a sob.

He drew back a little way, wrapping his arms around her as she gripped his jacket. "Whatever happens, you gotta know that I would never choose to go. I will never leave you."

"I know," she promised. "You have to come back, Abraham. You have to."

"I will. Then we'll get the fuck out of here. You, me, Elli and the baby. We'll go start our new life."

Anna just nodded.

Abe smiled, looking down at her belly and placing his hand over it. "I really can't wait to be a daddy," he said softly. Then their eyes met again. "I love you."

"I love you," she sniffed.

Anna couldn't stand it. She buried her face in his chest, Abe squeezing her as he buried his nose in her hair. The boys began to call for him, and Anna's grip on him tightened.

"Elli," he called, "come here, baby girl."

Elli ran over, the two of them parting so that they could squeeze Elli between them.

"Take care of each other, you hear?" he said, cuddling both of them close. He kissed Elli's head, then Anna's mouth again. He held them close, all of them hearing the boys call for him again.

Anna knew the boys didn't want to drag Abe away, but what choice did they have?

Clearly fighting every instinct in his body, he turned away from them, climbing up into the truck.

Elli waved frantically as the truck grumbled away, Anna's arms wrapped around her sister's shoulders, her chin resting on her head. The boys all waved back, Abe's gaze locked on theirs, right up until the moment the truck disappeared from their view altogether.