* * *
Linda Villani was seventeen years old when she decided on a career in nursing. Her father owned one of the largest construction firms in San Francisco. At twenty, she was engaged to an engineer in the firm - ten years her senior.
Preston was in the process of recovery on day two when Linda prepared his first solid food - patiently feeding him scrambled eggs and orange juice. When the officer struck him with the 2” diameter pole, he fractured his cheek bone causing extreme difficulty in chewing. Despite his bumps and bruises, Preston was permitted to visit with Tom Kelliher for the first time since his rescue. Kelliher was also nursing several broken ribs and a bandage covered the lacerations on his face.
Several days later, Preston received a visit from Lieutenant General Andretta’s aide. It was at this meeting when Preston learned that he and Tom Kelliher were recommended for the Medal of Honor, and an assignment to The Pentagon when he returned stateside.
On day three, Linda expanded his diet to include toast and cereal which required some getting used to. There was plenty of swelling in his jaw which caused extreme difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Preston was sedated creating a euphoria, and as a result produced a floating sensation most of the time.
That evening, Linda assisted Preston in dressing into a clean pair of fatigues. She instructed him to close his eyes as she guided him on a short journey. When he opened them, they were in the officer’s quarters private dining room. She prepared a table for two and a wonderful lasagna dinner. Linda was extremely proud of her Italian heritage, and learned to cook from her mother.
“Preston, I’ve been with you for over a week now, and have become very fond of you. There are times when I cannot bear the thought of you going back into combat. You’re beginning to affect my emotions in a very serious way.” she said, barely picking at her meal.
“I’ve taken care of hundreds of men, but you are different. You’re more than just a patient to me!”
The meal was one of mixed emotions. Preston told her that he did not what to say, and Linda suggested they let things take their normal course. On the way back to his room, she squeezed his hand and asked if he ever thought of living in San Francisco.
“You would get along well with my mom and dad. He could create a position for you in the company.
“Linda! I…” was all Preston could say.
She kissed him lightly on the cheek and said she would see him in the morning. Another nurse would be assigned to him on the night shift. Preston did not get much sleep that night - even with the medication.
* * *
On the morning of week two Linda was excited as she danced into his room. She was radiant with her short black hair and beautiful hazel eyes. She was lovely and sparkling and wanted to spend another day together with Preston, but first, he had to endure a psychological evaluation that would take most of the morning.
At noon, Linda arrived with a lunch basket complete with checkered tablecloth. There wasn’t much of a picnic atmosphere on the grounds, but she eventually found a secluded spot under an old majestic Banyon tree. She cautioned Preston not to wear any insignia, but in spite of her request, every officer was aware of their affection toward one another.
The military strictly prohibits fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel. Although Linda was a nurse and an officer, they had to be particularly careful not to bring attention to their “affair of the heart”. One thing in her favor however, was that here commander Major Richardson turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the couple’s relationship.
“Preston, I don’t want to marry Jeff! He’s 32 years old, and even dad thinks he is quite immature. He’s an excellent engineer, and I’m sure dad would transfer him to one of the other companies.” she explained.
Preston was not surprised by her comments.
“Linda, do you know what you are asking of me?” Preston said as he took her hand and gazed into her eyes.
* * *
When he awoke on the morning of the third week, Lieutenant Linda Villani had already captured his heart. It was as though nothing else was of importance. Their lives were charged with emotion. Her positive attitude on life was one to be admired and emulated. Whenever she touched him he felt the warmth radiate from her hands. When he said “I can’t” she said “Yes you can!”
Following the criteria for release - which was another psychiatric evaluation, a debriefing by The Army Intelligence and reconstructive dental work, Preston was given a clean bill of health. During his stay at the U.S. Army POW Hospital in Long Binh, Preston Cunningham was treated for a severely lacerated face, broken ribs, a crushed eye socket and third degree chest burns.
It was Lieutenant Linda Villani who nursed him back to health - unselfish in her devotion to her profession, she spent much of her time with Preston - both on and off duty.
The mood was somber and Preston’s heart was heavy knowing they would both have difficulty with his release. She wanted to be transferred to be near him. In spite of where their hearts were, Linda was not going to leave her position at the hospital and the relative safety of her compound.
“You-were-so-sick-when-you-came-to-me! I-can’t-bear-to-let-you-go!” barely able to catch her breath between sobs - clutching him to her chest. He could hardly focus through his tear swollen eyes as he pressed his lips against hers. Both began to sob as they held onto one another in what appeared to be an everlasting embrace.
Linda handed Preston one of her shiny lieutenant bars as a remembrance asking that he keep it as a small gesture of their relationship - and with the hope they would be together again - soon.
The chopper was waiting as they said goodbye. Her perfume: Shalimar has been deeply imbedded in his brain ever since. They broke from their embrace and Preston headed for the waiting helicopter.
At the halfway point in his walk to the chopper he turned to hear her say:
“Preston, I love you!”
To be continued…
Preston and Linda marry in Hawaii on R & R
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