If In Doubt...Believe

If In Doubt…Believe

Engineers of Flight Series

Book Two

Sherrilyn Polf

If In Doubt…Believe

Engineers of Flight Series

Book Two

SMASHWORDS EDITION

First Edition; Copyrighted © 2009 by Sherrilyn Polf. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, Cambridge, 1769. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Published in the United States of America

Digital Formatting by Daniel Mawhinney of 40DayPublishing.com

1. Fiction / Christian / Historical 2. Fiction / Romance / Historical

Endorsements

If in Doubt…Believe is a book that puts you right in the war as you read it. History becomes alive in the pages written by Sherrilyn Polf. This wonderful novel will trigger all kinds of emotions. I could not put it down! It made me to be ever thankful for the men and women who serve in the armed forces. This may be a novel, but it seems so real!

—Tammy Hannold, Headstart Teacher, Niagra Falls, New York

Fans of Sherrilyn Polf’s writing will want to read this second book in her Engineers of Flight Series. Our fresh-from-the-farm girl, Dena, is enjoying her college work and friends around her notice she is a quick study. Her University world also hears the rumbles of World conflict as events heat up toward the United States entry into World War II. Within all that, Dena finds love and a fiancée, and more; she clings to those good Bible values instilled by her parents. Christian fiction readers will enjoy the contrast in life styles between the easy living of California where she lives with her Aunt and Uncle, and the farm and cattle industry in Colorado of Dena’s parents. Scripture comforts our girl throughout and carries her through the life struggles and changes as she and her sister each find a life mate, begin their families, and grieve over family members who have died.

—Carolyn Blackwelder, Librarian, Hooker, Oklahoma

If in Doubt…Believe by Sherrilyn Polf, is a window into a bygone world. The reader is invited to sit at the dinner table and visit with Aunt Doreen, Uncle Walter, Dena, Clay and Carl while Blueberry Hill plays on the radio. The year is 1941 and life becomes more complicated by the day. It is a time when the populace stretches with growing pains. Women in engineering school as well as young men being drafted into the military learn that life as they know it is about to change dramatically. Polf’s research into the era is impeccable. Nuances of decorum and the meticulous training of girls to become ladies is laced naturally into the storyline. The temperament of the pre-World War II days is believable as well as accurate. I found Book II of the Engineers of Flight Series to be a very informative as well as heart-rending read.

—Elaine Littau, author of Christian Western fiction, Perryton, Texas

Set in 1940, this pre-war saga, If in Doubt…Believe, is a continuing tale that comes alive due to the characters, the vivid word pictures and its many historic facts scattered throughout. Twenty-year-old Dena Caulter begins to see the world differently since moving to California a year earlier. She sees that war is inevitable, creating more reason for her to hold onto her Christian values. The desires and difficulties portrayed in If in Doubt…Believe took me back to the times my parents and grandparents suffered some of the same kinds of dilemmas brought on by the war, where because of their strong faith they were also able to hang on to their hope. I enjoyed this book very much. And I’m looking forward—with great anticipation—to book three.

—Alta Rogers, Author of Nonfiction, Tyrone, Oklahoma

Acknowledgments

To my children,

Who, if in doubt, always

Keep the faith.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth

his hand, and caught him,

and said unto him,

"O thou of little faith,

wherefore didst thou doubt?"

-Matthew 14:31 (KJV)

Lord, I believe: help thou mine unbelief.

-Mark 9:24b (KJV)

Forward

Because American history is invaluable in the shaping of our country, both our present and our future, it’s a blessing to me to find these old letters, charts, formulas, and drawings. Along with my imagination, recollections of old stories and family events related to me from family and friends became the catalysts for my historical fiction series.

All characters, names, places and incidents are a product of my imagination. Any resemblance to actual person living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All historical events are correct. The Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Contents

Endorsements

Acknowledgments

Forward

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Books by Sherrilyn Polf

About the Author

Chapter One

Early Saturday afternoon, August 19, 1940, found twenty-year-old Dena Caulter relaxing. Last year at this time I was a naïve Colorado girl coming to California for the first time, she thought. Since then, I’ve mastered a job, one year of courses in aeronautics and drafting. And most of all, I’m learning how to live on my own—well not exactly on my own. I still live with Aunt Doreen and Uncle Walter. Dena laid her Bible on her lap. Then, leaning to one side, she watched her aunt work among her roses.

Dena, you must see this article on Howard Hughes! her cousin Emily said. Tossing down the local newspaper on the table among some other letters, she picked up a glass of lemonade. Whew, it’s warm for August.

Dena nodded vaguely and leaned forward, reading a headline.

***

Hughes Purchases 300 Acres

for Possible Factory Site

***

What’s this about Howard Hughes? Dena questioned, pressing the front page out flat.

Did you get enrolled? Emily asked.

Yes. Actually I’m looking forward to the aeronautics class. They chose aeronautical engineering because Uncle Walter, a professor at Stanford, taught in the field. He was also employed with Hughes Aeronautics, which worked with the NACA at Hampton Virginia. She found it fascinating that he knew Howard Hughes.

Did you see the other article on the war? Emily sat down her empty glass and turned the paper over.

***

180 German Planes Shot Down August 15

***

She gasped. Emily rolled her eyes.

***

Germany Declares a Total Blockade

of the British Isles on August 17

***

Why, that was two days ago. And there’s more. But… Dena deliberately folded the paper. War… The mere thought of the word still leaves me feeling sick. The uncertainty scares me. I’m not sure why, but I can’t shake this feeling.

I was reading a scripture in First Corinthians, Dena spoke barely above a whisper, breaking the awkward silence. It said uh, ‘…love’…uh—

The doorbell rang.

Hold that thought. Emily hurried to answer it. Dena watched her aunt bend over her roses.

Dena? a familiar male voice spoke very close to her. Dena jumped up and whirled around all in one movement.

Clay! She wanted to run into his arms, but she couldn’t move or say more. She only saw his blue eyes and honey-blond hair. Dena had assumed it was the mailman.

Let me look at you! He stepped forward taking both her hands into his; his eyes drinking in every detail of her face.

Emily followed Clay out to the garden and stood shading her eyes while Aunt Doreen hurried over and fussed with the glasses. Emily stood. Dena grinned.

Please sit down, Clay, and let me get you a glass of lemonade, Aunt Doreen said, and then asked, How’s Professor Miles?

He’s fine, Clay answered, not taking his eyes from Dena. He plans to be home the end of September for a few days. Then he reached in his pocket and gave Mrs. Miles an envelope.

Clay, did Floyd come back with you? Emily asked. Her eyes never left Clay’s face.

Yes, he said he’ll see you tomorrow night. Clay turned to Aunt Doreen. Is it all right if Dena and I go for a walk?

Oh my goodness of course, Aunt Doreen said, smiling while holding the letter from her husband close to her heart. And, Clay would you like to stay for dinner? It’s at seven. We’re waiting for Stuart and Mary to arrive.

Thank you, Mrs. Miles, but I have an appointment with my professor to rearrange my courses for this fall. I’ll have Dena back soon. Clay hurried Dena out the door.

Where are we going?

You’ll see. Come, he answered, holding onto her hand. Dena allowed him to guide her around to the side of the house. Surprised, she looked from his car to him.

You drove. Rarely did he; in fact, Clay was almost stubborn when it came to using a car, and he didn’t talk much about it; she assumed it stemmed from his parents fatal car accident a few years back.

I know, he said, reading her face. I wanted to see you, and it was the fastest way to get here.

Dena slowly inspected the black coupe. She was speechless. He wanted to see me. He couldn’t wait…Clay came around and pulled her into his arms. They stood just behind the car under the large tree shading the driveway.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve missed you. His eyes studied her face, memorizing.

Clay? Dena felt a little uncomfortable alone with him, standing in the driveway for all to see. Mother wouldn’t approve. Dena smiled. But Mother’s not here.

I love you Dena, he said; his lips brushed her hair as he pulled her into his arms. Dena stood perfectly still. A small sigh escaped before she realized it. She had waited two long months for this moment. Dena, believe it or not, even my work suffered because of you.

Really? You’re teasing me. Moving closer into his chest, her eyes glittered. He smelled of soap and cologne.

Come let’s walk, Dena said, slowly unwrapping herself and clasping Clay’s hand. She led him to the back of the house to a partially hidden gate that entered the rose garden. There sat a small bench near the back wall, secluded by another large shade tree. No one could see them from the patio.

Dena took a sear. Clay also sat down and then leaned back against the wall. With his hands clasped behind his head, he sighed, This is nice, really nice. Peaceful.

Dena nodded. She loved coming here to read or to just sit. Clay slid over next to her. He put his arms around her, kissing her tenderly. Dena returned his kiss. Finally, he pulled back, looking into her eyes. A grin spread over his face. He’s as happy as I feel. Her eyes twinkled. He sat back, releasing her breaking the spell.

Dena, I want to share something with you. I ran across this while I was in Virginia. And, believe me I wouldn’t have given it a second thought if we hadn’t talked at the wedding.

He spoke so solemnly that Dena sat up to listen. Clay gently picked up her hands and said: And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Clay waited for her to answer, Dena squinted, causing a frown to crease her forehead, as she mulled over the scripture. It

was so precise, so correct, and so true. It was positive. She cocked her head to one side allowing the verse to run through her mind again. She must mark it in her Bible.

Then, she smiled at him. I really like that. Where did you find it?

Luke, one of the engineers, shared it with me. It’s found in the book of Psalms—Psalm chapter nine, verse ten, he said.

I know that verse. I just didn’t remember where it was. She relaxed as he slid his arm around her shoulders and stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankles. Clay had talked to someone else, Dena thought. She leaned back and looked at him.

One of the other engineers? she questioned. You talked about us to someone else?

Yes. You, life in general, my career; you know—guy stuff. Then he smiled slyly, Luke’s a Christian. He gave me a pocket-size copy of the Book of Psalms to read, and we started studying together in the evenings. I really enjoyed learning more.

That’s…great. Dena smiled. He shared their conversation with another Christian; someone she’d probably never meet. I like reading Psalms.

Dena, Luke helped me understand why I needed to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Clay spoke softly and simply. She looked at him for what seemed like a long time, but was really only a few minutes, before smiling broadly.

Oh Clay. She threw her arms around his neck, squeezing. I’m so happy…I’m so happy for you. Her voice trailed off. She saw peace and contentment in his face. She snuggled closer to his chest. She wanted more…she wanted him to kiss her.

Gently, she leaned forward and allowed his arm to slide down to her waist as he pulled her close to him. She raised her face expectantly, putting her arms around his neck. He was going to kiss her again. And she couldn’t imagine anything more pleasant or satisfying than that.

Groaning, Clay pulled away. "Gosh, I can’t remember

when I’ve been so anxious to see someone as I’ve been to see you. His face reddened, yet his grin covered his face. My heart just won’t stop thumping—feel." He laid her palm on his chest just over his heart. She giggled.

They talked all afternoon…until Clay noticed the shadows had started to lengthen. He stopped every so often to kiss her lightly on the forehead, on the cheek, or on the lips. Dena glowed.

Slowly, he rose, pulling her up with him, huskily stating, I must go. I’ve a meeting at six. He continued to hold her hand as he walked between the roses and straight through to the front door. I’ll see you on Monday at the cafeteria. Don’t you have classes?

She nodded. Clay leaned over and kissed her lightly on her lips. Then he was gone, the door closing behind him.

Gently touching her lips, Dena turned and walked back to the garden in a daze.

Don’t forget. You have a letter from Susan, Emily said. She sat at the table and watched her mother walk toward them carrying a handful of cut roses.

Thanks I’ll read it after dinner, Dena said absently, picking up her sister’s letter. She watched a large stray cat cross the back of the garden, leap to the top of the stone wall, and then disappear. Just like the cats on the farm. Still no letter from Brock. I thought I’d hear from him by now. I’ll write tonight—

We also have a letter from Bill that Mother hasn’t read. That’s not like her. Emily fingered the edge of the envelope.

The telephone rang.

Mother, I saw that you haven’t read Bill’s letter.

Not yet dear. We’ll read it when Stuart is here, Aunt

Doreen said while she hurried to answer the telephone. Emily followed her mother, carrying Bill’s letter.

***

The garden is beautiful, just beautiful. Aunt Doreen walked over to a workbench at the edge of the patio to pick up a pair of clippers before she headed down the path to trim roses.

I’m not sure who called but Aunt Doreen sounds happy. Dena watched as her aunt bent over to smell a delicate white rose. Her dark blonde hair mingled with strands of gray glistened. A few wisps curled around her slender neck accenting her willowy figure. Just like mother looks when she works in her rose garden. Dena opened her sister’s envelope. Pulling out a single sheet, she slowly scanned it.

Her forehead wrinkled and a lump formed in her throat.

***

August 1940

Dear Dena,

I’m sending a short note, to let you know that I lost our baby two days ago.

***

Dena stared at nothing in particular. A tear slipped down her cheek. I didn’t even know she was expecting. Why she’s only been married two months! How could this happen? …I can’t imagine my sister with a baby. She’s just a baby herself… barely eighteen. And, why hadn’t Mother written; but then Mother doesn’t often write. Dena read on…

***

Grant and I are devastated. We really want a family. Mother said it’s natural to mourn. She told me about losing her first child—before Brock. Mother said it was a boy. Did you know this? I didn’t—if mother talked about it while we were growing up, I missed it. I guess that’s why Brock is so special to Mother and Dad. Can you imagine two brothers? I can’t. Brock is enough.

***

Yuck! Dena shuddered—two brothers teasing her.

***

I’m very weak and tired, but Mother says this is natural. She says there’s a reason for everything. That this child wasn’t to be—and that God takes care of His children. She also said that there’ll be other babies. I wanted you to know that you won’t be auntie this time. I miss you very much.

Susan

***

What shall I say? How should I answer? She’s hurting. I wish I could talk to her face to face, Dena closed her eyes tightly. I’ll think about this later. Right now—

Dena, could you come here? Aunt Doreen called.

She slid the sheet back into its envelope, tucked it in her Bible before she walked down the path. Peering over her aunt’s shoulder, that is absolutely beautiful, so yellow.

Yes isn’t it? It looks more like the sun.

Hmm…maybe; its paler, I think, Dena said.

I believe I’ll take a few cuts of this rose into the house. Dena watched her aunt size up different blooms and stems before cutting several. Stuart called. He’ll be here for dinner.

Did I hear you say Stuart will be home? Emily popped through the door. What’s for dinner?

Yes. I’ll be so happy to see him. We’re having Polly’s pot roast, Aunt Doreen answered as she walked into the house. She hurried to the small table where her Bible and Susan’s letter still lay. Stuart and his girlfriend, Mary, had been in New York City all summer where they took seminars in film and writing—a must as he aptly put it for their careers.

Dena ran her finger around the edge of Susan’s letter which stuck out of her Bible.

Suddenly Aunt Doreen cried out, and then Dena heard a male voice. Stuart’s home. Walking to the front door, Dena grinned, waiting while hugs were given between mother and son, sister and brother. Even Polly waited her turn.

Hope you fixed me some good old-fashioned California food tonight, Polly, Stuart said. The cook nodded, hurrying to the kitchen.

Everyone talked at once. It sounded like a magpie meeting. Then Stuart’s eyes caught hers, and while holding on both his mother and his sister’s hand, Hello Dena.

Maybe now Aunt Doreen will read Bill’s letter. She’d never met Bill, but he’d become like her own brother through his letters. He’d been shipped back to the states last June for more training.

At least he wasn’t in any battles in Japan.

Is that a letter from Bill, Mother? Stuart asked between bites.

Yes. Bill’s in Illinois which isn’t far from Virginia. Maybe Walter can go up to see him, Aunt Doreen said happily. I’ll mention it to him when he calls later this evening. Here let me read it to you.

***

June 1940

Dear Uncle Walter and all,

Well, I guess you know that I have a new home now. As you can tell by the return address, I’m at the United States Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. At least I have to say there is no place like California, and what I wouldn’t give to be back there right now!

I wanted to see all of you, especially Stuart, before I left but didn’t have time. Is he still seeing Mary? What’s Emily doing? She’s out of high school isn’t she? I must be getting old, I don’t remember. It looks bad for the Allies’ cause now, doesn’t it? I’m not sure they have used their airplanes for the best. It seems to me the British could have made better use of them. Of course, since Churchill took over, the Royal Air Force has started bombing Germany. I think that it sure ought to serve a good lesson for us in the way of preparedness. What do you think?

President Roosevelt says we are staying neutral. I’m not sure just how long he can do this and keep our alliance with the Allies. I hope Henry Ford really knows what he’s talking about when he says he can put out one thousand airplanes a day for this country. How are the tests coming along on the wind tunnel? Are there any fighter planes being built at Hughes?

Well, now that you know where they have me, I hope you will be writing to me soon as I sure am lonesome, worse than I was when I first went out to the Orient. With best regards from your nephew,

Bill

P.S. No news from home. Have you heard anything?

***

That’s great! Stuart declared, reaching for the salad dressing.

I’m glad he’s still in the United States and not in Japan. Dena spoke vehemently as she picked up a piece of angel food cake dotted with strawberries and whipped cream. Aunt Doreen glanced at her niece. She knew that Dena hated war and everything connected to it.

You really think Dad could go to Illinois and see him? Emily asked pointedly.

"Maybe. I know it’s not far from Virginia. Come let’s go back to