March 30, 1927

My dear Sweetheart:

I never want to stop calling you that, but before long, if I’m called on to write you letters, I want to say, “my dear wife”. The time is growing short, but not speedily enough for me, does April 8 come round. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were out last night, and Chubby illustrated how each day meant one more day of freedom cut off – but even that does not discourage me. I know that I’ll enjoy you as “boss”.

I have been told that it will not be surprising to find myself in the “lake” next door, one of these fine nights, after a “belling”.  If that comes, too, I’ll have to endure it (unless you are able to protect me). Mrs. Young said last night that she has your job picked out – that you are to help her wait table at the dance. Of course you would marry me, so you have let yourself in for that.

I don’t envy you the experience of having a dozen girls come in to surprise you, though it is nice to realize that you have such good friends. Mother Veach was so pleased that the girls were coming that she fairly bubbled over with pleasure. (Really I began to fear that she’d tell you inadvertently).

We have hung your dresses in the cedar closet, and when guests run in, we eagerly drag them to the second floor to show that we expect a girl in the house. Everybody likes your rug, and the more times I unroll it to show it, the better looking I think it is.

Dot, I know we’re going to make a go of it. I have vowed myself that I’ll never by word or act do anything to make you regret having married me. I want you to always be happy in our home, and I am willing to go more than half way to see that you are content. There is no assurance that we’ll ever be anything but ordinary working folk, but there is every reason to believe that we can content ourselves with what we have. Once again I want to assure you that your happiness is the most important thing in life for me.

I’m coming to claim you next week, and then you’ll know that I mean it when I say, “you must be happy”.

I hope K was able to enjoy the surprise on Monday eve. I wish there wered some way of settling things for her and Bob.[1] Give them and mother my love, but save a big share of it for yourself.

Andy

[1] Dottie's brother Bob and his intended, Kathleen, were engaged for sixty-plus years, but never married, because "she wouldn't move to the farm and he wouldn't move to town."