he gathered her into his arms there on the bench , pressing her face to his chest , and wrapped her tightly . he brought her knuckles to his lips wanting to comfort her , not wanting to answer her , or think about the possibilities . somehow it was too beautiful to be in the hands of the enemy . she trembled as my fingers brushed her palm . humph , tell that to my father . suddenly the noise from the doorbell stopped . i guess i had startled the poor guy speechless . 