Question E

[Jonetta]

We also get additional background on Noah’s grandfather Walter Gaines, a Tuskegee airman, and Dot Smith, an Army WASP (pilot) during WW II. Did you foresee their marriage? Did you ever suspect that she was related to Sam, which made Noah his cousin? Your thoughts about this woman?

[Sharon]

I liked Walter and Dot's story. I didn't see them getting married. I thought they might have an affair for a short minute, but I couldn't see either of them betraying Mae.

Sam's relationship to Noah was a shock. I didn't see that coming at all. I loved the revelation because it gave Sam a biological family who loved him. They loved Sam without the biological connection; however, the biology cemented the love in Sam's heart.

Dot is my favorite type of female character. She is strong, determined, and a trailblazer.

[Jonetta]

I loved their story, too. Yes, I was worried Walter and Dot would have an affair and was so happy that didn’t happen. I was surprised they married and absolutely floored to find out she was Sam’s aunt! Love that he and Noah are blood relations and that they even look alike.

There was a lot to love about Dot as it took courage to be with Walter during that era, especially coming from that awful family.

[Robin]

I did not expect to discover that Dot was Sam's aunt. I did not see that coming at all.

[Lauren]

I loved them! I so did not see the connection to Sam coming. It was a delightful surprise and made the connection between Sam and the Gaines all the more special considering what Sam's father had done to Walter.

Dot's courage in the face of her family and society was amazing.

[Anita]

Walter and Dot were a wonderful couple. In the time when interracial marriage was frowned up everywhere and illegal in some places, the had the courage to choose each other and made it work. It was a remarkable story.

I loved that Dot and Walter made a safe place for Sam. The man he became is all due to their influence. She didn't let bitterness toward her brother for what he did to Walter to influence her feelings for Sam.