Conflicted Home (The Survivalist Book 9)

is head-on, brother!”
I could hear the guys in the kitchen scrambling to get out onto the porch. Sarge and the guys were still sitting at the table talking over their plans for the road trip. When I pronounced, “We have an announcement!” everyone stopped talking and looked up. The guys came out of the house, bumping into one another as all eyes were on me. Thad stood there looking at his hands, so I gave him a push.
“What is it?” Kay asked.
Thad looked up, hesitating, so I said, “Thad has something he wants to say.”
He looked at me and I smiled, giving him a nod. He looked at Mary and I could see she knew something was up. Thad made his way around the table to where she sat, all eyes were on him. When he got to her, he took her hand and lifted her from her seat and pulled the chair out of the way.
“What’s this?” She asked.
Kay gasped and covered her mouth as Thad knelt down in front Mary. Realizing what was going on, Mary started to cry. Down on one knee, Thad looked up at Mary. He unrolled the piece of silk and took out the ring. Holding it up, he said, “Mary. I thought I would never find happiness again. But I met Morgan,” he looked back at me and smiled, I returned it and nodded. “And in doing so I found my way here. Then you found your way here.” The ladies were starting to cry, and truth be told, I had to wipe my own eyes. “But I did indeed find happiness. That happiness was made brighter when you arrived and has only gotten brighter with every day.” He held the ring up and asked, “I want it to keep getting brighter. Will you marry me?”
Mary dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him. Crying, she replied, “Yes! Yes, I will!” Thad took her hand and slid the ring on her finger.
A cheer erupted from everyone as they shot to their feet. I shouted, “It’s a double wedding!”
Little Bit ran over and wrapped her arms around Thad and Mary. “You’re getting married!” She shouted. “I’m so happy! Can I be the flower girl?”
Thad smiled and patted her head, “Yes you can, Miss Ashley.” She smiled and hugged him tight, then hugged Mary as well. They were all smiles.
While everyone was celebrating, I snuck out and went to the house. I grabbed one of the jugs of blackberry wine and carried it back to the porch. “A day like this calls for a proper celebration! I picked this up and I can’t think of a better time for it. Who wants some blackberry wine?”
There was a round of approving shouts and Bobbie went into the house and returned with glasses. I started pouring drinks and passing them out. I handed one to Mike and he started to take a drink from it. Sarge cuffed him in the back of the head, saying, “Wait for the toast, dipshit.”
“I was just smelling it. Calm down, ya old prick.”
After taking a glass of his own, he put his arm around Mike and said, “Sure you were.” They both laughed and walked back to the table together. Sarge got up on a chair and announced, “Everyone get a glass and I’ll make a toast!”
The porch was electric with happiness and excitement. It didn’t take long to get everyone a snort of the wine. I handed a glass to Doc and Taylor stepped up. “You’re not old enough,” I said.
“Oh, come on dad. What’s it matter? Just a sip so we can do the toast.” Lee Ann was standing behind her with an expectant look on her face as well.
I shrugged. “What the hell.” And I poured them about a finger each into a glass. Once everyone had theirs, I looked at Sarge and held my glass up.
Still on the chair, Sarge began. “Alright, everyone, quiet down!” He gave everyone a moment to quiet, and once everyone was looking at him, he started. “With everything going on, today marks a new dawn for all of us. I couldn’t imagine anything better than these two beautiful couples committing their lives to one another.” There were some coos from some of the ladies as Sarge continued. “And the fact that Fred is pregnant is the only way it could possibly have been any better. Aric, you’re a good man and I’m glad to call you friend. Fred, you’re a beautiful young lady and you’re going to make a wonderful momma.”
He looked at Thad. “Thad, you’ve been a friend for a long time and I am so thankful you’re here with us now. It’s an honor to have you in my life.” Looking at Mary, he smiled and said, “Mary, you’re a beautiful person inside and out. I’m so happy to know you and Thad are about to embark on a new chapter in your lives. I couldn’t be happier.” He held up his glass and said, “To the health and happiness of the new couples!”
“Health and happiness!” Everyone shouted back as they drank to the toast. Mary whispered in Thad’s ear. He smiled and nodded and stepped over to whisper to Aric and Fred. Fred smiled and her eyes brightened. They both nodded their heads.
“Before you sit down,” Thad called to Sarge, “we have a request.” The old man looked up and Thad said, “We’d like for you to give both of the brides away at the ceremony.”
The old man paused and looked around at the faces staring back at him. His expression was unlike any I’d ever seen. It was nearly expressionless. But he straightened his back and wiped his eyes, saying, “I’d count it as one of the highest honors of my life.” He looked at Fred and Mary. “I’ve never had a daughter and never imagined I’d give a bride away.” He paused and smiled. “Let alone two.”
Everyone began to talk and clap at the same