Challenge Me, page 14
“No, it had your name on it.”
“Dad listed his wishes besides the store. Emphasized he didn’t want to be resuscitated if it came to that and didn’t want to be dropped in a home with no one to visit him.”
“We can try and find a home around here but it’s just me left. I can visit but not as often as he deserves. Guess the church ladies could visit.” Russ shrugged. “No guarantees though.”
Briar looked between the cousins and spoke up. “I know it’s not my place, but can I make a suggestion?”
“B? Whose place would it be if it wasn’t yours? You’re my fiancé.”
“What if we found somewhere near us? You’ll be moving around, yeah, but I’m going to be staying put manning the house. I know we haven’t discussed every option but if we get the house, there’s the in-law apartment so your dad would have some independence, but I’m there. It’ll be a bit before he’s ready to come home based on what I saw last night, I’m sure. And the crews are there when I’m not.”
The cousins were silent for a bit then Russ spoke up, “I like your man, Archie. He knows the value of family it appears.”
“You’re always welcome to visit, too,” Briar offered.
“I might just have to take you up on that.”
Epilogue
A whirlwind three months had Randolph and Briar jumping. His dad had been in the hospital for ten days which was just enough time for them to find a rehab center close to them and arrange for his transfer. The closing on the house went so smooth it was scary and they were in their new home. Briar had realized that maybe he needed to talk over everything that had gone on during his deployment; that even though he came home, he hadn’t left it all over there. Randolph and May were by his side each time he saw his therapist.
Randolph was pacing their bedroom right now. Why he was so nervous, he didn’t know. Today was the day that he and Briar were making everything official. They were just having a quiet service in their backyard. Briar insisted that even though it was just friends and family, he wanted Randolph in dress blues. He’d agreed only if Briar wore a tux. When they were discussing locations for the receptions, the only place they could agree on was Mama’s for a small reception. Bree told them if she didn’t get to make them a cake she was taking it out on Randolph’s ass on the mat and would make Briar get on the mat with her too.
A knock on the door broke him from his thoughts. Tank leaned around the door, a big smile on his face.
“You ready?”
“Bring it.” Tank opened the door and gestured for Randolph to lead the way. He pulled on the jacket of his blues and marched out the door. When he got to the deck, he stopped. He and Briar were going to walk to the arch of vines they had set up, together. He didn’t have to wait long. Briar followed Jack out from the living room doors. Briar took Randolph’s breath away.
Jack walked up to Tank and held out his arm. “You ready?” Tank stared at Jack before he leaned in, kissed Jack’s lips and placed his hand on Jack’s elbow. Jack stood there for a minute before he woke from his daze and moved them forward.
“Did you know that was coming?” Randolph asked Briar.
“I’ve had my suspicions for a while but I didn’t think Tank had it in him to take the chance. You ready to get married, Brand?”
“Yes, yes I am.” Randolph and Briar walked down and stopped in front of the chaplain who smiled at them.
“Before we begin, I’ve been asked by the grooms to politely ask all attending to forget the full name of Sergeant Randolph once they hear it.”
Siah snickered from his seat, “Archibald” then whooped like he’d been goosed. When Randolph looked over at May, he was smiling angelically. Guess Siah had been goosed.
“As we join today to witness the vows of Staff Sergeant Archibald Orion Randolph and Briar Joseph Mason, let us give thanks to the greater powers for the health of this couple and all those who have and are serving. May those that have given the ultimate sacrifice smile down on them in peace.
“The couple has written their vows together. Staff Sergeant.”
“Briar, when we met, I’ll admit I was the biggest asshole but somehow, someway you were able to see through to me. The me that I didn’t know then but as we’ve faced our challenges together over the past months, I’ve become stronger than I would have ever been without you in my life. I promise to love you, support you and cherish you from this day forward.”
Briar took a deep breath, held it for a second then let it out before speaking. “Brand, when we met, I didn’t know who I was or what I was doing. I just knew I needed to make amends before I deployed. I wanted to meet my maker with a clear conscience if that was His plan. Little did I know that His plan was so much bigger than that. He guided me to you that day. I know that I would not have overcome the challenges He placed in my path without you and our crews. Before I left you to deploy, you placed your Brand on my heart forever more. I promise to love you, support you and cherish you from this day forward.”
They had worked on the vows together, but Randolph hadn’t heard that part about the Brand before. Now he knew that if Briar ever called him something different? Oh, he was in trouble.
About the Author
Kris Jacen grew up just north of Boston, Massachusetts and met her soldier in high school but didn’t married him until almost ten years later. She moved around with him and their daughters (born in two different states thanks to the Army) for the first 19 years of their marriage (they’ll celebrate their silver anniversary in 2018) before settling in western New York.
She has been the Editor in Chief and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints since January of 2008 and has never looked back. Working with the amazing authors at MLR has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. She also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers which lets her “pay-it-forward” and help authors realize their dreams.
You can find out more about Kris on her website:
www.krisjacen.com.
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Kris Jacen, Challenge Me
