Conflicted Home (The Survivalist Book 9), A American [top android ebook reader TXT] 📗

they’re married. So, they’re married.”

There was more excitement. More hugs and handshakes. Miss Kay started to cry. Sarge went to her and put his arm around her, concerned. But she shooed him away. “These are tears of joy, Linus. You men just don’t understand these kinds of things. I’m just so happy.” She got control of herself and added, “You two are married. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a ceremony.” She started to cry again. “I’ve been saving some flour for a special occasion. I didn’t know why, just being a silly old woman. But now I know why. It was for your wedding cake.”

Fred’s eyes lit up. “You mean we could have an actual ceremony with a cake?”

“Of course, dear, of course.”

Then Fred’s expression changed a little. “What about a dress?”

“I still have mine,” Mel said. “You’re more than welcome to wear it.”

“Mom!” Taylor nearly shouted. “We found wedding dresses in some of the houses!”

“Yeah,” Lee Ann said. “We’ll get them all, so you can take your pick.”

As discussion about the wedding dress continued, Doc walked out onto the porch. He saw everyone bunched up and Miss Kay and now Fred crying. He stopped in the doorway, taking it all in, then cut his eyes at me. He walked over and asked, “What the hell’s going on?”

“Fred and Aric are getting married.”

He looked up and smiled. “That’s awesome.”

“And she’s pregnant,” I knew that would get the Doc in him going.

He looked back at me wide-eyed, “What? How the hell did that happen?”

I laughed out loud. “Really, Ronnie?”

He shook his head. “You know what I mean. It’s a big risk.”

I stood up and gripped his shoulder. “She’ll be alright. She’s got you. No pressure.”

“Kiss my ass.” A look only describable as nausea came over him. “God, I hate deliveries. The crying, the screaming,” he shuddered.

“Not to mention all the racket the mother makes,” I replied. Naturally, that got me a fuck you look. “Now go congratulate the bride and groom.”

He pulled it together and walked into the chaos that was happiness overflowing from the porch. Thad hugged Fred, lifting her off the floor. She squealed and Kay admonished him to be gentle with the soon-to-be mother. Back on the ground, Fred smiled at him and said, “You’re going to make a terrific big uncle.” Hearing the words, tears welled up in his eyes.

He smiled and wiped them away. “I’ll love her like my own.”

“Him. Love him like your own,” Aric corrected, getting a laugh from Thad and a playful swat from Fred.

“The baby will have all kinds of uncles!” Mike shouted.

“Yeah,” Sarge replied, “Every kid needs a crazy uncle.”

Mike didn’t miss a beat. “Glad to see you volunteer for the job!” This got a roar of laughter from everyone, even the old man. He nodded, replying, “Touché.”

Kay broke up the festivities. “Alright, everyone, sit down and eat before your supper gets cold! There’s plenty of time to plan this out.”

All the women gathered at one table. I think Aric was relieved for the chance, or excuse to escape. He joined the rest of us at our table, where he naturally received a fair amount of good-natured ribbing.

“Go ahead, Doc. Tell him what you told me about how much you enjoy delivering babies,” I said.

He gave me the finger, but Aric was looking at him expectantly. Doc rolled his head, “Ok, it’s not my favorite thing to do, admittedly.”

“But you do it so well,” Ted said.

Sarge pointed at him with his spoon. “If I remember right, you delivered a baby in Iraq in the middle of a firefight once.”

“No shit?” Aric said, surprised.

“Yeah, he did. Like a boss!” Ted shouted.

“Don’t let Ronnie fool you. He’s much better at bringing life than he is at ending it,” Mike chimed.

“Some things are more rewarding,” Doc replied.

Mike gripped his shoulder, rocking him back and forth. “Well, buddy, in about eight months you’re going to get a hell of a reward.”

Doc slapped Mike’s hand from his shoulder. “I’ll make an exception for your ass.”

“You ain’t the only one,” Sarge added, getting everyone to laughing.

“How long you known about this?” Thad asked me.

“I found out today. They were all nervous about what everyone would think.”

“What do you mean?” Danny asked.

“You know, they’re not married and worried that we,” I circled my finger around the table, “would judge them for some reason.”

“What a load of hog wash,” Sarge said.

“They got nothing to worry about,” Thad said. “It’s wonderful news. With all the loss of life we see, seeing one start is a nice change.”

“With all this in mind,” Danny said, “Can you guys get medical stuff for her when you go to Eglin?”

Doc nodded, “Yeah, I’ll round up what I need.”

“It don’t take much,” Sarge said. “I’ve seen them dropped in the dirt in Africa.”

“Where they have one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates,” Doc replied.

“Yeah, but that ain’t happening here,” Thad said.

“No,” Sarge replied. “Between Doc and all them henpecks over there, I think there’s more than enough help.”

Looking to change the subject, Aric asked, “What’s up with Eglin?”

“We’re going to make a run up there. I need to go see the general and pick up some supplies for us,” Sarge said.

“It’s your lie. You tell it,” I replied.

“Who’s going?” Aric asked.

“Not you,” nearly everyone at the table said in unison. Causing all of us to laugh, except Aric of course.

“Sorry, son. You’re about to get married and have a baby coming. You’re staying inside the wire,” Sarge told him. It was not what Aric wanted to hear.

“I can still do my job. This doesn’t change anything.”

“It changes everything, buddy. But you’ll still be doing your job. Just not on this mission,” Ted said.

“Give it a little time, man. Things will get back to normal,” I said. Then I asked, “You don’t have any kids do you?” He shook his head. “I didn’t think so. Fred’s going to need you around.”

“Welcome to crazy town,” Mike said as he stuffed a spoon into