by Mark Church
Cole lowers his head. Jake squeezes Cole’s shoulders firmly as if to say, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.”
Cole raises his head and looks into his father’s eyes, his own eyes swimming.
Jake continues, “You’re about to embark on a wonderful journey with a wonderful young lady, and I’m sure you’ll be very happy together. Treat her well and look out for her, and she will do the same for you.”
Cole’s eyes clear and he nods his understanding. His father’s words of wisdom remind him that, no matter what, he will always have this strong foundation upon which to build his life.
“Now come on, we don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”
Father and son walk through the interior door into the building’s main room. Familiar faces turn to watch them.
The chatter slows as the handsome young groom smiles in acknowledgement.
Cole and Jake walk to the front of the room where Mike is waiting. They are soon joined by Amy and Gena.
The room is filled with wildflowers thanks to the folks of New Town, who spent the previous day picking them.
Jake and Cole stand flanked by the others, as the room grows very quiet.
Jake nods to the piano player to his right. She begins to play a lovely melody.
The exterior door at the far end of the room opens and the sunlight pours in. Moments later Kayla appears in the threshold. She is dressed in a beautiful white gown made for her by her mother. She’s breathtaking. John is by her side.
As the pair makes their way down the makeshift aisle Kayla looks steadily ahead into Cole’s waiting eyes. Both tremble a bit with anticipation as the adoring crowd looks on. People who never thought they could be happy again, feel their hearts rise at the sight.
When Kayla arrives at the front of the room, her bridesmaids straighten the back of her gown. Cole gently takes her hand. Their palms are sweaty but neither cares.
Jake picks up his bible and clears his throat. He begins, “We are gathered here today, to join Cole and Kayla in holy matrimony….”
The following ceremony is brief but heartfelt.
The service ends with Jake declaring, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Cole swoops Kayla into his arms, dips her backwards, and kisses her fully on the lips.
The attendees whoop and holler as they celebrate the young newlyweds.
Jake looks over at Amy and gives her a wink and mouths, “Maybe we’re next.” She smiles and shrugs playfully before mouthing back, “Maybe.”
It seems that the wedding has brought out romantic sentiment in more than just Jake and Amy. They find out later that Eli asked Hannah to marry him during the reception and she agreed. It appears there could be two more weddings on the horizon.
The celebration goes well into the night. The beer supplied by New Town and the scrumptious dishes donated by each of the communities make for quite a feast. Challenges lie ahead but, for tonight, all is well.
The wedding not only serves to celebrate young love but also to further the connection between the neighboring communities.
When tomorrow comes, reality will once again be front and center. Things will get back to normal. People will return to their communities and resume neglected chores. Not only will they take with them pleasant memories, they will also take the goodwill that has developed over recent months.
Joys and sorrows shared create powerful bonds. The kind of bonds that endure for generations. These bonds ensure cooperation and a sense of expanded community that will help them all to prosper in the coming years.
Epologue
Jake and his group have earned their reputation as reluctant heroes. Their unselfish sacrifices and commitment to godly values prove to be the necessary anecdotes to evil intentions. Their moral foundation is required for the re-establishment of human dignity.
Jake has become a folk hero as stories of his bravery have become lore. Well-earned depictions of him leading mankind in its struggle against oppression and fear are recounted in reverence.
Jake is commonly referred to as the world’s leader, though it is a title he firmly rejects. Ironically, his humble nature is one of the things that make people want to follow him. In spite of his refusal to accept the designation, he has learned to live with the moniker.
The unlikely hero is a simple man who averts attention and, while he may avoid the limelight, he’s ready to help when help is needed. Prompted by those who revere him, he regularly speaks to communities via the radio to share ideas on governance, agriculture, and other things that are helpful to struggling communities.
The inhabitants of the Refuge have secured their place in history, a history that almost didn’t happen. Challenges still abound but the stage has been set.
Don’t believe the hype about good guys finishing last. Negative talk is promoted by those trying to pull you down into their own personal hell. Take the high road, walk in righteousness, and ignore your detractors – be like Jake.
The story doesn’t so much end, as my writing fades away. There are endless chapters to be written, but they are to be written by the imagination of each of you. And use your imagination well, it’s one of your greatest attributes!
God bless.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Mark W. Church is a retired business owner, martial artist, survival hobbyist, and extreme sports enthusiast. He is a proud husband and father of two. He used his extensive knowledge of the American heartland to plan his protagonists’ journey.
Other Books by This Author
Dark Triad: Genesis (Book 1)
(ISBN: 9781539801122)
