by Alice Brown
Of course, as Marshall looked around at their new underground community, he couldn’t help thinking of his fiancée’s family. Charles was smiling now, more than he ever had before. Felippe had ended up giving up his board seat and moving out of the community. Erica took the council by surprise when they attempted to steamroll her and had gone back to the original by-laws, which stated the meetings were to be held as open meetings. She soon gathered enough support from community members who insisted that Kevin be named to replace Felippe. The council quickly realized she was a woman they should not oppose without thorough consideration. And with Charles, Erica, and Kevin on the board, Charles was no longer concerned about getting his ideas passed. He had enough friends, and with his family added in, he knew he had nothing to worry about.
“You know, I always thought of Pop Atkins as my own special gift from heaven. He taught me so much and was such an amazing elder when I was growing up.” Stephanie stopped as she collected her thoughts. She had been doing well at putting the past behind her and looking forward to a future with Marshall. That wasn’t to say she still didn’t miss her Pop Atkins every day. But she now realized that time healed all things, and eventually, the raw hurt of losing someone so close would dull. “And then he goes and tops himself by leaving us such a special gift, allowing us to rebuild better and stronger and safer than ever. To become whole again.”
Marshall brought her in front of him, tenderly capturing her lips with his. “I know, baby. And you are right, he was an amazing gift to all that knew him while he was with us. But he lives on, you know. He lives on through his amazing act of generosity that will hold this community together and allow us to grow for many years to come.”
Stephanie smiled up at him as she hugged his neck tight. “I love you, Marshall Riggs. Thanks for being my rock.”
He chuckled into her hair. “Any time, baby, any time. And I love you, soon-to-be Mrs. Stephanie O’Rourke Riggs.”
The National Guard
You may have noticed the books in this series pay tribute to our wonderful military personnel and their families. Vampires Among Us, Book One paid tribute to the US Navy, in telling Pop Atkins’s story of being on board the USS North Carolina. Vampires Among Us, A Special Gift, Book Two pays tribute to The Army National Guard with the vampires creating their own version, the Community Watchmen.
My husband spent the first half of his military career in the Navy as a Seabee (construction). The Navy is by far his first love. (Yes, I have played the second fiddle to his career for years now!) He then spent his second half of his military career as a full time NC National Guardsman. I am happy to report that, after twenty-one active years of service, he has finally decided to retire.
I don’t need to tell anyone who is a military spouse that life isn’t always easy. Being a member of the National Guard is no different from being in any other branch of the military. If anything, it can be more challenging. The National Guard has played a significant role in the War Against Terrorism, with its members being deployed just as often as any other branch in the military. I have spent many hours with spouses of deployed significant others. Trust me, deployment is NEVER easy! As many Guard spouses will agree, the lack of everyone living and working together on a base brings a certain lack of built-in support systems. For many Guard spouses, deployment can be an extremely lonely, frustrating time. For those who don’t have their own support system through church, neighbors, family, or friends, deployment time can be quite overwhelming.
I have watched part-time National Guard members (M-Day soldiers) lose their civilian jobs, due to National Guard training, deployment, etc. Although this is against the law, businesses are well aware they only have to come up with another excuse, including a lay-off or downsizing, to get rid of the soldier. Still, I watch these soldiers and families fight on, defending our freedom, and answering the call of duty whenever and wherever necessary.
I salute each and every member of our Armed Forces, and a special thank you to our Army National Guard members and their families. Thank you for your dedication, flexibility, and patience, and thank you for defending this country’s freedom!
Alice Brown
Books by Alice Brown
Published by JK Publishing, Inc.
Vampires Among Us
A Special Gift
Published with Other Publishing Houses
Vampires Among Us
The Music Box (stand alone Christmas story)
I would love to hear from you!
Website: http://AuthorAliceBrown.com
Email: [email protected]
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