บททั้งหมดของ The Lansing House: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

MaggieIt had taken one day for Maggie to find a dress she liked, along with a ring for Asher. They had applied for their marriage license two weeks earlier, and filled out the paperwork. Her stomach was in knots. It was one day before the wedding, and the marquee tent had been erected in the same spot where Melody’s jumping castle had stood.The time had gone by so fast as she spoke with Laurette about the menu. She had spent hours discussing the decor with Eden, making plans, and packing little boxes with wedding favors for the guests. Asher knew a lot of people, so their guest list had nearly a hundred names on it.Maggie was more interested to see who the brothers’ dates were. Eden had booked a woman to do Maggie’s hair and makeup, and they’d bought Melody the cutest little dress.They had opted not to have any bridesmaids since Maggie’s only friend was Eden. She didn’t want to put Asher on the spot of having to choose between his brothers.She was finishing up the last of her wor

MaggieShe’d wrestled with her news the entire night. Eden had stayed true to her word. They’d done facials, manicures, and talked about the new baby. Eden was so excited, but dread filled Maggie.Her dress was a classic A-line silhouette, and had a regal crepe back with satin fabric that made up the train of her dress. She’d loved the dress because of the pockets, but Eden claimed it was the embroidery on the back with the satin buttons that truly made it the perfect one.She’d chosen a light ivory color, and Eden had insisted on brown cowboy boots. It was a stunningly beautiful dress, one she could see herself in. She hadn’t even looked at other dresses. Her mind was made up.Her hair was swept up into an elaborate bun, with braids on the sides. Her makeup was subtle and perfect. When she looked in the mirror, she grinned. She really did look beautiful.Her timing was perfect. She stepped into the foyer at the same time as a knock came at the front door. She opened the door, and Tho

AsherWhen the beeping machines woke him, he groaned in pain. His eyes adjusted to the bright lights, and he tried to clear his throat. Feeling his one hand was being held tightly, he turned his head.“Hey,” Thomas said, with a relieved look on his face.“Did anyone get hurt?” His voice was scratchy, and his father held a straw to his lips. He sipped the water gratefully.“No. Everyone’s fine,” Thomas said.“That’s good.”“That dog did a damn fine job of ripping that man’s throat out,” Thomas said, as Asher smiled.“He was trained to do that,” Asher said. He turned his head again, and saw Maggie sleeping, clutching his hand in hers.The door opened, and Asher smiled again. The boys, Eden, Blair, Colt, and Dylan, stepped into the room. They were all smiling at him, and Oscar wiped his eyes.“Don’t cry, Oscar, I’m fine,” Asher said.“I know. I’m just happy you’re awake,” he said.“I was just telling Asher about Dakota,” Thomas said.Blair chuckled, as he crossed his arms over his chest.

AsherHe licked his dry lips, the taste of blood making the bile rise in his throat. Asher leaned forward, dry-heaving, his empty stomach roiling from the action. The darkness was never-ending, and he blinked a few times.“Major?”“Mark?”“It’s Phillips, Sir; it’s too quiet. Something’s happening,” he said.Asher closed his eyes again, biting back the sob that wanted to escape. He strained to listen to the sounds that had become so ingrained in them. He could hear his own breathing, and he held his breath.“You’re right.”Dull footsteps could be heard. A group of people running. Asher opened his eyes again, crawling on his hands and knees toward the door. Their captors hadn’t bothered chaining them up anymore. They were too weak to fight back. He’d lost count of the days, and didn’t even know if it was morning or night. He couldn’t recall the last time they had water or food.“This is Staff Sergeant Carter Reid; move away from the door!” Asher moved to the side, and ten seconds later,

AsherHe pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. Too many memories flitted through his mind as the line rang.“Hey, Asher.”“How are you holding up, Mark?”“Polly has me talking to a shrink,” he said, and chuckled.“That’s good.” Asher’s mind went to Mark’s funeral, the one he had imagined. The pain still felt real, even if it never happened.“I have to admit, in the beginning, it felt like a load of crap, but the guy makes sense, and I feel better. The nightmares have improved, as well.”“Don’t stop, Mark. Polly needs you.”“Yeah, I know. I’ll do whatever it takes to get better. I love her too much to leave her here alone,” he said.“Listen, did we have a Conroy on our team or at the camp?”“Conroy?” Mark was quiet for a bit, and then Asher could hear him take a breath. “Yeah. PFC Josh Conroy. He was at the base camp with us for about 7 weeks. On his last night, he showed us a picture of his pregnant wife.”“His last night? Did he ship out?”“Yeah, he was deployed to an