Men and Ladies of Honor

CHAPTER 26

Kayden and Natalee

Kayden was on his way to the San Gabriel Village truck stop and then to Emma’s to drop Natalee off. Then he would be on his way to work. Kayden drove a Peterbilt big rig fuel tanker truck 18-wheeler.

Kayden gets Natalee in the horse and buggy Taxi and tells Natalee; you mind Claudia, Carman and Emma now.

Yes Dad I love you Dad.

Love you, sweetie, see you in three days.

Natalee was excited because she knew this would be the last time Kayden would have to drop her off and go to work. Once he gets back, they will be getting ready for his new job in New York. Kayden and Natalee didn’t want to leave San Gabriel. Still, Natalee didn’t want her father driving a Peterbilt big rig fuel tanker truck 18-wheeler. Natalee was worried for Kayden. His Army friend Arthur in New York needed some help on the high-rise. It was a good job, excellent benefits, steady work, and excellent pay. Kayden figured if he played his cards right and saved his money in ten years, he would have enough money saved to semiretired in San Gabriel, Central Mexico. Kayden also thought the change of scenery might help Natalee. Natalee was continually having nightmares about her mother’s death.

***

Kayden finished his three days working and was pulling into the company parking lot. He parked the truck, turned the key off, and sat there for a moment. He knew this would be the last time he drove a Peterbilt big rig fuel tanker truck 18-wheeler. Kayden went to the office to pick up his checks. All his friends were there; they were having a going-away party for Kayden. They were happy for Kayden. They knew he was doing the right thing.

We’re all going to miss you, Kayden.

I’m not leaving the planet; it’s only New York. You can visit me anytime you like and gave them his new address. He knew his friends were 18-wheeler line drivers, and occasionally, they would go through New York.

Kayden got in his pickup truck and left to pick Natalee up, and they would go home, start packing they’re closed, have a yard sale, and sell all their furniture. Claudia was going to take care of the selling of the house. Claudia told Kayden not to worry about anything; I would take care of it.

Kayden was to meet Carmen and Gilbert at Donnie’s Restaurant to pick Natalee up.

Gilbert Carmen and Natalee, we’re at the restaurant when Kayden road up in the horse and buggy taxi. When Natalee saw her father, she ran out and jumped on him and was crying.

Why are you crying, sweetie?

Because I’m happy, Dad.

Tears filled Carmen’s eyes; she was so happy for them.

Gilbert gave Kayden a card with his phone number and told Kayden if he ever needed anything not to hesitate to give me a call.

Kayden thanks Carmen and Gilbert for everything. Natalee gave Carmen and Gilbert a hug goodbye, and they left.

Once Kayden got to New York, he rented a furnished apartment and started work. Kayden would buy a house once they got settled and he got familiar with the area.

After a month, Kayden and Natalee were settled. Kayden bought a new pick-up truck and got Natalee enrolled in a new school.

The school principal called Kayden and told him that Natalee was gifted and should be going to a special school.

Kayden found a beautiful home, and they moved in. Natalee was happy. Natalee wasn’t having nightmares anymore. Kayden knew he had done the right thing by moving to New York.

Once they moved into the new home, Kayden called his friends and gave them his new address. Kayden got Natalee enrolled in a Special Catholic School for gifted children. Everything was going well for Kayden and Natalee.

Natalee was in a Christian bookstore window shopping right after Sunday service when a hanging necklace on the rack caught her eye. On the end of the chain was a large crucifix about three inches. She wanted to buy it for her father; she figured it would protect him on the way to work and at work. Natalee asked the clerk if the crucifix was Bless?

Yes, everything has been blessed.

Natalee didn’t know why she bought this crucifix for some reason; it just caught her eye. Natalee asked the clerk if she could put it in a beautiful box?

The clerk put it in a box with a piece of cotton on the top and A piece of cotton on the necklace’s bottom. The clerk asked Natalee if she wanted the Box gift-wrapped.

No, thank you, and paid for the cross and left the store.

It was Monday morning, and Kayden was about ready to leave for work when Natalee yelled out, wait a minute Dad, I have something for you. Natalee asked her father to lean down. She took the necklace out of the box and put it around her Dad’s neck and said, this would protect you today.

Kayden knew his daughter was worried about him, so he said, okay, thank you; he kissed his daughter and left for work.

Kayden and the workers got back on schedule. They all got together and went to a barbecue joint to celebrate.

On the way home, Kayden was on the bridge crossing the river; it was dark. He was at the top of the bridge when he saw this young girl standing near the rail; he figured she was contemplating suicide. He immediately turned the truck around and went over to where the girl was standing. She didn’t hear the truck when it pulled up. Kayden got out of the truck and walked over to the truck’s passenger side to open the passenger door. When the young girl Tracy quickly turned around, and she saw Kayden. She was about ready to run over to the rail and jump over. Kayden accidentally dropped his keys. When he reached down to pick them up, Tracy saw the large cross fall in the air in front of him that was hanging around his neck. A light hit the cross and the cross sparkled. When Tracy saw the cross, the thought of suicide left her.

Kayden opens the door on the passenger side of the truck Kayden said to the young girl, we can fix this. Tracy and Kayden got into the truck. My name is Kayden.

My name is Tracy. I don’t want to live another day without Tommy and started to cry.

Kayden saw she was always looking at the cross; again the light caught the cross and the cross sparkle. Kayden took the cross off and handed it to Tracy. She held it with both hands and pressed it to her hart.

I couldn’t make how you feel go away, but I can help you feel better. I will take you to my home, and you can stay with my daughter and me so we can work this out. We will need to stop and pick up some of your things.

I have a son, little Tommy; they took him away because I couldn’t take care of him.

We’ll pick him up too. Kayden stopped by Tracy’s apartment, and she went in and packed four suitcases. Then they went over to the Shelter where the baby was. They went inside and walked up to the front desk. Kayden told the girl at the desk; this is Tracy, and they were here to pick up her baby boy Tommy. They will be staying with me.

The girl at the counter said we just couldn’t release the child.

Another worker across the room heard Kayden. Are you Kayden, Arthur’s Army friend, who is working with him on the high-rise on 5th Street?

Yes, that’s me.

Rachel told Kayden and Tracy to come with her. Rachel took them where the babies were and got the baby ready for them to take with them. Rachel handed the baby to Tracy and gave Kayden the children’s clothes and hugged Tracy and Kayden and said God bless you.

On the way to Kayden’s home, Tracy thought Kayden felt like a father to her. Tracy’s mother and father were killed when she was very young.

They pulled up in front of the house, and Natalee came out and said I was worried about you.

I had a little detour on the way I had to pick up a couple of packages.

Hi, my name is Tracy.

Hi, my name is Natalee. Who is this handsome baby? This is little Tommy. Your father is going to help little Tommy, and I get back on our feet. Our father. They hugged. They would be like sisters. Can I hold little Tommy? Yes, thank you. Natalee was so happy she said I love this little boy.

Tracy was a bit uncomfortable at first, but she started being more relaxed in a few days.

Tracy and Natalee, we’re on the porch playing with Tommy.

Kayden walked out on the porch and said Liz called, and everybody’s meeting up at JJ’s BBQ joint; you girls want to go? Liz is Kayden’s girlfriend.

Sure, I’d love to go. But I don’t have a babysitter.

Nonsense Tommy’s going with us. JJ’s BBQ joint is a family restaurant. They have a dining room, a game room, and even a band and dancing room. I’m going to teach Tommy how to two-step.

Tracy chuckled and said he could barely walk.

You better get ready; we’re running late.

The girls jumped up and went into the house to get ready. This is great. Tommy can wear that new Cowboy outfit we got him. This sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.

The first thing my Dad says to the waitresses fill the table up with BBQ ribs. They have a great game room. I challenge you to a game of basketball. You’re on. The loser must wash the dishes. This was no problem. They had an automatic dishwasher. Both the girls chuckled.

Do you know how to two-step?

A little.

I could teach you; my Dad says I’m a good dancer.

Tracy held Tommy up in the air and said, we’re going to have so much fun.

Kayden pulled up in front of JJ’s BBQ joint in drop the girls and Tommy off. Kayden parked the pickup truck. The girls went inside and got a table. Kayden came in and walked over to the table and told the waitress to fill the table up with BBQ ribs. Tracy and Natalee looked at each other and chuckled. They knew he was going to say that.

They ate so much barbecue, Tommy loved the taste of BBQ. Natalee beat Tracy three out of four games of basketball.

Tracy said to Natalee I’m having so much fun. Tommy was jumping around; he could hear the music. Let’s do some dancing. Natalee went out on the dance floor with Tommy, and she was spinning around. Tommy loved the dancing; he was laughing.

Tracy was looking around. People were having so much fun. The band was playing loud western music. Tracy could see Natalee holding Tommy dancing.

A cowboy comes up to Tracy and asks her if she’d like to dance.

No, thank you, I just finished eating and would like to rest a bit. Tracy was only using that as an excuse; she just didn’t want to be held by another man.

Kayden saw this and said to himself. She’s going to need more time. Kayden planned to get Tracy out so she could unwind.

This made Tracy a little uncomfortable.

Natalee saw this and said to Tommy; you’re going to be my dance partner all night.

The band started playing a slow song. A man and a woman started singing. Tracy began shaking. Tracy put her hands out and started yelling; please stop. People around her thought she might have been drunk. Kayden saw what was happening and immediately jumped up and ran over and grab Tracy just before Tracy fainted. Kayden was holding Tracy on the dance floor, and she started coming around. By this time, Natalee and Tommy, we’re around her.

Tracy looked at Kayden and said that the song Tommy and I would sing together.

Natalee sat down next to Tracy with little Tommy. Look at Tommy Tracy. Tracy looked at Tommy.

He has Tom’s eyes.

Sing to him, Tracy.

I couldn’t.

Yes, you can, Natalee held Tommy in front of Tracy.

Tracy started singing to Tommy softly. Tommy began to smile and reached out to grab his mother. The crucifix Tracy was wearing fell in front of Tommy. Tommy reached up and started playing with the crucifix, and then he fell asleep.

Tracy looked at Natalee. He loves this song.

Kayden had to pick Tracy up; she was too weak to walk.

Later Kayden told Natalee she did an outstanding job.

I love Tracy and Tommy Dad. He hugged his daughter.

They got home okay it took a couple of days for everything to get back to normal. Tracy regularly sings the song to little Tommy. Natalee tried to sing the song to Tommy, but he would get mad and frustrated. When Tracy sings to him, he would smile and play with the crucifix and fall asleep. Natalee even tried humming the song to Tommy, but he would have none of it. But Tommy would love to be with Natalee. Natalee would pick Tommy up and swing around and dance with him. Tommy would laugh so hard.

One day Natalee was watching Tracy sing to Tommy; it was so beautiful. The crucifix Tracy had around her neck with fall in front of Tommy, and Tommy would reach up and play with it, and then he would fall asleep. This gave Natalee an idea she wanted to talk to her Dad about.

It was Saturday morning, and her Dad was in the kitchen, having a cup of coffee.

Natalee sat down next to Kayden and said I have an idea?

What is it?

Tracy is okay singing to Tommy, and Tommy falls asleep when she sings. I could put together a slideshow while Tracy is singing to Tommy about her husband Tommy. And we could do this after church service. A lot of people think Tracy was drunk at the BBQ joint when she fainted. This way, everybody will know what Tracy is about.

Sounds good, Natalee, but you will have to get Tracy’s okay for this.

Thanks, Dad, and she left to find Tracy.

Natalee found Tracy and told her of her idea.

I don’t know, Natalee.

Everybody at the barbecue thought you fainted because you were drunk. This way, they will know who you are.

Do they think I was drunk?

Yes.

Okay, then let’s do this.

I would have to go through your box of pictures.

That’s okay; they are a mess. She wasn’t kidding; there was nothing in order.

Tracy had a lot of pictures of Tommy. Natalee picked out the pictures she thought would be useful in the slideshow. Natalee was trying to keep them in chronological order. She got some pictures of Tommy’s school days off the internet, and there was a lot of combat pictures on the internet of Tommy’s army unit. There were even some videos.

There were wedding videos and videos of them at a party. In about the middle of the video, it was them too singing their song together. I bet Tracy doesn’t even know she has this. She copied them singing the song together, and we’ll use it in the slideshow. Natalee worked hard, putting the slideshow together. She knew this would be important for Tracy. Natalee had flyers printed. On the flyer, she said free show after services Sunday. She named the show about Tracy and Tommy and The Crosses We Carry. A lot of people were curious about the show because of the name. And weren’t going to miss it. Natalee didn’t show the video to Tracy; she wanted to surprise her.

Natalee asked her father if she could take Tracy and Tommy into town to get them new outfits and get Tracy’s hair done.

This is a special day for you, isn’t it, Natalee. You worked hard on this event.

Yes, Dad thanks, and Kayden gave Natalee his credit card.

Natalee and Tracy, and Tommy went into town to do some shopping. Tracy picked out a beautiful white dress to wear. While Tracy was getting her hair done, Natalee took Tommy over and got him a little cowboy outfit with a cowboy hat and cowboy boots.

Natalee and Kayden went over to pick Tracy up at the hairdresser and take her home to get ready for the show. When Natalee saw Tracy, she said Tracy; you’re beautiful. It was time to go over and set up for the show. Natalee got the place for Tracy and Tommy to set. She had some flowers placed on the stage. She had the screen set up for the slideshow.

People were starting to come to the auditorium; it was a full house. Tracy, Natalee, and Tommy came out on the stage. Tracy and Tommy took their seat. Natalee explained to the audience what was going to happen. Natalee started the video; there was soft music playing in the background for Tracy to sing with. Little Tommy was a little fussy, but when Tracy began singing, he settled down. The video started showing pictures of Tommy. It said Tommy’s father, Tommy. The video continued of Tommy growing up as Tracy sing to little Tommy. Tracy finishes the song, and Little Tommy fell asleep. The video started playing Tracy and Tommy singing the same song at a party. You could see they were having fun. The people in the audience recognize the song that was playing when Tracy fainted at JJ’s BBQ.

Tracy stood up and watched the video; she was surprised. You could hear people in the audience say this is beautiful. Then the video started playing with Tommy in his military uniform. Natalee had battle sounds put into the background. As the video progress to sounds got louder? Then there was a thunderous dramatic sound at the end as the last picture of Tracy in the cemetery lying on the ground with little Tommy with her and some flowers put on the ground in front of Tommy’s grave. There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium. Tracy ran over to Natalee and hugged her; they were both crying.

Thank you so much, sister.

People were live-streaming it to YouTube. It was getting thousands of hits.

***

It was early Saturday morning Tracy was bathing Tommy and getting him ready for the day. Kayden was at the kitchen table, having a cup of coffee reading the news on his laptop. Natalee was walking into the kitchen with the morning mail. You have a letter here from Brayden. Do we know a Brayden? He lives nearby; why would he send a letter?

I don’t know, let me have the letter, and I will find out. Kayden opened and read the letter. He says he’s seen Tracy’s video and understands her feelings, and he would respect them.

What is he doing, Dad? Does he want to propose?

No, he wants permission to ask Tracy for a date.

Why would he ask you for permission to ask Tracy for a date? Why would he ask you for permission?

If I read between the lines here, there is something wrong, and he’s trying to tell me.

Should I tell Tracy?

No, not just yet I want to check him out.

Kayden found out all about Brayden but never said anything to Natalee or Tracy. Kayden called Brayden and said if you’d like to ask Tracy for a date, that would be okay with me.

Brayden ask Kayden if Tracy would be home today.

Yes, she will.

Would it be all right if I stop by about eleven?

I’m sure that will be okay.

Kayden hung up the phone, and just then, Tracy walked into the kitchen. Kayden told Tracy; you’re going to have company today about eleven.

Who?

A boy named Brayden. He called and asked if you were going to be home today; I said yes.

I don’t know any boy named Brayden.

It was about five minutes to eleven in the front doorbell rings. Natalee said, that’s for you, Tracy, you want to get the front door.

I got it. Tracy opens the front door; she was surprised a handsome young man was standing there. He had a rugged look about him. He has a small box of candy in one hand and flowers in the other.

Hi, my name is Brayden. I saw the video your sister made, and I wanted to get to know you.

Tracy was surprised she wanted to talk with Brayden and get to know him. Tracy asked Brayden to come in and asked if he would like to go on the back porch.

Brayden handed Tracy the candy and flowers and said, sure.

Thank you.

Kayden was in the backyard, putting some tools away. Dad. Kayden walked onto the porch. This is Brayden, the fellow you were talking to on the phone earlier, Dad. Kayden put his hand out so Brayden could shake it. Kayden recognizes Brayden, almost jumping to attention to shake his hand.

Pleased to meet you, sir.

Let me put these in some water and get us something to drink. Tracy went into the kitchen, and Natalee was in the kitchen waiting for her.

Natalee hugged her sister and said he’s a keeper.

Stop it, Natalee, he’s just visiting.

Well, if you don’t want him, I’ll take him.

He’s too old for you.

Natalee helps Tracy carry the drinks to the back porch. Tracy introduced Natalee to Brayden.

Brayden told me you’re the sister that made the video.

Yes.

Brayden told me you did a fantastic job. I have an Alternative Media YouTube account and upload videos. It’s my hobby. I work as an Engineer. My father taught me the trade years ago. He taught Engineer classes after he got out of the Marines.

Natalee told Brayden we’re going to JJ’s BBQ joint later. Would you like to join us?

Sure, I would love to. Would that be okay with you, Tracy?

Sure, that would be nice.

Natalee knew Tracy wouldn’t have the courage to invite Brayden; that’s why she did it. I better check Tommy see y’all later. Brayden and Tracy, we have a pleasant visit.

Brayden said I’d like to see you again. Brayden says I understand this makes you nervous we can take this as slow as you want.

That’s nice, Brayden, thank you.

It was time to get ready to go to JJ’s BBQ joint. We can go in my truck. Kayden dropped everybody off in front of JJ’s BBQ. Get a table. I’ll park the truck and be right there. They found a table, and the waitress came over to take their order.

Fill the table up with BBQ ribs.

Natalee and Tracy looked at each other and said at the same time, Men.

After they finished eating and cleaning up, Brayden picked up Tommy, took him out on the dance floor, and danced with him. Tommy was laughing while they were spinning around.

Natalee said, wow, he’s an outstanding dancer.

Brayden went back to the table and handed Natalee Tommy and asked Tracy if she likes to dance?

I don’t know.

Remember, nice and slow.

Okay.

They went out on the dance floor, and we’re dancing.

Natalee said, wow, they look like they’ve been dancing for years together.

After they finished dancing, Brayden went over and picked Tommy up and put him on his shoulders and said I’m going to teach Tommy how to play basketball. They were gone for about an hour when they came back, they had a bunch of small toys, and Tommy had this big teddy bear he was hanging onto and didn’t want to let go. He looks so tired Brayden wore him out.

Give me that tired little man. Tracy started singing to Tommy.

Wait, let me record this. Brayden took out his cell phone and was recording Tracy singing. Tommy fell asleep, but Tracy finishes the song. Brayden gave Tracy a quick kiss on the lips and stood up and said I’m hungry.

We’ll have to get it to go; everybody’s getting tired.

Okay, thank you, sir. Brayden never called Kayden by his first name; he always referred to him as sir. If Brayden ever used Kayden’s first name, he would always put sir at the end of it. Brayden helped Kayden get things ready to go.

Natalee whispered in Tracy’s ear. Brayden was the life of the party? I like him, Tracy. Tracy looked at Natalee and smiled. Natalee whispered in Tracy’s ear again. He kissed you. Tracy looked back at Natalee and touched her lips with her fingers.

Tracy started seeing other boys. Tracy wasn’t interested in any of them; she always went back to Brayden. There was one boy Tracy thought might have been interesting. Tracy brought him home to introduce him to her family. When Tracy introduced him to Kayden, he said, hello, how are you doing, old man. Tracy almost threw him out of the house. Tracy stopped seeing other boys and stayed dating Brayden.

Brayden come over to pick Tracy up for a date. Natalee said Tracy isn’t ready. Would you like to sit down?

Can we go on the back patio? I have something I want to show you.

Sure, they went out on the patio.

Brayden handed Natalee a check for $600.

Natalee was surprised. What is this for?

I added some commercials to your video. This is your earnings.

Wow, thank you. They sat down. You should have a lot of children, Brayden you’re good with kids.

I have a son. He is with his mother in San Angelo, Texas. I don’t get to see much of him. Brayden started telling Natalee about his ex-wife and stopped himself.

Natalee could see he didn’t want to open that can of worms.

Tracy came into the patio. Natalee showed her the check and told her with Brayden has done.

That sweet of you, Brayden.

I want to share it with you, Tracy.

No, Tommy’s Insurance takes care of my needs. You can get that new equipment you always wanted.

Thank you, Tracy.

Are you ready Tracy?

Sure, where are we going?

I’m going to take you to the shop and show you what our company is working on.

Brayden took Tracy over to the company where he worked. It took about twenty minutes to get there. It was a big company. Tracy was surprised. Tracy thought Brayden work for a little local machine shop. Brayden had to get a special pass to bring Tracy in. The guard at the guard-house recognized Tracy and said hello Tracy.

Hello, how do you know who I am?

Brayden talks about you all the time and shows us pictures of you and Tommy. That boy of yours is going to be a good dancer.

Tracy said thank you they got their passes and went inside. Tracy was overwhelmed. They were working on a huge part that was going to be part of the James Webb Telescope.

Brayden said it would be launching in October of next year.

Can I take some pictures to show Natalee?

Sure go ahead. Most of us are going to South America when it launches. Would you like to go with us?

I’d love to go. Okay, I’ll put you down on the list.

Brayden took Tracy around and introduced Tracy to his co-workers and Friends.

Brayden, you have some lovely friends.

They have a showroom, and they went inside and watched the documentary about the Hubble in the James Webb Telescope. After the show, Tracy said this is one of my most exciting times.

I need to stop by my office and check my messages.

Tracy was impressed with Brayden’s office. Aren’t you young to have such an outstanding job? You are at least five to ten years younger than anybody out there.

When my father was alive, he taught Engineering at the University. He started teaching me Engineering when I was young. He died a few years back of cancer. My mother died shortly after of loneliness.

I’m sorry to hear that. He taught you well. You have a picture of Tommy and me. Yeah, I got it off the internet. Tracy took the picture out and signed her name on it and put it back. Thanks, Tracy.

Would you like to stop by the snack shop and get a snack before we leave?

Sure, that would be nice. While they were sitting in the snack shop, Tracy noticed a chain around Brayden’s neck. Can I see your necklace?

Brayden took it off and handed it to Tracy. There was a crucifix. This is nice.

Pastor Greg Laurie gave it to me.

It was getting late; they were on their way home. Brayden, would you like to see the sunset?

Sure, that would be nice. Brayden pulled up on top of a hill; there was an excellent spot for them to park. There were a couple of other cars that were going to watch the sunset.

Tracy, I need to tell you something. I was married and have a son. She is remarried and lives in San Angelo, Texas. She left me.

Why did she leave you?

I’ll start at the beginning. When the war started, a bunch of us guys signed up. I was in the same battles Tommy was in. I was in a different unit, but we probably met each other on the battlefield. We would have to pull raids on houses looking for the enemy and weapons and ammunition during the day. Once in an awhile, we’ll find some ammunition or a weapon. We would have to arrest the man of the house. We weren’t successful because the enemy fought at night, and he was successful. We should have just gotten the hell out of there. But this ass General ordered the Village bombed. He did a carpet bombing of the whole damn Village. We could hear women and children crying and screaming. The men that survived didn’t give a damn about their lives. We had a bulletproof vest. They had grenades tight all over their bodies. Even women are coming at us. We couldn’t stop them; they were blowing the hell out of us. I was lucky to survive. I got a little souvenir; he pulled up his shirt, and there was a large scar on his side. I wanted to shoot that damn general for what he did. The military got him out of there and swept it under the carpet. A lot of soldiers took another souvenir home, scrambled brains. I couldn’t stop the bombs from blowing up. I heard women and children screaming all the time. My wife said I was having flashbacks, and I was scaring her. She said I needed to go to the VA.

I said, I’m okay.

One day my wife said she was leaving me. I freaked out. I made her and my son sit in the corner of the house. I said the enemy is coming; I need to protect you and my son. They were crying. I put my combat uniform on And painted my face with camouflage. And got my guns out. I put the TV up loud, so I wouldn’t hear the sounds in my head. Somebody must have called the police about the TV being so loud. Two officers knocked on the front door. When I opened it, they were laughing at the way I looked. I put them on the ground, tied them up, and took their weapons away. The SWAT team was gathering outside. I could see and hear the helicopters. I thought it was the enemy. I was getting ready for an attack.

Pastor Greg Laurie was on the TV, giving a sermon. It was like he was talking directly to me. The sounds of the explosions in my head are starting to go away. I got on my knees in front of the TV and put my hands behind my head and waited for the police to come in.

If it weren’t for Pastor Greg Laurie, I would be dead. It took a while, but I got better. I started dating and telling other girls the story. They didn’t want to have anything to do with me. When I saw your video, I said Tracy would understand me. When Brayden finishes the story, the sun went down. Tracy was crying. Tracy reached over and hugged Brayden. Brayden said, I love you.

Tracy looked at Brayden and said, I love you, Brayden. They hugged each other for a while, then Brayden took Tracy home.

***

In the morning, Kayden was in the kitchen. Tracy walked in and looked like she was crying all night. What’s wrong Tracy?

I need to talk to Tommy Dad.

You get ready, and I’ll take you to the cemetery.

Kayden calls Brayden and asks Brayden if there was something wrong?

I just told Tracy last night would you know.

Okay, I’ll call you later. Thank you, sir, and hung up.

Kayden figured Tracy was going to tell Tommy goodbye.

Kayden told Natalee to keep an eye on Tommy. I’m giving Tracy a ride.

Where are you taking Tracy, dad

Tracy turns around, and Natalee could see Tracy’s eyes were swelling, and her face was red from crying so much.

To say goodbye to Tommy.

Oh no. Natalee knew how hard this would be for Tracy to do. Natalee ran over and hugged Tracy, hurry home, sister.

Okay, and Tracy left.

Natalee called Brayden. Brayden could hear Natalee crying. Natalee didn’t have to say another word to Brayden. I’ll be right their Natalee. Brayden pulled up and went into the house.

My crying is upsetting Tommy, and he won’t stop crying. Let me have him. Why are you crying, Natalee?

My Dad took Tracy to the cemetery so she could say goodbye to Tommy.

Brayden knew this was going to be difficult for Tracy. Brayden took out his cell phone and started playing the tape he taped of Tracy singing the song. Tommy fell right to sleep; Natalee took Tommy and laid him in his bed.

Kayden and Tracy pulled up near Tommy’s grave in the cemetery. Tracy got out of the car and went over to Tommy’s grave. Tracy sat down on the grass in front of Tommy’s cross.

Kayden walked up to Tracy with the blanket and wrapped it around her. You take as much time as you need honey.

Thank you Dad.

Here, Tracy, I have something for you and gave Tracy a small flat box with the ribbon around it.

Thank you, Dad, and put it on the ground and wrap the blanket around her shoulders.

Kayden went back to the car.

Tracy lay face down on the grass and hit the ground with her arms hollering at Tommie’s cross. You were supposed to come home to me. You promised me you would take care of me for the rest of my life. You promised me – you promised me – you promised me, while she was hitting the ground with her arms. Then Tracy got up on her knees and started praying. Tracy stood up. Then she told Tommy she found somebody. I will never forget you, Tommy. Tracy saw the small flat box with a ribbon on it. Tracy picked it up and unwrapped it. Inside the box was a lovely necklace with a gold crucifix and a smaller one for Tommy. It was from the Vatican in Rome, and the Pope blessed it. Tracy was so nervous she took the necklace offer neck and took the necklace out of the box. The necklace that was around her neck fell and wrapped around the top part of Tommy’s cross and hung there. She put the other necklace that Kayden gave her around her neck. Then Tracy remembered something Natalee had said. Tracy remembers asking Natalee, with so many cute crosses in the store, why did you pick this one. Natalee said I don’t know; it just caught my eye.

Then Tracy fell to her knees in front of Tommy’s cross. The sun caught the cross and the cross sparkled. Tracy said, you are taking care of me. This is your cross. Thank you, Tommy, and left the cross there and went back to the truck. Tracy got into the truck, gave her Dad a big hug, kissed him on the cheek, and said, thank you, Dad, I love you.

Kayden knew everything was okay now Tracy was happy.

The truck pulled up into the driveway, and Tracy got out of the truck; everybody was worried about her. Tracy was all beat up; she had grass all over her arms. Her hair was a mess. Her eyes were swollen. Her clothes were wrinkled, but she was happy. Then she went over and gave Brayden a big hug and said I love you, Brayden, but I need to rest now.

I’ll see you soon.

Yes, and every day after I hope. Tracy went to her bedroom.

Brayden looked up at Kayden and said Sir, could I talk to you, Sir. Brayden asked, can I ask Tracy to marry me, Sir.

With my blessings.

Thank you, sir.

You can call me Dad.

Yes, sir, thank you, sir.

Tracy’s Wedding Gift

Natalee hugged her Dad. Dad, I’m so happy for Brayden, Tracy, and Tommy. I have an idea. I have $600 Brayden gave me. Brayden made it on the commercials on the videotapes. How about if we give Brayden and Tracy a wedding gift. We give them a round trip ticket to San Gabriel Central Mexico to get married at the old mission rose garden and have a honeymoon at one of the cabins on the river.

That’s a great idea, honey, you put it together, and I’ll give you the money for it. A father always pays for his daughter’s wedding.

Thank you Dad. I’m going to call Carmen and tell her what our plans are.

Natalee called Carmen and told her about Brayden and Tracy how they met and fell in love. How her father is going to pay for their wedding in San Gabriel, Central Mexico, and a two-week honeymoon stay at one of the Cabins on the River.

Let me talk to the Judge and Emma, and I will call you back. Carmen called Natalee back and told her that she spoke to Emma and the Judge, and they were going to pay for everything on one condition.

What’s that?

You and your father attend the wedding.

Oh, thank you so much, Carmen. I’ll talk to my father. I’m sure it will be okay work is slow.

Kayden called his work and told Arthur one of his daughters was getting married, and they were going to have the wedding in San Gabriel, Central Mexico. He would need some time off for the wedding.

Arthur said, how about if my family Attend the wedding with you? We haven’t had a vacation in years.

That would be great; you’re going to love San Gabriel, Central Mexico.

I was thinking of buying some property there for retirement. Let’s get the dates straightened out and make our plans.

That’s great; we will call you back as soon as we have some dates and times together.

It was Saturday morning. Kayden told Tracy I called Brayden, and he’s on his way over. I have something I want to talk to you too about. When Brayden arrived, they all went into the kitchen and sat around the kitchen table.

Tracy asked, what’s up, Dad? We are all going to San Gabriel Central Mexico, and you will be married in the Old Mission rose garden and a two weeks honeymoon at one of the river cabins.

Dad, this will cost too much money. I can’t let you do this.

This is a gift from Natalee. Natalee’s mother gave her life for San Gabriel. The Judge said this would be an honor to provide Natalee with this gift for her sister. The Judge said San Gabriel is going to pay for everything. Brayden and Tracy went over and hugged Natalee and thanked her and said they were so sorry about what had happened to her mother. And thank her for the wedding present.

THE END

Thank You