Page 41 of Alistair

“What!?” exclaimed Rett.

“Oh, don’t worry. I knew even back then you never say yes right away. He sent another note the following day, and I said yes. We dated all through middle school, went to homecoming together in high school, went to prom together, and graduated together. He took some courses at the community college and got a two-year degree in accounting. Enough to not have to work in the mines.”

The men all watched her as she told her story. They thankfully ate the delicious meal before them, listening intently.

“When the boys were killed, he couldn’t stand it. He felt like he should have tried harder to get them to go to college or just get out of here. Have you ever watched someone just sort of wither away before your eyes? You know they’re in there, but it’s like they can’t actually come out and speak with you. They’re locked up.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Sor. “I’ve known a few people like that.”

“It’s awful. The day he died, I thought he was getting better. He talked all day long about our life together and how much he loved me, appreciated me. Before we went to sleep, he kissed me and said, ‘Iris Morgan, you’re the best thing that ever happened in my life.’ Morgan was my maiden name,” she grinned.

“How’d he die?” asked Rett.

“He just fell asleep and didn’t wake up,” said Iris. “In an odd way, I was grateful he didn’t suffer. I think that’s what we all hope for.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Tailor. “I believe that’s exactly what we want. It’s what I want with my wife.”

Iris smiled at him, nodding.

“Is she a good woman?” she asked with a grin.

“She puts up with me, so, yes. I’d say she’s one of the best. We’ve been married a long time now. Got a son and grandson. She’s a nurse at a local medical center.”

“Oh, a fine woman then,” said Iris. “We need nurses and teachers. What about the rest of you?”

“Garr and Sor are the only two not married,” said Alistair. “I hope to be soon when all this is over and done with.”

“I love that. There’s nothing better than a good marriage. One where you respect one another, share your dreams, your hopes, your fears. It’s all that matters in the end, boys.”

“Why are you still alone, Iris?” asked Dan. “You’re a fine woman. Wasn’t there ever anyone else for you?”

“Well, now, I guess I just never thought about it much. When you think about it, married forty-seven years, but we were together fifteen years before that. That’s sixty-two years with one person. You don’t just find another love like that,” she said, rising with a groan. “You boys finish up, and this time, I mean it. Leave the dishes. I’ll get them in the morning.”

“Yes, ma’am,” came the chorus. She started to head up the stairs, then turned to look at them.

“Boys? If God chooses to take me in my sleep, there’s no one left to bury me or care what happens to this place. My will is upstairs in my jewelry box. The inn will go to the school district for a classroom annex. Everything else can be sold and given to charity. Will you make sure that happens for me?”

“You can count on us, Iris,” said Alistair. “But you’re not going anywhere any time soon. I have a feeling you’ll be around a while.” She laughed, shaking her head.

“God, I hope not.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

They were more than a little relieved to see Iris’s smiling face the next morning, putting out warm biscuits, sausage gravy, pecan rolls, eggs, and two types of sausage. The coffee was hot and strong, and she seemed to have a skip in her step.

“Good morning. You guys need to check your tablets. We’ve got the location of the manufacturing site,”said Tanner.

They all pulled their tablets from beneath the table, and Iris looked at them curiously. Alistair turned to her, pointing.

“How far is this, Iris?” he asked.

“About sixty miles. It’s not really all that far, but it will take you a while because of the winding roads. To get where that thing is flashing, you’ll have to hike. There’s no road.”

“Of course there isn’t,” smirked Tailor.

“Let me fix you some food to take with you. You boys need weapons? I’ve got a few shotguns in the basement. They need cleaning, but they’ll work.”

“You should really keep your weapons clean, Iris,” said Gator. “I’ll clean them for you before I go. You never know when you might get an intruder.”

---