Page 59 of Shelter for Martina

“Stop beating yourself up. You were talking to a family member and a fellow member of law enforcement. You couldn’t possibly have guessed at what they were involved in, and you know it.”

“I should’ve known.” Eldred looked like he might cry, and Bud felt bad for him. His actions had ripped his family in two, with Arlen’s mother, dad, and grandparents furious with him. Fortunately, the grandparents weren’t those in common with Eldred. Their common set of grandparents were supporting Eldred in what had happened, and Bud was glad he had family who’d stand beside and behind him. “I’m so sorry.”

“Did the department buy flowers?” Bud asked, and Eldred pointed to a big arrangement. “Why don’t you take those up to Martina and present them from the department? I think she’d like that.”

“You sure?” Bud nodded. “Well, okay.” He watched as Eldred picked up the giant wreath, carried it forward, and stopped by Martina to set the stand up and talk to her. He couldn’t help but smile when Eldred reached for Martina’s hand and instead of taking it, she threw her arms around the young man’s neck and hugged him. In seconds, a weeping Eldred shot past him on his way to the front door and disappeared outside.So much regret here today, Bud couldn’t help but think.

The minister began the eulogy, and in twenty minutes, it was over. Bud knew Darnell had taken care of the pallbearers, but he didn’t know exactly who they would be. He was humbled and so, so proud when he saw them come forward—Len and all the younger troopers. TedOkerson, TylerBridges, EldredMichaels, and AndyDennison were joined by TannerSmithson. Bud had received a note earlier that he’d cherish forever.

Sorry I can’t be there to act as a pallbearer, but my wife needs me at home. I’m thinking of all of you today. Please tell Mrs.Anderson I’ll never forget her daughter. I’m just thankful I could be a part of bringing her home. Conor

As they made their way from the family cars and to the graveside, AmosFletcher and AlexRoss joined them and escorted Martina’s stepmother and sister to their seats. Once again, Bud smiled. The thin blue line was there in force that day, and between himself and all of them he felt the brotherhood he’d always known existed, as strong as ever.

Once the graveside service was over, they went back to Bud’s. People from all over the area had brought food, and while everyone else was at the graveside, Riley and Maeve had pulled everything out, warmed everything up, and proceeded to feed everybody. All the law enforcement people were there, and to Bud, that meantallthe family was there.

When everything was cleaned up and put away and Martina’s family members had gone to her house for the night, she and Bud sat down in the den and took a deep breath. It had been a busy day, but it had been joyous as friends and family talked about Renita’s growing up years, the beautiful woman she’d become, and her two precious daughters. They also spoke about the wonderful woman who’d raised her while taking care of a chronically ill child, and how they all admired Martina. They weren’t the only ones.

Bud admired her more than she knew. Everything about her was a testimony to resiliency, strength, and grace under pressure. She might’ve thought Lucky saved her life that night, but Martina had saved his. Adams would’ve certainly killed him if she hadn’t taken that chance to toss out that gun and taken a bullet. He’d forever be grateful to her for her bravery, and he hoped what he had planned would show her just how much.

* * *

They’d stoppedat the cemetery as they drove to the interstate. Martina left a bouquet of roses on all three graves. Bud left one on Becky’s grave. They said their goodbyes and got back in the car.

By the time they got to Nashville, they only had two hours before their flight, so they hustled into the airport and through security. It was late in the evening when they picked up their luggage in Orlando and waited for Martina’s dad and stepmother to pick them up. They ate dinner on the way to their house, and Bud smiled to himself. Martina had no clue what was about to happen. She thought they were just going for a fun little five-day vacation with her family.

Boy, was she going to be surprised!

They spent the next day at a theme park, the one with sea animals, and had a blast. By the time they fell into bed that evening, they were exhausted. Martina didn’t see Bud set the alarm for early the next morning, but that was part of the surprise.

When it went off at six o’clock, he hopped out of bed and into the shower. As he stepped back into the bedroom, Martina frowned. “What are you doing up so early?”

“You need to get in the shower. Right now. Don’t dilly-dally.”

“What’s going on? This is supposed to be vacation! I don’t want to get up!”

“You have to get up. I’ve got a surprise for you. Hurry up.” As she showered, Bud rushed around, repacking clothes and toiletries and taking suitcases to the living room. By the time she was done, he made her toss everything into her toiletry bag and he took it to the living room as well. He could hear her dad and stepmother rustling around, and he knew they were getting ready.

Seeing them already in the car made Martina scrunch up her face in confusion. “What’s going on?”

“Come on. We’ve got to get a move on. No time to waste,” Bud announced and helped her into the back seat of the taxi.

“What’s going on? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

Bud laughed. “Liar!”

“Where are we going?” she demanded again.

“Martina, you ask too many questions,” her dad chimed up.

“Thanks for backing me on this one,” Bud told him and he laughed loudly.

The driver took them straight down to the shore, and Bud was thrilled to see Blake, Riley, and their families, as well as Darnell and the girls, already there. Janine and Luther joined them in just a few minutes.

Martina spun when she saw them all and planted her hands on her hips. “Okay, Albert, what the hell is going on?”

---