Carry You Home

by GoldenSun.SilverStar

Four is a boyfriend. Four is a father. Four is a marine. Four is a casualty. What will he do after recovery, when his girlfriend, Tris, and daughter, Brynn, as well as some of his best friends who are temporarily keeping Tris safe while Four is away, are all there, and begging him not to go when he's being deployed again?(Now completed. Poll for sequel, one-shot series on my page!)

6. Final Chapter

Song of the Chapter: Stay by: Rihanna and Take Your Time by: Sam Hunt

Carry You Home- Chapter 6

2 YEARS LATER

We lay in bed, Tobias' arms wrapped around my waist protectively, his face nuzzled into my shoulder as he breathes deeply. I feel his shirtless torso against my body, as his chest rises and falls deeply. "Hm?" I mutter questioningly, and I feel him as he shakes his head a little.

"Nothing…" He whispers, but his voice is tight, and quiet. I turn over in his arms to look at him, placing one of my hands on his shoulder gently. I look at him, my eyebrows raised as he offers me a shy smile. "Just thinking baby," he whispers again. And I nod agreeance. "Are you ready? For tomorrow, I mean…" My mind wanders to our wedding tomorrow, as he mentions it.

It's been two years since Tobias retired from the military, and returned home. Though he was happy to be home, as was Brynn and I, it's been a rough few years. The first six months were the worst, and I'd have to say that he probably spent more time at Zeke's house than with Brynn and I, because of the fights that we had so often. Most of it was out of stress, until later Tobias was diagnosed with PTSD. He eventually began going to therapy, which was an argument all on its own, and he got better. We became better as a family. It was maybe three months into his recovery, things were going great until I found out that I was pregnant. At the time, we were already stressed over money, with the medical bills piling up, and getting the things that Brynn needed, and I was the only one working. But we vowed to work on it together. Tobias got a job working with Zeke at his auto-shop, restoring and maintaining cars, while going to his therapy sessions twice a week. And soon enough, 9 months later, our little boy, Noah Chase Eaton was born healthy, and happy. We've remained a happy family. Brynn has recently turned seven, and Noah will be turning one soon. The time has come and gone by so fast. Too fast.

Finally, I nod. A small smile comes to my face. "As I've ever been, Tobias." I whisper to him, and he returns the smile. He places a small kiss on my lips, and we both settle in, before finally drifting off to a deep sleep.

PAGE BREAK

The alarm, is the wretched thing that awoken us this morning, as well as the loud banging on the door. I groan as I roll over, covering my head with the blankets. I've never been a morning person. Despite this, I feel Tobias untangle himself from me, and stand from the bed. There's hushed rustling from the other side of our hotel room, and I assume that he's putting a shirt on, before opening the door. Then the silence almost immediately dissipates. Theirs voices, and banging, and soon I feel Tobias' hand once again resting on my side. He places his lips across the top my head, lining the crown of my face, where the blanket ends until I slowly pull it away from my eyes. He smiles brightly. "I've been summoned to Zeke's room to get ready…" He says, and he eyes the four other girls who now consume my room, before turning back to me. "Good luck with them," he whispers and I giggle. He laughs with me. "I'll see you later," he places another kiss on the tip of my nose. "I love you." He finally places and kiss on my lips. It's short, and sweet, and loving, and I wish it'd last longer, but a person in the background clears their throat. I assume its Christina.

"I love you too… Bye," I whisper back, and with one final kiss, he releases my body from his arms, before leaving the room. Not before giving the girls a pointed look, which I would've suspected to be distasteful if I didn't know any better. As the door slams shut unintentionally, I throw myself back onto the bed with a groan, as I run my hands down my face. I rub the sleep out of my eyes as Christina, Marlene, Shauna, and Lynn sit on the bed, surrounding me.

"Sorry…" Christina squeaks out, and I only glare at her before giving a small chuckle. And all of the girls laugh with me. We all commit into some small talk about the day, and recent activities before breakfast arrives, in which we eat quickly. Though I'd denied their offerings many times, the wouldn't let me through the day without some pampering, so I begin with a shower, shaving practically every inch of my body before scrubbing my hair and body clean. It's a good forty five minute shower before I eventually step out, wrapping my body in one of the large white towels. I make sure that the towel is secure before exiting the bathroom, where I'd expected to find the same room I left, but instead, most of the furniture is pushed to the side, and four separate vanities are set up around the room. Dresses, accessories, and make-up are strewn out across the bed, and the four girls stand in throughout the room smiling sheepishly. "Sorry?" Christina says again, and they all breakout laughing. I eventually join them.

"This is going to be yours and Will's room tonight if it isn't cleaned up," I threaten jokingly, as I take a seat at one of the vanities.

Christina grins before replying, "What? Are you and Four going to need room?" She asks with a wink, and blush a dark crimson, visible in the mirror for the rest of the girls to see.

Normally, I'd be shy about the topic she's suggesting. With all that my parents have taught me, it's that what happens in the bedroom, between a couple, stays in the bedroom, and to be modest. I think about these traits until I conclude that there's no reason to really have to be modest. I'm getting married to the man that I love, and we have two kids together for life's sake. It's no secret what we do, so I respond, "Yeah, we will." Christina's mouth remains agape as I wink at her, and the other girls laugh, as they nearly fall onto the floor. Christina remains silent, setting up everything she'll need for my face and hair.

The rest of the girls take turns in the shower as Christina does my hair. She first dries it, before curling it into voluminous waves, then makes two medium sized braids from the side of my head and pulls the back, causing my hair to have this half-up half-down look that's absolutely gorgeous. Soon, Christina retires to the shower as Marlene down my makeup. A simple light brown eyeshadow with black eyeliner and black mascara for my eyes, a light foundation and blush for my face, and applies and pink-tan lip liner before coating my lips in a light rose pink. It's simple, but beautiful.

The afternoon has been a peaceful blur of time with some of the most amazing friends that I could ever ask for. And despite never wanting this to end, Shauna soon brings my dress to me once her hair and makeup is done, and I step into it carefully, and she helps me button up the back. I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment to take in the sight. The dress I'm wearing is elegant, and beautiful, yes simple; just how I always wanted it. It is a white extra length lace sheath gown with V neckline. It is covered with white sheen of floral lace, and beaded lace appliques features and finally lace illusion low back. It is truly the dress of my dreams. I pull my eyes from the mirror and my eyes lay on the accessories that lie on the bed in front of me. I put on the dangle earrings with lilac amethyst jewels, as well as a matching jeweled necklace. I slip on about a half a dozen silver bangle bracelets, and a hair clip with amethyst jewels lined across it.

Soon, the four other girls are all standing behind me at the same white vanity, dressed in lilac colored tea length bridesmaid gowns, with a lace bodice. "You look beautiful, girl," I compliment, turning around to face them. Marlene places a gentle hand on my shoulder as she smiles genuinely at me.

"Oh honey, this is your day. Don't compliment us; we're here for you, as we always will be. You're beautiful, Tris," Marlene comments, and I return her smile as all the girls beside her nod in agreement.

"Thank you," I say and the room remains silent, before there's a slight knock at the door. Shauna and Lynn are the first to disperse from our group to answer it, and there stands Caleb and my father. Caleb, in his military suit, smiles at me and I return it as I take a few steps closer to him. "I'm really happy you could make it," I whisper to him as he envelops me in his arms, and he nods. I could swear a I felt a tear drop fall on my shoulder.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, Bea. You've grown to be a beautiful woman, and I'm so proud of you," he whispers to me, and tears come to my eyes. I have to remind myself not to cry, not yet at least. I only nod in response, and we pull away from the embrace too soon for my liking. I then face my father, his face is hard, and stone-like; expressionless.

As an attempt to get something out of him, I try to smile, but he says nothing. "Dad…" I begin, but trail off, unsure of where I'm going with it.

Then, nearly out of no-where, he wraps me in his arms. I stand on my tiptoes to be closer to his height as I wrap my arms around his shoulders. "My baby girl is growing up, I just have to see that. I'm proud of you, and Tobias is a good man. He'll take care of you. I love you, Beatrice," my father mutters into my shoulder and I nod as tears well up into my eyes once again. "It's time to go," he says, louder this time, as he pulls away from our hug. He rests his hands on either side of my arms as he smiles at me. He places a gentle kiss on my forehead before looping his arm through mine. We're ushered out into the hallway, where Caleb, my father, Marlene, Shauna, Lynn, Christina and I stand together as we bid our goodbye's, with hugs, and kisses on cheeks, but soon enough it's only my father and I. "Ready, Bea?"

I nod meekly, as nerves begin to consume me. "As I'll ever be," I croak at, and we begin our descent down the long hotel hallway, my arm remaining looped through his. Tobias and I had decided on a simple beach wedding just outside of the hotel, which Christina protested on many times. We'd decided to keep it small, with close family, and friends that we share, as well as a few close friends that he'd made in the military. Sadly, neither Tobias' mother, nor father wanted to come, despite how much I'd hoped they would. He says that he's okay with it, that he's got a new family now, but I know that it'd hurt me if I were him.

My father and I make it to the door that leads outside, to the aisle, and to my soon-to-be husband. My body shakes with anxiety, as nerves take over me. My father turns to me with a small, as he reaches inside of his tux, and pulls out and white and purple corsage. I offer him a small smile as I life left my hand, opposite of the bangles, and he slides the flower onto my wrist. He gently places a kiss to the temple of my head, before I hook my arm through his once again. The doors then open, and there stands everyone, watching me expectantly. My eyes gaze over the crowd to find my friends and family, and Tobias. I smile again, as we begin walking, the dim music playing in the background. We make it to the alter and my father turns to me once again, placing another kiss on my cheek as he whispers, "It's your time, Beatrice. I love you." Then he leaves to sit beside my mother in the front row of chairs. Tobias holds his hand out to me, and I take it gingerly as I climb the two small steps to stand in front of him.

With Tobias' face close to mind, he whispers "You look beautiful, Tris." He says and with a grin, and I return it, though it hasn't left my face. Tobias and I then turn our attention back towards the aisle, as our daughter Brynn and Christina and Will's daughter, Kasey, walk the aisle as the flower girls, sprinkling lilac colored flower petals onto the sand, and white aisle. Soon they make it to the end, as Brynn takes her seat beside my mother and father, and Kasey retires to the other front row, beside her parents. I smile at Christina and Will, who'd watched their daughter proudly before catching my gaze. Next our soon-to-be one year old son, Noah, who carried and small white pillow, with two rings on top of it. He handed the pillow to Tobias, who then handed it to the Justice of Peace, and I watched the boy as he moved to sit on the final seat between my mother and father. Then my eyes wander to the maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, and groomsmen. Zeke stands directly behind Tobias, as the deserving best man. He's directly followed by Caleb, who stands in his military uniform, then by Will, and Uriah. Behind me stands Christina as my maid of honor, followed by Shauna, Lynn, and Marlene. I give a small smile to the girls before turning back to Tobias.

When I stand in front of him, he takes my other hand in his and the Justice of Peace begins his speech. I watch Tobias in front of me, his eyes so mesmerizingly blue and I allow a small smile to return to my features as his eyes lock with mine. I take in the sight of him; He wears a black tux, with a white tuxedo shirt beneath it, and a lilac flower rests in the breast pocket. Beyond this, on the right side of his chest, are all of the insignia's, and badges that he'd earned in the military. One being the badge that defines his separation. Another being the Purple Heart which you receive when you're wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. It was an honor. Just above his badges, on his shoulders, lie six stripes, representing his years over service.

Tobias and I were the typical high school lovers, and I knew his dreams; what he wanted to pursue, I only never realized how much it'd hurt until he left, fresh out of high school. I had one more year of high school left after him, though I had to fit it all basically into one semester, because I was an absolute wreck for the beginning half of the year. That year, my brother, Caleb and I, graduated, and as we were talking about our dreams for college, he told me that he was going into the military, just as Tobias did. He left nearly a month later, and I hated him for it. My state of depression worsened for nearly a year, until Tobias came home for a week. The week came and left quickly, and almost a month later, I found out that I was pregnant with our first child, our daughter, Brynn. She was born early, and nearly didn't make it, but she got healthy eventually. Tobias couldn't be here when she was born, because it obviously wasn't planned, but he was here only a few days later. Then up until he stayed, he was only able to visit every few months. Brynn forgot him every time, and it hurt both of us terribly, though he still decided to go back, until now. Now we're happy together.

Though I hate to say it, I'd tuned out for most of the Justice of Peace's speech, until the moment came. Both Tobias and I repeated after him, as wide grins took over our features. "I do," Tobias says. Then I did. "I do," I say. Then, without much words in between, only the words of the Justice of Peace's, his lips are on mine, gently. His hands grip my waist tightly, as mine become entangled in his hair. The kiss only lasts for a few seconds, careful not to go too far with the small audience in front of us. With my arm hooked through his, we turn to the audience as the Justice of Peace says,

"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Eaton."

And at this, an upbeat song begins to play, opposed to the song earlier, as my father was walking me. Tobias and I glance at each other before beginning to walk back up the aisle, dancing, as everyone laughs and follows suit. As we make our way back into the large hotel, we go to the large meeting room, which is set up for the reception. With about half a dozen large tables scattered around the room, everyone soon finds their seats. I sit beside Tobias, with my mother and father to the left of me, and Caleb sits to the right of Tobias. Noah sits to the left of Caleb, between him and Christina. And Brynn sits between my father and Will. Zeke, Shauna, Marlene, Uriah, Lynn, and her girlfriend, Stacy, sit at another. And most of the other guests find a spot at a table around the room. Everyone begins to eat, as friendly chatter rings around the room.

As most begin to finish their meal, a ringing noise chimes from only a few feet away from me, and I turn my attention to find Caleb standing at the small stage only a few feet away, a champagne glass in hand. "Hi everyone," he mutters beginning, running his hand down his face nervously, as his other hand now possesses a microphone. Everyone chuckles a bit, and I small at him, persisting him to continue, and he offers me a small smile. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming today, some from just a state away, and some from another country, who remain to fight for our freedom. Thank you, for what you do." He gives a pointed look to Tobias, then to a few of each of each of their uniformed friends, who release a small cheer together which makes me chuckle. "Then to my little sister, Beatrice, who, I guess I can't exactly call my little sister anymore. But you've grown so much, Bea, and I couldn't be any more proud of you than I am today. You're the mother of my beautiful niece and nephew," he gives Noah and Brynn a small smile and they giggle. "And the best sister I could've ever asked for." He offers me a smile, and return it as I mouth a 'thank you'. "And Tobias… You've been with my sister for nearly eight years now, is it?" Tobias gives him a slight nod and grim smile. "You are honestly the best man that I think there could ever be for my sister. It takes someone strong to leave the military; everything they know, the people who've become their family, for the sake of a loved one. But thank you for that," Caleb addresses to Tobias, and they smile at each other. "Just know, that I love both of you, and the family you've created together, and I can only hope for you eternity together." And with that, he passes the microphone off and returns to his seat at our table, running his hands through his hair.

"I'd like to say a few words also, if that's okay," A voice says, and my attention is turned toward a grinning Zeke, as he stands from the table only a small distance away from ours. He places a gentle kiss to the temple of Shauna's head, which everyone coo's at, before taking a spot on the stage as Caleb did, as a woman hands him the microphone. A grin comes to his face as his eyes find Tobias' figure. "Four…" He begins, and everyone laughs, "I'm not sure if I'll ever stop calling you that… It came along one day, and it just stuck, but you wouldn't be who you are today." Everyone laughs again, as Tobias now drops his napkin onto the table, a smile on his face also as he listens intently. "There comes a moment, in everyone's life, when they meet their one true love, their soul-mate, the person that's going to know and love them, for the rest of their life." Zeke grins again. "That moment, came for Four, nearly twenty years ago, when he met me." Laughter crackles around the room, and it rumbles through my chest. Tobias glances at me, his chest rumbling with chuckles, and he places a gentle, calloused hand on the small of my back. Zeke gives a small nod to Tobias, as he mutters a 'yeah' and laughs. Tobias nods.

"I guess, I should introduce myself, to those of you who don't know me. My name is Zeke, I'm technically Four's older brother. Because he is in fact, younger than me." Zeke bows his head in a small chuckle again, and a smile comes to my face. "It was truly an honor for me, when Four asked me to be his best man… Because he was finally accepting that I am the best," Zeke jokes, and yet another round of laughter courses. "I would like to say how beautiful… most, of you look tonight. It's nice to see that some of you actually made an effort," and yet again, everyone laughs, as Zeke chuckles again. "But, speaking of beautiful, our bride, Tris, looks absolutely stunning.

"And it's a beautiful thing to see that Four has become so enchanted by her, but to be honest, her beauty tonight is making him just a little more handsome than he actually his," We all laugh again, even Tobias, though Zeke had made fun of him. I place my hand on his back with a reassuring rob and he nods, smiling at me. "Sorry… Sorry!" Zeke apologizes, chuckling, and the laughter dies down. "Four… You've been like a brother to both Uriah and I, for as long as I could remember, and you've the best friend I could ever ask for, despite everything…" He releases and small sigh. "And Tris. I remember meeting you, Four and I's junior year of high school, you were one of Uriah's friends until you and Four just became closer. I knew then and there, that you were the one for him.

"You broke down those walls that he had built up so high, and the love that's in his eyes now, I'd never seen before." Zeke breaths again, pulling the microphone away from his mouth for a second as he wipes a small tear from his eye. "I don't… I don't regret two years ago, telling about his plans to go back, because if I hadn't. I don't think we'd be gathered here today… I, just as Caleb, wish you, and your family, the best for eternity, and I could only hope that we know each other for the rest of our lives. Thank you." Zeke finishes, now stepping down from the stage as he takes a sip from the glass that he's holding, wiping a spare tear that'd fallen onto his cheek. He comes over to us, and both Tobias and I stand. Zeke first hugs Tobias, as they pat each other on the back, muttering words that I can't here. Zeke then comes to me, tears remaining in his eyes as he envelops me gently into his arms. "I love you Tris, I always will. You're my sister now, you have been for a long time. I'm so proud of you, and all that you've done for him, and for me. Your family is truly beautiful," Zeke whispers to me shakily, as I wrap my arms around his shoulders. We separate from the embrace, and he takes my hand into his as a dim music begins to play. Everyone stands from their seats, and onto the dance floor. I watch as Tobias comes closer to Zeke and I and, and Zeke passes my hand over to him, placing a small kiss onto my check, before retiring to Shauna's side.

Tobias places his hands on my sides, as tie my arms around his neck, and we dance, only shuffling our feet to the soft music. He places a soft kiss to my lips as he whispers, "I love you, Beatrice Eaton," he says, a smile on his face. And I return it.

"I love you, Tobias." I reply, and from there we dance silently, in peace. Soon, a gentle voice interrupts our sway, and I lift my head from Tobias' chest to find my mother. I smile meekly at her, and she returns it.

"May I?" She asks Tobias, and he nods, his lips pulled up into a toothy grin.

"Yes, ma'am," he responds, handing my mother my hand as I shift over in front of her. And he soon wanders off, no doubt to find our children some where.

It's silent for awhile, nearly awkward, but my mother smiles at me. "I know you've been told this a thousand times tonight, Beatrice, but I really am proud of you… All a mother ever wants, is for her children to be happy, and I'm so, so happy that you've finally found that, despite the struggles that you'd gone through. You'd carried him home, from a living that's difficult to escape from, and you dug yourself out of the hole that you'd put yourself into, also. It was hard, watching you go through that, but it was something that you had to do alone, we all knew that. Just know that I'm proud of you sweetheart, I love you." My mother whispers to me, just over the tune which is now ending as a new song begins, and a small tear slips down my cheek. She wipes it away gingerly, and soon I listen to the pitter patter of footsteps as they near me.

I turn my attention to them to find my son and daughter running towards me, my now husband following suit with a wide grin on his face as he chuckles. I pick up Noah, as he reaches me, and Tobias nears closer to Brynn, and he swoops her off of her feet from behind and she laughs loudly, capturing the attention of most people surrounding us. Eventually, I'm surround by my mother, father, Caleb, and all of our friends, and they chuckle as Tobias tickles Brynn. This moment seems to freeze in my mind. My family, laughing, smiling, playing, all together, finally happy. It seems like a bizarre thing, but it's real, it's my certainty. It's my love.

A/n- THIS. IS. THE. END. I absolutely loved writing this final chapter, and it was more than I could've ever hoped for it to be, honestly… I was going to top it at around 2,000 words, but this ended up because almost 5,000, and I've finished it just an hour before posting. But I don't care, I'm so proud of the way it turned out. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let me know what you think of this, or the story in general. I know it was all "rainbows and sunshine", but I'm okay with that. My writing style tends to be dark, and I'm happy to be able to do something a bit different for once….

Now, for those of you who think this may actually be over think again. Though this isn't a 'for-sure' thing, but I'm thinking about writing a one-shot series based on this stories… On their life in high-school, while Tobias is in the military, during the 2 year time-skip, or after the wedding. Again THIS IS NOT A FOR SURE THING… BUT I WILL BE POSTING A POLL ON MY PAGE, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE THERE, OR REVIEW… I will come to a conclusion by Friday, and will post a one-shot on this story, notifying every one of my upcoming stories as always, as well as the fate of the one-shot series. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for my new story 'Fire and Gold', which will be posted Friday, and of course my other story, 'Contingent'.

I want to thank everyone for reading this short story, it was really a joy to write, and discover a different side to my writing style, and your comments and favorites have only made it all worth it. Thanks everyone, I love you as always and be sure to stay tuned. BYE GUYS!

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