Chapter 27

Took a bit longer than I expected to upload this; have been working this last week on the farm. Arrived and my uncle went, "you gotta do some jobs this week." Mostly includes getting a goat's head out of a fence, feeding dogs and the cat, etc. Also realizing again how much I love riding a quad bike – haven't driven one for at least a year after an accident. Even I was quite surprised at how well I got going again. I have a tendency to crash anything with wheels, the exceptions being cars and tractors. (I'ma different and I'ma proud).

Sam dragged Tom by the arm up the grey paved path. Both had told the others they would arrive an hour and more ago. Here they were, quickly walking up to the house Tom had guided them to.

When the two reached the door, Sam knocked. Steve opened the door shortly after. With Tom holding Sam close, their lips moulded together without a care about who saw.

Steve cleared his throat. "Haven't you guys had enough of that in the few hours?"

Sam pulled away, seeming embarrassed.

Once all had entered and the door had been closed, the two recently war returned individuals made themselves present.

"Keatan! It's been so long." Sam squealed excitedly, an unusual display.

"So you're the Sam that engaged my brother?" Was all he replied with. To avoid Sam talking after that comment, Keatan walked up to her and enveloped her in a hug.

David and Clare had decided to take all of the children – minus Joey – to the beach. After they left, the rest talked about their own experiences in various battlefields. It was not a subject to be taken lightly, but all tried to lighten the atmosphere by laughing at better times on camps, or quite times when on patrol. Tom couldn't relate much, as he had barely stayed in the cadets for more than two years, leaving at age fourteen – being lead to a military career as requested when adopted, unless a lighter mind set came over the horizon (in his case, becoming a doctor). Ajit got as far as eighteen months in a training camp before he chose to teach instead. Joey shared his teachings from Benny and Steve about firearms and no weapon defence – everyone concluded they knew little depth to this, as the thirteen year old proved to enlighten everybody on the matters.

Keatan and Sam found many mutual memories of the times in Afghanistan. Trying to, and succeeding to keep the happy forefront; until some memories surfaced, knocking the rest down to second.

"Sam, didn't you have that fling with the Corporal?" Keat spoke.

Sam looked shocked for the next few seconds, worried of nothing and everything. It brought up too many memories of before. That one hit home, hard.

She looked at Tom, who was looking at her dead in the eye. "Well?" He prompted.

Sam gulped. "When I was married to Dylan, I had an affair. We were separated at the time. I don't want to talk about it. I'm with you now, right?" Tom nodded and lent forward, moving his lips against hers. After she pulled away, Sam quietly excused herself to use the restroom.

While Sam was out of the room, Tom turned to the others. "Guys, I need your help."

"Whoa. What's going on? You never ask for our help." Ajit and Joey said, laughing madly.

"Shut up. I'm being serious."

"Serious, too?" Keatan mocked.

"Okay. Let's stop ganging up on your brother. Tom, what are you on about?" Steve intervened.

"I want to propose to Sam." Tom said simply.

"Sorry to state the obvious, but haven't you already?" Joey asked.

"I want to do the whole down on one knee, pop the question, and ring. I only did the asking bit. I've bought a ring the other day as I thought over here would be a great place to ask."

"So what exactly do you want us to do?" Steve questioned, sounding intrigued.

"I'm planning on taking her for dinner tomorrow night. Steve, can I use your backyard?"

"Sure. Why, though?"

"I was going to cook a dinner on the barbeque. Then ask."

"I see where this is going," Joey concluded. "You want us all out the house?"

"Wow. You got it in one." Joey pulled a face at Tom.

"Why can't you do this at your hotel?" Ajit asked confused.

"It's more special this way, isn't it?" All the boys in the room mumbled something unintelligent and nodded their head in an unsure way.

"I think it's great. I'm pleased for you bro." Kayla praised.

"I'm going to the gym tomorrow then. Who's coming?" Steve asked.

"I'll go with dad and the others. Clare said they are going round the city tomorrow," said Kayla.

Ajit, Joey and Keatan nodded a yes to go to the gym.

"You guys can stay in our hotel room if you want. If you don't mind giving up the house for the night." Tom offered.

"I don't think I could sleep in that bed, knowing what you probably – or definitely – did." Joey shivered.

"We can go to your grandmother's. Kayla you know the way. Meet us there whenever, and bring Harley." Steve suggested.

"I'm glad I didn't bother unpacking. Oh, and don't even step in my room." Joey insisted.

"Heard it loud and clear. Thanks." Tom rushed as he glimpsed upwards, and saw Sam walking through the doorway.

Not sure about this chapter. Any reviews are welcome.