CHAPTER 5

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HOUSTON, WE GOT A PROBLEM—LUKE COMB
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September 17th, 2015
High Valley Farm
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It was the next morning. The sun hadn't yet risen over the plain but still Big Red's early crow reached Morgan's window.

Groaning, she checked in with her clock and tossed back around, smashing her pillow over her face. As she fought to fall back to sleep, the rooster's call only seemed to intensify— echoing off her thin, plastered walls.

Just as Morgan was about to lose her last bit of patience, the reality of last night came crashing down on her and what it meant. She was getting married.

The ring of steel on her finger was the beginning of her and Rhett's paved future and she squealed with eternal giddiness.

Feeling elated, she no longer cared about Big Red or her bleary eyes. She felt like she was flying above the clouds, arms stretched out, and embracing the wind. Embracing her and Rhett's soon-to-be future.

With a buoyancy in her step, she went about her morning as usual. She made coffee for herself and rummaged around the fridge for something to cook.

After frying up some bacon and sausage, she went out onto the porch to eat. As she watched the sunrise from their swing, she couldn't help but smile anytime a glint from the ring caught her eye. It was unusual for her to see it there, and yet, it felt natural.

Just as she finished her breakfast, she heard a creak from the boards and looked over to see her father leaving.

"Pa," she called him over.

Morgan couldn't wait to tell him the good news if he didn't know already.

"I'm sorry, kitten. I've got to make a run," he said, shrugging on his quilted jacket.

She frowned as she watched him rush to his apache pick-up and peel off down the road, leaving without so much as a wave goodbye. Disappointed, she sighed and left the swing. She hoped at least she would be able to tell someone the good news.

"Good God all mighty!" her mother exclaimed, raising her hands up in praise. "He done answered ma' prayers."

After showing the ring to her mother, she gave Morgan a congratulatory hug and wiped the tears of joy from her cheeks. Grabbing her hand once more, her mother inspected the diamond before a bright smile crept onto her face.

"I'm even closer to gettin' me some grandbabies."

"Ma!" Morgan blurted. "I'd like to focus on gettin' married first before we go talkin' 'bout children."

She scoffed and swatted the air but said no more on the subject. She touched Morgan's face as her smile turned sad.

"I know mamaw and papaw would've been so proud of ya."

Morgan couldn't help but tear up. She hoped that she would have been able to share this special moment with her grandparents, but time, like many, had not been on their side.

"Thanks, ma."

They hugged one last time before taking a seat on the living room couch.

"Did pa tell ya where he was goin' this mornin'?"

"I suwanne! That man could be anywhere. He be leavin' the house like a tornado's a'comin'," she sighed, shaking her head. "I ain't know why."

"Do ya feel that he's been actin' off lately?" Morgan asked with a bit of concern.

"Sure do. I tried talkin' to the man, but he just says everythin' is fine. You know how yer pa is."

"Yeah . . . I just really wanted to tell him the news, ya know." Morgan glanced over at the home phone and contemplated. "Maybe I should call him and check-in. Make sure everythin's alright."

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