Chapter 14 - The General’s Toast
That evening, as the stars came out over the Atlantic Ocean, we all gathered around the long wooden dining table on the veranda, illuminated by soft lanterns and glowing candles.
Master Sergeant Miller, Captain Rachel Vance, Ethan, Dad, Noah, and I sat together as one united family.
Ethan stood up from his chair, holding a glass of sparkling cider. He looked around the table, his eyes glistening with deep, emotional gratitude.
"Two years ago," Ethan began, his voice steady and full of heart, "I thought that family was defined by last names, big houses, and social status. I was wrong."
Ethan looked directly at General Michael Carter.
"General Carter... sir. You saved my wife’s life that rainy afternoon. But more than that... you saved mine. You pulled me out of the toxic rot I was drowning in, and you gave me the hard truth I needed to hear. Thank you for showing me what duty, honor, and family really mean."
Ethan then turned to me, his eyes overflowing with love.
"And to my wife, Camila... you are the strongest, most incredible woman I have ever known. Thank you for giving me a second chance to be the husband you deserve."
We all raised our glasses, clinking them together under the Georgia night sky.
Dad stood up, his four stars catching the warm candlelight, lifting his glass high.
May you like
"To the Carters," Dad said, his booming voice full of warmth and victory. "We hold the line. We protect our own. And we never, ever back down."
"To the Carters!" everyone cheered.
