Chapter ten: Ian.
“Hey Ian wait up!” I hear someone call from behind me. I turn around to find Critchfield running towards me. “Hey! Why aren’t you with the rest of the guests?” I ask as he gets closer to me. “I’ll be out there, I just have to tell you something first. I found some things out about the fire and I thought you should know. Remember how I told you that there was an accelerant used? Well that accelerant was gas. We think that the person or persons responsible for the fire thought that you were the one inside, not Ellie. When they realized that it wasn’t you it was too late to get Ellie out. You had returned home and they snuck out of the living room window. Whoever started that fire is still out there and they want you dead, Ian. Until they are caught, you need to be very careful. I know you can handle yourself so just stay safe and keep Ellie close. I can arrange to have a vehicle placed outside of your new house while you are gone on your deployment, if you need it. I want to help in any way possible.” I cannot believe the words that are coming out of Critchfield’s mouth, but I know he is right. I have to do what is best for Ellie and I. I need to keep her safe. “Thank you, I will keep that in mind. Please let me know if you find anything else out.” Critchfield nods his head and makes his way into the church. Things are starting to make more sense now. Someone wants me dead and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their task. I hear someone call my name and tell me that it’s time to start the wedding. I place the thoughts about the fire into the back of my mind and focus on starting this new chapter of my life.
Chapter eleven: Ellie.
Well today is the big day, Ian and I are getting married! I look into the mirror and smooth out the front of my dress and take a deep breath. I’m so nervous to start this new chapter in my life. I am marrying the love of my life in just a few minutes. I’ve waited for this day since I was a little girl. I hear a knock at the door and the planner peaks her head inside. “All right it’s time if you could follow me that’d be great.” I take one last glance in the mirror. I can’t tell if it’s the butterflies or the nerves that has me all worked up. It’s probably a mixture of both. The groomsmen and bridesmaids pair up and start walking down the aisle. They look absolutely amazing. They go to their spots and wait for those doors to open up once again. The pianist starts to play and the guests rise and look at the doors. The doors open and I feel everyone’s eyes on me, including Ian’s. I make my way down the aisle smiling from ear to ear. I grab Ian’s arm and smile. We walk up the steps and turn toward each other. I smile at him and he smiles at me. We grab each other’s hands and repeat after the preacher. “Ellie, do you take Ian Michael Bradshaw, to be your husband?” “I do.” I say putting the ring on his finger. The preacher turns toward Ian. “Ian, do you take Ellie Danielle Landrum to be your wife?” “I do.” He says putting the ring on my finger. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The preacher says to Ian. Ian puts one arm around me and the other behind my head and he leans me back like they do in romantic movies. Once I’m back on my feet I look at the preacher and tell him thanks for being a part of this special day. Before he could say anything I feel a sharp pain in my stomach. The smile that was once on my face is now gone. I put my hand on the spot and feel a warm liquid seeping out. I bring my hand up in front of me and see nothing but red. My hand is covered in blood. People are screaming as more shots are fired. I look down, my perfect white dress stained red with my blood. This can’t be happening, I tell myself. This is supposed to be my perfect day, where nothing goes wrong and I’m happy. Someone shot me, I think to myself. I am still standing at the altar, shocked. Shots keep ringing out. Bang! Bang! Bang! I hear one after another. I can’t see who the shooter or shooters are; I just know that they are ruining my day! Ian comes out of nowhere and tackles me to the ground. “Ellie, everything is going to be okay, I promise.” Ian tells me grabbing my hand. “I love you El, I always will” He whispers in my ear. I am losing blood fast. “Ellie!” He says, applying pressure to my wound. Everything then goes dark…… “What in the world is going on?!” I ask myself. This is not supposed to be happening. Today was supposed to be filled with joy and love. If I wanted to deal with this still I would’ve stayed in Iraq. I notice that Ellie is just standing there. She has a shocked expression on her face and her hand is on her stomach. Has she been shot? I ask myself. If she hasn’t now she will be soon if I don’t do something to help her. I peek out from behind the piano and see that there are three shooters. They have their backs facing me. It’s now or never. I run towards Ellie and tackle her to the ground. Somehow we land behind a wall, but at least she’s out of the way of the gun fire. Ellie I need for you to look at me. Ellie, wake up. I apply pressure to the wound and she stays unconscious.
Chapter twelve: Ian.
“Ian!” An unfamiliar voice calls out. I turn around and see that there is someone standing in front of me. With a smack to my head, everything goes completely dark.
Note from the author:
I really hope you enjoyed reading Ian Comes Home! Keep an eye out for book two in the Military Romance series! Please feel free to write me a review, follow me on twitter and like me on Facebook!
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