by Nathan Jones
There was a lot of sadness and trouble in the world now, but there were also moments of joy. Olivia was his reminder that there was a future as long as they kept going. A future he'd work to build for her.
Epilogue
Another Try
Halloween with three feet of snow and a temperature in the low 20s was surreal.
Trev remembered trick-or-treating on chilly autumn nights, leaves crunching underfoot and blowing eerily on vagrant breezes. In the excitement of the event he usually hadn't even needed a coat.
But this? This was more like Christmas. Even more like it than his last Christmas before the Gulf burned had been, since then it had rained the entire day with no snow in sight. It was like everything was tossed on its head.
The kids didn't go trick-or-treating, of course. Instead the shelter group and the nearby neighbors with children had planned a sort of rotating party event. Since no one cabin was big enough to hold more than a dozen people socializing was awkward, so instead the kids went from house to house in a pattern. They would bounce in from the cold for a cacophonous few minutes of playing prepared games and eating a few small treats at each, usually without even removing their coats, hats, and gloves, and then would head back out to tromp to the next house.
Jim was torn between wanting to be part of the event and feeling like he'd outgrown it. But the Smith family had offered to be part of the festivities in any case, so he used that as an excuse to head out and make his rounds with Alvin and the kids from Jane's group.
With Uncle Lucas's recent death their friends had tentatively let them know they could gracefully duck out if they wanted, with full understanding, but Trev's mom insisted it would be good to take part. So she was there at the door when the first group of visiting kids arrived, offered their young guests honey treats. Meanwhile Trev, Linda, and Deb organized everyone in telling a spooky story with each person taking turns saying a line. The stories usually tended to be more hilarious than scary, as the kids went off on wild tangents with whatever they were thinking at the moment. But that just added to the fun.
The Larson family would've loved to host visitors, but with a newborn in the house they decided that would be too much noise and confusion. Instead the Lynns with their boys went visiting to other houses, while the kids from Jane's group, as well as Tam's daughter Jen and a couple others, begged for a chance to see Sam and the new baby. She welcomed them to visit one or two at a time, if they could be quiet and gentle. They crept up to the bed where the new mother was resting without a peep, looking at the little bundle she held with wide eyes.
The Halsson cabin was conspicuously dark for the evening. None of them were in the mood for holiday celebrations, and although they received a few brief visits from friends they mostly spent the night to themselves. There were a few exceptions, like Aaron and Paul who insisted on stopping by to visit, and the kids from Jane's group who wanted to give “Aunt Jane” and “Uncle Lewis” presents to make them feel better.
After the kids stopped coming around Trev's family also packed up to go spend some time with their extended family, bringing hot chocolate made from powdered mix for everyone to share. They kept the visit quiet and were considerate, but although it was obvious their presence was appreciated they got the hint that it would be better if they didn't linger.
Before going to sleep Trev and Deb cuddled up beneath the covers on his bed for an hour or so. His girlfriend had been enchanted by Olivia earlier when they'd visited their friends to briefly congratulate them, and tonight she was much more affectionate than usual. To the point where he reluctantly figured he should return to his cot sooner rather than later, to both of their disappointment.
The contrast of the narrow, chilly surface was uncomfortable and more than a bit depressing, but as Trev tried to fall asleep he reassured himself that tomorrow the situation would hopefully change.
During the last couple weeks they'd come a lot farther where intimacy was concerned. They spent more time holding hands, snuggling under the blankets together, even making out like tonight. That had reassured Trev that they were on the right track.
So he'd decided it was finally time to give his proposal another try. A proper one this time.
He'd been planning to do it tomorrow evening for over a week now, with help from his mom and Linda. His sister was overjoyed that they were finally taking that step, while his mom was mostly just relieved. She'd been supportive of Deb moving in as his mostly platonic roommate, and understanding of the situation. But even though she hadn't said anything it was obvious the question of propriety bothered her.
Above and beyond the conflicts with the Smith family's particular faith, she also worried that with how tight-knit the community had become some of the more traditional stigmas would become more prevalent as well. And there was also the fact that, even with his family knowing the issues Deb was still getting over and Trev's romantic situation with her, and hopefully also trusting his restraint, he couldn't shake the feeling that they assumed the two of them were getting up to way more than they really were.
All in all an engagement would ease his parents' minds, and a wedding even more. Truth be told it would make Trev more comfortable with the situation himself, since it would be one less reason for them to restrain themselves when they were already sorting through plenty of others.
With that in mind his mom was more than happy to help him cook a romantic dinner and set the mood with some beeswax candles. For her part Linda had agreed to lure Deb away for a few hours while they prepared everything, on the pretext of giving Sam and baby Olivia some company and helping out the new parents. Sam was a delighted co-conspirator, and promised to keep Deb occupied for as long as possible.
It was kind of hard to keep a secret from someone living in the same room, and Trev was pretty certain Deb not only guessed something was up, but also what and why. He'd tried to make it seem like his preparations to propose to her were simply part of planning for yesterday's Halloween festivities. But judging by the knowing look his girlfriend gave him as Linda tugged her out the door, he had a feeling the cat was out of the bag. At least that look was equal parts nervous and excited.
He was glad he wasn't the only one who felt that way.
As soon as the two were gone he burst into a flurry of activity, gathering up the ingredients he'd set aside and helping his mom get started on them. After she finally shooed him away from the stove to do most of the cooking herself he hurried into his room to get things ready there.
He'd borrowed a small folding table and a couple plastic chairs from Lewis, and had scrounged up a reasonably romantic centerpiece of dried wildflowers and homemade potpourri. Combined with the flickering candles filling the room with a dim, warm light, and his phone playing soft music in the background, he thought he'd done a pretty good job setting the mood.
Trev put much more effort than usual into cleaning himself up and shaving, changing into his suit and looking himself over in a small camping mirror to make sure he wasn't a complete mess. Then he did a bit of neatening up the beds and his few possessions, brought in rocks that'd been heating against the stove to put under their chairs as footwarmers, and finally left the door open between rooms so the stove would warm the area. Then he went in to help his mom with the final touches on dinner.
Just in time, since he'd barely finished preparing the plates when he heard Linda loudly speaking outside, his sister doing her best to sound casual as she not so subtly warned him the two were on their way back.
He hurried into his room, shutting the door to the kitchen behind him, and tried not to fidget as he took his place by the table, nervous anticipation quivering through him as the outside door scraped open and Deb stepped inside. Over his girlfriend's shoulder Linda gave Trev a thumbs up before scurrying away to the front door.
For her part Deb did a reasonable job of acting surprised, and but he didn't think her nervousness and excitement was an act as she tried to play it cool.
“Wow
,” she said, shutting the door and taking a tiny step forward. “If I'd known you were going to spring a formal dinner on me I would've worn an evening gown. Although that's probably a good thing since I seem to have misplaced mine.”
Trev grinned at the icebreaker as she pulled off her coat and gloves and briefly sat on his cot to tug off her boots. “I don't know, you're really pulling off the “bundled up for zero-degree weather” look.”
She grinned back, letting him pull out her seat at the table for her and slide it back in as she sat. “It's to show off all the curves I used to have before I started this diet I've been on for the last few months.” Her eyes fell on the empty table in front of her. “Speaking of which . . .”
“Right.” He hurried into the other room to bring out the dishes that had been warming on the stove, winking at his family as they silently waved in encouragement. Although he did pause to mouth a “thank you” to his mom and Linda for their help this evening.
After he served the food, seared venison steak and instant mashed potatoes smothered in barbecue sauce, with canned peaches and evaporated milk for dessert, they both did their best to play casual. Like this sort of night happened all the time and wasn't leading up to something important.
Trev took it as a good sign that his girlfriend hadn't immediately bolted from the room at the sight of his elaborate preparations, for what was obviously going to be a second proposal attempt. One more properly and, he hoped, romantically done this time.
Even so, he inwardly sweated bullets as he counted down the moments to when she set down her fork and he judged the time was right.
Under the tablecloth he fiddled with the engagement ring he'd bought from Ned when the trader brought Lewis's reloading materials. Trev was still convinced the man's impressive stock came from raiding a high-priced jewelry store during the chaos just after the Gulf burned, or trading with someone who had. But on the other hand it meant Trev had managed to get ahold of the sort of diamond whose cost was counted in months of salary, all for the price of a few weeks' worth of food.
Assuming it was real. Lewis had looked it over and seemed to think it was, but his cousin was by no means a professional appraiser. It was a good sign that Chauncey was also fairly confident in it, as were Scott and Ed. Not that he'd been showing it around or anything, to reassure himself he wasn't about to slip a cheap dollar store trinket on the finger of the woman he loved.
He'd held onto it for almost a month wondering if this day would ever come. Now that it had, each minute ticking by until the big moment felt nearly that long.
Finally Deb set down her fork and fell into an expectant silence. Trev took a last sip of water from his glass and smiled in nervous self-consciousness, then slipped from his seat and down to one knee in front of her. He very casually managed not to trip over the table leg like he'd been slightly afraid he would, and his hand didn't shake at all as he held it behind his back for the moment.
“Debra Rutledge,” he began, further relieved to find his voice was clear and steady. “I don't know if you remember, but the first time we met you gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek.”
“I remember,” she said, face going slightly pink in spite of her radiant smile. “It was a really good candy bar.”
He smiled back. “I had a bit of a crush on the woman I met that day, warm and kind and full of enthusiasm and affection. I didn't think I was ever going to see her again, and counted myself lucky when I did.”
Her smile flickered slightly, and he caught a hint of pain in her eyes. “You almost didn't,” she whispered. But then she recovered, taking his free hand and resting it on her knee with both hers holding it.
Trev nodded solemnly. “We've been through difficult times, but some of the people closest to me have confessed that they consider themselves lucky to have found someone who can stand with them through anything this life throws at them.” He gently squeezed her knee. “I've been equally blessed to find someone I can love and rely on, who's made a difficult world a joy to live in.”
Tears started gleaming in Deb's eyes, and he hurriedly produced the ring and held it up to her. “Will you marry me?”
“You've been so patient with me, Trev,” she whispered. She barely glanced at the ring, eyes on him, hands squeezing his tightly. “Thank you for not giving up. Yes! Of course yes! I-” She abruptly hesitated, glancing down at the ring again, and brown-flecked green eyes shimmering with tears abruptly grew huge. “Holy cow! Is that real?”
“I'm 99.9% sure it is.” Trev freed his hand and gently took her left hand in both of his. “May I?” She nodded eagerly, and he grinned like an idiot as he slipped the ring on. It was slightly loose, which was a shame, but then again Robert had assured him he could probably tighten it a bit if he needed.
Come to think of it, if Trev had really wanted to keep the ring a surprise he probably shouldn't have shown it to so many people. At least it was the one thing he'd prepared for tonight that Deb did seem genuinely surprised by.
His fiancee held it up, staring at the glittering diamond. “It's beautiful,” she said.
“It's in good company.” Trev stood, offering his hand. “I think this is the part where we kiss?”
Laughing, she let him pull her to her feet and threw her arms around him, lips rising to meet his.
End of Book One
The story continues in First Spring
Book Two of the Nuclear Winter series.
For questions, comments, or other feedback
the author would be glad to hear from you at [email protected].
Dramatis Personae
Smith family:
Trevor Smith: Goes by Trev. Average height, blond hair, blue eyes, 21 years old. A main character. Current leader of Aspen Hill's defenders. Went to college in Orem, Utah, before the Gulf refineries attack forced him to return home.
George Smith: Trev's dad. Average height, graying light brown hair, hazel eyes, in his late 40s. Mild-mannered, worked from home before the Gulf burned.
Clair Halsson Smith: Trev's mom. Tall, blond hair, blue-green eyes, in her late 40s. Younger sister to Lucas Halsson. Worked in Price until a job opportunity moved the family to Michigan.
Linda Smith: Trev's younger sister. Short, light brown hair, brown-green eyes, 16 years old. Pretty and popular before the Gulf burned, has shown signs of adjusting poorly to her new situation.
James Smith: Goes by Jim. Trev's younger brother. Tall for his age, blond hair, green eyes, 13 years old. Inexperienced but determined to help out however he can.
Halsson family:
Lewis Halsson: Trev's cousin. Tall, light brown hair, hazel eyes, 22 years old. A main character. Remained in Aspen Hill preparing for a disaster when his dad went on sabbatical to Norway with the rest of the family, returning to their roots in their ancestral homeland.
Jane Mathers Halsson: Tall, slender, red hair, light blue eyes. 24 years old. Married to Lewis. Formerly a refugee until her group was welcomed in Aspen Hill, her father Mitch was a gun nut and taught her to shoot, as well as taking her hunting. She shot competitively in college for a while and did well. Solitary and socially awkward, she's proven able to take care of herself as well as the rest of her group.
Lucas Halsson: Lewis's dad. Tall, silver hair, blue eyes, in his early 50s. Clair Smith's brother. Originally stranded in Norway with his family when the Gulf burned, used the Gold Bloc invasion as an opportunity to get a position in the logistics division. Which allowed him to get his family back home to the United States, where he was reunited with the Smith family in a prison camp and aided them in escaping.
Eva Halsson: Lewis's mom. Medium height, graying dark hair, dark eyes, in her late 40s. Quiet and unassuming, spends most of her time caring for her family and helping the shelter group where able.
Mary Halsson: Lewis's sister. Tall, blond, blue eyes, 17 years old. Painfully shy. Has a habit of humming songs relevant to what she's feeling or the situation she's in.
Larson family:
Samantha Hutchins Larson: Goes by Sam. Petite, raven hair, dark eyes, 20 years old. Married to Matt. Expecting a child soon. Grew up in New York City and was living in Utah for school. Hitched a ride with Matt to escape the riots and ended up in Aspen Hill. Helps in the clinic as a nurse.
Mona Larson: Matt's mom. Short, graying hair, pale blue eyes, in her late 40s.
Ed Larson: Matt's dad. Medium height, gray hair, brown eyes, in his late 40s.
April Lynn: Matt's older sister. Fair hair, blue eyes, 26 years old. Married to Terry with 2 young children. Helps in the clinic as a nurse.
Terry Lynn: April's husband. Reddish-blond hair, green eyes, 29 years old. Recently graduated as a surgeon and was interning at a hospital in Salt Lake City before the attack. Serves as Aspen Hill's doctor as best he can with limited supplies.
Aaron Lynn: April and Terry's son. Towheaded, blue eyes, 6 years old.
Paul Lynn: April and Terry's son. Towheaded, blue eyes, 3 years old.
Aspen Hill residents:
Catherine Tillman: Tall, silver hair, light gray eyes, in her late 50s. Councilwoman in Aspen Hill before the Gulf burned. Successor to Mayor John Anderson after he was killed in Razor's attack. Later gives up the position of Mayor to Matt, but still remains an important advisor and leader in the town.
Scott Tillman: Catherine's husband. In his early 60s. Owner of Tillman's Hardware before the Gulf burned. Donates most of his store's stock to the town storehouse, including a small supply of guns, ammo, hunting bows, etc. Also offers his store as the storehouse site. Joins the volunteers fighting against the blockheads and serves as quartermaster.
Tamara Raymond: Goes by Tam. Catherine and Scott's daughter. Petite, auburn-haired, 25 years old. Has a toddler daughter named Jennifer. Grew up as a tomboy and was a reliable defender during Aspen Hill's fights against Razor and Turner's raiders, and later joins Lewis fighting the blockheads near Aspen Hill. After the death of her husband leaves the fight for the sake of her daughter.