Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

“It looks amazing. The staircase must’ve survived the fire.”

Maude’s two husbands, Greg and Grant, were tending the bar.

“All new, but I told the architect that I wanted an exact replica. He tried to convince me to go another direction, saying it would save money, but he finally came around to my way of thinking.”

Bane came up, wearing civilian clothes. “Thanks for this, Maude.”

It was quite the party. Round tables, decorated in red, white, and blue filled the space. There was enough delicious food to feed the entire state. Wolfe Mayhem, the band from Destiny, Colorado, played music that kept the dance floor packed. The band’s lead singer had the voice of an angel.

Adam turned to their hostess. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

“All I care about is that you two boys are having a good time.” She pointed to the banner strung across the back wall with the message Welcome Home, Adam and Bane, Wilde’s Heroes. “We are all so very proud of you. We’re glad to have you home.”

He put his arm around the dear lady. “It’s good to be home.”

“I’m glad your parents finally came back from Australia.” Maude motioned to where Mom, Dad Joe, and Papa Bill stood. “Sarah looks so beautiful tonight.”

His mom looked like a queen standing between Dad and Pop.

Bane nodded. “I’m glad they had their time down under but this is where they belong.”

“Look over there at your sister.” Maude pointed to Shelby, who sat with her three husbands, the Champion brothers. Their sister was due any day with her first child. “She’s found three great guys to start a family with. I would’ve never guessed Elko men would marry a Wilde woman, but love can be surprising.”

Adam grinned. “Maude, you’ve always been a hopeless romantic.”

“What’s wrong with that, soldier?”

“Be careful, bro,” Bane said. “She’s got you on the ropes.”

Maude laughed. “Now, if we can get your sister Carolyn to settle down and move back to town, we’ll have the whole Taylor clan where they need to be. Here in Wilde.”

“I’d like that, too.” His sister Carolyn marched to the beat of her own drum, which often got her into trouble. The whole family knew she’d been looking for something her whole life. He prayed one day Carolyn would find it.

After everyone finished eating, Sheriff Wayne Champion, Shelby’s father-in-law, walked over to the wall where the banner hung and clinked his glass. “May I have your attention, please?”

The crowd quieted down.

“Let’s have our two guests of honor up here, Adam and Bane Taylor. Join me, soldiers.”

Everyone cheered and applauded as he and Bane walked over to the sheriff.

“Four score and seven years ago, the Taylor brothers weren’t born yet.”

Laughter filled the space.

Sheriff Champion continued, “The good citizens of Wilde are gathered here today to give you a hearty welcome home, and are delighted to have the opportunity to express our full appreciation of the diligent and unwavering service you gave to our country. What you have done in fighting for liberty and freedom around the world has called forth the admiration of Wilde and it is fitting that recognition be made in this way of your valor and patriotic devotion.”

Everyone clapped.

“That you have chosen a new profession with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and your home base will be here in our town fills us with such joy and pride.”

Another round of applause erupted from the crowd.

Adam grinned, seeing Bane’s suffering. His brother, unlike him, didn’t care for attention, especially this kind. Most of the details of their service were classified, so their family, friends and neighbors would never know the extent of what they’d accomplished.

“It is my pleasure to present to you Adam Lee Taylor and Bane Joseph Taylor the key to our town.” Sheriff Champion handed them an oversized key inscribed with both their names and the date. “From this day forward, the first day in February shall be known as Taylor Brothers Hero Day.”

Cheers exploded all around them. “Speech. Speech. Speech.”