Sam's Wedding Special

Author's Notes & Disclaimer

Just an explanation of context before you read this story.

If you don't want to read the explanation why I wrote this story, skip ahead to the next header.

Explanation

I wrote this story as an apology to my cousin, who helped me at a crucial time when I just begun to get into the hobby of writing.
I had just completed my first project ever: The Zombie Train, and sent it to my family so they could look it over. Sam, who was thinking about becoming a publisher at the time, looked it over and corrected several things. She even added a new introduction to the story that actually made sense. She collaborated with me and helped refine my first book. And although she had to step down in order to pursue her college career, I still take the lessons I learned from her forward and apply them to my newest projects to this day.
However, this story was spurred on by an unfortunate series of events. Due to a housing situation relating to a dog, Sam and her boyfriend decided to get formally married ahead of schedule, with only three weeks notice to the rest of our family. And unfortunately, the dates conflicted with my upcoming college orientation, a possible summer camp opportunity. On top of my grandmother just turned 80, and we had all three of our families over to celebrate, leaves us very little money to go to Texas. These, and a few other factors resulted in the unfortunate decision that we will have to miss this wedding.
However, we have been told this will be the "offical" wedding, and not the "extravagant" wedding as most associate with the term wedding. This wedding will not have all the bells and whistles, and I have learned that they aren't expecting more than 20 people there. So while we might not see them "get married", we won't miss their "wedding."
However, this is not sufficient to prevent all feelings of guilt. And in return, I wrote up this story as a tribute to the cousin and friend who helped me countless times not only to foster a hobby I love, but also took the time to help at school and give general advice. Sam has helped me a lot, and I owe that to her in return.
This is the least I could do.

This is what she sent in response:
"Awww my love that was so beautifully written. N- and I both loved it. We love you very much and I'll miss you on my special day. Thank you for this story. ❤️"

Context Of Story

Beyond what was said in the description, Sammara and Peder are having a wedding after the apocalypse, and they need all the supplies to make it happen. They got Marvin, Secretary of Transportation and Owner of Rail & Spike Transportation Company, to move supplies for the wedding.
Everything is going well as it can, even under the entitled hand of Kieth & Company attempting to divert trains for their own business. As well as recent rains threatening to flood the main line at Chular. Thankfully, all other trains have made it to Gonzales and preparations for the wedding are well underway. There is only one last train that Marvin has to take.
The service originated in Speckles, now used as the state armory and as a major storage hub. A 697 ton train (not including locomotive or tender) over 17 cars is being hauled by a single P1 express passenger steam locomotive; renowned for their ability to haul fast passenger trains, but the second lowest class in regards of tractive effort. A fast but weak locomotive. Although the engine has received several upgrades that makes starting a heavy train, and running it with a one-man crew possible, if difficult.
The service also has to encounter several obsticals. On top of being the Spreckles - Salinas branch being limited to 50mph, the train must holdover in Salinas to wait for a stopping passenger train to clear the line. In Salinas is where Kieth & Co. are headquartered. And between Salinas and Gonzales is Chualar, of flooding renown.

That is as much context I can give you beyond what is stated in the books.
Hope you guys enjoy the story, and stay safe and dry out there. And always leave at least 10 minutes early.
-FishyFish831

I do not own, nor claim ownership of, the cover background art.
Here is the link where I got it from:

https://fineartamerica.com/art/steam+locomotive

If the cover is in violation of copyright, I will take it down upon request of the copyright holder at my earliest convenience.