Wendell Grainger and Rachel Rabon have lived in their homes outside Conway for more than two decades, but they could be forced to move after a recent court decision involving a property dispute.
"It was just mistakes made along the way, and we got the brunt of it," said Rabon.
The brother and sister are still in shock that the state can come in and tear down the places where they've each raised a family.
"We bought our property from the biggest probably the biggest landowner in Horry County. You don't go to the Chevrolet place and buy a car and them sell you a car they don't have the title to," said Grainger.
The State Department of Transportation wants wants to build a new bridge to replace the Yauhannah bridge on Highway 701 between Horry and Georgetown counties.
Problem is, Wendell and Rachel's homes are in the way, and it's been an easement since 1924.
Wendell and Rachel say they have a deed for their property, followed all the rules when they bought it from Burroughs and Chapin in 1985, and have paid their property taxes every year.
But about five years ago, the family was notified of the situation by the DOT, and they've been fighting for ownership since.
"We always have that thought in the back of our minds saying, you know we could really be put out any day, so we don't know," added Rabon.
The case made it to the state Supreme Court and on Tuesday the ruling was in favor of the DOT.
Chief Justice Jean Toal said, "We recognize this is a harsh result for the appellants. While we are sympathetic to their situation, this case concerns purely a legal issue and equitable principles simply are not applicable."
Despite their circumstances, they're trying to stay positive.
"In the end this is all material things and it matters, it matters, but nobody's sick, nobody's dying, we'll be all right," added Grainger.
Wendall and Rachel will meet with their lawyers in two weeks to see what the next step will be.
Worst case scenario - along with losing their homes, they would still owe the remaining amount on their mortgages.
NewsChannel 15 was not able get a comment from Burroughs and Chapin or the DOT about this land dispute.
