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6 months later
“Can you believe this day finally came?” Janie whispered, her eyes shining with joy as she looked at Shane beside her.
Shane chuckled softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m just thankful it did. We both earned this, Janie.”
The sound of the church bells rang out over the valley, their joyful peals mingling with the soft hum of voices gathered inside. The pews were filled with townsfolk, many of whom had come to witness a rare sight—a double wedding. It wasn’t every day that the town gathered to celebrate two couples who had brought justice and peace to their once-divided community.
Rita stood just a step away, her hand tucked securely in Carl’s, who looked rather stunned by the whole ordeal. “I’d have bet my horse that I’d never end up in a church for a wedding, let alone be the one getting married,” he muttered to Shane, casting a sideways glance at Rita with a soft smile.
Janie grinned, nudging him with her elbow. “Then consider yourself lucky to be standing here, Carl.”
As the preacher began the vows, Shane’s gaze softened, meeting Janie’s eyes. His hand tightened around hers, a steady, comforting warmth that steadied her heart. “I never thought I’d have something like this,” he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear. “You’ve changed everything, Janie.”
“Together, we changed everything,” Janie replied, her voice trembling with emotion. “I would have never been brave enough alone.”
The vows flowed, each word sealing their commitment to one another, and when Shane gently placed a ring on Janie’s finger, she felt a warmth spread through her heart. Here, in this little church nestled in the heart of the Wild West, she was surrounded by the people who had witnessed her journey, her fears, her fight for justice—and now, her happiness.
When the preacher pronounced them husband and wife, the room filled with a burst of applause and cheers, mingling with joyful laughter and the soft rustling of skirts and hats as everyone rose to congratulate the newlyweds. The joyous scene was a far cry from the fear and tension that had once gripped this town.
As Janie and Shane walked down the aisle together, arm in arm, she caught sight of familiar faces smiling back at her. The townsfolk she’d risked so much for stood with pride, grateful for the couple who had helped free them from the clutches of a corrupt mayor. Many dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs, nodding as Janie and Shane passed by, a quiet acknowledgment of all they had endured together.
Outside, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the valley, spilling light onto the church steps and the newly rebuilt town square beyond. Janie looked over at the town she had fought so hard to protect, the place where she had made her mark not only as the mayor’s stepdaughter but as herself. She could still hardly believe how much had changed in so little time.
Rita nudged her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts. “Well, Mrs. Martin, I suppose it’s time we join the festivities,” she teased, her eyes bright with laughter. “There’s a whole town out there eager to toast the heroes of Gower.”
Shane laughed, a sound that made Janie’s heart skip a beat. “The heroes, is it? I think we just happened to get tangled up in the right cause.”
Janie looked up at him, her expression softening. “We’re not just heroes for this town, Shane. We’re heroes for each other.”
They all laughed as they made their way down the steps and onto the square where tables had been set up, laden with simple yet heartfelt offerings from the townsfolk. The women of Gower had baked pies, cakes, and bread, while the men had fashioned sturdy benches and tables from reclaimed wood, their handiwork an offering to the couple who had helped give them back their town.
Shane pulled Janie close, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they looked out over the gathering. “I reckon we did all right, don’t you think?”
Janie leaned her head against his shoulder, her gaze sweeping over the town square filled with music, laughter, and familiar faces. “I reckon we did just fine,” she murmured, her heart brimming with contentment.
The town was finally free, and so were they.
“Now don’t go getting sentimental on me, Carl,” Shane teased, giving his friend a hearty clap on the back. “Can’t have you crying at your own wedding.”
Carl chuckled, shaking his head. “If anyone’s tearing up, it’s Rita with that speech of hers. Didn’t know I’d married a poet.”
Rita blushed, glancing down as she brushed her skirts. “I just wanted folks to know how much this day means. For all of us.”
With the sun setting, the wedding celebration filled the town square with a warm, golden light. The square itself was bustling with townsfolk, everyone laughing, dancing, and sharing stories that they’d kept to themselves in the old days. The long tables were set with flowers, cups of cider, and baskets of bread, all gathered by those who’d worked to make this day special for the couples.
Janie took a seat on the wooden bench, watching as Shane reached for a nearby mug of cider. He offered it to her with a smile, his gaze steady, warm. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy,” he said, his eyes softening as he sat beside her.
She laughed lightly, accepting the cup. “That makes two of us,” she replied, taking a sip. “Sometimes, I almost can’t believe it’s all real—that we’re finally free to just… live.”
“Together,” Shane added, his hand slipping into hers. “And the whole town came out to show us what that means.”
Janie squeezed his hand, her voice catching slightly. “We’re surrounded by people who believed in us when we didn’t even know what would come of all this.”
Shane nodded, glancing around at the townsfolk. There was Mr. Hastings, the blacksmith, who’d lost his shop to the mayor’s ruthless policies. And little Sarah Yates, her family finally stable enough to stay in Gower. Every face told a story of triumph over adversity, and Shane knew the strength that came with each of them standing together.
Rita came over, pulling Janie from her thoughts with a gentle nudge. “So,” she said, her smile bright and genuine, “are you going to let the music start up without us?”
Carl joined them, tipping his hat. “I believe the first dance is reserved for the brides, isn’t it?”
“Oh, is that so?” Shane grinned, taking Janie’s hand as he led her to the open space where musicians had already started strumming a lively tune. She followed him eagerly, her laughter spilling over as they moved together in the simple dance steps, his hand steadying her with every turn.
Around them, couples began to join in, filling the space with movement and joy. Janie could feel the weight of everything they had been through—the risks, the secrets, the dangers—lift from her shoulders with each step.
As they danced, Shane pulled her close, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “I know I’ve said it before, but thank you, Janie. For not giving up.”
Her heart raced at his words, and she looked up into his eyes, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll never stop fighting for us, Shane. Not for as long as I live.”
With a final spin, he swept her into his arms, both of them laughing as the townsfolk clapped and cheered. Their past struggles faded into the background, leaving only the promise of the life they’d fought so hard to build together.
The music played on, and as they twirled together in the soft glow of the setting sun, Janie knew that this was only the beginning of the happiness they would share. Their home was no longer a place of fear but a town renewed, their love stronger than ever. And here, surrounded by the people they’d come to call family, they’d found peace, at last.
***
“Now, be careful,” Janie called, watching her little boy toddle across the field toward Shane, his chubby arms stretched out in excitement.
Shane turned, hearing her call, and opened his arms just as their son barreled into his legs. He scooped the boy up effortlessly, laughing as the child squealed with delight. “Well, would you look at that!” Shane said, ruffling his hair. “A Martin in the making.”
Janie watched them, her heart swelling with a happiness that had only deepened over the years. Life had changed in ways she’d never imagined—her days were filled with the bustle of the ranch, the laughter of children, and the steady hum of the community that she and Shane had helped rebuild.
Rita joined her, holding her own daughter close, who clung to her skirt shyly. “If you’d told me three years ago that we’d be here, like this…” Rita trailed off, her smile softening as she looked at Janie. “Well, I think I’d have laughed and called you crazy.”
“I would have called myself crazy, too,” Janie chuckled. “But here we are.”
Shane set their son down, who immediately took off, trailing after a cluster of hens near the coop. “Look at him,” Shane said, joining Janie. “Fearless, just like his mother.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Janie said, nudging him. “I think he gets that from his father.”
Their laughter mingled in the air, and Janie felt a sense of peace as she looked out over the landscape, where the shantytown residents, now more settled than ever, were gathering supplies. A simple wooden building stood at the far end of the field—Gower’s new community hall, a project she’d helped bring to life. Here, families could come together, share meals, and support one another—a refuge from the struggles they’d endured under Mayor Hendrick.
Janie waved to a group of children from the town as they ran past, carrying baskets of food that the townsfolk regularly contributed. “It’s a wonder what a difference a few years make,” she said, watching the children with a warm smile. “I’m glad we never stopped helping.”
“And they’ll remember that help,” Shane added, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “You’ve done so much here, Janie. This place wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“It wouldn’t be the same without us,” she corrected, leaning into him. “I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”
Carl joined them, grinning as he watched the children. “That little one’s going to be running the ranch before long,” he joked. “It’s in the blood.”
Janie smiled, resting her hand over her belly. “Well, I hope you get used to it soon. This one will be here before long.” She patted her stomach gently, and Shane’s eyes brightened as he rested a protective hand alongside hers.
“A big family, just like we always dreamed,” he said softly.
They all stood in quiet contentment, watching the children play as the sun began its slow descent over the fields. The laughter of their little ones, the warmth of family, and the peace of knowing their town had found its way—it was all Janie could have hoped for. And as Shane pulled her closer, Janie knew, without a doubt, that their story was just beginning.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Western Brides and True Loves", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Greetings, dear readers! I trust you relished the blissful conclusion of Janie and Shane’s love story. Let’s reminisce together—what was the most heartwarming moment in their romantic journey? Share your thoughts with me, for I cherish your input! ♥️📚
I enjoyed all the characters, including James. This was the first time that I was very surprised by a twist in a story – the one that James had been a bank robber before he moved to their town. I hope they added that to his sentencing. I liked the time that Shane discovered Janie at the creek. But, I would have liked to have heard more of the budding romance between Rita and Carl. And what happened to James’ ranch? I know you had to limit pages, but your engaging story made think of many unanswered questions. I really enjoyed it, but the title didn’t quite fit. I kept thinking they were going to run away. Keep writing. Good job.
I really enjoyed this book. Was a very good job done.