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One Year Later
“I do,” Jack said.
“And do you, Clara Annabelle Wilson, take this man, Jack Lester Freemont, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Clara nodded nervously. “Yes. I do.”
Ethan stood near the fireplace, watching as Pastor Kingsley pronounced Jack and Clara married.
His gaze wandered over to his wife who was sitting beside Mary and Gerry, cradling their three-month-old daughter, Catherine. They’d named her after Eliza’s mother.
Her tiny face peeked out from beneath the blanket Eliza had wrapped her in, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly open. Maybe he was a bit partial, but Ethan had never seen a more beautiful baby. She was perfect. He still couldn’t believe she belonged to him and Eliza.
The house was full. Laughter, music, and the smell of roasted ham filled the air. Technically, it was their annual Christmas Spring Celebration party. But this year, it doubled as Jack and Clara’s wedding day.
Mary had helped Eliza plan everything—decorations, food, seating. Everything. She’d taken the job seriously, and it showed. The place looked warm and festive, with Spring garlands strung across the beams and candles flickering in every corner.
Jack stood near the front window, his face red and damp. Clara was standing beside him, smiling, her hand tucked into his. The whole town had come to see their favorite general store owner finally settle down. Clara had been welcomed into the community with open arms, and it was clear she belonged here. Ethan walked over and clapped Jack on the shoulder.
“Didn’t think I’d see the day,” Ethan said.
Jack chuckled. “Neither did I.”
They talked for a while, about the past year and how much things had changed.
“I feel like the luckiest man alive,” Jack said as he smiled adoringly at his wife. “And not just for Clara. I’m blessed to have witnessed how much our community has changed over the past year. I never thought I’d live to see it.”
Ethan agreed. They’d both come through some hard times and ended up better for it.
Abigail and Tim were standing nearby, holding hands and laughing with Clara’s cousins. They were engaged now, too, planning a spring wedding like Eliza’s and Ethan’s, their own wedding for the summer.
Folks were already joking about who was going to be next. Ethan heard someone say it might be the blacksmith, and someone else guessed the schoolteacher. Maybe they should start a betting pool? He wasn’t much of a gambler, but it was all in good fun.
Silas sat in a wheeled chair near the hearth, wrapped in a thick blanket. His nurse was somewhere nearby, but she didn’t feel the need to hover anymore. Silas was doing much better.
He could speak a few words now, though they came out slow and slurred sometimes. It didn’t matter since he didn’t talk much to anyone except Gerry. The boy had a way of understanding him and often translated for the rest of them.
Silas had changed. Not only was he confined to a wheelchair these days, but he didn’t carry the anger and the bitterness anymore. He just wanted to be near his family. And he considered Gerry to be part of that family now. And Catherine.
With Gerry’s help, Silas could even hold the baby for a little while. Ethan had watched him cradle her earlier, tears running down his cheeks. It was something Ethan never thought he’d see. But there it was. Silas loved his granddaughter.
Someone tapped on a glass at the front of the room, trying to get everyone’s attention.
“Excuse me,” Mrs. Kingsley said. “If I could have your attention for just a moment.”
She grinned at Pastor Kingsley, then continued. “One of our community daughters has painted a special Christmas scene for this occasion. I thought this would be a good time to share it with everyone.” She turned to look at a boy coming out of the kitchen. “Over here, Ben.”
The boy carried the large canvas over to Mrs. Kingsley and handed it to her. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Mary Dawson’s Christmas Community.”
She flipped the canvas, and several gasps went up from the guests. Mary had painted a scene from town. There was a beautiful Christmas tree in the center where children played, some skipping and others chasing a puppy. There were several families in the background and a couple gathered around the tree. More families were grouped in front of the store, singing carols while others were walking around with packages in their arms.
There was more. Every time Ethan looked, it seemed like he found a new and different family or scene. And even more amazingly, he recognized their faces. She’d captured almost every family in Van Horn.
The room was quiet as they fell into the painting like he had. Then, he heard Silas start crying. Gerry leaned in while Silas whispered something into his ear.
“Silas says that Catherine—his wife—was a painter, too. And now, Mary’s got the same gift.”
Mary walked over, tears in her eyes, and leaned over to hug him. Silas hugged her back. It was the first time Ethan had ever seen him hug one of his daughters.
“Thank you, Pa,” Mary said, sniffing into a handkerchief.
Ethan walked over to Eliza and wrapped his arms around her and the baby. He held them close, breathing in the moment. Eliza wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling softly at her pa and her sister.
“Do you need me to take Catherine?” he asked her.
“No. I think she’s what’s holding me together right now.”
Ethan hugged her tighter as the guests all commenced their talking and laughing. Many were lined up by Mrs. Kingsley for a closer look at Mary’s masterpiece. He was glad to see it. She’d poured her heart into that painting.
He glanced down at his Catherine, still sleeping blissfully. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy in his entire life. Exhausted, but happy.
They’d combined the ranches over the past year and renamed it Peace Valley Ranch. Business was strong. And folks were interested in the horses he bred and trained. He’d built something real in Van Horn.
And right before the party, Eliza told him that another child was on the way. He’d been in shock for a couple of minutes, not sure if he’d even breathed. They just had Catherine and now…another one? Could they even handle another baby this soon?
Even so, he hadn’t stopped smiling since. His family was growing. His life was full.
Christmas used to be something he dreaded. His thoughts always dwelled on his parents’ accident this time of year. And at the orphanage, it had meant cold meals and constant disappointment. Now it meant warmth, laughter, and love.
And better yet, Gerry felt the same. At first, he hadn’t trusted the happiness he’d felt. It had taken the past year to convince him that they were safe. That happiness should be their normal condition, not just a fleeting feeling. Gerry had adjusted well, finding his place in their new town.
Ethan remembered how Gerry looked when they told him there was going to be another baby soon. He looked about as shocked as Ethan had. Then, he whooped and hugged Mary. To say they were both excited about the news was an understatement. Immediately, they began throwing out names.
Ethan looked around the room again. Jack and Clara were dancing. Abigail and Tim were laughing. Mary and Gerry were playing cards with Clara’s cousins. Silas was watching it all, quiet but present.
Ethan kissed Eliza’s temple and whispered, “Thank you.”
She smiled and leaned into him.
This was home. This was everything.
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 Eliza and Ethan’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! ♥️📚
Wonderful story. Great job Looking for forward to my next read Thank you for your good work
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I’m really glad you enjoyed the story. The next book is “A Runaway Bride for the Orphan’s Guardian”, and I’ll be announcing another new release soon, this one with cowboys! Thanks again for your kind words and support.
A much deserved love story for many people. Hardship and forgiveness abounds. While I feel Eliza’s father deserved prison for his crimes, his own prison due to his stroke was a satisfactory alternative. The whole town prospered and he was able to change to a better father. Thanks to Eliza and Ethan’s care he was able to be a part of the happy family and community.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, R! I’m glad the story resonated with you and that you appreciated the journey of hardship, forgiveness, and growth. Your insights about Eliza’s father and the way the family and community came together are really meaningful, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share them.
I very much in joyed this book.
Thank you so much, Janis, I truly appreciate it! ❤️