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!
“Cora, it’s time,” Nate announced softly, his voice tinged with excitement and a hint of nervousness as he stood at the doorway, watching the sunset spill its warm glow into the room.
Cora, cradling their one-year-old son, Daniel, in her arms, looked up from where she sat beside the crackling fireplace. Her face, illuminated by the firelight, was a portrait of serene anticipation. “Already?” she murmured, a smile breaking across her face as Daniel giggled, oblivious to the significance of the moment.
“Yes, love. Lydia’s with the midwife, and they both say it’s time to head over. Are you ready?” Nate extended his hands to take Daniel, allowing Cora to prepare herself.
As Nate lifted his son, he couldn’t help but marvel at the life they had built together here on the expansive farm that Cora loved so dearly. It was a place where their roots had deepened, intertwined with the land and each other.
“I’ll be right there. Just let me get my things,” Cora said, rising and swiftly moving to gather a few essentials. As she readied herself, her eyes caught sight of Lydia outside, her daughter, Sarah, toddling around her legs. Lydia waved encouragingly, her face showing a mix of excitement and concern for her sister-in-law.
Outside, the farm buzzed with the gentle chaos of family life. The extended family had grown, not just in numbers but in spirit and joy. As Cora and Nate approached the small cabin they had built for Lydia, the laughter and shouts of their children playing echoed across the yard, blending harmoniously with the sounds of the farm animals.
“Mommy, look!” Daniel pointed towards Sarah, who was attempting to pet a small lamb, her tiny hands fumbling with delight. Lydia’s suitor, Thomas, a kind and sturdy man with a gentle smile, supervised closely, ready to intervene if the lamb became too skittish.
“Sarah’s getting so brave,” Cora commented, her heart swelling with pride for both her nephew and her niece.
“She takes after her mother,” Nate replied, glancing over at Lydia and Thomas standing together by the fence. Thomas had been a constant presence over the last year, gradually becoming part of the family fabric. His quiet strength and unwavering kindness had won Lydia’s heart, and he was often seen helping around the farm or playing with the children.
As they reached the cabin, the midwife, a robust woman with hands as skilled as they were gentle, greeted them. “We’re all set inside. Cora, whenever you’re ready,” she said, her voice both commanding and reassuring.
Stepping into the cabin, Cora felt a rush of memories. This was where Daniel had been born, in the very heart of their family land. The walls, adorned with simple decorations and pictures drawn by Lydia’s daughter, held the laughter and tears of their growing family.
“Nate, could you…” Cora began, turning to find him already beside her, his presence a constant source of comfort.
“I’m right here, Cora. Right here with you,” Nate assured her, his hand finding hers, their fingers intertwining naturally.
With a deep breath, Cora settled into the room prepared for the birth, the soft light from the lantern casting gentle shadows. Outside, the playful shouts of children faded into the background, replaced by the supportive presence of family gathered close.
As the first signs of labor intensified, Cora leaned into Nate’s strength, her breaths deep and focused. The midwife worked with practiced ease, guiding Cora through each step.
“You’re doing beautifully, Cora. Just a bit longer now,” the midwife encouraged as Cora, supported by Nate’s unwavering gaze, prepared for the final efforts to bring their new child into the world.
Outside, the sun had set completely, leaving the stars to twinkle brightly above the farm—a silent testament to the life and love burgeoning within the small cabin. The night air was filled with the promise of new beginnings as the family awaited the new addition with bated breath.
With a gentle but determined effort, Cora breathed deeply, the midwife’s steady guidance a calming presence in the dimly lit cabin. “Just one more push,” she encouraged. Nate held Cora’s hand tightly, his other hand gently brushing the hair back from her forehead, his presence a pillar of strength.
As the cries of their newborn daughter filled the room, breaking the quiet night outside, both Cora and Nate let out simultaneous sighs of relief and joy. “She’s here, Cora, she’s perfect,” Nate whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned down to kiss Cora’s sweaty forehead.
The midwife expertly wrapped the baby in a soft, warm blanket and handed her to Cora, who cradled her new daughter close, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. “Welcome to the world, Emily,” she murmured, introducing her to the quiet calm of the night that had settled around their farm.
Outside, the stars seemed to shine a little brighter, as if reflecting the light of the life that had just begun inside. Daniel, curious about the commotion and now awake past his bedtime, was brought into the room by Lydia. His little face peered over the side of the bed, his eyes wide at the sight of the tiny baby.
“Is that my sister?” Daniel’s voice was a soft whisper, mirroring the awe and wonder in his eyes.
“Yes, darling, this is Emily, your little sister,” Cora explained gently, her voice filled with warmth. Nate lifted Daniel up so he could see Emily better. Tentatively, Daniel reached out a small hand to gently touch Emily’s wrap. “Hi, Emily,” he greeted shyly, a grin breaking across his face.
Lydia, watching the tender scene, felt a wave of emotion. She stepped outside where Thomas was waiting for her. He put an arm around her shoulders, sharing the moment. “They’re a beautiful family, Lydia. You must be proud,” he murmured.
“I am,” Lydia responded, her voice low but filled with happiness. “And to think, soon you and I might…” she trailed off, the possibility of their future together hanging in the air, charged with potential.
Thomas squeezed her shoulder gently, “Whenever you’re ready, Lydia. There’s no rush.”
Back in the cabin, as Emily was settled into her crib, Nate and Cora took a moment for themselves outside on the porch. The cool night air was refreshing after the intensity of the birth.
“Look at us, Nate. Two beautiful children, a thriving farm, and all the people we love close by,” Cora said, leaning against Nate.
“It’s more than I ever dreamed of,” Nate replied, wrapping an arm around her. “And with Lydia and Thomas planning to build their own place just over the hill, it feels like everything’s coming together.”
“Yes, it does. And speaking of the farm, with Emily here now, we’ll need to start thinking about expanding,” Cora mused, her mind already turning to the future. “More space for the children to play, more room for the animals…”
“And maybe a bigger kitchen,” Nate added with a laugh. “You know your mother is going to want to visit more often to see her grandchildren.”
Cora laughed, “That’s true. And she’ll bring my father, and they’ll both want to ‘help’ around the farm.”
***
One crisp autumn morning, as golden leaves danced playfully across the farmyard, Cora sat at the kitchen table, sifting through a pile of mail that had accumulated over the week. Between teaching at the small schoolhouse they had built on the edge of their property and tending to her young family, moments like these were rare and cherished.
“Anything interesting in there?” Nate asked, entering the kitchen with Emily perched on his hip, her little hands reaching out for her mother.
“Just the usual bills and some letters from the community about the fall festival,” Cora replied, distributing a few papers before pausing at an envelope with familiar handwriting. Her heart fluttered slightly as she recognized the script—it was from her parents.
She slit the envelope open, extracting a letter filled with the neat, precise handwriting of her mother. As she read, her eyes widened slightly, and a soft smile played upon her lips. Nate, noticing the change in her expression, leaned closer, his interest piqued.
“What is it? What do they say?” he inquired, gently setting Emily down in her high chair.
“They’re proud, Nate,” Cora began, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and happiness. “They’re proud of me for sticking with what I set out to do, for building a life out here that’s true to who I am. They want to mend our relationship, to be part of our lives and the kids’ lives.”
Nate’s eyes softened, and he reached out to squeeze her hand. “That’s great news, Cora. I know how much that means to you.”
“It does. It really does,” Cora murmured, folding the letter carefully before looking up at Nate with determined eyes. “I think it’s time we invited them to visit, don’t you think? To see the farm, the school, to really understand the life we’ve built here.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Nate agreed warmly. “Let’s show them everything that’s kept us here—the community, the kids, our home. Let’s give them a real farm welcome.”
Preparations began soon after. Cora was a whirlwind of activity, planning sleeping arrangements and meals, while Nate took charge of sprucing up the farm, making sure everything was in perfect order. Lydia and Thomas pitched in too, eager to help make the visit a success.
A few weeks later, as a dust-covered carriage rolled up the long driveway to their home, Cora’s heart raced with anticipation. She smoothed down her apron and adjusted her hair one last time before stepping outside, Nate by her side, Daniel clutching his hand, and Emily toddling beside them.
Her parents, older and perhaps a bit wearier from the journey, stepped out of the carriage, looking around with wide eyes. Her mother’s gaze took in the sprawling fields, the bustling farmyard, and the small schoolhouse in the distance.
“Cora, this is… it’s not at all what I expected,” her mother exclaimed, her tone a mixture of astonishment and admiration.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Cora said, her voice brimming with pride. “Let me show you around. There’s so much I want you to see.”
The next few days were a blur of activity. Cora and Nate took her parents on a tour of the farm, introduced them to the local residents, and involved them in daily activities. Her father, a city man through and through, took a particular liking to feeding the chickens, while her mother found joy in the schoolhouse, watching Cora teach.
One evening, as they sat around the dinner table laden with produce from the farm and homemade dishes, her father cleared his throat, his eyes on Cora.
“You’ve built something remarkable here, Cora,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “We were wrong to doubt your vision. Seeing this—seeing you so vibrant and fulfilled—it’s more than we ever hoped for.”
Cora, moved by her father’s words, felt a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Dad. It means everything to hear you say that.”
As the visit drew to a close, it was clear that many barriers had been broken down, many bridges built. Cora’s parents promised to return soon, their departure marked by genuine hugs and promises to keep in touch more regularly.
Standing beside Nate as they watched the carriage disappear down the road, Cora felt a deep sense of contentment. Her worlds had come together, her family united by the very life that had once driven them apart.
“This is just the beginning, isn’t it?” Nate murmured, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Yes,” Cora replied, leaning into his embrace. “Just the beginning.”
***
“Think they’ll find the guest room comfortable enough?” Cora asked, arranging the last of the cutlery on the Thanksgiving table, her gaze flickering to the upstairs windows where her parents would be staying.
Nate, carrying in the last of the chairs from the barn, chuckled softly. “Cora, you’ve outdone yourself with that room. Your mom’s going to want to move in permanently,” he joked, placing the chair beside the table.
The sound of wheels on gravel drew their attention to the window. Cora’s heart leaped as she saw the carriage pulling up, her parents visible through the glass, their faces bright with smiles. As the carriage halted, her father was the first to step down, carefully assisting her mother, who held a basket filled with what smelled like her famous apple pie.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” her father called out as he approached the porch, his arms open wide for Cora.
Cora rushed into his embrace, feeling a childlike sense of comfort in his arms. “Dad, Mom, I’m so glad you’re here,” she murmured, then turned to hug her mother, who managed to pass the pie to Nate without missing a beat.
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloped them, mingling with the rich aromas of roasted turkey and fresh bread. “Everything looks wonderful, dear,” her mother said, admiring the festively decorated dining room. “And it smells even better.”
Cora beamed with pride. “Wait until you taste everything. Nate caught the turkey himself, and the vegetables are all from our garden.”
The afternoon passed in a pleasant blur of shared stories and laughter. Nate showed her father the new additions to the barn and discussed plans for expanding the vegetable garden next spring. Meanwhile, Cora and her mother set the table and tended to the final meal preparations, their easy chatter bridging any distance the years apart had brought.
As the sun set, casting a golden glow through the farmhouse windows, they all gathered around the dining table. Cora took a moment to look at each beloved face—her parents, Nate, and their little ones, Daniel and Emily, who were already eyeing the cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
“Before we eat, I just want to say how thankful I am for each of you,” Cora began, her voice thick with emotion. “Having you here, in the home we’ve built, means more than I can say.”
Her father raised his glass, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “To family, home, and new traditions. To my daughter and son-in-law, who remind us what’s truly important in life.”
The dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Stories from past Thanksgivings unfolded, blending old memories with the new.
As the evening wound down, Cora’s parents insisted on helping clear the table, despite her protests. “It’s the least we can do after such a feast,” her mother insisted, wrapping an arm around her as they carried dishes to the kitchen.
Later, as they sat in the living room, sipping freshly brewed coffee, Cora’s father pulled out a small, wrapped package. “We brought something for you,” he said, handing it to Cora.
Unwrapping it, Cora found a set of hand-painted porcelain—a family heirloom she’d always admired. “Oh, Dad…,” she began, her eyes welling up.
“It’s yours, sweetheart. To start your own collection of memories here.”
The night concluded with Cora and Nate escorting her parents to their room, ensuring they had everything they needed. “Thank you for everything,” her mother whispered, hugging them both. “This has been a Thanksgiving to remember.”
Standing at the doorway, Cora felt a profound sense of gratitude. This holiday had not only brought her family together but had strengthened the bonds that tied them to this land, this life, and each other.
As she and Nate headed back downstairs, hand in hand, they paused to look back at the quiet, peaceful home they had built. “This is just the beginning, isn’t it?” Nate murmured, a smile in his voice.
“It is,” Cora agreed, her heart full. “The very best 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 Cora and Nate’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. Cora was very strong and courageous. Lydia’s plight was frightening. So glad to see how this story ended. The extended epilogue was great. Seeing Cora reunited with family was so sweet.
A story of discovery. A journey of discovery where Lydia is located and discovery of evidence needed to put Edmund Blackwood and his gang of criminals in prison.
Is there a small error since Lydia’s daughter is named Charlotte Lily in main story. Question did Nate continue to be sheriff of Dusty Ridge?