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Two years later
Sarah waited impatiently beside Tyler at the train station for the arrival of her entire family, traveling from Chicago to visit for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was the first time the whole family would be coming down together. Over the past two years since she her marriage, her mother had come to visit once, and she had also had a visit from Nicholas. She had exchanged letters regularly with her sisters during the past two years, each sharing bits and pieces of their lives since Sarah had stepped on that train from Chicago.
According to her mother’s latest letter, Nicholas, now twenty-six years old, was apparently courting a young woman from Cleveland. Maddie, now eighteen years of age, was courting a young man from Chicago, the son of the teacher at the university there. Lydia, at sixteen, wasn’t courting yet but was certainly the recipient of several potential suitors, much to the consternation of her father. And Anna, now nine years old, was as her mother wrote, as independent, carefree, and as stubborn as Sarah had ever been in her youth.
Both her mother and Nicholas had approved of Tyler during their brief visits. However, before anyone from her family had come to visit, she, Tyler, and Tyler’s father agreed that it might be best not to tell her family every detail about her journey south by stagecoach from Wichita to the Hatfield ranch. While she had related a few of their adventures on that journey to her mother and Nicholas during their visits, she, Tyler, and Tyler’s father agreed to gloss over the incident with the outlaws, mostly in regard to the kidnapping. Sarah was the one who insisted on that, not seeing any need to cause her parents any concern or guilt over what had happened. Besides, the outlaws were in jail, each serving their time. Crumley had the longest sentence of fifteen years of hard labor, though Tyler said he was lucky he had avoided hanging. Lloyd had been sent to a prison in Colorado while Royal was jailed for three years in a penitentiary north of Houston.
She and Tyler were happy together, and each had found love in the other, even though they had both had to overcome a few hurdles to realize it. Yet that’s what made their relationship even richer and more meaningful. She shifted from foot to foot as she rested a hand on her protruding belly, smiling at the thought of the child due to be born between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Every now and then, she felt a twinge, a quickening in her belly that warned her that the babies were growing impatient. Babies. It was hard to believe that she was soon to be a mother, and of twins no less! The thought thrilled and terrified her at the same time. When she had remarked that she seemed to be growing larger than Melody had at the same time in her pregnancy, Tyler had insisted she have the doctor come visit. He had, smiling as he put away his bell-shaped stethoscope, smiled at Sarah and Tyler and then assured her that everything was going just fine with the babies.
Both she and Tyler had stared at the doctor for a moment, not understanding. Then, her heart lifting with joy and amazement, she turned to Tyler and the look of joy on his face was something that she would never forget. He had turned to her with a grin, gently shook his head, and commented that he would have to add another room onto the ranch house.
With Tyler’s arm draped over her shoulder as they waited outside on the train platform, a cool autumn breeze wafted through the air. Sarah felt the familiar surge of love for her husband that had carried her through the ups and downs of their early months together, both striving to adjust their lives from striving from autonomy to compromise as required at times when they experienced a disagreement or differences in opinion. Once, they’d had an outright argument, but such was to be expected, wasn’t it?
She and Melody had become the best of friends, and though she didn’t see her friend as often as she would like, she shared in her friend’s happiness when she, too, had found her one true love and was married the previous year. That young couple had been blessed with a daughter within a year of their marriage. Though incredibly happy for them, Sarah had begun to wonder if she would ever be blessed with a child. One year passed, and then half of another before her hopes had come true, and now she knew she carried not one, but two babies. The thought was staggering. She wondered if she would have two of the same or if she would have one of each. She and Tyler had been choosing names to cover all scenarios, and she couldn’t be happier.
Based on the inpatient kicking she received more and more often, she had a feeling she was carrying two boys, or at least one boy, and a very impatient daughter. She smiled. She didn’t care whether the babies were boys or girls or one of each. Each would be loved and cherished. They would grow up to be as diligent and dedicated as their father and as kind and compassionate as their mother. Tyler had grown increasingly solicitous of Sarah as her girth had widened, even to the point of pampering, which Sarah had quickly grown impatient with. Hands on her hips, she had finally confronted her husband’s extreme concern.
“Tyler! I’m perfectly capable of hitching up the buggy or working in the garden or feeding the chickens or grooming the horses! I’m not the only woman in the universe who has carried two babies before, you know.”
Her tone had prompted a grin. “I know that, Sarah, but you have to indulge me. They’re the first you’ve carried for me.”
She had rolled her eyes and sighed, knowing that nothing she said would change his attitude, and she resigned herself to the pampering, which, when one thought about it, was quite nice but certainly not something that she wanted to deal with after the children was born.
Now, standing within Tyler’s embrace, she looked to the north, following the line of tracks as it rounded a bend and entered Dallas, her heart thumping with anticipation, so much so that she found herself nearly bouncing on her toes with impatience. It was only Tyler’s chuckle that made her realize what she was doing, and she gave him a soft elbow in the ribs.
“It’s going to be wonderful having my family here for Thanksgiving and Christmas, isn’t it, Tyler?” Just the thought of seeing her brothers and sisters and her parents again, all together in one room, filled her with a sense of burgeoning excitement. Not only would she have her family here with her during the holidays, but they would hopefully be with her as she brought two more members of the family into the world. The idea of her mother and Melody attending her during the birth was comforting.
Tyler had left nothing to chance though and had arranged for two of his hands to be ready with their fastest horses in case the doctor in Sanders was needed. She was rather frightened about the whole process, but relied on her faith and her strength to carry her through, knowing that she was certainly not the first woman to give birth, nor would she be the last. After all, her own mother had gone through it numerous times and had come through hale and hearty.
Finally, the distant shrill of a train whistle echoed over the landscape. Sarah’s heart began to race with anticipation and a smile formed on her lips as she looked up at Tyler, who glanced down at her and grinned, sensing her exuberance. Then, a mere minute or so later, she saw the cloud of grayish white smoke rising into the air, leaving a trail behind it as the great, black locomotive appeared in the distance, every second bringing it closer.
Soon the train grew close enough for her to hear the rhythmic click-clacking of the iron wheels on the rails, the chug of the huge engine belching smoke, and then, growing ever closer, she believed she could even feel the approaching train practically vibrating the ground, resonating in the pit of her stomach. Another shrill blast of the whistle pierced the air, and the train began to slow, the brakes applying pressure, the iron wheels screeching slightly on the rails. The chugging rhythm grew slower, heavier as the engine passed by a huge monolith of black metal, the coal car right behind it.
Hot cinders flew by in the air, some of them landing on Sarah’s dress. She quickly brushed them away as first one passenger car and then another slowly passed where she stood. She peered into every window, anxiously seeking sight of her parents or one of her sisters. Then, her heart leaping, she caught sight of Nicholas as he thrust his head and arm out one of the now open windows, waving frantically and hollering her name.
“Sarah! Sarah!”
Sarah began to weep and giggle uncontrollably at the same time. For a moment, she covered her mouth with her hand, her shoulders shaking with tears of joy, until Tyler squeezed her shoulders and tilted her chin up with his finger.
“Come now, Sarah. You wouldn’t want your family to see you with a red nose, would you?”
She uttered a laugh, and then quickly wiped her eyes. She stepped forward, doing her best to move through the small crowd gathered and toward the front of the passenger cars, where two of her sisters burst out with cries of greeting, their arms outstretched as they rushed toward her. Only at the last minute, noticing her huge stomach, did they slow, jaws dropped, and then gently flung themselves into her open arms, all three of them crying and laughing at the same time. Maddie appeared next and Sarah gaped at how lovely her sister had grown as she approached, her arms out as they gently and lovingly embraced. Then came her father and her mother and she was swept into their arms, weeping with joy again until finally, a deep voice spoke.
“Save some of that for me, sister.”
She looked up from her mother’s shoulder, wiping tears from her cheeks as she gazed up at her beloved brother, standing a good head taller than her now, a smile on his face as he opened his arms. She stepped into the embrace, having to turn slightly sideways, prompting a chuckle from him.
“You look wonderful, Sarah. Happy and well.” He then held her at arm’s length with a lifted eyebrow. “And soon to be a mother.” He shook his head. “Marriage seems to be going well for you.”
“It is, Nicholas,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. It was so wonderful to see her family—
A young woman stepped from behind Nicholas, gazing at her with a shy smile. She watched in dismay as Nicholas wrapped his arm around the woman’s waist and his grin broadened.
“Sarah, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Abigail Weatherly.” He gazed down at the lovely, blonde-haired and blue-eyed woman. “Abigail, I’d like you to meet Sarah.”
The woman stepped forward with a smile, clasping Sarah’s hands in her own. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Sarah. Your brother has told me so much about you. I hope that we can become good friends.”
Sarah glanced at her brother, saw the affection in his gaze as he looked down at his diminutive fiancée, and offered her a heartfelt smile. “I’m sure we will, Abigail. I’m so happy that you will be joining us for the holidays.”
***
It was several days after Thanksgiving that Sarah experienced the first pangs of impending childbirth. Immediately after that, the house flew into an immediate flurry of activity. The men were sent outside, and Tyler rode into Sanders to fetch Melody. By the time Melody arrived, two pots of water were warming on the stove. Sarah was ensconced in her bed, not quite sure how to feel, her mother offering quiet support while Maddie stood at the ready by the door, prepared to fetch anything her mother requested.
By the time Melody and Aidan arrived, the pains had grown closer together and Sarah asked to see Tyler, who she knew would be worrying. Melody nodded and went to fetch him, and moments later, she heard his boots echoing on the wooden floor in the hallway. The door opened and there he stood, looking a bit peaked, his brow creased with worry as he approached the bed and sat down on the chair nearby, reaching for her hands.
“Is everything all right?”
Sarah nodded. “Mother says everything is proceeding as it should. I knew you would be anxious, so I just wanted to assure you that I’m doing fine, and you’re not to worry.” At that moment, her belly tightened, and she caught her breath, taken by surprise. Her grip tightened on his hand for several seconds, and then it was over.
“All right, Tyler, time for you to go,” Melody said. “We’ll let you know if we need anything.”
With reluctance, Tyler left the room to rejoin his father, Sarah’s father, Nicholas, and Aiden outside. Abigail was making yourself useful in the kitchen, tending the water pots and ensuring that the man was being fed and supplied with coffee and generally kept out from underfoot.
Hours passed, and soon Sarah lost track of the time as she labored, yet with her mother’s encouragement and Melody’s comforting and soothing voice, she eventually gave birth to a squalling baby boy, to be followed ten minutes later by an even louder squalling daughter.
Exhausted and relieved it was all over, and with tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks, Sarah waited impatiently as her mother and Melody quickly washed and swaddled the babies while Maddie blotted Sarah’s hot, flushed face with a cool, damp cloth, murmuring words of praise.
“You did it, Sarah, you did it!”
Sarah gave her sister a wary smile. “I didn’t have much to say about that, did I?”
She waited anxiously for her mother and Melody to turn, both of them holding a baby in their arms, both the children quieter now. Ever so gently, Sarah’s mother placed one of the babes in the crook of her right arm, while Melody, with tears in her eyes, placed the other in her left. Tears of joy brightened her mother’s eyes, and a happy smile curved Melody’s lips. At the foot of the bed, Maddie stood, her eyes shining with tears as well, her hand over her mouth.
“I’ve been blessed,” Sarah murmured, gazing down at the dark-haired heads of her babies. Maddie moved to the door and called softly for Abigail. She heard murmured words between the two, and Abigail peeked into the room, a smile blossoming as she saw Sarah with a babe in each arm.
“Give us a few minutes and then you can go tell the men,” Sarah’s mother said.
Sarah paid little attention to what her mother and Melody did after that, shifting her this way and that as they settled her in some clean, soft bedding and a clean gown, scowling briefly as she was required to relinquish her babies for the shortest of moments while they dressed her, her attention solely focused on the babies, looking at first one, then the other. Though they were fraternal twins, she could barely tell them apart. The shape of their faces were the same, although her little boy had Tyler’s jawline and nose, while her daughter appeared to have hers.
By the time her mother and Melody helped her into a reclined seated position on the bed, she heard the sound of boots on the other side of the bedroom door and the murmur of male voices. Finally, making sure that Sarah was comfortable, she nodded and Maddie opened the door. As Tyler entered, his eyes riveted to his wife and the babes in her arms, the women left the room and shut the door quietly behind them. Excited voices from outside faded as her mother coaxed them all into the main room.
Tyler, a look of amazement in his eyes, sank onto the side of the bed, careful not to jostle Sarah as he stared at her, then the babes, one at a time, his eyes constantly gazing at one and then the other before looking back up at Sarah with a proud grin. He leaned forward and kissed her softly.
“Are you all right?”
Though incredibly weary and feeling more exhausted and lethargic by the moment, Sarah gave him a smile and a nod as she gazed down at the faces of her children. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“They are,” he agreed. He stared at one and then the other, his eyebrow lifted in question.
She gestured with her chin toward the bundle in her right arm. “This one’s a boy, the other a girl. Have we finally settled on names?”
He grinned and nodded. “Just as we agreed. Michael Joseph and Mary Lynn.” He bent down and placed the softest of kisses on Michael’s forehead. “Welcome to our family, Michael.”
Sarah thought she saw tears in his eyes as he leaned down to kiss his little daughter on her forehead, too. “And welcome to you too, Mary.”
Then he leaned over once more and kissed Sarah once again. But nearly asleep, she felt the briefest of feathery lips on her own forehead before she sank into an exhausted slumber.
On Christmas day, the scent of turkey roasting in the oven, the house smelling of fresh baked bread and rolls and herb carrots and rich brown gravy, the main room of the Hatfield ranch house resounded with voices lifted with the strains of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, the family gathered in a circle, Sarah cradling her daughter in her arms while Tyler held his son in his own.
Sarah had recovered from the ordeal quicker than anyone expected, and two days later insisted on getting out of bed and attending to her guests although everyone, from Tyler to her father-in-law to Nicholas and her own father, urging her to sit, to rest, to take it easy. The babies were well cared for when she did agree to lie down for a while, or to nap with the babes in her arms after they were fed. Everyone doted on the twins, but no one more than Tyler, who barely let either one of them out of his sight for more than a few minutes.
Tyler stood beside Sarah now, one arm cradling his son, his other draped over Sarah’s shoulder as he sang, his strong baritone ringing in her ears, his happiness obvious. She gazed around at her family, her heart filled with love and happiness as well. She had found love with Tyler Hatfield, and she looked forward to the future with her growing family. She was where she belonged, in Tyler’s arms and sheltered by his love and support. Once more she was reminded of the Lord’s words: “With God, all things are possible.”
They certainly were.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts of the Untamed West", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed Sarah and Tyler’s love story! I would love to know which was your favorite part and if you liked how their romance began! I will be eagerly waiting for your feedback here. Thank you so much! 🍁 ♥️
I loved the book and thought Sarah was a real trouper from stagecoach to twins. (I have a question. Why is there a picture of a covered wagon on the front of the book instead of a stagecoach?) Sarah and Tyler had real faith in God which I am sure was so necessary in those hard times just as it is now. I love all of your books.
I am so glad you enjoyed it dear Frances! Indeed there was a small infelicity when it comes to the stagecoah that should have been in the cover but I hope this didn’t make the story any less enjoyable! 🤞🏽
Yes I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. All that the two of them went through both Sarah and Tyler, it was great that at the end they were finally married. I had happy tears when I read of her giving birth to twins a boy and girl. A very happy ending.
I am glad you were so taken in by the story my dear! 😊 Thank you for the heartwarming comment!
This bows a fun read for me. Sarah was quite a strong young woman. She and Tyler made a great couple after the kidnapping adventure . I’m looking forward to reading more of Grace Clemons stories.
Thrilled you enjoyed the read! Sarah and Tyler make a fantastic couple. Stay tuned for more Grace Clemons stories!
Excellent and compelling read!! Thank you! I probably missed it, but wondered how Tyler got treated for his gun shot wound. Was it a grazed wound only?
Really enjoyed the story, from start to finish!! 💕
Thank you so much dear Cindy! I am humbled by your heartwarming comment! 🥰 Yes, Tyler’s wound was a grazed one so luckily he didn’t have to be treated for a deep wound afterwards!
I Loved the whole book,every bit of it kept me reading from beginning to the very end .Every part was fantastic.
Thank you kindly dear Gertrude! 🥰 I am so glad you liked it as much!
Enjoyed your book very much and hope to read the list of them. I’m not computer knowledge so it’s hard to bring up books and I only read kindleunlimited. I read a lot so it gets to expensive otherwise
I hope you will enjoy the rest of my novels as much! 😍
I really enjoyed reading this book.
When Tyler introduced himself as Henry. I thought it mistake.
There were times where I laughed out loud.
When there was a snake in the middle of the road & the horses took them for a wild ride. Sarah was hanging on & then Tyler tried to catch her ankle.
She went on wilder ride hang over the edge the side of the stagecoach.
Sarah fell from the stagecoach. The horses were taking Tyler a on much more wider ride.
I laughed so hard it was an inexcusable enjoyed laugher.
On night I read until 2:00 am I had to put it down so I could go to sleep.
It was really a good book 📙.
Thank you for a serious, hated, adventurous, frightening, happy warmth between the two Sarah & Tyler.
Thank you so much for this heartwarming comment my dear Lenora! I am so glad I could make you laugh and relate with my characters! ❤️
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book!
Thank you!!
I loved the book. Both Sarah and Tyler were respectful of their fathers and endured the trial and hardships to forge a true love together. The fact of them trusting God and waiting on his protection was beautiful.
Thank you, dear, I am so happy you feel this way!
Fantastic read from the start to the very end.
Wonderful job.
Wow, dear, thank you so much!
A lovely story. Not telling her who he really was may not have been wise but they did get to know one another as individuals. Of course being kidnapped for a ransom was not something anyone would want yet did bring them a little closer.
I’m glad you liked it, thank you!
I loved this book so much. What an adventure and love story!!!
Thank you! Delighted you enjoyed the adventure and love story in the book!
I enjoyed reading this book and loved how they grew from strangers to falling in love. What a way to get to know one another as captives of a notorious gang. The extended epilogue tied everything up nicely. Great read and HEA.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the journey of their love blossoming amidst such challenging circumstances. The extended epilogue was a joy to write, and I’m glad it provided a satisfying conclusion. Here’s to happy endings!
A very wonderful and inspiring story
Thank you so much my dear Gwen! 🥰
A wonderful story with the right mixture of Tyler and his concern over women who were mostly interested in Tyler’s money, Sarah and her concern over being enamoured over the wrong man and the outlaws who kidnapped them and held them for ransom. Glad to see that everything worked out and and the story ended with Sarah’s family coming for a visit and being there to greet Michael and Mary into the family.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the mix of emotions and challenges Tyler and Sarah faced. It was wonderful bringing their families together in the end, and I’m happy to hear that it resonated with you!
Grace, I loved the way they met! It was truly romantic. My favorite part was when Sarah forgave Tyler and told him she loved him, too. The extended epilogue is very special as her whole family is with her and she has twins!
Thank you kindly for this sweet comment dear Carol! I am glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Great story but it was only complete with the extended epilogue.
I am glad you enjoyed it, dear Judy! And I hope the extended epilogue gave you the conclusion you wished for our heroes! 😊
A very good story. So glad they were able to get out the mess with Crumbly and them. My favorite part was extended story. The reunion with her family and the birth of the twins. Sarah was a strong person
Thank you so much dear June for taking the time to write your heartwarming comment! I am glad you enjoyed the story! 😊
Well, it certainly was a unique way to test someone’s true feelings even if understandable from Henr……Tyler’s point of view. It takes a good person to admit when they are wrong and a strong one to make it right. I kept hoping Royal would have had an epiphany and realised he was better off being poor but honest as I’m sure Tyler would have done right by him too. It’s hard to know what I’d have done myself especially as I’ve never walked a mile in his shoes.
As you no doubt gather, I enjoyed the story and its outcome
This was certainly a heartwarming comment! Thank you dear Carol ❤️ I am glad you enjoyed it!
Very entertaining read, kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next and when Sarah would find out that Henry was Tyler. This extended epilogue with her family all visiting bought tears to my eyes just feeling her excitement and the birth of those precious twins…well… you just can’t get better than this! Great work!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart dear Blevenda! ❤️
Love the story, they both met their match in a remarkable way. Glad they had one of each I hope we will hear more of this family
Thank you so much!!
I enjoyed your book, but was disturbed by the grammar and spelling errors. I wonder who is doing your proofreading and I suggest you find someone else.
Thank you for your support and feedback dear Judy! There were multiple typos in the original version but luckily this has been fixed now! I hope it didn’t ruin your reading experience and that you were able to enjoy the story itself!
I truly enjoyed this beautiful story. The love and joy found coupled with finally finding trust, was a blessing.
Thank you so much dear Kathleen! ❤️
I absolutely loved this amazing book. It had my interest and it held me hostage until I read the last page. Grace, you have just made a friend for life. Continue with the stories. This one was well done.
Thank you so much for the kind words!!
Very enjoyable reading. Lots of drama with a happy ending.
Thank you, glad you liked it!
I truly enjoyed this book. As I was reading it I felt involved with Sarah’s character immediately. What obstacles she had to overcome in order to meet her future husband. Tyler made some errors of judgement as he was determined to figure Sarah out before she knew who he was. Great plot and great twists and turns.
Thank you so much for saying all these, it really makes it worth it!
What a wonderful love story even after she was misled by the stagecoach driver! So much adventure in this love story as they were on their way to their ultimate destination!
I love reading the Epilogue at the completion of reading the main story, primarily since we the readers, find out how the lovers live their lives in the future! Thank you Grace for sharing your creative writing with those who are romantic in their hearts! ☺
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the love story and the adventure. It’s heartwarming to hear that you appreciate the Epilogue too. Your kind words mean a lot to me as a writer! ☺️
I thoughly liked and enjoyed reading this book. There. There wasn’t any part that I didn’t like. Thank you very much for giving me a remarkable entertainment threw this book.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the book. Your appreciation means a lot to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting story!! Great job. It will receive 5 stars.
Thank you so much for your kind words and the 5-star rating! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story.
Book was wonderful. True to life. Giving glory to God for all things.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m grateful the book resonated with you and that you found it true to life. Glory to God indeed for guiding the journey portrayed within its pages.
Another book I couldn’t put down. I hated to see it end! Wonderful story whose leading man and leading lady were such strong characters. Thank you for such an enjoyable tale of the Wild West.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the journey through the Wild West with my characters. Your kind words mean the world to me!