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“Look at him, Addie—he’s got your eyes,” Mason said softly, gazing down at the tiny bundle in Addison’s arms. The newborn’s blue eyes blinked up at them, still unfocused but full of wonder.
Addison smiled, brushing her finger gently over her son’s cheek. “And your strong chin,” she added, her heart swelling with a love so deep it was almost overwhelming. “He’s perfect, Mason. Just perfect.”
Mason leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple before resting his hand on the baby’s head. “He’s a strong little fella, just like his granddaddy,” Mason said, pride evident in his voice. “It’s fitting we named him Robert, after your father.”
Addison’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded. “He would have loved to meet his grandson. I can feel his spirit watching over us, smiling down on little Robert.”
They sat in the warmth of their modest home, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. Outside, the late autumn wind rustled the golden leaves of the trees, but inside, there was only peace. Addison rocked gently in the chair Mason had built for her, the same chair she had sat in when they first brought Robert home from the small clinic in town.
“How are you feeling?” Mason asked, his eyes full of concern as he studied her.
“I’m tired,” Addison admitted, her smile not wavering, “but it’s a good tired. The kind that comes with knowing everything is just as it should be.”
Mason nodded, leaning back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders easing. “You’ve been through so much, Addie. You’ve given me everything I never knew I needed—our home, our son…you.”
“And you’ve given me a life I never thought possible,” Addison replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “A year ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of this—a home filled with love, a family of my own. God has been so good to us.”
Mason’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as they sat together in the quiet of the evening. The baby stirred in Addison’s arms, his tiny fists clenching as he let out a soft sigh, content in his mother’s embrace.
“I can’t wait to teach him all the things my father taught me,” Mason mused, his eyes filled with the future. “How to fish, how to ride… and how to respect a woman like you, who’s the strongest, kindest soul I’ve ever known.”
Addison chuckled softly, looking down at Robert with adoration. “I think he’s going to be a handful, just like his father. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Mason grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Well, I guess we’ll have our hands full together then.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts, before Mason spoke again, his voice soft with reverence. “Addie, thank you. For this life, for our son… for being everything I’ve ever needed.”
Addison looked up, her heart overflowing with love. “Thank you, Mason, for giving me a home to love and a son to cherish. This is more than I ever dreamed.”
Just then, the front door swung open, and in strode Lenny, grinning from ear to ear. “Well, look who’s got himself a son! How’s fatherhood treatin’ you, Mason?”
Mason laughed, carefully rising from his chair to greet his old friend. “It’s treatin’ me just fine, Lenny. Though I’ll admit, I never knew I could be this tired.”
Addison smiled, watching as Mason and Lenny embraced in that rough, brotherly way they always did. “I think I’ve forgotten what a full night’s sleep feels like,” she added with a chuckle.
Lenny leaned over to peek at the sleeping baby, his smile softening. “He’s a good-lookin’ boy. Takes after his ma, thank goodness.”
Addison rolled her eyes playfully. “Thank you, Lenny. And where’s Missy? I thought she was coming by with you.”
“She’s out back,” Lenny replied, jerking his thumb toward the door. “Picking flowers, if you can believe it. She’s got herself all sweet on her husband she married last year. Says she wants to make a good impression on his mother.”
“Missy? Still picking flowers to impress someone after all this time?” Addison smiled. “Marriage hasn’t changed her one bit.”
Lenny grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well, you know her—always full of surprises. But she’s happy, and that’s what matters.”
Mason chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m glad for her. And what about you, Lenny? Still courting that schoolteacher?”
Lenny’s grin widened. “Yep, Miss Lucy and I are doin’ just fine. She’s a good woman, keeps me on the straight and narrow. Though I’m still trying to figure out what she sees in a no-good scoundrel like me.”
Addison smiled warmly. “Maybe she sees the same things we do, Lenny—a loyal friend with a good heart.”
Before Lenny could respond, the door creaked open again, and Missy appeared, her arms full of wildflowers. “Well, if it ain’t the proud parents! I thought I’d bring a little color into your home,” she said, her voice full of mischief as she walked over to Addison.
“They’re beautiful, Missy,” Addison said, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you.”
Missy placed the flowers in a vase on the table, glancing over at the baby with a rare softness in her gaze. “He’s somethin’ special, isn’t he? Bet he’s already got Mason wrapped around his little finger.”
Mason chuckled, nodding. “That he does. I’m already thinkin’ about the day he’ll be big enough to help out on the ranch.”
“Speaking of news,” Lenny interjected, “did you hear about Ella and Sebastian?”
Addison perked up. “No, what’s the latest?”
Missy smirked, leaning against the table. “Seems Ella’s father finally caved. He’s teaching Sebastian the family business, though word is, it’s slow goin’. That man’s about as sharp as a sack of wet potatoes.”
Lenny snorted, shaking his head. “But Ella’s happy, and that’s what matters. She’s got her hands full tryin’ to help Sebastian keep up, but I reckon she wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Addison laughed softly. “I’m glad they’re happy. Ella deserves it, after everything.”
Missy nodded in agreement. “And from what I hear, those bandits are still rotting away in jail where they belong. So, I’d say things turned out just right,” Missy finished, her voice tinged with satisfaction.
Mason nodded, his expression serious as he thought back to the ordeal they had all gone through. “It’s a relief to know they won’t be causing anyone else harm. I’ll never forget how close we came to losing Addison.”
Addison shivered slightly at the memory but quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the warmth of the present. “But we didn’t lose anyone, Mason. We all made it through, stronger and closer than ever. That’s what matters.”
Mason’s gaze softened as he looked at her, reaching out to take her hand. “You’re right, Addie. We’ve been blessed beyond measure.”
Lenny, never one to linger in heavy emotions for too long, clapped his hands together. “Well, I say we toast to that! Missy, why don’t you grab that jug of cider we brought?”
Missy nodded, heading to the kitchen to fetch the jug. As she did, Mason turned his attention back to Addison, his voice dropping to a tender tone. “Speaking of blessings, Pa’s been doing a lot better lately. Your cooking, your care… it’s like you’ve given him a new lease on life.”
Addison smiled, feeling a warm sense of pride. “He’s a good man, Mason. He just needed a little extra attention. And it’s not just me—it’s the peace we’ve found here, the family we’ve built.”
Mason squeezed her hand, his heart full of gratitude. “He told me just the other day that he hasn’t felt this strong in years. Said he’s even thinking about helping out more around the ranch once winter’s over.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Addison said, her eyes shining. “I’d love to see him out and about more. And it’ll be good for him to stay busy.”
Missy returned with the jug of cider and a few cups, and Lenny eagerly poured everyone a drink. “Here’s to good friends, good health, and the best family a man could ask for,” Lenny toasted, raising his cup high.
“To family,” Mason echoed, lifting his cup. Addison and Missy joined in, their voices mingling in a chorus of love and gratitude.
As they sipped the cider, the room filled with laughter and stories of old times. They reminisced about the wild adventures they had shared, the challenges they had faced, and the triumphs that had brought them to this moment.
Robert stirred in his sleep, a small, contented sigh escaping his lips. Addison rocked him gently, feeling the joy of the moment settle deep in her bones. Her gaze drifted to Mason, who was laughing at something Lenny had said, his face lit up with genuine happiness.
She marveled at how far they had come—from the uncertainty and fear of their journey west to this moment of perfect contentment. The love between them had only grown stronger with each passing day, nurtured by the trials they had overcome and the faith that had guided them through it all.
As the evening wore on, the fire crackled warmly in the hearth, casting a cozy glow over the room. Mason leaned back in his chair, his hand resting on Addison’s shoulder, as he looked around at the faces of those he held dear.
“This is what it’s all about,” Mason said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. “Family, love, faith… it’s all we really need.”
Addison leaned into him, feeling the truth of his words in her heart. “And we have it all, right here.”
Mason pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his heart full. “Yes, we do, Addie. Yes, we do.”
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Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
Very good book. Full of excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the excitement in the story!
Faith, hope ,and love. Thank you Jesus.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! Thank you for your kind words, and yes, faith, hope, and love truly make all the difference. God bless!
enjoyed
Thanks so much for your feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Enjoyable sweet story. Mayor Scott is selfish egotistical man. Glad Ella was willing to help Mason, although I would think the kidnappers had more criminal activity in their past that sheriff could have arrested them anyway.
Addison is a woman of faith that is willing to give forgiveness.
In chapter 2 the little snip about Lucus and finding matches threatening about setting curtains on fire to distract Mrs Baitle is dropped from story. I assumed since Mayor’s house Lucus was a spoiled son of mayor. There’s a question?
In epilogue of main story Missy is already a Mrs to blacksmith.
Thank you
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and connected with the characters. I appreciate you pointing out the details about Lucus and the epilogue. I’ll keep these in mind for future revisions. It’s always helpful to hear readers’ perspectives—thank you for sharing yours!
A lovely inspiring story
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you found the story inspiring.
It was such a great story, I enjoyed the whole book, great characters and wonderful ending. Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and connected with the characters. It means a lot to me!
An enjoyable story with bits of drama, action and love. The EE was a good closure for the characters involved in the story.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and that the extended epilogue provided a satisfying closure for the characters. Your support means a lot!
Enjoyable book; fun, sweet, with just enough danger. It was doubly interesting for me, because we moved from Missouri to Barstow in 1980-84.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! It’s wonderful to hear that the setting resonated with your own experiences. Thank you for sharing!
I really enjoyed this story! It was different than most romantic western adventures on Amazon. You are a creative writer. I thank for your references to the characters’ faith.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and appreciated the unique elements. It means a lot that the characters’ faith resonated with you. Your support truly encourages me!
I enjoyed reading the story! I was hoping that in the end we would find out that Elsa and Addison were truly twin sisters. I thought maybe her mother lost a child while giving birth and Addison’s mother had twins and somehow between wealth and poverty somehow Mrs Scott was able to get one of the girls (maybe Mayor Scott’s deceitful ploys). LOL……That’s just my own imagination going wild! I enjoyed the book!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I love hearing how readers’ imaginations expand on the story. Your theory about Elsa and Addison being twin sisters is intriguing—there’s definitely room for more twists! I’m glad you enjoyed the book!
I have enjoyed this story and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoy the stories you you write. Thanks for the many hours of entertainment you have given to so many.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, and I appreciate your support. I’m excited for you to continue the series and hope the next books bring you even more joy!
Great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for another good one.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story. Your support means the world to me! 😊
I really enjoyed the book but was wondering about Addison’s sister Emily. She is not mentioned in the Epilogue.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. As for Emily, that’s a great point! While she isn’t mentioned in the epilogue, I’ll definitely keep her in mind for future stories. Stay tuned!