The Scars of a Pure Heart – Extended Epilogue


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Four Years Later

Blake stepped out onto the wide porch and hefted his small son onto his shoulders. Young Jordan giggled with delight and his father took a moment to change the boy’s tight grip off his neck and onto his forehead.

It was sometimes hard to believe that the little boy had been in their lives only three years. Other times, it felt as though he’d always been there.

Blake remembered all too well the rush to get this house erected. With a baby on the way, he’d wanted to make sure there would be room to easily add on to it down the road should their family continue to grow. Despite plenty of planning in advance, they’d experienced one delay after another and only finished the final details a week before their son made his appearance. Had that really only been three years ago?

They seemed to be gluttons for punishment, because, a year later, they’d decided to add a second story before their second child came along. It hadn’t been quite as dramatic and they’d finished the addition with nearly a month to spare. Now, there were four bedrooms, all upstairs. The main floor housed a parlor, living room, dining room, kitchen, and large pantry. A wide, covered porch ran fully around the entire house and this was where the family tended to congregate on hot Texas evenings.

Look, Papa! It’s Granddad!” Jordan hollered suddenly.

Blake chuckled ruefully. “You don’t have to yell, son. I can hear you fine.”

The little boy paid him no mind and squirmed until his father let him down. Then he took off running, clambering up the fence that bordered the driveway. Once up on top, he waved enthusiastically at the wagons which were delivering his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

They’re here,” Blake called back into the house.

We’re coming.” Macie’s voice drifted out to him. “I’m trying to dress your daughter, but she seems to think that every time I remove her clothes, she needs to dance around the room.”

The tall Texan ran a hand through his hair with a grin. Jordan had been a wiggly, energetic little fellow right from the start. The boy was always busy, always up to something. His rusty curls were just like his father’s and he seemed to have inherited Ewell’s adventurous spirit, too.

His daughter, Hannah, on the other hand, was dreamy and imaginative. They always knew where she was when she was awake because she was chattering or singing to herself, her dolls, or her imaginary friends. Blake hadn’t guessed how much he would enjoy having a daughter, but he had to admit that he was smitten with the little girl.

The wagons rumbled to a stop as Macie walked out of the house, eighteen-month-old Hannah on her hip. They waved as their family spilled out into the yard.

There were Len and Judy, Len still walking with a limp after a fall from a horse last year. He’d given them all a good scare, but Dr. Hammond had insisted his hip would heal as Len was too ornery to stay in bed for long. They’d chuckled at this prognosis, but the doctor had turned out to be right.

Harris climbed down from his wagon before reaching up to accept a baby from Ivy. He then offered his other hand up to help her climb down, a second baby in her arms. Ivy had surprised them all with twins exactly on the young couple’s third anniversary. As they’d waited so long for the chance to be parents, this was a welcome surprise, though the pair was often weary these days.

Troy Junior jumped from the wagon seat despite his mother’s warning to be careful. Judith fussed to be allowed to follow in her brother’s path, though little Lillian was all too happy to be handed down by her father. Troy handed a very pregnant Clora down and gave her an affectionate kiss before letting her go.

Baskets of food were hoisted and toted inside as the arriving guests hugged Macie and Blake. The house was soon filled with noise and laughter. Most of the older children ran outside in the usual whirlwind the cousins seemed to prefer. Blake found himself sitting next to his father on the couch who, these days, was happiest when he was holding one of his grandchildren on his lap. He had baby Bennett in one arm and baby Darcy in the other, though he reluctantly surrendered Bennett to his uncle.

I can’t believe he’s been gone five years,” Len said quietly, looking down at the baby in his lap. “Pa would have been thrilled to see how his brood has grown.”

Blake gripped his father’s shoulder and the two shared a smile. “As much as I’d love to see him again, Granddad worked so much good for our family in his will.” His eyes drifted to where Macie worked in the kitchen. “When I think about how eager I was to strike off on my own, I want to go back and knock some sense into my younger self.”

We all made plenty of mistakes,” Len said soothingly. “Let’s just be grateful for Pa’s good planning.”

Blake settled back into his chair, shifted Darcy to his shoulder, and nodded at his father’s wisdom. “I hear you’re headed to Austin to visit Tessie soon.”

It’s hard for her to get away,” Len expounded. “She wrote and expressed her regret at not being able to come again this year for Pa’s memorial. Still, with a public house to run, I certainly understand.”

Harris wandered in and took a seat nearby. When Blake offered to let him hold his son, Harris refused.

No thanks. I get plenty of time with those two rascals. Besides, from what I hear, you’re going to need to brush up on your baby wrangling skills,” the younger man said with a grin.

That’s right,” Blake nodded happily. “We’ll be back to midnight feedings and diapers everywhere in a few months.”

Harris sighed. “You should try it with two babies.”

As if on cue, little Darcy smiled up at his grandfather and filled his diaper. The men groaned and Len got to his feet to go change the little lad into a clean nappy.

Did you read about Lucien Durning in the paper?” Harris inquired quietly once his father was out of the room.

Blake shook his head. “Is he mounting another appeal?”

Over the past few years, the businessman had tried repeatedly to get a judge to overturn his conviction. Each time, the whole Bradfield family had been on edge, praying that the terrible man would remain behind bars. So far, no judge had agreed with Lucien’s point of view. Blake had a feeling that the man’s attempt to bribe and then threaten Judge Adams had ruined his chances.

But Harris was shaking his head. “No, not this time. He died in prison last week. They think it was a heart attack.”

Eyebrows raised, Blake mulled that over. Lucien Durning had caused too much pain and heartache to be easily forgiven. It had taken plenty of prayer, but Blake felt that he had come to terms with the man. To be honest, he still found the need to forgive Lucien from time to time. Still, learning of Lucien’s death didn’t please Blake.

Are you going to tell everyone?” he wondered.

I think it would put Ma at ease,” Harris speculated.

Blake nodded his agreement. “No one will be glad of it, but we’ll all stop looking over our shoulders so much.”

When Len thumped back into the room, he had Troy with him. The men sat back and Blake wondered when Harris planned on breaking the news about Lucien Durning.

I was hoping to talk with you boys alone,” Len began, seeming to have his own agenda.

The three brothers exchanged questioning looks before turning their attention to their father. It was usually Judy who made family announcements. Did this bode badly? Was something wrong with one of their parents’ health?

I was approached by another fellow who wants to build oil wells on our land,” the patriarch informed them.

Blake shifted uncomfortably. This wasn’t anything new. Ever since Lucien Durning had realized there was oil under the Yellow Star Ranch, people had been coming along, offering increasingly large amounts of money to his father to extract that oil. So far, Len had refused adamantly.

This fellow wants to test the soil, but he believes the north pasture might have the richest deposit.” The older man watched his sons carefully as he told them how much money this fellow wanted to pay for their oil.

His brothers had almost comically identical expressions of disbelief on their faces and Blake supposed his was no different. He sat back, his mind struggling to comprehend the amount. If Len accepted, his father would be one of the richest men in Texas.

Even Harris, who lived and worked on the Yellow Rose, was stunned. “Why didn’t you say something sooner, Pa?”

Len shrugged. “He just came by a few days back. I went to town yesterday and spoke with Iver Kennedy who’s been looking into things for me. He’s proposed some terms for a contract should we decide to allow the drilling on our land. It’ll be less money up front, but we’ll then get a percentage of what’s removed so long as we own the land. Over the next hundred years, that could add up to quite a sum.”

What’s making you consider this offer when you haven’t before?” Troy inquired, arms crossed over his chest. “Up ‘til now, you’ve always insisted that you aren’t interested.”

I’m getting older all the time, boys. Harris is handling most of the day-to-day operations and we’ve been talking about reducing the size of our herd.” He nodded at his youngest son.

Which means we don’t need as much land for them to roam,” Harris said thoughtfully.

We can allow this fellow to build his oil wells on a part of land we won’t be using and provide for our children for generations to come.” Len eyed his sons. “I’m planning to sign the contract. We’ll put the bulk of the money into savings and investments, but each of you will receive a small stipend each month. By our calculations, it’ll come to about five hundred dollars a month.”

A small stipend, he’d said. Blake found it hard to breathe suddenly. Five hundred dollars a month? It was an enormous amount of money! He and Macie could add the new line of cattle they’d been discussing. They could… goodness! They could do anything they liked!

Now, if you boys don’t want us to sell the land, we’ll be willing to reconsider,” Len rumbled on. “It’s your inheritance, after all. I leave it up to you.”

Blake looked around at his brothers and was at least relieved to see that they were reeling every bit as much as he was.

Can we have some time to talk with each other and with our wives?” stammered Harris.

Sure. Take your time. I don’t want to ruin the fun today, but I thought I’d mention it while I had you alone.” Then Len shut his mouth and sat back. He’d said his piece and was glad to get back to his characteristic silence.

Troy Junior came running into the room with his younger cousins hot on his heels. There was no more time to talk for the moment. Blake was glad for the time to think over his father’s words.

The women began to lay food on the table and the men corralled the children towards soap and water. As Jordan seemed to feel that the layer of dirt coating him was somehow protective, Blake always had his hands full getting his son to wash. Today, he scrubbed absently at his son’s dirt-smeared face, his mind far away.

Macie gave him a questioning look when he failed to hear her say his name twice as they took their seats. He shook his head minutely and knew his wife would ask him about it later. What would she think of all this? He could only guess.

Platters were passed and parents helped their children fill their plates. Soon the general hubbub lessened and Troy blessed the food. Then everyone busied themselves with eating and drinking. Talk ranged far and wide, though Troy couldn’t keep his mind from drifting back to his father’s word.

Once the noon meal was finished, it was time to get the main entertainment started before the littlest children needed naps. Blake got to his feet and stood at the head of the table. All eyes turned to him and the anticipation in the room grew palpably.

I hope the clues are better than last year’s,” Troy called from his seat and the adults tittered.

Blake laughed at his brother, glad that this kind of ribbing was kindly meant instead of full of underlying tension like it had been when they were younger. It was one more thing they had to thank their grandfather for, he supposed.

Today, we remember a great man,” Blake began. “Ewell Bradfield was father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to all of us gathered here. We lost him five years ago today.” He swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in his throat and exchanged a mournful smile with Macie who sat across the room. Even through the distance, Blake felt stronger with just that one smile from his wife.

He cleared his throat and continued. “We will honor Granddad Ewell with our fourth annual Bradfield Treasure Hunt. Now, you’ve been divided into three teams and each team has the same map, though you’ll search for the clues in a different order. Remember to stay with your adult and be a good sport,” he warned, spearing both Troy Junior and his father with a warning look.

Then Blake passed the papers out to Troy, Harris, and Len, who would act as team leaders before Judy did the countdown, “Three, two, one, go!”

There was an explosion of activity as children rushed to their team’s adult leader and everyone hurried off to read their instructions out of the earshot of the other teams. Blake had supposed Len would rather sit out of this year’s hunt, but his father had balked at the suggestion. Now, the patriarch of the family was limping at top speed after Jordan, urging his team to keep pace.

Ivy, Clora, and Judy stayed in the house, caring for the twins, talking and laughing. Macie and Blake found themselves alone on the back porch, watching their family disappear as they followed clues.

What’s going on?” Macie asked her husband as soon as they were alone. Her hand went absently to her growing belly.

Pa’s thinking of selling some land to a man who wants to put in oil wells,” he summarized.

Macie’s eyebrows lifted. “I thought he was opposed to allowing drilling. It’s been years and he hasn’t accepted a single offer.”

Blake took a deep breath and told her about the amount of money they stood to make. He finished with Len’s decision to give each of his sons a generous monthly payment.

When he finished, Macie was frozen in place. “I can’t imagine having so much money,” she finally breathed. “It makes me nervous.”

We don’t have to accept it,” Blake assured her. “Pa wants us to think it over and tell him whether or not we think he should sign the papers. His plan is a good one and Harris admitted that it works with their goals for the ranch.”

I’m afraid of what money does to people.” Macie rubbed at her forehead. “I lived around society folks in Connecticut and I was glad to get away. The last thing I want for our children is for them to be spoiled. If we have too much money, it might happen to us without us even being aware.”

Do you think we should tell Pa not to do it?” Blake asked carefully.

Macie sighed. “I love our life here on the ranch just as it is. I’m afraid of anything that will change it. But, I can’t keep your family from doing something that might benefit them all just because I don’t like change. The money would mean that your parents will be well cared for as they grow older. Harris and Troy could better care for their children, too.” She frowned at him. “What do you think?”

I think that we can put parameters into place so that we don’t let ourselves be ruined by this windfall. You’d like to visit Lorna, wouldn’t you?” Blake watched her carefully, already knowing the answer.

Yes. She invited us to come visit them in California as soon as we can.” Macie touched the letter she kept from her cousin in her apron pocket. Blake knew she tended to pull out Lorna’s most recent missive and read it half a dozen times before she’d add it to the stack in her bureau drawer.

I wouldn’t mind being able to hire a few more hands around here. I could take Jordan on that fishing trip with Troy and Troy Junior like we were talking about. We could go off on our own and see things more easily whenever we wanted,” Blake carefully began to dream.

Those are good things,” Macie admitted reluctantly. “And there’s so much good we could do. We could help our downtrodden neighbors more easily. We might help Dr. Hammond build the hospital he’s been talking about.”

If we are careful,” Blake said, “we can use this money to make all of Elmswood better.”

Macie considered this for a long minute before finally saying, “All right. If the others agree, I think your parents should accept the contract.”

Blake reached out and wrapped an arm around his wife, pulling her close. “This is a good adventure,” he said quietly before kissing the top of her head.

Mama and Papa would be so glad to see how you’ve turned this ranch around,” Macie said, her voice a bit shaky.

Granddad would be thrilled to see the family we’ve built,” Blake added.

They stood quietly, remembering those they’d lost and feeling the ache of separation.

When you first read my ad all those years ago, did you imagine this would be your life?” he asked feeling suddenly nostalgic.

Macie squeezed him and said, “It’s far more than I could have ever hoped for.”

Blake looked down at her and his wife turned her face up to his. “Well, you’ve turned out to be a better adventure than I could have dreamed of.”

And you’re my dream come true,” Macie grinned.

When Judy came out to fetch them a few minutes later, they were still gazing at each other, eyes full of love.

THE END



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121 thoughts on “The Scars of a Pure Heart – Extended Epilogue”

    1. I very much enjoyed The Scars of a Pure Heart. The depth of Macie’s unselfishness, character, and wisdom is inspiration to do the best one can do in the circumstances. I could keep reading about Blake and Macie and enjoy their growing family.

    2. I really enjoyed this book it had adventure and love, it held my interest with each page. I was glad how the ending turned out.

    3. Another great story,I am getting over a knee
      replcment, so having all these wonderful books to read is wonderful.
      T

    4. I loved the whole book. I loved the fact that love wins in the end and the grandfather showed his grandson, how to live his life with a family.

    5. lol like others this book plus extended story had me rivited to the end. Even at that I wanted more . Great read and now off to look for another book or three for the weekend . xx

    6. Very enjoyable story line and the characters to carry it to a very satisfactory conclusion. Well plotted and written.

    7. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, howerver I was disappointed that Blake never gave his Grandmother’s ring to Macie as his Grandfather suggested in his first “treasure find”. There were several passages that were leading to that act of love and devotion, but failed to happen..

      Did I miss the ring presentation ???

    8. The book is very good. He wanted to live an adventure almost all his life so when his grandfather died and left him a letter – he began that adventure. But nothing appears as he thought it would be. She has her own feelings to overcome. And the epilogue was a fantastic ending.

    9. Very interesting story. I enjoyed it very much. So glad that with all the personal reasons for the marriage and all the threats on the family that the main characters – oops – don’t want to give it away – because this story should be read quickly to find out how everything is resolved.

    10. I. really
      enjoyed the book. It caught my attention in the beginning and held on to the end. A VERY good book to read. It’s a five STAR plus.

    11. Totally enjoyed this book. I loved the depth of the characters. They totally come to life on the page. Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.😄

    12. I started reading this last night about9:00pm. I couldn’t stop! I finally decided at 2:30 after reading with one eye at a time that I really needed to go to bed. I finished just now and and read the epilog . This is the very best Mail Order Bride story I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the first page. Can’t wait to start on the next. Thank you so much Grace. God bless you!

    13. Truly enjoyed the book and the epilog. I always read before I go to bed. Some nights I go to bed late as I can’t put it down! Love your books and the suspense.

      1. Thank you so much Linda! A good night’s sleep is always precious so I am humbled that you sometimes sacrifice it for a story of mine! I try my best to make it worth it!

    14. Beautiful romance, suspense, action, life in the west so well described & love of course the winner in the end! I enjoyed Macie & Blake’s story ! Thank you Grace for yet another of my now favorites !

    15. Wonderful !!! Exciting !!! Such a great story !!! Thank you for the 9utstanding entertainment!!!!

  1. it was a lovely book. so enjoyed the characters. treasure hunting was also a great idea i hadn’t seen in other books in this genre.

  2. Good book. Holds your interest. I had cancer 3 months before we were married. I was left with scars. My precious husband says when he looks at them, he is so grateful for them because it’s a reminder that they saved the life of the girl he married. We have been married almost 55 years and he still tells me that.
    Macie’s smallpox scars were the same to Blake.. Thank you for sharing this
    heartfelt book with us.

  3. Your books just keep getting better and better! I love the epilogue, it wraps everything up, however it leaves me wanting more! Lol great job!

  4. Really enjoyed this book. Such a great family. Always enjoy mail order bride books and the things they have to overcome before enjoying true love.

  5. Very interesting plot and great characters. Relationships are complex and so believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

  6. This was my first time reading one of your books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more of your books.

  7. Another great books with lots of challenges for Macie and Blake and their families. Lots of danger, along with a good dose of growing up and not imagining the worst.

  8. Another good read! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and following the ups and downs of their relationship. Looking forward to your next story!

  9. The Scars of a Pure Heart was exciting to read. I loved the intrigue of the letters and the adventures Macie and Blake experienced. The court scenario was great!

  10. I loved this book. Macie had a great outlook on love despite her scars. She was beautiful inside and outside. Blake needed adventures he thought but found out different. Great story. It was fun and was full of drama, family, and adventures.

  11. I enjoyed the storyline it kept moving along I couldn’t put the book down.. Thank you for many enjoyable reading hours!!!

  12. It was a good book to read. A family that in the end became so close and for gave the past and ended up as a close loving family

  13. I enjoyed reading this book, didn’t want to put it down, the outcome of the trial was brilliant, I enjoyed the epilogue very much ..

  14. I love it when a story feels finished. The extended epilogue was great way to see the whole family in the conclusion. It made me smile to see how they went on a treasure hunt with the grandchildren and had the whole family participating.

  15. A few times I almost shouted out loud! The court scene-brilliant! Treasure hunts/life lessons-brilliant! Heartache/acts of love-life changing! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

  16. So first we have “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Followed by ,” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”Then there is Life is an adventure as are personal relationships. Next is “Honesty is the best policy. I think I’ve covered most of what I gathered from your book oh, did I mention I found it an enjoyable read

  17. Much enjoyed this book, love the emphasis on family. Well thought out
    and interestingly portrayed. Thank you.

  18. Loved this story as much as the last ones I have
    Read, especially enjoyed all of the family members characters and the end of the story.
    Thank you for all the hours of great reading.
    Tricia

  19. I loved the story and the uniqueness of it. I do wish as one mentioned him giving her the ring at some point would of been present, and also them sharing a bed since they had been sleeping apart (not necessarily needing juicy details bit showing the commitment they had for their marriage). I really appreciated the extended ending. Off to check out your other books as this was my first one by you. 😊

    1. My dear Amber,
      Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with me.

      You are raising some valid points. I will keep them in mind and will work closer with my editor to get them handled in the future.

      Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, they are very helpful. I hope you enjoy the rest of my stories. Have a great day!

  20. What a wonderful journey of adventure and love. Totally amazing characters and story line. I absolutely enjoyed reading your wonderful story. Beautifully written and inspiring from the beginning to the wonderful extended epilogue keeps the reader entertained and wanting to keep reading. Excellent writing. Definitely a must read. Congratulations!

  21. The extended epilogue was not to this book. Blake??? Josiah, Annie, Sarah was suppose to be from what I just read.
    Good, interesting writing.
    However, did you have anyone to proofread your writing before publishing? It was published where in Ch 12, you had Annie saying her wedding vows promising to marry Josiah, her…wife. I sent a message through that it should be husband not wife.

  22. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! A great clean romance and adventure story plot. I liked your choices for the characters where the plot had several twist possibilities. The extended epilogue presented a very favorable glimpse into the future lives of the entire family.

  23. Truly enjoyed this book. I too wondered about Blake giving Macie his Grandmother’s ring. Another great adventure. Thanks also for the Extended Epilogue that tied it all together.

  24. Enjoyed so much the way the grandfather worked out the treasure hunt. The extended epilogue made it even better to see how the family made it an annual event to honor Ewell. Great book from beginning to end.

    1. Thank you for your heartfelt message! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the treasure hunt and the extended epilogue. It means a lot to hear that you found the book great from start to finish.

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