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Emilia took a step back and smiled proudly at the row of freshly washed and hung laundry. She enjoyed wash day. She loved the smell of clean linens being pinned out to dry.
She tucked the empty basket and retreated back into the cabin where she checked on their lunch to make sure it wasn’t burning.
She stirred the pots and set out the plates and cups on the table. The sound of the door opening and closing signaled to her that Derek was home.
She checked her hair and brushed off her apron just as she always did when she was about to see Derek.
She hadn’t let the six months that they had been married change her desire to look good for him.
“How is my beautiful wife this afternoon?”
Emilia beamed at his greeting. He had not neglected for a single moment being sweet and loving to her and she loved him all the more for it.
“Very well, thank you. Let’s have some lunch.”
The sound of a horse neighing and hoofbeats startled Emilia. She turned to peek out the window. “I wonder who that might be.”
Derek stared over her shoulder, “I’m not sure.You stay here. I’ll go find out.”
Emilia watched as Derek walked back out into the front yard and waited for the rider to arrive.
She didn’t recognize the man who got down from the horse, which was surprising. Over the last several months, she had gotten to know nearly everyone in town and certainly everyone who would have a reason to visit them.
After several moments of talking, Derek came back to the cabin.
“Who is it?” Emilia asked, keeping an eye on the strange man from the window.
“He says that he wants to talk to you and that he knew your father.”
Emilia was stunned. She wasn’t’ sure what to think, but she knew that she needed to go out and talk to the man.
“Are you going to come out with me?” Emilia asked. She hoped that Derek would. She wasn’t sure what this man out there wanted, but she knew that she could take pretty much anything as long as Derek was along with her.
“Of course,” Derek held out his hand and Emilia took it. Together they walked back outside to the man who was standing there.
“My, you are all grown up. Not at all like your father described you. Although that was a long time ago,” the man said.
“I-I’m sorry. I don’t think that we’ve met.” Emilia felt bad but she didn’t have any idea who this man was, even though he seemed to know exactly who she was and who her father was.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to be rude. I actually got to know your father in the mental asylum. We became close you might say.”
“You knew him? Before he died?”
“Yes,” the man nodded, “It’s a shame what happened to him. I just got out myself about a month ago. I promised him before he died that I would find you and give you his message.”
“What happened? How did he die? They were never very specific when we asked.” Emilia had often suspected that her father hadn’t died of natural causes like the asylum had said.
Her father had been one of the healthiest people she knew. She couldn’t imagine him just dying for no good reason.
The man in front of her looked at her with a haunted look. Emilia would have guessed that he wasn’t much older than forty, and yet the look in his eyes made him look so much older.
There was gray streaking through his black hair and wrinkles in his face that made her think that he had been aged past his time against his will.
“My dear child, things went on in that place that I hope you will never come to learn of. All you need to know is that your father never forgot his family, even at the very end.”
“Why did he want you to find me?” Emilia looked at the man skeptically.
“He wanted me to give you this letter.” The man held out a yellowed envelope. It looked quite old and it made Emilia feel a hole open up into her heart.
All the pain she had felt at the loss of her father came rushing back. Finally, after so much time, she might find out some answers.
“A-are you going to be in town long?” Emilia asked as she took the letter from the man.
“Yes, I think I’ll stick around for a while in case you have any questions. I’m staying at the little hotel in town. After that, I’ll be heading back to Ohio. Hopefully, I still have some family left who might want to see me.”
“You came to find me before your family?” Emilia was stunned if this was the case. “Why would you do that?”
“Your father was the one person in that dreadful place who was kind to me. He treated me like a brother, and I made a promise to him, one that I am happy that I can say I’ve kept. He always comforted me after my treatments. It’s a miracle that I survived. That place is barbaric.”
“Thank you for this,” Emilia held the letter up. “Maybe we will see each other before you leave town.”
The man nodded and retreated back to his horse. “I’ll be going now. It was nice meeting you folks.”
Emilia nodded and waved as the man rode away back to where he had come from. After they watched him disappear into the distance, Emilia turned to Derek.
“What do you think it says?” she asked softly. It was scary to think about reading the letter. Before she had thought that her father was gone forever, and she would never be able to have the opportunity to know what had really happened to him in the asylum.
Now she had one last piece of him in her fingertips, waiting to be discovered. But if she had more questions or wanted to know more, that was it. There was no more. This was the last piece of her father in the entire world.
“I don’t know what that letter might say, but whatever it is, I think your father loved you.”
Emilia nodded, “Thank you. Let’s go inside, I’ll read it there.”
Derek was agreeable and led the way back inside.
Emilia opened the envelope carefully, making sure not to tear it in any unnecessary places. She pulled out two brittle pieces of paper that had become a yellow color over the years.
At first, it was a bit hard to read the handwriting, but her eyes adjusted.
My dear daughter Emilia.
Of course, the things that I say in this letter apply to both you, your mother and your sister, but I decided to write this to you as you and I were the closest.
I know that since I was taken away you all must have suffered terribly. If there was some way I could go back and change the way things happened I would.
Every single day that I spend in this place makes me wish it was my last, but the one thing that keeps me going is the possibility of seeing the three of you one more time, even if it is when you are grown and old with gray hairs of your own.
I made a good friend here. His name is Frank. He has kept me going. Some of the things they do to a person here are enough to make them crazy. I am surprised to find that there are many people here who are as normal as anyone, but because of unfortunate circumstances, they have been locked away by family members.
If you are reading this letter, that means that I have died, and Frank has delivered this letter to you. He is a good man. If you have any questions, ask him, he will tell the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear.
Emilia paused, remembering how Frank hadn’t wanted to tell her exactly how her father had died. She wondered how much he had changed since her father knew him. Regardless, he had come and found her and delivered the letter to her, even though he didn’t necessarily have to, so that spoke to his character to quite a degree. Emilia turned back to the letter.
I keep thinking that this place will realize that they made a mistake and see that I’m not crazy, but I realized recently that they don’t really care who is or isn’t crazy. Maye we all are crazy, or maybe no one is. I suppose no one will ever really know the truth to that.
I want to tell you, my dearest Emilia, be careful. Don’t let what has happened to me dictate your life. Do not let it affect what people think of you or what they let you do. The one thing I regret the most about my life decisions is that I didn’t listen to your mother. She tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen. Alcohol is a terrible thing and causes people to forget who they are supposed to be.
I know that this situation is of my own causing and I know I will pay for that. I only wish that you, your mother, and your sister didn’t have to pay for it as well.
They say that I could get out in a few years, but I don’t believe them. There are people here who are told they are getting out tomorrow and then kept for another several year. There are people who are told they are staying here as long as they can imagine and the next day they are gone.
I think I have struggled with clarity in my mind, but this place has only made it worse. I don’t want you to blame yourself or your mother for me being here. It was not in any of your control.
I am rambling.That’s what this place does to you. I’m sorry. I have been sick for the past few weeks.
These will be my last words to you, my dear. I just want you to know, I love you. I love you and your sister, and your mother more than I can ever say. I only hope that you forgive me for allowing this to happen.
One day, I hope you will understand, and know how a lot of bad situations led to this, but that never changed how much I cared about my family.
Never forget me, Emilia. I have never forgotten you.
With all the love in the world,
Your father
Emilia folded the paper tenderly and tucked it back into the envelope. She looked up at Derek who had been watching her the whole time and then handed him the letter.
She had been right about her father. He had never abandoned them on purpose. Maybe his life and twisted things and torn their family apart, but he had never wanted that.Her mother had never really wanted that. They were all victims of a cruel joke life had played on them.
“You know, he is always here with you, maybe not physically but in your heart and your mind,” Derek said, folding the letter up and placing the old envelope on the parlor table.
Emilia nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. She wondered what it might have been like if her father had continued to write. What if he had left more pages for her to see into the window of what had been the last year of his life?
She wished that he had, but he hadn’t. She was going to treasure the words that he had left for her for the rest of her life. She was going to make sure that she never forgot her father, how he had cared for them when he was alive and the effort he had made, even in death to let her know how much he loved her.
“Are you all right?” Derek crossed the room and sat down right next to her, taking her hand in his.
“I think I am. You know, my father was a good man. I always knew that. I am just glad that now I know that he kept that, even until he died.”
Derek pulled Emilia into an embrace and she let herself settle into it for a few moments. She wasn’t sure what she would do without Derek there beside her. She knew that she had chosen well when she had said yes the day he had asked her to marry him.
—*—
Derek organized the growing stack of letters on the desk in their bedroom. He had begun receiving them nearly three months ago. People had been very responsive to his apologies. Of course, some had sent angry responses, and others had been understanding, but he had expected that.
He knew that not everyone would be able to move on or to forgive him. He also knew that he was speaking for wrongs done by his family that could never be undone.
The sound of Emilia humming as she went about her work in the kitchen reached his ears. He had expected the letter from her father that they had received the day before to make her upset and sad but instead it had done the opposite.
She seemed more at peace and happy than she had been in a long time. He had known since before they were married that she still struggled with thoughts about her father and what had happened to him.
Derek stood and made his way to the kitchen. Emilia was setting out plates on the table. “I’m glad you came. I was about to go get you. Carolyn and the boys should be here any minute.”
“Is Lily coming today?”
Emilia shook her head. “I don’t think so. She and George are finishing up the last-minute preparations for their wedding. I’m really happy for them, aren’t you?”
Derek nodded, “Me too.” He was fairly certain that he hadn’t seen George as happy as he was with Lily since he had met him.
He had slowly gotten used to the idea of George and Lily marrying over the past several months. The wedding was set and would be happening the next time the minister passed through town.
When Carolyn and the boys came over for a meal, it was more and more rare for Lily and George to join them as they seemed to often be off doing their own thing together.
“They’re here!” Emilia said with a little squeal.
Derek followed her outside where they waited on the porch for the approaching wagon to pull to a stop. As soon as it did, Eddy and Eli tumbled out, running up to the cabin.
“I got here first!” Eddy exclaimed. “No, I think my toe was on the porch before yours!” countered Eli. “No one was watching. “Did you see who was first Derek?” Eli asked. “Did you?” Eddy chimed in.
“No, boys. I’m afraid it was probably a tie. You are both so fast I couldn’t even see you speeding by. You will have to try again next time.” Derek said diplomatically.
Derek smiled at them fondly. They were growing taller and more capable every single day. He saw them as his own brothers or maybe in a way as his own children. He still went over to the Carson ranch and helped with chores when he could and took Emilia so she could spend time with her aunt and cousins.
They would often come here to his ranch now for lunch or to talk with Emilia. Derek was sure that his marriage to Emilia had only strengthened the bond between their two families that had already existed before.
“Derek! We rode the new filly,” Eddy proclaimed proudly as he bounced across the porch.
“Really? I’m proud of you. How did she take it?” Derek and the boys had been trying to break in one of the new horses. It was a challenging task, but one he knew the boys could accomplish if they put their minds to it.
“Good.She was a bit wild at first but she settled in after she got tired.”
“I did most of the work,” Eli interrupted his brother.
“Did not, I think we both helped,” Eddy said.
“That’s enough boys, I’m sure you both contributed your fair share. Let’s try giving the credit instead of hogging it, okay? Remember, everything is not a contest. It’s better to work together than to try to always be first.”
The boys nodded and gave each other a sheepish grin. At every opportunity, Derek strove to bring the boys together, instead of tearing them apart as his father had done with himself and his brother.
He tried to be an example to them that he hadn’t had. He wished that he would have had a mentor who worked with him and his brother to help develop a character of giving and caring between them instead of his father who had pitted them against each other like contestants in a game.
“How have the two of you been?” Carolyn leaned in and gave him a sort of half hug as she came up on the porch.
“Quite well, Mrs. Carson.”
“How many times have I told you to call me Carolyn? You’re family now.” Carolyn scolded.
Derek grinned, “I know, but it’s hard to change your name in my mind. It’s going to be even more confusing when Emilia’s mother and sister come down in a couple of months.”
“I bet Emilia is excited,” Carolyn threw a glance in Emilia’s direction. Derek turned to watch her too.
The twins were telling her some story with a good amount of enthusiasm. Derek was certain it had something to do with their adventures with the filly.
“She couldn’t be happier. I am sure that they will adjust well here, goodness knows Emilia certainly did.”
Carolyn nodded, “I think that the family being together again will be good for everyone. A fresh start is always nice. It brings new opportunities.”
Derek stood there a moment more, watching his wife talking with her cousins and then opened the cabin door. “Come on everyone, lunch is going to get cold.”
They all filed into the cabin, pausing in the parlor to take off their sweaters and hats. It was the cool time of year in Texas if you could call it that. Even in the cool time of year, there were only rare days where you could justify wearing a sweater.
“I love what you’ve done with the place, I always knew you needed a women’s touch around here,” Carolyn said.
Derek couldn’t disagree, Emilia had changed his cabin and his life. He knew that it would never be the same again but that was a good thing.
He wouldn’t go back to his life before Emilia for anything, it was everything that a man could ask for.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
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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 🙂
I really enjoyed reading. Couldn’t put it down. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, dear Kathy! 🙂
I found myself wondering what trouble that nasty twin brother could cause next! There was certainly plenty of action for the heroine, although she had not wanted to set out on that journey to Texas. The epilogue managed to tie up all the ends neatly.
Another good tale.
Thank you for your lovely comment, dear Maureen! 😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed my book!
This was a very good book. It was sweet and heartwarming one of the feel good books.
Thanks I enjoyed it.
Phyllis Monk
I’m so glad, dear Phyllis! Thank you for your amazing comment! 😀
This was a wonderful book . You showed that love of a family is more important than money.
Thank you for your comment!
What a wonderful insight on the development of twins with and without proper nurturing. Great job and pleasure to read without typos that can come on the electronic version of stories. This story will be hard to top…family, trials, love and appreciation.
I’m so happy you liked my story, dear Kerma! Stay tuned, I have more stories coming! 😀
I really enjoyed this book. Couldnt put it down. It is now 1:30 am. Didnt even eat supper. Your books always holds my attention.
I really enjoyed this book. I had trouble putting it down.
A real page Turner! Just about everything you can imagine included in one extremely well written book!
Thank you so much, dear Darlene! 😀 Your words mean the world to me!
I did enjoy your book. There was many lessons to learn from the book. How to always Love your family and enjoy everyone even if they are not blood but they are still family
Thank you dear Linda for your heartwarming words! 😀
As always, you write a lovely, interesting story with a happy ending. I particularly enjoy not too much bloodshed, swearing, etc. and a good story. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Janet! I really appreciate it! 😀
Really enjoyed this book . Storyline was great especially with the “bad twin”
A lovely ending with families coming together and also the extended epilogue.
Have read a few of your books and will certainly read more in future.
Enjoyed the book very much. Very touching to see the older twin encouraging the good relationship of the younger set of twins and close family ties.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story, my dear.
Always enjoy reading your lovely novels.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Was entertaining to the end. Lots of love in the family by blood or not.
Great book
I really enjoy reading your books, especially this one, I loved every minute of it, Thankyou, I hope to read more of your writings
A lovely story. Juanita i really enjoyed it.
Loved the book, read on it every day
I loved your book and the extended epilogue.
Very good I really enjoyed the book. The characters felt like old friends, I think that is a sign of a well written piece of literature. Thank you for a few hours into the past.
I always enjoy your books It’s hard to get these extended.Always they feel good story.
A lovely story. Thank you.
p.s.
I’ve been fascinated by the concept of twins for so long. This story opened my eyes to the unpleasantness of an ‘evil twin’. How sad!!! -More so that it was their own parent who caused it! How can a father not love his own sons?! Mind-boggling! I’m in love with Derek and Emilia.
I do feel very annoyed about the foolishness / recklessness of both females (Lily and Emilia) going off alone like that and almost getting themselves burned to death in that cabin! How good God is to keep them alive! Also, it just seemed to me very silly indeed that Derek didn’t simply take the saloon barman, etc, up to the room to show them clearly that it wasn’t him but his evil twin, Luke, who caused all that ruckus! At both points in the story, I had to stop and click off, I was that mad! Eventually though (Sigh, sigh!), I had to see how it all ended :0 .
I love the letter from Emilia’s dad. It almost made me cry!
Great story. Thank you.
Thank you so much, my dear!
Really a good book. Kept your interest .
Thank you!
I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to reading you new books that come out. Loved the differences of the two set of twins and how different they helped the you boys to have a healthier attitude to being closer to each other with out jealousy’s. thank you
Thank you for your kind words!
I so enjoyed reading this! I love stories that tell a moral and ethical way for living. You never fail to please. Thank you!
I am truly glad you enjoyed it as much my dear! Your support is what keeps me inspired! Thank you!
I enjoyed it so much couldn’t put down had surgery on my right eye on Monday. Monday night I was reading.thank you so my
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I found his brother such an igotistical bastard. I liked how they came to love each other. They weathered many trials before coming together.
I’m glad you liked it, dear!
Thank u for a clean read
At
Just the time I needed it.
Creative story. Unique.
Looking forward to checking out
Your other titles.
Thank you dear Peg!
Stay tuned there is more coming!
As usual, I enjoyed reading this romantic Western about a young woman who has to move to Texas for her health and the young man who is determined to stay single though lonely. Throughout the twists and turns, the reader’s interest holds. I recommend this author to any reader looking for a good,clean read.
Thank you for your amazing comment, dear Marilynn! I really appreciate your kind words. 🙂
I’ve always loved extended epilogues. This one wrapped up things nicely, although I always want more. 😊 Perhaps that’s because I enjoyed the book so much to begin with.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Perry! 🙂 I deeply appreciate it.
Emilia was very sick at the start of the story didn’t think she would get better but she did when she moved to Texas she got better glad she meet Derek his brother was not very nice the Extended Epilogue was very good glad family was coming out to live there to and she has here Aunty and Cousins to great story all round.
Thank you for your feedback, dear Anne! Glad you enjoyed the story 🙂
Sometimes you read a book and you just don’t want it to end. This is true with this one. I want to hear what happens when her mother and sister make the move; and when Lilly and George begin their lives together.
Thank you for your comment, dear Laila. I’m so happy you enjoyed the book 🙂
Agreed!!
This is a very good story and the extended epilogue brings everything
together mental asylums have never been a good place I worked in one for years and every one is not crazy I met a lady that had left her husband and had a boyfriend and she was committed for the rest of her life .I always enjoy reading your stories
A heart warming story. Loved the characters, and how Derek and Amelia triumpantly found love!
I deeply appreciate your comment, dear Gwen! 😀 I’m so happy you enjoyed my story!
I enjoyed this book and the extended epilogue. Your books are always great entertainment. I look forward to your next book.
Thank you for your amazing comment, dear Karen! 😀 Make sure to stay tuned, there are more stories coming…
I couldn’t wait to finish reading how the story end. Enjoy reading the book!
I’m so glad to hear that, dear Elizabeth! 😀
This was a very enjoyable Western romance. Lily moved to Texas for her health to stay with her aunt and cousins. There are lots of twists and turns in the story which makes for a book that is difficult to put down. The extended epilogue ties the book together even better. Yes, there is always more than can be wondered about – What will happen when her mother and sister move to Texas? Lily and George are ready to get married and they will have an interesting life ahead of them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how Emelia overcame her fears, the difference between the two sets of twins was interesting and the reasoning behind it was thought provoking. Both sets had different personalities but one set was encouraged to work together and the other to compete. The epilogue tied it all together but I didn’t want the book to finish, I wanted more.
Thank so much dear Robyn, what a lovely comment! I have more stories coming, so stay tuned! 😀
What a wonderful story. Absolutely fantastic characters who could not have portrayed the story better. Even the extended epilogue left me wanting more. To say I shed some tears is an understatement. I am old enough to remember harsh times and treatments of those who were troubled I life. Story so beautifully told. A fantastic read.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, dear Carol! Thank you for your kind words! 😀
I loved this story so much.i worried how she would manage. It gave me insight how cruel people could be to others back then. I couldn’t put it down and read to the end. I was so drawn into the story , a credit to Ms Brogans writing
Thank you for your comment, dear Joyce! I’m so glad you loved the story! 😀
There’s no one like family and you made that concept very clear. Also you made a few other things clear: honesty with family and friends, obedience, putting the needs of others before yourself, and kindness.
Actually I would not object to more books …soon.
Connie
I really enjoyed this book! It would be good to have a sequel telling more about their married years and about Lily and George.
Enjoyed the book very much. Is there another book in the works for George and Lily?
I will definitely be reading more of your books! Thank You for writing wholesome books that teach lessons and also entertain. They are hard to find!
Thank you for your lovely words, dear Melanie! 😀
Such a wonderful book I could not put it down.Every page turn I would say please let it keep going page after page.Thank you for a great book I enjoyed reading it.
So glad to hear that, dear Brenda! 😀
This is a story just begging for a sequel! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their “adventures” in life and love. And who doesn’t love a happy ever after ending??
I loved the book! The challenges that you created for every character were so real and made the book so interesting!
What a wonderful story. The characters were so real that I fell in love with all of them. Thank you!
This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions. It is well written and spellbinding!
I really enjoyed this book. I was wondering what trouble that Luke would do to Emilia and her family. I was glad she got better in Texas than she was in Ohio. Please keep up the good writing.
Excellent story, !over it from beginning to the end, keep up the good work!
Thank you for the wonderful Heart warming story.
Lovely story filled with sadness at first due to Emilia’s health, stubborness at her having to move away, adventure as she lived in Texas and finally love in the end. The letter from Emilia’s father was very touching and Derek’s happiness at having Emilia as his wife along with her family was a touching end to the story. Good book!
Yet again I really enjoyed the story and could not put the story down. It’s nice to read a story that is all about sex and people having affairs. Nice that emilia went to Texas for her health and that she got better and found love and that her family decided to move there as well and that she also found the truth out about her father. Thank you once again and cannot wait to read another story.
Thank you so much!
Wonderful story and very nice ending in the Extended Epilogue.
Thanks a lot!
Lorelai Brogan has become, in my mind, synonymous with good clean plots, well-developed characters, & better-than-most editing. I particularly appreciate the lack of bad language, sex, & gore (a rarity in fiction nowadays)!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I truly appreciate it!
Interesting read especially with two sets of twins and the different conflicts in relationships throughout the book!
Thank you!
I really loved this book. I could hardly put it down and I didn’t. The characters were really true to life, and you kept emotions running high. It was just a great book.
So glad you enjoyed the story!
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were perfectly suited fot the story. I am a fan and am anxiously waiting for the next novel. Ge t the book! Enjoy!
Very well written and very entertaining. Emilia was stronger than she thought. She did so well moving to Texas. Meeting Derek was a shock to her seeing as she was sure she had met him many years ago. So glad they got that all straightened out. A page turner and an enjoyable read.
So glad you enjoyed the story!
I was moved by how each character experienced their own challenges that life gave to them. As they met each other and proceeded to help each other to overcome and found each other in love and happiness. I am thoughly enjoying your books. Thank you very much.😊😊
Thank you dear Patricia!
Stay tuned there is more coming!
A wonderful sweet love story. A really great read.