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A Year of Bliss
The rustic cottage nestled amid the snow-covered pines stood as a testament to a year of love and happiness. It was Christmas day once again, and Sarah and Tom were reveling in the warmth of their home and hearts. They sat on the cozy, handcrafted sofa, the flickering fire in the stone fireplace casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Sarah, her cheeks flushed with a healthy glow, cradled her slightly rounded belly with one hand. Her pregnancy had been a source of endless joy for the couple, and the arrival of their first child was eagerly anticipated. She turned her sparkling eyes toward Tom, who sat beside her, his rugged features softened by a contented smile.
Tom reached out and took her hand, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. “Can you believe it’s been a year since we became husband and wife?”
Sarah’s laughter was like music in the room as she leaned over to kiss Tom’s lips. “It feels like a lifetime ago, my love.”
They had exchanged gifts earlier that morning, sipping on steaming cups of hot cocoa as they reveled in the magic of the season. Tom had carved a beautiful wooden crib for their soon-to-arrive little one, each curve and detail meticulously crafted with love. Sarah’s eyes had shimmered with tears of gratitude as she traced her fingers over the smooth wood.
“Oh, Tom, it’s perfect,” she had whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Tom’s blue eyes had twinkled with pride. “I’m glad you like it, Sarah.”
In return, Sarah had gifted Tom a leather-bound journal, the pages blank and waiting for his thoughts and musings. “I know you used to write poetry when you were younger. Maybe you’d like to start again. You can jot down your thoughts, and perhaps even write some poems for our little one.”
Tom had opened the journal, his fingers grazing the untouched pages. “Thank you, Sarah. I’ll cherish it.”
As they sat cuddled together, the love between them was palpable. Their love story was a testament to the magic of the Wild West, where two souls could find each other amidst the vast landscapes and open horizons.
The gentle knock on the door disrupted their reverie, and they exchanged curious glances. Tom rose to answer it, a gust of cold air rushing in as he swung the door open.
Deputy Aaron stood on their doorstep, now proudly adorned with the sheriff’s badge. He grinned at Tom and extended a hand. “Merry Christmas, Tom.”
Tom shook his hand firmly, the two men sharing a mutual respect. “Merry Christmas, Aaron. Come on in.”
Behind Aaron, Emily, his wife, bundled up in a warm coat, entered with a cheerful smile. “Hello, Sarah. You look positively radiant.”
Sarah blushed and stood to greet her friend. “Emily, it’s wonderful to see you. Merry Christmas!”
The two couples settled into the living room, their laughter and camaraderie filling the space with warmth.
Gifts of Love
The cozy living room was now bathed in the soft, golden light of the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. Sarah and Emily sat together on the sofa, their heads bent close as they chatted like old friends. Tom and Aaron occupied the nearby armchairs, both men smiling as they observed the women.
Sarah turned to Emily with a playful glint in her eyes. “Emily, I must say, you’re positively glowing. How have you been?”
Emily’s cheeks flushed as she glanced at Aaron, her love for him shining through her eyes. “I’ve been wonderful, Sarah. And it’s all thanks to this man here.” She reached out to squeeze Aaron’s hand.
Aaron chuckled and leaned over to kiss his wife’s cheek. “Well, I reckon I’m the lucky one.”
Sarah couldn’t help but smile at the couple’s obvious happiness. “I’m so glad you found each other.”
Emily’s gaze turned toward Sarah’s belly, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Speaking of finding each other, how’s the little one doing in there?”
Sarah beamed and placed a protective hand over her belly. “Our baby is kicking up a storm, as if eager to join the world.”
Tom leaned closer to her, his hand resting on her belly as well. “I can’t wait to meet our little one.”
As they continued to chat and catch up, Sarah noticed the twinkle of anticipation in Emily’s eyes. “Emily, do you have any news to share?”
Emily exchanged a secretive smile with Aaron before turning back to Sarah. “Well, we’ve been talking about starting a family of our own.”
Sarah’s eyes widened with delight. “That’s marvelous news! You’d make wonderful parents.”
Aaron squeezed Emily’s hand, his voice filled with affection. “We hope so. And who better to learn from than the two of you?”
Tom chuckled and gave Aaron a nod of approval. “You’ll do just fine, Aaron.”
With the news of impending parenthood and the shared joy of their friends, the room seemed to glow with happiness. Sarah’s heart swelled with gratitude for the love and friendships that had blossomed in the small town of Larkspur.
The sound of a distant church bell chiming the hour reminded them that Christmas day was far from over.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snowy landscape, Sarah suggested they move to the dining area to enjoy a simple yet hearty meal together. Tom and Aaron took charge of lighting the lanterns, their warm glow adding to the festive atmosphere.
They gathered around the rustic dining table, which was adorned with a red-checkered tablecloth and a centerpiece of freshly picked wildflowers. Sarah had prepared a delicious feast of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttered cornbread. The aroma filled the room, making everyone’s mouths water.
Tom stood and raised his glass, a twinkle in his eyes. “To love, friendship, and the blessings of this Christmas day.”
They clinked their glasses together, savoring the moment as they took their first sips of wine. The candles flickered, casting a warm glow on their faces.
Sarah’s eyes wandered to the Christmas tree in the corner, adorned with handmade ornaments and strings of popcorn. She couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. A year ago, she had been a schoolteacher in Larkspur, living a quiet life. Now, she was married to the man she loved, expecting their child, and surrounded by dear friends.
Emily cleared her throat, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Speaking of blessings, shall we exchange gifts?”
Sarah’s heart leaped with excitement. She had carefully chosen gifts for each of them, and she couldn’t wait to see their reactions. Tom rose from his chair and retrieved a pile of beautifully wrapped presents from beneath the tree.
With laughter and anticipation, they began to exchange gifts. Sarah received a lovely hand-knitted shawl from Emily, the intricate patterns a testament to her friend’s talent. Tom handed her a small, carefully wrapped box, and when she opened it, she found a delicate silver locket with a tiny photograph of their wedding day inside.
“It’s beautiful, Tom,” she whispered, touched by the thoughtful gift.
Emily unwrapped a leather-bound journal from Sarah, a place for her to jot down her thoughts and dreams. Aaron received a fine flask, engraved with his initials, a gift that made him grin from ear to ear.
After dinner, as they lounged in front of the crackling fireplace, Sarah couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought them all together. A year ago, she had been a newcomer to Larkspur, uncertain of what the future held. Now, she had a loving husband, a baby on the way, dear friends, and a heart full of gratitude.
Emily glanced at Sarah, her eyes filled with warmth. “You’ve brought so much joy to our lives, Sarah. We’re grateful to have you as a friend.”
Sarah’s voice was filled with emotion. “I feel the same way, Emily. Larkspur has given me more than I ever could have imagined.”
As they exchanged smiles and heartfelt sentiments, the room was filled with the warmth of their love and the spirit of Christmas. They had come together as friends, celebrating the season of love, and the Wild West had become a place of happiness, hope, and enduring bonds.
The crackling of the fire and the soft hum of laughter filled the cozy cottage as they lingered by the hearth. Sarah, nestled in Tom’s arms, could feel the gentle stirrings of their unborn child, a reassuring presence that added to the magic of the evening.
Emily leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I have one more surprise, but it’s not exactly a gift.”
Everyone turned their attention to her, curiosity piqued.
With a secretive smile, Emily rose from the sofa and disappeared into the adjoining room. Moments later, she returned with a small bundle of mistletoe, carefully hung from a piece of twine. She held it up and declared, “It’s a Larkspur tradition to steal a kiss under the mistletoe on Christmas.”
Aaron chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Is that so?”
Sarah felt her cheeks flush with delight as Tom grinned mischievously. “Well, I reckon we ought to uphold tradition, then.”
With a playful twinkle in his eye, Tom leaned in and captured Sarah’s lips in a tender kiss, their love and affection for each other deepening with each passing moment.
Emily giggled and nudged Aaron, who needed no further encouragement. He pulled his wife close, and they shared a sweet kiss beneath the mistletoe.
As the couples exchanged affectionate gestures, the room seemed to shimmer with the joy of the season. The fire crackled, and the candles flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Sarah rested her head on Tom’s shoulder, her heart full to bursting with love and happiness. She couldn’t have asked for a more perfect Christmas—a year of love, friendship, and new beginnings.
Emily glanced at the clock and sighed. “It’s getting late, and we should be heading home.”
Aaron nodded in agreement, but his eyes held a hint of reluctance. “Thank you for the wonderful evening, Tom, Sarah. It’s been a Christmas to remember.”
Tom stood and shook Aaron’s hand warmly. “Anytime, my friend. And remember, the crib is still a work in progress. I’ll need your help finishing it once the little one arrives.”
Aaron grinned. “Count on me, Tom.”
With heartfelt farewells and promises to meet again soon, Aaron and Emily made their way to the door. The snow had stopped falling, and the night air was crisp and clear.
As the door closed behind their friends, Tom and Sarah were left in the quiet embrace of their home. The fire continued to burn brightly, casting a warm and welcoming glow.
Tom wrapped his arms around Sarah, his lips brushing against her ear. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
Sarah turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with love. “Merry Christmas, Tom.”
They shared a lingering kiss, a promise of the love and happiness that would fill their days in the years to come.
And so, in the heart of the American Wild West, in a small town called Larkspur, Sarah and Tom found not only each other but also enduring friendships, love, and the true spirit of Christmas.
As the snowflakes outside glistened in the moonlight, they settled onto the sofa, wrapped in each other’s arms, their hearts aglow with the magic of the season. The love they had discovered in the vast expanse of the Wild West had brought them together, and it was a love that would endure for a lifetime.
And there, in the warmth of their love and the comfort of their home, they celebrated a year of bliss, cherishing the memories of this Christmas—a Christmas that would forever hold a special place in their hearts.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Brave Hearts of the Frontier", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello there, dear readers. I hope you enjoyed the story and this Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments below. Thank you so much! 🙂
A wonderful story but I am as confused as the other reader– what happened to Aaron?
I will let you know, Bets!
Again a love to remember
Whi’s Chris & what happened to Aaron?
What happened to Aaron? He took over the sheriffs job when he was locked up, he was also dating Emily, now she’s Married to someone named Chris?
Also did Nate get sent to prison for life or was he sent to the mental hospital?
Good story apart from this extended version.
God bless
Thank you so much for noticing, Dana! I will notify you as soon as the correct version is up.
Who is Chris? It’s disappointing to spend time reading this entire book only to have the epilogue be a man named Chris and not Aaron.
Thanks for noticing, Teri! I will fix it soon.
I agree! I am so confused! I really liked Aaron and Emily together.
I’m with Dana, wasn’t Chris a deputy? I expected Aaron to marry Emily. But it was an amazing story.
Good catch, Pam! I will notify my editor.
I had the same questions! Chris changed from Aaron. Confusing!
Thanks for correcting Aaron’s name. Now could you adjust the timeline. Tom asked her to marry him around the town Christmas tree and they were married four months later. So how were they celebrating a year of marriage the next Christmas?
Another love story to always remember! Thank you!
This was another really great story. It was captivating and I was really glad to see two people find happiness after having lost loved ones earlier in their lives. Unfortunately there was an issue with the sheriff who wanted Sarah for himself and committed acts of violence to try and achieve it. Thanks again.