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Two Years Later
The sun rose over the small town of Dallas, casting golden rays across the dusty streets and illuminating the quiet, picturesque scene. It had been two years since Willow and Griffin exchanged their vows, and the town had seen its fair share of changes in that time.
As the morning light filtered through the windows of the boarding house, Ada Laney bustled about the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune as she prepared breakfast for her family. The smell of freshly baked biscuits and sizzling bacon filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and chatter from the other boarders who were beginning to stir from their slumber.
In the corner of the room, Griffin sat at the table, cradling a cup of steaming coffee in his hands as he watched Ada move about with practiced efficiency. Beside him, Willow stood, her hands gently cradling the small form of one of Ada’s newborn twins, a content smile playing on her lips.
“Seems like just yesterday they were born,” Griffin remarked, his gaze softening as he looked at the tiny bundle in Willow’s arms.
Willow nodded, her eyes shining with pride and affection. “They grow so fast,” she murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the baby’s forehead. “But every moment with them is a gift.”
Just then, the door swung open, and Arthur strode into the room, his expression bright and cheerful. He had a spring in his step, a far cry from the troubled young man he had once been. Behind him trailed Betty, his wife, her arms wrapped around their own bundle of joy, a wide grin on her face.
“Morning, everyone!” Arthur called out, his voice ringing with joy. “Looks like it’s shaping up to be a beautiful day.”
Griffin greeted him with a nod, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Morning, Arthur. Betty. How are you both this fine morning?”
“We’re doing just fine, thank you,” Betty replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “We thought we’d come down and join you all for breakfast.”
Arthur pulled out a chair and sat down, his gaze drifting over to Willow and the baby in her arms. “Mind if I have a hold?” he asked, a hopeful look in his eyes.
Willow smiled and carefully passed the baby into Arthur’s waiting arms. As he cradled the newborn close, a look of pure joy spread across his face, and for a moment, all was right with the world.
“I never thought I’d be holding my own child,” Arthur whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “But here we are, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Griffin clapped him on the back, a proud smile on his face. “You’ve come a long way, Arthur. We’re all proud of you.”
As they sat together, basking in the warmth of their newfound family, Griffin couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the hardships they had faced, they had all found happiness and love in the most unexpected of places. And as they shared a meal together, surrounded by the ones they held dear, Griffin knew that they had finally found their happily ever after.
Later that morning, after breakfast had been cleared away and the boarders had gone about their daily routines, Arthur approached Griffin with a serious expression on his face.
“Griffin, I need to ask you something,” Arthur began, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Griffin turned to face him, noting the gravity in Arthur’s demeanor. “Of course, Arthur. What’s on your mind?”
Arthur hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I want to go see my father,” he said quietly. “It’s been two years since everything happened, and I haven’t seen him since he was arrested. I just… I need closure, you know?”
Griffin nodded understandingly, placing a reassuring hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “I understand, Arthur. It’s important to confront the past and find closure. I’ll go with you if you’d like.”
Arthur’s expression softened, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you, Griffin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Together, the two men made their way to the local jail, where Arthur’s father had been incarcerated since his arrest. As they entered the dimly lit building, Arthur’s footsteps echoed against the cold stone walls, his heart pounding in his chest.
They were led to a small visiting room, where Arthur’s father sat alone at a worn wooden table, his eyes downcast and his hands clasped tightly together. He looked up as they entered, his expression guarded and wary.
Arthur took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. “Father,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
His father’s gaze met his own, and for a moment, there was silence between them. Then, slowly, Arthur began to speak, his words coming out in a rush as he poured out his heart to the man who had once been his father.
“I forgive you,” Arthur said, his voice trembling with emotion. “For everything you’ve done, for all the pain you’ve caused. I forgive you, and I still love you, despite it all.”
Tears welled in his father’s eyes, and he reached out a trembling hand towards Arthur. “I’m so sorry, son,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I’ve done so many terrible things, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”
Arthur shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. “You may not deserve it, but that’s the thing about forgiveness, Father. It’s not about deserving. It’s about letting go of the pain and finding peace.”
As they sat together in that small, cramped room, Arthur and his father talked for hours, sharing memories and regrets, hopes and dreams. And in that moment, amidst the pain and the sorrow, they found a measure of healing, a glimmer of hope for the future.
As they left the jail that afternoon, Arthur felt lighter than he had in years, the weight of his past finally lifted from his shoulders. And as he looked up at the clear blue sky overhead, he knew that, despite everything, there was still beauty and joy to be found in the world.
Back at the boarding house, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of contentment and tranquility. The sun cast a warm glow over the peaceful surroundings as Arthur and Griffin returned from their visit to the jail, their hearts lighter and their spirits lifted.
As they entered the welcoming embrace of the boarding house, Ada greeted them with a smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth and affection. She had been busy caring for her newborn twins, their tiny forms cradled in her arms as she moved about the room with practiced ease.
“Welcome back, boys,” Ada said warmly, her voice soft and melodious. “How did it go?”
Arthur shared a heartfelt smile with Ada, his eyes shining with gratitude. “It went well, Ada. Thank you for asking,” he replied, his voice filled with emotion.
Griffin nodded in agreement, a sense of peace settling over him as he looked around at the familiar surroundings. “It was a difficult conversation, but I think it was necessary,” he added, his voice steady and reassuring.
Ada nodded understandingly, her gaze filled with compassion. “I’m glad to hear that, boys,” she said softly, her words filled with warmth and understanding.
As they settled into the comfortable chairs by the fireplace, Arthur couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the family he had found at the boarding house. Despite the challenges they had faced, they had come through it all with their bonds stronger than ever.
Sitting together in companionable silence, Arthur felt a sense of peace settle over him, his heart filled with gratitude for the love and support of those around him. And as he looked around at the smiling faces of his newfound family, he knew that, no matter what the future held, they would face it together, united in their love and their determination to make the most of every moment.
With a smile of contentment, Arthur leaned back in his chair, his heart full to bursting with gratitude for the blessings of friendship, love, and family. And as the warmth of the fire washed over him, he closed his eyes, his mind filled with dreams of a bright and beautiful future filled with love and happiness.
In the quiet moments after dinner, Willow and Griffin found themselves sitting together on the porch of the boarding house, the soft glow of the lanterns casting a warm light over their faces as they gazed out at the starlit sky. It had been two years since they had exchanged vows, and in that time, their love had only grown stronger.
Griffin reached out and took Willow’s hand in his, his touch sending a shiver of warmth through her. “Can you believe it’s been two years already?” he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Willow smiled softly, her heart swelling with love for the man beside her. “It feels like only yesterday,” she replied, her voice soft and filled with affection. “But at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago.”
Griffin nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with love as he looked into Willow’s eyes. “I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve had together,” he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. “You’ve brought so much light and joy into my life, Willow. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Willow felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, her heart overflowing with love for the man beside her. “And I don’t know what I would do without you, Griffin,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “You’ve given me a love I never thought possible, and I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared together.”
As they sat together in the quiet of the night, their hands entwined, they felt a sense of peace settle over them. They had faced many challenges in their time together, but through it all, their love had remained steadfast and true.
Looking out at the starlit sky, their hearts filled with hope and dreams for the future, they knew that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together, hand in hand, their love lighting the way.
With a smile of contentment, Griffin leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Willow’s lips, his heart overflowing with love for the woman beside him. As they sat together in the warm embrace of the night, their love shining brightly like the stars above, they knew that their journey was only just beginning.
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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 🙂
It was a great story filled with suspense and exciting events.
Who did Ada have twin babies with? I’m so confused by the extended epilogue. Laney is the last name of Griffin’s adopted parents.
I agree. This is confusing
Me t00! I felt I must have missed a page and went back and reread the epilogue. Jeffrey? The Sheriff of Dallas? IDK
Barbara Robison
I enjoyed this book very much but was so confused with the ee.
Ada Laney holding her twin babies Laney was Griffins adopted name who’s babies Arthur or Griffins also no mention of Griffins parents. A little confusing.
A wonderful story filled with criminals, escaping, hurts, capture and love. The EE is a very nice ending.
Errors I saw: –
EE – holding one of Ada’s newborn {sounds like Ada had twins but are her grandchildren}
p208 He didn’t mind the -borders-. . . {boarders}
p239 – Willow thought about why Griffin reacted the way -she- had (he)
p255 – One or two weeks, that -mean- -this- father was either. . {that meant or means; that father}
It also says Ada Laney. Wasn’t that Griffins adopted name?
Thank you for the feedback, Bets!
A very good read
Thanks Gwen!
Enjoyable story of loss and the ability to overcome to find a better life. Willow and Griffin did have healing of their hearts.
Thank you Lorelei Brogan
Very confusing when I read that they held Ada’s newborn twins then you are trying to guess if it was Willow and Griffin’s or Arthur’s twins. I really enjoyed reading this book.
A beautiful story! I enjoyed every single page ! The twists & turns were amazingly gripping! A pity though that the extended epilogue sounds confusing. Was Ada carrying her twin grandchildren? Or were they hers? Who did she marry as she was called Ada Laney? But it’s Griffin’s Dad who was sheriff Laney happily married to Griffins Mum? Ada Laney? Strange! Did Griffin & his wife have children? Were the twins their babies ? Oh dear me ! This extended epilogue has me confused! Can you please clarify Ms Brogan & put me out of my misery ?
I really enjoyed the story that was full of excitement, fear, tension Along with excitement and happiness. There were several Times when A character was called by the wrong name but mostly, In the epilog. How did this more than mature lady have Newborn twins when no father or husband was mentioned at anytime for Ada. At 1st I thought it was another Person that was named wrong but no at the very end Ada was cradling both of her new born babies so they were hers and not our main Character’s. Very confusing.
I agree, very confusing.
This should have been edited much better, Elaine!Thanks for noticing.
I really enjoyed this story. Out of so much loss and pain both Willow and Griffin found each other. They weren’t the only ones who were suffering as both Ada and Arthur had they own loss and pain. The interesting part was that their lives were so inter twined. It all worked out thanks to Eugene being put behind bars.
A great read as usual Lorelei with action, drama, love forgiveness and redemption.
There needs to be better proofreading. Ada did not have twins…Willow did.
Ada is grandmother.
Maybe you should read what you wrote. I enjoyed the book thanks it’s a good read. Cowboy
Love it
Thanks so much for another good read. The epilogue was a bit confusing towards the end, but I enjoyed the whole story.Thank you for sharing this book on Amazon Kindle.
Enjoyed reading the updates to the story and agree with the previous confusions about the twins and Ada’s last name…
One other thing that confused me was when Arthur takes one of the twins from Willow and says… “ I never thought I’d be holding my own child,” Arthur whispered…
Huh…? He’s holding Griffin and Willow’s baby (?)
Lorelei, you write a good story (I’ve read quite a few), but you shouldn’t allow them to rush posting things so quickly that they don’t even get proofed. This could’ve been easily caught in 30 minutes.
Keep writing 🥰
Julie
He’s holding
I’m on a Lorelei Brogan binge and editing has not been as well done as it should be, especially many of the epilogues. Mixing up the groom and brides parents names, brides deceased brother Matt comes back as groom’s younger brother. Who knows who the parents are of the twins in this one. Whoever is editing is not following the characters and their names in the stories and into the epilogues.
Thanks for letting me know, Deb!
A very busy story, never a dull moment. I enjoyed the easy reading & how the story moved along. I’m glad I read it now on to another book.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m delighted you enjoyed the pace and flow of the story. I hope you find your next read just as engaging!
How did Ada have twins and with who and her last name was Laney…confusing
I am confused about Ada’s twins.
She married Griffith’s adopted father? Where did that come from? She was prob too old to have children at that point. More likely these were Griffith and Willow’s twins?
Loved the story , but epilogue too hastily written, or not proofread.
Suggestion: Please give up on the EE and just finish the story in the last chapter . All the EE I read, not just yours, always mix up the characters and their family nembers. It’s not worth taking my time to read the EE that make no sense. So frustrating!!
Judy B.
Loved the book. But the extended epilogue not so much. Very confusing. Had to go back to beginning and read again. It was too confusing. Felt like some of the story was omitted.
I always enjoy your bookz
I always enjoy your books
Thanks Greta!
Confusion I E. I agree about all areas
mentioned above that add to confusion.. But one area that just did not line up with the flow of story… Eugene was a horrific character committing murder more than once but then Author visits him in local jail where he is doing time….. just does not make it all ring true… He should be in a prison for criminally insane! I am through with epilogue they ruin the feelings I have at the end of very interesting an moving stories….