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In the bustling Norridge household, nestled in the heartland of California, Aunt Theresa sat at her desk with a faraway look in her eyes. Around her, the energetic pitter-patter of children’s feet and gleeful laughter filled the home, a place teeming with love, warmth, and the familiar chaos of a large family.
With a sigh, Theresa retrieved her pen and began to pen a heartfelt letter to her beloved daughter, Adriana. As she wrote, her youngest son, Danny, darted into the room, cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Mama, Mama, look what I found!” he exclaimed, holding up a shiny pebble.
Theresa smiled, setting her pen aside to admire the treasure. “Why, that’s a beautiful stone, Danny! Now, run along and play with your siblings.”
Danny scampered off, and Theresa turned her attention back to the letter.
Dearest Addie,
The days seem to stretch long without you, but our home continues to bustle with the joy of your half-siblings. Danny just showed me a pebble he found; it sparkled much like your eyes when you were last here.
I trust this letter finds you, Riley, Becky, and young Riley in good health and spirits. How are the children? Do they enjoy their life there? I often wonder if they’ve inherited my for the wild landscapes of our beautiful country.
Gifford, has been keenly following the success of your automobile business from the local newspaper. He speaks of it with pride in his eyes, and I must confess, I too am thrilled to hear about your triumphs.
As Theresa wrote, Gifford walked in, a knowing smile on his face. He came up behind her, placing a gentle kiss on her temple and reading over her shoulder.
“Writing to our Addie, are you?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
Theresa looked up, her eyes softened with love. “Yes, dear. I miss her so.”
Gifford’s eyes twinkled. “She’s a strong woman, just like her mother. I’m sure she’s doing well.”
With a contented sigh, Theresa continued to write, asking after each of her grandchildren and the family’s new business venture. Her words were filled with genuine curiosity and longing, the love of a mother reaching across the miles.
Please give our love to the children and Riley. We are eager to hear about your life, your dreams, and the adventures that I know you are embracing wholeheartedly.
With all the love in my heart,
Mother
She sealed the letter with a loving touch, knowing that it would bridge the distance between her and her daughter.
Afterwards, Theresa and Gifford spent a quiet moment together, reflecting on their blessings and feeling a connection to Adriana and her family, though miles apart. The laughter of children in the next room reminded them of the love that had grown and flourished under their care, a legacy that now extended far beyond their home.
The day wore on, filled with family chores, playful banter, and the warmth of a home alive with love. Yet Theresa’s thoughts often drifted to her daughter, a constant presence in her heart, waiting for the day they would be reunited.
*
Under the golden glow of the lantern that hung by the window, Adriana sat at her desk, the letter from Aunt Theresa clutched in her hands. Her eyes shone with a mixture of joy and nostalgia as she read the words penned by the woman she now called mother.
Outside, the sky was painted with hues of pink and orang, a beautiful symphony of colors. The children had been put to bed, and the house was quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery from their burgeoning automobile workshop.
Adriana’s heart swelled with longing as she reread her mother’s words. She missed the bustling Norridge household, the warmth of her family, and the simplicity of life in California. The memories washed over her, and she found herself reaching for her pen.
Dearest Mother,
Your letter filled my heart with joy and brought a smile to my face. Thank you for writing. Riley and I are well, and the children are thriving. Becky has taken a liking to the horses, and young Riley shows an uncanny knack for mechanics. They both send their love and often ask when we will visit.
The automobile business has been booming, exceeding our wildest expectations. Our hard work have paid off, and we are enjoying significant profits. The future looks bright, and we owe much of our success to the values and determination you instilled in me, as well as your love and support.
How are all my half-siblings? Please give them my love and tell them I think of them often. Your description of Danny’s discovery made me laugh; it’s heartwarming to know that the house is as lively and loving as ever.
Just as Adriana was finishing her letter, Riley entered the room. His eyes were soft as he watched his wife, the glow from the lantern illuminating her face, enhancing her beauty.
“Missing your family?” he asked, crossing the room to stand beside her.
Adriana looked up, a smile playing on her lips. “Yes, very much. They’re always in my thoughts.”
Riley leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “I know how much they mean to you,” he said, his voice filled with understanding.
Adriana’s eyes met his, a silent communication passing between them. She continued writing, her hand steady and her heart full.
Until we meet again, know that we are safe, happy, and forever grateful for your love and support.
With all my love,
Adriana
She signed off the letter, sealing it with care, knowing that it would carry her words across the miles to the family she cherished.
They stood together for a moment, Adriana resting her head on Riley’s shoulder, the love and connection between them as strong as ever.
With a contented sigh, Adriana placed the letter on the desk, her thoughts lingering on her family, even as she turned to embrace the warmth of her husband’s arms.
Adriana’s heart was still fluttering with warmth and memories as Riley wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She nestled into his embrace, feeling the familiar love and protection that had become her anchor.
“You know, sweetheart,” Riley began, his voice soft and thoughtful, “I’ve been thinking. We should plan a visit to your family soon. Perhaps for Amy’s upcoming birthday. What do you think?”
Adriana’s eyes widened, a smile breaking across her face as she looked up at him. “Oh, Riley, that would be wonderful! Amy would be so surprised, and I know the children would love to see everyone again.”
Riley’s eyes twinkled as he kissed the top of her head. “Then it’s settled. We’ll make arrangements, and it’ll be our little secret until the big day.”
A thrill of excitement ran through Adriana, and she hugged her husband tightly. The thought of seeing her family again, of being back in the bustling household with all its love and chaos, filled her with joy.
“They’re going to be so surprised, especially Amy,” Adriana said, her voice filled with anticipation. “I can already imagine her face.”
Riley chuckled, his own excitement building. “It’ll be good to see them all, to reconnect and share in the laughter and love. Your family has become my family, Adriana, and I miss them as much as you do.”
The room seemed to glow with the warmth of their affection, the very walls bearing witness to the love and connection that had grown between them. They were partners in every way, their lives intertwined, their dreams shared.
As they began to discuss the details of their trip, the conversation flowed easily, filled with enthusiasm and planning. They spoke of the gifts they would bring, the places they would visit, and the joy they would share with those they loved.
Hours passed as they lost themselves in each other and their plans, the outside world fading away as they reveled in the connection that only they shared.
Finally, as the lantern’s glow began to wane, Riley stood and took Adriana’s hand, leading her toward the bedroom. “Come on, my love,” he said, his voice tender. “We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow, and we need our rest.”
Adriana followed, her heart light and her mind filled with happy thoughts. As they reached the bedroom door, she paused, turning to look at Riley with loving eyes.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “Thank you for understanding, for loving me, and for being my partner in everything. I couldn’t ask for a better husband or a better life.”
Riley pulled her close, his lips finding hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. “And I couldn’t ask for a better wife. We’re in this together, Adriana. Always and forever.”
With those words, they entered the bedroom, closing the door behind them, the lights going off as they settled into each other’s arms, feeling hopeful, excited, and united in their love and their future.
The promise of their upcoming visit and the joy of being together filled the room, a gentle reminder of the blessings they had found in each other and the family they cherished.
*
The morning sun crept through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room as Adriana and Riley slowly awakened to the sounds of their children’s laughter outside.
Adriana stretched and turned to look at her husband, her eyes filled with contentment. “Do you hear that, darling? Our little ones are already up and about.”
Riley smiled and pulled her close, savoring the moment. “They have their mother’s energy, that’s for sure.”
They lay there for a few more moments, letting the warmth of the new day and the joy of their children’s voices fill them with happiness before finally getting up.
Dressing quickly, they made their way to the kitchen, where the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon greeted them.
“Morning, Mama! Morning, Papa!” Becky chirped, her face smeared with jam as she rushed to hug them.
“Morning, my little sunshine,” Adriana replied, kissing her daughter’s cheek. “And where’s my big boy?”
“Right here, Mama!” little Riley announced, rushing over with a big grin, his hands proudly clutching a drawing. “Look what I made for you!”
Adriana’s eyes sparkled as she took the drawing, a colorful depiction of their family, complete with an attempt at an automobile in the background. “It’s beautiful, Ronnie. Thank you!”
The morning progressed with the usual delightful chaos, filled with laughter, stories, and the sharing of dreams. Breakfast was a lively affair, with everyone talking at once, the children excitedly discussing their plans for the day.
Adriana and Riley exchanged knowing glances, their secret visit to the family still safe and adding an extra layer of excitement to their lives.
“Are you whispering about something?” Becky asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“Oh, just grown-up stuff, sweetheart,” Riley answered, winking at Adriana.
The day unfolded with a harmony and happiness that was the hallmark of their lives. Whether working on their business, playing with the children, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Adriana and Riley’s love was the constant thread that bound them together.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the family gathered on the porch, watching the world turn to twilight.
Adriana leaned against Riley, feeling a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. Their lives were filled with love, success, and the promise of more joy to come. The upcoming visit to her family was a beautiful reminder of the richness of their lives, and she knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
“Everything’s perfect, isn’t it?” she whispered to Riley, her eyes reflecting the deep contentment in her heart.
He kissed her forehead and wrapped his arm around her. “Yes, my love. Perfect in every way.”
And as the stars began to twinkle in the deepening night, they sat there, a family united by love and hope, looking forward to the adventures and blessings that awaited them in the days to come. In that moment, all was right in their world, and the promise of ‘Happily Ever After’ was more than just words—it was their reality.
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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 my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
That was a beautiful story, I couldn’t put it down. It had adventure, mystery, romance and a surprise ending. Ana got her inheritance back, her love and husband Riley and the surprise. A mother and siblings. Good extended episode.
I wonder what happened to the ranch. I enjoyed the extended epilogue to see they kept up the families.
This is a wonderful story. I did wonder why a sheriff was never notified but perhaps it would not have worked very well since the badman could have been notified.
Enjoying reading despite being stressful at times & this reader wondering — what next???
I really enjoyed the book. It definitely had some surprises. Two things though I noticed. Ariana’s husbands name was not Ronald it was Riley. Sometimes I honestly don’t feel the authors are writing these epilogues all the time. Also the term peachy-keen was first used in 1948 but wasn’t commonly used until the 1950’s.
So embarrassing! I contacted my editor about it. Thanks for letting me know!
Since we read paragraphs about the beloved ranch the least you could have said was, “How is life treating you on the ranch since you have started your new automobile business? My husband loves to read the information way out here from your local newspaper.”
Or maybe the new business is in San Francisco? What do you mean?
Who is Ronald?? It is Riley! Disappointing getting the husband’s name wrong. I found myself glazing over pages that had so much chatter that didn’t seem to be relevant. I normally love your stories. Still it is a good story all in all.
Thanks for pointing this out Sherrie! I will contact my editor.
Who is Ronald? And why an automobile shop instead of a big ranch?
A wonderful story, loved the characters!
Thanks Linda! I will let my editor know about this.
I enjoyed this story which wad really good up until the automobile business. That seemed to be a vey unusual business with Riley owning a ranch. It was great Adriana finally found out the truth about her mother and that they enjoyed a very loving relationship. She and Riley had a wonderful relationship with their own children.
Thank you, Shannon!
You really need a good proof reader. names incorrect and the epilogue was so disjointed, I wasn’t sure it was the same book. Riley or Ronald, ranch or auto business. really distressing. I did enjoy the story and the writing form.
Thank you, Barbara!
Love your books ,although the extended epilogues are not always available. Iwould do loved seeing them go back to Riley’s ranch; ❤️
Loved this story with all its twists and turns. This couple definitely defied the norms of their time period in traveling and overnight ingredients together. A great reunion with Teresa and Giff.
Automobile business?! I did not like that at all! It almost ruined the whole book for me. I wanted to hear about Riley’s ranch and how Adriana adapted to life there, not her longing for her family in San Fancisco. What happened to Riley’s family? Did you write this????
I am sincerely sorry Barbara
I really enjoyed the story, but then the epilogue was so confusing and disjointed from the story, I would prefer not to have read it. Where were they living with the automobile business? What happened to the ranch and Riley’s family? How much time had lapsed? It didn’t mention Becky or Little Riley’s ages.
A story I enjoyed. A bit of subterfuge, a rugged cowboy and a happy ending.
Epilogue always welcome though I was looking to see how Riley’s family had got on.
I wondered if that young lad ever got his saddle. I also wondered where the automobiles came in as it was never mentioned before
I love this story. It was fantastic. The only thing I wish is that I had not read the epilogue. After reading the epilogue nothing made sense anymore and I wish I had never read it in the first place. Totally wrecked the whole book for me. It should have had ranch instead of automobiles. Where did they live? I think I’m done reading the epilogues. The epilogues seem to take away the joy of the book for me.
Excellent story. Family twist made it more so. Ranch was unexplained but wealthy families often had numerous properties. Villains received just treatment and apparently our heroine recovered her inheritance. No mention of Illinois family but left reader feeling comfortable. Thank you, you did not waste the reader’s time.
Thank you, Kerma!