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!
Two years later
“Heath, have you seen the twins?” Claire called from the open doorway of their small but bustling home. The late afternoon sunlight spilled across the yard, highlighting the wildflowers she’d planted in neat rows along the fence. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, glancing around the yard with a smile that spoke of contentment and a touch of amusement.
A familiar laugh rumbled from the barn, followed by a pair of shrill giggles. “You mean these two troublemakers?” Heath stepped out into view, a twin perched on each arm. His tall frame cast a long shadow, but there was nothing dark about his expression as he beamed at his wife. “Found them trying to sneak apples out of the feed bin for the horses.”
“Oh, did you now?” Claire crossed her arms, feigning sternness, though her eyes danced with laughter. “Which one of you was the ringleader this time? Was it you, Ella, or you, Ethan?”
Both children erupted in laughter, clearly unfazed by the mock interrogation. “It was Ethan!” Ella declared, pointing a chubby finger at her brother. Ethan, not to be outdone, shook his head vehemently. “No, it was Ella!”
Heath chuckled, adjusting his hold on the wriggling twins. “I’d say it was a joint effort, judging by the sticky fingers.” He nodded toward the small, apple-stained hands of both children. “Seems neither one has a spotless record.”
Claire stepped closer, reaching up to take Ella from Heath’s arms. “Well, crime doesn’t pay,” she said, planting a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “At least not in this house.”
As she held her daughter, Claire’s gaze softened. “Can you believe it’s been two years, Heath?” she said quietly, her voice catching slightly. “Two years since everything changed.”
Heath’s eyes met hers, and the love and gratitude they shared was as clear as the blue sky above them. “Some days, it feels like a lifetime. Other days, like it was just yesterday.” He shifted Ethan to his hip and reached out to brush his knuckles gently against Claire’s cheek. “But every day, I’m glad we found our way to this. To us.”
Claire leaned into his touch, momentarily lost in the warmth and strength she had come to depend on. “I am too,” she whispered. Then, with a playful nudge, she turned her attention back to the twins. “Now, let’s wash these little bandits up before supper.”
Together, the family walked back toward the house, laughter echoing through the yard. As Heath and Claire guided the twins inside, the golden hues of the setting sun painted a picture of peace and hope—a life hard-won and cherished more deeply with each passing day.
As the family gathered in the cozy kitchen, the scent of fresh cornbread filled the air. Claire moved around with practiced ease, setting plates on the worn but sturdy wooden table while Heath placed the twins in their small chairs. Their chatter filled the room, a delightful mix of toddler babble and laughter.
“Heath, could you pass me the butter?” Claire asked, glancing over her shoulder. She caught him staring at her, a fond smile tugging at his lips. “What?” she asked, a laugh escaping her. “Do I have flour on my face again?”
“No,” Heath said, shaking his head as he reached for the butter. “I was just thinking how lucky I am.” He handed her the butter, his hand lingering over hers for a heartbeat longer. “To have all this, with you.”
She paused, taking in his words with a warmth that spread through her chest. “You’re not half bad yourself, Sheriff,” she teased a sparkle in her eyes. “Now sit down before the cornbread gets cold.”
Just as Heath pulled out his chair, there was a knock at the door. Both parents exchanged a glance, and Heath’s instincts, sharpened by years of being sheriff, kicked in. “I’ll get it,” he said, rising.
Opening the door, he was met by the familiar face of Nate, who stood with his hat in his hands. “Hope I’m not interrupting,” Nate said, his gaze flicking briefly to the happy scene inside. “I just wanted to bring these by.” He held up a small sack of wild herbs and dried flowers. “For the twins. Thought they might help with the cough you mentioned.”
Heath stepped aside, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Not interrupting at all. Come on in, Deputy.”
Nate hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside. His steps were lighter than they had been a year ago, a testament to the changes he had embraced since becoming Heath’s deputy. The weight of past mistakes seemed to sit more gently on his shoulders now.
“Evening, Nate,” Claire greeted warmly, scooping up the herbs. “You’re a lifesaver. The twins have been restless with that cough.”
“Just trying to do my part,” Nate replied, his voice soft but steady. He turned his attention to the twins, who were eyeing him curiously. “You two behaving for your ma and pa?”
“Mostly,” Ella said, with a mischievous grin that mirrored Heath’s.
“Mostly, huh?” Nate chuckled. He glanced back at Heath, the hint of a smile still playing on his lips. “Guess that runs in the family.”
“Would you stay for supper?” Claire offered, gesturing to the table. “We’ve got more than enough.”
Nate started to refuse, but then he caught Heath’s encouraging nod. “Sure,” he said, his tone more relaxed. “I’d like that.”
As the four adults and two children settled around the table, conversation flowed easily. They spoke of town matters, of the progress being made since the Frontier Rangers had been captured, and of the future they all hoped to build. For Heath, this moment—a simple meal with people he trusted—was another reminder of how far they’d come.
“Thank you, Nate,” Heath said, raising his glass of water in a small toast. “For all you’ve done for the town and for us.”
Nate’s gaze met his, and for a moment, there was silence. Then he nodded, his voice low but sincere. “Couldn’t have done it without you, Heath. Without all of you.”
As they ate, the warmth of friendship and family filled the room—a promise that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow on the worn floorboards. Heath sat at the table with a pen in hand, carefully forming words on a sheet of parchment. He paused, chewing thoughtfully on the end of the pen before continuing.
Claire walked in, holding a basket of freshly washed linens. “Another letter to Lex?” she asked, setting the basket down and moving to stand behind him. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah,” Heath replied, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and hesitation. “He’s been asking more questions lately. About everything. About God, about his choices… I think he really wants to change.”
Claire squeezed his shoulder. “You’ve done a good thing, writing to him. Offering him hope when no one else would.”
Heath tilted his head up to look at her, gratitude shining in his eyes. “I’m just trying to do what I’d want someone to do for me,” he said softly. “We’ve all made mistakes. Some bigger than others, but… it’s never too late to change.”
Claire nodded, understanding all too well the weight of redemption and forgiveness. “I’m proud of you,” she said, her voice steady. “I’m proud of who you are.”
Before Heath could respond, there was a sudden burst of laughter from outside. The twins were playing with Bessie in the yard, their giggles carrying through the open window. Heath grinned, his heart swelling with a mixture of love and gratitude. “Sounds like Bessie’s got her hands full.”
Claire smiled, her eyes soft. “She wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Heath carefully set his pen down and folded the letter. “I’ll take this to the post later.” He stood, stretching, then pulled Claire into his arms. “You know,” he murmured, his lips close to her ear, “I think I’m the luckiest man alive.”
“Is that so?” Claire teased, tilting her head to look up at him. “Care to prove it?”
“Oh, I can prove it,” Heath said with a playful glint in his eyes. He leaned in to kiss her, but the moment was interrupted by a loud crash from the yard, followed by Ella’s wail.
The couple exchanged a glance, equal parts exasperated and amused. “Parenthood calls,” Claire said with a laugh, already moving toward the door.
Heath followed, shaking his head but unable to suppress his grin. Outside, they found Bessie trying to comfort Ella, who had tripped over a bucket, while Ethan looked on with wide eyes.
“All right, what happened here?” Heath asked, his voice firm but gentle.
“Bucket was in the way!” Ella sobbed, holding out her scraped knee.
Claire knelt down, examining the injury with a practiced eye. “It’s just a scrape, sweet girl. You’ll be all right.” She kissed Ella’s forehead, and the little girl’s cries quickly subsided.
Heath bent down next to Claire, meeting Ella’s tearful gaze. “That bucket’s no match for you,” he said with a wink, drawing a small smile from his daughter. “But maybe we’ll move it next time, huh?”
Together, they helped Ella back to her feet. The moment was simple, yet profound—a reminder of the life they had built, the love that bound them, and the hope that carried them forward. As Heath stood, his arm around Claire, he knew that whatever challenges came their way, they would face them as a family.
A few days later, the town of Seattle was abuzz with activity. The main street was lined with vendors, townsfolk mingling, and children chasing each other around wagons. Heath walked beside Claire, one hand clasped in hers and the other resting protectively on Ethan’s small shoulder. Ella skipped ahead, her laughter bright and free.
It was one of the town’s market days—a time for celebration, trade, and connection. For Heath and Claire, it was a chance to see how far they’d come, to stand side by side with friends and neighbors who had become like family.
As they approached the sheriff’s office, Nate stepped out, a broad smile on his face. “Morning, Sheriff. Claire.” He tipped his hat, then crouched down to the twins’ level. “Morning, rascals.”
“Morning, Nate!” they chorused, their voices bright with affection.
Nate straightened and fell in step with Heath as they walked. “Heard from Lex yet?” he asked quietly, his expression turning serious.
“Got a letter yesterday,” Heath replied, keeping his voice low. “He’s working with the prison chaplain now. Says he’s trying to make amends.”
Nate nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “That’s good. Real good. If anyone can turn things around, it’s him. With your help.”
“It’s not just me,” Heath said. “It’s God working through all of us. Even when we don’t always see it.”
They paused near the general store, watching as townsfolk passed by, greeting them with smiles and waves. Heath felt a deep sense of contentment—a peace that had been hard-won but was now woven into the fabric of his life.
“Speaking of turning things around,” Nate said, a hint of mischief in his tone, “Ashley and I have news.”
Claire, who had been chatting with Mrs. Bradford a few steps away, turned at the sound of her name. “News?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Nate grinned, his eyes shining. “Ashley is expecting. We’ll have a little one come spring.”
The joy that erupted from Heath and Claire was immediate. Claire pulled Nate into a tight embrace, tears in her eyes. “That’s wonderful! Oh, Nate, we’re so happy for you both.”
“Thank you,” Nate said, his voice thick with emotion. “I never thought… I mean, after everything…” He trailed off, looking down at his hands. “But now, it feels like I’ve been given a second chance.”
“You have,” Heath said, clapping a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We all have.”
The group stood together for a moment, savoring the promise of new beginnings. The market around them buzzed with life—children shouting, merchants calling out their wares, and friends exchanging news. It was a reminder that life moved on, that hope always found a way to grow even in the hardest of times.
Claire knelt to speak to the twins. “You hear that? You’re going to have a new friend to play with soon.”
Ella clapped her hands in delight, while Ethan looked thoughtful. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“We don’t know yet,” Nate said, smiling. “But either way, you two will be great friends.”
The twins nodded solemnly as if accepting a great responsibility. Heath chuckled, his heart light. “Let’s go find Ashley and congratulate her properly.”
As they moved through the town, surrounded by the people they loved and the life they had built, Heath and Claire exchanged a glance—a silent acknowledgment of the journey they’d traveled and the bright path ahead.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the town. And as Heath squeezed Claire’s hand, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—with faith, love, and the unbreakable bond of family.
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! 🙂
Loved loved the book I just stayed up all night it was so good couldn’t stop reading it. I’ve always loved your books awesome author. Thank you so much you are the best
Lovely story.
Delightful story to read. Claire’s faith is tested with the death of her first husband, Grant, although his mother is a piece of work. Wonderful ending that Claire now has a loving happiness and family with Heath. Certainly Claire is the gentle push to have Heath return to the faith.
Thank you for your writing Ms Lorelei Brogan
I enjoyed the story and plan on reading the rest of the series
I loved your book and the extended episode. Glad he’s still the sherif. Keep writing as the books are so good.
Thank you so much!
A good story and Claire’s,fait is very inspiring Well written
Thanks Gwen!
A good story of walking the Christian life and showing your enemies the right way. Forgiveness is prevalent in the EE.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the story impactful in portraying the Christian walk, especially the themes of forgiveness and guiding others toward the right path.
This story is very well written. If flows nicely, is very suspenseful and is very enjoyable. Great job!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m delighted to hear that you found the story well-written, suspenseful, and enjoyable. Your feedback means a lot, and I’m glad the flow and suspense kept you engaged.
Lovely story I enjoyed reading it, it reminds me of stories about my great grandparents and the difficulties they faced such a good story teller
Thanks June!