Trusting Her Righteous Heart – Extended Epilogue

Julian inhaled sharply. “I felt that! He kicked!”

“Or she,” Savannah added teasingly. Leaning against the table, she rested her hand over his and continued to fan herself with the piece of paper. “I do hope this child comes soon. Only a few more months.”

It hardly seemed possible that they had married early last October, only for her to be with child now, in late April. Summer was right around the corner.

Savannah looked up at Julian as she marveled over the passing of time. She could hardly understand it. Sometimes, it still felt as though she had only just arrived. And yet, it was as if she had known and been with Julian all her life.

“It will still be summer,” Julian reminded her with a sheepish smile. When she made a face, he chuckled. “But don’t worry. It’s Wyoming. So we could also wind up with a snowstorm tomorrow. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

Her heart dropped at the thought of such trouble. Savannah blinked quickly before her emotions could get the best of her. The thrill of her marriage had been quickly thrust into a whirlwind with the strange journey of creating a child within her womb. She and Julian had both been ecstatic when they’d realized this was the case, though neither of them had expected it so soon.

It was Wilma who had figured it out.

“I’m sorry,” Savannah had apologized repeatedly. They had been taking their daily walk and it had snowed. There was just so much snow that she couldn’t stop crying over how much snow they had, thinking of other places in the world where they didn’t have snow. “It doesn’t make sense, does it?”

That was when Wilma had taken Savannah’s arm in hers and patted her hand. “Let’s go back to the house. Have you been drinking enough, Savannah? How have you been sleeping? Have you had any hot flashes?”

Savannah had looked at her in confusion. “Hot flashes? Why would I have hot flashes? It’s winter.”

“Yes, but they can start soon and go on as long as they like,” Wilma explained. Then she sighed and shook her head. “Come along, into the house with you. I’m not walking around with your face all a mess. Now, we need to see about finding you a midwife.”

She had tried to think, wiping away her tears and snot as they had clambered up the steps. Just as Wilma handed over a handkerchief, Savannah asked, “Why would I need a midwife? Thank you.”

“Hot flashes and constant tears? And I’ve seen you sneaking those extra treats. You’re clearly with child, Savannah.”

It was surprising news, but not unwelcome. Julian had thrown himself into expectant fatherhood with gusto as he’d built a bassinet and a rocking chair by himself. He’d turned to his parents for advice frequently, and there were family suppers at the Russells’ home every Sunday. Everyone on the ranch was thrilled as well—including Karl, though he tried to hide it. Savannah knew without a doubt that her child would be loved and well cared for.

“Yes, m’lady.” Julian inhaled deeply. “I’ll stop by next time I’m in town. I think I’m going with Mother tomorrow. She wants to look at ribbons to put on the bassinet. She’s also convinced the baby is a girl, by the way.”

Savannah chuckled as she set the letter down and turned to their mail that Doug had left for them. “Your mother is a very determined woman. The child may be a girl just because she desires it. There’s a letter from New York, so that is probably for you. Oh, and here’s one from Francis. No, two. He wrote one to each of us. They’re separate.” She paused and looked at him for a second.

He was thinking, as well. “We did send him an invitation to the wedding,” Julian pointed out slowly.

“But mail takes weeks to reach Europe,” she added. “And he didn’t write a response, so there’s no guarantee that he ever received it.”

They looked at each other for another minute before grabbing their own separate letters and opening them. Savannah’s heart skipped a beat as she remembered Francis.

He had been such a gentleman to her as he’d showed her around town. Though she had never been really interested in him, he had been kind and funny and generous. Savannah tried to remember their conversations and what it had been like to be with him as she opened the letter.

It began with an apology that it had been so long since she’d heard from him and how he had not been able to speak to her since they had last parted. She checked the date, and it was from just a few days ago. This meant he had never received her wedding invite.

Francis mentioned that after several business hardships and responsibilities, he was back in town. He recalled a few of their courting occasions. Then he brought up the proposal she had originally turned down.

A flush rose to her cheeks. “Oh. I forgot.”

Her husband peeked over his letter. “What? What is it?”

Savannah considered saying nothing but sheepishly smiled. “Did you forget that you weren’t the first man to propose to me?”

That just made him frown. “Perhaps not. But I am the first one you said yes to.”

“And the last.” She beamed. Deciding she had best change the subject, Savannah motioned to his note. “What does he say in your letter, Julian?”

“He’s back in town. He sent a letter to my parents’ home as well as here, it would seem, hoping that nothing has changed since he left.” Julian fell quiet as he drummed his fingers on the table.

Savannah watched him thoughtfully, knowing he was thinking hard. “It’s all right that things changed,” she reminded him. Leaning forward even though it was uncomfortable with her large belly, she put a hand out to him. “We couldn’t put life on hold. He didn’t put his life on hold.”

“I know,” Julian admitted. “But how do I tell him?”

That was not something she had an answer for. Savannah winced and thought about it for a minute. Perhaps they could fix this situation without hurting anyone. Francis didn’t have to feel hurt if, perhaps, there was someone else for him to think about. Savannah gingerly proposed the idea to her husband.

He clapped once and stood up. “That is a good idea. Yes. Say, what about Isabel? She’s finally started speaking to me again, and she talks to my mother all the time. We could bring the two of them together. What of that?”

It was not exactly what Savannah had in mind. She wrinkled her nose. “Isabel? Are you certain?”

Julian paused, grudgingly nodding. “You have a point. But becoming friends with my mother must be a good sign, right? She still wants to be wed, and Francis needs something to do with his life. At the very least, we could help them to become better friends. How about that?”

“That could work,” Savannah confessed slowly. She felt as though they were plotting. It didn’t make her feel very good. Either it was the plot or the baby. Savannah grabbed a piece of paper and began to fan herself again. “We should probably go talk to your mother about this.”

“Yes.” Julian nodded. “Me, not you. You, my dear, look like you could use a nap. And a bath. And some water.”

He helped her to her feet before she waved him off. “I’m fine,” Savannah told him firmly. “Go run your errands, then, will you?”

That night, when Julian returned, the two of them curled up in their bed and he told her the plan that he had devised with his mother. Already, it had been put into motion. Letters were being prepared. A spring party would be held at the Russells’ mansion in a fortnight.

She rolled over to be nose-to-nose with Julian, wondering how bad of an idea it might be.

“Do you think it will work?” She bit her lip, remembering how hurt Francis had been when she had refused him. He’d handled it well, but she had seen the pain in his eyes.

Whether or not it was Isabel, surely someone was meant for him. Savannah just didn’t want to be part of something that hurt him. Biting her lip, she worried that their plan might not work out. There was the chance that he wasn’t interested in a party. Or Isabel.

Julian leaned forward so their noses were touching. “You don’t owe Francis anything,” he reminded her in a whisper. “It’s understandable you feel guilty, but you don’t need to, Savannah. You can feel happy about what you have. But we’ll do what we can for our friend now, all right? And whatever he does with what we offer him is up to him.”

She took a deep breath and then kissed him. “Thank you, dear.”

He chuckled. “Anything for you. Now, get some rest. I know you never took that nap today.” Julian kissed her softly on her forehead as she closed her eyes.

Over the next two weeks, Savannah and Julian helped his mother prepare for the party. Invitations were sent to everyone in town, a menu was prepared, and the mansion was decorated appropriately. Her own parents handled the ranch in the meantime, preferring the quiet repetitive work over the busy bustle in town and choosing between curtains and banners.

And then, the evening arrived.

Savannah made it to the main hall, where she grabbed her shawl. Wilma was there to help her down the steps of the porch as Julian arrived in the carriage. He was wearing one of his fine suits again, and even a nice hat. Savannah paused to admire her husband.

“Are you unwell?” Wilma asked her. “I knew it. I knew you were too close. You’re only a few months away. We’re turning you around right now, Savannah.”

But Savannah tutted, shaking her head as Julian hopped down, holding his hat. His smile turned to confusion as Wilma’s voice grew louder. “Is something wrong?”

“I’m perfect,” Savannah stated. “I am dressed for a party and my husband is the most handsome man in all the world. Nothing is wrong. I am telling everyone right now that I am going to this party.”

She turned and gave a stern look to Wilma, who just frowned in annoyance. But her friend helped her all the same down the final couple of steps until she reached the flat ground and could make it over to her husband.

“I’m that handsome, am I?” Julian grinned as she walked over to him.

“Yes, you are.” She gave him a bold smile. “You really are, Julian. Especially in that hat.” She chuckled as he fixed it on his head and gave her a wink. “Well? Shall we?”

He brought out his arm for her. “Of course, my dearest darling. And, might I say, you are the finest-looking woman I have ever seen in all my life?”

“Oh? Does it beat our wedding day?” she teased him.

“Nothing could beat our wedding day,” he told her in a serious tone as he helped her into the carriage. “Now, let’s get to this party, shall we?”

Julian did a wonderful job of keeping her distracted until they arrived. He knew how nervous she felt about seeing Francis again. Though she had no pent-up emotions for him, for she’d never seen him that way, she still felt guilty for never giving him a real chance. The two of them arrived at his parents’ mansion just as the musicians began to play.

They danced a waltz before Francis walked in.

He had hardly changed. Julian escorted her off the dance floor, and Savannah couldn’t take it any longer and hurried over to him. The tall, well-dressed young man surveyed the space before noticing her and heading toward her, as well.

“Savannah!” he started with a broad grin, talking over the crowd. “You’re here.”

She nudged her way past the last few people to get to him. Then, she glanced behind her, hoping that Julian wasn’t far behind. She caught sight of him in his hat headed her way. She took a deep breath and turned back to Francis. “I am.” She offered a warm smile as she reached him.

His eyes glanced over her before hesitating over her midsection. The dress was rather fitted there, so the bump was impossible to ignore. A few folks had brought it up, but most in town already knew about it. They knew, because they had been in town for the last year.

But not Francis.

“I’m married,” she blurted sheepishly. “And I’m having a child. Soon,” she amended.

“Ah.” He stared for a minute before shaking his head. Then, he laughed. Savannah didn’t know what to do. She jumped as something touched her elbow. Glancing behind her, she realized it was Julian right there beside her.

“Julian!” Francis cried out as he snorted loudly. “Of course! I should have known. You scoundrels. When? You must have married the day I left.”

The two of them glanced at each other.

Savannah blushed as she ducked her head. “Not quite,” she confessed. “It took a few months, but yes. We wed last October. I’m sorry, Francis.”

“We did send you a wedding invitation,” Julian tossed in. “Though we knew you couldn’t make it, we thought you would appreciate the news. When we didn’t hear back, we thought you didn’t want us to reach out to you.”

Francis chuckled as he waved a hand in the air. “So that’s why I never got any mail? What a disappointment. Well, I can’t say I’m not hurt. But I also cannot say I wasn’t warned.” He paused and offered a dramatic bow to Julian. “My hat is off to you, sir. You had her heart from the start. Shall we at least be friends?”

It was apparently as simple as that. Savannah stared at him, wondering how he could be so kind and merry. Her eyes watered in gratitude.

“Of course.” She sniffled as Julian offered her his handkerchief. “Thank you, dear. Please, don’t mind me. Well, Francis, now you know everything that has happened to us. But what of you? What of Europe? How have you been?”

The three of them found a table to sit at and talk before Francis was pulled away by others who wanted to hear about his wonderful trip. It had been extended by two months because of local difficulties. He was the guest of honor, and everyone wanted to talk with him.

“Are we still doing this?” Julian asked her halfway through the night.

Savannah glanced from Francis across the room to Isabel. She was dressed very prettily in a dark red dress that made her skin look like ivory. Her eyes were sharp as she stood near the fireplace, but Savannah realized she had a nice smile as she spoke with Kathleen. A very nice smile.

“All right.”

The two of them split up.

Savannah could feel her heart beating wildly as she went over to the group of people surrounding Francis. Her hands were sweating terribly as she pulled out a little note she had written with Julian just that afternoon. With a little bit of effort, she made her way to Francis’s shoulder and then tucked a note in his jacket pocket. She gave it a soft pat and then ducked her head so he wouldn’t find her.

But he would find the note, inviting him to go meet outside in the garden.

She hurried over to the table nearest by the kitchen to catch her breath. Taking a glass of lemonade, she drained it by the time Julian reached her side. He traded her glass with a full one and grinned.

“Well? This is fun, isn’t it?” He nudged her.

Savannah shook her head. “I don’t know, Julian. I thought I was going to fall flat on my face right there. Then what?”

“Then you pick yourself up,” he reminded her. Then, her husband wrapped a comforting arm around her waist and pulled her close. Savannah didn’t like to show public affection, but the party was crowded and they were in a dark corner.

So, she leaned her head on his shoulder with a sigh. “Now we wait,” she mumbled.

“Look at that!”

“Is that hail?”

“I can’t tell if it’s rain or snow.”

Savannah glanced at Julian before they joined a few onlookers at the window to find a freak rainstorm outside. It pounded against the house loudly, as though struggling to get in. She wrinkled her nose.

“What?” Julian chuckled. “You’re not hot any longer?”

That made her roll her eyes, though she couldn’t resist a smile, either. “I’m hot, but I’m not that hot. Come, I want to dance once more before we go home. The moment it starts raining, I’m ready to go, all right? I’m exhausted.”

“Agreed.” Her husband kissed her cheek as he took her arm and led her to the dance floor.

They enjoyed another waltz just as the storm was beginning to end. Savannah stood close to her husband as she looked around the dance floor, frowning. Julian took a step toward the exit, but something felt wrong. They were missing something. It took her a second to realize what it was.

“Francis,” she realized. “And Isabel. Where are they?”

Julian shrugged as he surveyed the crowd. “Somewhere here, I’m sure. We gave them those notes and saw them disappear, didn’t we? Into the garden.”

Into the garden, just before the rainstorm.

Grabbing her skirts, Savannah made her way through the crowd. She could hear Julian murmuring his excuses as he followed right behind her. But she was focused on one thing and one thing only, worried that they had made a mistake. Reaching the doors, she found them locked.

“Oh dear.” She saw it right away. Savannah let go of Julian as she ran to the double doors and unlocked them, opening them to find two wet figures huddling together. “Oh dear!”

“What?” Julian cried out. “That’s where you’ve been all this time?”

“What do you mean?” Francis stammered. “We got locked out!”

Savannah looked at her husband in horror before turning back. Immediately, the truth about their plot spilled from her lips. She confessed everything.

“I’m so sorry,” she cried out. “We didn’t mean to hurt you or get you wet. Oh, you poor souls. We’re terribly sorry. Come in, come in. Julian, towels. Where are the towels?”

“Right, towels,” Julian stammered and ran off.

Francis and Isabel turned to each other and suddenly burst out laughing. “Towels!”

Savannah stared at them in confusion, wondering what had happened. They must have been out there for the entirety of the storm without shelter. It must have been cold. She swallowed hard, red in the face and embarrassed.

But even as Julian gathered towels and helped to clean up after the mess that Francis and Isabel had made, the other couple didn’t mind. They were laughing still as they forgave Julian and Savannah for what had taken place, calling it an accident.

Savannah wanted to make up for the disaster, however, and invited them to supper the next evening. There, she learned more about Francis and his journeys. She also learned about Isabel, as well, finding that the other woman wasn’t as mean as Savannah had supposed. Isabel had let go of her jealous ways and was much friendlier now.

The four of them became good friends and enjoyed more meals and activities together, even after Savannah had her child.

It took two years, but Francis finally proposed to Isabel and they were married, as well. Around that time, Quincy and Carlotta had their baby girl, whom they named after Savannah. Savannah had twins later that year, and her mother took on the full-time role as a nanny.

Savannah took walks around the Triple R Ranch every day, as long as the weather was decent. Usually, she was joined by Julian, as well as the rest of her family. The children scampered along and her mother followed after, scrambling after them. Nearby on his horse, her father would wave to them.

And she would wonder again about how lucky she had been, to have a life such as this one.

“Julian?” She would turn to find a smile on his face, as if he already knew what she was going to say. “I love you.”

He would kiss her cheek as they walked. “I love you, too, Savannah.”

 

THE END

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