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The golden sun hung low in the vast Texas sky, painting the horizon in hues of deep amber and soft pink. A gentle summer breeze rustled through the prairie grass, carrying with it the scent of warm earth and blooming wildflowers.
Maggie stood on the porch of their home, one hand resting lightly on her rounded belly, the other shielding her eyes as she watched Luke and Ben ride in from the pastures. Her heart swelled at the sight of her husband atop his horse, moving with the ease of a man born to the land. Even after all these years, the sight of him still made her stomach flutter.
Behind her, Emily’s laughter rang out as she ran after the newest addition to their family—a golden-furred pup who had more energy than sense.
“Mama, she won’t sit still!” Emily cried, giggling as the pup darted around her skirts. At eleven years old, Emily had grown into a lively, confident young girl, full of curiosity and spirit.
Maggie smiled and turned just as Clara stepped out onto the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. “She’s a puppy, Emily. You can’t expect her to be as obedient as Luke’s cattle dog just yet,” Clara said, shaking her head. She was just as much a sister to Maggie now as she’d been a friend all those years ago.
Maggie chuckled as she reached down and lifted Emily’s unruly curls off her damp forehead. “Give her time, sweetheart. She’ll learn.”
At that moment, Luke and Ben rode up to the house. Luke swung down easily from his saddle and walked toward them with that slow, sure stride Maggie knew so well. As he reached the porch, his gaze softened as it settled on her.
“Everything all right?” he asked, his voice warm and familiar.
Maggie nodded. “We’ve been waiting for you. Dinner’s just about ready.”
Luke leaned in, brushing a kiss against her temple. “Smells good,” he murmured before glancing down at her belly with a playful smirk. “And you shouldn’t be carrying anything heavy, including Emily’s wild little pup.”
Maggie rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her lips. “I’m fine, Luke. Just because I’m expecting doesn’t mean I can’t still take care of things.”
Ben chuckled as he handed the reins of his horse to Clara. “You sure about that, Maggie? If I recall, Luke nearly lost his wits when you insisted on still riding in your first trimester.”
Luke shot his friend a look but sighed in resignation. “You’re both impossible.”
Emily tugged at her father’s hand. “Come see what I taught Daisy!” She gestured toward the scampering pup.
Luke let himself be pulled along, but not before squeezing Maggie’s hand. She watched him go, her heart full. It was moments like these, simple as they were, that made her realize just how blessed she was.
She’d once thought herself undeserving of happiness. But standing there, surrounded by family, she knew now—this was exactly where she was meant to be.
The supper table was full that evening, the warm glow of lantern light flickering against the wooden walls of the house. The scent of roasted venison, fresh cornbread, and buttered beans filled the air as Clara and Maggie set the last dishes down.
Ben stretched back in his chair, patting his stomach. “Maggie, I swear, you keep cooking like this, and I might just have to start eating here every night.”
Luke chuckled as he leaned back, his arm resting lazily on the back of Maggie’s chair. “If that’s the case, we might have to start charging you, Ben.”
Emily giggled, stuffing another bite of cornbread into her mouth, while Daisy, the excitable pup, lay curled up under her chair, finally tuckered out from all the chasing.
Maggie shook her head in amusement. “You’re both welcome anytime,” she said warmly. “But I doubt Clara would let you go hungry at home.”
Clara smirked as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Oh, I don’t know about that. If he keeps dragging mud into my kitchen, I might just send him over here to fend for himself.”
Ben held up his hands in surrender. “Now, hold on a minute—”
The table erupted in laughter, and for a moment, everything felt light and easy, like they had never known hardship.
Then the conversation took a turn.
“Sheriff Nicholas sent word yesterday,” Ben said, his tone turning serious. “Clyde’s still locked up in the state prison. Word is, he’s been causing trouble, but they aren’t letting him get away with much.”
The laughter in the room quieted, the weight of the past settling in just for a moment.
Maggie swallowed, setting her fork down. “So he’s still trying to fight his way out of it,” she murmured, not surprised in the least.
Luke’s hand found hers beneath the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Doesn’t matter. He’s not getting out.”
Ben nodded. “Sheriff said Clyde still rants about how Maggie betrayed him, but no one pays him much mind. He’s nothing but a ghost of the past now.”
Clara reached across the table, touching Maggie’s arm. “You don’t have to think about him anymore. You’re free of him.”
Maggie exhaled, nodding. “I know. It’s just strange, hearing about him after all this time.”
Luke’s voice was steady when he spoke. “You don’t have to be afraid of him anymore, Maggie. We have a life now, a family. Nothing’s going to take that away from us.”
She turned toward him, their eyes meeting, and in that moment, all the fear, all the doubt that had once plagued her, melted away.
“I know,” she said softly, and she meant it.
Ben cleared his throat. “Well, now that we’ve covered that bit of unpleasant business, what do you say we move on to something better? Like the upcoming festival?”
Emily’s eyes brightened. “The Harvest Festival? Papa, can we go? Please?”
Luke grinned. “I don’t see why not.”
Maggie laughed as Emily practically bounced in her seat. “I think that settles it,” she said, squeezing Luke’s hand.
The weight of the past was still there, but it no longer defined them. They had moved forward, and as she looked around the table at the people she loved most, she knew one thing for certain—her future had never looked brighter.
***
The day of the Harvest Festival arrived with a crisp autumn breeze rolling through the town. The leaves had turned golden and red, painting the landscape in warm hues as families from nearby ranches and farms filled the streets of Briarville. The town square bustled with laughter, the air rich with the scent of roasting apples, fresh pies, and warm cider.
Maggie took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill her lungs. This was her first time experiencing the festival—not as a fugitive, not as someone looking over her shoulder, but as part of the community. She had baked extra loaves of bread for the church’s stall and even helped the schoolteacher organize a pumpkin carving contest for the children.
Luke walked beside her, his hand comfortably resting against the small of her back. Emily skipped ahead, giggling with other children as they raced toward the festival games.
“I never thought I’d be here,” Maggie admitted softly, looking around in wonder.
Luke turned to her, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile. “At a festival?”
She chuckled, shaking her head. “No. Living a normal life… one where I’m not looking over my shoulder.” She glanced up at him. “And where I have someone like you.”
Luke’s gaze softened. He reached down, lacing his fingers through hers. “Maggie, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out, “You two are late!”
Maggie and Luke turned to find Clara and Ben standing near the apple bobbing barrel. Clara had her hands on her hips in mock disapproval, while Ben smirked, biting into a fresh caramel apple.
“We got here just fine,” Luke countered, his eyes twinkling. “Emily ran off as soon as she saw the candy stall.”
Clara rolled her eyes. “I expected nothing less.”
The group fell into easy conversation as they strolled through the festival. Emily returned with sticky hands and a half-eaten caramel apple, beaming as she told Maggie all about the “biggest pumpkin” she had seen.
As the afternoon wore on, a square dance began near the town gazebo. The fiddler started playing a lively tune, and the crowd quickly joined in.
Ben nudged Luke with a teasing grin. “You gonna dance, or are you just gonna stand there looking all serious like always?”
Luke scoffed. “I can dance.”
Ben let out a bark of laughter. “Well, I’d sure like to see it.”
Before Luke could protest, Maggie tugged his hand. “Come on,” she urged, eyes sparkling. “I’ve never danced at a festival before.”
Luke hesitated for half a second, but when he looked into her pleading eyes, he sighed, shaking his head with a grin. “All right, but don’t laugh if I step on your toes.”
As they stepped into the circle, Maggie realized something.
She was truly happy.
For the first time in her life, she was exactly where she was meant to be.
The evening sky stretched overhead in deep hues of violet and orange as the festival carried on. Lanterns flickered along the streets, casting a golden glow over the bustling town square. Laughter and chatter filled the cool autumn air, blending with the cheerful music from the fiddlers.
After the square dance, Maggie and Luke rejoined Clara and Ben at one of the food stalls, where steaming bowls of stew and thick slices of cornbread were being served. Emily had already devoured hers and was now dozing on Luke’s shoulder, worn out from the excitement of the day.
Clara fidgeted with her hands as if working up the nerve to say something. Ben, standing beside her, had an unmistakable gleam of pride in his eyes.
Maggie tilted her head, noticing the silent exchange between the couple. “All right, you two,” she said, setting down her spoon. “What’s going on? You’re acting like you’ve got a secret.”
Clara let out a nervous laugh. “Well… we do.”
Ben cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’ve been meaning to tell you, but we wanted to wait for the right time.” He glanced at Clara, squeezing her hand. “We’re adopting a child.”
Maggie gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth before breaking into an elated squeal. “Clara! That’s wonderful news!” She reached for her friend, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
Clara chuckled, though her voice was thick with emotion. “We weren’t sure at first, but when we met him at the orphanage, we just knew… He’s meant to be ours.”
Luke grinned, shaking Ben’s hand firmly. “Congratulations. You two are going to be wonderful parents.”
Ben chuckled, though there was an edge of nervousness beneath his pride. “I sure hope so. It still doesn’t feel real.”
Maggie’s eyes sparkled with emotion. “Oh, it’s real. And you’ll see—once he’s home, you won’t be able to imagine life without him.”
Clara placed a hand over her heart, her smile full of warmth. “His name is Samuel. He’s six years old. The orphanage said he lost his parents a couple of years ago, but he’s the sweetest boy. And when we asked him if he’d like to come home with us, his eyes lit up.”
Maggie felt her heart swell. She knew what it was like to feel unwanted, uncertain of where she belonged. The thought of that little boy finding a loving home with Ben and Clara brought tears of happiness to her eyes. “Oh, Clara, Ben… He’s so lucky to have you.”
Emily stirred against Luke’s shoulder, blinking sleepily. “Mama?” she mumbled.
Maggie’s heart warmed at the word, a word that still felt like a precious gift. She smoothed the little girl’s hair and kissed her forehead. “Yes, sweetheart?”
Emily yawned. “Can we take him home too?”
The adults burst into laughter.
Luke adjusted Emily in his arms, chuckling. “I think Aunt Clara and Uncle Ben would like to keep this one for themselves.”
Emily gave a sleepy nod. “Okay… but I want to help.”
Clara laughed. “You’ll be the best little helper.”
As the festival wound down and families began heading home, Maggie took Luke’s hand in hers, squeezing it tightly.
Everything had changed in the past few years. She had gone from a woman on the run to a wife, a mother, a friend, and a part of this town.
She had been given a second chance at life, and she wasn’t going to waste it.
Luke leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
Maggie smiled up at him. “Just how lucky I am.”
He smirked. “You’re not the only one.”
As they walked home together, under the wide western sky, Maggie knew one thing for certain—she had finally found where she belonged.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Brave Hearts of the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
My dearest readers, I would love to hear your thoughts on this book and the extended epilogue. Looking forward to your comments! 💗
I enjoy all your books and especially this one. Thank you for your effort and time. I like your emphasis on God and want you to know that I also love God and appreciate Him sending Jesus to earth to die in my place so I ccan be His Child.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! Your encouragement means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the connection we share through faith. 💗
Maggie deserved a good life and a good man. I loved the chicken scene. It was so funny and I could picture it. Keep up the good writing. Thanks for the extended epilogue.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed Maggie’s journey and the chicken scene—it’s one of my favorites too! 😊 Your support means a lot, and I’m thrilled the extended epilogue resonated with you. Thanks again for reading!
Yet another story beautifully written! As heartfelt as always in faith, in love, in life. The extended epilogue is as always the cherry on the cake. Thankyou !
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m so happy the story resonated with you, and that the extended epilogue added that perfect touch. Your kind words about faith, love, and life mean the world to me. I truly appreciate your support! 😊
Maggie’s father is a sociopath. It was Maggie finally finding her faith and escaping the gang to Luke and Luke’s ranch in St Louis, Texas that helped her to learn there is a different kinder world. It was not only Luke and Sheriff Nicholas but citizens of the town that helped to take down McAllister gang.
Thank you for your writing Ms Ellen Knightley
Thank you so much for reading and for your support, dear! It was definitely a tough road for Maggie, but finding faith and escaping the gang to a kinder, safer world with Luke, was key to her transformation. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story, and I really appreciate you highlighting how the whole town came together to take down the McAllister gang. 😊
I certainly enjoyed reading this story of shame …that turned into …love ,faith and happiness! I wish there was more faith in God in our lives today ! I’m thankful for your extended epilogue… I was happy you included Clara and Ben ! Great book! Thank you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message! I’m so glad the story touched you—and yes, I couldn’t leave out Clara and Ben! I truly share your wish for more faith in the world today. Your kind words mean more than you know! 💛
Great story about trusting your spouse and most importantly faith in Jesus Christ our Lord! Thanks for being a Christian writer! Thanks cowboy
Thank you, partner! I’m so glad the story spoke to your heart. Trust and faith in Jesus are at the core of it all, and it’s a blessing to share that through my writing. Appreciate you riding along with me! 🤠🙏