Her Runaway Heart’s Safe Harbor – Extended Epilogue

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Life had settled into a comfortable rhythm for Cooper and Almyra Grayson. The dusty trails and rough adventures of their earlier days were now cherished memories. They had built a loving home on the outskirts of the small Wild West town they’d settled in. The little house, with its white picket fence and wildflower garden, was a testament to their love and commitment to each other.

One sunny afternoon, Cooper returned home from work with a big grin on his face. Almyra, who had been tending to her garden, looked up and couldn’t help but smile in response to her husband’s infectious happiness.

“Cooper, what’s got you looking so delighted?” she asked, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached him.

He embraced her warmly, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I’ve got good news, my love. Tomas has met someone special. He’s fallen in love.”

Almyra’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She had come to regard Tomas as a brother over the years, and she was genuinely happy to hear about his newfound happiness. “Oh, Cooper, that’s wonderful news! Tell me everything!”

Cooper chuckled, taking Almyra’s hand and leading her to the front porch. They settled into the rocking chairs, and he began to share the story of how Tomas had met a young woman named Maria during one of his trips to the neighboring town.

“He couldn’t stop talking about her, Almyra,” Cooper said with a grin. “The way he described her, it’s clear he’s head over heels.”

Almyra listened intently, her heart warmed by the idea of Tomas finding love. “What’s she like?”

Cooper leaned back in his chair, reminiscing. “Well, according to Tomas, she’s got the most captivating brown eyes he’s ever seen. And her smile, Almyra, he says it could light up the darkest night. She’s kind, gentle, and has a heart as big as the prairie sky.”

Almyra couldn’t help but smile at Cooper’s description. “It sounds like Tomas has found his perfect match.”

Cooper nodded. “That’s what I think too. They’ve been spending a lot of time together, and he asked me for advice on courting.”

Almyra laughed softly. “Advice from you? I hope you told him to be himself.”

Cooper grinned sheepishly. “Well, I might have shared a few pointers. But you’re right; being true to oneself is the most important.”

As they continued to talk about Tomas and Maria, Almyra felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The love and happiness that she and Cooper shared had created a harmonious environment where they could genuinely celebrate the joys of others.

“I’m so grateful for you, Cooper,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. “And I’m grateful for you, Almyra. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

They sat together on the porch, basking in the warmth of their love and the happiness of their friends. Life in the Wild West had been full of challenges and adventures, but it had also brought them a deep and enduring love that would last a lifetime.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over their little house, Cooper and Almyra Grayson knew that they had found their own piece of heaven in the vast frontier. And they would cherish it, together, for all the days that lay ahead.

Days turned into weeks, and Tomas’s courtship of Maria continued to flourish. Cooper and Almyra found themselves eagerly anticipating the updates Tomas would bring after each visit to the neighboring town. It was as if they were experiencing the sweet bloom of young love all over again through their dear friend.

One evening, as the sun painted the sky with shades of orange and pink, Tomas arrived at the Grayson home with an excited gleam in his eye. He didn’t even bother knocking; he burst through the door with a wide grin.

“Cooper! Almyra!” Tomas exclaimed. “You won’t believe what happened today!”

Almyra rushed over to embrace Tomas. “Tell us, Tomas! Don’t keep us in suspense.”

Tomas took a moment to catch his breath, clearly bursting with excitement. “I proposed to Maria, and she said yes!”

Cooper clapped Tomas on the back with genuine joy. “Congratulations, my friend! That’s fantastic news!”

Tears of happiness welled up in Almyra’s eyes as she hugged Tomas tightly. “Oh, Tomas, we’re so happy for you. Maria is a lucky woman to have you.”

Tomas beamed with pride and gratitude. “Thank you, both of you. I can’t believe how lucky I am. We’re planning to get married in the spring.”

Cooper and Almyra exchanged a knowing look. Spring was a season of new beginnings, and they couldn’t think of a more fitting time for Tomas and Maria to start their journey together.

Over the next few months, preparations for the wedding were in full swing. Almyra, with her meticulous attention to detail, took charge of helping Maria choose her wedding gown and coordinating the decorations. Cooper and Tomas, along with some of their friends, worked on building a beautiful wooden arbor where the couple would exchange their vows.

As the wedding day approached, the little Wild West town buzzed with excitement. It seemed as if the entire community was coming together to celebrate the love between Tomas and Maria. Almyra had even baked a stunning multi-layered wedding cake adorned with fresh flowers, a true masterpiece.

On the morning of the wedding, Almyra helped Maria get ready, ensuring that every detail was perfect. The bride looked radiant in her simple yet elegant gown, her eyes shining with happiness.

“You’re going to be a beautiful bride,” Almyra whispered, her voice filled with affection.

Maria smiled warmly. “Thank you for everything, Almyra. I’m so lucky to have you as my friend.”

The wedding ceremony took place outdoors, beneath a bright blue sky. Friends and neighbors gathered to witness the union of Tomas and Maria, and Cooper had the honor of officiating the ceremony. As the couple exchanged their vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Cooper declared, his voice filled with warmth. “You may kiss the bride.”

Tomas and Maria sealed their vows with a loving kiss, and the applause that followed was thunderous. It was a day of pure joy, a testament to love’s enduring power.

As the sun began to set on that memorable day, Cooper and Almyra watched the newlyweds depart in a horse-drawn carriage, bound for the start of their new life together. The air was filled with laughter and well-wishes, and the sense of community was palpable.

“They make a beautiful couple,” Almyra said, her arm linked with Cooper’s.

Cooper nodded, a contented smile on his face. “They do. And it’s moments like these that remind us how precious love and friendship are.”

As they turned to walk back to their own home, Cooper and Almyra Grayson felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Their own love had grown stronger over the years, and witnessing the happiness of their friends had only added to their joy.

* * *

“Honey, if you could just push… Mrs. Buntley says you need to push…”

“What does Mrs. Buntley know about pushing?” snapped a short-tempered, wet-haired virago showing no resemblance to sweet and compliant Almyra Grayson. “She’s never given birth. Besides, I am pushing!”

Nearly two years had passed, and with the advent of their first child upon them on this hot and sticky August afternoon, Cooper had insisted upon remaining beside his wife during her travail—convention be hanged! After all, he was responsible for what had happened; the least he could do was lend her his support. And his strong right hand, which was likely to never recover from the tight, bone-crushing grip she held on it.

But Almyra had been laboring for some fourteen hours now. Although the pains were growing much sharper and closer together, both husband and wife were exhausted, and he was finding it difficult to keep his own temper in check. 

So far, she had blamed him for putting her in this predicament, for upsetting her whole daily routine, for convincing her to marry him instead of her actual intended. Lord. She’d probably blame him for the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, if she could, or the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in New Zealand.

Maybe she already had.

“Oooohhhh!” 

Writhing, groaning, panting. How much more could she take?

“Cooper, you go on now, and get out of here,” scolded Mrs. Buntley, coming with a basin of fresh cool water. “You’ve got no business in this room until after that baby gets birthed.”

“I ain’t leavin’,” he protested stubbornly. “Alma wants me here.”

“Noooo, I dooooon’t!” 

That was a wail of denial, and, under its force, he fled.

Out on the front veranda, breathing in air not quite so heated, he found himself wishing for the solace of a good strong smelly cigar. How did women do this? With a shudder, he collapsed on the settee and stared into space.

“She won’t hate you forever,” chuckled Martin, approaching.

Cooper was leaning forward, head in his hands. “Yeah? Sure seems like it to me.”

“Naw. Rosie was the same way, when little Carrie was born. But she started forgivin’ me after a few days.”

“Huh. Doubt it. Listen to that!” As a scream came from inside the house, echoing past the guilt in his heart, Cooper shuddered. “D’ja want somethin’, Marty?”

“Nope. Came over to keep you company. Got anything good and potent to drink? I’d fancy a glass of your best whiskey, Sheriff.”

It was early evening, after Martin had given up and gone home to his own family, when Mrs. Buntley, red-faced but beaming, came out with the news.

“Sheriff, you got yourself a son. Real strong, healthy little boy. Everybody is all cleaned up now. You wanna have a visit, b’fore they fall asleep?”

Cooper stumbled over his own feet getting back into the bedroom. The difference between night and day, in his opinion. Quiet and peace had been restored, with shades pulled against the late sun, bedclothes replaced and straightened, the place put in apple-pie order. 

There, Almyra lay smiling drowsily up at him, with a small bundle yawning and squirming at her side. “Cooper,” she whispered, as if her throat hurt.

“Oh, darlin’,” he whispered. His throat did hurt. The breath seemed caught in his chest, so that voice and words could not come easily. “I’m—so—sorry…”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I know I said some awful things to you earlier, so please forgive me. But we’re fine, now. Look, Cooper. Come meet your son.”

“Robert Porter Grayson,” he managed from a full heart. “Robbie.”

“Robbie it is. Robbie. Give me a kiss, sweetheart, and then go away. We’ll celebrate tomorrow. Right now, I’m exhausted. But I love you. For always and forever, I love you.”

* * *

Life in the little Wild West town continued to flourish, and Cooper and Almyra’s love grew deeper with each passing day. Their hearts were full as they embraced their roles as parents to their beloved son, Robbie.

Robbie Grayson was a lively and spirited child, inheriting his parents’ strong-willed nature. From a young age, he displayed an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. The vast expanse of the American West served as his playground, and he was always eager to explore, often dragging his parents along on his adventures.

One bright morning, Cooper watched with a mix of pride and amusement as Robbie, clad in miniature cowboy attire, attempted to mount his own little pony. The sight of the young boy’s determination brought a smile to Cooper’s face.

“You’ve got it, Robbie!” Cooper encouraged. “Remember what I taught you about keeping your balance.”

With a final effort, Robbie managed to scramble onto the pony’s back, his face beaming with triumph. “I did it, Papa!”

Almyra, who had been watching from the porch, clapped her hands in delight. “Well done, Robbie! You’re going to be a fine rider.”

As the years passed, Cooper continued to work as the town’s sheriff, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Almyra, with her organizational skills and attention to detail, became an essential part of the town’s social events and charitable endeavors. They were a formidable team, dedicated to both their family and their community.

One evening, as the sun painted the sky with hues of pink and gold, Cooper returned home after a long day of maintaining law and order. Almyra was sitting on the porch, a contented smile on her face as she sewed a patch onto one of Robbie’s torn shirts.

“Evening, my love,” Cooper greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Evening, Cooper,” Almyra replied, setting her sewing aside. “How was your day?”

Cooper leaned against the porch railing, gazing out at the horizon. “Busy, as always, but it’s a good kind of busy. This town feels like home now.”

Almyra nodded in agreement. “It does indeed. And Robbie is growing up so quickly.”

Cooper’s face softened with affection. “He’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he? Always eager to lend a hand and help out.”

Just then, the sound of approaching hoofbeats filled the air, and Robbie rode into view, grinning from ear to ear. He had a wildflower bouquet in one hand and held it out to his mother.

“Look, Mama! I picked these just for you.”

Almyra accepted the bouquet with a delighted laugh. “Thank you, sweetheart. They’re beautiful.”

Cooper tousled Robbie’s hair. “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?”

Robbie beamed at his parents. “I love you both so much. You’re the best parents in the whole world.”

Touched by their son’s words, Cooper and Almyra exchanged a glance filled with love and gratitude. Their life in the Wild West had been filled with challenges and adventures, but it had also been enriched by the bonds of family and community.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over their little corner of the world, Cooper, Almyra, and Robbie Grayson stood together, their hearts intertwined in a love that would endure through all the seasons of their lives.

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