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Six Months Later
“I can hear you breathing. I don’t mind if you watch while I paint but you must announce yourself, silly,” Violet said to her husband James.
“Are you sure there’s enough air circulating through here? The windows up high don’t open, and I’m worried about fumes.” James said. “I don’t want them harming you or our child.”
“James there are so many windows that I feel like I’m outside and I smell nothing but fresh air.” She put his hands on her belly. “Our son or daughter is going to be fine. It’s loved more than most babies and hasn’t even been born yet.
“I still can’t fathom a tiny version of you added to my life. I’m going to spend all my time staring at the two of you and wonder what the heck I did to deserve you. I know she’s going to have your eyes that look like the ocean at sunrise,” he said.
“I appreciate the words; you’ve become poetic since we found out I was pregnant. The only wrong with your statement is that you’ve never seen the ocean,” Violet joked, and they both laughed hard.
“I don’t know you became the pragmatic one in this relationship.” He bent down and kissed his wife.
“One of us has to remain with our feet on the ground and it’s clearly not going to be you. I heard you humming a lullaby in your study yesterday.” Violet tittered. “Seriously though it made me love you more and I didn’t know that was possible.”
Violet had a years-long waiting list of people wanting to sit for portraits. She stopped taking high society clients exclusively and charged less for everyday folks who wanted their portrait done. They were often more fun and told the most interesting stories while they were in her studio. James wanted her to stop painting during her child birthing and rearing days. So far, she refused.
“You must be exhausted after Colonel Hewitt’s portrait. Why don’t you finish with your current work and take a break until after the baby is born,” James suggested, and it wasn’t the first time he had.
“It was time-consuming, but he told great war stories. On Mrs. Hewitt’s suggestion, I offered him a drink of bourbon. With a drink, he relaxed and after that, it was nothing but entertaining,” Violet explained.
“You do remember that we’re outrageously wealthy, do you not?” James reminded her. “We don’t need the money you acquire through your painting.”
“I know that sweetheart and I appreciate you looking out for me, but I love to paint. I need art in my life as I need air to breathe,” Violet said sweetly. “Don’t think I don’t notice the extra attention you’ve been paying me. I love and please don’t stop.”
“I couldn’t if I tried. You and the baby are all that matters, and I love you forever. The trappings of wealth are nice, but you showed me that there is more to life,” James stated.
“This baby is going to grow up with a strong set of values. He’ll know wrong from right and always give to those in need because he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps.”
“A father who learned to be that way by following in her mother’s footsteps,” Violet remarked. “Have Dalton and Tilda prepared the sunroom for lunch with the ladies?”
“Yes they have, and Irma is busy cooking some of Mrs. Edmonds’s favorites. She’s trying to make up for the fact that she left her employ and came to the ranch to cook for us,” James pointed out.
Violet giggled. “It was all because Max insisted his favorite cook be here at the ranch. He was going to keep scratching at Mrs. Edmonds’s front door until he got his way. It didn’t hurt that you offered to double her wage.”
“He’s a persistent hound. With Irma here he won’t be so jealous of the baby,” James remarked. “Are you sure Mrs. Edmonds doesn’t know about the baby yet?”
“No, she’s been so busy attending parties with Lenore and I haven’t had a moment alone with her. This will be special because both of us will be there. Does Dalton still keep smelling salts handy because she might need them? She and Sam never had a chance to have children, so this is going to be extra special for her.”
Violet stood to see her painting from a different angle and arched her back. James ran behind her and asked if the baby was alright. It was early in the pregnancy and already he was over-protective.
***
“I was tickled when you asked me to lunch,” Mrs. Edmonds said. “Lenore and I have been attending so many social events and they become tedious after a while. You know me, I’m there to collect donations for the Jane Oroville House but they don’t always know that.”
“Do you recognize the chipped beef that Irma made?” Violet asked. She was waiting until dessert was served to reveal the secret.
“I do. It was a favorite of Sam’s. If she comes up with rice pudding for dessert, I’ll cry,” she predicted.
James smiled because she wouldn’t only be crying over the pudding. He loved a surprise and this one was going to be beyond anything Mrs. Edmonds or Lenore could have dreamed.
“We finally had rain and I was worried about the roof in the guesthouse. The roof hadn’t been tested since I moved in and it was dry as a bone,” Lenore pointed out.
Max barked when he heard the word bone, and everyone laughed.
Lenore had plans to eventually move back to Tombstone, but Mrs. Edmonds had convinced her to stay in Josiah’s Gambit permanently. They had got on wonderfully and both were unmarried with a great deal of life ahead of them. Companionship was something they both needed. Neither minded being gossiped about, which happened often. Delilah Edmonds was the Merry Widow and Lenore was the mother of a fraud.
“How many times do I have to tell you, Lenore, it’s no longer called the guest house, it’s your house,” Mrs. Edmonds said. “Goodness knows you’ve earned it with all the tireless work you do on behalf of the Jane Oroville Home.”
“The two of you are a great team,” Violet remarked. “You fill needs in each other’s lives, which is something that no one else could manage.”
“I hope so,” Lenore said as she blushed. “I feel part of a family and that means so much to me. Visiting Thomas in jail every week would be unbearable if I didn’t have your support. His lack of remorse and poor behavior behind bars means they’ll keep coming up with reasons to keep him locked up.”
Violet saw the conversation taking an unfortunate turn but luckily, Tilda came out with a tray of rice puddings. When they had been served and Mrs. Edmonds was finished making a big deal out of them, Violet stood. She grasped James’s hand and pulled him up too. They lured the attention of the ladies away from dessert.
“We think of you as our parents in a way. You are the first ones we turn to when we need counsel and also the first people we share the good news with. This is one of those good news times. I’m having a baby,” Violet blasted. “I’m only a few months along, so you have plenty of time to dispense sage advice.
Mrs. Edmonds smiled so widely that Violet feared her face would crack, then she stood and started to swoon.
“Dalton, get the salts. Mrs. Edmonds is going down,” James shouted.
It took a moment for her to recover and then hugs were exchanged by everyone. Irma came from the kitchen and Tilda called out to the stable. Joe with his boy Joey joined in the celebration and no one could recall a happier day at the Oroville Ranch. Cheers were coming from the bunkhouse and just about every other corner of the ranch where people were gathered. It seemed good news traveled as fast as the tragedy.
“You are going to make an amazing mother. You’ll be everything your mother wasn’t and teach him about the world around him. He’ll be involved in the ranch but the arts too. What a lucky boy he is going to be,” Miss Lenore said.
“I have to inform you upfront that I intend to spoil the child.” Mrs. Edmonds announced. “I will have no regard for rules you set for me. He will need a grandmother and we are known to lavish the child with gifts. I’ve been waiting for this moment and if Sam had lived, he and I would have had a flock of children. Now I’ll have little ones through the two of you.”
“We can save you the trouble of selecting a governess and a nanny. Between Delilah and me we will have everything covered,” Miss Lenore added. “I’ll have you know that I was an excellent student and even considered teacher’s college. Unfortunately, life sent me in a different direction.”
“We had a difficult couple of years but look at us now,” Violet chirped. “I for one have never been happier.”
“Me too,” James said as he laid his hands on her stomach.
“Make it three,” Mrs. Edmonds said.
“Four. Despite everything I’ve been through, I’ve never been happier.”
The four of them ate rice pudding and talked about how precious Baby Oroville would be. The family had a chance to redefine their name and restore their reputation. They wouldn’t be known as the wealthiest family in the West but the happiest, although they were still the richest too.
“I do have one problem and I thought it only existed between my lovely wife and me. You all refer to my future child as a boy and you’re wrong. I’ll have a boy at some point but right now, Violet is pregnant with a girl,” James stated firmly.
Mrs. Edmonds pushed her new spectacles up the bridge of her nose and glanced at James. “I’ve only heard the news less than one hour ago and already I can feel his presence. You’ll have to wait for your little girl to come along.
They argued about their predictions until Violet slapped the table. “I’ve heard enough. The two of you are so much alike and don’t like to end a disagreement until you’ve won.” She laughed. “We will not have an answer for months and you will just have to agree to disagree on this one.”
“Girl or boy doesn’t matter, as long as it’s healthy,” Lenore ended the conversation on a positive note. She had become the designated peacekeeper in their little family.
Lenore and Mrs. Edmonds left because they insisted Violet take a nap after an exciting visit.
Violet picked up the letters that arrived for her that day. Each day she received more requests for her to paint a portrait. Some were from nearby and she received one from London. She wasn’t planning to travel to paint anyone, but it was very flattering to have been asked.
“Are you going to nap as the ladies recommended?” James asked.
Violet realized she had better get used to James’s overprotective behavior because it wasn’t going to let up until after the child was born. It was sweet really and she felt protected. A feeling she was hesitant to accept before but coming from James, Violet knew it was genuine. It wasn’t that he thought she couldn’t handle things on her own, he knew she could. He cared so much because they were partners. Whatever good or bad came their way, they’d handle it together.
“I’m going to sit in bed or maybe the chaise in my studio and read my mail. Then I’ll snooze until dinner. Please tell Irma not to go to much fuss because we had such a heavy lunch.”
“Remember, love. Your eating for two,” James said as he drew closer and kissed her.
The first letter was a thank you note from her good friend Lisa Hewitt. She was her first client after James and had agreed to hire her while she was still given the cold shoulder from the society ladies. Since then, By her own admission, Mrs. Hewitt had blossomed into he own woman. The Colonel didn’t flinch when she ordered him to sit for Violet.
Finally, she came to a light-pink envelope with a return address from Mrs. David Briar in Louden Texas. Violet opened the envelope and gasped. The shaky cursive was familiar, but she couldn’t think of where she had seen it.
“Dear Sweet Violet,
It is your mother having found you after all these years. I read the society column in the Dallas paper that my employer left on the table. It said you married David Oroville! You are now one of the wealthiest women in the West. I was astounded when I read the words and walked off the job immediately.
At last, we can reunite and be the mother and daughter we were always meant to be. I have six step-children and leaving them will be tough, but I must. A young wife needs her mother and I’m sure you can spare a permanent bedroom for me…”
James walked in and saw his wife weeping. She explained the letter from Betty and told him that just hearing from her made her feel ill. She explained that in the letter that her mother didn’t say sorry and that she was only interested in money.
“I’ll take care of Betty and you’ll never have to worry about her again. There’s no room in the nest for her. Think of me as the father eagle and I’m only concerned with you and our precious little one,” James said.
Violet dried her eyes because she had no idea what her plight had to do with eagles in a nest. “James, what are you talking about?”
“My mother left me with pearls of wisdom that I am always finding handy when I need them. I’ll write a letter to Betty, and we’ll be done with it. I don’t have an emotional connection to the woman and therefore, it’ll be easy for me. This is not something you have to deal with. If she has six step-children, allow them to handle her,” James said with certainty.
“Can we just burn the letter after you respond and never speak of it again?” Violet asked.
“Absolutely. Whatever you wish. Take a rest and then Irma will serve us dinner on the porch.
***
Two months later, Violet’s belly was swollen, and she wasn’t getting around as quickly as she was used to. She was down to her last portrait sitting of her pregnancy. It was one she couldn’t refuse to do. Josiah Meeks was having a portrait hang in the courthouse in commemoration of thirty years as mayor. He was an icon and very well aware that his abilities to properly run the town were coming to a natural conclusion. It was possible for him to serve until his death, but he wanted to go out another way and that was holding the hand of his wife in side-by-side rocking chairs.
“Are you sitting in on our final sitting, James?” Josiah asked.
Violet answered for him. “Don’t mind him, Josiah. James is on baby watch, and he hasn’t left my side for a week.”
Josiah chuckled. “I can hardly blame him. With your talent and demeanor, your child will no doubt be exceptional.”
“We look forward to giving our child every opportunity and making sure he or she doesn’t stray too far off the path,” James said.
“Not exactly. We are going to teach him to appreciate what he has and always remember to use his advantages to help others,” Violet added. “My dear husband has come a long way, but I’ve never expected miracles.”
James laughed as he took the comment good-naturedly as it was intended. “I think we can both agree on one thing, he will never lack the love of his mother and father.”
James would occasionally slip back into his old ways but never long enough to cause damage. Violate was always there to nudge him in the right direction. They came to accept their differences and even appreciate them.
When Violet was finished, James walked Josiah to the door. He thought the forty or so steps too strenuous for his wife.
Josiah looked around before he left. “I always thought this place was meant to have a lot of children running around. You and Violet will make wonderful parents. Who knows, maybe your son or daughter will be mayor someday.”
“He’d better hurry or his father will beat him to it,” James said what he was thinking out loud.
Josiah looked surprised. “The town would be lucky to have you.”
“It’s just a thought. I suppose I should discuss it with Violet first,” James remarked.
“That would be a very good idea,”
James and Violet ended the day as they often did; sitting side by side on the porch swing. Violet pulled James’s hand to her belly.
“Did you feel him kick?” she asked.
“I did, He’s going to be an ornery little fellow. What do you suppose we should name him?”
“You finally agree it will be a boy,” Violet said. “His name should be Bosworth James Oroville.”
“That’s a mouthful for a little guy, although it sounds distinguished and you know how I like distinguished,” James teased.
“It doesn’t matter what we call him, he’ll be lucky to have you as his father,” Violet commented.
“He’ll be even luckier to have you as a mother,” James said as he leaned in for a kiss.
The next months went smoothly for Violet and Bosworth came into the world without incident. After him, they had a girl and then another boy until the ranch house didn’t seem so big anymore. The Oroville family had shed their old reputation and became known for their generosity.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts Across the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!![](http://carolcolyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hearts-across-frontier.jpg)
Hello my dears! Let me know if you enjoyed the conclusion of this romance with your comments here. ❤️ I would love to know which was your favorite part of the story!
The World of Prejudice Destroyed by Love
Violet’s life came crashing down because prejudice against women leading her confront a town filled many biases. I enjoyed how someone with respect for all can change the course of person’s life. Both humble and affluent lives were impacted. The patience that Violet demonstrated with James contrasts the flightiness of today’s relationships.
The fraud that was revealed in Thomas’ scheme to steal the ranch from James was a real trial by fire but was used as a great object lesson for the insecurity of wealth. I was hoping that Violet might recover her inheritance but James’ effort to help in that effort proved his love for Violet.
Very enjoyable story. Keep up the good work.
Thank you kindly my dear Randy! I love the title you have come up with!
I really love Violet, with all her strength and love; a lesson we could all adopt. I was not convinced that Bosworth was a good name for the firstborn. That is just my opinion. I loved the story.
Every opinion is welcome my dear! I am glad that you enjoyed the story and yes Violet is one of my favorite characters as well! Thank you for your comment!
I agree. Bosworth sounds pretentious and not a great name for their child.
Just my humble opinion! How about David James or Randal James ?
LOVED the story and the extended epilogue!💕
Thank you so much for your love my dear Ruthanne! I am also a huge fan of David James as an option! 😊
A very enjoyable story. Loved the part when violet started a portrait painting and everyone wanted one., also loved how James changed his snobby ways and how James and violets love grew. Enjoyed extended epilogue also.
My dear Marie! Thank you for your lovely feedback! I am glad you loved the story! ❤️
Loved loved the book and couldn’t begin to pick a favorite part. Awesome author who knows how to keep your interest throughout the book – kept the pages turning till I was done!!! Thank you for using your talent so wonderfully!!!
Thank you so much my dear! Such heartwarming comments always make my day! 🥰
Great story that showed money can be a blessing if it is generously shared with all walks of life. Wealth does have to be cared for mindfully to be used wisely and not seized by frauds and charlatans. Whether you are rich or poor, you have much more in common by sharing care, compassion and love of your fellow mankind.
Thank you for this wonderful comment, dear Bonnie, one that captures the very essence of this story! ❤️
A sweet and wholesome read.
Thank you kindly my dear Annette!
Such a lovely book with so much going on. Some good, some not so good but was a ‘growing’ time for all the characters.
{and calling the newborn son Bosworth is really not that unusual for back then. The bad thing about that name is how other kids would shorten it to bossy or worthless or something like that – LOL }
Thank you kindly dear Bets! Your support and feedback are truly appreciated!
This was definitely my favorite story of yours. The characters and the town were so well written. I stayed up all night reading it I couldn’t put it down! How can anyone pick just one favorite part. The saloon girls who got Violet the eaisl because she saw the people that they were on the inside not what they did for a living. James losing all his wealth and having to do things for himself that he was used to having people do for him. Violets appreciating the smallest things around her and not letting the wealthy snobs get to her. Lastly James hiring the cook Irma because his dog loved her. I could go on and on. But the saddest was in the epilogue when Violets mother was willing to once again leave her new family when she found out about Violets wealth and talent. One last thing the name Mrs Snodgrass was so perfect for that character! I kept reading it as Mrs Snobgrass. Thank you Carol for this amazing story!
Thank you so much my dear Aileen! The points you picked as your favourites were definitely parts that made me smile while writing the story! I am delighted you liked it as much 😊❤️
I totally agree with Aileen. I have placed this as my number one story that I have ever read. I love your style of writing and your characters come to life so well that one feels they truly were.
Thank you
Thank you so much my dear Jeanne! You can’t imagine how much your support means to me ❤️
I found this an encouraging story Carol. The character Violet had been suddenly bereaved and her home and livelihood taken from her but with some help from a good friend she was able to support herself and change the tone and outlook of the whole town.
I hoped to be inspiring for everyone my dear Maureen! Thank you so much for your kind words!
This is a very good and well written story and it shows that there is good in others that seem irredeemable
Thank you so much my dear Gwen for this comment! Having faith in humanity is all that we need in this world!
Excellent story. My husband adopted my oldest daughter and never showed favoritism for his own natural born. He loved them all and treated them equally. He still does. Wherever we walk in life, we should all be seen as equal, just as it is in God’s eyes! Thank you for sharing.
Sometimes life is even sweeter than stories! And that is a true blessing! Thank you for your comment my dear Darla!
A delightful story of showing God’s love. Violet was lucky to meet Mrs. Edmonds after her father died. I loved the characters and how she excepted everyone.
I am so glad you felt the warmth of this story! Thank you so much for your comment!
I’m not a writer, but love to read. I loved this book. It kept my attention, and I had a hard time putting it down. It’s a good thing I’m retired. I laughed, cried, & was inspired to do more and look to see what I could do to help those around me. Thank you.
My dear Janet! Your comment itself is so inspiring! This is all a writer wishes for when writing a story! Thank you so much for this heartfelt reply!
I loved this book so much! It helt my attention from start to finish! Please write a sequel.o
I am so glad you enjoyed it as much my dear! I don’t usually write sequels but I will keep in mind your lovely request! ❤️
Your novel tells me we need to remind ourselves money can buy material things but it can’t buy love or happiness! Great read!
This is a truth to keep close to our hearts my dear! Thank you so much for all the love and support!
This was an interesting story. Well thought and written. Violet reminded me of my mother who taught us not to look down on others. Sadly that is something that needs to happen in regards to social media. I did really enjoy reading this tale. Thank you for writing it.
Thank you so much for this delightful comment my dear Cyndie! Glad I can hear there are people with high ethics all around us! I am glad you enjoyed the read! 😊
Loved this story! Violet was such a beautiful person. I really like how her positive outlook on life transformed James’ life. Mrs. Edmonds and Lenore were fun characters who truly did as they pleased and didn’t allow other’s opinions to dictate how to live their lives. Thank you for writing such a positive story!
I am glad you enjoyed it as much my dear! 🥰 Thank you for leaving this heartwarming comment!
I enjoyed this story a lot. Lots of twist & turns, but good book.
Thank you so much for your feedback my dear Barbara!
You are a very talented story teller. The fact you used Violet’s character to portray the wrongness of classism and seeing all people as equals regardless of their station in life says a lot about your character. People who choose to put money above everything else to pull them out of their poverty, rarely turn out any less than Marcus Oroville. Unfortunately life doesn’t make it possible for everyone to find a happy medium, but people should never be treated as less than. A man I worked with one time, said there’s nothing wrong with being a garbage man. Someone has to do it or this world would be in an even worse mess. I count my blessings someone picks mine up and tell them “thank you” when I see them. Watch the smiles on their faces. I don’t, however, approve of laziness.
Thank you for a beautiful book.
Thank you my dear Linda! You truly honor me with this heartwarming comment of yours and I could not agree more with you!
This was an awesome story of God bringing strong people together to help those less fortunate and in need. Not of better character but with the means to help others. Violet was raised to be a strong lady, who was also an artist. Her mother left them for a life of wealth. James was raised to look down his nose at the less fortunate but Violet and her benefactor helped James change. The extended epilogue tied it all up in a neat bow.
I am glad you enjoyed it as much my dear! ❤️
I really enjoyed this book and the extended epilogue. I hated the way Violet’s uncle took everything from her but it all worked out for good. Keep up the good work, Carol.
Thank you so much, my dear Letha! I am glad you liked it as much!
This was a real turn-around story for me ….. it really kept me guessing until that first visit to the wildflowers. After that it was a little predictable.. enjoyed it so much!!!
Thank you so much my dear for your support and feedback! I am glad you truly enjoyed it!🌺
Always a good read. Love all your stories. In the extended epilogue I wonder what James wrote in his letter to Violets mother?
Thank you dear Virginia, I am glad you enjoyed it as much! The letter probably contained some of the wisdom and life lessons he took from Violet! Her daughter has been a treasure since forever!
Today I was in the mood for a sweet Western romance as I recoup from a cold. Flipping through the list on my Kindle I spotted this one. It was a wonderful choice. I snuggled in and got lost in your well developed characters and splended setting. Thank you for a day of pleasant reading and peace.
Thank you so much my dear Shirley! Happy New Year! 🥳
Loved the book! As usual you always please the most staunch of your fans! A very good love story where rich meets poor, and learn to really appreciate their differences! Enjoy!
Thank you once again dear Mary for the heartwarming comment! 🥰
This was a great story with so many life teaching lessons everyone one could benefit from. Violet was such an awesome person whose impact on others was awesome. She certainly suffered much loss but didn’t allow it to make her bitter but better. James was certainly a very snobbish person but it took Violet to help him have a change of heart and attitude in recognizing that everyone should be seen as a person of worth and they should be treated equally no matter their social standing. Thanks for a great book.
Thank you for the loving support and for the precious feedback dear Shannon! It truly keeps me inspired!
Violet certainly demonstrated that one person CAN make a difference. She didn’t try to force anyone to change; she just showed them love and showed them a better way of doing things. What an excellent example for all of us to follow.
Thank you for your heartwarming comment dear Margaret! I am glad my story had such an impact to you!
Dear Carol I thank you for this charming story. I couldn’t put it down. I guess money and filling superior could easily happen with a father like Marcus but luckily James learned a better way to be thanks to Violet and his mother. Loved the extended ending. Thank you for this book!
Thank you so much for your heartwarming comment dear Denise! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
If I chose a favorite part of this story, I would say all of it! So many lessons taught-humility, patience, dignity, strength, and the list goes on. One thing I must mention is that I appreciate your rendition of James’ visit with Thomas and handling the mother.
A very satisfying story all around.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback Vivian! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the entire story and appreciated the lessons it conveyed. I’m particularly glad that James’ visit with Thomas and the handling of the mother resonated with you. Your kind words mean a lot to me, and I’m grateful for your support! ♥️
Prejudice being looked at and modified or discarded. Was nice to see people starting to work together and help others.
Thank you for your encouraging comment, dear Margaret!