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“Hold still, Ben, or you’ll scare them away!” Liliane—Kacey to everyone in Hollow Creek—gently scolded as she knelt beside her eldest son. The boy, with his father’s piercing eyes and her stubborn chin, giggled but obeyed, his small hands clutching a wooden bucket. They were collecting eggs, a morning ritual that had become cherished.
“I’m not scaring them, Mama,” Ben whispered with the dramatic seriousness only a child could manage. “I’m making them brave!”
Liliane chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face as she leaned over the chicken coop. “Is that so? Well, I do believe brave hens lay the best eggs.”
“Can I hold one?” came a second, smaller voice. This time it was Ruth, their youngest, toddling over with arms outstretched. Liliane smiled, marveling at how quickly time had passed. The years since her escape from her past and the turmoil of Reno Ridley’s gang seemed almost like a dream. Here, surrounded by children’s laughter and warm sunlight, life felt sweeter than she ever imagined.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Liliane said, placing an egg carefully in Ruth’s waiting hands. The little girl’s eyes went wide with awe as she cradled the fragile treasure.
The creak of the gate caught her attention. Turning, she saw Levi approaching, broad shoulders casting a long shadow across the yard. He’d been working on reinforcing the barn roof after last week’s storm, and he wore the evidence—dust and sweat streaking his forehead. But when he saw Liliane and the children, his smile broke through the grime like sunshine on a cloudy day.
“Am I too late for the morning show?” Levi asked, leaning casually against the gatepost.
“You’re just in time to see Ben tame the wild chickens,” Liliane replied, her eyes sparkling. “Careful now, he’s got a way with them.”
Levi’s laugh rumbled, low and comforting. “I’ll bet he does.” He strode over, his boots crunching on the earth, and scooped Ruth into his arms. “And what’s this, little lady? An egg? Are you sure it’s not a hidden treasure?”
Ruth squealed with delight as Levi spun her around. “It’s a treasure, Papa! It’s a treasure!”
Liliane felt warmth flood her chest, and for a moment, she simply stood there, watching her family. This was what they had fought for—what they had bled for. Peace, love, and the simple beauty of moments like this.
When Levi set Ruth down, he turned to Liliane, taking her hand. “You know, Deborah stopped by earlier. Said she’d help watch the kids if you wanted to head to the restaurant early. Abby needs a hand with the new supplies.”
“Of course,” Liliane said, squeezing his hand. “I’ll finish up here first.”
They stood together in companionable silence, the rustling of chickens and children’s laughter filling the air. Levi leaned in, his voice low. “I never imagined life could feel this… full.”
Liliane nodded, a hint of emotion tightening her throat. “Me neither.”
They stayed like that for a while—two people who had survived so much, finding joy in the simplest of things.
The restaurant was already bustling by the time Liliane arrived, the midday rush in full swing. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter, clinking plates, and the rhythmic scrape of chairs against the wooden floor. Hollow Creek had grown since those fateful days when Levi and Liliane first settled here, and with it, the restaurant—her joint venture with Catherine—had become a community staple.
Liliane tied her apron as she stepped through the swinging door into the kitchen. Abby—Catherine—was already hard at work, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows and a determined glint in her eye as she ladled stew into bowls.
“Good timing!” Abby called over her shoulder, barely pausing. “The Hendricks boys are back, and they’ve brought their appetites.”
Liliane grinned. The Hendricks boys were a lively trio of ranch hands who seemed to live on a diet of stew, bread, and laughter. “I’ll bring them their orders,” she replied, grabbing a tray. “You focus on keeping up with the rest.”
Abby paused for a moment, hands on her hips. Her eyes sparkled, and beneath the weariness of the day’s labor was a joy that hadn’t dimmed. “I swear, if we keep feeding this town, we’ll have to build a bigger place.”
“Wouldn’t be the worst problem to have,” Liliane replied, balancing the heavy tray with practiced ease. “Though I suppose expanding next door would upset Deborah’s geese.”
They both laughed at that, the kind of easy, genuine laughter that only came with years of trust and friendship. Liliane moved through the restaurant, delivering orders and exchanging cheerful banter with patrons. It was hard work, but it was honest, and it filled her with a satisfaction she couldn’t quite explain.
Later, as the rush began to die down, Abby slid into the chair across from Liliane, letting out a long breath. She placed a hand on her swollen belly and smiled. “Cody can’t stop talking about being a big brother,” she said. “He’s convinced it means he’ll get to stay up late.”
Liliane laughed, wiping her hands on her apron. “He’s in for quite the surprise, then.”
“Isn’t he just,” Abby said fondly. She grew quiet for a moment, her gaze softening. “You know, I never thought we’d find peace like this. After everything… I didn’t think it was possible.”
Liliane reached across the table, covering Abby’s hand with her own. “We fought for it. We earned it.”
Abby nodded, blinking back tears. “I still think about Wade sometimes. What he wanted for Cody, for us. I hope… I hope he’d be proud.”
“He would be,” Liliane said firmly. “You’ve made a life for yourself, for Cody. And now, with the sheriff…”
A blush crept up Abby’s neck. “Sheriff Boiler is… he’s good to us. And kind. I didn’t think I’d ever want to love again, but here we are.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the past lingering like a shadow. But it was a shadow that no longer held them back; it was simply a reminder of how far they’d come.
“You know,” Liliane said, breaking the silence with a teasing smile, “if you need someone to distract Cody when the baby comes, I know a certain pair of siblings who would be more than willing.”
Abby’s laughter rang out, light and free. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Just then, the door swung open, and Cody burst in, breathless and full of energy. “Mama! Aunt Kacey! Sheriff Peter said I can help at the station today!”
Abby raised an eyebrow. “Did he now?”
Cody nodded emphatically, and Liliane couldn’t help but smile. This was their life now—busy, joyful, and filled with promise.
As the sun began to dip low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over Hollow Creek, Liliane and Levi walked hand in hand along the edge of their property. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the gentle rustling of the wind through the tall grass. Their children ran ahead of them, their laughter carrying on the breeze.
“So, I heard from Clara today,” Liliane said, glancing up at Levi with a smile. “Her letter was full of news.”
Levi raised an eyebrow. “Good news, I hope?”
“Oh, the best,” Liliane replied, squeezing his hand. “Aunt Margo is being courted by a widower. Apparently, it’s quite the scandal—at least according to Clara. She’s been teasing Aunt Margo endlessly.”
Levi chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “Good for her. Margo deserves a little happiness of her own.”
“She does,” Liliane agreed, her voice softening. “It’s funny, though. I never thought I’d see the day when Aunt Margo would consider getting married again. Clara says she’s actually debating it.”
“Love has a way of surprising us,” Levi said, a playful glint in his eyes. “I should know.”
Liliane stopped walking, turning to face him. “Is that so? Do tell, Mr. West.”
Levi pretended to ponder for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “Well, once upon a time, I met a woman who punched a train robber in the face. I thought to myself, ‘There goes the bravest, most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.’ And then, wouldn’t you know it, she turned out to be the nurse who saved my life.”
Liliane laughed, the sound light and full of joy. “That’s quite a story. I hope it has a happy ending.”
“Oh, it does,” Levi said, pulling her close. “The happiest.”
They stood together for a moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth and the peace of the evening. Then, the sound of small footsteps pattering through the grass broke the spell.
“Papa! Mama!” Ben called, his voice bright with excitement. “Look what we found!”
He and Ruth came running, their hands full of wildflowers. Ben proudly presented a small bouquet, while Ruth held out a single, slightly wilted daisy.
“For you, Mama,” Ruth said, her eyes wide and earnest.
Liliane knelt, accepting the flowers with genuine delight. “Thank you, my loves. They’re beautiful.”
Levi crouched beside her, ruffling Ben’s hair. “Good work, son. You’ve got quite the eye for picking flowers.”
Ben beamed, clearly pleased with himself. “I’m going to find more tomorrow!”
“We’ll have the prettiest garden in all of Hollow Creek if you keep this up,” Liliane said, her heart full.
As the children ran off again, their laughter trailing behind them, Levi slipped his arm around Liliane’s shoulders. They began walking back toward their cabin, their steps unhurried.
“Do you ever think about how far we’ve come?” Levi asked, his voice quiet.
“All the time,” Liliane replied. “It wasn’t that long ago that everything felt so uncertain. And now… this.” She gestured to the fields, the children, the life they had built. “I never thought I’d have this.”
Levi pressed a kiss to her temple. “We earned it.”
“Yes,” Liliane whispered, leaning into him. “We did.”
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. For a moment, they simply stood there, soaking in the beauty of it all.
The evening found Liliane back in the kitchen of the restaurant, finishing up the day’s cleaning with Abby. The place was quiet now, the chairs stacked atop the tables and the last remnants of dinner packed away. The smell of bread lingered, warm and comforting, a testament to the countless meals shared within these walls.
Abby leaned back against the counter, her hands resting on her rounded belly. “I think this little one is getting impatient,” she said with a wry smile. “Or maybe he’s just determined to make me uncomfortable.”
Liliane laughed, drying her hands on a cloth. “Soon enough, he’ll be here, and you’ll wish you had these quiet moments back.”
“Don’t remind me,” Abby groaned, but her eyes sparkled. “Cody is already planning out all the adventures he’ll take his new sibling on. I’m half worried he’ll teach the poor baby to climb trees before it can even walk.”
“Sounds like Cody,” Liliane said fondly. “At least he’ll be a doting big brother.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a knock at the back door. Abby’s smile faltered for a moment, but then she relaxed when she recognized the familiar voice calling out.
“Evening, ladies,” Sheriff Peter Boiler greeted, stepping inside. He removed his hat, revealing slightly disheveled hair. “Just thought I’d check in. Everything alright?”
“Perfectly fine, Sheriff,” Abby said, her voice softening as she looked at him. “Just wrapping up.”
Peter crossed the room, his gaze lingering on Abby. He rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Don’t overdo it. You know what the doctor said.”
“I’m not made of glass, you know,” Abby protested, but there was no real heat in her words.
Liliane watched the exchange, warmth blooming in her chest. “I’ll make sure she behaves, Sheriff. You have my word.”
Peter grinned, a touch of relief evident in his expression. “Thank you, Kacey.”
He turned his attention back to Abby, his voice quieting. “Ready to head home?”
Abby nodded, a tired smile spreading across her lips. “More than ready.”
Liliane walked them to the door, watching as Peter helped Abby into the waiting wagon. Cody was already nestled inside, fast asleep under a blanket. Peter glanced back, catching Liliane’s eye.
“Thank you for everything, Kacey. I know how much you’ve done for her… for all of us.”
Liliane shook her head. “We’re family. That’s what we do.”
Peter nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. With a final wave, he climbed into the wagon and guided the horses away, leaving Liliane alone in the quiet of the evening.
She took a deep breath, savoring the stillness. Life had a way of moving forward, even after the darkest times. And here, in this place they had made their home, there was light and laughter and hope.
As she turned back to the empty restaurant, the familiar creak of the door caught her attention. Levi stood there, leaning casually against the frame, his expression soft.
“Everyone gone?” he asked.
“Yes,” Liliane replied, crossing the room to him. “It’s just us now.”
He stepped forward, wrapping her in a warm embrace. “I missed you,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair.
“I wasn’t gone that long,” she teased, her voice muffled against his chest.
“Long enough,” he said, his tone light but sincere.
They stood there for a moment, simply holding each other. Outside, the stars glittered in the dark sky, and the town settled into the peaceful rhythm of the night.
“We should go home,” Levi said softly. “The children will be waiting.”
“Yes,” Liliane agreed, a smile playing at her lips. “Let’s go home.”
Hand in hand, they stepped out into the night, their hearts full and their path clear.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts Across the Frontier", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello, my dears! I truly hope you enjoyed our couple’s happily ever after! I would love to know which was your favorite part of Liliane and Levi’s story! Please share your thoughts with me here! Thank you – always! ♥️📚
Loved it great read.
Dear Elizabeth, thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
My heart still hasn’t settled yet from reading both the book and extended Epilogue. At the moment my heart is racing with everything they went through. I felt so much a part of this story. You pulled me in from the beginning and still haven’t let go long after the ending. My heart is full. I cried, I laughed, I was mad, I was angry, I was full of joy and I was scared to say the leasr you had my emotions spiraling. So much happened in this story to so many people and I was pulled in all different directions. Thank you for the most wonderful read.
My dear Anna Marie, thank you so much for your heartfelt message! I’m truly honoured that the story touched you so deeply and kept you so engaged. It’s amazing to hear that it evoked such a range of emotions—those are the moments that make writing so rewarding! Thank you for being part of this story!🤩
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated from beginning to end. I enjoyed the extended epilogue.
It’s always great when a story can hold your attention like that, isn’t it? The extended epilogue definitely adds an interesting touch and I’m really happy you liked it, Frances!
A very good story very well written with interesting characters and a good extended epilogue
Thank you, Gwen! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the strength of character of Liliane and Levi. I especially liked the fact that the father who lost his child finally made peace with his loss and shared that with Liliane.
Thank you, Charlotte! ♥️ I am glad the story resonated with you and that you enjoyed so much reading it!
Another favorite book of mine! They just keep getting better and better. Carol you always exceed my expectations! Thank you for writing such enjoyable books for us to read!!
I should be the one thanking you, Kay, for the constant support through my writing journey! I am truly glad you enjoy my stories 🥰
I loved all of this story. It was well written with interesting characters and storyline. I enjoyed the twists, dangerous situations, and the romance. Thank you so much.
I can’t thank you enough for your kind words, Karie! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the story, the characters, and all the twists. It really means a lot to me to know you connected with it. I appreciate your support more than you know!
Entertaining story, although a few questions. Did Catherine ever travel to the land owned by Wade that was bought before he was killed by his brother, Reno to look for the stash of money left there?
Did Sheriff Haunt leave Hollow Creek, since Peter Boiler was sheriff at a town a week travel away where Reno and his gang tried to kill Levi and Liliane?
Thank you for your writing.
My dear Virginia, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. As for your questions, Catherine’s journey and the mystery of what was left behind are best left to the imagination, with a bit of uncertainty lingering. As for Sheriff Haunt, well, it seems life has a way of taking people in unexpected directions, and things have certainly shifted in Hollow Creek. Thanks again for reading, and for your thoughtful questions!
Delightful story from page one onw on. Excellent storyline, characters and twists. Loved the finality with “Myers”. A story all readers should put on their read list.
Dear Kerma, I’m thankful for your lovely feedback! I’m so glad the story, characters, and twists captured your interest, and that the conclusion with “Myers” felt right. I truly appreciate your recommendation!
What a great story. Had trouble putting it down. It was lively and truly believable, I hope to find more like this. A good author. Thank you..
How sweet of you to say, Maureen! It’s always such a delight when a story hooks you in like that. Finding a book that feels alive and real is such a treasure, and it’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed it so much!
Read straight through. Very interesting and entertaining. Enjoyable reading,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Anna Thank you for sharing your thoughts!