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The first light of dawn spilled over the Montana hills, casting long golden streaks across the valley. The McCord homestead stood strong against the rising sun, its freshly painted white walls glowing softly. A warm breeze carried the scent of wild sage and pine through the air, rustling the fields that stretched beyond the barn. It was a peaceful morning—a morning filled with promise.
Rebecca stood barefoot on the wooden porch, the soft cotton of her dress fluttering around her ankles as she cradled a warm mug of coffee in her hands. She exhaled slowly, soaking in the quiet moment before the day’s excitement began. This was home. This was everything she had ever dreamed of.
Her gaze drifted toward the corral, where Elias was already at work, repairing a section of fencing that had loosened after the last storm. The morning sun highlighted the strong lines of his face, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows as he swung his hammer with ease.
She smiled. Even after all these years, the sight of him still made her heart race.
“Mama! Mama, come quick!”
A burst of laughter echoed across the yard as Henry, now five years old, came barreling toward her, his boots kicking up dust. Behind him, Lillian, now eight, followed at a steadier pace, holding the hand of little Susannah, their two-year-old, who giggled with delight.
Rebecca crouched just in time for Henry to throw his arms around her waist. “Mama, you won’t believe it! Bucky jumped over the fence! I saw it with my own eyes!”
Lillian rolled her eyes. “Henry always exaggerates.”
Henry frowned, crossing his arms. “Do not! Papa said Bucky was the fastest colt around, didn’t he?”
Elias, having heard the exchange, approached with a smirk, resting a hand on Henry’s head. “Well now, he’s got some spirit, that’s for sure. Maybe he’ll be a fine jumper someday.”
Henry beamed. “Told you!”
Rebecca ruffled her son’s hair and stood, shifting her youngest daughter onto her hip. “You two had better come inside and wash up. We have guests arriving soon.”
“Do we have extra apple pie?” Henry asked eagerly.
Rebecca laughed. “That depends on how well you behave today.”
Henry turned to Elias. “Papa, tell her I’ve been real good!”
Elias chuckled. “I don’t know, son. Your mama’s the boss when it comes to pie.”
Henry huffed dramatically, but Lillian grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the house. “Come on, Henry, let’s help Mama.”
Rebecca lingered for a moment as the children scampered away, then turned back to Elias. She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his.
“You ready for a busy day?” she asked.
Elias studied her, his gaze warm. “As long as you’re by my side.”
She squeezed his fingers, her heart swelling. By nightfall, she would tell him about the baby growing inside her—and she already knew his reaction would be one of pure joy.
By midday, Clearwater Ridge was alive with celebration. The town square bustled with activity—long tables covered in checkered cloths stretched beneath the shade of cottonwood trees, laden with platters of smoked meats, cornbread, fresh preserves, and pies of every kind. The rich scent of roasted venison and spiced cider filled the air, mingling with the cheerful hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter from playing children.
Rebecca stood with Veronica, admiring the festive decorations as they watched families settle in for the town’s annual Fourth of July picnic.
“You’ve really outdone yourself this year,” Veronica said, smoothing her growing belly. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much food in one place.”
Rebecca smiled. “It’s not just me. The whole town came together to make this happen.” She scanned the crowd, spotting Margaret and George Simpson setting up extra chairs while Jack Torrington and his wife handed out lemonade. Even Harvey Rawlings from the hardware store had joined in, tuning his fiddle in preparation for the evening’s music.
Just then, Sheriff Joshua Martin approached, hands tucked into his vest pockets. “Careful now, ladies. I just overheard Harvey say these fireworks are supposed to be the biggest yet. If the livery burns down, I’m blaming you both.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “You say that every year.”
Joshua smirked. “One of these days, I might just be right.”
Rebecca laughed just as Elias appeared, Henry perched on his shoulders while Lillian and Susannah clung to his hands.
“I see you’re puttin’ yourself in charge of the little ones,” Joshua teased.
Elias shrugged. “They don’t listen to me any more than they listen to Rebecca. I’m just here to make sure they don’t try to set off the fireworks early.”
Henry beamed. “I wouldn’t do that, Uncle Joshua.”
Joshua ruffled the boy’s hair. “You wouldn’t? That’s not what you said last year.”
Rebecca watched the exchange with warmth, then turned to Elias, her heart hammering in her chest. Now. Now was the moment.
She reached for his hands, pressing them gently against her stomach. “Elias… you might want to get used to excitement.”
He frowned slightly, confused—until he saw the look in her eyes.
Realization dawned. “Rebecca…?”
She nodded, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes. “We’re having another baby.”
For a moment, time seemed to stop as Elias simply stared at her, his dark eyes wide. Then, before she could say another word, he lifted her off the ground, spinning her in a joyful embrace.
The surrounding townsfolk, having caught wind of the announcement, burst into cheers.
Veronica clapped her hands. “Well, if that’s not cause for celebration, I don’t know what is!”
Joshua smirked. “Guess I’d better start carving another deputy’s badge for the next McCord kid.”
Elias kissed Rebecca’s forehead, still breathless from excitement. “You always find a way to surprise me, darlin’.”
Rebecca laughed, resting her hands on his chest. This was home. This was love.
As twilight settled over Clearwater Ridge, the town gathered near the open field, waiting for the fireworks display to begin. Children sat on blankets, couples held hands, and families huddled together, enjoying the last moments of the evening before the sky lit up in color.
Rebecca leaned against Elias, Susannah nestled in his lap, her tiny fingers clutching the front of his shirt. Henry and Lillian sat cross-legged on the ground at their feet, whispering excitedly as they waited for the first explosion of light. The evening was perfect—filled with warmth, laughter, and the undeniable comfort of home.
Then—a voice cut through the air like a blade.
“Well now, McCord. Ain’t this a picture-perfect sight?”
Elias stiffened beneath Rebecca’s touch, his muscles tensing. His hand instinctively reached for hers, a silent reassurance as he turned to face the speaker.
Boone Calhoun.
The name alone had been nothing but a whisper in the past few years, a ghost of a life left behind. Yet now, there he stood—older, worn, and flanked by two armed guards. His once-strong frame had withered from time spent behind bars, and the dangerous glint in his eye had dulled, replaced by something… empty.
Joshua was on his feet instantly, stepping between Elias and Boone. His voice was sharp. “What’s he doing here?”
One of the guards answered, keeping a firm grip on Boone’s arm. “Prison transfer. Just passing through.”
Boone’s gaze flicked toward Rebecca, his lips curling in a dry smirk. “You got yourself a nice life, huh?” His voice was hoarse, weaker than she remembered. “Ain’t nothin’ like the one I planned for ya.”
Elias didn’t flinch, didn’t waver. His grip on Rebecca’s hand remained firm. “You don’t belong here, Boone.”
Boone let out a humorless chuckle. “No, I don’t. I reckon I never did.” His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he exhaled deeply, shoulders sagging. “Guess I finally figured out—revenge don’t get you nowhere.”
Rebecca studied him. This wasn’t the same man who had haunted her dreams. Boone Calhoun was nothing more than a broken relic of his own destruction.
Without another word, the guards led him away, their boots kicking up dust as they disappeared into the dim light.
Rebecca exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest. The encounter had been brief, but it stirred old memories, old fears.
Elias turned to her, cupping her cheek with a tenderness that made her breath hitch. “You okay?”
She met his gaze, feeling the warmth and unshakable strength in his presence. “I just want to focus on what’s in front of me.”
Elias kissed her temple. “That’s all that matters.”
Just then, the first firework burst into the sky, illuminating the night in gold.
Rebecca smiled, pressing a hand to her belly as Henry and Lillian gasped in delight.
No shadows from the past could change what they had.
They were free.
The last embers of the fireworks faded into the night sky, leaving a soft glow of lantern light scattered across Clearwater Ridge. Families packed their blankets, children yawned as they were lifted into their parents’ arms, and the town slowly began to drift home, hearts full from the day’s celebrations.
Elias and Rebecca lingered, walking slowly through the field hand in hand, listening to the peaceful hum of the land around them. The warm Montana night stretched wide above them, the moon casting silver streaks across the prairie grass.
By the time they reached their homestead, the house stood quiet and still, their children tucked safely into bed. Elias held the door open for Rebecca before following her inside, his presence always steady, always near.
Rebecca sighed contentedly, stretching her arms as she glanced out the window. “Hard to believe another year’s come and gone.”
Elias leaned against the doorframe, studying her. “Hard to believe how much has changed.”
She turned to him, tilting her head. “What do you mean?”
He took a slow step forward, his deep brown eyes full of something soft, something unshakable. “I spent so many years wondering if I’d ever have a place to belong. Wondering if a man like me—a man who’d done the things I’ve done—could ever have a real home.” His voice was quiet, thick with emotion. “But when I look at you, when I look at our children… there’s no doubt anymore. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Rebecca swallowed past the lump in her throat, stepping into his arms. “You were always meant to be here, Elias. You just had to find your way home.”
He pulled her close, wrapping her in a slow, lingering embrace.
They stood there, wrapped in the warmth of each other, letting the night settle around them.
After a moment, Elias exhaled a quiet chuckle. “Think Henry will still want to be sheriff when he grows up?”
Rebecca grinned, resting her head against his chest. “Knowing our boy? He’ll probably want to be a lawman, a rancher, and a circus performer all at once.”
Elias laughed, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Sounds about right.”
She looked up at him, running her fingers along the rough stubble of his jaw. “You’ve given me everything I never knew I needed, Elias.”
His hands tightened on her waist. “And you gave me something I thought I’d never have. A family. A home. A reason to stop running.”
The wind outside shifted, rustling the prairie grass beyond their porch. It was a familiar sound, a comforting one—the sound of a life well-lived, of love deeply rooted.
Rebecca smiled against Elias’s lips as he kissed her, slow and deep.
And as the night stretched on, she knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
Forever.
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!
Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed the book and epilogue! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments 🙂
Another terrific book by a terrific author. I loved this One and the extended epilogue was icing on a tasty cake! Thanks
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lina! It’s always a treat when a book leaves such a lasting impression, and an extended epilogue really does add that perfect finishing touch. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Such a good epilogue to follow a GOOD book! I don’t know how you do it, but every book you write is better than the last. You always give me a new favorite book, every time! I was so thrilled that Rebecca and Elias had the family that they wanted. That Elias finally felt at home and didn’t feel like he had to keep running from his past. You go girl!! Keep on writing Carol!
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, Kay! I’m beyond thrilled that you enjoyed the epilogue and felt Rebecca and Elias’ journey was so fulfilling. It means the world to me to hear that each book resonates with you more than the last. Your support and encouragement truly keep me motivated to keep writing!🙏💖
This was a lovely story! Delish!!! I loved Rebecca & Elias. They were prefect for each other.
I really enjoyed the epilogue & their kids….
I love a story that leaves yu with a sigh & smile!!!
Thank you for sharing your talent & gift with us.
huge fan!!!!!!
Blessings to you .
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Celia! I’m thrilled you loved Rebecca & Elias’ story, and that the epilogue brought a smile to your face. Your support means the world to me—blessings to you as well! 😊💕
You are so blessed Ms Colyer & you bless us with this book of Rebecca & Elias as well as with so many of your other books! Thankyou for this most beautiful story so full of heart & soul!
This was such a heart warming story. Rebecca’s faith kept her strong and Elias true being finally was seen by all. Great story love it from start to end.