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“I can’t believe he’s walking now,” Miss Talbot said, sitting in the chair beside Chloe as they watched Benjamin toddle slowly around the yard, following his father. “It feels like it should be illegal that he’s walking at all.”
Chloe laughed.
“I know, but I’ll be grateful for it. He’s getting really heavy and needs to start walking on his own now.”
“At least he’s sleeping better. We were all going to go mad with the lack of sleep.” Miss Talbot yawned. “I know I was.”
“You didn’t mention anything about it.”
“I wasn’t going to complain when I knew you had it worse. Anyway, you seem to be coping well enough with him.” The schoolteacher gestured at Chloe’s swollen belly. “Enough that you’re willing to give Benjamin a brother or sister.”
Smiling, Chloe laid a hand on her stomach.
“I didn’t think this would be happening, if I’m honest,” she admitted. “I kept going back and forth with wanting a child. Thomas understood, and so did Jonathan. But as I looked after Benjamin, I began to think I really could do this. I am capable of becoming a mother.”
“I knew that when I first met you.” Miss Talbot patted her knee with a smile. “It just took you a while to get used to the idea, that’s all.”
Chloe was glad the woman had decided to stay with her. She was a long-term boarding house resident and now had truly made it her home. Having her around made Chloe feel so much better about herself, knowing that she was safe and well with a guiding light by her side. Miss Talbot was a friend and motherly figure to her, and Chloe was relieved she hadn’t walked away.
It was nice to have someone who was like a mother to her after having no one for years. Since Benjamin came into her life, her family had gone from just her to quite a few people. Chloe hadn’t thought that was possible.
She watched as Benjamin bumped into Jonathan’s leg and ended up sitting down heavily. Laughing, Jonathan picked him up and began to toss him into the air before catching him again. Benjamin squealed in delight, giggling as Jonathan spun him around. Having passed his first birthday, with his own little personality, he looked more like Lila than Chloe ever thought possible. The same hair and eye color, and even the same smile. Her heart swelled every time she saw it.
If Lila could see them now, she would be pleased. Benjamin was growing up as he should be. That was all she asked for, and Chloe was glad she was able to do that for her friend.
“Chloe?” Cora had appeared at her side, holding a letter. She held it out. “This just came for you.”
“Oh?” Frowning, Chloe took the letter. “Who’s it from?”
“I have no idea. It just arrived, and I thought you’d want it now.”
Chloe stared at it. She didn’t know who would be writing to her. Most of the people she believed would do that were with her at the moment. Miss Talbot stood up.
“I’ll give you some privacy. Cora, shall we go and prepare lunch? I’m sure Benjamin’s going to be hungry right now.”
The younger woman nodded, and they headed inside. Even Cora had stayed at the boarding house, saying she wanted to help out. Chloe had felt bad for Cora staying there without pay, so she’d employed her as a maid. That had worked out well for everyone, and Cora was happy with her new position. It had certainly been the best decision for them.
“You all right, love?” Jonathan was walking towards her now, Benjamin propped up on his hip. “What’s that?”
“I don’t know.”
Sensing her dubious tone, her husband put their son down and kissed his head.
“Go and see where Cora and Miss Talbot are, little man. I think they’ve got some food for you.”
Benjamin gurgled and turned slowly, walking carefully toward Chloe. She leaned over and kissed his head, getting damp hands touching her face as a result. Then he toddled inside.
“He’s getting so strong on his feet,” Jonathan remarked, sitting beside her. “I have a feeling he’s going to be running around before we know it.”
“I know. That’s what I’m worried about.” Chloe turned the letter over in her hand. “Can you read this for me? I don’t know who it’s from.”
Frowning, Jonathan took it from her and opened it. After reading through it slowly, he looked up.
“It’s from Kane.”
“What?” Chloe stared. “I didn’t think he was allowed to write to anyone.”
“He is. It’s just that his mail is restricted, so I’m guessing it would be limited.”
Chloe wasn’t expecting that. After believing Kane and Hodges would be hanged for their crimes, somehow they managed to get life imprisonment. It had upset her that nobody would truly give her justice for Thomas’s death, but there was nothing she could do to change it. At least they would never see the light of day as free men anymore.
But why would Kane write to her a year later?
“What does it say?” she asked.
“That he’s sorry for what happened. He regrets his actions toward you and your husband.” Jonathan paused. “According to him, Thomas was an innocent man trying to do the right thing. He would’ve found a way to deal with him without killing him, but Hodges had ordered him. There’s a lot of remorse for that.”
Chloe didn’t say anything, unsure of how to respond. Jonathan continued.
“He says that he wishes Lila and Benjamin – Isaac, he calls him – were in his life, but that’s not happening, so he hopes that Benjamin grows up with the love and care that you can give him. That you are the right person for the job, and he couldn’t think of anyone better to look after his little boy.”
Her throat tightened, and Chloe swallowed.
“He really said that?”
“He did. That man is showing a lot of remorse, especially after what he’s done.” Jonathan placed the letter on the table. “I hope he means it because it would be rather hollow if not.”
“At least he was complimentary in knowing that I can keep Benjamin safe and loved,” Chloe remarked.
Smiling, her husband took her hand and kissed her fingers.
“I don’t think anyone would doubt it, Chloe. You’re just the right person to be Benjamin’s mother. I never doubted that.”
“And I couldn’t do it without you being here as well.”
“I’m certainly not going anywhere.” He leaned in and kissed her. “You and Benjamin are stuck with me for good.”
Chloe smiled.
“That doesn’t sound as scary as you make it out to be, Jonathan.”
“You really don’t mind?”
“I’ve got a man I love and a child I adore, with another along the way. What is there to mind?”
His eyes twinkled as he kissed her again.
“That’s what I love to hear. I hope you can say it more often.”
“I plan to,” she said.
She would never stop saying it.
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Hey my dear readers, I hope the book and Extended Epilogue brought you joy. I’ll be waiting right here for your thoughts. Thanks for reading! 🌷
I enjoyed this book as it had many twists and turns. I was happy she found love and happiness with anew husband.. Hopefuly people will enjoy this book as much as much as I have.
Thank you, Frances! I’m so glad the twists kept you engaged and that the ending left you feeling hopeful.💛
The story line was ok. But too much repetitive thoughts. Just dragged on with too much verbiage. Didn’t like this one.
Thank you, Carolynn, glad you enjoyed the story. I don’t expect every book to resonate with every reader, and I am always grateful for constructive feedback like yours!
Another great read. Started and kept going to finish!
I loved Miss Talbot. Exciting, suspenseful, and romantic,
Keep them coming!
Thank you, Linda, you say the sweetest things! I will definitely keep them coming!
I enjoyed it. I did not enjoy the audible version it sound someone reading to a child so even though I had the Audible version I did not use it
Glad you liked it, Marcia, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind support!
I totally enjoyed this book. The ups and downs of frontier life along with love and joy was merged together with meaning!
Thank you, Pat, I appreciate it! Those were hard times for sure. We should be grateful for what we have now.
So again I had a hard time putting down this book too. I love that you catch me on the 1st page and make me regret that the book is done. I love your books more with each one that I read. Please, keep them coming. Another fabulous job Carol!!!
Thank you so much, my dear Kay! Your message truly made my day. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the books—and yes, more are on the way! 💕
I loved your book, it was a great mystery.
Thank you, June! I’m really glad you enjoyed the book—your kind words mean a lot! 😊
I loved all the excitement and mystery. It was very well written. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you for another wonderful book.
Thank you, dear Helen! I’m truly glad you enjoyed the excitement and mystery. Your kind words mean the world! 💛
Another fine book to read. I guessed how it might turn out but it was an interesting
Turn of Events. I loved it
Thank you so much, dear Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the twist, even if you saw it coming!
Another good read, Carol, and the epilogue finished it nicely
Thank you, dear Gloria! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and that the epilogue wrapped things up in a satisfying way!
I agree
I throughly enjoyed this book, it’s very different from what I normally read & a different author to my usual ones.
The book got going from the start which is a plus for me.
It were a good storyline & characters that were realistic.
Easy storyline to follow & unusual it were set in the cowboy era.
I very highly recommend it & will definitely read other books by this author.
Thank you, Pat, that is so kind of you to say that! I am glad it was different from your usual read and yet it resonated with you. Thank you for reaching out!
You write some of the most interesting stories I’ve ever read and this was one of your best. I love Mrs. Talbot she was always so calm no matter what was happening. But I’m happy that the owner found another husband to love after her husband was murdered. To love a child while never being a mother herself.
They all found love and happiness in the end. Thank you for another spellbinding story. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Oh, Rita, I am so happy you enjoyed the book as much as you did! I tried to give everyone something. Mrs. Talbot is a great character, I completely agree with you. And of course there was a happy ending. 💖
Loved the book and the excitement of the story I had a hard time putting it down .
Thank you so much for your kind words, Joanne! 💛💫