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Chloe paused a moment at the base of her aunt’s porch. It had been nearly three weeks since she’d come to visit her aunt. She tried to come as often as possible, and when possible, like today, Theo came with her. Even though her aunt was elderly and sometimes had problems remembering things, Chloe enjoyed every one of their visits. Her aunt Anita was her only living relative that she knew of anyway. Somewhere out in the world, she had a father and probably family on that side as well, but she would most likely never learn who they were or have a relationship with them.
“Come on, we’re almost there.” Theo placed a gentle hand on her back.
Chloe nodded. “Whenever we come here, I wonder what it would have been like if my mother was still alive, waiting for me on the other side of that door. If only I’d been here, maybe things would have turned out different.”
“You can’t blame yourself, not like that.” Theo shook his head. “What you went through and did to find your mother, it was more than anyone should have or could have expected.”
“I just think about what it would have been like if I had found her before …” Chloe trailed off. She couldn’t talk about how many times she wondered what it would have been like to live with her mother again.
“I know it’s hard, but I believe your mother is looking down, and she is happy with everything that we’ve accomplished together, but most of all, she is most likely proud of how you managed to make something of yourself, despite the bad hand that you were dealt in life.”
Chloe nodded. Theo was always the one who knew what was going on and who knew the truth of things. He was the one who made sure she saw things the way they should be seen. Chloe continued up to her aunt’s porch and knocked on the door. Her hand had just left the door when it swung open. Her aunt Anita looked a lot like she remembered her mother looking. They were sisters after all.
“Chloe, it’s good to see you again! Come in.” Anita motioned for them to come into the house and toward the kitchen where she started pulling out chairs around the table. Anita was having a harder time moving around and being as agile as she once had been. Chloe could tell that having visitors was probably harder for her than she usually let on, but that didn’t matter. She still always made Chloe feel welcome. “Here, sit down. Let me get you some coffee or some tea.”
“Aunt Anita, don’t worry about it. Sit down a moment.” Chloe reached out and stopped her aunt from rushing around the kitchen. She hated to make her aunt’s day harder. Aunt Anita reluctantly sat down.
“I suppose I am not as nimble as I once was. It’s hard getting older. You’ll see when you get up in the years. Things aren’t as easy as they used to be. What brought the two of you by today?”
Chloe smiled. “Nothing specific. We just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing and say hello. How have you been these past weeks?”
Anita looked off in the distance, and for a moment, Chloe wondered if she had heard her at all.
“I’ve been all right. I was thinking of your mother the other day. She was such a dear.”
Chloe swallowed hard. She enjoyed every memory and story her aunt shared about her mother. Visiting her aunt and hearing those stories had become a big part of her life.
“She was, wasn’t she?”
“Yes, she always knew what to do. We would talk about how we would grow old together and our children would be friends. If only we would have known that things wouldn’t turn out that way, maybe we could have done something to stop it.”
Chloe reached over and patted her aunt’s hand. “Things turned out well, Aunt Anita. Maybe not like anyone expected, but still well.” Chloe really believed that. There had been a moment when she thought that it hadn’t been a good ending for her story, but she had changed her mind about that. She would always miss the life she might have had with her mother, but she would never trade her life with Theo for that.
She knew that what she had with Theo was something that only came once in a lifetime and the circumstances surrounding them falling in love would never have happened if she hadn’t been abandoned in front of the orphanage so long ago.
***
“Your aunt seemed happy to see us. Perhaps we should visit more often.” Theo had seemed thoughtful ever since they had left her Aunt Anita’s home.
Chloe nodded. “She did seem happy. I hate that she lives all alone. I’ve invited her to come live with us, just like you said, but she doesn’t want to give up doing things on her own for now.”
Theo shrugged. “I can understand that. I know that we think she would be better off living with us, but maybe she wouldn’t be as happy. I can’t believe that after all this time my family is finally going to visit.”
Chloe smiled, and her mood picked up a little bit. She had received a few letters from Theo’s parents, but she had never met them. Even though she’d been married to Theo for three years, she was still nervous about whether they would like her or not. It wasn’t as if anything would change, but she knew that meeting her in person would be different for everyone compared to written words exchanged between them.
“What if they hate me?’ The words slipped out of Chloe’s mouth. She had feared that for a long time but had kept those uncertainties to herself. Theo always told her that his parents and older brothers couldn’t wait to meet her, but she often felt worried he was just trying to make her feel better and didn’t know if they would like her or not. She had heard plenty of stories from the women in town about families who disliked their daughters-in-law. What she did know about Theo’s mother made her think they would get along, but she was fearful they wouldn’t. She didn’t know how she was supposed to react if Theo’s parents didn’t like her.
“They are not going to hate you. Listen, Chloe, I have told my parents all about you. My mother is relieved I’ve found someone to settle down with. She is going to be so happy to have another woman in the family where there have always just been men. I know my family and I know what sort of people they like. They might have been surprised that I got married while out here, but that doesn’t mean they will dislike you.”
Chloe nodded, biting her lower lip. “I just worry because … I’ve never had a family. I am scared about what happens if I am the reason you lose yours.”
“That is never going to happen, and even if my family decided for some ridiculous reason that they didn’t love you completely with all their heart as I do, I would take your side because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Don’t you ever doubt it.” They had stopped on the trail that led up to their home, and Theo took a step closer to Chloe.
She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist while she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Besides, I am pretty sure that our news is going to make them so excited, they won’t be able to think about anything else. You have nothing to worry about.”
Chloe smiled at his words and felt just a little bit better. Leave it to Theo to make all her doubts and insecurities vanish. She remembered that first time she’d spotted him on the train from the luggage car. Back then, she’d been the first to think the worst of him. Things had changed so much since then. If someone had told her where she would be three years later, she would never have believed them.
***
Theo tapped his fingers on the envelope sitting in front of him. He’d been surprised when the letter got delivered to him. He rarely received mail besides the letters he exchanged with his family. They were going to be arriving that afternoon at their home, so he’d known right away that this letter wasn’t from them. He had been fairly shocked to see that it was from Robert Osborne
Theo was a bit nervous about reading it. Even though things had ended well enough with Robert, you couldn’t exactly say they were friends. Even so, Theo wanted to hear that Robert was doing well. Even though what Robert did was no way to solve things, Theo felt bad for all the bad turns his life had taken. He hoped that something had worked out for him in the end.
He picked up the letter and opened it slightly reluctantly. He unfolded a single piece of lined paper.
Theo,
I know you are probably not expecting a letter from me, but I couldn’t keep myself from writing any longer. I wanted to tell you what happened to me after the second chance you gave me. I came to live near my daughter, and I’ve used my past experience to open my own mercantile. It has gone much better than I expected. Having my business has given me the ability to have a relationship with my daughter and be nearby whenever she needs me.
I have improved my relationship with my in-laws as well. They have come to accept that I am not giving up on being in my daughter’s life. Even though we still don’t see eye to eye on many things, things have been better between us and we are all trying to do what is best for my daughter. I want you to know that my life is looking up; it’s getting better instead of worse.
None of this could have happened if you chose to handle our last interaction differently. You could have chosen to ruin my life, and I might never have seen my daughter again. However, you helped me by forgiving me and believing I could turn things around. There is no way I can ever thank you or show you how much it means to me what you’ve given me.
I will never forget how your father treated me back in the day, but likewise, I will never forget how kind and forgiving you were. I hope that you and Chloe are well. The two of you deserve every happiness that comes your way. Once again, all I can do is apologize for what I put the two of you through and thank you for allowing me this second chance at life.
With my best wishes,
Robert.
Theo grinned at the words in the letter. He’d imagined several different things that this letter might contain, but what it did was so much better. He was happy that Robert had finally found closure to the past and a way to move forward. He had found the way to leave all those things hindering him behind and go after what he really cared about. Theo was glad. In a way, his father’s past with Robert had been hanging over his head. It was nice to finally know what happened to him.
“Theo, we should get going,” Chloe poked her head into the room they shared. Theo pushed back from the table and turned to Chloe.
“Of course, you’re right. We don’t want to be late.” Theo folded up the paper and slipped it back into the envelope. He would keep this letter as a memento. It would serve as another reminder of everything that he and Chloe had gone through three years ago. So much had changed since then, including what their lives were expected to look like in the future. Theo stood and hurried with Chloe outside.
It didn’t take them long to prepare the wagon and head down to town. Theo was glad that he hadn’t had to go back home empty-handed at the end of the year he’d given himself to succeed. He’d never guessed that he would have both a wife and a farm at the end of that time.
“Are you sure your family is going to like what we’ve prepared for them? I know it isn’t what they are used to in the city …” Chloe wrung her hands. Theo could tell that she was worried about his family’s visit from the moment he’d announced their plans to see them. He didn’t blame her, but he did wish she would believe him when he told her it would all work out fine.
He’d been talking to his family about how wonderful she was for the past three years, and his mother and Chloe had even exchanged a few letters. He knew his family was going to love her. He was proud to have her as his wife.
“Chloe, they are coming here to see us, not to have exactly what they had back in the city. You will see. They are going to think our cabin is wonderful, and they are going to enjoy getting to see the farm. They are going to enjoy seeing everything about my life. You will see.” Theo was completely confident that his family would appreciate what he had built with Chloe. If they weren’t, then that was another matter, and he had no patience for such things.
The train was pulling up to the platform as they rode up to the station. Theo parked the wagon off to one side, then helped Chloe down and the two of them waited as the passengers started to come off the train. Theo spotted his family right away. Even though he hadn’t seen them for three years, they looked just the same as he remembered them.
His father was carrying his mother’s bag, and his brothers were both elbowing each other and laughing as they approached. He grabbed Chloe’s hand, and they wove through the other people on the platform to get to his family.
“Theo!” His mother rushed forward, wrapping him in a tight hug. She pulled back, and her warm smile landed on Chloe. Theo could tell that Chloe was shocked when his mother hugged her too. “Chloe, I am so glad to meet you! After everything I’ve heard about you and after the letters you’ve sent, it is nice to put a face to the name. I do hope that my son has been treating you right.”
Chloe’s cheeks turned a bright red, and Theo could tell she wasn’t sure how to respond. He didn’t wait to find out. Instead, he stepped aside to say hello to his father and brothers while his mother and Chloe got better acquainted. Despite Chloe’s doubt, he knew they would get along wonderfully. He didn’t want Chloe or his mother to feel strange because he was there listening in on their conversation.
“So, that is your wife?” Franklyn asked as he approached.
“She sure is. Where is your wife?”
Franklyn smiled sheepishly. “She couldn’t come. She wanted to, but she is a teacher now, and she couldn’t leave her students.”
Roland looked around. “This town doesn’t look too bad. Say, where’s your farm? I’ve been looking forward to seeing what was so much better than Pa’s mercantile and everything you left behind.”
Theo grinned. He knew that his brother was just bothering him with good intentions and good humor. He could also see just a tiny bit of envy in Roland’s gaze. He knew that deep down, his brothers probably wished they had known exactly what it was they wanted. After more introductions and getting his family’s luggage, they all piled in the wagon and headed back toward the farm.
They smiled as his family laughed and joked around him. He could see that Chloe was happy; she was smiling from ear to ear. When they arrived at the farm, Theo made a show of giving his family a tour. They were still saving the best for last. Theo pulled Chloe away from his family for a moment, wrapping his arm around her waist.
“So, how do you like my mother?” he asked.
“Very much. She is very kind and has treated me … well, I couldn’t have asked for better. I’m sorry for doubting them.” Chloe looked embarrassed.
“That is quite all right. I knew that you would love her, and she would love you. I am very happy the two of you are getting along. So, are you ready to tell them?”
“Do you think they’ll …”
“Be happy?” Theo cut her off before she could finish. “They are going to be so excited; they might even move here.”
Chloe giggled. “I wouldn’t mind that.”
“That’s just because you have gotten to know them a little.” Theo chuckled, then cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“One reason we wanted you all to come down here was to show you where we lived and so you could officially meet Chloe,” Theo started. His family drew closer as they realized he was about to share something important. “The other reason was that we wanted to make the following announcement in person.” Theo grinned as he looked down at Chloe, the love of his life and the woman he was going to share the rest of his life with. “Chloe and I are expecting a baby.”
As everyone congratulated them and asked questions and made jokes, Theo’s attention was on his beaming wife. Even when he’d lived in a big house in the city, with everything he could have asked for and his future set up for him, he’d never felt so rich as he did at that moment.
THE END
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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!
Hello my dears! Let me know if you enjoyed the happily ever after of Chloe and Theo with your comments here. ❤️ I would love to know which was your favorite part of the story and what you imagine of their future!
Hi Carol,
My favorite part of the story is when Theo announces to his family that they are expecting a child. It confirms to him that he made good decisions to seek his own future instead of relying on his father’s wealth.
I totally agree my dear! His choices were the seed to their happily ever after! ❤️ I am glad you enjoyed the story!
It was a great story. You never fail us.Good job.
Thank you so much my dear Elizabeth! I am thankful for all the support and love I get from you, it is what keeps me inspired 📚❤️
I did like the book, however, is the saying”throw you under the bus” accurate to the time period? Just wondering .
Thank you for your feedback my dear! I am glad you enjoyed the book! I suspect you are right about the saying, maybe I overused my poetic license..
Yes, I think that phrase was a bit modern for this time period.
That was going to be my comment also. No buses at that time. But loved the story.
Thank you fo your feedback dear Linda! I am glad you enjoyed it either way!
Wonderful!!! The story kept me on my toes. As always, I enjoyed reading your book.
Thank you so much my dear Stacey! ❤️
Loved the storyline it had a real good feel factor.
However, bit puzzled by the use of the title Captain. Who was this? Joe was a worker when he caught Chloe. Also “throwing someone under the bus” is a 20th century expression and not used during the time this book is set
.
I am glad you enjoyed the story my dear! I am thankful for your feedback! I constantly try to improve my writing and your feedback is a great contribution to that! 😊
Maybe fed to the wolves?
A lovely alternative! Thank you Jeanie! ✨
I thoroughly loved the book, never a boring page and was written where I was saddened to put it down. Felt like it was well written for the times it was happening, the sadness of how many orphanages truly were a sad place to have to grow up in but a wonderful ending for a girl who had really tried to make the correct choices for her life but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Would hope that many give this book a chance as I never want a book to end and would have loved to have it continue on to tell many many more of their life’s events.
Thank you so much my dear! 🙏 I am truly humbled by your loving message and I am glad it made you feel that way!
I found it to be very interesting. There was a good mixture of plots and the characters were so believable. I especially liked part where the family came to visit and they were able to tell them about they were to be parents and and make his Mother happy that she was going to be grandmother 👵
I am so glad you enjoyed it my dear! 🌺
Your stories are always so emotionally well-written. They bring tears to my eyes in a wonderful way. I appreciate all the good work you put into your books to share with others who like me have an ordinary life. God Bless You. 😊V.K.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my dear Virginia! Your sweet support is what keeps me truly inspired! ❤️
Another great read. I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you kindly my dear Annette! 😊
I loved the whole story & was thrilled to have extended to read as well. I can see the whole family moving to the little town in the future & setting up a mercantile etc. I’d love to see the storyline continue into further parallel lines. So rich. Cazza
Thank you so much dear Cazza! I don’t usually write sequels but I always take my readers’ suggestions into consideration ❤️
Such a wonderful story about his parents helping him somewhat but allowing him to seek what he wanted. Plus he was very fortunate in helping the train stowaway. More importantly the times that this story shows that forgiveness and caring for others is how we all should live.
Thank you so much dear Bets! I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Wonderful story – kept me interested the whole time. The best part was the forgiveness they showed to Robert! Very good.
Thank you so much dear Jan! I am so glad you enjoyed it as much!
I enjoyed reading this story about the importance of family and the future and the redemptive power of love. As usual, this author has written an engrossing story.
Thank you so much my dear Marilynn! Your support is what keeps me inspired! ❤️
I loved the story, I didn’t want it to end. You wrote it so I could actually think I was there. I am going to read more of your books. Keep up the good work. Janice. I’m 84 and just love to read, thanks again.
Thank you so much my dear Janice! I sense you are a little girl at heart! I hope you enjoy more of my books!
l loved the story of these 2 young people and how their stories weaved together.
l do however battle with the extended epilogues as I battle toread them. please just put it on the story.
I am really glad you did enjoyed it as much my dear! As for the extended epilogues, as I have said before, I prefer having my version of the ending separate just to give my readers the opportunity to imagine an ending to themselves! 🥰
LOL, I never thought of it like that – but it is definitely so true because my mind goes into various thoughts as to how the book(s) will end.
😉❤️
A sad story of the sacrifices many women had to make in order to give their child a better life! Sadly all too often these children are left to face a terrible fate. Sadder still is the fact it still goes on today and with the current war many will face in the future, So glad this story had a happy ending. It gives me hope that anything is possible when miracles occur.
It is indeed a sensitive matter! I hope you enjoyed the story and it left you with a sweet aftertaste! Miracles truly happen! We just have to believe in them! ❤️
This is a good story that includes happiness and sadness and love and forgiveness So glad Robert took his second chance and made good and Theo made a good life for himself and not his dad’s money A joyful story with blessings
I am glad you enjoyed it my dear! ❤️ We all deserve a second chance in life..
Thank you. You have expressed what I would like to say.
Ms. Colyer!!
I so loved this book!!! As always, you made me feel good! I was celebrating my 71st birthday yesterday! I decided to treat myself to reading this book for downtime and to celebrate my special day!
My husband never complains if I want to spend the entire day reading a book! I started reading it yesterday morning. I finished reading this twelve hours after the first page.
Been married to the love of my life for 52 years. We started dating when I was fifteen and he sixteen. We married on Valentine’s Day 1970! He was a farm boy. I was a city girl.
When I read your books, I find myself within your main character. Then I feel happy that I have what these women have found. Happiness and the love that my husband brought me in our life together.
I feel the love and joy and happiness! I know you have lived with love!!!
Patricia
Happy birthday my dear Patricia! I wish you a hundred more lovely years, healthy in spirit and mind and surrounded by people you love you with all their hearts! I was glad to keep you company with my books this special day! Thank you for honoring me like that! 🌺📚❤️
Another lovely story! It is always uplifting to read about folks who overcome their doubts and fears to find happiness and success.
Thank you so much my dear Layla! Let us get inspired by those folks and follow their example in real life!
A great story of love, family, second chances and forgiveness.
We all deserve a second chance! Glad you liked it my dear Patricia!
I have 5 adopted Grandchildren. A sibling group of 4 and 1 who was alone. This story touched my heart. Being alone is a real life situation for so many children. My family is so Blessed to have been able to share in their lives. My prayer is that others will be touched by this story, realize the need that is there, and open their hearts and homes to today’s children.
Thank you for such a touching story. I love your work, and enjoy reading every one I see.
Be Blessed
I am sure your own story has inspired many people my dear Susie! I am glad a humble story like mine touched your radiant heart! Thank you so much for this!
Thank you for a wonderful story. I love reading stories of the past. My father was born on a ranch in Hawaii and worked there until retiring. It was the best life growing up there. Look forward to reading more of your stories. As we say in Hawaii, Mahalo for your story. Look forward to reading more from you.
Thank you so much my dear Carol! Your sweet comment has warmed my heart! I am glad you enjoyed the story as much 🥰🌼
Great story……Loved it…very hard to put the book down when you have to feed the family. Keep on writing great stories.
❤️🌸🌿
I have enjoyed reading this book very much. It is a good clean, in more ways than one” book. Hope to read more of your books. Have trouble getting the usually, but fortunate that I was able to get this one.
Thank you so much my dear! I am glad you enjoyed it as much! 😊🌺
I truly enjoyed this story. Actually each and every book I’ve read from you have been wonderful stories. I’m always happy to see the next good read. Thank you!
I am glad you enjoyed it as much my dear Kathy! Thank you again for your kind words 🌺
I very much enjoyed the story. I would have liked to have known the significance of the necklace, since it meant so much to the mom that she didn’t sell it, and also wondered if the wealthy father would make an appearance in the book. Maybe it could be included in a story about Layla?
Thank you for this great idea, Valena!
Great story, hated for the end. I only get to read a couple hours a night, so I’ve enjoyed the story longer, couldn’t wait yo het started reading each night.
All good things come to an end eventually! And new beginnings emerge my dear! Glad you enjoyed it, so stay tuned for the next lovely story! 🌺
I do enjoy stories that show how people can love sacrificially and extend that caring to those who typically don’t get second chances. I am somewhat familiar with conditions that orphans and homeless children face even today. Glad to see that issue addressed
I am glad you thought it was addressed appropriately, especially given the fact that it’s a burning issue of our present. Thank you for your kind comment!
This is a Beautiful story. I Love Your Books. Never boring. Keep Writing Your Good Books.
Thank you so much my dear Faye!
Loved this story,Theo’s generosity and kindness towards Chloe without wanting anything in return. How Chloe overcame her !distrust and insecurities to accept love and loving each other enabled them to forgive Robert allowing him another chance to turns his life around. God’s redemptive love gives us so many chances!
So glad no ok be was killed or bui ‘ll songs burn Down by outlaws 🙂
I am so glad you enjoyed this story so much my dear and that you were able to be touched so much by its core element: we all deserve more than one chance in happiness! ❤️
What a beautiful story where being raised poor as an orphan didn’t matter as someone saw past that rather than being judged for it. I was raised very poor in a farming community, though I had my family. My true friends didn’t judge me for that, though the people I went to school with did. Some of my teachers, however, saw something more in me. Thank you for a beautiful, clean story.
Sounds like your life would make a amazing story full of moral lessons! I am glad you appreciated the story my dear! ❤️
I really loved the story! I just wished that Chloe’s Aunt had been at the wedding. But, the whole story was intriguing with danger, adventure, romance and a happy ending.
I am glad you enjoyed it as much my dear Karie! ❤️ Our loved ones are always by our side!
I loved that the story was clean, well written, so interesting that I couldn’t put it down and that it addressed the issues of
unadopted orphans. Perhaps in future stories, “under the train” or “under the wagon” could be used”? I did find it repetitive and would have loved for her to have found her father and be accepted by him. All in all it is wonderful to have authors like you to bring us stories that address “days of old” and some of the problems our ancestors faced to make our country what it is today! Thank you!
Thank you so much dear Henri for this comment, for all the support and surely for the feedback! I will keep it in mind as I try to always improve myself and my writing!
I loved this story. It was so full of the struggles and the triumphs that we humans can experience in our lives. Thank goodness that there are some who are well to do but are willing to reach out to those who may be in trouble and need a helping hand. Chloe and Theo represented two people who came from such a different background and yet found a connection because they didn’t look on the outward appearance but on the heart. Thanks for a well written book.
Thank you so much for the inspiring feedback and the loving support dear Shannon! I am so happy you enjoyed the story!
This was a great story that I enjoyed so much! But I knew it would be because Carol never disappoints me with her books! Thank you so much!
I should be the one thanking you for your loving support dear Martha! Your words are my inspiration!
What a heart-warming story! Something new and different for the plot and a wonderful resolution. Loved all the characters! The lessons taught as part of the story are such beautiful reminders of what God wants for our lives. Thank you!
I am so glad you found it so enjoyable dear Pat! Thank you for the always inspiring support!
I truly enjoyed your story of Theo and Cloie. I had read it before and it was just as wonderful as the first time. The characters were wonderful and the story line was excellent. Please keep writing and thanks for sharing your talent with me again!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words Kune! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Theo and Cloie’s story just as much the second time around. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. I’ll definitely keep writing and sharing more stories with you. Thank you for being such a wonderful reader!