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Ronnie pulled up the wagon outside the barn and let the horse into the corral. He banged his Stetson against his legs to get rid of the dust and patted down his clothes.
“I’m back,” he called as he went into the kitchen and looked through into the living room. The six-month-old was sitting in the crib that was kept there and waved her hands when she heard her daddy’s voice. “My best girl,” he said and picked the little one out of the crib. “Where is your mom?”
He went and called up the stairs but there was no response and then he went back outside. A flash of fear went through his system as he looked around and there was no sign of Martha. He stopped and listened and then hurried to the barn as he heard her voice.
“Ronnie, I am stuck in the corner.” He found some hay to lay down the little one and ran to the sound of his wife’s voice. He clambered over the bales and found Martha on the floor in the corner. She was crying and shaking, and he asked what had happened. “I fell off the ladder. I think my arm is broken. It hurts, Ron.”
“Stay still,” he said. “I’ll pull away the bales. He lifted the hay and threw it to one side to make a pathway to where she was lying. Her arm was at a strange angle, and he asked if she could stand if he held the other arm.
“I can try,” she said tearfully. “Is Bella alright?”
“She’s here. I was carrying her when I heard you call. Dear Lord, what a terrible feeling when I could not find you.” He pulled on the good arm, and she came to her feet. She tottered to where the baby was lying, and Ronnie picked Bella up. “Can you walk to the house?” She nodded, but he could see it was painful.
“We have people staying who will need a meal. What will I do?”
“Well, to start with, I can sit you down and give Bella a bottle feed. Then I will go for the doctor and Wilma, and then I’ll cook the meal.”
“Oh what a wonder you are. It was such a stupid thing to do to go up the ladder. I am sorry Ronnie.”
He made sure she was sitting as well as she could and then warmed some goat’s milk to put in a feeder for his daughter. He made himself sit still and keep calm so that the baby would not be upset and Bella finished the milk and looked sleepy. He burped her over his shoulder and made sure she was not going to cry by rocking her gently.
“You stay still, and I will ride over to the farm.” He left at a run and saddled the horse. It was not far to the farm but quicker if riding. He threw himself from the saddle, and Wilma knew there was something wrong.
“What is it?”
“Martha fell and broke her arm. Can you go over as I go for the doctor? I fed the baby before I left.”
“Will,” she was shouting as she went over to the farm area. “Martha has had an accident, Drive me over there.”
“Thanks,” Ronnie called and set off for the doctor.
“I’ll come straight away. You go back to her,” the doctor said, and Ronnie galloped back to his house. Martha had moved and was rocking the cradle as Bella had wakened.
“I can’t pick her up. Oh Ronnie, how will I look after her?”
“Listen sweetheart,” he took her to the sofa. “The doctor is on his way. He will strap it up and give you something for the pain. Then we can sit Bella on your knee, and you can use your good arm.” Then he picked up Bella and walked the floor until she went back to sleep. Wilma, Willy, and the doctor all came at the same time and asked about the arm.
“I can see it,” Doctor Kelly said. “I will give you some laudanum and then I can straighten it and put it in splints. When you wake up, it will be much better.” Martha nodded and drank what he gave her.
“Aunt Wilma, could you put on a pot of stew or something for the people staying? Fortunately, there are just two at the moment,” Ronnie asked.
“Glad to have something to do,” she said and headed for the kitchen. Ronnie watched as the doctor laid Martha down on the sofa and let the arm lie alongside her. Then he put it back into place.
“A straight break, thank goodness. It will feel better when she wakes up. I have two splints in the bag here,” he said and asked Ronnie to hold them in place until he tied them.“I will leave some painkillers in case she cannot sleep.”
“Thanks for coming so quickly,” Ronnie said and paid the fee the man asked. He put a blanket over Martha and went to see Wilma. Willy was helping her.
“Stew in the pot, and there is cake and cream for dessert. I can stay and serve the people, and Willy can go home and knows what we have to eat.”
“Nataly will be home shortly, and she is very good at helping,” Ronnie said. “I can take you home after the guests have eaten.”
Willy said they would eat cold meat and pickle at home and went off with the small wagon. Wilma poured Ronnie and herself some coffee, and they sat and looked at Martha sleeping. She moaned quietly and stirred. Ronnie went to hold her hand and tell her everything was fine. Her eyes flickered open, and she looked puzzled.
“What happened?” she asked and tried to sit up.
“Lie back,” Ronnie said, “remember how many times you told me that when I was shot.”
“I was shot?” she asked.
He smiled at her. “No. You fell off the ladder and broke your arm. The doctor has put it in a splint and says it will feel better than it did. He says it is a clean break and will mend.”
“The dinner,” she protested, and this time he let her sit up.
“Stew in the pot and under control,” Wilma told her. “Bella is still sleeping, and Nataly will be home soon.”
There was a knock on the front door, and Ronnie let in the couple who were staying with them.
“Oh dear. Is there something wrong? the lady asked.
“Martha fell and broke her arm. My aunt has made a meal for you.”
They thanked Wilma, and she laid the table for their meal when they went up to their room to leave outdoor clothing. There was a lovely stew with cake and fresh cream from their own milking cow, and the couple said they felt guilty eating when Martha was in pain.
“I am not in pain at the moment,” she said,” because the painkiller is working. Enjoy your meal.”
“It is delicious,” the man told Wilma. Then Nataly arrived home from school and rushed to her sister’s side.
“What did you do?”
“I was stupid and fell off the ladder in the barn. I am going to need your help, Nat. I think you will have to stay at home for the rest of the week.” Martha turned to Wilma and asked her to tell Reuben to say that Martha was not able to come to school.
“Come on, Aunt Wilma. I will take you home.” Ronnie went out to find the smaller wagon that he used for lightweight deliveries, and Martha called out a thank you.
“Oh, Martha does it hurt a lot? Nataly asked.
“It is a lot better since it is tied up. Can you heat goat’s milk for a bottle and feed Bella for me?”
“Then I will change her. I think she needs it,” Nataly said and sniffed pointedly.
“You are a wonderful sister and so grown up these days.”
“I will do chicken and vegetable pie tomorrow as Chesney showed me. It is still my favorite. I can whisk some eggs tonight to make meringues, and they can sit in the warm oven overnight.”
While she was talking, Nataly had warmed the milk and put it in the feeder for Bella, and then she picked her up and sat beside Martha.
“I will know exactly what to do when I have children of my own,” she said and let the little one drink.
She had taken the baby to lie on a seat as she unwrapped the dirty diaper and cleaned the bottom. She had tidied Bella up and handed her to her mother when there was another knock on the door.
“I know I love to have customers, but today is not the day,” Martha said as Nataly went to see who was there. Then Nataly gave a little scream of delight and dragged Chesney the cook into the room.
“Look who is here, and I was just talking about chicken pie.”
“I cannot get up, Chesney. Lovely to see you, but I have broken my arm.”
Chesney came to sit beside her and took the baby into the crook of his arm.
“Had four of my own, you know,” he said as they both gazed at him in a new light. “And some news.”
Ronnie came in and shook hands.
“What news?” he asked.
“Laura and Carter are moving on to a bigger hotel, and I am buying the one in Redport. She has written down the new address if you ever get the chance to visit. It will take some time to sort out the new place and then I take over.” He looked at Nataly. “In a couple of years when you are almost fifteen, I think …” she nodded, “you can come and work with me. I’ll pay you and train you to be a great cook.”
“That would be the best thing ever,” Nataly told him. “I practise all the time.”
“In fact, she is chief cook here at the moment because I am out of action,” Martha told him.
“I arrived at the right time. I can help out here. I was giving myself a few days away, anyway.” Ronnie took the baby and sat her in the little pen they made for her to sit and play with toys.
“You are very welcome to stay here, and we will not hear of any payment,” Martha told him, and Ronnie agreed. He asked if Chesney would like to look around the place. The two men went away, and Nataly came to hug her sister, but Martha held up her arm.
“I love you too. Do not grab me. It is lovely to know that you have a career waiting when you finish school.”
Martha left her sister in the kitchen and went upstairs to make a room ready for Chesney. The arm was not too bad in the splints, and she found a scarf to hold it up against her waist. She looked out of the window and saw the two men deep in conversation. Ronnie was showing him the two wagons and the carriage that he had recently bought. That was in case anyone needed being taken in something better than a wagon, but his transport work in the carts was doing really well.
She saw the gate open and Freddie come in. He went over to join the two men, and they started toward the house. She went downstairs.
“Freddie just arrived,” she said. The men came in and Nataly produced beers for them and some cold pie.
“She is just a wonder,” Martha said and accepted a glass of red wine.
Freddie had a newspaper. He put it on the table.
“Just came on the railroad. The gang of older Malwethers had a shoot out with another gang and are either dead or in jail.”
“That is good news,” Ronnie said and read the article.
“The other good news is that Matilda has agreed to marry me.”
“That is wonderful,” Martha said and stood to kiss his cheek. The men shook hands, and Nataly put her arms around his neck. He picked her up and swung her around at head height where she squealed with pretend fear.
“We all made it to this new life. We have the guest house and the delivery firms. Freddie has a good job on the railroad and Matilda. Nataly has a future in cookery, and Chesney has his own hotel.
“To us,” Chesney said and lifted his glass. Nataly raced to get lemonade and joined the grownups.
Later, when the two paying guests had taken a late night snack and gone to their room, Chesney wished them goodnight and said he would be up to cook breakfast.
“Some holiday this will be,” Martha said with a smile.
“Come on, Mrs. Broken arm. I have put away the animals and the baby is in her cradle in the bedroom.” They turned down the lights and went upstairs.
“This is always the part of the day that I love. You and I together,” Martha said.
“Me too,” he told her. “We are so lucky. We have each other, Nataly, and Bella.”
“And Nataly knows where her career will lie.” She cleared her throat, and he looked into her eyes.
“What are you not telling me?”
“I think,” she said, “that we may get quite crowded in here.” She put his hand on her tummy, and he drew a breath.
“Two children would be marvelous. I love you, Martha Harman.
“I love you too, Ronnie Harman, in this world and the next, forever and ever and even after that.”
“Happy ever after. You are still my sweetheart and always will be.”
She forgot about the broken arm as he held her in his arms, and they slept wrapped around each other as they always did.
Hello, my dears! I hope you truly enjoyed the conclusion of this romantic adventure! I would love to know your thoughts on Martha and Ronnie’s happily ever after! Please share them with me here! Thank you – always! ♥️📚
Once I started to read it I couldn’t UT it down I was up all night reading. Great novel love it
Thank you so much dear Georgia! Your sweet words mean a lot to me!
This was a terrific book and I could not put it down. I loved most of the characters and the bad guys were were so clever. It was a surprising ending. Thank you for a delightful read.
Thank you so much dear Janet! I appreciate the loving support and I hope you can enjoy the rest of my stories as much! 🤩
What a great story I was totally hooked trying to figure out the good guys from the bad what a surprising twists and turns and a nice ending to finish it off
I am humbled by your sweet comment my dear Sharon! Thank you for your lovely feedback!
I enjoyed this book with so much going on I had a hard time putting this book down. With all the danger to Martha and Ronny I was so glad it all turned out to have a happy ending. Enjoyed reading the extended episode and the success of their guest house
Thank you for your loving support dear Marie! I am so glad you liked the story as much! 🌺
Oh my! What a great book. I couldn’t put it down. There is nothing I didn’t like. Everything just fell into place perfectly. Amazing !!! I loved how Martha and Ronnie met, fell in love, became heroes and finally married.
Thank you Carol for great books to read.
God bless you..
My dear Daisy! This was such a heartwarming and inspiring comment that it immediately put a smile on my face! I am truly glad you enjoyed the story as much and I hope you will be able to find my other novels just as enjoyable! ✨
What a wonderful and entertaining book. So much going on including danger, shootings, being shot and so much more.
Thank you so much dear Bets! I truly appreciate the support and I am so glad you enjoyed it as much!
I loved the plot and characters but the mushy conversation between Martha and Ronnie was a bit much. The extended epilogue was a great close.
Thank you so much dear Patricia! 🥰 I am glad you enjoyed it as much!
Had me gripped , couldn’t put it down.
Thank you so much dear Mary! It really means a lot to me, your sweet support!
I absolutely enjoyed this book , at every turn it would hook you in were you could not put the book down. Usually i like to have Hard copy of the books to be able to turn their pages other wise I’m less likely to finish the book. This book however hooked me at every turn so I couldn’t put it down easily. I loved how Ronnie and Martha slowly fell in love with each other and i love how Ronnie was willing to be a father to a child he had only known for a short while. Books like this one make me have hope that good people do still exist and that happily ever afters do still happen. I look forward to reading more of your books and giving my honest review and opinion on the book.
I can’t thank you enough dear Anne! Such comments are what truly keep me inspired! 🌺
I read this in one day. I just couldn’t put it down. I’d read some and get up and do a chore and come back to read more. I loved the constant action and then the love developing and growing. What a twisty turny event after event. I loved this story! You always leave me looking forward to the next book. Thanks for all the enjoyment you brought me!
Thank you so much dear Kay! I am so glad you enjoyed it as much 🫶🏽
Thank you for the many hours of delight, action, intrigue, mystery and romance. I have read many stories by you and look forward to reading your next one. This book drew me in right from the beginning. Matha,Nataly, Ronnie and Fredy are bound to each other from the beginning. They grew in frendship with romance and growth with a happy ever after. Again I want to thank you Carol for such a gift of imagination. God bless you always.
Thank you so much dear Patricia! I am glad you enjoyed the story as much! 😊❤️
A wonderful story that was very entertaining and heartwarming
Thank you kindly dear Gwen! I am so glad you found it so enjoyable!
Loved the book, Carol, lots of love, and also lots of action.
Ronnie and Martha make a great couple
Thank you so much dear Gloria! I am glad you enjoyed it!
A delightful and entertaining story. I enjoyed the characters and how they came together to take down the bad guys.
Thank you so much dear Sharon! I am glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Loved this book couldn’t put it down wish it was a series.
Oh my sweet Brenda! Thank you so much!❤️
Enjoyed. Great story.
Thank you so much dear J! 🥰
Once I begin reading it I knew I had to finish it And not put it down. I love all the characters, Descriptions of all the characters was great. I felt like I knew all of them. A beautiful story!
Thank you Carol Colyer
Thank you for this heartwarming comment dear Barbara! 🥰
Well written and catching. I was hooked on the story from
Page one. I have read most of your books and look forward to more.
Thank you so much dear Fred! Your sweet support is what keeps me inspired! 😊
Really enjoyed this book. It kept me reading it and the story was great. I will be looking for another book to read. Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much dear Beverly! I hope you will enjoy the rest of my stories as much!
You have done it again! I loved every word of this book! Well written, characters brought to life, very interesting plot! I loved every part of your book, except one! The only part I didn’t like was the end! I feel like I closed a chapter and miss the characters! I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you so so much dear Sarah ❤️ I am glad you enjoyed it as much!
Brilliant read
Thank you so much dear Carol! 🥰
Awesome story. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Thank you dear Wilma! You are so sweet! 😊
I Enjoyed the book very much.
Thank you so much dear Reid! I am glad!
Very good story. The only fault that I can find is how hard it was to stop reading and pay attention to the daily routine. Of course I also lost some sleep because I could not find a good place to stop.
Oh my dear 🥰 I am sorry about the inconvenience my story caused to you but I am surely glad you enjoyed it as much!
Always love your extended epilogue! This one was extra exciting! I love all your books and always look forward to my next one! You are such a gifted writer!!!
I am humbled by your loving support dear Virginia! 😊
I love these happy ever after stories and had a hard time putting this book down to go to bed.
I am sorry the story made you lost your sleep dear Candy! I hope it was worth it 😉 Thank you for your sweet comment!
I have really enjoyed reading your stories. I will be looking for many more in the future. Please keep writing and thanks for sharing your talent with me.
I loved the book from beginning to the end. And I enjoyed the fact that there weren’t hundreds of misspelled words or grammar errors. I will miss all the characters and wished to read more about them. How Martha will do with her second child, how Nataly will do in her apprenticeship….. In the meantime I will check out your other books. I am sure I will love them as well.
Thank you so much dear Jutta for the heartwarming comment! I am glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you will enjoy the next readings as much!
I loved this story soooo much, I love how cleverly placed the characters are and how it was engaging.
Thanks Carol! 🙂
I should be the one thanking you for the support and love! It’s truly inspiring!
Another wonderful story from one of my favorite writers. Packed full of my favorite things; mystery, unconditional love and commitment and great family values. I’ve recommended it to all my book loving friends.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for recommending my book to your friends! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the story filled with elements you enjoy, such as mystery, love, and strong family values. Your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful to have readers like you who appreciate my work. ♥️
What a wonderful story. Fast moving some, but nothing you couldn’t keep up with. The good guy wins. On to another book.
I am glad you enjoyed it dear Barbara!