An Unexpected Bride for the Widowed Sheriff – Extended Epilogue


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Four Years Later

“I never imagined life could be this good.”

Eliza sighed, cradling the small, swaddled bundle in her arms as she rocked gently in the chair on the porch. The warmth of the setting sun bathed the land in a golden glow, stretching long shadows over the fields. In the yard, Jack and Marie, now ten years old, raced across the grass, their laughter ringing through the air like the sweetest melody.

Samuel stepped onto the porch, his heavy boots thudding against the wooden planks. He paused, watching the scene unfold before him, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Four years ago, I never thought I’d have this again.”

Eliza tilted her head up to look at him. “And yet, here we are,” she murmured, shifting slightly as the baby in her arms stirred. “A family. A home. A future.”

Samuel moved closer, his strong arms circling her shoulders as he bent down to press a kiss against her temple. “I don’t deserve you,” he whispered. “But I thank God every day that you’re mine.”

She chuckled, resting her head against his shoulder. “You better believe you deserve me, Samuel Blake. You fought for this. For us.”

He traced a gentle finger down the baby’s cheek, his expression softening. “He’s got your nose.”

Eliza scoffed. “He’s got your stubborn scowl when he’s hungry.”

Samuel laughed, the deep, rich sound rumbling through his chest. “Let’s hope he has more of your patience than mine.”

Jack whooped as he tackled his sister into the grass, both of them rolling in a tangled mess of limbs and giggles. Marie kicked him off, standing triumphantly with her hands on her hips. “I told you I’d win!”

Jack grumbled, dusting himself off. “Only ‘cause you cheated.”

Eliza smiled, shaking her head. “Some things never change.”

Samuel’s grip on her shoulder tightened briefly, a silent promise in his touch. “And some things do,” he murmured. “Four years ago, I thought I’d spend my days chasing outlaws and coming home to an empty house. Now I’ve got a wife who won’t let me work myself into the ground and three children who remind me why I fought so hard to keep this town safe.”

Eliza reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his. “We fought for this together.”

He exhaled slowly, as if releasing the weight of years of doubt. “Yes, we did.”

Their son stirred again, his tiny fingers curling into Eliza’s dress. She smiled down at him, brushing a kiss over his soft forehead. “He needs a name, you know.”

Samuel hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his jaw. “I’ve been thinking about that.”

Eliza arched a brow. “And?”

He looked out over the land, where the sun kissed the horizon in a fiery display of reds and oranges. “Nathaniel,” he said at last. “Nathaniel Blake.”

Eliza’s eyes softened. “After your father?”

Samuel nodded, his throat working as he swallowed. “And because it means ‘gift from God.’ That’s what he is, Eliza.”

She blinked back tears, pressing her forehead against his. “It’s perfect.”

Samuel kissed her—soft and lingering—before resting a hand over theirs, where baby Nathaniel lay between them. “Then Nathaniel it is.”

Behind them, the twins continued their playful bickering, the breeze carried the scent of warm earth and fresh bread from the kitchen, and the house they had built together stood strong against the endless stretch of the prairie.

Life was good.

***

“Now, I know you love this blue dress,” Clara mused, holding up a gown and eyeing it critically. “But this green one would make Samuel’s eyes pop right out of his head.”

Eliza huffed a laugh, smoothing her hands over her bodice as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t think I need to worry about that. He married me, didn’t he?”

Clara smirked. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remind him what a fine choice he made.”

Eliza rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. “You just want an excuse to dress me up.”

“Of course I do,” Clara said, tossing the green dress over the bedpost. “It’s James’s wedding tomorrow, Eliza. The least you could do is put in a little effort. You know I have a reputation to uphold.”

Eliza laughed outright. “And what reputation is that?”

Clara winked. “The woman with the best-dressed friends in all of Cedar Creek.”

Eliza shook her head but reached for the green dress anyway. “Fine, I’ll wear this one. But only because I don’t have the energy to argue with you.”

Clara clapped her hands together. “Now that’s the spirit.”

A soft cry came from the bassinet, and Eliza rose to scoop baby Nathaniel into her arms, swaying gently. “You’re just full of opinions today, aren’t you, my love?” she murmured to him.

Clara watched her, a soft smile playing on her lips. “It suits you, you know.”

Eliza looked up. “What does?”

“This life. Being a wife, a mother. You were always meant for it.”

Eliza brushed her lips over Nathaniel’s head, her heart swelling. “I don’t know about that. But I do know that I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

Clara reached over, squeezing her arm. “And neither would Samuel.”

A sharp knock sounded at the door, and both women turned as Baxter stepped inside, his expression unusually grim.

“Baxter?” Eliza frowned, shifting Nathaniel in her arms. “What’s wrong?”

Baxter tugged off his hat, running a hand through his hair. “There’s been trouble at the jail. A fight broke out between Luke Morris and his men.”

Eliza’s breath caught. “Is everyone all right?”

Baxter nodded. “No one’s dead, but it was a nasty one. Luke’s men have turned on him.”

Eliza exchanged a glance with Clara before setting Nathaniel back in the bassinet. “I’ll get Samuel.”

Baxter’s lips twitched into a smile. “I already told him. He’s on his way.”

Eliza exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest. “Four years, and those men still find ways to cause trouble.”

Baxter nodded, the firelight casting sharp shadows on his face. “They always will. But Cedar Creek is safer than it’s ever been. Samuel and I are making sure of that.”

Eliza studied him for a moment, then smiled. “I’m proud of you, Baxter. You’ve come a long way.”

A flicker of emotion crossed his face before he ducked his head. “Just doing my part.”

Clara crossed her arms. “Well, I’d say you’re doing it well.”

Baxter cleared his throat, stepping back toward the door. “I’d best get back. Just wanted you to know what was going on.”

Eliza nodded. “Thank you, Baxter.”

As he left, Clara let out a breath. “Four years and life still finds ways to be unpredictable.”

Eliza smiled, running a gentle hand over Nathaniel’s back. “That’s what makes it worth living.”

“Baxter, you best not be causing trouble in my house,” Samuel called from the doorway, his voice carrying across the room.

Eliza turned to see her husband step inside, his hat tipped back and his sheriff’s badge glinting in the lantern light. Despite the years, he was still the same rugged man she had married—strong, steady, and utterly dependable.

Baxter smirked. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Samuel folded his arms across his chest, fixing his younger brother with a knowing look. “You sure about that? Because I just came from the jail, and it looks like you were right in the thick of that fight.”

Baxter let out a low chuckle. “Can’t say I wasn’t. But someone had to put Luke in his place. His men have finally turned against him, and now he’s got no one left. Guess it’s not so fun being the leader when your men don’t fear you anymore.”

Samuel shook his head. “Four years behind bars, and the man still thinks he runs the place.”

Clara scoffed, leaning against the back of a chair. “He never did know when to quit.”

Eliza crossed her arms, shifting Nathaniel in her hold. “And yet, he’s still finding ways to make trouble.”

Samuel exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s why Baxter’s been keeping a close eye on him. And after tonight, we’ll be upping security. I don’t want any surprises.”

Baxter nodded. “He’s got nowhere left to go, Samuel. His men aren’t going to help him now, and with his reputation in tatters, no outlaw in his right mind will risk working with him.”

Samuel met his brother’s gaze, something unspoken passing between them. It had taken years, but the trust between them had finally been rebuilt.

“Well,” Clara said, clapping her hands together. “Since we’re all still standing, I say we get back to more pleasant matters. Like James’s wedding tomorrow.”

Samuel’s expression softened as he turned to Eliza. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to it? You just had Nathaniel, and I don’t want you overdoing things.”

Eliza smiled, touching his arm. “I’m not missing our best friend’s wedding, Samuel. Besides, I think James and Hannah would never forgive me if I stayed home.”

Samuel chuckled. “You might be right about that.”

Baxter tipped his hat. “I’d best be getting back to town. I just wanted to give you an update.”

Samuel clasped his shoulder. “Good work tonight. Keep me posted.”

Baxter nodded, giving Eliza a quick smile before heading out the door.

Clara sighed, stretching her arms. “Well, I think that’s my cue to head home too. Tomorrow’s a big day, after all.”

Eliza followed her to the door, squeezing her hand. “Thank you for helping me tonight.”

Clara smirked. “Anytime. Now get some rest—you’ll need it.”

As Clara left, Samuel stepped behind Eliza, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. “You sure you’re feeling all right?”

Eliza leaned into him, resting her hands over his. “I am. And I’ll be even better tomorrow when we’re celebrating with our friends.”

Samuel hummed, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. “I just don’t want you pushing yourself too hard.”

She turned in his arms, tilting her head up to look at him. “You’re going to be fussing over me the rest of my life, aren’t you?”

He grinned. “You better believe it.”

She laughed, reaching up to touch his face. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The church was filled with warmth and laughter, the soft glow of lanterns casting a golden hue over the guests gathered inside. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, and the sound of quiet chatter and anticipation filled the small space.

Eliza sat in the front row, Nathaniel bundled in her arms, his tiny fingers curled into her dress. Marie and Jack sat beside her, their clothes freshly pressed, their faces scrubbed clean. Jack had even attempted to slick back his hair, though the stubborn waves refused to stay in place.

Samuel stood near the altar beside James, adjusting his friend’s collar as they exchanged quiet words.

“You look like a man walking to the gallows,” Samuel muttered under his breath.

James exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just nervous, is all.”

Samuel smirked. “Relax, James. You’re marrying the woman you love. You’ll be just fine.”

James glanced toward the back of the church, where Hannah was waiting for the ceremony to begin. “I never thought I’d have this,” he admitted. “I never thought I’d be the settling-down type.”

Samuel clapped him on the back. “Funny, I used to say the same thing.”

James chuckled. “And look at you now. Married. Three kids. Sheriff of a peaceful town.”

Samuel huffed a laugh. “Wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

The music began to play, and the crowd fell silent as Hannah stepped forward, a vision in ivory lace. She walked toward James with a radiant smile, her eyes locked on his.

Eliza felt a lump rise in her throat as she watched the scene unfold. It reminded her so much of her own wedding—how uncertain she had been in the beginning, and how that uncertainty had melted away into love.

She glanced at Samuel, catching the way his gaze flickered to her, full of warmth and devotion.

As James and Hannah exchanged vows, Eliza reached for Samuel’s hand, lacing her fingers through his.

When the ceremony ended and the church erupted in applause, Samuel leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “Think James has any idea what he’s in for?”

Eliza laughed, squeezing his hand. “He will soon enough.”

The guests filed outside, where a feast had been set up under the open sky. Laughter and music filled the air, and children ran between the tables, their laughter carrying over the prairie.

Samuel lifted Nathaniel from Eliza’s arms, cradling him close. “You know, I don’t think life gets any better than this.”

Eliza leaned her head against his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I think you’re right.”

As the stars twinkled above them and the celebration carried on, Eliza felt a deep, unshakable peace settle within her.

This was her life. This was her family.

And she wouldn’t change a single thing.

THE END


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!




7 thoughts on “An Unexpected Bride for the Widowed Sheriff – Extended Epilogue”

  1. Hi Carol, I love this story! Perfect ending for the book. I love that Eliza got to have a baby, she really deserved to. I love that James and Hannah got married and that the gang is rotting in jail. Great extension of the book!

    1. Thank you so much for your lovely message, Kay! I’m so happy you enjoyed the story and the ending. Eliza truly deserved that happiness, and it’s wonderful to hear you were pleased with how everything turned out.

  2. Another terrific story by a favorite author! I loved the twins and how she won them over. Exciting, romantic , fun. What more could you want in a book!

    1. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the story, Linda! The twins were so much fun to write, and I’m glad you loved how she won them over. I truly appreciate your support!

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