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3 Years Later
“Austin! Get back here! I don’t want you getting it all over yourself,” Lizzy called out to the two-year-old boy, waddling toward the bucket of white paint.
“I’ve got him,” James said, scooping up their trouble-making son with one arm, a dripping brush in his other.
“We should hurry. They could arrive at any moment.” Lizzy started to move faster, getting the last coat done on the front room of what was soon to be the Dr. and Mrs. Watts’ house.
She wanted everything to be perfect when they got there. There had been a great deal of debate as to whether the Watts were going to come to Grove County in the first place. As a growing family, they needed somewhere bigger than the cottage in Grand Bend. Though the town was beloved to them, Sylvia wanted to be closer to her brother.
In the end, Lizzy had made a wild offer that had turned the tide on the decision. Yearning to have Elyssa and Sylvia close by, she’d suggested that she and James could build them a house on their property. Considering the massive acreage of the ranch, there was plenty of room to spare, even if they were getting to be too many for the main house.
“They won’t mind if there’s a bit of wet paint. They understand how much work we’ve put into this,” James reminded her.
When she’d first broken the news to him about her bid that had been made behind his back, he’d been dismayed to think about how much time and energy was involved in such an undertaking. All Lizzy had to do to get him on board was mention that this was perhaps her revenge for the way he’d invited her father to the wedding behind her back.
It was mostly a joke, of course, but James took it in stride and quickly agreed. The thought of having his sister so close by brought great comfort to him.
A child’s voice calling from the front door caught Lizzy’s attention.
“Aunty Lippy!” Elyssa’s sweet, joyous voice shouted. It was incredible to hear the child talking at all, let alone saying her name, or at least a version of her name that she could pronounce.
“We’re in here!” Lizzy called back, a smile breaking out on her face. Suddenly, the exhaustion of painting and moving furniture disappeared entirely, replaced by pure bliss.
Little Elyssa (who was now much bigger than the last time they’d seen each other) ran into the room, arms outstretched. Lizzy swooped her up, bringing her over to greet the toddler cousin she’d only met once before.
“It looks beautiful in here!” Sylvia exclaimed, following close behind Elyssa, holding her heavily pregnant belly as she admired the place.
“I’m so sorry we’re not better prepared. I wanted it to be closer to done when you arrived here, but I’m afraid you’ll have to stay in the main house tonight. Tomorrow, we can move everything in properly!” Lizzy promised, putting Elyssa back down so she could give Sylvia a hug.
“Don’t you dare apologize about a thing! We owe you the world for doing all this for us. Truly. I don’t know how we’re ever going to pay you back.”
“There’s nothing to pay back,” James assured his sister. “We’re just thrilled to have you here.”
“Honestly. This ranch has too much space to hoard all to ourselves! Let’s just say I’m making up now for the family I left behind,” Lizzy said.
Since the wedding, she and her father had managed to keep in touch, sending monthly letters back and forth. He had yet to come to meet his grandson but promised to come in the spring. Lizzy was already nervous and excited for the visit nonetheless. Their letters mostly comprised of comparisons between the ranching business in Texas and Colorado, but every once and a while, they snuck in some personal news.
From the sounds of it, there was a woman her father was interested in courting. He was too old to start another family, but companionship was what he sought, and Lizzy was very supportive of that endeavor. After James had managed to crack the heart open that she’d assumed was encased in stone forever after Wesley’s death, she had a newfound respect for the satisfaction that love and family could bring.
She was no longer an island of her own. Lizzy had even started to ingratiate herself into the community as well, holding events and gatherings on the ranch that she never would have agreed to in the past. Along with being a respected rancher, she was now also a beloved citizen of Grove County.
Everyone chipped in with finishing the paint job, despite the long journey that the Watts had just completed. Once the final touches had been made, all six of them paraded outside to look at the picturesque house with three front windows and a giant oak tree out front.
“I never thought I’d love a place as much as I love Grand Bend, but… this is incredible. I think we might just be about the luckiest people in the whole world,” William said, picking up Elyssa. Behind them was the overflowing wagon stuffed with furniture they’d hauled all the way from his cottage.
“Luck’s got nothing to do with it. You deserve all this. After everything we’ve been through, we’ve earned a bit of peace and quiet,” James reminded them.
For her part, Lizzy wasn’t sure what she wanted to stare at more. The house they’d just worked so hard on, or the newfound family that was standing all around her. Either way, there was nowhere she could turn where the view wouldn’t put a smile on her face.
“Alright, folks,” James called out, “I say we celebrate with a hearty meal. Lizzy, Sylvia, how about you take a break while we men fire up the grill?”
The women readily agreed, and soon enough, the delicious aroma of sizzling steaks filled the air. They all gathered around a makeshift picnic area, enjoying the food, laughter, and the warmth of family bonds.
As the day turned into evening, they lit a campfire and sat around it, sharing stories and relishing the simple pleasure of each other’s company. Elyssa played with Austin, their laughter filling the night.
Under the starry sky of the Wild West, James took Lizzy’s hand and looked into her eyes, his love for her still as strong as the day they met. “Life has brought us so far,” he said softly. “From a chance encounter to this beautiful family and a loving home. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Lizzy smiled, her heart full. “Neither would I, James. I love you more with each passing day.”
Sylvia and William, cuddled together on a log, exchanged their own affectionate glances. Life had been tough for them, but they had found happiness and love in each other’s arms, and it was a love that only grew stronger over time.
The night passed with stories, laughter, and the comfort of knowing they were together, a true family forged by destiny, love, and the vast expanse of the American West.
***
The seasons had come and gone, marking the passage of time on the vast expanse of the Remington ranch. It had been a few more years since the Watts family had settled in Grove County, and life had continued to evolve for all of them.
Sylvia and William now had three beautiful children, a son named Samuel and a daughter named Grace. Elyssa had grown into a spirited and caring older sister, and their family was filled with laughter and love. Samuel, with his striking blue eyes inherited from his mother, already showed a fondness for horses, often riding alongside his uncle James.
James and Lizzy had expanded their own family as well. Austin, their rambunctious two-year-old when the Watts had first arrived, was now a lively five-year-old, always eager to help out on the ranch. Lizzy was pregnant once again, a fact that filled their hearts with joy. They eagerly anticipated the arrival of their next child, feeling blessed by the love and family that surrounded them.
The ranch had flourished under James and Lizzy’s capable hands, becoming one of the most prosperous in Grove County. The cattle herd had grown, and Lizzy had even started a small horse breeding operation with the descendants of Jack Fire. The ranch had become a source of pride for the entire community, a testament to hard work and resilience.
Sylvia had embraced her role as a mother and had also taken on the responsibility of teaching at the local schoolhouse. Her kindness and patience endeared her to her students, and she found great fulfillment in nurturing young minds.
Dr. Watts continued to serve the community as the town’s trusted physician, and his skills were in high demand. One evening, as they gathered around the dining table for supper, Sylvia looked at her husband with a smile. “William, you’ve become a true pillar of this community. Your patients adore you.”
William chuckled, carving a slice of roast beef. “Well, I couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support, my love. And Elyssa here, she’s grown up to be quite the helper, just like her mother.”
Elyssa beamed with pride, her eyes shining. “I like helping people, Papa.”
Meanwhile, at the Remington ranch, Lizzy and James shared a quiet moment on the porch while the sun dipped below the horizon. James wrapped his arm around Lizzy’s waist and pulled her close. “Life has become quite the adventure, hasn’t it?”
Lizzy leaned her head against his shoulder, her fingers entwined with his. “It truly has, James. I never imagined I’d find such happiness and purpose here on this ranch.”
James smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I thank the heavens every day for bringing you into my life, Lizzy.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Austin, who came running up with a handful of wildflowers. “Momma, look what I found!” he exclaimed, presenting the bouquet to Lizzy.
Lizzy’s heart swelled with love as she accepted the flowers. “Thank you, Austin. These are beautiful.”
As they sat together, watching the stars emerge in the night sky, James spoke softly, his voice filled with gratitude. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? From that fateful day in Grand Bend to building a life here together.”
Lizzy nodded, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Yes, James. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Our journey, with all its ups and downs, has led us to this moment.”
Under the endless canopy of stars, the two of them held each other close, knowing that their story was still unfolding, filled with the promise of new adventures, shared laughter, and a love that would continue to grow stronger with each passing day.
And so, in the heart of the American Wild West, where the horizon stretched as far as the eye could see, two souls found their place in the world, living a life of purpose, love, and endless possibility.
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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! I truly hope you enjoyed our couple’s happily ever after! Lizzy, James and their loving family absolutely deserved this heartwarming happily ever after, don’t you think? I would love to know which was your favorite part! Please share your thoughts with me here! Thank you – always! ♥️📚
A lovely story & a nice EE.
But –
pg 155 – and set them on the -ground-. . . {they are inside the house – should be – floor -}
pg 331 -332 – They are outside, he proposed – then conversation about Elysse lying on the -bed {which is inside the house} & 2 more paragraphs about Elyssa — NONE of that fits!
Agree
I also think it gets a bit slapstick beginning at the proposal but getting worse when Frank shows up.
Thank you so much for the feedback both of you my dears!
ABSOLUTELY loved this clean romance story!
Thank you so much dear Rossa! ♥️
A very interesting story with some tough characters. Lots of adventures as love grows where once there was only lingering grief. I enjoyed reading this book.
I am glad you enjoyed it dear Virginia! Thank you kindly for your support!
Really refreshing story to read! Enjoyed it so much.
Thank you so much dear! I appreciate your kind words! ✨
Loved this story! What was particularly enjoyable for me was the fact that James, a rigid military man, bonded so quickly and sweetly with his infant niece. I also appreciated that Lizzie was strong, but humble enough to take the advice of others. I don’t care for hardcore confident women characters who give off the impression that no one knows anything but them. Lizzie was confident, yet vulnerable too, which is also a strength of character. Another good read from Ms. Colyer!
I am so happy you enjoyed the story as much dear Becky! Thank you for the wonderful support and the precious feedback! ♥️
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. James and Lizzy brought out the best in each other. I liked the fact that you had James happen to come across Lizzy’s ranch in need of another horse and discover the baby and the “blanket “ she was in. It was a great way to get them together. As soon as I started to read that part about James needing to replace his horse and spotting a sign I knew what was going to happen. I like to guess the next part. The same thing happened when Elyssa was in need of a doctor on their journey. It was still a little difficult to figure out how Lizzy and James managed to keep Elyssa in diapers and Lizzy not needing to change too in carrying Elyssa in a “sling” type carrier tied to her without stopping to do laundry etc . and carry enough milk, food for her. But as they say it’s a story and you don’t have to explain everything. Lol. You wrote a good story and were able to put in their belief in god helping them. All in all good job! We’ll worth reading.
Thank you kindly dear Dawn! I am so glad you liked the story and that it had you so engaged!
This is a new one for me, I never leave a review .its because I like tio get started on the next book
Your story writting is excellent read. Thank you for sharing this wonderful Story.
Thank you so much dear Carol! I am humbled by your sweet comment!
Cute story but definitely needs some editing!
Thank you for your support and feedback dear! ✨
FANTASTIC READ, this is a must-read. I have to say that I have trouble putting the book down. I get so into the story you have written, that I feel like I am right there going through everything with them.
I would really like a 2nd or 3rd book about how their life is going now like another 5-7 years later.
CAROL COLYER IS NOW ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHOR!
Thank you so so much dear Marykate! Your enthusiasm means the world to me! ♥️
Thank you for your hard work in writing this charming book!
You are welcome dear! Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved the adventure and the love that was blossoming between both couples which became obvious to me before admission was finally agreed upon by all 4 !
Thank you dear Lila! Glad you enjoyed it!
I loved the whole story! Pizza demonstrates an independent woman, while Sylvia shows one of a quiet strength. Both are beautiful and have something to share with the world! All women can learn from this. Thank you, and, keep writing.
Thank you for the loving support dear Darla! 🥰
A lovely story with life’s ups and downs. Very enjoyable reading and an easy blend of characters. Thank you for this book and I look forward to the next one. Arnold ❤️
I am humbled by your sweet support dear Arnold! Thank you so much! ♥️
Loved this story! Good clean love stories are hard to find. I can understand easily how a tiny baby can really fill your heart and become so important in one’s life. I know this is fiction but it fired up my imagination. It’s so good to have trust in God in this story, too. I’ll definitely read more of your books!
Thank you so much for this heartwarming comment dear Julia! Your loving support means the world to me! 🥰
What a great read. Loved the characters and their stories. I couldn’t put the book down without finding a time to pick up where I left off.
Thank you so much dear Jayne! I am truly glad you enjoyed it as much!
I like when James and Lizzy knelt beside Elisa and prayed for her when she had that high fever with the onset of measles. They knew where their help would come from!!
(Ifound a place that has a name that needs switching. When James and Lizzy was about to enter the doctor’s home office, (to see if they could get him to propose to Sylvia), James knocked on the door and stated it was him and Sylvia that needed to talk to him, when it was actually him and Lizzy. I knew you would want to know this! I truly enjoyed the book!!
Thank you so much dear Faye! Your support and feedback mean the world to me! ♥️
AMAZING STORY!! This was one of the most exciting stories I have read. Danger lurked around every corner and each encounter was scarier than the next. To see family reunited was very inspiring. Looking forward to more books from you Carol.
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic comment dear Charlotte! Your sweet support is what truly inspires me!
I agree: I think this is a great story with dangers ever present and twists in the story. I couldn’t figure out how Frank figured out where they were, but it didn’t matter, it was still a crazy good twist at the end. Thank you for another great story.
Thank you dear! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
I agree, I loved this story from beginning to the very end!!!
Thank you so much dear! 🥰
This is another very good story and extended epilogue with interesting stories with good outcomes
Thank you kindly dear Gwen, glad you enjoyed it!
Wow great story, everything packed in one book. Murder, travels, deceit, running away and hiding from killers, with lots of love and family included. Exciting book that is hard to put down. I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did.
I am so glad you enjoyed it as much dear! Thank you for the sweet comment!
Carol, I love your stories!! Especially A Winter Baby on Her Doorway. Exciting and heartwarming ending.
Thank you so much dear Batya! ♥️
Carol, you are a gifted writer/talespinner! Your details of the characters’ personalities bring the most life to your story, although not overwhelming the nearly unbelievable story. I appreciate the conversations regarding God’s presence and guidance, especially coming from the strong, masculine James. A man capable of being the spiritual leader in a family is sorely lacking in many Christian novels.
I was only disappointed by the need for more careful editing as mentioned by another reader. I think you should continue to write fascinating stories, but find a team of proofreaders before publishing!
Thank you for the support and especially for the precious feedback dear Janice!
what a wild ride!! never a dull moment. i loved Lizzy & her evolution starting with the baby. I loved James & his story. Loved how their feelings grew over their adventures..Lots of nice characters through out..except for Bob & Frank.. I really enjoyed this story!! The EE was really great also.
Thanks 4 another great read.
Blessings,
I am humbled by your enthusiastic support dear Celia! Thank you so much ☺️
Story flows well except for the part where they are outside and suddenly, Elysse is lying on a bed and then they’re sitting on the grass…confusing. Also wondering how its possible for everyone to know where to find everyone else when there are days of miles between places and few people.
Overall, a good story, with a few different plotlines than most.
A few typos noted in the comments section offered in the book, but mostly a clean read.
Thank you so much dear Kathleen! Your support and feedback mean the world to me!
Carol, you never disappoint. As an avid reader and an English major, I read your books for the relaxing enjoyment they give and not to find fault with any errors therein. I’m sure they are proofed before hitting the paying public sector.
Again, an exciting story and very heartwarming.
Thank you so much dear Patricia! I am grateful for your support and feedback! 🥰
Wow great story. Murder getting the bad guy and a good ending. I thought maybe the Indians might play a little more roll. I would recommend it to anyone.
Thank you so much dear! I appreciate your support and feedback and I am glad you enjoyed the story!
I was captured by this story, it had so many elements, strong women, adventure danger, the kindness of strangers and family reunion. Both Lizzy and James so reliant on God particularly in th most difficult times an seeing their prayers answered. The typos didn’t spoil for me but I would advise more rigorous proof reading and editing. Loved the extended episode but wandered if David had gotten his Saray.
♥️ I am so glad you enjoyed it as much dear! And yes, David got his Saray as you might have guessed! 🥰
I enjoyed the story a lot! A little unrealistic in how they would care for a baby in that whole journey!! But like in most movies also,you can’t think about those things! And yes, there were a lot of typos but I’ve gotten used to that in all the books I read!! The comment about them above plus others also had typos!😂😂
Regardless it was a great story!!
Thank you so much dear Mary Ann! 🥰 Your sweet comment is an inspiration!
Very interesting story. Good characters but a few times you switched their names. Enjoyed not to have to pass over bad language and sexual stuff going on. Liked the prayers so much more. When you have a good story and as good a writer as you are we sure don’t miss them. I have never thought they made a story better so it is just a waste of time to put them in. Thank you for a good clean, but exciting, story.
Thank you so much for the support and the feedback dear! I am so glad you enjoyed the story!
First of all I dearly loved the entire story. I thought it was sweet, exciting, romantic with a great ending. I loved the fact there was no swearing or ugliness about it. My kind of book.
Thank you. It was a pleasure to read this book.
I should be the one thanking you dear! All these amazing comments are my inspiration to keep on writing!
Your story was excellent, thank you
♥️
Loved the story. There was confusion when James proposed, but maybe that will be caught in the final edit. Thanks for another great one!
Thank you so much dear! I truly appreciate your loving support and I am glad you enjoyed the story! ♥️
This was a very heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. A special emphasis on how God leads His children as they pray and ask for His help. Lizzy, James, Sylvia and William all found happiness in spit of so much pain and loss in their lives in the past. Keep up the good work. Loved this story
I am humbled by your heartwarming comment dear Shannon! Thank you !
Thank you for this incredible story…I really loved it, I don’t take any notice of the odd little mistake, I do notice them but they don’t detract from the story…I think you are an amazing story teller and the extended epilog was the (icing on the cake)It finished the story off beautifully 🤩As did the inclusion of God’s help all the way through…
Thank you so much for the amazing support dear Joyce! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Story was epic. Loved that so few errors I felt like a devoted reader instead of an Editor to get through it. Nice job. The Epilogue split up in time was brilliant. Left no mental gaps. Felt I shared the love stories of close neighbors and friends.
Thank you so much Kerma! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank You so very much for this story! When I found you I was looking for some new authors and genres and I must say that buying your box sets and singles was one of the smartest chances that I ever had the pleasure of doing! This is the first book that I chose to read and if it’s any indication of what the rest will bring then you’ve made this reader a happy woman and a new fan. I enjoyed this story so much and even shed some tears a time or two. 😂 I also love the length of your books as I really hate getting into a great story and having it end so quickly and having to start anew. So Thank You for NO short stories because I don’t waste my money on those! Also I would like to commend you on keeping this book so interesting that I didn’t want to put it down, now in my book that’s a great big plus for me! This book kept me interested from beginning to end and the tiny little errors didn’t slow me down one bit! I don’t understand the gripes about little errors when you have a book of this length and you only charge .99. For that price and length I’ll read all your books! Now I will tell everyone if they want a fantastic no bore read grab this book as well as more of her books because you will not regret it!! I am so elated that I found you so please don’t let the negativity get in your way of writing more great stories! Remember you can’t please everyone but those that you do I hope it’s enough inspiration for you to continue what you are great at and that’s telling great stories! Thank You again
Oh my dear Tina! I can’t thank you enough for you loving support! I am so glad you enjoyed this story as much and I hope the rest of my novels will be as enjoyable as this! 🥰 I am truly humbled by your enthusiastic comment!
I really enjoyed this book.. I have read many in this genre and yours was filled with many situations uncommon to others. I agree that some editing would have improved the experience but i was very entertained.
Thank you so much for the honest feedback and support dear! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve read many bad books just to be reading something to make me sleepy. But this was a pleasant surprise. I kept wondering where the milk for the baby came from while they were traveling looking for Silvia. But I love historical fiction, clean romance and faith in God. Your story had it all.
Thank you so much my dear! Let’s say the milk’s sufficiency during such a trip was poetic licence! But there could be farms they got it from while travelling, don’t you think? Thank you for your wonderful support!
What I loved most about your writing was that you incorporated faith in God into it. I also greatly appreciated that the scenes of affection never devolved into lewd or graphic. It was a lovely story and I look forward to reading more of your books!
Thank you so much dear Cas! ♥️ I am glad you enjoyed the story!
Another excellent story!! Like others, I’m impressed how your characters evolve and the need for God in their lives. These were strong characters, still no fights, bad language or detailed intimate scenes. Thank you for your enjoyable books, look forward to the next one.
Thank you so much dear Rita! I appreciate your support and feedback! ♥️
Thank you for another out standing story. There is everything I love in western storytelling such as God’s gifts of faith and grace,, adventure, love and Compassion for family. The only issue I have is how the milk was obtained for the baby while traveling between towns. Once again you have created a story to be shared.
I am humbled my dear! 🥰
I liked the story, so I recommended it to my sister.
Thanks, Carol
Thank you so much dear Gloria, I truly appreciate it! ♥️