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Two Years Later, Morgan Ranch, California
“I once heard the period between a child’s second and third birthday described as ‘the terrible twos’,” Savannah said wearily, throwing herself down in her favorite armchair, set in front of the kitchen fire. “I can see that they were right.”
West, who was lying on the settle, angled towards the fire, with his legs hooked over the arm, chuckled to himself.
“Just imagine when the third one comes along,” he murmured darkly.
Savannah snorted and threw a cushion at him. “I’m sure our third child is going to be a sweet and lovely angel.”
“Here’s to hoping.”
Morgan Ranch was known colloquially in town as ‘The New Place’, or ‘Old Rusty’s Ranch’, after the old man who’d owned it before Savannah and West bought it. They’d chosen the place for several reasons, but not least of all its proximity to Aunt Caroline.
Maisy and her sister looked almost identical to each other, but there the similarities ended. Aunt Caroline was talkative, ferocious, and forthright. She was widely respected—or perhaps feared—in town.
She loved her little nephew, though, and Sawyer loved her. In fact, sometimes Aunt Caroline was the only person who could get him to mind her.
To highlight that fact, Sawyer came charging through the house, wet and soapy, dressed only in a towel tangled about him. Laughing, Willa hurried after him. She was fully dressed, at least, but also pretty wet.
West propped himself up on one elbow and smiled wryly at his daughter.
“I take it that bathtime is going poorly?”
Willa scooped up her slippery brother. Sawyer squealed with delight, wrapping his arms around her neck. He adored Willa, and she adored him right back.
“I can manage,” Willa insisted, a little huffily, and flounced off back to the washroom.
Chuckling, West flopped back down again, closing his eyes.
West’s settle and Savannah’s armchair were carefully placed next to each other, and she reached over to smooth his hair back from his forehead. Her belly was beginning to round noticeably underneath her gown.
“Martha sent me a letter yesterday, full of pregnancy advice,” Savannah chuckled. “I do wish they could have settled closer to us, but I’m glad they’re all close together.”
“Does Thomasin still write?”
“Of course. She tells me how everybody is getting on. I have a feeling that she wasn’t meant to, but she told me about Martha’s new pregnancy before even Martha told me. She told me about Wade and Jim finally buying that ranch they had their eye on, and she even told me about Colt and Stacey’s visit. Stacey promised they’ll come here next.”
“I’m kind of curious to find out how Mr. Briggs, Cassie, and her husband are getting on,” West wondered aloud.
“Well, if you’re hoping to gloat, you’ll be disappointed. They all seem pretty happy.”
Eyes still closed, West smiled. “Actually, I’m happy to hear that. They don’t deserve unhappiness.”
Savannah smiled down at him. “No, they don’t. Oh, and I never told you—Anna finally wrote to me again.”
He opened his eyes, peering at her upside down. “Your old friend, from your hometown?”
“Yes, that’s her. Well, she’s married, and she still takes care of Maisy’s grave. Isn’t that nice?”
“That is kind of her.”
There was another faint commotion in the washroom, and then Willa came scurrying out.
“I wanted to talk to you both about something,” she said breathlessly. “About Sawyer’s birthday. He’s just drying himself off in there now, feeling very sorry for himself.”
“I’m sure he’ll dry himself correctly, without any help from an adult,” West agreed. “Two-year-old boys are famously good at that.”
His daughter diligently ignored him.
“You know, there’s soap suds in your hair,” Savannah pointed out.
Willa banished the soap suds and Savannah’s advice with one dismissive wave of her hand. “It doesn’t matter. I wanted to do something special for Sawyer’s birthday. He’ll be able to remember this one, won’t he? He’s getting older, you know. So, something special. Uncle promised to come back and visit in time for Sawyer’s birthday, and he promised he’d stay a full week. You know he always keeps his promises, so we can do something really big.”
Savannah nodded. “I think it’s a good idea. A party, perhaps? Aunt Caroline’s house is big enough for a fine party, and she’d love to do something special for Sawyer.”
“We could see who’s willing to travel up here in time for his birthday,” West suggested, propping himself up on his elbows again. “They all adore Sawyer. But, Willa, you mustn’t be disappointed if Sawyer doesn’t remember. He’s very small.”
Willa bit her lip, nodding. “I know, but… well, next year there’ll be five of us instead of four. Which will be nice, but another baby means more work. I’m excited for the baby, but I don’t want Sawyer to think…” She paused, swallowing. “I don’t want him to think that I’ve forgotten him. That I don’t care as much.”
Savannah reached up to touch Willa’s cheek, and the girl’s wide, dark eyes turned forlornly on her.
“Sawyer will never think that you don’t care about him,” Savannah murmured. “Not ever. He’ll never think that you’ve forgotten him. I sometimes think that he loves you more than he loves us.”
“Hey, that’s not true,” West interjected. “That little boy has got more love in him than anybody else in the world.”
Something like relief crossed Willa’s face, and she nodded. “I guess you’re right. Oh, and I want to make him a cake. A really good one.”
Savannah grinned. “What a great idea. We’ll have a few practice rounds. I’ll help you, what do you say?”
Willa dived forward, pressing a quick kiss to Savannah’s forehead.
“Thank you, Savannah. Thank you so much.”
A little voice echoed from the washroom, full of excitement.
“Willa, Willa! Come quick! There’s a spider! A big one!”
Willa’s eyes lit up. “Oh, excellent! Another one for my collection.”
Without another word, she scrambled up and darted away. Savannah was left feeling faintly shaken.
“Her… Her collection?” she managed thinly. “What collection, West?”
He grimaced. “Best not to ask.”
“Oh, boy.”
He pulled himself into a sitting position and reached over to take her hand. The two of them sat like that for a few moments, staring absently into the fire, and listening to Willa and Sawyer cackle over something upstairs. Savannah felt her new baby shift inside her, and a smile spread across her face.
She glanced over to find West looking at her, his eyes soft.
“I love you,” he whispered. “That day you joined our caravan train was the best day of my life.”
“Even if it meant you didn’t make it to California that year?”
He chuckled. “I couldn’t care less about California if it meant that I could meet you.”
He kissed her knuckles, and Savannah’s smile widened.
“I’m glad to hear that,” she murmured in response, “because, West Morgan, I love you, too.”
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!
Hello, sweet friends. I truly hope you enjoyed the journey, including the Extended Epilogue. I’d love to hear your impressions—thank you again for being part of this story. 🌷
This story was one of the best yet. A page turner from beginning to end! A thriller as well as joy and sorrow , and of course love. Keep them coming Carol!
Thank you so much, Linda! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story, your support and encouragement mean the world to me! 💛
I love being a part of your stories! I can’t find fault with anything in this story. I loved every page of it. Reading your books make me lose myself into them. Time flies by and I have read way more than I think I have. Thank you for your wonderful stories!!!!
Knowing that you’ve enjoyed every part of the story is the greatest compliment I could receive. I’m so grateful to have readers like you! Thank you for being part of this journey with me, dear Kay!
I find myself so caught up in your stories. The stories always fill me with emotion as I read them.
That’s so lovely to hear, dear Grace. Thank you for reading with such heart.
Oh my, I loved this book so much that I didn’t go to bed until 1:30 AM. I had to finish reading it. There is so much energy, love, and envy in this book that I is a book you can’t put it down. Enjoy enjoy enjoy.
Thank you, my dear! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book! It means the world to hear it kept you up late reading! 😊
I hadn’t read any of your books until recently. I was so impressed with your writing that I searched for more of them. This past week I’ve read five more and will continue to search for more. Thank you for such wonderful stories for this 80+ lady that has time to spend enjoying to read.
Thank you so much for your kind note, dear Patty. I’m truly honored that you’ve enjoyed my stories and that you’ve read so many in such a short time! It means a great deal to know they’ve brought you joy.
I loved this book! The characters came to life as I was reading each chapter! I was riveted to the events happening, from the beginning to the very end! And as always , the extended epilogue leaves you with a happy heart.❤️
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear the characters and story resonated with you. Your kind words truly mean a lot! ❤️
Loved your book. I could not put it bown.
Wow, thank you, Marie! I’m so glad the story pulled you in! Messages like this truly make my day!
Loved your book a very good read for everyone
Thank you for reading and for your kind words, dear Marie.