Love Under Thunderstorms – Extended Epilogue

---

OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, " Faith and Love on the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

---

The sun dipped low in the horizon, casting long, dramatic shadows across the rugged landscape of the ranch. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoming wildflowers, a sign that spring was once again gracing the land with its presence. It was a quiet, peaceful evening – the kind that painted a perfect picture of tranquility.

The main house of the ranch had been transformed over the years. What was once a neglected building was now a warm, inviting homestead. Jane and Levi’s care and attention had breathed life into the once-rundown property, turning it into a place of joy and laughter. The gentle clucking of hens from the yard, the lowing of cattle from the distant pastures, and the happy laughter of a child were sounds that now filled the air regularly.

Inside, the glow of a crackling fireplace spread a comforting warmth. Seated on a plush rocking chair, Jane was gently humming a lullaby, her eyes filled with infinite love as she watched the tiny bundle in her arms. Their little miracle, a baby girl they had named Sarah.

Levi entered the room quietly, the hint of a smile playing on his lips as he saw the beautiful scene before him. His heart was filled with gratitude for the gift that was his family – his strong, loving wife and their beautiful child. He walked up to them, planting a gentle kiss on Jane’s forehead before leaning over to stroke the baby’s soft cheek.

“She’s growing so fast,” Levi whispered, taking a seat beside Jane. “Looks like she has your eyes.”

“And your determination,” Jane replied with a fond smile. She looked at Levi, her heart brimming with love for the man who had stood by her through thick and thin. Together, they had faced adversities and had come out stronger, their bond unbreakable.

“I reckon we make a good team,” Levi said, reaching out to hold Jane’s free hand. His thumb gently traced the simple gold band on her finger – a symbol of their love and commitment.

“You reckon right,” Jane replied, squeezing his hand lightly. Their shared glance was a testament to the deep love and understanding that had grown between them over the years.

Outside, the world continued its steady march. The ranch thrived, cattle grazing peacefully in the verdant fields, their numbers growing each season. With the gold discovered in the cove, they had been able to invest in the best stock, farming tools, and additional hands to help manage the land. The result was a flourishing ranch that was the pride of the county.

Their prosperity had allowed them to extend a helping hand to Gideon, a man who had lost so much due to a twist of fate. With their financial help, Gideon had managed to start his own farm, a place he could call home.

Life had indeed changed for the better. But amidst the joy and prosperity, there were sobering reminders of the past. Tobias and Ainsley were still paying for their crimes, serving their sentences, the news from the town jail a constant reminder of the turbulence they had once brought to Jane and Levi’s lives.

Yet, it was a testament to their faith that despite the trials they had been through, Jane and Levi had emerged victorious, their love for each other and their trust in the Lord undiminished.

“Look at her, Levi,” Jane whispered, looking down at their sleeping daughter. “She’s our promise of tomorrow.”

Levi nodded, wrapping an arm around Jane, drawing her closer. “And a reminder of the blessings we’ve received.”

Indeed, it was nearly two years later, and life had come full circle for Jane and Levi. They had found love in each other, built a beautiful life together, and now they had a daughter to share that life with. Their faith, which had guided them through trials and tribulations, was now their anchor, holding them steady amidst the waves of life.

It was during these peaceful evenings, as they basked in the warmth of their home and their shared love, that Jane would sometimes catch herself thinking back to the past. Back to her days in the city, a seamstress working in a shop, a life that seemed a world away now.

The past was no longer a burden, but a stepping stone that had led her to this moment. Now, it only reminded her of how far she’d come, how much she’d grown, and how God’s grace had worked its miracles in her life. Jane glanced towards Levi, his eyes half-closed in contentment, and thanked the Lord once again for bringing them together.

Jane’s thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of a horse approaching. The rhythmic thumping of hooves against the earth grew louder, announcing the arrival of a visitor. Levi stood up and walked towards the window, peering out to see who could be visiting at this hour.

“Looks like Gideon’s here,” Levi said, recognizing the man dismounting his horse.

“Must be here for his weekly check-in,” Jane mused, gently rocking Sarah. Despite his independence and the new life he was building, Gideon had never missed his weekly visits to the ranch. He was a fixture in their lives, a symbol of friendship and resilience.

Levi walked out to greet him, and the two men engaged in hearty conversation. As the sun dipped even further below the horizon, it cast a warm, orange glow over the ranch, bathing everything in a peaceful ambiance.

Back inside, Jane looked down at the slumbering form of her daughter, a smile lighting her features. “Your Uncle Gideon’s here, Sarah,” she whispered to the sleeping baby. “You’ll meet him when you wake up.”

As if on cue, little Sarah’s eyes fluttered open. Her soft cooing filled the room as she woke up from her nap, her bright eyes taking in the world around her. Jane laughed softly, cradling the baby closer.

“Well, look at that,” Jane cooed, her voice full of warmth. “You’re up just in time to see your Uncle Gideon.”

Out on the porch, Levi had already welcomed Gideon, and they were busy swapping stories and laughing together. Hearing the baby’s coos from inside, Gideon’s face lit up.

“Is that little Sarah I hear?” he asked, already moving towards the door.

Levi laughed, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “You’ve got good ears, Gideon,” he said. “She just woke up.”

Gideon entered the house, his tall frame filling the doorway. Seeing Jane with the baby, a tender smile spread across his face. Gideon, despite his gruff exterior and a past marked by hardship, had a soft spot for the baby. He always brought her little gifts – a hand-carved rattle, a small toy horse, and even a soft rabbit pelt blanket he’d made himself.

“Well, hello there, Sarah,” Gideon said, his voice softer than usual. His callused finger gently stroked Sarah’s tiny hand, and she grabbed onto it with a firm grip. “Ain’t you a strong one?”

Jane chuckled, watching as Sarah’s little face lit up at the attention. “She sure is,” she replied. “Strong like her father, and strong like her Uncle Gideon.”

Gideon’s laughter boomed through the room, filling it with warmth. As Gideon entertained the baby with silly faces and gentle tickles, Jane couldn’t help but feel grateful. It was these moments, filled with love and laughter, that made life worth living. Here, in their ranch, surrounded by their loved ones, they were creating a home, a haven of love and faith.

With a content sigh, she leaned back in her chair, watching as her husband joined Gideon and Sarah. As Levi’s laughter mingled with Gideon’s, Jane felt a surge of affection for the men in her life.

They were a family. A family brought together by faith, love, and a shared past. And as she watched her husband and their friend, playing with their daughter, Jane couldn’t help but thank the Lord for the blessings he’d bestowed upon them.

Despite the serenity that currently surrounded the ranch, Jane could not forget the turmoil that had once been part of their lives. Tobias and Ainsley’s treachery still loomed large in the memory, though the couple was now behind bars, paying for their crimes. The town felt safer, more peaceful, without their malevolent presence.

As Jane glanced over towards Gideon, who was now gently tickling Sarah, making her giggle and squeal with delight, her thoughts wandered to his recovery. Over the past couple of years, Gideon had shown a remarkable recovery from his memory loss. Although fragments of his past remained elusive, he had succeeded in piecing together the significant parts. The accident was still a blur, but he didn’t seem to regret it.

“Gideon, do you remember anything more?” Jane asked, once Sarah was comfortably playing in Levi’s lap. The inquiry had become a frequent part of their conversations, Jane always hopeful for a glimmer of renewed memory.

Gideon paused, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Bits and pieces, Jane. It’s not a complete picture yet, but I reckon it’s getting there. Not much about the accident, though.”

He smiled reassuringly at her, and she felt a warmth spread through her. She had found an unexpected friend in Gideon, and she was thankful that he was not only in their lives but was a part of their family. It was a strange feeling to be so grateful for a tragedy, but Gideon’s accident had led to their meeting, and the bond they had built was unshakeable.

“I am not in a hurry to remember that part, honestly,” Gideon continued, his voice carrying a note of optimism that was infectious. “I got a second chance at life, and I am not wasting it dwelling on the past.”

“You are probably right,” Jane responded, a touch of admiration in her voice. “I think we all learned valuable lessons from those hard times.”

Gideon’s positive outlook and faith in God were an inspiration to everyone around him. His memory loss had been a significant blow, but instead of letting it define him, he used it as a catalyst to better his life.

Sarah’s little voice broke their conversation, her small arms reaching out for Gideon. The sight of Gideon lifting Sarah onto his shoulders, her giggles echoing through the open fields, filled Jane’s heart with gratitude.

Jane looked around at the peaceful life they had created and felt blessed. They had a thriving ranch, a beautiful daughter, and a community that loved and supported them. The trials and tribulations that they had endured had only strengthened their resolve and their faith.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Jane, Levi, and Sarah, along with Gideon, headed back to their home. As they walked hand in hand, Jane looked up at the setting sun, and a sense of contentment washed over her. She was home, not just in the physical sense, but she had found a home in Levi, in Sarah, in their ranch, and in their community.

The love they shared and the faith they held had seen them through their darkest times and brought them to this point. As they stepped inside their warm, welcoming home, Jane knew in her heart that whatever challenges they might face in the future, they would face them together, their faith in God and their love for each other serving as their guiding light.

Readers who read this book also liked

---

OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, " Faith and Love on the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

---