A Miracle under the Mistletoe – Extended Epilogue

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Four years had woven their tales into the fabric of Theodore and Emily’s life, threading each day with love, challenges, and blessings. Their cottage, a cozy embodiment of their dreams, nestled on the edge of Buck’s farm, stood proudly against the backdrop of the snow-covered Rockies. This Christmas morning was adorned with the sparkle of fresh snow and the joyous laughter of their two children, Sarah and Jacob.

The first light of dawn peeked through the frost-kissed windows, casting a golden glow across the wooden floors. Emily, her hair cascading in gentle waves over her shoulders, watched her children, their eyes alight with the magic of the season, scurrying around the modest but warmly decorated living room. The Christmas tree, standing in the corner, was adorned with handmade ornaments and strings of popcorn, twinkling in the soft light of the fireplace.

Sarah, with her father’s golden brown hair, and Jacob, inheriting Emily’s deep, thoughtful eyes, danced around the room in their nightgowns, their laughter a melody that warmed Emily’s heart. The night before, they had carefully hung their stockings by the fireplace, their small faces filled with wonder and anticipation.

Theodore, tall and strong with a softness in his eyes that only years of love could bring, emerged from their bedroom, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He wrapped his arms around Emily, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. “Merry Christmas, my love,” he whispered, his voice a comforting rumble.

“Merry Christmas,” Emily replied, leaning into his embrace. They stood together for a moment, watching their children in a scene that felt like a living portrait of happiness.

“Momma, Papa, can we open the gifts now?” Sarah asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yes, my darlings, let’s see what we have here,” Theodore said with a wink, guiding them towards the tree.

Gifts were exchanged amidst laughter and paper rustling. Sarah and Jacob unwrapped their presents with wide-eyed wonder – handmade dolls, wooden toys, and books of adventure and fairytales. Emily and Theodore shared a knowing look, their hearts swelling with joy at the sight of their children’s happiness.

As the morning unfolded, the cottage was filled with the aromas of cinnamon and baked apples. Emily, ever the heart of their home, moved gracefully around the kitchen, preparing their traditional Christmas breakfast. The children, now engaged with their new toys, played quietly by the hearth.

Theodore stepped behind Emily, slipping his arms around her waist as she stirred the oatmeal on the stove. “I have something for you,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

Emily turned, her eyes meeting his. “And I for you,” she replied, her face lighting up with a smile.

From his pocket, Theodore produced a small, beautifully wrapped box, handing it to her with a tender look. Emily opened it to find a delicate peppermint locket, its silver surface glinting in the firelight.

“It’s beautiful, Theodore,” she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“And here,” Emily said, reaching into her apron pocket. She handed him a small package, inside which was a silver peppermint-shaped cufflink set. “To remember our first Christmas together.”

Theodore’s eyes softened as he looked at the cufflinks, then at Emily. “Thank you, my love,” he said, leaning in to kiss her gently, their love as sweet and enduring as the peppermint tradition they cherished.

“These peppermints will always be our special tradition, won’t they?” Emily asked, her eyes reflecting the soft flicker of the fireplace as she clasped the locket around her neck.

Theodore smiled, admiring the way the locket complemented her gentle beauty. “As long as we’re together, every Christmas will have its peppermints,” he promised, his voice carrying the weight of a vow.

Emily reached out, her fingers gently brushing the cufflinks on Theodore’s shirt. “These are a reminder of our first Christmas, and how far we’ve come since then,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and joy.

Theodore clasped her hand, bringing it to his lips for a brief kiss. “You’ve made every moment since then a blessing, Emily. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better life.”

Their tender moment was interrupted by a gleeful shout from Jacob, who had just discovered the joys of a toy horse. “Look, Papa! It gallops just like the ones in the field!” he exclaimed, his small hands skillfully making the toy prance across the floor.

Sarah, not to be outdone, held up a beautifully crafted doll. “And see my new doll, Mama! She’s as pretty as you,” she declared with a grin, her young face beaming with pride.

Emily knelt down, embracing her daughter. “She’s beautiful, Sarah. Just like you,” she said, her heart full.

Theodore joined them on the floor, his presence a natural gravitational pull for his children. Together, they played and laughed, the room filled with the warmth of family and the spirit of the season.

As their play wound down, Emily stood, smoothing her apron. “I think it’s time for a special Christmas breakfast. How do bread and apple cider sound?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

“Yay!” both children cheered, their enthusiasm filling the room.

Theodore helped Emily set the table while the children excitedly took their seats. The smell of cinnamon and apples filled the air, blending with the savory aroma of baked bread. As they sat down to eat, Theodore led them in a prayer of gratitude, thanking God for their blessings and the love that surrounded them.

The meal was a merry affair, with laughter and stories shared between bites. Emily watched her family, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She glanced at Theodore, who caught her eye and smiled, a silent acknowledgment of the beautiful life they had built together.

After breakfast, they bundled up in warm coats and scarves, preparing to visit Uncle Buck. The children, full of energy, dashed outside, their laughter echoing in the crisp winter air.

Emily and Theodore followed, holding hands as they stepped out into the snow-covered world. The sun, now fully risen, cast a golden glow over the snow, turning the farm into a winter wonderland.

As they walked, Emily leaned into Theodore. “Do you ever think about how different our lives might have been?” she mused, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air.

Theodore nodded, his eyes reflecting the clear blue sky. “Every day, I’m grateful for the path we’ve taken. Our journey wasn’t always easy, but it brought us here, to this moment, with our beautiful family.”

Emily smiled, her heart echoing his words. They continued to walk, their children’s laughter a joyful soundtrack to their reflections on the past and dreams for the future.

As the family approached Buck’s main house, the children darted ahead, their small footprints marking the pristine snow. Theodore and Emily walked hand in hand, their breaths visible in the crisp air, their hearts light with joy.

“I sometimes wonder,” Theodore began, his gaze following the playful antics of Sarah and Jacob, “if our past selves could have ever imagined this. From Boston’s cobblestone streets to the heart of the Rockies, and now this… our own little paradise.”

Emily squeezed his hand, her eyes warm with affection. “I think life’s most beautiful gifts are those we never see coming,” she replied, her voice soft with emotion. “You, our children, this home… they were surprises that filled my life with more love than I ever thought possible.”

Theodore stopped, pulling Emily into his embrace, the snowflakes gently falling around them. “You were my unexpected miracle, Emily. When I first came to Elk Ridge, I was lost, searching for something I didn’t even understand. Then I found you, and everything suddenly made sense.”

Emily looked up into his eyes, seeing the same love and devotion that had first drawn her to him. “And you brought magic back into my life, Theodore. A magic I thought was only in fairytales. You showed me that love is the greatest adventure of all.”

They resumed walking, the sounds of Buck’s bustling household growing nearer. The children had already reached the front porch, greeted by Buck’s hearty laughter.

“As we step into another year,” Theodore said thoughtfully, “I can’t help but dream about our future. More Christmases, more memories, watching our children grow…”

Emily nodded, her heart filled with the same hopes. “And through it all, we’ll be together, facing whatever comes our way. That’s the most beautiful part of our journey.”

Theodore’s eyes twinkled with a promise. “And I vow, Emily, to always be there for you, to create miracles and fill our lives with peppermints and laughter.”

Emily’s laughter rang out, light and joyful. “I’ll hold you to that, Mr. Mansfield. But I know I won’t need to. You’ve already given me the greatest gifts – your love, our family, and a life filled with joy.”

As they reached Buck’s door, it swung open, revealing the warm, inviting interior. Buck stood in the doorway, his broad smile welcoming them. “Merry Christmas! Come in, come in! The place just lights up when you all arrive.”

Inside, the house was a flurry of activity, with neighbors and friends gathered, sharing the festive spirit. The aroma of roasted turkey and fresh-baked pies filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and music.

Emily and Theodore joined the gathering, their children already swept up in the excitement. They exchanged greetings and hugs, the warmth of community enveloping them.

As they mingled, Theodore caught Emily’s eye from across the room, his gaze conveying a silent message of love and gratitude. Emily smiled back, her heart overflowing with happiness.

Together, they watched their children, their laughter a melody that resonated with the joy of the season, a reminder of the love that had brought them all together.

The festive atmosphere at Buck’s house was a vivid tapestry of joy and community spirit. Children played, their laughter echoing through the halls, while adults shared stories and warm embraces. The room was adorned with evergreens and ribbons, a perfect setting for a Christmas gathering in the heart of the Rockies.

Emily stood beside Theodore, her hand in his, as they watched Sarah and Jacob play with other children near the Christmas tree. The sight filled her heart with a deep sense of contentment.

Theodore leaned in, whispering in her ear amidst the buzz of conversation, “Remember our first Christmas? How different everything was back then?”

Emily’s eyes sparkled with the memory. “I do. We’ve come such a long way since then. Our lives have blossomed in ways I never could have imagined.”

Theodore’s gaze was tender as he looked at her. “You know, every time I think I couldn’t possibly love you more, you prove me wrong. You, Sarah, Jacob… you’re my world.”

Emily’s cheeks flushed with a warm glow. “And you’re ours, Theodore. You’ve made every day a miracle.”

In the midst of their conversation, Sarah and Jacob came running over, their faces flushed with excitement. “Mama, Papa, come see what Uncle Buck got us!” they exclaimed in unison, tugging at their parents’ hands.

With a laugh, Emily and Theodore allowed themselves to be led to the tree, where Buck stood with a wide grin, two large, beautifully wrapped gifts at his feet.

“For my favorite niece and nephew,” Buck announced, his eyes twinkling as he handed each child their present.

Sarah and Jacob unwrapped the gifts with eager hands, revealing a beautifully crafted dollhouse for Sarah and a model wagon for Jacob. Their joy was palpable, and they immediately set about playing with their new treasures.

Buck turned to Emily and Theodore, his expression softening. “You two have built something beautiful here. This family… it’s a true blessing.”

Theodore nodded, his arm around Emily. “It’s all thanks to the love and support we’ve found here, Buck. You’ve been more than family to us.”

The afternoon passed in a blur of happiness and festive cheer. As the sun began to set, giving a golden hue over the snow outside, Emily and Theodore gathered their children to head home.

As they stepped outside, the cold air nipped at their cheeks, and the children groaned playfully at leaving the warmth and fun behind. Theodore chuckled, looking down at Emily with love in his eyes.

“I promise, as long as I live, there will always be miracles and peppermints for you, Emily. You’ve shown me the true magic of life.”

Emily smiled up at him, her heart full. “And you’ve shown me the strength of love. Together, we’ve found our paradise.”

They kissed, their love as enduring as the mountains around them, much to their children’s playful groans. Hand in hand, they walked through the snow, the world around them aglow with the lights of Christmas.

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

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