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The warm morning sun cast a golden glow over the quaint little house where Tabitha and Josiah had built their life together. The sound of laughter and playful chatter filled the air, echoing through the rooms and into the blossoming garden outside. It had been five blissful years since their vow renewal and wedding, and their love had only deepened with time.
Tabitha emerged from the front door, her arms filled with a bouquet of freshly picked flowers. Her heart swelled with gratitude for the blessings that had unfolded in their lives. Her radiant smile matched the sparkle in her eyes as she made her way toward the garden, where Josiah was tending to their flourishing vegetable patch.
The vibrant colors of the flowers mirrored the joy that overflowed in their hearts. The garden had become a sanctuary, a reflection of their love, and a testament to the nurturing bond they shared. The fragrance of blooming roses and the melodious chirping of birds welcomed Tabitha into this idyllic haven.
Josiah turned at the sound of her footsteps, his face lighting up at the sight of his beloved wife. The years had only enhanced his love for her, deepening the lines of affection and devotion etched upon his face. He set down his gardening tools and opened his arms, beckoning her closer.
“Good morning, my love,” Josiah greeted, his voice filled with tenderness. “I see you’ve brought a touch of heaven with you.”
Tabitha chuckled, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. “These flowers are for you, my dear. Just a small token of my love and gratitude for the life we’ve built together.”
Josiah accepted the bouquet with a grateful smile, his fingers gently caressing the velvety petals. “Thank you, Tabitha. These blooms pale in comparison to the beauty you bring into our lives each day.”
Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, communicating volumes of love that words could never capture. It was a love that had weathered storms and stood strong in the face of adversity. They had built a life together, forged in trust, shared dreams, and unwavering support.
As they walked hand in hand through the garden, their children’s laughter reached their ears. They had been blessed with a son and a daughter, their little ones mirroring the best of both parents. The children ran barefoot, their joyous giggles filling the air as they played amidst the blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Tabitha’s heart swelled with love and gratitude as she watched her family in this picturesque scene. She felt the warmth of the sun’s rays on her face, a gentle reminder of the blessings that had embraced them. The little house that had once been a haven of newfound love now stood as a sanctuary of cherished memories and growing dreams.
She turned to Josiah, her eyes glistening with affection. “Look at our children, Josiah. They are a reflection of the love that binds us together. We have created something beautiful, something that will endure beyond our years.”
Josiah’s gaze mirrored her sentiment, filled with a mixture of pride and awe. “Indeed, my love. Our family is a testament to the strength of our love and the harmony that can be achieved when hearts are united in purpose.”
As the children approached, their faces flushed with joy and their eyes brimming with innocence, Tabitha enveloped them in a warm embrace. She planted a kiss on each of their foreheads, whispering words of love and reassurance. Their laughter echoed in her ears, a symphony that resonated with the melody of their shared happiness. This was their new life. The hours and days slipped by, but some things stayed the same.
***
The children’s laughter filled the air, echoing through the house and drawing Tabitha’s attention to the cozy living room that afternoon. She watched with a smile as her son and daughter played together, their imaginations taking them on grand adventures within the safe confines of their home.
The room was adorned with colorful toys and books, a testament to the love and care with which Tabitha and Josiah had created a nurturing environment for their children. The walls were adorned with family portraits Tabitha had painted herself, capturing moments of joy and love that had woven their way into the tapestry of their lives.
Tabitha’s son, Samuel, a spirited young boy with a mop of curly hair, was the epitome of adventure. He was dressed in worn-out pants and a shirt that showcased evidence of his explorations, showcasing his zest for life. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief as he led his younger sister, Emily, by the hand.
Emily, with her bright blue eyes and a cascade of golden curls, giggled with delight as she followed her older brother’s lead. Her small fingers clutched a plush toy, her loyal companion in their imaginative play. Together, they created a world of make-believe, a realm where dreams intertwined with reality.
“Come on, Emily! We must find the hidden treasure!” Samuel exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
Tabitha watched as they tiptoed around the room, their steps light and filled with anticipation. They peeked behind the curtains, lifting cushions in search of the mythical treasure that existed only within the realms of their vivid imaginations.
Samuel stopped suddenly, his eyes widening in revelation. “I’ve found it! The treasure is hidden beneath this magical blanket!” he proclaimed, pointing to a colorful quilt draped over the armchair.
Emily gasped in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. Together, they tugged at the edges of the quilt, their small hands working in unison to uncover the treasure that awaited them. With each pull, their excitement grew, fueled by the shared joy of their imaginary quest.
As the quilt slipped away, revealing the plush contents beneath, their faces lit up with delight. Samuel pulled out a trove of toy coins and shiny trinkets, their value measured not in monetary worth but in the joy they brought to their young hearts.
Tabitha’s heart swelled with a mixture of nostalgia and pride as she watched her children immersed in their playful world. She marveled at their innocence, the way they found magic in the simplest of things, and their ability to create joy with boundless imagination.
She couldn’t help but reflect on her own childhood, where she and Ashley had woven similar tales of adventure and wonder. The memories of their shared games and laughter filled her heart, reminding her of the deep bond they had forged as lifelong friends.
As the children continued their game, Tabitha’s gaze shifted to the family portraits adorning the walls. The images captured the essence of their love, frozen in time and immortalized in frames. They served as a reminder of the precious moments that had shaped their journey as a family, moments that had filled their hearts with immeasurable joy.
Tabitha’s thoughts drifted back to the present, her attention refocused on the scene before her. She took a step closer, joining her children in their make-believe world. Kneeling beside them, she embraced the magic of their play, and the weight of adulthood momentarily lifted from her shoulders.
Together, they ventured on imaginary quests, uncovering hidden treasures and conquering mythical beasts. The room filled with their laughter, a symphony of joy that danced through the air. At that moment, Tabitha knew that her greatest treasure lay not in material possessions but in the love and laughter that surrounded her.
The sound of a familiar voice and the gentle knock on the front door broke the enchanting spell of Tabitha’s children’s play. Samuel and Emily looked up, their faces lighting up with excitement as they recognized the visitor. It was Aunt Ashley, accompanied by her husband, George, and their young child, Lola. Tabitha had kept their visit a secret from the children, not wanting them to get overexcited.
Tabitha’s heart swelled with joy as she welcomed them into her home.
Ashley’s eyes sparkled with a newfound radiance as she cradled little Lola in her arms. The child’s gurgling laughter filled the room, blending harmoniously with the joyful energy of Tabitha’s own children. It was a testament to the circle of life, a reminder that love had a way of multiplying and bringing people together.
“Tabitha, it’s so good to see you,” Ashley said, her voice tinged with a touch of gratitude. “Can you believe how much Lola has grown? She’s the light of our lives.”
Tabitha smiled warmly, her gaze shifting between Lola and her own children. “And they are the light of mine,” she replied. “It’s incredible to think of the paths we’ve all walked, isn’t it?”
Ashley nodded, a hint of reflection in her eyes. “It truly is. I never imagined I’d find such happiness and stability, but you’ve been such a positive influence on my life. Lola is a testament to the love and support we’ve both experienced.”
Tabitha’s heart swelled with a mixture of pride and humility. It had been a long journey for both of them, filled with ups and downs, mistakes and triumphs. They had weathered storms and navigated rough waters, but through it all, their bond had remained unbreakable.
As the children gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity, Tabitha introduced them to their new cousin, Lola. Since Tabitha and Ashley felt as close as sisters, they decided their children would feel as close as cousins. The room came alive with the sweet melody of children’s laughter, intermingling with the warmth of shared stories and cherished memories.
As Tabitha poured steaming cups of fragrant tea, the aromatic scent filled the air, adding to the cozy ambiance of their gathering. She settled into a comfortable armchair across from Ashley, their eyes meeting with a shared sense of warmth and understanding.
“So, tell me, Ashley,” Tabitha began, cradling her teacup in her hands, “how has motherhood been treating you? It’s been such a joy to watch you embrace this new chapter of your life.”
Ashley’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of happiness and wonder. She cradled her own cup, savoring the aroma before taking a sip. “Oh, Tabitha, it’s indescribable,” she replied, her voice filled with gentle awe. “Lola has brought so much light and love into our lives. Every day is a new adventure with her.”
Tabitha’s eyes softened as she observed Ashley’s maternal glow. “I can see it in your eyes, Ashley. Motherhood suits you beautifully,” she remarked, her voice brimming with genuine admiration. “You’ve truly blossomed in this role.”
Ashley’s cheeks flushed with a touch of bashfulness. “Thank you, Tabitha. Your unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in helping me navigate this journey. You’ve shown me what it means to be a loving and nurturing mother.”
Tabitha’s gaze met Ashley’s, a deep sense of gratitude shining through her eyes. “Ashley, I have to admit something,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity. “You’ve always been the free-spirited one, the adventurous soul. But in many ways, you’ve inspired me to be a better person. Your zest for life, your courage to embrace change, and your resilience have taught me so much.”
Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise, a hint of emotion welling up within her. “You’ve always been the voice of reason, the calming presence in my life,” she confessed, her voice filled with sincerity. “You’ve shown me what it means to be strong, to face challenges head-on with grace and determination.”
Their words hung in the air, creating a sacred space of mutual appreciation and understanding. At that moment, the years of friendship and shared experiences converged, strengthening the bond that had been woven through the tapestry of their lives.
As the conversation flowed, they reminisced about their childhood, sharing stories of their imaginative play, late-night talks, and the dreams they had woven together. They spoke of the challenges they had overcome, the lessons learned, and the growth that had taken place within each of them.
Tabitha leaned forward, her voice filled with affectionate teasing. “You know, Ashley, I can’t help but recall the mischievous schemes we used to concoct as children. We’d dream up elaborate adventures, believing anything was possible.”
Ashley chuckled, a hint of nostalgia dancing in her eyes. “Oh, yes! We were quite the pair, weren’t we? Our imaginations knew no bounds.”
Tabitha’s smile widened. “Indeed. And now, here we are, living out our own adventures, but in a different way. Lola and my own children, Samuel and Emily, are a testament to the beauty of our friendship and the influence we’ve had on each other’s lives.”
Ashley nodded, her gaze shifting to the children playing nearby. “I couldn’t agree more, Tabitha. Our children are a reflection of the love and support we’ve shared throughout the years. They remind us of the importance of friendship, resilience, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.”
Tabitha’s eyes welled with tears, touched by Ashley’s words. “You know, Ashley, you’ve always been there for me, even in the darkest of times. We’ve walked this journey hand in hand, lifting each other up when we stumbled. I’m grateful for your friendship, and I’m honored to have played a positive role in your life.”
Ashley reached out, grasping Tabitha’s hand. “It goes both ways, my dear friend. You’ve been a guiding light in my life, showing me what strength, resilience, and unwavering love look like. I can’t thank you enough.”
As their conversation continued, the room filled with the shared joy of sisterhood, love, and the unbreakable bond between friends who had become family. It was a testament to the power of friendship and the transformative impact of support and understanding.
The children, sensing the palpable warmth in the air, joined in the conversation with their infectious enthusiasm. Samuel and Emily eagerly shared their adventures and discoveries with Lola, their newfound cousin. The room buzzed with the excitement of innocence and the beauty of connections forged.
Tabitha and Ashley’s conversation was interrupted by the soft rustling of paper as the mail slid through the letterbox. Tabitha excused herself, retrieving the mail and returning to the cozy living room, where she settled back into her chair, a stack of envelopes in her hands.
She flipped through the mail absentmindedly, her eyes widening in surprise as she came across a letter addressed to her and Josiah. The return address revealed it was from Saul and Maya, their dear friends who had embarked on their own journey of love and self-discovery.
“Look, Ashley,” Tabitha exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. “It’s a letter from Saul and Maya! I can’t wait to hear how they’re doing.”
Ashley’s eyes lit up, mirroring Tabitha’s anticipation. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Let’s open it and see what they have to say,” she replied, leaning in closer to read the letter together.
With bated breath, they carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the pages. The familiar handwriting of Saul greeted them, transporting them back to the days of shared laughter and heartfelt conversations. The letter began:
“Dear Tabitha and Joshua,
It brings us immeasurable joy to write this letter to you, filled with updates on our life and the incredible journey we’ve embarked upon. We hope this letter finds you both in good health and high spirits, as you have always been the guiding lights in our lives.
We are thrilled to share that our family has expanded with the arrival of our second precious daughter, Hya. She has brought a new depth of love and purpose into our lives, her laughter echoing through the walls of our home. From the moment she came into our arms, we knew our family was complete.
Hya is a reflection of the love we’ve received in the community. Her bright eyes and gentle spirit are a testament to the joy and support you’ve shown us throughout the years. We couldn’t be more grateful for the influence you’ve had on our journey.
We have found a home in a small coastal town, surrounded by rolling waves and golden sunsets. It is a place that feels like a sanctuary where we can raise our daughter amidst the beauty of nature. The community here is vibrant and welcoming, and we’ve forged deep connections that have enriched our lives.
I believe that I feel relaxed enough to embrace my passion for woodworking, creating intricate pieces that carry stories of love and resilience. My attempts have gained recognition, and I have even opened a small workshop where he teaches aspiring artisans. The sound of saws and hammers fill the air, weaving melodies of creativity and craftsmanship every day. It’s quite glorious.
Together, we’ve discovered the profound beauty of parenthood, witnessing the growth and wonder in the children’s eyes. Each day is a new adventure as we explore the world through her curious spirit. We are committed to fostering an environment of love, respect, and growth where the girls can flourish into the remarkable individuals we know they will become.
Tabitha and Josiah, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and friendship. You have been our guiding stars, providing comfort and inspiration during both the brightest and darkest moments of our lives. We carry your love with us always.
As we embrace this new chapter, our hearts overflow with love and gratitude. We are reminded of the profound impact friendship has on our lives. Our bond remains unbreakable, transcending time and distance.
We eagerly await the day when our paths cross again.
Saul and Maya
Tabitha closed the letter with a contented sigh, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. She gazed at Ashley, their shared history woven into the lines of their faces, the depths of their souls.
“You know, Ashley,” Tabitha whispered, a tender smile tugging at her lips, “I’ve come to realize that life is a tapestry of stories, interconnected and ever-evolving. None of our journeys are truly complete, but in this moment, we find contentment, and that is a gift to be cherished. And for that, I thank God.”
“Amen,” said Ashley with a smile. “Amen.”
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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!
Hello, my dear readers! I hope that you enjoyed my story and the extended epilogue. I’m looking forward to reading your comments!
I enjoyed The extended epilogue. You tied up all the loose threads with the strongest tie of friendship. Tabitha was able to break free of the bondage of rules with her parents because of her friend Ashley.
It developed her true strength of character, kindness and love.
That’s so wonderful, thank you!!
I enjoyed the story of love overcoming all, but found the characters a little stiff and introverted. There were perhaps a few too many social and religious problems to be sorted out in one story.
I’m happy you enjoyed this whatsoever!
I agree that there was too much fire and brimstone. I had to skip over a lot of it.
Thank you for the feedback!
The idea of a forced marriage was an interesting story, but the characters were very one-dimensional and there were way too many words to describe a scene. There were also many inconsistencies that didn’t make sense. One example, Josiah and Tabitha had stayed up all night talking and getting to know each other. He told her where he was from, how he came to be in the town where they were, but later in the same chapter she asked him if he had always lived there, saying she didn’t remember him as a child. In a later chapter, Tabitha tells Ashley that she remembers playing with him as a child and that he had always been a loner. You need to pay closer attention to details.
Thank you so much for the feedback!
Weren’t Tabitha’s parents awful or was it the whispering community .of that time that was awful. whatever and whoever it was were not very Christian in heart or soul. Though brought up in faith I set it aside when I saw how cruel it truly was. I believe as Josiah did that actions speak louder than words. It was heart warming to see that Tabitha’s father had an awakening and acted out of his sense of love for his daughter rather than validate the mob lies. They deserved. their blessed happy ending. Enjoyed as everyone seemed t grow from their experiences and reflection of life and what was truly important and where fear was replaced by love and understanding
Thank you for the feedback here!
I enjoyed the story very much but I think that Tabitha ‘s parents. were too strict and a little too self important Tabitha and Josiah embodied Christianity A good story
Thank you for the feedback!
It was a nice story but surprised it was one of Lila’s stories. There were very few chapters where there was an adult in the room except for the Minister and his prayers which were awesome. The conversations between the young people were like middle schoolers and their first puppy love. Christianity should be loving and not legalistic.
I usually really enjoy Lila Rivers books but in all honesty this was not one.
Sorry Lila. This must have been one of your earliest writings. I will continue with your books.
Thank you for the valuable feedback, I really appreciate your opinion.
reviews Always amaze me!! I personally enjoyed the story! I also found the inconsistencies . Not a deal breaker 4 me. Tabby’s parents reminded me alot of mine They were very strict..What I enjoyed most was the kindness & growing love. I get tired of the hateful men in these stories. Josiah was kind from the start! Even though it was forced on both of them they were committed 2 learning 2 love each other. Her father didn’t show much of God’s love & grace..but he did come around. I will be reading more of your books. this was my 2nd.
Thank you 4 sharing your God given talent in a good way!!!!
Thank you dear Cecelia! All feedback is welcome!
It started interesting, but it became harder and harder to continue reading.
To many fillers and inconsistency.
Thank you for the feedback, dear!!
Others have mentioned the numerous inconstancies, so I won’t repeat except that when we first meet Ronald, he is a blacksmith co-worker. I enjoyed the story but found that I was skipping whole pages that were just waffle. I was anxious to see what happened to Saul and Maya after the church, but nothing was mentioned until the dinner and then it was vague.
Thank you for the feedback, dear Robyn, I have been considering everyone’s points!
To many inconsistencies in the story. Very disjointed.
I really appreciate the feedback, I will certainly keep this in mind for my next story!
Way too much detail and word repetition to keep interest. Not one of your best books!
I’m sorry to hear that, dear.
One of the main characters is Tabitha 19 year old daughter of pastor. Family was very controlling, even to refuse to let her attend church picnic and were basically brain-washing her that she needed to marry a minister. I questioned why Tabitha’s father would preach about forgiveness, but did not do that until much later in story. That stance is very hypocritical; meanwhile he was listening to gossip. Josiah tried to be honest with her parents about what really happened before the “forced” marriage. Josiah’s statement “I believe in the importance of having a personal relationship with God, one that isn’t dictated by a set of rigid rules and traditions” says it all that is what is suppose to be important for a Christian.
A little confusion with some inconsistency in story. We never learn when he moved from Chicago or when his parents died, although Josiah was a more developed character than Tabitha, probably age related since he was 30 year old. For me a bit too much syrup near the end of the story, although we can see more maturity develop among the characters.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I never like hearing stories of legalistic “Christians.” But, it does happen too often. I’m glad you addressed it. The language was a bit too flowery and stiff for a western for me. But,I liked the storyline.
Thank you so much dear karie!
I liked that Tabitha and Ashley had a close friendship. It was good to see Josiah and Tabitha grow closer in their forced marriage. However, I found it extremely difficult to read this story. It was too “preachy”, too repetitive, and too many inconsistencies. I hope this was an early writing attempt.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciate your insights and will take them into consideration for future writing endeavors.
A sweet love story.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the story! 😊