A Stolen Heart in Dallas – Extended Epilogue

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2 Years Later

It took every ounce of willpower Jesse had not to rip open both the envelopes currently tucked into his breast pocket as he rode back to the farm from town, but only one of them was addressed to him. It was knowing who it was from that made him want to wait until Martha was by his side. 

And then there was the letter for her from Anthony. News from Dallas was always welcome. Though Martha’s parents came to visit frequently, and they tried to make a habit of riding into the city at least once a month, they still somehow felt far away. 

As Jesse quickly got closer to the farm and caught sight of the handsome rooftop poking over the hill, he was reminded of what a punch to the gut it had been only two and a half years earlier when he’d first seen the charred ruins of his childhood home.

Now, after years of hard work, the farm had finally been returned to its former glory. They’d built the house in almost the exact image of the one that had previously stood in its place, with some minor improvements. His mother had always complained that the kitchen was too small. Now, it ran the length of the house and was always the best-smelling room to be in.

“Can I take Stardust to the stables for you?” Asked Kelly, the farmhand they’d hired a year earlier. There were at least five people working on the farm, making it one of the largest operations in the area. 

“Yes, thank you, Kelly. Is Martha in the kitchen?”

“With Mrs. Moore, yes. I think a pie is on the menu for this evening,” Kelly announced with one eyebrow raised. Whenever a pie was baked, it was usually to mark some special occasion. 

The sight that met Jesse’s eyes when he first walked into the kitchen was one of pure domestic bliss. There was his Martha, carrying their first and only child, who was playfully reaching up to pinch his mother’s nose. Sitting at the large farmhouse table was Mrs. Moore, scoring the top of an unbaked pie with a fork. 

“Ah, there you are! What’s the news from town?” Martha asked, bringing baby Samuel up to greet him. Jesse planted kisses on both their cheeks before giving one to his mother as well.

“I don’t know. And by that I mean… I have letters for the two of us. One from Anthony for you,” he revealed, pulling the paper out of his pocket. “And one for me. From… well, you might not believe it, but Elroy of all people.”

Everyone in the kitchen stopped moving for a moment, including baby Samuel who ceased his fussing. 

“Elroy? As in… the man from the Blackwater gang?” Martha asked quietly. A dark look crossed her eyes that scared him. He was wondering the same thing she was. If Elroy was writing him a letter, did that mean he was going to come back into their lives? Everything had been so peaceful since the incident in Dallas. Jesse didn’t want to worry about anything other than how much rain they were going to get that season.

“Yes. The man who accosted you in the street and wanted to make sure he was there to see you kidnapped himself, even though he could hardly walk at the time. The man must be made of old bullet wounds by now,” Jesse replied with his full voice, refusing to admit his old enemy brought him any fear at all.

“He’s the one who took a special liking to Martha, wasn’t he? I wonder if he was the same one who came to visit me,” Mrs. Moore wondered. It wasn’t the time to mention it, but Jesse thought to himself that his mother sounded stronger than she had in weeks. Pleurisy had flooded her lungs a while back, leaving her bound to bed most days. 

“Why would he be writing to you?” Martha asked. 

“I don’t know, but I wanted to wait until I was home to find out. What do you say we have a quick read together?” Jesse proposed, pulling out a chair for Martha.

She sat nervously, leaning over to get a look at the handwriting when Jesse took the chair between his wife and mother. Everyone was silent while he tore open the envelope and unfurled the letter. Then, he started reading. 

Jesse,

I hope this note finds you well. I hope it finds you at all. I had to trust a lot of shady-looking folks to get your address. Don’t worry. I’m not going to come hunting you down. I’m writing to say I’m sorry and thank you. 

You’re probably pretty surprised to hear me say that. I don’t blame you. Let me explain. Ever since I got away from Amos and the outlaw life, I’ve realized the unnecessary harm I was causing. The thrill of it all got the better of me, and honestly, nothing ever really worked out for me besides stealing. I was good at it from a young age, and Amos took me under his wing before I knew any better.

Now, I don’t want you thinking I’m blaming Amos for the choices I’ve made. All I’m saying is that I’m sorry for what I’ve done, and I hope you and that Martha girl have found a good life for yourselves. It was obvious you two were too in love with each other to see anyone else.

Since my head’s gotten cleared up, I’ve found solace in prayer. I know, you’re probably laughing as you read these words. Honestly, a year ago I would have been laughing too. Let’s just say getting a priest as a cellmate will change a man’s perspective. 

Don’t worry. I won’t be writing to you again. Just wanted to say I know what I’ve done, and assure you it won’t be happening again anytime soon. Couldn’t even if I wanted to, considering I’m stuck for life behind these bars. Still, I’m grateful for any kind of life I’m blessed with after all that I’ve done. 

Kindly,

Elroy

The stunned silence continued in the kitchen, though baby Samuel had a few noises to make in response. Mrs. Moore was the first to speak.

“Well, I’ll be. Repentance, from a man like that! Will wonders never cease.”

Martha laughed in disbelief. “Sometimes, I forget just what God is capable of. I didn’t think I’d live to see the day when Elroy of all people would be preaching the good word. Do you think this is a trick?”

It was Jesse’s turn to chuckle. “No. If it is, then good on him, because it’s a good trick. I can’t see what he’s getting out of it if he is pulling one over on us. I can’t imagine him getting released from jail, so I’m sure we’re safe.”

“Incredible. You said the other letter is from Anthony?” Martha asked. Jesse nodded and handed her the other envelope. 

“I hope there’s nothing in here that’s half as surprising. What’s next? Doc’s become a rodeo rider? If I’m not careful, I’m going to get a heart attack with all this news,” Martha said jokingly, lightening the mood of the kitchen. 

Nothing Elroy had written was bad, of course, but it was just so strange to be hearing from him after so long. In a funny way, Jesse was actually proud of the jailed outlaw. To be able to hear the Lord’s word when faced with the most treacherous living conditions was a sign of true faith.

“Read us the news from Dallas. It’s been too long since we saw your family,” Mrs. Moore urged. Martha didn’t need to be told twice. 

Dear Martha,

Hello from St Jude’s! We’re all getting ready for the Easter season here, and we miss you terribly. Mother is beside herself always worrying about what baby Samuel is eating or not eating. Consider it a blessing that it’s Jesse’s mother you’re living with and not ours. 

You’ll be pleased to hear that everyone is in very fine health. Doc has finally retired once and for all, and passed on operations at the blacksmith shop to his nephew. Did I tell you about his nephew? Doc didn’t even know he had one until a few months ago! His sister moved back to Ireland a long time ago and they lost touch. That is until his nephew showed up on his doorstep.

In other news, Dr. Scott has gotten married to the mayor’s daughter. Alice and I attended their wedding together. I didn’t know they made people that beautiful. They look more like a painting than real people. That’s how I know they’re perfectly suited for each other. 

On the subject of weddings, I hope you’re ready to go to one yourself, because I finally proposed to Alice. And she said yes! As you know, it’s been a long time coming. Of course, I knew from the moment I saw her that she was the girl for me, but I’m glad we didn’t rush into anything. We’re hoping to be married within the next three months. We’ll discuss it all over Easter when you come back.

That’s all for now. Write to Mama soon or she’s going to faint with worry. Papa doesn’t show it as much, but he likes to hear from you just as much. 

With love,

Anthony

Samuel made a gurgling noise and clapped his hands together in such a way that actually managed to make some noise. Martha, Jesse, and Mrs. Moore all laughed and encouraged him.

“That’s right! Applause is called for indeed. Another wedding is on the horizon. Oh, I’m so pleased for Anthony!” Martha exclaimed. Jesse could see there were tears of joy surely to follow soon.

“And that means you’ll surely have cousins to play with sooner or later,” Jesse said, taking the baby in his arms. 

“Thank you. I keep forgetting to put this pie in!” Martha got up from the table quickly to put the pie plate in the oven. 

“What kind is it?” Jesse asked, noticing how heavy Samuel was feeling these days.

“Apple, of course. Your mother’s favorite.” 

He looked over to Mrs. Moore, whose eyes twinkled. If he had to guess, she had some news of her own. 

“Is this a celebration pie? What’s the occasion?” 

“Go on, tell him!” Martha urged, making sure the pie was in the right position.

Mrs. Moore smiled. “The reason for celebration pales in comparison to what Anthony and Alice have to rejoice about, but for me… it was an exciting day. Dr. Bush came by to check up on me. He had me do several breathing exercises and he listened to my lungs with plenty of care. It seems that… there’s no fluid left at all! I’m good as new!”

“That’s great news!” Jesse exclaimed, pulling her in for a hug. As the years ticked on, he was trying to get used to the idea that his mother wouldn’t always be around. This announcement from the doctor, however, meant that the horrible day when would leave them was delayed indefinitely. 

If all went well, she would meet many more grandchildren, and see countless shooting stars fall across the dark midsummer sky. His mother could sit on the porch and enjoy the sunsets while Jesse took Martha into town for special occasions, and together, they would all enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

As Martha and his mother discussed Doc’s newly discovered nephew and the patch of dry skin that had appeared on Samuel’s head, Jesse thanked God for all the good fortune he’d been sent. Following the Blackwater gang may have been a bad idea on paper, but it had led him to Martha, and that he would always and forever be grateful for. 

That night, he looked up at the star-filled heavens above, knowing that his father would be proud of him. 

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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!

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