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Two years later
The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, a tranquil ending to another day in Summit Falls. Inside their modest, lovingly maintained homestead, Abby and Ben settled into the cozy warmth of their living room, a fire crackling in the hearth.
Ben, lounging in his favorite chair, unfolded a letter, the paper worn at the folds, evidence of its long journey. Abby, knitting by the window, watched him, her curiosity piqued by the sender’s identity.
“Another letter from Victor,” Ben announced, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and contemplation.
Abby set aside her knitting, her interest evident. “What does he say this time?”
“He’s… changing, Abby. Truly repenting. Says he’s found God and is dedicating his time to helping others inside,” Ben explained, his eyes scanning the handwritten lines. “Seems prison life has given him a lot of time to think about the path he’d taken.”
A soft smile touched Abby’s lips. “That’s wonderful to hear. People can change, given the chance and the light of God’s love.”
Ben nodded, folding the letter and placing it on the table beside him. “Makes me think about forgiveness and redemption. If a man like Victor can turn his life around, there’s hope for us all.”
Abby moved closer, taking Ben’s hand in hers. “Your heart’s always been one to see the good in folks, Ben. It’s one of the many reasons I love you.”
They shared a quiet moment, reflecting on the paths they’d walked and the trials they’d overcome together. The notion of change, of redemption, seemed to wrap around them like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring.
Ben broke the silence, his gaze meeting Abby’s. “Do you think writing him back, offering support, might help him even more?”
“I do,” Abby said, her voice firm with conviction. “Let him know he’s not alone in his journey. It might just be the encouragement he needs.”
Ben nodded, already formulating his reply in his mind as he stepped over to the desk. The power of forgiveness, of extending a hand in understanding, was proof of their faith and the community they cherished.
“Dear Victor,” he began, the pen scratching softly against the paper, “I received your letter and was moved to hear of the changes you’re making. It takes a strong man to reflect on his past and seek a new path forward…”
Ben paused, choosing his next words carefully, wanting to imbue his message with encouragement and a shared understanding of redemption’s power. Abby watched him, a soft smile gracing her lips, proud of the man she had married, who believed so deeply in the power of change and forgiveness.
“Your journey reminds us all that no one is beyond hope, and that with faith, transformation is possible…” Ben continued, leaving the letter open to grow with more personal reflections and words of support.
As he wrote, the room filled with a peaceful silence, save for the gentle crackle of the fire and the occasional whisper of the pen on paper. This letter, a simple act of kindness, was a testament to their shared belief in redemption and the strength found in community and faith.
As Ben’s letter neared completion, the evening wore on, the room bathed in the warm glow of lamplight and firelight. Abby resumed her knitting, the rhythmic clicking of her needles a comforting accompaniment to the scratch of Ben’s pen.
Finally setting the pen down, Ben looked over at Abby, a contented sigh escaping him. “I hope it helps him,” he said, folding the letter carefully and sealing it in an envelope.
“I’m sure it will,” Abby replied, her voice full of conviction. “Your words have a way of reaching people, Ben. Victor is lucky to have someone like you believe in him.”
Their conversation drifted then, from the future of their own little town to the dreams they harbored for themselves. It was amidst these whispered dreams and shared laughter that Abby’s expression took on a new seriousness, her gaze locking with Ben’s in a moment of profound connection.
“Ben,” she began, her voice wavering with a mixture of excitement and nerves, “there’s something I need to tell you.”
Ben’s attention was immediately captured, the significance of her tone not lost on him. He leaned forward, placing his pen on the table. “What is it, Abby? Is everything alright?”
A radiant smile broke through Abby’s initial apprehension, her hands coming to rest gently on her abdomen. “More than alright,” she said, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. “We’re going to have a baby, Ben. We’re going to be parents.”
For a moment, Ben was motionless, the weight of her words settling around him like a gentle rain, soaking into his very soul. Then, as the reality of the news dawned on him, his face broke into a wide, incredulous grin.
“A baby?” he repeated, standing to cross the room and kneel beside her chair. He placed his hand tenderly over hers, atop her abdomen. “We’re going to have a baby,” he whispered, awe coloring his tone.
Abby nodded, laughter and tears mingling on her face as she watched Ben’s reaction. “Yes, our very own miracle.”
They embraced, the warmth and love between them a tangible force, wrapping them in a cocoon of happiness and anticipation for the future. The notion of their growing family filled the room, as palpable as the fire’s heat and just as life-giving. Ben, pulling back slightly, gazed into Abby’s eyes, a playful spark lighting his own.
“Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?” he asked, his voice tinged with wonder.
Abby’s laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls and adding to the warmth of their home. “I don’t know, Ben. But I’ve been thinking about names. If it’s a girl, what do you think of Emma? And if it’s a boy, maybe Samuel?”
Ben nodded thoughtfully, repeating the names in his mind, letting them settle. “Emma… Samuel… They sound perfect, Abby. Strong names for a strong child, no matter if we’re blessed with a son or a daughter.”
Their discussion of names and dreams for their child continued, weaving a tapestry of hopes and wishes that filled the room with an even deeper sense of intimacy and connection. As the night deepened, their playful banter and shared dreams gently wound down, leaving them in a comfortable, reflective silence.
Ben stood, extending his hand to Abby, helping her to her feet. “Let’s get some rest,” he suggested softly, “We’ve got a lot of dreaming to do, and our little one needs us to be well-rested.”
Hand in hand, they made their way to their bedroom, the light from the fire casting long shadows behind them. As they prepared for bed, the bond between them felt renewed, strengthened by the shared joy of their expanding family.
Climbing into bed, they turned to face each other, hands intertwined between them. “I love you, Abby. More than ever,” Ben whispered, the depth of his emotion clear in his voice.
“And I you, Ben,” Abby replied, her voice soft but full of strength. “Our family is growing, and so is my love for you.”
In the quiet of their room, they shared a tender kiss, a promise of all the days to come.
***
The morning had dawned bright and clear the next day, the kind of day that filled the soul with hope and the heart with joy. By the time evening was slowly bathing their home in a soft pink and orange color, Abby and Ben, still basking in the glow of their shared secret, prepared to visit Izzy and Eli for dinner. The anticipation of sharing their own news added an extra spring to their steps as they made their way across the bustling town of Summit Falls, the warmth of the evening mirroring the warmth in their hearts.
As they approached Izzy’s home, nestled on the edge of town with a view that stretched across the open plains, Abby squeezed Ben’s hand, her excitement barely contained. “Do you think they’ll be surprised?” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Ben smiled, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “Izzy and Eli? I reckon nothing short of a thunderclap would surprise those two. But our news might just do the trick.”
The couple was greeted at the door by a beaming Izzy, her eyes alight with an unmistakable joy. “Abby, Ben! Come in, come in. We’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
Eli appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a cloth, his smile just as wide as Izzy’s. “Glad you could make it. Dinner’s almost ready.”
The cozy interior of their home, filled with the aromas of a hearty meal and the soft light of the setting sun, welcomed Abby and Ben, enveloping them in the warmth of friendship. They settled into the comfortable living room, exchanging pleasantries and catching up on the happenings around town.
It was then, as they gathered around the dinner table laden with dishes that spoke of Eli’s skill in the kitchen, that Izzy clinked her glass gently, calling for attention.
“We have something we want to share with you,” Izzy began, her hand finding Eli’s under the table. “Eli and I… we’re getting married.”
The announcement hung in the air for a moment, a bubble of joy that burst forth in smiles and congratulations. Abby and Ben were genuinely surprised, their own news momentarily forgotten in the wave of happiness for their friends.
“W…That’s wonderful!” Abby exclaimed, rising to embrace Izzy, her heart full. “We couldn’t be happier for you both. I have to say I didn’t expect these new today at all!”
Ben clapped Eli on the back, a grin spreading across his face. “Marriage is a fine adventure. Glad to see you two embarking on it together.”
Laughter and well-wishes filled the room following Izzy and Eli’s announcement, the bond between the two couples strengthened by the shared milestones they were about to cross. Amid the joyous commotion, stories were exchanged and plans for the future were enthusiastically discussed, with the air shimmering with possibilities.
As the initial excitement over Izzy and Eli’s engagement settled into a warm, contented glow, Abby exchanged a glance with Ben, a silent agreement passing between them. It felt like the perfect moment, surrounded by the happiness of their dear friends, to share their own joyous news.
Riding on the wave of congratulations and love, Abby gently squeezed Ben’s hand under the table, signaling it was time. “Izzy, Eli,” she began, her voice carrying a tremble of excitement, “in the midst of celebrating your wonderful news, Ben and I have a little announcement of our own.”
The room quieted, all eyes turning toward them, the anticipation palpable. Abby took a deep breath, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach, her eyes alight with the glow of a soon-to-be mother. “We’re expecting,” she announced, the words filling the space with new warmth.
The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Izzy and Eli’s faces lit up with genuine joy, and they rushed to congratulate Abby and Ben, the happiness in the room doubling. The atmosphere became one of shared dreams and futures intertwining, a moment of pure connection and mutual support.
“Seems like we’re all embarking on new journeys together,” Eli said, his voice thick with emotion, as he clapped Ben on the back.
Izzy, tears of joy in her eyes, hugged Abby tightly. “This is the best news! Our little family is growing in more ways than one.”
The reaction was immediate and joyous. Izzy and Eli’s excitement mirrored their own, and the room was once again filled with laughter and congratulations. Plans for the future, once individual threads, were now woven together into a tapestry of shared experiences and mutual support.
The rest of the evening was spent in a beautiful blur of celebration and heartfelt discussions about the future. The two couples, their paths now more entwined than ever, talked of the children’s playdates and shared milestones yet to come, their laughter and plans filling the cozy home with the promise of many joyous days ahead.
As they left later, under a sky filled with stars, Abby and Ben felt a profound sense of gratitude. Not only for the child they were blessed with but also for the friends who walked beside them, sharing in their joys and sorrows alike. The world, indeed, seemed a place brimming with love and endless possibilities.
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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 this book very much a lot going on. I was glad Abby met Ben and they married, she had such an unhappy life after her father died, like a Cinderella. Enjoyed the extended episode reading how happy they were in their marriage and being pregnant also glad Izzy and Eli were getting married . it all turned out well in the end for the two couples. 😍
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the journey with Abby, Ben, Izzy, and Eli. It means a lot to hear that the story touched you, especially seeing everything come together happily for both couples. 😊
Enjoyed the book. Extended epilogue was a bit confusing to me. Two years later Victor who was responsible for Ben’s father’s death writing him from prison. Why even after 5years of hunting the gang? Writing his Izzy maybe or the stepmother writing Abby I could see. Also sounds as if Eli and Izzy had set up house together before announcing marriage plans.
So wish these extended epilogue were in the book and not online. I for one DO Not read the excerpts of the next book.
For .99 all in all good read.
Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I see what you mean about the extended epilogue—your points are helpful, and I’ll definitely consider them for future works. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, and I’ll keep that in mind moving forward. Thank you again for your support!
A very good and wonderful story with interesting characters
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and characters.
Personally, I don’t know why Abby never seems to have a natural curiosity about all the communication her stepmother gives her? Generally that occurs when children are abused starting at a younger age. Age 9 one’s approach is more set.
Ben is an interesting and I my opinion a more straight forward one that his occupation as bounty hunter is suitable. He lived outside the cities, but did not live outside the law.
The finale is gripping.
Thank you for your writing Lilah Rivers
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your insights and perspective on Abby’s character development and Ben’s occupation. I’m glad to hear you found the finale gripping!
This isa great story that has one asking ‘how a young lady’ not a child could be so trusting and naive yet smart. Her trust in her mean stepmother was annoying. However, it feels great to know that she put her trust in God and lead Ben to repentance far outweighs her naivety. Love truly does help one overcome adversities when it is shared. The EE was a great ending to the two main couples oftbe story.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad you found the character’s journey compelling, and I appreciate your insights on trust, faith, and the power of love in overcoming adversity. It’s always rewarding to hear how readers connect with the story’s themes and characters.
What exactly happened to Dad? Did stepmonster kill him? Victor? Mitchell? Never found Dad’s remains after the avalanche?
All in all a very good story. Good character development. Proofreader/editor did a great job as well.
Thank you for your feedback! I intentionally left Dad’s fate open to interpretation, leaving room for readers to speculate. I’m glad you enjoyed the character development and appreciated the editing work!
This was a great story. I really enjoyed the characters and the way their lives became interwoven together to reveal so many secrets that would expose the truth that they were seeking. Great ending! Especially how the Lord was revealed in the lives of those whose lives were changed.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the story and the characters’ journeys. Your feedback means a lot to me!