The Rancher’s Arranged Bride – 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!

---

“Look at the harvest, Tag! I’ve never seen it so bountiful,” Patty exclaimed, her eyes sparkling under the lantern-lit sky. The town’s annual hoedown was in full swing, and the air was filled with laughter, music, and the rich aroma of freshly baked pies.

Tag smiled, pulling her close. “It’s been a good year, hasn’t it? God’s blessed us more than we could have hoped.”

As they walked hand-in-hand through the bustling town square, they were greeted by familiar faces. The warmth of the community enveloped them, making the celebration even more joyous. They spotted Marissa and Patrick first, their baby boy nestled comfortably in Patrick’s strong arms.

“Patty! Tag!” Marissa called out, waving enthusiastically. The glow of motherhood radiated from her, and Patrick’s pride was evident as he cradled their son.

Patty rushed over, her face alight with happiness. “Oh, Marissa, he’s beautiful! Look at those eyes. He’s going to be a heartbreaker.”

Patrick chuckled. “He already has me wrapped around his little finger. How are you two holding up?”

Before Patty could respond, another familiar face appeared. Barbara, arm-in-arm with her new husband, Tom, made their way over. Barbara’s eyes sparkled with the same joy and contentment that Patty had come to know so well.

“Barbara, Tom! It’s wonderful to see you both,” Patty greeted them warmly. “You two look so happy.”

“We are,” Barbara said, her voice filled with gratitude. “And I hear congratulations are in order for you as well?”

Patty exchanged a knowing glance with Tag, who nodded with a broad smile. “Yes, we have some news to share,” he said, his voice carrying over the festive noise.

Patty took a deep breath, her heart pounding with excitement. “We’re expecting! Our little one is due in early spring.”

Cheers erupted around them as friends and family gathered to congratulate the couple. Marissa hugged Patty tightly, her eyes misty with joy. “That’s wonderful news! You’re going to be amazing parents.”

Jack, who had been living with Barbara and Tom to help fix their farm, approached them with a grin. “A baby, huh? This family just keeps growing.”

Patty beamed at him. “It sure does, Jack. And we couldn’t be happier.”

As the evening wore on, the celebration continued with lively dances, delicious food, and heartfelt toasts. Patty looked around at the faces of those she loved and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This town, these people, had become her family. And now, with a baby on the way, her heart was fuller than she had ever imagined possible.

Tag leaned in, his voice low and tender in her ear. “I love you, Patty. I can’t wait to meet our little one.”

She smiled, her heart swelling with love. “I love you too, Tag. Our future is looking brighter than ever.”

They stood together, hand-in-hand, looking out over the joyful scene, knowing that this was just the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

As the music played on and laughter filled the night air, Patty and Tag found a quiet spot to sit for a moment. The excitement of the evening had them both feeling reflective.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about Leonard and Frankie,” Tag said, his voice thoughtful. “Leonard’s still in jail, but Frankie… he’ll be out in three years.”

Patty nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. “Do you think he’s changed?”

Tag sighed, looking out into the night. “I hope so. We’re already planning to have him come out here when he’s released. Maybe spending time with us, seeing the life we’ve built, it might help him find a better path.”

Patty placed her hand on his. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Tag. He deserves a chance to see that there’s more to life than what he’s known.”

Tag turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’ve always seen the best in people, Patty. It’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”

She blushed, squeezing his hand. “And I love you for your big heart, Tag. I believe Frankie can change. He has a good heart, just like you.”

As they sat together, the memories of the past years floated through their minds. The trials they had faced, the challenges they had overcome, and the deep love that had grown between them. They were stronger together, and they were ready to welcome Frankie into their lives, hopeful that he could find the same peace and purpose they had found.

The sound of footsteps approached, breaking their reverie. It was Jack, looking cheerful as ever. “Hey, you two. Mind if I join you?”

“Of course not, Jack. How’s everything at Barbara’s place?” Patty asked, smiling up at him.

Jack grinned, sitting down beside them. “Better than ever. Tom’s a good man, and we’ve got that farm looking like new. I can’t thank you enough for giving me the push I needed to get back on my feet.”

Tag clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve done all the hard work, Jack. We’re proud of you.”

Jack nodded, his eyes earnest. “I’ve been thinking about Frankie too. When he gets out, I’d like to be there for him. Show him that it’s never too late to turn things around.”

Patty felt a surge of warmth for the man who had become like a brother to them. “He’s lucky to have you, Jack. We all are.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. The future was uncertain, but they were ready to face it together. With the support of their friends and family, they felt invincible.

As the night grew darker, the sounds of the hoedown continued to fill the air, a reminder of the joy and community that had become such an integral part of their lives. Patty leaned her head on Tag’s shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek.

*

The following morning, the sun rose over Wheeler, casting a golden glow on the town that had become a sanctuary for Patty and Tag. They decided to visit the Pedersons early, eager to share in their neighbors’ company and discuss the future.

As they approached the Pederson Ranch, they saw Hannah and Rupert sitting on the porch, their faces lined with a mix of weariness and hope. The couple had been through so much, and it was clear that the recent events had taken their toll.

“Morning, Hannah, Rupert,” Tag greeted them warmly. “Mind if we join you?”

“Of course not,” Rupert replied, gesturing to the empty chairs. “We’ve been meaning to talk to you both.”

Patty and Tag exchanged curious glances before sitting down. “What’s on your mind?” Patty asked gently.

Hannah took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and resolve. “Rupert and I have been talking a lot lately. With Michael due to be released in a few years, we’ve been thinking about what’s best for us. We’ve decided we want to retire closer to Louisiana, where we can be near family and hopefully help Michael start fresh when he gets out.”

Tag nodded, understanding the weight of their decision. “That makes sense. Family is important, especially now.”

Rupert leaned forward, his gaze steady. “We’ve also decided to sell the ranch. It’s been a part of our lives for so long, but it’s time for us to move on. And we wanted to offer it to you two first.”

Patty’s eyes widened in surprise and excitement. “You want us to take over the Pederson Ranch?”

Hannah smiled warmly. “Yes, Patty. We’ve seen how much care and dedication you both put into your land. We know you’ll treat our home with the same love and respect.”

Tag looked at Patty, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and gratitude. “What do you think, Patty?”

She didn’t need to think twice. “We’d be honored. It would be a dream come true for us.”

The Pedersons’ faces lit up with relief. “We’re so glad to hear that,” Rupert said, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s a weight off our shoulders knowing the ranch will be in good hands.”

They spent the next few hours discussing the details, making plans for the transition. The excitement of this new chapter in their lives filled them with renewed energy and determination.

As the conversation drew to a close, Patty placed her hand over Hannah’s. “We promise to take good care of your home. It will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Hannah squeezed her hand, tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Patty. We know you will.”

With their plans set, Tag and Patty left the Pederson Ranch, their hearts brimming with anticipation. They couldn’t wait to start this new chapter, building their future on the land that had already given them so much.

Back in town, they ran into Patrick and Marissa, who were taking a stroll with their baby. “Hey, you two! You look like you’ve got some good news,” Patrick called out.

“We do,” Tag replied, unable to hide his grin. “We’re buying the Pederson Ranch.”

Marissa’s eyes widened in delight. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations!”

Patrick clapped Tag on the back. “You two are going to do great things with that place. I can’t wait to see it.”

As they continued to share their news with friends and neighbors, the sense of community and support around them only grew stronger. The bonds they had forged through hardship and joy were now leading them into a future filled with promise and love.

“We’ve come so far, Tag,” Patty said softly, leaning into him.

“We have,” he agreed, wrapping his arm around her. “And we’ve got so much more to look forward to.”

The festivities of the harvest hoedown lingered in the air that evening too. Tag and Patty decided to join the dance floor, eager to celebrate their good news with the community. The music was lively, and the joy was palpable as couples spun and twirled under the starry sky.

Tag led Patty to the center of the dance floor, his eyes never leaving hers. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Van Heron?”

“With pleasure, Mr. Van Heron,” Patty replied, a playful smile on her lips.

They moved together effortlessly, swaying to the rhythm of the music. Tag held her close, his strong arms a comforting presence around her. “You know, I’ve always loved dancing with you,” he murmured.

Patty laughed softly. “Even when I step on your toes?”

“Especially then,” he teased. “It’s those little missteps that make the dance memorable.”

As they danced, they flirted quietly, sharing sweet nothings and stolen kisses. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them and their shared love. Patty felt a warmth spread through her, not just from Tag’s embrace, but from the life they had built together.

The music slowed, and Tag pulled Patty even closer. “I can’t wait to see you as a mother,” he said, his voice filled with awe.

Patty’s eyes glistened with happy tears. “And I can’t wait to see you as a father. Our child is going to be so loved.”

They continued to dance, wrapped up in their dreams for the future. The night was filled with joy and laughter, a celebration of the life they had fought so hard to build. As the music came to a gentle end, Tag led Patty off the dance floor and into a quieter corner of the town square.

They found a bench and sat down, taking a moment to rest and enjoy the evening. Patty leaned her head on Tag’s shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “Tonight has been perfect,” she whispered.

Tag kissed the top of her head. “It has. And it’s just the beginning, Patty. We have so much to look forward to.”

Patty leaned into Tag, her heart full. “We really do have so much to look forward to.”

Tag nodded, his eyes shining with love. “Always, Patty. Always.”

With their friends and family by their side, and the promise of a new life growing within her, Patty knew that they had built a life of love and faith, and nothing could ever change that. Together, they watched the stars, their hearts full of hope and joy for the beautiful journey ahead.

---

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!

---