Destined for the Mail-Order Groom – Extended Epilogue

One year later

Under the pale blush of dawn, Libby and Luke stood side by side on the porch of their newly expanded home, watching the daybreak stretch its colors across the horizon. Luke’s hand rested gently on Libby’s swelling belly, both of them wrapped in a quiet anticipation only broken by the soft murmur of the wind.

“Imagine, Libby” Luke whispered, his eyes mirroring the golden hues of the sunrise, “if he’s a boy, reckon he’ll be as stubborn as his father?”

Libby laughed softly, leaning her head against Luke’s shoulder. “Or maybe she’ll be a girl, with your kind eyes and my stubbornness. A perfect little blend of us both.”

Luke chuckled, his free hand brushing a loose strand of hair from Libby’s face. “A girl, huh? I can see that. Teaching her to ride before she can walk, just like her mother.”

“And she’ll be reading before that, if I have my way,” Libby added, her hand covering Luke’s. “Can you imagine all the stories we’ll get to share with her? Or him,” she corrected herself with a smile.

“Either way,” Luke said, his voice thick with emotion, “our little one will know love—plenty of it—from us, from the community, from God. Just like we dreamed.”

They fell into a reflective silence, the sky turning a bright, fiery orange. It was these moments, Libby realized, these simple, quiet times together that truly defined their love—a love that had grown only stronger in the year since their wedding.

Luke’s thoughts seemed to echo hers. “We’ve been through so much, Libby. Seems like every trial just makes us stronger, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” she agreed, squeezing his hand. “With every sunrise, we’re a little wiser, a little more grateful. I can’t help but think about how blessed we are—”

“To have this life, this family we’re building,” Luke finished for her, his gaze turning introspective. “And soon, our little one will be here to share it with us.”

Libby’s eyes shone with unshed tears as she considered their future. “Do you think he’ll have your love for the land?”

“Or her, with your passion for stories,” Luke countered playfully. “Maybe a writer or a rancher, or both. Wouldn’t that be something?”

“Oh, Luke,” Libby murmured, a laugh escaping her lips. “Whatever our child chooses to be, I just hope they inherit your strength and your kindness. And maybe—just maybe—a little of my adventurous spirit.”

“Undoubtedly,” Luke affirmed, pulling her closer. “They’ll be the best of us. And no matter what, we’ll raise them to know the Lord, to respect the land, and to cherish their family.”

As the sun climbed higher, spilling light over the land they loved, Libby felt a profound sense of peace settle over her. Here, in the heart of the ranch, with the man she loved, she was home. 

Inside the cozy kitchen, the aroma of fresh cherry pie filled the air, a gift from Timothy who had turned his life around in the past year. Luke and Libby sat down at their modest wooden table, each with a slice of the pie in front of them. The sweet, tangy scent was comforting, much like the man who had made it.

Luke took a bite, his eyes lighting up with pleasure. “Pa sure has gotten good at this,” he commented, a hint of pride in his voice.

Libby smiled, savoring her own slice. “It’s delicious. I think cherry is my new favorite,” she said, and then her expression softened. “It’s hard to believe how much things have changed with him.”

Luke nodded, putting down his fork. “He’s a different man now, Lib. After all those years lost to grief and regret, it’s like he’s finally found peace.”

“It shows,” Libby agreed. “He’s more present, more… here with us. And when he talks about the future, there’s hope in his voice. That means a lot to me—to us.”

Luke reached across the table, covering her hand with his. “He told me the other day that he’s sorry for all the trouble he caused, for the years he wasn’t the father I needed him to be. It took a lot for him to say that.”

“And it means the world that he did,” Libby said. “Apologies are hard, but they’re the first step to mending what’s been broken. He’s trying, really trying. That’s all we can ask for.”

Their conversation drifted then to lighter topics—the upcoming harvest, the health of the livestock, and plans for the nursery. Yet, through it all, the presence of Luke’s father loomed large, a testament to the healing that had bridged the gaps within their family.

“He’s been talking about teaching our little one how to fish,” Luke said with a chuckle. “Says he’s going to be the best grandpa there is.”

Libby’s heart swelled at the thought. “He will be. And I’m glad. Our child will need all the love and guidance they can get. And to think they’ll grow up with such strong role models…”

Luke squeezed her hand. “Just like their mother.”

Blushing, Libby squeezed back. “And their father.”

As they finished their breakfast, the sound of horse hooves approached. Timothy appeared at the door, a wide grin on his face and a basket in his hands.

“Morning, you two. Thought you might like some fresh eggs to go with that pie. I’m getting better at this whole farming thing, too,” he said, placing the basket on the counter.

“Thanks, Pa,” Luke responded warmly, standing to clap his father on the back. “Come, sit with us. Tell us more about those fishing plans of yours.”

Timothy’s eyes twinkled with enthusiasm as he pulled up a chair. “Well, when I was a boy, my pa taught me down at the creek. I reckon it’s a fine tradition to pass on.”

As they all laughed and talked, the kitchen filled not just with the smells of breakfast but with the warmth of family coming together, building something new on the foundations of forgiveness and love. 

***

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the ranch as Luke and Libby stepped outside, hand in hand, to enjoy the fresh air. They walked towards the stable, where the peaceful sounds of the ranch created a serene backdrop. Their conversation shifted naturally to the more troubling aspects of their past year, specifically the remnants of the outlaw gang that had once threatened their peace.

“You know, Sheriff Parker stopped by while you were in town yesterday,” Luke started, leaning against the stable door. “Said the trial’s over. They’ll be serving time for a good while.”

Libby, brushing her hand against the smooth wood of the stable, turned to him with a relieved smile. “That’s a relief. After everything that happened, it’s good to know they won’t be causing any more trouble around here or anywhere else.”

Luke nodded, watching a couple of horses graze peacefully. “Yeah, and with them locked away, the town feels safer. People are starting to relax again. It’s like we can finally put that whole chapter behind us.”

Libby moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. “It’s been a hard road, hasn’t it? But we’ve managed, thanks to the support of everyone around us. This community… it’s strong.”

“They are,” Luke agreed, wrapping an arm around her. “And speaking of community, how do you feel about the gathering next week? The town’s planning a little celebration for the new schoolhouse.”

Her face lit up at the mention. “I think it’s wonderful. Education’s important, and it’s great to see the town investing in our children’s future. It makes me hopeful for when our little one starts school.”

“And I bet they’ll be the smartest kid there,” Luke said with a grin, earning a soft laugh from Libby.

“They will be, won’t they?” she mused, her hand absently moving to her belly. “And safe, with those outlaws gone for good.”

Their walk took them back towards the house, passing through the burgeoning vegetable garden Libby had insisted on planting. “You know,” Libby started thoughtfully, plucking a ripe tomato from a vine, “all this—our home, our family growing—it all feels like a new beginning.”

Luke plucked another tomato, inspecting it in the sunlight. “It does. And with the bad elements gone, we can focus on the good, on building up the ranch, the community, and our family.”

They reached their porch, the wood underfoot creaking familiarly as they settled into the swing. The afternoon stretched out before them, lazy and content.

“Do you ever think about what it’ll be like, years from now?” Libby asked, a dreamy quality in her voice. “What stories we’ll tell our grandchildren?”

“All the time,” Luke admitted, his eyes on the horizon. “I think about how we’ll tell them about how their grandma was the bravest woman I ever met, how she came here under the toughest circumstances and built a life, a family.”

“And how their grandpa was the kindest, strongest man, who protected and loved his family with all his heart,” Libby added, her eyes meeting his with a tender warmth.

Luke squeezed her hand, his heart full. “We’ve got a lot of good years ahead of us, Libby. And I’m looking forward to every single one.”

***

As the church service concluded two days later, on Sunday morning, the community spilled out into the sunshine, chatting and sharing plans for the coming week. Libby and Luke lingered near the entrance, greeting friends and neighbors with warm smiles.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice called out from the crowd. “Libby! Luke!” It was Travis, striding towards them with Lila by his side. Her presence, once a source of tension, now brought smiles; her relationship with Travis had blossomed beautifully over the year.

“Travis, Lila!” Luke greeted, shaking Travis’s hand and nodding at Lila, who looked radiant and happy. “How was the service?”

“Uplifting as always,” Travis replied, his arm slipping naturally around Lila’s waist. “And speaking of uplifting, we were thinking of heading to the lake this afternoon. Thought it might be nice to have a picnic, celebrate the good things. You two in?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Libby responded, her eyes lighting up. The simple joys of a shared meal and good company were things she cherished deeply. “We’d love to join. Wouldn’t we, Luke?”

“Absolutely,” Luke agreed, his gaze affectionate on his wife. “It’s been too long since we all got together like this.”

The group made their way to the nearby lake, a spot frequented by townsfolk looking to enjoy the beauty of nature. As they settled under the shade of large oak trees, the men took to preparing the fire for a barbecue, while the women laid out blankets and arranged a feast of sandwiches, pies, and lemonade.

As they worked, Libby leaned over to Lila, her tone light and friendly. “I must say, you and Travis look wonderful together. It’s clear he’s very smitten.”

Lila blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m the lucky one, Libby. He’s been nothing but kind and understanding. After everything that happened… I’m just grateful.”

Libby reached out, squeezing Lila’s hand reassuringly. “We all deserve a second chance at happiness, Lila. I’m glad you found yours.”

Their conversation drifted to lighter topics—plans for the ranch, Lila’s new role helping at the school, and the upcoming community events. The afternoon passed in a blend of laughter and shared stories, the warmth of the group reflecting the strong bonds that had been forged and strengthened over time.

As the sun began to lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the grass, Travis stood, holding out his hand to Lila with a mischievous grin. “Care for a stroll by the water?”

Lila accepted, her laughter mingling with the gentle sounds of the lake. Watching them, Libby felt a surge of happiness for her friend, who had found a way to move past her hardships.

Turning to Luke, who was watching his friends with a contented expression, Libby remarked, “It’s days like these that remind me of how rich we are. Not in money, but in love and friendship.”

Luke nodded, his eyes meeting hers with a depth of feeling that still took her breath away. “The richest, Libby. And it’s only going to get better from here.”

As the day faded into evening, the laughter of their friends and the gentle lapping of the lake waters against the shore underscored the peace and fulfillment of their lives. Together, they looked forward to a future bright with promise, supported by a community that felt more like family with each passing day.

THE END

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