A Mail-Order Bride for the Brooding Rancher – Extended Epilogue

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“Dan! You’d better come see this!” Sarah’s voice rang out across the open yard, the sound carried by a crisp spring breeze.

Dan McAllister stood in the middle of the corral, his boots scuffed with dust as he worked to repair a loose post. His head shot up at her call, and he couldn’t help but smile. She was standing on the porch of their home, her hand shading her eyes against the sunlight, and even from this distance, he could see the excitement lighting up her face.

“Coming, darlin’!” he shouted back, tossing the hammer into a bucket and dusting off his hands. As he strode toward her, the sight of their ranch spread out before him filled him with pride.

Over the past three years, they had worked together to build their life. The ranch had grown, with more cattle than he’d ever thought possible, and their home now bustled with activity. It wasn’t just the land that had flourished; their family had too.

“What’s got you so riled up?” he asked as he climbed the steps.

She grinned and held out a letter. “It’s from Ella.”

“Another one?” Dan chuckled, taking the envelope from her. “She writes more than the postmaster’s wife.”

“She’s got a lot to say!” Sarah swatted his arm playfully. “And she’s asking when we’ll come to visit her in Denver.”

“Denver, huh?” Dan leaned against the porch railing, opening the envelope. His gaze shifted briefly to the field where their son, Henry, was running after a ball, his laughter carried on the wind. “You think Henry’s ready for a trip that long?”

“He’s ready for anything if it means spending time with you,” Sarah replied, her tone soft. She leaned closer, watching as Dan unfolded the letter. “I think it’d be good for us to get away for a bit. It’s been a while since we’ve done something just for fun.”

Dan hummed thoughtfully as he scanned the letter. “Ella’s doing well, seems like. I reckon we could think about it. But I’d hate to leave the ranch right in the middle of calving season.”

“I’ve already talked to Tom,” Sarah said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “He says he’s more than capable of handling things while we’re gone.”

Dan barked a laugh. “That Tom. He’d be lost without Abby, and we both know it.”

“That’s why Abby agreed to help too,” Sarah countered, crossing her arms over her chest. “Face it, Dan. You’re outnumbered. Even Henry wants to go.”

At that moment, Henry ran up the steps, his face flushed with excitement. “Papa! I kicked the ball over the fence again! Can you get it for me?”

Dan ruffled his son’s hair, his heart swelling. “Alright, kiddo. But only if you help your mama convince me about this Denver trip.”

“I’ll do it, Papa!” Henry said with a wide grin, grabbing Sarah’s hand and bouncing on his toes. “Mama says Denver’s got trains and everything!”

Sarah laughed and looked at Dan expectantly. He sighed, pretending to be exasperated. “Well, I reckon I don’t stand a chance, do I?”

“Nope,” Sarah said, slipping her hand into his. “Not one bit.”

Dan kissed her forehead, his resolve melting. “Then Denver it is.”

***
The train let out a piercing whistle as it rolled into the station, steam hissing from its undercarriage. The platform buzzed with people calling to one another, luggage clattering, and children running underfoot. Sarah held Henry’s hand tightly, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the bustling scene.

“Look, Papa!” Henry pointed eagerly. “It’s so big!”

Dan chuckled, hoisting their son up onto his hip. “It sure is, partner. And loud, too.”

Sarah smiled, taking in Dan’s relaxed expression. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she was reminded of the man she’d first met — a man burdened with responsibilities but full of determination. Now, those burdens were lighter, and she could see just how far they’d come together.

“Are you nervous?” she asked, sliding her hand into Dan’s.

He squeezed her fingers gently. “I reckon I am. I haven’t been in a place this crowded since… well, maybe ever.”

“Me neither,” Sarah admitted. “But we’ve got each other, and that’s all that matters.”

Dan nodded, his jaw tightening with resolve. “We’ll stick together. Now, let’s find Ella.”

Just as he said it, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd. “Sarah! Dan! Over here!”

They turned to see Ella waving enthusiastically, her hat perched at a jaunty angle and her smile as bright as ever. She weaved through the crowd with practiced ease, her cheeks flushed from excitement. Behind her, a tall man with kind eyes followed, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

“Ella!” Sarah called, rushing forward to embrace her friend. The two women hugged tightly, the years of separation melting away in an instant.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Ella said, pulling back to study Sarah. “And look at you! You look as radiant as ever.”

Sarah laughed. “You’re one to talk. Denver life clearly agrees with you.”

Dan stepped forward, Henry still perched on his hip. “Good to see you, Ella,” he said with a smile. “Who’s this fella you’ve got with you?”

Ella beamed, turning to the man beside her. “Dan, Sarah, meet William. My husband.”

William tipped his hat politely. “Pleasure to meet you both. Ella’s told me all about you.”

Dan shook his hand firmly. “Glad to finally put a face to the name. Ella’s letters are full of stories.”

William chuckled. “She does love to write. Welcome to Denver. We’ve got a lot planned for your visit.”

Henry squirmed in Dan’s arms, his eyes darting around the station. “Mama, can we ride on the streetcars? Ella said they have streetcars!”

“Of course we can, sweetheart,” Sarah said, her heart swelling at his excitement.

Ella laughed. “Henry, you’re going to love it here. There’s so much to see.”

As they made their way out of the station, the city unfolded before them in a whirlwind of sights and sounds. Tall buildings, bustling shops, and horse-drawn carriages lined the cobbled streets. The smell of fresh bread wafted from a bakery, and vendors called out their wares from street corners.

Dan took a deep breath, his hand tightening around Sarah’s. “This is a far cry from Clearwater Ridge.”

“It is,” Sarah agreed, leaning against him. “But it’s an adventure. And sometimes, a little adventure is just what we need.”

Dan smiled, looking at his family. “As long as I have you two, I reckon I can handle anything.”

Henry giggled, pointing at a passing streetcar. “Let’s go, Papa! Adventure awaits!”

With laughter on their lips and love in their hearts, they stepped forward into the bustling city, ready to embrace whatever came next.

The bright, golden afternoon sun warmed their faces as the streetcar rolled smoothly along the tracks. The clanging of the bell and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on metal blended with the murmur of passengers. Henry leaned eagerly over the edge of his seat, his eyes wide as he watched the bustling streets of Denver pass by.

“Mama, look! There’s a man selling balloons!” Henry pointed to a vendor on the corner, his cart filled with colorful balloons bobbing in the breeze.

“I see him, sweetheart,” Sarah said with a smile, her heart swelling with joy at her son’s excitement. She glanced over at Dan, who sat beside her with his arm draped casually over the back of the seat, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

“You reckon we should get him one?” Dan asked, leaning in closer.

“I think he’d float away if we did,” Sarah teased. “But maybe later.”

Dan chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “You know, I never thought I’d find myself in a city like this, riding streetcars and thinking about buying balloons.”

Sarah looked up at him, her eyes soft. “Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?”

He nodded, his gaze turning thoughtful as he watched Henry’s face light up with every new sight. “I spent so many years worrying about the ranch, about keeping everything together. I didn’t think I’d ever have time for this — for us.”

Sarah reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “You made the time, Dan. And we built this life together.”

He squeezed her hand gently. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Just then, the streetcar came to a halt, and William and Ella, who were seated across from them, stood up.

“This is our stop!” Ella announced cheerfully. “We’ve got a surprise for you.”

Henry’s eyes widened. “A surprise? What is it?”

Ella grinned, ruffling his hair. “You’ll see soon enough, Henry.”

They all climbed off the streetcar, stepping onto a wide, cobbled street lined with lush trees. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the sound of children laughing echoed from a nearby park. As they walked, Henry skipped ahead, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“Where are we going?” Sarah asked, glancing around with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

William pointed toward a wrought-iron gate that led into a sprawling park. “You’ll see. It’s something we thought you’d enjoy.”

As they entered the park, Sarah’s breath caught in her throat. In the center of a large, open area stood a magnificent carousel, its painted horses gleaming in the sunlight. The sound of cheerful music filled the air as the carousel spun slowly, children’s laughter mingling with the melody.

“A carousel!” Henry squealed, clapping his hands. “Can I ride it, Papa? Please?”

Dan chuckled. “Of course, partner. Let’s get you a ticket.”

As Dan and Henry hurried over to the ticket booth, Sarah turned to Ella, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

Ella smiled warmly. “I thought you all deserved a little magic.”

Sarah nodded, her heart full. “You were right. Sometimes, we need a reminder of how wonderful life can be.”

Dan returned, lifting Henry onto one of the painted horses. The boy’s laughter rang out as the carousel began to spin, the music playing a lilting tune. Dan caught Sarah’s eye and extended his hand.

“Care to join me for a ride, Mrs. McAllister?”

Sarah laughed, her cheeks flushing. “I’d love to, Mr. McAllister.”

He helped her onto a horse beside Henry, and as the carousel spun, the world seemed to melt away. The worries of the past, the challenges they’d faced — all of it faded, leaving only the joy of the present.

As the wind whipped through her hair and Henry’s laughter filled the air, Sarah looked at Dan, her heart overflowing with love.

This was the life they’d built together — full of love, adventure, and endless possibilities. And as long as they had each other, they could face anything the world had in store.

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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, "Whispers of the Western Wind", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

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