Epilogue
At Edward Vogel’s house, the celebration was focused on something entirely different.
“Are you absolutely certain?” Mama questioned.
Rosie and Robert nodded in unison. “Carrie said we’re definitely going to have a baby,” Rosie replied.
“I’m going to be an uncle,” Daniel Vogel said, reaching out to shake his brother’s hand. “Congratulations.”
Robert looked as proud as any father-to-be. “It’s going to be our Christmas gift to the entire family. Carrie thinks she’ll deliver around Christmas.”
Mama’s eyes filled with tears as Papa put his arm around her shoulders. “We’re going to be grandparents. Isn’t that wonderful?” he said in a calm and collected manner. The smile that seemed to spread from ear to ear betrayed his true feelings.
“We’re really excited,” Rosie interjected. “We want to have a lot of children.”
Everyone laughed and agreed that would be a wonderful thing.
A houseful of grandchildren seemed to suit Carrie’s parents perfectly.
The conversation broke into questions about names and whether they wanted a boy or a girl.
Carrie made her way to the kitchen to help herself to a cup of tea.
She wasn’t surprised that Spencer followed her.
“Do you want a cup of coffee or tea?” she asked, reaching for the teapot of water.
“Nope, I just want my beautiful wife in my arms.” He swung her away before she could take hold of the teapot.
Carrie laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Did you and Al get anywhere with finding him a proper home?”
“We did. He’s going to rent our house.”
“Excuse me?”
Spencer shrugged. “I spoke with Colton today. Everything has been released, and the money is ours. I figure we can use a small amount to buy ourselves a house. I know we haven’t really talked about it, but I felt almost certain you’d like my idea.”
Carrie’s brow raised in curious interest. “Do tell.”
“Well, I know you and Bruce settled on the land for your research clinic. I don’t know if you realized it, but just a block away there’s a large home for sale.”
“A large home? Do you mean the Brenner mansion?”
“It’s not really a mansion. It’s just a very large house.” He grinned. “And reasonably priced, for a very large house. Not like those twenty- and fifty-thousand-dollar monstrosities over on Ferguson.”
“Still, I would imagine the house you’re speaking of is at least five thousand dollars. It’s a lovely place, but selfishly, I’d rather put more money into the clinic.”
“They’re only asking three thousand, after I did some negotiations. And besides, the Pinkertons are giving me a nice check for my work on the Astor case. They received the reward from the Union Pacific and a contract for future jobs, so they are quite pleased.”
“You’re getting a bonus for your work?” She hugged him tightly. “Congratulations. Why didn’t you say so?”
“Because I wanted to surprise you with the house. We can go and look at it, but since it will be very close to the clinic, I thought it would be nice if you didn’t have to drive or walk very far to get to work. And it really is a quality place.”
“It is. I’ve been inside more than once. I love that house. I always have. And it’s only a few blocks from the family.”
“Exactly. So does that mean you’ll forgive me for telling them we’d take it?” He gave her what she called his best pleading-child look.
Laughing, Carrie nodded. “I forgive you. When will the place be ours?”
“In two weeks.”
She kissed his cheek. “You are quite amazing. Thank you.” She paused and grew serious. “For everything. For saving me from marrying Oswald. For tricking me into marrying you.”
“I did not trick you into marrying me,” he said, sounding offended. “I needed you.” He softened his gaze. “I still do. I love you, Carrie. I always have, and I always will.”
“I love you too, Spencer. I’m so grateful God brought you into my life.” Spencer kissed her long and lovingly, just as Carrie had hoped he would.