Epilogue
MIDSUMMER
Dianne checked the dishes set out on the long tables outside. Today was a celebration for the completion of the barn. Several neighbors had helped with the work, and she and Jace were about to thank them with this feed. Cal and Lee had helped by roasting venison in a pit.
Addie and Nash Burns were there. They ranched an hour’s drive away but had come frequently to help.
Over the weeks of barn construction, Addie and Dianne had become close friends.
Dianne had confessed to Addie her fear of Al.
The next visit from the couple, Addie informed her she’d asked the preacher, her adoptive father, to look into it.
She then shared the news: a man with that name and fitting that description had been shot dead in a drunken brawl at one of the mining camps.
It brought huge relief to both Dianne and Jace.
“Now I don’t have to be watching the ridges every day and barring the door at night,” Jace had said upon hearing the news.
Eddie had grown several inches. There’d been no ill effects from his fall. As he followed Jace across the yard, imitating his way of walking, Dianne smiled.
“It’s good for him to have a man to emulate.”
Addie helped Dianne set out the last of the food. With everything ready, Dianne signaled to Jace who stood with a group of men around him. Among them were Cal and Lee and two other young cowboys Jace hired.
They all came to the bountiful table.
“Welcome, friends.” Jace’s voice boomed with pride and pleasure at what they’d accomplished.
“We are grateful for your help with this barn.” He held up a sign he’d found in the ashes and had polished to a gleam.
Chet Berch. Cowboy. Ranch Owner. “Chet is gone, but he will always be a part of this place.”
While everyone waited, Jace strode to the barn and nailed the sign over the door.
Upon his return, he pulled Dianne to his side and signaled Eddie to join him. “My wife, my son, and I thank you for your help. I’ll ask the blessing, and then, everyone, dig in.”
People filled their plates. The buzz of conversation circled Dianne just as Jace’s arm did.
“I have found home,” she murmured.
“Here? On the ranch?”
“No.” She pressed her palm to his chest. “Here in your heart.” She pressed her other hand to her chest. “And you are here in my heart.”
“Right where I belong.”