Epilogue
The very last thought he had was of Katherine. And even as the world around him grew dark, her love was his light.
—from the novel Outlaw , by Austin Wilder
“T here’s actually a line,” Heather said, scurrying quickly into the library and over to the refreshment table. There was a stack of books sitting on a different table, manned by Eileen the bookseller, who had come all the way from Rebel Heart in Jacksonville for the event.
Austin was giving a talk about Rustler Mountain history, and there would be a guided tour later. And, of course, a book signing.
Outlaw had been picked up by a publisher a year earlier and had been an instant favorite of the publishing house. They were anticipating a potential spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Austin was deeply uncomfortable with all of it. Millie was so proud she thought she might burst.
“I saw all the new plaques today,” said Heather.
“And?” Millie asked.
“Perfect. My favorite is the one that goes on the bank, acknowledging that Gin Lin made the largest deposit in Oregon state history, and of course that he was charged unfair fees.”
“I’m glad he got his acknowledgment.”
Heather beamed. “Me too.”
Millie looked around the room, her hand on her stomach. She felt nervous for Austin, even though she knew he could handle the attention.
“Once he got that article into the Rustler Mountain paper, everybody’s feelings on the plaques changed. The way he writes about history makes it real. And once people become real, it’s so much harder to deny them,” Heather said.
“That’s true,” she said.
She felt a little bit queasy, but she knew, thanks to the test she had taken an hour ago, there was a reason for that.
She didn’t know if she should tell Austin tonight. Finding out she was pregnant during his release week seemed a little much. And letting him know about it on the night of his book launch seemed like stealing his thunder.
Austin came in through the back door then, all in black, as he always was.
“There’s a crowd,” Millie said.
“Good God,” Austin said. “Why?”
“Because,” Millie said. “Everyone cares now. About the original Austin Wilder. And you did that.”
“I care a lot more about supporting the local economy. And the bookstore.”
“You could also just be proud of yourself,” she said. She kissed him on the cheek.
He held her there for a second. “You ever talk to your mom?”
She blinked. “I guess sometimes. I don’t really mean to. It’s kind of silly.”
“Tell her thanks. I’m here signing a book in this library because she let me check out that first book. It means a lot to me.”
Millie had a hard time holding her tears back for the rest of the evening. While Austin gave his talk and signed at least thirty-five copies of his book. Which to some people might not seem like a lot, but in this small town, was impressive.
They all talked long into the night, and by the time she had Austin headed back to the ranch, she was exhausted.
“You must be proud,” she said. “I am.”
“I guess so. I mean, I’m happy about the book, make no mistake. But the only thing I’m really proud of is us. Because from my perspective, given Rustler Mountain history, we are a damned miracle.”
“Well,” she said, letting out a breath. “Then maybe you want to hear about one more miracle we have coming up in about eight months.”
He stopped the truck. “You’re kidding me.”
They were on the dirt road that led to the ranch, with no other cars in sight.
“I’m not kidding,” she said.
He got out of the truck, and she could only watch as he rounded the front and opened her door. Then he dragged her outside and spun her in the beam of the headlights. She swore she saw a jackrabbit scurry off.
“I love you, Millie Wilder.”
She couldn’t help but remember the first time she had come marching up this mountain to ask for his help. She had found so much more than she’d bargained for.
She had found herself.
And then she had found the love of a lifetime.
“Thanks for being my hero,” she said.
“Thanks for believing I could be one.”
They swayed in the light for a few moments more, and then they got back into the truck. And Austin drove them home. To the happily ever after that had been more than a century in the making.