Epilogue
The sun rose slowly over the horizon. Pink and orange splashed the landscape.
Ella watched from the parlor window, sipping her morning tea and enjoying the peaceful quiet.
These early-morning moments were some of her favorites, time to gather her thoughts for the day ahead before her family woke up. All was still.
It was broken by a tiny coo. She smiled, her gaze moving down to where her infant daughter nestled against her chest. Almost two months old, Rosie added so much life to their family.
She’d had her brothers’ love from the start, and while Addie wasn’t sure about the newcomer for a week or two, she eventually came around.
“Hello, sweet Rosie. Are you feeling more awake now?”
Sunlight glinted off the baby’s red-blond hair. She yawned, her pink mouth forming a perfect O. Ella chuckled. “I suppose not. You’re probably going to be hungry soon, aren’t you?”
Strong arms wrapped around Ella from behind. She smiled, peeking over her shoulder. “Good morning, Cody.”
“Mornin’.” He kissed Rosie’s petal-soft cheek, then slid a finger down it. “How’s our baby girl?”
Ella loved watching her husband with their daughter. She turned around, placing Rosie in his arms. “She’s ready for cuddles with her papa.”
He accepted the precious bundle. Rosie gazed up at him, her blue eyes wide and alert. Cody rocked her back and forth, singing a lullaby quietly the way he did every morning. Ella sipped her tea, content to watch them together.
A few minutes later, Cody shifted Rosie to one arm. He reached into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
“For me?”
He presented her with a box. Curiosity piqued, Ella opened it. She gasped. Two golden rings reflected the sunlight. Tiny diamonds encircled one of the bands. She stared up at her husband. “I forgot! It’s our anniversary.”
He plucked the diamond ring from its place with a grin. “Happy anniversary, darlin’. You never got a proper wedding band. Since our herd recovered, we made good money this last year. I wanted to get you a special gift now that we can afford it.” He held it up. “Look at the engraving.”
She squinted at the small words. “‘By sun and candle-light.’” Blinking rapidly, she put her hands over her heart. “That’s beautiful.”
“It’s on my ring too. Considering the significance of that particular part of the poem—to us, at least—I thought it appropriate.”
A soft smile lifted her lips. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
He placed Rosie on the sofa. Reaching for Ella’s left hand, he removed the old borrowed ring from her finger before taking his off as well. He offered her the box. Ella took the shiny golden circle out and slipped it on his finger. “Happy anniversary, Cody.”
A grin lit his face. He took his turn, sliding the diamond ring into place. “Happy anniversary, Ella.” Pulling her close, he nuzzled her nose. “I pray we have many, many more.”
“So do I.”
They shared a kiss. Ella wrapped her arms around his neck, getting lost in the moment. Little footsteps sounded seconds before a voice broke through her happy haze.
“Oh, gross. They’re kissin’ again.”
Ella and Cody drew apart a couple inches. Their children stood in a semi-circle around them. Isaiah’s nose scrunched, Jonah grinned, and Addie stared up at them curiously.
Cody laughed and tapped Ella’s nose. “I guess it’s time…to play!” He roared, lunging at the children. They shrieked and started running around the room. Cody gave chase, rumbling like a bear and raising his arms above his head as if they were paws.
Rosie fussed, so Ella sat on the sofa and picked her up. The baby’s mouth worked as if searching for something. Ella took up a blanket on the side of the couch and draped it over herself. Adjusting her clothing, she held Rosie to her breast so her daughter could eat.
“Mama, save us!” Jonah dove onto the sofa, burying himself in the side of Ella that was baby-free.
She laughed, looping her arm around him. “I don’t know, Jonah. The bear looks ferocious.”
He blinked up at her. “What’s fe’ocious?”
“It means fierce.”
“Oh.” Jonah giggled. “Yeah. Papa’s fe’ocious!” He vaulted off the sofa as quickly as he’d got on.
Addie shot by next, waving at Ella as she ran with a giant grin. Isaiah also waved, his smile sporting two missing front teeth.
Cody growled, though it was belied by his laughter. “I see children who need eating!”
That ignited a new chorus of squeals and chortles.
Ella took it all in with a full heart. Cody had blossomed as a father.
With each passing day, he seemed more natural and at ease.
He’d only needed practice and patience to become a man just as capable as his own father.
Ella loved how he played with their children.
She loved the tender way he held Rosie. He’d taken on the role he was given with strength, determination, and grace.
The children, too, had come a long way. According to Cody, Isaiah had become the child he was before his parents’ death. Happy and loving, he always wanted to help with the younger children. Jonah and Addie were carefree, full of joy and life. Ella was amazed at their resilience.
Breathing hard, Cody plopped onto the sofa beside her.
He scooped Addie into his arms as she blazed by.
The little girl playfully fought his hold before snuggling into his arms and resting her head against his shoulder.
She put a hand on Rosie’s, and the baby responded by clenching her finger and holding it close.
The boys continued to play, laughter bursting from them every so often.
Ella felt warm inside as she listened and watched.
This family she had found providentially became so much more than a convenient escape from Boston.
They were her true family. She looked at Cody.
It still amazed her how much she loved this sometimes gruff, always gentle giant of a man who loved with everything in him.
He turned and met her gaze. The soft look in his blue eyes melted her heart. She smiled, slipping her hand into his.
This was home.
THE END