Epilogue
Ohio
Present Day
Reese was still dragging as she and Jem drove up to the front of his parents’ home, their Christmas lights glowing. The time at Kellworth and then the fun days with Ellen and Michael in this time now felt like a dream, especially since they were celebrating the holiday all over again.
“Seems like cheating, doesn’t it?” Jem mused as he turned off the ignition.
Reese laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing. I can’t wait to show Kaitlyn and Cyrus the pictures we took, especially of the ball.”
“I can help,” Jem’s father called from the front door, where he was quickly putting on his coat.
Cyrus, Jem’s best friend and now brother-in-law, hurried out as well, and they made quick work of carrying in the packages and food for the Christmas Eve dinner.
“You two look like you could sleep for a week,” Reese’s mother said, wearing a worried frown.
“Rumor has it that being pregnant will do it to a woman.” Reese and Jem waited for her words to settle, and then there was chaos for a few minutes.
“I’m so glad. The cousins can be besties,” Kaitlyn said, hugging Reese and Jem, much to the displeasure of her young son on her hip.
“When are you due?” her mother asked.
“We haven’t seen the doctor yet since we just found out ourselves.” Reese hugged her mom. “Would you like to come with us?”
“Yes! Now, you go rest.” She wiped her eyes and then went to help Jem’s mother in the kitchen.
It wasn’t until after the meal was finished, the dishes were done, and the families had gathered to watch a Christmas movie that Kaitlyn and Cyrus pulled Jem and Reese aside to talk about their trip.
“So, was it a quiet holiday?” Kaitlyn asked.
Reese looked at Jem, and they both burst into laughter, which earned frowns from the movie watchers.
“Sorry. Sorry,” Jem called, and they moved into the dining room.
“You will not believe it,” Reese said, pulling out her phone.
“Well, dang. I’m a little jealous. It sounds like fun,” Kaitlyn said with a frown as she scrolled through the pictures on Reese’s phone.
Then her expression lightened as she zoomed in on one taken at the ball.
“Oh, look at how joyous they are. It makes me so happy for them. One of these days, we’ll travel back in time too. ”
They joined the others in the living room, and Reese cuddled with Jem in an oversized beanbag. It didn’t take long for her to doze off. When she finally woke, Jem was whispering to his sister.
“I emailed a group looking to organize a storytelling festival this summer. They’ll work with the local library, and it’s community-based. They’ll have workshops along with performances.”
“That sounds fun.” Kaitlyn brushed aside a strand of hair from her sleeping son’s face. “And it sounds like a perfect fit for you.”
“It does,” Jem agreed. “I love the idea of bringing people together to teach them how to tell their stories.”
Reese yawned and lifted her head. “It feels right.”
And it did because Jem chose stories that rooted him where he stood.
“Well, we should get going,” he said.
“No.” His mother patted his head in passing. “It’s snowing, and I’ve already set up your old bedroom. It’s a Christmas sleepover.”
Reese rested her head back on Jem’s shoulder. “You’re happy.”
“So happy.” He kissed the top of her head. “And I’m excited.”
She snuggled a little closer, and he covered her with a throw.
They’d lived five weeks in less than two, rescued a woman trapped in time, overseen two mature romances, and helped rescue a man and his son.
Plus, they’d seen Ellen face her fears, the beauty she and Michael would create together, and the careful stewardship of Gareth and Catherine and how far it would reach.
“That’s good you’re happy,” Reese said drowsily. “Because I am too.”
Turn the page to find out how Reese, Jem, and their American friends ended up in 1850 in the first place!