Epilogue
EIGHT MONTHS LATER…
Eleanor stood at the long wooden table in the church kitchen, sleeves rolled to her elbows, rolling out dough for the Sunday loaves. Over the past few months, baking had become her comfort, keeping her hands busy and her thoughts settled.
The room smelled of yeast, flour, and the herbs that Grace had hung from the rafters. Late-afternoon light slanted through the windows, catching the fine dusting of flour in the air.
A sudden, firm flutter moved deep inside her as her baby turned with a strong, unmistakable roll that had the unborn child pressing against her ribs.
Eleanor paused, setting her knuckles on the table’s edge as she breathed out slowly, letting the sensation wash through her.
A small smile dawned on her lips as her hand rested on the swell of her stomach.
Grace looked up from the basin where she was washing pans.
Without a word, she crossed the kitchen and rested her palm flat against Eleanor’s stomach.
The baby shifted again. “That’s a lively one, alright,” Grace murmured, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.
“Strong and stubborn, just like his father, I’d wager. ”
Eleanor laughed softly. “Or like his mother, refusing to stay still.”
On the floor beside the woodstove, Nora sat in a patch of sunlight, happily pulling apart a fresh roll. She looked up at Eleanor, her blue eyes bright, and thrust out a fistful of torn bread. “Mama,” she declared proudly, crumbs clinging to her chin. “Mama, eat,” she sang.
Eleanor’s heart swelled as she accepted the offering. “Thank you, sweet girl.” She brought a small piece to her mouth and chewed with exaggerated delight, making Nora giggle.
The town no longer called her by her false name. Word had spread after the events involving Arden. No one had blamed her. She was Eleanor Crandall, the pastor’s wife.
For his part, Arden Hargrove sat in a Philadelphia jail cell, awaiting trial for embezzlement to the tune of $20,000 and for the murder of Henry Pryce.
George William’s testimony, combined with Mary’s brave decision to come forward, had completely cleared Eleanor of any crimes she had been accused of.
The nightmare of her past had finally lost its power to torment her.
Grace returned to her washing, humming a hymn under her breath. Eleanor returned to the rolls. Life in Deer Lodge had settled into a beautiful, ordinary rhythm.
That evening, after supper, Eleanor sat on the porch beside Levi.
The air had cooled, carrying the scents of pine and distant rain.
Crickets chirped in the tall grass, and the ridge stood dark against a sky streaked with lingering sunset colors.
Nora played at their feet with a carved wooden horse, occasionally climbing into one of their laps before sliding down again.
Levi reached over and rested his large, warm hand on the curve of Eleanor’s belly.
Almost immediately, the baby responded with a strong kick.
Levi’s breath caught, his blue eyes widening with wonder.
“Did you feel that?” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.
The baby kicked again. His face broke out in a brilliant smile as his heart fluttered with joy.
Eleanor returned his smile as she covered his hand with hers. “He’s been practicing all day. We might have our work cut out for us if he stays this active outside of the womb.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, basking in the magic of the life they had built together. Noticing their closeness, Nora toddled over, her small face set with determination. She climbed carefully into Eleanor’s lap, settling against Eleanor’s rounded belly. “Baby,” she announced.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Levi answered, his arm wrapping around both his girls. “Your baby brother or sister. I’m sure they cannot wait to meet you.”
Eleanor leaned into Levi’s shoulder, breathing in the familiar scents of woodsmoke, soap, and aged stationery. His lips pressed tenderly against her hair, lingering there as he held his family close.
“I never thought I would have this again,” he murmured against her temple. “A wife I love with my whole heart. A daughter who calls you Mama. And now another child is on the way. Good has been merciful.”
Eleanor closed her eyes, tears of joy pricking at the corners.
“I spent so long running from the past that I stopped hoping for a future. I never imagined I would find myself here, with you and Nora, blessed with this life.” She turned her head to look at him.
“I love you, Levi, more than I ever thought possible.”
“And I love you, Eleanor,” he replied, the use of her true name still sending a thrill down her spine. He kissed her gently, his lips as sweet as honey and as soft as a summer’s breeze. His mouth was tender on hers, caressing hers in a way that made her heart skip a beat.
Nora giggled between them, patting both their cheeks with sticky hands. Overhead, the stars began to appear one by one. The future stretched out before them, full of ordinary days and extraordinary grace.
In the end, mercy had found them both.
~*~*~
Thank you so much for reading my story.