Epilogue
Three Weeks Later
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Nate asked for the fifth time since they’d left Mercy Creek. They pulled up outside the orphanage, looking up at the place Rachel had once called home. “You don’t have to go in, you know.”
“I know that.” Rachel’s hands tightened around the reins. “But I promised Miriam that I would come. And I have someone who needs me right now.”
She looked back at Daisy, who was sitting on her own horse, looking nervous as she started up at the big building.
She’d been getting quieter and quieter the longer the journey went on, making Rachel wonder if she was having second thoughts about it.
But Daisy had been determined to start afresh somewhere, and she didn’t want to feel useless anymore.
Olive was beside her, sitting sedately in her saddle and regarding the orphanage curiously.
Both of them had planned to go together.
Miriam would be able to help them. Rachel knew that much.
“It’s going to be all right.” Nate reached over and took her hand. “I’m here with you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Rachel knew that much, and she was relieved. Having her husband with her made things better. He made her feel relaxed and more confident. She hadn’t thought anyone could do that for her.
He squeezed her fingers and released them, dismounting his horse.
“Let’s go inside. It’s going to start raining shortly, I’m sure of it.”
“What?” Rachel looked up at the cloudless sky. “There’s not a cloud around.”
“I saw them in the distance. It won’t be long, and you know what rainstorms in April are like.” Nate waved at the other two ladies. “Come on in. Rachel will show you around.”
Rachel dismounted, absently brushing her hands down her skirts. She’d written to Miriam asking for her help with giving some of the girls from the Silver Lantern saloon places to go. Anything that was more respectable.
Miriam had already been helping girls from another Silver Lantern and was more than happy to continue. Those who’d had children while working now lived in the orphanage with their offspring, making the place more like a family home than an orphanage.
Rachel was still nervous about meeting Miriam again. She hadn’t quite forgiven her for not saying anything about her mother, although Rachel could understand why. It was very heavy information, and she had no idea how Miriam had kept this secret for so long.
Then again, given what she knew about Isaac Vane and Edgar Pike, that was a strong enough incentive.
“Are you going to be all right?” Nate appeared at her side. “I can do this, if you want.”
“No, I’ve got to do this.” Rachel squared her shoulders. “Olive and Daisy need something secure, and I have to talk to Miriam.”
He gave her a comforting smile and squeezed her fingers, kissing her head.
He’d gotten more affectionate in the last few weeks, putting an arm around her and kissing her head, cheek, or even her hand.
He hadn’t kissed her properly yet, but they were enough to make Rachel tingle all over. It made her feel happy.
She needed that now.
They headed inside and were immediately waylaid by several of the children Rachel had grown up with. She spent a good five minutes hugging them and talking to them about what happened. Then she noticed Miriam nearby, standing in the doorway to her study watching them, a smile on her face.
That was enough for Rachel to buckle.
She’d planned to scold Miriam for what she'd done, to tell her off for withholding things, but then she saw the woman again and knew she couldn’t do that.
Miriam had been there for her since the beginning, protecting her from dangerous people.
She made sure Rachel grew up away from that environment, to flourish without wondering if she was going to be found and dragged back.
This woman had been her savior.
Unable to say a word, Rachel walked over to her and hugged her. Miriam hugged her back, letting out a heavy sigh.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.
Rachel wasn’t able to say much after that, worried that she would burst into tears. So Nate took over. He introduced Olive and Daisy, explaining their situation once more, and Miriam was nodding before he’d even finished.
“Of course they can come here! There is always plenty of room for those who are willing to help. And with more people living here, we’re going to need more people to come and help us out.
I’m always on the lookout for willing hands.
” She gestured toward a door at the far end of the hallway.
“Children, why don’t you show Olive and Daisy where they can go? Give them a tour of the place.”
The orphans were immediately excited, grabbing onto Olive and Daisy’s hands before tugging them along. Rachel had to smile at the sight of what was going on. They were going to fit in really well here. Everyone would make them welcome.
“They’re from the Silver Lantern saloon?” Miriam asked, turning to Rachel.
“Yes.” Rachel hesitated. “Olive knew Mother. She helped her escape to begin with.”
The older woman blinked, and something sad passed across her face. She bit her lip and took Rachel’s hands.
“I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you the truth about your mother. I didn’t know how much danger you were in, and I wanted to be sure that you were safe. Mary would’ve protected you with everything she had, and I knew she would want me to do the same.”
“She died not long after she left me here.”
Miriam looked away, but Rachel saw a tear trickle down her cheek.
“I had a feeling that was the case. I did wonder if she was moved elsewhere, but that was the least likely option.” She blinked hard and looked up at Rachel. “She would’ve been so proud of you. You’re an incredible woman, Rachel.”
“I’ll second that,” Nate said as he appeared at Rachel’s side. “She’s a remarkable person.”
Miriam smiled.
“So you’re not upset that your sister and I arranged this without your knowledge? I know Rachel was more than incensed about it in the beginning with her letters.”
Rachel cleared her throat, feeling her face getting warm. Nate chuckled.
“I was in the beginning. But not anymore. Although it’s not something I really want to go through again.”
Rachel elbowed him in the stomach, making Nate wince and Miriam laugh.
“I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about that.
It seems like you’re more suited to each other than I thought.
” She gestured down the hallway. “Why don’t you two have a moment to walk around?
The blooms are coming out in the garden, and I know you love being there.
Get a look at them before the rain comes. ”
“So there really is rain coming?” Rachel asked. Smiling, Nate took her arm and led her away.
“Why don’t you show me the garden?” he suggested. “We’ve got time before we go back, and it’s going to be a long journey.”
“You can stay for a couple of days if you would like,” Miriam replied. “We’ve still got plenty of space, and the other children would love to see you for a while.”
Rachel didn’t need to consider this. She knew it would take a couple of days to return to Mercy Creek, and it would be exhausting. She had to admit that she would like to see her childhood friends and non-related siblings. It felt like a lifetime since she’d last been there.
Nate smiled and squeezed Rachel’s hand.
“I think that would be a good idea.”
“Yes,” Rachel agreed, leaning into him. “We need a rest as much as anyone else. And you don’t need to head back immediately.”
Sheriff Rogers had been more than helpful.
After what had happened with Vane and Pike, he had instructed two of his own deputies to move to Mercy Creek and work alongside Nate.
It had been a bit of a shock to have two others working with him, but Nate had managed to fall into a routine pretty quickly.
He knew it couldn’t last forever, but at least he had some help right now.
It meant he could come along with his wife to bring Olive and Daisy to a place that would cherish them and bring them proper peace.
They stepped out into the garden, which was more spacious than Nate anticipated. Spring was in full bloom, with a multitude of trees and flowers scattered about. He stared at the sight.
“How big is this?” he asked.
“There isn’t really a boundary line, so pretty much all of it.” Rachel sighed. “I suppose I didn’t truly appreciate how lucky I was, having this much around me.”
“For a place where children with no parents live, it’s incredible.” Nate turned to her. “Do you miss being here? I’m sure you do at times. It was all you knew.”
“I do,” Rachel admitted, shoving her hands into the pockets of her coat. “But, at the same time, I’m glad I’m in Mercy Creek. It’s shown that I can have a life outside of the orphanage. That I was able to start afresh. That there’s more to life than inside this place.”
“It’s good that you’re seeing that. I was beginning to worry that you wouldn’t be happy in Mercy Creek. I know it’s not the most populated place and a bit isolated, but it’s one of the best places to live, in my opinion.”
“It’s the only place you’ve ever lived,” Rachel teased.
He shrugged.
“I still stand by that remark.” He paused and regarded her thoughtfully. “What’s going through your head right now?”
Rachel turned and looked out across the garden, feeling Nate’s arm going around her waist. She put her head on his shoulder, feeling the comfort in the embrace. She felt warm, protected, and happy.
“Do you know what I prayed for over the years I was here?” she asked.
“What?”
“I prayed that someone would come to the orphanage to choose me and then I would have my own family. Then when I became too old, that prayer faded. After that, I didn’t want to leave. It was the only place that hadn’t failed me.”
“And what about now?” Nate murmured. “Do you think it’s still the only place that hasn’t failed you?”
Rachel tilted her head back to look at him. His face was inches away from hers, his breath tickling her cheek. She kissed his cheek.
“No. There’s another place that hasn’t failed me. And the people…” She paused. “Especially one person hasn’t failed me. They’ve always been there, even when they didn’t realize they needed to be. Just what I needed in a husband.”
Nate blinked, a smile teasing his mouth.
“Is that a heavy hint?”
“What do you think?”
He kissed her head and turned her to face him, cupping her cheeks in his hands. Then he kissed her, slowly and tenderly. Rachel practically melted into his arms, feeling his embrace wrap around her as he almost lifted her off his feet.
“I never thought I’d admit it,” he said when their lips parted. “But you were the answer to my prayers, too. I just never thought it would happen.”
“Then I’m glad I could do something for you in return.”
He kissed her again, resting his forehead against hers.
“I love you,” he whispered. “I’ve been wanting to say that for some time now. I just never could get the words out.”
Rachel smiled, her hands on his chest.
“Well, they’re out now. And you don’t have to worry about anything else.” She kissed his chin. “Because I love you, too.”
THE END?
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