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Five years later
The warm sun cast a golden glow over the rolling hills of the Grant Ranch as Elaine sat atop her chestnut mare, Honey, gently guiding her son’s small horse with a lead rein. Little Barnard Findlay Grant, a cherubic three-year-old with a mop of curly brown hair, clung to the saddle horn, his small face a mix of concentration and delight. It was a picturesque scene, a mother passing down the legacy of horsemanship in the American West to her child.
“See, Barney,” Elaine encouraged, her voice filled with maternal warmth, “you’ve got to sit up straight and hold those reins just like this. That’s right, my love.”
Barney attempted to mimic his mother’s posture, his tiny hands clutching the reins with determination. It was moments like these that made Elaine’s heart swell with joy, watching her son grow and learn, knowing that he was growing up in a world of love and opportunity.
As she continued to guide Barney through the basics of horseback riding, her thoughts wandered to the upcoming journey she and her family were about to embark on. Warren, her steadfast husband, had just returned from a meeting with his father and sister, discussing the management of the ranch during their absence. They were heading east for the second conference for veterinarians, and Elaine couldn’t contain her excitement.
Warren approached at a leisurely pace, his chestnut stallion, Thunder, trotting gracefully beneath him. He wore his customary Stetson and a warm smile, a sight that never failed to quicken Elaine’s heart. His eyes, the same shade of blue as a clear summer sky, met hers with an affectionate twinkle.
“Looks like you’re doing a fine job there, Barney,” Warren called out as he approached, a proud father’s grin on his face.
Barney’s eyes lit up at his father’s praise, and he giggled with glee. “Daddy, I’m ridin’ a horse, just like you!”
Warren swung down from Thunder’s saddle with the ease of a man accustomed to a life on horseback. He ruffled Barney’s hair affectionately before turning to Elaine, his expression becoming more serious.
“Elaine, I’ve got some news,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Elaine raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “News? You know I can’t stand suspense, Warren. What is it?”
Warren took a step closer, his eyes locked onto hers. “We’re all set for the conference, and I couldn’t be happier about it. But there’s something else I want to share with you, something that I know will make you even happier.”
Elaine’s heart skipped a beat. She could sense the importance of his words, and she waited with bated breath.
“I just had a meeting with Father and Amelia about the ranch,” Warren continued. “They’re fully on board with us heading east, and we’ve made arrangements for the ranch’s management while we’re away. Everything is in place.”
A rush of relief and gratitude washed over Elaine. The ranch was not just Warren’s birthright; it was their shared dream and responsibility. Knowing that her father-in-law and sister-in-law supported their journey meant the world to her.
“That’s wonderful news, Warren,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I can’t thank your family enough for their support. This conference means the world to me, and I promise I’ll make the most of it.”
Warren smiled, his love and pride for his wife shining through. “I knew you’d say that. And there’s more, Elaine.”
Elaine’s brow furrowed in curiosity. “More? You’re full of surprises today.”
Warren took her hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. “Before we leave, there’s something I want to do. I want to go to your father and ask him to join us on the ranch, to be our personal blacksmith.”
Elaine’s eyes widened in astonishment. She had never expected this turn of events. Her father, whom she had once been estranged from, had reconciled with her, and now Warren wanted to bring him closer into their lives.
“I think it’s time he was closer to his grandchildren,” Warren explained, his voice filled with compassion. “And I know how much you miss him. It’s the right thing to do, Elaine.”
Tears welled up in Elaine’s eyes as she embraced her husband tightly. “Warren, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. Thank you for understanding and for making this happen. It means more to me than I can express.”
Warren held her close, his arms wrapped securely around her. “We’re a family, Elaine, and families take care of each other. We’ve built a life together that I cherish every day, and I want to keep making it better.”
Elaine pulled back slightly to gaze into her husband’s eyes, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life, Warren. I love you more than words can say.”
Warren’s lips met hers in a tender, loving kiss, sealing their shared commitment to their family and their future. The love they had discovered in the rugged landscapes of the Wild West had blossomed into something beautiful and enduring, a testament to the power of love and determination.
As they held each other in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, Elaine knew that their journey was far from over. It was a journey filled with love, adventure, and the promise of a brighter future, a future they would face together as a family, hand in hand.
The days leading up to their departure for the veterinary conference in the bustling city of St. Louis were a whirlwind of preparations. Elaine and Warren had to ensure that everything on the ranch would run smoothly during their absence, with the trusted ranch hands well-instructed in their roles.
Elaine spent long hours organizing her veterinary practice, making sure her patients were in good hands while she was away. She was fortunate to have a dedicated assistant, Sarah, who had worked closely with her and knew the ins and outs of the clinic.
Now, as they stood in the quiet embrace of their ranch, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the rolling hills, Elaine couldn’t help but reflect on the blessings in her life. She and Warren had built a loving home, raised a bright and spirited son, and were now preparing to welcome another child into their family.
“Warren,” she said, turning to him with a radiant smile, “I can’t believe how fortunate we are. A beautiful family, a thriving ranch, and now, the prospect of another little one.”
Warren reached out to gently caress her cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness. “Elaine, I wake up every day thanking the stars for bringing you into my life. You’ve made everything better, brighter. Our love created this beautiful life we have.”
Elaine leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his hand against her skin. “I love you more with each passing day, Warren. And I couldn’t have asked for a more loving, supportive partner to share this journey with.”
They shared a kiss, a promise of their enduring love and the future they were building together.
As their departure date approached, Warren made a heartfelt visit to her father, who had long since come to appreciate the man his daughter had chosen to spend her life with. They talked for hours, sharing stories and laughter, and her father finally agreed to join them on the ranch as their personal blacksmith.
When they told Barney about the baby, he was overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a big brother. His excitement was infectious, and it brought them all closer together as a family.
On the eve of their departure, Elaine stood on the porch of their cottage, a sense of contentment filling her. She watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Warren joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Are you ready for this journey, my love?” he asked, his voice a soft whisper in her ear.
Elaine leaned back against him, her hands resting on his strong arms. “More than ready, Warren. We’re embarking on this adventure together, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Warren kissed the top of her head, his lips brushing against her hair. “I promise you, Elaine, we’ll make beautiful memories together in the city. And when we return, our family will be stronger than ever.”
As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Elaine closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of her husband’s embrace and the love that surrounded them. She knew that their journey was far from over, that there would be challenges and joys along the way. But with Warren by her side and their growing family, she was filled with hope and gratitude for the life they had built together.
The journey to St. Louis was an adventure in itself. Elaine, Warren, and young Barney boarded the train, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity as they watched the passing landscapes change from the familiar rolling hills of their ranch to the bustling towns and cities of the East.
Barney, in particular, was captivated by the experience. His wide-eyed wonder at the noisy train stations, the crowded streets, and the towering buildings of the city made Elaine and Warren smile with parental pride. It was a joy to see their son’s world expand beyond the confines of their ranch.
Upon their arrival in St. Louis, they checked into a cozy hotel near the conference venue. Elaine was thrilled to meet other veterinarians from across the country, sharing knowledge and experiences that would enrich her practice back home.
The conference itself was a whirlwind of workshops, lectures, and discussions. Elaine soaked in every bit of information, her passion for veterinary medicine burning brighter than ever. She eagerly participated in discussions about the latest advancements in animal care and treatment.
During one of the evening gatherings, she met a fellow veterinarian named Dr. Emily Sullivan. They instantly connected over their shared love for animals and their dedication to their profession. Dr. Sullivan invited Elaine to visit her animal shelter and clinic back in the city, an offer Elaine gladly accepted.
As the days of the conference passed, Warren explored the city with Barney, taking him to see the iconic Gateway Arch and the city’s vibrant parks. They savored local cuisine and created memories that would last a lifetime.
One evening, as they sat on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, watching the sun set over the city skyline, Elaine couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. She turned to Warren, her eyes sparkling.
“Warren, there’s something wonderful I’ve been meaning to tell you,” she began, her voice filled with anticipation.
Warren looked at her, his curiosity piqued. “What is it, my love?”
Elaine took a deep breath, her heart pounding with joy. “I’m pregnant again, Warren. We’re going to have another baby.”
Warren’s eyes widened in surprise, then filled with overwhelming happiness. He pulled Elaine into his arms, holding her tightly as he whispered words of love and excitement. They shared tears of joy and laughter, their hearts brimming with gratitude for the growing family they were creating.
As the conference came to an end, and they prepared to head back home to their ranch, Elaine and Warren felt a renewed sense of purpose and closeness. They had learned and grown together during their time in the city, and they were eager to return to their beloved ranch with the promise of a new addition to their family.
Before leaving St. Louis, Elaine visited Dr. Sullivan’s animal shelter and clinic. She was deeply moved by the work being done to care for abandoned and mistreated animals. Inspired by what she saw, Elaine pledged to offer her support and expertise whenever she could.
Back at the ranch, Elaine’s father had settled into his role as the personal blacksmith, forging tools and horseshoes with skill and dedication. He loved being closer to his daughter and grandson, and the entire family cherished their time together.
As Elaine, Warren, and Barney stood on the porch of their cottage, gazing at the stars above, they knew that life had brought them immeasurable blessings. The Wild West had given them the backdrop for their love story, and their journey together had led them to this moment of happiness.
“Warren,” Elaine said, leaning against her husband, “we have a beautiful life, and it’s only getting better.”
Warren kissed her forehead, his arms wrapped around her. “Elaine, you’ve brought so much love and light into my life. I couldn’t ask for a better partner, a more wonderful family. I thank the stars every day for you.”
As they held each other under the vast Western sky, they were filled with gratitude for their love, their family, and the adventures that still awaited them. Together, they had created a life more beautiful than they could have ever imagined, and their hearts were full of hope for the future.
And so, their Wild West romance continued, a love story that would be passed down through the generations, a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the American frontier.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Western Hearts United", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello, my dear readers! I really hope you enjoyed the Extended Epilogue. Let me know what you think on the comments below. Thank you!
Sweet heartwarming story. Enjoyable read beginning to end. Nice to read in extended epilogue that Elaine’s father is able to become the Red Oak’s personal blacksmith, also good for him not just closeness to family, but Elaine’s medical care for any burn injuries. Dreams can come true.
Thank you Mia Dunham
Lovely novel showing the need to move forward in the career choices of their dreams. Warren desires to be a writer instead of a rancher. As the heir to Red Oak, his parents disagree. Elaine, daughter of a blacksmith, struggles to become a female veterinarian in disguise to be accepted. As they met after Warren has an accident during a storm, they develop a friendship. After many developments, the truth comes out. I read as an ARC and highly recommend this novel.
A wonderful story. I’m proud of a woman vet. My vet is a woman. This was a book that kept me turning pages
A wonderful story, and I really enjoyed the style of writing, almost in a Jane Austin vein. Thank you so much Mia Dunham, and God bless you and your writing career.
It was a good read though the extended epilogue had some errors. Elaine called her husband Fin, not Warren. On her first veterinary conference her son Barney was already 3 years old and she was expecting her second child. On the second veterinary conference Barney would be 8 years old and his sibling would have been at least 4.
Story was very enjoyable, characters were very believable,unfortunately the ideas that men can only do certain jobs is very tiring,and having are main character dressed as a young man,and having to lie to her father,but in the end all the lies were revealed and forgiven, family all came together.I also was confused with the children and when they were conceived, but all in all like the story,looking forward to the next read!
A great story loved how Elaine was able to keep her double life secret.