A Widow’s Forced Union on the Trail – Extended Epilogue

Two Years Later

Eliza stood at the window and looked out into the street. From where her office was, she could see the river, the lush grassy bank, and the trees in full bloom directly across from her. In the distance was the flour mill, the water wheel turning and sloshing the water. It was a picturesque sight.

Slightly better than what she saw when she stepped out into the main street. She was one of many buildings squashed in among the others, and it was always busy. Despite being a small town, it felt like it was full to bursting. Eliza liked the hustle and bustle; it felt like being in a city without being too oppressive. And she had her own space to escape in which to escape.

Never did she think she would have her own company, and that it would be successful.

“Eliza?”

She turned. Mei was at her desk, tucking her hair behind her ears, but it kept falling back. She rubbed her eyes and sat back.

“I think I’m pretty much done. Either that, or I’ve looked over the same pages several times.”

Eliza laughed and approached the desk. Sure enough, Mei had finished. She’d gone through the manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, and it looked like she’d drawn red pencil marks all over it.

“I think you’ve given the writer lots to do there, Mei. Wouldn’t it be easier for you to reject it and say no?”

Mei shook her head.

“I like her idea. The concept is really good, it’s just not executed well. That’s what I want to bring out.”

Despite being only seventeen, Mei had a sharp eye for detail. She knew a good story when she saw one. Eliza was more than happy to have her as an editor in her company; she knew what to look for. And she’d grown in confidence, so if someone wasn’t happy, Mei was more than prepared to go toe-to-toe with them.

She never thought she’d see that in the normally shy girl.

“Well, I’ll leave you to talk it out with the writer. I’m sure it would come better from you.” Eliza went to her desk and sat down. “Isn’t Jacob coming to fetch you, by the way? I know you were going to have dinner with your father tonight.”

“He’ll be here soon.” Mei undid her hair and started to tie it up again. “Lian is probably getting him to do some odd jobs before he comes over.”

“Can’t she do it herself?”

“Apparently not. Jacob doesn’t mind. You know what he’s like.”

Eliza did. Jacob would help with anything wherever he could. He was more than happy to help when asked, and he had a hard time saying no. Lian knew that, and she liked to take advantage of it. She didn’t mean anything by it, although Eliza had a feeling Lian was secretly testing her future brother-in-law before he married Mei.

That would certainly be happening soon, she was sure. Mei was six months away from turning eighteen, and Jacob had just turned nineteen. They were still together and madly in love as ever. It was merely a question of when they would get married. Jacob had been prepared to marry Mei as soon as they could, but she wanted to wait until she built something of her own. She wanted her own independence, and she wanted to be sure she could cope on her own as well as with a husband. Jacob understood, and he was willing to wait for her.

He had grown from a sweet, eager boy into a levelheaded, patient young man. Eliza couldn’t be prouder of him.

She looked around her office, still marveling at how this had happened to her. When Martha Brenner arranged for her to meet with a contact in the publishing industry, never did Eliza think it would turn into her starting her own company and making it a place where women could send their stories and find their voice. Sullivan Press was thriving after just under two years, and Eliza still couldn’t believe it.

If it hadn’t been for Tom putting money forward to help start her up, Aunt Prudence’s business advice, and Martha’s friend’s help, then this might not have happened. Eliza kept wanting to pinch herself. Her own company, under her maiden name.

It was just perfect.

“Anyone in?” A familiar figure appeared in the doorway, holding a dark-haired baby on her hip. “Although that seems like a silly question. You’re always in here, Eliza.”

Eliza rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Very funny, Beatrice. Hello, James!” Eliza smiled and sat forward, wiggling her fingers at the baby. “How are you?”

“Say hello, James,” Beatrice coaxed, kissing her son’s head.

James gave Eliza a gummy grin and then waved at himself. Eliza laughed.

“He’s still doing that? That’s so sweet!”

“He mirrors things, not copies. Silas says it’s perfectly normal.” Beatrice adjusted her hold on James as she crossed the room. “I was passing and thought I’d drop by and see if you need any further help with Chloe’s celebrations.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. You’ve got enough on your plate without helping us out.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s the least I can do. And we know Tom won’t be able to manage it himself.” Beatrice grinned. “Remember last year?”

Eliza did remember, especially when Tom had promised her things would be fine. It was confirmation that he couldn’t properly organize anything. Thankfully, everyone else had managed to save the day, and Chloe had a good time, but Eliza left the preparations to her mother-in-law. Martha was more reliable than Tom, who had admitted defeat.

“I’m sure he can handle it if Martha’s telling him what to do,” Eliza said. “Besides, he’s just gotten back from another assignment. She’ll likely have told him to sit down and play with Chloe while Martha does everything.”

“I can see her doing that.” Beatrice looked down at the desk. “Is that another manuscript? You seem to have quite a few coming in lately. I swear every other woman in the state has been sending their work to you.”

“At least I’m willing to look at it, even if some of them are terrible.”

Beatrice gasped.

“You don’t tell them that, do you?”

Eliza chuckled.

“No, nothing like that. I’m a lot more constructive than that.”

“I should hope so!”

This was banter between friends that Eliza hadn’t realized she’d missed. Beatrice had definitely become a fast friend, a confidant, and someone to spend an evening with. Between them and Lian, they could spend hours talking and not get bored. Even with Chloe and James around, there was always something to do. Beatrice helped with watching Chloe when Eliza was working, and Eliza was happy to look after James when Beatrice and Silas were going out to dinner.

That was how life was supposed to be, not being practically locked up in the house and isolated from everyone.

Eliza swiped that away in her mind. She was not going to think about that anymore. Everett Harrow was a part of her life that she didn’t want to think about again. Now he was gone, having been hanged for his crimes he was never going to bother her again. Eliza was content to continue as if he hadn’t existed.

That worked better for her.

“Actually, this book is my own,” she said, tapping the thickly bound manuscript in front of her. “I’ve just finished it.”

“Yours?”

“My journey from abused wife – or whatever my relationship was – to survivor. And all the gory bits, for want of a better word.”

Beatrice raised her eyebrows.

“You’ve been talking about doing it, but I didn’t think you’d actually write it, never mind finish it.”

Eliza let out a heavy sigh.

“Let’s just say it was hard work, and it was really difficult at times. But I wanted an unfettered story. The truth needs to be out there.”

At her desk, Mei was nodding along. She understood. Beatrice pursed her lips.

“It would explain your bouts of melancholy lately. You were writing this, weren’t you?”

“It’s difficult to go through it again, but it’s also therapeutic. I like to think it’s done something.”

“I hope it does.” Beatrice’s expression softened. “You’re doing the right thing. And I know everyone’s going to want to read it. Nothing flowery and not afraid to face the truth.”

“What’s not afraid to face the truth?”

Eliza jumped. She hadn’t heard Tom coming in. Now he was crossing the office toward her, giving her the same smile that made her want to swoon. It was like the love between them had grown and not faded away. She beamed and accepted his kiss, rubbing her hand across his jaw.

“You’re getting that beard back again, aren’t you?”

“Don’t you like it?”

“I liked it the first time. It was strange when you shaved yourself completely. It was like a different person.”

“But it is itchy.” Tom winced and scratched his jaw. “Although I think I’ve forgotten how to cope with a beard.”

Beatrice giggled, which made James do the same. Then his giggles got louder as Tom tickled his tummy.

“Careful, I’m going to drop him!” Beatrice stepped away, laughing as she switched James onto her other hip. “Anyway, I’d better get going. I need to get this one fed before we meet you later for Chloe’s party.”

“She’s looking forward to seeing you,” Tom said warmly, his hand resting on the back of Eliza’s neck. Feeling it there made her feel calm and relaxed.

Winking at Eliza, Beatrice waved to Mei and left the office. Then Mei stood and began to gather her belongings.

“I think I’ll finish now and go get ready myself,” she said.

“See you shortly, Mei,” Eliza replied.

A moment later, the office was empty, except for Eliza and Tom. She looked up at him and saw the loving smile that made her heart feel warm. He leaned over and kissed her again, this time a little more deeply.

“I’ve missed you,” he said as he broke the kiss.

Eliza laughed.

“You only saw me this morning. How can you be missing me?”

“When you’re away as long as I am, you’re going to miss what you come home to. And I still miss my darling wife.” He kissed her nose. “I love calling you that.”

“I can tell.”

She still couldn’t get used to Tom being away for long periods of time on assignment, but he always came back. He kept in regular contact with his letters, and he was a present father when he was home. Chloe adored him, and she loved having him read stories to her before bed. This was a family unit Eliza could only dream about.

She loved it.

Tom looked at the manuscript on the desk.

“You’ve managed to finish it, then?” he asked. “I saw you working on that last night.”

“I just finished binding it and getting it ready for Mei’s sharp editing skills.” Eliza laid a hand on the bulging papers. “I’m thinking of getting it published next month.”

“Even after Mei’s been at it?”

“It’s easier to type up something in front of you than what’s in your memory. A lot easier.”

“Then hopefully you’ll be able to focus on Chloe’s party. It’s not every day that she turns two.” Tom leaned back against the desk and folded his arms. “Is that why you’ve been so distracted lately? I noticed it before I headed out for my last job. You were quite quiet, and you seemed to be thinking about something else. I assumed it was the book, and I didn’t want to pester you.”

Eliza knew what he was talking about. And it had nothing to do with the book, although that had taken up a lot of mental energy. She shook her head.

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

“What was it, then?”

“It was …” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “It was my way of trying to keep something a secret. I didn’t want to say anything when it was too early, and Silas advised me to wait a little longer until I was past the danger line …”

“What?” Tom looked confused. “I have no idea what you’re talking about now. And what’s Silas got to do with it?”

Eliza had been wondering for a while how to tell him this. But the words kept getting stuck in her throat. Instead, she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. It took a moment for Tom to realize what she meant. His eyes widened, his jaw dropping.

“You … you’re pregnant?”

“I am. I’m about four months along now, although I’m not showing much this time.” Eliza saw his eyes begin to sparkle. “We’re having another baby.”

Tom stared at her as though he’d never seen her before. Then he jumped up, pulling her out of her chair and swinging her around the room. Eliza squealed and clutched his shoulders.

“Tom! Put me down!”

“I’m sorry.” He put her back down on her feet. “I … I can’t believe it. Another baby.”

“Do you think Jacob and Chloe are going to mind having another sibling?”

“Are you mad? Chloe’s been asking me if she’s going to have a little brother or sister one day. I said I wasn’t sure, but now …” Tom pressed his hand to her stomach again. “Now I can say she will have one. Our little baby.”

He beamed, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her tenderly. Eliza smiled against his mouth, feeling warmth in her body as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you so much, Eliza,” Tom said, kissing her head. “And I’m going to make sure our children are loved as well. Show that they’re not going to worry about happiness. They’ll always get it.”

“I love you, too.” Eliza kissed his bristled jaw. “And I know we’re going to be happy. That’s never going to change.”

They’d been given a second chance to get it right, and they weren’t about to squander it.

THE END