There they are, my beautiful granddaughters—fiery Bridget, face glowing in the firelight, plainly adoring her husband and that pack of rascally children she and Trace have produced. I well recall the day Trace Qualtrough came to Primrose Creek, on foot and carrying a worn-out saddle over one shoulder, meaning to look after his best friend’s widow. They’ve made them a place to be proud of, since then.
Then there’s Christy. She presented the greatest challenge to my matchmaking skills, setting her cap for Jake Vigil the way she did, when it was really young Zachary Shaw, the marshal, she was meant to marry. Things have certainly come right in the end, though not without considerable doing on my part. There are two perfect children in that family, with another on the way, though Christy and Zachary don’t suspect it yet.
And Skye. My brave, lovely Skye. She’s met her match in Jake Vigil, and between the two of them, they’ll build an empire. No, sir, I’ve got no worries where they’re concerned. Their love is as sturdy as the trees bristling on these hills.
Finally, little Megan. Of course, she’s not so little anymore—a grown woman, in point of fact—and a beauty into the bargain, with that glorious red hair of hers. She and Webb, they’re as well suited as me and my Rebecca were, and that’s saying something. Megan’s baby will be a girl, as beautiful as her mama, and just as smart and spirited, too. Fact is, they’ll have them a flock of girls, the Strattons will, with a couple of boys coming along later, to bring up the rear.
There’s snow falling outside, coming down soft and pretty from a heavy sky. Noah, Bridget’s boy, he’s just about ready to come unstrung, he’s so excited about his birthday. He’ll grow into a fine man, though not without giving his folks a gray hair or two in the process. Makes me smile to think about it.
Here are Caney Blue and her fine bridegroom, arriving late for the festivities. Happiness has been a long time coming to Caney, and to her husband, too, but they’ve finally reached a place of peace and plenty, these two good people. Caney’s baby girl will grow up right here, with the rest of them.
Darned if Lillian Colefield herself didn’t just follow Caney and Malcolm into the house. She’s worn pretty well over the years, given all she’s gone through. I never expected to see her again, but things do have a way of coming full circle, especially in matters of the heart. I’m glad they’ve all found each other. Glad I can go now, and meet up with my Rebecca.