Epilogue
Three Months Later
Moving in with the Oakleys had made wedding planning much easier, but it was even more overwhelming than Alma had ever imagined it would be. Everyone in the town had an opinion, which they were arguably justified in having. Each person in Bleak Hills had been a part of making their love story real, so, of course, they would all have something to say about how they got married.
Despite wrangling everyone’s various requests, the planning had been joyous for Alma. As far as she could tell, even Darryl enjoyed helping it all come together, or maybe he just enjoyed how it all allowed Alma to reconnect with her mother. Mrs. Mott would come over every afternoon, helping Alma with everything from the cooking plans to the sewing.
Together, they’d laugh the days away with Vivian. When it was time for her mother to go home, there would always be a gentle look of sadness on Mrs. Mott’s face that tormented Alma. She’d tell her daughter over and over again that things were better with Dr. Mott than they had been. Alma believed her; she just wasn’t sure that the improvements were being made fast enough.
However, with the wedding day fast approaching, there was no time to worry about it. When the day finally came, Alma knew her father would be there, and she hoped he’d handle the whole thing with grace. They hadn’t seen much of each other on that fateful day at the saloon three months earlier, but they’d both approached one another with cordiality, which was better than animosity.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Mr. Oakley said to her as they approached the church doors. As soon as those doors opened, Alma knew that all eyes would be on her, but her eyes would only be on Darryl, waiting for her, handsome as ever, at the end of the aisle. She laughed a little to herself, thinking about how she used to have nightmares about getting married at that very church, only it was Sheriff Rivers that she was so terrified to marry.
“Thank you. And thank you for stepping in to walk me down the aisle,” Alma replied, taking the arm he graciously offered her. She knew her own father would have been thrilled to get the request, but the proper amends had not yet been made to facilitate that. There was no use crying over it. Instead, she was counting her blessings and appreciating all the love she did have.
The ceremony was a blur for Alma. She remembered tears springing up as soon as she laid eyes on Darryl, waiting nervously for her by the altar. The sight and scent of the beautiful wildflowers that adorned the end of every pew would be a memory she would always cherish, as would be the way her mother blew her a kiss when she finally stood in front of the pastor.
The love in that chapel, stuffed to the gills with townsfolk already dabbing their eyes with handkerchiefs, was overwhelming and uplifting. Alma had never felt closer to God. As the children started singing along with the piano, she listened to the words carefully, trying to steady her breath, taking comfort in the warmth of his dark eyes.
“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.”
Only a few minutes later, they were officially married, and the newlyweds were showered with rice and well wishes as they paraded back down the aisle, hand in hand and heart in heart.
Everyone gathered in the courtyard afterward for a warm meal and dancing. Half the town brought something to contribute to the feast, so there was more than enough to go around. Alma quickly lost track of Darryl, as many people said she would.
Anytime she missed him or found herself on the brink of yawning during a conversation with someone reciting their entire cleaning routine, she simply touched a finger to her lips, remembering the press of Darryl’s against hers, letting the baritone of his “I do” fill her ears.
Of course, he was also the tallest man in the place, so she had only to turn around quickly to find him. Miraculously, he always returned her gaze as if he could feel her eyes on him. A quick, conspiratorial smile, and she could find the strength to go on.
When she saw her father approaching, Alma wished desperately that Darryl really was by her side, however, and not across the churchyard talking to Mrs. Cody. She looked around, hoping that her mother was nearby, but she was nowhere to be seen. It had been months since she’d talked to her father alone.
“May I have this dance?” he asked when he finally got to her. His beard was trimmed neatly, and he was wearing his best suit. He looked good, though she couldn’t help noticing that his cheeks were slightly more sunken since the last time she’d seen him. Time was taking its toll, slowly but surely.
He gestured over to the area where some fiddlers were milking their moment, giving all the young people a chance to let loose. However, a slower ballad had started, which was probably more her father’s speed.
“Alright,” Alma replied, wiping the sweat off her palm before taking his hand and letting him lead her away. He slipped an awkward arm around her waist as they slowly stepped to and fro, avoiding each other’s eyes. Neither said anything for a moment, but finally, he cleared his throat.
“You looked very beautiful up there today,” he acknowledged.
“Thank you. I know you’ve been waiting for me to get married for a very long time.” It was impossible not to resist an occasional jab. As the bride, it was her right. To his credit, Dr. Mott didn’t respond with anger.
“I’m not sure it will mean anything, but for what it’s worth, I’m proud of you. You fought for what you wanted, and against all odds, you got it.”
“Some of it, yes. Most of it.” She almost added, No thanks to you, but she thought better of it and held her tongue. The last thing she wanted on her wedding day was a traditional Mott vs. Mott debacle.
“Darryl’s a good man. I’m sorry I ever tried to stand in your way. There was a moment when you were younger … when it seemed like you didn’t want to be associated with him anymore. I wish I could say I thought I was doing what was best for you and helping you get out of a different marriage you didn’t want, but that’s not true. I thought I knew better. And I thought Tom was better,” he explained softly yet gruffly.
“How is Tom doing?” Alma asked out of morbid curiosity.
“Not well, but I think he’ll come out the other side. Everyone loves a redemption story, so I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until he does the right thing and wins back the town's affection.”
“Marrying someone his own age might help with that.”
“Marrying someone who wants to marry him would probably help the most.”
Alma let out a short chortle but quickly stopped herself, unwilling to give her father the satisfaction of knowing he’d made her laugh.
The song ended, and the fiddles picked up with something much faster, so Alma moved to the sidelines with her father by her side. She was more than ready for the conversation to be over, but he seemed to want to talk more. Alma wasn’t in the mood for too much conflict, so she let him take his time.
“You’ve been very missed at the sanatorium. It’s not the same without you,” Dr. Mott admitted.
Alma cocked an eyebrow, thinking about what a difficult confession that must have been. “You know you only have yourself to blame in that department. Were you able to stop the flood of patients wanting to leave on my behalf?” Alma asked.
Really, she just wanted any news of the sanatorium she could get. She could see Sally dancing with a local ranch hand out of the corner of her eye, and she smiled, hoping that something like love might sparkle for her that night.
“As soon as I could announce your official engagement to Darryl and make the appropriate apologies, I was able to quell the flow. It was definitely a mistake, forcing you out of that place. Offering you a job is hardly the kind of wedding present you deserve, but … if it’s what you’d like, I’d love for you to return to the sanatorium.”
Surprise did not begin to explain Alma’s feelings. Still, she was skeptical. “Even though I’m a married woman? I thought it was inappropriate for married women to work.”
“My notions on the matter have … modernized somewhat. This is the new world. Nothing’s the same as it used to be, and I need to get used to it,” he conceded.
“Well, that’s very impressive of you to say, but you ought to know that I’m not working for free anymore. I have a household to contribute to.”
“You deserve more than a common wage, plus all the earnings I held back from you over the years. I’ll be giving that to you whether you decide to come back. And if you decide not to come back …” He fished around in the inside breast pocket of his jacket and eventually pulled out a folded crisp paper.
“What’s this?” Alma asked when he handed it to her.
“A cheque for everything I owe you for your work. And a letter stating your level of medical education and recommending you to any medical program offering the degree you’re looking for. I was a fool to say you could never be a doctor. You, Alma, can be anything you want to be. I know that now.”
Any walls that Alma still had up completely melted away, and she threw her arms around her father. Surprised by the sudden display of affection, he stumbled back but eventually returned the hug and patted his daughter on the back.
“There, there. It’s only what you deserve. Nothing more. If you still want to pursue it, you could be the best doctor this country’s ever seen, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially not me.”
Alma laughed unreservedly and released him from the embrace. She still wasn’t convinced he completely understood the torture he’d put her through, and she still needed more evidence that his treatment of her mother had markedly improved, but it was more than a start. The father standing before her was the father she remembered from her childhood, and that was the best wedding present she could have asked for.
“What’s that in your hand? Can I put it in my pocket for you?” Darryl asked when they were finally getting their own dance hours later.
Alma looked at the papers her father had given her, awkwardly squished in her hand as she tried to dance.
“Would you mind? That would be wonderful. I think that right there is … my ticket to medical school if you can believe it.”
“It’s an acceptance letter? I didn’t know that you’d applied again!” Darryl exclaimed, full of just the right kind of enthusiasm.
“It’s better than that. I’ll tell you about it later,” she said.
He nodded curiously, knowing better than to ask too many questions. Once he’d tucked away the papers in his jacket, Alma leaned her head against his chest, feeling the pulse of his heartbeat even through the loud music.
Love swelled through her then, stronger even than it had in the chapel. Her guardian angel was nearby, acting as her guiding light and bringing her even closer to the future she never knew she wanted.
If time ceased to progress, however, and Alma had been caught in that moment forevermore, she would be unendingly happy.
THE END
Can't get enough ofAlmaandDarryl? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…
Will Alma be able to balance her medical studies and the upcoming arrival of her baby?
What changes will Alma's father experience as he transitions to retirement and passes on the sanatorium?
How will the community react to Tom Rivers' presence at the wedding, considering his troubled past?
Click the link or enter it into your browser
(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “Chasing Sunsets of Love”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!) 
Chasing Sunsets of Love
Introduction
Ava Stone, a determined young teacher, ventures out West to build a school for the deaf and blind in the rugged mountains of Wyoming Territory. In the small town of Hope Springs, fate intertwines her path with Wyatt Reed, a captivating and enigmatic carpenter's apprentice. As they join forces to turn Ava's dream into reality, their connection grows stronger, and she finds solace in his undeniable support.
Will Ava find the purpose and fulfillment she seeks in this mysterious yet heartwarming connection?
Beneath Wyatt's brooding exterior lies a hidden past as an outlaw with the notorious Iron Wolves gang. Fearful of his secrets being exposed, he yearns for redemption and a chance at a home filled with the warmth of love and the promise of a family. Yet, as he navigates his fears and aspirations, a nagging uncertainty gnaws at Wyatt's soul…
Will Wyatt's secret past shatter his dreams of finding a place to call home?
In the midst of the untamed wilderness, Ava and Wyatt discover the power of love, the strength of their own spirits, and the potential for redemption. Will they conquer their inner demons and forge a path to happiness, or will their pasts prove insurmountable obstacles in their quest for a shared destiny?