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Three and a half years later...
“No, Tommy. Don’t do that,” Marigold said, exasperation in her voice. Baby Thomas was just beginning to crawl. Everything was fair game, and he was having fun exploring.
“He’s just a baby,” Ma said, snatching up her ten-month-old grandson. “You wait until he’s a bit older and into everything.”
Marigold sighed. “I thought he already was into everything.” She leaned back in her chair. “Thanks Ma. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Ma patted Tommy’s back until the child was lulled into sleep. “I’m sure you’d managed,” she said quietly. “But I do love living here, and getting to know my grandchildren so much better than if we lived apart.”
“Luke wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would I.” She was suddenly on her feet. “Elizabeth! Leave that Christmas tree alone!” Marigold sighed, then rubbed her very swollen belly. “By the time Tommy is Elizabeth’s age, this one will be nearly ready to crawl.” She sighed again as Luke entered the room, then sat down, unable to stand any longer.
Luke came and sat beside her. “I did warn you I wanted lots of babies,” he said, a grin on his face. “We have a big house with far too many bedrooms.”
Luke was a good father – the best. Claude was not a good father, Marigold had decided long ago. Even before Ma had explained what happened, that he’d been shot by another gambler when he’d cheated, she’d known he wasn’t a good father. Or even a good man.
It had haunted her for years, but finally knowing the truth had helped to chase the ghosts away.
On the other hand, Luke was amongst the best of them. It wasn’t the big house, or the expensive clothes. It wasn’t even the maid he insisted they have. It was the fact he spent time with his family. He’d told her much about his terrible upbringing since they married, and had long decided his children would not endure the same.
His business was thriving, even more than it had been before, but since Luke had installed a manager, he’d been able to cut back his hours. He wanted to spend more time with his family, and Marigold admired him for it.
She was far from pleased when she discovered he owned a saloon, and she was terribly upset about the brothel. He’d explained he didn’t own the brothel, but hired rooms out to the soiled doves. He didn’t feel right running a business like that. Finally knowing how his business was run, made her love him even more.
Luke had morals despite his upbringing, and it filled her with pride.
Marigold watched as he crossed the floor and swooped up little Elizabeth. “What has Papa told you about touching the Christmas tree?” he asked, his voice gentle.
“Not to touch it.” Her bottom lip trembled as her head hung low, and Luke patted Elizabeth’s back as he leaned her over his shoulder.
“Don’t be upset,” he said gently. “Just don’t do it. Papa doesn’t want it to fall on top of you and hurt you.”
She suddenly came up to face him, a grin on her face. “Alright, Papa,” she said, then wriggled about until Luke put her back on the floor. She ran into the corner of the room Marigold had set up as a play area and swooped up her favorite rag doll, cuddling it close to her chest.
Marigold came to stand next to him. “We did good,” she said quietly.
Luke studied her face. “We certainly did,” he said, as he laid his hand across her belly. His arm slid up around her, and he pulled her closer. “I love you so much,” he said, kissing her gently. “I’ll never stop loving you.”
Marigold couldn’t stop the tears that slid down her face. She wondered where she’d be right now if Love Struck had told her to leave Luke and find someone else.
She shook her head. Luke was her forever love, and she knew deep in her heart that she would never have left him. They would be together for the rest of their lives.
The End
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Thank you so much for reading my book – I hope you enjoyed it.
I would greatly appreciate you leaving a review, even if it is only a one-liner. It helps to have my books more visible!
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