Epilogue

Two months later

Today, they would finally learn the fate of her beloved Rancho Regalo de Esperanza. Honor gripped Ash’s hand in eager anticipation.

“Be seated,” Judge Bowen said as he shuffled some papers then looked out at them. “I want to apologize for the delay on the appeal to Orrin Cahill’s will. I know it has affected some of you more than others.” He looked directly at Honor.

Judge Bowen rested his elbows on his desk and steepled his fingers. “The serious accusation against Judge Carl Sutton required careful investigation. He made more than one questionable verdict or performed dubious actions during court cases, including that of Orrin Cahill’s will. Therefore, he has been removed from his position, pending further examination.”

The judge looked directly at Ash. “Mr. Ashton Rutherford Junior admits he offered a bribe to Judge Sutton, though no money actually changed hands. Mr. Rutherford has cooperated with my investigation in every way, so this court has issued a stern warning but will take no further action at this time.”

With a grim expression, Ash nodded to Judge Bowen.

Honor sighed. The Rutherfords had stayed in Santa Rosa while the court investigated. Twice, she and Ash had attempted to make contact with his mother and sisters but were turned away at the boardinghouse door. Soon after the second attempt, they learned that Judge Bowen granted Ash’s father permission to return to Philadelphia for a family emergency, and the family left.

“Now … on to the decisions at hand. Honor Rutherford, I have found the deed, written and signed by your father, which gives you twenty-five-hundred acres and eighty cattle, to be valid. That land and herd are yours. All further discussions will reference only the remaining three thousand acres.”

Ash squeezed her hand, and she returned the gesture, thankful that part of her father’s wishes would be honored.

“Nathaniel Cahill, you contested your father’s will on the grounds that your sister’s marriage was fraudulent. I disagree. They were married before God in a Petaluma church. Their marriage certificate was signed by a reverend and two witnesses. It’s a legitimate union, though the timing is questionable in light of the reading of the will. However, there’s no reason that should negate the provision of the will. Thus, I award the final three thousand acres of Rancho Regalo de Esperanza to Honor Cahill Rutherford.”

A grin exploded across Honor’s face, and tension drained from her body. Ash looped his arm around her shoulders.

Lord, thank You. You’ve blessed us greatly, despite our quick beginnings. I love You, and I love this man—more than I thought possible.

Across the aisle, Nate grunted, and the judge speared him with a fiery look. “I’ve been informed of the intimidating actions you’ve taken against this couple … poisonous snakes thrown at their feet or set loose in their home, sneaking around their property after dark, and the like. If I get word of any more, shall we say, uncharitable behavior by you—or those working for you—I will take a long, hard look into your history. I am fairly certain to find things, knowing the man you are. Be warned, Nathaniel Cahill: you don’t want to be on my bad side.” Judge Bowen paused to look over the room. “Now if there is no further business …” He reached for his gavel.

Heart pounding, Honor nodded to Ash.

Her husband stood. “Your Honor?”

Judge Bowen stilled. “Is there a problem, Mr. Rutherford?”

“No, sir.” He reached for Honor’s hand and tugged her to her feet. “My wife and I would like to make Mr. Cahill an offer, and we wanted to do it in front of the court, for the record.”

Surprise registered on the judge’s face, and suspicion on Nate’s.

“What offer?”

Honor cleared her throat. “Sir, we’d like to offer Nate fifteen hundred acres.” She turned toward Nate. “As a peace offering. We’re neighbors … and family. Papa would have wanted us to be on friendly terms.”

Stunned silence fell. “You’re giving me fifteen hundred acres. Free and clear?”

“I ask nothing except that we work at being neighborly.”

Nate’s expression shifted from suspicion to confusion.

Judge Bowen leaned forward. “Mr. Cahill, will you take the land?”

Nate nodded. “Reckon I will.”

The judge turned to them. “Do you have particular boundaries in mind for the division of the land?”

Ash looked Nate’s way. “We have some thoughts, but we’re willing to negotiate privately.”

Judge Bowen looked at Nate as well. “They’re giving you a gift, Mr. Cahill. Be grateful, and don’t let greed rule your negotiations.”

“Yes, sir.”

“We’re adjourned.” One bang of Judge Bowen’s gavel set the courtroom in motion.

Nate ambled their way. “If you were so hell-bent as to marry a stranger to keep all the land, why’d you give me some of it?”

Honor shrugged. “I never wanted all of it, Nate. But the will said I had to be married to have any of it. You had the land Papa gave you. I wanted a piece, too, to feel connected to Mama and Papa. By giving you these acres, we both have equal parts. I’m hoping it might end some of the bitterness between us.” After much discussion and prayer, she and Ash had decided to offer Nate the olive branch, hoping it could soften his heart—toward them and God.

His jaw muscle popped. “It might … we’ll see.”

Honor smiled. The begrudging statement gave her a kernel of hope for bigger changes to come, though she knew it might take years for true reconciliation. “Come to dinner tomorrow. We can talk about dividing the land.”

After arranging the details, Nate departed. Teagan and Ellie waited near the door, and as they all exited the courtroom, Teagan shook Ash’s hand and winked at her. “Congrats. Hope you two can get settled once and for all.”

Honor laced her fingers with Ash’s and smiled. “We have some work to do, but it’ll be nice to make the house ours.”

Ellie sidled up next to her. “Julia and I are available if you need help.”

Outside, they talked briefly before parting from the Donovans.

“Ash?” A woman’s voice called as they headed toward their wagon.

They both turned. Near the corner of the courthouse building sat Gwendolyn Rutherford and her two daughters.

“Mother?” Ash released Honor’s hand and hurried toward them. Both Eliza and Lucy launched into his arms.

Hanging back to give them a moment, Honor smiled at the warmth with which he hugged his sisters and mother.

“We heard you’d gone back home.”

“We did … and your sisters and I have returned.”

“Without Father …” His tone held a twinge of sadness.

Tears pooled in Ash’s mother’s eyes. “You know how fiercely prideful your father can be. But don’t lose hope. When he saw how heartbroken the girls have been, he grudgingly agreed that we could return for a lengthier visit.”

Ash offered a solemn nod. “It’s a start.”

“It is. Now …” With a genuine smile, Gwendolyn approached and drew Honor into a warm embrace. “I’d like to know the brave young lady who captured my son’s heart.”