“DON’T MAKE IT TOO HIGH.” Emma cautioned, “They’re still babies.”

Sarah placed a snoozing Abby on the floor beside Little Tyler and took the other rocker. “They’ve been working on that swing all morning.”

“I know,” laughed Emma, “Papa and Ty have talked about nothing all week except getting it done.” She looked down at her sleeping son. “He’s only three months old. It’s not like he and Abby will be using it anytime soon.”

“I can’t believe Rafe is doing so good. Look at him. You’d never know it was less than a year ago, he was at death’s door.”

“I know. I just thank God he recovered.” She shivered as a chill raced over her. “Leo actually tried to poison him with arsenic.” She shook her head. “He thought since he was so ill, a little bit would push him over the edge and their plan would work.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “It nearly did.”

“Prison is too good for both of them.” Sarah snapped, “They should’ve hung for what they did.”

“Well, Papa is fine and they won’t bother anyone else anytime soon, so let’s be happy about that.”

“You’re right. How’s the new house coming? When do you think they will be done with it?”

Emma’s smiled returned as she thought of the beautiful home being built on the knoll near the creek. The home her husband was building for them. “Ty said it will be done by the end of summer.” Her smile wavered a bit. “I worry about Papa being here all alone but he insisted we needed our own place. And it’s not like we won’t see him all the time.”

“He’s right. You need your own place.” She looked toward the three grown men taking turns trying out the swing. “You’re going to have to have one of those there, too.”

“I know.”

“What about the cooking lessons?”

“Lupe told me yesterday she’ll just do the cooking from now on.” Emma snickered. “I’m good at coffee and bacon and eggs, nothing more. She’s going to help me find someone for when we move.”

Sarah grinned. “But I think you have being a wife and mother down pat.”

Emma met Ty’s happy gaze. “I thought I didn’t know anything about being a woman. Turns out, I know how to love. And that’s all there is to it.”

 

 

 

THE END