Epilogue

On was a glorious Wyoming morning, Sarah silently thanked God for her bountiful blessings—far too many to list. Beside her, Walker handled the buggy reins as he drove home from church services. Reverend Baird’s sermon this morning had been on forgiveness.

Now, that was a subject she and Walker knew a lot about.

Not much had changed in the past two years, yet everything had. Abe had gone to be with the Lord and Papa and Wadsy had moved to Wyoming to help care for the children and be cared for themselves. Sarah turned to watch them in the backseat, trying to keep the twins out of trouble. S.H. and Flo still ran the ranch.

“Lawsy me, I never heard such chatterin’ in all my born days,” the old nanny chided.

“Just like their mama,” Papa added, drawing one of the two identical redhaired girls to his chest for a big Grandpa hug.

“Land sakes, you’re sweet as honey,” Wadsy said to the child on her lap, “though I would appreciate a decent night’s sleep. Do these young’uns ever intend to sleep a full night through?”

Sarah grinned at Walker. “We were hoping you could tell us, Wadsy.”

“Maybe I could watch them for a few nights,” Papa suggested. “Take them off your hands for you.”

“Mr. Livingston, these girls would run you to bits. You gotta remember your health!”

“Wadsy, don’t start with me—”

Sarah grinned at Walker. Leaning closer, she whispered, “I haven’t had the nerve to tell them we’re expecting again.”

Winking, he grinned at her. “I don’t think they’ll mind.”

“What you two a-whisperin’ ’bout up there?” Wadsy asked as Millie scrambled from her lap to the floor of the buggy. Molly extended her arms to the nanny, so Wadsy and Papa traded children.

“Nothing much,” Sarah said over her shoulder. She turned to her husband and squeezed his arm. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

“I don’t mind hearing it again.”

“I do—with all my heart.”

His affectionate squeeze back told her all she needed to know. He was reserved around Wadsy and Papa, but he made up for it when they were alone.

Sarah Elaine Livingston McKay’s dreams had all come true. She’d married the man of her dreams. The second wedding had been before God, in church, with baskets of flowers and family and friends in attendance. No barbecue permitted.

Today, she was the mother of two perfect little redheaded girls who, as their father had feared, had indeed inherited their mother’s stubborn tendencies. S.H. and Flo were happy there were heirs to the Walker fortune, so there was little to fuss about at Spring Grass these days.

Only Caleb concerned her now. She had long ago forgiven him, but Walker was still working on it. He had pressed charges against the banker, who was now serving a prison sentence for embezzlement and attempted murder. Sarah hoped he had learned his lesson and would be released early for good behavior. Everyone needed forgiveness.

All in all, Sarah was happier than she’d ever dreamed possible. If anyone were to ask, she’d still say it was best to seek God’s will for your life, though the road might not always be easy.

That Sarah McKay knew from personal experience.