Epilogue

 

The first day of June arrived. Horses grazed in the pasture, and in the freshly cultivated tree farm the blue spruce trees grew in neatly manicured rows. It seemed the entire township of Meadow Creek had gathered around the newly constructed gazebo overlooking the Kootenay River at Hope Ranch. Wade and Addison stood in the middle of the beautifully decorated summerhouse. They held hands as they stood behind a long table laden with food and an extra-long sheet cake decorated in pink, blue, yellow, and green flowers, set in the table’s center.

Wade welcomed everyone. “Today is a special day in more ways than one. Hope Ranch is officially an event and vacation destination resort.” He extended his hands toward the crowd. “My lovely wife and I extend our appreciation to all of our friends and welcome you, the first of our guests.”

A large easel covered with a baby blanket stood behind Wade.

Nell yelled, “The suspense is killing us. How long are you going to keep us waiting?”

A round of cheerful disgruntlements hooted.

Ruby Raye stood with her arm looped through Nell’s. She beamed up at Addison. “Come on—is it a girl or a boy? We wanna know.”

Wade held up his hand to quiet the crowd. He turned to Addison and smiled as he nodded. He said to their family, friends and guests, “Give us the count down.”

Voices rang out, “Five…four…three—ˮ

When the count ended with one, Wade and Addison each grabbed a corner of the blanket and folded it over the easel to reveal a poster-sized hand-crafted baby announcement that read:

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

We are due with

Not one, but

TWO!

Sadie and Sawyer

Expected to arrive

Christmas Day!

A proud gleam flashed in Wade’s gray eyes. Addison gave him her own proud gaze in return. His laughter was warm and rich as he wrapped her in his arms.