Epilogue
One Year Later
Katherine watched Ellie Mae crawl toward her brother. Could the small girl truly be a year old? It didn’t seem possible, but the year had passed slowly all the same.
The year had been difficult, but they were in the house now. And well settled. Wyatt had poured every available moment into rebuilding. Their home was beautiful. Everything she could have hoped for.
Wyatt picked up Ellie Mae and wrapped an arm around Jack.
The boy had shot up in the last couple of months. Would he ever stop growing? His interest in reading mysteries deepened and he had begun regaling his family with his own stories.
But Susie had perhaps changed the most—talking and even starting to read. But she seemed less baby now, more little girl. Her hair had grown in length and thickness. Now her curls slid down her back, giving Katherine a lot of trouble when it came time to brush it. And she was the best little helper with her sister.
As Wyatt stepped across the room, Katherine wondered if anyone would notice his slight limp. Unless they were looking for it. He sat by Katherine and gave her a wink. “The tree is lovely.”
This year, Katherine had focused on their own celebration, letting responsibility for the town’s festivities fall to someone else. It was worth it.
Their family tree, decorated with ribbon and popcorn, provided an added warmth to the great room. It had become a wonderful draw for them as they gathered around it each evening. And that’s all she wanted—family togetherness as they worshipped God and remembered the birth of His Son.
Wyatt’s deep baritone hummed a tune.
Ellie Mae leaned against his chest.
Katherine closed her eyes and let the melody fill her.
Soon enough, he vocalized the words to O Holy Night as Katherine pulled Susie into her lap, hugging the child and pressing a kiss to her head.
And it was…a most holy night indeed.
* * *
The train jerked as it slowed and stopped. But the passenger paid it no mind. He was home. For how long, he did not know. Had time healed old wounds? Or would his heart ache as if the slighting had happened recently?
Gathering his few things, he joined the small crowd moving toward the exit.
He peered through a window in an attempt to spy his mother. Her last letter said she would come. Would she? Or would the cold keep her in?
It was no matter.
Stepping down onto the platform, he turned this way and that, taking in the sights and atmosphere of Cripple Creek.
Regardless of the train and other changes, it was home. And always would be. How could he have let her run him off? No longer.
And so, he squared his shoulders, all the more determined to go after his mission.
Yes, whether or not this town was ready, whether she was ready, Timothy Johnson had arrived.
About the Author
Sara is a coffee lovin', word slinging, Historical Romance author whose superpower is converting caffeine into novels. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires her. Well, that and a good love story.
But of all the love stories she knows, hers is her favorite. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.
Sara has penned several Clean Historical Romance novels and novellas. And she finds great joy in sharing her stories with the world
Happy Reading!
Christmas In Cripple Creek (Hope In Cripple Creek Book 2) Page 10
