Austin rushed over to meet her. “What? Did something happen? Is she okay?”
“Just give me a second,” she said, trailing back toward the room.
Austin paced the floor, contemplating what Moira could have meant. Removing his hat, he ran his fingers through his hair before deciding he’d had enough. Just as he was about to race to the back, he saw her—the face of his angel.
“I’m fine,” Emma-Jean said, appearing with a young girl.
Adam and Chloe ran to her cheering. Austin’s eyes widened and slowly a growing smile came over his face.
“I don’t have to leave you, and I’m sorry for hurting you.”
“Is this for real? You can really stay?” he asked, nearing her.
“I can stay.” He lifted her into the air and spun her around.
Once her feet were back on the floor, she reached out her hand and Gracie walked over.
“Everyone. This is my friend, Gracie.”
“Hi, Gracie,” they all said, sounding like an offbeat choir.
“But how?” Austin asked.
“I sent her a letter before I left telling her where I was and about her uncle. She got it and found her way to Heartsbridge. Speaking of which.” Emma-Jean took Gracie’s hand. “That man right there is your uncle’s son. Jesse is your cousin.” Her voice was filled with excitement as she made the introductions.
Jesse walked over to her and held out his hand.
“Hello, cousin Gracie.” Showing her the picture, Jesse said, “This is my father.”
Gracie dropped her bag and the two of them embraced.
“Well, now we know what was wrong with my timepiece. I’ve never had this happen before—someone coming just as someone else was leaving. I wonder if it was because of the deep love and caring between Emma-Jean and Gracie?”
Much to be Thankful For
It was Thanksgiving Day. With so much to be thankful for, Austin had discussed it with Emma-Jean, and they’d decided to have Jesse, Abagail, Gracie, and Moira over for dinner. This would be the first time he’d hosted a dinner party, but with Emma-Jean’s help, he knew it would be okay.
He could tell she was looking forward to the get together, so even when he’d had his doubts about it, he never mentioned it. Besides, it was hard for him not to look forward to it. Emma-Jean and the children had been decorating and baking for two days. Gracie had even come by to help.
Emma-Jean was so kind, supportive, and understanding, Austin had only wanted to make sure she’d known how much he appreciated her. But rather than allowing him to do most of the work, since it had been his idea, she’d taken over, with Chloe in tow as her helper.
Soon the guests arrived. Moira had come with food and gifts for the children. If he hadn’t known better, he would have thought it was Christmas.
With them all sitting at the table, Austin thought it would be the perfect time for him and everyone there to say what they were thankful for. Plus, it would be good for the children as well.
He tapped the spoon against the glass gently three times to get everyone’s attention.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming out. I also want to thank you for your support. I don’t know where I would be without you.” He turned to Emma-Jean who was sitting with her hands pressed together, smiling up at him.
“Emma-Jean, I’m so grateful for you. You’ve touch my heart with your actions and words, every day. I’ll forever be grateful for the way you’ve changed our lives.”
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Okay, who’s next?”
“I’ll go,” Emma-Jean said.
“I want to thank each and every one of you here for accepting me and my circumstances. I thank you for your support and for helping me realize who I truly am and where I truly belong. It’s here, with you Austin, Hanna, Chloe, and Adam. You all have changed my life. All of you have, and I thank you.”
“I’m next,” Chloe said from the children’s table. “I’m thankful for my daddy Austin, for Hanna, for Adam, Moira, Abagail, and Emma-Jean, and Mr. Jesse. And my dolls, and for ice cream, and for angels because my daddy Jacob is one.”
She went on and on for about two minutes before Austin cleared his throat.
“I’m not finished, Daddy.”
“I know, I just wanted to say if we take too long, the ice cream will melt.”
“Oh yeah. Okay. And I’m thankful for everything in the world. Next.”
Everyone burst into laughter. They continued to acknowledge what they were most grateful for and at the end of the night the children had fallen asleep even before the guests had left.
Emma-Jean and Austin were exhausted. They both sank into the sofa, her on one end and him on the other, thankful for peace and quiet.
Before long, Emma-Jean had fallen asleep.
Even as she slept, a shy smile pushed up at the corner of her mouth. He studied her intensely, trying to commit to memory every part of her—the mole on the right side of her mouth, and her high cheekbones with a natural red undertone that made her look as if she was wearing makeup all the time.
It seemed like forever was well within their reach.
Epilogue
Never in a million years had he thought he could be so happy. And though, he still grieved his brother’s passing, he’d been able to find peace and comfort. It had come in a way he’d never thought was possible.
The church was filled with people who loved and supported him, his children, and his new soon-to-be-bride.
Gracie called Jesse “Uncle” although Austin was sure that if their fathers were brothers, that would make Jesse and her cousins. But that wasn’t relevant. What was important was that he was surrounded by family and people who were happy, and he’d do anything for.
He was grateful to have friends like Abagail and Jesse. The world needed more people who believed in happy ever after and who were open to the possibility of things existing past what was known.
He watched as Gracie walked down the aisle, holding a single rose. He could easily see why Emma-Jean had loved her so dearly. She was a sweet girl and deserved every bit of happiness thrown her way. She’d been spending a lot of time with one of the guys who worked part-time at the shop while attending college full-time. They were hitting it off well. When and if the time ever came and she wanted to tell him her secret, he’d be there to support her.
Abagail came down the walkway next. She looked happy and wore a long, pale blue silk dress Emma-Jean had made. She’d said it was by far the prettiest dress she’d ever seen. And although he wasn’t into fashion, Austin could see how it could be. He looked over at Jesse who stood beside him, watching attentively with a look of admiration at his wife as she neared him. Her eyes had been glued to him as well and when she took her place across from him at the altar, he whispered he loved her and she said the same.
Adam strolled down the aisle carrying the rings on the pillow. His cheeks were red from all the blushing he was doing. Austin’s heart grew full as he observed him turning each time someone called his name, waving and smiling. He was happy that the problem with his hearing had been identified and even more gratified that his wife-to-be had known enough to recognize there was a problem.
And though, he wished their mother would have been better fit to at least be around, he had no regrets about how things had turned out. He’d decided the only way to protect the children from her wrath was to go through legal channels, and so he had. The judge had dismissed the case and granted him full and permanent custody rights when, their mother Lana, had shown up to court drunk. He was just glad to have been able to spare the children’s feelings. They’d been through enough.
The shop was doing well, so well that he’d been able to pay off the loan in no time. The ranch was his, free and clear. And with the improvements he’d made, the value had increased drastically. But that didn’t matter, because there was no way he’d sell his family home. And just as he and his brother had
been raised there, so would Chloe, Adam, and Hanna.
It had been a long journey, sometimes painful but mostly joyful. He’d go through it all again just to have the same outcome.
Chloe came down behind Adam, wearing a white lace dress Emma-Jean had made for her. But this time, it was made of material purchased from the linen store rather than his mother’s old tablecloth. He chuckled to himself at the thought, still amazed by how beautiful she’d looked in it.
Abagail had explained to Emma-Jean how modern-day traditional weddings worked and that the only difference between the matron and maid of honor was that one was married and the other wasn’t. She and Moira had been more than happy to do all the planning, cooking, and organizing.
Emma-Jean had spent most of her time making dresses and décor. Word had traveled quickly of her sewing skills. Before long, several of the women in Heartsbridge and nearby towns had started paying her to make dresses and other things. If it could be put together with a needle and thread, she could do it.
It wasn’t teaching but she seemed to love making things almost as much as she loved being around children. With Abagail’s help, she planned to rent a vacant space and build a daycare.
With the shops doing well, Austin had been able to hire a manager and dependable staff which meant he didn’t have to be there as much and he could build the ranch again. Get back to his real love, being on the land, and working with livestock.
Austin laid eyes on his bride, standing at the edge of the room. Everyone stood, watching in awe as she walked down the aisle. Moira walked behind her, just to make sure the train of her dress didn’t get caught on anything.
It looked as if she had a spotlight beaming down on her. From the moment he’d laid eyes on Emma-Jean, he hadn’t considered anyone else.
Her hair was loosely braided on each side with long golden locks hanging down her back. A light pink gloss coated her lips. Her headpiece was white lace and made of cedar leaves, cherry blossoms and pearls. It graced the elegant hairstyle like a crown, and matched her bouquet perfectly.
The long-sleeved, vintage style, floor length dress she wore swayed from side to side with every step she took. It looked as if it had been made for a queen and she was that queen—elegant, graceful, and flawless.
Like a magnet, he felt himself being drawn to her and even before she reached the halfway point, he went to meet her. The room was filled with awe as he walked up to his bride and escorted her back to the altar.
Her smile was like medicine for his soul.
Their gazes never left each other even as they prepared to say their vows.
He went first.
“From the moment, I laid eyes on you, I was drawn to you. I didn’t know why exactly but I knew there was something special about you. You proved to me that love at first sight really does exist.
“I was a broken man when we met, struggling to do the right thing. I didn’t know how to be a family man, and I fought every day just to do the basic things and sometimes even to breathe. You were my oxygen. What joy I had came from the children. But you came along and held us all, giving us something that we desperately needed. You.
“Emma-Jean Aldridge, not only are you gorgeous on the outside, because you are. But you’re also beautiful on the inside. Every day, with a grateful heart, I think the Higher Power for you. I promise to love, cherish, and adore you for as long as I live.”
He placed the ring on her finger.
The preacher nodded. “It’s your turn, Emma-Jean.”
She smiled as her eyes went from him to Austin. He smiled back and gave her trembling hand a gentle squeeze.
“Austin McNeil, I closed my heart to the idea of having a husband and children of my own. But then I met you, Chloe, Adam, and Hanna and you made me see things differently.
“It wasn’t long before my fears were replaced by a longing, a desire, to be with you. I’d always said I didn’t want a family of my own because if something happened to me, I didn’t want my children to be alone. But you made me see things differently. You made me realize it was better to have once loved and lost rather than to have never given love a chance. And because of it, I’m here now, surrounded by people who love me and who I love dearly. Whereas not too long ago, I was just a lonely girl in a world all by herself. Thank you for opening my eyes. Thank you for loving me. I’ll forever be grateful and will spend my life showing you. I love you, Austin McNeil.”
It was her turn to place the ring she’d been holding onto his finger and she did.
The preacher cleared his throat before proceeding.
“This couple has asked me to end with these words as they set off to start their lives together, living as one.
“What is bound by honor, saved by love, and destined by time, let no man come in between, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Austin McNeil, you may kiss your bride.”
I hope you enjoyed Timeless Honor…if you could head back to Amazon and leave a review, it would be greatly appreciated!
**IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ JESSE AND ABAGAIL’S STORY - CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR COPY OF TIMELESS OUTLAW ON AMAZON…
Keep reading for an excerpt from the next book in the Timeless Hearts Series - Timeless Bond by Peggy L. Henderson
If you’d like to pick up the previous books in the series, click here to get them on Amazon.
Timeless Bond Excerpt
Chapter 1
“I’m going to do this, and no one is going to stop me or talk me out of it.”
Amber Milligan paced the slick faux-wood floor in the living room of her tiny apartment, holding her cell phone to her head. She could almost glide across the floor in her fuzzy socks. Her other hand trembled as she stuck the end of a cigarette in her mouth and took a long drag.
“Have you completely lost your mind, Amber?”
Her cousin, Ashley, screeched in a raised voice through the speaker of the phone.
“I’ve had enough. There’s nothing anyone can do for me. I’m not exactly sure yet when and how, but I thought you should know, since you’re family. I was hoping I could count on you to help me figure it out.”
Amber exhaled, then took another quick drag before squashing the cigarette butt next to the half-eaten sandwich on the plate that sat on the coffee table.
“Are you smoking something? Don’t lie to me that you’re not. I can hear it in the way you’re breathing. I’ve warned you before, those things will kill you.”
Amber laughed. “Like it’s going to make a difference in the end.”
On the other end of the line, Ashley huffed. “You’re right about one thing, Amber. I’m family, not to mention your best friend, and that is exactly why you are out of your mind if you think I’m going to support you in this cockamamie idea. I understand things are rough, but there’s got to be a different solution.”
Amber stared up at the ceiling, her eyes stinging from the second-hand smoke that hovered in the air. She blinked away the burning feeling and sniffled. Why couldn’t anyone understand?
Maybe it had been a stupid idea to confide in her cousin what she’d planned to do. It was probably better if no one knew. Truth be told, though, she was scared, and she’d wanted to tell someone. Clearly, telling Ashley had been a mistake.
“Amber, don’t do anything impulsive. Do you want me to come to Texas? We can talk and have girls’ night, like we used to.” A slight laugh came from the phone. “If you want, I’ll invite my friend, Morgan, too. I know you and she got along really well before.”
Amber nodded. She hugged her arm around her waist and continued pacing the room.
“Amber?”
“Sorry. Yeah, I heard you.”
She reached for her pack of cigarettes on the table, glanced at it, then tossed it aside. Maybe later she’d smoke the entire pack. Right now, she’d only get another scolding from Ashley about the dangers of smoking. She squeezed her eyes shut and laughed silently.
“What happened with that guy you were seeing, Chris?”
<
br /> Amber opened her eyes at the unexpected question. She clenched the phone in her hand, pressing it against her ear.
“It didn’t work out.” No need to go into detail.
“You said you really liked him.” Clearly, Ashley was trying to change the subject and divert her away from the reason for the phone call.
Amber ran her hand under her nose. “Yeah, well, some things just aren’t meant to be. Especially not for me. I certainly can’t have a long-term relationship with a guy, now can I?”
“Did you tell him?” Obviously, Ashley was ignoring the last remark.
Amber paused. “No, I never told anyone, other than you.”
After a slight pause, Ashley continued in her enthusiastic voice, “Well, if you really like this guy, maybe you should tell him. Maybe you two could get back together.”
Amber shook her head. She held her free hand up in front of her face, rotating it to study her trembling fingers without really seeing them.
“It’s really not fair to him, is it? Even if he does know. Either way, it’s too late for that. He’s moved on.”
“How do you know?”
Amber shook her head. Ashley was always so optimistic.
“The last time I saw him was a few weeks ago. He showed up out of the blue to tell me he’d moved on, that he’d met someone and he was going to a better place.” She laughed, a dry, sarcastic laugh. “Sounds like what I want to do, too.”
Despite all her efforts, the tears began to fall. She squeezed her trembling lips together, as well as her eyes. “I wish I had been honest with him, of all people. He really was a good guy.”
“Amber, you need someone like that in your life. It can make a world of difference.”
Amber scoffed. “Not in my case. Besides, I messed up too many times. It’s too late for me.”
“Stop talking like that.” Ashley’s voice rose. She was getting agitated. Good thing she was hundreds of miles away in California. “It’s never too late. What exactly happened between you two?”
Timeless Honor (Timeless Hearts #7) Page 9
