Extended Epilogue

One Year Later

The bed creaked beneath Emily as she rolled to her side, throwing her feet over the edge, her bare feet hitting the warm wooden floors of her and Howard’s bedroom. She glanced over to his empty side, letting out a sigh as she took in the ruffled sheets and quilt. She was sure he had taken off for an early morning ride, out to check fences and pastures. But the closer they got to the due date, the more rides he took, his apprehension visible to everyone in the house, even Toby and Maria. A gentle nudge broke her thoughts, and her hands flew to her protruding stomach, smiling as she felt the pressing of her unborn baby. The pregnancy had been rather easy once she had made it through the morning nausea, but now she was plagued with aches and pains different than she had ever felt before. Regardless, she was excited for their family to grow.

She’s going to be beautiful.

Emily was certain it was a girl, though Howard and Mattie always disagreed, adamantly proclaiming it was a boy. Mattie had really stepped up in the last year and now that he was fourteen, he was helping out more and more on the ranch. His help was a gift, giving Howard and Toby a much-needed break sometimes—and she was sure Mattie was hoping for a boy so he, himself, would one day get a break. Emily would be happy with a boy, too, but her dreams and gut were telling her otherwise.

Scarlett was in agreeance with Emily, however, being dead set that it was indeed a girl. She was so confident, she had already begun to sew a doll, similar to the one her mother had sewn for her. Emily had watched her toil for endless hours, humming to herself as she sewed and cut. It was almost complete, only lacking the final buttons. Emily had already crafted a variety of clothing and blankets herself, and Howard had crafted the most darling cradle. She was only a month or so away from delivery, and she was more ready than ever, as was her aching back.

Lazily, Emily pulled on a dress that she had let the seams out of. She was running out of clothing—another reason why she was more than ready to have the baby on the outside of her body. Sighing, she padded to the kitchen, readying a breakfast for herself and the twins. Sometimes Howard swung back by the house to eat, but oftentimes his rides lasted too long, and he’d have to go straight to work. For the first few times he went out, Emily became nervous, concerned for his well-being as well as her own. Even though she knew the threat was gone, the memories still haunted her for months.

“Good morning,” Scarlett said, her voice still groggy with sleep, causing Emily to jerk upright. She hadn’t heard her coming like she usually did.

“Morning,” Emily smiled at her, taking in her long dark hair and bright eyes. In the last year, Scarlett was suddenly resembling more of a young woman, rather than a girl. It showed not only in the way her body had changed but also even in the way she carried herself. She held her head high and shoulders back and had a much daintier way about her. Scarlett had also begun reading some of Emily’s books, though she was certain Howard hadn’t realized it. She was starry-eyed and her adventurous spirit was growing.

And her feelings for the boy at the lumber yard.

Emily’s mind took her back to the dark-headed boy that was clearly head over heels for Scarlett. When they had made the trip for supplies, back before Emily knew she was pregnant, the young man she had spoken of had sought her out, and Howard’s face had gone bright red as the two flirted. Scarlett hadn’t stopped talking about him for months, though it had tapered off with the excitement of the baby drawing so close. Pain suddenly erupted, and Emily’s attention broke away from her thoughts.

“How about I make breakfast this morning?” Scarlett offered as Emily grabbed the counter, a shooting pain ripping through her side. “Are you alright?” she asked, her eyes wide as Emily glanced up at her, Emily’s face scrunched from the pain.

“I think it was just a false contraction,” Emily huffed, taking a deep breath as it subsided. “They have been coming on and off now for a day or so, though I have to say that was much worse than the ones I felt yesterday.”

“Should I send Mattie for Maria?” Scarlett asked, her brow creased with concern. “I mean, you’re only a month out, and Maria had both of her girls around this time, I think.”

Emily sighed, wiping the beading sweat from her forehead. “I don’t think it’s necessary yet, besides,” she said, forcing a smile. “She is coming by this afternoon anyway.”

Scarlett let out a sigh, pushing her dark hair from her face. “I’m still fixin’ breakfast—you sit down,” she said as she pulled out a chair, nodding for Emily to sit.

“Are you sure?” Emily said as she pursed her lips, hesitantly rocking from foot to foot, shifting her weight to relieve the dull ache in her back.

“Absolutely,” Scarlett said, going to Emily, and ushering her to the chair to sit. “I’ve gotten real good at cooking, you know,” she added as Emily plopped down, letting out a breath of relief.

“You have,” Emily nodded, smiling at Scarlett as she took over the kitchen. “I’m proud of you, honey.”

Scarlett shot her a warm smile, before returning to the task at hand. Emily glanced out the window, her eyes following the vast landscape of the desert. As the months had passed, it had grown on her—she especially had appreciated the mild winter. Her body had grown used to the dryness of the air and the heat of the days. As the sun rose into the morning sky, the grasses and shrubbery blew in the wind, the sand and dirt kicking up in swirls. A smile tugged at Emily’s lips.

This is home.

She watched as Scarlett cooked, wiping the sweat from her face with Emily’s apron. Scarlett had begun to mimic a lot of the ways Emily did things—Howard pointed it out often in amusement, but she could tell he was touched by it. Emily, herself, was thankful for the bond that had formed between the two.

Emily leaned back in the chair, shutting her eyes. A door opened and footsteps came heavily down the hallway—though not near as heavy as Howard’s. Without even opening her eyes, she knew Mattie had returned to the house after morning chores, ready for breakfast. They had all fallen into a routine together, and the twins seemed more helpful than ever. Emily attributed it to a mixture of both their maturity and growing closer as a family unit.

“Are you alright?” his now deepened voice asked, a tinge of concern ringing through his question.

“I’m fine, Mattie,” Emily said, though it came out in more of a groan, as another pain shot through her stomach. She squeezed her eyes tightly, unable to open them for a few moments.

“I don’t think she’s fine,” Mattie said, his voice faltering a little. Even with her eyes shut, Emily knew it was directed towards Scarlett, and she was sure Mattie’s face was contorted with worry. She breathed her way through the cramp, exhaling softly as it began to fade.

“Maria will be here this afternoon,” Scarlett reasoned, her voice sounding as though she was shrugging. “She said she was having these kinds of pains yesterday, too.”

“Should I go get Howard?” Mattie asked, his voice sounding more urgent than ever in response to Scarlett’s lack of it.

Emily opened her eyes and looked over at Mattie, nearly erupting in laughter as she was met with his wide shocked eyes. “I really am fine, Mattie,” she said, giggling a little as his eyebrows shot up. “Everything is fine.”

He studied her face for a moment, before finally letting out a sigh. “Well…” he paused, his voice trailing off. “Is it at least breakfast time then?”

“Yes,” Scarlett answered with a laugh, walking over with two plates in her hands, loaded with the food she had made. She sat one plate down for Emily and the other in front of the empty place setting where Mattie usually sat. “Is Howard coming in to eat?” Scarlett asked Mattie as she headed back to make her own.

“I think so,” Mattie said, as he plopped down and grabbed a fork. “He sure was actin’ weird this morning. You’d think he was the one who was gonna have a baby.”

Emily took a bite of bacon, looking over Mattie, her eyebrows raised. “It’s Howard’s baby, too, you know,” she said, unable to hide the amusement in her voice.

“Yeah,” Mattie shrugged. “But he ain’t the one who has to do the birthing part. You poor women get the worst of it—from what Maria says anyway.”

Emily and Scarlett both laughed, exchanging an amused look between each other. Mattie rolled his eyes and dug into his food, inhaling it. He was at the age where he seemed to be a bottomless pit—eating anything and everything that was put in front of him.

“Well, what’s so funny?” Howard’s voice boomed behind them, startling all three.

“I didn’t even hear you come in,” Emily said in surprise, spinning around to see her husband, looking as handsome as ever.

He smiled at her and leaned over giving her a soft greeting kiss before sitting down beside her in the empty chair. Scarlett sat down a plate of breakfast in front of him, and he nodded as a thank you.

“She’s havin’ weird pains this morning,” Mattie said, his mouth full of biscuit, as he nodded towards Emily, who hadn’t eaten more than a few bites.

Howard creased his brow, the worry visible in his eyes. “What kind of weird pains?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

“It’s nothing,” Emily said, pursing her lips, as she shot Mattie a warning look. The last thing she wanted was to get Howard even more worried than he already was. “It’s just false labor pains,” she said, turning back to Howard, doing her best to reassure him.

“Are you sure?” he asked, reaching out to place his large warm hand over hers as he held her gaze. Even a year later, her heart still fluttered when he looked at her in that way.

“Maria will be here this afternoon if I’m wrong,” Emily said, hoping that would be enough to ease his fears. To be honest, she wasn’t completely sure it was false labor, but she did know that the baby was moving as normal—and even though it was the beginnings of labor, this was her first, so more than likely it would take a lot longer for it to be time.

“I can stay up here at the house if you’d like,” Howard said, his face softening as he looked at her. “Mattie can help Toby move the cattle. He always needs more practice,” he added, shooting a playful look at Mattie.

“Yeah, yeah,” Mattie said, rolling his eyes.

“I don’t want to hold you up,” Emily said, smiling at him. “Though I do love your company,” she added, holding his gaze for a few moments, enjoying the redness growing in his cheeks. Howard was still a bit reserved, though as the days passed, he opened up more and more to her. His stutter had also seemed to improve, and Emily was certain it was because he had grown more confident in himself. He even seemed to walk around a bit more confident, holding his shoulders back a bit further. Howard had also settled into a bit of beard, which Emily found made him even more handsome.

Howard squeezed her hand, before taking a bite of his breakfast. “Maybe I should just stay until Maria gets here this afternoon,” he offered, his voice sounding a bit as if he was pleading.

“I’ll help Toby move the herd,” Mattie said, reluctance tainting his chipper tone, as he used his fork to scrape up the remnants of his food.

“Have you decided yet on a name?” Scarlett spoke up, leaning on her elbows on the table, gazing at the two of them with a dreamy look on her face.

“I think you should name him, Billy,” Mattie said, perking up a little. “Like the outlaw.”

“We ain’t namin’ our baby after an outlaw,” Howard grimaced, as he swallowed a bite of biscuit. “That’s just silly.”

“Yeah,” Scarlett glared at Mattie. “Besides it’s a girl, and ‘Billy’ isn’t a girl’s name,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I think Hannah is a pretty name.”

“It’s a boy,” Mattie shot back. “And if he ain’t named that, maybe he should be named after me. I think Matthew is a good name.”

“We do not need another Matthew,” Howard chuckled, shaking his head. “I think one is plenty for one household.”

“How about Esther?” Scarlett asked, looking over at Emily. “It carries the ‘e’ from your name and it’s Biblical,” she added, a large grin across her face.

“It is a nice name,” Emily nodded in agreement, just as another cramp attacked her, knocking the breath right out of her. She leaned forward, bracing herself against the table. Howard dropped his fork on the table and reached for her, placing his hands on her shoulders—a bit awkwardly. If she hadn’t been in so much pain, she might’ve laughed, but at that moment, it was all she could do to breathe properly.

“I told you somethin’s wrong!” Mattie exclaimed, jumping up from the table, his voice riddled with panic. “I really think I ought to go get Maria—don’t you think, Howard?”

Emily looked up at Howard as the pain subsided, and she was able to think clearly again. “It is a bit stronger than what it was yesterday,” she finally admitted, giving him a feeble smile, as her shoulders sagged a bit.

His eyes widened as the color drained from his face. “But ain’t it t-t-too early?” he asked, his voice wavering. “I thought it would be another month.”

“I’m not sure they’re real contractions,” Emily said quickly, squeezing his arm. She felt a bit of confusion about them herself. Maria had explained that when the time came, she would know that it was time, but at that moment, it seemed a lot less clear. “And she’ll be here in just a few hours,” Emily added, desperate to move the attention elsewhere.

Howard studied her face for a few moments, before turning to Mattie. “Why don’t you get out there and get started with Toby?” he nodded towards the door. “I’m gonna be in here until Maria gets here,” he added, his voice a bit gruff.

“Alright,” Mattie huffed, grabbing his hat from off the back of his chair on the way out. “But I ain’t givin’ up on names yet,” he added as he passed, eyeing Howard.

Howard shook his head as Mattie disappeared and the door slammed. A few minutes later, he rode by the window giving a small wave to everyone left sitting at the table. Emily watched as the boy headed out further, his long legs encouraging his horse forward. From a distance, you could’ve nearly confused him with a lankier version of Howard.

He’s becoming a man.

It was bittersweet watching the twins grow into young adults. Even though she had only been in their lives for a year, she had grown into more of a mother figure than she expected, and she knew the feelings Howard felt were much stronger, as he had raised them by himself since they were two years old.

And now he would be doing it all over again.

With our baby.

She turned to him, his eyes still focused on her, carefully observing—worry still written all over his face. “I really am fine,” she said, her tone tinged with the bit of annoyance she felt towards him. She appreciated his concern for her well-being, but he tended to over-worry when it came to the pregnancy.

Maybe the second time will be less scary.

“Do you think it’s close to t-t-time?” he asked, his voice low, his eyes taking a moment to glance over at Scarlett, whose eyes were also focused on Emily, curiosity shimmering in their blue hue.

Emily forced a shrug. “I don’t know,” she admitted, a touch of heat flooding to her cheeks as she fought off the embarrassment.

I should know these things.

“I’m going to go finish her doll,” Scarlett said, urgency in her tone, as she pushed away from the table. “It has to be ready before she comes!” she added, racing out of the room.

“I’ll clean up breakfast,” Howard sighed, pushing away from the table himself. “She’s been real adamant about gettin’ that doll done—all for it to be a boy,” he added, shooting Emily a wink.

“It’s a girl, you know,” Emily shot back, her tone playful as Howard collected the plates from the table. “And we do still need to decide on a name,” she added, her tone growing a bit serious. The two of them had yet to agree on the topic, mostly because they hadn’t had the chance to discuss it without the twins present.

“Well,” Howard breathed out a sigh, pausing to stop and look at her. “You mentioned naming a girl after your mother—and I think that’s fine,” he gave her a soft smile. “Anna is a lovely name.”

A smile broke out across her face, touched by his sentiment. “And if it’s a boy?” she asked, leaning against the table.

“We could name him after my father, Charles,” Howard offered up with a shrug. “But ain’t you pretty dead set on a girl?” he asked, his voice teasing, as his eyes shimmered.

“I could be wrong,” Emily laughed, shifting in the chair as another pain shot through her stomach, causing her to bend over in mid-laughter, turning to a groan.

“Emily,” Howard called, setting down the plates and rushing to her side. He rested his hands on her back, rubbing gently as she breathed through the pain. “Are you sure I shouldn’t get Maria?” his voice came out in a near whisper, and Emily knew it was to keep Scarlett from hearing his words in the adjacent sitting room, where she was humming lightly.

She tried to wave him off, blowing out a large breath as the pain subsided. “I’m fine—really,” she said, though her voice trembled a little as she spoke. She bit her lip as she considered the pains.

Maybe it is time.

But aren’t I too early?

She sighed out in frustration, and Howard kneeled beside her, his eyes soft and reassuring, his hands resting on her knees.

“It’s alright if you’d like for me to call for Maria,” he said, his voice still hushed and sweet, as he caught her gaze. “She won’t mind coming over—even if it’s a false alarm,” he added, giving her a smile that melted her heart.

“I just don’t want to get everyone riled up over nothing,” Emily said, her voice quiet and embarrassed, looking down at her hands clasped in her hands.

“No one is gonna get worked up over it,” Howard said gently, squeezing her knees tenderly. “We don’t gotta tell nobody—I can go get her if you’d like,” he added, lifting her chin to meet his gaze again.

Her lip trembled and a tear slipped down her cheek. “I’m supposed to know what’s happening,” Emily whispered, the guilt pulsing through her chest. “I’m scared.”

Howard smiled a little, using his thumb to wipe the tear from her cheek. “There’s no need to be scared. I don’t think you’re gonna be just fine,” he said, before kissing her lips gently.

Emily’s heart fluttered at the contact and dropped in disappointment as he pulled away. “I guess maybe you should go get her,” she said, a little more confidence in her voice. She still wasn’t convinced it was time, but she knew Maria would be able to help her discern what was going on with her body.

Howard rose to his feet, nodding. “I’ll go right now,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be back—so don’t you go havin’ no baby while I’m gone,” he added with a smirk.

“I’ll do my best,” she laughed, leaning her head back on the chair.

“I’ll see you in a bit,” he said, tipping his hat towards her with a smile, before leaving the room. A few moments later, she heard the door close behind him. She looked out the window and just as she had expected, he was off at a gallop, headed towards the other side of the ranch where Maria and Toby resided.

“Where is he going?” Scarlett’s voice filtered in from the sitting room, her voice tinged with the same concern that Mattie’s had only a little earlier.

Emily sighed, considering bending the truth to hide where he was going but deciding against it. She would know soon enough. Emily pushed herself up from the chair, her back shooting with pains as she stood. She let out a breath as she leaned on the table for support, pressure building in her lower back.

Maybe it is getting close.

A flash of fear filled her chest, but she pushed it away, waddling towards the sitting room where Scarlett was. It would make for a good distraction. She peeked in, seeing Scarlett sitting in the old wooden rocker, tediously sewing a purple button to the doll.

“He’s going for Maria,” Emily said softly, leaning against the frame with one hand on her stomach.

Scarlett looked up from her doll. “Is everything alright?” she asked, her brow creased as her eyes fell to Emily’s hand resting on her stomach.

“I think,” Emily let out a sigh. “It might be very close.”

“Oh,” Scarlett exclaimed, her voice shifting from concern to excitement. “It’s such a good thing I’m almost done then!”

“It is,” Emily smiled warmly at her. There was no need to mention the fact that the baby wouldn’t be able to play with such a doll for a long while—she didn’t want to ruin the excitement and pride that Scarlett had. Another pain squeezed at her stomach again and Emily cried out this time at the intensity, holding onto the door frame for support.

Emily’s fingers gripped the wall so tightly that her knuckles turned white, pain searing through her as she forced out ragged breaths. It took nearly a minute before the pain subsided that time, and as she looked up at Scarlett and their eyes, they both knew.

“I’ll go get the bed ready,” Scarlett said, jumping up from the chair, sitting the doll and sewing supplies down in the chair. “I’ll finish it later—I only have two more buttons to go,” she added, as she rushed towards Emily. “Do you need some help to sit?” she asked, eyes wide, hand resting on Emily’s shoulder.

Emily shook her head. “Just get the bed ready—just like what Maria taught you,” she added, her voice quiet as the apprehension began to grow in her stomach.

I’m not ready.

I thought I had almost another month.

I haven’t even finished all of the blankets.

It can’t be time yet.

Before her mind could run away with any more thoughts, another wave of pain took over, causing her to whimper again as she did her best to breathe through it.

They’re real contractions.

Please hurry, Howard.

She swallowed hard and felt the relief wash over her as it let up again. It was clear they were growing closer, and Emily knew that Howard and Maria would need to hurry. The ride over and back should only take about an hour or so—if they rode as hard as possible. She hoped more than ever that Howard felt the urgency necessary.

Otherwise, Scarlett would have to deliver the baby.

Emily waddled slowly towards the bedroom and could hear Scarlett racing about, getting everything prepared. Maria had spent a lot of time schooling her about what to do if she wasn’t there to help—even going over how to deliver the baby if necessary. Emily admired Maria’s tenacity and independence. The woman had managed to give birth to both of her girls with just Toby’s assistance. There was a midwife who lived in town, but as Maria said, there was no way to ensure that she would be there to help when the town was a five-day journey away. Emily leaned on the door frame of the bedroom and Scarlett looked up, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at her with wide eyes.

“Do you think they’re going to make it in time?” Scarlett said, her voice tainted with nerves, and Emily noticed her hands shaking as she finished readying the sheets.

Emily let out a deep breath, knowing that another contraction would be coming at any time. “I think so,” she said, not wanting to terrify Scarlett any further. “It’s not that far of a ride,” she added, right before another wave of pain hit her.

Scarlett rushed to her side and Emily leaned into her, squeezing her hand tightly. “Just breathe,” Scarlett said, her tone reassuring and calm, which surprised Emily.

She felt a rush of water warm beneath her dress, turning to Scarlett, her eyes widening. “Oh, no,” Emily whimpered. The color drained from Emily’s face as she looked at Scarlett for a few moments, Scarlett gazing back in confusion. “My water just broke,” Emily whispered, her voice trembling as she looked up at Scarlett, whose eyes went straight to the damp spot on Emily’s dress.

“They have to hurry,” Scarlett exasperated, leading Emily to the bed. “I can’t do this myself,” she said, her voice in more panic than ever.

“They’ll make it,” Emily said, her voice trembling, but her confidence clear. If there was one thing, she had learned from the entire year she had been with Howard, it was that he always made it in time for her—sometimes it was just in time, but either way, he had never let her down.

And she knew he wouldn’t this time, either.

She eased into the bed and Scarlett helped her get comfortable, rearranging the pillows and her dress. Emily did her best to slow her racing heart. Despite her confidence in Howard returning, she was still becoming more and more aware of the reality that she would be having a baby. Excitement and fear mixed in her stomach, and it churned from the nerves—though she didn’t feel nauseous.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Scarlett asked, holding out a glass of water for her to take a sip from.

“Thank you,” Emily said, taking the glass from her hand. However, she immediately had to hand it back as another wave of pain took over her body, this time even more forceful than before. She cried out, squeezing her eyes tightly as she did her best to relax through it the way Maria had explained for her to do.

But it was much more difficult than she had expected.

Scarlett’s foot tapped nervously on the hard wooden floor beside the bed as her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. “I wish I could do something to help you,” she said, her voice falling as she looked at Emily, who was struggling to even look up at her.

“I think it’s going to be really soon,” Emily whispered, her lip quivering as she considered the fact that she might have been wrong about the two making it back in time. After all, she had made it quite clear that there was nothing to worry about.

But she was wrong.

So wrong.

“I-I-I should go heat the water then,” Scarlett stumbled over her words as she rose from the bed. “I’ll b-b-be right back,” she mumbled as she sprinted from the room. Emily focused her mind on the quick steps and humming of Scarlett. She could tell they were frantic steps, and she guessed the humming was a means of controlling her nerves. Another pain shot through Emily, and she gripped the bed, whimpering as she tried not to brace through it again. That time she succeeded in relaxing and noticed it wasn’t near as painful, but the pressure was growing, which terrified her.

She heard a door slam and leaned into the sound, relief washing over her as heavy footsteps thudded across the floor, followed by a third set. She couldn’t understand the exchange of voices but heard the all too familiar steps growing louder as they pounded toward her.

“You made it,” Emily cried as Howard appeared in the doorway, tears rolling down her cheeks at the sight of her husband. His eyes were full of love—the same love they had been a year ago when he had finally admitted his feelings for her, but it was even stronger now.

“I guess we’re having a baby today,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, as his own eyes glistened as he held her gaze.

“I guess so,” Emily smiled softly, just as Maria appeared in the doorway.

“Are you ready?” Maria said, her voice gentle as she squeezed past Howard and headed towards Emily. Emily nodded, her gaze still holding Howard’s as he walked towards her, reaching out to take her hand.

A few grueling hours later, Howard sat next to Emily, her arms cradling a sleeping dark-headed baby girl. Emily gazed over at Howard and smiled; her heart overwhelmed with the love that had emerged in the most surprising of circumstances.

“I told you it was a girl,” Emily whispered.