The entire horse ranch had been rebuilt in a year. It was bigger than it was before, and was thriving with a full stable of horses that had been acquired. During the time of its construction, Clive Elmore was sent to jail for his crimes, along with his cohorts, and the town of Elmsboro was now under the watchful eye of the newly instated Sheriff, Hanson Buckley. There was no more corruption. No more crime. The mansion that had once housed the Elmores was now a school, and everyone who had been cheated by their high taxes were now thriving and feeling a newfound sense of security now that Hanson was in charge.

Two full years had passed since the shootout at the Elmore estate. Simon had grown to the point that he was just a couple of inches shorter that Hanson, who he had started calling “Father” after Miranda and Hanson’s wedding the year before. He was nearly a man now, a smart and strong man who had overcome the trauma that Clive Elmore had instilled in him. Like his father, Simon had planned on one day following in his footsteps and being a protector of the town of Elmsboro.

Running toward Miranda, who was in the stables feeding the six horses they had purchased as soon as the ranch was finished, he shouted, “Mother!” in a deeper voice than he had when Hanson first met him.

“What is it, dear?” Miranda Buckley inquired.

“Father said he’s ready.”

Miranda smiled. Though much progress had been made and so much had been rebuilt, Hanson still shied away from riding even after he had mounted a horse for the first time when he rescued Miranda and Simon. The situation had called for it at the time, but after the incident faded into memory, he had still refrained and put off riding ever again.

Until today.

Miranda wiped her hands as she went over to the horse called “Doc” and took him out. She then did the same with the horse named “Charlie.” She placed on the saddles, secured them, and brought the pair of horses outside where Hanson waited with Simon.

“Father,” Simon said, “I’m going to go fetch some more grain in town.

“Be quick, son,” Hanson said. “We have much to do today.”

Simon saluted his father and left, Miranda watched the young boy who was now becoming a man walk with a confident stride he seemed to have inherited from Hanson.

Miranda, tugging Doc along with her, smiled at Hanson. “Are you ready?”

Hanson drew a breath. “Yes,” he said nervously. “I am.”

Hanson approached the horse timidly, running his hand over the animal’s mane and looking it deep in the eye. “You take care of me,” he said, “and I’ll take care of you.”

Miranda looked around the property. She was still amazed that they had managed to rebuild all of it from top-to-bottom. The moment they had, the wedding that they had held on the grounds made it appear all the more immaculate. So many were in attendance at the time, nearly the entirety of the people that dwelled in Elmsboro. So much had changed, so much of the town seemed brighter and livelier—and it was all thanks to her and Hanson’s efforts.

Miranda mounted Charlie as Hanson slowly slid up on Doc.

“How does it feel?” Miranda asked.

Hanson adjusted his weight. He took his time to answer.

“It feels good,” he said. “Like I never forgot how to ride.”

Miranda reached out and rested her hand on top of Hanson’s. “I’m proud of you. All three of us are.”

Hanson squinted. “Three?”

“Yes,” Miranda said. “Me. Simon…” she reached out, grabbed Hanson’s hand, and rested it on her belly. “And our future little girl.”

Hanson was speechless, his eyes grew wide and his face glowed as he looked lovingly at his wife.

“Are…” he said after a moment of relishing the news, “are you sure?”

Miranda nodded. “I am. And I have no doubt she’ll be a girl.”

Hanson dabbed the moisture in his eyes and looked ahead into the horizon with an optimistic pride.

“You know what we have to call her,” he said, “don’t you?”

“Arlene,” Miranda said. “It’s only fitting.”

Saying not a word more, Hanson tugged at the reins and started into a light gallop. Miranda followed suit, reaching out and holding Hanson by the hand as they rode in unison toward the horizon with the sun glowing comfortably on their backs. Everything was perfect.

Absolutely perfect.