Extended Epilogue

One year later

The Oregon landscape stretched endlessly beyond the train window, rolling hills and winding rivers bathed in golden afternoon light. Fiona rested her forehead against the glass, letting the cool surface ground her as she watched the world blur past. It was strange to think how much had changed in just a year.

The steady clatter of the iron wheels against the tracks was a far cry from the creaking of a wagon wheel, and the smooth motion still unsettled her, even after days of travel.

The train continued rattling along the tracks, the vibrations humming beneath her traveling boots and up through the wooden bench where she sat. It wasn’t unpleasant, just… strange. Different from the uneven jostling of a wagon or the steady rhythm of a horse beneath her. This movement was constant, smooth yet powerful, as if the earth itself had become restless beneath them.

The scent of iron and coal filled the air, mingling with the lingering traces of oil and smoke drifting in from the locomotive ahead. It wasn’t the fresh, open scent of the trail, but there was something exciting about it—a sharp, industrial tang that smelled like movement, progress.

The soft murmur of voices surrounded her. A well-dressed couple sat across the aisle, the woman fussing with the lace of her gloves while the man read a book, his spectacles slipping down his nose. A few seats down, a mother cradled a sleeping infant, her gentle rocking in perfect sync with the train’s motion. Further back, two older men in dusty coats argued in low voices over a hand of cards, their faces shadowed by the brims of their hats.

Fiona turned back to the window, pressing her fingers lightly against the cool glass. The world outside rushed past too quickly for her to catch every detail, but she tried anyway. Rolling hills, thick forests, a river winding through the land like a silver ribbon. Occasionally, they passed a farmhouse or a small town, buildings and people appearing for only a heartbeat before vanishing behind them.

She had spent so much of her life on open trails, where the land stretched endlessly ahead, where every mile was felt in the ache of her muscles and the dust on her skin. Now, they covered those same miles in mere moments, the landscape shifting before her eyes as if time itself had sped up.

She used to believe her life would always be the same—long, monotonous days spent under the weight of expectations that were never her own. A future that had been mapped out for her by people who saw her as little more than a bargaining piece. If she’d stayed, if she and Ethan hadn’t been brave enough to leave when they did, she’d be living that life still.

Married to Lars Grayson.

The very thought made her stomach twist. That self-important banker with his cold, calculating eyes and his endless lectures on propriety. He had wanted her, but not for love. Not even for companionship. Just another piece of property to own, like his tidy accounts and polished office.

She exhaled slowly, watching the glass fog beneath her breath. That wasn’t her life. Not anymore.

She turned her head slightly, her gaze settling on Jesse. He sat beside her, absorbed in a newspaper, his brow furrowed in concentration. A strand of his hair had fallen loose across his forehead, and she had the sudden, ridiculous urge to brush it back.

Jesse.

The man who had ridden straight into danger for her without hesitation. The man who had fought for her, beside her, never once treating her like something fragile. He had seen her, truly seen her, and still… still. He had chosen her.

A lump rose in her throat.

She didn’t just love him. She was grateful for him, for the way he made her feel safe and capable all at once. For the quiet strength he carried without ever making her feel small.

He must have sensed her staring, because he glanced up from his paper, one brow lifting in silent question.

Fiona smiled softly. “Nothing. Just thinking.”

Jesse smirked, folding the newspaper in his lap. “Dangerous habit, that.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t look away.

No, things weren’t the same. They were better. And no matter where life took them next, she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she wouldn’t trade this for the world.

She realized that he was staring at her in comfortable silence.

“Don’t say it,” she finally warned, crossing her arms.

He gave her an innocent expression that fooled no one. “Say what?”

She narrowed her eyes. “That I look like I’m about to bolt for the nearest horse.”

Jesse chuckled, low and warm. “Well, you did grip my arm like we were heading straight off a cliff back in Sacramento.”

Fiona huffed. “That train station was utter chaos. I wasn’t about to get trampled just so you could act like you weren’t the least bit flustered.”

“Who says I was flustered?”

“Oh, please. You accuse me of bolting, yet you kept patting your pockets like you were looking for reins.”

Jesse’s smirk widened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he reached for her hand, tracing his thumb over her knuckles. “Happy anniversary, Mrs. Cade.”

The warmth in his touch made Fiona’s chest tighten, and for a moment, she forgot all about the strangeness of riding something that didn’t jolt and lurch with every bump in the road.

“Happy anniversary,” she murmured back, squeezing his hand.

A deep whistle rang out from the locomotive, high and piercing, unlike anything she had ever heard before. Even after days on the train, the sound sent a thrill through her chest. It reminded her just how far she had come. From the dusty, dry plains of home to a world she had never even dreamed of seeing.

She glanced at Jesse again. He had gone back to his newspaper, his expression unreadable, though she caught the subtle way his fingers tapped against the page, as if he, too, felt the restless energy of the train beneath them.

She exhaled slowly, letting herself sink into the moment. This was new, unfamiliar, and maybe a little unnerving. But wasn’t that the very thing that had brought her here in the first place?

Change.

And for the first time in her life, she wasn’t afraid of it.

She leaned back against the seat, her hands resting lightly over her stomach as the train rocked beneath her. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels had become almost soothing now, the strangeness of it settling into something familiar.

But her mind was anything but calm.

She’d been carrying the secret for a few weeks now, turning it over and over in her thoughts like a stone in her palm. She hadn’t told Jesse. Hadn’t told Ethan. Hadn’t told anyone.

Not because she was afraid. No, not this time. But because she wanted to wait.

To say it when it truly mattered, when they were finally home, surrounded by family—when she could see their faces and know, without a doubt, that she had done the right thing.

A slow breath left her lips.

She wouldn’t wait much longer. As soon as they arrived in Oregon, she would tell them. All of them. She hoped and prayed that they would be as overjoyed to hear it as she was to finally say it.

***

The train lurched to a halt with a final shudder, steam hissing from the locomotive as the great iron beast settled on the tracks. Fiona barely noticed the way the movement ceased beneath her. She was too caught up in everything happening outside the window.

The Oregon train station was alive with motion. A long wooden platform stretched beside the train, filled with bustling travelers, uniformed railway workers, and men in suits tipping their hats to well-dressed ladies. A row of horse-drawn carriages waited at the far end, their drivers calling out destinations to arriving passengers. The air smelled of coal smoke and fresh-cut lumber, mixed with the scent of damp earth from a recent rain.

Fiona pressed her fingers against the glass, taking it all in. The station building itself was a sight—red brick with tall windows and a covered awning where people huddled beneath to escape the drizzle that had just begun to fall. A massive clock loomed over the entrance, its hands marking the late afternoon hour.

As she and Jesse stepped onto the platform, the sounds hit her all at once—train whistles shrieking from other arrivals, the chatter of people calling out greetings, the rattle of baggage carts rolling over wooden planks.

“…should’ve arrived yesterday if the line hadn’t been held up near Salem,” grumbled an older gentleman to his traveling companion.

“Papa! Papa!” a small girl cried, running into the arms of a bearded man who swept her up with a laugh.

A pair of young men stood near the station’s ticket window, arguing over a crumpled schedule. “See, I told you! The next train south isn’t until morning!”

Fiona grinned, unable to contain her excitement. “Jesse, look at all this.” She turned to him, eyes bright. “It’s nothing like I pictured. It’s—”

“Loud?” Jesse supplied, shifting their bags over his shoulder.

“Busy,” she corrected, though she couldn’t argue about the noise. “Everything’s moving so fast. People coming and going… It’s like a whole world right here at this station.”

Jesse gave her an amused look, his lips twitching. “And here I thought the train was what impressed you most.”

Fiona laughed. “Oh, it did. But this?” She gestured around them, inhaling deeply. “This is something else entirely.”

Jesse reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together as he steered her toward the station doors. “Come on, then, Mrs. Cade. Let’s see what Oregon has in store for us.”

Fiona squeezed his hand, her heart racing with the thrill of it all. But as she glanced around, she began to grow worried.

Uncle Henry was supposed to be here.

Her excitement from moments ago dimmed slightly, replaced by a creeping unease. She craned her neck, rising on her toes for a better view, but the sea of people moving around her made it impossible to spot a familiar face.

Jesse, standing beside her with their bags slung over his shoulder, must have noticed her shift in mood. “See him anywhere?”

Fiona shook her head. “No. He said he’d meet us right here at the station.” She scanned the crowd again, brow furrowing. “Maybe we arrived earlier than he expected?”

Jesse glanced toward the station clock. “We’re right on time.”

A chill ran through her, but whether it was from the damp air or the growing worry in her chest, she couldn’t tell. “What if he’s not coming? What if something happened?”

“Fiona, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Jesse said calmly. “He could be delayed on the road. Or maybe he’s waiting inside.”

She wanted to believe that. Truly, she did. But something about not seeing him right away unsettled her. Uncle Henry wasn’t the type to be late, not when he’d promised.

She exhaled sharply, crossing her arms as she glanced around again. “I just thought—after all this time, after all the letters—we’d step off the train and he’d be right here.”

Jesse shifted their bags to one hand and reached for hers with the other, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll find him.”

Fiona nodded, though her stomach remained tight with unease.

But what if they didn’t?

“Fiona!”

The voice cut through the noise of the station, warm and unmistakable. Fiona spun around just as a man stepped through the shifting crowd, his face breaking into a wide grin.

“Uncle Henry!”

She barely had time to think before she rushed toward him, nearly colliding into his solid frame as he opened his arms wide. His hug was strong, familiar, and for the first time since stepping off the train, Fiona felt truly at home.

Uncle Henry pulled back, gripping her shoulders as he looked her over. “Look at you,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’ve grown stronger. Happier.” His gaze flicked to Jesse behind her. “That got something to do with this fella?”

Fiona laughed, stepping aside so Jesse could approach. “Uncle Henry, this is my husband, Jesse Cade.”

Jesse set down the bags and extended his hand. “It’s good to finally meet you, sir.”

Uncle Henry took his hand in a firm shake, sizing him up with the sharp eyes of a man who had seen his fair share of the world. “Henry Thatcher,” he said, then, after a moment, nodded approvingly. “You’ve got a good grip, Mr. Cade. That’s a fine start.”

Jesse grinned. “That’s what I’ve been told, sir.”

Uncle Henry let out a booming laugh, clapping Jesse on the back before turning his attention fully to Fiona. “You don’t know how glad I am to see you, girl. It’s been too long. And here I was thinking I’d be meeting you off a wagon, not a train!”

Fiona grinned. “We’re still living on the trail, Uncle. Just took a break for a visit.”

Uncle Henry raised a bushy brow. “A break, huh? Thought married life might’ve settled you down some.”

Jesse slid an arm around Fiona’s waist. “Not quite. Turns out she likes the dust and hard work just as much as I do.”

Uncle Henry chuckled. “Well, I suppose I should’ve expected that. You always had a bit of wanderer in you, Fiona. And I can see you found yourself someone to keep up.”

Jesse smirked. “Or maybe she’s the one keeping up with me.”

Fiona nudged him playfully. “Oh, don’t let him fool you, Uncle. He’s the one who always insists we move on to the next caravan before I’m ready to leave.”

Uncle Henry shook his head, smiling. “You two sound like a pair that knows how to work together. That’s good. Real good.”

He reached for one of their bags. “Come on now, let’s get out of this crowd. You must be tired of the train air.”

Fiona exhaled happily as they started walking, the warmth of family settling deep in her chest. It had been a long journey, but now, surrounded by familiar laughter and easy conversation, she knew it…

This was exactly where they were meant to be.

***

The carriage rocked gently as they left the bustle of town behind, the sound of iron-rimmed wheels crunching over packed dirt filling the air. The scent of rain lingered, mixing with the rich earth and the sharp tang of pine as they rolled past open fields and clusters of towering evergreens. In the distance, rolling hills stretched toward the horizon, their peaks softened by the fading afternoon light.

Fiona leaned against Jesse’s shoulder, letting the familiar rhythm of the road steady her thoughts. She had been on plenty of wagon rides before, but this was different. The land was new. The journey led to something she had longed for but hadn’t dared to hope for… not just a visit, but a reunion.

Ethan was waiting for her, too.

She glanced at the bundle at her feet—extra blankets, some fine sewing needles she’d found along the way, a sturdy belt she thought he might like. Little things, but things that mattered. Things to show she had thought of them, that she cared.

“I still can’t believe they’re here,” she said softly, more to herself than anyone.

Uncle Henry glanced over his shoulder and gave her a knowing look. “It’s been some time since you saw him last, hasn’t it?”

Fiona nodded. “Too long.”

Jesse squeezed her hand, silent but steady beside her. He understood. He had been there when everything changed. When they had fought, when they had lost, when they had barely made it through.

Uncle Henry flicked the reins, guiding the horses along a winding path that led toward the hills. “Ethan’s done well, Fiona. He’s grown into a fine young man. And Clara… well, she’s quiet, but she’s got a strong spirit.”

Fiona swallowed, emotions tightening in her chest. “I just hope they don’t feel like I left them behind.”

“They don’t,” Uncle Henry reassured her. “You made sure of that, didn’t you? You gave Ethan a chance to find his own way.”

She exhaled slowly, nodding. She had tried. But the worry still sat deep in her bones.

Jesse’s voice was quiet but firm. “He’ll be happy to see you, Fiona.”

Fiona let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She wanted to believe that. And soon, she would know for sure.

The ranch lay just beyond the next rise.

And with it, the moment she had been waiting for.

***

As the carriage crested the final rise, Fiona caught her first glimpse of the ranch sprawled across the valley below. The house stood strong and sturdy, built from thick-cut logs with a wide porch stretching across the front. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, carrying the scent of burning wood on the crisp air.

Beyond it, a large barn stood with its doors wide open, the flicker of lantern light glowing inside. Corrals bordered the property, where a few horses stomped and snorted, their coats shining in the late afternoon sun.

The sound of voices carried on the wind, rough and steady; working men calling to one another as they moved cattle toward a pen.

“Keep ‘em tight, Sam!” one man hollered from atop his horse.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it,” another replied, swinging his lasso with practiced ease. The rope snapped through the air, catching a stray steer before the man tugged it toward the rest of the herd.

Closer to the barn, a young hand gave a call and a wave to one of his companions. “Boss said we gotta fix that south fence before sundown.”

“Well, best get to it then,” the other answered, shouldering a coil of wire. “Ain’t no use sittin’ around jawin’.”

Fiona took it all in, the smell of fresh hay and saddle leather mixing with the earthier scents of manure and dust. It was different from the open trail, but it held its own kind of comfort—something solid, something lasting.

Uncle Henry gave a low chuckle as he guided the horses toward the house. “Still as busy as ever.”

Fiona smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. “It feels alive.”

Jesse, sitting beside her, gave a nod of approval. “It’s a good place, sir.”

The carriage rolled to a stop near the porch, and as Uncle Henry climbed down, he called out to one of the hands. “James, go fetch Ethan and Clara. Let ‘em know we’ve got company.”

The ranch hand tipped his hat. “Right away, sir.”

Fiona’s pulse quickened as she swung her legs over the side, practically bouncing off the packed dirt with excitement. She had traveled so far, through so much, to be here.

And now, she was home.

She followed Uncle Henry and Jesse as they made their way toward the corrals, the rich scent of hay and warm horsehide filling the air. The fences stretched wide, enclosing a herd of strong, well-bred horses. A few ranch hands worked inside, checking hooves and brushing down pelts, their voices blending with the occasional snort and stomp of restless hooves.

“These here are the new studs we’re working with,” Uncle Henry said, gesturing toward a group of young horses in a smaller pen. “Been breakin’ ‘em in slow. We don’t rush things here.”

Jesse nodded approvingly. “Smart way to do it. No sense pushin’ a horse before it’s ready.”

Fiona’s gaze drifted past them, toward the open training paddock nearby. Two figures were there—one on the ground just outside the arena, the other atop the powerful young stallion that bucked and twisted inside, fighting against the reins.

Her breath caught.

Ethan.

He was seated deep in the saddle, his body moving with the horse’s wild energy, not against it. His hands were firm on the reins, his posture steady even as the animal reared and bucked.

Clara stood by the fence, her arms folded atop the rails, watching intently.

“Easy now,” Ethan called calmly, as though there wasn’t a desperate struggle beneath him. “You ain’t got nothin’ to fight against but yourself, boy.”

The horse kicked up dust, front legs pawing at the air before he slammed back down to earth. Ethan guided him in tight circles, keeping him from bolting forward too quickly.

Clara shook her head. “You always talk to ‘em like they understand every word.” Fiona could hear the smile in her voice.

“They do,” Ethan called back. “Just gotta learn to listen, too.”

Fiona’s chest tightened, but this time, it wasn’t worry. It was something warmer, something lighter. They were happy. She could hear it in their voices, see it in the easy way they stood together.

Jesse followed her gaze, then looked down at her. “He’s good,” he said simply.

Fiona swallowed past the lump in her throat, nodding. “Yeah,” she whispered. “He really is.”

She had worried, for so long, about the kind of life Ethan would find. But watching him now, strong and sure in the saddle, she realized that he had found exactly where he was meant to be.

As Ethan worked the horse, Clara’s gaze shifted toward Fiona, and their eyes met across the paddock. A sudden flicker of recognition lit Clara’s face, followed by a burst of excitement. She didn’t hesitate, breaking into a sprint, her kicking up dust as she ran toward Fiona.

Fiona’s heart leaped in her chest, and before she knew it, Clara was there, arms wrapped around her in a tight, joyful hug.

“You made it!” Clara exclaimed, her voice muffled as Fiona held her close. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

Fiona laughed, pulling back just enough to see Clara’s face. “I can’t believe, it either.”

Clara stepped back, grinning from ear to ear. “You look just like you did last time. Different, but the same…” A puzzled frown crossed her face. “You’ve got this kind of glow—I can’t really explain—”

She broke off as Jesse and Uncle Henry made their way over. “Hi, Uncle Henry! Jesse!”

Uncle Henry chuckled, his eyes warm. “Good to see you again, Clara. How’s the ranch treatin’ you today?”

“Better than I thought it would,” Clara said, her smile still bright. “Keeps me busy, that’s for sure.”

Jesse tipped his hat, giving a friendly nod. “Glad to hear it. You’ve got a good place here.”

Fiona couldn’t stop smiling, her heart swelling at the sight of Clara. So much had changed, yet so much remained the same. It was like a part of her was whole again.

A few moments later, the sound of hooves pounding on the ground drew their attention, and Fiona looked up to see Ethan riding the horse back toward them, his face lighting up when he saw Fiona.

He dismounted smoothly, then quickly clambered over the corral fence, leaving the stallion snorting behind.

His eyes fell on her with a look that made her chest ache. “Well, look who finally made it,” he said with a teasing smile. His voice was rougher than she remembered, but still full of warmth.

“I’ve missed you, Ethan.”

He chuckled softly, reaching out to give her a brief, tight hug. “I missed you, too. Wasn’t the same without you around.”

Fiona pulled back to look at him, her heart filling with joy and relief.

They were here. Together. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

“Well, I’d say this is the best reunion I’ve seen in a long time,” Uncle Henry said, looking at them all proudly.

Clara stepped closer, her gaze shifting between Ethan and Fiona. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said quietly, her smile more subdued now but no less sincere.

Fiona nodded, her emotions bubbling up. “So am I.”

After a long moment of shared smiles and soft laughter, Uncle Henry clapped his hands together. “Alright, enough standin’ around. Let’s head inside and get you settled in. I know we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

***

The aroma of Clara’s cooking filled the small, cozy dining room as the group gathered around the table, plates piled high with roast chicken, fresh bread, and mashed potatoes. Clara had outdone herself, and Fiona couldn’t help but smile at the spread, her stomach already growling in anticipation.

“Well, I’ll say this,” Jesse said, leaning back in his chair after taking a bite. “You sure know how to make folks feel at home, Clara. This is some of the best I’ve had in a long while.”

Clara beamed, a touch of color rising to her cheeks. “Glad you like it. I’ve been practicing.”

Fiona smiled as she served herself, the warm meal comforting after their long journey. “I’ve never seen a table like this one on the trail,” she remarked, looking around at everyone gathered together.

“We didn’t exactly have this luxury out there, did we?” Jesse teased, nudging her with his elbow. “But we made do, didn’t we?”

Fiona laughed softly, nodding. “That we did. But I must admit, a meal like this makes everything feel a little more settled.”

“That’s the beauty of a ranch, I reckon,” Uncle Henry chimed in. “Plenty of space for good food and good company.”

Ethan took another bite, then set his fork down, his gaze shifting to Jesse. “So, how’s everyone from the trail? I’m sure a lot’s happened since we last saw each other.”

Jesse leaned back in his chair, glancing at Fiona before responding. “Well, Sarah and Tom ended up in a little village a few miles from here. They’ve got a modest place, and their baby boy Jim is growing up far too fast. They’re happy, though. I reckon that’s what matters most.”

Fiona’s heart warmed as she thought of Sarah and Tom. Despite all the hardship, they had finally found their peace.

“Jim, huh?” Ethan said with a grin. “I remember when he was just a newborn’s cry. Can’t believe he’s a whole little person now.”

Jesse smiled. “Yep. He’s already got a little fire in him.”

The conversation turned lighthearted as Clara added, “I bet he looks just like Sarah, all blonde curls and big eyes.”

“Just wait ‘til he starts running around, getting into trouble,” Jesse said with a chuckle.

Clara laughed happily. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

“And Maggie and Dr. Harper?” Ethan asked, his interest piqued.

“They’re doing well,” Jesse answered. “Got married last year, and… well, they’ve got Billy now, too. Took him in, what with everything that happened with his folks. I’m happy for them.”

Fiona nodded, a soft smile on her lips. “Billy’s a good kid. They’re good parents.”

“Sounds like everyone’s doing well,” Ethan said, leaning back with a content sigh.

“Well… that’s not all,” Jesse said, his expression turning serious. “I’ve been getting letters from Abel.”

Fiona froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. Abel had been in prison for a while now, and though Jesse never spoke much about him, she could sense the gravity every time his name was mentioned.

“Abel?” Ethan asked, sounding surprised. “I thought he was out of touch.”

“He’s not… Well, he’s trying,” Jesse said quietly. “He’s been writing, telling me he’s working on his temper, learning from the time he’s got in there. Started praying, reading the Bible. It’s slow, but I think there’s a part of him trying to make things right.”

Fiona’s chest tightened with mingled hope and sadness for Jesse’s brother. It wasn’t easy for any of them, least of all Jesse, but it was good to know that Abel was reaching out.

“Well, that’s something,” Uncle Henry said, a knowing look in his eyes. “Some things take time, but that’s life for you.”

Fiona nodded, offering a small, understanding smile. “It’s good that he’s trying.”

“Yeah,” Jesse replied, his gaze softening. “It is.”

The conversation drifted back to lighter topics, and the laughter returned as the meal came to an end. It was simple, but it was everything Fiona had wanted—a quiet, peaceful moment with the people she loved.

Finally, Uncle Henry stood, clapping his hands together. “Well, I’m glad we could catch up. But we’ve got work to do after this meal. Why don’t we all head out and get some fresh air?”

Fiona exchanged a glance with Jesse, her heart full. This was it—this was home.

***

The evening was settling in, the ranch bathed in the last golden glow of the setting sun. The soft hum of nature filled the air, a perfect backdrop to the quiet conversation happening inside the house.

Everyone had gathered around the hearth, the fire crackling as they exchanged further stories and laughed together as they watched the fire burning. Fiona sat close to Jesse, feeling the warmth of his presence beside her.

Now was the moment. It was bubbling inside her, the secret she had kept hidden for so long, the secret she could no longer keep to herself.

It was now or never. She glanced at Jesse, the flicker of the firelight dancing in his eyes, and she knew that, with him by her side, it was time.

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. She caught Clara’s eye across the room, and then Ethan’s, both of them smiling softly, unaware of the weight of the moment. Uncle Henry sat back in his chair, content, the lines on his face softening with age and experience.

“I’ve been thinking,” Fiona said quietly, keeping her voice as steady as she could.

Jesse turned to her, his expression soft with curiosity. “What’s on your mind?”

Fiona felt the secret stir inside her, and with it, a wave of excitement. It wasn’t fear anymore, just anticipation. “I… I have something I’ve been meaning to tell you all,” she said, her gaze sweeping over the family she had come to cherish.

Jesse’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the gravity in her tone. “What is it, Fiona?”

She took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently, a sense of peace washing over her. “We’ve got so many lovely people here that it seems a shame not to add one more.”

Jesse blinked, looking confused. “One…?”

She laughed, unable to contain herself any longer. “I’m pregnant, Jesse.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the words hanging in the air. Jesse blinked, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for words. Across the table, Clara’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Ethan and Uncle Henry exchanged surprised glances, disbelief and joy rippling in the air.

Clara was the first to break the silence. grinned widely at Fiona, her excitement bubbling over. “Why—why, that’s the best news I ever heard! I’ll go grab us something from the kitchen to celebrate!” She practically bounced out of the room, her footsteps light.

Ethan looked at Uncle Henry, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “I’ll come help,” he called after Clara. “And Uncle Henry will help, too—won’t you?” he asked, tipping his head toward Clara.

Uncle Henry chuckled affectionately. “Of course; that bottle of red wine is surely too much for Clara to carry on her own.”

He and Ethan left, followed by laughter, and then Fiona and Jesse were left alone.

His face had softened in disbelief, his eyes searching hers as if he needed to be sure.

“Pregnant?” he repeated, his voice barely a whisper.

Fiona nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. “Yes. We’re going to have a baby.”

Jesse’s breath hitched, his hands trembling as he reached for her. “I… I don’t know what to say,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “This… that’s got to be the best thing I’ve ever heard.”

Fiona smiled, tears welling in her eyes. She had kept this secret for so long, but now, finally, it was the right time.

She leaned into him, their foreheads touching. “I wanted to wait for the right moment,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. “And I think this is it.”

Without a word, Jesse kissed her, slow and tender. She closed her eyes, letting the moment wash over her, a rush of love and gratitude filling her heart.

When they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “I’m so glad it’s you, Fiona,” he said, his voice full of raw emotion. “I can’t imagine this journey with anyone else.”

Fiona’s heart swelled with love for the man beside her, the man who had been her rock through every trial, every hardship. “I feel the same way, Jesse.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

As they sat there together, the warmth of the fire flickering around them, Fiona’s mind drifted to the days to come. She leaned her head on his shoulder. There was still so much she didn’t know, but with Jesse by her side and their love growing stronger each day, she felt ready for anything.

She could see it all in her mind’s eye—the home they would build, the family they would raise. For the first time, the future felt certain, and as she looked at Jesse, she knew one thing for sure: whatever came next, they would face it together. She smiled to herself, her heart light and full.

This was just the beginning of her new life.