Wagon Train Melody

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

R udy spent three weeks convalescing. The doctor had wanted him to take longer, but Rudy had things to do. Mind you, he’d done many of them in the three weeks he was laid up.

After their confession of love, he and Alice had agreed to get married as soon as he was well enough. They’d shared many tender moments. He was both embarrassed and pleased that she’d discovered he’d arranged credit at the store. It proved his love for her existed before he was shot, and for some reason, that mattered to him.

The little girls wanted to climb all over him, and they’d had to learn to be careful. Sissy had turned into a real little nurse, providing him with a constant supply of fresh water.

Kitty almost wouldn’t leave his side.

“I not want you to leave ever again.”

“I’m not going to. Auntie Alice and I are going to get married. That means I stay forever.”

“We be a real family?”

He nodded. One of the things he’d confessed to Alice was how much he’d grown to value family. Thanks to her and the children.

The third Sunday after he was shot, he and Bo stood at the front of the church. Bo had insisted his arm was healed and the doctor agreed he could remove the splint as long as he was careful. He’d also warned Rudy to be careful of his shoulder. But all that mattered to Rudy was his arm was strong enough to hold Alice’s hand as they stood before the chaplain and exchanged their vows.

Many of the Mounties and several couples from the community witnessed their marriage and afterward partook of a feast prepared by the local ladies.

Later, a happy little family walked back to the house. He and Alice would have the bigger bedroom, the girls moved into the smaller one and for now, Bo had a cot in the lean-to entryway. Before winter, they would add on a room or two. The house belonged to Clint, and if he returned and wanted it back, they’d simply move. They’d both learned they could adjust to almost any situation.

He had two pieces of good news he hadn’t shared and waited until they were alone in their room to tell her.

“I have a job. I’ll be working for Mr. Smith.” He was a rancher whose home was close to town. Mr. Smith raised horses he sold to the Mounties and others. “I’ll be in charge of training the horses.”

She hugged him. “That’s great.” They’d discussed options. Both hoped they could settle down and make a home right where they were, but they agreed that they could move if need be. All that mattered was staying together.

He pulled something from his pocket. “A Mountie gave me this.” He held the battered envelope toward her. “It’s from Clint.”

“Clint? How is he?” She opened the letter and read it.

Dear Alice,

I’m sorry I wasn’t there to greet you, but I had a chance to throw in with another man in searching for gold. We struck it lucky.

The house is yours. I’ve signed the document saying so.

Alice pulled the second piece of paper from the envelope. She looked at it then handed it to Rudy. He glanced over the words. The house now legally belonged to her.

She continued to read.

I know you will do well raising the children. Give the girls both a kiss from me and tell Bo I’m sorry I didn’t see him. One of these days I’ll come visit.

Your brother,

Clint

Alice folded the paper and returned it to the envelope. “It was nice to hear from Clint.” She moved into Rudy’s embrace. “It’s nice to know this house is mine.” She looked up into his face. “But I don’t want you to ever feel tied down. I will follow you anywhere. I will make a home anywhere. All that matters is we are together.”

He kissed her, lingering on her sweet lips. But he had to make something clear and pulled away. “I am happy to be right here. Home is in your arms, sharing a house with the children and loving each other the rest of our lives.”

She pressed her lips to his, and with her kiss, said far more than any words could.

She returned his love.

His heart was full to overflowing with the sweet melody of love.