An Eternal Love to Conquer All – Extended Epilogue

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Six Years Later

It had been too hot for working on the roof, but Emma insisted Colt completed the task before the yearly batch of leaves fell. It was August and Emma had been free from her duties at the school. During the school year, Missy Whistler handled the majority of the teaching while Emma handled the administrative duties.

She took their children Robert, Jill, and Verlene to the creek for the day.

Robert was five and had been speaking in sentences before most children had said their first word. Theresa Weatherly, who had become known as Gamma, said Robert was an old soul who had reminded her of Colt’s father by the same name. Both had been smart with a dry wit. Colt had dreamed of his son taking over the ranch someday but even at the young age of five, Robert seemed destined for something greater.

Jill was three and had looked just like Emma. She had her mother’s green eyes and copper-colored hair. She looked after little Verlene who hadn’t yet turned two.

Colt had wanted as many children as possible and Emma had rolled her eyes. She had decided they’d take as many children as God blessed them with. There had been no shortage of love in their family so having more babies had been a definite possibility.

Colt had patched all the obvious holes in the roof. From his perch, he had viewed his family as they returned from their day of fun at the creek.

“I caught as many trout as I could carry home,” Robert had called out. “Mother always says that taking more than you can carry is being selfish. When Jill and Verlene get older they can help carry and I’ll catch enough to feed the entire town of Sage Creek. Gamma is coming over early so she can help mother with the fried fish for Saturday dinner because she makes the best.”

Emma glared jokingly at Robert because she liked to think her fish was the best. Although, it had been Theresa who taught her how to cook the family favorite.

“I’ll be down to help you gut the fish,” Colt stated. It was something he and Robert had done together on many occasions.

Robert twisted his face. “You can watch father, but I’d rather do it myself. The inside of a fish is interesting and I’m working on identifying all the parts. It’s good practice in case I become a doctor someday.”

Colt had gotten used to his son’s independent streak, so he wasn’t surprised. Robert had mentioned being just about everything from a doctor to a blacksmith. “Whatever you say, son.” Colt was proud of Robert but at the same time, he couldn’t believe how quickly he had changed from a baby to a young boy.

Colt climbed down and removed his calfskin gloves that Arlo had made in his tannery. He kissed all three of his girls and they followed him into the house. Emma placed an already sleeping Verlene on her feather bed and Jill snuggled in with her. They had napped together after their day at the creek. The walk there had been long and the play was endless.

“Quite the day,” Emma commented as she nestled her head under her husband’s chin. “Thank you for fixing the roof. Now I can stop worrying about the first soaking rain because last winter was tough and caused a lot of damage. Why don’t you go sit in the rocker on the front porch and I’ll bring you sarsaparilla.”

“That sounds divine and it’ll be perfect if you join me.” Colt kissed Emma.

“Sounds like a dream but unfortunately it’s not possible. It’s Saturday dinner and if I didn’t have help from Cally, your mom and sisters we’d be eating hardtack and week old stew.” Emma giggled.

“Alright, but tomorrow after worship, I want you all to myself for at least thirty minutes,” Colt flirtatiously demanded. After six years, Emma had still managed to make Colt’s heart flutter. 

Emma blushed and had gone inside to begin the first batch of biscuits for the night’s dinner. Just as Colt had taken a seat in the rocker Theresa had shown up in a wagon. Nelson held the reins and Fred was sitting in the back.

“Are you going to come and help your mother get down?” Theresa jokingly asked. She had difficulty standing for long periods but was otherwise as wise and capable as she’d ever been.

“I’m coming. I see you wrangled these two cowboys into riding you across the ranch today. I would have gotten around to it but I’m glad I didn’t have to,” Colt joked.

“It’s one of the reasons I like having Nelson under my roof and Fred nearby in the bunkhouse. One of them is always close by if I need them. I went to Resting Hill today to tidy up the tombstones,” Theresa mentioned. “I planted a blue columbine near Dot’s grave because it was her favorite. That was only a few weeks ago and it’s climbing up the side of her marker, and it ordinarily doesn’t grow that fast at this time of year. I began to cry but realized it was a sign from Dot up in heaven where I’m sure she has been reunited with Ezra. Not too long until I am beside my Robert.”

“Mother!” Colt exclaimed. “Don’t talk like that. None of us is near ready to let you go. If the children hear you talk that way, they’ll lose a week of sleep.”

“My life has seasons and I’m in winter, which isn’t bad at all. I get to enjoy the next generation and look back at all my accomplishments,” Theresa gracefully stated. Death is as natural as birth.

Before Colt had finished admonishing his mother for mentioning that she’d die someday, Dex and his family approached. Jane had given birth to two boys with a third child on the way.

“Looks like I’m not the first to arrive. I was hoping to get here early and help with chopping wood,” Dex said as he hopped down from the wagon and gave his Aunt Theresa a welcoming embrace. “I wanted to walk but Jane feared she’d have our child in a field. and she was probably right.” Dex laughed. 

“Father can I run off and find Robert, please?” DJ asked. Dex and Jane’s oldest son was born three days before Robert. They had always joked that history had repeated itself when the two boys were born. Colt had figured it was fine as long as they were able to avoid the unpleasant periods they had experienced. 

Jane and Dex also had a boy Verlene’s age who’s personality had still been forming.

“Emma’s inside and ready to welcome any help you can provide,” Colt pointed out to Jane.

“I don’t know how much aid I can offer but a dose of female company will do me good. I plan to keep having babies until I have a girl,” Jane jested. “Father, I see the way you’re looking at me and I love all you boys, but I’m outnumbered!”

Willy had sold the mercantile to Ben Gilmer. Everyone had known Ben was a sharpshooter but they never knew he had a mind for business too. He had started by helping Willy stock shelves and ended up being a trusted and valuable employee. He married a gal from Denver who had family money and they purchased the mercantile. Willy happily retired and moved to the ranch house with Jane’s family. He and Dot became good friends and he shepherded her through her illness and eventual death.

When Jane was out of ear-shot. Dex and Willy looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They didn’t seem to mind that they lived in a house filled with boys.

Maryalice was next to arrive with her six children in tow. She had been the Weatherly that everyone had predicted would have a dozen children. She was well on her way with her seventh coming in a few months.

JJ carried a covered platter with a pheasant that Maryalice had cooked. With the family constantly growing, everyone had contributed to Saturday dinner. It had grown so big that they held it out on the long front porch that Colt had built. When the weather hadn’t been warm enough, they ate in the barn.

“Take that into your Aunt Emma,” Colt directed ten-year-old JJ.

“Yes, sir,” JJ obliged. He had been practicing his manners because he thought he wanted to be sheriff when Dan Whistler stepped aside.

“Look at you. As soon as one baby moves off your hip, another one takes its place,” Colt said to Maryalice. “I told you the older ones would take care of the youngins. You looked like a train coming over the hill with all the children marching in a row.”

“Who would have thought we’d be here. We were such rascals growing up, I’m surprised we made it out alive. It’s working out well and it has to because Arlo has never been busier at the shop. Blacksmithing, carpentry, and leatherwork are bringing customers from all over the state of Colorado. He and Elmer Gilmer make quite the team because they both work hard. Mr. Page came by with some wealthy banking folks from New York City. They called Arlo and Elmer artists.” Maryalice laughed. “Can you believe I married an artist?”

“You’re lucky to have found each other, sis,” Colt remarked.

“We’re both lucky because your wife is pretty amazing. She hosts this incredible dinner once a week. It’s the kind of thing I could do once or twice a year. I’ll catch up with you later, I’m going to lend Emma a hand. If one of my children finds themselves in mortal danger, please call me out,” Maryalice joked. “On second thought, save them and then call me.” Maryalice smiled and walked inside holding her youngest and letting the others roam free.

Nelson had gone back to the yellow house where he had lived with Lily and their two children. Nelson was the most senior of the hands behind Jeb Sturgess and the ranch wouldn’t be in operation without him. Tragedy struck when their one-year-old died suddenly but the Weatherly family surrounded them with love, and they persevered. Lily went on to have another child and the incident that would have hardened some, made Lily more open and appreciative of life’s small miracles.

The Weatherly family dinners had always been open to a Gilmer brother if they were available. Mel usually showed up with his wife Cally, but the others were either busy on their farm or off establishing their own traditions. 

Aside from Marrying their wives, Dex and Colt had considered their peace deal with the Gilmer’s their greatest accomplishment. It had not only changed their lives on the ranch but the whole town. Instead of criminals, the town had four good citizens who’d do anything for Sage Creek.

Colt walked in the barn and noticed Dex observing the boys gutting the fish. “Make yourself useful and go help Emma move the tables out to the porch. These aren’t the old days when you can think up reasons to not do chores,” Colt said sarcastically. 

“I’m just making sure Robert and DJ don’t cut themselves,” Dex noted.

“Ha, we did a lot worse when we were young. Jacob used to let me clean his pistol and it was a good thing the chambers were empty. I could have lost a finger or worse. Let’s go, I’ll help.” Colt and Dex walked back towards the house.

“It’s hard to imagine I ever left this place. What the heck was I thinking? One minute the ranch appears rugged and the next you see the sunset behind the mountains. It’s so beautiful that I weep.”

Colt shook his head and smiled. “You weren’t thinking. You were young, stupid, and mad that your Father died. You still needed a father to set you right and didn’t have one. I’ll tell you what, leaving taught you something. I see the kind of husband and father you’ve become, and I’m impressed. You made your mother proud and I’m sure your daddy is smiling down on you from Resting Hill. He probably wishes he were more like you.”

Dex’s jaw dropped. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. What took you so long?”

Colt jokingly jabbed Dex on the arm and they continued to the house. Before they arrived Mel and Cally pulled up in their wagon with their two young girls.

The courtship of Cally Page by Mel Gilmer had been the talk of Sage Creek from the moment it had begun to the day of their wedding. Mel had been fresh off his deal to buy land from the US Government in addition to the acreage given to them by the Weatherly’s. No one really knew how their romance had started or when and some had guessed it was secretive for some time.

Mel had shaved his mustache and purchased new clothes before showing up at Nicholas Page’s front door. He asked if he could officially start courting Cally and was escorted to the door. He was told never to return. Mel went back a dozen times before Mr. Page gave in. They went on rides in an open carriage, attended church services together, and were seen holding hands at the Harvest Festival. The affair had sent tongues wagging but they weren’t deterred. Mel and Cally were married by Pastor Bakersmith and seemed to have lived happily ever after.

“Welcome.” Colt greeted his neighbors. “It’s always a treat when the Gilmer’s show up. What’d you bake for us this time?”

Cally proudly displayed two dishes. “I have a black cherry pie and a pear tart. I cannot believe that I managed with two children underfoot.”

“Your mother was quite a help as always,” Mel reminded his wife.

Cally looked at him with a sour face. “You didn’t have to tell, sweetheart.”

Despite Cally being from the wealthiest family in Sage Creek and Mel, an ex-outlaw, they made a perfect couple. They were constantly making one another laugh.

Colt was the last to join friends and family on the porch. He walked around to make sure the chicken coop was securely closed.

“Always the last one to join the party. Hello, friend,” Breaking Sky said.

“I was worried that I wouldn’t see you before you left. I saw your caravan getting ready to leave this part of Colorado. I assume you’re here to say goodbye?” Colt knew the Apache were being told to vacate their land by the government. Colt, Skeeter, Wes, and Sheriff Whistler had done everything they could to help Breaking Sky and his people but were unsuccessful in their efforts.

“That is correct. Fighting what is to be, causes unrest, and wastes time. My people will move on, but I will never know a friend like you Colt Weatherly. You and Emma have treated us like family and for that, I will be forever grateful,” Breaking Sky stated. 

“I was young when I met you and I was scared. You looked different and spoke differently but when I looked in your eyes, I realized we are more alike than different. I’ll miss you and always know you have a family here in Sage Creek,” Colt uttered.

Breaking Sky nodded his head and smiled before riding away. It had been one of only a handful of times Colt had seen him smile. In his heart, he knew he’d never see his friend again and was lucky to have had him in his life.

***

Colt had sat at one head of the table and Dex at the other. Theresa had made it a point to relinquish her spot at the table to both Dex and Colt.

The women had prepared an abundant feast as always and no morsel had gone to waste. Pheasant a couple of chickens and a simmering pot of ham and pea soup were accompanied by biscuits. Lily had perfected cheese making throughout the years, so wedges of that were available too.

“Is anyone going to volunteer to say grace?” Theresa inquired and didn’t give them long to think about it when she called on Colt to say the prayer.

“I would have no problem saying the prayer,” Colt indicated and then looked at his beautiful wife. “However, I think the woman who made this dinner possible should have the honors.”

Emma blushed and stood up. She hadn’t been prepared to speak but she had plenty in her heart to share. “Colt said I made this meal possible, but it was all the women at this table who helped. Ahead of all of us, I have to thank God because without him there would be nothing.

I thank God every day for leading me to Sage Creek and leading me to my love, my best friend – Colt.

Before we partake in the bounty in front of us, let us remember those who are no longer with us. Those people who helped make us who we are today,” Emma concluded and looked at Colt to finish.

Colt stood up. “I told you all we are a good team, we even say grace together,” He joked, and everyone laughed. “Emma mentioned those we lost. Let their memories and wisdom guide us. There was my father Robert and Dex’s father Ezra. They left us too young, but I’d like to think they live on in us. Dot Weatherly who knew loss and hardship but worked her way back to see her grandchildren and laugh again.

I especially miss my grandparents who raised me. One taught me about being a cowboy and the other taught me about love.” Colt looked at Emma and winked. “Oh and I almost forgot, my beloved Slate. Wait – one more. Let us never forget Monty who knew more about the history of this ranch than we’ll ever know.”

“Can we eat yet?” Robert pleaded.

“Dig in,” Colt announced. Emma leaned in a whispered something in his ear. “Another one?” 

All eyes turned to Colt.

“We need a bigger table. Emma’s having another baby!”

The Weatherly family and friends cheered. It was the best meal any of them had ever eaten, until the next Saturday.

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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, "Courageous Hearts of the West", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

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