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“Oh my word! I can’t wait to tell Della.”
“I reckon they’ll both be very happy. Between the four of us, we’re amassing quite a brood of babies.” Everett smiled and pulled the buggy up to the front porch of the homestead.
“Mama! Mama!” Carlton walked the twin boys down the stairs to greet their mother.
“Hello, babies. Thanks Carlton.” Lou took the boys and went back up on the porch. “Hi, Della. You’re not going to believe this.”
“You’re going to have a baby! I could have told you that from the look on your face. I declare Lou, you just get prettier everyday and I believe it’s because you’re so happy.”
“Now isn’t that funny? Because I thought the same thing about you. By the way. Where’s my Goddaughter?”
“She’s down for her nap.”
“Ok. Well, I’ll see her when she’s awake. I got something for her from the mercantile. A dolly.”
“You’re going to spoil her!”
“She’ll need it. My baby is due to come right around when yours is. Poor little Charlotte might feel like she’s wedged between two sets of twins!”
Della laughed and Lou gave her a brief hug. Everything that had happened in the last three years had caused Lou to blossom. Marriage, as it turned out, was the stuff of dreams for her. Her twin boys and her husband had become her whole world. Well them and the ranch.
In the first six months that they’d been married, Lou and Everett had come to the conclusion that they wanted to keep both of Everett’s businesses. Their arrangement was one that Lou never would have thought was possible. And it made her happy beyond measure. Everett worked in the mercantile alongside Tom while she ran the ranch with the help of Billy and Johnny.
Johnny Mullins had found his mail-order-bride, but before he had, he’d become a ranch hand under Lou’s tutelage and worked at the homestead with Billy, Lou, and a few other hands she’d hired. When it came time for her to take a break to have her baby, she entrusted not only the ranch, but the lasso school she’d started.
Her days were full of her children and the ranch. Her evenings had her spending time with her husband and children. She’d never been so happy.
“Oh, Lou, this came for you while you were out.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“It looks like a letter.”
Lou took the envelope from Della and turned it over in her hand. “Hmm. There’s no returned address. She opened it and took out the sheet of paper inside and scanned it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Louisa,
It’s my hope that this letter finds you well. I, myself, am not doing too well. I don’t mean to be rude, however I’m wondering if I might come to see you on an extended visit. It seems your brother has grown too big for his breeches. It seems my presence in the newly renovated house crowds your brother and his wife. It’s my hope that you have the space to put up an old man and the space in your heart to forgive him.
As always, I miss you and love you. If perchance you don’t have the space for me I will not take it personally.
With love, your father,
Silas Cartwright
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lou gasped. “Della, it’s from my father. My brother, it sounds like, has all but kicked him out. Oh, I must send him a wife immediately.”
“That’s wonderful, Lou. I think?”
“Oh, Della, I’m so sorry! I’ve written to my father a few times. Right after Everett and I married I informed my father of my happiness. I’ve also told him about the twins. And you and Charlotte. I thought my father should know about his grandchildren in spite of the fact that I still had anger in my heart for him.”
“And do you still?”
“Have anger for my father? No. Certainly not after reading this letter. To tell you the truth, Della, hearing from him kind of brings everything around full circle. My father understands something akin to my own feelings of bewilderment and hurt. When you stir those two things together you always have some anger because it’s an unfair situation.
“I was very hurt by my brother and my father’s actions. When I got some distance between them and me, there were certain angles of the situation I understood. I thought it was chivalrous of my brother to think of his bride the way he was doing. But I had a letter from my father about two years ago. He alluded to the idea that everything in Columbia was not well. Apparently, my brother wasn’t being chivalrous. He was adhering to his new wife’s demands. No doubt her demands now include the absence of my father.
“My brother’s loss is my gain, however. I want my children to know their grandfather. There is a small, unused suite of rooms on the second floor of the house. Everett decided on putting them in after our marriage. It almost makes me wonder if he, somehow, foresaw this circumstance.”
“I’d say that’s wonderful. My parents could use someone to join their bridge team as well.”
Lou laughed. “Bridge? I mean to have my father out on the range with me!”
“It’s wonderful how it’s all worked out, isn’t it, Lou? You’re out on the ranch all day while I care for the children and teach them. Our men are happy in their professions too. I’m so grateful.”
“I’m so grateful too, Della. So, so grateful. It’s been simply wonderful how everything has fallen into place. Even Johnny Mullins has found his happiness with his Kentucky girl.”
“And when will Mr. Cartwright be arriving, Lou?”
Lou looked at the letter again. “Hmm, it doesn’t say. But no matter, I’m going into town to wire him about coming. I’ll ask him what his plan is then.”
“If you want to go now, I’ll stay with the children.”
“Thank you, Della. I’m going to ask Everett to drive me in.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Everett waited outside the post. Lou was inside sending off a wire to her father. He was so glad that Mr. Cartwright had finally decided to take him up on his offer of coming out to Garden City to live.
Everett knew that his wife, while ecstatically happy, was missing just one thing to really make her joy complete. That was having her father in close proximity. About nine months earlier, Everett had written to Silas. And it had taken time to convince the man that the decision was the best one possible.
He’d reminded his father-in-law that he and Lou had two fine boys and finally, in his last post of six days earlier, he’d shared his suspicions that Lou was in a delicate condition once again. That must have been what changed Silas’ mind about coming to Garden City. That and the discomfort of living in a house where he wasn’t welcome. Even if it was his own home.
He marveled at how much had changed in his life. He was gloriously in love with his wife, besotted with his children, and grateful that his business had had the best year since the store had opened four years earlier.
His mother was an active part of the lives of the children and she’d remarried a kind, older cowherd who’d retired. The man was clearly enchanted with Everett’s mother and on their wedding night he informed his new bride that he owned a gold mine in California. He wanted to build a mansion in Garden City and hoped his wife would consent to half of the year in San Francisco and half in Garden City.
He glanced up and Lou was stepping out of the post. He got down to assist her into the buggy.
“The wire went off without a hitch, did it?”
“Yes, darling, it did. I’m simply tickled pink that my father is coming here to live. It will be good for the boys to begin their ranching instruction with him. Of course, my father will teach at the school.”
Everett chuckled. “You certainly have it all figured out, don’t you?”
“I do when my husband has made it so easy to figure out.” She smiled at him and took his hand. Let’s get back to our babies, darling.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Two weeks later, Lou and Everett waited at the train station for the arrival of Silas. They had the boys with them and the children were excited to hear and then see the big train pulling into the station. When it came to a complete halt, Lou could hardly contain herself.
They waited as the travelers began exiting the cars. All of a sudden, a little way down the tracks, Lou saw a familiar movement. It wasn’t her father. She squinted her eyes to get a better look at the woman and the identity of the lady came to Lou just as the lady turned around.
“Mrs. Lennox! Oh, Everett, watch the boys please. Mrs. Lennox.” She flew over to the former housekeeper of her father’s house in Columbia. Dear Mrs. Lennox who’d tried to get Lou to incorporate some girls’ clothing into her wardrobe. “What are you doing here?”
“Lou!” Mrs. Lennox came toward her and hugged her tight. “Oh, my girl. It’s so good to see you again. You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Don’t take me wrong, but this is quite the coincidence.”
Mrs. Lennox smiled. “Is that so? In what way, dear?”
“My father, oh it’s terrible, my mean brother has kicked Pa out of the house. Well, I’m sure you must have been asked to leave when the wonderful Miss Spencer became Mrs. Cartwright.”
“I’m going to have to take responsibility for Mrs. Lennox’s presence here, Lou.” Silas stepped up to them and placed his arms about the woman’s shoulders.
Lou looked from one to the other and then back again. “I don’t understand.” It was as if she was afraid to say it out loud. If she did she might jinx it. “Tell me.”
Before her father could speak, Everett came up to them with the boys.
“This is Grandpa, boys,” Lou told them. “And here,” she gestured to Mrs. Lennox.”
“I suppose it would be Nana,” Silas offered.
“What did you say, Pa?”
“The boys can call Mrs. Lennox, Nana, and everyone else can call her Mrs. Cartwright.”
“What? Really? Oh Pa. Mrs. Lennox!”
“It’s Caroline, dear.”
“When? I mean what prompted this. Oh, just when I thought my happiness had reached its bounds, now this. How wonderful.”
“It’s wonderful, Mama!” Everyone chuckled as the outgoing one of Lou’s twins spoke. One was dark, one was light, one was outgoing, the other shy. Lou thought her boys were mirror images of one another.
“Well. I reckon we should get home. I know Della and Ruby have prepared a luncheon in your honor, Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright. And you’ll want to see your suite in the house. It will afford you privacy yet you’ll still be with us.”
Silas sat in the front of the buggy with Everett while Caroline and Lou sat in back with the boys. The happy family headed for home and many happy years ahead.
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Hello, my dear readers. I hope you enjoyed the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments below. Thank you!
Hi Elaine, Thank you for an entertaining read. Your story highlights the importance of telling the truth, especially in family relationships.
At times I did find some situations rather contrived and it was odd that Lou walked into the ‘paddock’ past the stalls to find her horse. Perhaps there should be a barn also?
Thank your for your message, dear! I will keep that in mind for my future stories.
I really likes this b9ook. There are a few mistakes in the writing but they are easy to figure out what was ment.
Thank you for an enchanted read.
I enjoyed this book very much, also enjoyed the extended episode. Happy Lou and her father got together in the end. Loved the characters Lou and Everett.
Thank you!
Loved the book, kept me reading to the end can’t wait to read the next one.
Thanks for a good read. Lou and Della certainly established their friendship quickly. It was just what both of them needed. Since Lou and Everett got off on the wrong foot, it was very difficult for both of them to recognize their growing feelings. I love the added events in the EE.
Yes I really enjoyed reading this story. I have read two more of your books also. I hope there are more coming. Thanks for writing that like to read every night when I go to bed.
Thank you so much! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A wonderful story. And the extended epilogue was a really nice ending.
Thank you!
Beautiful story with a lovely ending
Thank you!
I just finished the story of Lou and Everett. A VERY good book to read and enjoyed the humor.I have always thought the way of inheritance was wrong. When I was a kid growing up, I can remember the older son getting the greater share of the property and sometimes didn’t deserve it.
Thank you so so much!
I really did enjoy your book and the folks who lived inside it. Thank you for a wonderful read. I hope to real many more of your books in the future. Jeanetta, who lives in CO.
So glad you enjoyed the story!
I really enjoyed the story. Very good plot. I’m looking forward to the book.
Thank you!
Love that you did the extended epilogue. I was excited to see that Lou reunited with her father.
So glad you enjoyed the story!
This was a delightful story. It was refreshing and honest. Usually I cringe at catching up with the after story but Silas and Caroline marrying put a smile on my face. The characters were so alive. Hint: there are many opportunities to write spin offs! Thank you for the more than pleasant distraction.
So glad you enjoyed the story!
Loved this story. Her brother was a mean person and so glad to see her father married to Mrs. Lennox. Their two children are getting another sibling also to see them so much in love. Thank you
So glad you enjoyed the story!
Hi Elaine
I enjoyed your book and the epilogue.
Also shows us how we can improve even after being so hurt deeply even Johnny who was bullied but turned around his life when given a chance
Cazza
Great read! Loved it!
I was amazed how their lives turned out!
I couldn’t agree more!
Ms Elaine
I have so enjoyed “Intrigued by HerTrue Colors “ and the extended epilogue. Everett and Louisa were very good for each other once they got over the initial failings. Lou was able to enjoy working their ranch and her children as well as loving her marriage to Everett. Everett learned to love her ways and even called her Lou. I’m glad she was able to have her dad and new stepmother come live on the ranch.
You surely are a wonderful story teller.
Very sincerely
Sharon Frazier
I so enjoyed your book. I think Lou and I would have been good friends because I too would rather work on a ranch than do housework. But alas I too had to learn to cook and clean. And when the babies came, life was wonderful.
Yes. Thank you for this perfect ending to a very sweet story.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed your story. It made laghed and cried.
Glad you enjoyed the story!
I was very taking with the story line, how things were back then on the front their.
True love is always possible.
Glad the story resonated with you! It’s true—love can thrive in any setting, even on the frontier. Thanks for sharing!
I so loved the story. It held every emotion I have. The anger, the joy, the love, it’s the best. Thank you for such a wonderful story.
Oh this was a great read!!! Appearances can be misconstrued and can led to wrong opinions. I am so glad that Lou was able to be strong in her will to be herself.
The happy family added more. Wonderful story!
Glad you enjoyed the book!
I enjoyed your book perhaps you might have you editor go thru and fix the typos. Also on you extended version Lou was going to send her dad a wire not a wife.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Sue! I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I truly appreciate your thoughtful suggestions and will definitely keep them in mind.😊
I enjoyed this book with their awkward relationship but they finally got married. I enjoyed the extended epilogue I enjoyed that all the family got. So large.
Thank you so much for reading! I had so much fun writing their awkward moments — I wanted their journey to feel real and messy before they finally found their way to each other. And the extended epilogue was something I knew I had to include because I’d grown so attached to the whole family. I’m so glad you enjoyed getting to see where everyone ended up! Comments like yours truly make my day. 💛
I always enjoy getting the extended epilogues! This one answered a lot of questions. I wonder if Johnny Mullins will get his own story so we can meet his mail order bride.
I loved this extended epilogue, and the book was great. I look forward to reading more of your books.
A wonderful story about a girl growing up with just a father and brother. Lou turned out to be an exceptional woman and married an exceptional man named Todd. Friends, family romance and a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Brilliant ending. I loved the story so much I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Thoroughly enjoyed.
This was a little bit different & I really liked it!
This is a very good story and extended epilogue and love and happiness with a few surprises
Wonderful story teller. I love your writing. I plan to read all you have written in western historical.
A beautiful book! Love finds a way if its real and destined to be!
Great story
I was not able to get the extended episode of love bought by fate
Thank you so much for this enjoyable story. The exciting turns in the story were fun. Only a character like Lou would have such compassion for Johnny. The main characters’ development was great. A good lesson about first impressions.
Such a wonderful book. It had everything that makes the difference in life, from a stubborn man to a determined women, and kindness that lifts the heart.
Thank you!
This was such a great book it has so much to offer. The emotions and actions of the characters were so good it is hard to put the book down. It is a good western story one I would recommend.
So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Was a wonderful story and from a great storyteller. Your books are fun to read. Loved all of the characters in this story. Lou had such an interesting childhood which made her a very strong woman. Everette being such a stubborn man made them perfect for each other.
Thank you, Barbara!
Loved this book.so glad Lou and Silas made up in the end and he remarried.. Glad that everything worked out with Lou and Everett also.
Glad you liked it!
Della was a perfect friend for Lou after being put out of her home. She helped mold Lou into the perfect wife for Everet. Wonderful story and the epilogue was the perfect ending.
Thank you, Faye!
Excellent book. I loved the characters, their issues and the humor in the story. It is a fun easy read with a nice ending. I highly recommend this book.
This is an excellent book, it keeps you wanting to know what is going to happen next. Funny and intriguing.
Thank you so much, dear!
I liked this book! Beautifully written and gratefully different than most stories, and totally enjoyable. More realistic to imagine that some girls in that time period were more like our heroin than not. Good read! Enjoy!
It is my pleasure to share my story with you!
All of your books that I have read are great.loved each one and will continue reading as long as you are writing.thank you for each and everyone of them.
GOD BLESS
Ellen
Thank you so much!
From one tomboy to another. I love that you showed cowgirls has a beauty in her ways and not just what she looks like on the outside. Just goes to show ya that you can’t keep a cowgirl/tomboy down! And the Epilogue was just the icing on the cake🥰
So glad you enjoyed it!
Abserlutly great read .great story line l loved the end when father and daughter got back together .
A lovely story of the very things that challenge everyone… stubbornness & guilt. A wonderful resolution & even better extended epilogue. Happy endings do happen in real life too. The selfish reap their own coals. Have a blessed day.
Thank you for your kind words!
What a turn around of events! What an ending! It’s a wonderful clean story. This story validates the saying … You can never tell a book by its cover. Who would have guessed that under the rough exterior of the cowgirl lay beauty that waited to be exposed?
Thank you for your kind words!
A great read. Thank you
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Loved the story
Thank you!
A wonderful story written by a great author! I am so happy I found this book. It was well written!
Very warm and loving story, true love exist it just take time,the importance of family no matter what,especially parents love.
My first time reading this author,really like the written and story line.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Could hardly put it down. Very intriguing. Loved the extended also. Icing on the cake!!
Didn’t get the right extended epilogue!
First book I’ve read by this Author, loved it! Will read more?
Thank you!
Great story great adventure. Loved the ee glad to see her brother got a shrew for a wife. Grandpa and nana was a wonderful touch. Everett turned out to be a great husband after all even having a hand in reuniting Lou and her dad.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and the adventure. It’s great to hear you loved the dynamic with Lou’s brother and the addition of Grandpa and Nana—they were so fun to write. I’m glad to hear Everett’s growth as a husband stood out to you, especially with his role in reuniting Lou and her dad. Your feedback means a lot!
Loved the book, kept me reading to the end can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback, dear Gloria! I’m so glad the book kept you hooked until the very end. 😊 I can’t wait to share the next one with you—hopefully, it’ll be just as exciting! Stay tuned!
Really loved this book and the extended epilog.
Thank you very much for sharing it with readers like me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and the extended epilogue! Thank you so much for your kind words—it means a lot to know the story resonated with you. I’m grateful for readers like you!