The Rancher's Bride Epilogue
When I originally submitted The Rancher's Bride to Harlequin SuperRomance, I had an epilog. Unfortunately, the book was too long and my editor cut portions, including the epilog. Due to overwhelming reader questions about Brianna and Jake, Shell and Loni, I'm posting the original epilog here. I hope you enjoy learning what happened to the couples.
EPILOGUE
Five years later.
"Daddy!"
"Daddy!"
"Grandpa!"
Jake stepped from the barn and watched as Brianna opened the gate to their fenced yard and let the children out. All four ran to him, yelling at the top of their lungs. He knelt and held his arms wide. Ashley reached him first.
"We talked to Mommy and Daddy. In New York!" she said, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Mommy on phone," little Gabe said, catching up to receive a hug from his grandfather.
Four year old Buck was right there, too. "I got to talk to Shell, Daddy. He doesn't like New York. He can't wait to get back. And he's going to bring me something, he said. Did you ever go to New York?"
Jake shook his head.
"Me, too," little Brandon said when he toddled up. "Up." He held his arms up trustingly.
Jake scooped him up and stood, heading toward Brianna, the children racing around talking about the phone conversation.
When he drew near, his gaze met that of his wife. Six months pregnant, she never looked so beautiful.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, leaning over to kiss her gently. This was her third pregnancy and though he never said anything, he lived in fear every moment something would happen. She had proved to be in perfect health, but still Jake worried.
"Terrific. Did they tell you the news?" She brushed her fingertips across his cheek as if she just needed to be in contact. Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm she nuzzled Brandon and then smiled up again at Jake.
"That Loni and Shell called from New York?" he asked.
"That Steven is taking some of her work!" she said.
"Really?"
"Apparently. She sounded so excited."
"Not wanting to move there is she?" Jake asked, remembering when that was all Loni talked about.
"Not on your life, she said she couldn't wait to get home. She is enjoying the museums, but apparently not the traffic or the tall buildings that block the sun. And she said she misses the kids and Wyoming and even the cattle."
For a moment Brianna's expression turned dreamy.
Jake knew she was remembering when she lived in New York. He gazed around. The changes in the last five years were remarkable. The ranch was his. His and Shell's. His house was repainted, repaired and would stand for another hundred years.
Loni and Shell's house was visible on the knoll in the distance. Close enough to get together easily, far enough away each family had their own privacy.
The barns had been renovated, new stock brought in. Cowboys hired. The office staffed. The ranch was operating comfortably in the black. And they still had three of Elsa Harrington's paintings in reserve for a rainy day.
He looked at his wife. "Any regrets?" he asked.
She knew what he meant, and shook her head. "Not a one. Some day maybe we'll go visit New York, but I've been there, done that. This is home. The most wonderful place on earth."
"You just say that because of the kids," he teased as they latched the gate, keeping the children safely inside the yard and away from the day-to-day activity of the ranch.
Brianna laughed as he lowered Brandon so the toddler could run to catch up with his brother and cousins. Brianna watched for a moment, then leaned closer.
"Dr. Fleming said this one would be a girl. And the reason I think this is the best place in the world is not because of the children, much as I adore them. But you, my love. You make any place you are the best place in the world for me."
For the first time in his life, Jake gave a thought of appreciation to his grandmother and her convoluted will. Without that clause, he would never have found his Brianna. The last five years had been the happiest of his life. And it looked as if that happiness would continue forever.
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