He grinned, “How about if I be a simple husband, father, and horse trainer?”
She laughed with a joy that flowed out of her entire being. “Sounds like the man I want.” As the words left her mouth, he turned her so that no one could see and took her lips with his.
And he was definitely the man she wanted. Now that neither she nor her husband were marshals, a boring everyday life was possible.
What a dream come true!
Epilogue
Belle, Wyoming
March 1873
The little foreman’s house no longer looked small. Rooms had been added at the back to accommodate a family.
Not long after Valentine’s Day the year before, Paps approached Rol about staying on at the ranch. The old man had no son. He’d said, “I’ve taken a liking to that little gal of yours. Kind of value her visits with me.” Then he’d offered Rol the chance to buy into the ranch operation.
Soon after, the men signed a paper allowing Rol to buy in as an equal partner in the stud farm. The younger man had used his savings and an inheritance from his parents, grateful to be able to build a future on the ranch where his little family found so much happiness.
With his partner’s permission, Rol and Hank Lucas had started running a small herd of cattle. That, along with the horses should bring them enough income in the future.
Right then, he stood behind the black and white paint, waiting for her addition to his future profits. The paint he’d purchased to ride back to his family the year before was a fine stallion. He eagerly waited to see the foal the mating would produce.
He knew the mare relied on him as she labored. While he had to be in the barn, another laboring mother drew him. He looked again and again toward the house. His mother-in-law had been very clear that he didn’t belong in the room. Even so, he longed to be with his wife.
In the new bedroom Rol built for his bride, Maisey laid a cool cloth on her daughter’s head. No matter that the air outside had a crisp bite, Delia’s struggles had her sweating.
In March, Maisey had traveled west to attend her daughter’s proper wedding. When her son-in-law invited her to stay, Maisey grabbed onto the invitation to be part of this family.
She’d been happily spoiling her granddaughter and waiting for this new one to arrive. While it wasn’t the first baby she’d delivered in her thirty-six years, Delia’s little one certainly would be the most precious.
Maisey’s low, comforting voice advised, “You just relax some ‘tween them pains. Won’t make it through this lessen you do.”
Doing her best to listen, Delia breathed out on a sigh as the pain ebbed. Now that she didn’t have the pain to focus on, her mind went back to her fears.
Out loud, she prayed, “Lord, don’t let it be a girl.”
Her mother harrumphed. “Lot a good praying that now. It’s formed and ready to hatch, girl.” Softening her tone, she tried to sooth her laboring daughter. “Anyways, girls are just as much a blessin’ as any boy could be.”
Delia shook her head, groaning as a pain gripped her. As it abated, she worried again.
“A girl is so vulnerable, especially with mixed blood. And what if the baby has darker skin?”
Maisey tutted and placed a new cloth on her head as a new contraction rippled across her daughter’s stomach. “Now girl, just plan on that. What with your husband’s olive color. And him not even—”
The sudden change in the laboring woman had her mother hurrying to check between the bent and parted legs. She barked, “You stop that a minute. Rest while I work down here.”
Supporting the small head whose quick appearance shocked her, Maisey gave the go ahead to push. In only a matter of minutes, the infant slid into his grandmother’s hands. As soon as she’d cleared his mouth, the boy crowed his displeasure at entering the world.
Delia thought she’d used the last of her energy, but at the baby’s cry, she sat up with arms outstretched. Once Maisey had his cord tied, she handed the bundled child into those arms.
The baby looked up at his mother with unfocused eyes. “Mama, look. He has my lighter eyes.”
The older woman didn’t bother to correct her daughter. In good time, Delia would learn that baby’s eyes started that way and usually changed. All that mattered was her girl’s peace of mind. With the baby born a boy, Delia had what she wanted.
Her daughter crooned to her son. Then she looked up. “He has his father’s wavy hair, too.” She stopped and looked ashamed. “I didn’t even think that Rol needs to see him. Please send Eenie for him.”
Focused on the miracle of her child, Delia startled as her husband sat down on the bed next to her. He laid a comforting hand to her shoulder. “Sorry, honey. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
Rol pulled back and studied her tired face. “Are you alright?”
She nodded. “Better than alright. We have a son!” Her excitement belied the fatigue he saw. Reassured about his wife, now Rol could be excited, too.
Running a finger over the baby’s cheek, he smiled down at him. At the touch, the baby’s mouth opened as he searched.
Watching him root to nurse, Rol chuckled. “Looks like he wants his first meal. We’d better wait before bringing Eenie in to see her brother.”
Helping his blushing wife, Rol positioned the baby on her bare chest. Maisey came alongside and showed Delia how to bring the breast to the baby’s mouth so he could latch. Within minutes, he loudly suckled.
“Strong
