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“Joshua, can you fetch the eggs from the coop before the sun sets?” Catalina called out, her voice echoing slightly against the backdrop of the sprawling ranch.
Joshua, standing at the edge of their flourishing vegetable garden, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand and looked over to where Catalina stood by the porch. Her silhouette was framed by the fiery hues of the setting sun, which bathed the entire scene in a warm, golden light. He smiled and replied, “Of course, love. I think our hens have been extra generous today.”
As he walked towards the chicken coop, the crunch of gravel under his boots mixed with the serene sounds of the countryside—the distant calls of cattle and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Their ranch, nestled on the outskirts of Cresta Verde, had become more than just a home; it was their sanctuary, a place where the chaos of their pasts transformed into the peace of their present.
The coop was bustling with activity. Hens clucked contentedly as they roosted, and Joshua chuckled as he collected the warm eggs. The simple joys of ranch life, he mused, were unexpectedly fulfilling. With a basket full, he made his way back to the house, pausing to admire the way the sunset lit Catalina’s hair with glints of amber and copper.
Catalina was setting the table on their open porch, a spread that included fresh bread, a salad from their garden, and the stew she had been simmering since morning. The aroma was inviting, blending with the earthy scent of the outdoors. As Joshua approached, he noticed the subtle glow on Catalina’s face, a serene and content expression that filled him with an immense sense of gratitude.
They sat down together, and Joshua reached for her hand across the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s moments like these I dreamed of during those long nights in the past,” he said softly.
Catalina returned his squeeze, her eyes reflecting the orange sky. “I know what you mean,” she replied. “This ranch, these animals, this land—it’s all part of us now. It feels like we’ve finally found our peace, doesn’t it?”
Joshua nodded, looking around at the expanse that had become their shared domain. “It sure does. And every day, it feels more like home.”
As they cleared the dinner table, Catalina tied her long, dark hair back with a ribbon, her movements graceful and familiar. “Mañana, I think we should check the fences on the north field,” she suggested. “I saw some signs of wear when I was out there this afternoon. No quiero que los animales se escapen.”
“Good idea,” Joshua agreed, “we don’t want the animals to escape”. They had learned early on that maintaining a ranch required constant vigilance. “I’ll grab some tools from the barn first thing.”
The next morning arrived with the soft blush of dawn coloring the sky. Joshua and Catalina shared a quick breakfast of coffee and leftover bread before heading out to inspect the fence. As they walked side by side, their boots crunching on the dry grass, Joshua couldn’t help but admire Catalina’s resilience and strength. She had adapted to ranch life with an ease that amazed him, her once-delicate city hands now capable and calloused.
They reached the north field and began their work under the rising sun. Catalina handed Joshua a hammer, her fingers brushing his with a familiar warmth. “Here you go, querido.”
As they worked, a light breeze carried the distant sound of cattle, and the peaceful quiet of the morning was a stark contrast to the turbulent lives they had left behind. They spoke little as they worked, each lost in their own thoughts but comforted by the other’s presence.
By midday, they had mended the fence and sat under the shade of a large oak tree, sharing a canteen of water. Catalina leaned against Joshua, her head resting on his shoulder. “Do you ever miss the excitement of your old life?” she asked softly.
Joshua considered this for a moment. “Sometimes, I suppose. But then I look at what we have here, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This peace, it’s what I fought for, what I dreamed of.” He turned to look at her, his gaze affectionate. “And I have you.”
Catalina smiled, reaching up to touch his cheek gently. “I love you,” she whispered. “I never thought I could be so happy in such a simple life.”
Their conversation drifted to plans for the future, discussing the possibility of expanding the chicken coop or planting a new vegetable patch. As they talked, a sense of contentment settled over Joshua, the kind he had only ever found in Catalina’s presence.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the field, Catalina stood and stretched, her silhouette framed against the fiery sky. “Let’s head back,” she said. “I’ll cook something special tonight. We deserve a celebration for all our hard work.”
“Sounds perfect,” Joshua replied, getting to his feet and brushing off his pants. He paused, looking at Catalina with a thoughtful expression. “Catalina, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
She tilted her head, curious. “What is it?”
Joshua took her hands in his, his voice earnest. “These past years, building this life with you… it’s made me realize how much I need you. How much I love you.” He swallowed, his heart pounding with the weight of his next words. “I was thinking, maybe it’s time we made this official. Catalina, will you marry me?”
Catalina’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and joy dancing in them. She didn’t answer at first, instead pulling Joshua into a tight embrace. When she finally pulled back, her eyes were moist, but her voice was steady. ” Sí, Joshua. I would love to marry you.”
Her smile lingered, tender and profound, as she took a small, excited breath. “And there’s more,” she whispered, her hands gently touching her stomach. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Joshua froze for a moment, his emotions caught in a mixture of shock and sheer happiness. Then, as it sunk in, his face broke into a wide, awe-struck smile. “A baby?” he echoed, laughter bubbling up from his deep sense of joy. He wrapped his arms around her again, this time with a gentle touch, as if he could already feel the precious life they had created.
“We’re really going to be a family,” Catalina said, her voice thick with emotion.
“Yes, we are,” Joshua replied, his heart swelling with love and anticipation. “You, me, and our little one on the way. This ranch isn’t just our home anymore; it’s going to be our family’s home.”
As they walked back to the house hand in hand, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple. The day’s end seemed to promise a new beginning for them, a future filled with love, family, and the continued blessings of their life together on the ranch.
That night, as they sat together, making plans and dreaming of what was to come, the peace and contentment that enveloped them felt more profound than ever. Their simple, hard-earned life was blossoming into something even more beautiful than either had imagined. Joshua looked at Catalina, her face alight with happiness in the soft glow of the lantern, and knew that no matter what the future held, they were ready to face it together.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Grit and Glory on the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hi there, I really hope you enjoyed my new western adventure story and the extended epilogue! I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share them below.
What happened to Gabriel, the little boy?
I enjoyed the story but no mention of Gabriel in the EE??. . Seems incomplete.
You are right, Carol! I will check again with my editor!
What happened to Gabriel?
What a great story!!! It was filled with a bunch of tight spots and good solid friendships! I believe he was one lucky guy!! But at the same time he had prepared himself to handle many twists and turns in his life!!!
The epilogue was great also!! The only thing missing was any mention of the boy they saved!!! Does that mean that there’s a sequel coming???? Wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your feedback and support, Douglas! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Disappointed. What happened to Gabriel?