I once again wish to thank everyone for their very kind reviews and support. They have boosted me no end. And so with a sad heart I conclude my story.
Chapter 23
Life continued on at the Ponderosa, Meg and all the Cartwrights getting closer and ever closer. Ben could now see what a wonderful person Meg was and delighted for her, with her new found knowledge. She had at last found happiness being with them.
About a month later Adam asked Meg to take a ride with him. She gratefully agreed and they took a picnic basket with them. They arrived at a place overlooking the lake and arranged the blanket and picnic basket on the ground so that they could enjoy the view. They talked and talked and ate their picnic lunch. Then Adam stood up and offered his hand to Meg to help her stand.
"I have something to show you. I hope you will be pleased." They walked a little distance from the picnic site to a shaded area. Adam had arranged for a single headstone be erected there.
Meg looked on in silence, then said, "Oh Adam, how wonderful of you to think of this. You're so generous, in thinking of me. A headstone for my children." Tears were forming in her eyes. Written on the headstone were the names Aaron/Rachel, David/Ruth and Peter/Mary - Beloved children of Margaret Jane James/Cartwright and inscribed: 'Now resting with God but in our hearts for ever.' "Maybe now I'll have a chance of seeing you in heaven." Meg whispered to herself.
Adam went down on one knee, in the age old tradition, and taking hold of Meg's hand said, "Will you marry me and be with me for the rest of our lives. I ask this as witnessed by your three dear children."
"Yes, oh yes, yes, Adam. You have given me a new beginning and I love you so much. Yes Adam, I will marry you." Meg felt she has been resurrected from out of Hell and landed in Heaven on earth.
"Then let us go home and tell the rest of the family." Adam said, as he stood, held out his hand and helped Meg into the buggy and away home.
Epilogue:
Adam built their home on the very lovely spot he had planned, overlooking the lake and surrounded by trees and wild flowers and not far from Meg's children's headstone. Meg visited her children often with freshly pulled petals and scattered them around. She could never stop this ritual from her past. And blessed Adam each day for his love and goodness.
Meg fell pregant twice more, a boy and a girl, David Adam and Elizabeth Margaret, after her father and Adam's mother. She now had a son to whom she would give the pocket watch to some day.
Adam had never felt so blessed, with his wife and two children beside him. Life was good.