Chapter 67 – Epilogue – Part 3

Isabella and Jack invite his parents inside, and the four of them embrace. "Shall I pour you two a cup of tea?" Isabella inquires. "I have some ready."

Elizabeth and Nathan shake their heads no. "That's okay, sweetie. We're fine." They sit in the chairs, and Jack and Isabella take the couch. They grip one another's hands and watch Elizabeth and Nathan awkwardly. "I guess I will tell you why we're here since you two are clearly worried." Elizabeth hands Isabella a box, but before she can open it, her mother-in-law explains. "One night, when Jack was about a year-and-a-half old, I was going through all the clothes he grew out of. Rosemary had come over and saw I was sad. She told me to keep one of the outfits for me and for you, so I have been saving this for your first child." Elizabeth nods for Isabella to open the box.

Isabella lifts the lid off and pulls out a pair of baby overalls. She grins at Jack and then her in-laws. "Thank you. They are adorable. I can't wait until the baby is big enough to wear them." Isabella places Jack's hand on her bump, and she kisses him.

"We have one more surprise for you two. Jack, do you remember me telling you about the land your father bought before we married?"

"Of course. You brought me there many times growing up."

"Right, but I neglected to mention that your father hadn't completely paid off the land before he died. I had to quickly decide to pay it off myself or sell it to a deserving family."

Jack looks confused. "Why are you telling me this, Mom?"

"I'm telling you because I decided to pay it off and deed it to you when you married."

"You what?"

"Jack, honey, Nathan and I want you and Isabella to have this land to build a house on and start your family. Jack would be so proud of you and want you to have this too."

Jack hugs Elizabeth and Nathan, thanking them for this generous gift. He picks up Isabella and spins her around, causing her to squeal with delight. When he puts her down, Nathan hands Jack a large envelope.

"What is it?"

"This is your copy of the deed. Put it in a safe place, and I'll let your mother explain what else is in there."

"Mom?" questions Jack.

"It's the blueprint to the house your father designed. I thought you might want to build his house or use it as a starting point for one you two design together."

Jack slides the blueprint out, and he and Isabella pore over it. "This is great, Mom. Thank you."

"Thanks, Mom, Dad. We appreciate this remarkable gift. Jack and I will be honored to build our home on the land his father purchased and raise our family in the very spot he dreamed one day to do." Isabella hugs her mother-in-law, both wiping a few tears from their eyes.

Jack returns the blueprint to the envelope and offers his arm to his wife, who gladly accepts. "Unless there is something else we need to be aware of, I would love to show my wife where we will live."

"Do you remember how to get there?" Elizabeth asks.

"I think we can manage. Thank you." And with that, Jack grabs Isabella's hand, and they run outside with unbridled enthusiasm. Unfortunately, they realize they have no transportation as soon as they step outside. They jog back in, with Jack asking his parents, "Can we borrow your car?"

Elizabeth and Nathan laugh, and Nathan throws him the keys. "Don't worry about us. We'll get a ride with Allie. You can return the car later."

"Thanks, Mom, Dad. Sorry to leave you like this." They rush back outside, excited about this new adventure.

Jack and Isabella drive out to their land, and he pulls up to the log his parents carved their initials on many years ago. He hops out, grabs the blueprint, and opens the passenger door for his wife. He takes her hand, and they sit on the old log. "What do you think, Iz? Can you picture us sitting here, swinging on our porch swing, watching our kids play?"

"I do. It is beautiful!"

Jack pulls out the blueprint, seeking the spot he thinks his father would have picked all those years ago. He leads her to where he wants the front of the house to be. "This will be our view from the front porch." They study the blueprint together and talk about what they like and want to change. Jack points to the plans. "Obviously, the house needs some modern conveniences. How about indoor plumbing? A bathroom on each floor like your parents' house? An electric clothes washer? An area for you to write in? A telephone?"

"Those are all great ideas."

"And we probably need another bedroom or two to fit all our children." Isabella giggles at his statement. He smiles back and continues. "I can't believe my folks gave us this land. There is no way I could have afforded something like this anytime soon, not to mention the supplies and labor it will take to build our dream home.

"When can we start building?" she asks.

"Why? Are you in a hurry?"

"Not really. It's just fun to think we could bring our baby to this home from the hospital, but I know it's not realistic."

"I wish we could, lovey, but we need to finish the design, and I'll have to save a lot more money."

"Maybe I can finish my play and sell it for extra income. Will that help us build sooner?"

"It should. You think you can finish before March?"

"I hope so. It's only October, and I am finishing my second draft. Having a goal for something as important as our dream home will help motivate me to finish with plenty of time to spare."

"Charlie really told you his bosses are interested in buying your idea?"

Isabella smiled, remembering her best friend's husband and his surprising offer. "He really did."

"Can you remind me what your play is about, Iz?"

Isabella smiles playfully. "It's about a soldier on leave visiting New York City. He meets a girl, and they quickly fall in love. However, time is not on their side, and they must ask themselves, are they meant to be together?"

"Ah, now I remember. Our story inspires it. Right?"

Isabella coyly answers, "I don't know. You'll have to read it yourself." They both can't help but giggle.

"Alright, if you sell your play, and we work hard to save every penny, maybe we'll spend our first Christmas as a family of three in our new home." Isabella throws herself into his arms, squealing with excitement.

Saturday, October 8th, 1938

Rosemary and Lee are in the backyard, sitting in the tandem Adirondack chair he built for them many years back. His side still faces the hills, and hers the garden she prides herself on. He's repaired it several times over the years, but they cannot seem to part with the old chair. Rosemary has her arm over his like she always does, and they are talking about what they want to see in each country they plan on visiting. "If I haven't said it enough, thank you for taking me and the girls to the UK and Europe. It's a dream come true," she says. Rosemary leans in to kiss her husband.

"Sweetheart, you do know that the UK is part of Europe, right?"

Rosemary rolls her eyes, smirking. "Yes, I know, Lee."

Matthew interrupts. "Hi Mama, Papa. I just got home. What do you know, Mama." Rosemary and Lee turn around, surprised.

"Your mother insists I am taking her to Europe and the UK. I told her it is the same thing."

"Yes, they are both technically in Europe, but it's okay to say it either way."

Rosemary kisses Lee's cheek, and he jumps up to offer his hand to his wife. She accepts and lets him pull her up into his arms. "I'll leave you two boys to talk."

Lee reluctantly lets her go, and she pats her son's face before heading to the back door.

"Why don't we go sit over there." They walk to the chairs closest to the house and sit down. "Your Mama, sisters, and I are leaving in two days. Do you have any questions for me? It will be difficult to contact us while we are gone."

"Don't worry, Papa. I've got everything under control. If I need help with work, I can ask Mister Lawson, Harper, or even Hazel's dad. And if I need help at the house, I can call Patrick."

"Good. If you think of anything else, please let me know."

"I will."

"Do you think you have enough money?"

"Yes, sir, I have plenty."

"I'll leave you some extra cash just in case."

"Thanks, Papa."

"Thank you for being someone I can count on. I couldn't be prouder of the man you are becoming. Come here, son." Lee hugs Matthew, patting him on the back.

Meanwhile, inside, Rosemary joins the twins, who are playing hearts. There is a knock at the door and Rosemary answers. It's her granddaughters, Ruby and Lucy. Rosemary peeks her head out but doesn't see anyone else. Ruby exclaims, "Grammy! We're here to play with Aunt Amelia and Olivia so you and Gramps can…" She turns to the left, a confused look on her face. "Can what? I forgot, Papa."

From somewhere unseen, Patrick shouts, "Go on a date."

Ruby repeats what she hears, and Rosemary gets down on her knees with a grin. "Oh, really?" Both Ruby and Lucy nod. "And did you two come by yourself?"

"No, Grammy. We came with Papa and Mama and Aunt Isabella and Uncle Jack," giggles Lucy. Rosemary waits for her kids to show their faces, but when they don't appear, she stands up and grabs both girls' hands, and leads them inside, speaking loud enough they can hear. "Your parents, aunt, and uncle are being silly." The girls chortle, and Rosemary yells out to her kids. "Your father and I would very much like to go on a date." Jack, Isabella, Hazel, and Patrick laugh at Rosemary and follow her inside, Hazel carrying Bradley on her hip.

By the time Rosemary has hugged everyone, Lee and Matthew join them in the living room. Their surprise at seeing all the kids and grandkids is evident. "What are you all doing here?" Lee asks as he begins to pass out hugs.

Rosemary whispers something to Ruby, and she giggles. "You and Grammy gonna see a movie with Cary Grant tonight."

"Is that why you're all here?"

Isabella hugs her father. "We thought you and Mama needed some alone time before your big trip, so we are here to spend some time with our sisters."

Olivia skips to Isabella. "You are?"

"We are! Now, you and Amelia figure out what you want to do tonight." Amelia squeals and runs over to her two sisters.

Lee chuckles. "Thanks, kids. We appreciate this more than you know." Rosemary grabs Lee's hand, and they quickly hug them all and race out the door before anyone changes their mind. The rest of the family chuckles, looking at each other in amusement.

There is a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Matthew announces, hoping it is Justine. He opens it, and his eyes widen as soon as he sees her. Matthew wraps his arms around her. "Hi, Justine. I am so glad you came."

"Hi, Matthew."

"My parents already left, but everyone else is here. I realize you have often been around my family, but are you ready for all my siblings?"

Justine nervously smiles, and Matthew reaches for her hand, leading her to the living room and announcing to the room at large: "I hope you don't mind. I invited Justine."

Isabella hugs her friend. "No, not at all. Please sit, Justine. Matthew is always in a better mood when you are around."

Matthew mutters under his breath. "Isabella, what are you doing?"

"What?"

"Please don't embarrass me," replies Matthew.

In typical older brother fashion, Patrick senses Matthew's nervousness and takes advantage of the opportunity. "You're here on a good night, Justine. You are bound to hear many embarrassing stories about our dear Matthew."

Matthew scowls at Patrick. "Why are you doing this? You're supposed to be on my side." Justine glances at Matthew sympathetically, and the corner of his lips almost turn up.

"I'm joking, Matthew. Don't be so sensitive." Patrick ruffles his brother's perfect hair.

Matthew's face turns red. "I have no idea why you and Isabella still think messing with my hair is funny."

"It's because you still react to it," Isabella remarks.

Wanting to change the subject desperately, Matthew asks, "What game should we play?"

"How about Monopoly?" Jack suggests.

"Sounds like fun. Should we team up?" asks Hazel.

Olivia yells, "I wanna be with Jack."

"And I wanna be with Isabella," shouts Amelia.

Isabella nods. "Okay, why don't we pair up Amelia and me, Jack and Olivia, Matthew and Justine, Hazel and Lucy, Patrick and Ruby, and I'll hold Bradley? I need some cuddle time with my cutie patootie nephew." Isabella walks over to Hazel and lifts a raspberry-blowing Bradley from her arms. Patrick finds the game and offers to set it up.

"Shall we play at the kitchen table?" Hazel asks, rubbing a hand over her stomach. Matthew wonders if it's because she doesn't want to get on the floor in her condition. Isabella seconds the idea, and they all sit at the table while Patrick and Jack prepare the game.

Ruby bounces to Hazel, "Mama, where's my dolly?"

"It's in my purse. Can you bring it to me? It is on the end table in the living room."

"Yes, ma'am." Ruby skips to the living room and back, handing Hazel her pink hand-crocheted drawstring purse.

Hazel grabs the nesting doll. "Here you go, sweetie. Don't lose any of the pieces."

"I won't, Mama."

Matthew sees Isabella's eyes on Hazel's purse. "Hazel, is that the purse Papa gave you when we were kids?"

"Yes. I found it the other day and thought I would use it again. It is still in good shape."

"Has he seen it yet?"

"He did the other day. I could tell it touched him. He immediately smiled at me when he recognized it."

The adults are all relaxing in the living room, laughing at what a bust Monopoly was. Even after two hours, nobody had won the game. Lucy and Ruby lost interest after thirty minutes, and Amelia and Olivia lasted about an hour before the four girls went to their room to play. The adults finally gave up when Hazel's stomach started rumbling from being hungry.

"For the record, I would like to point out that before we stopped, Olivia and I were winning," Jack announces.

Isabella scoffs. "How do you figure?"

With a wink and a grin, Jack replies. "We had the most cash."

"The amount of cash you have before selling your properties does not constitute a win. I argue that Amelia and I were winning because we had the most expensive properties."

"Your cash reserve was low because you kept buying properties and hotels. How do you know you wouldn't have had to sell them to pay rents on the properties you land on?"

"Because I would…I would never…" Jack interrupts her by placing his finger on her lips.

"Face it. You can't win it all, Iz."

"I most certainly can…" Jack interrupts her again with a long, slow kiss, immediately stopping her from talking.

When he finishes, he lingers instead of leaning back. Isabella smirks at him and pushes him away. "Jack Thornton, you can't expect that to work every time."

"Expect what to work?" Jack asks innocently. Isabella hits his leg, chuckling.

Matthew rolls his eyes. "This is a family night. You newlyweds can flirt on your own time." Isabella blushes and glances at her husband, who shows no remorse.

Patrick asks, "What should we do now?"

"Let's play charades." Jack throws the idea out casually. His sweet glance toward Isabella tells her he did it because he knows how much she loves the game. She gets excited, hoping she's not the only one who wants to play.

Hazel stands up with her son in her arms. "Charades sounds perfect. Let me put Bradley to bed first. Can you give me fifteen to twenty minutes?"

Patrick gets to his feet. Of course, Haz. I'll come with you."

Patrick and Hazel take Bradley to Isabella's old room, where Rosemary keeps a rocking chair and crib for her grandbabies. Hazel nurses Bradley, rocking him until he is asleep. Hazel lays him in the crib, and they watch him for a few moments, ensuring he stays asleep. "I'll ask Amelia and Olivia to listen for him if he wakes up."

"Good idea. I'll meet you downstairs." Patrick kisses his wife and heads downstairs while Hazel walks to the twin's room across the hall. She looks around but doesn't see her four-year-old. "Amelia? Where is Lucy?"

"She's not out there with you? She went to get a glass of water but never returned."

Hazel laughs at her absent-minded daughter. "She probably got distracted playing somewhere else." Hazel checks in Matthew's bedroom, the hall closet, and the toilet room, calling out the girl's name, but there is no response. She goes downstairs and peeks into the two bedrooms and the bathroom. "Lucy, honey. Where are you?" There is still no answer. Hazel starts to panic and hurries to the living room, interrupting the conversation. "Pat, I can't find Lucy. I need you to help me."

Patrick rises. "What do you mean you can't find her? Isn't she with the twins?"

"No. Amelia said she came down to get water and never came back."

"Have you checked the whole house?"

Hazel wraps her arms around herself for comfort. "Not yet."

Patrick embraces her, holding on for a long minute. "Alright, let's go. There are a lot of places she can hide," he says.

Before they leave, Isabella offers to help. "Jack and I can hunt for her outside."

"Thanks, Iz, Jack. She knows better than going outside without an adult, but you never know with her."

"Where are Matthew and Justine?" asks Hazel.

"They said they wanted to stargaze in the backyard."

Jack squeezes Isabella's hand. "I'll take the front if you cover the back, lovey. And can you ask Matthew and Justine to help?" Isabella nods, and they both jog outside in different directions.

Hazel goes upstairs again, and Patrick heads to the kitchen. She checks all the hiding spots she can think of but can't find her anywhere. Then she walks into the girl's room again and checks under the beds and closet, but no Lucy. "Amelia, can you keep a close eye on Ruby and tell me if Lucy turns up?"

"Yes, ma'am.

Meanwhile, outside, Isabella finds Matthew and Justine on the wooden swing, letting them know Lucy is missing. Matthew gets up at once, followed closely by Justine. "Where should we start?"

"I'm not sure." Isabella peers around the yard. "Maybe go down and check the oak tree we planted as kids. I am pretty confident Patrick and Hazel have shown it to the girls."

"Sounds good. Yell to us if you find her."

"Will do."

Isabella begins her search, calling out Lucy's name, checking in all the good hiding spots, all the spots she thinks a four-year-old might hide. When she reaches the right side of the house, Isabella sees Jack. She runs into his arms, a bit emotional. "Where could she be?"

"I don't know, lovey, but we will find her. I promise."

Isabella wipes a tear from her eye, laughing at herself. "I don't usually get emotional like this."

"Well, why don't we search together?" Jack grabs her hand. "Where have you checked already?"

Back inside, Patrick checks the kitchen and dining room. He notices a cup of water which might be Lucy's, making him think. "She must have made it downstairs." Patrick treks back to his parent's bedroom, calling out Lucy's name, but there is no answer. He checks under the bed and in the closet; she isn't there either. "Where could she be?" Patrick asks himself. He crosses the hall to the spare bedroom. "Lucy, sweetheart, are you in here? Mama and I are worried because we don't know where you are." An eerie silence envelops Patrick, and he walks further into the bedroom, noticing some of his mother's clothes folded neatly on the bed and a few sprawled out on the floor. With absolute certainty, he knows his mother would never leave her clothes on the floor. Patrick has a feeling Lucy is in here, but where? He peeks under the bed and in the closet, where he is relieved to find her sleeping in his mother's dress. A pile of blankets props her up with a picture book and flashlight beside her. Patrick runs in the hallway to the stairs, calling up. "Hazel. You have to come see this."

Hazel hurries down the stairs to a grinning Patrick, who wraps his arms around her and brings her to their daughter. Hazel sees Lucy and gets choked up at the sight. Her knees buckle, and Patrick holds her up, reassuring her, "See, she's fine." He lets go of Hazel slowly and carefully picks up Lucy, who lies against his chest.

Lucy smiles sleepily without opening her eyes. "Do I look pretty in Grammy's dress, Papa?"

"Yes, angel, you do."

"Maybe we can get Grammy to sew you a matching dress," suggests Hazel. Lucy smiles again but still doesn't open her eyes. Hazel kisses her cheek, and Patrick carries her into the living room. She follows close behind. When they reach the entryway, he notices his wife wincing in pain, one hand on their unborn child and the other grabbing his arm.

Patrick helps her to the rocking chair in the corner of the living room and sits. "Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?"

Hazel rubs circles around her belly and releases some deep breaths. "No, I'm fine, honey. I think our little one is reacting to all the excitement. Let me have Lucy, and you can find everyone and tell them we found her." Patrick hands Lucy to her mother and hurries outside to tell Isabella and Jack she's safe and sound. He looks back to see Hazel rocking their secondborn, wiping the tears trickling down her face.

A few minutes later, Patrick returns with the other adults. He had just told them where he found his daughter, which they all found amusing after the initial scare wore off. Isabella is the first to approach her niece when she sees what Lucy is wearing. "Mama isn't going to be happy when she sees this."

Patrick laughs. "You'll learn soon enough, Monkey. When it comes to the grandkids, Mama spoils them and lets them get away with everything. Papa is the same way."

"I should have known."

Just then, Amelia, Olivia, and Ruby run into the living room, relieved to see Lucy in Hazel's arms. Patrick pulls up a chair next to Hazel and Lucy, and Ruby jumps into her father's lap. Lucy finally opens her eyes. Her little voice fills the room. "Why are you crying, Mama?"

Hazel kisses Lucy's forehead. "We couldn't find you, and that scared me."

Lucy giggles. "Mama, I was just in the spare bedroom."

"I know, sweetie, but we couldn't find you at first. We looked all over until Papa found you sleeping in the closet. Next time, please tell an adult if you want to hide somewhere. Okay, princess?"

"Yes, Mama. I sorry."

"It's alright, sweetie. Mama and Papa love you so much. And your little brother, big sister, and the baby here in my tummy love you too."

Lucy rests her head on Hazel's shoulder, softly saying, "I love you too, Mama." Patrick leans over and kisses his three girls, admiring the bond between mother and daughters.

Isabella and Jack watch the exchange between her brother and sister-in-law and their children from across the room. She whispers to Jack. "Do you think we'll be as good of parents as Hazel, Patrick, and our folks?"

"I have no doubt we will because of our parents' example," Jack answers in a whisper. "Have I told you how I can't wait until we have a house full of little ones running around?"

Isabella giggles much louder than she intended. "You have, and I can't wait either."

Patrick glances around the room. "So, who is up for playing charades?"

Rosemary and Lee slip in without detection. "We are!" they shout. Amelia, Olivia, and Ruby race into their arms, hugging them.

Isabella blinks in surprise. "Mama, Papa, why are you back so early?"

Lee looks at Rosemary. "We didn't want to miss out on spending time with all you kids."

"Did you at least enjoy some of the evening?" inquires Patrick.

"Yes, your father and I had a romantic meal at Gustave's Bistro, and we went to the theater to see When You're in Love with Cary Grant and Grace Moore, but I made us leave halfway through. My mind was here at home with you all." Rosemary scans the room, noticing Lucy sitting in her mother's lap, wearing one of her dresses. "Why is my precious granddaughter wearing my dress?"

Patrick responds, "Wait until you hear the story."

Sunday, October 9th, 1938

Lee and Patrick are horseback riding down their street and onto the same road they've traveled since Patrick was seven, and his parents first took him riding. Patrick notices Lee turning contemplative, a sure sign his father has something to say. "What's on your mind, Papa? I know you didn't bring me out here for idle chit-chat."

"You've always been in tune with what people are feeling. I've always admired that about you, son." Lee pauses a moment, seeming to gather his thoughts. "Do you think Matthew is ready for the full responsibility of running the business? Or is he still too young?"

Patrick thinks about it for a moment. "I think he is ready. Matthew looks up to you as a man and a father. He wants to be just like you, so he's been preparing himself for this his whole life. I suspect my little brother will surprise us all and rise to the challenge."

Lee clears his throat. "I don't want to add to your responsibilities, but can you check in on him while we are on our trip?"

"Yes, Papa. Hazel and I plan to have him for dinner a few nights a week."

"Will Hazel be up for it? She'll be about ready to give birth by the time we return."

"If there is one thing I've learned from my wife and Mama, don't ever assume they can't do something because they are carrying your child. She'll do whatever she needs, and there is no arguing."

"Good man, Patrick! How long did it take you to figure that out?"

"When Hazel was nine months pregnant with Ruby."

"I had to learn quickly, too, with your mother. You know how she is, and you know how she is pregnant. Unfortunately, for her, it took having a scare to realize there is such a thing as too much."

"I am thankful all of Hazel's pregnancies have been healthy. So far."

"I am too. It's a scary situation to be in when they're not."

Lee and Patrick are in the barn tacking their horses when Rosemary steps inside. "Oh, good, you're back." She links their arms. "It's my turn." Patrick chuckles. "Will you walk with me, bud?"

"Yes, Mama. Where would you like to go?"

"We can stroll up the street and back. Not far."

"What do I owe the pleasure of your company?" he questions.

"I can't spend one-on-one time with my oldest child?"

"You can, but I have a feeling there is something you want to talk about."

"There is. I can never get anything past you, can I?" Rosemary narrows her eyes at her oldest son. "I wanted to check in with you to see if everything is good at The Valley Voice. It is yours now, but it still feels like one of my babies. Well, a grown-up baby, like three of my actual babies."

"I understand, Mama. Trust me. Everything is fine. I have a good staff, and I anticipate us expanding soon and hiring more people."

"Great news. You are doing such a fabulous job there. I am so proud of you." She squeezes his arm. "Can you do me a favor? Can you check on your brother while we are away? I'm afraid he'll starve or spend all his money eating out."

"Papa already brought this up. I am not sure why you two are worried. Matthew is not helpless. You have taught him how to cook, and he can care for himself. But don't worry. Hazel and I will have him and Mémé over for dinner a few times a week."

"You're the best big brother and grandson. You've always been to all four of your siblings and your grandparents, and I adore that about you." She stops walking and gets serious. "I have one more thing."

"Anything, Mama."

"Don't let Hazel give birth until we return at the end of November. I don't want to miss the birth of my fourth grandchild."

"I'm sure Hazel will do her best."

"I love you to infinity, bud."

"I love you to infinity times infinity, Mama," Patrick brings his mother in for a hug.

After dark, the Coulter family sits around a campfire in their backyard. Lee had placed three long, flat logs for the kids and grandkids to sit on. And Rosalind sits on a chair by Lee and Rosemary, who are on their swing. Rosemary is rocking Bradley.

Lee stands up and gets everyone's attention. He glances over at Rosemary. "Your mother and I are so glad you could all spend this last night with us before we leave on our trip. We are truly proud of all of you, all five of our kids, and soon-to-be five grandkids." Lee claps his hands together. "And to commemorate the occasion, I have a special treat for us," pausing momentarily to get their attention. "Who wants s'mores?" No one answers, so Lee uncovers the tray next to the swing with sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. He sticks the marshmallow on the end of the stick and puts it in the fire. Lee lets it get nice and gooey. Then he sticks the marshmallow between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate. Lee offers it to Isabella. "You might know this as a graham cracker sandwich." His kids all talk at once. Lee chuckles. "I thought you might be familiar with that name."

Isabella takes the first bite. "This is so good, Papa." Jack chuckles when he looks at her and sees a bit of marshmallow on her face. He slowly wipes her chin, followed by the corner of her lips, licking the remnants from his finger.

"You're right. These are delicious." Jack tries to sneak a bite.

Isabella moves the s'more away from him. "Oh, no. You get your own, lovey." Jack laughs.

Lee walks around handing out marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and sticks. Then he joins Rosemary back on the swing.

"You don't want one, sweetheart?" inquires Rosemary.

"No, I'd rather sit with you and my grandson, watching the family you and I created with God's help."

"If you had told me this was our future before we married, I would have been terrified."

"We've come a long way, you and me, haven't we? It's a good thing you no longer think children are sticky."

"We sure have, and our family is only getting bigger with two little ones on the way. I sure hope we are back before the baby makes an appearance. I don't want to miss the birth of any of our grandkids."

Patrick whistles to get everyone's attention. "Mama, Papa, Monkey and I would like to present you with a couple of 'we will miss you' gifts." Rosemary and Lee perk up, and Patrick saunters to his parents and gives Lee a framed picture. "We thought you would want this framed. It is all of us at Isabella's wedding reception."

Rosemary gasps. "I didn't know the pictures were in."

Patrick smiles. "I had Matthew intercept them for us." Matthew takes a theatrical bow. Rosemary and Lee study the picture with them in the center, grinning, surrounded by Rosalind, their five kids, three grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, and a son-in-law who have been part of the family since they were kids.

Isabella sashays to their parents next, giving Rosemary the other framed photo. "This one is also from the reception. It is the five of us kids making funny faces. We thought this summed up our personalities all in one picture."

"Thank you so much. I will cherish these always."

"Thanks, buddy, princess." Lee glances at his wife. "We might even bring them on our trip."

Isabella joins her parents and nephew on the swing. She points out to her whole family. "I've missed this, being here with everyone. Don't get me wrong, I will always be fond of New York City, but there is nothing like being here in Hope Valley with my wonderful family."

Rosemary pats Isabella's leg with her free hand. "I couldn't agree more, sweetie. Hope Valley is the best place to raise a family, and I couldn't be happier to have you, Jack, and your little pumpkin here for the foreseeable future."

"We are too."

Jack slides a chair over to where Patrick, Hazel, and their daughters are sitting. "You know the boy you found in the woods and helped?"

"Yes, we've been thinking about him. Is his mother okay?"

"Yes, she had a bad infection in her leg, but Doctor Martin was able to save her and her leg."

Hazel sighs in relief. "I am so glad."

"There's more. On Friday, the grandparents you met, John and Ida Morrison, visited me. They want to reward you and Hazel for finding their grandson and helping save their daughter-in-law's life."

"A reward? Why? We did what anyone else would do."

Jack hands Patrick an envelope with a cheque made out to a Mister and Missus Patrick Coulter. Patrick glances at the amount and gasps.

"It turns out the family is rich. They made a lot of money ranching near Lethbridge and retired to Hope Valley a couple of years ago when their son and his family moved here."

"We cannot accept this, Jack."

"I told them as much. John came back with the following suggestion. He will donate the money to a charitable organization of your choosing, but he insists on one caveat. John wants you to have a small amount to treat your family to a trip somewhere. After the baby is here, of course."

Patrick wraps his arms around his wife. "I think that is acceptable to us."

"I thought so. I'll let John know." Jack leaves a stunned Patrick and Hazel, noticing his wife is still talking to her parents. He admires her from afar but can't seem to stay away.

As Jack walks toward Isabella, Rosemary can see her daughter's face light up.

Rosemary offers. "Go to him, princess. We can speak later." Isabella reaches for her husband's hand. He pulls her up, and they head back to their log. "Look, Lee. Her bump is more noticeable. It's so cute." Lee smiles and nods in agreement as they watch Jack sit down first and tug Isabella into his lap. He whispers something in her ear, and she leans back in his embrace. Isabella suddenly moves his hand over her stomach, grinning from ear to ear. She watches Jack's face and pouts when he shakes his head no.

"Jack still can't feel the baby?" he guesses.

"You're probably right."

Lee gives the swing a nudge, pondering aloud. "How is it that our first baby girl is married and having a baby of her own?"

"I don't know, sweetheart."

Patrick clears his throat, getting their attention. "If you don't mind, I want to get my son. It's his bedtime."

Rosemary kisses her grandson on the forehead and hands him to his father. "Alright, bud. You're going to come back down, right?" Patrick nods, and Rosemary and Lee wave goodbye. They watch as Patrick helps Hazel up and asks Isabella and Jack if they can watch the girls while he and Hazel put Bradley to bed. They gleefully agree to play with their nieces.

Lee drapes his arm around his wife, leans in, and whispers in her ear. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"You have," she responds with a playful grin. "Have I told you that you are my one and only?"

"You have." Lee brushed his lips with hers and peered at his family, silently thanking God for each of them. "Do you remember what we told Pastor Frank before we married?"

"Yes, why?"

"We've gotten everything we listed."

Rosemary giggles. "You're right. We did."

Lee starts with "Big house."

Rosemary turns and eyes their home. "You built me this big, gorgeous home for our growing family, a home where we are raising our kids and growing old together."

"It may not be the biggest home now, but it was when I built it for you." Next, Lee lists, "White picket fence."

"In our front yard," she responds.

"Model T."

"We've had several of those."

"Two cats."

Rosemary chuckles. "We've had more than two cats, but Tom and Becky were our favorites because they came with this home. Remember when they showed up on our doorstep Christmas morning, the day after we moved in?"

"I do. Patrick was so excited, but I don't think Nanny and Laika liked having two more animals in the house."

"I don't think they did either," reminisces Rosemary. "I miss our little Laika the most. Don't you?"

"I do. Laika was like one of our children, blessing us for fifteen and a half wonderful years." Lee turns to his wife and takes her hands in his. "The last but most important one…five kids…you know, wee ones."

Rosemary demurely smiles. "I realize I wasn't originally on board with having kids like you were, but I can't imagine our lives without our five brilliant, amazing, incredible, beautiful kids, who I love more than life itself."

"Come here." Lee leans in further, kissing Rosemary, something he's treasured for the last twenty-five years and always will.

A/N: Well, this is the end. I don't know about you, but it is bittersweet for me. It started as something fun to think about and do during the COVID lockdown, and it turned into something so much more. I hope you have enjoyed their adventures as much as I have had writing them.

Thank you to each and every person who has left a comment or review. Thank you, elizabethb88, for your support and for taking the time to proofread these last few chapters. I love how they turned out. Thank you, JB47, for your support and ideas. Thank you, Helene, for reading even when you were busy with your three kids and five jobs. Thank you, Missela and your girls, for your support and all your comments and reviews. You've kept me going even when I wasn't sure if anyone was still reading my story. Thank you, Mom, for your encouragement and nice words. And last but not least, thank you, Mindy, for being my devoted reader and critiquer. Thank you for always being there to make me go deeper and infuse more drama. This story wouldn't be what it is today without you. Love you, big sis.