Cassie rose. “Let us get the dishes done, sweetie. Then your papa will open his gifts.”
“Awww.” Isaiah slumped back. “Why do we have to do so much waiting all the time?”
Cody tapped his shoulder. “That’s life, buddy. How about we build a tower while we wait?”
“Yeah!”
He ushered the kids into the parlor. They got out the blocks and spent the next fifteen minutes on the rug making a tower that fell down over and over, much to the children’s delight. By the time the rest of the adults trickled in, the three kids were laughing so hard, everyone else caught the amusement.
When the hilarity died down, Addie crawled into Cody’s lap. She stuck her thumb in her mouth, looking around as people found places to sit. Cody eyed the couch but decided to remain where he was. Ella settled beside him on the floor. One by one, his family and friends presented him with gifts.
A new tool belt from his ranch hands.
A saddle he’d had his eye on from Travis and Cassie.
Cookies in a decorative tin from Hattie.
Artwork from his children—directed by Tori.
Ella handed him her gift last. It was wrapped in brown paper with a simple string tied around and looped into a bow. He undid the bow. Addie reached for it. Cody dangled the string in front of her before letting her play with it. With her occupied, he removed the paper.
A frame sat in his hands. Inside, a sheet of white paper looked up at him. It was filled with beautiful cursive. A combination of watercolor and pressed wildflowers decorated the edges. The familiar words of his favorite poem came to life on the page.How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
He caught his breath. His gaze found his wife’s. “Did you make this?”
“I did.” Her green eyes searched his. “Do you like it?”
Cody placed the frame on the floor. He cupped Ella’s cheek and drew her close, pressing his lips against hers. “I love it.” He grinned. “But not as much as I love you.”
A chorus of laughs sounded throughout the room.
Hank groaned. “Sheesh, Boss, you’re getting soft.”
Ella’s fingers trailed over his face. “He’s always had a soft heart. He just didn’t show it.”
“I need to keep some secrets, darlin’.”
More laughter rang out. Ella leaned against him, lowering her voice until only he could hear. “I thought you might like a reminder of your mother. We can hang it wherever you want.”
He kissed her again, heedless of their audience. “It’s a thoughtful gift, Ella. But it no longer just reminds me of Ma.” His hand curled around hers. “It reminds me of us. How we married for practical purposes but found our way to love in the simplicity of everyday life.” Their eyes met and held. “I thank God every single day that He saw fit to bring us together.”
Ella melted into him, her eyes bright. “Me too.”
EPILOGUE
February 1888
The sun rose slowly over the horizon. Pink and orange splashed the landscape. Ella watched from the parlor window, sipping her morning tea and enjoying the peaceful quiet. These early-morning moments were some of her favorites, time to gather her thoughts for the day ahead before her family woke up. All was still.
It was broken by a tiny coo. She smiled, her gaze moving down to where her infant daughter nestled against her chest. Almost two months old, Rosie added so much life to their family. She’d had her brothers’ love from the start, and while Addie wasn’t sure about the newcomer for a week or two, she eventually came around.
“Hello, sweet Rosie. Are you feeling more awake now?”
Sunlight glinted off the baby’s red-blond hair. She yawned, her pink mouth forming a perfect O. Ella chuckled. “I suppose not. You’re probably going to be hungry soon, aren’t you?”
Strong arms wrapped around Ella from behind. She smiled, peeking over her shoulder. “Good morning, Cody.”
“Mornin’.” He kissed Rosie’s petal-soft cheek, then slid a finger down it. “How’s our baby girl?”
