Julie Garwood - Come the Spring

He leaned down and whispered into her ear. She immediately turned

scarlet. "You wouldn't. . . not here in front of Grace and Daniel .

. . " "I'm a desperate man. If taking your clothes off is the only way

I can get you to cooperate, I'll do it."

"It sure would take my mind off this torture, " Daniel drawled out.

Grace covered her face and laughed. Jessica put her arms around Cole's

neck.

"I'm waiting, " Cole reminded her.

"I love you, Cole Clayborne. I love you." His expression turned

somber. "Forever, Jessica? " "Forever." The judge came striding into

his chambers with a full bottle of good whiskey. He poured drinks for

everyone and then sat down behind his desk.

"I'm still in shock, " Rafferty announced. "I can't believe that

Donald Curtis, a respected businessman in this town, a pillar of our

community, was the leader of the Blackwater gang. Whatever possessed

him to turn like that? " "Greed, " Daniel speculated.

"The thrill, " Cole suggested.

"Maybe Rebecca will be able to answer your questions about Donald. She

knew him well, " Jessica said.

"I know I shouldn't feel sorry for her, but I do, " Grace said.

"She loved him, and some women will do anything for the men they love,

even kill." The judge raised his glass and said, "Why don't one of you

marshals make the toast? " Daniel looked at Cole. "Are you keeping

your badge? " "Maybe. What about you? " "Maybe." Cole raised his

glass to Daniel. "To justice." Rosehill Ranch, Montana Territory Xma

Rose was sitting on the front porch enjoying the sunset.

It was her daily ritual and one she tried never to miss, for, in her

opinion, sunsets were one of God's special gifts to the world, and it

was her duty to take a moment to appreciate His wonders.

She wasn't alone, for squeezed up next to her was the newest addition

to the family, Caleb. The two of them had taken to one another

immediately, and he was happily chattering away now in a language only

he understood.

He was the most adorable child, and every now and then, she couldn't

resist brushing her hand across his dark, silky curls.

The family had all returned home to celebrate the wedding of Jessica

and Cole and to welcome Jessica and her son into the fold. The house

was bursting at the seams, and Mama Rose couldn't have been happier.

She glanced up and saw Cole standing in the doorway, watching her.

"I knew I'd find you out here, " he said. He came out and pulled up a

chair next to her. With a nod toward Caleb, he said, "He's a piece of

work, isn't he, Mama? " "My, yes, " she answered. "He's busy every

minute. He was just telling me a remarkable story." Cole laughed.

"He keeps Jessie on her toes, " he remarked. "By the end of the day,

we're both worn out from chasing after him."

"That's the way it's supposed to be, " she replied. She grew serious

then and said, "You do know how blessed you've been, don't you?

Jessica is a treasure and so is this little boy."

"I know, " he agreed. "Sometimes . . . at night . . . I watch her

sleep and I get this choked-up feeling. . . .

I'm a man in love, " he ended. "No doubt about it."

"I expect you at services Sunday, " she said. "You'll want to thank

God."

"We'll be there, " he promised. "Are you going to wear your new hat

Grace sent you? " "Oh my, yes, " she replied. "It's almost too grand

for me."

"Nothing's too grand for you, Mama Rose." Praise flustered her, and

she quickly changed the subject. "Jessica told me that Grace has

decided to open a hat shop in Dillon." Cole nodded. "Her parents are

coming over from London'to help her get started. Daniel hopes they'll

stay."

"When is Daniel going to marry her? " "The date hasn't been set yet.

He has to wait and ask Grace's father for permission first, but he's

hoping to tie the knot next year, come the spring. He expects you to

be there."

"Oh, I'll be there, and I'll wear my new hat.

Daniel's at peace now, isn't he? " Cole smiled. "He's getting there,

Mama." The screen door opened, and her other sons, Adam and Douglas

and Travis, came outside. A moment later, her daughter, Mary Rose,

joined them. Mama Rose's heart swelled with love and pride, and she

suddenly became quite teary-eyed.

"I was about to tell this baby a story."

"We'll listen too, " Adam said.

"What's it about? " Douglas wanted to know.

"A circle, " she answered, "that began in New York City when four young

boys and an infant became a family." Caleb climbed up on her lap and

cuddled against her chest. She put her arms around him and began to

rock.

"Once upon a time . . , " the end.