Epilogue

Two weeks later,

Chris and Mary Anna looked at the new house built by the small lake on their property. Since there was only time to build one, they made it big enough for the four of them. The partners of the Drifter Ranch. Chris and Mary Anna and Jake and Sheila.

Christmas was tomorrow, and they had finished moving in. Chris hugged Mary Anna to him. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful."

Jake and Sheila came up to them. "I think it will work out fine. Then in the spring, we'll build the other home just on the other side of the lake. Think we can get along together in the same house?"

"Won't be any different than in the hotel." Mary Anna grinned. "We'll have to split the cooking duties."

Sheila laughed. "You might not like it so much when it's my turn. I can't cook a thing."

Jake shook his head. "I already took care of it. I hired a cook and his wife. He just got out of jail, but he's an excellent cook. They can live in the old house. I thought I'd give your idea a try."

Chris grinned. "Good job. He can cook, though, can't he?"

"Yes. He's a great cook. Loves to make up new recipes. And his wife is good at cleaning. So, I figured it was a win-win." He hugged Sheila to him. "Sheila is going to be busy raising children."

Sheila shoved him. "I am not raising them alone, buddy. You're helping. Children need fathers, too. Especially any children related to you."

Chris laughed. "You're right, Sheila. You tell him."

Mary Anna pulled Chris's face toward her. "You'll be busy with your own offspring."

Jake let out a whoop. "Can't beat that for a Christmas present."

Chris embraced Mary Anna and kissed her. "We're going to have a wonderful life together."

"Yes, we are, Mr. Starke." She returned his kiss, and they walked into their new house to begin their new lives together.

Author's Note – I hope you enjoyed the story. This is a good series with trouble between North and South brides and grooms. I have another book in this series.

A Gambler for Christmas is available now on preorder and will release Dec. 4, 2024.