Epilogue

True to his promise to Abner Godwin, Nico spoke to his family about the possibility of investing in a cattle ranch. And so it was that Walter became a gentleman rancher. Walter talked them into buying the Hatchett property and leasing it to Eden’s family for a small share of profits from the sale of steers at auction. Walter found the whole idea most amusing, even though he didn’t expect to make much money from it. He did a lot of reading on the subject of being a cowboy, though, and entertained himself immensely.

Walter also had the Hatchett house razed and built a new one in its place. It gave them somewhere comfortable to stay when they visited the Godwins. During calving season, Nico would always take off a week, then Matty a different week, and anyone else in their household who wanted would accompany them and help out at the ranch as much as possible .

Walter thought it was peaceful riding around on the ranch, looking for stray steers who’d separated from the herd and areas where their fences needed repairs, whereas Nico and Matty participated in more of the backbreaking labor. Once in a while, Isaac would arrive and make repairs for the Godwins when they needed carpentry work done. Warren never showed much interest, but Bay thought it was an enjoyable getaway, and Jeb Hawkins also found out about the family’s involvement and showed up now and then. All of these extra hands helped Abner Godwin and his ranch immensely, especially since no one would accept a penny for their labors.

With so many different people coming and going from the Los Angeles branch of the family, no one questioned Matty’s relationship to anyone. He was just a friendly, helpful man who showed up and worked hard. The Godwins were too busy to pay much attention anyway.

Eden was happy she’d be able to see her family regularly, especially after little Cora was born. She was named for Matty’s late mother. Blonde and bubbly, with enormous blue eyes, she looked like a tiny, girly version of Nico, and she was doted on by the entire household.

In rapid succession after Cora’s birth, Eden produced Remy, Louis, Albert, Clifford, and Abraham until Cora complained bitterly to her mother that she wanted a sister , and her mother better not have any more boys! A couple of years after Abie’s birth, Cora’s wish was granted, and baby Shoshanna was born—a tiny replica of her mother. She was the final child for them. All of the children were blue-eyed, and the family speculated now and then about the actual parentage of each of them except for Cora, but no one particularly cared. The children all loved music, but that could have been due to constant exposure rather than genetics.

Matty loved teaching just as much as he’d expected to and became a beloved mentor to many of his students. He started a tradition of having a Roman banquet each year for the Latin students, and that became a lasting school tradition that grew in complexity—and hilarity—each year it was held. All of the attendees wore togas and spoke Latin as much as possible, and when they couldn’t find the right Latin translation for their thoughts, they spoke pig Latin. It was always a good laugh that the students looked forward to.

Eden was too busy popping out babies and caring for them to embrace becoming a nurse, though she volunteered some of her time at the clinic handling paperwork. She told her husbands, “I’ll do plenty of nursing at home.” Indeed, there was always a baby at her breast or a scraped knee to tend to. Her friends who worked for the clinic, however, were greatly appreciated for their hard work and dedication.

Doc Louis retired soon after the arrival of Otto Schubert. Nico and Otto revamped the practice to modernize it and then added two more doctors to their staff. The clinic was a terrific success and greatly needed in such a rapidly growing city.

The Stark-James estate remained a bustling hive of activity, and the house was always filled with music, laughter, and love.

Eden, Nico, and Matty’s tripod remained strong and sturdy, supporting each other with grace and devotion.

The End