Epilogue

Marc pounded the last stake into the ground. He stepped back and placed the mallet on the stone table beside him.

A line of similar tents were staked alongside the stone fence in the backyard. He dusted down his uniform and smiled at his handiwork.

“William, supper will be ready in a few.”

“Yes, Emma.” Marc turned to wave to his sister as she placed a platter of roasted chicken next to platters of cornbread, hardtack, and pulled pork on the table.

“Miss Shelby, I’ve placed the last of the food on platters for you.” David walked toward Donna, a platter of cheese in each hand.

“Thank you, Edwin.” The smile on her face was wide as she took one platter from him and directed him to place the second.

When he stood up, he left a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Any time, Miss Shelby.” He smiled.

Ralphie snagged a chicken leg from the platter as he continued to give a group of kids a tour of the grounds behind the house and into the field. “From what we’ve researched, the photographers and some enlisted soldiers met in our backyard the weekend of the big battle. In fact, William Shelby and two other men chose to protect the photographers. At least that’s what we can figure out from some letters found in our attic.”

“What does the insignia on your uniform mean?” one of the boys in the group asked.

Ralphie beamed. “I’m the head of the drummer boys.”

“You get to play the drums?” another boy asked.

“Yep, and it gives you extra credit in history class,” Ralphie said. “At least, it does if Mr. Mason is your teacher. Now if you look at where our property joins the battlefield…”

Marc smiled as he walked up to the table. “This is a great spread, Emma.”

Donna, dressed in a hoop-skirted gown, smiled. “Thanks, William.”

“I admit I didn’t think you’d join up,” Marc said.

“And miss all of this history? And cooking? And costuming?” Donna grinned. “I’m happy being Emma Shelby to your William. It suits us.”

A pair of hands slipped through his arms, and the warmth of a kiss fell upon the back of his neck.

He turned around. “Hi, General.”

Benjamin grinned. “Mr. Shelby, this was the best idea the three of you’ve come up with yet.”

“Which? Hosting this monthly practice?”

“Yes,” Benjamin said. “Especially with your family’s connection to the corps. I mean, we’ll take any opportunity we can to practice. And I love that Donna and Ralphie have joined in the fun.”

“Well, we have the land,” Marc said. “And it helps bring in business for the bed-and-breakfast. Practices every month mean more people coming into Oakville, and they need a place to stay.”

Marc embraced Benjamin. “Thank you for being Samuel to my William this weekend. This gives me the opportunity to get used to you dying on that horse every year.”

Benjamin kissed Marc gently on the lips as he pulled him into his tent, brushing the flap closed as they made their way to the bed against the tapestry. He whispered into Marc’s ear. “Part of the reason I got this sturdier bed was so it would be more comfortable for the two of us and you’d stop worrying about the bed breaking.”

“But you bought this during our fight,” Marc said, surprised.

“I know, but I knew that in you, I’d found the same true love that William found in Samuel, and that I’d love to be your wildflower.”

The poetic words from Benjamin’s mouth made Marc’s cheeks burn bright red.

Jed? Did you hear that?

But Jed had fallen silent.

“I love you,” Marc said.

The kiss was delicious.