Esther’s soul soared as she allowed herself to love this man. Her love seemed to grow with each passing second, or maybe it had always been there and was now being released. All her love seemed to be springing forth with newfound vigor.
When Joseph finally pulled away, he stroked her bottom lip, trailing his thumb along her jaw and down her neck, staring into her eyes with wonderment.
“Esther,” he said softly. “Do you need me?”
Esther smiled. “No, but I want you.”
Joseph grinned in his cocky Ranger way Esther loved so much. “Even better,” he said before taking her breath away once again.
Epilogue
Texas, Silver Ranch
Joseph wrapped the rope around the two hooves peeking out. He looked up at Michael who was petting the moaning heifer’s face and speaking soothingly to her.
“You’re doing great Michael… keep her calm.” Joseph grinned. What would he do without Michael? The kid had a gift with animals that was uncanny. No doubt he would be the finest veterinarian in Texas.
“How is it looking, Dad?” he asked
Joseph tugged. “A few more seconds,” he groaned, tugging again. A wet, slippery, and perfectly formed calf slid out and onto the straw.
“Oh golly, he is a beauty!” Michael exclaimed. “A big one, too. No wonder the poor girl was having a hard time.”
Joseph laughed and moved aside. The heifer stood up and immediately positioned herself so her new calf could eat.
Joseph and Michael stood, looking pleased.
“I’m proud of you, son,” Joseph said, putting his arm around Michael’s forever-growing shoulders, his smile melting Joseph’s heart as usual. “I couldn’t handle this ranch without you.”
Michael shrugged teasingly. “I guess I’m all right.”
The sound of footsteps and giggles broke the serenity. Joseph spun around to see his youngest son, Caleb, coming towards them. “Momma says dinner is almost ready, and she’s made apple pie.”
Joseph whistled, swinging the sturdy boy into the air. “Your pretty momma sure knows how to take care of her men.”
“And girl,” Caleb corrected when he was set on his feet again. “Momma is nursing baby Eliza right now.” He looked back at the heifer, “Like the cow. Momma is like the cow.”
Michael and Joseph exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.
“Caleb,” Michael looked down at his little brother, “I don’t think I would be calling momma a cow.”
“Sound wisdom,” Joseph agreed.
/
Esther gently laid her little girl in the crib Joseph had first built for Caleb; it was now adorned with pink and lavender blankets. Such a beautiful baby girl who had managed to get Esther’s features with her father’s thick dark hair and hazel eyes.
“How are my two favorite girls doing?” a husky voice asked from the doorway.
Esther turned around to see Joseph freshly washed and shaven after delivering the calf. He strode in and leaned over Eliza, kissing her little chin and cheeks.
“I just can’t seem to get enough of her,” he sighed, stroking her head as she cooed in happiness.
“You have a good effect on females,” Esther teased, looking around the room. It was beautiful. She remembered fondly when she’d first seen it, only halfway built with miles and miles of green stretching out on all sides. The first month while the house was being finished, they had lived with Joseph’s parents who had quickly become like the parents Esther had always wished for. Soon enough, their own home was completed with large windows looking over the lush ranch and gardens.
“What are you thinking?” Joseph asked, giving Eliza one more kiss.
Esther shrugged. “About Will and Abby arriving with their young ones. There can’t be happiness anywhere beneath the heavens greater than here.”
Joseph grinned mischievously. He moved closer, placing his hands on her waist and pulling her close.
“You know what I was thinking? I was thinking about how unfair it is to the world of women that you look this good after three children, better even than when I met you—and I thought that was impossible.”
Esther laughed and wrapped her hands around his neck. “It’s called happiness, handsome. It does wonders for one’s complexion.”
Joseph leaned in nibbling her ear and then her neck. “Is that right?”
Esther closed her eyes as his kisses danced across her skin. “Joseph, dinner will be late,” she whispered without conviction.
“Dinner can wait,” he whispered.
Esther smiled. Dinner often waited.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to my family for all your love and support. Mom, I can never thank you enough for all the 11:00 pm calls to get your advice on a chapter, a character, mothering, being a wife, emotional and spiritual council, and so much more. My hope is that one day I can one be half the woman you are.
Dad, what more can I say than that you are the best father a girl could ask for. I thank my Father in heaven every day for having a man like you in my life. Thank you for always believing in me.
Thank you to my sisters for letting me talk your ears off with my ideas. Also, thank you to my brothers for helping me laugh at myself.
To my agent Rebecca Anderson. You rock, girl! I can literally say that I would not have been able to do this without you. Thank you for demonstrating your faith in me and guiding me in this journey. Your wisdom and knowledge never cease to amaze me.
Special thanks to all those at Light Messages Publishing who made this book possible. To my editor, Elizabeth, your gifts are beyond compare. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this. You are a true artist, one from whom I have learned much. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your belief in this book.
A huge hug to Kit who shared her midwife and doula experiences with me so that I could share them with others. What you do is miraculous, and I admire you so much. Thank you for not only what you have done for me, but for all the babies you have helped bring into this world and for the mothers you have supported and loved in their time of need.
An eternal amount of kisses to my children. I don’t think that I every fully understood God’s love towards his children until I held each of you in my arms. My life is full of light and joy because of you and I will treasure you forever. You are the inspiration for all that I do, and the force that keeps me going. I love you!
About the Author
Lindsey Barlow has a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Religious Studies from California Sacramento State University. She has traveled throughout Eastern Europe as a missionary teaching English and serving those in need. She has worked in the Saint Petersburg Hermitage Museum and has visited the Mayan ruins in Mexico. When Lindsey is not writing, she enjoys discovering new bookstores, going on hikes with her children, and pretending she knows how to sew. Lindsey resides in northern California with her husband and children in a house with too many books.
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