Well, husband, what did you have in mind? His smile was both tender and mischievous as he bent to kiss her a proper kiss this time without the restraint their public ceremony had demanded. Faith melted against him, her arms winding around his neck as his encircled her waist, pulling her flush against his solid warmth. When they finally parted, both breathless, Yates rested his forehead against hers. "I've been waiting to do that properly for months." "It was worth the wait," Faith murmured, her cheeks flushed.
"Faith Turner," he said, testing the name. "My wife, the mother of my children, Emma now, and perhaps others in time." The thought of expanding their family sent a warm glow through faith. "I'd like that," she admitted. Emma has always wanted siblings. And I've always wanted a house full of children, Yates replied, his eyes crinkling with his smile.
But first things first, we have guests waiting. A wedding to finish celebrating. And then, Faith asked, her voice barely above a whisper. His green eyes darkened with promise. And then, Mrs.
Turner, we begin our life together properly, completely forever. Forever, Faith echoed, sealing the promise with another kiss. 5 Years later, Faith sat on the porch of the Circle T Ranch house, watching as Yates taught 10-year-old Emma and her younger brother, three-year-old Thomas, how to gentle a new fo. The spring sun warmed her face as she cradled her newest child, one-mon-old Sarah, against her chest. Careful, Thomas," Yates called as the little boy reached eagerly for the fo's nose.
"Remember what I taught you about approaching from the side, letting him see you coming." Emma, now a confident young horsewoman, demonstrated the proper technique for her brother. Like this, Tommy see slow and easy. Faith smiled, her heart full as she watched her family. The years since her marriage to Yates had brought more joy than she could have imagined that day in Caldwell's general store, when a tall rancher had knelt before her tearful daughter and promised her a father. Yates had kept that promise and so many more.
He was a devoted father to Emma, never treating her differently from their biological children, and a loving husband whose partnership with faith had only deepened with time. The Circle T had prospered under their joint stewardship. Faith had continued teaching for 2 years after their marriage until Thomas's birth made the daily journey to town impractical. Now she managed the ranch's finances and correspondence while Yates handled the day-to-day operations, their complimentary skills, creating a thriving enterprise. Redemption Creek had grown as well with a new bank, a proper doctor's office, and even a small hotel for travelers on the expanding railroad.
Martha Jenkins still ran her boarding house, though she'd taken on a partner in Dorothy Lane after the latter's marriage to Mr. Peterson from the bank. Harriet Wilson had eventually warmed to Faith, particularly after Faith organized a successful fundraiser for a new church bell. Even Sam Wilson had matured into a respectful young man who often sought Yates's advice about ranching and occasionally helped with the circle ticks horse training program. As Faith watched, Yates lifted Thomas onto his shoulders to give him a better view of the fo.
The little boy's delighted laughter carrying across the yard. Emma, tall and graceful for her age, demonstrated the proper way to offer an apple to the nervous young horse. You have a fine family, Mrs. Turner. Faith turned to find Mrs.
Abernathy Betty standing in the doorway with a tray of lemonade and cookies. The finest, Faith agreed, adjusting sleeping Sarah in her arms. Thanks to you in part, you welcomed us so warmly that first day. Betty waved away the gratitude as she set the tray on the small table. Anyone with eyes could see what was happening.