The Long Journey Home

Epilogue - Blessings Abound

The Montgomery Ranch

Christmas Day

1865

“You are positively glowing, Ellisa.” Emma hugged her best friend from childhood with a large grin gracing her own features.

“As are you my dear friend. How’s married life treating you?” Ellisa squeezed Emma Jenkins-Montgomery’s hand in a thoughtful gesture. She and Philip had married the first week in December. It was difficult at first, not being so close to one another, but they found that the family gatherings were a great place to catch up.

“It’s positively wonderful.” Emma’s response was accompanied by a sigh of satisfaction. “I couldn't ask for a better husband, and he’s still very attentive. He comes home every day for the noon meal, and then stays far longer than he should.” She giggled, and Ellisa joined her. “So, how do you like married life?”

“I … no words can describe how right it feels to be by Dewy’s side. I’d say we both did very well in marrying the Montgomery boys. And now, we really are sisters. Though, I dare say, I am anxious to be in my own home. I mean, I did tell Dewy it was alright if we lived with relatives until it was built, but it has been a long month and a half.”

“Well, the two of you didn’t exactly leave any proper planning time for a wedding. If you had waited until spring, you might’ve had a home ready for you.”

“It’s true. I was ready to be married to Dewy as soon as he showed up in my parents’ parlor. Preacher Harvey was all too kind to marry us as quickly as he did. He said, and I quote: ‘Love has no timeline or limit. If you know this is what the Good Lord wants for you, then I’m glad to marry you.’ Two weeks later, well, you know the rest of the story.”

“Oh yes, as does the rest of Comfort, Texas. It didn’t give us too much time to ready anything, but I can’t complain. I’m really so happy for you both.” Emma patted her knee, sitting down next to Ellisa, who was knitting. “What are you knitting?”

“Oh, this is just another gift for Dewy. He‘s been out back with Gaius and William, as is Jacob Rathburn.”

“Jacob Rathburn. He’s rather new in town? Interesting that he’s invited here for Christmas dinner, isn’t it?” Emma said quizzically.

“Well, it seems Mary has captured his eye. I think it’s wonderful. After Joe died, she was a shell of a woman. Now, she’s smiling and laughing again. He also happens to have a son, and he seems to adore her children. Sometimes the Lord does strange things. I think this happens to be wonderful for her. She deserves a good man. Who knows? There might be another wedding happening sooner than we think.” Ellisa was equally glad they were off the subject of her knitting project.

“That would be fantastic. I’m going to wander into the kitchen to see if Tilly needs, or wants, any more help.” Emma smiled as she stood.

“I’ll be there as soon as I finish this last row.”

Emma, though she didn’t voice her thoughts, knew exactly what Ellisa was knitting. She could barely contain her joy for her best friend.

~~~~~

Philip joined the other men out in the barnyard as they helped Gaius butcher the deer he’d killed the day before. The roast had to be drained completely and then someone would run it to the kitchen so that Tilly could put it on for Christmas dinner.

“Hi there, little brother. How are you handling having a wife around?” He goaded Dewy as he shook his hand.

“To quote the Good Book: ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing.’” Dewy said with mirth in his voice. “I have a very good thing.”