The Orphan’s Defender – Extended Epilogue

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“Are you sure we have everything?” Mattie asked as she looked around the inside of their tent.

Motega chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“There’s no harm in double-checking,” Mattie pointed out.

“You are worrying too much,” Motega said as he walked over and pulled her into a hug. “We have everything we need and we’re going to be all right.”

“It’s a long journey to Treasure Coast.”

“I know,” Motega assured her. “And I’m going to take care of you and Bumpy.” He moved his hand down her body and rested it on her round belly. “We’ll be back at your home long before it is time for his arrival.”

Mattie smiled up at the handsome man in front of her. “We don’t know that Bumpy is a boy.”

“He is a boy.” Motega bent down onto his knees and placed his ear against her belly. He listened for a while before getting back to his feet. “He says you shouldn’t doubt me.”

Mattie laughed at Motega’s playfulness. He was such a big man and an exceptional warrior, but he had a tender side to him that made her love him more every day.

“Come on, it’s time to go.” Motega took her hand in his and led her out of the tent.

Their horses were packed with all the essentials they would need on their journey and Mattie still had some gold left. After their first kiss, Mattie and Motega’s relationship had quickly blossomed. Soon she had learned that she was with child and although the tribe was happy, they all agreed that it was safer for her to raise her child in Mexico.

Mattie missed Jeremiah and the children’s home. She had been gone much longer than she thought she would be and even though she had sent him a letter telling him where she was, she was sure he was worried.

The tribe had gathered around to see them. They had become like family to Mattie and tears burned in her eyes as Motega helped her onto her horse. “I’ll miss all of you,” she said, wiping at her eyes. “And I promise we’ll return to visit so that you can meet Bumpy.”

“Take care of her,” one of the elders said to Motega.

“Remember everything we taught you,” another added.

More of the tribe members greeted them, speaking in their language, and then Mattie and Motega were off. It felt strange to leave the tribe but also exciting. Motega had told Mattie that he was eager to meet Jeremiah and see the children’s home, and she was looking forward to it.

Mattie had always wanted a family of her own and she enjoyed working with the children back home. She couldn’t wait to bring Bumpy into the world. She was excited to be a mother and knew Motega would be an amazing father.

She was determined to give their baby the best life possible, and with Motega and Jeremiah by her side, she knew she would. Mattie wasn’t particularly looking forward to the journey to the Gulf Coast, though. It was far, and traveling while pregnant was difficult. They still had three months to go before Bumpy was due, but her morning sickness never faded, and she grew tired much quicker than before.

“Are you all right?” Motega asked from beside her.

Mattie looked at him. They weren’t married, but he had asked her to marry him, and they were planning to have the ceremony when they got to Treasure Coast. She couldn’t have asked for a better man.

“I am,” she assured him. “Just a little nervous.”

“You don’t have to be.”

Motega was confident and brave. He had had a rough upbringing and had had to learn to fend for himself from a young age. Mattie knew she could rely on him.

“I can’t help it,” she replied with a shrug. “Being with child is messing with my emotions.”

“Well, why don’t you tell me what you’re nervous about?”

“Just traveling so far while I’m pregnant.” Mattie was always completely open with Motega, and right from the start, he had been open with her too.

“Many people do it,” he reminded her. “And we’re going to take it slow. We’ll stop at every town and rent a room at the inn. We’ll eat good meals and stay hydrated.”

Mattie took a deep breath and smiled at Motega. “What if somebody attacks us?”

“Then I’ll protect us.” His hand moved to his pistol.

Motega never missed. They had practiced shooting together and although Mattie was a great shot, since Jeremiah had taught her, Motega was incredible.

“All right. I’ll try to relax.”

Motega smiled at Mattie, causing her heart to beat a little faster. “Good. There is nothing to worry about. All you have to do is take care of yourself and Bumpy.”

***

Jeremiah was growing restless. It had been almost eight months since Mattie left and he was missing her tremendously. He was also worried that something might have happened to her. Mattie could take care of herself just fine, but she was all alone and bandits roamed the plains.

“Maybe it’s time I go look for her,” Jeremiah said as he sat down across from Francisco.

“Where would you even start?” the young man asked.

“She was heading to Oklahoma. I guess I’ll just travel that way and hope that I find her.”

Fransisco frowned and shook his head. “That’s not a great plan. She could be anywhere.”

It was true but Jeremiah didn’t know what else to do. Sitting around and waiting for Mattie to return was driving him crazy. He was struggling to eat and to sleep. The only thing that helped him get through the days were the children. They needed him and he found joy in taking care of them.

“What about this place?” Fransisco asked, waving his hands around.

They were seated in the kitchen. The children had just finished breakfast and some of them were busy with their lessons while others were playing outside or helping with chores.

“I’m sure it’ll be all right without me here for a while.” Jeremiah had faith in the team he employed, which now included Fransisco. The boy had turned eighteen not so long ago and was great at fixing and building things, so Jeremiah had offered him a job. The fact that the children all listened to him and respected him helped too.

“If you really feel like you have to go, then you should go,” Fransisco stated. “But don’t stay away too long. We need you here.”

“I’ll give it a few more days. Think about it and try to come up with a plan.”

“If you need anything, I’m here,” Fransisco offered. “You know I’m always willing to help.”

“Maybe you should come with me.” It wasn’t the first time Jeremiah had thought of it, but it was the first time he’d brought it up with Fransisco.

“To Oklahoma?”

Jeremiah nodded. “Yes. Traveling alone isn’t much fun.”

Fransisco bit his lip. “I don’t know.”

“Think about it,” Jeremiah offered.

The two men spoke a little longer and then set off to start with their daily duties. Jeremiah needed to go into town for groceries and he wanted to speak to his builder. They had enough space to add a few more bedrooms and he wanted them to get started on it.

After heading to town with a carriage, so that he could easily transport the groceries, Jeremiah unpacked the items he had bought and then headed out to the beach. It was a beautiful day and even after living on the coast for so many years, he still loved watching the waves break over the shore.

“Catch!” one of the children yelled as they threw a stick.

Spot, one of their dogs, spun around and chased after the stick, causing the other dogs to all run after it too. Jeremiah loved his dogs and so did the children. The sun had just started to set and soon it would be time for dinner but there was still some time left to play.

Happy for the distraction, Jeremiah joined the children as they played with the dogs and splashed in the water. It was a wonderful moment, but something was missing. Looking behind him, Jeremiah saw two approaching figures on horseback. They were far away and making their way across the white sand beach.

Mattie always rode her horses on the beach.

His heart leaped in his chest. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he couldn’t help but wish that it was Mattie returning to him. Unable to wait, Jeremiah started walking toward the two figures, and as he closed in on them, he was overjoyed.

It was his Mattie, and alongside her rode a young Native American man. His skin was tanned and his hair long and black. Jeremiah waved as they approached him and brought their horses to a stop. Mattie had a huge smile on her face, and when the young man helped her down from her horse, Jeremiah noticed her round belly.

Mattie was with child and was holding on to the young man’s hands. She looked happy and healthy. Jeremiah felt an immense sense of relief. A tear ran down his cheek as he embraced his daughter. His job was done. Mattie was safe and loved.

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Grab my new series, "Legends of the Lawless Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

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