The Comanche’s Warrior – Extended Epilogue

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“I can’t believe it’s been a year already,” Grace said softly, her hand resting on her swollen belly as she stood in the doorway of their newly built home. The soft morning breeze brushed through her hair as she gazed out over the land, her heart swelling with happiness. “It feels like just yesterday we were wondering how this was all going to work.”

Takini walked up behind her, gently placing his hand on hers. His touch was warm and steady, a constant source of comfort. “It has worked better than we could have imagined,” he said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. He looked out across the peaceful landscape, the early morning light casting a golden glow over the fields. “And soon, it’ll be even better with our little one here.”

Grace leaned back into him, smiling as she felt the familiar flutter of the baby’s movement. Life had changed in ways she never thought possible. She had moved between two worlds—between the Comanche village and the town of Bandera—and somehow, they had found a way to make both places feel like home. Takini, with his strong connection to his people, had embraced the town’s way of life enough to bridge the gap, and she had done the same, learning the customs and language of his tribe.

The small house they now called home sat on the land just outside of town, far enough from the bustling activity to enjoy the quiet, but close enough that they could visit whenever needed. It was a place where both their worlds could meet—a place for peace, for family, and for the life they were building together.

“I never imagined I’d be living here,” Grace said, her voice thoughtful. “I used to think that I’d stay in Bandera forever, working with my father. But now, this…” She trailed off, gesturing toward the home and the wide, open land. “This feels more right than anything ever has.”

Takini chuckled softly. “It was always meant to be,” he said. “Even when we didn’t know it.” His voice had a quiet certainty to it, as if he had always understood something she was only just realizing.

Grace turned to look at him, her heart full. She could see the changes in him over the past year—how he had grown into this life they had chosen together, balancing his identity as a Comanche man with his role as a husband and soon-to-be father. He was still the same in so many ways—steady, strong, fiercely protective—but there was a deeper calm about him now, a contentment she hadn’t seen before.

“I think the baby knows, too,” Grace said with a soft laugh, her hand moving across her belly again as the baby shifted inside her. “He or she seems to get restless whenever we talk about the future.”

Takini smiled, resting his hand alongside hers. “They’re ready for it,” he said. “Just like we are.”

Grace nodded, feeling the peace of the moment settle around them. It was a quiet, simple life, but it was more than she had ever hoped for. And the best part was yet to come.

As if on cue, the sound of hoofbeats approached from the dirt road leading toward their home. Grace turned toward the noise, a smile spreading across her face as she recognized the rider in the distance.

“It’s my father,” she said softly, her heart skipping with joy. “I didn’t know he was coming.”

Takini smiled at her excitement, though he had already noticed the familiar figure on horseback making his way toward them. Grace’s father, Dr. Pentacost, had been a constant presence in their lives since they had settled into their new home. Despite his initial worries about Grace living so far from town, he had quickly come to appreciate the peace she had found with Takini. They had fallen into an easy routine, with Grace often visiting Bandera to help him at the clinic, and Dr. Pentacost coming out to check on her regularly, especially now that the baby was so close.

Grace stepped forward to greet him as he slowed his horse near the house. Her father dismounted with ease, his face lighting up when he saw her. “Grace, my girl!” he said warmly, pulling her into a gentle hug. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Papa,” she replied, beaming up at him. “The baby’s been quite active this morning, but I’m doing well.”

Dr. Pentacost pulled back slightly, studying her with the careful eye of a doctor before giving her a satisfied nod. “Good, good. You look well.”

Takini stepped forward, shaking the older man’s hand in greeting. “It’s good to see you, Dr. Pentacost,” he said, his tone respectful but warm. “We weren’t expecting you.”

“I wanted to surprise you both,” Dr. Pentacost said with a grin. “I’ve brought some news from town.”

Grace raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “News? What’s going on?”

Her father’s smile widened as he glanced between Grace and Takini. “It’s good news,” he assured them. “The town council and the leaders from the Comanche village have agreed to hold an intertribal celebration in Bandera. It’s going to be a big event—a way to honor the peace and cooperation that’s grown between the two communities over the past year.”

Grace’s eyes widened with surprise and delight. “A celebration? That sounds wonderful.”

Takini listened quietly, nodding with approval. The idea of an event to formally acknowledge the unity between the town and the tribe was significant. The last year had seen a great deal of change, with old tensions slowly fading as people from both sides began to trust one another more. He had seen it in the way the Comanche were treated in town—how they were no longer met with suspicion, but with respect. It was a hard-won peace, and this celebration would cement it further.

“When will it be?” Takini asked, glancing at Grace, knowing she would be eager to attend.

“In about two weeks,” Dr. Pentacost replied. “We’re hoping to make it a big event. Everyone in town is preparing, and there will be ceremonies from both sides. It’s really something special.”

Grace could hardly contain her excitement. “We have to go,” she said, looking up at Takini with wide eyes. “This is such a big moment for everyone. And… well, I think we should be there.”

Takini smiled softly, resting his hand on her back. “Of course we’ll go,” he said. “It’s important for both of us—and for the future.”

Dr. Pentacost nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll make sure everything’s ready for your arrival. And who knows,” he added with a chuckle, “maybe the little one will make an appearance just in time for the celebration.”

Grace laughed, her heart light and full of hope. “I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.”

*

Two weeks later, Grace stood in the middle of Bandera’s town square, the sun shining brightly overhead as people from both the town and the Comanche village gathered for the long-anticipated celebration. The square had been decorated with colorful banners, flowers, and symbols from both cultures, creating a beautiful blend of traditions that reflected the spirit of the event. Children ran between the tables and booths, laughter filling the air, while adults from both communities mingled and exchanged stories.

Grace could feel the energy around her—an excitement and joy that had been missing for far too long in the town. The event had brought everyone together, erasing the old divisions. There was a true sense of unity now, a shared understanding and respect that had grown between the two worlds.

Takini stood beside her, looking proud and calm, his eyes scanning the crowd as if making sure everything was in order. His hand was always resting protectively on her lower back, a small but constant reminder of his presence and support. Grace could feel the weight of his concern for her, even as they both smiled and greeted familiar faces.

“I can’t believe how many people came,” Grace said, glancing around at the bustling square. “It’s like everyone in Bandera is here… and so many from the village too.”

Takini nodded. “This is a day to remember. Everyone wanted to be a part of it.”

They walked together, stopping to talk with townspeople and members of the tribe, all of whom congratulated them not only on the peace they had helped foster but also on the upcoming arrival of their child. Grace felt the warmth and support of both communities surrounding her, and she couldn’t have imagined a better place to be.

But as the day wore on, Grace began to feel an unfamiliar tension building in her body. At first, she brushed it off as excitement, thinking it was just the overwhelming joy of the celebration. But then, she felt a sharp twinge in her lower abdomen. She froze for a moment, her hand instinctively going to her belly.

“Takini,” she said quietly, leaning closer to him. “I think… something’s happening.”

Takini immediately turned to her, his eyes widening with concern. “Grace? Are you all right?”

“I’m not sure,” she admitted, her voice wavering slightly. “I think… I think the baby might be coming.”

His expression shifted from concern to realization in an instant. He quickly guided her to a shaded area near one of the booths, away from the bustling crowd, his hand never leaving her side. “We need to get you somewhere safe,” he said, his voice calm but urgent.

Grace nodded, breathing deeply as another wave of pressure rolled through her body. “I… I don’t think we have much time,” she said, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and nervousness. “It’s happening faster than I thought.”

Just then, Dr. Pentacost spotted them from across the square and hurried over, immediately sensing what was happening. “Grace? Is it time?” he asked, his eyes full of concern and fatherly care.

Grace nodded, wincing slightly as another contraction hit. “I think it is, Papa.”

Without missing a beat, Dr. Pentacost took charge, calling out to a few of the townspeople for help. “Let’s get her inside,” he said, pointing to a nearby building. “We need a quiet place.”

But before they could move, several members of the Comanche tribe, including Na’ura and Nadura, appeared, rushing over to support Grace. They spoke quickly to Takini, who translated for Grace, explaining that they wanted to stay with her, to help as they would in their own village.

Grace looked up at her father, then at Takini, who smiled gently. “You’re surrounded by both families now,” he said. “You’re not alone.”

Grace nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. Despite the pain of labor, she felt a deep sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than herself. Both worlds had come together—not just for the celebration, but for the birth of her child.

The contractions were growing stronger now, and Grace felt her breath quicken as she leaned into Takini for support. He held her firmly, his calm presence steadying her even as the intensity of labor surged through her body.

Dr. Pentacost and the Comanche women guided her into a nearby building, a quiet place away from the noise and excitement of the celebration. Inside, the air was cool, and the gentle light from the windows created a peaceful atmosphere. Na’ura and Nadura quickly began preparing a comfortable space for Grace, while Dr. Pentacost gathered his supplies.

Grace lay down on the blankets, her heart racing with anticipation and nerves. She gripped Takini’s hand tightly as the next contraction hit, her body trembling with the effort. “It’s happening so fast,” she whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and fear.

Takini knelt beside her, his eyes filled with love and reassurance. “You’re strong, Grace. You’ve got this,” he said softly. “I’m right here.”

The room buzzed with quiet activity as the women and Dr. Pentacost worked together. Grace felt an overwhelming sense of peace despite the intensity of the moment. She was surrounded by her family—by people who loved and cared for her. The lines between the two worlds blurred as both Comanche and townspeople worked side by side, united by this new life coming into the world.

Hours passed in a blur of contractions and whispered encouragements. Grace’s focus narrowed to the rhythm of her breath and the steady comfort of Takini’s presence beside her. She could feel the strength of the women around her, their gentle hands soothing her as they guided her through each wave of pain.

And then, finally, the moment came.

With one last push, Grace heard the soft cry of her newborn child. Tears welled up in her eyes as Dr. Pentacost gently lifted the baby into her arms. “It’s a girl,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Grace let out a joyful sob, looking down at the tiny, perfect baby cradled against her chest. “A girl,” she whispered, her heart swelling with love. Takini leaned closer, his eyes shining with pride as he gently touched their daughter’s cheek.

“She’s beautiful,” he said softly, his voice filled with wonder.

The room seemed to still in that moment, as everyone gathered around the new family. Na’ura and Nadura smiled warmly, and Grace’s father wiped his eyes, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. For a brief second, the celebration outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the soft warmth of the baby’s presence and the love that filled the room.

Grace looked up at Takini, her heart full. “She’s everything,” she whispered, her voice trembling with happiness.

Takini smiled, his eyes never leaving their daughter. “She’s a gift,” he said softly. “A gift from both our worlds.”

As the baby settled peacefully in Grace’s arms, Dr. Pentacost and the others quietly moved away, giving the new family a moment of privacy. Grace and Takini sat together in the soft light of the room, their hearts overflowing with joy. The baby’s tiny fingers curled around Grace’s, her soft breaths filling the quiet space.

After a long while, Takini spoke again, his voice low and full of meaning. “She will grow up knowing both worlds,” he said, his gaze steady on Grace. “She will know her people, her land, and her family. And she will know love.”

Grace smiled through her tears, nodding. “Yes,” she whispered. “She will know love.”

Outside, the sounds of the celebration continued, the laughter and music drifting through the windows like a gentle reminder of the life waiting for them. But for now, Grace and Takini remained in their quiet bubble, holding their daughter close, feeling the incredible weight of their love for her and for each other.

And as Grace looked down at her daughter’s sleeping face, she whispered a quiet promise: “You will always belong to both worlds, little one.”

Takini squeezed her hand, understanding the depth of her words. Together, they sat in the quiet peace of that moment, knowing that the best was yet to come.

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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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