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“Can you believe it, Mabel? Two whole years already,” Carter said, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and contentment as they strolled through the bustling street market of their new coastal town.
Mabel, her hand resting comfortably in his, squeezed gently. “It feels like just yesterday we were dreaming of seeing the ocean, and now here we are, not just seeing it but living by it,” she replied, her eyes sparkling as she surveyed the vibrant array of market stalls.
They had opened a small general store together on the main street of the town, which quickly became a hub for both locals and travelers. The store’s wooden sign, “Carter & Mabel’s General Goods,” swayed gently in the salty breeze, a testament to their new life and success.
As they walked, Mabel stopped to admire a stall displaying hand-woven baskets, the craftsmanship reminding her of simpler times back in Raven Rock. “Look at these, Carter. Remember when Mrs. Dalton used to make something similar for the spring fairs?”
Carter chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I do. She’d have made a fortune in a place like this.” His gaze then shifted to a nearby stall selling homemade jams and jellies, the colors vivid against the morning sun. “Seems like everyone’s found their calling here, just like we did.”
The market was alive with the sounds of bartering, the smell of fresh produce, and the occasional call of a seagull overhead. As they continued their walk, they passed a stall with a variety of herbs and spices, the aromas blending together into a fragrance that reminded Carter of Mabel’s cooking. He picked up a bundle of dried lavender. “For your collection?” he teased.
Mabel smiled, accepting the flowers. “You know me too well. I think they’ll be perfect for the new sachets I’m planning to make. Maybe we could sell them at the store?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Carter agreed, as they made their way towards a vendor selling fresh fruit. The vendor, an older man with a weathered face and a kind smile, waved at them as they approached.
“Morning, Carter! Mabel! Got some fine apples and oranges today, just came in on the morning tide,” the vendor announced, gesturing towards the crates behind him.
“We’ll take a dozen of each, Mr. Cole,” Mabel said after inspecting the fruits, which were dewy and fresh. “They’ll go quick; everyone’s been asking for more since last week’s batch sold out.”
As Mr. Cole packed up their purchase, Carter glanced around, his eyes reflecting a sense of pride. “You know, Mabel, when I was lying in the desert, not sure if I’d even see the next day, I couldn’t have imagined this life. It’s more than I hoped for.”
Mabel reached up to touch his cheek, her expression tender. “We built this together, from nothing but hope and hard work. I’m proud of us.”
They collected their fruits and continued their walk, their steps light and matched. Just down the street from their store, Mabel pointed towards a quaint building adorned with colorful lanterns and the delicious aroma of seafood wafting out. “Looks like Muriel’s place is bustling as ever.”
Indeed, Muriel’s seaside restaurant, “The Salty Spoon,” had become a local favorite, known for its cozy ambiance and the freshest catches served straight from the sea. The restaurant, nestled right next to Carter and Mabel’s general store, allowed for a delightful synergy between their businesses.
As they approached, Muriel, wearing a bright apron and a warmer smile, emerged from the restaurant. “Carter! Mabel! Just the couple I hoped to see this morning,” she called out, waving them over.
“Morning, Muriel,” Carter greeted as they reached her. “Smells like heaven as always.”
Muriel chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. “Thanks to Hudson’s latest catch. You must come in and try the crab cakes I’ve just made. They’re already a hit.”
“We’d love to,” Mabel replied, her interest piqued. “Let’s just drop these fruits back at the store and we’ll be right over.”
“Perfect! I’ll have a table ready for you,” Muriel said before turning back to greet another group of patrons who had just arrived.
Mabel and Carter made a quick detour to their store to store the fresh produce, then returned to The Salty Spoon, where Muriel had reserved a corner table overlooking the sea.
The restaurant was a lively scene, with families and fishermen sharing tales over plates of steaming food. As they settled into their seats, Muriel brought over a plate of the promised crab cakes along with a pitcher of lemonade.
“Thank you, Muriel,” Mabel said, taking a sip of the lemonade. “This is refreshing.”
Muriel took a seat with them, her eyes twinkling. “I love seeing this place full of happy faces. It reminds me of those community dinners we used to have back in Raven Rock.”
“Yes, but with less dust and more ocean,” Carter joked, earning a laugh from both women.
Muriel’s expression softened as she continued, “Actually, speaking of Raven Rock, I received a letter from my niece there this morning. She says the town’s been thriving ever since the new mill opened up. They’re even planning a festival next month to celebrate.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Mabel responded, genuinely pleased. “It sounds like they’ve really turned things around.”
“They have, and they send their love and thanks to us, too. They haven’t forgotten how we all stood together during those tough times,” Muriel added, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and pride.
Their conversation was briefly interrupted as Muriel rose to greet some new customers, but she quickly returned, eager to continue their chat.
“So, what about you two? Any new adventures on the horizon?” Muriel inquired, settling back into her chair.
Carter exchanged a glance with Mabel, a silent communication passing between them. Mabel smiled, her hand resting on her stomach, a new light in her eyes.
“Well, actually, there’s a little adventure growing right here,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
Muriel gasped, her hand covering her mouth. “Mabel! Are you saying…?”
Mabel nodded, her smile broadening. “Yes, I’m pregnant. We’re expecting!”
“Oh, my stars!” Muriel exclaimed, her joy uncontained as she got up to hug Mabel. “Congratulations, you two! This calls for a celebration!”
Carter grinned, his eyes sparkling with shared excitement. “We’re over the moon, Muriel. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Muriel chuckled, acknowledging the familiar topic as she gathered menus for the group. “I’ll say! Hudson’s fish have been nothing short of a blessing for The Salty Spoon. But tell me more about Clara. I see them together often, and they seem quite taken with each other.”
Carter nodded, his smile broadening. “Yes, they’re quite the pair. Clara has been a real support for Hudson, even helps him with the business. They started courting recently, and it looks serious.”
Mabel added, “She’s wonderful, Muriel. So kind and clever, too. She even comes by the store to pick up supplies for their outings.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Muriel responded warmly. “Hudson deserves a bit of happiness, especially after everything he’s been through. I’m thrilled for him. And I would love to get to know Clara as well.”
Their conversation continued warmly as the waiter brought over a round of complimentary desserts—fresh berry tarts topped with cream, celebrating the day’s good news.
Muriel leaned in, her tone turning more personal. “Now, you must tell me all about how you’ve been feeling, Mabel. Any cravings or morning sickness?”
Mabel laughed softly, her hand subconsciously rubbing her belly. “A bit of both, actually. Carter’s been incredibly supportive, running out at odd hours to fetch whatever strange combination of foods I’m craving at the moment.”
Carter chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Whatever Mabel needs, Mabel gets. That’s the rule I live by these days.”
As they shared a light moment, Hudson entered the restaurant with Clara by his side. His face lit up seeing his friends, and he quickly introduced Clara to the group. “Everyone, this is Clara. Clara, these are the friends I’ve been boasting about—Carter, Mabel, and Muriel.”
Clara extended her hand, her smile warm and inviting. “It’s so nice to finally meet you all. Hudson has shared so many wonderful stories about each of you.”
They exchanged greetings and soon settled into comfortable conversation, with Muriel bringing another round of drinks to celebrate. Just as she set down the glasses, the door swung open, and Jacob walked in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on the group.
“There he is!” Carter called out, waving him over with a broad smile. “Just in time, Jacob! Join us—we’re celebrating.”
Jacob’s face lit up with a grin as he approached, pulling up a chair beside Muriel. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. What’s the occasion?” he asked, though his eyes twinkled with a hint that he already knew the answer.
Mabel beamed, unable to contain her joy. “We’re expecting!” she announced again, her hands instinctively cradling her stomach.
“Well, that’s wonderful news!” Jacob exclaimed with teary eyes, raising his glass. “Here’s to new life and new beginnings!”
With Jacob now part of the celebration, the table was abuzz with laughter and joyful chatter. The group reminisced about their past adventures while eagerly discussing future plans. Hudson and Clara shared their experiences of the fishing business, and Jacob talked about the latest success at the seaside restaurant, thanks to the fresh supplies from Hudson.
As the evening wore on, the conversation turned to the progress back in Raven Rock, sparked by a recent letter Jacob had received. “The town’s really turned a corner,” he explained. “They’ve even started planning a festival to celebrate the new mill. It’s bringing a lot of life back to the place.”
“That’s fantastic to hear,” Carter said, nodding appreciatively. “Raven Rock has always been resilient. Glad to see it thriving again.”
The group raised their glasses once more, a toast to the enduring spirit of their old home and the promising future of their new lives by the sea. The sounds of the ocean waves mingling with their laughter created a perfect harmony, encapsulating the peace and happiness they had found.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Guns and Justice in the West", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed my new western adventure story as well as my extended epilogue! Let me know what you think below.