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The sun hung low over Redstone Canyon, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. Sadie stood with Lucas and Tommy, their gazes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Outside a modest cabin nestled against the canyon wall, U.S. Marshal Noah Crow was being handcuffed by two stern-faced lawmen. His wife, Melanie, clutched their young son close, her face a pale mask of worry.
Noah’s expression was calm, though his jaw tightened as the iron cuffs clicked into place. He glanced back at Sadie, his dark eyes steady despite the gravity of the moment.
“You remember what you promised me,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Take care of them. Keep them safe.”
Sadie nodded, her heart heavy despite the resolve in her voice. “I will. You have my word.”
The lawmen guided Noah toward the horses tied nearby, and he didn’t resist, walking with quiet dignity. As the group began to leave, Melanie’s composure cracked. She let out a muffled sob, holding her son closer. Sadie stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.
“It’s going to be alright,” Sadie said gently. “We’ll make sure you and your boy are taken care of.”
When the Marshals disappeared over the horizon, the weight of the moment seemed to settle over the group. Lucas placed a hand on Melanie’s shoulder, offering silent support, while Tommy took off his hat, shifting awkwardly in the tense silence.
Sadie turned to the wagon parked a few paces away. She climbed up, opened one of the canvas-covered compartments, and retrieved a small leather sack. It jingled softly in her hand as she approached Melanie.
“This is for you,” Sadie said, pressing the bag into her hand. “It’s not going to fix everything, but it’ll help you get back on your feet.”
Melanie’s wide eyes filled with fresh tears as she peeked inside the sack and saw the glint of gold nuggets. “I… I can’t take this. It’s too much.”
“You can and you will,” Sadie said firmly. “Think of it as insurance for your family’s future.”
Melanie clutched the bag to her chest, nodding as gratitude and relief washed over her. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Sadie gave her a warm smile. “You’ll be fine, Melanie. Just keep moving forward.”
Lucas and Tommy exchanged approving glances, and Tommy gave a low whistle. “That’s a mighty big heart you’ve got, Sadie.”
She chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Sometimes doing the right thing is the only choice.”
“Well,” Tommy began, breaking the brief silence. “Speaking of choices, I reckon it’s time I tell you both mine.”
Sadie turned to him, curious. “What’s on your mind, Tommy?”
Tommy shifted his hat between his hands, glancing between Lucas and Sadie. “My wife, Sarah, and I’ve been talking for a while now. With everything that’s happened here, we figured it’s time for a fresh start. We’re leaving Redstone Canyon.”
Sadie’s brows knit together in surprise. “Leaving? But this has been your home for years.”
“It has,” Tommy admitted with a nod. “But Sarah’s got a baby on the way. I want something different for us, for the little one. Cheyenne’s got opportunities—there’s a paper there that offered me a job. Writing, real reporting. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of.”
Lucas let out a low whistle. “A baby and a new job, huh? Big changes ahead.”
Tommy grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, I suppose so. Sarah’s been patient, letting me run around chasing stories and getting into trouble, but now it’s time I settle down. Give my family a real shot at a good life.”
Sadie stepped forward, placing a hand on Tommy’s arm. “Tommy, that’s wonderful. I’m happy for you and Sarah. And a little one? That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
“Thanks, Sadie,” Tommy said, his voice soft with gratitude. “I mean it.”
“You always have a home with us,” Sadie added. “If you ever make your way back to Nevada, our door will be open.”
Tommy smiled, tipping his hat to her. “I’ll hold you to that. And don’t be strangers yourselves. If you find yourselves passing through Cheyenne, you’d better stop by and say hello.”
“We wouldn’t dream of missing the chance to see you and your family,” Sadie replied.
Lucas crossed his arms, grinning. “So, when do you hit the trail?”
“Tomorrow,” Tommy said, his voice tinged with bittersweet resolve. “The wagon’s already packed. Just a few loose ends to tie up.”
Sadie nodded, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart. Tommy had been a steadfast companion through their trials, and the thought of parting ways was difficult. But the hope in his eyes, the determination to build something new for his family, filled her with pride.
“Cheyenne’s lucky to have you,” she said. “You’ll do great things there, Tommy.”
“Thanks, Sadie. That means a lot.” He glanced at Lucas. “You take care of her, alright? Sadie’s got a way of finding trouble.”
Lucas smirked. “She finds trouble? Could’ve sworn it was you always stirring the pot.”
Tommy chuckled, putting his hat back on. “Fair point.”
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the canyon, Tommy looked around, taking in the place he’d called home for so long. “I’ll miss this place,” he admitted. “But it’s time for the next chapter.”
Sadie gave him a warm smile. “Goodbyes aren’t forever, Tommy. You’ve got a family here, too.”
“Same to you, Sadie,” Tommy replied, his voice thick with emotion. “Always.”
The following morning, the wagon stood ready, loaded with supplies and belongings for Tommy and Sarah’s journey. Sadie and Lucas stood near their horses, waving as the wagon rolled away, its wooden wheels creaking over the rocky trail. Tommy tipped his hat one last time, his voice ringing out cheerfully, “Don’t forget to write!”
“We won’t!” Sadie called back, a bright smile lighting her face, though a twinge of melancholy lingered in her chest. The dust from the wagon wheels slowly faded into the horizon, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Lucas glanced at her as the wagon disappeared. “You alright?”
Sadie nodded, her gaze lingering on the trail. “I will be. He’s doing what’s right for his family. I’m happy for him.”
Lucas gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “He’s a good man. They’ll be just fine.”
Sadie turned to Lucas with a small smile. “Speaking of good men, we’ve got a lot to do ourselves. We should head out.”
Together, they mounted their horses and began their ride out of Redstone Canyon. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of pine and wild sage. Sadie led the way, her mind turning to one last stop she needed to make before they left this place behind.
The trail wound upward, leading to a quiet graveyard nestled on a small hill. Sadie dismounted, tying her horse to a nearby tree. Lucas followed silently, giving her the space she needed as she approached the simple headstone that marked her father’s grave.
She knelt down, brushing a few fallen leaves away from the stone. Her fingers traced the engraved letters: Judge Gideon Thatcher. The weight of his absence pressed against her chest, but there was peace there, too, knowing justice had been served.
“Hi, Pa,” she said softly, her voice carrying only as far as the wind allowed. “It’s been a long road, but I think you’d be proud of me. We found the treasure—your treasure. Lucas and I are heading to Barrett’s ranch now. It’s going to be a good life.”
Her hand lingered on the cool stone as she added, “I miss you. Every day. But I know you’re with me, guiding me, like you always did.”
A few moments of quiet passed before she rose to her feet. Turning, she found Lucas standing nearby, holding her horse’s reins. His steady presence brought her comfort.
Barrett approached then, his tall frame casting a shadow over the gravesite. He reached for Sadie’s hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.
“You ready?” he asked gently.
Sadie nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m ready.”
Together, they stood for a moment longer, paying their respects not only to her father but to all they had lost and endured to reach this point. The sun broke through the clouds, its warm rays bathing the hill in golden light. It felt like a blessing—a quiet reassurance that they were exactly where they were meant to be.
“It’s time,” Sadie said, her voice firm. And with that, they turned and began the journey home.
*
The way back to Barrett’s ranch was long but peaceful. The familiar sights of Nevada’s rugged terrain brought a sense of comfort to Sadie. Barrett rode beside her, his posture as upright as ever despite the lingering stiffness from his injuries. Bullet bounded ahead of them, darting through sagebrush and kicking up small clouds of dust, his tail wagging with uncontainable excitement.
Lucas rode slightly behind, his gaze scanning the horizon. When the ranch finally came into view, Sadie felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her. The weathered fences, the sprawling pastures, and the sturdy barn stood as a testament to the hard work Barrett had poured into building a home here.
“Home sweet home,” Barrett said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reined in his horse.
“It’s beautiful,” Lucas remarked, admiration evident in his tone. “I can see why you settled here.”
“It’s a good place,” Barrett agreed. “And it’ll be even better with extra hands around.”
As they approached the barn, a figure emerged from inside—a young woman wiping her hands on her apron. Her auburn hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her bright green eyes widened when she saw the newcomers.
“Mr. Shaw, you’re back!” she called out, her voice carrying a hint of surprise.
“I told you I wouldn’t be gone too long, Maeve,” Barrett replied, dismounting with practiced ease. “Maeve, this is Lucas. He’s agreed to work here with us. Lucas, Maeve handles more than her share around here. You’d do well to keep up.”
Lucas removed his hat and gave a polite nod. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Maeve.”
Maeve’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she offered a shy smile. “The pleasure’s mine.”
Sadie exchanged a knowing glance with Barrett but said nothing, her lips curving into a smile. Lucas, usually so composed, seemed momentarily flustered by Maeve’s presence.
As Lucas began helping Maeve unload the wagon, Sadie took Barrett’s arm, guiding him toward the house. Bullet trailed at their heels, his energy finally starting to wane.
Inside, the house was just as they’d left it: cozy and inviting, with the faint smell of wood smoke lingering in the air. Sadie set Barrett’s rifle in the stand by the door, its polished barrel catching the light.
She wandered to the mantel, her eyes falling on an old photograph resting on a silver-painted copper plate. She picked it up carefully, brushing away a bit of dust. The image showed her father and Barrett, both younger but unmistakable, standing side by side with proud expressions.
“Look at this,” she said, turning it so Barrett could see. “You and Pa.”
Barrett stepped closer, his gaze softening as he studied the photo. “He was a good man. One of the best.”
Sadie smiled, holding the photo close. “I think he’d say the same about you.”
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.