Where the Law Can’t Follow – Extended Epilogue

“I do.”

Evelyn spoke the words as she looked into Jonathan’s gray eyes. They were kind eyes, adoring eyes, eyes she had gazed into many times before.

She listened as Matthew read the vows, and it was Jonathan’s turn to say “I do.” 

“You may kiss the bride.”

Jonathan hugged her, and the short kiss was magical. Evelyn couldn’t remember being so happy. 

They turned and faced the full church. David and Ruth stood to one side, George and Nellie on the other. Matthew leaned forward and spoke to Evelyn and Jonathan.

“Before I announce you, I want to ask that you please try not to die any time soon.”

Evelyn looked to Jonathan, who whispered, “I’ll explain later.”

Matthew stepped in front and held out his hands. “Let me be the first to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Reeves.”

Everyone cheered. The town had turned out for the nuptials, and they were letting Evelyn know that she had become one of them. Arlington was now her official home. 

Jonathan grabbed Evelyn’s arm, and, together, they marched down the aisle. Everyone clapped and shouted good wishes. 

For Evelyn, this wedding was far different from the one with Raymond. In that wedding, Kenneth and the other Tates didn’t even smile.

Outside, she and Jonathan stood side by side, greeting everyone who came out of the church. Bright sunshine and blue sky brought a special joy to the day. 

Evelyn took it as a favorable omen. She had no doubt that she would spend many happy years with her new husband. She accepted the good wishes from the attendees with a smile and a thanks. The outpouring of support was something she was not accustomed to.

The last two in the line were Ruth and David. 

“Can I call you ‘Dad’ now?”

Jonathan grabbed David for a hug. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

He held out his arm, and Ruth joined the hug. Evelyn now had a son and daughter. There was much she needed to teach Ruth. And she was certain Jonathan would educate David in the ways of being an honest man.

The post-wedding party was in Gladys’s house. When Evelyn and Jonathan entered, they were met with a resounding cheer, as everyone raised a glass to the newlyweds. 

George and Nellie stood to one side, his arm around her waist, rubbing a tummy that had yet to show any hint of pregnancy. 

Next to them were Donald and his wife. He had made the ride from Fairview, and Evelyn was moved by the kindness of his congratulation. 

The furniture had been rearranged to accommodate several tables, the biggest of which was where Evelyn and Jonathan were seated. 

Drinks were poured. The entire room stood as George offered a toast to “the best damn couple” he had ever seen. The crowd agreed.

“I got something to say.” Nellie stood. “I don’t know how many of you know this, but if weren’t for Evelyn, I wouldn’t be here today. The day of the festival, she saved my life and the life of my unborn baby. I won’t bore you with details. I’ll just say that she managed to save a sniveling scaredy cat—me.”

The crowd roared. Someone shouted “speech.” Jonathan helped Evelyn to her feet.

“Nellie would have you believe I singlehandedly chased the bandits out of town. We all know that didn’t happen. I did only what anyone would do.”

“Folks, not only is my new wife beautiful and brave, but she’s humble also.”

Evelyn was about to protest when Jonathan kissed her. 

“Evelyn Reeves, I will sing your praises morning, noon, and night. You’d better get used to it.”

Evelyn felt a rush of heat on her cheeks. She wasn’t sure she deserved all the praise, but she was happy, happier than she had been in a long time. She beamed and discovered that she liked being happy.

Some minutes and some toasts later, Evelyn joined Gladys in the kitchen. Gladys had gone overboard with the food, and she needed Evelyn’s help. Evelyn arranged the cheeses on a platter while Gladys carved a ham.

“You know, from the very beginning I was sure you and the sheriff were made for each other.”

“That so?”

“Absolutely. I’m a studier of people, and I always sort them out correctly. Well, almost always.”

“I sense a story here.”

“You remember those three hooligans that beat on David?”

“I remember. They were mean boys.”

“They were. That’s just it. They were mean boys.”

“I don’t see your point.”

“Them boys have changed. Don’t ask me how or why, but they no longer steal or curse or pick on smaller children. They come to church, and they’re as polite as butter. They help the elderly with the steps. They even planted flowers in front. I’m tellin’ you, Evelyn, it’s been some sort of miracle.”

“My, that is a change of heart. I wonder what got into them.”

“Something strange, or I’ve lost my special sense.”

“I think we should accept what happened and be thankful.”

“Amen, Evelyn, amen.”

As soon as Evelyn left the kitchen, her arms filled with platters, Jonathan jumped up to help. She gazed into his smiling face as he relieved her of the heaviest plates. The love in his eyes was unmistakable. 

For a moment, she was stunned. 

She suddenly realized that she was safe, that she would have a helpmate for the rest of her life.

She had found a home.

***

The girls were three, and they enjoyed playing with David’s wooden toys, the ones Will had carved and a couple new ones David had added. 

Evelyn was one of the few people who could tell the twins apart. But then, mothers always knew which was which. Gladys’s eyes were slightly bluer, Agnes’s hair slightly more red. While the girls played, Evelyn added a frill to their dresses. She couldn’t help but wonder at what age they would no longer want matching clothes.

Through the kitchen door walked David and Jonathan. David proudly held up a line of caught fish. 

“Behold the best fisherman west of the Mississippi.”

David blushed. “Dad’s foolin’ you. He caught most of them.”

“Only because you told me which pool to throw a line in. Tell your mother how you knew that.”

“It ain’t difficult. I’ve been studyin’ animals because I want to be a doctor. Well, animals go where there’s food. I pointed out that one pond had a lot more flies on the water. Didn’t take much, but the flies and moths drew fish.”

“My son, the doctor. Sounds good.”

“Your daughter, the teacher.”

Evelyn turned to Ruth, who held a book in her hand. “Who do you plan to teach?”

“I haven’t worked that out quite yet. I might be a nurse. I could be David’s nurse. How would you like that, David?”

“You mind blood?”

“You know I tolerate blood better than you.”

“Don’t get to arguin’,” Evelyn interjected. “Ruth, you got time to settle on a skill. David, take that mess of fish and clean ’em up. We’ll have them for dinner.”

Jonathan gave Evelyn a kiss. “I got to check the jail. You mind?”

“You got a job, Sheriff, and we need to eat. Go do your duty.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

On his way out, Jonathan passed Gladys, who was carrying a large basket. As soon as Gladys set the basket on the table, the twins jumped up.

“They smell the biscuits. And I got some special ones for them.”

“Gladys, you’re spoiling my girls.”

“That’s my goal. I’m out to spoil your brood as if they was my own.”

Evelyn nodded, knowing that Gladys wished she had had the children and grandchildren Evelyn would enjoy.

“Did you hear about Nellie? She’s pregnant again.”

“That woman. I swear she’s fixin’ to outdo me.”

“She could have a passel of kids, and maybe she will. But she ain’t gonna outdo you. Your children are special.”

“Because you’re always here feeding them.”

“Don’t complain. Every old lady needs a hobby.”

Evelyn laughed. “Your hobby is making my family fat.”

“Hush. I’m just doin’ what makes everyone happy. Now, take your sewin’ and go out on the porch while I nourish these starving girls.”

Shaking her head, Evelyn gathered up her fabrics and needles and left the kitchen. 

The back porch faced the woods that had brought Ruth and David so much fun. Evelyn simply sat and watched for a few minutes. 

She knew that in time, the town would expand in that direction, and the trees would come down. That might mar her view, but it was progress. She wouldn’t stand in the way.

An hour later, Evelyn was still fussing with the frill when Jonathan plopped down beside her.

“How is my beautiful wife?”

“As fine as frog hair… pretty damn fine.”

He laughed. “Ready for some news?”

“My fingers need a rest.”

“Good. Got a letter from Will.”

“What did he have to say?”

“Well, to start, Will and his family are good. He said he was strugglin’ with what he did. He needed a direction. So, he said he found his true calling.”

“And that is?”

“He’s become a preacher. Has a small church up in Perkinsville. He says his favorite duty is to give help and forgiveness. Will says we granted him forgiveness, and he aims to pass it along. Everyone deserves a second chance. You forgave Will, didn’t you?”

Evelyn thought a moment. She had considered the question before.

“People aren’t simple. David kept the toys Will carved, and now the twins enjoy them. You forgave me for the pain and suffering I brought to Arlington. I have forgiven Raymond for what he did. If he hadn’t, I never would have met you. Funny how bad things can give life to better things. If you never forgive, you never find out.

“Look at Kenneth. He spent every waking moment hating. In the end, he amounted to nothing. No one even remembers him.”

Jonathan reached out and took her hand.

“You’re right, Kenneth has been forgotten by most everyone. Those who remember will think I killed him, not you. That’s fine with me. Only I will know that you’re not someone to make angry.”

“Jonathan Reeves!”

He laughed and kissed her. 

“I make fun, but we both know Kenneth reaped what he had sown. Despite my reputation, I feel bad that you had to do it instead of me. I should have protected you better.”

“People fool you. So, it’s usually better to be safe rather than sorry. Had I been in your shoes, I would have done the same thing. I mean I wasn’t exactly open and forthcoming.”

“You couldn’t be. You had that demon comin’ for you.”

“Let’s forget the past, Jonathan. We’re not gonna live there. We have to look ahead. We have two new young girls to look out for.”

“I tell myself that every day. My job is to keep you safe and happy.”

“That’s my job too.”

He kissed her again. Together, they looked at the woods across the way.

“You reckon we’ll ever know what David and Ruth were plannin’ when they was in them trees?”

“I hope and pray they never tell us.”

Jonathan laughed, the most welcome sound Evelyn had ever heard.

THE END