Mail Ordered Deception

Epilogue

Epilogue

Two Years later

Jackson’s Point of View

Jackson took Oliver downstairs for breakfast while Monica got some extra sleep. The young man still was not sleeping through the night and Monica took the brunt of it, because when it came to bedtime, he only wanted his mother. When morning time came around though, he was a complete Daddy’s Boy. Putting Oliver into his high chair, Jackson went into the kitchen and made some eggs. Scrambled for the boy and fried for him. By the time he returned to the dining room, he found Bethany sitting in the chair next to Oliver playing a sporting round of peek-a-boo. He laughed and laughed, spit bubbles popping out of his mouth.

“Good morning, Little Beth.” Jackson said, taking the chair on the other side of Oliver. Bethany rolled her eyes at him.

“Dad, my name is Bethany. Little Beth is a baby name.”

“Sorry Bethany, but the name ‘Little Beth’ will never die.” He served Oliver his eggs which immediately turned into a mess where maybe some of the eggs made it into his mouth. Bethany insisted on waiting for the cook to make her favorite chocolate chip pancakes.

Monica’s Point of View

Waking up from a long night of little sleep, Monica noticed the sun shining brightly from the window. ‘Jackson’, she thought, knowing he was the one to let her sleep in. Though the extra winks were appreciated, it did not mean she could shirk her duties. The houses needed inspecting, the mares needed to be checked for pregnancies and one was due for birth at any time. There was also the payroll to give out and the books to cover.

They had lived solely off of their savings for more than a year and were able to keep the employees paid and new horses found, but the account was drained, and the coming foal would be an indicator as to whether or not they could climb back up. So, Monica prepared for her day, dressing in a simple dress, knowing dirt and mess would be unavoidable. Skipping down the stairs, she went straight into the dining room knowing her family was there.

Sure enough, when she entered the room, Bethany was eating pancakes, Oliver was smashing eggs around, and Jackson was scarfing his own eggs down quickly.

“Good morning.” Jackson said, his mouth full. Monica laughed as he swallowed. “You look beautiful, as always.” She blushed, never used to his compliments.

“Thank you my love.” She said coming over to kiss his cheek.

“Good morning mom.” Bethany called, rushing over to give her a hug.

“Well good morning to you too, Sunshine.”

“Mom, may I please go out riding after school today?” Her pleading little eyes working their magic on Monica’s willpower.

“A short one. You will have homework I am sure.” Excited, Bethany went running back upstairs to get ready for school. When Oliver finished eating, Monica wiped his face off with a cloth and held him in her arms. “And good morning to you, Ollie.” Monica kissed his cheek and then proceeded to blow raspberries on his stomach, causing him to laugh. Jackson stood and put his arm around Monica’s waist and the three of them went to see Bethany off.

The driver helped her into the back seat and they waved as he drove away with her. Since only the closest barn was the one in use now, it made inspections go quickly. Monica led the way to the barn where Jessie, who had been promoted to foreman, was with the most pregnant mare. She was laying on the ground, her breathing labored.

“Mr. Porter, Mrs. Porter, Master Oliver.” Jessie greeted them theatrically. “Time to bring the new baby here.” He said happily. The mare must have been in labor for some time, because the foal was already coming out on its own. Monica held Jackson’s arm as the mare pushed and pushed, until finally, the foal was born. Without much effort, it breathed on its own and the mare cleaned it up. Within mere moments, the foal stood and began to nurse. The birth was successful. Jackson teared up and Monica was glad to see this. This first hope that the ranch could return to its former glory.

She found it amazing that such an extraordinary life could come to her or that she deserved it, as it all started through a Mail Ordered Deception.