1865
The time had come for Kimber's family to journey back to South Carolina and
start over again. The South they had left had changed forever and it was a
rebirth of sorts for everyone at the Mahaffey Ranch. A party was being thrown to
announce the new owner of the ranch and everybody who worked there was invited.
Kimber took a long look around the room at all the people who had become her
friends in such a short time. She'd grown to love this home and even the
weather, she couldn't believe how much she'd miss it.
"Cheer up love, soon you'll be home." Mark said wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her neck.
"Mark, people are looking! If you want to get into daddy's good graces this is not the way to do it. Stop it, that tickles." she said wiggling around to face him.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it. What is it about you that I can't seem to keep my hands off you? How about we find a quiet corner to... may I have this dance?" he said loudly as Kimber's parents came into view.
She laughed at him, "Why of course you can."
They had been dancing for about a minute when Mark stopped suddenly, "Well if it isn't Mr. & Mrs. Filan who've come to join us. We wondered if we'd ever see the two of you again."
Kimmy blushed profusely, it was still so exciting to hear Mrs. Filan and know it was her they were speaking to. "We had to come meet the new owners. Now that I'm not performing anymore someone has to support our family." she said squeezing Shane's hand.
"You're having a baby?" Kimber gushed and they shook their heads. "No but we're working on it. Night and day as a matter of fact." Shane said and pulled Kimmy close, she was beet red by now.
"This is an absolutely wonderful party Kimber" Erica said throwing her arm around Kimber's waist. "When we get back to Ireland we will throw the biggest ball ever seen in Co. Sligo. That's not saying much but it will be grand won't it Bryan?"
He leaned on Mark as if he was a fence, "As long as my mate Markie here is footing the bill I'm all for it." They all laughed and Shane started searching around. "Where the devil is Kian at? I told him to make sure to be here on time."
"He told me not to worry and that he had a surprise for us." Mark
answered.
About a half an hour later Kian did finally arrive and he wasn't alone. He was
escorted by a nicely dressed young woman who was walking about a step behind him
as though she was nervous. They all squinted trying to make out his companion
when Shane let out a low whistle. "It's Sherry!" he said
incredulously.
Gone was the bright red hair and garish makeup to be replaced a pretty natural looking woman who was indeed very anxious. "Hi guys, sorry we're late. I'd like to reintroduce you to Sherry, my new bride." You could have picked them up off the floor they were so shocked, Kian and Sherry had gotten married!
"That's wonderful!" Kimmy said being the first to recover, "I'm so happy for you and she hugged them both.
Sherry turned to Kimber, "I hope you won't think less of Kian because of me. He has shown me what real love can be like."
They all turned to look at Kimber for a reaction. "You've been a good friend to me and Mark in the past but now you're part of our family." she said and tears welled up in both women's eyes. It meant alot to be accepted by Kian's friends.
"Now it's time for my surprise." Kian said and Mark laughed, "There's more?"
"Yes. I don't really need to meet the new owner because I've just purchased property myself. We're moving further west to start our own ranch, just like I've always wanted. I'm the boss now." Congratulations were given again and then Mr. Mahaffey stood in front of the crowd for the big announcement.
"I'd like to thank you all for joining my family tonight. You've all worked so hard to make this a successful ranch and a safe haven for my family while I was detained. As you know the War has ended and it's time we returned to our family home. For all his hard work and dedication I've decided to give the ranch to Shane Filan, our foreman. May you and your family have many happy years here."
Shane was overwhelmed, he never expected that. Hugging Kimmy tightly he went up to Mr. Mahaffey and accepted the deed in his hand."I don't know what to say."
"How about thank you, that'll work for me." Mark turned to Kimber who was literally glowing. "You knew didn't you?" She just smiled. Things just had to work out for them, just like it was for their friends.