Chapter 73

Just like me, Izzy seemed most suited to life on a farm. Well, I reckon she'd be at home anywhere there was critters to tend to. I got particular joy outta watchin' her, whether she was feedin' the chickens or milkin' a cow.

She'd talk to 'em like they was people; same way she talked to Jack.

"She's one of a kind, Ed." I heared Rosa say quietly from beside me as I watched Izzy stop to pet Jack on her way to the kitchen carryin' her basket of eggs.

I turned to look at Rosa and found her studyin' me. I nodded, "That she is."

Chapter 74

"Damn ya straight to hell, ya contrary sumbitch," I slammed the shovel down as I muttered. I'd been clearin' rocks from the same plot of earth for nigh on two hours, and makin' very little progress. The gasp I heared comin' from behind me caused me squeeze my eyes shut from embarrassment. I knowed for sure and for certain that when I opened 'em, I'd find my wife was standin' behind me; and there was no doubt in my mind that she'd been a witness to my swearin'.

I turned to face her, an apology ready on my tongue, only to find her hidin' a smile behind her hand. Bein' raised to be a gentleman, I apologized anyhow. "Sorry Izzy, ya warn't meant to hear that."

She give me a bright smile, and even though I was sweatin' like a whore in church, she wrapped her arms 'round my damp shirt and pulled me close. "It's alright, Ed. I ain't so delicate that I never heared a man swear afore."

I knowed that was the truth. The run-ins with James Forrest and his filthy mouth come immediately to mind, but I pushed those memories away.

"Glad to see ya darlin', ya feelin' better?" I asked afore placin' a kiss on her nose.

Epilogue 1

**Note:  Many thanks to RomaSweet18 for her beta work on this! You are the best my dear!

Enjoy!

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Summary: It's been two years since Ed and Izzy made their eventful journey from Tennessee to Texas. It hasn't always been easy, but they've managed through love and hard work to carve out a life together in the old west.

*

"Ed," I heared Izzy's worried voice callin' me from the back of the house, "I think it's time."

She didn't need to utter another word. We'd been expectin' this for a while now. Today was the day that our family was fixin' to grow larger.

Normally this warn't the type of thing to get me worked up, but Izzy's nervousness over the event had been wearin' on me. Even so, I was still right much calmer than her. Matter of fact, knowin' the state she was in, it were fair certain that she warn't gonna be of any help to me.

Outtake 1

This outtake is a big thank you to everyone who voted for WYiMA to obtain a spot in the Top Ten Fan Fics completed in July 2012. WYiMA managed to snag 9th place.

*Happy birthday Lorraine!*

Outtake: Takes place between Epilogue 1 and Epilogue 2. Enjoy!

************WYiMA************

Outtake 1
"Bob Roebuck is my sweetheart's name
He's off to the wars and gone
He's fighting for his Nannie dear
His sword is buckled on"

I could hear Izzy's sweet singin' as I come in from workin' the fields. It was soundin' from the direction of her vegetable garden. Through her efforts, we'd been treated to fresh butterbeans, squash, and black eyed peas all summer.

Henry let out a loud sigh as he walked beside me.