Chapter 3: Goodbyes, Babies, and the Road Home

My sister-in-law went into labor at dawn. The baby must have felt sorry for his mom, because he didn’t give her much trouble and arrived quickly.

The whole house was buzzing, everyone running on adrenaline and excitement. Babies. They turn everyone to mush. There’s nothing like a new baby to make even the grumpiest uncle smile.

Chase learned early that morning he now had another little nephew.

He came running into the kitchen, breathless and beaming, the news tumbling out before he’d even caught his breath.

Zach and I went to see my sister-in-law, but before we could even get inside, the women helping her shooed us away, saying we’d bring bad luck.

One of the older aunts wagged her finger at us, insisting, “Menfolk wait outside—no exceptions!” Zach and I exchanged a look and backed away, hands up in surrender.

So we gave up and turned to leave, only to spot Chase squatting outside the guest room, looking pretty downcast.

He looked like a kid who’d just lost his favorite toy, knees hugged to his chest, staring at the floor.

“Where’s Lord Grant? And where are Riley and Kyle?”

Zach and I squatted beside him, asking about Grant’s whereabouts.

I nudged him gently, trying to get him to open up.

“The little ones are still sleeping. My brother came by this morning. Just now, word came that the old mayor sent more spies, but the people of Maple Heights caught them. And now that my sister-in-law’s given birth, my brother and the substitute teacher are busy again—they left for Maple Heights at dawn.”

No wonder the kid looked like he’d lost his best friend.

Chase shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I could tell he was disappointed.

“My brother said we’re to head back to Silver Hollow today. My sister-in-law packed us sandwiches and snacks a few days ago, so he won’t be seeing us off.”

He tried to sound nonchalant, but his voice was a little too quiet.

Zach and I were both stunned. We were leaving today?

I looked at Zach, who just raised his eyebrows in surprise. We’d expected at least one more night, maybe a proper send-off.

“I’ll go get the horses ready!”

A few moments later, Zach jumped up, excited, and ran off to the stables where our horses were kept.

Same old Zach.

I wasn’t in that much of a rush, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy. I hadn’t seen my grandpa or grandma in months—I missed them like crazy. And Taylor, I missed him so much I could barely sleep.

The thought of home made my heart ache in the best way. There’s nothing like the pull of family to get your feet moving.

Of course, Zach’s snoring, loud enough to shake the walls, didn’t help either. Guy could wake the dead. But once we got back to Silver Hollow, I wouldn’t have to put up with it anymore. That alone was worth celebrating.

I grinned, picturing my own bed, clean sheets, and the blessed silence. Freedom was just a few days’ ride away.

“There’s a lot of fun places in Silver Hollow. When we get back, Zach and I will show you around.”

I tried to lighten the mood. “Why so down? You’re going to Silver Hollow anyway, and don’t forget—you’re going to help Lord Grant with important things!”

I elbowed him, trying to get a smile. “Besides, you’ll get to see what real barbecue tastes like.”

Sure enough, that perked him up.

He cracked a half-smile, the clouds lifting a little from his face.

He stood and looked back at the guest room, a bit regretful. “My brother named the baby Mason, middle name Quinn. I wonder how old Mason will be when I come back?”

Hope and regret, all tangled up.

“I haven’t even held him yet...”

He trailed off, shoulders slumping. I wanted to tell him it would all be okay, but sometimes you just have to let people feel their feelings.

After mumbling that, Chase suddenly called out loudly to the room, “Sister-in-law! I’m leaving!”

His voice echoed down the hallway, full of longing.

No answer came from inside; it was very quiet.

The silence was heavy, the kind that says more than words ever could. You could feel it in your bones.

“I’ll come back and be good to you...”

With that, he turned and strode away, maybe afraid he’d lose his nerve if he stayed.

His footsteps were quick, almost desperate, as if putting distance between himself and the pain would make it easier.

A moment later, as I was leaving, I heard muffled sobs from inside the room.

It was the kind of sound that squeezes your heart—a mother’s love and a son’s goodbye, all tangled up together.

My sister-in-law wasn’t asleep—she just couldn’t bear to say goodbye.

She was probably holding the baby close, wishing she could freeze time for just a little longer.

Grant had left early, also because he couldn’t bear it.

He’d never say it out loud, but he hated goodbyes as much as anyone. Sometimes leaving first is the only way to keep from falling apart. Guess it runs in the family.

Just like Chase couldn’t bear to leave them.

Parting from family is always the hardest thing.

It’s the price you pay for loving people deeply—the ache of separation, the hope of reunion.

But there was no way around it. I sighed and left too.

I took one last look at the house, at the people I was leaving behind, and promised myself I’d be back. There’s always another homecoming on the horizon.

Someone was waiting for me in Silver Hollow.

Taylor’s face flashed in my mind, and my heart skipped a beat. Home wasn’t just a place—it was a person, too. Funny how that works.

Chase would understand—there would be reunions ahead.

“...Once you’re in Silver Hollow, don’t let anyone hear your southern accent, or it might cause trouble.”

On the road back, Zach kept coaching Chase on his accent.

He mimicked the local drawl, exaggerating every syllable until even Chase had to laugh. “You know, if you let that southern twang slip, folks might look at you funny,” he grumbled, but he practiced anyway.

“Also, customs and forms of address are different up north. For example, instead of ‘Dad’ and ‘Mom,’ you need to say ‘Father’ and ‘Mother’...”

Chase frowned. “It’s so much trouble!”

He wrinkled his nose, clearly not thrilled about having to change the way he talked.

“What’s so troublesome about it?” I laughed, turning in my saddle. “Once Lord Grant’s big plan succeeds, everyone will use your words instead!”

I gave him a wink, half-joking, half-hopeful. The idea of blending traditions made the journey feel like an adventure, not just a chore.

It wasn’t just a joke.

There was a kernel of truth there—change always starts with one person brave enough to do things differently.

After the first county judge unified the six districts, he standardized paperwork, road signs, and more. It all seemed minor, but it was a masterstroke—sometimes more effective than any campaign.

My dad always said, ‘Win the little things, and the big ones will follow.’ Sometimes it’s the paperwork that wins the war.

That’s what cultural assimilation is all about. That’s how you build something new. One little change at a time.

“Mitch, Henry—when my brother... in the future, what do you two want to do?”

Chase didn’t finish, but we understood.

His voice trailed off, but the question hung in the air. What comes after all this?

“Me? I just want to take my family back to Pine Ridge and never fight another battle. I’m exhausted.” I pouted.

I stretched my arms, letting out a big, theatrical sigh. “I’ve had enough excitement for a lifetime.” And then some.

Zach shot me a look. “I knew you’d want to quit!”

He thought for a moment. “Then I’ll become a great sheriff!”

He puffed out his chest, striking a pose. I snorted, picturing him in a ten-gallon hat, badge and all.

“Nice ambition, Sheriff Zach!” I teased. “One day, you’ll be a real hero!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at my own joke.

The three of us rode on, the miles slipping away as we traded dreams and stories.

Chase exhaled, his gaze steady on the road ahead. “I don’t know what I want to do, but as long as my brother asks, I’ll do anything.”

His voice was quiet, but there was a strength there that made me pause. Loyalty like that is rare—something to be proud of.

A heart like that is rare—Chase has it. Not many do.

I nodded, feeling a surge of respect for him. Not everyone can give themselves so freely.

By evening, the sky was dark. Even though we wanted to hurry back to Silver Hollow, we traveled slowly for safety.

The woods at night were full of unfamiliar sounds, shadows dancing in the firelight. We took turns keeping watch, sharing stories to pass the time.

Daytime was different—we rode hard, as fast as we could. Even so, it still took us a full month on the road.

The journey was long, but the company made it bearable. Could’ve been worse. At least we had each other.