Love’s Detour on the Trail – Extended Epilogue

Eight months later

Eight months after settling into their new life in San Francisco, Faye and Gavin found themselves right in the heart of the city’s booming excitement. Their hotel sat proudly on a corner of bustling streets where carriages rumbled, laughter filled the air, and hopes ran high. The place had been everything Gavin dreamed of—and more.

The lobby was lively as Faye helped a pair of guests get their keys. “Now, Mrs. Dunleavy,” she said, smiling at the older woman who clutched her husband’s arm, “we serve supper promptly at six. The chef’s soup tonight is something special.”

“Thank you, my dear. And to think! This place was just a patch of grass when we last visited,” Mrs. Dunleavy replied, casting her husband a pleased look as they headed to their room.

Once they were gone, Gavin joined Faye, his gaze scanning the room before it landed on her. “Looks like you’ve got things under control here.”

Faye gave him a playful nudge. “I’d say we both do.”

“Couldn’t have done it without you,” he replied, his tone softening as he took her hand. “But how about we take a break? You’ve been running around all day.”

She shook her head, chuckling. “Have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re the one looking worn out.”

Angela strolled over, letting out a long sigh as she leaned against the counter. “I don’t suppose you’ve got a second pair of hands to spare, do you? I can’t keep up with all the guests wanting towels, fresh linens, and someone to chat with!”

Tanner walked up just in time, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “How ‘bout we find you another maid or two to help out, hmm?”

Angela’s eyes lit up. “Well, don’t make me wait too long, Tanner. I might be married, but even a woman in love can’t do it all!”

Tanner chuckled, giving her an affectionate squeeze. “Then let’s make that our first order of business tomorrow, darlin’.”

The two wandered off, leaving Gavin and Faye to share a private smile. As she watched them go, Faye leaned closer to Gavin, her voice soft. “They’re so happy, aren’t they?”

“They sure are.” Gavin studied her face, his expression shifting as he noticed a look of distant thoughtfulness in her eyes. “Faye…you all right?”

“Oh, I’m fine,” she answered with a reassuring smile. “Just feeling a bit… different, I suppose.”

Gavin watched her, a look of curiosity and concern mingling in his eyes. “What kind of different?”

She took a small breath, hesitating before meeting his gaze. “I think I’m ready for another adventure.”

His brows lifted. “Is that so? And what sort of adventure are you thinking of?”

Faye’s eyes sparkled as she took his hand and gently placed it on her abdomen. “One that’ll be with us every step of the way.”

Realization dawned on him, and his face lit up with a mix of joy and awe. “You mean…?”

Faye nodded, her smile widening as his hand gently pressed against her. “Yes, Gavin. We’re having a baby.”

Unable to contain his joy, Gavin swept her up in a twirl, laughing as he kissed her, right there in the lobby.

“Looks like this hotel’s about to have its littlest guest,” he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.

Later that evening, Faye sat by the cozy hearth in their private parlor, a pen poised over a letter as she poured out her news to her father. She smiled as she described life in bustling San Francisco, Gavin’s joy at running the hotel, and their plans for the future. At last, she added the most exciting news of all—his future grandchild.

“I can already see him reading that letter, leaning close like he does when he’s trying not to smile too big,” she said with a laugh, glancing up as Gavin walked into the room.

“Thinking about your father?” he asked, crossing the room to sit beside her.

“Yes. I know he’ll be happy for us. This baby’s going to have such wonderful grandparents.”

Gavin placed his hand over hers. “And pretty wonderful parents, too.”

They sat in comfortable silence, the crackle of the fire filling the room. Then, Gavin broke the quiet, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“You know,” he said, “Tanner wasn’t wrong when he said you should start taking things easy. I’ll handle all the heavy work here while you rest.”

Faye arched an eyebrow. “Rest? Gavin Hawthorne, if you think I’ll sit around all day while you run the hotel, you don’t know me very well.”

“Oh, I know you,” he replied, grinning. “But this is one instance where I won’t take no for an answer. You’re my priority, Faye. You and our little one.”

Faye softened, laying a hand over his. “I’m grateful for you, Gavin. But you’ve got to let me help. Besides,” she added with a sly smile, “I might get some interesting cravings we’ll need you to take care of.”

“Is that so?” he teased, pulling her close. “Well, I reckon I can be your errand boy.”

Angela’s cheerful voice echoed down the hall as she approached. “You two lovebirds hiding away in here? Tanner says he’s got news.”

They followed her back to the lobby, where Tanner stood with a grin and his arm around Angela.

“We’re expanding!” he announced proudly, gesturing toward the empty plot beside their property. “We just bought the land, and soon enough, it’ll be part of this place.”

Faye and Gavin exchanged a surprised look, excitement dancing between them. “More rooms, more staff… and maybe one day, a playground for our little one,” Faye whispered to Gavin, squeezing his hand.

Gavin chuckled. “Sounds like the best plan I’ve heard all day.”

***

Months later, Faye and Gavin welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world. With soft tufts of dark hair and his mother’s inquisitive gaze, little Caleb Hawthorne quickly became the center of their world—and, naturally, the apple of everyone’s eye at the hotel.

Tanner and Angela, who were married by now, were the first to arrive at the hotel nursery one morning. Tanner grinned as he peered over the crib. “Look at him, Angela. This boy’s got the makings of a true hotelier.”

Angela chuckled, holding Faye’s hand. “He certainly has his mother’s curiosity.”

Just then, Gavin entered, scooping Caleb up in his arms. “Mornin’, son,” he whispered, his voice soft as he gazed down at his child. Then he looked up at Faye, pride and love shining in his eyes. “Our greatest adventure yet.”

Faye moved to his side, gently stroking Caleb’s tiny hand. “And to think it all started with a small-town girl and a man from the big city.”

“Seems life’s got a way of surprising us,” Gavin murmured, leaning in to kiss her softly.

From their little nursery window, the bustling streets of San Francisco stretched out, promising a future full of challenges, laughter, and growth. But in that moment, Gavin and Faye stood together, content, as their family grew and the hotel thrived around them.

Together, they knew they could weather any storm, face any adventure, and make a life as grand as the city itself. And with their dear friends and their precious son by their side, they looked forward to all that life would bring in the vibrant heart of the West.

THE END