There was music in the old ballroom for the first time in memory, laughter in the rafters. Elias and Imogen waltzed in the room that had always been waiting for exactly this. The old ranch opened its arms and the community gathered, dancing and laughing well into the evening.
It was a farewell and a homecoming all at once.
And somewhere between the music and the moonlight, Hector Stacey noticed Maranda Smith for what felt like the very first time.















