A Widow’s Gift for Christmas – Extended Epilogue

Five years later

“Ma, look at me! I’m taller than the booth!”

Lisa chuckled, watching her four-year-old daughter, Vera, stand on her toes to reach the decorations strung along the edge of their market stall. She wore a bright, red bonnet, the kind that turned heads, and she had just discovered the wonder of jingle bells.

“You’re growing like a weed, little miss,” Lisa said, laughing as Vera wobbled, caught herself, and grinned.

Across the stall, Mark adjusted one of the new wooden signs he’d carved for their shop. “If she’s anything like you, she’ll be running the whole market next year,” he said, throwing Lisa a wink.

“You’re the one who taught her to charm a crowd, so don’t blame me,” Lisa teased, handing Vera another small jingle bell to hang.

“Can I take one for Mr. White’s dog?” Vera asked, her eyes wide with hope.

“Well, that depends,” Lisa replied. “You think the dog can manage it without trying to eat it?”

“Oh, he won’t eat it! He’s a good dog,” Vera assured her. Lisa laughed and handed over a jingle bell, watching her daughter toddle toward the other stalls.

Just then, Adam approached Jacob, who was happily munching on a biscuit. Now fifteen, Adam had grown tall and strong, and his confidence had flourished over the years working by Mark’s side.

“Ma, Pa says I’m ready to make a custom piece for the stall,” Adam said, pride in his voice. “A real commission!”

“Is that so?” Lisa reached out and ruffled Adam’s hair, even as he ducked, laughing. “And what’s this masterpiece you’re planning?”

“A carved shelf, right Pa?” Adam looked at Mark for confirmation.

Mark nodded, smiling warmly. “He’s put in the hours, that’s for sure. Knows the craft better than I did at his age.”

As they talked, the sound of carolers drifted from across the square. Lisa took a moment to watch the bustling market, decorated with pine boughs, garlands, and glowing lanterns. Families laughed together, vendors called out, and the entire town seemed to glow under the soft light of lanterns and the glitter of fresh snow.

Mark sidled over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Feels like we’ve got everything we ever wanted, doesn’t it?”

Lisa turned to him, eyes sparkling. “More than I ever thought possible.” She leaned in, her voice low. “Though I think we have some explaining to do when Jacob and Vera discover Christmas doesn’t last all year.”

Mark chuckled, and Adam joined in, overhearing. “I think they’ll find a way to keep the spirit alive.”

Watching her family laugh and banter, Lisa felt a surge of gratitude. The weight of the past had lifted completely, and with her family around her, she felt only joy and peace.

“Mr. Howell, this here is an honest-to-goodness work of art!” a customer exclaimed, admiring the intricate floral patterns carved into one of Mark’s newest pieces.

Mark accepted the praise with a modest nod. “Thank you kindly, ma’am. Hard work and good woodworkin’ tools, that’s all,” he replied.

Adam elbowed his father playfully. “And a whole lotta patience, too. I watched him work on that for hours.”

“Oh, come now, Adam. You’ve been putting in just as much time on that bookshelf,” Mark said, clapping his son on the back. “You’re the real craftsman now.”

Lisa, overhearing them, joined in. “I expect you’ll be showing up your pa in no time at all.”

Adam blushed. “Maybe someday,” he murmured, clearly pleased.

As the customer moved along, Mark caught sight of Vera, now settled in a corner of the stall, diligently placing little bells on ornaments for sale. Beside her, little Jacob practiced hammering two wooden pieces together, which mostly resulted in him clapping his hands together in delight.

Lisa approached, pulling her shawl tighter against the chilly air. “Seeing the two of them like that…” She paused, watching the children play. “It’s like a dream I never dared to have, but here they are.”

Mark took her hand, his fingers warm against hers despite the cold. “And you made it all happen, Lisa. Without you, none of us would be here, least of all me.”

Lisa laughed, shaking her head. “If I remember right, you were the one who brought us here in the first place.”

“Well,” he teased, giving her hand a squeeze, “I reckon I had some help along the way.”

Just then, Brian arrived, his arms full of pine wreaths, cheeks flushed from the cold. “Decorations delivery for the Howells!” he announced, setting the wreaths down with a grin. “Thought you could use a little extra.”

“Brian! Don’t you know we’ve got more decorations than space?” Lisa teased, hugging him.

“Not for long. I heard from the preacher that there’s a whole slew of people stoppin’ by Layton just for the market this year,” Brian replied, tipping his hat with a proud grin.

“That’s right,” Mark agreed, his voice full of warmth. “It’s a good year, and we have a lot to be thankful for.”

With the wreaths in hand, they continued decorating together, laughter filling the stall as Mark lifted Vera up to place one last wreath above their store’s sign.

As evening set in, the family gathered back at home, the fireplace crackling and filling the room with warmth.

Adam lifted Jacob onto his knee, bouncing him lightly. “Think you’ll be able to help Pa with the woodwork soon, Jacob?”

“Maybe!” Jacob cheered, clapping his hands. “I’m gonna make a chair for Ma!”

Lisa laughed, taking Jacob from Adam and settling him on her lap. “I’d love that. A Jacob-original chair would be perfect,” she said, squeezing him.

Mark took his spot beside her, slipping an arm around her shoulders. “Well, I reckon it won’t be long before all three of us men are making things around here.”

“And who says I won’t join in?” Vera piped up, crossing her arms with a confident grin.

“Alright, then,” Mark laughed, tousling Vera’s hair. “You’re welcome to give it a try, though you’ll have to work hard.”

Suddenly, Adam nudged Mark and handed him the local newspaper, pointing out an article. “Thought you’d want to see this,” he said quietly.

Mark read the headline about Ian Black’s continued prison term, then folded the paper carefully, his expression one of relief.

Lisa glanced at him knowingly, feeling the weight of their past dissolve a bit more. “He’s gone, Mark. Nothing can change what we have now.”

Mark kissed her temple gently. “You’re right. We’ve got all we need right here.”

They sat together, watching the snow fall gently outside their window. After a while, they gathered to exchange small gifts, their simple family traditions filling the room with joy. Lisa glanced around at the faces of those she loved most, feeling the warmth of a future bright with hope.

“Here’s to many more Christmases just like this one,” she said softly.

“With you, Lisa, there’s no doubt,” Mark replied, taking her hand. And as they all raised their mugs in a toast to their family, they knew that love, laughter, and peace would always be theirs.

THE END