The Sailor and the School Teacher Read online

  Wiggie laughed. “Each of you girls was a challenge in their own way. Every child is,” she added jiggling Agnes and making her giggle.

  Wiggie set down her cup and cuddled the little girl close. “Xenia, you’re doing good work here, and I’m proud of you.”

  Bright tears swam in Xenia’s eyes and she rose hugging Wiggie again. “Thank you so much Wiggie,” she sniffled. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  ***

  Wiggie stayed with Xenia and Birch for two weeks before she needed to start the trek to visit Yetta and finally Zara.

  She seemed happy and full of energy after helping out at the Sailor’s Rest School during her visit and spending time spoiling Agnes rotten.

  On top of helping around the school and doing a serious shakedown on some of the wharf boys that had them doing their work in record time, she had several ideas on ways to improve the school and tweak the small farms productivity.

  “It doesn’t seem possible you’re leaving already,” Xenia said as Wiggie climbed into the wagon heading for the train station.

  “You don’t need me here Xenia,” Wiggie said. “You have everything you need, and you’re doing wonderful work.” She leaned down from the seat patting Xenia on the cheek. “Don’t forget to write.” Patting Barnaby on the arm to let him know she was ready and driving away.

  Birch wrapped his arm around Xenia pulling her close. “Are you all right?” he asked.

  Xenia turned into his arms smiling. “I’m wonderful,” she said. “My life is so full, and we really are doing good work.”

  “Who knew that one misstep in New York would lead to all of this,” he said, kissing her cheek. “It might not have been the way I expected life to go, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  Xenia laid her head on Birch’s chest listening to the strong steady beat of his heart, a sound that had carried her through many trials.

  “You know I love you right?” She asked smiling as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her close as the sound of the ocean’s waves crashing on the shore filled their home.

  “I love you too darlin’” Birch said.

  “We’ve come a long way Birch,” Xenia said turning and looking out across the fields to the sea below. “

  “We have come a long way,” Birch agreed, “but no matter where else life takes us, we’ll always do it together.”

  The End

  Sailors and Saints:

  The Sailor and the Siren

  Other Books by this Author:

  From the Cattleman’s Daughters

  Katie Isabella

  FionaAlexis

  Meg Mae

  Tales from Biders Clump

  Christmas Kringle

  Quil’s Careful Cowboy

  Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty

  Tywyn’sTroubles

  A Teaching Touch

  Prissy’s Predicament

  Lucinda’s Luck

  Ferd’s Fair Favor

  The Travels of Titus

  Winter’s Worth

  Strong Hearts: Open Spirits

  Maggie’s ValleySadina’s Stocking

  Celestre’s Song Beloved Beulah

  Whispers in Wyoming

  Love Letters & Home

  Counting Kadence

  Mercy’s Light

  Falling Forward

  Racing Destiny

  The Ornamental Match Maker

  Carousel Horse Christmas

  Loose Goose Christmas

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  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.

  About the Author

  Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books. Although Danni is a relatively new author on the scene she has been a story teller for her entire life, even causing her mother to remark that as a child “If she told a story, she had to tell the whole story.” Danni is truly excited about this new adventure in writing and hopes that you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.