A successful career in conning people was finally cut off. She’d be facing a grand jury but it was impossible to know what charges she might stand trial for. Undoubtedly there would be a lot of fraud, which was her main career. But any good grifter knew you could never go back to a mark who has found you out, which made Hannah, Owen and Noah pretty much out of the target area. Still, Cal vowed to keep in touch with Bruce Wilhelm for a long time, keeping track of Victoria Addison and, though he had not been charged with any crime, Roger Addison.

On a perfectly and blessedly normal evening at the Abrams household, Noah and Hannah were finishing up their evening reading. They were almost done with Treasure Island and looking to start a new book on another day. Owen came to the room carrying a brandy and sat close to Hannah.

“Don’t let me interrupt,” he said.

“We’re just about done for the day,” she said. “We’ve been talking about what we should read next.”

“I’m thinking about Swiss Family Robinson,” Noah said.

“That’s a good one,” Owen said.

“And I been thinking about something else. That thing you told me to think about. Like when I feel ready for us all to have the same name. I’m just about ready.”

“How would you like to keep your last name, as well? That’s very easy,” Owen said. “Your name can be Noah Waters Abrams, son of Hannah and Owen Abrams by adoption. Your mom is pretty important to everyone, not only you.”

“That’s a good way to do it,” he said. “I think it will make her happy. But are you ready?”

Hannah held him tight. “We’re ready when you are. I think we’re already a family—it just needs the paperwork.”

Motherhood:

All love begins and ends there.

—Robert Browning

EPILOGUE

The first Saturday in November, there had already been snowfall in the higher elevations and a generous dusting in the lower elevations, like Owen’s house and the Crossing. The aspens had lost their leaves and the pines had snow gathered on their limbs. Court in Leadville was not open on Saturday, but the judge who had presided over their custody hearing opened his chambers and the clerk came in to work.

Hannah, Owen, Noah, Cal and Maggie arrived to meet him there at two in the afternoon. Judge Vincente was not wearing robes today. He met them, invited them in with hugs and handshakes.

“This is the happiest of days,” he said. When he was standing, he hunched a little but not much. He was a small man with a big personality. And he was so pleased. “Come in, come in, this is such a pleasure. You know, in family court, I have to attend to so many sad matters and this is such a joy for me.” He bent at the waist and spoke to Noah. “Young man, I believe you brought this family together. You must be so proud of yourself.”

“I guess I am,” he said, smiling.

“Will there be a celebration?” the judge asked.

“A giant party!” Noah said. “They’re all getting it ready at our house. Half the town is there. You can come. You want to come?”

“Maybe I will if my wife doesn’t have chores for me,” the judge said.

“You can bring her. It’s okay. There’s food!”

The judge chuckled. “A compelling invitation. I’ll be sure to extend it to Mrs. Vincente. Now, the business at hand is a marriage and adoption. We will accomplish the marriage first before Mr. and Mrs. Abrams formally adopt Noah... Ah...do I see a name change here?”

“Yes, sir,” Hannah said. “Noah wants to carry his mother’s name into the future and we completely agree. Noah Waters will be Noah Waters Abrams. If you approve.”

“Fantastic!” the judge said. “First things first. Owen Thomas Abrams and Hannah Marie Russell, do you pledge to honor the covenants of marriage, to be faithful and to support and love each other through the good times and bad? In sickness and health? Work mutually to hold your family together in safety and affection?”

“We do,” they said in unison.

“Let me tell you what I know about marriage,” he said. “I’ve been married over fifty years and it wasn’t all fun and games, but there were times I couldn’t believe the happiness I felt. I saw right away there would be a lot of compromise involved and that’s not just for one of you, it’s always and forever for both of you. The ratio of giving—it’s very important that you both strive to give one hundred percent. And the most important thing—honor and respect each other even when that seems impossible. In fact, it’s even more important when it seems impossible. Having made your promises to each other, witnessed by this court, I pronounce you husband and wife. Go ahead and kiss now. We have more business at hand and papers to sign.”

Hannah and Owen kissed, then pulled Noah between them.

“As for you, Noah, I think you’ve made a very wise choice, deciding to make these two your parents. I believe they will teach you, protect you, support you, guide you and demonstrate wonderful life lessons, like the Golden Rule. Do you know about the Golden Rule?”

“Uh-huh. Treat other people the way you would like to be treated. My mom told me that one.”

“I’m sorry about your mother, Noah. But not many people are lucky enough to have two wonderful mothers in their lifetimes, and I see you have indeed been lucky. I knew I would approve this adoption before you even walked in the door—the three of you make a very wonderful family. I hope you have only good fortune from this moment forward. And I hope you have a magnificent party!”

After signing and witnessing a marriage license and adoption documents, the adults and Noah piled into the SUV and went back to Owen’s house on the lake. Cars lined the drive and were double-parked in front of the workshop and house.

When the Abrams family walked into the house, a wild cheer went up. Champagne was pressed into their hands. Noah was given a champagne glass as well, though his sparkly drink was apple cider.

Sully stepped forward from the group of friends and family. “Hardly anyone can think of a more romantic story than I have with Helen, but you three come mighty close. On this wonderful day when three have become one family, I toast the Abrams family. Here’s to dreams coming true.”

And the crowd cheered again.

Owen leaned down to whisper in Hannah’s ear. “On this wonderful day when three lost souls find their way and come together. I love you, Hannah.”

“And you are my dream come true, Owen.”