Chapter 20 - The Dawn of Bitter Peak
Three months later, the spring thaw finally broke across the jagged peaks of Bitter Peak, washing away the remnants of winter and bringing vibrant green life back to the valley.
The town of Oak Haven was forever changed. With Clement Reed in federal prison, the corrupt bank dissolved, and the Silver Creek syndicate dismantled by federal investigators, the town had elected a new, honest mayor—and the first thing the town council did was officially return the Dalton homestead to Josephine and her children.
But the Dalton family didn't move back down to the valley.
Instead, they stayed where they were safe, where they were strong, and where they were together.
High up on the sunlit plateau of Bitter Peak, the massive timber cabin stood proudly against the sky, its windows wide open to the warm mountain breeze. In the yard, six-year-old Seth was running and laughing with a pair of bounding hunting dogs, while Clara and Maya tended to a freshly planted vegetable garden near the porch.
On the front steps, Thomas and Josephine sat side by side, watching their children play, their hands intertwined.
A few yards away, leaning against the wooden railing and looking out over the endless expanse of the Rocky Mountains, stood Gideon Hayes. The jagged scar across his face was still there, but the bitter, haunted look in his eyes was gone, replaced by the profound peace of a man who had finally found a home worth fighting for.
Wyatt walked up beside him, handing him a freshly cleaned hunting rifle.
"Think we'll have any more trouble from Denver?" Wyatt asked, looking out toward the horizon.
May you like
Gideon took the rifle, checked the chamber, and smiled faintly.
"Let them try," Gideon said, his gaze steady and unwavering as the golden morning sun crested the peaks, illuminating Bitter Peak in a brilliant, enduring light. "We're right where we belong."
