An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Epilogue
by Tami B.
Disclaimer: The following work has been written solely for the enjoyment of fans and not for monetary profit. The rights to the characters initially created for the Daniel Boone series belong to 20th Century Fox and Fess Parker. All other characters are of the author's own creation. No copyright violation is intended.
Ten years later -
Daniel and Rebecca sat on the porch of their cabin feeling the warmth of the spring sun. Daniel cleaned his rifle while Rebecca mended one of his shirts. Looking up from his work, Daniel saw a wagon approach. "Looks like we got company, Becky. Right on time too," Daniel informed her.
"I knew they'd come," Rebecca said. "They haven't missed a single anniversary."
It wasn't long before the wagon was halted in front of the cabin porch. Four-year-old George scrambled out first, shouting for his Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Colonel. He was followed by his sister, three-year-old Rebecca, who waited patiently for her hug from Rebecca and Daniel.
Adam took five-month-old Daniel from his wife and gently placed him into Rebecca Boone's arms then returned to the wagon to assist his wife, Mary. Baby Daniel cooed and smiled for his adopted aunt.
"Waiting for us, I see," Adam observed, reaching for the jug of apple cider he brought along for this special occasion. No longer was he a slender sprout of a boy, but had grown broad shouldered, muscular, and only a few inches shorter than Daniel.
"If you're anything Adam, you're punctual," Daniel said.
"A nasty habit I learned in the army, Colonel," Adam confessed. "Shall we go inside?" Adam had tried to address Daniel by his first name when he returned to Kentucky but to him it sounded so disrespectful. He continued to address Rebecca as Mrs. Boone much to her chagrin. His wife, on the other hand, had no such qualms.
George and little Rebecca raced for the table where Rebecca served them rock candy. They sat in their chairs eating the candy quietly and with relish. Mary sat at one end of the table holding baby Daniel as Adam came to stand beside her. Daniel stood beside Adam while Rebecca stood to the other side of Mary. Adam filled the mugs with cider and passed them around.
Tradition dictated that Adam be the orator for the toast. "Today we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Mary's and my coming to live in Kentucky. This was made possible by Mary, who nursed me back to health after I was wounded at Yorktown. That day I neglected to take Mrs. Boone's advice and stepped in front of a lead ball. But God was looking out for me and sent my angel Mary to care for me. So we came, five years ago today, to make a life and a family in Kentucky. Our family has grown in the last year with the addition of Daniel Boone Liberty and we welcome him to our celebration," Adam said.
George and little Rebecca happily clapped their hands. Mary settled them down before they got too boisterous. "With our other children, George Washington Liberty and Rebecca Bryan Liberty, who were also born in Kentucky, the Liberty family has been blessed by God, the Almighty, and we offer our thanksgiving to Him and to Colonel Daniel Boone and Rebecca Boone, who have given of themselves to aid this fledging family since the day we arrived. They are without question generous, kind, and helpful. We are honored to call them friends. Drink up everybody," Adam ordered.
After they all drained their mugs, Mary said, "Adam darling, your speeches are getting longer and longer. Soon you'll be aspiring to be a politician."
"As a matter of fact, I have been thinking along those lines," Adam admitted "Kentucky is growing and should rightfully join the Union. There's a move to petition for statehood and a state constitution to draw up. I'd like to be involved. That's why I'm thinking of running for the legislature."
"I couldn't think of anyone finer or better qualified than you," Daniel said with sincerity. "This calls for another toast."
"I know just what to say," Adam stated.
"Adam, let Daniel conduct this one. He'll keep it short. We have to be home before dark with the children and all," Mary said, patting his arm.
Adam relented and filled the mugs again with cider. He gave George and little Rebecca small portions as they still had tendencies to spill liquids.
"Thank you, Mary," Daniel began. "To the Liberty family, who by their dedication and hard work, will continue to make this young nation a strong and prosperous one."
"Here! Here!" Adam cheered.
"Here! Here!" George and little Rebecca echoed. They all laughed at the antics of the smallest Libertys.
Daniel thought back to his first meeting with Corporal Adam Liberty. There stood a young man who refused to compromise his ideals and who continued to follow through on those ideals. He believed in his country then and now. If succeeding generations were of the same caliber, Daniel knew that the United States of America would exist for centuries to come in good standing with God and her people.
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