"Adieu," Alannah replied, her voice soft but steady. With one final look back at Jeff, she urged her horse into a canter, leaving the town and Rancho Esperance behind her as she headed off towards parts unknown. The future stretched out before her like an endless prairie, full of possibilities and dangers both, and for now, that was exactly how she liked it.

The wind tousled her hair as she rode, the feel of freedom coursing through her veins as she headed off into the sunset.

Jeff watched until she disappeared from sight, a mixture of sadness and relief in his heart. He knew that Alannah was meant for great things, but he also understood her need to keep moving, to never stay in one place too long. Maybe someday she'd find her way back here, if only for a visit.

Until then, there was still work to be done at the ranch, and a life to lead without her. FIN