Quinn was right- things in Grayson indeed changed. The rebellion spread wide and fast, taking root in ways I could have never dreamed of. Nearly every woman in Grayson and over half of the men joined in the fight for more equality and a change in our society. Though it took some time because many opposed the idea of changing a way of living that had been ingrained in our society for nearly three centuries, eventually the majority won out.

Part of the armistice was that the government would be overhauled, and would be replaced by an equal number of male and female leaders, voted by an election in which every adult- male or female- would participate.

The first order of business for the newly instated government was voting on mine and Ruby's fate. Though a handful of officials still felt we should be punished for our crimes, the majority argued our innocence the moment they saw my scars at James' hands, conceding that all of our actions were done as a form of self-defense. In the end, the panel showed mercy and voted that we be cleared of all charges.

Many credited Ruby and I for changing the way of the world, but we didn't see it that way. The ingredients for change had been there all along. People just needed someone to stand up and be the face of the revolution, to be willing to put their livelihood on the line to be the voice of reason.

All of the No Name women were freed of their derogatory title, reestablished as productive members of society once again. They held their head high, wearing their tattoos like battle wounds instead of signs of imprisonment, proud of the brand that scarred their face, for it was the mark of a revolutionary.

Ruby and I moved out of Moberly Manor immediately. There were still many who opposed our union, claiming it was a sin in the eyes of God. But most of Grayson accepted us for who we were and thanked us for our bravery, claiming that our love had been so strong it had changed our society.

Some people argued that as James' wife, I was entitled to the property and items that he left behind. But I had no interest in keeping them. Too many bad memories surrounded the home. Ruby and I needed a fresh start. So, instead, I sold the Manor, using the money to purchase a small home on a large mass of land where Pearl and the other horses could roam and graze.

Sadly, we knew that the only way there would ever be true peace was if the men and women who instigated and stood by our old way of living were taken into custody. It took a while to find all of them- many of the men ran away like the cowards that they were- but eventually they were bound in chains and sent to prison. I find it slightly ironic that these men who had once toted their wealth and power were the ones imprisoned like so many women before them.

Ruby's husband, Henry, was among those taken to prison. By default, her three children were returned to their mother's custody. It was a joyous day when Ruby was able to hold Isaac, Emma, and Noah in her arms again. In a short period of time, Ruby and I went from a forbidden relationship kept in secret to a family of six.

As I watched Gracie play and mimic her new siblings, I could see my future in their innocent faces. A lot of love filled our cottage, and I found myself amazed that there was once a time when I didn't want to marry or have children. Ruby and our children were the best part of me, and I would be lost without them. I just needed to do things on my own terms for this life to feel "right". I quickly learned that being bound to other people wasn't so bad after all. Not when you loved them with all that you were.

With James' death, the Population Growth Unit was dissolved. There was no child bearing quota to be met, or some reproductive requirement that needed to be fulfilled. Repopulating the Earth was still a goal, but one that would occur in people's own times, and as their own choice.

The Awakening Ceremony and the process of being bound were a thing of the past. Women could now have a say in who their mate was to be, when they wanted to be married, and IF they wanted to be married. For the first time since Grayson was established, women were in control of their own bodies. We still had a long way to go, but each day, we got a little close to a fair and equal system.

Some people refused to accept the new way of life, and that was okay. The women who wanted to remain subservient to their husbands were left to do so, if that was their choice. The new government wouldn't force anyone to make a decision they weren't comfortable with. But those who wanted out of their forced marriage were free to move on with their lives how they wanted. People disagreed, but that was okay. We would just have to learn to live with our differences and make peace the best way possible, for the sake of our society.

Though a controversial move, the officials decided to rename the city. Grayson was the last name of the sexist, misogynistic, religious extremist who initially settled the area. In the two hundred and seventy three years since the city was first established, there had been a lot of pain and suffering. Women had been sold off like cattle, raped and beaten by their husbands, and sent to Factories to be experimented on like animals. It only seemed fitting that with a new beginning, the city be given a new name. Only by moving forward could we heal the pains of the past.

It took some time for Delilah to forgive us for not telling her the truth about Caleb's death. But, with time, she came to realize we didn't really have a choice. Caleb was a good man and a kind husband- Delilah had never felt the need to cower in fear or hide things from him- but she knew other women hadn't been so fortunate. She forgave us for our betrayal, and soon enough, we became close. Our children had frequent playdates and became the best of friends. And, as promised, Aaron Wilburn was able to visit Gunsmoke anytime he wanted.

Quinn and a handful of other adventurers and scientists began traveling into the wastelands regularly, taking samples and devising a plan to try to decontaminate the area. I still help hope that, one day, Ruby and I would make it back to our cottage in the woods where we imagined our future. The area beyond the city may not be survivable yet, but that was okay. For the time being, we would remain where we were, helping rebuild our society and create a brighter future for our daughter.

We couldn't change the past. Charlotte, Caleb, and all of the others who died unnecessarily had not lost their lives in vain. It was the fuel that ignited the fire of revolution, and they would forever be remembered for their sacrifices. The things that we'd endured would always be engrained in us, etched into our very core. But instead of dwelling on the pain of the past, we would learn from it and strive for a better future for generations to come.

When legislation passed that allowed women to work, Ruby and I were among the first to start a new career path. Ruby began mentoring under Dr. Winthrop to become a nurse. She enjoyed her job and found it fulfilling. The work she did helped her find herself and become more confident, and I loved her even more for it.

As one of the few women in the city who could read, I began studying to become a teacher, eager to share my knowledge with the next generation. I was excited to teach boys and girls alike the excitement of exploring and learning from books.

When Gracie turned six, she would be among the first generation of young girls to go to school in Grayson. That, in my eyes, was the true measure of new society's success, and made everything that I'd endured in my marriage worth it.

A few weeks after the revolution, I introduced Ruby to my parents. They welcomed her with open arms, never questioning our relationship or the morality behind it. It was as if they'd always known this would be my fate, that when I finally met someone I cared about, it would be a woman rather than a man.

"And this is your granddaughter," I said, lifting Gracie from her carriage. My mother squealed with glee and my father grinned wider than I'd ever seen him smile.

It was one of the best days of my life. I smiled as I watched my mother play with Gracie and my father try to teach Ruby a tune on the piano. I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye as I took in the sight, my heart swelling with love. I felt complete, like every person I that I cared for was there with me.

Occasionally, I would rub the black "M" tattooed on my ring finger, remembering my old life as Mrs. Moberly. Sometimes I still thought about the way things were, but those memories were distant now, just dark shadows buried beneath the glow of happiness that filled my new life. It was the start of a new beginning, one filled with joyful memories and love, and for that, I would forever be grateful.