"More important than Mother's garden? Even Nick wouldn't argue about this." He stopped raking, smiled back. "But don't you have something better to do, too, Sis? Shouldn't you be fixing flowers or trying on that dress again?"

She swatted his arm lightly. "It's my wedding, I want everything to be perfect." She grew more solemn. "That's why I wanted to talk to you."

Her seriousness puzzled him. "Well, Sis, I won't be much help with any of that wedding foolishness."

"No, it's your help I need. Oh, Heath, I just want everything to be perfect."

"It will, Audra," he said gently. "Don't you worry. I'm sure Mother'll see to it."

"But there's something Mother can't do. Oh, Heath, who's going to give me away?"

It struck him as a foolish question. But he saw how troubled she was, and he caught himself. She went on, "Of course, it should be Father. But since he's gone..."

He waited. Finally, she said, "Of course I want it to be you."

Heath was pleased and proud. But he sensed there was more. "But what, Audra?"

"Well, Jarrod's the oldest, he's always tried to be fatherly for me. Even before Father died. And Nick is so emotional. If it's you I'm afraid I'll hurt their feelings. And I want everyone to be happy!"

"Sure you do, honey." He thought a long moment, then he said, "I think you ought to ask Nick."

"Nick? Why?"

"Jarrod will understand. But Nick. You're right about Nick. It's the sort of thing that would hurt his feelings." He smiled. "Remember, you said once you wanted to be just like Nick. You are, Sis, in the good ways. Ask Nick."

She brightened. "I think you're right. But you won't tell anyone, will you? That we talked like this?"

"Of course not. It's our secret."

She grinned. "It's not the first secret I've asked you to keep, either."

"Done a good job, haven't I?"

"Yes, you have." She hugged him, hard. She whispered, "Just remember I wanted it to be you."

Audra found Nick in the barn, counting bulging bags of feed. "Shouldn't you be doing something a little harder, Nick?"

"Gotta have enough feed on hand," he said. "You won't find Misty such a sweet mount if she hasn't been properly fed. What are you doing hanging around in the barn? Shouldn't you be off making sheep's eyes at what's-his-name?"

"You know his name," Audra said lightly. For all his roughness Audra knew he was touched by the occasion. "Nick, I wanted to talk to you."

"I recommend you skip all this fancy foolishness and just get married. No need to have all those herds of folks tramping through the house."

"It's just for a few days. It'll only happen once, Nick. I know you understand how important this is to me."

Nick frowned and concentrated on his bags. "Course I do. You girls..."

"There's something I need you to help me with, Nick. I really need you to help me."

"Well?" he said gruffly.

"Who's going to give me away, Nick? Since it can't be Father." She dropped her voice. "I want it to be you, Nick."

He looked up and grinned. "I'd be happy to, Audra."

"But, Nick, wait. If I ask you, Heath might feel left out. And just think how bad Jarrod will feel. He thinks he's the head of the family." She gave him a small, sly grin. "Just look how long he's been telling us what to do!"

Nick kicked at the ground. Then he said, "You're right. It's Jarrod's place. You should ask him."

She reached over and squeezed his arm. "I knew you'd understand, Nick. But could you do me one more favor? Please don't tell anyone about this. If Jarrod knew I wanted to ask you, it would ruin it."

"Of course, of course," Nick said quickly, embarrassed. "My lips are sealed. Now, you go and do whatever you brides do. Get on with you. I've got work to do."

She gave him one brilliant smile. "Thank you, Nick. It's so wonderful knowing I can always count on you."

"Oh, go on," Nick muttered. After she was gone he had to blink once and rub his nose. This barn was darned dusty.

Audra found Jarrod in the library trying to work. "This house is already at sixes and sevens," Jarrod grumbled. "I'm glad the wedding's only a few days away. I'm developing Nick's aversion to fuss."

"You?" She walked up behind him, put her arms around his neck. "You're the most social man in six counties. You're just annoyed that people won't be standing around talking about politics."

"No, we'll be too busy discussing what a beautiful bride you are." He put down his papers. "But you're not here just to abuse me. What do you want, Audra?"

She dropped her arms. She perched on the edge of the desk. "What makes you so sure I want something?"

"I've known you for a good twenty years. I know all your tricks by now."

She sighed. "You know me so well. All right, Jarrod, I do want something. I want some advice, lawyer."

He smiled. "I don't like to get involved in disputes between husbands and wives. Or even prospective husbands and wives."

"There's no dispute there. It's about the wedding, Jarrod." She looked down. "Of course I dreamed about a wedding since I was a little girl. And I always assumed that Father would be here to give me away." She sighed and looked up at the portrait on the wall. "But he's not here. Who should walk me down the aisle?"

Jarrod said, "You have three brothers, Audra. I'm sure any one of them would be happy to do the job."

"That's a lawyer's answer. Of course I want it to be you, Jarrod. You're my big brother. And you've always been more than just that to me, even before we lost father. But if I ask you, don't you think Nick will feel bad? And what about Heath? He might think I didn't ask him because of how he came here. I don't want him to think that."

Jarrod thought. He said quietly, "I think you should ask Heath, honey."

"Why Heath?"

"Because you're right about him feeling left out. He's closest to you in age. And you two have been so close since he came here. If he'd always been here there probably wouldn't be any doubt in your mind, honey. It should be Heath."

She smiled, blinked away tears. "I think you're right," she said with a small smile. "It should be Heath. Oh, Jarrod, I knew you could help me. My big brother. You never steer me wrong."

"I wish you were always this willing to take my advice," he said dryly. "For a wedding present, the advice is free. This time, at least."

"Thank you again, Jarrod. One more little favor?"

"One more. But that's my limit, young lady."

"Lawyers keep conversations confidential, don't they?"

"Yes, they do. Am I to understand you want this kept confidential?"

"Yes, please. I wouldn't want Heath to know that I wanted to have you."

"Of course, Audra." He patted her arm. "Go on, dear. Don't you worry about a thing."

The wedding came off without a hitch. The bride was of course beautiful, and glowing with happiness as she walked down the aisle on her brother's arm.

Victoria watched the scene with pleasure and pride and a little amusement. All three Barkley men looked proud and happy and a little sad at losing their little sister, but they each had the extra shine of a man who'd been entrusted with a valuable secret. Once Victoria remarked that Audra had inherited Tom Barkley's flair for rebellion. Victoria thought Tom's daughter had inherited more than a little of his shrewdness, too.

So, which brother did she choose?