Heath gasped in an enormous gulp of air and then shuttered letting out a low moan as the pain racked his body, mind, and soul. He fought Tom's grasp on his right shoulder and tried to move, but what seemed to him as great thrashes where in reality weak twitches of his arms and legs. Suddenly he opened his eyes and scanned the room full of out of focus faces whose eyes Heath sensed concentrating on him exclusively.

"Oh, please," Heath's breathing was terribly shallow and rapid while his voice came out at barely a whisper, "Tell her to stay. Don't let her go. Please, help me. Please ..."

Heath's vision finally focused on Victoria's tear stained face. He fought the pain and flood of emotions to beg for her help. Victoria leaned in and took his face in her hands.

"Please, Mrs. Barkley, I'm so alone ... I'm frightened! Please, tell her ...."

Heath wasn't able to finish as his body forced him into resting. It was a healing sleep this time instead of a frightening fight with consciousness. The group around the bed took a collective breath and there wasn't a dry eye. Death was not a stranger to any of them, but never had these witnesses seen pure bravery and a defiant stand against a wall of horrendous pain steal a soul from death itself. It would be hours before any of them spoke about this day's dawn, but they all would eventually admit another presence in the room assisting Heath when human assistance could no longer be of any use.

Nick was the first to speak after a long silence as the group gratefully watched Heath sleep, whispering the question all but one of them held in their minds, "I wonder whom the boy was talking too?"

Silence once again descended on them all. They watched amazed each time Heath's chest rose and fell with a breath of life. Victoria began to wash the sweat from Heath's tired body then she leaned forward and gently kissed his cheek where a tear fell to the pillow.

"It was..." Victoria stayed close to Heath as she spoke soft and low as if praying, "It was his mother. Heath saw his mother."

Everyone was left to contemplate Victoria's confident revelation. While they all thought the events of the last few moments over silent prayers began to sing up towards the heavens. Amazingly most of their words were remarkably similar including Tom's.

"Heath will be all right. Rest easy, Leah, I'll take care of this brave boy of yours. Thank you, Leah, and praise are to God for Heath's life. Lord, please, be with Heath as he fights his way back to health ... Ease his pain. Guide me in my efforts to assist Heath. Thank you, Leah, thank you for your gift."

Most of the group wandered away to talk and recover. Eventually the house was still, quiet, and at peace while glorious sleep engulfed them. All but one. As Heath occasionally shuttered when he was moved, opened his eyes briefly confused looking around the room for a familiar face, or choked down sugar water dropped in the back of his mouth the young man knew she was there with him. Victoria Barkley would not be moved from Heath's side until all danger had passed.

Finally many hours later after the doctor visited and Victoria felt certain Heath was on his way back to them she left him in Tom and Martha' care. Only then did Victoria move down the hall for a few hours rest, but she left the door to her room wide open.

BVV

"Thank you, Tom. I'm sure they will want to thank you in their own way."

The buggy pulled out and Tom returned to the study. When he paid for Dr Morganstern's visit to Stockton he added enough to the deal for the famous surgeon to see a local family's sick child. Stockton's doctor was relieved to have a second opinion on the way. It was early in the day, but Tom poured himself a drink and stood watching out over the ranch he loved. Victoria entered the room and startled him when she touched his back.

"I'm sorry, Tom, I didn't mean to startle you."

"How's Heath," Tom Barkley wrapped his best friend in an embrace.

"Upset, tired, confused ... I left him alone to think, but I'm guessing he drifted right off. Dr Morganstern put him through the works this morning."

Tom shook his head and turned back to the window.

"Are you all right?"

In the nearly three weeks since Heath was shot out on the Sawyer place the boy had made steady improvement. His left shoulder was healing well, but Stockton's doctor decided to let the wound close from the inside out instead of sealing it with many sutures and possibly surgical interventions. The chance of infection getting in under the sutures creating the need for multiple debreedments was not something Heath was strong enough to endure. Victoria Barkley was a knowledgeable caregiver and Heath's wound would be kept extremely clean under her talented hands.

Heath's shoulder would heal much slower this way, but the risk of deep unnoticed infection was lessened, plus Heath needed to be kept down until he let his body fully recover from the weakness caused by massive blood loss and years of ignoring his many illnesses from Carterson. From Heath's brief sharing of his health history when Victoria forced in into the doctor's office it was obvious the young man rarely if ever gave himself time to truly recover.

"I'm not sure. I need to talk to Heath. I know he hasn't spoken to me and feel his intense anger when I'm helping in his room ... But, the words should come from me. Then he can get angry, think about his options, and turn to you when Heath is ready to negotiate a plan of action."

Victoria pulled Tom over with her and they sat on the couch while he finished his drink.

"Heath asked Dr Morganstern to go back to the hospital in San Francisco or if the army would take him in their rehab facility there," Victoria shared these words carefully.

Tom choked on the thought of his youngest son being so desperate to get away from his father's home.

"What did Morganstern tell Heath?"

"No, the trip north on the train would do far too much damage and Heath is doing better than could be expected here. Dr Morganstern still has friends in the service and he was going to check out the other option. Heath's administrative discharge probably makes him ineligible for the army facility and our boy already knows this, but the doctor played along because Heath is terribly upset."

Victoria waited. She missed what the doctors discussed with Tom, but had been with Heath when they discussed his options with the young man. She wisely wanted to match up all the information before finalizing her own plan.

"How could anyone walk around on a back like Dr Morganstern described to me?" Tom finally relaxed into rambling the thoughts rolling around in his head out loud, "Carterson was awful from what I read, but Heath survived by ignoring injuries, which seem unfathomable. No human let alone a fifteen-year-old boy should be asked to carry such a burden. This truly alters Heath's choice of future jobs on any ranch."

Tom began to get lost in thought, guilt, and worry.

"Carterson was in the past, darling, and Heath must be well before we settle on his future plans. What can we do right now?"

"Those yanks and pulls Heath keeps giving the scar tissue around the former sacral fractures with the small bond chips complicating matters .... Well, the darn thing has never healed even after all these years. Heath has merely increased the injury. Dr Morganstern wants him to wait at least three months before going back to work at all. In addition he feels Heath should be on light duties for a year or more. Wants to see him in San Francisco in six months to reevaluate if that plan is correct once some of the swelling starts to come down."

"Heath won't react well to that news."

"I know ... He's going to buck like a wild stallion. But, Victoria, he could be paralyzed if Heath doesn't listen. He already has some numbness in his right leg and those spasms ...."

They both quieted and thought through the horrendous spasms which took over Heath's existence without warning. He never complained, but the fright in his eyes told everyone exactly how bad the ordeals must be. One night the boy was desperate enough to let Tom help him in and out of a hot bath seeking relief. Dr Morganstern left a new drug which was a muscle relaxant, but Heath had been refusing all medications so there was little hope he would try it.

"How do I approach a young man who needs his father ... Needs his father to force him to obey. Heath must listen and do what Dr Morganstern wants for his own good, but that same young man hates his father more than anyone on God's green earth?"

"Tom, you are a wonderful father ... Be a father, take charge. Heath is only twenty, but he's been on his own since he was fourteen. At first this fact made us all think he is very independent and wants to stay that way. In my heart I know Heath is tired of being alone and longs for you to be a strong influence in his life. Remember Heath rode to this ranch in search of something ... Perhaps it was YOU even if he didn't know it then and still doesn't know it today."

"Perhaps," Tom chuckled at the thought and hugged Victoria.

"Come in."

"Hi," Nick strolled in with his usual confidence, "Got a minute."

Heath looked up at his brother from his normal seat by the window of the guestroom and shook his head. Nick made him laugh inside and envy his brother's confidence.

"Quite a few actually. I finished these two books and your mother would kill me if I went for another."

Nick laughed thinking of the morning three days ago when Heath ventured towards the back stairs in an effort to get down to the library.

"For a little thing she packs quite a verbal punch!"

Heath shook his head in agreement. Nick sat down on Heath's bed and faced him.

"How's ..."

Heath cut him off when he raised his hand and said, "Please, don't ask. I promise to let you know the moment my back feels good or even tolerable for that matter. Agreed?"

Nick laughed out loud and winked. The two young men appeared exact opposites in many ways and yet their mutual respect for each other as horsemen, cowhands, and veterans of the recent war seemed to be drawing them into an unlikely friendship. Nick didn't have many close friends as the boss' son he made multiple acquaintances, but couldn't get close. Heath was quick to hand back to Nick whatever he handed out and it worked for some unknown reason. Lastly, they shared their anger towards Tom Barkley ... Nick's would fade, but no one knew if Heath's ever would.

"Where you been anyway? How's Coco's leg?"

"In what order would you prefer I answer, sir?" Nick mockingly bowed.

"The horse, you idiot, tell me about the horse!"

Heath couldn't stifle a chuckle. Nick got a bang out of hearing Heath laugh, especially when he handed out smiles infrequently and laughs ... Never.

"Coco's leg will be fine. Tried that liniment you left made up in the tack room ... Worked great. Funny, I never felt him pull up then suddenly ..."

Nick thought back to the beginning of the week when Heath yelled from his window for Nick to check his beloved mount.

"Good thing you saw whatever you did. He wasn't even limping, but the swelling was already pretty bad."

"Do you think Mrs. Barkley would have a another patented fit if you snuck some of Coco's liniment up here for my back?"

Nick chuckled at the thought and reached over and patted Heath's shoulder. Heath moved around in the chair and his brother gladly gave him a moment to settle in an attempt to find some pain relief.

"Rode up north and talked to an old Modoc medicine man."

"Wondered why you'd been gone so long."

"He gave me these for you to use."

Nick opened a sack and poured some of the power out into he palm of his hand.

"Got another one in my saddle bags for you to use at night. Old guy said you'd sleep like a baby."

Heath looked at Nick. Nick raised his eyebrow and shrugged his shoulder.

"Thanks, Nick. You didn't need to go out of your way ..."

"YES, I did."

Heath sat back trying to figure where Nick was coming from.

"I know you don't remember anything after you met that murdering sharpshooter out on the road, but I do. Lord, knows if you stay with us ..." Nick looked over, but Heath face remained like stone, "Well, little brother, I sure would like having you around. Your back might keep you from doing a lot of things, but, MY GOD, HEATH, you know horseflesh better than any man I've ever met. Barkley ranch could expand the horse operations and make a big impact on the market."

Heath was looking out the window when Nick looked up. Nick rose and patted Heath shoulder before starting for the door.

"I spent my entire young life praying for a younger brother. Hard to believe you were right up in Strawberry the entire time. I know you're mad at father and I don't blame you, but we can be a team. Think about it before you say no, please."

Heath nodded without looking at Nick.

"I'll tell Silas how to mix this stuff. Will you give it a try, little brother?"

"Yes," Heath turned and watched the smile cross Nick's face, "Thanks, Nick."

Nick was down the stairs in a flash. Victoria tried to object to steeping teas for an injured person without knowing what they were made from, but realized it was the only medicine Heath was going to allow. She took the first cup up. Heath hated having his door shut or any of the windows so she knocked on the doorframe as had become everyone's custom. She saw Heath standing tall holding tight to the footboard of his bed with his right arm and stretching his back, which left him shuttering with the pain. What a sight the boy thought he must be as Heath fought off stiffness and constant muscle spasms ... Left arm in a sling and right leg no good. Heath's right leg felt so strange most of the time he ran his hand on it still angry with the numbness.

"Hi."

"Hi, Mrs. Barkley," Heath grimaced and tried to hide his discomfort.

"I've got some of Nick's tea and thought I might keep you company?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Heath limped back to his seat and was relieved to sit down. His eyes automatically scanned the back yard and the corrals. Victoria gave him the cup of sweet smelling brew then sat in the other chair.

"Smells okay," Heath looked up and shrugged.

"Nick's all excited ... A lot of his army friends swear by this old Modoc."

Heath tried a sip, but the tea was too hot and he put the cup down on the side table.

"Have you thought over what Dr Morganstern told you?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Victoria knew enough to let Heath take some time before speaking so she leaned back and waited.

"I just can't see staying here for such a long time. My shoulder feels better everyday and if I wait that long to exercise again my entire body won't remember how to do an honest day's work."

"What about your back ... Dr Morganstern is the best surgeon in San Francisco. What do you think about his advice on your back?"

Heath smiled and looked up at Victoria. Her persistence reminded Heath of his mother.

"I've spent the hours since he left thinking on his words. My first reaction was to pretend his diagnosis didn't make sense or didn't apply to me. But, Mrs. Barkley I've never felt anything like my back these past couple of weeks. Don't care to feel it again, either. I simply need to think of jobs I can do to make a decent living and take care of myself too."

"Well, I'm afraid you're stuck here for a good long while, young man. Frankly, I'm glad ... I want to convince you this is your home and you should stay forever. We can talk more about your future plans when your shoulder closes up."

Victoria headed for the door after Heath took a few long sips of his tea. Suddenly she walked back and dropped to her knees and gazed into Heath's eyes.

"Whatever you decide, son, I need one promise from you," Victoria held Heath's hands tight, "Don't leave in anger before you are well. You are a very special young man and I want you to enjoy a good long healthy life. You simply must learn to take better care of yourself and to accept help when you truly need it. It is okay to lean on other people for a while, I promise it is."

She moved up and kissed Heath's cheek as he tried to think how to handle her overwhelming kindness. Victoria headed back to the door.

"Drink up! Nick says you are to try and drink ten cups of this tea a day until you notice a difference then cut it in half. Is it as sweet as it smells?"

"Its fine, Mrs. Barkley. TEN CUPS?" Heath smiled and cocked his eyebrow, "Thank you for everything."

"You don't have to thank me, Heath. This is what families do for each other. But, you are more than welcome, son."

"One last thing, Mrs. Barkley?"

"Yes," she smiled knowing what was coming.

"I kept my word..." Heath had the most wonderful mischievous look on his face, "Any chance I could get some clothes ... Even a pair of pants to wear? I'd love to get dressed and out of this infernal nightshirt and robe!"

Victoria smiled knowing Heath wouldn't be caught dead outside in his nightshirt. When she agreed to let him start walking around his room and to the bathroom by himself, Heath promised not to bug her about getting dressed.

"We'll see at the end of next week. I'm going to force you to rest young man even if I have to sit on you for the next three months! Understand?"

Heath sank back into his chair and nodded as Victoria walked down the hall before he could try to negotiate. Smiling Victoria began to think of a ways to limit Heath's activities, but knew the young man needed to be outside to get truly well. They'd work on a plan together.

"Mother is going to be upset when she sees your dinner tray!" Audra smiled and helped Heath walk the rest of the way back in his room.

"Boy howdy," Heath was glad to lean on her arm, "Between all the tea Nick wants me to drink, the barley water Silas insists is going to help me, the fresh water your mother keeps pouring into me, and the food you ladies seem to think a nonactive person can eat six times a day ... I'm wearing out just trying to keep up."

Heath didn't add the fact the various liquids were giving him plenty of exercise slowly wandering back and forth to the bathroom. How could a twenty-year-old man used to leading an extremely active life admit walking a few times up and down the hall over an entire day wore him out completely?

"Here you go, Heath!"

Nick walked in with a cup of the tea Heath was to drink at night before bed. Audra and Heath laughed causing Heath to really hold on to his sister for balance. It was unbelievable how much Heath sounded like Tom when he laughed.

"WHAT?"

"Heath was explaining to me about you, mother, and Silas trying to drown him and suddenly you appear with more tea. That's all."

Audra and Heath recovered. She sat in the chair across from Heath's and Nick flopped on the bed after he put the tea on Heath's table.

"This stuff smells awful, Nick?"

Nick smiled and shrugged his shoulders while shuffling the deck of cards. They played a few hands of gin, but Heath won them all and started to look tired. Audra kissed them both and retired to her room. Nick watched as Heath downed the last of the strong bitter smelling night brew then left him to relax. Heath turned the lamp low and looked out the window watching the night sky while trying to think more about Dr Morganstern's visit.

Tom Barkley came home extremely late. With Jim off on a personal trip the ranch duties were split between Tom and Nick. The railroad was still causing trouble and the ranchers continued to count on Tom of leadership. Tom Barkley didn't care about any of it more than the young man resting in the guestroom upstairs and rode home the long way so he could think through how to talk to Heath.

"Sweetheart," Victoria rose from her chair and offered a wonderful hug as Tom entered the foyer.

"Looks like I missed most everyone but my best gal,"Tom held Victoria tight and enjoyed the smell of her.

"Silas put a plate up for you. Shall I get it while you clean up?"

"No," Tom turned his gaze to the upstairs, "I want to talk to Heath. I'll be back down if you are up to a late night."

Victoria stepped back and smiled. She headed back to her book while her husband climbed the stairs and headed for the guestroom. Tom knocked on the doorframe but didn't wait for Heath's permission to enter. He crossed the room and sat on the bed with his knees practically touching Heath's right leg.

"I spent all afternoon trying to put together some words to say to you this evening, son," Tom noted Heath's muscles tense when he called him son, "First, I'd like to apologize for any pain my ignorance caused you and your mother. There's no changing history, but if you'll let me, I would like to change our future."

Tom stopped and listened to Heath's attempts to quiet his breathing as he rang the belt ends of his robe into tight circles. The only lamp in the room was set to an extremely low glow, but Tom didn't need light to feel his young son's anger. It was now or never so Tom continued.

"The doctor says you need at least a year to get completely well. I insist you live with us for the next year. We aren't talking charity here so don't start that argument with me. This is your home and even if you never speak to me again Victoria and the rest of the family want you here too. We wouldn't be doing anything for you ... Actually you would be doing a great favor to me.

"I will never forgive myself for being a total ass out in the barn when I had a chance to tell you how proud I am to have you for a son. How much I want you to be a part of our family. Heath, I want the next year to get to know you and you to get to know us, me really. Then if you ride away, stay, or whatever else we work out ..."

Tom heard Heath shifting in the chair and knew his back was probably spasming from the way the boy lifted his legs to his chest and slowly dropped them.

"As a person who cares for you deeply, as your father, and as a rancher who appreciates anyone with your touch with animals I insist you give staying here some thought, Heath. We'll talk again tomorrow."

Heath remained quiet. Tom waited then gave up and walked slowly down to visit with Victoria. He decided to take Heath's calm as a sign the boy was willing to think about what his father had to say. For the first time in months Tom Barkley felt hopeful about his family's future ... A future he wanted desperately to include his son, Heath.

The anger inside Heath wasn't as hot tonight, but he remained furious with Tom Barkley. Their conversation in the barn before the railroad battle still stung and Heath had no intention of forgetting what Tom's initial reaction to his presence or mere existence entailed. But tonight he was too tired to think anymore and Tom Barkley's wants, ideas, or suggestions didn't interest his youngest son. Heath reached for the pole Nick gave him to keep by his chair or bed. With a painful effort Heath used it to tap on the wall between his room and Nick's. Within seconds Heath heard Nick's feet hit the floor.

"WHAT? Are you all right?"

Nick's hair was wild and he'd barely pulled on his pants. If Heath wasn't so tired and uncomfortable the entire matter would have been cause for a great laugh.

"I'm sorry, Nick. Never thought I'd use this thing when you gave it to me."

Nick walked over and even in dim light could see Heath's pallor.

"That tea, Nick ... I think it must be really strong. I feel like I'm floating, I can't move, and I'm so tired. I've never been so tired after a day lolly-gagging around a room reading books and playing cards."

"How's the back ... Your legs?"

Heath managed to look up and offer Nick an uneven smile, "I'd tell you if I could feel them!"

They chuckled as Nick moved across the room towards his brother. Nick smiled with delight to think the medicine he provided might help Heath.

"Com'on, little brother."

Nick reached and helped Heath to his feet, but the younger man leaned heavily on his brother and couldn't hold in a moan as the actions twisted his back. Nick moved to Heath's side and swung the boy into his strong arms then walked the few steps to his bed and gently laid Heath down. Heath started to drift away lying on top of the bed still dressed in his robe.

"Don't fight that Modoc medicine, Heath. Its powerful stuff ... Mighty powerful, for sure! I know it will make you well, Heath. I just know it!"

Heath smiled and reached his hand up to Nick while losing his fight to keep his eyelids open.

"Good night, little brother."

Nick stood and watched with pure delight while reviewing the medicine man's strong warning of the sedative effect of the night brew for Heath. This could be the first good night of sleep Heath had since the shooting. He put down Heath's hand and decided against covering the boy further due to the day's heat still caught in the house. Nick blew out the lamp then turned and hit the bottom of the bed with his foot as he started for the door. Heath moaned slightly when the bed jerked then opened his eyes enough to peek out.

The boy instantly relaxed again when Nick voice called out, "Sorry!"

"Thanks, Nick. Good night, Ni ... brother ..." Heath's voice drifted off with him, but Nick anxiously heard every syllable.

Nick stood at the door frozen with hope created by Heath's words. If his big brother's plan worked there would be many more times over many more years for Heath Thomson to call Nick Barkley his brother.

"Good morning, Silas!"

Victoria offered a warm greeting.

"Good morning, ma'am," Silas whispered back trying to hide his surprise since usually he and Heath were the only ones awake this early.

"Is Heath all right? That tray looks untouched."

Victoria strolled over and lowered her voice to the whisper Silas was using. Silas' eyes reminded her of the friendship, which had grown strong between he and her youngest son during Heath's months on the ranch. At first Silas told Victoria he loved to hear the small remnants of a South Carolina drawl which whispered throughout Heath's speech patterns, expressions, and intonations. Then Silas quickly realized the quality of the young man behind the voice and they became fast friends.

"Mr. Heath is sound asleep ... Like I've never seen him. He seems truly to be peaceful. No sign of the bad dreams or restlessness like when I was taking my turn sitting with him right after the shooting. I'll keep his food warm until you tell me he is ready."

"Thank you, Silas."

Victoria entered Heath's room worried about the tea she let him drink the night before. The early dawn of late summer was providing just enough light to see Heath clearly. He was resting on top of the bed still dressed in his nightshirt and robe from the evening before. His respirations were easy, no sign of fever, and as Silas suggested Heath seemed truly at peace. Victoria left to get the early start on a few projects she wanted finished before breakfast with the family.

Victoria let Heath sleep as long as she dared without cleaning and redressing his shoulder. Martha walked up with her as they discussed the wonderful rest Heath was enjoying after starting on the Modoc tea. Silas gave them the first cup of sweet day tea for Heath to drink.

"Heath?"

Victoria quietly talked while preparing the things she needed to tend to his shoulder. Martha sat on the edge of his bed and began rubbing Heath's right arm. He was sleeping soundly and in what seemed complete comfort.

"Heath, sweetheart, time to greet the new day."

Martha and Victoria smiled and shrugged their shoulders as Heath slowly opened his eyes and smiled their way.

"My goodness, Heath, you were really sound asleep. Sorry to wake you, but it is a full two hours past the time we normally do your dressings."

"Two hours?"

Heath sat up slowly and let his legs fall over the side of the bed. As he woke up Heath realized he felt refreshed for the first time in ages. There was no after effect to the Modoc tea like there was from using drugs or whiskey to sleep. Heath felt alert and rested.

Victoria waited for him to freshen up and then redressed his shoulder while Heath sat backwards in a straight back chair. Heath held on to he chair back to keep himself steadied throughout the ordeal. The straight back chair proved the most comfortable way to sit while trying to follow Victoria's orders to stay still as she irrigated then redressed his shoulder. Martha chit-chatted about Jim's progress in his search for property of their own to keep Heath from thinking too much about the pain Victoria was causing. The dressing change finished without a problem and the shoulder was doing extremely well.

While Victoria cleaned up Heath moved into his window seat to drink his sweet tea and Martha went for Heath's breakfast tray. Victoria didn't want to ask, but there was an air of hope to the young man this morning. Almost as if Heath was starting to believe Nick's teas were going to truly help him. Victoria felt Heath's silent hope spreading and she liked the feeling. Amazing what giving in to the basic human need for sleep when you are tired was going to provide towards Heath's recovery process.

Two weeks later Heath sat in the barn waiting for Nick to get home for supper. The Modoc medicine man's teas were truly a gift and Heath was finally more comfortable. His back remained painful and highly sensitive, the outer aspect of his right thigh numb, but the spasms were less frequent. Heath was learning to work around the back pain now that severe back and leg spasms didn't attack without warning or apparent provocation. The nights of total rest were also weaving their magic on the injured young man. Heath asked Silas to make the night tea half strength, but the brew still knocked him out for a good eight to ten hours.

The first few mornings Victoria was terribly worried until Heath finally opened his eyes and rejoined the world. Seeing he was all right and truly benefited from the relaxation allowed her to start trusting the teas along with Heath. When Stockton's doctor visited he too began to show interest in the teas which were allowing Heath's shoulder and back to heal without further complication. The doctor insisted Heath's youth also greatly influenced his recovery, but only Victoria and Tom agreed with the doctor in not giving the teas full credit.

"Good evening, Nick!" Heath's eyebrow rode half way up his forehead as he watched a smile glide across his older brother's face.

"Heath!" Nick jumped off Coco.

Without a word of warning Nick bounded over and wrapped his arms around Heath, but then gently put his brother down feeling the wave of pain his genuine reaction caused. Heath smiled and patted Nick's shoulder.

"Can you believe it? Pants three days ago and now I'm allowed outside. I have you to thank for this, Nick. Thank you."

"I KNEW THE MODOCK MEDICINE WOULD CURE YOU! I JUST KNEW IT!" Nick shouted his joy as he walked Coco back to a stall.

Heath stayed put on the seat he'd found and waited while greeting the other hands as they came in for the evening. Nick started to walk Heath back to the house then suddenly remembered to slow his pace as Heath began to lag farther and farther behind. It was painful watching such a young man struggle with all his might simply to walk across the yard. They tried a cane, but with his left arm in a sling the cane pulled his back too much to one side. Nick took great pride in each of Heath's painful steps knowing the bravery behind them.

"Jarrod and his family are going to be so glad to see how you've improved when they arrive for the weekend. What's for supper?"

"Yes, I'll be glad to thank Jarrod for all his letters. They have been a tremendous help. We're having beef stew, but I didn't see Silas to ask him."

Nick clinched his jaw and put an arm on Heath's good shoulder. When Heath felt well enough to walk further after a week on the teas they soon discovered the stairs from the Barkley's second floor were too much for him to tolerate. Victoria put together a plan to move Silas to the guestroom while Heath used his bedroom on the first floor, but Heath refused to displace Silas. Instead he took Martha and Jim up on their offer of a room which provided a one-story ranch style home for Heath to wander, plus less frequent chance meetings with Tom Barkley. Heath adamantly refused to dine in the Barkley family dining room when Tom was home for supper.

"Do you think you'll ever be comfortable ..."

Nick didn't finish his question stopped cold by Heath's stare.

"Nick, we talked about this in depth the other night before you helped me move over to Martha and Jim's. I don't know what I'll feel in a week, a month, or sixty years. I do know right now I feel intense anger and betrayal when I even think of your ... Our father. I sure hope this doesn't come between the two of us now or in the future."

Nick shook his head and agreed as he remembered Heath was the only person close to him who never questioned Nick's recent decision to break his engagement. Nick sensed the magnitude of the trust Heath already placed in their relationship. Being anyone's brother was a new experience for Heath. His little brother made it obvious he valued and respected Nick. Nick didn't ever want anything to come between them.

Nick relationship with Tom was slowly healing. Time was tempering Nick's anger with his father helped along by a few fire side discussions, exchanges of angry words, and spending hours working side by side on the ranch. Tom Barkley had been very wrong to have an affair with Leah Thomson, but he apologized to his entire family, admitted his error in public while acknowledging Heath as his son and a full Barkley heir, and made every effort to build the foundations of a future life for Heath in Stockton. Nick's anger was lessening with time combined with his knowledge of his father as a honorable man he loved beyond measure.

"That's fair, little brother. Enough said for now."

Nick walked Heath to the front door since even the three porch steps wore greatly on his younger brother. Martha helped him to a chair and Nick promised to be back for cards after dinner. While Martha finished their dinner Heath was ordered to relax. Jim rode in and stifled a laugh when he came in the house after cleaning up. Heath was sound asleep in his host's favorite chair. It was a scene to be repeated often as Martha and Jim learned to enjoy the benefits of having Heath living in their home once more.

"HEATH!"

After supper Nick worked hard to wake up his brother. Martha laid the cup of half strength night tea on the table and left the two men alone in Heath's room. Nick took the book from Heath's lap and shook his shoulder.

"HEATH!"

The younger man raised his head and Nick noted the large circles under his eyes. He sat across the table and waited for Heath to wake up.

"You're begging for my mother to take away those pants."

"What?" Heath couldn't hide his chuckle seeing the twinkle in Nick's eyes.

"You've only been free to walk around on your own from here to the main house and barn for three days and already you are exhausted. You better watch it or my mother will confiscate those pants you were so excited to get back!"

"Do you really think she would do that?"

Nick raised an eyebrow and looked at Heath in a way, which let him know the pure stupidity of his question. They broke out into a hearty laugh which echoed across the yard to where Tom Barkley sat enjoying an after dinner cigar.

Tom was thinking about all the changes the next few months would bring. He and Victoria still had a world of talking and healing to do. Tom and Jim settled their disagreement, but Jim felt the incident cemented his desire to leave the Barkley ranch after twenty years of saving his foreman's salary. Martha and he now owed papers to take over a beautiful spread not far from Tom's ranch after the holidays. It was prime property which was wonderful cared for by Joe Baker and his family. They were moving onto a bigger spread up the coast. For the first time in many, many, years Jim would be close and yet very far away in many respects.

When Nick left Heath, Tom did what he did every night. He spent five minutes talking to Heath's stone like face. He slowly was working his way through the history of Victoria and his trek west. Their family history on both sides and the history of the ranch itself. Tom planned on moving onto the various businesses the Barkley's owned or held shares in. He figured a few minutes a night for an entire year would get Heath up to par with all his children.

Heath listened for Tom to stop outside his window, but always ignored his father's greeting. He did listen intently to Tom's short rendition each evening. Heath found the things Tom shared with him fascinating, but would never admit that to anyone. Also the young man missed his father's visits when business sent him to Sacramento or social engagements kept him away from the ranch and his evening visits with Heath. Heath's absolute pleasure in Tom's nightly visits became one of his most highly guarded secrets.

Victoria began to worry about how to slow Heath down. The young man longed to be up and about, but often wore himself to a frazzle. Heath had good days and bad days. On the good days the young man moved around the ranch with growing ease. A good day was often followed by a series of bad days, which were full of pain. He looked well to strangers, but Heath's body was straining to heal and they often found Heath falling asleep whenever or wherever he let himself rest. Martha insisted Heath would learn through experience how to pace himself as Victoria fears for his recovery grew. The shoulder was doing well despite Heath's continued poor appetite and insistence on increasing his activities, but the overall prognosis for his back truly worried everyone including Stockton's doctor.

One afternoon Sara, Heath, and Silas were working on a project to surprise the family with a Southern favorite to try for the evening's dessert ... Sweet potato pie. Heath used his left arm to do most of his assigned work. With his shoulder pretty much healed and no sling to slow him down Heath was working hard to recover his strength in that arm. Sara loved spending time with her uncle ... He was young, fun, and enjoyed spending time with her which children can sense. Between Aunt Audra and Uncle Heath as playmates the young girl was never bored when she came to the ranch with her parents and baby sister.

Silas went into the family dining room to set a few trays on the table for Mrs. Barkley's tea guest to enjoy while Sara and Heath finished washing some dishes, bowls, and utensils. The two young people were having a wonderful time when he left. When Silas returned to the kitchen Sara was happily decorating leftover pie crust dough with cinnamon and sugar, but Heath quickly apologized for not efficiently cleaning up all the glass from a small bowl Sara dropped, kissed Sara's forehead, and then headed out the back door.

"Miss Sara, are you all right? You didn't get cut on the glass did you child?"

Sara looked up with her face full of joy from enjoying her task and shook her head to indicate she was fine.

"Uncle Heath wouldn't let me help. He got down and picked it up. I'm sorry I broke the bowl, Mr. Silas."

"That's all right, honey. You keep decorating those pie crusts just like Mr. Heath showed you. I'll be right back."

Silas quickly went to the open dining room French doors and caught Mrs. Barley's eye as she visited with a group of ladies in her rose garden trying to catch up with her daughter-in-law's news and gossip from San Francisco.

"Excuse me, ladies, Martha would you pour more lemonade, Audra could you see to Mrs. White acquiring one of the roses she's been admiring, and I will go check on our tea."

Victoria rarely was disturbed while entertaining guests unless Silas felt the message he wanted to relay was terribly important. She walked into the house quickly while working hard not to draw attention from her guests.

"Yes, Silas?"

She followed as Silas headed back through the service door so he could see Sara playing at the kitchen table.

"Mrs. Barkley, I can't be sure about this, but I think Mr. Heath's gone and hurt himself."

"What?"

"Miss Sara dropped a small mixing bowl while I was setting some things on the dining room table. When I came back Mr. Heath was as pale as can be and scooted right back to Mr. Jim's house. I could be wrong ..."

Silas didn't need to finish. Victoria quickly brushed her fingers through her granddaughter's hair and was out the back door. For some unknown reason Victoria didn't stop until she reached Heath's room while being absolutely certain she would find the young man there. Heath was lying on his bed, eyes shut, covered in a cold sweat, rapid shallow respirations, and both his hands in tight fists. Victoria quietly entered pulling a chair up to the side of his bed.

"You should go back to your guests, Mrs. Barkley," Heath never opened his eyes and was struggling to hold himself perfectly still.

Victoria carefully leaned on the upper part of the bed by Heath's shoulders and began to slide her fingers through his hair, replying, "No, I am exactly where I want to be at the present moment."

Heath accepted her hand in his and laid silently while trying to calm his breathing.

After a long silence, Victoria spoke, "I'm going back to the kitchen for a moment. I know it is early, but you are going to drink a cup of your evening tea for me."

Victoria started away fully expecting Heath to argue. When the boy said nothing Victoria quickened her steps as her weeks of fear about Heath's desperate battle to regain his strength made her stomach ache and her mind spin with thoughts and ideas.

"Here," Victoria helped Heath sit up on a few pillows and assisted him with the cup of bitter tea he could tell she steeped to full strength.

Heath laid with his eyes closed still struggling desperately with his pain, but gratefully drinking the tea hoping the sedative effects rescued him soon.

"I know one thing for sure, Mrs. Barkley."

"What is it, sweetheart?" Victoria put the empty cup aside and snuggled close to the pale young man.

"The sweet tea for the spasms is truly powerful in it's own way. If I was this tense, even before the shooting, my legs would have been full of spasms by now. They are there this afternoon, but I can manage thanks to the tea. Good thing since I'm getting the distinct impression you wouldn't allow me to walk any spasms off right at the moment."

Heath attempted a smile and peeked out at Victoria, but her stern look made him glad to close his eyes once more. What twenty-year-old young man could manage a life of reading books, resting in an easy chair, and watching the world go by all day? Heath couldn't believe she really wanted that for him. Heath knew he couldn't accept a lifetime without being active. Compared to the time he'd taken to heal after injuries throughout his entire life ... This recovery had been Heath's most prolonged. He didn't suppose Mrs. Barkley was interested in those stories.

"Do you want to tell me what happened over there in the kitchen?"

Heath managed a smile and said, "No!"

Victoria squeezed his hand.

"Sara dropped one of those little bowls you use for a separated egg yolk. I grabbed her when she started to bend down and made her sit in a chair. I turned and went down nice and easy on my left knee, but when I reached forward to pick up the large pieces something in my lower back simply snapped. I'll be okay in the morning."

Victoria stroked his hair and sensed his pain. She got up and gently removed the pillows from behind his back placing them with a few more under Heath's knees after removing his boots. When she sat back down beside Heath the young man was still struggling for control.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Heath hung on to her hand, but remained silent as he waited for the scolding he felt sure was coming. Victoria didn't say a word instead she sat clinging to his hand and reassuringly sliding her fingers through his blonde hair. After a long silence the sedative tea began to make his mind fuzzy, but wasn't touching the pain.

"I'm frightened, Mrs. Barkley? What if I never get better? What if my back always feels like this? Only thing I'm good for is being a cowboy."

Victoria leaned forward and kissed his cheek without saying a word. She watched as the tea graced Heath with easier breathing and an increased sense of calm. A single tear slowly found it's way from the edge of Heath's eye to his pillow as Victoria watched fully concentrating on the single drop of moisture.

"I know you are frightened, Heath. From now on we're doing things my way around here. Together we are going to make up a schedule. We're starting at the very beginning with your back while Martha and I monitor everything you do. You are going to rest for a very, very, very, long time, sweetheart."

"I've got the feeling I'm in big trouble," sleepiness slurred Heath's speech.

Victoria smiled, answering, "Oh, you are, Heath. You'd best give up right now because you've had it."

Heath chuckled then stifled a groan, before choking out, "Thank you for caring, Mrs. Barkley."

"I more than care for you, Heath. I love you."

Victoria watched Heath drift away.

She whispered in the sleeping boy's ear, "I love you. Heath, I consider you my son and I'm going to do everything in my power to make you get well."

Victoria's youngest child would not consciously remember the last words she spoke to him that afternoon full of pain. Heath slightly remembered Martha, Victoria, and Jim carefully removing his clothes and pouring another strong cup of tea in him later in the evening. Heath thought he dreamt Tom sitting beside him stroking his cheek and telling him how much he wanted them to travel back to visit the uncle Heath resembled.

When dawn began to shine in his windows Heath opened his eyes and regretted he wasn't dreaming when even the thought of movement reminded him of the snap his back encountered the afternoon before. With great effort the young man struggled out of bed to find all his clothes missing. There was a lone nightshirt hanging in the otherwise empty closet with a note from Victoria pinned to the front. The note boldly instructed Heath to go back to bed if he wanted to see another pair of pants before his thirtieth birthday. Heath let out a heavy sigh, smiled, then slowly crossed the room and eased himself back into bed.

The plan included daily exercise which would increase as Heath gained strength, a promise from Heath to eat, chores to be completed, scheduled rest periods during the day, and school work. Heath surprised everyone with his ready agreement to go back and complete all the work needed to graduate from Stockton's school ... Not that he would ever officially graduate, but they didn't understand Heath's inner desire to feel he finished school which would have pleased Leah. The young man was an above average reader, but left school before fulfilling basic requirements in many subjects including math, science, geography, and writing. A retired schoolteacher in the area provided Heath's lesson plans and the Barkley's gladly provided his books.

As the weeks began to float by Tom marveled at Heath's ability to combine math, drawing, and his many visual/spacial skills when he went over his papers. Victoria felt this would be another way for the elder Barkley to learn about his young son. Tom threaded comments about Heath's work and skills into his nightly talks with his forever silent son. Heath began to think about the encouragement Tom offered, but still didn't believe he was smart ... Tom Barkley was simply being courteous.

Tom started to search for and buy Heath basic books about professions, which built on his youngest boy's natural abilities. Heath didn't verbally acknowledge his gratitude, but didn't hide the fact he read all the books Tom bought him on architecture, topography, and engineering from cover to cover.

By the holidays Heath was gaining strength and endurance, but had learnt his lesson the hard way and this time stuck to Martha and Victoria's plan for any increased activity. Jim worked in the tack room and barn when Heath completed his chores. He and Martha's plans for their new spread included a place for Heath as manager of their horse operations. Jim's plan was to further expand the already progressive fruit and nut tree commitment on the ranch while building it's reputation for horse breeding. He didn't need Heath to wrangle the horses himself, but Heath's knowledge, expert eye, and skill with horses could be used to make a mark on the California and beyond horse markets.

Thanksgiving morning Nick woke Heath up early. He waited for his younger brother to dress and drink the tea Silas sent over for him. Heath used a cane most of the time now that his left arm and shoulder were strong. Using the cane offset the extended balance problems left from his latest back reinjury. Heath's right thigh remained numb and the muscles on the outside of his right upper leg lagged behind the others in strength. Heath found the cane kept him from pulling his back on stairs or as he began to gain endurance and speed in getting around the ranch.

"Are you ready?"

Nick's gruff voice made Heath quiet a laugh since Martha and Jim were still resting. They walked to the barn together and Heath immediately noticed his Modoc pony was saddled and ready to go as was Coco. He raised an eyebrow and turned to Nick.

"What?" Nick walked past him after grabbing Heath's cane and hanging it on a nail, "Mother said you could start riding on Thanksgiving. It may be 5AM, but it is technically Thanksgiving, little brother!"

Nick stood by while Heath mounted. The boy obviously felt a twinge when he threw his right leg over his beloved pony, but there was no stopping him now. They rode away from the ranch slowly and Heath stopped at the front gate turning his horse back.

"WHAT?"

Heath smiled before answering, "Nothing ... I didn't do this last time I left and it was bad luck! Don't think I'll ever leave again without looking back, Nick."

They turned and road slowly for Taylor's Creek. Nick jumped down and started to unpack his saddle bags before going for firewood. He suddenly stopped noticing Heath was still mounted.

"You okay?" Nick ran to Heath's side.

"Never been better. Thank you, Nick."

"Are you planning on sitting up there all day?"

Heath laughed which made Nick relax.

"I have to think this through. If I twist to my left and jump down on my right leg ... Well, you'll be picking me up every time I get down off a horse."

"Oh," Nick scratched his head, "What do we do?"

"You go get the firewood while I figure this out."

Nick patted Heath's leg and started away unsure if he should be leaving, but not wanting to embarrass Heath.

Heath called after him, "Oh, NICK?"

"YEA?"

"IF I'M LYING ON THE GROUND WHEN YOU GET BACK ... JUST ROLL ME TO THE FIRE WHILE WE FIGURE ANOTHER COUNTRY TO LIVE IN!"

"OKAY!" Nick laughed out loud knowing Heath was right ... They wouldn't dare go home if Heath didn't survive this little morning escapade without getting hurt.

Nick walked far enough into the woods for Heath to think he was gone. Heath talked to his pony for a while before standing in the stirrups, leaning forward while clinging to the saddle horn as he slowly swung his right leg over next to his left, gingerly lying on his stomach across his pony after removing his left foot from the stirrup, and finally easing himself to the ground to stand on both feet. It wasn't pretty, but it worked. Nick left for the firewood while Heath walked off some stiffness and took care of the horses.

The brothers enjoyed a Thanksgiving breakfast feast of biscuits, beef jerky, and coffee. They exchanged stories of Thanksgivings past and began to talk about their dreams for the future. Nick had trouble following through on his plan of talking Heath out of accepting Martha and Jim's offer. They were good people and their new ranch was very close to the Barkley spread. Still having the little brother Nick wanted forever, finally found in a young man he respected, cared for, and loved, and now saw trying to slip away was a situation Nick Barkley wasn't going to take lightly. They talked and watched the sunrise while enjoying being alone together.

"JUST WHERE WERE YOU TWO?"

Tom Barkley raced across the barn. He had paced most of the morning while Victoria and the others decided he was worried enough for the rest of them. When he saw his two missing sons ride into the barn close to 9AM ... Everyone moved out of his way! Tom beat the horses through the barn doors. Jarrod followed after his mother suggested a peacemaker should be present.

"GOOD MORNING, FATHER. HAPPY THANKSGIVING," Nick winked at Heath as he dismounted and moved in front of Heath's pony to hold her still.

"Morning, brother Nick and brother Heath."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Jarrod."

Jarrod smiled up at Heath while Nick nodded his greetings, but kept on eye on Tom.

"WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU TWO BOYS THINK YOU WERE DOING? YOU HAVE YOUR MOTHER WORRIED AND I ..."

Tom joined the others in silence as they observed Heath's rather unorthodox dismount. When Heath reached the ground he turned and threw his arms around Nick.

"I'll never be able to thank you, Nick. This has already been the best Thanksgiving ever!"

Jarrod walked over and handed Heath his cane. Heath turned and nodded his gratitude then couldn't help but meet his father's eyes. The smile across his face and joy in his eyes were too strong to be denied and Tom smiled back. The four Barkley men walked back to the house. Heath listened as Nick shared their morning adventure with the others. They were all truly thankful later in the afternoon. It was never mentioned out loud, but everyone was pleased to see Heath and Tom finally share the same supper table.

Christmas came and went at an amazing speed. The week after Christmas the family enjoyed Darla's family from Philadelphia and introduced them to the workings of a ranch. Although they had company, Nick followed through on an earlier promise and packed up a wagon. He and Heath left on a journey to Strawberry. They camped out on the way and back. When they arrived back on the ranch they were closer than ever.

Audra was feeling rather left out with all their brother-only adventures. When the company left Heath and Nick packed up and took her fishing over a long weekend. She was quite the trouper and they had a great time. Victoria watched Tom's face when their children laughed, giggled, and sputtered through reports of their adventures. He desperately wanted time with Heath too, but didn't know how to approach Heath about his desires.

Martha and Jim left after New Years. It was a horribly sad day on the Barkley ranch, but one Jim insisted was necessary. Heath still intended to accept Jim's offer to work towards acquiring the partnership the younger man wouldn't accept outright. The Barkleys pointed out Heath was a wealthy young man and could afford to buy his share, but Heath still didn't associate himself with the Barkley fortunes.

Jim and Martha had a brand made up to surprise Heath for Christmas. Their last name was Thompson and his Thomson ... Thus, the ranch's name was the T&T while the brand consisted of two Ts intertwined. The thrill which spread across Heath's face when he first saw these items on Christmas morning was not lost on his father or Victoria. They started to think of Heath actually choosing to leave and it became painfully clear how much the quiet young man had come to mean to everyone his life touched on their ranch.

The Thompsons wanted time to fix the ranch and the house before Heath moved so it was agreed he would move back into the Barkley's home until after his trip to see Dr Morganstern in late January. In the meantime the two families agreed to visit each Sunday. Heath knew it was another way to keep him from overdoing while trying to help Jim get set up and hands hired on, but he was willing to wait. Somehow Heath knew he belonged on the T&T and the two ranches eventually would be partners as he and Nick took over way down the line. He struggled to find a way to explain his feelings to everyone at the Barkley ranch, especially Victoria.

They arrived early for the predawn train to San Francisco. Tom arranged to rent a private car for both Heath's comfort and his own on the long journey north. Nick drove them in and still seemed concerned about Tom's decision to travel alone with Heath. While they checked the bags and finished talking about some ranch business Heath rested on a bench outside the station.

Tom had endured some minor run-ins since announcing his affair and publicly acknowledging Heath as his son. Nick came home quite a few times with traces of saloon fights on his face, but no one truly challenged them or said anything in front of Audra or Victoria. Heath had not been in town since his heritage was splashed across everyone's minds. Until this morning no one thought about Stockton's reaction being more than another minor obstacle in front of the young man as he recovered and returned to a more normal life.

"Why are you standing up? That wagon ride was rough after yesterday's rain."

Nick scolded Heath when he found him away from the front of the station leaning his back on the wall and stretching.

"I'm okay, Nick. Needed to stretch," Heath smiled and tried not to indicate there had been a problem while the two Barkleys were inside the station.

Nick took Heath' arm and led him back to the benches, but his brother pulled away.

"I'm not a little kid, Nick. You don't need to lead me around. I don't want to sit down."

Nick ignored him and successfully pulled Heath to the front corner with every intention of continuing to the benches.

"Well," Mrs. Sikes stood up and took her two small children's hands to lead them from the bench area, "Let's go stand on the end of the platform. That evil man is coming back and we mustn't sit near him."

Nick stopped dead in his tracks. What could he say? Suddenly he noticed the station workers and other passengers were whispering and watching Heath. As the train pulled up to the station and the noise became loud there was no mistaking folks taking the time to identify the thin, pale, young man with the cane as Tom Barkley's bastard. They stood waiting for Tom to finish his business inside. It was a tense moment until Nick felt Heath move closer to his side and lean into his brother.

"Its okay, Nick, I've been dealing with being the town bastard since before I knew the meaning of the word. You gotta learn when to draw lines and when to let it go."

Nick smiled and put his arm around his brother. Heath thought about Audra and Victoria. Besides a feeling deep down in Heath's guts telling him the T&T with Martha and Jim was where he belonged, Heath couldn't imagine seeing the hurt on either of the Barkley women's faces as they withstood this type of treatment and horrid words spoken loudly behind their backs. He wasn't born yesterday' and knew this type of behavior would continue whether he was with the Barkleys or the Thompsons, but something told him Stockton would be gentler if he wasn't living on the Barkley ranch. Heath was forced to live the first fourteen years of his life watching his mother take on the town's scorn and had no intention of watching Audra or Victoria do the same if he had options which Heath definitely had and would use.

Tom helped Heath up the steep stairs of their car. He asked Nick if he was all right seeing the strange look on his middle son's face, but Nick winked at Heath and said he was fine. The ride to San Francisco was long as Heath read books and finally gave in to taking a few naps on the couch, which is why Tom rented the car in the first place. The porter provided Heath with his tea and served lovely meals, but both men were too nervous about what the doctors might have to say to eat.

Heath loved the changes in scenery out the window and would have enjoyed asking his father questions, but truly didn't know how to open the conversation after being stubbornly quiet for such a long time. Tom tried a few times, but gave up on conversation. Heath might not put out the sense of pure hatred he used to when Tom was around, but the boy obviously had no intention of being overly friendly either. They were both glad to see Jarrod when they arrived in the city.

Heath spent his first evening in Darla and Jarrod's home playing games with Sara. The family had a bed moved into Jarrod's study so Heath didn't have to climb the long narrow staircase. Sara took up the challenge and began to move all the things from her room down to Heath's. The entire family got a kick out of Sara's delight in her uncle and Heath's in her.

Tom and Heath left early the following morning for Heath's appointment with Dr Morganstern and his associates. Heath couldn't believe the size of the city now that he could see it in daylight. He recognized many of the building from the architecture texts his father bought him to read. The driver enjoyed giving the young man a short story for every corner, building, and street they passed while Tom made a mental note to get Heath back sometime in the warmer weather. It was a thrill to see Heath relax and allow his father to share some excitement with him.

They arrived in the front of the Mercy Hospital complex. Heath found a bench by the front entrance while Tom paid the cab driver. When Tom joined him all of Heath's excitement with the city had drained from his face and Tom saw only fear in its place.

"Big old place, isn't it."

Heath stared at his shoes.

"I know people used to think of hospitals as places where folks went to die," as Tom looked up to check his eyes met Heath's so he knew he was on the right track, "But, times change and anyone can see this is a fine institution. World class as a matter of fact."

Heath let out a heavy sigh and mumbled something under his breath as he used his cane to help him back to his feet.

"What?"

"Nothing, Mr. Barkley."

Tom worked his way in front of Heath and shared a large smile.

"What did you say, Heath?"

Heath laughed and shook his head, "You ain't going to like it."

Tom stopped moving and waited.

"I was just grumbling that if I wasn't with a Barkley they wouldn't let me in the front door of the joint and I could go home!"

Tom held Heath eyes and with complete seriousness formed his answer.

"You aren't simply with a Barkley, Heath, you ARE a Barkley. I don't know if that makes a bit of difference here, but you need to start letting that FACT make a difference here."

Tom tapped a finger on Heath's chest over his heart and then Heath's head. For once Heath didn't flinch or try to move away. Tom's youngest son simply stared hard into his father's eyes. They walked in the front door and were given directions to Dr Morganstern's office.

Heath disappeared into the large group of offices and didn't reemerge for seven long hours. The office staff offered Tom directions to food or more comfortable waiting arrangements, but he wouldn't budge from the spot where he told Heath he would wait. Finally an associate of Dr Morganstern's called him inside.

"Where's Heath?" Tom shook Dr Morganstern's hand while not caring if his panic showed to everyone in the room.

"The last few tests we put him through were especially uncomfortable for the young man. I instructed Dr Lorey here to give Heath something for pain. He is resting on a cot in one of the back rooms, but we wanted to talk to you before you left."

Tom Barkley accepted Dr Morganstern's introductions to his three colleagues before they moved on to other patients. He then settled in while Dr Morganstern complimented Tom on the care and nurturing Heath had obviously been provided to make the gains which were obvious to him after seeing Heath six months before on the ranch. The doctor pulled out a model of the human spine and showed Tom the area where Heath's two vertebrae had been originally damaged by a blow from a gun butt at Carterson prison in Texas. He took his time and made sure Tom understood a lack of original healing, plus years of reinjury had done to this area of Heath's back. Finally he recommended another year of light work before Heath returned to the clinic.

"You do understand that your son will never be well ... Don't you, Mr. Barkley?"

Tom looked up trying to take all the information in and comprehend the long term meaning, but he was stuck on new information about Carterson Dr Morganstern was sharing. A gun butt? Heath hadn't told anyone at home what happened ... Or had he perhaps told Nick? My God, someone swung a gun with enough force to break my son's back. Tom knew Heath was hurting, but never imagined the true magnitude of the pain his son was dealing with even after Dr Morganstern's original conversation back in Stockton six long months before.

"How do we help?"

Dr Morganstern softened his technical voice, answering, "Whatever you are doing is working extremely well, Mr. Barkley. Heath has made tremendous strides. The swelling in the affected area of his spine remains well out of control. Who knows that boy of yours might surprise us all and get more use out of his right leg with time and the excellent care Heath is receiving.

"Frankly, I don't think I would have been handling any of this with the grace your son is when I was twenty. Do you remember twenty, Mr. Barkley?"

Both men sat and thought for a moment and realized how young Heath truly was. Tom dropped his head and felt a rush of sadness knowing the active lifestyle Heath enjoyed may be forever out of his son's reach.

"Mr. Barkley," Dr Morganstern brought Tom back to their conversation, "I realize Heath last major injury to his back occurred while attempting to save your life."

Tom looked up and felt a large lump in his throat. No one ever mentioned this fact at home. It was a burden which constantly ate at Tom Barkley deep down inside.

"You must remember what happened to Heath was inevitable. I think he was very lucky to be with you and to have merely gotten twisted around. Your boy could easily have lost the use of his legs or worse if Heath had been thrown from a horse or injured during some other type of ranch work."

Tom nodded, but the doctor's words didn't make him feel any better. They shook hands and Dr Morganstern rushed off. An office assistant took Tom back to where Heath had been resting. Heath was still groggy, but was trying to get dressed. Tom sat down beside him and rubbed his hand up and down the spine, which the doctors spent the day pulling, bending, and torturing. Heath stopped and looked at Tom's face without needing to say a word. Without reply his father helped him finish dressing and quickly got Heath out of the offices, out of the wretched building, and into a cab.

They made it back to Jarrod's home an hour before supper, but quickly excused themselves. Tom helped Heath up the stairs after he begged for a bath and then back down as the exhausted young man collapsed into the bed in Jarrod's study. One look at Heath's terribly pale drawn face and Darla knew to keep Sara and the rest of the family away for the evening. Tom freshened up and then rejoined Heath offering a cup of the nighttime tea, but Heath lay on his side refusing the tea or any comfort. Tom sat on the bed in front of Heath and began to rub his son's neck and back. He silently continued to do so for a long time and took a break only to dimly light a lamp and return to Heath's side.

Heath was very uncomfortable ... Tom could feel the pain as he stroked his son's back. His mind wondered back to what the doctor reviewed with him and knew Heath had heard even more of the same technical drivel and bad news. As the evening began to pass and Heath continued to refuse the tea or any other comfort measures Tom slowly eased into a speech not sure if Heath wanted to listen.

"I know we all spend a lot of time telling you how much you resemble your Uncle Jim, Heath, but sitting here tonight you remind me of your mother. What a brave, gentle, and intelligent soul your mother possessed. I can close my eyes and see Leah ... A more beautiful woman has never walked this earth. I never expect you, your mother, my family, or my God to forgive me, but for a brief time long ago in Strawberry I dearly loved your mother. I can honestly sit here beside you and say part of my soul still does love Leah Thomson even today.

"I can never know what it was like for the two of you, why your mother didn't come to me when she knew you were on the way, or what it is like for you as a man walking the earth continually punished for his father's sins. Heath, if you only listen to one thing I ever say on this matter listen to this ... I loved your mother and have no doubt she loved me. You are a product of love and not a mistake or any of the other horrid accusations folks have spent your life spitting at you.

"The doctors weren't encouraging today, but doctors have been known to be wrong. I hope and pray you keep fighting, Heath. You are a special young man with a wonderful life ahead of you. There are so many people who love you and care deeply for you. Take tonight and think through Dr Morganstern's words then let's go home and keep working on getting you better. I know you can and I'll do everything and anything in my power to help you."

Heath didn't respond except to slip his hand into Tom's and hold on. They sat in silence for another long while. Jarrod came in and checked on them, but left seeing his father sitting close to Heath while rubbing his back. He assured Darla they would find out what the doctors had to say over breakfast in the morning. Tom thought Heath finally drifted off as his muscles relaxed and his breathing eased.

"Please, tell me more about your time in Strawberry, Mr. Barkley?"

Tom smiled and moved his free hand from Heath's back to his shoulder then his hair.

"I'd be glad to, son, but the Mr. Barkley address must go. How about calling me Tom?"

Heath thought for a moment before replying.

"Would it be all right if I called you father like your real children?"

Tom took a deep breath, squeezed Heath's shoulder, and fought back his emotions.

"You are my REAL child, a son I cherish, a true gift from a woman I loved and our Father up above, and I would be honored if you wanted to call me father."

Tom could feel Heath smiling as he sunk down into the bed waiting for his father's stories about Strawberry. They talked long into the night further solidifying their relationship. They would leave San Francisco two days later feeling the trip to Dr Morganstern's had been of very little value, but the time they spent talking alone in Jarrod's study and again on the long ride home was and always would be invaluable.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOTHER!"

Heath was the first to welcome the buggy's honored passenger when it pulled up outside the main T&T ranch house. Nobody could remember when Heath dropped the Mrs. Barkley and nobody cared except Victoria who was thrilled and honored each time his slight drawl graced the word, mother. Heath hung his cane on the side of the buggy and helped the birthday honoree down. Martha and Jim folded her in their embraces.

"We thought you'd never get here," Jim complained.

Nick barked from Coco's back, "AUDRA ..."

Heath cut him off as he offered his younger sister his hand, "Audra looks lovely today. Boy howdy, is that a new dress ... Great color, goes with your eyes."

The group laughed and moved inside for a light lunch.

Audra hugged Heath before turning for the door, "Thanks."

Nick and Heath started for the barn to settle the horses. Tom broke off his conversation with the Thompsons to shake Heath's hand as he passed. The entire group laughed through a light dinner since Martha's supper already filled the wonderful home with delightful smells. The men broke off to check out the newest acquisitions Heath added to their horse stock and improvements being made in various places around the ranch. The ladies helped finish dinner and worked on hanging new curtains Martha made for one of the guestrooms.

After Victoria's birthday supper they all sang around an enormous cake. She loved opening all of her various presents, but showed a preference for the large card Audra made early so that all of her children's signatures were inside, plus little Sara's large print across the bottom. Her eyes scanned the card over and over. Jarrod's small efficient almost printed hand, Darla's flowery scroll, Nick's large messy hand which only a mother could decipher, Audra's petitely exact signature, and Heath's back-slanted yet otherwise similar to Jarrod's writing. How wonderful seeing those names together under the banner of "Happy Birthday, MOTHER," made her feel. Martha caught Victoria's eye a few times as she examined and reexamined the card and the women exchanged smiles.

Later when the Barkleys prepared to pull out for home Victoria held on to Heath for a long moment. He was happier than Victoria ever remembered seeing him. Perhaps he was correct the last day before moving to the T&T ranch when they walked and talked for hours. Heath claimed he was the luckiest man on earth to have two wonderful ranches with two loving families wanting him and offering homes. Heath shared his dream to start a new life now that being a cowboy was no longer an option for him. Jim truly needed him and his horse sense while Tom and Nick made an efficient team on the Barkley ranch. She understood, but still wished Heath would have decided to live in her home.

Tom found Nick and Heath chuckling over a beer with Jim. The T&T ranch's third year of operation just took a big step forward when the price of peaches and pears almost doubled, plus Heath signed a new deal to breed stock for the army. Heath made the small, but expandable deal while on a buying trip to Denver. Heath helped a cavalry officer he met on the train who was worrying over a very sick horse. Seemed Heath's knowledge of the large beasts was capable of serving the T&T ranch in many more ways than they originally estimated.

The two younger men left Tom and Jim to celebrate and raced to the bank before it closed for the day. They each put another one hundred dollars into their account while wishing their savings were growing on a grander scale. One of them had sacrificed many things over the last month to accrue his share of the money and they both knew it, but nothing was said.

"I saw Ed the other day."

"HOW IS THE OLD BUGGER?"

"NICK!" Heath pulled his brother aside while his eyes scolded more than words could have, adding, "He's fine. He still doesn't believe you and I can come up with this money on our own by the date we agreed on."

They left the many gossiping ears at the bank and crossed the street to wait outside the saloon with the horses.

"I know why we're doing what we are doing, but I'm still not sure if I can put up with Ed and Nellie Brown's attitude."

Heath laughed and tapped Nick slightly on the side of his head with the handle of his cane.

"If I can see the long term benefits of this move why can't you?"

"Guess I don't like anyone strolling around town referring to my little brother as 'the devil's seed', 'Tom's mistake', 'Barkley's bastard', or 'Stockton's crippled bastard'. Ed's been worse than ever since he knows I won't fight back ... At least not for two more long years."

Heath smiled and tried to convey how worth putting up with the bitter man's idiotic words would be in two more years, just two more years. Heck, they had already put in the first two ... They were half way home.

"Those words don't hurt me any more, big brother. Most of them ain't even true ..."

Heath waited with his eyebrow cocked and a lopsided grin hidden as he stared at his boots.

"OH, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, HEATH! NONE OF THEM ..."

Heath couldn't stifle a laugh any longer. Tom and Jim came out and joined their boys confused by Nick's anger while Heath stood looking like he'd pulled off another win in the brother's long line of practical jokes.

"Com'on, Heath, let's ride. I promised Martha I'd see you right home from the train. We'll be in trouble over those beers in more than one way already."

Heath handed Nick his cane and pulled himself up on his horse. Tom and Nick watched amazed at the speed with which Heath could now use almost pure arm strength to get on and off a saddle. Heath leaned back towards his brother and put out his hand for his cane, but Nick gladly threw it in the empty rifle sheath for him.

"See," Heath giggled, "I'm am crippled, Nick. I told you some of them words were true!"

Nick looked up and chuckled as the anger finished draining from thinking about their secret agreement with Ed and Nellie Brown. Jim and Heath tipped their hats and headed for home leaving the two Barkleys alone on the street.

"What was that all about, Nick?"

"Nothing, father. Just a little project Heath and I have going."

Jim smiled and winked his reassurance to Heath as they mounted up and headed out for the auction. The first five years on the T&T ranch had been busy, productive, and happy. These years were also full of changes and signs of life's cycles fulfilling themselves. Martha and Beth stood on the porch and watched their husbands pull out. Only last night Jim chuckled admitting he was no expert to Heath, but Beth due date was a week away and he agreed with her worried husband the woman wasn't going to wait until next week to deliver her first baby. Watching the two woman hold on to each other and wave Jim noticed Beth was even bigger this morning ... Surely that baby would arrive very soon. Their foreman was hanging around the ranch today and would ride for Heath if there was any sign Beth needed him.

The Brown's property was less than a quarter of the size of the Barkley ranch and also smaller than the T&T, but it had a large amount of water running through it and wonderful hills full of cooler air in the summer. Ed Brown gouged the ranchers around Stockton every dry spell for years. Jim and Tom talked it over with their boys and decided to pool the two ranch's financial resources to out bid everyone at the auction. Acquiring the Broken Arrow ranch would not only unite their properties, it would unite them with a beautiful piece of land.

The silent auction was going well as men from far and near watched the board and renewed their written offers. Tom and Jim watched in shock as Nick and Heath went inside the house with Ed Brown and his attorney. Heath joyously brought out the agreement Ed signed from his jacket pocket. It was an agreement Jarrod gladly wrote and kept secret for over four years. The meeting got down to business. Ed sneered in disbelief when Nick and Heath brought out their savings book proving the brothers were able to afford one-forth of the enormously overpriced ranch on their own after the first two hours of open bidding. His attorney shrugged and the deal was set.

"FATHER!" Heath raced out ahead of Nick who couldn't resist taking a moment to share a few choice words with Ed Brown now that the property's receipt of sale was in his younger brother's hands.

"JIM! FATHER! WE DID IT!"

The other bidders let out a collective sigh and a few mumbled words regarding Heath's luck and his ancestry as he limped quickly across the yard having forgotten his cane inside the house. Jim caught the excited young man he called son a few seconds before Tom added his arm strength to keep Heath from falling. They were laughing at Heath's abnormal show of unbridled and loud joy.

"Nick and I got Jarrod to write a contract four long years ago," Heath was out of breath and still floating with happiness, "Ed and Nellie never, ever, thought we could save all the money ... Just Nick and me."

Nick joined them thinking it was a group hug and wrapped his arms around in celebration of his own joy. The two brothers caught their breath and the men found a quiet corner out of the way of all the disgusted and saddened bidders who wanted the valuable land themselves, but were leaving empty handed. The brothers took turns telling how they put money away each month for four years and added extra whenever they could. They had to have enough to pay for one-forth of the property with proof they weren't using Tom or Jim's funds. It was a spectacular deal and the three ranches were now one. They were still celebrating when Rick rode in for Heath. Seemed the day's excitement was really only beginning.

"Heath!" Nick stood up and caught his younger brother's shoulder, "You forgot this partner."

Jim, Tom, and Heath were headed for their horses and turned to realize Nick remembered to bring Heath's cane out from the Brown's study. Heath stepped back and the older men watched swollen with pride when the two excited younger men exchanged firm handshakes. Nick rode towards Stockton to send a telegraph to Jarrod, Tom rode home to get Victoria, and Jim joined Heath on a quick ride back to the T&T.

Early the following morning Victoria joined Heath as he watched for the sun to rise from the steps of the front porch. He started to stand when she walked out the front door, but she smiled and waved him down. They snuggled against a wonderful early fall morning chill and watched the horizon together.

"Congratulations again, Heath. He really is beautiful ... All that white hair!"

They each smiled and she enjoyed the warmth when her youngest son pulled her closer.

"I know Beth was glad to have you near last evening, as was I. Thank you, mother. Are you sure Beth is all right?"

Victoria leaned into Heath's chest, quietly answering, "Beth is fine and you'll see when she wakes up for the baby's next feeding. First babies are always rough and you can't imagine the fear a woman feels each time she bears a child. It all adds up to the exhaustion Beth experienced when she knew David was healthy, happy, and possessed one great set of lungs last night."

They chuckled and Heath gently kissed her forehead.

"I've always been moved by the miracle of seeing a baby borne, but I never dreamt I'd feel the way I did last night. Still seems hard to believe he's ours ... David Laing Barkley Thomson. Big name for such a little guy."

"Don't worry," Victoria chuckled, "He'll grow into it!"

They sat silent for a long time as the sun crept over the horizon. Heath decided to share a question he thought of for a long time which started growing inside his mind as Heath watched Tom rock David the night before. Tom was as thrilled as anyone to have another healthy member of the family, but there was a certain tangible pride in finally having a grandson. Everyone saw it on his face even though Tom never said a word.

"Do you think it will bother father our David is the first male heir ... I mean his surname is Thomson not Barkley?"

Victoria took a moment and petted Heath's hand which was resting on her shoulder while she thought of her answer.

"I don't think your father understood your decision not to change your name ... Maybe he still doesn't, but Tom respects your right to make that decision. We lost too many babies not to sincerely welcome any healthy child into the world and our family. Your father and I talked for ages about the wonderful father you'll make, Heath. It is rather ironic ..."

Heath began to chuckle. He knew Victoria would understand his thoughts on this matter.

"Can you believe it? Jarrod and Darla have four beautiful daughters, Nick and Anne have two more, and Audra has our new little pumpkin up in Sacramento, Lilly. The bastard son has the son ... Sounds like a bad penny novel from the general store."

Victoria turned and lost her smile while gently reaching to hold Heath's face in her hands.

"No, not a bad novel. A wonderful young man married the young woman of his dreams. They lived, loved, and worked hard everyday while he proceeded to fulfill other dreams by making a well-known name for himself in an extremely competitive business. The young couple was an integral part of their rather large extended family. A situation in which they always showed ultimate respect, love, and caring for every member of their entire family.

"Late one beautifully crisp fall evening the young couple was blessed with a healthy baby, a son. Their family gathered around them and shared in the joy of welcoming their newest member to the ever-expanding group. Sounds like a wonderful novel to me."

"Not a fairytale?"

"No," Victoria smiled, "It real ... It is all real and very well deserved, Sons."

Heath pulled Victoria into a hug before they went inside to start breakfast for the rest of the household.

Jarrod and Darla wanted a special celebration for their tenth wedding anniversary. The Barkleys, Thompsons, Mackeys and Thomsons traveled north while Darla's parents made the trip west from Pennsylvania and they all joined together for a long weekend in San Francisco. The prime event was an evening out for the adults only at the Tripoli, San Francisco's finest restaurant. Their large group enjoyed a wonderful meal in a private dining area and soon mingled with the other diners on the dance floor.

Tom Barkley was shocked to feel overwhelmed by the moment as he gazed around the large table while Nick offered the happy couple an anniversary toast. When dinner was through he wondered toward the verandah while Victoria visited with friends and some of Darla's many acquaintances. He thought about Martha and Jim. Tom never guessed he and Jim could grow closer than they had been before Jim set out on his own, but they were much closer. It was a great benefit to see Jim as an equal and not an employee as they moved their family's large assets towards a new century.

Jarrod was highly successful. Darla was the perfect San Francisco society wife and then could blend in on the ranch with amazing ease. Their four daughters were healthy, happy, and beautiful ... The light of Jarrod's life. Tom wished they could see more of the San Francisco extenuation of the family, but guessed he always would feel that way.

Nick and his bride, Anne, were the proud parents of three lively daughters which kept things hopping at the Barkley home. Victoria and Tom relished having the young people shake the roof with life once more and when the new ranch houses were completed on the old Brown property the Thompsons and Thomsons would be closer too. He smiled thinking of all the years he and Nick had been bumping heads as they worked side by side making the ranch better everyday. Nick's energy remained amazing to his father.

Audra and her husband, Joe Mackey, lived in Sacramento with their two daughters. Joe was a successful attorney and would soon be running for elected office. They were very happy and Audra was faithful about visiting the ranch at least once a month. Tom could definitely see Audra running the governor's mansion someday in the near future. Hard to believe their baby was so terribly grown up.

Then there was Beth and Heath with their three young boys. Matthew and his twin brothers kept the T&T ranch house very busy. Tom smiled thinking of the conversation he had the month before with an army general down in San Diego. They were discussing possible terms for a contract the Barkleys were offering to provide horses for the cavalry when the general mentioned wanting to speak with another California dealer before making a decision. The breeder was a man the general obviously trusted from previous contracts when the general was assigned in Colorado and Utah.

"Heath Thomson?" Tom asked with a smile.

The general looked surprised, answering with a chuckle, "Why yes, Mr. Barkley. I imagine that young man gives you an awful lot of competition."

Tom smiled as he felt a familiar glow of pride rush through his being, chuckling back, "Yes, he does. Heath is a talented young man to be sure."

"Yes, Mr. Barkley, he has an uncanny eye for horseflesh. I'm new here to California, but I must admit I've never met competitive men, especially in the horse market, who seemed so friendly."

"Oh, we're more than friendly, sir," Tom cocked his eyebrow, "I'm proud to inform you, Heath Thomson, is my son!"

Tom left later that day knowing the general was still contemplating the name difference, but he didn't care. The officer was correct ... Heath Thomson had the most talented eye for horseflesh in the entire west ... Quite possibly the entire country. Tom was terribly proud of him for this and many other reasons.

Tom made it to the verandah and stepped out to light a cigar while watching his family enjoy the dancing. Victoria nodded as he went by and would come join him when she was done visiting.

"Excuse me, sir?"

Tom was brought out of his thoughts and back to the verandah.

"I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but do you have a match. My wife hurried me here and the container over by the ash tray is temporarily empty. I've been waiting for a waiter or another smoker to join me."

Tom reached in his vest pocket and provided the match. He instantly recognized the man before him when he looked up from watching the dance floor and Victoria.

"Dr Morganstern?"

"Why, yes."

The two men exchanged a handshake.

"Tom Barkley from Stockton. You came down to my ranch once and I brought ..."

"Of course, Mr. Barkley, I remember your son, Heath, quite well. Horrible situation with his back ... Ex-POW I believe ... Such a shame to have to give a young man terrible news like we did. I like to say there is always a chance, but Heath's back was really beyond hope. Say ... He never came back after that first trip to San Francisco did he?"

Tom laughed and shook his head only partially agreeing with the doctor's statements. Heath dealt daily with constant back pain and his weakened right thigh severely limited his mobility. Tom's son had days when he paid severely for unknown transgressions and occasionally was forced back onto his Modoc teas for a few days or a week, but Heath Thomson in no way considered his situation "horrible" or "beyond hope." Luckily neither his son nor his family had been or would ever be ready to accept Heath's health problems preventing his pursuit of happiness.

"Heath decided not to return to your clinic after our first trip, doctor. The entire family supported his decision. We continued his recovery back in Stockton," Tom smiled and glowed with pride, "Heath travels to conduct business throughout the state and beyond all the time. In fact he often visits my older son and his family here in San Francisco."

"Really," Dr Morganstern lit his cigar and smiled allowing his disbelief to show.

The men briefly exchanged other greetings and pleasantries. Victoria came to insist on another dance before their wonderful evening ended. Tom reintroduced her to the good doctor and they admitted remembering each other from Dr Morganstern's visit to Stockton.

"Are you and Mrs. Morganstern going to join us, sir?" Tom asked as he and Victoria excused themselves.

"Oh, please, do stop over and meet the rest of our family. All our children are here tonight and I know Heath would love to see you. I'm sure his wife would enjoy your visit too."

"Heath's here?" the doctor's face dropped further proving he hadn't believed a word Tom shared regarding Heath's health.

Tom and Victoria smiled and held tight to each other.

"Why, yes," Tom gazed at the dance floor and eagerly pointed out Beth and Heath, "Heath insists his dancing actually improved when he lost the feeling in his right leg."

They all smiled and nodded their good-byes. Tom held Victoria very close and kissed her ear. She sang inside feeling Tom's pride, love, and joy while holding him tighter as they glided along with the dancing crowd. Tom Barkley's mind sweep back to a night long ago in this same city when a shattered young man decided to trust him. That night Tom insisted doctors, Dr Morganstern specifically, were not always right. Heath overcame his anger and fears allowing himself to trust Tom that wretched evening and for the first time called him father. Tom squeezed his wife even closer simply thinking of the wondrous moment when he and Heath found each other.

When the music ended they rejoined their family at the table for a nightcap. Tom watched Heath nonchalantly slide his arm around Beth, gently kiss her neck, and move closer still to whisper something in his beautiful wife's ear. Pride must have flowed across the table because Heath looked up and smiled at Tom when their eyes met. The young cowboy who rode angrily onto the Barkley ranch many years before now sat across an elegant table from the center of his anger and smiled. No longer a cowboy except in Heath's heart, Tom Barkley's son was a well-known horse dealer and vital member of the Barkley family.

When they arrived back at the hotel Tom excused himself from Victoria after seeing her to their room. He moved across the hall and waited as Beth and Heath walked arm and arm down the hall to their door. Heath unlocked the door then swung it wide open offering Tom entrance after Beth and before himself.

"No," Tom smiled and kissed Beth's forehead, "I didn't want to come in. I was hoping Beth would let me borrow you for a brief nightcap downstairs. I promise not to keep him long, Beth."

Beth blushed and winked at her father-in-law knowing Tom caught them flirting back at the restaurant. She stepped back out in the hall and kissed Heath with passion. Now Heath joined his wife and blushed which made Tom and Beth howl with laughter. Heath recovered enough to excuse himself from Beth and the two men started down the hall. Victoria Barkley waited up for Tom in one room and Beth Thomson for Heath in another, but neither woman felt anything but joy knowing father and son were taking advantage of a rare moment alone together.

An hour later Heath and Tom climbed back up the stairs and down the hall to their rooms. Tom felt certain he made it through their quiet conversation without revealing the sentimental memories behind the invitation. Heath embraced his father for a long moment before turning and placing his key in the door to his room.

Tom walked a few steps down the hall then he heard Heath whisper, "Good night, Mr. Barkley."

Tom Barkley wheeled around and took in his youngest son's highly cocked eyebrow and off-kilter grin, replying, "Good night, cowboy."

The End