In the little over a year and a half Heath lived on the Barkley ranch, he worked hard to carve out his place in the family's various business operations. He still loved riding with Nick but could only take so much of being the little brother, still a new role for him. Being bossed around to distraction by his perfectionist elder sibling was easier to handle when the amount of time he spent in that position was more in Heath's control.

With Jarrod's guidance Heath began to take over the horse breeding at the ranch. His relationship with his eldest brother was very different than the one he had with Nick. Jarrod always treated him as an equal, listened before he judged, valued the assets Heath's life experiences brought to the family, and since the night Victoria insisted Heath be accepted, accepted him without question.

Heath could relax with Jarrod and be himself. Jarrod was the one man on this entire planet he could share teases with regarding the Barkley decision to put the family bastard in charge of developing and keeping "pure" the blood lines of the equestrian portion of Barkley stock. These arrangements left Nick running the cattle side of the ranch unhindered and undeterred. They were all finding their comfort zones and it made life much calmer and pleasurable.

Along with their horse breeding business, the Barkleys were slowly transferring most of the hands-on supervision of the mines to Heath. In return, they were seeing a substantial rise in the profits as the mine workers reacted to their improved pay and conditions. Normally Heath looked forward to the quiet time he and Charger enjoyed when he rode to the various mines. Sometime in the past month, or maybe it was longer, this changed.

"Its not there," Audra smiled then flew down the stairs to enclose her desperate sibling in a welcoming hug.

"What?", Heath returned her hug, kissed her forehead, and headed away from the foyer table which held stacks of mail for the various family members. He set his sights on the large bowl of fruit in the living room.

"You know what!"

Heath smiled and cocked his head trying to figure out if Audra really knew or was fishing. He slumped down in a chair while gulping down the first apple. He slowed up and tried to change the subject when he started on the second.

"Anything new around here in the past ten days?"

"Nope," Audra was trying desperately to control herself. She wanted to rush over and wrestle the information out of her agrivatingly quiet and shy brother.

"I am glad to see you. I mean even more than usual".

Heath laughed and she had to join him, he had an infectious laugh but didn't share it too often.

"Any word from mother or Nick?"

"Yes, they will be in San Diego at least another week. Sounds like they are having a great time and the negotiations with the army are going well. Jarrod is still stuck in San Francisco working on that big case of his, but he did come home to keep me company last weekend."

"Sorry I missed him."

"Aren't you going to ask me?"

"Ask you what?", Heath found himself staring at his boots while his face flushed.

"You're impossible!"

He laughed and walked over to plant another large kiss on her forehead. Then he headed for the stairs longing for a hot soak before dinner.

"Don't be long. Silas had dinner ready last I checked."

"Okay, but I've got two inches of mine and prairie dust to scrub. I'll do my best!" Heath turned and wearily started up the long curved staircase.

"They're in your room. I figured you didn't want them sitting out in the foyer."

Heath stopped without turning around. Did she know?

"What?", he couldn't think of anything else so he pretended not to hear Audra.

"The letters from yesterday and last Friday."

Audra smiled, she had been fishing but when Heath suddenly ran up the stairs and tore into his room ... She was sure. Something interesting was going on with those letters she picked up with the mail every Friday. All Heath's folks were dead except for Hannah James and she couldn't read or write. Heath never got mail. Then, last fall, these letters started to arrive with each Friday's mail. The letters had no return address and the handwriting was simple, straight forward, and non-feminine. Despite this, for the entire eight months she'd been bringing them to the ranch, Audra was sure they were from a woman. Now she had proof which only made her more curious about them.

Heath tore into the letters on his dresser. He read and reread each word flying high on the deep satisfaction the words brought him. It was as if the author knew exactly what he was thinking, felt, and dreamed of. His weeks were beginning to be defined by the mails arrival on Friday afternoon.

"Boy howdy, thanks Silas!"

"You are more than welcome, Mr Heath."

Heath eyes meet the butler's as an exasperated sigh escaped from his chest. Silas smiled and nodded, he knew Heath didn't like the mister but he did. Funny, out of all the Barkleys, calling Heath mister seemed to convey so much. Silas knew the others took his address in stride, as part of his job, but not this boy. No, Silas gladly called him mister ... He was the true shadow of his father and Silas respected Mr Barkley beyond measure. With time, he hoped to make Heath belief in himself, give up any lingering doubt, and feel he deserved other men's respect. He was a Barkley.

Audra and Heath dug into the ham, apple fritter, collard green, and cornbread meal which delighted only one of them. Showing empathy for Audra, Silas quietly brought out some white bread and butter then placed it discreetly by her place at the table. He smiled as Heath fussed over the meal then returned to the kitchen.

"How long have you known?"

"Not long, really. I was surprised the first few weeks. I mean, you usually don't get mail. Then I think I let it drop until the last month or two, I've started looking for them every Friday with you."

"Glad you get the mail. I'd hate to have Nick, Jarrod, or mother questioning me!"

They smiled. Nothing more needed to be said. These two enjoyed a close companionship since the day they met. Time was making their relationship an integral part of each of their lives. It was a new experience for Heath, having a sister, and a enduring experience for his sister having a brother who listened, valued her as a friend and confidant, and loved her without question or limit.

"Who is she?"

"What makes you think it is a she?", Heath talked down in his plate since his face was flushing once more.

"Com'on, Heath!!"

He looked her in the eye glad to be able to share, finally!

"Okay, the letters are from a woman but I have no idea who it is."

"Really? I mean, you wouldn't pull my leg on this would you?"

"No, sis. I'd give anything to know who she is ... She doesn't ever say."

"Can you share? Start from the beginning."

Heath pushed his plate away. Suddenly he felt too nervous and excited to eat. The same thing happened to him whenever he puzzled over the letters. Who could she be?

Audra listened spellbound as Heath explained the history of the letters. They started to arrived after last autumn's annual party. The family put on an enormous party since before Jarrod was born. It was a way to celebrate making it through another long, dry, hot summer while relaxing after finishing the various cattle drives and harvesting activities. Everyone on the ranch worked long hours before, during, and after the party which was attended by everyone in Stockton and from around the valley. Ranch hands and rich ranch owners mixed as equals while enjoying free food, drink, music, and dancing. It was fun for all.

This past October's party, Heath's first, had been marred by a terrible incident. Many of the people who each year accepted the Barkley's open invitation weren't necessarily their friends or allies. It had always been a day and night to forget differences and relax. When various people or families rode through the front gates, Nick and the others were at times aggravated but Victoria wouldn't allow any of that. So, ALL were made welcome.

Mrs McGregor, a large property owner, died about sixteen months before last October's party. She was a widow for many years but ran a highly successful ranch. In her will, she left half the ranch to her foreman to thank him for many years of loyal service. The other half went to Jarrod Barkley for many hours of free legal service, friendship, and financial advice. Shortly after her death, the foreman was killed in a freak accident. Jarrod sought and was granted first bid on the other half of the ranch. It was wonderful grazing land with an amazing amount of water.

Suddenly the Barkley's were drawn into court by Sam Erikson. He and his six sons worked an enormous ranch bordering the north side of Mrs McGregor's place. Sam was loathed throughout Stockton. He was a good rancher but a viscous task master. Seemed Sam could handle relationships with his stock, who he treated with utmost kindness, but not people. He marched around angering folks where ever he went. Since Sam's wife passed, nearly fifteen years back, the town tolerated but paid little attention to the Eriksons. Until they rode into Barkley's party, Heath didn't know what any of them looked like.

The Erikson's arrived with a chip on their shoulder. They had only the day before received word the Barkley's purchase of the entirety of the McGregor property was held as legal and final by the California Supreme Court. It had been a nasty legal battle which further isolated the two families and caused more strain between the Eriksons and all of Stockton.

The evening remained strained until Nick and the eldest Erikson, Steve, started a mammoth fist fight. Before the Erikson's and their hands were asked to leave many people were injured and some of the Barkley property damaged. The following Friday Heath received a letter from a woman who claimed to be at the party. She said she knew him but he didn't know her. He believed she was at the party since she described the fight in detail but he didn't have any idea who she was. Since then, eight months ago, Heath raced home to read her weekly letters.

He explained the letters talked about the author's hopes, dream, and feelings on many issues. She read many books, as did Heath who to his delight was still trying to make it through the entire Barkley library, and they both adored being outside. The mysterious writer admitted preferring solitude to human company and animals, especially horses, to people .... Just like Heath, but he didn't share this with Audra.

"I write back to her every week."

Audra slammed her napkin down with her mouth open so far Heath almost hoped a fly would find it.

"When? How?", Audra choked out as she got up and moved right next to Heath.

Heath smiled, he'd never seen Audra speechless before.

"Oh, I could have written to her from the beginning. She offered but I didn't answer her for the first three months ... Then one day, I couldn't not reach out to her!"

"But you said you didn't know who she was?"

"I don't. She always signs her letters 'a far away friend'. No name. There aren't any rules to our letters except one ... We don't share any specifics like names, dates, or identifying stuff like that."

"HOW?"

Heath smiled and waited for Audra to gather her thoughts.

"How do you mail your letters to her?"

"When I write, I drop them off at the Stockton library. I leave them in front of the great big dictionary on the stand in the front window. She either works there, sees me in the window, or someone there gets them to her. She says she'll stop writing if I try to find her. I decided not to risk it ... I look forward to her letters."

Audra put her hand on Heath's arm and smiled. She had no idea how involved this relationship had become.

"I could try ... "

"NO!", Heath's eyes pleaded, he calmed his voice, "I can't risk it. What if she stopped writing?"

Silas brought in coffee and apple pie but they both apologized and went outside. They walked in the garden and talked for a long time. Heath trusted Audra with his inner most thoughts regarding the letters and his life thus far on the ranch. In turn, she listened without judging and ended up sharing more about her own frustrations, dreams, fears, and hopes. The evening ended without the letter mystery solved, but Audra and Heath were even closer than before.

Heath excused himself knowing his morning chore list was long. Audra stayed up and worked on a few chores Victoria assigned before she left. She still wasn't tired and ended up reading late into the night. Audra smiled when she finally climbed the stairs and noticed the light still on in Heath's room. She'd be spending a lot of time over the next few months trying to figure out the mystery writer, but for now, Heath's younger sister went to bed.

Heath heard Audra's bedroom door and was shocked when he checked his pocket watch. He reread his letter and then sealed it in an envelope labeled 'my far away friend'. He put his collection of her letters in their box and placed it back on the top shelf of his closet. Exhausted, he flopped down on top of his bed. After a restless sleep, he headed out early. Heath needed to get done in time to make it into town to leave his letter at the library. "Audra!"

Victoria raced to the bottom of the stairs. She helped her daughter up and over to a chair. Without needing a close examination, she was sure Audra's ankle was at least sprained.

"Oh, mother, I hate when I do dumb things like that!"

The young woman tried to get up but immediately sat back down. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. What was she going to do?

"You're lucky you didn't break your neck. Why the hurry?"

Audra quickly tried to think of an excuse. Her ankle was throbbing as her mother and Silas wrapped it and placed it on a pillow.

"It's such a lovely day, I couldn't wait to get out for a ride."

"Well now, it looks like you won't be going anywhere for at least a week. You rest today and I'll think about letting you move out on the verandah tomorrow."

Her mother went for some cold compresses and Audra's mind spun through her options. She'd simply wait for mother to quit fussing and then head out to her horse.

A while later, Victoria left Audra alone in the living room to rest. She needed to finish some work in the rose garden. For mid-July the weather remained quite pleasant. She frowned as she walked through the dining room with all it's empty chairs. At least with Audra laid up she'd have someone around, but her daughter made an unpleasant convalescent. Too bad Heath ended up going on the drive at the last minute he would have entertained her all evening. They sure were close which pleased Victoria.

"MRS BARKLEY!"

Victoria heard Silas scream and ran for the house. She found them in the foyer. Audra was sitting on the floor in tears and Silas was trying to help her.

"What on earth?"

Victoria and Silas helped Audra right up the stairs and into bed. Her mother was taking no chances on her trying to walk out anytime soon. Her ankle was swelling to at least three times it's normal size. They would keep it elevated, wrapped in cool compresses, and out of action over night ... If it was worse in the morning, she'd call the doctor.

After Audra was settled, her mother sat beside her while she drank some cool lemonade. She could tell her daughter was still upset but was sure it didn't have anything to do with the ankle. Her thoughts turned back to Audra's fall down the last few stairs on her way out. She had been in a hurry to get somewhere.

Victoria gently held her daughter's hand and searched her eyes for clues before asking, "You want to tell me what's really happening here?".

"What do you mean, mother?"

"You know very well what I mean, young lady. First, you fall rushing out of the house. Now, I find you on the foyer floor after you try to leave on that horrid ankle. What's going on?"

Audra was desperate. Did she break a promise to Heath or did she break his confidence. Neither was an option she liked.

"Oh why did Billy, Dave, and Frank have to start that big fight last Saturday night?"

Victoria shook her head, confused she replied, "What does three drunken ranch hands getting themselves beat up and thrown in jail have to do with any of this?".

Audra looked down into her lemonade and began to cry softly. She didn't see any good way out of this. How she wished Heath was home. She and mother had planned an unofficial celebration ... Just the three of them. Heath had been with the family two years now and they decided to wait till they had him to themselves to quietly, thankfully, and joyfully toast their luck in finding each other.

As her daughter's tears increased in frequency, Victoria softened her voice, "You are definitely stuck in this bed for a least a week if that helps you decide".

Audra looked up, "Decide what?".

"If you want to tell me what is really going on or not."

"Oh, mother," Audra melted into her arms.

Victoria stroked her hair and Audra made her decision.

"I promised Heath ... I promised."

"Why don't you start at the beginning for me?"

"When Nick came home last night announcing the circuit judge was going really hard on our hands and Heath would have to join him on this cattle drive instead of finishing the work they'd planned, Heath asked me to do him a favor. I promised I would."

"Can I do whatever Heath asked you to do?"

"Yes, but I'm not sure how to explain it all."

Victoria sat quiet and gave Audra time to sort out her thoughts.

"Heath exchanges letters with someone in Stockton. When he suddenly had to leave and won't be back for so long, he asked me to mail a letter explaining his absence."

"I see." Victoria waited.

"Would you mail it? It means so much to him."

"I'd be glad to but I don't understand the urgency. That's all right, where is the letter? I'll see someone posts it today."

"NO, mother! You have to take it yourself."

"Why?"

"Because it doesn't go in the regular mail. You have to take it to the Stockton library and leave it in the front of the big dictionary in the main window."

Victoria got more comfortable ... Audra owed her a long explanation.

A few hours later, Victoria found herself stopping the carriage outside the small Stockton Public Library. She walked in and looked around. Pulling the envelope from her pocket, she strolled towards the window and pulled the front of the dictionary open. She took one last look at Heath's handwriting which read "my far away friend" then slid the letter inside.

She stood thinking over everything Audra told her. There was not doubt Heath addressed the envelope. Rachel Caufield was Heath's teacher and she was left handed. Despite the fact her student was right handed, Heath learned to do many things like a left handed person. One of the more distinctive things was his handwriting which tilted the wrong way making it appear he was left handed. Audra's wild story was at least backed up by the fact Heath was definitely involved. It was going to be hard to wait for the men to come back from the drive. Victoria had a million questions for her quiet blond son. The next few weeks would be spent on figuring a way to ask Heath questions while making him comfortable enough to answer.

Finally they were on the horizon. The hired men straggled in the day before but Heath and Nick were behind since they stayed in San Diego signing additional contracts with the army representatives. Her boys probably enjoyed having the trail to themselves on the way back and purposefully stayed a distance behind their hands. Now they were both smiling and waving. Homecomings after a long, hot, dusty, and dirty cattle drive were heavenly. They each wanted a turn soaking in the tub while the smells of a home cooked meal being prepared for supper floated throughout the house. The brothers cleaned up and were wined and dined by the army reps in San Diego, but this was home. There was no comparison.

Nick beat Heath into the bathroom so he was forced to stay down on the verandah visiting with poor Audra. Her ankle turned out to be broken and she'd been laid up the entire time they were gone. Her friends, Sally and Virginia, were visiting so he didn't have a chance to ask her about the mail situation. Finally unable to take Virginia Hansen's ridiculous flirtations any longer, he excused himself.

There was nothing on the foyer table mail pile for him. He'd checked it three times in the few minutes he'd been home. He grabbed his saddle bags and ran up the stairs. When he reached the top, Heath bumped into Victoria. She'd been watching him but he didn't see her until he turned the corner at the top of the stairs on the way to his room. She smiled and gave him another hug then she handed him a stack of letters wrapped up in a blue ribbon. He stood speechless.

"These what you are searching for, Heath?"

"Yes, ma'am, " Heath choked it out but his mouth was terribly dry.

Victoria smiled, adding, "You and I should talk. How about riding to the mission with me tomorrow?".

"Nick and I ..."

"I'll talk to Nick. You be ready to leave right after breakfast."

"Yes, ma'am."

The feisty lady was gone. Heath went inside his room and closed the door. He walked over and flopped on the bed. Deciding to worry about his mother later, he eagerly unwrapped his letters and began to read.

Heath and Victoria rode most of the morning in silence. After they delivered the clothing, food, and medical supplies to the mission they headed back. When they rounded the curve out by the far end of the north pasture Victoria instructed Heath to pull the wagon over by the creek so they could talk. Against his own wishes, he followed his orders.

Victoria handed Heath a large blanket to spread out. She followed him producing a overstuffed picnic basket. They sat down and unpacked their lunch.

"I'm trying to show patience, sweetheart, but you are truly testing me."

Heath smiled and reached out to gently touch his mother's shoulder.

"I know, I'm sorry. I've mulled a thousand different stories around in my mind, don't like a single one."

Victoria smiled, replying, "Why don't you just start with the truth?".

Heath took a breath and then told an overview of his letter writing relationship. Although he stuck to the main facts and offered no details, she knew from his voice, Heath was serious about whoever this girl was. She held her questions until he completed his dissertation.

"Are you sure you have no idea who this person is?"

"No, none what-so-ever. I've racked my brains trying to remember every girl I've seen, talked to, or met since I arrived here in Stockton. Although reliving those memories has been a pleasant experience, I couldn't think of one woman who could be my friend."

"Why not?"

"Things she has shared, thoughts and feelings about growing up 'different' than our peers, how she feels about life, love, and her plans for the future. And ..."

Victoria leaned forward, "What?".

"You'll think its dumb," Heath laughed and flushed deep red, "I think its dumb too but that don't matter".

"Go on?"

"I have this feeling," Heath put an index finger over his heart and looked straight into Victoria's eyes, "This feeling I would know her if I saw her. In a way, she's my best friend ... "

He stopped and lowered his eyes. Victoria knew he'd shared more than he wanted and probably would never say anymore on the subject. She thought long and hard about what to ask next.

"Heath," Victoria put her hand on his, "Are you in love with this person, this woman?".

"Yes, I think I am. I know it is absolutely crazy but we talk in those letters and I feel like I've never, ever, known a woman better."

Victoria's fears were written on her face when he looked up.

"Please, don't worry. I know this whole mess ... Well, its unusual to say the least."

"Have you asked her to identify herself? Have you asked her to meet you or tell you who she is?"

"Yes, many times. She won't consider it, but that's okay. She's in a bad home situation of some sort and can't reveal herself yet. She will, I just know she will."

"But what if ... What if?"

He took her hands kissing the top one lightly, quietly adding, "Thanks for worrying about me. Maybe I will get hurt, I refuse to believe she is teasing me or leading me along on some wild prank. If only you knew her, read her letters. There isn't anyway she could have maintained this level of sharing for nine months ...".

"NINE MONTHS?!?"

"I guess Audra and I left out some details."

"I guess you did."

Heath went back to the beginning, dropped his shorthand version, and went through the entire story in detail. Victoria heard the growing passion for this mysterious woman in Heath's voice. She prayed his instincts were right.

"I'm not quite sure what to say. You are a grown man and this is your personal affair but I can't help worrying ... I'm a mother and it is what I do best!"

Heath laughed and she joined him. They cleaned up the picnic and packed the wagon then prepared to leave. Heath hugged her and spoke quietly before helping her back up into the wagon.

"I'm honored you worry about me. You of all people know I've been very unlucky in love, but having that special someone to share my life with ... It's a dream I can't give up. If I want that dream, and I do with all my heart I do, I need to be willing to go out and get hurt trying to find it. Hiding out at the ranch would save me a lot of grief but I'd miss out on so many things I want as part of my life a wife, children, and sharing my future with them.

"I've sure had time to think this thing up, down, and sideways. I reviewed the entire mess over and over the last few weeks on the drive. At one point I had myself convinced I was only pursuing this entire affair because the woman is distant, unobtainable... Like Maria Montoya."

Victoria stepped back, held his hands tight, and met his eyes before nodding her agreement with his words.

"I honestly did love, Maria. But we only knew each other for a few days and if her father hadn't over reacted I bet we'd have found out we weren't a good match at all. I was an adventure, a cowboy, and a way to rebel against her father for Maria. She was something I couldn't have so I wanted her all the more.

"Without knowing it, I set myself up for that entire fiasco when I came here. After you made me welcome and I let myself believe ..."

Heath dropped his eyes for a moment but then recovered.

"Problem was I let myself temporarily forget about my background. For a few short weeks, for the first time in such a long while, I let my guard down. I wanted to believe I could be just like everybody else. But Senor Montoya taught me a valuable lesson."

Heath smiled when Victoria cocked her head, confused. Then he continued.

"He reminded me I'll always be a bastard. And there will always be those, like Montoya, who will think they are better men than I because of it. But mother, I also learned men like Montoya can't hurt me unless I let them.

"Nobody, but nobody, can make me feel inferior or insignificant without my consent. I'm done handing those tickets out. Its time for me to move on. You, Jarrod, Nick, and Audra have given me an incredible opportunity. I'm one of the lucky ones. I have a chance to reach for the sky and make my dreams come true. I might get hurt, but I want to try."

Heath stopped lost in his own thoughts for a moment. Victoria slowly wrapped her arms around his waist. How dear this young man was to her. She could count the times on one hand he'd strung five sentences together and talked to her from his heart. Now he was revealing his very soul. She was overwhelmed.

"Shall we go?" Heath stepped away to indicate their conversation was over.

Victoria took the hand he offered to help her climb into the wagon. When Heath sat down beside her and took the reins she wrapped her arm around his and stayed close. They laughed and talked the rest of the ride home as they discussed any hints or clues Heath could remember from his letters regarding his friend. She listened intently trying to use her knowledge of Stockton and it's citizens to help him solve the mystery. They arrived home in time for supper but were no closer to an answer than they had been at the beginning of their journey.

"That's the last time I fix Heath up with a dance partner!"

"Good morning, Nick."

Nick stopped pouring his coffee and turned toward his mother, quieting his voice, he answered, "Morning, mother".

"Nick, when will you ever remember Heath doesn't like it when you shove women his way. He was perfectly fine, minding his own business, until you insisted he dance with Virginia," Audra kissed her mother's cheek and took her seat.

Nick gave his sister his cup of coffee and went back for another. Victoria worked to hold back her comments and hide her smile. She always loved listening to the morning after reports when these three had been to a social event.

"Well, next time I'm going to make him ride in the carriage with us. Lately, he always insists on riding Charger. I hate when he leaves unannounced like that!"

"Nicholas!," Victoria and Audra could hardly contain their laughter.

"What?", He slammed down in his chair and attacked his meal.

Victoria stayed on Heath's side of this argument, "Think about it. In the two years Heath has lived here, how many times have you insisted on throwing what you decided was the perfect girl at him?"

"A few, why?"

"Well, it seems to me your brother started to take his horse as a form of self-defense. Virginia Hansen .... Really?"

The women laughed and enjoyed the red flood swarming above Nick's collar to rest on his face.

"She's your friend, Audra! I'm surprised you'd be laughing at her."

Audra calmed herself, quietly replying, "I'm NOT laughing at Virginia, Nick. She's had a crush on Heath from the moment she saw him. But Nick, Heath has never, ever, taken a shine to her. Sometimes when she visits Virginia is downright forward and he politely finds a way out of the room. Just like last night!".

"I know, but it wouldn't have killed him to dance with her. Would it? I mean he isn't engaged, married, or spoken for ... At least as far as I know!!!"

Victoria listened as Audra and Nick bantered on regarding last night's dance and their brother's early departure. She thought of the letters which continued to arrive each Friday, Nick was wrong ... Heath was spoken for.

"Right, mother?"

Victoria shook her head and replied, "Sorry, what was it you asked, Audra".

"I was saying Heath only goes to these events most of the time to please us anyway. If he had his choice, he'd spend the evening out under the stars all by himself. Don't you agree?"

"Yes," she spoke directly to Nick even though she was answering Audra, "Heath has a bad habit of putting his desires aside in order to please certain members of this family. Maybe we should all be more conscious of this fact".

Nick shook off her indirect lecture, "Let's just ask him. Where is he anyway? SILAS!".

"Nick, your voice," Victoria heaved a heavy sigh.

"Yes, Mr Nick?"

"You seen Heath this morning?"

"Mr Heath ate breakfast with me in the kitchen quite a few hours ago. Said he was heading out to catch up with some strays you two spotted last week. Took a sack dinner with him and didn't expect to be back much before supper."

"Oh," Nick forgot about yesterday when he snapped at Heath regarding the strays, "Thank you".

The stray animals hadn't moved far from where he and Nick spotted them which made Heath's morning much easier. After he moved them safely into the temporary corral up on the northern side of the old McGregor property, Heath decided to ride that part of the fence to be sure no animals broke through to the Erikson's side.

A few hours later, Heath was finishing some repairs on the last section of fencing. It was obvious some animals had broken through but he'd decided it was best to go with someone else over to Sam Erikson's. They better ask Sam's permission to ride his pasture to retrieve the strays. Tensions were still running high between the two families and he didn't plan on getting shot over a stray cow. He was getting ready to finish one last section of barbed wire when he heard someone yelling.

Heath strained his eyes and ears trying to figure out what direction the frightened yelling was coming from. It was an extremely windy day which complicated matters for him. Finally, way over in Erikson's pasture, he spotted what appeared to be a young man getting the ride of his life from a beautiful but wild looking stallion. The boy was holding on for dear life and screaming for help. Heath quickly jumped up on Charger and gingerly worked his way through the downed barbed wire then urged his horse into a full gallop.

As Heath gained on the screaming boy he could tell something really set off the strong, young, and skittish stallion. The horse showed no sign of calming down and if Charger came up on him wrong they could all end up hurt. The young rider certainly was a good horseman, he'd hung on for longer than most. Just as Heath was mentally complimenting the rider, the young man flew off into some high grass. The stallion streaked away and Heath jumped down to check on the boy.

Luckily the boy, being an experienced rider, knew to roll when he hit the ground. Between his clear thinking and the tall grass he'd been saved serious injury. Still he did have a nasty cut on his temple and a badly sprained wrist. Heath splinted the wrist and cleaned up the cut before letting the boy drink some water.

"Thanks, mister."

"My name is Heath. What's yours?"

"David Erikson, Heath what?"

"Heath Barkley. You sure did stay on that stallion longer than I could have. How old are you?"

The boy flushed with pride at Heath's compliment before answering, "Thanks, I'm seventeen but I'll be eighteen next February ... That's not long!".

Heath smiled remembering how exciting birthdays used to be.

"What set your horse off, David?"

"I'm not sure. I brought him out here so we could get in a good ride without any distractions. He suddenly bucked and caught me off guard ... I dropped one of the reins and couldn't get him settled. Problem is we've been having trouble with him a lot. My pa is talking about selling him or gelding him."

"You don't think that's a good idea I take it."

"NO! He's a great horse, just needs more time."

"Com'on, let's get you home," Heath held out his hand to help David up but the boy stared down at the ground.

"Something wrong?"

David remained silent and Heath kneeled back down to try and get an answer.

"David, what is it?"

The young boy looked up with honest fear in his eyes, he choked out, "My pa is going to be real mad ... I'm not allowed to ride Midnight. He threw one of my older brothers last week and broke his arm".

"Oh, I see."

The boy looked around as if an idea would come over the hill and solve his situation.

"Sorry, David. I really need to get you home and finish off that fence. Maybe it will help since I'll be riding in with you?"

David looked up with wet eyes and shrugged his shoulders before taking the hand Heath offered. He knew Heath was wrong ... His father was going to give him one heck of a licking but it was worth it, he loved riding Midnight. Heath helped him on Charger and then swung up behind him. They rode in silence back to Erikson's ranch house.

"Where the heck have you been?"

Nick, Audra, and Victoria were finishing an extended before dinner visit and drink. Heath threw his hat on the foyer table and joined them.

"Sorry, mother," the young man bent and kissed Victoria's cheek.

"WELL?"

Heath half smiled at Nick. Sometimes Nick still acted as if he wished his unwanted little brother would find something to do and leave him run the ranch all by himself. Then other times, he'd holler himself horse if Heath was away too long. Heath figured it was the only way Nick knew how to communicate he cared about him ... Might as well interpret it positive, Nick wasn't getting rid of him anytime soon.

"Found the strays and a few sections of downed fence. Took care of it plus I ended up at the Erikson ranch for a short visit," Heath quickly turned to Victoria, "I'll clean up quick and be right back down".

Heath started for the stairs, ignoring the surprised looks on everyone's faces, waiting for Nick's mind to click onto what he just said.

"HEATH BARKLEY!!!!!!"

Heath stopped with his back to Nick and a smile on his face.

"What the heck to you mean 'visiting at the Erikson's?'"

"I'll tell you at dinner, I better hurry."

"NO, little brother. You'll tell me now."

Audra and Victoria joined Nick at the bottom of the stairs. Heath turned and started back down.

"Nick, must you yell so?" Victoria took his arm. "Yes, we're practically in a all out old fashioned feud with those people. They're still holding a grudge and it's been almost a full year."

"We all know the story, Nick,"

Victoria looked to Heath for an explanation.

"It's not anything exciting, Nick. The youngest of Sam's boys fell off his horse and I patched him up and took him home. Feud or not, I couldn't not help the kid."

"I guess not, " Nick kicked the bottom step with his boot and didn't make eye contact with Heath.

"Take your time, Heath. We'll wait for you,"

Victoria winked and smiled her approval.

The threesome strolled back to the living room as Heath jogged up the stairs. He quickly cleaned up and changed then rejoined them for dinner. He tried to eat between answering Nick's questions. Finally, Nick left to check on an injured ranch hand. Victoria and Audra kept Heath company while he finished.

"What's the Erikson place like?"

"Great land, stock, and the barn and bunkhouse were impeccable. But the main house looks like nobody has attended to it for years. Shame really, beautiful property."

They listened again to Heath's story but this time he added details Nick wouldn't have wanted to hear. Sam Erikson had been very grateful his son was home safe, but once again, just like last year's fall party, he wouldn't shake Heath's hand.

"They're hurting for help with one of the older boys out with a broken arm and Erikson's propensity for scaring off good hands. I saw all four of the remaining boys finishing some branding on my way back through towards our north pasture. They looked like they had been out all day and still had a good lick of work ahead of them."

"Sam and Amy only had five boys. With the two injured boys at the house, they must have at least one hand willing to stay despite the conditions."

"That's funny, mother," Audra questioned, "I always thought they had six sons. In fact, I've thought that for years and didn't all six boys come to our party last year, Heath?".

"Don't know. I met a pack of them but after missing the party my first year here, I couldn't keep straight all the folks I met last year. Sorry, Audra."

Victoria smiled, she remembered Amy Erikson fondly. They were friends until Amy took sick and Sam turned bitter against the entire world. When she was ill and even more since her death, Sam refused to have anything to do with much of the outside world. He blamed the children's attendance at Stockton's school for bringing fever home to his wife.

"Amy and Sam used to be very active in Stockton's social scene along with your father and I. We spent time visiting since our children were the same ages. But Amy took sick with scarlet fever one winter and never fully recovered. I remember the doctor saying Amy must have gotten the fever worse than the rest because she was worn from recently delivering her daughter. My goodness, that was almost twenty-three years ago now. Sam dropped out and refused to let any of us help he, the children, or his poor wife.

"Five years after the fever, Amy died giving birth to the boy Heath helped today, David. He's seventeen? How time has gotten away from me."

"I asked Mr Erikson about coming to the fall get-together in a few weeks. Couldn't resist stretching out the matter since he was itching to get ME off his property. I made the most of it, but finally felt sorry for the guy and headed back to my fencing."

"Heath!", Victoria smiled at Heath's boldness in pushing a man who continued to reject his status as a Barkley, even refusing to shake her son's hand.

"What did he say?", Audra sat forward.

"Believe it or not, he didn't say no or yes. He just said 'You people never give up, do ya?'."

Victoria smiled and followed Audra and Heath to the drawing room. While they played cards she pretended to read. She'd make sure she spoke to the Erikson's after church tomorrow. Perhaps Sam would drop the feuding now and be ready to tolerate his neighbors again. Heath may have opened up a wonderful door and she didn't want to see it slammed shut without making an attempt with Sam.

Heath took another turn keeping the punch and beer glasses full. He worked extra for various people all night. Anything to stay busy, he didn't feel like dancing. He begged, pleaded, and did everything he could think of to convince his far away friend to attend this year's Barkley party. But she declined each time.

Victoria and Audra found separate times to ask him about her answer last Friday night after Heath read the latest letter. They could see and hear his disappointment, the letters had been arriving weekly for almost an entire year. Heath could barely stand not knowing who it was making her being more and more a part of his heart, mind, and soul. What Heath didn't share was one earlier letter when she said 'if' she could make it he'd know who she was by what she wore. Another puzzle driving him mad!

"I'll do that, son. Go enjoy the party," Victoria moved behind the beverage table with Heath. He kept working and due to the unusually warm fall weather, they both stayed quite busy.

Victoria enjoyed a wonderful evening but was aware of Heath's attempts to make the hours pass by working more than his share. Too bad his friend wasn't going to make it, the musicians only had one more set to play before the last dance. The party was almost over.

"May I have this dance?"

Both Barkley's stopped and exchanged glances. Sam Erikson and his boys seemed to be enjoying the party more than they had for years. Victoria took it as a sign they were as relieved as the Barkley's a nasty feud had been avoided.

"Why, Sam, I thought you'd never ask!"

To his delight, Heath watched as Victoria spun around the dance floor with her partner. He loved knowing she was having a good time and not just staying busy being the perfect hostess.

"Hey, Heath!"

Audra dragged her index finger down his back making him cringe and turn her way.

"Isn't this a wonderful party?"

Heath smiled. Audra's cheeks were flushed and she glowed with happiness.

"Best yet, sis."

"Do you see Sam Erikson dancing with mother?"

"Yep, they make a great couple."

Audra turned and teasingly slapped Heath's forearm, adding, "Oh, you!".

The music ended and the musicians took a brief break before the last of the night's music would be performed. Victoria thanked Sam for the dance before heading back towards the beverage table and her children.

"Mr Erikson is a good dancer, mother," Audra teased and raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, yes, he is. I'm glad Heath invited he and his family."

"Of course," Audra added as she moved next to her mother so they both faced Heath, "Everyone knows it takes a GREAT woman to make any cowboy look good on a dance floor. They're a clumsy bunch".

As the music began for the last time, Audra put her arm through her mother's to show their united front on the matter and prepared for Heath's reaction, but he stood staring out at the dance floor. With purpose in his movements, he swung around the table and started to slowly walk away. The music brought many couples back onto the floor and Heath felt the crowd swell around him. Without giving an inch to the dancers, he walked straight ahead.

Audra put her hands on her hips and called out, "Heath! Hey, I promised the last few dances already ... You can't leave me alone to run this table".

Victoria took Audra's hand and pulled her back from heading after Heath. She kept her eyes on her son while she spoke to her daughter, quietly offering, "Leave him be. You go on now ... I'll watch the table".

"Thanks, mother."