Victoria tried to busy her mind by rereading Jarrod's telegram. She'd give thought to his idea of Victoria joining her daughter to get away from some of late summer's most intense heat. But for now, she was thrilled to be home with all three of her sons.

"Mrs Barkley, I see the men."

Victoria joined Silas out front on the verandah. My goodness his eyes were better than hers. The three men looked like specs out on the road and the dust cloud left no doubt they would be hot and tired when they arrived.

"Thank you, Silas."

"Shall I start putting lunch out, Mrs Barkley."

"No, let's wait until they cool off a bit."

"Yes, ma'am."

Silas went inside but she stayed and stared at the specs as they became larger. Victoria strained her eyes to see one spec in particular. Her blond son with his favorite white hat was riding between his older brothers. She smiled with joy to see them protecting him, but realized Heath would have preferred to ride on the outside away from the others.

"Hello, pretty lady."

Nick's yell was easily heard from the front gate. She waved and watched as they pulled up and one of the hands took their mounts. Jarrod hugged her first and reassuringly patted her back. It was his way of telling her things went as well as expected.

"Welcome home, Jarrod. How I've missed you."

Nick practically threw out her back as he enthusiastically kissed her check before picking her up into a mammoth hug.

"Nick Barkley, what are you doing? You haven't even been away."

"Well maybe so but I missed you while I was in town."

Nick and Jarrod hurried inside out of the heat. Heath quietly approached her with his hat in his hand, eyes to the ground.

"Welcome home, Heath. My thoughts and prayers have been with you."

Heath looked up and smiled then gently enclosed his stepmother in a sincere embrace. He held on for a moment longer than usual ... She slid her hand through the back of his hair. They walked inside together.

"I see you gentlemen are helping yourself. Heath, would you like to join them?"

Victoria held up the whiskey decanter but Heath shook his head and took a seat. He looked terribly worn.

"Okay, Jarrod. I want all the details."

"Well, it is pretty much what Heath and I expected. The judge didn't feel there was enough evidence to pursue a grand jury inquiry or murder charges against either of the Simmons. The evidence was all very questionable and the lack of witnesses made it difficult."

"What was their reaction?"

"Mrs Simmons ... Well, she was bitter. On the other hand, Mr Simmons seemed truly stunned by the entire procedure. He was heading back to Strawberry, but she announced her intention to stay in San Fransisco."

Victoria watched Heath's face while his brother talked. There was nothing there ... Complete exhaustion was all she saw. She had to ask but wondered what his reaction would be.

"Are you satisfied? I mean, Jarrod, are you glad you took this as far as the grand jury?"

"Oh, yes! Those two have gotten away with murder. And although we can't do anything to bring Mrs Caufield back, I'm happy to make them squirm and realize they didn't get away completely. There are people on this earth who know very well what they did."

"Of course they'll be answering to a higher court one day."

"Of course." Jarrod couldn't help noticing Victoria and Nick's complete inattention to his words as they concentrated on his youngest brother. The entire ordeal had taken a heavy toll on Heath. Jarrod was relieved the Simmons couldn't hurt him anymore. There was a brief silence before Silas entered the room.

"Welcome back, Mr Jarrod, Mr Heath."

The men stood and shook his hand but only Jarrod returned his warm smile. "Shall I serve lunch?"

"Can it wait a half hour or so, mother?"

"Certainly, Nick. Why?"

"I can't wait to show Heath our new surprise out in the lower corral."

Nick's animation made Heath glance up and raise an eyebrow. Nick stood up and did his peacock impression by placing his hands on his hips with his chest all the way out. Heath knew this body language meant something special.

"Boy howdy, let's go!"

Heath left his jacket over his chair and followed Nick through the front door. Victoria heard Nick slap him on the back and start to complain about all the work Heath needed to get done. She smiled knowing Nick was good medicine for Heath's heartache. She turned her attention back to Jarrod. He was refreshing his drink which he rarely did this early in the day. When he offered, she agreed to join him.

"Are you truly satisfied, Jarrod?"

"Of course not. But I didn't expect to be and neither did Heath. Those two should be waiting behind bars begging for mercy instead of walking the streets. I have no doubt in my mind they murdered Rachel Caufield."

"Heath seems ... He's just tired from the trip, I guess?"

"No, I knew this would be hard and it was. But mother, I don't think he'll do anything on his own after this experience. I was worried, when I first heard about your trip to Strawberry. Worried Heath would take justice into his own hands. I think he realizes the Simmons aren't worth it now."

"I hope so."

Victoria smiled at Jarrod's depth of perception. She'd worried about the same thing and waited until they were way clear of Strawberry before she told Heath about his aunt's suspicious fall down one of the deserted mine shafts.

"Mother?"

Victoria looked up and saw pain in Jarrod's face. He quickly looked away and moved to the window. His brothers weren't in sight so he continued. The words choked him and he fought to share them because he knew she needed to know.

"What is it, Jarrod?"

Victoria got up and moved closer then gently touched the back of his arm while he stared out the window.

"When Martha Simmons walked by, after the judge's decision was announced, she said some horribly hurtful things to Heath. If she wasn't a woman ... "

Victoria put her glass down on a nearby table and embraced her normally calm, cool, and collected son. He held her tight.

"Sometimes I forget Heath hasn't always been with us. There is something very gentle about his soul. It is so familiar in a way."

Jarrod lightly laughed and shook his head.

"Now that didn't make sense. Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I think I understand what you are trying to say. There isn't a day which passes when I don't wish Leah made some different decisions ... Heath should have been here all along."

Jarrod hugged her tighter once more. They watched as his brothers walked back towards the house. Nick was talking loud and carrying on about something he found particularly interesting. Heath wore his crooked smile and walked quietly allowing Nick center stage.

Heath picked at his lunch but Victoria wrote it off because of the heat and his weariness. They made plans for a late dinner since lunch's conversation ran longer than usual. Heath excused himself to change while Nick went to check on the horses. Jarrod adjourned to his office. Victoria wandered out to the shade in the rose garden with a book. "Jarrod?"

The man looked up surprised Heath was still in the house. He offered a genuine smile.

"What can I do for you?"

"Two quick things."

Jarrod watched as Heath crossed and stood in front of his desk fumbling with his hat while he stared at the ground.

"Okay?"

"First, thanks again for all you did for me. My Aunt Rachel was very important to me and I ...

"Well the other thing is this, how much money to I have in the bank?"

Jarrod tried to maintain his smile for Heath's benefit. His younger brother had only lived with them a few months and the large amounts of money he earned as a full partner in the ranch didn't interest him. Heath simply took a weekly allowance and requested Jarrod handle the rest of his finances.

"Your welcome, again. I'm sorry there wasn't something more solid to pin Rachel's murder on those two ... animals."

He took a breath and then moved on.

"I moved some of your money last week. Its invested in some stocks I thought worthwhile."

"That's fine. How about cash in the bank?"

"I can look in your bank book for an exact figure but it is around $6,500."

Heath looked up with a shocked look on his face.

"That's cash ... In the bank?"

Jarrod smiled, Heath was good for them all. He made them appreciate what they often took for granted.

"That's cash. Do you mind if I ask why?"

"Nothing, just an idea I had. Boy howdy, I've never even seen that much money. Do you ever get used to it?"

Jarrod smiled and lied.

"No."

They heard Nick's boots stomping across the foyer to the bottom of the stairs.

"HEATH????? HEATH, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING UP THERE ... DRESSING FOR A GRAND BALL???????"

Heath laughed. He had a wonderful laugh which made you join him. Jarrod stood up and put his hand on his younger brother's back while they walked to the door.

"HEATH!!! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD ... WE'VE GOT THINGS TO DO, BOY!!!"

Jarrod opened the door and bowed to Heath. His gracious tease made Heath laugh again.

"Good luck, little brother."

Heath put on his hat and pulled it low. Straightening himself as if he was going out to face a raging bull, the younger man winked as he walked out the door.

"Thanks!" Victoria made sure dinner was something Heath appreciated. He teased her when she revealed the menu before he went upstairs to clean up.

"That's a poor man's supper, mother?"

"Just good eats, my dear!"

He smile and wearily climbed the stairs. Nick came in and woke up the place with his loud voice and sense of humor.

"I'm starving! What's for dinner?"

Victoria smiled knowing what his reaction would be.

"Shepard's pie, fresh tomatoes from the garden, plus fresh fruit."

"Shepard's pie? Ah gee, what's wrong with a nice, big, juicy steak?"

She laughed and slid her hand across his face while he poured a second drink.

"Nothing, Nicholas. Nothing at all."

He shook his head and slumped into a chair with his leg dangling off the side. Jarrod joined them.

"Heath is out of the bath, Nick!"

"Great! I'm starving."

Nick flew up the stairs and soon after they were gathered around the table. Despite his attempts to be interested in a dinner meant to please him, Heath mostly pushed his food around on his plate. The three of them smiled when Nick took a fourth helping of the meat and potato pie. He rambled on about the stallion he'd bought while the other two men were in San Fransisco.

Finally, over coffee, Nick began to list the chores he wanted Heath to complete over the next few days. The list was long and difficult but Heath just stared into his coffee and listened.

"Nick," Heath didn't look up.

"Yes, little brother."

"I'm afraid some of those things will have to wait if you want me to tend to them."

"WHY?"

Heath looked him straight in the eye, replying, "I'm riding to Strawberry in the morning. I could be a day or so".

Nick slammed his fist on the table.

"Nicholas Barkley!"

Nick looked at his mother with anger painted on his face. Jarrod kept working on his piece of melon waiting for more information before he reacted.

"I've been busting my butt around here, mother. Its about time for him to pick up his end."

"Nick, hold your tongue."

Nick thought for a moment and looked at Heath. Heath was staring back in his coffee cup. He knew the melancholy that look could mean and didn't like it.

"No, I'm sorry mother but we're swamped out there and I need Heath. Frankly, when you go back to Strawberry, you always come back worse for the wear."

Heath looked up with his eyebrow cocked. He was trying to figure out what Nick meant by his last statement. Jarrod stepped in.

"Can we help you with whatever you need to do?"

Heath smiled, "No, but thanks".

"Ah, com'on. That's not enough information, little brother. You're running out on me just when I need you the most! Hell, I'd be better off ... "

"NICHOLAS!"

Nick finally caught himself when he saw the look on Victoria's face.

"I'm sorry, Nick. I should only be two or three days max. I'll make up for it when I get back."

"Heath, you don't owe us an explanation and Nick knows very well you'll catch up when you're able."

Nick tried to change his tone but didn't find the right words, offering, "Why do ya need to go back there? Everybody's dead any how".

The table grew silent and Nick immediately wished he'd have thought before he spoke.

"Nick ..."

Heath was ringing his napkin in his hands under the table to control himself but his face was bright red. He turned his eyes to Victoria when he offered his explanation.

"You've been wonderful to me and I'm truly grateful. I love being here, working on the ranch, and feeling like I'm part of something bigger than myself ... Part of a family. I love you all very much, but ...

"We were a family Rachel, Hannah, my ma, and me. It wasn't what you read about in books but it was all the family we had. And they aren't all dead! Hannah is very much alive and deserves to know what happened in San Fransisco plus I need to talk to her about something. I'm going!"

"That's fine, Heath. Would you like company?"

He held her eyes and she saw him fighting for control as he slightly dipped his head to thank her.

"No, I need the time. Thank you."

Jarrod patted his brother's shoulder.

Nick tried to make up, blurring out, "Hurry back, I doubt that stallion will warm up to me. You'll have to gentle him for me".

"Okay, Nick."

The brothers caught each other's eyes and smiled. Heath excused himself and said good-bye, he'd leave long before dawn. When he crossed to kiss Victoria, she stood and held him close.

"Take care, darling. Take care."

Heath hurried from the room and the rest adjourned to the verandah in search of a cool breeze. Jarrod sat with his arm around Victoria's shoulders trying to reassure her. Nick paced and rambled on about the ranch. Disgusted with the work load facing him in the morning, Nick excused himself and headed upstairs.

"Mother?"

She reached up and held the hand dangled over her shoulder, smiling in the dark, "Yes, Jarrod?".

"I hate to admit it, but I wish Heath wouldn't go tomorrow."

"Do you know why?"

"He came in the office earlier and asked about his money. For an instant, I thought he was going to tell me he was leaving."

Victoria sat straight up and turned to face him, replying, "Really?".

"It was just a feeling, he didn't say anything. Maybe I read more into the situation than necessary."

"Maybe?"

"Funny, six months ago I had no idea Heath even existed. Now, I can't bare the thought of him not living here." Victoria slipped back under his arm in thought.

"Without Heath, Nick would have never learned some of the finer points of life. Like the taste of a good shepard's pie!" She laughed to please him realizing what he was doing. But, it didn't work. Her mind was busy thinking about Heath and worrying. Jarrod excused himself and she sat out for a few minutes longer. Her decision made, Victoria climbed the stairs and walked into Heath's room. He rustled and sat up when she entered.

"Mother?"

"Yes, its okay. Lay back down, I wanted to say something." His quick reaction to her opening the door made her feel better. Victoria couldn't imagine he'd be sleeping but there had been that possibility. She bypassed the chair by the window and sat right next to him and took his hand.

"Are you okay?"

Victoria smiled, offering, "I'm fine. I'm here to ask you the same question".

Heath flopped back on his pillows, sighing, "Oh".

Victoria gathered her thoughts while clutching his left hand and using her other hand to subconsciously run her fingernails up and down his forearm. There wasn't a hint of air coming in the window but the moonlight allowed her to see Heath staring up at her.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Heath smiled and then started to laugh.

"You always wander around in the middle of the night like this?"

She smiled, replying, "Only when I'm worried about someone very dear to me". Heath pulled up her hand and gave it a slight kiss before returning it to her lap. The fingernail massage she was giving his forearm felt wonderful and was making him a bit sleepy.

"Is there anything else?"

"Pardon?"

"Anything you're not sharing?"

"I'm not sure what you're asking. You mean about Strawberry?"

"Strawberry, San Fransisco, or perhaps here?"

Victoria took her free hand and gently touched Heath's chest over his heart. He remained silent.

Finally, he barely whispered, "I don't like knowing Rachel isn't there if I need her. She was always there, always. When my ma was working or mad at me ... "

Heath smiled as a few memories flashed by, adding, "She saved my hide from a spanking many times, I tell you true!".

Victoria smiled hearing the love in his voice.

"I guess ... I guess her death means more than meets the eye." "In what way?"

"Without ma and Rachel, my family is gone. Not that it was a good life or I'll miss it, but it was nice knowing I could go back if I wanted, needed to. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes, those women created a home. None of us likes it when we can't go home."

Heath squeezed her hand. He was so relieved she seemed to understand. Closing his eyes, he let a few tears slip down and drop off onto the pillows.

"Do you ever stop missing folks?"

"Time truly helps, but no you always miss them."

They sat quietly while she mindlessly rubbed his arm. Typical of her relationship with Heath, they grew closer through silence than most people did after years of conversation.

Heath was sinking further into his pillows and drifting on the edge of sleep. Victoria enjoyed the trust his relaxation represented.

"Mother," Heath didn't open his eyes, "I love Hannah. I wouldn't leave Nick right now if I truly didn't need to go tomorrow".

Victoria never missed a beat, replying, "I know".

He drifted away after saying, "I love you, too".

Victoria sat silent listening to his quiet steady breathing watching the moonlight dance over the barn roof. She thought to herself "I know, Heath. I know you do". "Oh, HEATH!!!! HEATH!"

Hannah James rushed through the broken gate with her hands up in the air. Her delight shown from every inch of her small, arthritic, and malnourished frame. Heath swung down from his horse easily forgetting the long ride he'd just completed. Rushing forward, he pulled the small woman up into his arms and swung her around until she begged him to stop.

"Hannah, you look younger every time I see ya!"

She slapped his chest lightly then shook her index finger at him, trying to seriously say, "I knows your mama taught you the evils of lying. Better not let me catch you straying. You're not so big, I'll get out my wooden spoon".

Heath grabbed her up for another hug. After he took care of his horse, he helped Hannah fold the rest of the laundry from the line. They'd shared very few words throughout their relationship. Heath always knew, with utmost certainty, Hannah loved him and he loved her. What more was there to say?

Hannah was still smiling from ear to ear which assured Heath of his purpose. Rachel and Hannah were both much older than Heath's mother. He never knew their ages but assumed they were at least his grandmother's age. Watching Hannah ramble on to herself, the wind, or the linens in her hands further convinced Heath he was attempting to do the right thing.

His dear friend had to be lonely and Strawberry wasn't safe for her stuck here all alone. Heath had a plan. If only he knew how to get her to agree?

Heath was thrilled to see the ranch when he made the last bend at sundown. It had been a very long day, made longer since Charger wasn't 100% and he added extra water, rest breaks. Poor horse probably got hold of some bad feed somewhere in Strawberry. My God, that town wasn't good for anything anymore.

It was the end of twilight when he finished grooming his friend and felt sure he was set for the night. The ranch hands were in town spending today's pay which made the entire area pleasantly quiet. The house was full of light as he crossed the yard and smiled to think none of them noticed his arrival. If he had to bet, Heath would have previously said that sneaking in was impossible around this ranch.

He washed at the water pump and made a poor attempt to air dry before he stepped in the front door. Hearing Nick's voice, obviously proving some point, Heath headed for the dining room.

"HEATH!"

Victoria jumped up when her son meekly stuck his wet head in the room. She ran past Jarrod and Nick to embrace him. She hung on tight to his waist while he shook hands with his brothers.

"You'al go on back to your supper. I'll get changed and join you in a few minutes."

"Nonsense! Sit, we're used to a little trail dust mixed in with our meals."

Heath smiled down at his wonderful stepmother and realized arguing would only waste time. He was famished.

Silas quickly set him a place after they shook hands. Heath ran back out to the foyer and his bag then came jogging back in.

"Silas! Wait, don't run off."

"Yes, Mr Heath."

"Its just Heath. Here's a present for you from Strawberry. I knew you'd appreciate it."

"For me?"

The butler bowed slightly and couldn't hide his delight. Heath was always sitting in the kitchen jawing with him and often took an early breakfast with him. They'd become fast friends.

"Open it here, Silas," Mrs Barkley pleaded, "Let's see?"

Silas unwrapped the checkerboard napkin and cheesecloth. To his delight he found a tin pan full of hoecakes.

"Oh Mr. Heath, thank you. Thank you very much. I've heard your tales about Miss Hannah's cakes."

Heath laughed, "You are very welcome".

"Hoecakes? Sounds like dessert. Let's have at 'em!"

"No, Nick. They are for Silas and they aren't desert. I sure hope they warm up okay, Silas."

Silas had the biggest grin anyone could remember on his face, "Oh they'll be fine, Heath. Fine!".

Heath was ticked to please Silas to the point he finally forgot and dropped the Mister. He sat down. Nick shook his head and returned to his plate of roast beef. Jarrod passed things to Heath until his plate was full. Victoria sat basking in the glow of having these three safe at her table.

Heath excused himself immediately after dinner and headed straight for the bathtub. Victoria snuck into the kitchen and Silas gladly shared a bite of his delicious cornmeal treats.

"That boy, he's a keeper, Mrs Barkley!"

Victoria gently rubbed her loyal friend on the shoulder before she exited leaving him to savor his treat along with the memories of Southern food they brought. Silas thought to himself "too bad cowboys think every meal should be beef, beef, and more beef".

"Feel better?"

"Oh my, yes!"

They all laughed as Heath accepted a glass from Jarrod and sat on the couch by Victoria.

"What the hell kept you in Strawberry for nearly four days?"

"NICK!"

They all laughed as Nick shrugged his shoulders and continued, "Well, we all want to know so I asked".

Heath put his hand over Victoria's and squeezed it slightly.

"It's okay, I came back down to talk to you all."

"How's Hannah?"

Heath smiled at her and his gratitude was in his eyes.

"She's good. Talking to herself day and night. Plus, she moves furniture and things around one way and then moves them back. But, I'd have to admit, she's always been like that. Its part of her charm."

"Charm? She sounds crazy to me."

Heath let Nick's comment go assuming he meant nothing by it. He didn't.

"Matt Simmons back in town?", Jarrod's voice was low as he took a seat directly across from Heath.

"Uncle Matt is back at the hotel. Saw him once but we didn't speak. The general store is finally boarded up so I can't imagine anyone will stay now."

"Oh my, Heath. Is Hannah safe there?"

Heath turned and smiled again at Victoria.

"No, she isn't and that was a major reason for my trip. I'd like to move her closer to Stockton. It sure would be nice to visit more often.

"I ended up staying longer than I intended because she needed some major work done on her roof. With no store, I ended up using the good wood and shingles I found on Rachel's and a few other places around town. The roof will hold for a season if I'm lucky.

"We moved the rest of Rachel's belongings into Hannah's place. She cleaned things out and I ended up wheeling it through town in a cart since Charger wasn't feeling up to snuff. I'm sorry, Nick. I had to get her taken care of so I stayed."

Nick nodded and sipped his drink.

"I'd like to ask you all a favor?"

"Anything, dear, just ask."

"I'd like to buy a small parcel of land from the ranch."

"BUY? YOU ALREADY OWN THE RANCH!"

"I know, Nick. Hear me out?"

Nick's eyes met Heath's and he shook his head.

"I've thought an awful lot about it and an acre over at the far end of the creek would be just right. I could put a small cabin up, it's safe, shady, and there's plenty of room for a garden."

"Why do you feel the need to buy it?"

"Hannah won't budge from her house. Its the first house that's ever been hers, I mean belonged to her. I want to build the cabin and give her the land. I'll never know the horrors of being a slave but I do know it must do something to your insides. If I don't get this set up right, I'll never get her safe."

Heath thought for a moment, then looked at Nick and added, "If she doesn't move here, I'll have to take time to check on her over in Strawberry every two weeks or so".

"You don't need to buy the land. We'll give it to Hannah if you think she'd take it."

"I'm not sure she'd accept it without a bill of sale and a deed with her name on it."

"I can handle the details," Jarrod was already thinking through the paperwork, "What's Hannah's last name?".

"James, Hannah James."

Victoria leaned over, smiling, "I think it is a marvelous idea. We'd be glad to help you".

Heath lit up like a birthday candle. Then he peeked over at Nick who was quietly agreeing. Yep, the trip to Strawberry threat did the trick all right!

The evenings were getting cold by the time Heath finished work on the cabin. He tried to make her new home roomy yet efficient knowing Hannah would be unhappy rambling around a big place. Plus, she shouldn't be worrying about taking care of a big place.

Heath prayed every day for Hannah's acceptance of his plan. Last trip out to Strawberry, her old stove wasn't even working right and she'd been cold until he arrived to fix it. Between working on the cabin early in the morning and returning once he'd finished his work for Nick, Heath was finding it hard to tolerate the trips back and forth to Strawberry. He smiled thinking Hannah wasn't the only one getting older!

He wandered into the pretty little church which was situated far off the road. Silas gave him detailed directions and Heath still had trouble finding it. The graveyard was well cared for and the inside of the church made him smile. It was plain whitewashed wood with a simple cross and benches not pews. He slid onto a front bench and thought about this being his idea of a church. Hannah dragged him with her on a regular basis when he was a child.

"Pardon me, sir. May I help you?"

Heath jumped up and offered his hand to the wonderfully round man before him.

"Yes, Reverend Anderson. I'm Heath Barkley. I believe Silas ... "

"Oh yes, Mr Barkley. I'm glad to meet you."

"Thank you, I'm glad to finally meet you. Silas has told me about your services and the powerful work you do here."

"How can I help you?"

"This might take a few minutes to explain. I'd be glad to wait if you're busy now."

Heath glanced back at the young couple waiting by the door. Obviously they had been talking with the minister when he noticed Heath.

"No, I'll finish with them later."

Heath smiled, "No, I'll wait my turn. In fact, if you don't mind, I'd love to sit quiet here and take in the beauty of your church. Reminds me of the one back home".

"Well, all right. I'll be right back, Mr Barkley."

The minister half ran down the aisle and quickly dismissed the couple. Heath didn't notice as he closed his eyes and prayed Reverend Anderson was his answer.

"Now, sir, I'm at your service."

Heath jumped slightly since he hadn't noticed the man sit down beside him. Reverend Anderson smiled.

"Its about my aunt, Hannah James. Obviously she ain't really my aunt but that don't matter. I love her."

He stopped realizing the minister wasn't following him.

"Reverend, my aunt is a former runaway. My friend, Rachel Caufield, found her half dead out in the desert by Strawberry ages ago. The Caufields took her home and there she stayed. My ma was a friend of the Caufields and Mrs James. When I came along, well, they all shared taking care of me.

"Thomas Barkley was my father but I didn't come to live here until recently."

Heath stopped and checked the man's face. He could always tell if they knew his heritage story or if he needed to continue. Obviously, Reverend Anderson was fully aware of Heath's background.

"Anyway, everybody in Strawberry is gone. Hannah, that's my aunt, she's all alone there but she won't budge. I built her a fine house, deeds in her name for that plus an acre of land over by North Creek.

"Frankly, sir, my aunt isn't safe by herself anymore. Lord knows how old she truly is but she's old enough for me to know I need to do for her more often. With my obligations to the ranch, its very hard."

"What can I do to help you, son?"

Heath laughed, adding, "I'm not rightly sure. I was hoping you'd agree to come out and see the place I've fixed for Hannah, read the papers saying its hers and nobody elses, and then ride out to Strawberry and talk to her. I'd be glad to pay you for your time, effort, and travel expenses".

"What makes you think I could help?"

"Hannah's the most Christian woman I've ever known. If I learned anything from her, it was the fear of the Lord!"

They both stopped and laughed. Heath really liked Reverend Anderson just as Silas said he would.

"Between you're talking to her and the fact she'd be able to attend your church, I might be able to get her moved. I'm terribly worried about her."

The minister reached out and patted Heath's shoulder.

"I can see and hear your sincerity, son. If you think it would help ... I'll arrange my trip for next week."

They sat and talked for another hour. Heath shared some history or what history he knew about Hannah. While he wrote down directions to the cabin and Hannah's house in Strawberry, Reverend Anderson went to his office. When he returned he handed Heath a small metal replica of the Big Dipper.

"This is a good luck charm for Hannah's house. Mr Driver, of my congregation, makes them all the time. I enjoy sharing them."

Heath's fingers surveyed the gift. The craftsmanship was expert and he knew exactly where he'd hang it.

"I remember the stories Hannah told me about the slaves finding their way north by the dipper. This will mean so very much, thank you, sir."

Reverend Anderson offered his hand and Heath gladly shook it. As he started to leave, he turned around and asked one last question.

"Reverend?", Heath hesitated.

"Yes, son?"

"Do you ever think our people, all people, will learn to look past the color of a man's skin and simply be together? I'm not a church going man, but I am a strong believer. I wish, I wish this could be my church."

Reverend Anderson smiled, he'd silently double-checked Heath's story by giving him the Big Dipper wallhanging. The young man had passed his test, making the wise older man hope it was safe to answer.

"Yes, son. I truly believe that day will come. But I fear you and I won't see it. Of course you're always welcome in this house."

Heath nodded his gratitude and left feeling more positive than he had in weeks. Before heading out to the north pasture, where Nick thought he'd been all morning, he stopped by Hannah's new home and hung her gift over the kitchen window. She'd get to see it often there.

"Jarrod, Nick, Silas," Audra came running in the cabin where her brothers where finishing arranging the furniture, "They're here already!".

Silas finished shining the last few plates before he put them in the cupboard. Heath had done a great job and he could just imagine Miss Hannah running the place.

Nick and Jarrod had moved in the new bedroom furniture just this morning. The block wood pine kitchen table made the entire place smell wonderful. They looked around hoping everything was ready.

Heath slowed up the team and came to a stop at the edge of Hannah's property. Victoria held the frail woman's hand as she looked over the area.

"Its all yours, Hannah. Heath put up a fence around your entire place. That way you'll know exactly what you own."

Hannah's hand tightened on her new friend's.

"Get these horses moving, Heath. I'm so close to home, now, I can feel it."

Heath heart sang with joy. Reverend Anderson, God Bless him, he'd been the missing link. Hannah let he and Victoria help pack up her personal things. They all held hands as they pulled away from her small green house.

Starting down the road away from Strawberry, Heath began to turn for a quick look back. Hannah quickly corrected him.

"No, boy! Don't you be doing that now, ya hear. We're going home. Nothing back there but a fistful of memories. We easily take them with us in this here wagon."

Victoria smiled and said a silent prayer. Please Dear Lord, Let my Heath truly come home. He's worked so hard, grant him this blessing. Amen.

Everyone worked to get Hannah's things in before what looked like a nasty winter storm descended on them. She took one look at the place and set about supervising the unpacking while Silas cooked lunch. The fireplace glowed filling the entire cabin with warmth.

Victoria left Audra to finish stacking the worn linens Hannah insisted be moved. She joined Heath in the smaller of the two bedrooms where he was unpacking a box Hannah had filled with a bit of everything. As she entered the room, she noted Heath's shoulders were slumped and he was sitting back on his knees staring at something.

"What did you find in Hannah's box full of treasures?"

Heath didn't answer, then he whispered, "It's mostly my ma and Rachel's stuff really".

Victoria sat down and put her arm around his waist. Now that she was closer it was easy to see Heath had been crying. She used her other hand to turn the picture her way, he was clinging fast to it.

"Oh my, Heath. Is this Leah?"

Heath let Victoria have the picture so she could look more closely at it.

"I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't planning on seeing my mother today."

Heath bent his head and took some deep breaths. Victoria marveled at the absolute beauty of his mother. And the gorgeous towheaded little boy in her lap ...

"She's ... Stunning. When was this taken?"

"I bugged my ma to desperation one year. She took me to the state fair and we had our picture taken. I was six. Only picture I can think of, I'd actually forgotten she had it."

Victoria returned the picture to her son. She kissed his cheek them helped him pull the last few items from the box. Before he left, Heath put the picture on the night table next to Rachel's family bible. It was Hannah's to keep safe for now.

"Lunch everyone."

Silas put the food out on Hannah's table and side board. It was going to be a buffet-style meal. Nick was the first one to grab a plate and was surprised when Hannah took it right back out of his hands.

"Gather round, folks."

Hannah waited till all six of her guests stood around her table. She offered her hands and they followed suit until the circle was closed. Everyone bowed their heads.

"Thank you, Father. Thank you for all our many blessings. Forgive us our shortcomings. Bless this food which Silas so lovingly prepared. Most of all, we thank you for each other and for this house, my house. In Your Son's name. Amen."

A cheer went up while Heath gave Hannah a bear hug. Nick grabbed a plate to dig in and the others followed. Hannah, petted Heath's head and hung on.

She whispered in his hear, "Thank you, Heath".

Heath let go and held onto her shoulders, Hannah was slightly unsteady but it passed.

"You are more than welcome, Hannah. Thank you for always being there for me, Rachel, and my mother."

She let him put his arm around her shoulder while they watched the family get their food and move to sit by the fireplace.

Before they took their turn, Hannah spoke softly to Heath, "I appreciate the Dipper, son".

"Reverand Anderson gave it to me to put up. He said it was for good luck."

Hannah turned and looked in his eyes, able to only speak in a whisper, "I don't need no Dipper to point my way, boy. I'm home. For the first time in my entire life, I'm truly home".