Heath dressed quietly and found his way down the dark backstairs with his boots in his hand. He smiled seeing the glow from the kitchen and smelling the marvelous odors wafting up through the house as Silas worked making bread and rolls for this big eating family. The two friends had come to count on these early morning breakfasts together. Somehow the kitchen before dawn was a comforting environment for them both.

"Mornin', Silas," Heath rubbed Silas' back before dropping into a chair to begin pulling on his boots.

"Good morning, Heath."

Heath smiled as joy raged through his soul. Sometime during the past six months Silas decided to trust Heath ... Heath knew this was what it truly was considering the times in which they were living. The older black butler finally called the younger rich white man by his first name after months of begging, teasing, and sincere talking. Silas only dropped the mister when they were alone early in the morning here in the kitchen. This fact alone got Heath out of his nice soft bed when his muscles ached and his mind screamed for another hour before facing the day.

They went into their well-practiced morning routine. Silas started to put the food out on the preset table while Heath poured coffee and fussed over whatever was baking or being prepared for the family's breakfast in a few hours. They would sit and share grace each taking a turn thanking their Maker while the warm glow of the kitchen was transferred to their souls.

"You're mighty perky today, boy?"

Heath laughed seeing Silas' eyebrow half way up his forehead. Silas knew everything about EVERYTHING that happened on this ranch. But he was also a loyal confidant and Heath trusted him completely. Heath was honored to know the trust went both ways.

"Got plans."

"Oh? You gonna make me guess?"

Heath chuckled and shook his head.

"No, I suppose not. I've been working ahead for this day for over a month. Figure I'm caught up enough for Nick to be satisfied. I'll have to avoid him. Hate to lie if we come face to face."

"What could you be up to which would make you lie to Mr. Nick?"

Silas' concerned face made Heath smile. His mind flashed back to Strawberry for an instant and his early morning breakfasts with his ma. This was also the only time they saw each other all day and Heath remembered learning how to handle predawn inquisitions.

"Silas, I'm taking a day off!"

"You're what?"

"I'm taking a day for me. Declaring it Heath day or something stupid like that. I've been on this ranch more than two years and this is the first day I'm doing what I want," Heath heard himself crowing and blushing beet red.

"Well now! A day off? Why I get one of those every two weeks, plus every Sunday afternoon. Seems to me you need to renegotiate your contract with the Barkleys."

They laughed and Heath quickly was back to feeling at ease before tearing back into his breakfast. Silas watched him unable to stop smiling long enough to eat himself.

"Anything in particular we are celebrating this fine spring day, Heath?"

"Well ... No, not really."

Heath thought for a moment. Of all the people in this entire world Silas might understand his sentiments about this day, but Heath never before even contemplated sharing his thoughts with another human being.

"Well, whatever your reason ... I only have one thing to say."

"Yes?" Heath stopped and looked up.

"It is about time!"

They smiled and began finishing up so Silas wouldn't get behind. Heath grabbed some dishes and headed to the sink. As was their habit Heath washed and Silas dried unless the younger man was running late. Heath had all day so he didn't rush enjoying the company and the comforting environment.

"Silas, do you remember the day you ran away?"

"Yes, Heath."

"Was it a good day?"

Silas thought back and shivered.

"No, I would say it was more a frightening day, a blur really. The good day was when I was wondering around in the woods down by the river and ran into your father."

"That must have been quite a journey from when you ran away until Tom Barkley found you hiding in the woods."

"That is was, boy. That is was."

They washed in silence.

"The BEST day was after I'd been here for a month or more. Your father was all bent out of shape about some hands wagging their tongues at me. He came in the kitchen and asked me to stay. Your father actually thought I would think of leaving this fine home."

"That was the BEST day?"

Silas smiled knowing Heath didn't understand.

"Yes, because Mr. Barkley asked me. He addressed me as a man and requested something of me. At the same time Mr. Barkley sincerely acknowledged it was my choice to stay or leave. You see, Heath, before I took this job my life was devoid of choice. Only a free man can make his own choices. So when Mr. Barkley asked me I knew I was free and it was the BEST day."

Heath turned while drying his hands and nodded. Silas carried the dishes across to the cupboard then handed them to Heath and watched the blonde place them inside.

"I've never told the family ... Heck, I've never told another soul."

Heath put his head down and turned to sit on the edge of the sideboard. Silas kept working. He checked the baking bread then took a seat at the table and began to clean silverware. Silas knew Heath needed no prompting to figure out if he wanted to continue or keep his thoughts silent.

"Today, April 23rd, is the anniversary of my personal BEST day. It's the day the Union army marched into Carterson."

Silas stopped his work and gave the young man intently staring at his boots his full attention.

"I was dying, Silas. I could feel myself dying and for the first time in such a long time I could also feel myself deciding not to fight."

Heath paused and seemed to be reliving the moments he was describing.

"I looked up and saw cavalry with infantry marching sharp behind. My God, Silas, they were wearing BLUE! One officer had this horse .... Ah, that animal was a beautiful sight. I decided I was dreaming and dropped my eyes."

Silas shook his head. This boy and he had so much in common. They never spoke out loud regarding the meaning of being free until this morning, but each man always knew they understood freedom more than most men ever could or would. His heart sang with praise for Heath's delivery from that miserable place in Texas.

"Well," Heath took a deep breath and gathered himself, "I've got a day all to myself."

Heath moved to the chair where his saddlebags had been flung. Silas walked over to the sideboard and then handed the young man the sack meal he made earlier. For an instant they stood close as Silas watched Heath rearrange to make everything fit.

Silas gently put a hand on his young friend's shoulder, he whispered, "My day of freedom was January 3rd. Good way to start a new year, Son."

Heath stood up with a large grin and nodded his understanding. Without another word he was headed to the barn and his own beautiful horse, Charger.

"WELL, WHERE THE HECK IS THAT BOY?"

"Nick, your voice!"

Nick sat down hard in his chair while ignoring the grins on his brother, sister, and mother's faces.

"SILAS," Nick made eye contact with the butler as he began to place food plates on the long table, "I CERTAINLY HOPE YOU'RE NOT SERVING UP MORE OF THAT JUNK FROM BREAKFAST!!!"

Silas smiled and keep working, "No, Mr. Nick, you'll be pleased with your dinner."

"GOOD!"

"I rather liked the change of pace, Silas," Jarrod caught the older man's eye and winked.

"Oh, me too. I loved the gravy," Audra quickly checked to see if their teases would get a reaction from Nick.

"BISCUITS AND GRAVY PLUS THOSE AWFUL WHITE MUSHY THINGS!"

"Grits, Mr. Nick," Silas was trying to hide a smile, "They are called grits."

Nick took a breath and settled seeing a large plate of steaks set in front of him.

"Now, this is more like it! All that other stuff with my eggs and sausage this morning ... Yuck! Too bad Heath missed it."

"Heath?" Jarrod raised an eyebrow.

"Ya, the kid loves that stuff. Breakfast made me think of him actually."

"It did?" Victoria smiled broadly and winked at Silas knowing this had been his motive in extending the treats Heath and the butler quietly enjoyed in the early morning kitchen. Normally their secret delights never found their way to the family dining room.

"Yes," Nick grabbed a large piece of meat, "Heath's still mixed up from being raised by three woman from South Carolina. Poor kid!"

Silas started for the kitchen then looked back and smiled watching Nick tear into a steak, which had been moved from breakfast to dinner on a whim. Silas liked making Nick Barkley take a moment away from himself to think of his younger brother.

Victoria finished delivering two days worth of supper foods to the Slater's. The young couple bought the small Pierce ranch and they were struggling. With the arrival of their first child the couple seemed to be dragging between their normal duties and the new addition's tendency to keep them awake most nights. Victoria enjoyed the visit and the Slaters were obviously going to savor better cooking than they had for a good long time.

It was a wonderful spring day so she took the long way back through the far side of the ranch. Victoria's thoughts made her smile. Age was a funny thing, it snuck up on you when you weren't expecting it. Early in life when you held someone's newborn your first thoughts were to dream of holding your own babies. Then you moved into the years when your family more than occupied your time and holding anyone else's newborn made you glad to return it to it's parents.

Another stage was when your children were older, but not independent adults. Holding a newborn then was a nostalgic feeling. Victoria remembered the feeling of knowing she and Tom didn't plan on holding anymore of their own newborns and struggling to decide how to feel about this new situation. Happily Victoria now held newborns, as she had the Slater's child, and could only feel hopes, dreams, and wishes for a grandchild to spoil seep through her mind.

Victoria was lost in her thoughts when a flash of blue caught her peripheral vision. She slowed the buggy and tried to focus on the distant spec. It was Heath's shirt, which caught her eye. Victoria sat back and laughed out loud with delight watching Heath from her unnoticed observation site.

Heath was letting Charger run full tilt. The stallion flew across the horizon as the horse took complete advantage of his master's loose hold on the reins and encouraging words. Horse and rider basked in the feeling of freedom as they tore up the countryside at ease while thinking their joyride a private affair. Heath and his horse disappeared over the hill with such speed and fluid motion Victoria wondered if they had been real.

"MY, GOD," Victoria whispered to the sky, "That boy can ride."

She headed back to the ranch with the excitement of seeing Heath easily in command of the large stallion making her heart sing. Victoria instinctively sensed her duty to keep the ride a secret. None the less she was very grateful fate allowed her this quiet moment with her youngest son.

Heath finished the second book from his saddlebag. The sun was thinking about disappearing from the sky and an early spring evening greeted his skyward gaze. What a wonderful day! He rolled on his stomach to check out what Charger was doing over where Heath tied him after their long walk to cool down. They enjoyed two long rides, a picnic over by the creek, and now this quiet time to reflect. Heath stood up and took in the land, which surrounded him. He wondered if Nick or Jarrod ever needed to remind themselves of the fact they owned as far as the eye could see. Heath still wasn't used to the idea and doubted he ever would be.

The cowboy's original plans for this much-anticipated day included staying out of the house until after dinner. Heath would come in the back, slip in the tub, and call it a night without having to face any questions from Nick or having to lie. Heath hated lying more than almost anything he could think of.

Gazing out over the Barkley ranch as he turned slowly in a complete circle Heath's mind was flooded with pictures of them. He heard and saw Victoria, Audra, Jarrod, and Nick at different times and places since his arrival on Barkley land. He stopped and concentrated on one view, which took in a wonderful pasture, a large stand of trees, and the beginning rays of twilight. For an instant Heath's mind flashed to the portrait of Tom Barkley over the study's fireplace.

Heath never felt like he had anything in common with the man he now referred to as his father. Tom Barkley was a distant ghost and the family still hesitated to talk openly about him in front of his illegitimate son. Heath didn't mind. He knew they were only trying to protect him, but Heath secretly longed to know the man and they were his only link.

A cool breeze came up and Heath realized he was getting cold. He mounted Charger and they stood taking one more look from their hiding place. Tom Barkley flashed through his boy's mind making Heath smile. He knew without any doubt his father had once stood on this very ground and shared Heath's joy, awe, and utter amazement while trying to comprehend the Barkley ranch they both loved. Tom Barkley wasn't born to this land and it's wonders were not a given in his life. Heath heart sang with the joy of feeling close to his father for the first time. Yes, Heath and his father did share a common link besides biology.

Without hesitation Heath revised his plans and headed home. This day wouldn't be complete without sharing it with his family and if Nick asked questions Heath would simply answer. He was a Barkley too and entitled to a day for himself no matter what his brother thought. Full of confidence the young cowboy turned Charger towards the barn.

Heath ran threw the foyer and took the steps by twos. Before Jarrod could sound a greeting his youngest brother grabbed some clothes and headed in for a bath. Jarrod smiled wondering what they ever did before the quiet blonde graced their home.

"Was that Heath?"

Jarrod kissed his mother and gladly accepted the glass Nick offered.

"Yes, he ran up for a bath. I could be too hopeful here, but maybe he'll be joining us for supper."

"Oh, that would be wonderful. He's been out early and back late for weeks now," Audra put down her stitching and returned her mother's smile.

"Rode out to the west end today. Couldn't believe Heath was finished with those fences."

"Perhaps you and Heath need to sit down and talk about how you are splitting the work, Nicholas. We virtually haven't seen him for over a week."

"Yes, mother, I know. Heath's had something up his sleeve. Every time I ask him about some job its already done," Nick sat down genuinely perplexed.

"What type of partner are you?" Jarrod chuckled as he found his seat, "Poor kid is obviously working more hours then anyone else on this ranch!"

Jarrod expected a retort, which didn't come. Instead Nick shook his head in agreement. The other three noted his answer and smiles passed around.

"Tell you the truth," Nick was talking to his shot of whiskey, "If I suggest Heath does the work of one man he does enough for two. If we adjust and give him what I'd expect from two men ... Next thing I know he's done enough for three or more. I'm starting to feel like I should assign Heath to sit and read one of those books he loves so dog gone much."

Victoria smiled and brought Nick back into the circle and away from his wandering thoughts, "Why don't we all talk about it at supper. I would like to find a way to have the whole family together more often."

Silas announced dinner.

"We'll wait a few more minutes, Silas. Heath isn't ready," Victoria replied.

"No, ma'am. Mr. Heath was down and out the back door a few minutes ago."

Jarrod shrugged and helped his mother to her feet.

"Thanks, Silas," Nick shook his head and drained his glass before offering Audra his arm.

The family gathered around the table and quieted for grace. Suddenly Heath burst through the kitchen door and rushed over to plant kisses on Audra's cheek and then his mother's. Heath placed small replicas of roses he etched into walnut shell halves in front of each woman's plate before taking his seat. The family stared and waited.

"Sorry," Heath blushed realizing he had everyone's attention centered on him, "I washed those up earlier and went to bring them in. I'm sorry to have kept supper, mother."

Victoria smiled as she gently examined his detailed hand on the nutshell.

"You weren't late, Heath. We are simply glad, but surprised to see you."

Heath raised his eyes from his lap and returned Victoria's generous smile.

"Heath, thank you. This is lovely. How did you ever find the time?"

Before Heath could think of an answer Nick piped in, "YES, LITTLE BROTHER, HOW DID YOU FIND THE TIME?"

"Shall we say grace?" Jarrod attempted a save and nodded when Heath's eyes darted his way.

The family dropped their heads and listened while Victoria expressed their gratitude. The table stayed quiet for a moment then Silas began to place large serving platters around the table. Nick was about to wag his finger at Heath and ask some questions, but the food being placed on the table took his attention from his younger brother. The family watched with interest as Silas served what at first appeared to be breakfast to the beef eating clan. The butler put out a large plate of fried ham, corn pudding, mashed potatoes, creamed gravy, greens, biscuits, and finally a bowl filled with honey.

"What the heck? Seems your presence at dinner isn't a surprise to everyone, Heath." Nick was the first to take the intent of the unusual meal in, "Silas, what is going on around here today?"

"Glad you noticed what a special day it is, Mr. Nick. I need to get back in the kitchen to finish the brown betty."

Silas rushed away leaving the table quiet except for Heath who was desperately trying to stifle a laugh.

"WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HERE? WHERE'S SUPPER?"

Nick started to get up while trying to ignore Heath's joy with the meal and the others giggling with him as they began to pass plates.

"Nicholas, sit!"

Nick obeyed his mother's command while still watching the door to the kitchen thinking Silas would return with a plate of steaks or anything resembling the supper the cowboy was expecting. He looked around at his family digging into the meal. FRIED SLICES OF HAM? That was for breakfast!

"ISN'T ANYONE EVEN CURIOUS TO SEE WHO THIS BETTY PERSON IS IN THE KITCHEN?"

That was too much for Heath. He fell into laughter taking the others with him. It took a while for him to settle since whenever Heath made eye contact with anyone they would shrug or do something to try and make him laugh. It was a sound they rarely heard and thoroughly enjoyed. Nick sank back in his chair and filled his plate in disgust. The conversation moved from subject to subject and they all stifled another round of laughter when Nick took his second and third helpings of the Southern cuisine.

When Silas cleaned the dessert dishes Heath gave him the ultimate compliment.

"I never thought I'd taste a betty that could outdo my Aunt Rachel's Charleston version, but Silas you've definitely got her beat. Thank you for everything."

Silas smiled and tried to hide a wink from the others, "Your welcome, Mr. Heath."

Victoria smiled to herself enjoying the affection between the two men with memories of good Southern food in common. She had to admit enjoying the meal herself. Victoria was thinking about making a suggestion to Silas that they add more variety to their meal planning when she saw Nick lowering his glare at Heath as he escorted Audra to the study. Victoria quickly stood and took his arm while indicating Jarrod's need to join them. The threesome followed the younger Barkleys from the room.

"What were you working on today, Heath? Rode out to the west fences. Good job out there," Nick accepted Jarrod's challenge and picked a pool stick while waiting for the table to be set up.

"I didn't work on anything, Nick. I took the day off."

Everyone stopped and stared at Heath's back. He pretended the fire needed more attention before standing up, but Heath didn't turn around.

"TOOK THE DAY OFF?"

Heath finally turned to stare back at Nick. Jarrod went to speak, but Nick handed him the stick and his gaze stopped the attorney in his tracks.

"That sounds wonderful, Heath," Victoria gestured for him to join her on the couch but Heath shook her off with a smile.

"Well now, little brother. When did you get permission to take a day off while I was busting my back around this place we all call home?"

"Didn't!"

"Didn't what?" Nick was in Heath's face.

"After over two years nonstop and an assurance this ranch was as much mine as anyone else's around here ... I didn't ask permission. I worked ahead, did more than my share, planned for a quiet day, and took the day off."

"Oh."

Nick watched as Heath finally crossed and sat next to Victoria. She patted his hand and returned Heath's smile thoroughly enjoying the twinkle in his eyes.

"What did you do?" Audra couldn't hide her delight in Heath's finally doing something fun.

"Nothing really. I simply wanted a day and I took it. Rode Charger for no good reason other than I wanted to, finished one book and read another, ate a picnic over by the creek, and I'll never admit it but there is a distinct possibility I drifted off somewhere between the chapters of my book."

Nick smiled and shook his head as he returned to Jarrod's side, replying under his breath, "Sounds nice. Like a celebration or something."

Jarrod turned the conversation in another direction, Nick planned his next shot, Audra returned to her stitches, and Victoria held Heath's delighted gaze. She saw and understood from his eyes that Nick was right. It was a celebration. Now Silas' meals made sense. These two knew something, but the others weren't in on their secrets. After a while Heath said goodnight after assuring Nick he'd be in town for the supplies off the 5AM train. Victoria noticed her son went towards the kitchen instead of the stairs and excused herself. She waited for Heath to finish talking with Silas and greeted him with a large smile and warm embrace as he came up the back stairs.

"Boy howdy, mother. What was that for?"

Victoria squeezed Heath's hand and looked into his blue eyes, "Was it a good day, sweetheart?"

Heath wasn't sure what this incredible woman had figured out and he didn't care. He wrapped her in another embrace.

Heath whispered, "Thanks you for caring, mother. Yes, it was a good day. Not quite, but pretty near my BEST day ever."

Victoria watched Heath close his bedroom door before returning to the study. She was retrospective as she watched the fire only half listening to the banter between her three children. Victoria noted another realization gained with age. The love of a child runs so deep ... When your child has a good day so do you. She marveled at how truly good this day had been. One of the BEST since Heath's arrival on the ranch. Victoria basked in the warm glow of her family before retiring to start the process all over when dawn's light once more crossed over the Barkley ranch.