"It's okay, Boy. I'll fetch your mama as soon as I get you to Mrs. Barkley. She'll have you feelin' better, well, at least warmer by the time your Mama gets there."

McCall was relieved to see the large white house come into view. The Barkley's had moved into the big house in late October. Christmas was just a week's worth of days away and already the house was showing signs of the holidays. It had been Tom's promise that they would celebrate the holidays in their new home. McCall now lived in the little house that Tom and Victoria had called home. Tom wanted to make sure that McCall would continue in his employment for a long, long time, so he gave him the house. McCall was happy and pleased to have a place to call home. He hoped that someday he'd have a wife and kids, a family of his own.

Silas came running to answer the heavy pounding at the door. Mrs. Barkley had just put Nick to bed and if that boy got woke up, it would be another hour getting him back to bed. The youngest Barkley, now eight, never seemed to run out of energy. "Mr. McCall..." Silas stopped mid sentence as he heard the crying child Jake McCall cradled.

"Evening, Silas. Would you get Tom for me?" Jake requested, not moving from the entry way. He was already making a mess on the floor.

Both Tom and Victoria came from the parlor and listened as McCall explained the events of the evening and that he'd bring the ladies back soon.

"I'll get changed and go back for the women, then I'll head into town for the doctor. Can't imagine any man allowing his wife and child to go out alone on a night like this."

"Let me take him." Victoria reached inside the wet blanket to pick up Heath.

"Let me, Dear. He's sick and needs cleaned up. I don't want you to risk catching something in your condition," Tom warned.

"Tom, I care for our children every day in this condition. I'll be fine. The poor child wants his Mama and until she arrives, I best fit the bill. Let's carry him up to the bath. We can get him cleaned up and get a good look at him for any injuries due to the accident." Victoria took control of the situation. McCall knew she would. Victoria Barkley was never afraid to get involved in time of crisis. He felt good leaving the boy in her caring hands. Those hands would soon be caring for the third Barkley offspring who was due to arrive in just over four months.

They sat huddled together, trying to stay warm. They had bantered back and forth for hours during their trip, but now they sat silent. Both were overwhelmed, exhausted and frightened. Frightened for Heath, for the purpose of this journey. Now another delay, more time to think, more time to put off what must be done. Tomorrow would come soon enough. For now dry clothes, something to eat if offered, a warm bed and the promise of a doctor for Heath was enough.

"It's been at least half an hour. I didn't even think to ask the name of the ranch or the people who are taking us in for the night. Where was my head? We should have just had him help us get on our horse and follow him." Rachel's negative thoughts slipped out, her glimpse of Leah's face told her that she was causing her younger friend's worry to grow.

"I should have asked. Dear God, I gave my child to a complete stranger and didn't ask. What if he doesn't come back?" Leah's imagination was now running wild.

"Oh dear, Leah, I didn't mean to scare you. He's coming back for us, I'm sure of it. I was just thinking out loud. He told us that he was taking a quicker route back to the house. We'll find out soon enough who these kind folks are and we can thank them in person. I guess if we ask too many questions we might appear choosey, nosey even. I bet Heath is already warm and cozy." Rachel warmed, trying to repair some of the damage she had created.

"I hope so." Leah managed a smile.

"I guess we should feel blessed that someone was there to help us and that we will have shelter for the night." Leah thought for a moment and then continued with her next concern.

"Rachel, how are we going to pay the doctor when he comes out? How do we explain that I need to see Tom before we could possibly pay?"

"Leah, we'll just tell this man McCall that we are not sure what it would cost for the doctor to make a call. Maybe he knows the kind of man the doctor is and can tell us about his fees. We were never sure that Tom was going to pay for Heath to see a doctor anyway. I've brought all the money I have. We just need to pray that it will be enough." Rachel could always sound so confident. She hugged Leah and rubbed her back, "It will all work out, don't worry."

"It wasn't enough for the doctor in Strawberry," Leah continued to fret.

"Leah, it wasn't money he wanted," Rachel reminded her friend sternly.

They heard the sound of a wagon through the rain. They both stood with anticipation.

"Sorry, Ladies, it took me a little longer because I wanted to bring you some blankets to wrap up in," McCall shared as he hopped off the wagon and started wrapping a blanket around Leah's shoulders. He then assisted both women aboard the wagon and fetched the two small bags which held their belongings.

Leah sat between Rachel and Mr. McCall as they made their way toward shelter. She scooted nearer to him giving Rachel more room. She suddenly realized that she was very close to Jake, was that his first name... craving his warmth. It had been a long time since she had sat this close to a man. This kindhearted man who seemed so gentle, so caring...so much like Tom had been.

It was hard for her mind not to wonder about the what-ifs in regard to Tom Barkley. What if he had returned to Strawberry, what if he had decided to stay, what if he brought both she and Heath back to his ranch, their ranch? Tom Barkley had never left her heart, but over the last few days she couldn't get him out of her mind. Maybe it was knowing she would see him again, just the thought of his touch made her heart beat faster. Did he still hold the same love for her that she did for him? Was Rachel right, had Tom only delighted in the physical part of their relationship? Was he still married? Would he look older, would his blue eyes still dance when he laughed? Would he accept Heath as his son? Would she get to feel the warmth of his embrace?"

"Leah...Leah? Mr. McCall asked you a question." Rachel's voice interrupted her daydreaming. Rachel's look was suspicious. She was wondering what her friend was thinking about.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. McCall, I was thinking about my son," Leah replied sweetly.

"Understandable, Ma'am. I just wanted to make sure you were warm enough. I have another blanket if you need it." Jake, for the first time, was able to get a good look at the young woman beside him. Even in the darkness he could see how pretty she was.