Silas smiled widely as he opened the front door to let the guests in. Taking the hat of Jack, he bowed and whispered to the woman rancher, “Pleasure t’ see ya again, Miss Sue.”

Silas was startled and then glowed when she wrapped her arms around the older man and said quietly, “It’s wonderful to see you, Silas. I missed you.”

“Mr. Nick’s bout wore out the floor waiting for ya’ all.” stated Silas as Sue and Jack chuckled. Seeing Heath walking down the stairs, Silas retired to the kitchen.

“Jack! Sue, don’t you look beautiful tonight! Jack, Charity’s in with the others.”

“Boss, I’ll leave you in Heath’s capable hands.” said Jack as he eagerly headed to the parlor.

Accepting a hug and kiss from her friend, Sue smiled, “You’re looking pretty handsome yourself. How’s things lately?”

“Been pretty busy, how about you?” asked Heath feeling a hand on his arm.

“Little brother, the party’s in there.” growled Nick as he gave Heath a playful shove towards the parlor.

Sue laughed as Heath winked and muttered as he walked away, “Boy howdy, some people are awful touchy.”

“You look beautiful tonight.” smiled Nick as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently.

“I figured since tonight was such a special occasion, I thought I’d surprise you and wear a dress.” teased Sue with a smile watching the hazel eyes lit up with desire.

“As long as you’re here, I don’t care what you wear.” whispered Nick as he lowered his lips to hers, stopping as his mother chided him.

“Nick, aren’t you going to invite Sue to come in out of the foyer?”

Nick groaned softly and stated loudly, “Yes, Mother. We’re coming.”

Taking her arm as they walked into the parlor, he leaned over and growled, “Bet Heath had something to do with that!”

Catching Heath’s wink, Sue snickered and whispered, “I’m not taking that bet!”

Dinner had been a wonderful feast, the guests had thoroughly stuffed themselves and were enjoying an after dinner drink. Seated on a chair listening to the ladies talking, Sue’s eyes met Nick’s across the room. Winking, she received a wide grin in response.

“What do you think, Sue?” asked Charity.

“I’m sorry, Charity.” blushed Sue. “What did you ask?”

“I asked if you wanted to take in the opera while we were in San Francisco?”

“Opera? You want to go to an opera?” asked Sue in a shocked voice.

“Yes, I would.” smiled Charity. “Sonja’s never been to one either.”

Looking at their eager faces, Sue sighed, “If it’s that important to you, I guess we could go.”

Charity and Sonja excited about the new adventure, chatted nonstop with Audra and Marie about the trip.

Sue leaned over and whispered to Victoria, “Do they know that at an opera people sing in another language? I’ve been to one and I said never again. Now look at me!”

Rising, Victoria chuckled and patted her hand, “They’re so excited about going. Maybe you’ll enjoy it this time.”

“Maybe when pigs fly.” whispered Sue listening to the women talk about the upcoming trip and wished she could go fishing with the men instead.

Opening the last gift, Nick stared at the statue he held in his hands. He couldn’t believe the likeness of him and Coco. Of all the gifts he had received, this one truly touched his heart. Murmurs of appreciation ran through the guests at the sight of the bronze figure on his horse.

Setting the statue on the table, he smiled widely at the lady beside him and kissed the top of her head, “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“You’re welcome, Nick. I’m glad you like it.” said Sue softly as she stifled a yawn.

Seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, he whispered, “You okay?”

“With all the sleep I get during the day, you’d think I could stay awake at night.” replied Sue with a smirk.

“Com’on, let’s get you upstairs so you can lay down for a while.” stated Nick as he caught his mother’s nod of agreement and pulled her up.

Taking her hand, Nick led her to foyer. Carrying her up the stairs, he laid her down on the bed in the guest room and covered her with a blanket. He sat beside her and ran his fingers through a lock of her hair.

“Sorry, Nick.” said Sue softly as she stifled another yawn.

Smiling, he said softly, “Sue, it’s a big day for you, too. This is your first day out of the house since doc sent you home.”

Holding his hand, Sue whispered sleepily, “I know. I just wanted to be able to enjoy your party. Heck, it’s not even seven thirty yet.”

“There’s plenty of time for parties in the future.” whispered Nick kissing her tenderly. “Now close your eyes and get some rest.”

“Bossy.” whispered Sue as her eyes closed.

Grinning, Nick caressed her cheek, “I love you, too.”

Following a doctor’s orders of rest and nonexcitement made for some very long weeks on the woman rancher. Drawing and painting helped the time pass, but it still seemed like an eternity. Each day, she could feel her strength returning. Her conscience effort at obeying Dr. Merar’s orders was rewarded by his declaration of a clean bill of health. The days were cool as the winter months passed but having the deadly infection out of her body was a momentous occasion and one to be eternally thankful for.

“Davey, I’m gonna ride the fenceline since the boys are checking the herd.” called Sue.

“Okay, boss.” yelled Davey from the corral where he and Jose were working with a new mount.

Jack and Charity were visiting her parents back east. The Jones had opted to live out the rest of their lives on a small farm in Virginia. Jack had surprised Charity with train tickets for an early Christmas present knowing she had not seen her parents in five years. The surprise and love in Charity’s eyes when she opened the gift pulled on Sue’s heartstrings.

Horace and Hank had headed back to Texas to visit their family members also. The winter time was a slow time on the ranch and the absence of the three would not be felt as much as it would have been felt during the other seasons of the year. Christmas was a favorite time of the year for Sue, her thoughts spinning as she thought of all the preparations that need to be completed for the upcoming holiday party.

Nudging Satan, she headed to the beginning of the fenceline. Trotting, she watched for breaks in the wire on the fence that divided her property from the old Swenson place. The wind had been blowing fiercely last night and this was a necessary chore to prevent any cattle from wandering off the property.

Riding by the spot that fenced off the petroleum, she noticed the boards that were down. Stopping she tied Satan to the fence. Opening her saddlebags, she took out the hammer and nails. Holding the end of a board, she pounded the nails in, securing them one at a time.

Her thoughts churning as she remembered the problems this black liquid had caused her in the past. Travis’ crazy eyes flashed before her causing a shiver to run down her spine. Each time she rode by this spot it brought back the memories of the panic that had risen in her during her captivity in the cabin and the wild flight to freedom.

Shaking her head, she spoke to Satan, “Can’t believe after all this time, I feel like he’s still watching.”

Satan pushed his nose into her shoulder. Grinning, she rubbed his nose, “Yeah, I know. You took care of him for me. This place still gives me the creeps though.”

Putting the tools back in her saddlebags, she climbed on and rode down the fenceline happy to be away from the spot that could still cause her to have nightmares at night.

Seeing no other sections of the fence down, she turned and headed to Stockton.

Mr. Foster looked up from his desk and smiled, “Miss Weston! Wonderful to see you. How are you feeling?”

“Much better, Mr. Foster. How about yourself?”

“Fair to midlin. Got your mail right here.” stated Mr. Foster handing her a stack of letters and magazines.

“Thanks. Uh, Mr. Foster, I consider you a friend and if you weren’t doing anything on Christmas, maybe you’d like to come out for dinner?” inquired Sue and then added hastily. “Of course, I’d understand if you felt uncomfortable.”

“Well, I hadn’t any plans to speak of since Jamie’s back east.” replied the older man. “Miss Weston, I would be honored to join you for Christmas dinner.”

Sue breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “Great. The more the merrier I always say! Just bring yourself cause we’ll have everything else. The Baldwins are joining us too, maybe you could ride out with them.”

“I’ll speak to Dan about it.”

“Well, I gotta get back to the ranch.” replied Sue.

Putting a hand on her arm, Mr. Foster said quietly, “Thank you for thinking of me. I consider you a friend also.”

Giving his hand a squeeze, Sue nodded and left. Tucking the mail in her saddlebags, Sue couldn’t erase the smile from her face and felt the happiness in her heart. She loved this season! Giving is much better than receiving. She had always felt this and practiced it faithfully.

“Boy Howdy, I’m almost blinded by that smile.” teased Heath from the boardwalk as he watched his friend’s face.

“Hi Heath! Better not let Nick catch ya’ in town in the afternoon, he’ll probably skin you alive.” chuckled Sue.

“He would have if he hadn’t sent me into town himself.” laughed Heath.

“You and your family are still coming to dinner, aren’t ya?”

“Sure are. Have you heard from Jack and Charity?”

“I got a wire saying they arrived. Have you heard from Sonja?” inquired Sue with a smile.

“She’s having a wonderful time with her family. I can’t wait til she gets back.” admitted Heath with a wistful smile. “Sure is lonely without her.”

“Well, maybe you should do something about that cowboy.” suggested Sue with a smile.

“Trying to marry me off, Sue?” asked Heath as they rode beside each other back to their respective ranches.

“Heath, would I do that?” chuckled Sue. “Hey, are you still going to see Hannah next week?”

“Yeah. I wish I could convince her to move to Stockton. I worry about her in that town, especially with Rachel being gone now.”

“I know, Heath. If you didn’t mind the company, I’d love to see her again.” said Sue.

“I’d love the company. Nick might get jealous though.” grinned Heath slyly.

Laughing, Sue retorted, “I like to keep my men on their toes.”

Stopping at the fork in the road, Heath smiled, “I’m leaving on Monday morning. I’ll come by and pick you up.”

“Sounds good. See you in a couple days.” said Sue turning down the road to the ranchhouse.

“What do you mean you’re going to Strawberry with Heath?” growled Nick as he closed the door to the study behind them.

Pouring drinks for both of them, Sue handed one to Nick. “Just what I said, Nick. I wanted to see Hannah again and asked Heath if I could ride with him.”

“How come you didn’t ask me?”

Staring at the man seated across from her, Sue said quietly, “Excuse me. I don’t think I heard you correctly?”

“I said how come you didn’t ask me.” stated Nick puzzled by her tone of voice.

“Ask you what? Ask if you thought it was a good idea? Ask if I had your permission? What exactly should I have asked you, Nick?” snapped Sue angrily.

Blushing, Nick shook his head, “That’s not what I meant. I meant if you wanted to see her, why didn’t you ask me to take you?”

“Are you saying I’m not capable of traveling by myself?” asked Sue incredulously.

“What is wrong with you tonight? You’ve been edgy all night.” snarled Nick. “I didn’t say anything like that! It’s like you’re spoiling for a fight.”

Listening to his words accented by his flailing arms, Sue sighed and walked to the window.

“I am on edge. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” admitted Sue. “Sorry for snapping at you.”

Frowning, Nick stood behind her and put his arms around her waist. Pulling her back against him, he whispered in her ear, “I didn’t mean for the words to come out the way they sounded. Are you feeling okay, honey?”

“It was just some bad dreams.” stated Sue softly.

Holding her tighter, Nick said quietly, “The only time you’ve got bad dreams is after you ride over by the old Swenson property. Is that why?”

Taking a deep breath, Sue nodded, “I was checking the fences. I’m sorry for taking it out on you. I love you, Nick.”

“I love you.” whispered Nick as he held her closer, breathing in her scent.

Nibbling on her ear softly, Nick worked his way down her neck searing her skin with his kisses. Moaning from the sensation his lips were creating, Sue turned in his arms. Pulling his head to her, she hungrily sought his mouth and leaned into his body. Her passion arousing him, Nick sought to meld his body into hers. Pulling her down to the floor, she lay on top of him aware of the arousal she was causing with each move.

Passion sweeping through them, their senses reeled at the burning in their bodies. He ran his hands over her breasts and teased her with his tongue in her mouth. Groaning with need, she opened his shirt and ran her hands over his chest and hard stomach. Hands exploring each other, they lay on the hard floor, unaware of anything but each other and their desires.

Moaning, he pulled his mouth away and stared into the scorching emerald eyes, wild with desire. “Honey..”

“I know we can only go so far, but I need you to be with me tonight, Nick.” whispered Sue breathlessly.

Picking her up, he carried her through the adjoining door to her bedroom and placed her on the bed. Pulling her to him, they savored each other in a lingering kiss. Their hands discarded clothing and continued their exploration of each other, building up to a fevered pitch.

Laying in each other’s arms, Nick kissed the auburn hair of the sleeping woman and tightened his hold on her before allowing sleep to claim him.

Her lungs bursting she gasped for the precious air as the panic overwhelmed her pushing her onward. Branches slapped at her face and body as she ran. Every corner she turned, he was there leering at her. His eyes taunting her as she struggled to get away to continue her search for Nick.

Hearing the laugh of a woman, she ran towards it. The raven haired woman had her claw like hands holding Nick in place by her, the cruel laughter stopping Sue in her wild frenzied search.

“Sue! Wake up!” urged Nick his heart in his throat as he shook the perspiring woman. She jumped out of bed and backed to the wall.

Nick rose slowly from the bed and quietly spoke as he walked towards her. “It’s me, honey. It’s just a bad dream, you’re safe.”

Hearing Nick’s gentle voice speaking to her, Sue ran her hands over her face to work through her confused state of mind the nightmares would create. Taking a deep shaky breath, she leaned against the wall, sapped of all her strength.

“Hell of a way to wake up, huh?” whispered Sue closing her eyes and breathing slowly to calm her fears.

Nick, the rush of adrenaline leaving his body from the abrupt waking, reached trembling hands towards her.

“Come here.” whispered Nick pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around him. Holding her tightly, he shared his strength to combat the evils her mind created. “You okay?”

Hanging onto him and embarrassed by what he had witnessed, she said quietly, “Sorry for startling you, Nick.”

Nick lifted her chin with his fingers and brushed her lips with his, “It’s okay, honey. I’ve had some bad dreams myself. I’m just glad to be here to hold you.”

“We should put some clothes on.” whispered Sue, aware of the tingling in her as she felt his hard body against hers.

“Who needs clothes?” whispered Nick his hazel eyes burning with desire. “I love you, Suzanne Weston.”

Staring deeply into the hazel eyes full of emotion, she moaned as his fingers moved over her, “I love you, Nick Barkley.”

Smiling into the emerald eyes, he brought his mouth to hers and aroused the passions that lay simmering underneath the surface. Trembling with the desire to be close and the longings to satisfy their needs, the conscious restraints keeping them apart crumbled and fell away.

With the full moon’s light shining on the glistening bodies that were entangled, each electric touch and kiss feed the passionate fire between them. The friction between them burning the fire brighter and they instinctively moved in a rhythm together, heightening the wild passion. Reaching an uncontrolled level of desire and need, they succumbed to a glorious climax. Holding on tightly, they savored the moment and the love between them as their souls merged into one.

Wrapping his arms around her, Nick gently kissed the full lips and smiled at his exhausted bed partner’s satisfied smile. “I never break a promise, my dear.”

“What promise is that, Nick?” asked Sue softly caressing his cheek.

Kissing the palm of her hand, he said softly, “I promised to show you how much I cared when you got your strength back. Remember?”

“I thought you were just going to take me out to dinner.” teased Sue with a slight shiver at the touch of Nick’s hand rubbing her back.

“I’d better go. If I stay here all night, your men are gonna string me up.” murmured Nick watching her face as he ran his hand gently over her back and down her side.

“Hmmm.” moaned Sue running her tongue over his lips in response to his hands on her body. Growling from desire, he used his leg to push her onto her back and deepened the kiss, setting the fire to blaze again. The roaring flames burning them until they were extinguished, leaving the two gasping from the intensity of their response to each other.

Shortly after one, an exhausted love filled Nick regrettably crawled out of the warmth of her arms. Fully dressed, he leaned over and kissed the sleeping woman softly. The cold of the December night air could not extinguish the blaze that was still roaring inside as he made his way back onto Barkley range.

The town of Strawberry, once a thriving place of business and wealth, was now just another desolate reminder of man’s desire for riches and greed. The buildings were slowly rotting away just like the town itself had.

Riding up the main street with his friend by his side, Heath’s eyes never strayed to the hotel which was still open. The owners, his aunt and uncle, were the only business people left in the town surviving on the chance of a customer stopping off the trail. The livery which had once been operated by a kind man who had befriended him as a boy, shut down after the man’s death.

Strawberry was just as Heath had described it to Sue in the past. This unforgotten place still held painful memories of the treatment he and his mother received during his life there. Leah and her two friends had been the only continually bright spot in a dark world that he grew up in. Anger rose inside of her at the thought of the treatment Heath and his mother had received at the hands of his relatives. To her, a child was a blessing that you rejoiced at. Not an evil creature that you cursed and cruelly treated.

Glancing sideways, Sue saw the muscles in Heath’s face clenched tightly and spoke softly. “With luck Heath, you’ll never have to see this place again.”

Nodding, Heath didn’t verbally acknowledge his friend’s words or look at her. The anger welled in him as the memories from the past assaulted him. Stopping outside a small graveyard, the two dismounted.

Taking Charger’s reins, Sue waited for Heath to pay his respects to the fine woman who had reared him unselfishly, giving all she had to her son. On her death bed, she had given him her final gift, another family.

Brushing the tears from his eyes, Heath walked back to Sue and took the reins from her. Looking at her with a question in the sky blue eyes, Sue smiled, “I’ll come back later. Let’s go see Hannah.”

Not trusting his voice, Heath nodded and they walked further up the street to the small house surrounded by a haphazard picket fence. Tying Charger and Rio up, Heath grinned as he heard the singing of a gospel song coming from behind the dwelling. Following the sound, they rounded the corner of the house. Hannah, sensing movement behind her, turned and stared at the man walking towards her.

“Heath? That you?” gasped Hannah as she threw her arms around him. “Tis my boy come back t’ visit.”

Hugging the tiny woman, Heath kissed her cheek and took off his hat, “Hannah, it’s good to see ya’. You’re looking as beautiful as ever.”

Hannah scowled, “Your mama rais’d ya’ not to lie, boy. Who’s that with ya’ Heath?”

Sue took off her hat and stood by Heath. “Miss James, I met you once in Texas with Miss Leah.”

Smiling, Hannah nodded as she hugged the woman, “Miss Sue! Sure ‘nough is you. I remembers those eyes shining like green apples. You’s a long ways from Texas, Miss Sue.”

“Nice to see you again, Miss James.”

“Oh I’s forgot my manners! Come to the house, ya’ must be awful tir’d after ya’ trip.”

Heath took Hannah’s arm as they walked to the house. Pouring coffee for all three, they sat around the small dining table.

“Hannah, we’ve come a long ways to talk to ya’ about something.” said Heath quietly. “We’d like you to move to Stockton and be close to us. I’ve already picked out a small house for you on the edge of town.”

Patting his hand, Hannah smiled, “Tis kind of ya’s to think of ole Hannah. I’s couldn’t leave ya’ mama and Rachel.”

“You wouldn’t have to leave them Miss James.” replied Sue softly. “We’d come back and move them. They’d be with you in the spring.”

“Hannah, I’m so worried about you here all alone.” pleaded Heath. “You’re too far away and it’s dangerous here.”

Walking a few steps to the small stove, Hannah brought the coffee and refilled the cups. Setting the coffeepot on the table, Sue and Heath could tell he was thinking on the suggestion. Hannah looked at Leah’s boy and smiled at the love that shone in his eyes.

“Ya’s a pleas’re ta this ole woman’s heart, Heath. Iff’n I’s leave, ya’ sure ya’ can move ‘em?”

Holding her hands in his, Heath’s eyes welled with tears of relief. “I promise, Hannah.”

Sue left the small house with Heath and Hannah discussing what she would bring with her for now and what she would leave behind for later. Walking up the street, she entered the small graveyard and made her way to Leah’s spot.

Kneeling and bowing her head, she sent her silent prayers upwards to the woman that had raised such a fine son and friend. Regret flowed through her at the loss of a woman at such a young age. Smiling, she remembered Leah as she had seen her that first day in Texas, when she had stepped off the train with Hannah in tow.

“Leah, you raised a fine man who found the family you knew he would.” said Sue quietly. Standing and turning, she almost stepped on the woman standing before her.

Martha’s shock at seeing Heath riding down the street was doubled when she saw the beautiful woman by his side. Jealously flew through her at the sight of the beauty of this young woman. The years had not been kind to her and the man she had married only further worsened her life. The lines on her face were not from worry or laughter, but from the harshness that lived within her very soul.

When Leah was alive, she had a scapegoat that allowed the harshness to show through. Her son was a constant source of resentment to Martha who could never conceive. Her barrenness finally destroying what gentleness she ever had inside of her.

“What are you doing here with him?” snarled Martha.

Looking into eyes that had no gentleness, Sue calmly replied, “None of your damn business.”

Grabbing Sue’s arm in a viselike grip, she screamed, “I asked you a question!”

The emerald eyes, hardened with fury and Martha heard the cold voice, “Move it or you’ll be missing some fingers.”

Martha’s shrill was the only thing heard in the dead town, “He’s a bastard! He’s made from sin!”

Pulling her arm out of her grip, Sue looked at her with disgust, “You’ve never been good enough to clean his boots or his mother’s.”

Shoving Heath’s aunt out of the way, Sue walked past her. An angry Martha chased after her shouting, “He ruined us! He should never have been born! She should have drowned him!”

Heath and Hannah hearing the screaming, rushed to the graveyard. Hannah’s hand flew to her mouth at the sight of Sue holding onto Martha.

Outraged by the words of hatred, Sue had grabbed the woman by the throat, “You say anything about Heath again and it’ll be the last thing you say.”

Heath rushed over as Sue pushed the stunned Martha to the ground. Seeing Heath coming, Martha opened her mouth and paused, the green eyes pinning her to the ground with a stare and the movement of her hand.

”Go ahead, say it. Give me an excuse to rid the world of you.” retorted Sue coldly with her hand by her gun.

Heath merely glanced at the woman sitting on the ground and walked past his aunt to his friend.

“Sue, let’s go.”

“Sure, Heath.” smiled Sue walking back to where a concerned Hannah stood.

“Sorry about that, Miss James.” said Sue softly as the three walked back to the cabin.

“Ya’s okay, Miss Sue?” asked Hannah as they reached the house. “They’s bad people.”

Sue chuckled, “I know they are. The sooner we get you outa here, the better.”

Sitting on the porch after dinner and watching the sunset, Sue smiled at the hand on her shoulder.

“She all packed Heath?”

Heath nodded as he sat next to Sue on the step, “Almost.”

Squeezing her hand, he flashed her a lop sided grin, “How did you know that was why she wouldn’t leave here? I’d almost given up hope of having her closer to me.”

“Woman’s intuition.” teased Sue. Throwing the dregs of the coffee onto the ground, she shrugged her shoulder. “She’s old and she’d feel obligated to stay by her friends and family. At least, that’s what I was hoping.”

“I’m sorry about what Aunt Martha did today.” said Heath quietly.

Putting her arm over his shoulders. “I should’ve just shot her. The world could use a few less varmints in it.”

Heath snorted, “Then I’d have to face Nick and tell ‘em you were in jail again. Nobody in their right mind would want to do that, no thanks!.”

“Well as the old saying goes, Heath. You can pick your friends, but you sure as hell can’t pick your relatives.” laughed Sue softly.

Grinning, Heath agreed, “I’m sure glad I picked you for a friend.”

“Oh please! I picked you. You didn’t pick me!” retorted Sue sarcastically giving him a playful shove and then squealing in laughter as he tickled her.

The next morning, Heath and Sue carried the items that Hannah had packed out to the small wagon they had obtained from behind the livery. After fixing the wheel, they hooked Rio up to it and drove it to Hannah’s house.

Climbing onto the seat by Hannah, Heath smiled, “Are you sure you don’t want to stop and say goodbye to mama and Aunt Rachel, Hannah?”

“I’s said goodbye in my prayers.” stated Hannah firmly patting his hand.

Climbing on Charger, Sue rode beside the wagon as they headed to Stockton without a backwards glance.

....Continued