Entering the town of Stockton alone, Heath rode to the livery and stabled Brownie. The ride into town for Nick Barkley had been cut short by the discovery of a weakened dam on their property. He and his crew had ridden out to reinforce the structure after stating a promise to catch up to the blonde during the week. Completing the grooming of Brownie, Heath left the livery and climbed up on the top rail of the fence, spending a few minutes with the red stallion and thanking the animal for his protection of the other night.

Throwing his saddlebags over his shoulder and carrying his rifle, he bypassed the hotel and headed straight for the jail. The other deputies were back, their progress also stopped by the fury of mother nature. Both groups of men had ended up empty handed. The men had already been instructed by Fred Maden to keep watch on the town for the evening. Heading to the physician’s office, Heath sighed in relief when the doctor reinforced the knowledge the sheriff and deputy were out of danger. Howard smiled at the irritation of the blonde man when he grudgingly allowed the medicine man to examine his handiwork before sending Heath on his way.

Mackenzie Knight’s violet eyes were fraught with worry, the day spent working not dispelling the fear at the thought of the man who haunted her dreams riding after the two men who committed a Sunday morning murder. The restaurant’s business was slow, the hours agonizing crawled and her mind conjured up all types of nasty scenarios. By the time she left, her stomach was in knots, her hands hurt from the clenching and unclenching of them. She tried to dispel the nervousness but couldn’t. The blonde occupied her every thought that afternoon, his battered face flashing in her mind. She found herself walking to the window and peering out at the street every few minutes, hoping to see him riding in, safe and sound.

The sound of knocking on the door had her running across the room and flinging the door open. She cried out in relief and pulled the man who captured her heart into the dwelling, shutting the door and wrapping herself in his arms.

“Heath, I’ve been so worried about you all day!”

“I’m fine, Mackenzie. I’m sorry to have been a worry, honey. Shush it’s okay.” assured Heath, surprised and warmed by the woman in his arms.

Heath held her tightly in his arms and drank in the smell of roses in her auburn hair before claiming her lips in a deep lingering kiss. Melting against him, Mackenzie matched the passion in the kiss, her hands pulling him closer to her, the trembling in her limbs sending a surge of need through her. Releasing her lips, gentle kisses and nibbles on her neck left her gasping for air, control between the two was rapidly falling away.

Heath held onto her, his body screaming out for the feel of her. Pulling her to the sofa, he held her in his arms and placed another kiss on her lips before laying his head on her shoulder, his ragged breaths filling the air. Mackenzie closed her eyes feeling his warm breath on her neck, her body hungering for the feel of his touch. Her ragged breaths matched his.

Lifting his face, she stared into the full emotive eyes and teasingly kissed the corners of his lips, a groan of pleasure rose from his throat, her tongue pried open his lips, searching in his mouth.

Shifting her to sit on his lap, Heath met her exploring tongue with his own. His hands ran down her back and clasped onto her tiny waist. He pulled her closer to him, seeking to merge with her, their clothing stopping them from becoming one.

A small hand opened the top button of his shirt and Heath stiffened, his large hand stopping her fingers. He saw the questioning look in her violet eyes.

“Heath, I want to.” whispered Mackenzie, barely hearing his whispered response after he shook his head.

“Mackenzie, I’ve led a life which has left physical scars on me.” His voice weakened with emotion and desire, his sapphire eyes were filled with pain and shame.

Seeing the look in his eyes, Mackenzie took his hand and kissed its palm before moving to straddle his lap. Heath closed his eyes as the small fingers slowly unbuttoned his shirt, pushing it open, revealing his muscular chest. Her eyes saw the bruising received the night before and tears filled her eyes.

Heath shuddered at her light touch, her fingers running lightly over the dark bruising, slowly outlining the moon birthmark before trailing down to his side. He inhaled sharply as her fingertips touched the start of the scar, her eyes widening with anger before she pulled him forward into her. Her arms wound around him, one hand holding him against her, the other slowly removing the blue shirt.

Her eyes ran over the scars she saw on the top of his shoulders, shifting to look at the remainder of his back. Understanding at the scars flashed in her eyes, her heart crying out for the man who was trembling against her. Running her hand over his back, she nibbled his earlobe before whispering, “All I see is the man I love.”

Choking back a sob, Heath’s emotions were spiraling out of control from her acceptance and the soft biting of his earlobe, her tongue flicking inside. Pulling back, Heath held her face in his hands, love filled sapphire eyes stared into love filled violet eyes.

Lowering his mouth, he gently kissed her eyelids, his lips leaving her face tingling after each sensual touch before he took her breath away with his passionate and promising kiss.

“I love you, too.” whispered in the room, his hands trembling as he opened her blouse, pushing back the material to reveal breasts tightened against the lace chemise. Mackenzie pulled his head down and his lips followed her wishes, stirring the flame into a blazing forest fire, her back arched from the progress of his kisses.

The slow tender touches replaced with hands fueled with urgency. The need to become one overwhelming them both, making them oblivious to everything but each other. The sofa becoming their place of lovemaking, their bare bodies allowing both to gasp as they merged in their entwined sitting position. Their moans of pleasure and fulfillment darkened their eyes, two became one in their souls and physically, their sounds filled the room of the small house.

Spent, satisfied and smiling as they lay facing each other wrapped in a quilt on the sofa, Heath brushed back the fallen lock of auburn hair and kissed the rosy lips.

“I’ve been yours for this lifetime and the next from the moment I first looked into your eyes. Mackenzie Knight, will you marry me?”

His heart which was pounding in anticipation of the answer to his question, twisted slightly when no answer was heard in the room. Looking down at the woman in his arms, Heath smiled and his eyes filled. Her beautiful face was relaxed in sleep, her head lay in the crook of his arm, the warmth of her body melded with his.

He’d known since the first time he looked at her, she was the woman for him, the sight of her filled his inner being with desire, hope and promise. Shifting slightly on the sofa, he pulled her closer into him and smiled at his name mumbled in her sleep. His leg draped over hers and her hand reached around his back and absently rubbed his scars in her sleep.

Her touch light and gentle, stopped after a few minutes but the damage had been done, she’d stoked the flickering into a flame and gentle kisses woke her from sleep. Tender ministrations followed, the pace slow and caressing, both sets of hands taking their time exploring their partner, searching for each other’s tantalizing spots. The desire reaching a point of explosion and raising himself above her, both promised their love to each other again before they culminated together. Wrapped in each other’s arms, their sweat drenched bodies gasped for air, the frenzy of their emotions matched each others. Rolling onto his back with Mackenzie on top of him, Heath brushed back her hair and smiled at the wild emotion in the violet eyes.

“I can’t imagine the future without you, darlin’. Mackenzie Knight, will you marry me?” asked Heath as he stared into the violet eyes which filled with tears.

She lowered her mouth and captured his lips, her passion flowing and he wrapped his arms around her, matching what she was giving. Her tears spilling out of her eyes when she lifted her head and smiled into the burning sapphire eyes.

“Yes, Heath Thomson, I’ll marry you.”

Joy and happiness spread across the two faces staring at each other, smoldering violet eyes looked at him with desire as she moved her body on his, her locks of auburn hair falling and unkempt as she brought him again to the edge where all reason and control was lost.

Falling asleep in each other’s arms, the night passed and early morning arrived, the promises reflecting in the two sets of eyes as they gazed at each other before tasting the passion of each other again.

Walking Mackenzie to the restaurant, Heath left her with a lingering kiss before heading to the hotel looking forward to enjoying dinner with her that night. Changing and cleaning up, he made his way to the livery, entering the corral and spending time with Charger. The horse reveled in the soft words, the tone a welcome sound, the scratching behind the ears a welcome gesture.

Jim Fargas stood outside and watching the activity in the corral, his wrinkled face smiling with wonder. The blonde bounty hunter taking his time, his actions deliberate, each action happening for a reason, each action in their own way needed to achieve the end goal.

Heath smiled to himself when Charger nudged him as he walked away, the massive horse responding to the gentle master before him. Reaching up and scratching his ears, Heath winked at Jim Fargas before climbing over the corral fence leaving the stallion looking at him before walking away, head down wondering why his master had left.

“Morning.” drawled Heath returning the man’s greeting before asking, “Mr. Fargas, do you like working here?”

Shrugging, Jim sighed, “I don’t have much choice, Mr. Thomson. I’m an old man and opportunity is not knocking on my door. With this bum leg, there’s not much cowboying I can do.”

“Well, my name’s not opportunity but I’m buying a ranch today and could use a good man to help me get started off on the right foot.” suggested Heath quietly. “I’m gonna be hiring a crew to help restore the ranch buildings and need someone to keep the work progressing while I’m out rounding up horses. I’m also looking for someone to help me take care of the ranch site and my family’s welfare.”

“You’re married?” asked Jim in surprise. “I didn’t know that.”

Smiling, Heath shook his head, “I’m engaged but I want a large family. I’ll also be bringing my aunt here once the house is made livable. I need a trustworthy person to keep them safe while I’m away from the ranch.”

Nodding, Jim thought over the offer and held out his hand to the younger man, “I’m honored you’d consider me for the job. You don’t know anything about me, Mr. Thomson.”

Smiling, Heath sealed the deal with a firm shake, “Mr. Fargas, I wouldn’t make such an offer unless I’d checked out your qualifications first. Fred Maden speaks highly of you and I’m a pretty good judge of character myself. Tomorrow, we’ll head out to the ranch.”

Heath spent the afternoon in the bank, collecting his bounty from the shocked returning bank manager. Setting up a new account with the funds, he added another significant amount from his account in Pine Crest before stopping at the general store.

Knocking on the door of the small house, Mackenzie greeted him with a passionate kiss, hands flying to cover her mouth when the blonde knelt on one knee and reproposed, placing a diamond ring on her finger, a sign of their commitment to each other.

As the former bounty hunter sat on the hill and overlooked the ranch that lay at the bottom of the mountains, he had to pinch himself to make sure he was awake and not dreaming. It had taken one month and a crew of five men to get the ranch buildings into shape. Wells had been dug, corrals put up, one barn repaired and another erected to shelter the horses which were the future earnings of his ranch. The month had been long, the work hard, the schedule grueling with only Sundays off for the workers and boss.

He’d made the right choice to hire Jim Fargas, the man was the definition of trustworthiness and loyalty. The older man’s knowledge gained Heath a crew of five steady and reliable men who shirked no duty, delivering what their boss asked and required. The completion of the work a week ahead of schedule was rewarded with a bonus and the rest of the weekend off.

His ranch. His barns. His home. The place to which he’d soon bring Mackenzie, the woman who was to be his wife.

“I’m a lucky man, Charger.”

Smiling, he leaned down and petted the red stallion beneath him, the animal shaking his head in agreement and stomping one hoof. Laughing, he turned his head towards Stockton and nudged the stallion in the sides. Today was Saturday and tonight was an annual dance held for the benefit of the orphanage. He was looking forward to spending the evening with Mackenzie encased in his arms, the thought of her sending a surge of desire and happiness through him.

In two weeks, they would be wed becoming one, forming a partnership for life and on Monday he would leave for Strawberry to bring his Aunt Rachel to her new home. He knew Mackenzie was nervous about meeting the other woman near and dear to his heart. The time spent traveling into town passed quickly and he dismounted at the small shed in the back of the house, unsaddling the stallion and leaving him in the small corral after a quick grooming.

Knocking and entering the house, Heath wrapped his arms around her and hungrily kissed her lips as he fall back against the door. Moving his lips over her throat and into the hollow of her neck, he worked his way back up to nibble on her ear lobe turning her knees to butter, his hands running down her back and to her buttocks, pulling her closer to him.

“God, I’ve missed you honey.” whispered Heath his breath warm on her skin, her hands working their way under his shirt, feeling his muscular body, her fingertips dancing over his skin.

“Oh, me too.” moaned Mackenzie, quivering as he picked her up and carried her further into the bedroom. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she ran her tongue over his lips and smiled at his groan of pleasure as she teased him.

Placing her gently on the bed, he slowly untied her dressing gown and lightly ran his fingertips over her body before undressing and lowering himself over her. Eyes burning with need and smoldering with desire met each other before he claimed her lips in a deep searching kiss, moving to join with her, until the fireworks exploded in each of them. Lips meeting again, hands rolling her on top of him before his limbs wrapped around her, holding her tightly as they both shuddered from the wildness they created in each other.

“Let’s stay here like this all night, Zie.” whispered Heath, gently kissing her lips before caressing her cheek.

Mackenzie smiled tenderly at the nickname and shook her head, “You know we can’t. The Barkleys are expecting us at their table. Nick’ll be upset if we’re late.”

Groaning in disappointment, Heath drawled, “Lordy can’t have Barkley upset now, can we?”

Running her fingers over his chest, she followed it’s path with kisses, searing his skin. “We have plenty of time til we have to get ready. That’s why I wanted you here early.”

Closing his eyes and inhaling at her touch, he mumbled, “I thought you wanted to talk about the wedding.”

“Hmmm, more like the wedding night.” purred Mackenzie, violet eyes flashing wickedly, working the man beneath her into a frenzy again with her touches, his response matching hers, the flames bursting all around.

An hour later, Heath growled and cursed in front of the mirror. “I heard that!” called Mackenzie from the bedroom.

Rolling his eyes, Heath sighed and gave up on the tie hanging from his neck. “I hate ties!”

“I heard that too.” whispered Mackenzie wrapping her arms around him from behind. “Let me do that for you, hon.”

Turning in her arms, Heath stared at the woman holding him, his hands reached up and pushed her back a step, his eyes taking in the sight before him. “WOW! Zie, boy howdy!”

Mackenzie reached up and tied the black string tie, her cheeks rosy with pleasure at his widened eyes. Patting his chest, she asked, “Do you like my new dress?”

Heath grinned at the pale lavender silk dress, her bare shoulders and a slight amount of cleavage showing, her hair swept up and back, brushed to a shine, her earlobes holding two amethyst earrings which matched her necklace.

“New dress? I was just noticing your necklace.” replied Heath, receiving a slap on the arm at his wink. “Zie, you look ravaging, beautiful and I’m not gonna be able to keep my eyes off you tonight.”

Holding out her wrap, Mackenzie smiled as he held it for her, “Heath, you look very handsome yourself. You clean up nicely, Mr. Thomson.”

Taking her hand and bowing over it, Heath placed a kiss on it before saying, “Why thank you, Miss Knight.”

Giggling at each other, Heath held open the door and locked it behind her. The couple walked down the street to the hall where the dance would be. The moon full under the night sky shining down on the two in love. Entering the hall, Heath nodded his greetings on their way to the table where the Barkley family sat.

“Thomson, I thought maybe you weren’t gonna show. Where you been, boy?” growled Nick taking the blonde’s hand in his, receiving a rolling of eyes at his greeting from Heath and his family.

“Boy howdy Barkley, I didn’t know ya’ was the mother hen of the evening.” smirked Heath winking at the man who over the past month offered his friendship readily and without reservation. “Jarrod, you finally decide to see if Nick can get along by himself and earn his keep as a baby-sitter?”

“You are not a funny guy, Thomson.” grinned Nick slapping the blonde on the back at the family’s laughter. The friendship between the two men growing deeper as time passed, common ground of ranching and love of the land, helping to draw them closer.

“So you’ve said, Barkley.” drawled Heath before greeting the other members of the family and their guests. The start of the orchestra signified the movement of people onto the dance floor. Victoria danced with Nick and smiled at the young couple obliviously much in love.

“They look so happy.” sighed Victoria looking up at her middle son’s face, receiving a wide grin of agreement.

“I have to agree with you, Mother.” admitted Nick. “I can’t believe they’re getting married in two weeks. I know I feel as if I’ve known Heath forever but even that’s too fast for me.”

Victoria smiled, “You can’t put love on a timeline, Nicholas. I, of course, wouldn’t mind if one of my sons announced an upcoming engagement.”

“I’ll speak to Jarrod about that Mother.” teased Nick with a wink, her laugher of delight filling his ears.

The night passed quickly, the hall becoming stuffy and hot. Mackenzie made her way to the door to get a breath of fresh air, hoping to quell the hotness of her face. The stars were sprinkled like glitter on black velvet, her eyes looking up into the clear night sky as she stood on the boardwalk. Closing her eyes, she enjoying the cool night air on her face.

Her eyes opened suddenly when a hand clamped over her mouth and the smell of whiskey reached her nose before she was pulled off the boardwalk, kicking her feet and flailing her arms.

The sawdust floor of the hall was filled with men and woman twirling around, their smiles and laughter filling the air. Heath caressed the cheek of his dancing partner and whispered in her ear.

“Darlin’, Fred is here and I need to speak with him. Would you mind if I left you for just a moment?”

Shaking her head, Mackenzie smiled, “I’ll go speak with Audra for a little while, Heath.”

Placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, Heath smiled his appreciation and led her off the dance floor. Nick watched the inseparable couple parting and Heath strode purposely towards the lawman who was circling the room greeting his citizens. Jim Fargas and another of the hands, Matt Duer saw their boss heading to the sheriff and moved forward in the same direction. Nick touched Jarrod on the arm and motioned with his head, the two brothers heading towards the gathering in a corner of the room. Flanking their boss, the men listened to the conversation, their faces darkened with scowls.

“No, we haven’t seen anything, Fred. All’s I know is twice Craddock cattle have been on my land.” stated Heath firmly. “That fence is rock solid. Someone had to take it down.”

“Heath, you pushed the cattle back and they fixed the fence both times.” replied Fred calmly. “Sounds to me like they corrected the problem. You know the law.”

“Boss, tell him about the waterholes and the shot.” pleaded Jim, earning a cold glare from the younger man which silenced any further comments, before turning back to the lawman.

“What shot?” demanded Nick hearing the older man’s statement. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing I can’t take care of, Barkley.” drawled Heath, his outer calm a contrast to the flashing sapphire eyes.

“Heath, what is Jim talking about? Someone shot at you?” questioned Fred intensely.

“I can watch out for myself, but I’m telling ya’ Fred, if I catch anyone on my land, I’ll take care of them my way. I didn’t work hard to have someone destroy what I built up!”

Turning on his heel, Heath walked away with the men, taking a calm breath, inwardly knowing there would be nothing the sheriff could do about the strange events happening at his ranch. The conversation was more of a heads up for Fred in case things went further or became deadlier. Searching the crowd in the hall, Heath made his way to the Barkley table inquiring where his fiancee was. As he neared the door to the outside, a scream of terror in a familiar voice sent him rushing outside into the darkness with others following.

Eyes wide in terror, Mackenzie felt the strong arm holding her by the waist, the hand clamped over her face and she was bodily propelled backwards into the blackness of the alley. Screaming under the hand, her shouts of distress were muffled, her hands and legs flailing. Kicking the shin of the man, she heard him curse before he pushed her roughly against the side of the building. The air whooshed out of her lungs and she cried out in pain, tears springing into her eyes. Seeing light flashes before her eyes when the back of her head hit the wall, she barely felt his hand roughly groping and pulling at her, his mouth crushing her lips. Coming out of the stunned fog, she screamed after she bit his lip, his hand backhanding her and her knees buckled, his voice cold in her ear before she lost consciousness and fell into the dirt of the alley.

“Tell your man, next time I’m gonna kill him then I’ll finish what we started here.”

Heath rushed out the door shouting for his fiancee, fear climbing up his spine from the silence greeting him. Jim and Mike turned left down the boardwalk while Nick and Heath turned right. Glancing into the alley, Heath shouted “MACKENZIE!”

Kneeling beside the still woman, Heath bent over and brushed back her hair, his voice trembling with fear, his hands shaking, “Mackenzie? Zie? Honey, it’s me. I’m here.”

Nick took off his coat and laid it over the unconscious woman to keep her warm and ordered someone to fetch Dr. Merar. Heath stroked the auburn hair, his finger sticky and he saw the blood on them. His eyes looked up into the concerned hazel eyes, his voice deadly serious, “Whoever touched her is as good as dead, Nick.”

Squeezing the smaller man’s shoulder, Nick pulled Heath to the side when Dr. Merar arrived, stating it was safe to move her. Heath wrapped the large suit coat around the tiny woman and picked her up in his arms, his eyes glistening with tears at her lax body remembering carrying her in his arms earlier that afternoon. Victoria and Audra followed with the rest of the family to the physician’s office and examination room as Heath carefully laid her on the cot, his eyes filled with anguish at the bruises quickly formed on her face.

Taking his arm, Victoria pulled the distraught blonde into the waiting room before Heath could react to his exclusion from her side. Nick and Jarrod stopped him as he moved towards the room.

“Heath give Dr. Merar a chance to examine Mackenzie.” said Jarrod quietly and firmly. “He needs to concentrate on her right now. Mother and Audra’s there with her. They’ll take good care of Mackenzie.”

Closing his eyes, Heath nodded before moving away from the brothers, clenching his hands at his sides, his body shaking with conflicting emotions of anger and fear. His legs feeling heavy, he sat in a chair and held his head in his hands. His tormented whisper reaching the ears of Nick who knelt by the chair.

“I shouldn’t have left her. She should’ve been by my side all night. It’s all my fault.”

“Heath, it’s not your fault.” assured Nick placing a hand on the hunched over back. “Thomson, we’ll find whoever did this.”

Jumping up from the chair, Heath walked to the window and looked out before turning and pacing the small waiting room. Nick and Jarrod sat in two chairs, their eyes following the pacing of the worried man. Nick frowned when he thought back on part of the conversation he heard between the blonde rancher and the lawman at the hall.

“Thomson, someone giving you problems on your ranch?” asked Nick curiously, his question stopping the pacing. Leaning up against the wall, Heath took a deep breath and shrugged.

“Well, life is never without it’s trials and tribulations.”

Jarrod covered the smile on his mouth when Nick’s scowled deepened at the calm statement. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Sapphire eyes met hazel eyes and the message was soft but firm, “It means, I’ll take care of my house in my own way. Don’t concern yourself, Barkley.”

“I’m sure you can take care of it, whatever it is, which you haven’t said anything about this past month.” replied Nick, his wounded heart reflecting in his words. “Course, if I’d known something was happening, I’d have offered my help or just an ear. In case you didn’t know, that’s what friends do.”

Lowering his eyes, Heath felt a stab of shame inside him at the hurt in the large man’s words. Having to take care of himself for so many years, he’d never considered handling the difficult situation any differently. This man in the same room offered nothing but his friendship and it was frightening to the blonde. Frightening in the sense he had few friends in his life and wasn’t sure of exactly all the intricacies friendship created, meant or demanded. Frightening and yet it offered a sense of reassurance he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Barkley, I’m used to relying on myself, you can’t change something like that overnight. But I appreciate your offer.” offered Heath in a matter-of-fact voice, raising his eyes to relook into the hazel ones, glad he saw understanding in them.

Smiling slightly, Nick growled, “Just don’t forget, boy.”

Nodding, Heath looked up at the opening of the inner door and rushed to the entering physician, his eyes wide, his questions flying out fast and quick. “How’s Mackenzie? Is she awake? Can I see her?”

Holding a hand up to stop the verbal barrage, Howard nodded, “She’s awake, Mr. Thomson. A little banged up, a very mild concussion, bruised and sore. I’m sorry it took so long but I had to make sure her head injury wasn’t worse than it appeared. She didn’t know her last name when she woke up. She said her name was Daye. But, her confusion is cleared up now.”

Stiffening slightly, Heath inquired hopefully, “I can see her, right?”

Smiling, Howard nodded and held the door open allowing the blonde access into the examining room. Victoria released the small hand she was holding and squeezed Heath’s arm on her way out of the room with Audra beside her. Howard closed the door, leaving the young couple alone.

Standing beside the bed, Heath blinked his tears away and held her small hand to his lips, a tender kiss bringing tears to her eyes before he leaned over and pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His hand cupping her unbruised cheek, his words barely reaching her ears.

“Zie, I’m sorry. I should’ve been there by your side.”

Sobbing, Mackenzie held his hand to her cheek. “It was awful. I was so scared, Heath. I can still feel his hands and I, god, I…”

The sobbing continued stopping any further words, her small frame shaking with terror. Sitting on the bed, he picked her up and rocked her gently, chasing away her fears with his strong arms, his words of love the last sound she heard before sleep took her into relaxation. His lips kissing her temple, his eyes crying silent tears, her pain his, her terror his.

The sun had risen an hour before Heath entered the small bedroom with two cups of coffee, his eyes tired from lack of sleep, his heart full as he gazed upon Mackenzie in slumber. Setting the cups on the bedside table, he propped himself up by his elbow brushing his fingertips across her lips, smiling when a hand lifted to brush away the feather. Repeating the light touch, he bit back a chuckle when Mackenzie let out a groan of despair after she opened her eyes and sunshine greeted her.

“Morning, Zie. How are you, honey?” asked Heath after placing a tender kiss on her forehead, his eyes heavy with worry, his fingers absently playing with a lock of auburn hair.

Capturing his hand, Mackenzie yawned, “Better knowing you’re here, Heath. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” whispered the blonde, leaning over to place a gentle kiss on her lips before turning away. “I brought you some coffee, Zie.”

His movement to the cup was stopped by a small hand and he looked back over his shoulder into the questioning violet eyes. Rolling back on his side, Heath picked up one of the small hands and held it to his lips.

“I carried you here last night, Zie. You were asleep and figured you’d be more comfortable here.” explained Heath quietly. “Dr. Merar says you have a very mild concussion which may give you some headaches for a couple days.”

Closing her eyes, Mackenzie thought for a moment before inquiring, “Did you speak to Sheriff Maden about, uh, what happened?”

“Fred spent half the night questioning people but nobody saw anything. Are you sure you didn’t see his face, Zie?” inquired Heath hesitantly, not wanting to cause her to relive the terror she’d experienced in the darkness of the night.

Shaking her head, the violet eyes welled with tears and her rosy lips trembled, “I don’t know who it was. I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. The last thing I remember is him threatening you. I’m sorry.”

“Zie, don’t apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for.” chastised the former hunter firmly. “I’m just worried about you, is all.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m not gonna let this overshadow everything, Heath. In two weeks, we’re getting married and nothing is stopping that.” assured Mackenzie, reaching up and holding his face in her hands, drawing him closer. “You’re not gonna have second thoughts, are you?”

Sapphire eyes pierced the orbs of violet before he lowered his mouth, brushing his lips across hers and whispering, “Never, Zie. Never.”

Reaching behind his neck, Mackenzie pulled her man closer and parted her mouth slightly, the passion between them bursting with the searching kisses. Pulling his shirt up, she ran her hands over his muscular temple, before he kicked off his boots and slid under the bed coverings with her. Fingers undid buttons and buckles, hands pushed pieces of cloths aside while wandering over the skin of the partner as they lay by each other. Freeing her lips, Heath left a trail of kisses down her neck, hungrily seeking the valley before moving over to each peak, her breath inhaling at his tender nibbles and her back arching in response, his hand moving over her stomach. Pulling him onto her, she wrapped her legs around him, crying out his name when he complied with her wish, pushing her fevered desire into a crescendo before ending the symphony. Kissing her deeply, their arms wrapped around each other, sweat ridden bodies were held against each other, not willing to let go of the wild emotion.

“Please I need to stay in your arms longer.” protested Mackenzie when he moved to release his hold of her, feeling his arms tighten at her request, his lips placing a kiss on her auburn hair.

“I’m here, Zie.” assured Heath quietly waiting til she fell back to sleep before leaving her arms and taking the cold coffee back to the kitchen. Cleaning up, he dressed and made a lunch of sandwiches before waking her with a kiss and helping her dress.

Sitting at the small table in the kitchen, Heath sighed, “Mackenzie, I’m going to wire Aunt Rachel and let her know I can’t come get her right now.”

“Heath, she’s expecting you. You told me how excited she was in her letters to move here and be by you.” exclaimed Mackenzie. “You have to go.”

“Zie, I’m not leaving you now.” stated Heath firmly, before placing his elbows on the table.

Picking up her plate, Mackenzie set it in the sink and stood with arms crossed, “Heath, you have to go. She’s been planning to have everything ready.”

“Mackenzie, Aunt Rachel will understand. There’s no need to discuss it further.” sighed Heath.

Violet eyes flashed at the challenge in the tone of his words, her voice rising in anger, “There is a need to discuss this further, Heath.”

“Zie, I’ve made up my mind. I can’t leave you alone, not after what happened.” snapped Heath her anger fueling his.

“Heath, I’ll stay with Mrs. Jenkins and you won’t have to worry.” explained Mackenzie walking into the living room and sitting in a chair, the blonde dogging her heels.

“Zie! Mrs. Jenkins is a widow! That doesn’t make me feel any better at all!” pleaded Heath, his eyes turning darker with worry as he ran his hand through is blonde hair.

“At least I won’t be alone. What’s wrong with that?” puzzled Mackenzie.

“For pete’s sake Mackenzie! If something happens or if that bastard, well, how is she gonna protect you? Throw a pot at him?” retorted Heath. “YOU ARE NOT STAYING THERE!”

“HEATH THOMSON! YOU ARE GOING TO GET YOUR AUNT AND THAT’S FINAL!” shouted Mackenzie, both looking at the door when a knock sounded, any further words choked off in their throats. Heath stalked to the door and opened it, Victoria smiled widely and Nick looked sheepish, their faces showing they overheard the heated words.

“Mrs. Barkley, how nice to see you.” greeted Heath with surprise stepping back into the room. Victoria smiled at the blonde and greeted the young woman.

“Mackenzie, I wanted to stop after church to see how you were.” stated Victoria. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Barkley. Thank you for being with me last night.” sighed Mackenzie, sitting on the sofa with the older woman. “Please thank Audra for me, too.”

Heath closed the door behind the Barkley middle son and nodded a greeting. “Barkley.”

“Thomson.” replied Nick, smiling slightly at the confusion on the blonde’s face, their arrival throwing a monkey wrench into the discussion.

“Heath, Nicholas was telling me you had planned to go out of town tomorrow.” said Victoria.

“Yes, ma’am, I was. But my plans have changed.” drawled Heath meeting the rolling violet eyes of his fiancee. “I’ve put it off for a few days.”

Looking at the young woman beside her, Victoria smiled and squeezed her hand. “I was hoping Mackenzie would spend a few days at the ranch with Audra and me while you were going to be gone. I guess it’ll have to be another time.”

“No, Mrs. Barkley!” exclaimed Mackenzie rapidly. “I’d love to stay at the ranch with you and Audra. It’d be perfect! This way you can still go to Strawberry, Heath.”

“Mackenzie, I..” drawled Heath.

Interrupting his protest, Mackenzie sighed, “Heath, it’s a great solution. If that’s okay with you, Mrs. Barkley.”

Patting her hand, Victoria’s gray eyes sparkled, “Of course it is. We’ll take good care of her, Heath.”

Leaning over, Nick whispered in the blonde’s ear, “You may as well get used to not getting your way now, Thomson. In two weeks, you won’t know what hit you.”

Flashing a lop-sided grin, Heath sighed and nodded, sapphire eyes moving from the gray ones to the hazel ones, “Thank you, Mrs. Barkley. It’d sure take a lot of worry off my mind knowing Zie was with friends.”

Grinning widely, Nick winked and clapped the blonde on the back. “You learn fast, boy!”

The acceptance of the invitation had Victoria helping Mackenzie pack some clothes in a valise while Nick followed Heath out to the small shed to saddle Charger. The red stallion greeting his master with a whinny and a gentle nudge. Nick watched mesmerized as the younger man talked softly while saddling the horse and led him around front of the small house.

“Charger has some great lines, Thomson.” said Nick, his eyes admiring the horseflesh tied in front of the house.

“Yeah, he sure does. If you’re nice, I might let ya’ ride him one day.” teased Heath climbing the steps with the growling man behind him.

“Gee, don’t do me any favors.” snorted Nick, before entering the house following the soft chuckle from the man before him. Heath grabbed the valise from in front of the door and thrust it into Nick’s arms, winking at the large man’s grumbling which ceased when his mother entered the room.

“Did you say something, Nick?” inquired Victoria.

“Ah, no Mother. Are we all set?” replied Nick quickly, his hazel eyes boring into the blonde’s blue eyes.

Nodding, Victoria smiled, “Yes, we are all ready.”

Walking the ladies outside, Heath helped them into the surrey before climbing on Charger. Nick placed the bag on the floor of the buggy and flicked the reins. Stopping to pick up Audra, the small calvacade left the town of Stockton. Jarrod and Heath rode beside the surrey on their way to the ranch. The conversation light and joyous under the mid morning sun. Heath felt a sense of reassurance inside at the kind offering of the Barkley family, glancing down at the buggy, he met the hazel eyes and offered a lop-sided grin.

Nick grinned back and nodded, reading the thanks in the soulful eyes of the young man who had worked himself into each of the hearts of the family members since his arrival into their lives. Turning his eyes back to the road, he found himself enjoying the warm feeling the blonde caused to rise up in his heart at the mere thought of him. He found himself wondering again at the familiarity and like all the times before had no answers.

Pulling up to the main house, Heath breathed a small sigh of relief. He’d spent the night going through people from his past and people in Stockton, searching for the one who’d have accosted Mackenzie and sent the message to him through her. The thought of someone’s hands on her sent a flash of fury through him and he shook his head to clear the anger before dismounting. Reaching the side of the buggy, he helped Audra first then Mackenzie, his eyes taking in the slight paleness of her face. Setting her feet on the ground, he held onto her waist a little longer.

“Zie, you okay?” asked Heath quietly.

“Just a little headache, Heath.” assured Mackenzie with a smile. Victoria put a hand on her arm and studied the pale complexion.

“Heath, why don’t we get Mackenzie upstairs and she can rest.” suggested Victoria.

“I’ll be fine, Mrs. Barkley.” protested Mackenzie, closing her eyes to fight a sudden bout of dizziness.

Heath swept her up into his arms and followed the Barkley matriarch through the front doors, continuing up the grand staircase. Opening the door to the first guest room, Victoria pulled back the covering on the bed and smiled at the gentleness which the man used when he lowered the tiny woman to the bed. Nick placed the valise on the dresser in the room and nodded at his mother’s request to fetch some headache powders. Heath rolled his eyes at the protests of Mackenzie and looked into the gray eyes across the bed, smiling slightly at the sparkling gray eyes. Taking the powders from her son’s hand, Victoria mixed a glass and urged the tiny woman to drink it down.

“You’ll feel better in a little while, Mackenzie.” assured Victoria receiving a smile of appreciation, leaving the room with Nick beside her. Heath sat on the side of the bed and caressed her pale cheek, his lips placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“Zie, I have to go and make sure the boys know what to do while I’m gone. I need to take care of a few things before I can leave tomorrow.” informed Heath quietly, his words opening the lids which covered the violet eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“It’s just a little headache, Heath. It took me by surprise is all.” sighed Mackenzie. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” smiled Heath, placing a gentle kiss on her lips, her hand reaching up behind his neck and held him there while she deepened the kiss. Regretfully breaking the tingling show of affection, Heath pulled the cover over her and held her hand until she fell to sleep. Placing another kiss on her lips, she responded in her sleep, his name leaving her lips, leaving a wide smile on his face. Standing, he tenderly caressed her cheek again before walking out of the open door and descended the grand staircase.

Victoria met the blonde in the foyer at the bottom of the stairs, her smile genuine as she placed a small hand on his arm. “We’ll take good care of her, Heath.”

Nodding, Heath grinned, “I know you will, Mrs. Barkley. Thank you.”

“Will you stay and have lunch with us?” asked Victoria.

Shaking his head, Heath sighed, “Thank you but I have a lot to do before I leave tomorrow.”

“I understand, Heath. I hope everything goes smoothly on your trip.” stated Victoria, puzzled at the sudden look of discomfort which flashed in the sapphire eyes.

“Mrs. Barkley, I, uh, well, I need to, well, Zie, uh.” stammered Heath, his face turning crimson at what he was about to say.

“What is it, Heath?” questioned Victoria, concern filling her gray eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Heath fiddled with his cufflink and whispered, “I know it’s not proper, ma’am, what I’m about to say, cause we’re not, uh, married and all. It’s just that last night Mackenzie had some nightmares about what happened and I, uh, I, um.”

Victoria’s eyes shone with understanding at the highly embarrassed young man before her. Stopping his fidgeting with his cuff, her two hands encased his one and she smiled.

“Heath, I’ll take exceptional care of her. Thank you for letting me know.”

Squeezing one of the small hands, Heath smiled and nodded, “Thank you again, Mrs. Barkley. I’ll be back by the end of the week.”

Showing him to the door, Victoria leaned against the closed door and smiled to herself at the young man not afraid to show his love for the woman who’d captured his heart. Walking up the stairs, she peeked in the guest room at the sleeping woman before entering her room. The love between the two young people brightening the world from the aura of happiness around them.

Rising early the next morning, Heath saddled Charger and spoke to Jim before climbing on the horse, heading towards the east with the sun barely peeking over the horizon. He fought the urge to ride over to the neighboring ranch, the lure of looking into her violet eyes strong inside him. Sighing deeply, he nudged Charger into a gallop, not changing direction, the gait of the large horse eating up the ground beneath him as he put both ranches behind him. Seeing a horse heading towards him from the side, Heath slowed Charger to a trot and pulled his rifle from his scabbard, placing it across his lap. The horse too far away to see the rider, his sapphire eyes widened and then narrowed at the man coming towards him and pulling alongside him.

Stopping Charger and shoving the rifle back in its holder, Heath scowled, “Barkley, what are you doing here?”

Nick shrugged, “I thought since Jarrod was gonna be home all this week, I decided I deserved a small vacation.”

Cocking an eyebrow at the smug man, Heath drawled, “Where exactly were you planning on vacationing?”

“I thought maybe you could suggest someplace while we’re riding, Thomson.” replied Nick starting Coco down the trail with the blonde riding beside him. “In case you didn’t know, I haven’t been east of Stockton before. I thought I’d see what was over there.”

Heath shook his head, “Well, Barkley, you ain’t missing much and I don’t wanna listen to any complaining when we get there.”

“Complain? Me?” asked Nick with an innocent look into the rolling sapphire eyes.

Time passed quickly for the two men riding side by side under the warmth of the day, stopping only for a brief lunch before continuing on. The light of the day was waning, soft colors of the upcoming night slowly replaced the brightness on the land when Heath directed Charger to a sheltered spot beside a stream and dismounted.

Both men having ridden enough trails in their lives, automatically performed the tasks necessary to set up camp. Surprising to both, no words were needed as to which task each man would perform. Nick gathered wood to last the night, coaxing a small spark to start and burst into a flame in the center of the stone ringed enclosure. The blackness of the rocks had seen lots of use by different travelers through the years. Undoubtedly, men and women following the same trail for a wide variety of reasons. Taking the coffeepot from his saddlebags, he filled it up at the stream, kneeling a few yards away from the blonde who was pulling in dinner.

Walking back, he set the coffeepot on a stone by the fire, dumping in grounds when the water was boiling, adding more water to settle the grounds. He poured two cups when the concoction was finished, handing one to the blonde who was pan-frying the catch, the smell of fish mixed with seasonings filled the still night air. The bounty in the well used pan was split evenly on two tin plates with two biscuits decorating the plate. The meal eaten in silence, each with their separate thoughts, their dinner time musings kept to themselves.

Heath took the used items to the stream and washed them off, letting them air dry while he rolled a smoke, letting the hard to break habit soothe him after his dinner. Staring at the harsh red glow at the end of the cigarette in the darkness of the night, he wondered at the sense of companionship. Companionship? No, he thought to himself, that’s not the right word for what I feel when I’m beside Nick Barkley.

Thinking for several minutes, he ground out the cigarette and shook his head at himself at the thought that perhaps brotherhood was the right word to describe the feelings. Pondering over the years past, he couldn’t recall ever sharing such a feeling before with another man.

Picking up the dry items, he walked back to the beckoning fire and put the things away, sitting up against his saddle. Nick pulled a bottle from his saddlebags and added some of the amber liquid to two cups, saluting the blonde before either man took a drink.

“Nothing like dinner on a trail.” sighed Nick patting his full stomach in satisfaction.

Grinning, Heath agreed, “Well, except when ya’ can’t catch fresh dinner and have to chew on jerky that’s hard enough to be a year old, Barkley.”

Laughing, Nick nodded, “Is your Aunt going to live with you at the ranch?”

“That was my original idea but she wants to open a dress shop in Stockton to earn her own keep. So, we worked it out with Mackenzie’s landlord and Rachel will take over her lease on the house in town.” replied Heath with a smile. “My Aunt’s a very independent person.”

“Kinda like her nephew, I’d say.” teased Nick with a grin to the man across the fire.

Chuckling, Heath stared at the stars of the night, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“My family used to own part of the mine in Strawberry. I think it was about twenty one or twenty two years ago when my Father and his partners opened it.” stated Nick.

“What a small world.” whispered Heath, taking a sip of the smooth liquor and welcoming the warmth which overtook the coldness he felt at the mention of the dreaded reminder of his youth.

“What’s wrong?” questioned Nick at the anguished flare in the sapphire eyes, “Heath?”

Waving off his concerns, Heath smiled slightly, his efforts not completing erasing all the anguish in his orbs before he sighed, “My first job was as a charge boy in the Strawberry mine.”

“A CHARGE BOY!” exclaimed Nick, sitting up quickly at the discovery. “HOW OLD WERE YOU?”

“Just turned five.” admitted the blonde quietly before shuddering at the renewed claustrophobic fear the mine created in a small boy which carried over to his adulthood. “We needed money and I was a small kid. Small enough to fit into tight places.”

“But you were only a child.” whispered Nick, torment thickening his words. “I can’t believe my Father allowed such a thing to happen.”

Worried at the image of the father he may have shaken, Heath scoffed firmly, “Barkley, don’t let it get to ya’. It was a business dealing and a necessary job I took on. Simple as that! A fair trade! Pay for services is after all what makes businesses work in this world.”

Nick frowned, his inner sense telling him to a boy of five, it had been more than that, much more. The words of the blonde across from him did little to alleviate the sudden fury and guilt he felt inside. The realization this man had performed such a dangerous profession at a young age was condoned by his Father wouldn’t be discarded easily. The pain and panic in the blue pools before he’d looked away tore at Nick’s heart, twisting it with the reality the blonde had lived through.

“I’m sorry, Heath.” said Nick causing the blonde to sigh loudly.

“Barkley, you had no say in something that happened fifteen years ago. You can’t change the past, you only try to live with it.” stated Heath with a small smile. “It’s funny though, ya’ gotta admit.”

“What’s funny about you working as a kid with explosives?” growled Nick angrily.

“Guess you could say your family helped pay for where I lived as a child and now it’s helped pay for where I live as an adult.” smirked Heath.

Rolling his eyes, Nick shook his head and refilled the tin cups, “Few more cups of this scotch and maybe I’ll be able to see the humor in it, Thomson.”

Chuckling, Heath winked and drank down his cup in one gulp, laying on this bedroll and placing his gun by his hand. Moving his hat over his eyes, he drawled, “We’ll make Strawberry by late morning and with luck, we won’t have to stay overnight. Night, Barkley.”

“Night.” acknowledged Nick finishing the rest of his drink, sleep long in coming to close the hazel eyes who couldn’t get the vision of a small blonde boy working in the deep, dark recesses of one of the Barkley holdings.

....Continued