Nick stood at the edge of the clearing, his hat in his hands, his head slightly bowed, his eyes not leaving the blonde paying his respects to the two women who were no longer with him on this earth. The right hand of the younger man raised and Nick knew it was to wipe away the pain coming out in the form of tears before he turned, walking away from the graves. The sapphire eyes were downcast, his sigh loud in the calm late morning air, the words quiet as he moved to his side.

Nick nodded and replaced his black hat over his dark hair, his hand automatically reached to squeeze the muscled shoulder of the blonde walking by his side. Heath glanced over and smiled, the touch taking away some of the pain twisting his heart and dampening his soul.

Making their way back to the small house, the two men were greeted on the porch by the watcher. Heath patted the large animal’s broad head and opened the door, allowing Nick to enter before he followed. Rachel indicated for them to sit at the table, placing coffee in front of each man. Opening a tin, she put some cookies on the plate and set it on the table before taking the last empty chair at the table.

Looking around the small home, Heath nodded at all the packed crates standing against one wall. “Is everything packed, Aunt Rachel?”

“Yes, except for these last few kitchen items and the clothes I washed this morning.” said Rachel to the two men. “Heath, aren’t you hungry? These are your favorite cookies.”

“Sorry, Aunt Rachel.” apologized Heath with a small smile, shaking his head. “If Barkley doesn’t finish them all off, maybe I can have some later.”

Nick rolled his eyes, his mouth full of the cookie he was eating. Taking a drink of coffee, he grinned, “Miss Caulfield, these are the best raisin oatmeal cookies I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you, Mr. Barkley.” smiled Rachel, the compliment sparkling her eyes.

Glancing into the sapphire eyes, Nick smirked, “Thomson, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control myself and not eat them all. They sure melt in your mouth.”

“Maybe they can sweeten your disposition, Barkley.” replied Heath, eyes wide with innocence.

“Don’t listen to him, Miss Caulfield. My disposition doesn’t need any help.” stated Nick with a wink, causing the older woman to giggle.

Finishing his coffee and standing up, Heath shook his head, “As you can see Aunt Rachel, Barkley is very modest.”

“Can I help it if I don’t have any faults, Thomson?” questioned Nick following the blonde to the door, turning to tip his hat to the laughing woman left behind.

“Gee, if I’m lucky maybe some of your greatness will rub off on me.” laughed Heath leading the way to the small barn where a small wagon stood.

Nick’s grin was wide and his face full of amusement while he helped to harness the horses, jumping in the back of the wagon as Heath drove it to the cabin. The afternoon passed quickly, the men working steadily packing the wagon and carefully lashing the load in place. Rachel and Atilla watched as the last chair was carefully tied down, the ropes inspected again to ensure they were tight and secure. Her brown eyes filled with tears as she took one last look around the small house, the years of living under the wooden roof flashing through her mind, her ears hearing the sounds of laughter and tears over the years.

Two hands were laid on her shoulders from behind and a whisper reached her ears, “We had some fun times here, didn’t we? With mama and Hannah?”

Nodding, she raised one hand and brushed at her tears with her fingertips, her voice thickened with sadness, the other hand patted the strong hand of her nephew. “We did. Lots of good times and some bad, too.”

Placing a kiss on her cheek, Heath turned his aunt and smiled into her brown teary eyes. “Those memories are in our hearts forever and moving from here won’t erase them, Aunt Rachel. Just think of all the new ones you’ll have to put with them in the future.”

Cupping his cheek, she nodded, “I can’t wait to meet Mackenzie, Heath. I feel as if I already know her from your letters.”

“She’s beautiful inside and out. I’m the luckiest man to have been able to win her heart.” sighed Heath, his sapphire eyes twinkling with love. “She can’t wait to meet you either.”

Hugging him, Rachel stood back and took his arm, “Well, let’s not keep her waiting for too long, nephew. I’m ready and looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life.”

Walking out the door, Heath helped his aunt onto the wagon seat and climbed up beside her. Starting the horses, he called to Atilla and maneuvered the loaded wagon with Charger tied to the back, into the street. Nick climbed up on Coco and followed as the sun was lowering to the horizon, his eyes watching carefully as they passed the hotel on their way out of town. Glancing back at a sudden chill he felt on his back and hearing a deep growl from Atilla, he saw a man on the boardwalk, watching before returning back into the building.

Rachel laid a calming hand on her tense nephew’s arm when they passed the hotel. Her brown eyes filled with relief when they left the town behind them without incident from the couple who had nothing but hatred for the gentle, loving man who sat beside her.

Heath couldn’t avoid the main street of Strawberry, the deteriorated area around the town decreed they must leave the way they’d arrived. Turning the wagon onto the main street, he felt his stomach twisting at the thought of the two people who ran the hotel. The big window of the hotel looked out onto the street, their beady eyes kept track of everything occurring in the portion of the world they reigned over.

The thought of his two relatives left his muscles straining in nervousness, agitation and fear. The child who less than six years earlier enlisted in the army, the action stopping the beatings and fear the couple left him shaking with each day. The fear which he’d thrust deep inside when he went off to war was overshadowed by the daily atrocities he witnessed.

The fear was there when he returned, buried deep inside a scarred teenager quickly turned into a young man, old beyond his years. The life experience he’d survived when he left his hometown behind reflected in his eyes.

The sapphire eyes were sunken in a gaunt face, steely with coldness and anger. It was the hardened look in the sapphire orbs which sent a quiver of fear in his mama’s brother when the boy returned home, liberated from the prison camp and needing to mend his broken body and soul. The boy who went to war to earn money for his mama was not the boy who returned to her loving arms.

Feeling the hand of his aunt on his arm, Heath forced himself to look into her loving brown eyes and flash a slight lop-sided grin. Reaching the outskirts of town, the two occupying the bench seat of the small wagon sighed simultaneously with relief. Neither had known how the unstable blood aunt, Martha, would react to Heath’s presence in town and the knowledge the scapegoat relative was giving a future to the woman who was not a blood relative. The mind of the mentally unstable woman was a minefield, a place where reason disappeared sporadically leaving confusion and anger in it’s wake.

The afternoon falling sun treated the travelers to a glorious sunset, the colors painted on the horizon as if the sky was a canvas. Pulling the wagon off the side of the road, Heath jumped down and helped his aunt onto the ground. Dismounting, Nick unsaddled Coco and lead his mount beside the red stallion to the stream. Heath followed closely behind with the team used to pull the wagon and Atilla followed a trail with his nose along the bank of the stream. Rachel rummaged in the back of the wagon, gathering the items she needed to prepare dinner while the men tied the horses and readied the campsite and fire. An hour later, the travelers relaxed after satisfying their hunger, the shaggy dog whining low in his sleep, dreaming of chasing a rabbit in a field of tall grass.

“Lil Man, do you want some more coffee?” asked Rachel looking over at the blonde, who groaned outloud as Nick’s ears pricked up at the endearment, amusement lighting up the hazel eyes.

“Lil Man?” asked Nick, with a raised eyebrow and a wide grin. “Miss Caulfield, why do you call Thomson Lil Man?”

“None of your business, Barkley.” growled Heath glaring across the fire. “Just ignore him, Aunt Rachel. Maybe he’ll go away.”

Chuckling, Nick shook his head, “Com’n, Thomson! I’ll keep pestering til you tell me. It’s a long ways to Stockton, boy.”

Heath’s eyes sparkled and he held up his hands in mock defeat, “Better tell ‘em, Aunt Rachel. I don’t think I could stand the constant jabbering in my ear. That voice’d probably break my ear drums.”

Laughing at the two men, she smiled and nodded, “It was a long time ago, Mr. Barkley. I had moved or rather been dumped off at Strawberry by the man I thought was going to spend my life with forever. We were riding the stage, we got off and when the stage left only he was on it.”

“That’s heartless.” growled Nick, his frown of anger causing Heath to smile.

“It worked out to be the best day of my life.” said Rachel with a smile. “I met Heath’s mama that same day. I was sitting on the boardwalk crying tears that wouldn’t stop and I hear this angelic voice. I looked up into these round green eyes and a smile that was brighter than the sun. She held out a hand and I couldn’t help but take it. Course, if I wasn’t so wrapped up in my misery, I’d never would have let her pull me up from the boardwalk.”

“Why not?” whispered Nick, entranced by the story.

“I didn’t notice the glow about her came from the child she was carrying. Heath.” admitted Rachel, squeezing the large hand which grasped hers. “She took me in until I could get a job and get my own place. When Heath was born, I was there with Hannah and am proud to say I helped deliver him.”

Heath smiled slightly, his eyes fond in remembrance of the story he’d heard a thousand of times in his life and yet, each time it was retold, his heart filled with love.

“So, you call him Lil Man cause he was a small baby?” questioned Nick.

“What makes you think I was a small baby?” snorted Heath, grinning at the older man’s rolling eyes. “Alright, alright, Barkley.”

Giggling, Rachel shook her head, “No. Mr. Barkley, since he was the only male in our little family, Heath was forever trying to do everything he thought women shouldn’t do. He was always helping us out, ready to take on any chore to help any of us, especially Leah. That’s when Hannah started to call him, Lil Man. She’d say ‘Lil Man, ya’s gonna wear ya’self out’.”

Chuckling, Heath grinned, “You sounded just like her, Aunt Rachel! I can’t tell ya’ how many times I heard those words over the years.”

The memories of the small black woman, near and dear to them, left two sets of eyes wet with unshed tears. The unexpected loss of her shocked them all but she had given them so much love during her time with their family.

“So, there you have it, Barkley.” sighed Heath, leaning back with his hands under his head, staring up at the stars. “Now, I don’t have to worry about you chattering up a storm tomorrow.”

“Heath, you shouldn’t tease Mr. Barkley so much.” chastised Rachel with a smile.

“That’s right, Thomson!” agreed Nick readily, stiffening slightly when Atilla walked over and laid by him. “Hey, you want to call your friend over, Thomson.”

Glancing at the nervousness on the tanned face, Heath smirked, “No, you two look very comfortable together. I’d sure hate to break up a couple, Nick.”

Rachel shook her head and laughed, her brown eyes tearing with laughter as she climbed under her covers, barely able to bid the men goodnight between her gasps. Nick wrinkled his nose and groaned, “I can’t sleep if I have to smell this dog all night. I haven’t smelled anything this bad since Gene came to dinner after falling into a load of manure.”

Heath smiled before placing his hat over his eyes and cross his arms, stifling his laughter at the pleading from across the fire.

“Thomson? Heath? Com’n buddy!”

Waking from the sudden pressure on his chest, Heath groaned and moved to push the massive mound of fur to the side, stopping suddenly at the low growl Atilla issued in his throat. The blonde placed a hand around the big snout using the command he taught the animal to silence his sounds. Heath grabbed hold of his pistol and crept to Nick’s side, his hand clamping down over the older man’s mouth as he whispered in his ear.

“Atilla sees something moving by the horses.”

Nick’s hazel eyes which sprung open shifted to look over towards the area the animals were tied, the darkness hiding the movement to his eyes. Taking his gun in his hand, Nick nodded at the blonde’s whispered plan, moving to wake Rachel who quietly moved under the stationary wagon, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

Heath motioned and Atilla crept forward by his side as the blonde made his way in a circle, glad the fire had burned down to ashes, freeing him to move without fear of a fire outlining him. Atilla’s fur was bristled, his eyes not leaving the pitch blackness on the edge of the camp, silent and ready to protect at all costs.

The sound of a muffled curse reached Heath’s ears and he smiled when the low voice whispered angrily at the horse which bit him. The blonde could just imagine Charger lashing out with teeth at the stranger who was trying to untie the ropes. Making his way to the sound of the curse, Heath stopped suddenly at the shadowy outline of a figure four feet in front of him. Holding himself still, he struggled to see if any other shadows moved in the darkness, wishing the clouds hadn’t hidden the moonlight.

Jumping suddenly, he propelled himself into the figure, taking the body forward with him three feet, both men unaware of the environment around them, only aware of the struggle they found themselves in.

Nick jumped up at the sound of crashing in the woods and threw some logs into the fire, quickly blazing the smoldering into a burst of light, helped along with some kerosene. Leaving Atilla with Rachel, he plunged into the trees to the horses grabbing the ropes of Coco and Charger, leading them to the wagon and returning for the other two draft horses. Rachel held a pistol in her hand while the other rested on Atilla’s bristled fur, her eyes scanning the edge of the camp, her eyes wide with the sound of the struggle she heard going on between her nephew and the intruder. Nodding at Nick’s statement to stay where she was, she waited for the men to return, the two sets of eyes keeping watch around them.

Heath froze for a moment at the sight of the man before him, his eyes filling with fury before he ducked under the limb swung at him, his right fist plunging into the thin man’s stomach pushing him back a step. Following with a left hook to the jaw, Heath lunged after the falling man who kicked out and caught the blonde on the kneecap, bringing him to the ground from the shooting pain in his leg.

The man jumped on the cursing blonde, his fists swung once before his wrists were grabbed and he was flung over the head of the prone blonde man, landing against a tree, his side hitting the hardened wood, the blunt force breaking a rib and causing the man to cry out in pain as he fell to the ground. Holding his left arm to his side, he attempted to stand and stopped at the pistol which was thrust between his eyes, the cold barrel searing his skin.

Nick ran into the trees, his lungs bursting from exertion and his steps came to a halt at the sight of Heath holding his gun on an older man’s forehead, the scene illuminated from the flickering of the large fire from the camp.

“Thomson?” gasped Nick. “You okay?”

Heath ground out angrily, “What were you gonna do? Steal our horses and then kill us?”

The wide eyes of the man kneeling on the ground, widened when the questions were accented with a not so kind pushing of the barrel into his forehead, his face paling at the cold fury in the sapphire eyes.

“ANSWER ME!” snapped Heath, cocking the hammer.

“He wanted you afoot!” replied the man rapidly, his fear of death rising immensely as the seconds ticked by, holding his hands up in defeat. “I just do what I’m told. You know that.”

Nick watched the exchange puzzled. “You know him?”

“An associate of my uncle. I shoulda known he let us leave too easily.” smiled Heath. “That old man is meaner than a cornered rattlesnake.”

“What are we gonna do with him?” asked Nick gesturing towards the kneeling man, perspiring as if it were a hundred degrees outside. “We could tie him up and take ‘em with us.”

“Or we could give him a head start and let Atilla loose on him.” suggested Heath coldly. “He’s gotta eat too, even if it’s only coyote.”

“NO!” shouted the man, “That dog’d tear me apart! You wouldn’t!”

Nick growled, “Sounds good to me, Thomson.”

“Please, no.” pleaded the intruder, trembling at the punishment he knew he deserved. “I only did it cause I owed your uncle. He called it in and I had to. Please.”

Taking a calming breath, Heath moved back slightly, limping on his bruised leg, his gun not leaving the thin man. “Donovan, if I see you again I’ll kill you on sight.”

“You won’t see me, I promise.” assured the thin man, grateful for the salvation the young man was handing him. “I never had no reason to harm you boy. I just can’t be beholden, is all.”

“You can’t let him go, Heath.” protested Nick. “We can take him with us and turn him over to Fred.”

“Get outta here, Donovan!” growled Heath, his words sending the man stumbling to his feet, falling twice before he melted into the darkness, the sound of his galloping horse reaching their ears.

“Why’d you let him go?” demanded Nick with a shake of his dark head.

Putting his pistol away, Heath turned and stumbled, his leg giving out under him. Nick leapt forward and grabbed onto the blonde’s arm, holding him up.

“I caught a boot on my knee.” sighed Heath, reaching down to rub his kneecap.

Helping the blonde back to the fire, Nick chuckled at the crimson spreading up the blonde’s neck to his face at his aunt’s demand to lower his pants. Heath glared at the smirking cowboy and mumbled under his breath. Rolling her eyes, Rachel winced at the bruising and swelling on his left kneecap, wrapping a wet cloth around it.

Sitting by the fire, Nick questioned, “Why’d you let him go, Thomson?”

Rachel looked up and brushed back the blonde’s hair, his sapphire eyes meeting hers. “Donovan’s not the type of man who’d kill anybody. He’s just a weak man that can be controlled by others. Besides, Fred couldn’t have done anything since this is out of his jurisdiction, Nick.”

Frowning, Nick shook his head before moving to harness the horses to the wagon, the three travelers already having made the decision to leave the area under the cover of darkness. Finishing his chore, Nick helped Rachel onto the seat of the wagon before turning to the blonde.

“What about your uncle? Do you think he’ll try something else?” asked Nick, placing a hand on the smaller man’s shoulder.

“The man’s hated me since I was born. He’s my only living blood relative and if I died whatever I own would be his. I’m betting he made a spur of the minute, desperate decision and sent Donovan to prevent us from leaving the area.” explained Heath wearily. “If we were killed, it would have looked like a trail robbery.”

“Unfortunately, I think you’re right, Heath.” admitted Rachel sadly. “I was afraid of something like this.”

Nick scowled, “With relatives like that, you need all the friends you can get.”

“Well, ya’ can’t pick your relatives, Barkley.” sighed Heath pulling himself up onto the seat. “Ya’ gotta play with the hand life deals ya’.”

Nick mounted Coco and smirked, “I don’t know, Thomson. Maybe you should ask for a redeal.”

Chuckling, Heath smiled, “I’m telling ya’, Barkley, you’re bad luck!”

Traveling through the last hours of the night and the morning, Heath pulled the wagon to a stop in front of the small house, stepping down and helping his aunt off the seat. Nick walked over and started untying the ropes holding the load on the back of the wagon as Heath led Rachel into the house, showing her the bedroom she would have until Mackenzie moved out to his ranch.

Holding tightly onto her nephew, Rachel blinked back her tears. “It’s perfect, Heath. It’s so large compared to my old house.”

Laughing, Heath returned her hug and smiled into the brown eyes, “For your house warming present, I paid your rent for a year Aunt Rachel. This way you can concentrate on building your business up.”

“Lil Man, you..no..that’s too much!” protested Rachel. “I can’t accept that.”

Taking her hands, Heath shook his head and replied, “It’s not too much for all you did for me and mama over the years. All the friendship, the love. I’ll never be able to repay you for those things, Aunt Rachel. I love you and besides you have no choice.”

Openly crying from his words, Rachel hugged his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Leah would’ve been so happy for you, Heath and so proud.”

“I know.” whispered Heath, his voice thick with emotion. “I miss her so much but I’m thankful you’re still with me.”

Nick entered the house, his hands full of chairs and cleared his throat at the emotional people before him. "Sorry, where do you want these, Miss Caulfield?”

Wiping her eyes, she directed Nick where to put the chairs while Heath made his way out to the wagon. The afternoon spent carrying in household goods and stacking the crates in the small house until the wagon was empty.

“Rachel, we’ll go pick up Mackenzie now. You ready?” asked Heath, watching his aunt in the middle of the crates, after the two men carried out one last item.

Sighing, she frowned, “Heath, would it be okay if I stayed here and put some of these things away before Mackenzie came back to the house? I don’t want her to come in here and have it look like a tornado struck while she was gone.”

Chuckling, Heath nodded. “Sure, Aunt Rachel. How about if we go out to dinner later?”

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she smiled, “Definitely not! You have not seen her for a week and I don’t want to intrude on your reunion. We can have dinner tomorrow, okay?”

“Boy howdy, I am anxious to see her.” admitted Heath with a smile. “I’ll leave Atilla here for now, Aunt Rachel.”

“Mr. Barkley, thank you for your help!” smiled Rachel taking a hand of the large cowboy in hers. “I hope to see you soon.”

“It was my pleasure, Miss Caulfield.” grinned Nick. “I’ll let my Mother and Audra know you’re opening a new dress shop. They can shop with the best of them.”

“Thank you, Mr. Barkley. That’s very generous of you.” smiled Rachel seeing the men to the door. “Heath, your limp is getting worse, maybe you should see the doctor.”

Kissing her cheek, Heath winked, causing her to smirk in understanding at his words. “I’ll keep your suggestion in mind, Aunt Rachel and I will see you later when I bring Zie home.”

Climbing aboard the wagon, Heath flicked the reins and started the wagon out to the Barkley ranch. Driving by the office of Dr. Merar, Nick caught the blonde’s eyes and raised an eyebrow in question.

“Not on your life, Barkley.” growled Heath snapping the reins to quicken the horses’ pace with the deep laughter of Nick reaching his ears.

An hour later, Heath smiled widely after they entered the gates of the Barkley ranch, his heart jumping in anticipation as he pulled up in front of the mansion. Climbing down from the wagon, he stopped Nick as he walked by him, a hand on his shoulder.

“Nick, I appreciate your help.” said Heath sincerely, his sapphire eyes locking with the hazel eyes. “I was wondering if I could ask ya’ another favor.”

“Sure anything, well, anything except babysitting Atilla.” smiled Nick.

“Don’t worry it’s nothing like that.” chuckled Heath, his smile being replaced with seriousness, causing Nick to study the blonde intently. “I was wondering if ya’d consider being my witness at the wedding.”

Surprise flashed in the hazel eyes and Nick grinned widely, “I’d be honored, Heath.”

Shaking the extended hand, Heath smiled widely and turned at the female voice shouting his name, running towards him from the side of the house. Catching the tiny woman in his arms, he twirled her around and his hands cupped her face. Staring into her tearing eyes, he placed a lingering kiss on her lips.

“I missed ya’ honey.” whispered Heath holding her tightly in his arms.

Nick and Audra smiled at each other watching the oblivious couple before them, their eyes sparkling as they looked into each other’s face, their hands holding onto each other.

“Com’n lovebirds.” teased Nick turning the couple’s faces red when they remembered the audience before them, following the siblings into the house, thanking their hostess and visiting for a little while before they left the Barkleys behind.

Mackenzie held onto Heath’s waist, her arms not wanting to let him go, the couple talked back and forth, telling each other of their time apart. Mackenzie slipped a finger in his shirt and rubbed his chest, causing a groan to escape his throat.

“Zie, that’s not nice, now.” protested Heath, trying to keep his mind on driving the team in the night which had fallen rapidly around them.

Giggling, Mackenzie felt a touch of wickedness surging within her and she undid his buttons. Her breath quickened as the desire within her grew at the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers, tweaking his nipples in her fingers. Pulling his face to her, she parted his lips with her tongue, savoring the renewed taste of him. Heath gave in, his tongue meeting hers, his need tightening his jeans at the actions of the woman beside him.

Breaking off the kiss, he pulled the break and wrapped the reins around it, turning and pulling her to him, searching her mouth. Mackenzie straddled him on the bench, holding his head in her hands and feverishly seeking his mouth, moving against him, his hands holding onto her tiny waist. Running his hands up her back, he moved them to the front and brushed his palms over her breasts, the material of her blouse in the way, her moan in the night filling both of them with a frenzied passion to fulfill their needs. Unbuckling his belt, Mackenzie lifted her skirt and found the object of her desire, their gasps loud in the night air.

Laying her on the bench seat, Heath felt her legs wrap around him and he slowed his movement, bringing her to whimper with need, pleading for him to take away the fire within her. Unable to tease her anymore, he let his passion quicken his movements as he surrendered into her, both crying out when their bodies bucked together, their animal desires surging within them under the velvet night of the California sky.

Desires given and exchanged, whispered words of love and togetherness exchanged before clothes were adjusted and the wagon moved forward. Arriving at his ranch, he led Mackenzie into the house and smiled, stating she was to stay there with eyes closed.

Mackenzie did as instructed, her ears picking up the sound of heavy footsteps passing the living room and heading up the stairs. She put her hands over her eyes, to prevent her curiosity from opening them. Heath smiled and thanked Matt Duer with his help, handing the hand some bills and Mackenzie heard her fiancee order the men to town for dinner and drinks. A bonus for taking care of the ranch in his absence.

Waiting til the men rode off the ranch, Heath closed the door and locked it, making his way to the chair.

“Keep your eyes closed, Zie.” warned Heath playfully taking her into his arms and carrying her up the stairs.

Walking into the master bedroom, Heath placed her feet on the floor and stepped in front of her, pulling her hands down and stepping away. The violet eyes widened at the sight before her and she looked up into the sapphire eyes.

Taking her hand, Heath led the way to the sofa from her house, lowering her to a seat before he knelt in front of her, his fingers shaking as he worked the buttons on her blouse.

“Whenever I see this sofa, it’ll always remind me of our first time, Zie. The first time we became one. The first time which makes me weak with desire each time I remember it.” whispered Heath huskily. “I love you, Mackenzie Knight.”

Crying softly, Mackenzie captured his lips in hers before whispering, “I love you, Heath Thomson!”

Releasing her lips from a deep searching kiss, Heath lovingly caressed the soft skin the now open blouse revealed, his mouth tantalizing her soft breasts before moving down the front of her, her body quivering with desire again. Clothes were discarded and hands touched each other, his fingers stroking up her inner thighs, gently working her into an explosion of need, before taking her and holding on tightly to the woman in his arms.

“Boy howdy, this is what I call a homecoming.” smiled Heath caressing the cheek as Mackenzie lay against him, spent from their burst of lovemaking. Raising her face, she left him hungry for her with another lingering kiss, her hand moving over him raising them both to the heights of abandonment again.

Later laying in his empty bed, Heath’s dreams were of the passion shared between them before he had to introduce her to Aunt Rachel and leave her at the small house in town. His heart pounded in his chest, his smile not leaving his face as he spent the night dreaming of the future which would be spent with her by his side.

Before the sun had considered rising above the eastern horizon, Jim Fargas accepted the cup of coffee and sat at the table with his blonde boss, the two men discussing the ranch, the items accomplished during his trip to Strawberry and the upcoming week. The crew had already eaten and were getting ready for the day.

“Any problems this past week?” inquired Heath taking a sip of coffee.

Shaking his head, Jim replied, “Nope. We didn’t have to chase any Craddock cattle off, no more water holes were tampered with. It was real quiet.”

Sighing with relief, Heath smiled, “Good. I just want to ranch and be left alone. Getting into a range fight with a neighbor isn’t how I intend to spend my future.”

“I know, boss. But we all know you’d be able to handle anything thrown your way. One way or another.” admitted Jim, his eyes showing his confirmation of the spoken words, the depths of them showing his admiration of the ability of the younger man.

Grinning slightly, Heath nodded and stood up, “Yeah, but a quiet life would suit me just fine til the day I meet my maker.”

Following his blonde boss out to the barn, Jim and Heath saddled their horses leaving instructions for the men to finish the fence they were building in the box canyon several miles away. The boss and foreman rode side by side, two sets of eyes looking over the ranch they were the caretakers of, the land they would spend the remainder of their days on. The examination of the fences had Heath relaxing in the saddle, no breaks meant no problems with the Craddocks. Perhaps it was just someone’s way of testing what the new ranch owner would do before, feeling out the way the youngster would handle aggression.

Smirking to himself, Heath thought if they knew anything about him, they’d have known he wouldn’t back down or cowtail to anyone. Leaving Jim to supervise the erecting of the fence in the box canyon, Heath rode to the southern part of the ranch, the part which bordered the northern most part of the Barkley ranch up against the mountain range. It was mid morning and the northern wind had a bite to it. A promise of the colder weather coming, the leaves were turning colors, getting ready to flutter to the ground when they lost their hold on the limbs.

Taking out his notebook and pencil, he stopped Charger and made some notations to the work needed to improve this section of the ranch. Putting away the notebook, Heath leaned forward to scratch behind the red stallion’s ears and frowned as his eyes caught a set of tracks on the ground in front of the horse. Climbing down, he studied the prints, his gut telling him they were similar to the ones found by the limed waterhole two weeks ago. Leading the horse, he followed the tracks by foot glancing upward as they took a game trail into the mountains. The hunter in him overrode the rancher and he mounted nudging the stallion into a walk, his eyes following the trail before him.

Climbing steadily up the trail, Heath shivered at the coldness of the higher elevation which he felt through his shirt, his coat back at the ranchhouse since he hadn’t expected to be traveling in the mountains. Rounding a bend, he didn’t see the trap which the stallion sprung until it was too late. The tied back branch hit him across the chest, taking away his air before propelling him off the saddle and unable to stop the momentum the surprise attack caused carrying him down the mountain slope. His last conscious thought was of his horse before darkness fell in his mind after a burst of pain.

The hunter’s prey reached over and struck the rump of the stallion with a hat, screaming loudly sending the frightened animal down the mountain trail in a burst of speed. Standing above on the trail, he searched the mountain side unable to see the man who’d been tossed off the horse, a smile of revenge lighting up his face before he moved back to his horse and mounted, leisurely riding away.

Duke and Nick worked together, rebuilding a section of fence taken down by some of the cattle, stopping and looking at the group of men riding towards them. Jim Fargas lead his crew towards the two men and stopped.

“Mr. Barkley, have you seen our boss today?” asked Jim.

“No, we haven’t seen anyone since we’ve been out here, Jim.” replied Nick, his eyes taking in the stallion Matt Duer was leading, fully saddled with no rider. “What’s happened?”

“Don’t know. We were on our way back to the ranch and Charger was wandering around the yard. Last time I saw Heath he was riding out to check out this part of the ranch.” informed the older man, his worry shining in his eyes.

A sudden feeling of panic came over the dark haired rancher, throwing down his tools, Nick mounted and rode through the break in the fence before turning back to his foreman. “Duke go back to the ranch, fetch Dr. Merar and bring a wagon with bedding and such. I’ve a feeling we’re gonna need it.”

Nodding, Duke wheeled his horse away, pushing the animal into a gallop. Sitting on his horse, Nick felt a strong pull towards the mountains on the horizon. Looking over, he frowned.

“Have you checked the mountains?” asked Nick slightly shaken by the strong feelings running through him.

Jim shook his head negatively. “No. He didn’t have a coat and it’d be mighty cold up there with winter coming on.”

“I don’t know how but I got a feeling that’s where he is. We only got a few more hours of daylight left. We better hurry.” replied Nick, hazel eyes showing his confusion and wonder before riding towards the massive hills with his friend’s crew following.

Numbing cold left the prone man on the ground wondering if he’d fallen asleep in an ice house after he’d forced his eyelids open. It took a few minutes before he could force his brain to work properly, a few minutes for it to register ice houses didn’t have grass and pine needles in them. Blinking his eyelids he forced the sapphire orbs to focus and he bit back a groan when with awakening came realization of pain. His hands felt like bricks of ice as he put them on the ground and pushed himself onto his side, crying out loud from the blunt piercing stabs in his leg.

Shaking from the small movement or from the cold, he took a few minutes and closed his eyes, his stomach lurching into his throat. Opening his eyes, he looked down at the limb which complained and clenched his jaw tightly.

“Broken leg. Great.” mumbled the blonde to himself, looking around and feeling more than just the cool temperature chilling his soul. Remembering suddenly what happened, he felt a blaze of anger rising up within him, a fury which almost overtook the dire situation he was in.

“When I find him...” hissed the blonde taking a shallow breath, unable to take a deep breath from the pain across his chest. Closing his eyes for a moment, he opened them, holding onto his left pant leg with uncooperative fingers before turning over onto his back. Tears sprang into his eyes, his hands clenched in fists at the insurgence of hurt, his vision darkened on the edges and he fought with himself to stay awake, staring up into the canopy of leaves above him.

His body shook from the shock and cold, his mind was firing rapidly as he lay on the ground. His mind was telling him what to do but his body was slow to react. Pushing himself to a sitting position, he opened his shirt and cringed at the bruising across his chest before running his trembling fingers down his sides. Not feeling any moving ribs, he turned his eyes downward to the broken limb, scowling at it before looking around the area for what he needed.

Taking off his shirt, he shivered as he pulled out his pocket knife and cut the tail part of the garment into three strips. His teeth chattered before he put the shirt back on and wrapped his arms gently against his bruised chest trying to stop his shaking, knowing what he had to do but damning the reality of needing to do it.

Putting the strips of cloth in his mouth, he clenched his teeth together and reached out, pulling himself through the covering on the mountain slope towards the deadfall some twenty yards away. The area around the fallen tree was strewn with branches. He stopped suddenly and sobbed in anguish when the broken limb was dragged over a rock sending renewed pain throughout his leg.

Laying his head on his arm, he waited for the pain to subside to a dull roar and wiped his tears, staring at the darkened spot on his shirt. Reaching up, he felt his head with his fingers and sighed when he saw the blood on them.

“What’s a few more ounces of blood.” muttered Heath placing his head back on his arm before slowly starting forward again, trying to focus on reaching a spot on the ground before him and accomplishing that, refocused on another spot, forcing himself to keep his mind on something other than pain. Satisfaction flowed through him when he reached the deadfall, a milestone, a goal obtained.

Searching through the debris, he found three that would suit his purpose and pulled himself to sit up against the log. Leaning forward, he groaned at the pain the movement created in his chest, laying the three pieces of cloth beneath his calf, he laid two branches on the sides. His trembling fingers drew the wood against his leg when he picked up the ends and taking a shallow breath, he tightened the cloth in a knot gasping when the branches pushed against his injured leg, the pain almost unbearable as he tied the one strip of cloth. Falling back against the log, he moved his head from side to side, fighting the desire to lay down and let unconsciousness take him.

He didn’t notice the tears falling down his face as he reached forward again repeating his self torture two more times before he closed his eyes and leaned over, not caring as he vomited, only aware of the pain and cold. Leaning against the deadfall one arm laying across it with his head on the arm, he allowed himself to rest, unsure of how much time passed before the will to survive had him dragging the thick branch over and he pushed himself up to sit on the log.

Studying the area from his new height, he looked up the mountain before looking down. Neither direction looked promising and he debated which to take when his eyes caught sight of a faint trace of a trail leading along the natural contours of the slope. Decision made, he laid his arm in the crook area of the branch, his crutch held firm in his hand and he concentrated keeping his balance as he followed the way of the mountain animals. The thought of the feel of Mackenzie in his arms, the vision of her beautiful face flashing in his mind, keeping him company and warming him in the cold air of the late afternoon.

Nick and Jim searched the ground for tracks, the crew of men splitting up and moving across the area in a straight line. Nick felt the urgency inside of him and fought to concentrate on the ground, his mind telling him he wouldn’t be doing Heath any favors by rushing headlong without an idea of where to find him.

“There!” shouted Jim pointing forward in the gathering dusky light of the early night. Nick spurred Coco forward and jumped down in one fluid movement, grabbing hold of the pale blonde’s arms before him, taking in the feverish eyes, the exhaustion on his face.

“Heath!” exclaimed Nick watching the eyes blink in confusion and a small smile crossed the pale face.

“Barkley..ya’..don’t..look..good..as..Zie..” gasped Heath before collapsing in the larger man’s hands and being lowered to the ground.

Nick held on, taking the blanket Jim handed him and wrapped it around the shivering man. Heath grimaced and clenched his jaw against the pain exploding in his leg.

“Charger?”

“He’s fine.” assured Nick holding the trembling man in his arms. “Jim, we need that wagon.”

Nodding, the foreman spoke to Matt who turned his horse and spurred away. Coming back to the two friends on the ground, Jim wet a handkerchief and wiped the blonde’s face, not liking the scarlet flush to his cheeks.

“Boss, think you can take some water?” asked Jim receiving a slight nod and holding the canteen up. Taking a small amount of refreshing water, Heath lifted his hand and pushed the metal container away, trying to wriggle out of the blanket around him, chills sending him through ice then fire.

Nick growled and pushed the blonde’s hands down, “Keep this blanket on, don’t touch it.”

Scowling in confusion, Heath mumbled, “Broke..leg…Nick.”

“Yeah, sure looks like it.” replied Nick, wrapping the blanket tighter around the feverish man. “What happened, Heath?”

Moving his head slightly, Heath fought to keep his eyes open, knowing he was loosing the battle but not concerned due to the strong feeling of trust rising up in him. With the knowledge the dark haired man was there, he relaxed into the strong arms, his words muttered, barely able to be heard.

“Trip..wire..trap.”

Nick swore at the muttered words and glanced over into the furious eyes of the ranch crew kneeling on the ground. The blonde mumbled incoherently before succumbing to the darkness, unaware of those around him, their minds fueled with thoughts of retribution.

The wagon arrived along with Duke on the seat, Matt and Jarrod riding beside. Nick sighed in relief after they lifted the blonde into the back and he never moved from the jostling of his injured leg. Wrapping him securely in the make shift bed, Jarrod left for Stockton to bring Mackenzie and Heath’s aunt out to his ranch. Howard was waiting on the front porch of the Thomson ranch and directed the men to carry the patient up the stairs. Laying him on the bed, Howard instructed everyone except Jim to leave the room and closed the door, ceasing Nick’s protests.

“Jim, we need to get these clothes off and get him warm. He’s probably suffering from a touch of exposure.” instructed Howard, taking out a pair of scissors and cutting the tan pants, while the foreman took off Heath’s shirt. The older man’s face paling at the scaring he saw on his back and the deep bruising across his chest. He looked up into the caring eyes of Dr. Merar, his hands shaking as he pulled a blanket up to cover his boss.

Heath stirred slightly at the feel of the physician’s fingers on his chest, moaning from the pain the examination caused, his body trembling seemingly unable to get warm. Howard called his name and studied the flushed face, tapping lightly on his cheek.

“Heath! Wake up!” called Howard.

The words reached into his ears and he turned his head, fighting to rise to the light that was hovering above him. His eyes opened slightly and he shifted them to look around the room. Howard placed himself in his line of sight, holding up two fingers.

“How many, Heath?”

Staring at the hand, Heath mumbled, “Two.”

Patting the blonde’s shoulder, Howard smiled, “Good. No concussion. I’m going to give you some laudanum before I set your leg and plaster it.”

Confusion appeared briefly in the sapphire eyes as he looked around the room, down at his unclothed body and into his foreman’s face. Heath saw the man’s tormented eyes and took a shallow breath, before answering the unspoken question at the shaking hand that held onto his arm.

“Carterson..Jim.” whispered Heath closing his eyes and shutting out the shocked look in the other men’s faces.

Howard touched the blonde’s arm opening his eyes and administering the dose of pain killer. The medicine mixed with exhaustion and trauma worked quickly, driving the blonde deep into sleep. Working together, the leg was set, the plaster applied and the blonde was dressed in a night shirt before being recovered with several heavy quilts. The shaking diminished greatly after his body began retaining the heat it lost. Howard listened to his lungs, mindful of the raspy breaths, but all in all pleased it was not worse.

Jim sat by the bed, unable to take his eyes off the face of the young man, scarcely able to imagine the blonde surviving Carterson. A place responsible for the deaths of many and the breaking of many others’ souls. He felt the great trust the boss placed in him when he whispered the name of the place responsible for the brutality of the past reflected on his body. Howard motioned to the foreman and they entered the hallway, meeting the anxious faces which lined the passageway.

Nick and the crew looked up as the door opened. Howard smiled at the men, his words low and quiet. “He’s asleep. We set his leg, bandaged his head. He’s got some deep bruising on his chest which will be painful but thankfully whatever hit him didn’t break anything. He’s suffering from exposure to the elements. That’s causing his slight fever and his head wound had a lot of debris in it.”

Nick frowned, “He’ll be okay though, right?”

“With rest, he’ll be fine, Nick.” assured Howard, handing Nick a dark bottle. “Some pain killer in case he needs it. I’ll bring out a set of crutches tomorrow when I check on him.”

“Thanks, doc.” smiled Nick, relief evident in the hazel eyes as he watched the physician leave with the crew trailing behind him.

Walking into the room and standing by the bed, Nick couldn’t stop the overwhelming need to reach over and place his hand on the blonde’s forehead, scowling at its warmth before he sat in the chair by the bed, keeping his eyes on the sleeping man before him.

Two hours later, Nick’s place in the room was taken over by two concerned women. They ushered him out, Rachel went to the kitchen to make some coffee and Mackenzie sat on the bed, brushing her fingertips over the flushed cheek of her fiancee. Muttering at the light caress, Heath turned his head and slightly opened his eyes, smiling when his slow rising hand was caught in hers and held to her lips, a tender kiss placed on it.

“Zie.” whispered Heath. Tears filled her eyes and she leaned over so his lips could brush against hers. “Don’t..cry.”

Smiling, Mackenzie kissed him tenderly and ordered softly, “Go back to sleep, Heath.”

Nodding slightly and unable to keep his eyes open, the blonde’s deep breathing could be heard again in the room. Her heart filled with thankfulness and love as she sat holding his hand, her thoughts wondering who was responsible, afraid the next time they’d accomplish what they seemed set out to do.

Two days later the fever broken, his bruised chest painful and tender, Heath sat up in bed, pillows behind his back and a smile on his face for the auburn haired woman carrying a pitcher of water into his room. Placing it on the bedside table, she sat on the bed and kissed his waiting lips, holding his hand in hers.

“Zie, can I get up now.” pleaded Heath, his eyes flashing his wishes.

“Heath, you heard what Dr. Merar said. One more day of bed rest.” explained Mackenzie brushing her fingers through his blonde hair.

Groaning and laying back against the pillows, he complained, “I feel one hundred percent better, honey. Really, I do! Zie, I got a ranch to run!”

Staring at the stubborn man, Mackenzie smiled and shook her head, “Not til tomorrow, Heath. I’m sorry.”

Sighing, he asked, “Where’s Aunt Rachel?”

“She went to town for some supplies with Jim.” said Mackenzie. “How about some breakfast?”

“Can you close the door, Zie?” asked Heath quietly, watching her stand and walk over to shut the door. “Lock it.”

Turning to look at him for a moment, her stomach jumped from the desire in the sapphire eyes as she turned the lock in the key and took the hand he held out to her. Moving over slowly, he pulled her down onto the bed with him, covering her with his blanket and holding her against him.

Giggling, Mackenzie sighed, “Heath, what if someone comes to visit?”

“Let them wait.” replied Heath, placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

“Heath.” protested Mackenzie. “You’re hurt.”

“I’m not that hurt, darlin’.” drawled Heath, his deep kiss was passionate and consuming.

“Zie, I love you so much.” whispered Heath, his hand caressing her cheek, his lips brushing against hers. “I can’t imagine life without you. Ever.”

“I’ll always be here with you, Heath.” promised Mackenzie, sealing the words with a lingering kiss on his lips before looking into his eyes and smiling. “I can see you’re feeling much better.”

Hopeful, Heath asked, “Can I get up now?”

“No deal, cowboy.” smirked Mackenzie, enjoying his groan of annoyance before leaning against him and enjoying the feel of his hand rubbing her back before he moved it to lay on her side, keeping her beside him.

She smiled feeling his body relax into sleep, knowing the ordeal on the mountain drained him more than he’d ever admit. She waited several minutes before moving out of his arms and pulled the blanket up to cover him. Her eyes taking in his handsome face, at ease in sleep, placing a kiss on his lips, his response automatic and he sighed her name in his slumber.

Moving away, she unlocked the door and entered the watercloset, remembering the passionate way he stared at her causing a blush to spread across her cheeks, her body tingling from his gentle touch on her back. Splashing cool water on her face, she looked in on him once more before making her way downstairs. Humming as she made more coffee and set the bread out to rise, she grabbed a towel and smiled at the man knocking on the door, grimacing at Atilla licking his hand.

“Hi, Nick.”

Taking off his hat, Nick smiled back and entered the house, “Morning, Mackenzie. How’s your patient today?”

“Kind of grouchy this morning.” sighed Mackenzie. “I don’t think he’ll stay in bed the rest of the day like Dr. Merar ordered unless I can get him to agree to taking his sleeping powder.”

Rubbing his wet hand against his pant leg, Nick gestured towards the crutches leaning against the wall, “Either way, he won’t get far without those.”

“Don’t count on that to hold him down, Nick. I’m sure he’s dreaming up some means of escaping.”

Nick smirked, “Can’t say I blame him. Can I go on up?”

“He fell asleep a little while ago, but go on up anyway. I’m sure he’ll be awake soon.” said Mackenzie. “I’ll bring you some coffee.”

Nick climbed the stairs, his spurs signaling his approach to the blonde who sat in his nightshirt with his legs swung over the side of the bed, holding one arm slightly against his painful chest. Stopping in the doorway, Nick stood with arms crossed and a grin on his face.

“Don’t just stand there, Barkley. Get over here and help me up!” growled Heath looking around the room. “Where are those damn crutches the doc brought?”

“Mackenzie’s keeping them out of your reach. In the kitchen.” grinned Nick at the scowling face before stepping over and straddling a chair by the bed.

Slumping in defeat, Heath ran his hand through his blonde hair, startling at the exclamation from the woman entering the room, a tray in her hands which she placed on the table. “If you know what’s good for you, Heath Thomson, you’ll get back in that bed!”

Smiling sheepishly, Heath gingerly laid back against the pillows, capturing the small hand which pulled his blanket up and placed a kiss on it, his eyes asking forgiveness. Sighing, Mackenzie smiled and caressed his cheek before taking the tray off the bedside table, placing it on his lap. Handing a cup of coffee to Nick, she left the men alone.

“You ready for Saturday, Nick?” sighed Heath, picking up his fork and glancing over.

“You’re still planning on getting married?” asked Nick incredulously. “After what happened?”

Heath frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Maybe you should wait til you find out who’s trying to kill you.” snorted Nick.

Shaking his head, Heath shrugged before digging into his breakfast, “I’m not putting my life on hold, Nick. Not for the likes of him, whoever, he is.”

“Well, then I’ll be there for you.” said Nick with a nod.

“Thanks, Nick.” replied Heath catching the hazel eyes in his own, before drinking his coffee, wrinkling up his nose at the taste of it.

“You got any ideas who did it?” questioned Nick.

“At least I know for sure it’s not the Craddocks.” drawled Heath, remembering Fred’s revelation the Craddock sons were in his jail the morning of the incident waiting for their father to bail them out. “This guy could’ve made sure I died on the mountain but he didn’t. I bet he’s getting lots of pleasure from playing cat and mouse with me.”

Scowling, Nick stated, “Just make sure he doesn’t win, okay?”

Heath shook his head to clear the cobwebs, confused as to his sudden need for sleep, his eyes closing as he whispered. “Whatever you say, Nick.”

Nick took the tray from the lap of the sleeping man and put it on the table. Shaking his finger at the woman who entered the room. “He’s gonna be mighty upset with you.”

Smiling, she crossed over and brushed her fingers through the blonde hair, “He wouldn’t have taken it willing and sleep is good for him. It’ll be our secret, Nick.”

Backing to the door, the dark haired man shook his head and held up his hands, “No way, I’m not getting involved in that and stuck in the middle between you two!”

Watching him back to the door, she smirked, “Coward.”

Nick’s laughter lasted long after he left the room, descended the stairs and patted a surprised Atilla on the head before turning Coco back to the ranch, the clear sapphire eyes of the blonde raised his spirits dramatically and lightened his step.

....Continued