Bright early the next morning, Heath paid a visit to the town’s sheriff to give his account of last night’s occurrence. With the lack of any eyewitness there was little that could be done to apprehend the culprits. Heath stormed out of the office, ranting and raving. His right arm held in a sling, he pounded his fist against the railing, which exacerbated his injury.

Jarrod was walking up to his office, briefcase in hand, when he saw Heath blowing out some steam. “I dare not ask you how you’re doing this morning.”

“Oh hi, Jarrod. Sorry ‘bout the outburst. I hate showin’ that side of me.”

“What happened to your arm?”

“Got shot.”

“What? When?”

“Last night when I got home. There was a riffle rigged to the door and when I pushed it open, it fired.” He glanced at Jarrod who stood stunned by the news. Heath recovered his composure and eased his lawyer friend’s worry by assuring him that it was merely a flesh wound.

“You’re lucky to be alive! Do you know who did this?”

“Not yet. None of my men saw or heard anythin’, which I find very peculiar.”

“You don’t suspect any of them?”

“No…I don’t know. I told the sheriff what happened but he says he can’t do anythin’ without any eyewitness.”

“Anyone you can think of who would want to see you dead?”

“None pops to mind.” Heath breathed out the last of his anger. “Listen Jarrod, can ya’ make my excuses to Audra and your mother, tell them I won’t be there for dinner tonight for the obvious reasons?”

“Sure, no problem. If you should recall a name or a face, let me know and I’ll do some ferreting.”

”Thanks Jarrod but I don’t want to inconvenience ya’ with my problems.”

“Come on, Heath! If I can help in any way.”

Heath fashioned his famous lopsided smile. “If I should come up with anythin’, I’ll let you know and I’ll pay ya’ for your trouble.”

“Don’t be silly now. It’ll be my pleasure.”

“I’ll work with my men at settin’ a trap.”

A wave of concern washed over Jarrod’s face. He put his hand on Heath’s shoulder. “Careful.”

“I will.”

Five days streamed by and still no visit from Heath. The deafening silence that fell between the turtledoves was excruciating. She was restless, her mind oppressed by the haunting vision of her knight poised ready to lunged at the enigmatic foe. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, she thought, hiding amongst a pack of seemingly decent men. Would Heath fall in a scheme of his own device? His neck caught in the very same rope he looped?

While Victoria was taking her afternoon nap, Audra stole away and rode out to Heath’s place. She crossed the main entrance gate and spotted him by the corral, feeding an apple to his Indian pony, Dancing Rainbow. “Heath!” she shouted to lure his attention.

“Audra! What are ya’ doin’ here?” Heath rebuked.

She jumped down her mount and ran up to him. She fell into his arms and strangled him in a tight clench. She kissed him hard on the lips. Heath openly welcomed this passionate grasp he yearned for since they last met but reason soon took over. He grabbed Audra by the shoulders and pulled her back. “Audra, ya’ shouldn’t be here.”

“I know, I know,” she huffed and puffed. “Jarrod told me what you were planning to do but it’s been almost a week! I was worried sick. I can’t stand being apart from you that long.”

“I feel the same, Sweet Pea, but I have to catch this guy before he hits again and I certainly don’t want ya’ aroun’ when I nab him.”

“He’s right, sis,” Nick’s gruffly voice rang out as he and Jarrod trotted towards the couple.

“Nick, Jarrod! You followed me!”

“Yes we did. Now get your little caboose back in the saddle and scamper out of here.”

“But…”

“No buts Audra. Get back to the ranch this instant before Mother realizes you’re gone,” Jarrod ordered on an imperious tone.

She turned back to Heath and gave him one last kiss on the lips. “I love you.”

“Ditto, kiddo. Now get!”

Audra straddled her mount and blew Heath a kiss before hightailing it back to the ranch. Both Nick and Jarrod slid down their horses.

“Thanks guys. I really don’t want your sister aroun’ while this character is still loiterin’ ‘bout. What are ya’ two doin’ here anyway?”

“Nick and I figured the reason why this guy hasn’t shown up yet is because he knows you’re here, waiting to spring on him.”

“So we spread the word around town that you were coming to the ranch for dinner tonight, leaving your house unattended,” Nick further explained Jarrod’s stream of thoughts.

“Not quite. The hands’ll still be on the property,” Heath corrected.

“Like the last you got ransacked and no one heard a thing, which you told me you found suspicious,” Jarrod added.

“Your foreman, Tanner, was in the saloon at the time. So if you suspect any of your men of backstabbing, we’ll nail them before they can say Jack Robinson.”

Jarrod and Heath’s brows creased at Nick’s idiom. “What?” they asked in unison.

“It’s an expression I picked up from an English bloke over at…” Annoyed by the wrinkled faces staring back at him, Nick curtailed his story in a nut shell,” well it means before they have time to realize it.”

Heath was deeply moved. “What can I say ‘cept…thank ya’.”

“Don’t need to, Heath. “ Jarrod patted him on the back.

“Told you we owed you one,” Nick added.

“Oh…that…yeah. Ya’ know Nick, I was savin’ it for somethin’ else,” Heath emoted.

“Like what?” Nick asked, raising his eyebrow dubiously.

Heath’s face chiseled a broad grin. “Just kiddin’.”

“Hum, another wise guy!”

Proceeding with the plan Jarrod and Nick laid out, Heath set off Charger into a canter towards the Barkley ranch while the brothers concealed themselves behind bushes near the entrance gate.

Minutes later, Heath navigated through the woods back to the hiding place and all three patiently waited for the rat to swallow the bait. The crescent moon provided a dim gleam of light, which proved enough for our three partners in crime to spot a shadowy figure prowling around the main house.

Inching circumspectly towards the house, Heath discerned a second moving shadow. A twig snapped underneath Nick’s foot. He dropped into a crouch position, squinting at the third silhouette hurrying into the house.

“How many have ya’ spotted?” Heath whispered to Nick and Jarrod.

“Three, so far,” Nick whispered back.

“We might be outnumbered if there are more,” Jarrod observed.

“Not if we take them all by surprise.”

One man was seen sneaking out of the house and to the horse paddock.

“This one’s mine, boys,” Nick revelled between gritted teeth. “You take the others inside the house.”

Nick slowly rose to his feet and stealthily made his way to the horse paddock while Heath and Jarrod proceeded to the house. They bounced in, guns drawn, fingers on the trigger. Surprised, the prowlers fired at them. Both flung themselves on the floor and rolled over to dodge the flying bullets. Jarrod bolted after the man fleeing by the kitchen door, leaving Heath facing his foreman.

“Tanner? I never would’ve suspected you.”

“It gave me the home field advantage.”

“Why?”

“This property was to be mine ‘fore ya’ pranced into town, and flaunted your money at Jarrod Barkley’s nose who melted into your hands. He was prepared to lower the price ‘fore ya’ showed up.”

“Is that why ya’ tried to kill me?”

“Just wanted to scare ya’ off.”

“By riggin’ a loaded riffle to the door?” Heath railed, looking askance at Tanner while keeping his gun trained on him. “ Who are your accomplices?”

Tanner gave a sidelong glance at the lantern on the table. He made a sudden spring for it and hurled it at Heath. Heath tilted sideways to avoid the hit and retaliated by shooting Tanner in the arm. He pounced on him like a hawk on its prey. They wrestled on the floor while the spilled oil from the lantern ignited, causing the flames to spread like wildfire.

Tanner managed to get a hold of a solid object and crashed it onto Heath’s skull, rendering him unconscious. He teetered to his feet, grabbing his bleeding arm and he hurried to the back of the house to seek a way out.

The fire slowly engulfed the house, creeping up to Heath lying senseless on the floor. The flames were beginning to lick at his shirt when Jarrod and Nick burst into the house. Wild-eyed and hearts pumping with adrenalin, they each snatched a towel and stifled the flames eating at Heath’s flesh.

They carried Heath outside the blazing inferno and gently laid him on the grass. The ranch hands toiled away at extinguishing the fire with pails of water while Nick and Jarrod gave Heath’s body a quick assessment. The man was deathly still and his breathing was extremely shallow. He’d sustained serious burns over his arms and chest.

Nick shed his gloves and glued his ear onto Heath’s chest. “Jarrod, I don’t like his breathing. He must have inhaled a lot of smoke.”

Jarrod carefully rolled Heath onto his side to peer at the back. His face turned ashen. “Nick, take a look at that blood!”

“God!”

“We’ve got to get him to the doctor’s.”

“We’ll settle him at the ranch, it’s closer. Then one of us ride out for Doc Merar.”

Jarrod craned his neck to single out one man who could do the job for them. “Why not ask one of the hands?”

Nick’s clawed at Jarrod’s arm with a force that nearly tore his skin. “No! I don’t trust any of ‘em,” Nick snarled with eyes spurting fire. Then he slipped his arms underneath Heath’s. “Help me carry him over to the rig over there,” Nick motioned to the buckboard with a tilt of the head.

Jarrod draped Heath’s legs over his arms and both brothers gingerly lifted the senseless man off the ground, and carried him to the back of the wagon where Jarrod remained by his side

“Here!” Nick threw a blanket at Jarrod. “Put this on him.”

Jarrod mantled Heath’s body with the blanket and removed his overcoat. He balled it up and placed it under Heath’s head and then pulled out a bandana from his trousers pocket and wrapped it around the wound as a makeshift bandage to stem the bleeding.

While Jarrod tended to the injured man, Nick busied himself hitching Coco to the rig. He was seething at the thought of the three men having given them the slip, and solemnly vowed to hunt them down once he got Heath safely back to the ranch.

Once Nick was ready, Jarrod alighted from the wagon and mounted Jingo.

“You go fetch the doctor while I get him home without shaking him too badly.”

“All right. I’ll meet you back at the ranch.”

Jarrod spurred Jingo at a full gallop while Nick flicked Coco, setting him off at a trot, then tightening the reins to hold him at a steady amble.

Nick reined in his horse near the bunkhouse and dashed inside to get Ciego to help him carry Heath inside the house. Both men climbed in the back of the rig to.

“Senor Barkley, he doesn’t look too good.”

“I know, Ciego. Jarrod’s gone fetch the doctor. They should arrive at any moment. Meanwhile let’s get him inside to a warm bed.”

They carried Heath to the kitchen where Silas was tidying up, putting the cutlery and glasses away.

“My Lord!” Silas exclaimed in horror. “What…”

“Shhhh, not so loud!” Nick curtly interjected. “ Where’s my sister?”

“I believe she just retired in her room.”

“And my mother?”

“Still downstairs, I think.”

“Okay would you get her please while we settle him in one of the guest bedrooms?”

“Sure thing Mister Nick.” Silas hastened the pace to the parlour where Victoria was snuggled up with a good book. Tom was away on business for a few days, granting her the title of mistress of the castle. “Mrs. Barkley, you’d better come quick. Mister Nick has brought young fellow Heath upstairs. He’s been hurt.”

Victoria snapped her book close and leapt out of her chair. With a flounce of her skirt, she floated up the stairs, striding two steps at once. She reached the guest room where Nick and Ciego were setting the listless blond down on the bed. “My Goodness! What happened?” Victoria asked, mortified. She hurried to the bed and sat beside Heath to feel his brow.

“We had ‘em, Mother!” Nick removed his gloves, hurled them at the floor and kicked a chair in a gust of fury. “We had ‘em!” he ranted.

“Nick, settle down!” Victoria turned to Silas, standing flustered at the feet of the bed. “Silas, would you get some fresh cold water, please?”

“Sure thing, Mrs. Barkley.”

As she turned her attention back to Heath, she caught a glimpse of Nick’s blood-tainted shirt. “Nick, you’re bleeding!”

“It’s not mine. Heath got a nasty blow to the head.” He curled up his lips in contempt, with his eyes shut tight. “His…house. It’s…it’s gone,” he spoke haltingly, eyes downcast.

“What do you mean, gone?”

“A fire ravaged it. Heath was inside when Jarrod and I got to him. A minute later and it would have been too late.”

Audra sauntered down the hall to where she’d heard an all too familiar holler. “Nick, what are you shouting ab…” he throat constricted and her eyes widened in horror upon seeing Heath on the bed. “Heath!” She rushed to his side. Her quivering hands hovered over his body, face and arm, afraid to touch any part that might elicit pain. “What happened to him?” Audra asked neurotically.

“He was trapped in a fire.”

“Where?”

“At his ranch.”

“You said you wouldn’t let anybody hurt him!” she scorned, her voice thick with insinuation.

Nick felt like being burnt at the stake. Audra’s scolding, howbeit unsubstantiated, stabbed him like a knife to the heart, spurring him to question the extent of his guilt. He stood, arms crossed against his chest, muted with repentance. He hung his head in shame.

Silas returned with a pitcher and poured fresh water into a washbowl on the night table. Victoria dipped a washcloth, wringing it dry of its excess water before applying it gently onto Heath’s brow. Carefully, she proceeded to unbutton what small shreds were left of his burnt shirt. As she exposed his chest, she could see the blotch patches.

Nick assisted his mother by bolstering Heath’s back with his arm to allow her to remove the remaining scraps of fabrics. She took a second moist washcloth and with light strokes, cleaned the soot from Heath’s face and neck, paying heed not to brush against the singe marks.

Doctor Merar loomed in the doorway and hurried over to his patient with Jarrod trailing not far behind. Victoria vacated her seat for the doctor who took out his pocket watch from his medical bag to take Heath’s pulse. He gave a slight shake of the head. “His pulse is weak.” With his thumb, he lifted the eyelids to study the corneal reflex. Much to his relief, the pupils responded to light. He then examined the head lesion by gingerly peeling the bandana off the gash. The cotton handkerchief was acting as a scab, stemming the blood flow. Its removal caused the wound to ooze blood. “It appears to be just a surface wound. It will require a few stitches but it’s not as serious as you may all have anticipated.”

A ripple of relief ran through the emotionally-charged atmosphere.

“Is he going to be all right, Doctor?” Audra queried.

“I’ll know more after I clean his sores and patch him up. Okay I want everyone out of the room except for Nick. I want him close by to hold Heath down while I clean the sores.”

“All right, Howard,” Victoria acknowledged. She took a distraught Audra by the arm. “Come on, dear. Heath is in good hands.”

Audra leaned over Heath, kissed her two fingers and laid them on his lips. “I’ll be back,” she whispered.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, Jarrod was beleaguered with questions. “There were three men prowling around the main house. Nick followed one out to the horse paddock while Heath and I surprised the two already in the house. One scurried off into the kitchen and I dashed after him, but he managed to give me the slip. Nick struck out too. Then we smelled smoke. When we saw flames through he windows we realized the house was on fire. So we burst in and found Heath unconscious on the floor, his shirt was burning.

Audra shrieked in terror, putting her hands over her mouth to contain her cries.

“Who were those men?” Victoria asked.

“Harry Tanner, Heath’s foreman and two other ranch hands.”

“Oh, Mother!”

Victoria folded her arm around her daughter’s waist and stroke her hair with her other hand to soothe her grief.

“I dropped by Sheriff Madden’s house to let him know what happened. First thing in the morning, he’ll issue a warrant for their arrest.”

“What about the other hands?”

“He’ll have them under investigation. Rest assured they’ll all be removed from Heath’s property.”

“Audra, dear, I think you owe Nick an apology”

“Why?”

“You came down hard on him, accusing him of not protecting Heath when on the contrary, he saved his life.”

“You’re right, Mother. I’ll tell him,” Audra repented, sniffing back her tears.

“Good girl.” Victoria gave Audra’s waist a gentle squeeze.

An hour had flown by, with each passing minute lasting a lifetime for an overwrought Audra who wore a hole in the rug, her nails digging into the palm of her hand as she nervously gnawed at her thumb.

Relief came when Nick walked to the living room wearing a broad grin. “Audra, somebody wants to talk to you.”

Her eyes lit up. “He’s awake?”

“He sure is! And he’s growling like a bear with a sore head. I may have found my match.”

Audra’s euphoria took on a remorseful expression. She hung her head in shame. “Nick…about what I said…”

Nick smiled reassuringly. “It’s forgotten, sis. Now get up there!”

She smiled back. “You’re the best!” She ecstatically pecked Nick on the cheek and ran upstairs to Heath’s room.

“Ouch! What are ya’ doin’?” Heath grumpily complained to Dr. Merar.

“Stop groaning and hold still. I’m almost finished,” Merar snapped back at Heath as he pinned the bandage around his head.

“Heath!”

“Audra!”

She rushed to the bed and perched herself on the edge. Heath put his bandaged hands on her shoulders. “Give me a kiss.”

Audra turned to Merar. “Can I?”

He smiled and nodded in agreement. She leaned forward and gently kissed Heath on the lips.

“Ahem!” Nick teasingly called the lovebirds’ attention to their presence in the room.

Heath and Audra disengaged their embrace, their faces reddening with embarrassment.

“How’s the head?” Jarrod asked as he neared the bed.

“You don’t want to know,” Heath heaved out.

“Is the bandage too tight?“ Merar queried.

“No, it’s fine. What’s pricklin’ me it’s the hole at the back of my skull. It’s stingin’ me like crazy”

“The pangs should disappear within two to three days.”

Heath sank his head deeper into his pillow, causing a small painful yelp to escape his lips. With his left hand, he reached to the back of his head. Eyes shut, he cudgelled his brains into recollecting the events of the past hours. “I don’t remember much of what happened.”

“You’ll all discuss it later,” Dr. Merar chimed in. “Right now you need rest, young man.”

“No Doctor!” Heath stared imploringly at Jarrod and Nick, “I want to know.”

“You got hit on the head. The house caught fire and Jarrod and I got you out in the nick of time.”

“And the house?”

With the memories still raw, the two brothers glanced at each other with livid facial expressions, staring, hoping the other would capitulate and be the one to expose the hard facts. Nick finally conceded defeat.

“It’s gone,“ he said despondently.

Heath creased his brows. His guts coiled in knots. Nick latched on Heath’s growing torment and continued, “But don’t you fret none, we’ll be there to help you rebuild and I’ll personally hunt Tanner down, you’ve got my word on that.”

“In the meantime, you are welcomed to stay at the ranch,” Victoria graciously offered.

“I like that arrangement, “Audra mused, smiling her approval.

A flood of emotion gushed to Heath’s throat. “I can’t impose on ya’ folks like this.”

“Shhhh, don’t say anymore. It’s settled. You’re staying, “

“Thank you Mrs. Barkley.”

Merar poured a spoonful of laudanum. “Okay now, Heath…open wide! This will help you sleep the rest of the night.”

Heath took the spoon in his mouth and swallowed the medicine. Soon he felt his wretched body go flaccid. The annoying painful thumps at the back of his head gradually faded. He clasped his darling angel’s hand sitting by his side, lulling him into a sense of quietude. He slowly drifted off as she gently caressed his cheek.

Dr. Merar, Victoria, Nick and Jarrod all left the room.

“Thanks Doc. He is going to be all right?” Nick asked.

“He should be.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that in cases of fire burns there’s always risk of an infection. I’d advise you to take shifts in keeping a vigil for a least the next twelve hours. Be aware of rises in his body temperature. If he should feel unusually warm, come and get me. I’ll be back in early afternoon to check on his progress.”

“Thank you, Howard. I will see you out.” Jarrod ushered the doctor to the door.

“It’s almost midnight and if you don’t mind I think I’d like to get some sleep. I want to get an early start in the morning to sniff Tanner’s trail,” Nick said.

“Nick, let the sheriff handle it.”

“Sorry Mother. I made Heath a promise and I’m going to keep it.”

At dawn’s first glimmering light, Nick was up and already fully dressed. Last item was his gun belt that he buckled up around his waist. He unsheathed his gun, flicked open the barrel, spun it to check the number of bullets in the slots and snapped it close before sliding it back inside the holster. He snatched his hat and headed down to the guess bedroom.

Heath was lying in bed, bundled up in blankets and the quilt Audra had spent endless hours embroidering. A smirk seared on his face told Nick he was dreaming of his angel girl and was evidently not in any pain.

Jarrod was comfortably resting his bleary eyes in a wingback chair, head leaning against the back. Nick padded across the room, taking heed not to wake either one. He moved closer to the bed, hunched down and gently laid his hand on Heath’s brow.

Sensing a moving presence in the room, Jarrod opened his eyes and focused on the figure hovering over Heath on the opposite side of the bed. “Nick?”

“Shhhh, shhhhh…just checking if he has any fever,” he whispered.

“What time is it?” Jarrod asked with a yawn and a stretch.

“Close to five thirty. “ He stood upright, eyes fastened on Heath. “How did he sleep?”

“Like a log. No moaning, no twitching, no tossing.”

“Good. Then he’s going to be all right.” Nick put on his gloves and started for the door.

“You’re off to work rather early. It’s barely sun-up.”

“I’m not going to work,” Nick replied bluntly without so much of a glance back at his brother as he left the room.

Jarrod sprung to his feet and caught up with Nick in the foyer. He grabbed him by the shoulder and swung him around to face him. “Nick, you’re not seriously going ahead with this?”

“I thought you’d be on my side?”

“I am but I’m not one to throw caution at the wind. We need back up, Nick!” With his piercing blues seething, Jarrod stared at Nick at eye level, hoping to sway him from his course.

Nick’s browns darkened as he drew his face closer to Jarrod’s in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation. “I made Heath a promise last night and I’m going to hold to it. Don’t stand in my way, Brother!” he warned irascibly.

A knock at the door momentarily slashed the palpable tension between the two brothers. Nick unlatched his glare from Jarrod’s to answer the door.

“Nick, Jarrod,” Sherrif Madden greeted with a tip of his hat.

“Fred! What’s bring you around here so early?” Nick asked.

“Them,” Fred pointed in the direction of a rig with ten of Heath’s ranch hands.

“What at they doing here?” Nick snapped, feeling his temper flaring.

“Ease up, Nick. They’re on the level. They formed a posse last night to go after Tanner and his two men. They caught up with them. They’re in jail. They have something they want to tell Heath.”

“He’s still sleeping,” Jarrod informed. He was relieved at the news of Tanner’s apprehension, knowing that his mulish brother wouldn’t have to hunt him down.

“He is going to be all right?”

“Looks that way.”

Nick marched over to the rig, his spurs jingling with each stamp. He proudly looked up at the men. ”Fred just told me what you did. On behalf of Heath I thank you.”

“No need. We did it because we wanted to prove to the boss that we weren’t part of Tanner’s scheme. And if he stills wants us, we’re most willing to help him rebuild.”

“I think he’d like that. I’ll give him the message once he’s up.”

“Mr. Barkley, is Mister Sawyer okay?”

“Yeah. He’s still asleep.”

In the background, Jarrod gave Madden a firm handshake with both hands. “Thank you, Fred. Your timing is impeccable.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Let’s just say you most certainly saved a life.”

“You tell Heath we’re all rooting for him.”

“I will.”

Weeks streamed by. Whenever his heavy workload eased off a bit, Nick would be seen hauling stacks of shingles onto the rig and heading to Heath’s spread where he donated time and efforts to putting the finishing touches on the new house.

Heath was rather ill-at-ease at Nick’s dispensing charity for he loathed to freeload, but Nick regarded it as a debt in the aftermath of the fire, which he considered was the result of his failed stratagem to entrap the bad guys.

In the short period Heath had known Nick, the two had fostered a solid relationship based on implicit faith and mutual respect. He was the brother he never had. Nick was known for his Vesuvian personality, a hairtrigger temper that would erupt without so much of a warning glance. Heath viewed it as a bulwark against the harsh realities of life.

Strangely enough, he admired Nick for his boldness to stamp out corrupted justice without recoiling or wavering. He was blessed with many redeeming qualities, one being the formidable fortress he’s erected around his family, especially his sister to shield her from outside influences or wolves in sheep’s clothing. Heath recalled being given the third degree when Audra first became infatuated with him. But beneath that hard-nosed exterior lay a heart of gold.

As Nick was grinding away at nailing the shingles to the roof, Heath couldn’t help but notice his ogling the Brama bull in the corral below. He could tell Nick was itching to take a loan on the humpback bovine to have crossbreed with his longhorn heifers. Heath had some inkling as to the reason Nick never came forward with his offer. His guilty conscience was still pricking him. He decided then to disburden his neighbour’s mind by surprising him with the bull one morning at the ranch as a token of his heartfelt gratitude for the Barkleys’ generous hospitality. But now, the main important task was to complete the work on the house.

As his new home neared completion, Heath felt he had overstayed his welcome at the Barkley ranch and decided to move out, much to Audra’s dismay. She had grown accustomed to having Heath under the same roof, a presence she eerily perceived as one that had been missing over the years. An inexplicable void that Heath filled the second he crossed the threshold.

Their love deepened as days cascaded into weeks. The kiss with which he would greet her each morning and bid goodnight before retiring to his room, the intimate tête-à-tête they shared snuggled up in front of a warm crackling fire, the romantic moonlight strolls…all were about to vanish. She dreaded that day but was somehow confident this was to be a temporary situation.

Bright and early one morning, Heath crept out of the house and jogtrotted to his ranch to get Nick his surprise. The bovine was now given as a peace offering to nurse Nick’s bruised ego following his crushing defeat at busting a mustang. Heath should have been wiser than to offer to substitute for the proud man whose back had given out. He felt repentant at having succeeded where he failed. Nick was a past master in the art of concealing his emotions but Heath could see through that hard facade that he was deeply hurt.

Hours later, Heath showed up at the Barkley ranch with the bull on a tether and found Nick and his father shoeing an uncooperative horse. Heath could hear Nick’s barking and swearing in the distance. The sound of approaching trampling hooves caught Nick’s attention as he was driving the last nail into the wall of the hind hoof.

“Hey Heath!”

“Sounds like you’re havin’ a lil’ trouble there, Nick,“ Heath remarked jestily as he dismounted Charger.

“Tell me about it!”

“Brought you a friend.” Heath took the rope and led the bull over to Nick who carved a broad toothy grin. “I caught ya’ two oglin’ at each other so I reckoned it was time ya’ formed an item, in a manner of speaking.”

Nick marvelled in the bull, relishing the vision of his new breed being the envy of every cattle rancher in the country. “I think I’m in love!”

“With me or with the bull?” Heath bantered.

“With the bull, silly! You’re not exactly my type, Heath. No offence.”

Nick brushed his hand against the flank and caressed every leg curves from the point of elbow all the way down to the pastern. “Isn’t he a beauty, Father?”

Thomas eyed the bull repulsively. “He is…something.”

“I’ll put him in with the heifers.” Nick grasped the tether and steered the slowpoke to the corral where he’d rounded up ten of his best fecund cows.

Thomas winked at Heath. “It’s true when they say love is blind.”

Heath chuckled as he joined the Barkley patriarch at the corral fence. They watched Nick trying to get the steer to mingle with the heifers, hoping he might strike a fancy to a least one. His exultation was soon squashed upon seeing the young cows cowering away from the grotesque hunchback.

“I know how those cows feel,” Thomas mused to Heath.

The snickering continued as they both observed Nick improvising amusing tactics to pair them off, turning out to be one mare’s nest after the other. They tried Nick’s patience but he was nonetheless unrelenting.

“That man just won’t give up,” Heath commented, amazed by Nick’s waywardness.

“That’s my Nicolas. He’s not one to turn down a challenge.”

“Come on, Nick! Ya’ can do it!” Heath cheered on.

Thomas momentarily averted his attention from his son to eye Heath standing to his left. “You and my daughter have been seeing a lot of each other these past few weeks?”

“Yes, sir,“ Heath answered bashfully. Thomas’s solemn voice told him he was being put on the spot about his true intentions towards Audra. “Audra’s simply wonderful. I can honestly say I never met a more carin’ and tender-hearted woman in my life.”

“She is special, bless her heart. But she can be overly trusting at times and as a result winds up hurt.”

“I know what you’re thinking,. He’s a rich kid, can have any woman he wants and probably had. But if I may be candid with ya’,” Heath paused as he searched for the right word to say without shocking the man. “I’m more inexperienced with women than people tend to believe. I’ve been seen with girls on my arms but they were mostly escorts than companions. I’ve never known how it felt to be in love, really in love until I met Audra. It’s like…I can’t really describe it but, “ Heath sighed as he pictured Audra’s face in his mind, sending his senses reeling, “I could actually die for her.”

Thomas smiled and wrapped his arm around Heath’s shoulders, giving him one or two tugs. “You’re a good man, Heath. I have no doubt you truly love my daughter and that you’ll never let anything happen to her.”

“I feel she’s the one I’ve been waitin’ for all my life.”

“Careful! She can be a handful at times.”

Heath laughed. “Yes I know. She’s quite vivacious.”

“More than you can possibly know.”

“She doesn’t let anyone trample on her and I admire her for it.”

“Heath, I want you to know that whatever you decide as far as my daughter is concerned, you have my and my wife’s full blessing.”

Heath was stunned, albeit relieved to have won the parents’ trust instead of having them frown upon their relationship. “Thank ya’, sir. That means a lot. I’ve been mullin’ over the question but since this is a big step for both of us, I don’t wish to go into this lightly.”

“Take your time. I just wanted to set your mind at ease.”

Nick had more than his share. With smoke blowing out of his ears, he stomped back to the fence. “I’ve had it!” he bellowed, flinging his arms in the air in a wrathful rage.

“Nicolas Barkley, giving up?” Thomas teased.

Nick straddled the fence. “Yeah, I know!”

Heath observed one coy heifer slowly making her way to the bull. She began sniffing the mussel. “Hey Nick, look at that?” Heath motioned with a tilt of the head. “I think we have a perfect match.”

Nick turned his attention to the new item. “How ‘bout that!” He grinned at his success. “Kind of reminds me of a girl I once dated. She kept smelling me.”

Heath and Thomas broke into a hearty laugh and Nick joined in. “Remember now, I get the first calf,” Heath reminded.

“You got it, pal!”

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Audra had invited Heath to partake of the traditional Christmas Eve supper with the family at the ranch. To provide for all contingencies, Victoria had prepared the guess bedroom for she knew those festive parties were a tad on the booze side and hated for Audra’s suitor to run into a mishap on his way back to his ranch. Colorful giftwrapped presents underneath the trimmed tree, a copious buffet on the table, ornaments adorning the living room, everything was set for the ladies to prance down in their entrancing dress wear.

While waiting, Heath lingered near the buffet table, moistening his lips as his mouth watered at the dish display. His stomach was growling. He was aching to snatch a bite out of those luscious canapés. As he ventured a hand over the tray, he received a stinging slap on the wrist. “Aye!” Heath squealed, quickly withdrawing his hand and shaking it. He turned round to face Nick’s warning glare raking him over the coals.

“Hands off, Blondie! Not until the ladies are present.”

“But I’m famished!” Heath whined like a kid denied ice cream.

“If Nick Barkley can’t touch, no one can!” he barked, staring down at Heath. He took him by the shoulders and steered him to the couch where he plonked him down. “There! Sit on your hands!”

“You’re a hard man, Nick Barkley,“ Heath pouted.

“Better get used to it.”

Victoria and Audra waltzed down the stairs in their exquisite crinoline gowns. Audra was looking enthrallingly beautiful in her avocado green dress with a sweatheart neckline. The seams were embroidered with white Chantilly lace and bespangled in tiny pearls. She wore her hair in a single long plait running down her back.

As they loomed under the arch, Jarrod walked over to them and gave each a peck on the cheek. He offered his arm to escort the fine ladies in their silks and satins to the living room. As soon as they came into view, Nick uncorked the champagne. “It’s about time you women showed up, “ he groused, a cigar held between his lips.

Audra’s eyes sparkled as she glid over to her beau, arms outstretched. “Hi again,” she sighed gleefully.

“Lon’ time no see,” he bantered, smiling flirtatiously with a glint in his eyes before he kissed her.

Nick filled the champagne glasses and passed them around to the company present. Each raised a glass in a toast to Heath’s first Christmas with the Barkleys.

“And it certainly won’t be the last, “Victoria and Tom both thought to themselves as they each took a sip of champagne. They were privy to Heath’s surprise gift to Audra but were sworn to secrecy.

“Can we open our presents now?” Audra asked with eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“Sweetheart, it’s not midnight yet.”

“Mother, it will be in fifteen minutes.”

Victoria looked up at Tom who smiled his answer.

“I guess we can make an exception.”

“Great! Sooner we unwrap the gifts, sooner we can eat, “Nick growled, patting his stomach.

Victoria bent under the tree to pick up a large box, intrigued as to whom it was destined for. “I wonder who that huge present is for?” she mused as she searched for a card.

“Actually it’s for ya’, Mrs. Barkley, “ Heath said.

“For me?”

“Well open it, Mother, “Jarrod urged as he drew a puff out of his cigar.

Victoria pulled one end of the ribbon and started tearing off the paper demurely. Although her eyes were shining with excitement, she kept her countenance.

She opened the brown wooden box to find a set of glittering sterling silver cutlery on a bed of red velvet. She stood in awe, putting a hand over her mouth to keep it close.

“I heard ya’ say to Silas that ya’ needed a new set. So when I saw it in a store window, I thought….”

Heath barely finished his sentence that Victoria clasped him into her arms. “Thank you, Heath.” She held him tight and he welcomed that closeness he hadn’t felt since his mother died. For a brief moment, time stood still, his mind travelling back to Strawberry. He was lost in the warmth of the embrace that reminded him of his mama’s. Victoria felt Heath’s strong arms enfold her, refusing to let go. She sensed his repressed longing to feel a mother’s tender loving touch and didn’t force him out of the clench.

The cloud burst and Heath returned to earth, disengaging from the embrace. She gazed into his baby blues as she stroke his cheek to freeze the moment forever.

“I’m afraid my other presents couldn’t be giftwrapped,” A misty-eyed Heath said as he turned to Audra standing by his side. He took her by the hands. “Ya’ know the Indian pony ya’ like ridin’ so much?”

“Dancing Rainbow?”

“Your big brother Nick was kind enough to make more room in the barn. It’s goin’ to be his home now.”

“Oh Heath!” Audra jumped into his arms. “Thank you.” She gazed into his eyes and kissed him.

“He likes ya’ better anyway,” Heath affected.

She teasingly swatted him on the arm. “Heath, that’s not true.”

Heath turned his attention to Nick standing by the fireplace next to his father. “Nick, have ya.‘ thought of a name for the Brama bull?”

“It’s a toss between Hunky and Archibald.”

A ripple of titters ran through the assembled party.

“Well ya’d better decide on a name quick ‘cause he’s yours.”

Astounded, Nick removed the cigar out of his mouth. “Oh no Heath, I can’t…”

“It’s already done,” Heath interjected. “I had Jarrod drew up the legal papers and I signed him over to ya’ just like I did the swathe of land ya’ drive your cattle through,” he turned to Tom, “ Mister Barkley, it’s now in your name.”

Tom and Nick stared at each other in bewilderment.

“Son that’s too generous.”

“I consider it a quarter of what ya’ folks did for me these last weeks. I could never thank ya’ enough,” Heath said with an emotionally-filled voice.

Audra gazed at her prince with adoration and rapture. She was in a swoon over him, more in love than ever.

Then Heath turned to Jarrod standing by Victoria near the buffet table. “Jarrod I once heard ya’ mention in passin’ that you were thinkin’ of openin’ a law office in Denver but problem was to rent office space and establish a clientele.”

“That’s right, “ Jarrod stood upright, shoulders back, eyeing Heath suspiciously.

“Well I know a land broker there who owed me a favour. He gave me a sizeable buildin’ with several office spaces that ya’ can rent out and make profit. I also asked a friend of mine, Albert Monsor, who does incredible work in the field of public relations. He’s agreed to represent your firm and ya’ might be surprised at the results he gets.”

Jarrod was floored, riveted to the spot with his mouth open. Victoria gave it a gently tap to close it.

“I can’t accept this, Heath”

The building is already in your name and ya’ have an appointment to meet with Albert next month. Even if ya’ should change your mind, the building is yours to keep. Sorry but I had to rent the services of another lawyer to make the transaction since I wanted to keep it a secret, “ Heath confessed apologically.

Jarrod looked away to face the window. His emotions gushed to his throat. He silently gasped for breath while Heath turned his attention Audra.

“Audra, have sumpthin’ for ya’.”

”Heath you already gave me my present.”

“No, no, no, you’re my special girl so ya’ get two,“ Heath said adoringly as he tweaked Audra’s nose. He bent under the tree to pick up a small rectangular-shaped gift that he placed in Audra’s hand. “Merry Christmas, Sweet Pea,”

She excitedly unwrapped the present to uncover a black suede box. She popped it open and her eyes widened in awe at what she saw.

“It’s a gold chain with a heart-shaped settin’ inside which there’s a fine cut diamond.”

“A diamond?”

Heath gingerly fumbled with the chain to find the clasp. “I had it custom-made in Sacramento and Jarrod,” he motioned to Jarrod,“ was kind enough to pick it up when he went to California on business last month.” He clasped the chain around Audra’s neck. She touched it lightly with her fingers, feeling her heartbeat throbbing at her neck.

Heath took her by the shoulders and sat her down on the couch. “Ya’ need to sit down for this one so I can do it right.” Heath got down on one knee and held her hand. He gazed into her fetching glimmering blue eyes while he cleared his throat. “Audra Barkley, will you marry me?”

Tears of joy gushed to her eyes as she shuddered with emotions. She managed to slide in a nod of the head before answering the question she feared would never come. “Yes, I will,” she sobbed, dissolving into tears in Heath’s arms as the family gathered around the enlaced couple to congratulate them. Audra couldn’t stop crying. She buried her head in her future husband’s shoulder away from everyone’s stare.

Nick found himself sniffing back a tear or two. He dreaded having to resign to the inevitable outpouring. Before he lost complete control of his feelings, he spoke up, “What d’you say we forget about the other presents for now and help ourselves to the food before we drown it?”