Nick smiled as he looked at his wife standing before him.

“Well?” asked Sue impatiently.

“Hmmm. I’m checking, honey.” replied Nick running his hand lightly down her back and pulled her to him. “Perfect. Let’s skip the dinner and stay up here.”

“Somehow I don’t think Mother or Jarrod would let us.” smirked Sue.

Caressing her cheek, he whispered, “Probably not.” Kissing her, he groaned as she teased him with her tongue.

Ending the kiss, he scolded, “That’s not nice, Mrs. Barkley.”

Pushing him back playfully, Sue retorted, “I never claimed to be nice, Mr. Barkley.”

Laughing, Nick wrapped his arms around her. “No, you never did. You ready?”

Sighing, Sue nodded, “We’ll have to finish this discussion later.”

Nick tenderly kissed her again, “You can count on it, honey.”

Joining the rest of the family in the parlor, Nick led his wife to the settee where Audra was sitting. A knock on the door was answered by Silas and he led the guests into the parlor. Grabbing Sue’s hand, Audra whispered, “Sue, it’s him!”

Startled, Sue whispered back, “Mystery man?”

“Yes. I can’t believe it!” replied Audra standing and holding onto Sue waiting to be introduced.

John Thompson beamed as he proudly introduced Eric Benson of the firm of Standish and Whitten to the Barkley family. Smiling widely, Eric bowed over each of the ladies’ hands.

Looking into the eyes of Suzanne Barkley, he said “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such a striking pair of jaded green eyes such as yours, Mrs. Barkley.”

Sue replied quietly, “Ah, nice to meet you, Mr. Benson.”

Moving onto Audra, Eric smiled, “My, what beautiful blue eyes you have, Miss Barkley. As lovely as the bluebonnets of Texas.”

Audra smiled widely and blushed, “What a lovely thing to say, Mr. Benson.”

Eric accepted a drink from Jarrod and stood to the side talking to the men while the ladies spoke to Mrs. Thompson.

“Isn’t he wonderful?” said Audra keeping her eyes on the newcomer.

Frowning, Sue whispered, “Audra, what does Mr. Benson look like again?”

Whispering, Sue listened as Audra described him again. Victoria glanced over and wondered at the look on her daughter-in-law’s face. Her attention was taken back to Mrs. Thompson and Sonja, her thoughts diverted for the time being.

Sitting at the table, Sue half listened to the conversations around her. Her mind on the greeting of Mr. Benson.

Eric glanced at Audra and smiled, “Well, I do travel a lot on behalf of the firm. We are always looking for new investments and ways to increase our profits.”

“Really? Have you ever traveled abroad?” inquired Audra.

“Yes, I have Miss Barkley. Last year, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro Let me tell you, that is Satan’s country down there.” smiled Eric glancing at Sue’s paling face in response to his words.

“Sue, you all right?” asked Heath concerned at the pale face sitting beside him.

“I’m fine, Heath.” assured Sue.

Reaching behind her, Heath tapped Nick’s shoulder and catching his eye, Heath gestured with his head towards Sue.

Leaning over, Nick whispered, “Honey, what’s wrong?”

Shaking her head, Sue stated, “I’m okay, Nick. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Okay, let me know if you need anything.” said Nick quietly relaying with his tone that he did not believe her words.

Reaching over to her left, she kicked Heath under the table, smiling at his sharp intake of breath and whispered, “Tattletale.”

Heath whispered, “Fibber.”

Looking up and seeing his mother’s upraised eyebrow, Heath groaned, “Great, now you got me in trouble with Mother.”

Snickering, Sue grinned. “Serves you right.”

“She’s looking at you with that look, too.” smirked Heath quietly.

Sonja shook her head as laughter sparkled in her eyes and whispered to them both, “Stop it you two.”

Heath squeezed his wife’s hand and returned to the dinner conversation. Sue rubbed her forehead and wondered if it was just a coincidence this man used almost the same words to describe her eyes, that her stepmother had used when Sue had met her for the first time.

The departure of the guests saw the Barkley family in the parlor discussing the proposal Eric Benson had brought to them. All listened as Jarrod laid out the pros and cons of accepting the proposal as he saw them. Sue and Sonja sat together as the wheels of the family’s vote process turned and churned. Opinions wavered between acceptance and denial, the blood members of the family expressing their thoughts on the issues.

Sue, her thoughts centered solely on Eric Benson’s remarks during the evening, frowned as the pain in her head worsened. ‘Rio de Janiero and Satan’s county? Maybe they were innocent phrases. Jaded green eyes? Am I overreacting? If I tell Nick, will he think his wife is daft?’ Rubbing her forehead, the question by Victoria was unheard, her concentration on the night’s events.

“Sue, if you could venture an opinion, what would it be?” asked Victoria watching the young woman. All eyes turned to Nick’s wife at the lack of her response.

“Honey?” inquired Nick with a hand on her shoulder.

Jumping, Sue stammered, “I’m sorry, did I miss something?”

“Mother, was asking your opinion on the proposal.” said Nick gently. “You okay?”

Sue replied quietly, “Personally, I wouldn’t take his word he represented that firm based on a piece of paper alone. I’d wire back east and confirm his identification before I made a decision.”

“Are you calling him a fraud?” asked Audra incredulously.

“I’ve never heard of the Standish and Whitten firm doing business on the west coast. From my understanding, they like their enterprises near them so they can keep a close eye on them and regulate profits. I’d say best to err on the side of caution and send a wire.”

Jumping up, Audra shouted, “You are calling him a fraud! How can you say that? You’re basing your opinion on just listening! Anyone can see what a gentleman he is”

“AUDRA!” yelled Victoria as the mouths of the other family members dropped open at Audra’s statement.

Furious, Sue stood and her body shook with anger, “That’s right, Audra. I’m basing my opinion on listening, because I can’t see! The only reason you’re upset is because you could look at him! You wanted my opinion, YOU GOT IT!”

The rest of the family sat stunned at the outburst between the two as Sue strode out of the room and up the stairs, the family treated to the sound of a slamming door.

Nick clenched his hands and glared at his sister, “What the hell was that Audra? You had no call to say that to my wife.”

“Nick, watch your language.” scolded Victoria.

Looking at her daughter, she said firmly, “Your brother is right, Audra. I asked Sue for her opinion based on her past experience with business dealings. You had no right to attack her like that.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.” apologized Audra sadly.

Sitting beside his wife, Heath sighed, “I’m sure you didn’t mean it, sis, but that’s how it came across.”

Standing, Jarrod nodded, “Audra, I’d suggest you be more careful about what you say in the future. I, for one, am going to take the sound advise of my sister-in-law and send a wire in the morning. Good night.”

Woken from another bad dream, Sue almost welcomed the throbbing in her head. Her sleep had been broken throughout the night by nightmares. Nick felt as bad as his wife looked, her tortured sleep keeping him on edge all night. Watching her wake, he read the pain in her eyes and saw the grimace on her face.

“Headache, honey?” whispered Nick leaning over to greet her with his good morning kiss.

Rubbing her temples, Sue closed her eyes and nodded, “Yeah. Sorry if I kept you awake last night.”

Taking her in his arms, Nick kissed the top of her head, “Nothing to be sorry about. You wanna talk about it?”

“No, not really.” Holding onto him, Sue smiled, “Nick, can ya’ take me riding today?”

“How about if we sneak out and greet the sunrise?”

“Ah, sounds perfect.” smiled Sue.

Walking his wife to the barn, Nick saddled Coco. Sue pulled herself into the saddle and Nick climbed up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he nudged Coco into a gallop and they rode to the Peak as the night’s darkness was slowly fading.

Dismounting, Nick leaned against a tree with Sue reclining against him relishing in the closeness of the quiet morning. The stillness of the area worked it’s peaceful magic on the two tired souls and they feel asleep waiting for the sun to rise.

The family missed the couple at breakfast and wondered where they could be. Heath smiled slyly and winked at Sonja who squeezed his hand under the table. The two who were privy to Nick and Sue’s secret place for watching the sunrise, knew exactly where they were.

After breakfast and handing out work assignments, Heath mounted Charger and rode to the hill and dismounted. Smiling at the sight of Coco grazing and the couple sleeping under the tree. Kneeling, he shook Nick gently on the shoulder.

Waking, Nick squinted his eyes at the brightly shining sun. “Hey, little brother. Guess we missed breakfast, huh?”

“And almost lunch.” teased Heath.

“Well, we didn’t get much sleep last night.” said Nick quietly rubbing Sue’s cheek. “Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”

Swatting at the hand rubbing her cheek, Sue growled, “Cut it out, Nick.”

Heath chuckled as Nick moved a blade of grass lightly across her cheek and received a swat on the hand, “Knock it off, I’m awake.”

Snorting, Nick said, “Your eyes aren’t open and it’s almost time for lunch.”

Sighing, she opened her eyes and promptly shut them, “Heck, it’s only bout nine. Plenty of time til lunch.”

Looking at Nick, Heath said, “What time is it, Sue?”

Realizing the men were not going to let her fall back to sleep and reclaim the precious hours she had lost over night, Sue stood up and stretched, “Heath, look for yourself.”

Rubbing her face, she stopped the movement of her hands. Turning slowly around, green eyes filled with tears looked into teary hazel eyes. “Did I ever told you Nick, that you have beautiful eyes?”

Nick’s voice choked with emotions as he held onto her tightly, “No, you never did.”

The world was shimmering with sunshine, the birds were sporting brighter colors and the grass was greener as Sue looked around from her place behind Nick on Coco. Her arms tightened around his waist and asked. “Nick, how come we’re headed to town?”

Turning slightly in the saddle, Nick smiled, “We’re gonna see Dr. Merar.”

“I don’t wanna see him! I want to get to the ranch and get some work done.”

Heath chuckled and shook his head, “Sue, I think the doc would like to see for himself, don’t you?”

Leaning her forehead against her husband’s strong back, she sighed, “I suppose. But after that, I’m going to work!”

Lifting her hand to his lips, Nick kissed her ring, “Honey, let’s see what Dr. Merar says first before we decide anything. Okay?”

“All right, you can have your way this time.” smirked Sue. Leaning forward, she blew in his ear and then whispered, “Tonight, I get my way, deal?”

Smiling widely, Nick nodded, “Deal!”

“Let’s hurry, we’re burning daylight!” teased Sue.

Sue enjoyed the laughter of the two men dear to her heart and the feel of the wind on her face as they trotted towards town. The news that Heath had brought about Ramona’s early release from prison could not diminish her happiness at this moment.

On the spur of the moment, Eric Fletcher decided he would spend Saturday basking in the beauty of Audra Barkley, when he met up with her on the road.

“Mr. Benson, how lovely to see you again.” smiled Audra widely.

“Miss Barkley, today must be my lucky day.” stated Eric bowing slightly from his place atop his rented horse. “I certainly did not expect to be honored by seeing you today.”

Blushing, Audra looked downwards, “Why thank you, Mr. Benson.”

“Please call me Eric.”

Riding beside her, Eric kept up a steady conversation mixed with compliments for his companion and details of his supposed travels. Audra, her heart palpitating, basked in his compliments and worldly travels.

Stopping beside the lake, Eric helped her down from the saddle, his hands lingering on her slim waist. Staring into her blue eyes, he whispered, “Such beauty deserves to be shared with the world, Miss Barkley.”

Her breath caught in her throat and she whispered, “Audra. Please call me Audra.”

Lost in the eyes of the handsome man, Audra’s skin tingled as he put his hands on her back and whispered in her ear, “Audra, may I kiss you?”

Her stomach fluttered and her tongue felt heavy with anticipation, “Yes.”

Lowering his head slowly, she closed her eyes, missing the spark of triumph that flared in his. He gently kissed the rosy lips, opening her mouth with his tongue. Feeling her response, he pulled her body tighter to his and deepened the kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Audra willingly returned the passion he was giving.

Breaking the kiss, Eric smiled into her eyes, “So beautiful and enchanting.” Taking her hand, he lead her under a tree and helped her down. Sitting beside him, Audra emotions were running out of control and her thoughts wild.

“So, tell me more about your family.” insisted Eric gently. Smiling, Audra recalled their life growing up with both parents and how her father had been shot down in cold blood. She described the meetings of her sister-in-laws to her brothers.

“I assumed your brother’s wife was blind since birth.” stated Eric.

Frowning, Audra shook her head, “No. Someone shot her horse out from under her and she suffered a concussion. Dr. Merar doesn’t know if she’ll ever see again, even though the other day she was seeing shadows. When she woke up in the morning, everything was dark again.”

Feigning shock, Eric asked, “Who would do such a thing to someone?”

Looking over the lake, Audra sighed, “We think it was her stepmother and her stepmother’s half brother. Jarrod had the sheriff send word to the towns around here to keep an eye out for them.”

Taking out his watch, Eric glanced at it, “My, where has the day gone. I’m sorry Audra, but I have to catch a train. I’ll be out of town for a few days.”

Pulling her to her feet, Audra smiled, “Perhaps I’ll see you when you return to town.”

Tenderly kissing her, he smiled, “That would be my pleasure, Audra.”

Riding to the road, he waved as she rode back to the ranch. Kicking his horse to a gallop, Eric bypassed Stockton and rode the fifteen miles to Manteco. Pulling to a stop in the back of the hotel as the sun was setting, he climbed the stairs. Opening the door with his key, he shut it behind him and spoke to the siblings.

“Start packing, the Barkley’s have the law looking for you.”

The siblings made short work of their belongings while Eric went to the livery. He saddled Brad’s horse and took another for Ramona. Taking them to the back of the hotel, he tied them beside his. The two came down the steps and Eric tied her bag onto her horse. Helping Ramona into the saddle, the trio headed around town and to the deserted farmhouse Eric had described five miles from Stockton.

Putting the horses in the barn, they went into the dusty farmhouse. Sitting on the bed with Ramona, Eric sighed, “We’re gonna have to move the time table up. I wonder how they figured out so quickly about you and your brother.”

Shrugging, Ramona ran her fingernail down his arm. “Doesn’t matter, darling. Once we get the money, we can go anywhere we want.”

Eric kissed her hard and ran his hands over her body. Taking off her clothes, he took her as he was envisioning another blond haired beauty with blue eyes.

Sunday morning, the Barkley and Weston ranches slowly came to life after the celebration of the night before. Laughter, hugs and wine were free flowing as the evening had progressed. Everyone was thankful for the return of her sight and throughout the evening, Sue drank in the sight of the faces of her friends and family.

Her crew had presented their boss with an early birthday present, a new stallion, the Bardo twins had caught. They had broken and trained the horse, hoping for the day when she would be able to ride him. Jose proudly led the horse over to her and tears of joy filled her eyes. Kissing the cheek of each of the men, Sue climbed in the saddle and galloped out of the yard with Nick yelling at her to be careful.

Nick paced until he saw his wife coming back into the yard atop the black horse. Clapping him on the shoulder, Heath snickered, “Big brother, your wife is back to drive you crazy.”

Looking at the grin on her face, Nick smiled, “Yeah, I’m a lucky man.”

Jumping down, Sue tied the horse to the fence and kissed each of their cheeks again. Their faces crimson by the words of thanks she said to each one. Her happiness was overflowing and contagious to everyone around.

Victoria hugged her happy daughter-in-law and smiled, “He’s beautiful. Have you thought of a name for him?”

Thinking about it, Sue winked, “Mother, how about Nicodena, Jr?”

“YOU ARE NOT CALLING IT THAT!” shouted Nick while everyone enjoyed a hearty laugh.

Throwing her arms around his neck, Sue laughed, “I’m only teasing, Nick!”

Nick retorted, “Good! Why don’t you call it Heathcliff?”

Hank pounded on his back when Heath choked on his beer. Grinning Heath snorted, “Don’t think so big brother! How about Jarry or Jacko?”

Both Jarrod and Jack rolled their eyes at Heath’s suggestion. Sue smiled widely and shook her head, “No, how about Amigo? For my friends’ and their thoughtfulness.”

“Bueno, Miss Sue.” agreed Jose proudly.

“To Amigo and his lovely rider, our boss!” stated Horace holding his glass in a salute as the rest of the crowd followed suit.

The evening came to a close and the guests departed with hugs and kisses from the guest of honor. Sue stood outside leaning against the pillar and looking up at the stars after helping Silas clean up the kitchen, ignoring the protests from the stunned man as she worked. When they finished, Sue had hugged him and whispered, “Good to see ya’ again, Silas.”

“Ya’ too, Miss Sue.” replied Silas quietly shooing her out of the room, his heart filled with happiness and love at her gestures of friendship.

The family and the crew slowly retired to their quarters. The fall air was warm on her skin and a gentle breeze was blowing through the night. Closing her eyes, she listened to the footsteps that sounded inside the open doorway and stopped beside her.

“Hi, Nick.” Sue replied quietly opening her eyes.

“Hi yourself. What’re you doing?” asked Nick.

“Just admiring the stars.” Smiling, she looked at him, “I’m ready.”

Puzzled, Nick smiled, ”Ready for what?”

Putting her arms around his neck, she whispered, “For my prize. I recognized your footsteps.”

Pulling her closer, Nick grinned, “Well, I can’t welch on a prize now, can I?”

Capturing her lips, he ended the lingering kiss and swept her up in his arms. Shutting the door with his foot, she locked it and kissed him tenderly while he carried her up to their room. Sitting her on the bed, he saw the tears in her eyes. “What’s the matter, honey?”

Wiping her eyes, she said softly, “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, darling. I’m just so happy to be able to see you with my own eyes. I love you so much, Nick.”

“Ah, honey. I love you, too.” whispered Nick wiping the tears from her cheeks with his lips. Placing a trail of kisses over her face and neck, he slowly undressed her and tenderly built her fires up into a blaze. Her moans of need and want reached a peak and he helped her come down from the high she was riding on to the valley where they lay together, staring into each other’s eyes as the moon shone through the window and sleep came.

....Continued