Friday dawned crisp and clear with just a bit of a nip in the air. Nick and Heath had eaten in the bunkhouse with the men at six o'clock so they could get an early start while the rest of the family, including John, assembled in the dining room at seven for a leisurely breakfast before going their separate ways. Jarrod was heading to his office in town, Victoria was going to visit Millie Cromwell who was laid up with a broken leg and Audra and John were heading down to the corrals to take pictures.

Amid the flurry of goodbyes as everyone scattered, Victoria cautioned her daughter, "now you two be careful and don't distract the boys. You know how unpredictable wild horses can be. Nick only agreed to this if you don't get in the way."

Audra put on her hat and tightened the cord, "we'll be careful Mother. We're going to set up on the far side of the corral. Now you have a nice time, and don't worry about us. I packed some of my pickled cucumbers in your basket to take to Millie's, I'm sure she'll enjoy them." She frowned and added, "I don't know why Silas doesn't serve them more often."

Victoria looked at John and grimaced as they followed Audra out the door.

Nick and Heath were sitting with eight of their ranch hands on the top rail of the bigger corral looking over the mustangs milling about at the far end of the enclosure. Everyone had donned jackets or flannel shirts on this chilly morning. Nick had thrown on his brown coat and Heath had left his vest off in favor of his short tan denim jacket.

Nick squinted over at him and waved his hand to encompass the herd in front of them, "well Heath, which one ya wanta try first?"

Heath watched the horses for a moment before answering, "I think I'll give the Appaloosa a go, she'll make a flashy saddle horse and we'll get some nice foals outta' her later on."

Nick shouted at the cowboy waiting in the middle of the corral, "STEVE, THROW A ROPE ON THE APPALOOSA, SHE'S FIRST."

The cowboy shook out his rope, spurred his horse forward and with the ease of long practice, deftly cut the filly away from the others and dropped the lasso over her head. Billy jumped down from the rail and quickly opened the gate and Steve came through and led the horse over to the smaller round breaking corral.

Rory, Charlie and Steve worked to get the mare saddled while the rest of the men climbed up on the top rail to watch and cheer Heath on. Charlie signaled that she was ready and Heath dropped down and walked quietly over to run his hand down her face and neck before taking the thick halter rope, grabbing the horn and swinging into the saddle. Charlie and Rory let go of her head and ran to scramble on to the fence as Steve moved his horse away but stayed close by in case of trouble.

The mare stood for a moment splay-legged and wild eyed before exploding into a frenzied round of bucking, twisting and enraged squealing. The men were waving their hats and shouting encouragement as Heath was snapped back and forth like a ragdoll. Just when they thought he had her, she changed direction in mid-air and, as she went one way, Heath went another. He landed on his back with a dull thud and lay there unmoving, looking at the sky. Steve got the mare between his horse and the fence and grabbed the halter rope to snub her to his saddle horn.

Billy's eyes were full of fear and he started to climb down to go help his friend.

Nick grabbed his arm and jerked him to a stop, "where ya goin' boy?"

Billy's lower lip trembled, "we gotta help him, he's hurt."

"Settle down boy, he's not hurt." Nick shouted over to the still figure lying in the dirt, "HEY HEATH, YA ALL RIGHT?"

One tan covered leg lifted to bend at the knee and the quiet voice answered, "I'm fine Nick, just restin' a bit."

The men all looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief, they all liked and respected Heath as a boss and a friend. He always treated then right and never asked them to do anything he wouldn't or more often didn't do himself.

Rory let out the first catcall followed closely by a chorus of them as the men hooted, "what ya layin' there for boss, dreamin' 'bout some pretty girl are ya?" "Ya ain't gettin' them broncs broke layin' in the dirt."

"It's gonna be lunch time afore ya get the first one done." Smirks passed back and forth. "Maybe he's checkin' for rain?"

Heath dragged himself to his feet and slapped the dirt from his jacket and blue shirt before picking up his hat and pointing it at Rory, "you're taking the next one, we'll see how long you stay on."

Nick's heartbeat was returning to normal, this brother of his could sure put a scare into him ... not that he'd let anyone see it of course. He slapped Billy on the back and gestured at Heath, "see? I told ya he was fine, now go fetch his canteen."

As the boy sprinted away, Heath approached his brother and Nick's eyes darted up and down his body checking for injuries. Heath stopped in front of him and at the worried look in the hazel eyes he reached out and patted Nick's belly.

"I'm fine Nick, just knocked the wind outa me for a minute is all."

Nick gave a sharp nod then reached out for Heath's shoulder, grabbed a fistful of tan denim to pull his brother close and gruffed in a low gravelly voice next to his ear, "you be more careful, ya hear? You're making me old before my time ... I don't wanta lose ya."

Heath reached up and gripped the back of his neck and gave it a small shake, "don't worry Nick, I'm right by your side."

Nick pulled back a bit to search the familiar features, "for how long brother?"

Serious blue eyes met hazel and Heath answered quietly, "'till the weeks second Sunday."

Billy slid to a stop beside the two cowboys, "here's yer canteen Heath."

Nick released his brother with a friendly tap on the cheek and turned to take the canteen from Billy, "thanks kid. Have a drink little brother before ya get back on that mare."

Heath took a healthy swallow, wiped his mouth on his sleeve then turned back to where Steve was holding the mare and called out, "give her a minute to calm down, then we'll have another go."

Steve nodded and walked the two-year old around the small corral to settle her down. Audra and John had arrived and were setting up the tripod on the right hand side of the corral. As Nick pulled off his coat and draped it over a fence post, he and Heath returned the wave the two sent them.

Nick grumbled, "if they get in the way, I'm gonna send 'em back to the house and Audra can pout as much as she wants."

Heath pulled his hat firmly down on his dark blonde hair and drawled, "they'll be fine where they are Nick. Now I reckon it's time for me to show this little lady who's boss 'cause I don't fancy endin' up in the dirt again."

He flicked a glance sideways before walking away, "how much ya bet on me?"

Nick waved his hand at him and scoffed, "my money's on the horse little brother."

"Hmmmmm ... guess your pockets are gonna' be a might lighter in a minute then big brother."

On the other side of the corral, John had focused his camera on the cowboys sitting on the fence. Taking pictures of moving objects was difficult and he much preferred to photograph the weathered faces of the men who made their lives in the outdoors. There was so much character in the weather beaten profiles. They each had a story to tell and he wanted to capture those stores on film.

Take Nick for instance, now there was a story. A man who, with his brother, ran the largest ranch in California. After his conversation with Audra, he had taken the time to study the man a little more closely. He looked like what he was, a rancher who was also a cowboy. From the dark Stetson, black vest and pants to the low slung hand gun and silver spurs, Nick Barkley was a working man. As he had watched him more closely, he realized that behind the loud, tough talking, no nonsense exterior was a man who cared deeply about his home and family. John had seen the caring gesture Nick had given Heath moments before. Oh, he might fool people who didn't take the time to know him but John now saw that behind that gruff demeanor, Nick had a soft heart.

Heath had made his way back to the mare the three men were holding. He stroked the sweat dampened reddish brown coat and murmured quietly to her as he settled gently into the saddle.

"Let her go boys."

Charlie and Rory again scrambled up to sit on the top rail of the fence. The little mare bucked, twisted and spun as shouts of encouragement rang out. After a few minutes the bucking slowed down to a few half-hearted crow hops and the weary horse gave up trying to unseat her burden.

Heath gently nudged her forward to walk around the perimeter of the corral before urging her into a slow canter. After three circuits he let her slow to a stop and dismounted. Handing the halter rope to Steve, he stroked the mare's trembling neck and shoulder before running his hand down her face.

"Have someone give her a drink and walk her out till she's cooled down Steve."

"Sure thing Heath. She's a beauty ain't she?"

"Yep, she sure is."

Jesse and Will headed across the corral to help Steve unsaddle the mare and Heath went to join the men sitting on the fence. Calls of, "nice job Heath," greeted him as he approached.

Nick was sitting on the top rail a little apart from the rest with his spurs hooked behind the second board and black gloved hands loosely gripping the rail on either side of him.

Heath reached his brother, turned and leaned back to stand between Nick's legs, resting his forearms on Nick's thighs as he relaxed and crossed his ankles and Nick let go of the rail to rub his brothers shoulders, "good job Heath," he said, a big smile cutting deep grooves in his cheeks.

He looked down as Heath turned his head to look up at him, the blue eyes in the handsome suntanned face sparkling with joy, the white teeth flashing in a huge grin from beneath his tan cowboy hat, "thanks Nick."

He turned back to look at the Appaloosa as Steve led her away. Leaning back to rest more comfortably against Nick's torso he gave a little shrug, "ya know Nick, I was just thinkin', Audra's birthday's comin' up in a few months, how 'bout we give her the mare as a present?"

Nick thought about the idea for a few moments before replying, "do ya think she'd like her?"

Heath gave a nod, "oh, she'll like her all right, she's been wanting a good horse to show at the fairs for a while now and that mare is it. Why, there ain't a finer lookin' animal around."

Nick gave the broad shoulders a squeeze, "all right then, but we'll have to train her up right."

Heath patted Nicks black clad knee's, "the fairs don't start till next spring, we've got plenty of time."

Audra and John came over to tell the boys they were heading for Lookout Peak to take more pictures. The peak overlooked a canyon where eagles nested in crevices on the high walls. It was Heath's favorite spot on the ranch, a good place to think or just relax, listen to the wind in the pines and watch the eagles soar above the canyon.

They loaded the equipment, climbed into the buggy and drove away as Heath straightened up with a sigh and pointed at Rory, "you're up next cowboy, go pick your pleasure. I'm bettin' on the horse, any takers?"

Nick snorted as seven heads quickly gave negative shakes. While Rory was a good rider, he could never stay on a bronc more than a few seconds. Lost his center quickly as the old bronc riders were fond of saying.

Mike called down from his perch beside Charlie, "hey, how 'bout givin' Billy here a turn?" He jerked his thumb at the boy sitting on his other side. The men liked Billy but didn't miss an opportunity to tease him.

Laughter rippled along the fence when Billy tumbled backwards off the top rail in panic before scrambling to his feet and looking at them wide eyed before finally realizing they were funnin' with him.

Nick waved his hand at them and bellowed, "ALL RIGHT YOU GUYS, WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO, NOW LET'S GET TO IT."

The men climbed down and headed over to the big corral to get another bronc, muffled snicker's following in their wake.

They had managed to get seven mustangs broke in by Saturday afternoon when Nick called an end to the day.

"Heath and I'll be handing out your pay at five o'clock, anyone going to town tonight be ready at six, buckboards leavin' then and ol' Charlie won't wait for ya."

Everyone made a dash for their horses that they had tied up at the big corral and raced off towards the bunkhouse to get ready for the weekly trip into Stockton. Most would spend their Sunday off nursing hangovers and grumbling about losing all their money on beer and poker. It was the life of a cowboy and somehow most were content with it. They had a roof over their heads, plenty of good food, top wages and tough but fair bosses they respected and who respected them in Nick and Heath.

As Nick handed out the pay packets and Heath marked the ledger, Mike signed his name and joked, "hey Heath, how 'bout we take young Billy here into town with us and show him a good time?"

Heath looked up at him with narrowed eyes from beneath the brim of his hat, "he's too young to be havin' a good time," he watched Billy jam his hands into his pockets and scuff the dirt with his boot. "Besides, he's goin' to the church social with us tonight." Heath lowered his gaze back to the pay book as Nick harrrrrumphed from beside him.

Billy scuffed the dirt again and muttered under his breath from behind Rory and Slim, "I'd rather go to town and learn how to drink beer and play poker."

Heath put another check mark in the pay book and, without looking up snapped, "you're goin' to the social, now go get ready."

Billy flushed and whispered to Slim, "how did he hear that?"

Slim shrugged, "ol' Heath has ears like a bat."

The evening at the social had been pleasant. The entire family attended, along with John and Billy and, while it wasn't the great time Billy imagined he'd have had learning to play poker and drink beer in the saloon, he had to admit that dancing with all those pretty young girls had been kind of nice. Of course he wasn't laying in his bunk groaning at ever sound like the rest of the men neither. Perhaps drinking beer could wait awhile yet he decided. Early Sunday afternoon Rory and Steve were going to bring the old cart horse Joe into the paddock by the barn to let Billy practice his roping on him. He wanted to try his hand at lassoing horses and Old Joe was a perfect candidate, slow enough that Billy could chase him down and rope him easily and good natured enough that he didn't get irritable.

Nearly a week had passed and John would be leaving in a couple of days so the family decided to go up to Lookout Peak for a picnic before he left. The day was unseasonably warm and Silas had packed a large hamper of food to take with them. While the ladies read or just relaxed, Jarrod, Nick, Heath and John took the opportunity to get in a little fishing at the stream that meandered through the meadow. They had a pleasant day, but as the sun started to set, the air cooled considerably and Victoria decided to head home. By the time they drove the three miles, it would be nearly suppertime.

Nick and Heath had ridden their horses while Jarrod had driven his mother, sister and John up in the buggy. Victoria called out to her two youngest sons as Jarrod handed her into the front seat, "are you two boys coming with us?"

Nick and Heath were still sitting under a towering pine tree that stood a few feet from the edge of the canyon. They were watching a pair of young eagles riding the thermals that swirled above the rim.

"You go ahead Mother, me and Heath want to watch the sunset, we'll be back in time for supper." they waved as Jarrod flicked the lines and steered the buggy down the hill to the road at the bottom and headed for home.

As the sun sank, the two brothers mounted their horses and moved up near the edge of the canyon. The huge orange ball of fire was setting over the far ridge , the rays painting the canyon walls in a myriad of changing colors from gold through burnt umber to fiery red and in the crevices, the deepest of purples. Both men were content to just sit and drink in natures wondrous display.

At the bottom of the hill, John reached forward to touch Jarrods shoulder, "Mr. Barkley, could you stop for a moment?"

Jarrod pulled the team to a halt and John stepped down to lean against the side of the buggy, "I wish I could take a photograph of that," he nodded to draw their attention to the top of the peak behind them .

Victoria clasped Jarrod's arm while Audra whispered, "oh Mother."

They would keep forever in their minds the picture made by the two black silhouettes at the rim of the canyon, sitting their horses so close they seemed joined, framed against the fiery orange backdrop of the setting sun.

Monday morning saw Nick and Heath out and gone by six again, anxious to finish with the mustangs and turn loose the ones they didn't want. The horses were becoming more restless as the days got shorter and their instincts told them it was time to head for winter pasture.

Jarrod would be taking John into town to catch the one o'clock train back to Sacramento and Victoria and Audra had decided to accompany them and have lunch before his train left. They stopped at the corral on their way so John could make his farewells to Nick and Heath. He had enjoyed his stay immensely but was anxious to get back to the city and his work.

The dust was flying and the men were all hanging either on or over the fence cheering on the wildly bucking horse and rider in the round corral. John saw Nick sitting further down the fence and knew Heath would be right beside him. He had tried to find Heath two days before to ask him if he could take a picture of the Appaloosa mare. When he couldn't locate him, he had stopped Jarrod as he was leaving for his office in town and asked if he knew Heath's whereabouts.

He had laughed outright at Jarrod's reply, "just follow the sound of Nick's voice and more than likely you'll find Heath, I sometimes think those two are joined at the hip."

The ride finished and the two brothers jumped down and walked over to shake John's hand. They told him how much they had enjoyed his stay and asked him to send them some of the pictures he had taken. With a final farewell he climbed back into the buggy and the group headed for Stockton.

Noon came and everyone stopped to get lunch at the bunkhouse, Nick and Heath often ate with the men when the rest of the family wasn't home. They planned to break the last three horses after lunch then take the rest of them back to the hills the next day.

Nick bolted down the last mouthful of stew on his plate and pushed to his feet, "all right let's get on with it," he whacked his black hat against his leg to knock off the dust then settled it firmly on his dark hair. Chairs scraped back as everyone rose to follow the jangle of spurs out the door to their waiting horses.

Heath reached inside his jacket to dig a coin out of the pocket of his blue chambray shirt as he smoothly mounted his horse.

"Hey Nick," he drawled, "I'll flip ya for who takes that ornery grey mare."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously as Nick hauled himself into the saddle and glanced over to see the amusement lurking in the blue eyes regarding him with such innocence. 'Hmmmm,' he thought, 'that drawl of his always gets deeper when he's angry or trying to put one over on me, well he won't get me this time.'

Nick leaned over and slapped his brother on the back as he reined CoCo around and smiled, "that's all right little brother, I wouldn't want to show ya up or nuthin', she's all yours."

Heath returned the two-headed coin he had been planning to use to his pocket with a look of disgust and muttered, "thanks big brother, I owe ya one."

"Think nothin' of it."

The big grey mare had given Heath a wild ride, but after throwing him twice she had finally conceded defeat when she couldn't shake him a third time. He swaggered back to the fence still slapping at the dirt liberally coating his clothes and rested his arms on the top spar next to Nick's legs.

"Boy howdy, that's one tough mare, she'll make a good cutting horse when we get her settled down."

"Thought she had ya beat for a minute there little brother."

Heath took a long swig from the canteen Nick handed him, "so did I big brother, so did I."

"Well, let's get these last two done," Nick gestured to Mike who was walking his horse back towards them after putting the grey mare in a separate paddock with the other's they had already broken. "Mike, go get that bay mare with the white face next, Slim can take a turn with her."

Billy had been sitting on Mac near the gate to the big corral when Nick yelled to Mike. The corrals were separated by about two hundred feet and it was his job to open and close the gate when Mike brought another horse out. Billy straightened in the saddle - this was his chance to show Heath how much he had learned the day before.

As he moved towards the gate and shook out his rope he shouted, "I'll get her Heath."

Heath looked over the fence and called out, "you stay outta there Billy, Mike's on his way, now you just open the gate when he gets there."

Billy leaned forward in his saddle and reached to slip the rope that was holding the gate shut off it's post, "I can do it Heath."

Heath grabbed the top rail and vaulted over it to land on the other side yelling, "I SAID GET AWAY FROM THERE BOY, NOW LISTEN UP." He was closing the distance to the corral with long strides as Billy finally got the loop free.

The men at the small corral had all turned round to watch as Heath approached the youngster. Heath didn't get mad often but when he did, everyone knew it. He had a temper to match Nick's but, unlike his brother, he was better able to control it.

Billy was gripping the top of the fence in his right hand as he tried to push it open and maneuver Mac through. The mustangs were pacing up and down at the far end of the enclosure, ears twitching back and forth, nostrils flaring, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust as the commotion from the breaking corral made them restless.

Mac was becoming nervous as Billy kept trying to nudge him through the opening without letting go of the gate. Heath was still about thirty feet away when Billy jerked on Mac's mouth too hard and the little cow pony backed up quickly causing the boy to lose his grip on the gate.

As it swung open Heath yelled at him again, "GET OUT OF THE WAY BOY!!"

The mustangs had now caught sight of their path to freedom and raced en mass for the opening as Billy leapt off Mac to try and close the gate before they escaped. Nick watched what was happening with a sick feeling of dread in his stomach. Heath was directly in the path of the horses and Nick knew he wouldn't be able to get out of the way in time. Billy had gone behind the gate to try and push it shut and he and Mac were safely out of harms way. The scene played out as if in slow motion as the men watched what was happening in stunned silence, too far away to do anything to stop it .

"HEATH, LOOK OUT!!" Nick cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled as loud as he could.

Heath tried to run for the fence as the horses came barrelling toward the gap but he knew he wouldn't get there in time, it was too far away and there was nowhere else to run. The wildly plunging animals raced through the opening and knocked him down as they attempted to go around or leap over him.

There was a moment of eerie silence save for the fading sound of hoofbeats as the horses raced full tilt for the distant hills and the dust settled slowly to the ground.

....Continued