Jarrod looked down the table and raised an eyebrow at his mother as Heath stood up.

She placed her napkin down beside the plate of food that she had been pushing around uneaten and spoke quietly. "Nick, you go ahead. Heath, I'd like to see you in the library for a moment please."

He looked at Nick and shrugged, "all right Mother." She wrapped her hand around his arm as he led her towards the door. "I'll be out in a little while Nick."

"Ok, see ya out there."

Jarrod and Audra followed their mother across the foyer until she stopped at the foot of the stairs.

"Audra, I'd like you to go up and work on the guest list for the wedding if you would."

Audra looked at her mother in confusion, the tone told her it was not a suggestion. Obviously she wanted to talk to Heath in private. "All right Mother, it is about time I started on it." She picked up her skirts and made her way upstairs.

Jarrod closed the library doors and went over to the table holding the decanters. He poured a liberal amount of whiskey and drank it in one gulp, the fiery liquid burning it's way down his throat and settling in his already churning stomach. He closed his eyes for a moment before turning around to see his mother and brother sit down on the sofa together. He moved to sit in the chair facing them as Victoria held her son's hands and her tears started to fall.

Victoria opened the door to her youngest son's room and made her way over to the bed. It was after three and she had tossed and turned until she couldn't stand it any longer. She had to see him, had to look at him, watch him sleep ... be near him.

He had taken the news so quietly when, between her and Jarrod they had told him what Doctor Merar had said, how little time he had. He hadn't screamed and yelled, demanded another opinion. No, he didn't want to go to San Francisco, didn't want to see more doctors. In his heart he knew it was true and he accepted it because his mind had already been telling him something wasn't right, that the pain was more than broken ribs.

An elderly friend of his mother's in Strawberry had had a bad heart. He remembered her rubbing her chest when she had attacks, the same way he did. He remembered Doctor Merar saying to him after the accident how it was a wonder his chest hadn't been crushed. Yes, he knew.

Her eyes filled as she moved a few steps closer to her sleeping son, her thoughts casting back on one of the worst nights of her life. Only her Tom's death could compare to this ache she felt, the pain threatening to tear her apart.

Heath had just sat there for a few seconds in silence holding her trembling hands as she wept before he stood, pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her as he whispered in her ear.

"I'm sorry Mother."

He had held her for a few minutes while she cried before he stepped back and picked up her hands. His voice came out low and husky, emotion held tightly in check as he flashed them the half smile they had come to know and love.

"Guess I won't get to see Audra married." He lifted his hand and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "I wish..." He dropped his hand and shook his head, "no, there's no sense wishin' for things that are gone." He heaved a sigh and his shoulders slumped, "I need to be alone for awhile ..."

"Heath."

"Please Mother, Jarrod, just let me have a little time."

Jarrod looked into the pleading blue eyes, glassy with unshed tears, and nodded, "all right Heath, for now, but we're a family and we're not going to let you hide away and try to deal with this on your own." He reached out and gripped his brothers shoulder, "talk to us Heath, that's what family is for."

Heath gave him a grateful smile, "thanks Jarrod."

He turned to his mother, she was hanging onto Jarrod's arm for support and he saw how suddenly fragile she looked. "I'm gonna' go up now, I'll see ya in the morning." He kissed her cheek, gave Jarrod a nod and strode quickly from the room.

Nick had come in an hour later and slapped his hat and coat on the rack inside the library door. "Where the devils Heath? He was supposed to help me." He looked around the room as if expecting his brother to pop out from some hidden corner.

Victoria turned from the window where she had been looking out into the darkness. "Nick, sit down we need to talk. Jarrod, go get Audra please."

He nodded grimly and left the room to get his sister while Nick poured a drink and went to stand in front of the fire and grumbled, "those two better not be breaking up again." He scowled when his mother turned back to the window without answering him. "And where's Heath?"

Victoria spoke to the glass reflection, "your brother has gone to bed."

"BED?" Nick planted his hands on his hips, "IT'S ONLY EIGHT-THIRTY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!"

Audra came into the room followed by Jarrod, "Mother, Jarrod says you have something to tell us."

Jarrod went to his mother and placed his hands on her shoulders as he dropped a kiss on her hair. He led her to a chair and sat on the arm of it never letting go of her stiffly held shoulders.

"Nick, Audra sit down, there's something we need to tell you ..."

Victoria put the lamp she had brought with her on the round marble table as she crossed the room and sat on the side of the bed. The lamplight illuminated the room enough that she could see quite clearly the tear tracks on the handsome face. He was such a private man and it broke her heart to know that he had lain here alone in the dark, crying. She held her hand to her mouth and swallowed back the sobs that were threatening to overcome her.

He never stirred as she lightly ran her hand through his dark blond hair. He looked so young, he was so young and her eyes filled as she once again asked, 'why? why my son? Hasn't he been through enough in his short life? What has he ever done to deserve this? He is such a good and kind man - Whyyyyyyyy?'

Her throat ached from holding back the tears. 'There are so many bad people out there, why not take one of them? Why do YOU have to take my son, who's family loves him so much. Tell me WHY?'

There were no answers in the darkness of this night and a tear slid down her cheek as she gently picked up his hand and held it. What were they going to do without him? She could still hear Nick's angry tirade when she told him what Doctor Merar had said. He had started yelling as Audra had started crying and Victoria had gone to sit beside her daughter and comfort her when Nick jumped up from the sofa and started stomping around the room, hand waving in the air as his temper exploded and he shouted.

"DOC MERAR'S AN OLD FOOL, HE SHOULD OF RETIRED YEARS AGO, HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT."

Jarrod had stood up quickly and tried to calm him down, "now you listen to me Nick..."

Nick had slammed his fist on the desk, "NO!! I'M NOT LISTENING TO ANY MORE OF THIS NONSENSE. ANYONE CAN SEE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD ABOUT IT."

He had stormed from the room as his mother tried to call him back. It was past one o'clock before she heard him come in. Everyone had finally gone upstairs around eleven and Victoria had sat with Audra as she cried herself to sleep. She thought about going and talking to Nick but after discussing it with Jarrod, she had to agree that it wouldn't do any good. Nick was hard-headed and stubborn and he wasn't going to listen to anything he didn't want to hear - and he didn't want to hear this. They would have to give him some time, of all of them, this was going to be hardest for him.

Breakfast the next morning was a strained affair. Nick came down last, gruffed out a good morning then filled a plate and threw himself into his seat beside Heath. Everyone was showing the signs of a restless night and before Nick had come down they had talked about how to go about making him listen to reason. It was agreed that they would give him a few more days then they would all sit down and talk to him together, make him believe what his mind was choosing to ignore.

Nick pushed his half eaten breakfast away and stood up. "Get a move on Heath, we got that whole south section of fence to check today. I'll go saddle the horses." He drank the rest of the coffee in Heath's cup to help speed him on his way and left the room.

Heath looked across the table, got up and went around to Audra. He lifted her chin with his finger and smiled. "Hey little sister, remember what I said this morning?" He had heard her crying early that morning as he passed her door and had gone in to talk to her. "I want to see those pretty blue eyes of yours smiling at me. I don't want to see them lookin' at me with sadness, I couldn't stand that, please Audra?"

Victoria and Jarrod clutched their coffee cups in trembling hands as they watched Audra stand up and wrap her arms around his neck as her tears started again. Heath put his arms around her and buried his face in her hair as he hugged her tightly.

After a moment he pulled back and brushed her tears away with his fingertips. "Come on now, let's see that beautiful smile."

She took a trembling breath and gave him a tentative smile.

"That's better." His drawl deepened as he teased her, "why, I do believe you're going to be the most beautiful bride this valley's ever seen." He tilted his head and questioned her sternly, "I hope Carl realizes what a fine woman he's gettin'."

She reached out to caress his cheek, "he does big brother."

"Well he better. Now I best get goin' before ol' Nick starts hollerin' for me."

He went to his mother and dropped a kiss on her cheek, seeing the concern and worry in her eyes as she looked up at him, "don't worry Mother, I won't over do it." He stopped on his way to the door and turned around to address his older brother, "I have to go into town tomorrow to pick up supplies and I'd like to stop by your office and go over a few things with you if you can spare the time Jarrod?" His broad shoulders lifted in a shrug, "I want to go talk to Doc Merar while I'm there too."

Jarrod nodded, "of course Heath and if it's all right, I'd like to go with you when you see the doctor."

Heath gave him a smile and nodded, "thanks Jarrod, I just might need a lawyer to untangle all that complicated medical jargon he'll be throwin' around. I'll see ya at supper."

Victoria waited until she was sure he was gone then reached over to lay her hand on her daughter's arm. "Audra, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you and Carl."

"Oh Mother, if you're going to ask if we would move the wedding up, I was just about to say the same thing." She shook her blond head and dabbed at her eyes with her napkin, "I can't imagine getting married without Heath there, it wouldn't be right."

"Thank you Audra, it will mean so much that we will be able to give him this one wish." Victoria gave her hand a squeeze, "will Carl mind not having a big wedding?"

"No, he would prefer something smaller anyways. I'll go over and see him today. Do you think the end of the month will be enough time to arrange it? We don't know how long..." She wiped her eyes again.

Victoria patted her hand, "we'll manage dear and if it's all right with you, why don't we have the wedding right here instead of at the church. We have plenty of room for the reception and I know it'll be lovely. What do you think?"

"Oh Mother, that sounds wonderful, I'm sure Carl will agree."

Jarrod cleared his throat and frowned at them. The lawyer in him demanded that he point out any unforeseen problems to them. "You realize what people will think when you move the wedding up over two months?"

Victoria looked at her daughter and, at her nod, she answered in the tone that no one would dare to question. "We have been gossiped about before and will be again I'm sure. My only concern right now is for my son." She leaned forward and looked down the table, "what small minded people might think is irrelevant."

Jarrod inclined his head, "I agree totally Mother, I just wanted Audra to be aware of what is surely going to be said."

"It's all right Jarrod," Audra smiled at him, "I'm not worried about what people say, I just need to have my brother there." She bit her lip and cast a worried look at him, "Jarrod, there's something I want to ask you."

When they had finished talking he got up and came around to drop a kiss in her hair. "I have to go now, I'll see you both tonight."

Heath was out and gone before day break the next morning. He wanted to leave before Nick offered to go with him. It was too much to be around his brother all day while Nick pretended nothing was wrong. He seemed to think that if he didn't acknowledge the situation and went on with his life as if everything was normal, then the problem would just magically go away. They couldn't go on this way and Heath knew had to talk to him soon, he just didn't know what to say or how to say it. All he knew was that he needed his brother right now and even though Mother, Jarrod and Audra were there for him, it wasn't the same - he needed Nick.

The visit to Jarrod's office wasn't as hard as he thought it was going to be because Jarrod had made it so much easier by taking on the role of lawyer instead of brother. He went through everything in a professional manner, as though Heath were simply another client.

When they were finished they had a late breakfast together at The Cattleman's Club before heading over to Doctor Merar's office. This visit wasn't so simple. The doctor examined Heath again then led them to his office where he explained in minute detail what had happened and what was going to happen.

Heath got up part way through and went to stand at the window, looking out into the busy street with unseeing eyes as Jarrod asked question after question. The doctor answered each one patiently...no, it wouldn't have made any difference if Heath had of rested more when it happened - no, he wouldn't do more damage by working, it would actually help keep him strong, maybe give him more time - no, he couldn't predict how much time he had - yes, he would have some pain, but he just had to take the medication and it would help- yes, he should ...

"Will I know when it's time doc?" The quiet, soft spoken voice interrupted them. Heath was standing with his arms crossed and his forehead leaning against the window, eyes closed. He didn't move when Jarrod came up behind him and rubbed his shoulders, giving him much needed support.

Doctor Merar let out a sigh, "I think so Heath, the pain will feel like a constant weight pressing on your chest and the drug won't be able to ease it. I've been reading up on it and in most cases this is what happens just before the heart gives out. I'm sorry."

Heath took a shuddering breath, trying to push down the fear threatening to choke him before he turned around and Jarrod followed him back to their seats.

"Can I keep working, I don't want to just sit around and wait to die."

The kindly blue eyes smiled at him, "I think the best thing the whole family can do is go on as you always have. Live your life Heath, don't sit around waiting. I've had many patients with heart problems and the ones that lived the longest were the ones that stayed physically strong and active. As long as you don't over do it, work will be the best thing for you."

He went to the cabinet on the wall and came back with a small brown bottle that he handed to Heath. "Put one of these under your tongue when the pain starts and it should ease off almost immediately. Carry them with you at all times, but never take more than three in a space of ten minutes, any more than that will do more harm than good. Now, I don't want you overdoing it. It's all right to work, but I want you to stop when you feel tired. You don't want your heart having to work harder because you're exhausted."

"Thanks doc," they picked up their hats, shook the doctors hand and Heath opened the door and stepped out, "I'd better get goin' home Jarrod, Nick'll have my hide if I don't get back soon."

"All right Heath, I'll see you tonight."

Howard stopped the dark haired lawyer as he was about to leave, "Jarrod, I'd like to speak to you for a moment before you go."

"Of course."

He sat back down and Doctor Merar took the other chair and looked at him closely. "How is your family holding up Jarrod?"

He sat forward and rubbed his eyes, "as well as can be expected, it's just so sudden. We're all devastated, one day our lives are so normal and the next we're being torn apart. Audra has moved her wedding up so Heath can be there and Mother and I just keep praying he will."

"What about Nick? I know how close those two are."

"Nick?" Jarrod heaved a sigh, "I don't know what Nick thinks. He didn't believe us when we told him, he seems to think that if he ignores the situation it will go away. We're going to give him a couple of more days then talk to him again."

"Would you like me to talk to him Jarrod?"

He stood up and went to the door, "we'll try once more then we'll see. I'd better be on my way, thanks Doctor."

Howard watched him go and thought, once again, how devastated the family was going to be. He had come to know Heath very well over the years as a patient and a friend and knew Victoria couldn't love him more if she had born him. His brother's and sister, they would also be terribly hurt ... but it was Nick he worried about the most.

Heath pulled up to the barn and jumped down from the wagon as Billy came rushing out to help him.

"Heath, where ya been, Nick's been stompin' around all mornin' mad as a wet hen 'cause ya left without him."

The green eyes were huge in the thin face, attesting to the fact that Nick must have also been yelling quite a bit too.

"Where's he at now, young Bill?"

Billy started pulling feed sacks off the wagon, "he went out to the south pasture to start on the next section of fence." He stopped working for a moment, looked at Heath and shrugged, "he took CoCo."

Heath shook his head and started into the barn with a bag of feed. Darn that brother of his, he had to be the most hard headed, stubborn man he had ever met. He hadn't ridden CoCo in weeks and Heath thought he had finally given in on retiring the old horse. He dumped the sack on the pile and went to get another. That Nick, there were some things he just couldn't or wouldn't see. Well, there was one thing he was gonna have to see no matter how much he didn't want to.

"Hey Billy, how 'bout we finish this and you come help us with that fence. I bet if we get it done today, ol' Nick just might let us knock off early tomorrow and go fishin'."

The boyish face lit up with pleasure before he frowned and shook his head, "can't Heath, don't got a fishin' pole."

Heath pushed his hat back and rested his hands on his hips, "no fishin' pole? Hmmmmm, ya know where I keep mine in the tack room?"

"Yeah."

"Well you go fetch it boy and ya can have it."

"I can't take yer fishin' pole Heath, what will you use?"

"Me and Nick got new ones, so I'm givin' ya mine. Sorta like a present."

Billy let out a whoop and headed for the tack room. At the barn door he turned and a big smile dimpled his cheeks, "I ain't never had a real fishin' pole before Heath, ya don't know what this means to me."

He disappeared inside and Heath whispered, "yes I do Billy, yes I do." He was remembering a little boy who would have given anything to have a fishin' pole and someone to take him fishing.

They found Nick about three quarters of the way along the fence and in a foul mood. As they pulled up alongside CoCo and dismounted, they could hear him muttering and grumbling to himself . He smacked a nail into the post and turned as they greeted him.

"Where the devil ya been Heath? Ya should of been back hours ago to help me."

"I had some things to take care of in town Nick." He nodded at Billy, "Billy's gonna help us, so we should be done by today."

Heath pulled on his work gloves and wrapped the wire around the post as Nick hammered a nail in to secure it. Billy grabbed a shovel and started on the next post hole. They worked in silence for awhile until Nick called a rest break and they went to get their canteens. As they leaned on their saddles, Heath gestured at the fence.

"Hey Nick, looks like we'll be finished with this today. How 'bout we get our chores done early tomorrow and go fishin'? We can try out our new rods."

Nick hung his canteen back on his saddle horn and shrugged, "I don't know Heath, kinda cold don't ya think?"

Heath pushed his hat back on his forehead and shook his head, "well Nick, if it's too cold for ya, me and Billy here can go by ourselves. There's that nice little sheltered spot by the rocks, should be just fine."

Nicks brow lowered in a frown and he waved his hand in the air, "now hold on a minute Heath, I never said I didn't want to go, just said it might be a little cold is all."

Heath pulled his hat back down and stared at him with narrowed eyes.

"All right, all right, I'll go."

They went. The threesome had a great day and Billy was overjoyed to spend the day with Nick and Heath. They had built a fire and cooked the fish they caught, then sat around talking and laughing until the chill in the air had them saddling their horses and heading home. Billy couldn't wait to get back to the bunkhouse and tell the other hands about the fish he had caught that, by the time he finished telling the story, had grown to gigantic proportions.

Supper in the Barkley household that night was more lighthearted than the previous two evenings had been. Nick had rushed through the meals then gone to his room to work on paperwork he said was piling up and the rest of the family had just shaken their heads as they tried to come up with some way to make him listen to what his mind refused to accept, frustrated that anytime one of them tried to talk to him about it, he got angry and left the room.

Tonight though, Audra was chattering away about Carl agreeing to move the wedding date up and the plans they were making. When Nick asked why they were rushing it, she told him it was because she was going to be too busy in the spring showing her new horse. Nick had nodded and agreed it was a good idea. While Jarrod discussed his latest case, Nick and Heath told tall tales about the fish they had caught that day, their new fishing rods playing a vital role in the number and size of the catch, something their old rods couldn't have done. Victoria for her part was pleased to just listen to the conversations flowing around her, the light hearted bantering and laughter making the meal seem almost normal.

Heath had managed to talk Nick into a few games of checkers after supper instead of doing paperwork in his room again and the family made their way to the library, intent on a quiet evening at home. Victoria and Audra sat on the sofa and continued making out the guest list for the reception, while Jarrod settled himself comfortably in the leather chair behind his desk and immersed himself in his new book.

Silas entered the room about eight-thirty and set the silver coffee service down on a side table, "I thought y'all might like some coffee Mrs. Barkley, an' I brung some apple cake too."

"Why thank you Silas, that was very thoughtful of you." Victoria laid aside the list and rose to help serve the coffee as Heath jumped three of Nick's checkers and slapped his hands on his thighs in delight as his brother frowned at the board where he was about to lose his fourth game in a row.

Heath's blue eyes twinkled and he smiled as he watched his brother's bent head scowling down at the board, "boy howdy Nick, who ya gonna' lose to when I'm gone?"

Victoria's cup rattled in it's saucer and Silas took it from her with a worried look. Audra closed her eyes and bowed her head as tears welled and Jarrod stared at the page in front of him as he held his book in a white knuckled grip.

His dark head lifted slowly and Nick frowned across at his brother, "you're not going anywhere."

The lop-sided grin faded and Heath caught and held Nick's eyes with his and answered quietly. "Yes I am Nick."

Everyone jumped as the fist came down on the board and the checkers bounced. "I SAID YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"

"Nick ... listen to me." Heath stood and reached for his brother's arm.

"NO!" He pushed his chair back violently and headed for the door with long angry strides, snatching his coat as he left.

"NICK ..." The plea fell on deaf ears and Heath's shoulders slumped as the front door slammed shut.

Jarrod came over to sit with Audra as she cried while Victoria went to Heath. He stood there, fingers in his back pockets, staring at the floor as the silence grew. She reached up and cupped his cheek as she lifted his head and forced him to meet her eyes. His were filled with hurt and sadness and her heart ached for him.

"Heath, he had to face it sooner or later." She stroked his cheek and gave him a small smile, "I'll go talk to him."

He held onto her arms as she went to go around him, "no Mother, it's up to me to talk to him." His blue eyes pleaded with her, "I NEED to talk to him, please?"

Jarrod came over and placed his hands lightly on her shoulders, "Heath's right Mother, he's the only one who can help Nick right now."

She patted his hand, knowing what he said was true, "all right Jarrod." She looked at her youngest son, "do you know where he went?"

Heath nodded, "I know."

He grabbed his jacket and went out the door and Silas looked at his employer and asked in a tentative voice, "Mrs. Barkley, is Mr. Heath goin' somewhere?"

Heath crossed the corral in front of the barn and opened the door quietly. He didn't need a lantern, there was a half moon shining through the windows tonight and he knew the way by heart. The rungs on the ladder creaked as he pulled himself up slowly.

Yes, there he was, sitting in the open door of the hay mow, his coat laying beside him, long legs dangling over the edge. Heath knew Nick always came up here when he was upset or angry and needed to get his temper under control or just think about things. He crossed the straw covered floor quietly.

Nick's eyes continued to stare out into the darkness as Heath sat down and wrapped his arms around his upraised knees, leaning back against the door jam watching his brother's profile. Neither said a word, the still night broken only by the sounds of crickets chirping and Nick picking up pieces of straw, shredding them and throwing them away. Heath could wait, he was good at waiting. It seemed he had spent most of his life waiting, he hadn't known for what until he came here. Then the waiting was over, he had finally found what he had been searching for, something he hadn't known he needed...a home...a family. Yes ... he could wait.

Thoughts and feelings tumbled through Nick's mind as he sat there staring out into the night. He heard Heath walk over and sit down, knew he was watching him, knew he would wait there patiently until he was ready to talk. His eyes looked at the star filled sky and his mind screamed over and over...'WHY? WHY is this happening to him...to me, WHY??' Everyone knew Nick Barkley could yell really loud. Maybe if he yelled loud enough, maybe then the fates would hear him and spare him this most beloved brother.

He took a trembling breath, there was so much he wanted to say, but could say none of it, the pain in his heart stabbing through him like a knife, choking him. Pick up a piece of straw, shred it, throw it away. Pick it up, shred it, throw it away. The hazel eyes staring into the night, moonlight highlighting the clenched jaw, hair falling forward from the trembling hands raked through it. Minutes ticking away relentlessly as the little voice in his head spoke to him urgently.

'Talk to him, tell him how you feel, tell him before it's too late. You'll always regret it if you don't. He needs you ... don't turn away from him.'

Heath knew his brother was struggling. He would have given anything to be able to help him but Nick had to accept what was happening first before either of them could deal with it. He continued to watch the play of emotions crossing the rugged features. Twenty minutes dragged by but Heath didn't mind. It was actually quite cozy up here, the loft filled with fragrant bales of hay and straw keeping it warm against the cool night air. He waited.

"When ..." Nick cleared his throat, "when I was a little boy."

The softly spoken gravelly voice jerked Heath's wandering thought's back to the present and he watched his brother continue to search the darkness as his throat worked to force the words out.

"I used to come up here when I was in trouble or upset about something." His gruff voice was barely above a whisper. "I was up here every Christmas and Birthday because I hadn't gotten what I wanted. I was maybe four when I first started asking for a little brother," he let out a chuckle and shrugged. "I actually thought all I had to do was ask, and a little boy about my age would be under the tree on Christmas morning."

Pick up a piece of straw, shred it, throw it away.

Heath listened carefully, a small smile tugging at his mouth as he pictured a miniature Nick searching under the tree for a little boy.

"Mother and Father tried to explain that wasn't how it worked but that Barkley stubborn streak was all ready in me. I wanted someone to play with, I guess I was lonely. We were kind of isolated out here, miles from the nearest ranch. Father was away a lot, and even when he was here he was so busy building the place up he didn't have a lot of time for me. Mother tried, but it wasn't the same and Jarrod wasn't interested in the ranch much, he was always reading or studying."

He cleared his throat and shrugged, "I would have given anything for a little brother, someone to go fishin' with, take riding, play cowboys and Indians." He shook his head, "just be my friend. I finally stopped asking when I got to be about twelve. Jarrod was away at boarding school and I was helping out around here a lot. I had gotten used to being alone." He gave a slight shrug, "guess I figured I didn't need a little brother anymore."

He never looked at Heath as he spoke, knowing if he did he wouldn't be able to continue. His gruff voice stopped for a moment and he looked up at the moon and blinked furiously, willing back the tears. Tears were for women and children. The chirping of the crickets song rose in crescendo in the sudden silence.

He swallowed the choking lump in his throat and went on. "Then you came, but I was big, tough Nick Barkley then and I didn't need anyone. I didn't want to accept the fact that father wasn't perfect, that you were my brother. So I tried to drive you away."

His hazel eyes narrowed as they searched the darkness, "it would have been the worst mistake of my life if I had of succeeded. You're the best thing that ever happened to me Heath." He swallowed hard, "you're my best friend."

He reached into the pocket of his black leather vest and pulled something out. Heath saw the glint of gold as the moonlight hit it. It was the watch he had given him for Christmas.

Nick flicked open the lid to study the inscription inside and took a shuddering breath, "you said this would always be true and ... and it's not."

Heath forced the words out quietly, his heart aching. "What does it say Nick?"

Nick didn't need to see the words to know what they said, he had memorized them the first time he read them.

"It say's:

"To Nick, my best friend and brother.
'One man in a thousand'
I will always be by your side,
'till the weeks second Sunday'
Love, Heath"

Heath spread his hands and asked quietly, "do you know what the 'weeks second Sunday' means Nick?"

The moonlight was reflecting off the tears Nick was desperately trying to hold back as he nodded his head and lifted his legs from the open door to turn and sit beside his brother, facing him, his arms around his bent knees.

"It means 'till forever and beyond'."

....Continued