Not all members of the crew returned. This was the fall drive and like other ranches in the area, most of the men would depart to return in the spring. The chuck wagon and the remuda would be returning to the ranch next week.

Jumping down the steps of the train, Heath waited for Duke and the others before heading over to the wagon bearing the Barkley name.

“Great to have you fellows back!” grinned Nick shaking the hands of the returning men. “Ciego will buy you a couple rounds before you head back to the ranch!”

The men looked towards Heath and he smiled slightly, “I’ll see you fellows later at the ranch. Go on, git!”

Clapping him on the back, they followed Ciego to the saloon eager to partake in the free rounds. Talking loudly as they walked, boasting about the fine job they’d done on the trail.

Nick held out his hand and smiled, “Welcome home, Heath.”

Heath flashed a lop-sided grin, gripping the extended limb in a firm grip, “Nick. How are things on the ranch?”

Directing Heath to the saddled horses, Nick looked over and shrugged, “Progressing.”

“Progressing?” repeated Heath a frown gracing his handsome face as he mounted.

“On the way home, how about if we stop by the Henderson’s. They have a couple horses to look at.” suggested Nick turning Coco down the street.

Puzzled by the earlier comment, Heath nodded absently, “Yeah, sure Nick.”

‘Progressing? What does that mean?’ wondered Heath confused at the choice of words.

“Heath?”

“Yeah?”

“What happened to Jacob’s arm?” asked Nick his question drawing Heath back to the present.

“Three days to go and a major storm blows in. He was thrown in a stampede and broke it.” explained Heath stopping Charger, looking at the reins held in his fingers. “Tom and Dave didn’t make it out of the stampede. We buried them where they lay. Their personal effects are coming back in the chuckwagon.”

Sighing deeply, Nick nodded. “We’ll see their next of kin get their effects and send their pay to them.”

“Okay, Nick.” stated Heath quietly nudging Charger forward.

“Hey, Nick, who are the Hendersons?”

“What’s the matter?” asked Nick puzzled at the reaction from the brother he dearly wanted to please.

Staring at the skeleton of the building, Heath gruffed, “What is that?”

“You said you wanted somewhere to train horses. I thought this was a good spot.” stated Nick calmly.

“Nick.” Heath rubbed the back of his neck, clearly agitated at the sight before him.

“What? I thought this is what you wanted. You said you wanted someplace quiet and less stressful to train the horses.” explained Nick trying to keep a rein on his temper. “What’s wrong with it?”

Walking away, Heath leaned on a section of post, he took off his hat and wiped the sweat band. Taking a deep breath, he turned, walked back and stood in front of the bewildered man.

“Nick, why did you start building this?” inquired Heath quietly.

Disbelief spread across the tanned face, hazel eyes squinted at the blond across from him, the voice of the man clearly loaded with exasperation. “Because it’s what you wanted!”

“It is not what I wanted. It was what I suggested would be helpful to train horses, Nick.” said Heath calmly.

“I don’t believe you!” snapped Nick.

Heath calmly repeated his question, “Why did you start building this?”

“So you could train horses like you said before you left!” retorted Nick.

“I see.” sighed Heath. “So when you said things at the ranch were progressing, you were talking about this building and corrals?”

“Partly.” admitted Nick hesitantly.

Heath stared into the hazel orbs, “What do ya’ mean partly?”

Shrugging, Nick cleared his throat, “There’s, uh, other things progressing. This is a working ranch!”

Sighing deeply, Heath rolled his eyes, “Would these other things by chance have to do with the south basin and a new crop?”

“They might have something, uh, to do with it.” stated Nick sheepishly.

“Nick, why would you do that?” asked Heath, his voice low and beseeching. “Tell me why.”

Waving his black leathered hands, Nick’s voice could be heard miles around, “WHY? I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED.”

“NICK, THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED.”

“IT IS TOO! I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID!”

“WHY, NICK? WHY?”

“BECAUSE I DON’T WANT YOU TO LEAVE AGAIN. THERE! THAT’S WHY!

Nick’s face clouded over, hurt shown in his hazel eyes from the laughter coming from the blond. Heath saw the look in the eyes and put a consoling arm across the broad shoulders, shaking his head.

“Nick, you are really something else.” smirked Heath.

Pushing the younger man away from him, Nick growled, “What do you mean by that!”

“Nick.” grinned Heath, blue eyes dancing with merriment. “Do you think just cause you acted on a couple suggestions, this would keep me here?”

“In your letter, you said okay.” stammered Nick. “You were coming back to work it out.”

“I meant what I wrote in the letter, Nick.” assured Heath seeing the tension leaving the larger man, stopping his words with a raised hand.

“I don’t want you to do things cause you afraid I’ll leave if I don’t get my way. That’s not a partnership. That’s blackmail. If it doesn’t make sense or benefit the ranch, tell me. I want us to be able to discuss ideas and suggestions. That’s all. That’s all I’m asking, Nick.” explained Heath.

“Oh.” replied Nick. “Guess I went a little overboard.”

“Nick, do you think having a separate area to train horses would be beneficial to the Barkley ranch?”

“Yes, I do. The way you train horses is different, Heath. They’re ready to ride sooner and trust people. That’ll help with filling our contracts.”

“Then, I thank you for the new training area, Nick.” grinned Heath extending his hand.

Smiling, Nick nodded and grabbed the hand. “You’re welcome. Let’s go home.”

Walking to the horses, they climbed into the saddles and Nick looked over to his right, “I’m glad you’re back, Heath.”

“Thanks, Nick.”

Heath rode beside his older brother as the afternoon slowly dwindled away. Nick spent the time updating his returning brother on the events which occurred in the last two months while he was on the trail drive. Dismounting at the barn, the two led their companions into the barn, unsaddled and groomed them.

Nick waited outside the stall watching Heath groom Charger, his movements sure and quick. Charger was reveling in the extra grooming his master treated him to.

“Heath, ain’t you done yet?” groaned Nick leaning on the stall door.

“Boy howdy, what’s the hurry?” inquired Heath continuing his combing.

“Silas is making beef roast tonight.” stated Nick rubbing his stomach in anticipation.

“Well, go on to the house, I’ll be right behind you shortly.” suggested Heath.

Shaking his head, Nick snorted, “NO WAY! Mother and Audra’ll scratch my eyes out if you’re not with me.”

Heath chuckled at the image of Nick being attached by the women of the family, “A few more minutes, Nick.”

“Five more and that’s it!” growled Nick sitting on a hay bale with his arms crossed. Watching the cowboy and his steed, Nick smiled, thinking of getting used to this nightly ritual with his brother.

Grooming his horse was done for two reasons to Heath. One of course was for the benefit of the horse, the other was for the benefit of Heath. He benefited from the trust the animal held in him and from this simple activity which in the past helped him gather his thoughts.

On the trail when he had found the answer to his question and decided to return to the ranch, Heath’s thoughts of his new family warmed the dark recesses of his heart and soul.

On the train ride back, he thought of how much seeing Mrs. Barkley and feeling her caress his cheek created an ache within him. He had questions he needed answers to, he had feelings he needed to express to Mrs. Barkley. Feelings which told him she was his Mother as much as his birth mother.

Only the love of a mother is without strings.
Only the love of a mother is unconditional.
Only the love of a mother was felt in the comfort she offered him.
Only the love of a mother had ever created such an ache within him.

He was startled out of his thoughts by the deep voice, “Heath, time’s up!”

Rolling his eyes, Heath put the curry comb away and stepped out of the stall. “Okay, Nick.”

“I called your name three times. What were you thinking about?” asked Nick walking beside Heath to the mansion.

“Just wondering if Silas made a big enough roast from the hurry you’re in.” teased Heath keeping his thoughts hidden.

“Very funny.” mumbled Nick slowing his pace unconsciously.

Heath noticed the slowing and smiled to himself. He had really wanted to ask, ‘Nick, would it be okay if I call your mother, Mother?’ He had stopped the words from leaving his mouth, stopped by the hesitation welling up inside.

Stopped by the fear of possible rejection.
Stopped by the fear of stepping fully into the life he would be working to build with his new family.
Stopped by the fear of diminishing his own mother with the act.
Stopped by the fear of his mother who loving raised him perhaps not understanding from where she watched above.
Stopped by the question in his head, ‘Do you have the right?’.

Never did Heath ever imagine his return into the mansion would not be the peaceful, heartwarming scene he envisioned in his mind on the trip back.

Stepping through the oak door, he felt as if he were outside his body, looking down into the depths of hell, the eyes of Satan seeing through to his weak soul.

Leaping at the man, he saw his hands gripping the exposed throat as he sought the jugular, visions of horrors flashing through his mind.

Nick and Jarrod jumped on Heath after his catlike pounce and growl of outrage. Victoria and Audra stood stunned at the fury and murderous look on the blonde’s face.

His homecoming dinner forgotten from the scene being played out before them. Pulling Heath back, Jarrod and Nick held onto his arms while their lumber foreman gasped for air and climbed slowly to his feet.

“That’s Matt Bentell!” shouted Heath fighting the hold his brothers placed on him.

Jarrod and Nick stared at the man, Heath’s words ringing in their ears, glanced over at their mother and sister. Shock showing on their mother’s face, fright on Audra’s from her brother’s actions.

“GET OUT!” yelled Nick. “LEAVE!”

Grabbing his hat, Toddman stumbled and left through the great oak door. Jarrod and Nick held onto Heath, afraid to let him go, afraid Heath would bolt out the door after Bentell.

The brothers’ minds were equally stunned by the scene and violence they had just witnessed, stunned by the mild man who was the warden in the hellhole of a prison, stunned by the fury in the mild man’s eyes when his double life was exposed by their little brother.

The rage slowly left Heath, his body shaking from the expulsion of adrenaline, his mind going between visions of Carterson and thoughts of his new family’s acquaintance with the man of his darkest, most terrifying nightmares. Feeling his brothers release their grips, Heath stumbled to the fireplace and grabbed the large mantle with both hands.

His gasps of air slowing into regular breaths, his back feeling the sting of lashes he received years ago, his head pounding from the rapid rise of blood pressure he’d been subjected to.

Spinning around, he shouted, “You know Bentell and you didn’t tell me!”

The accusation and repulsion in his voice rang out to his family, the words cutting through to their hearts. Heath’s face speaking loud and clear to them, pale complexion, blue terrified eyes, sweat forming on his forehead. His clenched hands with whitened knuckles hung at his sides.

“Heath, we didn’t know he was Bentell.” assured Victoria stepping towards him, seeing him step back slightly, stopped her abruptly. “He told us his name was Toddman.”

“If we’d known, we wouldn’t have hired him, Heath.” said Jarrod quietly. “We didn’t know who he really was.”

Nick started towards Heath, intent on standing beside him. Heath backed away, unsure of what to do, where to go, who to trust. Nick’s eyes took in the terror filled blue ones, looking for a way out, the same look he’d seen in the office of Dr. Martin so long ago.

“Heath, trust me.” stated Nick quietly, the statement loud in the quiet parlor.

Heath’s backward steps faltered and stopped at the words, his eyes locked with the hazel ones, blocking out everyone else in the room.

“I don’t. I can’t. Bentell is..” stammered Heath old resurrected panic squeezing his throat. “Nick..”

“I won’t leave you in the dark, Heath. I promise.” urged Nick his words reaching through the panic and confusion.

Stepping over to his little brother, Nick caught him as his legs gave out from the horrendous emotional shock. Nick wrapped his arms around the trembling man, whispering in his ear, promising a light to help him see through the darkness.

Heath entwined his fists in the back of Nick’s shirt, grateful for the strong arms holding him, fighting the despair from overtaking and drowning him. Jarrod encased his arms around his sister and mother, both women trembling in his hold.

Heath let Nick support him while they walked out of the room and up the grand staircase. Entering Heath’s room, Nick set him on the bed and shut the door. Heath’s eyes were closed, fighting the visions he’d shut out over the past months.

“Heath, look at me.” ordered Nick quietly waiting for the blue eyes to open.

“Nick.” whispered Heath shame rising in him. “I scared Audra and Mother. I wasn’t thinking, I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m sorry, they shouldn’t have seen that.”

Grabbing the back of his neck, Nick replied firmly, “You don’t have anything to be sorry for. He does, not you! Remember that, little brother!”

Heath looked up at the knock on the door and Nick called out, “Who is it?”

“It’s Mother.” replied Victoria opening the door at Heath’s shaky invitation.

Sitting on the bed, Victoria caressed Heath’s cheek, looking into his blue eyes while she requested Nick make sure their former guest and employee was escorted off Barkley land.

Leaving to do his Mother’s bidding, Nick glanced at Heath before departing, “I’ll be back in a little while, Heath. Don’t leave.”

“Okay, Nick.” whispered Heath.

Walking into the parlor, Nick hugged his beautiful sister, “Are you okay, honey?”

“I’m fine, Nick.” smiled Audra. “It’s Heath I’m worried about, Nick. What an awful shock for him. How is he? ”

“He’ll be okay. Mother’s up there right now.” stated Nick. “Where’s Jarrod?”

Pointing towards the door, Audra’s eyes filled with pride, “He said he was going to escort Mr. Bentell off the ranch personally.”

Smiling, Nick kissed her cheek, “I’m gonna see if he needs any help.”

Grabbing his hat, Nick walked out into the early evening air meeting his older brother coming towards the house. “Jarrod, I thought you were escorting Bentell off the ranch.”

“I can’t find him Nick.” replied Jarrod, eyes filled with worry.

“What do you mean you can’t find him? Any one see him leave?” growled Nick angrily.

“No one saw him come out of the house. Duke has the men searching the range for him. I gave them orders to make sure he left Barkley range when they found him.” sighed Jarrod.

Frowning, Nick shook his head, “Dammit, I shoulda made sure he left after we found out his real name."

“Let’s look around the ranch again, Nick. Maybe you’ll see something I didn’t, like a missing horse.” suggested Jarrod.

“Pappy, if you spent more time with me and the horses you’d know how many we have.” teased Nick walking beside his older brother.

“I’ll have to clear my calendar to fit in you and your dates.” shot back Jarrod. “Nick, is Heath alright?”

“I gotta tell you Jarrod, I thought he was gonna run on us again. I could see it in his eyes. That boy’s had it hard. It’s not right, everything he’s had to suffer in his lifetime. The thought of losing him scares the hell outta me.” admitted Nick, dark thoughts deepening his hazel eyes.

Jarrod squeezed Nick’s shoulder and stated calmly, “We’re not gonna lose him, Nick. We’re standing by him and that will make all the difference.”

The brothers continued their search of the ranch buildings while Victoria was looking into the blue eyes of her newest son.

“This wasn’t exactly a happy homecoming, was it?” asked Victoria softly.

Staring at his stepmother, Heath felt the corners of his mouth turn up slightly, “No, guess not Mrs. Barkley.”

Cupping his left cheek in her palm, she smiled, “Heath, we would never knowingly cause you pain. You are so important to all of us.”

“I’m sorry I accused you like that.” sighed Heath shame and guilt seen in his twin mirrors. “I just never thought I’d walk in the door and see him. I’m sorry for scaring you and Audra.”

Victoria had witnessed the nightmares the past created in this gentle souled man after his injuries in the earthquake. The nightmares had terrified her and the others in the family as much as him.

“If we had known who he was from the beginning, he’d never have been allowed to set foot on this ranch.” stated Victoria firmly. “Do you believe that in your heart, Heath?”

Heath stood up and walked to the window. Staring out with unseeing eyes, Victoria waited patiently, sensing his desire to gather his tumbling thoughts in a set order.

Heath stood locked in his thoughts, thinking of this woman small in stature but larger than life in her love and compassion. Heath knew the anger within him would never fully be extinguished. He knew he couldn’t leave his family. He knew he had to try to explain the ache deep within him.

“I believe it, Mrs. Barkley. When I was on the trail drive, every night I’d sit and search for the answer to different questions. Should I come back to the ranch? Why go back? Would it be different this time?”

Shaking his head, he turned around and looked at his stepmother, “I’ve been so unsettled in my life, so lonely, always searching for something. My mama, Aunt Rachel and Hannah were wonderful to me. When I first figured out there were differences between my family and others, I remembered mama telling me when I was little, ‘Families come in all different sizes, honey. Someday you’ll have a different sized family that will love you, no matter what. You’ll see.’”

Surprise and curiosity reflected on Victoria’s face from Leah’s statement to her boy. She sat and listened as he continued in a gentle, quiet voice.

“I always assumed she meant when I’d marry as an adult. Then one night on the trail, it suddenly became clear to me when I heard her whisper those words in my ear again. I knew at that moment, this was the family she was speaking of when I was growing up.”

“Your mother was right, Heath. We do love you, no matter what.” assured Victoria. “We will always be here for you.”

“I know, but I can’t help feel, well, guilty. My past shouldn’t affect you and the others. It’s not right or fair to any of you.”

“Heath, we’re family. We love each other and what affects one of us, affects us all.” Walking over she held onto his hand. “You’re part of this family, a big part of it. Don’t feel as if you have to hide your past from us. We won’t think any less of you. Remember you have us in your heart, to get you through difficult times. It may be hard for all of us, but that’s what family members do for each other.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Barkley.” mumbled Heath squeezing her hand.

Kissing his cheek, Victoria walked to the door. Stopping, she looked back, “Heath, I have the deepest respect for your mother. I would never in any way belittle her or try to take her place in your heart. I love you and I hope you will consider calling me, Mother. If you need time to think about it or you don’t feel comfortable, I’ll understand.”

A lop-sided grin flashed quickly, happiness spread across his face and in his heart as he stepped closer to her, “I don’t need to think about it any more. I know in my heart you love me as much as my mama. I’d be honored to call you, Mot..”

The breaking of glass startled Victoria and she screamed, catching the falling son in her arms.

Seeking comfort in his mother’s love and arms moved the invisible bull’s-eye out of the path of the angry, vengeful bullet. Falling into her arms from the force of the impact on his left shoulder, Heath grabbed at his gun. Instinct responding over the pain, the instinct to respond to violence with violence, the will to survive. The will to protect those around him forced Heath to push Victoria down past the foot of the bed.

“Stay there.” ordered Heath crawling to the window and cautiously peering outside, gun held firmly in his hand seeking out the enemy. An act of self preservation engrained within him over the years, rearing it’s head with unconscious thought, his body responding before his mind comprehended.

Victoria watched the blood drip from his wound and spread across the blue shirt, turning it purple. Audra opened the door and gasped at the scene before her, “Mother, what’s happening?”

“Get down, Audra!” screamed Heath jumping up before Victoria could shout a warning. Victoria knelt rooted in her spot, seeing as if everything was mired in mud, slowed in pace but in reality just a split second of time.

Heath ran a few steps and threw himself in front of his sister. He propelled her into the hallway, unconscious after his body flinched again from the unknown assailant, the women’s screams of terror never reaching his ears.

Nick and Jarrod heard the reports of the rifle and ran towards the back of the house. Both brothers fired at the rider jumping on his horse.

Weaving slightly in the saddle, the rider fell to the ground and lay still. Running over, Nick cautiously approached, threw the rifle to the side and felt the man’s neck for a pulse.

“Dead.” stated Nick turning the man over, “BARRETT!”

“Barrett? What was he shooting at?” asked Jarrod out loud.

Glancing at the house, a broken window stood out amongst the rest, Nick jumped to his feet. “MY GOD, HEATH!”

Crawling into the hallway, Victoria pulled Heath’s heavy legs out of the doorway and shut the door, taking the target away from the sniper’s line of sight. Audra was crying and begging Heath to wake up.

“Audra, push and I’ll pull.”

Putting her hands on his chest, she pushed up and Victoria pulled her son over onto his side. Audra scampered out from under him while a soft moan escaped and his eyelids fluttered.

A sound reached into his mind thickened with pain and concern, eyes glazed and sluggish in their sockets. Pushing himself up onto his left elbow, Heath’s gun arm lifted automatically towards the heavy pounding footsteps alerting his senses of possible danger and spurring him into action.

Jarrod ran into Nick when he stopped at the sight of the gun pointed at them in the shrinking hallway, the barrel dark and ominous, the pistol unwavering in it’s owner’s grip.

“HEATH, IT’S YOUR BROTHERS!” shouted Victoria pushing down on the weakening arm. “HEATH!”

The words hadn’t reached his consciousness, he felt the strength in his arm failing him as he squinted at the figures in the hallway, willing his brain to respond to what his eyes were seeing.

Taking his face in her hands, she pulled it towards him. “It’s Nick and Jarrod, Heath.”

The words reached into his brain and he felt her take the suddenly heavy gun out of his hand.

“My…big…broth…” whispered Heath eyes rolling in their sockets, falling onto his back, slightly cushioned by the carpeted hallway and the inviting darkness free from the cloud bursts of pain.

Twenty four hours later, Nick ran the cold washcloth across the flushed face, his own eyes red and strained from lack of sleep. Jarrod dozed in a chair, his sleep broken by scattered dreams, broken by sudden bouts of mumblings and ramblings from his restless brother who lay, unaware of his two faithful nursemaids.

Dr. Howard Merar had been stunned by the scars on the back of his new patient. Nick’s dark glare at the physician’s questions had Victoria relaying a portion of her newest son’s past to her old friend.

Howard shook his head as he worked, seeking the pieces of lead lodged in Heath’s body, the small items partly responsible for the rising temperature.

Heath’s left shoulder was badly damaged from the projectile, his left side capturing the second bullet. Neither had found it’s way through Heath’s body and undoubtedly saved the lives of his mother and sister. Heath’s unselfish act of love and devotion, shielding Audra with his own body, was just another reason among many as to why the family held him firmly in their hearts.

Victoria entered the bedroom and put her arm around Nick’s waist. “Nick, Duke is downstairs. He needs to speak with you and Jarrod.”

“We’ll talk to him later, Mother.” replied Nick not breaking his steady motion of wetting, wringing and wiping. His hands stopped by his mother’s.

“You need a break, Nick. I want to sit with Heath for a while.” smiled Victoria running her eyes over his strained complexion.

Seeing the need in her eyes, Nick grudgingly relinquished his spot. “I’ll have some breakfast and be back in a little while.”

Leaning over, Nick spoke loudly in Heath’s ear and ruffled his hair, “Be right back, little brother. I got some business to take care of.”

Victoria took over Nick’s place by the bed. Shaking Jarrod awake, he motioned to him to follow and they left the room, walking down the hallway and staircase.

“How’s Heath?” asked Duke his hat twirling in his hands.

“Doc says he’ll be fine once when we bring down the fever.” stated Jarrod.

“I never figured Barrett would come after him. I knew he hated Heath, but it never crossed my mind.” frowned Duke remembering the fight between the two men.

Squeezing his foreman’s shoulder, Nick’s voice was quiet and tender, “Duke, none of us considered it. Yeah, Heath fired him, but I’d have done the same thing in Heath’s boots. We never realized Barrett would take it this far.”

“Yeah, I know.” admitted Duke. “We found Bentell at the lake. Me and the boys made sure he understands he’s not welcome in this area at any time. I’ll go let the men know how the boss is doing.”

Walking the foreman to the door, Nick stated “We’ll keep you posted on his progress.”

Nodding, Duke left and headed to the bunkhouse, alleviating the men’s concerns over Heath’s condition, his top priority before heading them out to work.

Shutting the door, Nick looked over at Jarrod. “Heath never said exactly what happened on the drive. Judging from Duke and the men, it must have really been something. Pappy, when that brother of ours is better, we need to go back to the lodge and worm that information out of him.”

Laughing, Jarrod flung an arm across Nick’s broad shoulders and walked him to the dining room. “Brother Nick, that little brother of ours is real close mouthed about certain things. We may need to bring extra bottles to loosen those lips.”

“Let’s eat so we can get back upstairs. I wanna be there when he wakes up.”

Epilogue

Four months later…

The sun was dipping down below the horizon as Heath Thomson Barkley spied the mansion he called home. His heart leaped at the sight caressing his eyes, the word no longer feeling foreign when it rolled off his tongue.

Taking his father’s name had been the final step that firmly encased him into the life he had found with his family. The trip back from a horse buying trip found him relaxing under the stars and contemplating the last year in his life.

The year had been turbulent and calm, sad and joyful, safe and dangerous. He worked with Nick each day, enjoyed the company of the man who had quickly grown to be his best friend. It had taken Nick time to get over the fear of Heath’s leaving when they had words or disagreements. It had taken Heath time to fully understand how to handle his older brother.

Looking at them now, an outsider would never have known the difficult journey the two men had embarked on over the past twelve months.

Putting the new horses in the corral and settling Charger in his stall, Heath grabbed his rifle and saddlebags. Walking through the oak door, he set his hat and guns on the round table, the excitement in his voice ringing out. “Mother!”

Baffled, he walked into the parlor and spied the cake on the table. Reading the words, he felt the tears fill his eyes, his heart fill with love. Looking up, the faces of his smiling family looked back at him and he wiped his eyes.

Greeting him with hugs and kisses, Heath smiled and reveled in his mother’s soft caress of his cheek.

“Boy howdy, has it been a year already?” teased Heath.

“Feels more like three, if you ask me.” groaned Nick, smiling widely at the wink thrown his way from Heath.

“Don’t listen to him Heath. Nobody else does.” chuckled Audra sticking her tongue out at her dark haired scowling brother.

Handing Heath a knife, Jarrod smiled, “Brother Heath, perhaps you’d like to do the honors. Gene needs to get to bed so he can get up early with us and go to the lodge. You know how those college boys can be.”

“Ha. Ha, Jarrod.” smirked Gene shaking his finger at the lawyer brother. “This time, I’m catching all the fish.”

“Gene, I thought we decided to leave the dynamite at home.” said Heath innocently enjoying the laughter around him, the teasing and love cushioning him as he cut the cake.

Sitting on the bench in the fragrant garden, Heath rolled a cigarette, lit a match and inhaled deeply. Staring at the stars, his eyes welled again at the inscription on the cake.

“Thank you for the light you bring to us. Happy first anniversary.”

Patting the small hand which squeezed his shoulder, he moved over and put an arm around her shoulders when she sat down. Placing a soft kiss on her silver hair, Heath sighed with contentment enjoying the solitude of the garden and the warm night air.

“Thank you for the cake and the beautiful inscription, Mother.”

“It’s just a small token of our love for you, Heath.” smiled Victoria. “I’m glad you feel loved and safe here.”

“I feel those things and so much more, Mother. So much more.”

Grounding out his cigarette, he stood and pulled her into an embrace. Cupping her cheek in his palm, she saw the tears on his cheeks and traced their tracks with her fingers. Heath held onto her waist and walked her into the house, his gentle words floating to her ears.

“Settled, Mother. I feel settled.”