In the late afternoon, Nick greeted his mother when he returned home. He’d put in a full day with the crew and hurried back to the ranch to catch some time with his little brother before dinner.

Climbing up the stairs, he peeked in the open door of the bedroom. He saw the blonde’s eyes were closed and heard his even breaths. The innocent features relaxed in sleep hid the man who’d seen too much violence in his short lifetime. Each time Nick saw his brother in peaceful sleep, the boyish face always made him grin.

Realizing he had time to clean up, Nick headed to the watercloset. Leaving the room twenty minutes later, the water glistened in his dark hair as he walked down the hallway.

Relaxing in the bedside chair, his long legs were stretched out in front of him, his hands held a ledger which his eyes were scanning.

Heath’s eyes opened and he looked around, a smile lifted the corners of his mouth at the sight of Nick scowling at a ledger book.

“Jarrod and I can’t read your writing either, Nick.” teased Heath wiping the remainder of the drugged look out of his eyes with his knuckles and stifling a yawn.

“Ha, ha.” gruffed Nick closing the book and setting it to the side. “How are you feeling?”

Shrugging, Heath replied, “Once these headaches stop, I’ll be a new man.”

Nick’s face was thoughtful and he stared into the sapphire eyes, “A new man, huh? That might not be too bad.”

Rolling his eyes, Heath snorted at the grinning face and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I’m not letting ya’ off that easy, big brother. Fraid you’re stuck with me.”

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Nick smirked, “Damn.”

Chuckling, Heath pulled on his boots. “What’d you do today?”

“Finished the fence on the north range and Duke took the men to put in the new pumps at the orchard. Tony and Bill worked with the stallion. Looks to me like they’re taking their time waiting til you can finish the job.” informed Nick.

Sighing, Heath replied, “Hope it’s sooner than later.”

“Yeah, me too. I miss having you by my side.” agreed Nick, then asking quietly. “So, what do you think about the commemoration for Father?”

The surprise showed on Heath’s face at the question and he tilted his head slightly, his mind mulling over the question. “I’m not sure, Nick. I, uh, he’s our Father but then again he’s not.”

Nick’s voice trembled slightly when he asked, “Are you saying you don’t think Father’s your Father, Heath?”

“No, Nick. That’s not what I mean.” assured Heath quickly trying to find the right words.

“What I mean is to me he’s the man who slept with my mama. He’s never been a father to me. He was a great father to you but I don’t know him that way. All I know is he’s done great things during the time he was alive. Everywhere you look, this valley and the Barkley holdings are a testament to his vision and foresight. But, to me it’s, well, I don’t know how to put it exactly.”

“Like you’re on the outside looking in.” suggested Victoria from the doorway, startling both men with her soft words.

“Yeah, that’s what I feel like. I’m sorry.” replied Heath softly. “I don’t mean to hurt you or anyone else in the family.”

Giving the blonde’s shoulder a squeeze, Nick said firmly, “It’s unfortunate you didn’t have a chance to know him. Sometimes we’re uncomfortable talking about Father in front of you cause none of us like the fact you grew up without him. It’s hard on all of us, but don’t think you can’t say what you feel. Everybody’s entitled to their opinion whether people agree or not.”

Victoria watched the sparkle dancing in the blue eyes, “Well, Nick, seems to me that wasn’t exactly your thoughts when I first came here. Back then, my opinion caused a lot of fights between us.”

Nick shook his finger at his little brother and teased, “It’s your fault! You were so hard headed and stubborn back then.”

Rolling his eyes, Heath winked at Victoria, “What’s that saying, Mother? A pot calling the kettle black?”

Laughing, Victoria smiled at the two brothers and shook her head. Sitting on the bed beside him, she held his hand, “Are you feeling better?”

“Much better, Mother. Thank you.” smiled Heath, squeezing the tiny hand. “Nick, would you mind if I was left alone with this beautiful lady?”

Standing, Nick stared into the sapphire eyes, “I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

Heath grinned his appreciation and waited til the door closed before crossing to the dresser and bringing back the small rusted box. Setting it on the bed, Heath stared at it for several minutes before his eyes lifted upwards into the gray eyes of his Mother. Victoria saw the apprehension appear in his eyes and she reached out to caress his cheek.

“Heath, we don’t have to do this.”

Shaking his head, Heath held her hand to his cheek and smiled tenderly, “Mother, it’s time to see what secrets can be laid to rest. We’ll never know if we don’t look in this box.”

Placing a kiss on her palm, Heath released her hand and undid the latch of the container. Lifting the lid slowly, in unison, he and Victoria leaned forward slightly and looked into the container. Reaching in, Heath took out a small photo and two envelopes.

Heath showed the envelopes to his Mother and heard her sharp intake of breath as she spotted the handwriting on the envelope addressed to Leah Thomson. The outside of the second envelope was blank.

“It’s Tom’s handwriting.” whispered Victoria.

“Mother, there’s also this photo.” said Heath. “What would you like to look at first?”

“Heath, these are your things from your mother. You decide and I’ll be here with you.”

Nodding, Heath took a deep breath and turned over the picture. His eyes widened as he handed it to Victoria, his whisper almost too low to be heard.

“It’s mama and Father.”

Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the photo and studied it. Her eyes filled with tears and Heath squeezed her other hand, smiling his understanding of the pain the photo caused.

“I’m sorry, Mother.” whispered Heath. “Are you okay?”

Wiping her tears, Victoria nodded and smiled, “I’m fine, sweetheart. It’s okay.”

Waiting til she finished studying the photograph, Heath opened the envelope which was addressed to his mama and cleared his throat before reading.

Dear Leah,

I am ashamed to find I am putting paper to pen instead of speaking with you in person. I am also ashamed to find my courage is lacking at this moment from the realization of what has occurred. I can never be the man who will sweep you off your feet as I am a married man.

I thank you for saving my life and will never be able to repay the debt fully. At the time of my recovery let me assure you, I was not aware I was a married man. If I had known, I would not have allowed myself to fall in love with you.

My feelings for you run true, however, they do not run as deep as my love for my wife, partner and soulmate, Victoria. I have two small sons who I cherish with all my being.

You are a wonderful, giving person and worthy of all which life will bring you in the future. I am a better man for having known the love and generosity you have shown me.

Please accept my sincere and deepest apologies for the hurt I’ve unknowingly caused. You will be a fine mother, Leah. You must marry and have children as you were meant for that.

Sincerely,
Thomas Barkley

“Mother, he was hurt and didn’t remember you.” stated Heath, his hand shaking as he gazed into the tear stained face of his Mother. “He didn’t mean to hurt you. He didn’t do it on purpose.”

Unable to stop her tears, Victoria felt herself drawn to Heath’s chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly, giving her strength and comfort. Placing a kiss on her silver hair, he knew the letter would help set her mind at ease.

“I’m sorry, Heath.” apologized Victoria drying her eyes after several minutes. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Mother.” assured Heath with a smile, caressing her hand. “Are you ready for the last letter?”

Kissing his cheek, she nodded and each took a shaky breath. Opening the other envelope, Heath pulled out the faded tear stained paper and read.

Dearest Tom,

I find my heart is heavy with guilt. It is early morning and I have decided to put my thoughts down on paper in hopes it will help to alleviate my guilt.

It has been three years since your letter arrived. I find myself hoping everyday what we shared was real and yet, I know to you it was not real in the sense of your reality. Your reality of being a married man with children.

I have not blamed you and have not wished any ill will on you. I have kept you and your family in my prayers. I wish our time together could have continued forever. Such thoughts are best left hidden as they cannot change the future or alter the past.

Please forgive me for not telling you that we have a son and I have named him Heath. He has blue eyes and blonde hair. I have been given a precious gift from our brief time together. I know I should have told you, but could not find it in my heart to cause your family any pain.

Perhaps one day if you return to Strawberry, you will see him for yourself. He is a gift of golden sunshine. I have decided not to tell Heath who his father is until I am taking my last breath on this earth. It is not fair to you or Heath and I know it is an act of selfishness on my part.

This letter will be enclosed in a place where I can read it when I need help to find the strength to keep my secret within myself.

I needed to write the words down on paper that I cannot speak in public. Our son was conceived out of love and I will not destroy the love your family has for you.

Should God decree we are to meet after we have left this world, I hope you will forgive me for not sharing our son.

All my love,
Leah

The quiet voice reading the letter stopped and sobs took it’s place in the room. Drawing Heath’s head to her shoulder, Victoria held her crying son in her arms. The tense atmosphere in the room was filled with the serenity of truth.

“I’m a Barkley.” whispered Heath feeling the last lingering doubts in his mind being swept away with the salty droplets of water from his eyes.

“And my son.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on the wet cheek and holding on tightly.

Standing on the boardwalk of the main street, Heath waited for Nick to reappear from the general store before they headed to the train station to pick up the arriving youngest son. The commemoration festival was to be held in two days, the statue was covered in the town square and awaited the unveiling.

The time passed quickly to the man whose last straggling doubt was swept away with the two letters in the rusted box. Mother and son experienced almost a rebirth of their souls with the news the letters brought.

Heath felt a release of anger towards his Father when they realized Tom Barkley had no knowledge of his birth. The knowledge his mama kept the information so she would not have to share their son created a new source of anger in the blonde man.

While his mama had unselfishly protected the family of Tom Barkley from the ramifications of the brief time spent together, she’d selfishly denied a young boy the chance to know his Father and his siblings for twenty four years. If Leah Thomson hadn’t taken sick, Heath often found himself wondering over the past weeks if his mama would have ever told him.

After the torrent of emotions had swept through the two from the words on paper, they had gathered the family after dinner and read the documents to the siblings.

Heath declined reading the letters outloud again, his throat still choked from the emotions of the afternoon. Jarrod read in his brother’s eyes, the emotions simmering beneath the surface and offered to be the narrator. The parlor was quiet as his deep voice and soothing tone caressed everyone’s ears.

Exhausted from the mental sprints, Heath closed his eyes as he sat on the settee and let the lawyer’s gentle voice lull him into a state of relaxation, oblivious to the damp eyes in the room after the completion of the reading.

Looking over, Victoria smiled tenderly at the sight of the slumbering blonde and held a finger to her lips. Between recovering from the concussion, the headaches which still plagued him and the doubts he’d carried inside, she was relieved to find him in sleep. His body was still mending and now his soul could mend too.

After an hour, Nick woke up his groggy little brother and helped him up the stairs to his room and teased, “Boy, you better enjoy the sleep now cause pretty soon you won’t be getting any.”

Unable to stop a wide yawn, Heath groaned, “With all this sleep I’m getting, ya’d think I was hibernating.”

Chuckling, Nick smiled widely, “Don’t’ worry, I’ll leave you about five miles of fence you can mend when you’re ready to get back to work.”

“Boy howdy, you’re too kind, Nick.” retorted Heath with a lop-sided grin.

Drawing the younger man into a hug, Nick patted the strong back and whispered, “Only for you, little brother.”

“Thanks, big brother.” smiled Heath after returning the show of affection.

The next morning the small rusted box and its contents were safely housed in the safe at the Barkley home at the request of his Mother.

Nick stepped out onto the boardwalk and stopped by his little brother. Glancing sideways, he frowned at the faraway look in the blue orbs. “Heath?”

“Nick, ya’ done already?” questioned Heath standing upright and receiving a nod. “Ready to meet the train?”

“Yeah, I hope it’s on time. We got a lot of work to do before Saturday.” growled Nick walking beside the blonde down the boardwalk.

Heath grinned at the complaining of the older man and shook his head. “Nick, I told ya’ we could’ve sent Ciego in to pick up Gene. If ya’d done like I suggested, you wouldn’t be growling now about the work we’re not doing.”

“You heard what Mother said, Heath.” gruffed Nick. “When her mind is set, there’s no changing it.”

“Hmmm, that sounds familiar.” mumbled Heath. “Like Mother, like son.”

“You say something?” queried Nick with a smirk at the innocent look in the sapphire eyes turned his way. “Look out!”

Heath felt his body bump into someone else when his head was turned towards Nick, the shouted warning not coming fast enough. Reaching out, his hands quickly grabbed out and he steadied the small woman. Seeing her face, he dropped his hands as if they were burning and apologized. “Terribly sorry about that, Miss Dorley.”

The eyes looked scathingly up and down the embarrassed blonde in front of her and she ran her fingers down her arms as if to rid herself of his touch. Hearing a sound starting to erupt from within his big brother at her motions, Heath reached out and placed a hand on the black clothed arm.

“Com’n Nick. Train’ll be here soon.” ordered Heath walking past and leaving the angry woman behind.

“You should keep better company, Mr. Barkley.” sneered Mary realizing her mistake at the seething fury in the dark haired man and stepped back at the guttural growl he issued.

Clenching his fists and glaring at her, towering over her from his six feet tall frame, Nick felt immense satisfaction as the frightened woman quickly scurried down the boardwalk. Watching until he couldn’t see her any more, he turned and caught up with his little brother in a matter of seconds at the train depot.

“You okay, Heath?” asked Nick after silence from Heath for several minutes.

Nodding, Heath sighed, “I’m fine, Nick.”

Snorting, Nick gruffed, “Too bad she’s a woman. I’d like the pleasure of teaching her some manners.”

“Don’t let her kind bother ya’, Nick. What goes around will eventually come around to people like that.” said Heath with a small smile.

“Hope it’s sooner than later.” replied Nick, motioning to the train coming up the tracks.

The steam let loose as the engineer drove the iron beast into the depot and the whistle sounded with a loud shrill announcing its arrival. Staying on the platform, Heath and Nick scanned the disembarking passengers.

Faces turned out wide smiles as the youngest Barkley dismounted with his bag in hand.

“Nick. Heath.” called Gene waving and running over to accept the big brother hugs and greetings.

Walking to the horses, Gene looked over and winked, “Heath, you gonna teach me some more spanish while I’m home?”

“Very funny, Gene.” stammered Heath, his red face sending his other two brothers into laughter as they mounted their horses and headed to the ranch.

Stopping in front of the house, Heath stared at Nick as he dismounted. “Nick, ain’t we going out to help the boys with the dam?”

“Yeah, but I have to look up something in the ledger first. Come on, you can help me.” stated Nick walking inside with Gene.

Grumbling, Heath dismounted and tied Charger to the rail and entered the foyer. Surprise flew across his face at the sight of the family gathered in the area waiting for him.

“Boy howdy, what is this a party?” puzzled Heath wondering whose birthday he had forgotten and quickly running the dates through his mind.

Grabbing a hold of the hand of her confused son, Victoria squeezed and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Heath, we know today is not the day the world was blessed by your birth, but it is the day you become a Barkley in every sense of the word.”

“But we already know I’m a Barkley.” replied Heath.

“Yes, we know Heath but today it is official.” stated Jarrod placing a document in his hand and bowing slightly. “Open it.”

Nick grinned and winked when Heath glanced towards him. Nodding his encouragement, Nick and the others watched the disbelief spread across Heath’s face.

“You’re adopting me? Kinda old, ain’t I?”

Victoria smiled, “Heath, we never officially put anything in writing stating you were a Barkley. As far as the legal world is concerned, you are still Heath Thomson with only an alias of Heath Barkley.”

Understanding flew into the ocean eyes at her words. “Why not just change my last name?”

Nick walked over and squeezed the strong shoulder, “Because you’re our brother and Mother’s son. We are adopting you officially into the Barkley family for all the world to know and recognize.”

Gene and Audra nodded, “That’s right, Heath.”

Jarrod smiled, “Heath, by adopting you there will never be a question as to who your Father is. We, as a family, are stating it loud and clear.”

Tears moistened the sapphire eyes and Heath blinked rapidly to clear them, the surges of emotion trembled his voice, “Boy howdy, I don’t know what to say.”

“Welcome home, Heath Thomson Barkley.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on the tanned face and smiling.

“What do you mean you want to think about it?”

“It means exactly how it sounds.”

“I see, it’s okay to live here and reap the benefits of all he built, but you’re too good to wear his boots and honor him as your Father!”

“That’s not what I said!”

“That’s what it sounds like!”

“You can stop flapping your lips cause I’m not having this discussion with you.”

“IT’S NOT HIS FAULT! IT’S YOUR MOTHER’S FAULT BUT YOU’D RATHER BLAME FATHER! ”

“DO YOU THINK THIS IS EASY FOR ME? DO YOU THINK YOU CAN WIPE OUT 24 YEARS OF HATE FOR A PERSON? A PERSON YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE HATING UNJUSTLY?”

“THEN, IN THE SAME BREATH YOUR WORLD IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, CAUSE YOUR MAMA DIDN’T WANT TO SHARE YOU? SHE KEPT ME FROM KNOWING MY FATHER AND HIS FAMILY. WE LIVED WORSE THAN THE POOR IN OUR TOWN. WE SUFFERED ABUSE AND CURSES ON A DIALY BASIS. ALL OF THIS OUT OF HER OWN SELFISHNESS! DAMMIT, ITS NOT EASY AND I DON’T HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO YOU!”

Voices raised in anger were silenced by the slamming of the front oak door which shook the mansion to its very foundation.

Gene stood embarrassed and appalled in the parlor fully aware of the look of disbelief from his mother and glares from his other siblings directed his way after they rushed down from the upstairs at the heated conversation.

“DON’T YOU EVER THINK BEFORE YOU TALK?” shouted Nick being held back by Jarrod’s hands as he lunged towards the younger man.

“Nick.” warned Jarrod afraid of another brotherly confrontation. “This isn’t going to help!”

“Eugene Barkley, I am shocked beyond words. Your behavior towards your brother was uncalled for.” stated Victoria coldly. “You will apologize and you will make it right.”

“Yes, Mother, of course I will. I didn’t mean what I said.” assured Gene quickly.

Disgusted, Nick wrenched his arms out of Jarrod’s hold and said sarcastically. “So you think apologizing will make it all better? Boy, you’d best start growing up and be responsible for the words that come out of your mouth! Some day you’ll say the wrong thing to someone and you’ll wind up seriously hurt! Hell, if I was Heath, I’d have beaten you senseless!”

Gene accepted the dressing down he deserved from his older brother and watched Nick follow Heath’s trail out of the house. Chastising himself, he knew he deserved every bit of anger the family gave him. Two brothers trying on a pair of boots shouldn’t have ended up in a shouting match, but it did.

Jarrod’s anger showed in his ocean eyes and the frigid words, “Eugene, I’d like to see you in the study.”

Apologizing again to his sister and mother, Gene followed the eldest son and closed the door behind him, turning he was pushed back by the fury directed at him.

“Since when did you take on the responsibility of being the sole keeper of the Barkley name?” snarled Jarrod.

“Jarrod, I know I was wrong! I was just mad Heath wanted to think about wearing the boots.” stammered Gene. “Nick’s right, I should’ve thought before I spoke and not spoken in anger.”

“DAMN RIGHT, EUGENE!” shouted Jarrod losing the tight rein on this temper. “YOU KNOW WHAT THIS FAMILY’S BEEN THROUGH THE LAST FEW MONTHS. WHILE YOU’VE BEEN AWAY STUDYING IN COLLEGE, WE’VE BEEN FIGHTING TO KEEP OUR BROTHER HERE WHERE HE BELONGS. IT’S BEEN A LIVING HELL FOR ALL OF US!”

The brown eyes of the youngest Barkley male filled with tears and he nodded, “I know Jarrod. I don’t blame Heath if he never forgives me. I didn’t do it out of spite. He’s my brother and I love him. I was angry and upset he wanted to think about wearing the boots."

Shaking his head and taking a few deep breaths, Jarrod sighed. “Gene, you have to remember Heath never knew Father. All he knows is what we tell him or what he’s read in the paper. If he doesn’t wear the boots, it’s not the end of the world. Heath’s far more important than some leather boots.”

Wiping his eyes, Gene whispered, “It just feels like he’s been with us forever and I sometimes do forget. I can’t recall how things were before Heath became part of our family.”

“It’s not me you have to explain it to, Gene.” informed Jarrod squeezing a shoulder as he bypassed and left the guilt ridden younger man in the study.

Collapsing into a chair, Gene held his head in his hands and bit back a sob, his words twisted with anguish. “God, I’m sorry, Heath.”

Duke McCall and the ranch crew had grown to respect their blonde boss as much as the dark haired ones. The time spent on the trail drive Heath headed when Nick took a tumble from the barn loft the previous year showed the men the caliber of the new Barkley brother and son.

He caught sight of Heath galloping towards the dam sight on Charger. Duke could feel the storm within the younger man when he dismounted and strode towards the foreman.

“How’s it going, Duke?” questioned Heath brusquely. “Everything on schedule?”

Looking over at the crew working on the last section of the needed dam, Duke smiled, “We’ll be finished in about twenty minutes. The men have worked real hard and steady.”

Heath stood by the foreman and nodded, “Good. When they’re done, send ‘em back to the bunkhouse. They can have the rest of the day off.”

“I know they’ll appreciate it.” replied Duke before he glanced over. “Everything okay?”

“Nothing going back in time won’t fix.” mumbled Heath before walking back to the bay and jumping into the worn saddle. Turning Charger’s head, he kicked the stallion and galloped away.

Sighing, Duke shook his head at the fierce Barkley temper flowing through the blonde’s veins and creating the storm in the eyes of blue. The trademark temper could be found in all the Barkley children as it had been in their Father.

A half hour later, Duke was not surprised when Nick showed up at the worksite where the men were collecting the tools. He was seeking his brother and Duke calmly pointed the frustrated man in the direction Heath had ridden. Wondering silently what happened as he stared in the direction of the brothers, his thoughts were pulled back to his job at a question from his men.

Nick followed the trail of Heath and found himself grinning despite his foul mood. He knew his little brother was highly upset when he’d left the house. Instead of heading out somewhere to think and stew, his trail went from one worksite to another checking up on the duties assigned to the men. His work ethics and the rancher in the younger man wouldn’t let his emotions overtake his responsibilities.

Nick was a mere minutes behind his little brother at each worksite. At the last one, he met the men as they were heading back to the ranch with the sun setting in the horizon. Pointing out the direction, Nick frowned wondering if his assumption of where Heath was headed was correct as he rode.

Entering the stand of trees, he pulled Coco alongside his companion and dismounted. Tying the reins, he walked through the trees and stopped at the sight of his brother, standing on the outside of the fence which encased the small cemetery. Nick stood silently by a tree and puzzled at Heath’s stance.

Facing the setting sun, his body was turned sideways to the grave and his face held upwards to catch the falling sun’s last warmth of the day with his eyes closed.

Nick had seen the ritual performed before by his little brother, face held upwards to let the sun wash over it as it went to bed but he’d never asked him about it. Sometimes people just had peculiar habits and it was a part of their personality. Now, he found himself needing to know the answer. Needing to know as much as he could about this man, this brother who came to him full grown with years of living under his belt, this brother he’d fought to keep by his side.

Heath knew he was not alone at the spot he’d only been to once before. He didn’t need to open his eyes to know it was Nick, he just knew.

“What do ya’ want, Nick?” drawled Heath, his eyes still closed and unconsciously prepared himself for his older brother to ask about his reasons for not wearing their Father’s boots.

Nick and Jarrod hadn’t questioned him, they simply nodded at his request for time but he saw the wounded look in their eyes as they headed upstairs leaving Heath with Gene in the parlor. Gene’s questions and his tone had taken his brother by surprise when they were left alone.

Stepping closer, Nick stopped by Heath’s side and glanced out over the horizon. “Heath, I’ve been meaning to ask why you do that? I’ve seen you hold your face up to the setting or rising sun a few times.”

Surprised at the question, Heath turned his head and opened his eyes. The look of concern in the eyes of hazel pushed him to find the words to explain and his voice lowered when he spoke, the memories creeping in from the outer fringes of his memory.

“It started in Carterson. I’d look into the setting sun and let it’s warm rays wash the horrible day off me. When Bentell would string us up for whippings, he always faced us west. I don’t know why it was always west but if he knew the setting sun helped me find the strength to go on, you can bet he’d have stripped that away. It kept me going many a time when I didn’t think I’d make it. The setting sun’s rays signify a new start of a new day just hours away. The rising sun promises a new day bulging with possibilities and hinting it could be blessed with happiness.”

The emotion in the hazel eyes had Nick turning away and he remembered the first time Heath told him about the nightmares on Lookout Peak. That morning was the first time he noticed the ritual and wondered about it.

“Is this the first time you’ve been here since Audra tried to whip you?” asked Nick curiously.

“Yeah, something just drew me here.” stated Heath glancing at the large marker bearing their Father’s name. “It’s a nice marker and this is sure a beautiful spot. I didn’t notice before.”

“Probably cause you were too busy dodging Audra’s wrath from her riding crop.” teased Nick.

Flashing a quick grin, Heath nodded and lowered himself to the ground in front of a tree facing the small cemetery. Nick sat beside him and watched Heath roll a cigarette.

“I thought you gave that up?” queried Nick.

Shrugging, Heath inhaled and blew out the smoke, “I did til a couple weeks ago.”

Nick waited for Heath to speak and decided to take the initiative after several minutes of silence from the blonde, who appeared to be lost in his thoughts.

“Are you going to the commemoration tomorrow?”

“Of course, I am.” snapped Heath taking a deep breath at his sharp tone. “I didn’t mean to bite your head off.”

“I wasn’t sure you would cause of what happened with Gene.” hesitated Nick, then adding. “Gene needs to learn not to run off at the mouth like he has hoof and mouth disease. You have every right to be angry with Father, Heath.”

“It’s not him I’m angry with, Nick. It’s mama.”

“Your mother?” queried Nick surprised. “Why?”

Nick could feel the explosion lying within his brother, waiting to be released. He waited and then started to get irritated when it didn’t appear his tight lipped little brother was going to respond. Suddenly, Heath wiped a hand over his face and spoke.

“How could my mama be so unselfish and then turn around and be selfish? When I was growing up, it upset her terribly when I’d come home bruised and battered from defending myself or her. She’d be so worried cause I worked in the mines and worked for Matt and Martha…” paused Heath, his eyes blazing with anger. “She didn’t like seeing me suffer – but she made the choice not to tell Father! I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT!”

“I don’t know, Heath.” admitted Nick quietly. “I don’t think we’ll ever understand it. Any of us. Only your mother knows why.”

“She was a good mama and I know she loved me but I can’t get the questions outta my head. Why would she watch me suffer like that? Why would she make the decision to subject herself to that kind of treatment?” questioned Heath drawing his legs up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “Too many questions and not enough damn answers. The ones stuck behind are always left wondering. Nick, I’m sick and tired of wondering. I’m sick of the questions that keep popping up. I just want a day without questions.”

“I know, Heath. We may never have the answers. Could be your mama was afraid Father would take you away from her. She knew he was devoted to his family and she was probably scared to lose you.” suggested Nick quietly.

“She never took the chance to find out though.”

“Well, Father should have realized the possibility of leaving your mother with child.” stated Nick firmly. “He could have checked and he should have checked.”

“It’s too damn bad they’re not here to tell us or explain their actions.” groaned Heath leaning back against the tree.

Nodding, Nick agreed, “It sure would’ve helped with everything we’ve been through.”

Several minutes passed before either of them spoke, lost in the thoughts of the recent past.

“Nick, if mama hadn’t taken sick I never would’ve known you were my brother or sought out the family. Mama probably figured by the time she died, I’d be an old man and wouldn’t want to seek out my father. We may never have had a chance to be a family. That angers me the most and scares the hell out of me.”

Putting an arm over the blonde’s shoulders, Nick grinned. “Nah, we’re destined to be brothers, Heath. Jarrod told me once that fate would have somehow crossed our paths at some time in the future. It was meant cause when you came to us, you completed our family.”

“Boy howdy, Jarrod’s getting philosophical in his old age.” smirked Heath, smiling at Nick’s deep laughter. “Either that or he knows I’m the only one willing to put up with you on a daily basis.”

“That’s more than likely the reason.” grinned Nick. “You ready to head for home?”

Standing, Heath held out a hand and pulled Nick up. “When we get back how bout we treat Eugene to a brotherly welcome home.”

Intrigued, the hazel eyes flashed with amusement, “What do you have in mind?”

Thinking seriously, Heath replied, “I’m wondering if a dunking in the horse trough would help cool down college boy’s temper. What do ya’ think?”

Grinning, Nick rubbed his hands together, “Sounds perfect to me!”

Darkness was lying all around when the two brothers rode through the gates of the ranch. Standing at the window, Gene felt his stomach jump when he spied the returning riders stop and dismount at the barn.

Taking a deep breath he summoned up his courage to face the brother he hurt out of anger. Opening the front door, he was assaulted by the coolness of the night on his flushed face.

Walking across the dirt yard to the barn, the shame rose up within him. He was twenty years old but he acted that afternoon like he was ten.

Entering the large barn, he stood outside the stall where Heath was talking low to the bay stallion, his hands treating the animal to a welcomed grooming. Glancing over at Nick, he saw a flash of anger in the hazel eyes before they turned away.

“Heath, I’d like to speak with you.” requested Gene, his voice soft and hesitant in the confines of the barn.

“Sure, Gene.” said Heath putting the curry comb in the box. Patting the bay’s neck, he opened the stall door and stepped out. “You done, Nick?”

“Finished.” growled Nick closing the door behind him and glaring at his youngest brother with arms folded across his chest.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, his brown eyes met the sapphire ones and he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Heath. I had no right to question you like I did. It was wrong and I spoke out of anger.”

Nodding, Heath smiled slightly into the brown eyes, “Gene, you do have a right to ask questions, it’s how you ask them that gets you into trouble.”

“You’re right. I didn’t consider your point of view, I just reacted. That’s not how a grown man acts.” admitted Gene.

Heath’s chuckle caused Nick and Gene to stare at the blonde in puzzlement. A wide smile spread across his face and he winked, “Reckon you just acted like two of your big brothers.”

“Hey, how’d I get dragged into this.” gruffed Nick trying to hide his amusement.

Gene snickered before he put a hand on Heath’s shoulder. “Heath, I’ve been thinking about your mother all afternoon. I think she loved Father so much and she saw him in you, well, she needed to keep you with her to keep her love for Father alive. That’s why she didn’t tell Father. You have his eyes and his laughter. The way you tilt your head when you think is just like Father, too. She couldn’t give up the child who was born out of her absolute love for a man.”

Stunned at the depths of the youngest’s thoughts and revelations, Heath felt an immense warmth within him and pulled his little brother into an embrace.

“That’s beautiful, Gene. Thanks.” choked out Heath.

Nick wiped his eyes and cleared his throat of the emotion, “That is beautiful, Eugene but that doesn’t let you off the hook for what you did out of anger.”

Heath patted the tense back of the college student and nodded to his conspirator. Gene’s shouts and pleas towards his older brothers were silenced by the splash as he hit the water. Gasping and sputtering, Gene climbed out and glared at the laughing men, reaching out he pushed Nick sideways.

Heath’s laughter increased several volumes as Nick fell face first into the water.

“You think that’s funny!” Nick growled after he climbed out and advanced towards the blonde who turned suddenly and ran full tilt to the mansion with his brothers on his heels.

Victoria was crossing the foyer when Heath flung open the door and spied safety, “Mother, protect me!” he stammered through his gasps of air and laughter at the two bedraggled men chasing him.

“Nicholas! Gene! Why are you all wet?” asked Victoria, amusement filling her gray eyes.

“Move out of the way, Mother. He’s all ours!” declared Gene circling to the right while Nick circled to the left.

Heath dodged the grabbing hands and took haven behind the tiny woman again. Winking, Victoria suddenly stepped to the side taking away the sanctuary Heath was hiding behind.

“MOTHER!” called Heath out, his voice shocked at her move and hands grabbed his arms propelling him backwards out of the house.

Victoria watched from the doorway as Heath met the same fates as his brothers. The water dripped down his hair into his eyes and he grinned at the two extended hands held out in a brotherly gesture.

Both hands different.
One hand housed in a black glove covered the calluses decreeing hard work.
One hand free of covering would one day have the skill to save lives.
Both hands different.
But the love in the eyes of the owners of the hands, the same.

Taking the hands, he put a wet arm over each shoulder and stood between his brothers. “Do you think Pappy needs a bath?”

Victoria shook her head as her last waterfree son was forcibly dragged from the house, his shouts of outrage falling on deaf ears as he was carried across the yard and unceremoniously dumped into the trough.

A banner of patriotic colors stretched across the street of the town announcing its intention to honor the man.

The man who had foresight and ambition to be the driving force behind many changes in the place he called home.
The man who cared for his fellow human beings all around him.
The man who stood for all that was right and just in the world.
The man who fought against all that was wrong.
The man who was after all only a man.
The man who gave his life while fighting the wrong in the world.

The arrival of the man’s family and ranch crew in the morning signified the start of the festivities. A grand stand had been set up by the covered statue and was lined with chairs for the family.

Victoria lead the way, her children unconsciously used their order of birth as the guide to line up. Smiling widely, she was greeted by the mayor and accepted his friendly kiss on the cheek, her eyes shimmering with love and pride as her children climbed the steps and took their places.

The speeches were given, each one a testament to what the citizens of the valley knew of the man they were honoring, each one a testament to what they were thankful for.

Handing the Barkley matriarch a pair of scissors, everyone watched and applause broke out as the curtain fell down revealing the bronze version of the man.

Heath stared at the bronze statue, amazed at the life like features the artist had coaxed from the metal.

“Boy howdy, Nick. He looks full of life.” whispered Heath unable to keep the awe out of his voice.

Nick whispered back, “That’s how Father lived too. Like it was his last day on earth. Each day was lived to the fullest.”

Nodding at his brother’s declaration, Heath stood up and followed his siblings off the grand stand. Lining up, the Barkley family accepted the greetings of the community members.

Victoria saw Heath’s eyes drawn again to the bronze statue and she smiled when she took his arm. “It’s wonderful isn’t it?”

Patting her arm, Heath smiled, “Boy howdy, it sure is.”

Walking towards the clearing where a town picnic was to be held, Victoria squeezed the muscular arm of her blond son and sighed, “Heath, I’m so happy you decided to wear your Father boots. It does this old lady’s heart good!”

Chuckling, Heath smiled, “Mother, you are far from an old lady and I’m glad I did decide to wear his boots. I’m not as angry and this is a step in the right direction, or so to speak.”

Victoria laughed at his words and Heath frowned at the sight of Mary Dorley approaching towards them while Nick groaned outloud.

“Audra, I haven’t seen you in months!” exclaimed Mary sweetly.

Audra’s eyes turned away from the girl and she continued walking, holding onto Jarrod’s arm, “Excuse us, Mary. We are expected at the clearing.”

Nick and Heath bit back their grins as they walked past the angry menace. The family and citizens of Stockton relished in the picnic and friendly games of competition.

The afternoon waned away and the family headed to the hotel where they planned to spend the evening. Some of the crew followed on their way to the saloon where their bosses declared they’d show up to buy the first four rounds.

Mary Dorley stopped Audra on the street, her eyes seethed with anger. “Audra, I don’t understand what’s wrong? You’ve been ignoring me all day long!”

“We don’t have anything in common that would keep us as friends, Mary.” replied Audra firmly. “Your behavior is appalling and I have no desire to be around you.”

“You’re taking a bastard over me. I’ve been your friend since the fifth grade!” sneered Mary, gesturing towards the red faced blonde man on her right.

Mary shrieked out in horror when she found herself falling backwards into a mud puddle which had formed on the street from a leaking water trough. All eyes watched as Audra screamed out in anger and pushed the girl into the mud.

Standing over her, Audra shouted, “HE’S MY BROTHER! HIS NAME IS HEATH! HE’S A GENTLEMAN AND YOU’RE NO LADY!”

Tim Dorley rushed over after hearing the words out of his daughter’s mouth, the embarrassment showed on his face.

“I’m terrible sorry, Heath. Please accept my apologies.” stammered Tim.

Taking the extended hand of the older man, Heath shook it in both of his and smiled, “Tim, no apologies are necessary from you.”

Smiling in relief, Tim nodded and hauled his daughter to her feet. “I knew I should have listened to your mother and sent you to a finishing school! No time like the present!”

“Daddy, I don’t wanna go.” whimpered Mary as her father dragged her down the street.

Wrapping his arms around his sister, Heath smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek, “Thanks, sis.”

Smirking, Nick shook his head, “For a second there, I thought you and her were gonna go ten rounds, Audra.”

Laughing, Audra swatted her smirking brother’s arm while Victoria rolled her eyes at the teasing the brothers were handing their sister over her possible boxing skills.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t hit her, dear.” admitted Victoria placing an arm around the slim waist.

“Mother, a little wallowing in the mud is better punishment for someone like her.” stated Audra with a wide smile.

Epilogue

Standing in the shadows, Heath shook his head at his inebriated brother. Sighing deeply, he swayed slightly when he walked over to Nick, putting his arm over his shoulders.

“Nick, he won’t talk back!” slurred Heath.

Squinting at the man beside him, Nick burped, “Heath! Where you been boy? I’m having a talk with Father!”

“Nick, it’s a statue.” stated Heath hitting his fist against the metal.

“I know that! I’m not daft!” snorted Nick, burping loudly again. “Wanna know what we’re talking about?”

Wiping a hand over his face in frustration, he shrugged, “Sure, Nick. Tell your little brother all about it.”

Nick threw an arm across the man’s shoulders and squeezed tightly, “YOU’RE A BARKLEY, BOY!”

Looking at his brother with a lop-sided grin, Heath drawled, “Where’s the rest of the Barkleys?”

Pointing over to the side, Heath squinted and could make out the forms of the two other Barkley sons passed out cold at the base of the statue.

“Com’n Nick, let’s wake ‘em up. Mother’ll have our hide if we get arrested for sleeping in the street.” slurred Heath, stumbling when he tried to climb over the fence, falling over instead.

Nick giggled at his clumsy brother and grabbed onto the fence when the world suddenly started spinning. “Heath, quit moving the ground!”

“I ain’t moved nothing.” growled Heath picking himself off the ground and patting Jarrod’s cheek. “Pappy, wake up!”

“JARROD, WAKE UP!” shouted Nick loudly, then looking around when Heath tried to shush him.

“Boy howdy, Nick. You want the whole town to hear ya’!”

“Sorry!” replied Nick sheepishly, then whispering loudly, “JARROD!”

Rolling his eyes, Heath blinked his eyes trying to fight the effects of the drinks they’d consumed. Sitting down, he stared up at the statue and slurred, “I didn’t realize Father was so tall.”

Nick’s eyes followed his brother’s upwards gaze and he nodded, “Yeah, he is mighty tall. I never noticed before.”

Fred Maden sat on a nearby bench and couldn’t stop the laughter from escaping at the drunken conversation from the two prominent ranchers. Standing, he stopped beside Nick who was trying to appear sober.

“Hi ya’, Fred!” exclaimed Nick, his liquor smelling breath causing the sheriff to step back and wave the air away in front of his face.

“Damn, Nick, did you drink all the whiskey in the saloon?” teased Fred.

Smiling, Nick nodded and puffed out his chest, “Ain’t no saloon us Barkleys can’t take down!”

Giggling, Heath drawled, “That’s right, Sheriff.”

Shaking his head, Fred smiled, “Com’n boys, how bout I help you with Jarrod and Gene?”

“You’re not gonna rest us?” asked Nick with a grin.

Looking at the two soused men, Fred smiled, “Not tonight, perhaps another time you’ll let me have the pleasure.”

“You have our word on it, Sheriff!” exclaimed Heath firmly with Nick readily agreeing. “We’ll let you arrest us another time!”

Putting an arm over Heath’s shoulders, Fred smiled. “I know I can count on you Barkleys to keep your word. We better get Jarrod and Gene in before pigeons start to roost on them.”

Working together, Fred helped the brothers into the hotel and up to their rooms. Victoria held the door open while Heath and Fred carried Jarrod in, setting him on the bed. Nick followed with Gene’s arm over his shoulder. Laying him in the other bed, Nick placed a kiss on his mother’s hand and stumbled out of the room, seeking the haven of his bed.

Thanking Fred for his help, Victoria smiled when Heath covered his sleeping brothers with a blanket.

Stopping in front of her, he smiled tenderly, “Mother, it was a good day for us Barkleys.”

“Yes, it was Heath.” agreed Victoria caressing his cheek. “You better get to sleep, son.”

“I love you, Mother.” whispered Heath quietly, his eyes full of emotion.

“I love you, too.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on his cheek and walking to her door.

Heath waited til his Mother closed her door and entered his room. Stumbling to his bed, Heath’s eyes closed, his dreams free from nightmares and frights, his dreams were of the future where he was surrounded in Barkley love.