A few minutes later while gathered in the parlor and upon hearing footsteps coming down the stairs, “Here comes Heath,” Gene announces to Victoria and Jarrod both enjoying their drink.

As Victoria calls out, “Heath, we’re in here,” Heath following her voice joins them in the parlor and is handed a drink by Jarrod. Taking it, he politely thanks him, and then Victoria tells him, “Won’t you come over here and sit down?”

Replying “Yes Ma’am” Heath dutifully sits in the indicated seat holding his glass.

“Heath,” Jarrod calls out, “Try it.” Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath slowly brings the glass to his mouth.

Victoria then asks of Heath, “Heath, how you doing this evening?”

“Fine Ma’am,” Heath replies.

“Did you try on the other things to see if they fit or not?” Victoria asks of him who replies, “No Ma’am.” She then says, “Well when you do, let me know okay? If they don’t, I could return them and get a size that fits you.”

Replying, “Yes Ma’am,” Heath begins sipping the drink he has in his hand.

“How’s the drink?” Jarrod asks of Heath who replies, “Fine sir.”

“I wonder what is keeping Nick this evening,” Victoria says, “Surely he knows dinner will be on the table shortly.”

“I am sure” Jarrod replies “He will be along shortly. There is one thing he loves-.”

“His love for food,” Gene says finishing the sentence for him.

“Right,” Jarrod notes, “He won’t miss it. He probably got wrapped up in something that delayed him.”

Seconds later Audra walks in and calling out, “Mother,” Victoria turns and upon looking at her appearance, “Well now Audra,” she says, “You look much better,” seeing her attired in a blue dress and her hair neatly brushed out with a blue barrette in her hair, “Like a young lady should.”

Shortly thereafter Silas walks in and upon announcing dinner is ready the family exits the parlor with Jarrod escorting Victoria by the arm, Eugene doing the same with Audra and Heath quietly following right behind them.

As they enter the dining room and take their seats around the table, “Where is Nick, Mother? It’s not like him to miss out on dinner,” Audra asks.

“He’ll be along,” Victoria replies. Upon seeing Heath standing there Victoria tells him to sit.

Patting the seat next to her, “Heath,” Audra says, “Come and sit next to me.”

Replying “Yes Ma’am,” Heath obediently sits in the chair next to Audra.

Bringing in the dinner, Silas places everything in the center of the table either on platters or bowls. Next he fills up the glasses with water and then walks out.

Noting the time, “Oh dear,” Victoria says, “It’s after 7; dinner will get cold.”

“Want to start without Nick?” Jarrod asks.

Sighing heavily, “We may as well,” Victoria replies, “But I really don’t like us doing that. I like us eating together.”

Just then hearing the sound of spurs jingling as the door is slamming, “Guess who?” Gene says with Jarrod replying, “I knew he wouldn’t miss out on dinner,” as Nick is walking in with the heavy footsteps.

As he apologizes for coming in late he tells them, “I got tied up with something.”

Noticing him dirty Victoria has him go and wash up; quickly leaving the room Nick runs up the stairs and does a fast wash up and then returns. Seeing Heath occupying his seat next to Audra he glares at him with, ‘What are you doing in my seat?’ but quietly takes the empty seat between Gene and Victoria.

“What happened Nick?” Victoria asks.

“Oh,” Nick replies, “A calf got free. I had to track him down.”

“But you did find him?” Audra asks.

“Of course I did,” Nick answers, “But I will have to put up the new fence a lot sooner than anticipated” glancing over at Heath “Heath, I will show you where it will be going. That will be your next assignment.”

Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath carefully and cautiously fills his plate up.

Nick then asks of him “Did you finish the bridge?” with Heath answering “No sir.”

Once the dishes have been returned to the middle of the table they say grace. After they reply, “Amen,” the family begins eating.

“Heath,” Nick goes on to say, “Then you will finish the bridge with Duke first. I will then show you where the fence will be going.”

Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath once again sits there without eating.

Nick continues, “Oh Heath, I want to tell you that what you are doing with the bridge was very nicely done. I never would have thought of the railing you are putting together.”

Observing Heath just sitting there Victoria tells him to start eating. Upon replying, “Yes Ma’am,” Heath begins slowly eating with both Audra and Gene once again taking notice.

“So,” Jarrod says, “You are really impressed with the work he’s doing with the bridge huh Brother Nick?” as he takes bite from his dinner indulging in what he is listening to.

“I just said I was,” Nick replies, “Why don’t you take a trip out there and see for yourself?”

“I just might do that,” Jarrod says, “Brother Nick.”

Victoria then brings up, “Nick, I don’t know when you are planning on having Heath work on the fence but could it wait until at least Monday?”

“Why?” Nick asks.

“I need him to be free on Friday,” Victoria informs him who asks, “What’s happening on Friday?”

“I need Heath to go with Jarrod into town” Victoria mentions “To get a new suit.”

“A new suit?” Nick asks, “What for?”

“For the services they will be having for both Harry and Frank,” Victoria says glancing over at Heath, she then asks, “Heath, would you be interested in joining us? I know you are new here but would you come and attend with us?”

As he replies, “Yes Ma’am,” Victoria informs him, “Jarrod will be taking you to town to get a new suit and pair of shoes. I don’t think you have one already do you?” Heath once again replies, “No Ma’am.”

As Jarrod calls to Heath he replies, “Yes sir?” glancing up at him.

Jarrod then goes on to tell him, “Don’t worry about the cost. It’s paid for, alright?” Once again Heath replies, “Yes sir.”

Nick then says, “Seeing you are going into town I suppose I could give you a list of the sacks of grains that you could get while you are there.”

Jarrod then informs Heath he will show him where they go to get it and as he once again replies, “Yes sir,” Gene calls out to Nick who replies, “Yes Gene?”

“Did you see Duke” Gene inquires “On your way in? He wanted to talk with you.”

“Not yet,” Nick answers, “I got tied up with the calf. I will as soon as I get a free minute. I’m sure whatever he needs to tell me could wait.”

Victoria then informs the family about after the services are finished they will be having something at the house for all the callers that should come by. Nick inquiring about the time of the services Victoria tells him Frank’s is scheduled for 10 while Harry’s is set for 12.

Jarrod then informs Audra he wants a word with her after dinner up in her room.

Victoria then says, “I understand you both (Audra, Gene) had a short day at school today.”

“We did,” Audra replies while Gene comes out with, “Yes.”

Audra then goes on to tell her that a lot of the students didn’t show up because of what happened over at the Sempleworth’s ranch so the teacher decided to dismiss the class earlier. Audra then tells her about the raccoon she and Jessie found.

Listening, “You found a raccoon?” Gene asks.

As Audra replies, “We did,” Gene asks, “Where is it?”

“Jessie took it home,” Audra informs him.

“Sure would have liked to see it,” Gene mentions.

“Maybe if she brings it to school tomorrow” Audra informs him “Then you could.”

“I sure hope so,” Gene replies, “I sure want to see it.”

Coming back into the dining room Silas brings in the Apple Fritters that they are having as their dessert for the evening. Looking at them as they are being served, “Oh Boy” Gene calls out, “Haven’t had them in awhile.”

“Heath,” Audra then says, “Have you ever had apple fritters?”

Upon replying, “No Ma’am,” Audra says to him, “I am sure that when you try them you will just go out of this world with them.”

Replying “Yes Ma’am” Heath looks at it as Silas places it before him. While the rest of the family begins eating theirs Victoria once again informs him to start eating his in which he says “Yes Ma’am” before picking up his spoon.

As he is trying the fritter and once again trying to make small talk with him Audra asks how he likes the apple fritter to which he responds, “I like it fine, thank you.”

As Victoria informs Heath he could have seconds if he wants Audra asks, “Did your Mama ever make them for you?”

Heath replies, “No Ma’am, she didn’t.”

Walking in Silas brings in the coffee and tea and after serving each one appropriately Victoria says to him, “I think this will be it Silas, thank you.”

And upon walking out he grabs a few more dishes from the table. Minutes later excusing themselves from the table Jarrod and Audra go up the stairs together while the rest of the family head for the study. Seeing Heath still seated Victoria asks him to join them, in which he replies, “Yes Ma’am,” and follows them in.

Entering the study and while Gene and Nick begin a game of checkers Victoria takes her seat on the sofa and upon seeing Heath standing there Victoria calls him over and upon replying, “Yes Ma’am,” Heath dutifully sits alongside of her on the couch with his fritter and coffee in hand and Gene telling him to watch the game in which he obediently complies.

Seated on her bed of her room Audra innocently asks of Jarrod, “What is it?”

Sitting alongside of her, “Mother, asked me to speak with you,” Jarrod replies.

“About what,” Audra inquires dumbfounded.

“About you’re running around,” Jarrod states, “And going wild.”

“I didn’t run around wild,” Audra says.

“You came in all dirty again,” Jarrod notes.

“That was an accident,” Audra explains, “It happened while we went looking for the raccoon.”

“But you went off,” Jarrod says, “To who knows where. You didn’t even tell anyone where you were going.”

“I told Gene,” Audra replies

“You told Gene” Jarrod says “You would be riding around. Riding around where?”

“The back hills,” Audra mentions.

“Do you know how many back hills there are?” Jarrod asks, “There are hundreds, thousands. You told Gene but you didn’t say anything about what time you would be home except in a little while which could mean anything. And also, picking up stray animals like raccoons can also be just as dangerous. It could’ve had rabies, it could’ve been worse than that you don’t know. Now if you were to have gotten lost or hurt we wouldn’t have known where to go looking for you. Now I know Father isn’t here anymore and as the oldest Nick and I have been sort of given the responsibility of watching over both you and Gene. It’s not a role we chose but has been given to us anyway. But being the oldest is not the easiest. As the oldest I have to take responsibility in what all of you do. Now I could never fill Father’s shoes but I am trying to do the best job I can to come close to it as possible.”

“I know you are not Father Jarrod,” Audra says.

“But” Jarrod replies “You need to listen to what I am saying. Mother has asked me to have a talk with you because she has tried and you don’t seem to want to listen to her. You do have to stop running around wildly and coming home all dirty with your dresses all torn up. I know Father had a tendency of spoiling you because you were his little girl and his only daughter and Nick has a tendency of doing it for the same reason but you are a girl and a young woman. I know its rough competition around here with all the boys in Stockton trying to live up to Nick and myself but Audra” pausing “Nevertheless you are still a girl and our sister.”

“I know that Jarrod,” Audra tells him.

“I know you do,” Jarrod sighing says, “But sometimes I think you forget how a young woman is supposed to act. You act more like a younger wild Nick rather than a young lady should. Mother has enough boys in this house she only has one daughter, one little girl and that is you. Mother worries about you.”

As he is patting the back of her hand with his, “Worries about me?” Audra asks, “She doesn’t have to worry about me. I am okay.”

“Yes she does,” Jarrod reminds her, “You are her only daughter and her only little girl. Father isn’t here anymore so she won’t be having anymore children. You are special to her, you’re special to all of us and you’re also a beautiful young woman. You don’t need to be running around wild and showing off that you are. You’re also our sister and we all love you. We don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Nothing will happen to me,” Audra states.

“It could honey” Jarrod informs her “Maybe not on purpose but it still could. That night you went into town and ran into Heath it was a wild hour of the night. You were lucky that he was there to make sure you got home safely and we didn’t even know him. He could’ve been like one of those wild men out there that could’ve taken advantage of you, because you are such a beautiful attractive young lady.”

“You think I’m beautiful?” bashfully Audra asks.

Lifting her chin up with the thumb and index finger of his right hand “You’re very beautiful Audra” Jarrod tells her “Now we can’t be with you around the clock to protect you and you do want your space and be able to go where you please because you are growing up. Being a teenager isn’t easy. I know that. I was one once and so was Nick, but as a teenager you do have to slow down on what you are doing, do you understand what I am trying to say to you?”

Listening, “I think so,” Audra replies.

“I hope so,” Jarrod tells her, “If this should keep up I will have to take harsher methods with you. You don’t want me to start having to punish you, do you?”

Casting her eyes downward, “No,” Audra quietly answers.

“I don’t want to either,” Jarrod states, “But I will if it becomes necessary. You are fourteen years old and almost a woman but you are not too young that I can’t put you over my knee and give you a spanking.”

Gaping, “You wouldn’t,” Audra says to him.

“I don’t want to,” Jarrod sternly states, “But if I have to I will. Do you get what I am saying?”

Quietly, Audra answers, “Yes.”

“I hope so,” Jarrod then says, “Now why don’t you try doing some things that young girls do your age like learning how to cook, sew things like that?”

As Audra mimics, “Cook?” Jarrod asks, “Why not? Someday you’re going to meet some young man and he’s going to want to ask you to marry him and when the two of you have a home of your own he’s going to want his dinner on the table after working long hours. So, you should try learning some of these domestic tasks so that you could be ready for when the big day comes. But Audra…”

“Yes Jarrod?” Audra asks.

“You could still be a tomboy yet,” Jarrod replies, “I don’t want you to have to grow up too quickly but just tone it down some and don’t be going around so wild, okay?” running his hand through her long hair.

“Okay,” Audra nods and replies.

“Okay,” Jarrod informs her, “That is all I am going to say on the subject. Let’s go downstairs,” and after patting the top of her head with his hand and her replying, “Sure,” They get up and leave the room.

Returning to the study Audra asks who’s winning the game in which Gene answers “Nick is,” with all of his checkers on Nick’s side of the table. Then after Nick wins, Gene then says, “Heath, are you ready to take on Nick? You said you would play the winner.”

Responding “Yes um” Heath switches places with Gene and as he sits Nick says “Okay, let’s see what you could do. Have you paid attention to the game?”

“Yes sir,” Heath nervously answers. Choosing the color for them to play Nick informs Heath he will be red while he will be black and then he lets him begin the game who slowly and very carefully moves one of his checkers to one square up. After making his move Nick takes his turn and so forth. As Jarrod joins the rest of the family Victoria asks of him, “How did it go?”

Taking a seat beside her “Went well,” he answers as he begins finishing his fritter and coffee.

“You got through to her?” Victoria asks.

“I think I did,” Jarrod answers, “But if I didn’t I told her that if she keeps up I will have to take harsher methods of persuasion to keep her in line,” as Heath listens and looks over at Jarrod talking Gene quietly takes notice.

Oh dear,” Victoria says, “I sure hope it doesn’t have to get to that.”

“I hope not either,” Jarrod sighs, “But if she doesn’t tone it down then I guess it doesn’t leave me much of a choice.”

“You’re right,” Victoria states, “It’s better than her getting herself into some serious trouble that she can’t get out of.”

“For now,” Jarrod suggests, “We’ll just see how it goes.”

“Very good,” Victoria responds.

As he moves checkers off the board “Heath” Nick says “Not bad” while Audra, Gene, Jarrod and Victoria play a 4 handed game of gin. As Heath keeps his eyes peeled to Nick as they play the game and upon snatching the last black checker “I don’t believe it” Nick comments “You learned how to play this game rather quickly.”

Glancing over, “Well Brother Nick,” Jarrod says, “Checkers isn’t exactly a hard game to learn. Rather simple and it looks like Heath is beating you. Not bad!”

“Not bad,” Nick snickers, “For someone who just learned the game unless,” giving him the eye, “He was just saying that making us believe he doesn’t know how. Isn’t that right Heath? You knew how to play long before now and were just pretending not to know how?” Nervously looking at Nick, “No sir,” Heath answers. Nick tells him, “Well you could’ve fooled me.”

While engaged in their card game, “Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Are you always this quiet?”

After Heath answers, “Yes sir,” Jarrod asks him, “Don’t you want to ask us anything to get to know us better?” Once again Heath replies, “No sir.”

“Any particular reason” Jarrod asks of him who replies again, “No sir.”

“Jarrod,” Victoria cuts in, “Leave him be. This is still all new to him. I’m sure he will open up when he’s ready to. Give him time.”

“You’re right Mother,” Jarrod states.

Taking his turn on sparking a conversation with Heath Nick asks what time he usually goes to sleep to which he responds “When dark or said could.” Then trying to ask what time he wakes up, Heath replies “When light or told to get up.”

Sighing, “Heath,” Nick then says, “Sometimes talking to you is like talking to a riddle trying to make sense out of it all that you are saying.” While Heath just sits there staring at him Nick asks, “Why is that?”

“Now know sir,” Heath replies. Nick then starts getting on the subject of him remembering to get up at five and that breakfast is at 5:30 to which Heath answers, “Yes sir.”

As Victoria tells Nick to leave him alone Nick says, “I am just trying to make some kind of conversation with him.”

“Try something else,” Victoria advises.

Losing another game Nick has one more rematch against Heath and begins the game. Thinking of another topic to bring up Nick asks him about his swimming how come he never learned how to swim to which he shrugs his shoulders and answers, “Not know sir.”

Overhearing Victoria says, “Heath, you never learned to swim?”

Heath replies, “No Ma’am.”

Nick then says, “Why didn’t you tell me you didn’t know how to swim?”

Swallowing hard, “Didn’t know to,” Heath answers.

“That first day when we met up,” Nick brings up, “And the bridge collapsed you went into the water.”

“I did sir,” Heath admits.

“You could’ve drowned,” Nick points out.

“Could’ve sir,” Heath replies.

Nick tells him, “You were rather lucky. Tomorrow some of the men will be working with you and Duke. It’ll give you a chance to get to know some of them.”

“Yes sir,” Heath replies.

While in the midst of their card game Audra says, “Mother, did you see Patty?”

“No” Victoria replies, “Only Laura when I brought her the basket.”

“Do you think she’s doing alright?” Audra wanted to know.

“She’s doing fine Audra” Victoria replies “But try to remember this is a big blow to them. Think of how you were when your father was killed. She may need your support to help her.”

“What do I say to her?” Audra asks.

“Whatever comes natural for you will be fine,” Victoria tells her.

Gene then says, “I hate going to these things.”

“No one likes going to them Gene,” Jarrod mentions, “It’s just one of those unpleasant things that we all must do in our lifetime.”

“I’m like Audra,” Gene points out, “I don’t know what to say or how to act.”

“Do what comes naturally to you, Gene,” Victoria encourages, “And I am sure you will both do just fine.”

“What if they start bringing up about how they were killed?” Gene asks.

“Then,” Victoria replies, “You talk about it. There isn’t any point in getting worked over this. When we go to each of their funerals and we see them we will take it as it goes. Maybe while they are here afterwards the two of you could take them around the ranch and while you are out if they feel like talking about it then talk about it. I am sure you will both find things to them about. If necessary, tell them how you felt the day your father died and you got the news. Talk about your fears and how you were able to overcome them.”

“I don’t know how I feel,” Audra mentions, “It happened six months ago and it still bothers me.”

“It bothers me too dear,” Victoria replies, “It bothers us all, but we got through it and we are all still here. It’s not something we are happy with however, it’s something we have to live with and seeing it happened to us we have to be strong and be there for them just like they were for us. Okay?”

“Okay,” Audra replies.

Victoria then says to Gene, “Gene okay?”

Shrugging his shoulders, “It’s not okay,” Gene replies, “But I guess its okay.”

“Why don’t the two of you stop,” Victoria suggests, “Worrying about it for now and concentrate on the card game?”

“Mother,” Audra then asks, “Do you think they’ll be in school tomorrow?”

“Probably not,” Victoria replies, “I remember keeping the two of you home for a little bit and I am sure Nettie and Laura will be doing the same.”

Finishing the checker game Nick calls it quits and excuses himself from the room and as he is walking out Victoria asks him where he’s going to which replies, “Outside; to get some fresh air,” as he quickly darts out the door.

Getting up and excusing himself, Jarrod quickly goes to follow Nick out the door. Seeing Heath sitting there in front of the checkerboard Victoria asks him to join them in the card game in which he gets up and occupies the now empty chair.

Catching sight of Nick standing near the railing looking up at the sky Jarrod calls out to him as he walks over to him and upon placing his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently asks of him, “What’s the matter?”

Exhaling heavily, “Oh I don’t know Jarrod,” Nick replies, while taking one of his hands and making a fist he hits the palm of the other.

“You’re not sore that Heath won you,” Jarrod asks.

“No,” Nick replies, “It’s just that,” taking his fist and hitting the ledge of the railing with it, “Well,” pause, “Here I am, in the same room with him playing a game with him and yet I don’t want anything to do with him here.”

“You did say,” Jarrod reminds him, “You would give him a chance.”

“I know,” Nick admits, “And I am trying but you know how I am. I don’t pretend and I don’t hold things back. I am straight-forward.”

“Yes I know,” Jarrod then asks, “What is it that bothers you about him?”

Sighing again, “I’m not sure,” Nick replies, “Maybe it’s his being so quiet all the time that I am just not use to. There are old sayings that say it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for. They are usually the ones that are up to no good.”

“Do you think he’s up to no good?” Jarrod asks.

“I don’t know,” Nick replies, “Maybe. But none of you share my thoughts. You all think he is okay. What is it that you see that I can’t?”

“I don’t know,” Jarrod shrugs, “Maybe it’s a gut feeling that I have inside but whatever it is, yes I do feel that he is okay and everything he told us is true.”

“So,” Nick asks, “You really believe that he is Father’s son?”

“I do yes,” Jarrod replies, “Now maybe we don’t see it because we didn’t know Father at a younger age but Mother has. She could see it in him and she said something about him looking like Uncle Jim when he was younger.”

“She told you that?” Nick inquires.

“She did” Jarrod answers “And I think she sent a wire to Uncle Jim to see if they have a younger picture of himself.”

“Do they have one?” Nick wanted to know.

“Not sure,” Jarrod replies, “She only sent it out this morning, we will have to wait until we hear from them.”

“Jarrod,” Nick asks, “Why doesn’t it bother Mother the way it bothers me?”

“It bothers her Nick,” Jarrod states, “She just keeps it hidden.”

“Why is it so easy for you to accept him?” Nick then asks.

Sighing “I never said it was easy for me Nick” Jarrod points out “But as the oldest I do have an obligation to this entire family; you, Mother, Gene, Audra. I, like you have Father in me. And I have to do what I believe is right. Father always told me never to listen to other people not even if the whole world did it. If I felt it was wrong then it was wrong. If the whole world felt it was wrong, but I knew it to be right then I have to listen to that listen to what I believe in. And I do believe Heath is Father’s son and our brother. Now Mother could see it and I do trust her instincts as well. Now for some reason if Heath doesn’t turn out to be Father’s son, the door is still open to him, Nick. Because we as a family never turned away anyone that was in need. That is how Father raised us to be, to always be there for anyone who wanted or needed to come in and that is how I am and that is how Father would want us to be. He was a caring human being just like I am, just like Mother is; which is one of the reasons I chose to become a lawyer. I did it to help those who were in need of help and that is why I held my hand out to Heath, I think he could use a hand, someone to be there for him; a friend. And right now, the only one standing in his way of being here, the only one that has not accepted him into the family is you.”

“I’m all mixed up inside Jarrod” Nick confides “Some of me wants to believe it some of me wants to believe him but some of me doesn’t. Now, maybe he isn’t bad, but” shaking his head “Right now, I just don’t know.”

“I think you are still in a state of shock,” Jarrod states, “It must’ve hit you the hardest. Maybe you put him on some kind of pedestal thinking he couldn’t do anything like this.”

Raising an eyebrow, “That could be,” Nick replies, “Never thought of that.”

“I have,” Jarrod notes, “But as it was said by Mother, it’s just one of those things that happened. He was gone four months and was hurt and somehow the young woman Leah which happens to be Heath’s mother came by and saw him and took care of him and it just happened. But he didn’t do it intentionally and there really isn’t anyone to blame. We can’t blame Heath he had nothing to do with Father or Leah, he was just born and as much as we like to we can’t blame Father or Leah because they aren’t here.”

“I know,” Nick says, “And maybe in time if he is still with us I will feel differently about him but for right now I don’t feel anything for him. He’s just like a stranger that moved into our lives and if he or you expect me to just welcome him here with open arms I am not about to do that just yet. I still need to be sure before I do that.”

“Well,” Jarrod informs him, “Take your time Nick, because you are the one that has to live with your decision. But don’t wait too long. You could be missing out on a great opportunity to know a nice young man that could very well become a good friend if not a brother. Oh,” he then says, “One more thing to think about.”

“What’s that?” Nick asks.

“Remember,” Jarrod replies, “Whatever you are doing Gene and Audra are watching. We as the oldest have to set examples for them. Just remember that.”

“I understand all that Jarrod” Nick admits “Really I do but” sighing “Understand my position. Father told us both that if anything should ever happen to him that we were to take over and run the ranch and watch over the family. Now before I go and accept some stranger that just waltzed in here I have to be sure. I could understand both Eugene and Audra liking him so fast. Audra is a young girl who probably sees him not as a brother but as a cute young man with dreamy eyes as she would say. Gene is also just a kid so he doesn’t understand it all yet either but as the oldest you shouldn’t be so accepting, you should be a little more cautious like I’m being.”

“I know that,” Jarrod notes, “But he did bring Audra home and didn’t do anything to her except fix her arm up.”

“Hey,” Nick replies “I know that too.” Turning away and shifting his position back to its original stance “Well Father” exhaling deeply as he says to Jarrod “Also told me that seeing you are the eldest you have no one above you except Mother to watch over you so I have to be the one to watch over you as well and I will do whatever it costs to safeguard all of my family and that includes you! Now I know you all like him here but right now I am just having a problem with accepting him too quickly. I need to be sure before I do. I mean” sighing “What would happen if you were all wrong about him and I was right? What if he came here to murder all of us or what if he is a spy for the railroad? Or what if he came here just for our money?”

“I don’t think he’s any of those things,” Jarrod says, “I think he is just a nice young man.”

“Yes,” Nick replies, “I know you do and that is why I won’t. But let me ask you one thing.”

“What’s that?” Jarrod inquires.

“How could you be so sure that he’s not?” Nick asks, “He only came here two days ago. How is it that you know him so well so quickly?”

“That gut feeling,” Jarrod notes, “I just told you. I could just tell that he is okay.”

“No deal,” Nick replies, “I’m sorry Pappy, but I have to be more certain than that. And if I am wrong I will be the first to admit it, but if I am right then you and the family will learn about that too.”

“Very well,” Jarrod says, “I know when you’ve made up your mind to something there isn’t any getting through to you,” taking a couple steps towards the front door, “But just remember,” looking back, “Not only do the kids as you put it and I like his being here, Mother does too; just think about that,” going inside.

Jarrod leaving Nick alone to think, Nick not knowing what to do looks up to the night sky and then after a couple minutes walking around idly down the dirt road he says, “Lord, why do I feel this way? Am I wrong for feeling this way? He just came to the family two days ago and I am supposed to welcome him with opened arms? I just can’t do that. Is he Father’s son? Or is he not? What is it Mother sees in him that makes her want him here? Why is he so quiet all the time? The only conversation he makes is when we are asking him something otherwise he doesn’t say anything,” as he continues traveling up the road he finds himself arriving at the gravesite of Thomas J. Barkley.

Reaching his father’s grave and kneeling down before it Nick says, “I wish I knew what to do. I wish you were here Father. Maybe if you were things would be different. Maybe you would see what I see; maybe you would see what Mother sees. Maybe I should go easy on him but I just can’t and won’t. I don’t want him getting a free ride here. I mean if he’s here just to get a hold of any of our money” sighing “He is mistaken. But is he here for our money or is he here for another reason?”

“Is he really here because he thinks you are his father?” Nick asks, “Are you his father or are you not?” looking up at the sky, “I don’t know Lord. Maybe in time I will change and accept him but for now I will remain as I am and I will continue to keep a safe distance from him until I am sure one way or the other. I mean if he is here to cause us any kind of trouble I want to be ready for it so I will keep my guard up at least for now, but,” exhaling deeply, “If I am wrong then as Jarrod pointed out I have to live with my decision. I guess only time will tell and in the end I do hope I do the right thing.”

Kissing the grave once, “I do love and miss you Father,” he says, “And wish you were here now. But seeing that you aren’t and can’t I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing since you’ve been gone that you would want from me which is to watch over the family. If by some chance I do start accepting him here then I will watch over him too, but for now I must stay as I am” taking another deep breath, “I just need to be sure. Well” getting up “Goodnight Father. I just had to share that with you” he then heads back.

Returning to the house and just before going in he stops and looks up at the dark sky for a couple more minutes then after shaking his head and not getting any answers he turns the door knob and walks in. Standing in the doorway of the study Nick bids everyone except Heath who is just sitting there quietly.

As Nick is going up the stairs the card game comes to an end and bidding Victoria and Heath goodnight Audra and Gene follow Nick up. Glancing over at Heath still seated, “Heath,” Victoria asks, “You okay?”

“Yes Ma’am,” Heath replies.

“Are you tired?” Victoria asks of him, “Would you like to turn in?”

Upon him replying, “Yes Ma’am,” she tells him, “Then go ahead. Maybe things will be differently tomorrow when you wake up.”

Getting up and replying “Yes Ma’am” Heath exits the room.

Walking into the study, “It doesn’t get any easier, does it?” Jarrod asks as he watches Heath going up the steps.

Sighing, “No,” Victoria says, “I would like this family to be a whole family and that does include Heath being a part of it, but Nick is making it so much harder.”

“He’ll come around,” Jarrod notes, “Right now he still has Father on that pedestal and is not yet ready to admit it or give in.”

“I just hope Nick doesn’t take too long,” Victoria confides, “Heath could use Nick as a friend.”

“Well,” Jarrod says, “Right now he does have me and even though he may not realize it yet and as for Nick he is being careful; he wants to be sure.”

“I understand that,” Victoria states, “Your father did tell the both of you to watch over the family and right now that is exactly what he is doing.”

“On Friday” Jarrod says “I’ll try to get Heath to loosen up; let him know I’m a friend.”

“I wonder what it will take for Heath to loosen up,” she ponders “I think once he starts to open up there won’t be any shutting him up and he will really feel like he’s one of the family.”

“And you like that?” Jarrod inquires.

“Very much so,” Victoria replies, “I like that boy Jarrod. I like his being here and want him to be a part of all of this.”

“I will see what I could do with him,” Jarrod mentions.

“Jarrod,” Victoria asks, “Have you noticed something about Heath?”

“You mean instead of his getting more comfortable with us the opposite is happening?” Jarrod notes.

“You noticed it too,” Victoria replies, “I thought I was the only one.”

“No” Jarrod notes “I’ve noticed it too and I bet my bottom dollar that both Audra and Gene have noticed it too but I bet there is one who hasn’t taken notice.”

“The one that is probably behind it,” Victoria brings up.

“You got it,” Jarrod states, “Brother Nick.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Victoria says, “If only Nick will see it.”

“Let’s give him time,” Jarrod replies, “He does have to come to it on his own.”

“You’re right,” Victoria says, “I just don’t want Heath to become too withdrawn into himself.”

“I’ll see what I could do with him on Friday,” Jarrod then replies, “I better turn in now,” giving her a goodnight kiss on the cheek they exchange goodnights, he then asks, “Will you be up for a little while yet?”

Victoria replies, “Yes, I’ll be up in a little bit,” and while she goes into the parlor and starts reading her book, Jarrod heads up the stairs.

Putting the book back down, “I know these days have been rough,” she sighs, “And I know it takes a lot of courage for me to be doing what I am doing but I must. If I don’t or if I didn’t then I wouldn’t be the woman or the mother I was raised up to be. What will it take for Nick to accept Heath? What will it take for Heath to open up? I sure wish you were here Tom. Maybe if you were things here would’ve been easier on everyone. I think you would be proud, very proud to know that you have another son. He looks just like a younger version of you. I sure wish Nick could see it. What will it take for him to come through and see that Heath is just a nice young man and could possibly become a good friend to him as well,” closing her eyes for a moment, “What will it take to bring this family together as one?” she asks, “Please Lord. Please Tom. Help this family come together as one.” Then picking up her book again she slowly starts reading it.

Once again Heath lying on his bed in his room is staring up at the ceiling waiting until he’s certain everyone has turned in for the night. Once he hears the last of the footsteps walking by and the complete silence he gets up and quietly goes down the stairs and out the door to the barn. Saying goodnight to Gal he lies down on the bed of hay nearest to her stall and closes his eyes.

...Continued