Heath had always wondered why Jarrod used the word love instead of from. If his family isn't mad at him and doesn’t ask him to leave, maybe he can ask Jarrod that question.

A knock came at his door and Heath went to answer it.

“Mother?”

“May I come in, Heath?” asked Victoria.

“I'm sorry. Yes, please,” said Heath, as he moved aside to let his mother in.

Victoria noticed the package on the bed. She fingered the box and turned around to face Heath.

“I notice you still have this,” she said, still fingering the box.

Heath walked over to the bed and looked at the box, he had a half-grin on his face. Yes, she wouldn't let me sell it, nor this,” Heath said, picking up the book from Jarrod.

Victoria took the book from Heath and read the title: The Knights of the Round Table. She flipped through the pages. She read what was on the cover and handed the book back to Heath.

“Sell it?” she asked.

“We had ta sell things we owned for food or clothes when we needed them. Mama refused to let me sell it. I tried ta sneak out to sell it, and she caught me. She gave me what for, and I never triedy ta sneak it out again.” Heath smiled remembering that day.

Victoria sat on the bed next to Heath. “Heath, did your mother know who I was?”

Heath was waiting for this question. “I'm not really sure. She would never talk ta me about that day. Every time I brought the subject up she would always find a way to change the subject. I think at first she didn't know, but before we left the next day, I think she knew. I think when she dropped the picture that day was the day she realize who ya were.”

“Yes. I think you’re right. I was telling Audra and Gene about that day. As I was telling the story, Jarrod and Nick started to remember it all. Yes, I believe that was the moment she knew.” Victoria looked Heath in the eye. “Why Heath? Why didn't she tell me who you were?”

“I don't know, ma’am, maybe she was afraid of losing me. Maybe she thought ya wouldn't believe her, and would try ta hurt me with mean words. Maybe I was a constant reminder of who my father was. and holding on ta me was like holding on ta him. Maybe she just didn't want ta hurt ya. She really did like ya a lot.”

“I'm sorry, Heath. I'm so sorry for not knowing who you were. I can see Tom in you, especially when you smile. I couldn't place it when I saw you smile that day. Maybe I just didn't want to see.”

Heath wrapped his arms around his mother. “Ya got nothing ta be sorry for. There was no reason for ya ta know who I was. What could have been is anybody’s guess. I was so afraid that you and everyone else would hate me if you all remembered about that day.” Heath took his mother by the arm and looked her in the eyes. “Mother, I want ya ta know that if the Barkleys lost all their money, it wouldn’t matter ta me. I know I can live without it. I like having it better,” Heath gave her a half grin. “But I can do without it. I can do without this fancy house. These old bones are used ta the hard ground. Well, I guess I can get used ta this soft bed!” Victoria smiled at Heath, as he went on. “What I couldn't face losing is the family. You, Jarrod, Nick, Audra and Gene are my life now. I will fight ta keep you all with me. If ya ever asked me ta leave, I would, but I'd be fighting all the way. Know this, you might not see me, but I'll always be there to protect my family. I didn't know when I first found out who my father was, you see, I'd forgotten the name Barkley. All I remembered was Nick and Jarrod, because of the gifts. When I came here the place was different. I know you expanded, and I was only five at the time, but when my anger died down and everything became calm here, I remembered Jarrod and Nick. I was so surprised! I was gonna tell ya. I just didn't know how. I didn't want ta hurt ya again. Do ya believe that?”

“Oh, Heath. No-one is going to ask you to leave. You will always be a Barkley now. I am so glad I met you when you were five. I am also glad to have met your mother. I can see why your father fell for her. She was a lovely lady. Tom told me about the affair with your mother. He said he felt he needed to protect her. Strawberry was no place for a young woman alone. After the affair, he knew he needed to protect her from him. He couldn't face her so he left her a note and came back home. I could say I wish the affair never happened.” She took Heath’s face in her hands and looked him in the eyes. But you wouldn't be here, and I for one, Heath Barkley, am glad you are here.”

“Thank you, Mother, that mean a lot ta me.” Heath took the package off the bed. Laid it across his lap and opened it. “I was surprised when I opened the gift Nick gave me that Christmas morning and saw this. It was specially made for him wasn't it?”

“Yes. It was. Tom, your father had it made when Nick played at being Sir Lancelot in the story Jarrod and your father read to him. He would find sticks on the ground and pretend they were swords, and he would fight the evil knights and dragons that crossed his path.”

“I would think that he’d just bellow and they’d run for cover!” Heath teased, with his eyes full of laughter.

I think that you are right, for I did heard him yelling a couple of times. This house was always safe from dragons and evil knights, and I think it was all that bellowing he did. Victoria and Heath started laughing. Your father was really mad at Nick for giving it away.” “He didn't get in tro...”Heath started to say, but Victoria held her hand up.

“Let me finish Heath. When your father started yelling at Nick, Nick said he knew what the package was. He knew that Tom spent good money on it. He said he wanted to give you something but he didn't have time to find something nice for you. He knew the package was a sword, something that he always wanted, so he decided since he couldn't buy you something he would give you something that was special to him. The sword. Tom had it specially made out of the finest wood, and he tried to get it made like the one in the story. The only difference being, he had, Sir Nicholas, carved on it. When Tom threatened to punish Nick, Nick told him that he didn't care, and when you opened the present on Christmas Day and a big smile lit your face up, the punishment would be worth it. He said he just knew you would like it and if his father wanted to punish him for making a little boy who had nothing happy, then he would take any and all punishment Tom dished out to him, and he stomped up the stairs. Before Tom could say anything Jarrod jumped in and said that Tom might as well punish him too because he helped Nick get the package from the attic, and he stomped upstairs too. Before it got completely out of hand, I told Tom the story, he went and apologized to the boys and told them how proud he was of them. Him and Duke stayed up all night that night making Nick a sword. It wasn't as nice as this one but Nick was happy with it. They even carved in his name and they also made the figures like the ones you’ve got here.”

“I was very happy with the pieces, here,” Heath said, pointing to the figures in the box. Sometimes they were friends, sometimes enemies. I had many good times with them. Mama never got rid of it all the years I wasn't home. No matter if we didn't have food she would never sell it. Nor the book Jarrod gave me. I don't know how many times her and Aunt Rachel read me this book. They were probably happy when I learned to read and read it myself.”

Victoria hugged Heath. “I'm glad it brought you some happiness.” She got up and held her hand out to Heath. “Why don't we go downstairs and you can show Audra and Gene the present your brothers gave you before you knew you were brothers.”

Heath didn't take her hand. Instead he got up and walked to the window. She knew he wanted to ask her something and she believed she knew what it was.

“Heath, I never mentioned your mother’s name. It was always something like, his mother, or Heath's mother. I believe I never said, Leah, once. All the talk was about you. There was no need to mention Leah and Tom never asked what her name was.”

“I just wondered if you had mentioned her name, and if he had tried to find out about me. If maybe he would think, what if that boy was my son, and go find out whether I was or not, or if he would just sweep it under a rug and not care to know.” Heath wouldn't look at her he just kept staring at the window.

Victoria walked up behind Heath and wrapped her arms around him. “I don't know, Heath. Like a lot of unanswered questions, that is something we will never know. I can tell you this because I know my husband. If I had mentioned your mother's name and Tom thought that she was the same Leah, I believe he would have checked, because it would bother him not knowing. It would eat at him until he did something about it.”

“I believe he would from what ya all told me I believe he would. It’s just..I don't know...I would have liked ta have seen him, but you know what?” Heath turned around to look at his mother. “I've got all of you to tell me about him.”

“You ask us anything you want at anytime, and any one of us will be happy to tell you all about your father.”

Heath hugged her, and said, “Thanks, Mother. Should we go downstairs?” Heath went to the bed and picked up the presents to take with him.

They went out, and as they passed Victoria’s room she put her hand on his arm to stop him. “Wait, Heath, there is something I want to show you, follow me.” Heath follow her into her room. She walked over to her desk, and took something off turning to Heath. “Do you remember this?” Heath took the jar from her hands, it had candies in it. A crooked smile glazed his face.

“Ya still have this? Don't tell me these are the candies I put in there.”

“Yes, Heath, I kept it all these years, and no, they are not the same candies you put in. I was surprised when I saw this under the tree and found out it was from you. Jarrod and Nick told me about Mister North. I thought that was very sweet of you to buy me a present. Every time the candies ran out, I would buy more to put in it, so the jar always had candies in it. It’s a little too late, but thanks for the present.”

“You’re welcome. Now, can we go see my brothers and sister?” They walked out of the door and downstairs.

When Nick saw Heath he threw something to him. “Hey, Heath, catch!” Nick shouted.

Heath caught the object Nick threw. He looked the object over and threw it back to Nick. “Gee, Nick, that is the ugliest thing I ever saw!”

“What are you talking about boy? This is the best da....uh darned horse I ever had!”

“A horse? Is that what it is? I thought it was a piece of old rotten wood.”

“Watch it, boy! Someone special made this, and he was only five at the time.”

“What did you do, Nick, beat him up for it?”

“Beat him up!” Nick started to shout. “I’ll have you know I traded a nice pair of boots for this!”

The family sat around listening to Nick and Heath banter back and forth with each other. As always, Heath getting a rise out of Nick.

“Nice! As I recall, they were old and worn.”

“Old and worn? You were almost begging me for them!”

“Begging? Ya were gonna beat me up! I had ta take them.”

“Well, if you have the boots we can just trade back for them.”

“There is a problem with that, Nick.”

“I know, you don't have them any more.”

“Yeah, there's that, but there's something else.” Heath turned to Jarrod and winked.

“And what's that...brother?”

Heath looked into Nick's hazel eyes and smiled. “A deal is a deal. Once ya shake on a deal, ya can't take it back.”

Nick looked into Heath's blue eyes. “One of these days, Heath, one of these days.” He smiled and threw his arms around Heath hugging him tight. The rest of the siblings came up and surrounded them. Each one hugged Heath in turn.

After Jarrod hugged Heath, he said, “that is why we keep brother Nick around, Heath. He’s always good for a laugh or two.”

Heath smiled at Jarrod. “I like to keep Nick around for another reason.”

“What’s that, Heath? asked Jarrod.

“I trust him to protect my back,” Heath said, looking right at Nick.

“Amen to that, brother, Heath, amen to that!” Jarrod led Heath to the sofa, sat him down, and got him a drink.

Victoria saw the big grin on Nick's face and put her arms though his. “That makes you happy?” she asked.

“That he trusts me to look out for him? Yeah, Mother, that makes me very happy. No will ever lay a hands on him again, not as long as I'm around. Unless it’s me, of course,” Nick said, walking up to Heath. “Sometimes you have to keep little brothers in their place.”

“Oh, don't worry, Nick, between you, Jarrod and me we should keep Gene in his place.”

“I wasn't talking about Gene, I was talking...” Nick stopped when he heard everyone laughing, and he pretended to slap Heath on the head. “Boy, how many times do I have to tell you, you’re not funny!”

“Heath,” Jarrod said. “I believe I speak for Nick as well as myself when I say we are glad we got a chance to meet you and your mother that year, and that we enjoyed each other’s company. That we didn't know who you were... well it would have been awkward to say the least, and none of us would have had a good time if we’d known. If you were happy that year, well then it was worth it, but it sure would have been nice if your mother had said something to Father about you. “Then, I'm sure after the shock had worn off, we would have had more good years together.”

Heath smiled at Jarrod. “Thanks, Jarrod. I wish that too, but we can't change the past. We can make up for lost time, and we can still have some fun.” Heath looked at Nick when he said that.

“Not at my expense you won't, boy! Nick grabbed a pillow off the sofa and threw it at Heath. Everyone started laughing. Audra got up from where she was sitting and sat next to Heath. She touched Heath’s arm to get his attention. Heath turned to look at her.

“Heath? she said. Did you really kiss me before you left that day?”

Heath took her hands in his. “I sure did, sis, and what I said came true.”

“What was that? she asked, confused.

“You grew up to be just as beautiful as your mother.”

Audra threw her arms around Heath. “Brother, Nick, I believe that boy can sweet talk his way around anything.”

“I believe you’re right brother Jarrod. Seems he knows how to get around the ladies in this family.”

Victoria jumped in. That’s enough, boys. Heath what happened after you left here that day?” Heath told them about finding the turkey in the wagon. He told them how Rachel and Hannah cried when they saw the food and the turkey. How Mister Harmon had supper every night with them including that Christmas. He told them of the laughter and smiles they had for a while. Heath’s voice became soft and sad as he told them how, firstly, the food ran out, then the smiles, then the laughter. Heath told them Mister Harmon died seven months later. He told them that his mother never talked of that day to him. Then he jumped through the years, and told them how his mother let him know about his father before she passed away. Heath told them about coming to the ranch, and when he came to realize that he was here when he was five, that he didn't know how to tell them because he didn't want to hurt anyone with the knowledge that the respected husband and father’s mistress had once been here in their house. He didn't tell them about the pains and hurts and sufferings he went through before knowing who is father was. After he finished his story he showed Audra and Gene the presents from Jarrod and Nick, all those years ago.

“You still have them?” Nick asked.

“Yep,” was all Heath said.

“I'm sorry about Mister Hamon,” said Jarrod. “He really seemed to care about you and your mother.”

Thank you, Jarrod. He was one of just a few who did care.”

They stayed up late, talking Audra and Gene learned all that happened that day. They could picture everything in their mind as if they were there. The talking didn't stop until they all went to bed. The rest of the week, everyone got things ready for Christmas. The decorating of the house and tree were finished, the food was cooked and baked. On Christmas Eve, the Barkleys threw a big party. Then it was Christmas morning.

Everyone was startled awake when Nick came banging on bedroom doors, shouting, “Get up! It’s Christmas! Come on, everyone, get up!”

Victoria and everyone else came out of their doors. “Nicholas what do you thing you're doing?”

“It’s Christmas, let’s go downstairs.”

“Nick,” yawned Jarrod. “Aren't you a little too old to be wanting to open your presents this early in the morning?”

“Jarrod, just come downstairs.”

“Nicholas, we were all up late yesterday, can it wait?” Victoria asked.

“No, Mother it can't. Now, I'm going downstairs and everyone had better be down in five minutes, or I'll be back up yelling some more until you do come down!” At that, Nick turned and went downstairs.

They watched him go down. “I'm going back to bed,” said Jarrod, as he yawned.

“I think we should go down and see what he’s up to. I for one don't want to hear his bellowing this early in the morning.” said Heath.

“What makes you think he's up to something Heath?” Audra asked, while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

“Well, whenever Nick is excited about something he wants the family to know about, it usually means he did something or he bought something outrageous.”

“You’re right, Heath. Well, come on everyone, let’s see what your brother’s done now.” Victoria said, as she took Jarrod’s hand. That means you too, Jarrod.”

Jarrod was mumbling something about it better be good or he was gonna be minus a brother. They saw Nick at the closed parlour doors.

“Well, Nick, we're here, and it better be good!” said a miserable Jarrod.

“Gee Jarrod you sure are miserable when you don't get your beauty sleep!” Jarrod started to reply, but Nick held his hands up to stop him. “It is good, Jarrod.” Nick grabbed Heath and pulled him toward him. “Heath, Merry Christmas!” He opened the doors to let everyone see.

Heath stepped in and nearly stumbled when he came into the room, and he couldn't believe his eyes. Everyone followed him in with Nick coming in last. No one could believe their eyes. Nick walked to Heath who was standing there with his mouth open.

“Well, brother, Heath, what do you think of all this? Nick asked.

Heath looked at Nick. “What did you do? What is all this?”

“I would like an answer to that one too, Nicholas,” said Victoria not believing what she was seeing.

“So, would I brother, Nick,” Jarrod said, forgetting he was mad at Nick for waking him early.

“What do you think it looks like?” said Nick.

“Presents; everywhere, a bunch of them,” said Jarrod.

“Who are these presents for?” asked Victoria.

Audra and Gene were looking at the names on the packages. “They all say to Heath from Nick.” said Audra.

“Yeah,” said Gene, “all of them.”

“Me?” said Heath who was confused and embarrassed.

“Yeah, you!” said Nick pointing to Heath.

“But...why?” asked Heath.

“Look, Heath, you’re twenty four, right?”asked Nick. P> “Right,” said Heath. “What does that have to do with this?”

“There's twenty four presents here. One for every year I didn't get you a present. I'm making up for lost time.”

“Oh!” said Heath, not having any idea what he should say or how he should react.

“Well?” said Nick to Heath who was just standing there.

“Well, what?” said Heath who was still confused.

“Open your presents!”

“But, Nick, you already gave me a present when I was five remember?”

“So?”

“So you gave me one to many.”

“Then you got an extra one! Now will you open them?”

“Come on, Heath,”Audra said as she took Heath by the hand and found a spot on the floor for him to sit. “You sit here, and I'll hand you the present.”

Audra handed Heath a present, and Heath opened it. It was a shirt. Audra continued to hand Heath presents, and he opened each one. Nick got him pants, belt, socks, boots, gloves, night shirt, vest, coat, even a rain slicker. He got Heath a holster, and a box of bullets for the gun that Jarrod had gotten for him on his birthday. Heath got a fishing rod and a jar filled with chocolate candy pieces that Heath loved to eat. Heath opened up a box that had a folded piece of paper in it. He unfolded the paper and read: "This is an IOU for my brother Heath. I Nick Barkley owe Heath 24 glasses of beer at Harry's, one for every birthday he had before coming home.” It had Nick’s signature at the end. Heath continued to stare at the note trying to keep his emotions in check. Nick saw this and tried to lighten the situation up a little.

“Don't think for one minute, boy, that I will buy you one extra beer when I buy you those twenty four! You will buy the twenty fifth one, got it? And don't think for one minute I won't keep count, because I will!”

Heath had to clear his voice before he could speak. “Ok, Nick. I hear ya. I'll buy the twenty fifth.”

“Good! Now, will you finish opening the rest of those presents, so we can go have breakfast? I'm starving! Besides the rest of us would like to open our presents.”

Heath smiled at Nick and nodded his head. He opened the next present Audra gave him. It was a picture of his beloved horse, Gal. She was eating grass. Nick must have called her name because Gal was looking at the camera.

“I brought a photographer over one day when you were away last month. That was my original present to you. I hope you like it?”

“This is great, Nick!” Heath was all choked up looking at the picture. “Thanks, big brother.” Nick was at a loss for words when he saw the raw emotion in Heath eyes. “Yeah, well...” He coughed to clear his throat. “I'm still starving, so if you would,” he was pointing to the present.

Audra handed Heath the next one. It was a knife, together with a new set of tin plates, cup, fork and spoon for when they had to camp out. There was a new horse blanket, canteen, and a new saddle bag. Heath was going to open a present that was from Jarrod, but Nick stopped him.

“Wait before you open that one, Heath. You only opened twenty one presents. You still have three more to go.”

Heath looked around and saw a box behind the tree. Nick pointed to it.

“That’s one of them, but before you open that one, I want you to follow me.”

Heath got up and followed Nick, as did everyone else. Nick was putting his coat on. “We're going to the barn, so put your coats on.”

Everyone put on their coats, following Nick out of the door and up to the barn. Nick opened the door and everyone followed him inside. He took Heath by the arm and led him to a new saddle.

“That’s for you, Heath. I thought you would need a new one for...” Nick took his arm again and led him to a stall “...him.” Nick was pointing to a new horse in the stall.

Heath went into the stall and looked the horse over. “Nick, he’s a beauty! A good, strong horse.”

“His name is Charger. I bought him from Jim North. When I told him I wanted to buy him for you, he wanted to give him to me for nothing, but I insisted on paying him. He really likes you a lot. He did nothing but sing your praises. It was disgusting!”

Everyone knew he was teasing, for Nick loved to hear it when someone said something nice about Heath. Nick knew that if Heath had come to Stockton, not knowing who his father was, just looking for work, Jim North would have hired him straight off. The two men had taken an instant liking to each other and were now very good friends. Nick privately felt that Heath saw Jim as a father figure, and Jim saw Heath as the son he never had. Nick, for one, was happy that Heath found out who is father was, and that he came to the Barkley ranch first. Nick knew that Heath could have been happy at Jim's place and wouldn't have felt the need to leave.

Heath was patting Charger and Nick pulled him away. "Come on, boy, there’s one more present"

Nick led Heath back to the house, and after coats had been removed, sat him down and handed Heath the box that he pointed to earlier. Heath opened the box and saw toys and games in there. Heath took them out one by one. There was a cowboys and Indians set with forts, tents, horses and wagons. There was a train set, checkers set, a chess set, even a pack of cards. Heath took out a slingshot. He remembered the one he made when he was eight. He used the knife that Mister Harmon gave him when he was five.

Nick knelt next to Heath. “Father gave me one when I was younger,” he said, touching the slingshot. He was probably sorry he gave it to me. That thing got me in so much trouble! I seemed to always hit things I wasn't supposed to!”

Heath laughed. “Maybe if ya aimed at things you could hit, maybe ya wouldn't have been in so much trouble!”

“Yeah, well, I suspect that the thing was broken, ‘cause it wasn't hitting what I was aiming at!”

Heath laughed again. He turned towards Nick. “Nick, I don't know what to say. Thanks just doesn't seem to be enough.”

“Heath, I don't want your thanks. I know this could never make up for all you never had growing up. I just wanted you to know that I care, and if I could, I would have changed things for you, done whatever I could to bring some happiness into your life.

“Thank you, Nick! But you, and everyone else,” Heath was looking at each member of his family, “made me happy the day you all took me in and made me a member of your family.”

Audra walked up to Heath and hugged him, kissing him on the cheeks. Victoria did the same. She took Heath’s hand and held it. “Heath, there is another present that came from all of us.”

Jarrod came up to Heath with a present. “Heath, Nick was telling us about this present he wanted to give you. I thought it was a good idea. So did everyone else. I thought it would be nice to give it to you as a family. For the record, none of us knew about this little surprise from Nick. Brother Nick sure knows how to surprise everyone!”

“That’s right, brother Jarrod. I take all the blame for this surprise. Now, will you give Heath this other present from all of us? I would like to open up my present and then go have breakfast. I'm...”

"Starving!" Jarrod said, before Nick could. He turned back to Heath, handing him the present. “From all of us, Heath. Merry Christmas."

With trembling hands Heath ripped the wrapping off the present. The tears he had been holding onto all day came rolling down his face when he saw what it was. It was a painting of Stockton at night, at Christmas time. It was from a distance, You could see the tree in the center of town. All the candles on the tree and around Stockton were lit up. There were little dots of silver cascading down from heaven, and it looked like stars were coming from heaven and landing in Stockton. There were three heads looking down from the hill looking at the distant vista. All you could see was the back of their heads. There were two dark headed boys on each side of a little blond headed boy.

“The stars from heaven,” whispered Heath.

Nick put his arm around Heath. “After mother reminded us of that day you were here, when you were five, I wanted to give you something so you will always remember that day. I came up with the idea of the painting, and I asked Jarrod if he knew of a good artist who could get it done in time for Christmas. Jarrod knew someone in San Francisco, and that’s how the painting was done. Do you like it Heath?”

“This is great! I don't know what to say except thank you, all of you.” Everyone went to Heath and hugged him. Heath wiped his eyes. “I'm gonna hang this up in my room.”

Everyone else opened their presents. After they finished present opening, they went and had breakfast. A little later, they all went upstairs for a nap. As they went up the stairs together Heath asked Victoria a quiet question.

“Is that memory...of the day my mother and I were here...is it...is it a bitter memory to you?” Victoria smiled mistily, and shook her head. “How could it be bitter, darling? It was my first meeting with you, and besides...Leah was a good woman. I promise you I shall never think of her with bitterness.”

Heath came downstairs after a while and sat in the parlor looking at the array of gifts he had been given. He got up and walked to the front door and opened it, looking up at the sky. “Thank you Mister Harmon for bringing my mama and me to Stockton all those years ago. I miss you both. I wish you could see how happy I am now.” Two stars high above in the sky flashed brightly for a second. Heath smiled, turned, shut the door and went back to bed.