Duke made sure the supplies in the wagon were loaded so Nick and Heath spent little time hitching the team and taking the wagon to the site of the fallen bridge. The ride to their destination was filled with uneasiness between both cowboys.

“You said you worked on ranches. What type of work have you done?”

“Brandin’, fence mendin’, worked cattle drives, worked with horses, picked the crops, pretty much everything.”

“What’s your favorite?”

“The horses. I like gentlin’ the horses.”

“Don’t you mean breaking horses?”

“Nope. I don’t break ‘em cause that also breaks their spirit. It’s not best to break a horse’s spirit or ya won’t get the best out of ‘em. Gentlin’ horses is workin’ one on one with the horse and they allow the idea of ya bein’ with ‘em. Ya earn their trust better that way.”

“I remember hearing something about gentling horses but never saw it done before. I’ll be wanting to see how this works from you.”

“I’d like to show ya.” Heath smiled and was happy he would be able to show Nick what he was made of. Nick returned Heath’s smile.

“You ever done any of the paperwork side of the ranch before?”

“No. Just the back breakin’ work,” Heath grinned.

“It’s not hard. Jarrod and I can show you that part.”

“How large is the ranch?”

“It’s 30,000 acres. We have 30 men who work for us in the heavy seasons and during the winter we only keep about 20 on the payroll since the work is lighter. We have orchards, a winery, horses, cattle, mines.” Nick loved talking about the ranch and he smiled with pride when he heard Heath’s low whistle.

“Boy Howdy, that’s one large ranch.” Heath replied causing Nick to laugh at the expression he never heard before.

“Can I ask ya somethin’?” Heath asked after a moment of silence.

“Sure.”

“How old are ya?”

“I’m 25. My birthday is November 15th.” Nick chuckled, “I was almost a Thanksgiving baby.”

“And how old is Jarrod?”

“He’s 30 years old. His birthday is January 4th.”

“I know he’s a lawyer but does he have an office in Stockton or just at the house?”

“He has two offices, one here in Stockton and one in Frisco.”

“Never been to Frisco before.”

“It’s a big city, Jarrod loves it. Has a big house there too. He’ll probably live there permanently someday. I’m not too crazy about the city myself.”

”So Jarrod’s more of a city boy, huh?”

“Yeah! Always has been. He’s been buried in books since before he could read them. Never was interested in ranching. He’ll sometimes go on a cattle drive but he’s not real crazy about it.”

“Ya ever been interested in anything ‘sides ranchin’?”

“Nope! I’ve wanted to be a rancher by the time I could walk.” Nick glanced over at Heath, “What about you? By the sounds of it you did a lot of different jobs.”

“Ranchin’, cause I love the horses and the freedom of bein’ outside and workin’ the land.”

“Why the other jobs then?”

“I dunno. Guess I’ve just always been a drifter. Never settlin’ in one place too long so I always took a job that was available at the time.”

“Drifter, huh?” Nick got serious in thought, “ever think of settling down?”

“Never really thought about it before.”

“What about a wife and children? Or are you the sworn bachelor type?”

Heath grinned, “I’m neither I guess. Never could see myself married and it’s not like I didn’t want it.”

“I don’t follow?”

“Most women don’t cotton to bein’ with a bastard so it’s not like marryin’ one would be much of an option.” Heath looked out at the land that went for miles, “Plus I’m very complicated…probably too complicated.”

“Is that a fact?” Nick wondered what Heath meant by complicated but they had reached their destination so he thought he’d let it go…for now, “Well here we are!”

Both men jumped down and made quick time building the bridge. By lunchtime the bridge was a quarter of the way finished. Nick was pleased with the work ethic that came from the young blond. But considering Heath had worked since he was 6 years old, Nick wasn’t surprised by his performance.

While they worked Nick filled Heath in on all the history of the Barkley Ranch and all of their contracts and different jobs they had to do. Heath listened intently trying to learn everything being told to him. He was quite impressed. But he was more impressed by Nick. He saw yesterday that Nick was a go-getter. Heath could also see that Nick was confidant and a born leader. He realized Nick Barkley was probably the best big brother a guy could ever ask for. But those feelings towards Nick made him feel confused and unsure of himself. He wondered why somebody like Nick would want to be brothers with somebody like him. He had never been a brother before and he’d never had any. This was a new experience for him and he wondered if he was up to the challenge.

When it was time to eat lunch the men decided to sit on the riverbank to eat the lunch Silas prepared for them. Before sitting down to enjoy his lunch, Heath went to the edge of the riverbank and took off his hat filling it with water and placed it on his head. Tilting his head towards the sky and closing his eyes he enjoyed the cool water running down his face. After a moment of enjoying the cool water mixing with the heat of the sun, Heath shook his head of the excess water and grinned. “Boy Howdy, it sure is a hot one today.”

Nick gasped as he felt his heart stop beating when he watched Heath perform a ritual he’d seen his father perform many times. Heath was totally unaware that he carried the traits inside of him of a man he never knew. Nick felt like someone had just punched him in the gut. Nick looked up at the sky and tried to catch his breath to compose the numerous emotions raging inside of him. All of a sudden he felt the wind gush over his face and a sense of peace came over him. Nick could feel his father’s presence and was stunned that this stranger helped bring his father closer to him.

“Can I ask ya another question?” Heath looked intently at Nick after sitting down beside him on the bank, taking a bite of his sandwich.

“Yeah, sure.” Nick said quietly, Heath’s voice had shaken Nick from his reverie.

“What are ya gonna to tell the other men?”

“The truth,” Nick stated assuredly, regaining his composure.

“They ain’t gonna like it none.”

“It’s not for the men to like or dislike!” Nick saw the uneasiness in Heath’s eyes, and changed his forceful tone. “It’ll just take them time to get used to it. But they’ll come around,” Nick paused, “you up to it?”

“I’ve been livin’ all my life with the way those men will treat me. But you and this family will be experiencin’ it for the first time. Just seems like a lot of trouble for ya’ll to be going through.”

“Hah! Been through worse! ‘spect you have to.”

“Yup. Been called every name in the book and it’s always the same. But there’s nothin’ they’ve said that I ain’t heard a million times already.”

“But the worst part isn’t the name callin’, it’s the way they treat ya. Like ya ain’t worth the same as they are. Thinkin’ they’re better than ya. Gettin’ ignored in the store or not allowed to go to certain places, cause they didn’t want ya to contaminate the place. Like bein’ ‘round a bastard makes ya one. Never did get that. It was hard being friends with someone cause once they found out about ya, and they always did, then they’d turn on ya cause they didn’t want to be friends with someone like ya.” Heath blushed and bowed his head looking at his food, “Sorry I usually don’t talk this much.”

“I know!” Nick laughed, “When I tried to get you to talk to me this morning while we were working you wouldn’t say much.”

“Cause you were talkin’ so much Nick I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.” Heath gave him a lopsided grin. Nick gave Heath a playful hit with a fist across the chin.

“Well come on, looks like we might actually get the bridge finished today.” Nick stood up and started to walk back but stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Heath looked at Nick “uh there’s somethin’ I’ve been meanin’ to say to ya.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry ‘bout yesterday.” Heath pointed towards the bridge “I was pretty rough to ya when we were on that bridge.”

“Well it’s not like I was any friendlier towards you either,” Nick laughed. “Come on let’s get back to work. That water’s going to feel really good with this hot sun hitting down on us!”

“Yeah it sure is,” Heath smiled. Heath decided that he really liked Nick. There was nothing he could see in the man that he didn’t admire. Heath made himself a solemn vow at that very moment. No matter what it took or how hard it was, he would never let this big brother of his down!

Jarrod stood on the platform waiting for the train to arrive in Stockton. The train was an hour overdue and Jarrod was becoming restless. Rosa was arriving on the train and he was not looking forward to telling her about Heath.

Heath had arrived at the ranch a week prior and as everyone expected the scandal ran through Stockton like wildfire. The townsfolk were unmerciful towards Heath and the Barkley Family. The ranch hands raised protests with some walking out causing the crew to become short-handed. The men who remained protested in their own way by doing whatever it took to try and get Heath to leave the ranch and made his time there miserable. Each of the Barkley family members lost some friends who couldn’t accept the new addition to the family. However, each was surprised at whom they could trust and who actually remained in their circle of friends offering support. Those they thought would leave stayed while some of those they thought would offer support turned their backs on them.

One of the casualties was Nick’s latest ladylove that he was courting, Jessica, who had been appalled with the idea of Heath living at the ranch. It came as a surprise to no one but Jessica that her courtship with Nick came to an abrupt end. The family had agreed they would stick together through this ordeal no matter the consequences. Now Jarrod wondered how his fiancée would take the news. He hoped he knew her well enough that she wasn’t the type to judge Heath, but in a situation like this and with the surprises of who had reacted the way they had, left Jarrod with no certainties.

The whistle of the train brought Jarrod out of his thoughts and he watched intently as the passengers came off the train. The sight of his fiancée left him breathless as she stepped off the train and into his view. Her rust hair was pulled back away from her face. She was wearing a light blue dress with four rows of lace from the bottom-up and ruffled sleeves. The bodice had a lace neckline that complimented the cameo she wore and her rosy cheeks complimented her light complexion and red luscious lips. Jarrod made his way to her and his blue eyes lit up as the green eyes found his.

“Hello my love.” Jarrod grabbed Rosa’s suitcases from her white-gloved hands and then brought her into an embrace and brushed his lips against hers with a teasing kiss.

“Hello Counselor.” Rosa returned the hug and kiss and then stopped to look at him. “Something is terribly wrong, what is it Jarrod?”

“We’ll talk on the way to the ranch. Come.” Jarrod led Rosa to the Barkley carriage and he placed her suitcases in the back before helping her into the front.

Part of their ride was in silence until Jarrod finally found enough courage to tell her. “Rosa there is something that happened this week and that’s why I brought you here. I have a new brother. He’s 20 years old and his name is Heath.”

Jarrod proceeded to tell Rosa about Heath and his resemblance to their father and how the affair occurred. Telling her how his mother brought Heath back to the ranch to live and the scandal his presence was causing the entire family. After the entire story was revealed there was a silence between them.

“I knew your mother was amazing but I didn’t know how much.” Rosa placed her hand on Jarrod’s and made him stop the buggy. “Jarrod, stop the buggy and look at me!” Jarrod did as requested and they looked into each other’s eyes.

“Maybe a July wedding is too soon and we should postpone. You need to be with your family right now and from what I gather they all need your guidance, especially Heath.”

Jarrod frowned at his ladylove, “Rosa…”

“Shush…” Rosa put her finger to his lips, “it’s not what you think Mr. Barkley. I plan to become your wife and so it’s not like you are getting out of this…your are stuck with me,” she smiled at him, “but with all that’s happened now wouldn’t be a good time.”

Jarrod placed his hand on Rosa’s cheek bringing his body closer to hers and he passionately kissed her, “I love you Rosalie.”

“I love you too Jarrod,” Rosa whispered as she kissed him back before she teased him by slapping his arm. “Now we better get home! The train ride made me exhausted and I need a nap. Not to mention your mother and I will have to discuss a new date for the wedding. Plus I’m excited to meet this new brother of yours! Will you tell me about him? Are he and Nick getting along? And how are your mother and Audra taking the news?”

Jarrod flicked the reins and started the buggy laughing at Rosa’s string of questions realizing it was her way of letting him know she accepted his new brother into the family. “Well, love, let me tell you about him,” Jarrod replied as Rosa hooked her arm in Jarrod’s listening to every word.

As the buggy pulled up to the house they could see the men standing quietly around the corral. “Wonder what’s up over there?” Jarrod inquired at the unusual quietness coming from the men.

“Well let’s go see,” Rosa pulled on his arm and they walked over to stand by Nick. As they walked closer they could see Heath in the middle of the corral with a horse and everyone was watching them in silence.

Standing by Nick Jarrod asked, “What’s this?”

“Shush Counselor!” Nick put his finger to his lips and whispered. “The boy needs it to be quiet.”

“All right but what’s going on?” Jarrod lowered his voice to a whisper as he watched Heath in the corral with the horse.

“That horse there is wild and Heath is gentling him,” Nick answered with pride shining in his eyes.

“Gentling?” Jarrod’s brows scrunched up. “How does this work?”

“Watch him!” Nick pointed to Heath, “He talks to the horse to keep him calm and then he earns the horses trust,” frustrated that he wasn’t making himself clear enough to his confused brother he sighed, “JUST WATCH!” Nick whispered loudly trying to keep his temper under control.

Jarrod did watch him and how the horse that was wild allowed Heath to touch him. But the amazing part was when the horse followed Heath around the corral nudging his shoulder to make him stop and pet him again. Jarrod smiled at this wild horse following his new brother around like a puppy dog.

“Never saw anything like this before!” Jarrod proclaimed.

“Me neither! I’ve heard about this but to actually see it!” Nick grinned with his eyes still transfixed on Heath. Heath walked over to the corral and jumped over the fence leaving the horse nearby craving more attention. “Boy! That was something else!” Nick announced excitedly while patting Heath’s back. The other men dispersed back to the bunkhouse as they quietly whispered about what they had just witnessed.

“Thanks Nick.” Heath’s eyes had shown brightly knowing he pleased Nick. Jarrod watched Heath and saw that Nick’s praise meant a lot to his new brother.

“Heath, I couldn’t agree more with Nick! That was amazing!” Jarrod shook Heath’s hand and brought him over towards Rosa. “Heath I would like you to meet Rosa Simon.”

Heath bashfully smiled and held out his hand, “Miss. Simon. It’s a pleasure to meet ya, Ma’am.”

Rosa smiled and returned Heath’s handshake, “Considering we’re going to become family I think first names will be acceptable, don’t you agree?”

“Yes Ma’am,” Heath smiled. Nick and Jarrod stood beside each other grinning at the exchange before them.

“ROSA! Get over here Sis!” Nick grabbed Rosa into a hug. “You get prettier every time I see you! Which makes me ask what you see in my brother?”

“Nicholas, don’t you ever change!” Rosa laughed returning Nick’s hug and then began walking hand in hand with Jarrod to the house. Nick and Heath grabbed Rosa’s suitcases from the carriage and carried them into the house.

As everyone walked into the foyer, Nick yelled “MOTHER! AUDRA! ROSA’S HOME!” Everyone flinched at the exuberant announcement.

“Thanks Nick! At least now the entire valley knows I’m home as well!” Rosa teased with everyone laughing.

“Rosa!” Victoria and Audra came from the kitchen and exchanged hugs with Jarrod’s fiancée.

Nick turned to Heath. “Boy if you want the tub first you better make a run for it!” Nick saw Heath’s hesitation and grinned, “This offer won’t happen again!”

“All right Nick,” Heath grinned and ran up the stairs towards the water closet.

Pouring himself a drink Nick turned to Jarrod, “Jarrod did you see the faces of the men out there? They were stunned with what that boy could do. It’s the first time they’ve actually been civilized with Heath.”

“I saw it Nick,” Jarrod smiled as he took a drink of his brandy.

“Rosa I see you met Heath” Audra asked as she sat beside her and Jarrod on the sofa.

“Yes Audra I have. He seems very shy.”

“He is, but he’s so special,” Audra smiled.

Jarrod and Rosa looked at each other and held hands as Jarrod spoke up, “Rosa and I talked on the way here and we’ve decided to postpone the wedding. We felt July was too soon with everything that’s currently going on.”

Everyone in the room gasped, “No! There is no need for this!” Victoria protested.

“It’s all right Victoria.” Rosa smiled, “Like I told Jarrod it’s not like he’s getting rid of me that easy. We’re still getting married, just not in July.”

“When?” Audra asked.

“Well we haven’t gotten that far yet.” Rosa smiled looking at Jarrod and then to the rest of the family, “It’s just that I think Jarrod needs to focus his time on this family and on Heath. All of you need the time right now to focus on being a family.”

“But you are family!” Nick replied.

“Thank you Nick.” Rosa smiled, touched with Nick’s declaration, “but that’s not what I mean. All of you need time. And Jarrod needs time to focus on getting to know Heath. Having a wife would only complicate matters right now.”

“I don’t understand how!” Nick voiced as he walked to the fireplace.

“I also think we need to give this valley time to get back to normal after the news of Heath’s arrival.” Jarrod’s calm voice replied, “I don’t want our wedding to be a spectacle for this valley as to who Heath is. It would make him feel uncomfortable and it would turn this wedding into a circus. It wouldn’t be pleasant for any of us.”

“There’s no reason to be so down about this.” Rosa smiled as she looked into downcast eyes, “A wedding is still taking place. Now if ye will excuse me I think I’ll go upstairs and take a nap before dinner.” Rosa gave Jarrod a kiss then stood up with Victoria and Audra accompanying her upstairs to the guestroom where they would help her unpack before her nap.

Upstairs, Heath walked into the water closet and closed the door behind him leaning his head against it. He heard every word and knew he was the reason his brother wasn’t getting married as planned. He had been right and his presence had turned this family’s lives upside down.

That night Heath was in bed, but he wasn’t having a peaceful sleep. Heath had been plagued by dreams from Carterson Prison every night since his arrival at the ranch. Every time he was in a new place, a strange surrounding or was injured his mind was transported back to the place he dreaded the most. Tonight was no different as Heath was yet again forced to relive his imprisonment.

The small 6x6 cell that was laid down with hay had no windows and was his bedroom and bathroom. Covered in filth and multiple injuries he was curled up in the corner of the cell with his knees pushed towards his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs. He was hiding in the corner away from the light hoping the guards would pass him by. On some nights they would, but on others they would stop. Tonight they stopped! The guards were drunk and they were laughing at the battered teenage boy. Unlocking the cell the guards walked into his room swinging their sticks in the air.

“No! No, go away! Get out!” Heath screamed as he began thrashing in the bed causing the covers to fall to the floor. Every night so far Heath had been successful in not waking anyone in the house. Tonight that would change.

Nick sat up in his bed startled by the screams he heard. His first thought was that someone had broken into the house. Jumping out of bed and pulling on his pants and then his shirt he grabbed his gun and walked into the hallway. The voice became clearer and Nick quickly realized it belonged to Heath. Opening Heath’s door with his gun drawn ready for whatever might come his way, he was shocked at the scene in front of him.

Nick walked into the room laying his gun on the dresser and walked closer to his frightened brother, who was experiencing a bad dream. Sitting down on the bed he grabbed a hold of Heath’s shoulders and began to shake them.

“Heath! Boy wake up!”

When Nick held Heath’s shoulders he began to fight harder as he tried to resist being held down. “Let me go! No! Stop you’re hurtin’ me!”

“Heath I’m not going to hurt you boy! You’re dreaming!”

Realizing Heath wasn’t hearing his words Nick’s automatic reflex had him pulling Heath up and into his arms to comfort him. Holding Heath tightly in his arms Nick spoke calmly into Heath’s ear and rubbing his back as he rocked him gently back and forth.

“You’re safe boy. Nobody’s going to hurt you. You’re safe.”

The gentle words were spoken over and over until eventually they made their way to the subconscious of Heath’s mind and slowly he began to wake up. The scene he was reliving quickly vanished from his sight and for a moment he wasn’t sure where he was.

“Where am I?” Confusion clearly displayed in Heath’s voice.

“You’re home.” Nick said simply.

Home, he was home. In his room and his big brother Nick was holding him in his arms. For a moment he felt comforted and began to relax as the feel of the strong arms around him made him feel safe! All of a sudden the realization of the moment became too clear and as embarrassment sank in Heath pulled away from Nick’s embrace.

“I’m sorry.” Heath panted as he moved further to the head of the bed with his legs bent towards his chest.

Nick saw the embarrassment in Heath’s eyes. “It’s all right Little Brother. We all have bad dreams. You all right now?”

“Yeah I’m fine.” Heath lied as he shivered from a cold gust of air that came through the open window, only making his wet nightshirt cling to him more.

“Well it looks like you could use a change of clothes and bed sheets. And that cold air isn’t helping matters any.” Nick stood up from the bed. “I’ll get the clean sheets for you. You got a spare nightshirt to wear?” Nick wasn’t surprised to see the negative shake of the head, “Well I think I can find you one of mine to wear. It’ll be a little big but at least it’ll be dry.”

Nick walked out of the room taking his gun with him as he walked back to his own bedroom. “Complicated!” Nick repeated the word that Heath said to him a week earlier. He shook his head wondering what exactly it was Heath was dreaming about. Finding a spare nightshirt Nick went to the linen closet for the sheets.

Walking back into the room Nick found Heath in the same position he was in when he left. Nick tapped Heath’s shoulder, “Why don’t you get changed? I’ll change the sheets.”

Without saying a word Heath got up and went over to the chair waiting for the right moment to undress. Nick’s back was towards him while he busied himself changing the sheets so Heath quickly changed nightshirts making sure his back was hidden from view. After the nightshirt was changed he sat down in the chair with his eyes never leaving Nick. Nick saw him watching and he threw him a towel he also brought with him.

“Here! Dry your hair. No point in dry clothes and sheets if the hair’s wet.” Heath dried his hair and when Nick was finished with the bed change he looked over, “All done!”

“Thanks,” Heath walked over to the bed and crawled under the covers.

“Forget it.” Nick looked suspiciously at his new brother, “You sure you’re all right?”

“Yeah fine,” Heath lied as he buried himself further down the warm blankets.

“Well why don’t you try and get some sleep then?” Nick walked over to the doorway and turned off the wall lamp before turning around to look at Heath one last time. While watching Heath, Nick couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something about this new brother of his that brought out his instinct to protect him. Not wanting to leave him alone, Nick moved the chair to the side of the bed and sat down.

Heath stared at Nick with confusion on his face, “What are ya doin’?”

“Thought you might want a little company until you fell back to sleep,” Nick smiled.

Heath smiled back and closed his eyes. He was afraid to admit the feelings this brother of his was causing him to experience. There was something about Nick’s presence that gave him a sense of confidence that his bad dreams wouldn’t return tonight.

Spring was quickly approaching the San Joaquin Valley. It was the third week of March and Audra was occupying her time with preparations for the Easter egg hunt at the Orphanage. Victoria and Rosa offered her their services to prepare for the egg hunt that would take place at the Orphanage. The event would also include a picnic and games for the children.

Jarrod began preparations for the Litton case leaving him too busy for anything else. Nick and Heath were over working themselves since they were short-handed with help on the ranch. Heath still found resistance with the men but he never backed down from whatever they threw at him. Working closely together all day on the ranch and facing difficult situations strengthened the bond between Nick and Heath. There was nothing Heath wouldn’t do to prove himself to Nick while Nick found there was nothing Heath did that didn’t impress him.

However, like all relationships, the brothers found there were good and bad times in their newfound partnership in running the ranch. Nick had complete control over the ranch for four years and although he wanted the partnership he was having trouble letting go. The resistance caused Nick and Heath to periodically find themselves in a fistfight over a disagreement about the decisions in running the ranch. Afterwards they would get along so well that only the bruises were any indication the fight had even occurred. Everyone in the family marveled at their relationship. They were concerned about the fighting but even more amazed at how fast the fight would later be forgotten.

Jarrod assured Victoria that it would only be a matter of time for the brothers to find a way to communicate with each other that didn’t involve fists. But he warned her that it was a common ground they would need to find themselves, but he promised her that he would make sure to keep his eye on them and intervene if necessary.

Heath’s nightmares finally seized much to his, and Nick’s relief. Nick found himself becoming more in tune to his brother’s nightmares and so almost every night for the next week Nick would be woken up by the screams and he’d rush to comfort him. The rest of the family was oblivious to the fearful dreams, and the next morning the brothers would never speak of them, not that Nick didn’t try, but he met with so much resistance from Heath that he decided not to push it for now.

Heath was still bothered with the idea he was responsible for his brother’s wedding being postponed and after two weeks of deciding what to do he finally got the courage to talk with Jarrod. Heath knocked on the door of the library and walked in to find Jarrod buried in papers covering the desk. “Hello Brother Heath.”

“Howdy Jarrod,” Heath sat down stretching his legs across the sofa and began reading the book in his hand.

“What book are you reading?” Jarrod asked. When Heath arrived at the ranch his favorite room in the house became the library. With little access to books as a child Heath was amazed with the volume of books now available to him. Audra helped him search for a book and when he finally chose one he took it to his room and read it every night.

“It’s called ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog Of Calaveras County and Other Sketches’ by Mark Twain.”

“Mark Twain’s my favorite author. That’s his first book. Mother saw this book in a store while she was shopping in Frisco and knowing that I was a fan of his she bought it for me.” Jarrod looked at Heath, “Are you enjoying it?”

“Yeah very much. Audra said he was your favorite and I can see why. She also told me this was your book. Are ya sure it’s all right if I read it?”

“Of course it’s all right. That’s what all of these books in the library are for, Heath. You help yourself to any of them at anytime.”

“Thanks Jarrod,” Heath smiled. “Have ya read it yet?”

“Yes I have, more than once. This book is a collection of 27 previously released pieces, written during Twain's years as a newspaper writer in Nevada and California.”

“Well don’t tell me anymore,” Heath pleaded.

“I won’t do that.” Jarrod laughed, “there’s no fun if someone tells you.”

“That’s for sure. Am I botherin’ ya?”

“Nope. Nice to have the company.”

“Well Nick said I’d be botherin’ ya. Said ya weren’t pleasant to be ‘round when preparing for a case. Said you’d bite my head off for bein’ in here.”

Jarrod chuckled, “Well I did bite Nick’s head off once but that’s because he likes to make sure you know he’s in the room…if you know what I mean?”

Both brothers laughed and Heath replied, “Yeah I know exactly what ya mean.”

...Continued