The lack of a strong immune system caused Heath to become vulnerable from the concussion. Robbed of his strength Heath was forced to remain in bed to recover until he was finally able to return to his work on the ranch after a week. Victoria made Nick promise not to mention to Heath that he continually called her “Mama” in his delirium. Victoria was unaware of how Heath would feel knowing how he called for her because of his love for Leah. Heath’s older brothers talked about how Nick experienced the same gut feeling for Heath as he had for the other members in the family. A sign that they agreed had sealed the fact that Heath was indeed a Barkley.

When April arrived in the San Joaquim Valley so did the Easter holiday. The Barkley Family attended church services for Easter Sunday before heading to the Orphanage for the picnic, games and egg hunt that was planned.

Arriving at the orphanage, the Barkley wagon was attacked by the orphans. Heath’s ribs had almost healed and there was only a slight visibility of a few minor cuts and bruises. Nick helped Heath down from the wagon.

“Boy Howdy Nick ya fuss over me worse then the women.” Heath teased receiving a growl from his big brother, and chuckles from the rest of the family.

“Maybe I should just let you fall out of this wagon, boy.” Nick scowled.

“Ah ya wouldn’t do that Big Brother cause then I wouldn’t be well enough to beat ya at poker…and checkers…and…”

“All right enough of that now!” Nick chuckled causing Heath to do the same.

“Mr. Heath! Mr. Heath!” the boys ran into Heath making him nearly lose his balance causing Nick to grab hold to keep him from falling.

“Howdy boys.” Heath blushed at the affection being shown to him.

“Are ya gonna help us with the egg hunt, Mr. Heath?” Billy looked up at Heath and offered a toothless grin.

“You betcha Billy.” Heath ruffled the boy’s hair, “Never hunted eggs before so I’m not missin’ out on my first hunt.” Heath looked at Nick and grinned, “I betcha that even Mr. Nick here will help us with that egg hunt. Won’t ya Mr. Nick?”

“Uh…?”

“Mr. Nick here is my big brother,” Heath interrupted Nick not giving him time to object. “Remember me tellin’ you about him?” Heath’s question received affirmative nods and the boys smiled up at Nick. He gave Heath a suspicious glare.

“You talked about me?” Nick whispered in Heath’s ear.

“Yep.” Heath grinned then turned back to the boys, “So would ya like Mr. Nick to help us find those eggs?”

The boys were thrilled to have Nick and Heath join them and were certain to let the cowboys know it. One little boy in particular became transfixed on the tall dark-haired cowboy. “Will you help us Mr. Nick?” A little boy asked as he tugged on his hand.

Nick turned and saw the little boy and the fading affects of a black left eye that was on his face. He knelt down on one knee so he was eye level with the tyke and tapped the young boy’s nose with his finger smiling. “What’s your name?”

“Johnny.”

“Well Johnny, I’d be honored to help you find those eggs.” Nick grinned ruffling the boy’s black hair so much like his own.

“ALL RIGHT!” Johnny replied with a huge grin.

“Come on Boys! It’s almost time to eat!” Sister Marie called as the children ran to her side and walked with her to the tables set up in the yard.

“Heath, what happened to Johnny’s eye? It looks like somebody hit him.” Nick asked as they began gathering the food from the back of the wagon and taking it over to the tables.

“His dad did that to him. He came here about two weeks ago after his dad dropped him off saying he didn’t want him anymore,” Heath replied.

“And his mother?” Rosa asked as she helped set the table.

“She died when Johnny was born. His father blamed him for her death that’s why he banged him around. He ended up finding a woman to marry and she didn’t want him so he dropped the boy off here.”

“Oh that’s awful. That poor child,” Victoria replied.

Heath looked over at Nick and saw a look of sadness on his face. “Nick?” Heath touched Nick’s arm, “you all right?”

“Yeah I’m fine.” Nick answered seeing the look of disbelief in Heath’s face, “damn boy how do you do that?” Nick mumbled.

“Nick?”

“What did you tell them about me?”

“I told ‘em that you’re my big brother, and as my big brother it was your job to protect me and make sure nobody hurt me.”

“You told them that?” Nick looked at Heath unable to keep the surprise out of his face.

“Yeah. There were these brothers fightin’ and sayin’ how they wished they didn’t have a brother. I told ‘em I use to be an only child and now I have brothers and a sister. So they asked me about it.” Heath paused, “it’s true ain’t it?”

“Uh…sure,” Nick mumbled embarrassed at the adoration Heath was giving him.

“I also told ‘em that ya adored me.” Heath tried to keep a straight face but the look on Nick’s made him laugh out loud at his brother’s smirk.

After lunch, the children readied themselves for the egg hunt. Nick and Heath were among the mix of children and were as anxious as they for the hunt to begin.

“Is everyone ready?” Audra hollers at the crowd receiving shouts of approval from the impatient children. “Get ready! Get set! GO!” With Audra’s shout the children began to run into the field. They scampered in all directions looking for eggs. Nick, Heath, Audra and Sister Marie assisted the younger children in finding the eggs.

Jarrod, Rosa and Victoria sat on a blanket on the ground as they enjoyed watching the children searching for the eggs. “I’m trying to figure out who’s having more fun…the children or our brothers,” Jarrod joked.

“Looks like it’s a tie.” Rosa smiled, “What do you think Victoria?” Noticing Victoria was close to tears, Rosa nudged Jarrod.

“Mother?”

“I’m fine, children. It’s just that I can’t imagine the thought Heath never hunted for Easter eggs before.” Tears streamed down Victoria’s cheeks. “He lost out on so much, it’s just not fair.”

“No Mother it’s not. But he’s with us now. We’ll make sure he gets everything he never had. We’ll get to see a lot of firsts with him, just like you did with all of us…starting with this egg hunt.”

Victoria smiled at her son and realized he was telling the truth, “yes we will certainly make sure of that, won’t we?”

After the egg hunt was over Heath and Nick joined the rest of the family. “Look at the eggs we gathered.” Heath grinned proudly.

“You boys did a good job out there.” Jarrod smiled as he inspected the eggs in his brothers’ basket.

Nick and Heath sat down on the grass near their family and soon children were flocked around them. “Thanks for helpin’ us, Mr. Heath and Mr. Nick.” The children praised.

“I had a good time, did you?” Heath asked and laughed when he heard the kids agree to the good time they had experienced.

“Will we see ya again, Mr. Nick?” Johnny asked.

“Of course you’ll see me again.” Nick declared as he grabbed Johnny into his arms and began tickling him.

Sister Marie collected the children for more fun and games while Nick and Heath decided to take a break and lay down on the grass so they could recover from their exhaustion. “That was a lot of fun, Nick. I’m glad ya joined us.”

“I’m glad I did too, Little Brother.” Nick grinned realizing this was just one memory amongst many more he would be sharing with this new brother of his. Nick looked over at Heath and smiled, “Ready for the three-legged race?”

Audra’s hard work for the event paid off with the entire afternoon turning into a huge success.

After the Easter Holiday, the Litton case came to a close with Jarrod adding another victory to his resume. The family enjoyed a dinner in Stockton to celebrate Jarrod’s successful case. With the case now over, Rosa decided it was time she left Stockton and return to San Francisco. It wasn’t a decision she wanted to make but knew it was for the best.

The wedding was planned for the first week of November and Rosa felt that if she remained in Stockton for too much longer she and Jarrod would be unable to resist each other and the temptation that flowed through them on a daily basis. Despite the fact the couple had already made love many times, they were trying to hold off until the wedding out of fear of pregnancy and for the fact it was the right thing morally to do. Rosa’s devout Catholic belief, and the fact Jarrod was in the process of becoming Catholic, also played a role in their decision. But their promise to one another was getting harder for the couple to uphold.

Rosa also had to return to her work at “The Angel’s Of Mercy Clinic” where she helped care for the sick and also lobbied heavily with the socially prominent of the city for funds to support the growing clinic. The clinic was run by the Catholic Church and took care of low-income families in the poorer sections of Frisco where people were unable to pay for their medical services. The clinic held a special place in Rosa’s heart and she wanted to see the hospital become a huge success.

Jarrod was in the library working on ranch paperwork when Rosa came into the room. “Hello Counselor.”

“Hello my love,” Jarrod smiled. “Are you all packed?”

“Yes,” the disappointment was clearly heard in Rosa’s voice.

“I’ll miss you.” Jarrod stood up and went around the desk shutting the library door and bringing Rosa into an embrace, nuzzling her ear.

“Jarrod!” Rosa scolded, “This is the reason why I have to go back to Frisco.”

“Well, I could take care of that.” Jarrod’s ocean blue eyes were full of mischief. “We could go on a picnic to a very, VERY, secluded place on the ranch. We would have all the privacy we need.”

“Jarrod Thomas Barkley, what kind of woman do you think I am?”

“It’s not like we haven’t already…” Jarrod stopped in mid-sentence as he pressed himself against her, as she became sandwiched between his body and the closed library door. They could feel each other’s desires as their bodies were pushed against one another. Running his hand through her auburn hair he cupped Rosa’s face in his right hand moving her face upwards as he brought his lips to hers. His kiss was forceful and full of the emotions and wants of the last month from living under the same roof but having to remain apart.

Her arms were wrapped around his neck and she moaned from the passion of his kiss and the excitement building inside. “How secluded is this place?”

“Very!” Jarrod nuzzled her neck and allowed his kisses to make a path from her lips down her neck and to the top of the neckline of her dress. His actions caused a sensation to burn inside of her that could no longer be denied. “Still want to wait, my love?”

“I’ll go pack us a picnic lunch, you go saddle the horses.” Rosa kissed Jarrod then slipped out from his hold and walked out of the library leaving her lover standing alone in the room and clearly desiring more.

“November!” Jarrod lamented as he poured himself a brandy and allowed the drink to burn his throat. The liquid went down in one quick swallow. “Seven months. I don’t think I can make it.”

Nick and Heath were in the barn and were bedding down Coco and Gal after a long day of working on the ranch. “Heath, why do you get up so early in the mornings?”

“Because I like to watch the sunrise.”

“Like to watch the sunrise huh?”

“Yeah ya know when the sun…” Heath chuckled when Nick through a chunk of straw at him, getting it in his hair and on his shirt.

“I know what a sunrise is smart ass!”

“Well ya said it like…”

“I just meant,” Nick waved his hand in the air showing his patience was wearing thin. “That I don’t know why somebody would waste a perfectly good sleep time just to watch the sun come up.”

“Have ya ever watched the sunrise, Nick?”

“Never really looked at it being anything special…”

“Well would ya like to join me sometime? I sometimes stick around the house to watch the sunrise, but the best place for the most beautiful site you’ll ever see is on the North Ridge. Sittin’ on the rock up there ya can see the entire ranch below and as the sun comes up behind the ranch…it looks just like a painting.”

Nick saw Heath’s smile and how he was so content and appeared at peace while talking about the sunrise. “You mean you’re inviting me to see it with ya?”

“Well considering ya never really looked at a sunrise, Nick, I figure ya need your little brother to show ya what you’ve been missing out on.” Heath grinned, “and here I thought a big brother was suppose to guide little brother.”

“Oh shut up!” Nick chuckled as he tousled Heath’s hair and threw more straw at the blond. Both brothers were laughing as Heath swatted at Nick and protested from the attack. The teasing between the brothers was interrupted when Jarrod entered the barn. “Hello Jarrod.”

“Hello Nick, Heath.” Jarrod went over and began saddling Jingo and Mischief.

“You and Rosa going for a ride before dinner?” Nick asked his older brother as he began helping him saddle the horses.

“Yes we are, Rosa wanted to have one last look at the ranch before she goes back to the city. We’re taking a picnic basket with us so we won’t be here for dinner,” Jarrod replied. “You boys going into town to the saloon tonight with the men?”

“Yeah I am, you going Heath?”

“Yeah I was plannin’ on it.”

“Well you boys have fun and stay out of trouble. I don’t want to have to come and bail you out again!” Jarrod’s twinkling eyes betrayed his big brother tone.

“Yes Sir.” Nick saluted with a sly grin. "Sounds to me like he wants to make sure he and Rosa aren't disturbed tonight."

“Don’t worry, Jarrod, we’ll make sure your last day with Rosa doesn’t get ruined.” Heath smiled.

“I appreciate that,” Jarrod smiled. “See you boys later, and Heath…the straw is suppose to go in the stalls not in your hair,” Jarrod chuckled as he led Jingo and Mischief out of the barn and to a waiting Rosa, carrying the picnic basket.

It was past midnight when Nick and Heath stumbled into the house. Both brothers slowly climbed the stairs and to their bedrooms. Before the brothers could separate and go into their own rooms, Nick grabbed Heath’s arm.

“Hey Little Brother, you still gonna watch the sunrise tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Well don’t forget to wake me so I can come with you.”

“Wake ya? Ah Nick you’re gonna be like waking a bear from his hibernation,” Heath nearly whined, “Ya ain’t gonna get more than five hours of sleep.”

“Wake me or you’ll get worse then a waking bear from his hibernation.”

“All right, Big Brother, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” Nick started to walk to his room, “Night Heath.”

“Night Nick, see ya in a few hours.” Heath answered as he walked to his room.

The room was pitch black when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. “Nick? Wake up, Sunshine.” Nick’s only response was a moan. “Come on, ya wanted this so get up.” Another moan escaped his lips before his eyes could see in the dark. His eyes scanned the room and paused on the brother standing over him.

“I’m up,” Nick wiped his eyes and sat up in bed. He turned up the oil lamp by his bedside table. Heath chuckled at the messy hair that went all over the place, “ah shut up! You don’t look like no Sleeping Beauty when you first wake up either!”

“Nick, if ya prefer to go back to sleep-”

“I’m coming!” Nick pushed the covers back as he threw his legs over the side of the bed. He stood up and stretched, releasing a big yawn, “Why don’t you go downstairs and get us a couple cups of coffee and allow me to get dressed.”

“All right, I’ll make yours black and extra strong Big Brother.” Heath smiled as he walked out of the room.

Nick moaned and groaned as he went to his dresser for his clothes. “Get up to watch the sunrise. No wonder I never did this before. Only a crazy person would get up before the crack of dawn just to watch a stupid orange ball go up the sky. And I must of been crazy to let him talk me into it!”

Heath went downstairs and saw Silas in the kitchen. “Mornin’ Silas,” Heath greeted his friend as he sat down at the table. “Nick is joinin’ us so can I get his coffee extra strong?” Heath paused and chuckled, “Oh and he’s grouchy.”

“I’ll get his coffee made right now, Mr. Heath.” Silas smiled at the thought of Nick getting up to watch the sunrise. Unless Nick was caring for an animal on the ranch he never was up before the sun. Silas wondered if Heath realized exactly what it was Nick was doing and the reason behind it.

Nick could be heard before he was seen as his spurs announced his arrival down the backstairs. Silas tried to hide his laugh when he saw the exhaustion on Nick’s face. “Mornin’ Mr. Nick.”

“Morning Silas,” Nick tried to force a smile when Silas handed him his coffee, “Thank you, I really need this.”

Nick sat down across from Heath at the table and received a big smile from his little brother causing him to groan, “Don’t tell me you’re cheerful in the morning, too?”

“I’m sorry Nick, I can’t help it I like mornings, I guess ya don’t,” Heath grinned.

“This is my first official sunrise you know, and this is the best I can do!”

“I know,” Heath offered an understanding smile, “and five hours of sleep don’t help.”

Silas offered the boys some hot biscuits just out of the oven. “Ya’n take some of these with ya. Be careful they’re still hot.”

“Thanks Silas,” Nick and Heath echoed as they each grabbed a hot biscuit and didn’t even bother with the butter, just allowing the hot bread to melt in their mouths. When his warning was ignored Silas sighed, throwing up his hands and shook his head as he walked back to prepare the breakfast meal.

“Ready?” Heath asked as he grabbed some more biscuits for their ride and stood up.

“Yeah,” Nick answered trying to hide a yawn.

Heath chuckled as he caught the yawn. “Why don’t I go get Coco and Gal saddled up and ya get another cup of coffee in ya?”

“Yeah sure, thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

After another cup of coffee in him, Nick stood up and started to walk to the back door. Silas tapped him on the shoulder, “it’s real nice of you to go with him, Mr. Nick. I know it means a lot to him.”

“Means a lot to me too, Silas.” Nick smiled at Silas and then walked out the back door. He rolled his eyes when his overly cheerful little brother greeted him. Silas was proud to see the magnitude of love for each other that generated from the brothers.

They mounted and rode to the North Ridge in companionable silence. As they neared their destination Heath smiled, “Ya still awake?”

“Yeah,” Nick smiled as he walked with Heath to the edge of the cliff. Both brothers sat beside each other and spread their long legs out in front of them as they leaned against the big oak tree. “So now what? We just wait?”

“Yup,” Heath opened up the bag of biscuits and placed them in front of him and Nick. “Here have another biscuit while we wait.”

The brothers ate the biscuits until it was time for the sun to rise. With the view of the entire ranch below them, the brothers watched in awe as the blanket of night was slowly pulled away and the window of morning light was opened for their viewing pleasures. The beauty in front of them caused the brothers to release a single gasp. Two brothers! Two Partners! Two Best Friends! One ranch they both loved that was shared equally in their hearts. One ranch they sweated day in and day out to make sure remained a success. One ranch that its open land offered serenity and peace that could only be found in the heart of a Rancher. Only these two men who shared this unique bond could understand the love that flowed through them at the sight they were blessed to be witness to.

“After all these years, I can’t believe I never really looked…”

Heath watched and noticed the raw emotion on his brother’s face and smiled, “Like a painting.”

“Like a painting,” Nick echoed.

The brothers remained where they were content with the peace both of them felt as the morning sun blanketed over the ranch that meant so much to them. After a moment of silence, Heath looked at Nick and in a voice above a whisper he bore his soul to his brother.

“My back…the scars…some of ‘em came from my Uncle Matt…”

Nick was honored with the disclosure his new brother was offering and he turned his head and noticed his brother’s eyes were full of pain, torment and shame. With compassion, pride, love and patience clearly shining in his hazel eyes he softly asked, “You want to tell me about it?”

Heath’s eyes scanned the view ahead of him as his heart began beating faster. His hands began to shake and he started to subconsciously play with the cuffs on his shirt. He let out a heavy sigh, closed his eyes, and his lips turned up into a smile when he felt Nick’s hand come around his shoulder. He needed to feel the strength that came with the strong hand of his brother. He welcomed the touch.

“My uncle hated me. He hated that I was born. Thought Mama should’ve gotten rid of me…either by death or adoption. He was angry how the town talked about us. He was ashamed to be related to us cause the town was unmerciful to him. He turned to drinkin’…a lot of drinkin’. He was an evil man, with death in his eyes. But when he was drunk, it was somehow like he became more dangerous.”

“It didn’t matter what I did, it seemed to be the wrong thing. With a sting of the hand, or worse…he’d take me to the basement. It was the whip, the razor strap or his belt. It didn’t matter, whatever mood he was in that day. He’d take me to the basement, strip me of my clothes and he’d just start beatin’ me. The worse part was that I was afraid he’d never stop. He’d go on for what seemed like forever. That scared me more than anythin’ cause I was afraid he’d kill me. Sometimes I wished he had.”

“After the beatin’ he’d leave me down there. It was dark in the basement and I was afraid of the dark. Cause of workin’ in the mines and having been in cave-ins, I hated the dark. Still do. He hated that I cried, said those women who raised me were coddlin’ me too much. He said men don’t cry and he needed to make me into a man.”

Heath paused and wiped the tears that were streaming down his cheeks. He pulled his legs up and wrapped his arms around his knees. Nick never removed his hand from Heath’s shoulder but instead he only strengthened his hold.

“When I was 14 I decided to leave Strawberry. I was dumb. I thought if I left town the beatings would stop. That’s all I wanted to never be hit again. Stupid me ran off and joined the war. I lied and said I was 16 and they didn’t ask for proof, just signed me up. The men in my troop knew I wasn’t 16 but I never told ‘em the truth. They would always protect me though. Whenever talk about girls or somethin’ came up that they didn’t think I should hear they’d protect me from hearin’ it. Made me real mad too.”

Nick chuckled at the idea of a teenage Heath getting mad at the men protecting him. “I just bet you were mad.” Heath smiled with Nick at the memory but it quickly faded away.

“I was a sharp shooter in the war. I was good at it too…at least that’s what they always said. Got a medal but cause of my age the Army took it back. The Army wiped their hands of me. I was an embarrassment to them too. Anyway, this particular day they wanted me to take out this Southern Major. Said that if he were taken out it would help turn the war into the favor of the North. So my troop went near enemy lines. Some of the guys staked out the camp and found out the Major had the same morning ritual. It was a ritual that allowed him out of the arms of his men long enough to allow me to kill him. It was just the open window we needed so we took it. “

“I was 250 yards away from him in the trees. I had him in my eyesight through the scope. Before I fired I would sing or hum part of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.’ Don’t know where that started, but I’d remember bein’ in Strawberry and for a moment if felt like I was back there. My Captain said it was some sort of hypnosis. In some ways I guess it was. When I had someone in my target I didn’t think of him as a livin’, breathin’ person. I couldn’t or I’d wonder if he was married, had children, about his family. I couldn’t think that way or I’d never been able to do what I was trained to do.”

“After I took out the Major, his men started stormin’ the area. We ran and I don’t know what happened to our escape plan but everything went wrong. We were captured. They wanted to know who the shooter was but none of the men would say it. They wouldn’t rat me out, no matter what they did to us, they wouldn’t tell.”

“They tied us up to a back of a wagon and made us walk for what seemed like days. I don’t know how long we walked. But they wouldn’t give us food or water. They’d beat us too. When we could see the prison we realized we’d probably never walk out alive. We met the man whose job was to make certain we didn’t come out alive. His name was Matt Bentell.” Heath chuckled, “Funny ain’t it? The two men I fear most in this world are named Matt.”

“Andersonville?”

“Carterson.”

“How long?”

“Seven months…” Heath chuckled nervously, “ I was captured on October 16th and was released March 26th.”

“Damn.”

“I spent 10 months in an Army Hospital in Texas. They were more concerned about fixin’ the body then the mind. Body wasn’t all that fixed when I was released but it was good enough for them. My mind…that was another story…it never healed. I became messed up and nobody knew how to fix it.” Heath couldn’t hold back his sobs and his voice was above a whisper, “They broke me.”

Heath started breathing too fast and he began gasping for air. “I can’t…I can’t do it…I’m sorry…I thought I could…but I can’t…”

His entire body was trembling and he couldn’t stop it. He moved on all fours as he crawled away and vomited the few biscuits that he had eaten. Nick handed him the canteen and had him wash out his mouth and then he pulled him back into his arms and held him close to his chest. His arms tightly held onto his brother and he rocked him back and forth as he leaned against the tree. He allowed Heath to cry out his pain as he remembered a hell he was forced to live through on earth.

A half-hour later, the crying subsided but he was still trembling. Heath was content to not move from the safety of his brother’s arms. His words were a muffled whisper as he spoke. “I never told that to anyone before. I never talked about it.”

“That’s why the demons still haunt you, Heath.” Nick brushed a hand through the damp blond hair. “You need to talk about it to release the hold it has on you.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Of course you can.” Nick smiled as he forced Heath to look up at him, “Because you aren’t alone anymore Heath. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you and I’ll always be here. So will Jarrod, Mother and Audra. You have a family now, Heath, a family that loves you. Let us help you.”

“Ya aren’t ashamed of me? Now that ya know the truth?”

“Ashamed?” Nick’s voice revealed his disbelief that Heath would think such thoughts. “No, Heath I’m not ashamed of you. I think you are the most courageous, strongest man that I know and one I am damn proud to call my brother.”

Heath smiled up at Nick “Do ya really mean that?”

Nick smiled back at him, “You bet I do.”

“Nick, when I’m ready to talk about Carterson…I mean really talk about what happened in that place I’ll let ya know.”

“I’ll be here,” Nick promised. After a moment of silence he spoke, “It’s getting late, we better get back. We’re gonna miss breakfast.”

Heath pulled out of Nick’s embrace and sat up. Nick stood up and reached his hand out and Heath smiled as he grabbed the strong hand that pulled him up to a standing position. “Thanks Nick.”

“Anytime Little Brother.” Nick paused and looked at Heath, “Uh…Heath…is it all right if I join you again to watch the sunrise?”

“I thought only a crazy person would get up before the crack of dawn just to watch a stupid orange ball go up the sky?” Heath asked as he narrowed his eyes and saw the surprised expression and the color drain from Nick’s face.

“Uh Heath…” Nick tried to find some way to explain his comment from earlier, that he didn’t know Heath had overheard. The tension quickly was released when he saw the twinkle in Heath’s eyes and the lips twitch realizing his brother was failing his attempt to keep a straight face. It wasn’t long until the blond burst out into a hearty laugh and he ducked to miss the hand swatting at him. “HEATH!”

Heath ran off towards their horses with Nick in hot pursuit. Heath jumped onto Gal’s back and waited for Nick to jump onto Coco. Then the brothers rode for home. On the ride home Nick’s face graced the most beautiful smile when he heard the soft drawl cut through the morning air.

“I’d be honored to have ya join me in watchin’ the sunrise anytime, Big Brother.”

Nick and Heath returned to the house and entered through the front door. Both brothers walked side-by-side into the dining room. They were greeted with the sound of quiet chatter from their family sitting around the large table. Victoria sat at the far end of the table with Audra and Rosa to her right while Jarrod sat across from Victoria. The two seats to the left of Victoria were awaiting the arrival of the two cowboys that had, until just recently, been absent.

“Well there you boys are. I was wondering if you were joining us this morning,” Victoria smiled as she looked up to see her sons walk into the room.

Heath and Nick looked at each other. Nick put his arm around Heath’s shoulder, offering a wink and a nod as his encouragement to his brother.

Heath looked at the faces of everyone in the room before he sighed and looked down at the floor. “The scars on my back…they’re from my Uncle Matt and from…” Heath paused.

Silence engulfed the room until two words quietly spoken stole the oxygen in the room leaving all those present with shattered hearts.

“And from Carterson Prison.”

Epilogue

Later in the evening after everyone at the Barkley home retired to bed for the night, Heath Barkley was still awake. He had told his family about Carterson Prison that morning. Although he didn’t go into detail, for he wasn’t ready for that just yet, he told them more than he thought was ever possible. The family offered their love and support promising him he would never be alone with his fight. For the first time since his imprisonment and his release he had hope…hope he would actually find freedom from the demons that held him hostage for far too many years.

Sitting behind the big oak desk in the library with an oil lamp mixing its amber glow with that of the fireplace, Heath had a pen in hand as he wrote a letter to his Aunt Rachel…

Dear Aunt Rachel,

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two months since I came to live at the Barkley Ranch. Enclosed is the recent family photo Mrs. Barkley had taken. Mrs. Barkley has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. She’s a very nice lady, Aunt Rachel. I hope one day you both can meet cause I think you’d be friends. She’s much like you and Mama. I never told anyone this but there’s a lot about Mrs. Barkley that reminds me of Mama. She has Mama’s touch and sometimes when I close my eyes it feels like Mama is beside me. She has something about her that makes me feel like I’m someone special just like the way Mama always made me feel. I’m not trying to replace Mama and I hope she won’t feel that way. Do you think she does? I can’t explain it but Mrs. Barkley’s presence in my life has helped heal the pain I’ve been feeling since Mama died. I don’t know how Mrs. Barkley would feel knowing that’s what I think of her. I’m still not sure how to take her or how she takes me but I feel honored she cares so much for me.

Mrs. Barkley use to be a teacher like you and she wants to help me with my reading and writing. I’m not really sure I want her to help me but she’s done so much for me and she wants to help so I don’t feel right saying no.

My oldest brother Jarrod is a lawyer. He’s very smart. He’s one of the smartest men I’ve ever met. He’ll probably be somebody really famous or important some day. He’s got an office in Stockton and in Frisco. He and Nick said that one day they would take me to Frisco and show me around. He has a big house there too. Nick says one day he’ll probably live there. I don’t know how I feel about that cause I’d miss him. He’s been very patient in helping me understand the business side of the ranch. He and Nick even helped me get my first bank account. He’s also getting married to a nice woman named Rosa. She’s become a big sister to me. I feel bad knowing I’m the reason the wedding was postponed but Jarrod told me not to feel bad that it wasn’t my fault. But it’s hard not to feel that way.

Nick is my other big brother. Next to Jarrod Nick is the smartest man I’ve ever met. He’s outgoing, confident, smart and a real go-getter. Nick is everything I wish I could be. He really knows a lot about the ranch and I hope I can learn half of what he knows. I help him run the ranch but I still can’t believe he wants to share all this with me. Nick isn’t just my big brother but for the first time in my life I found someone who is my best friend. He’s given me so much more than I deserve. We have had some problems making decisions together cause he’s used to making all the decisions alone. But we’ve found a way to make it work. I’m glad we made it work cause he throws one mean punch. But I’ll never tell him that.

Nick also knows about the nightmares and he’s been right there beside me through them. I wasn’t sure what his reaction would be at first but he’s never turned away from me. I even got up enough courage to tell him about Uncle Matt and Carterson. He wasn’t ashamed of me after he found out and that means more than he’ll ever know. There’s something about Nick that makes me feel safe knowing he’s around. For the first time since I can remember I feel safe.

Then there’s my little sister Audra. She’s very pretty and has all the men in the Valley chasing after her. She drives Nick and Jarrod plum crazy. You never know from one day to the next what she’ll do. One day she’s riding horses and going fishing and being a tomboy and the next day she’s shopping for dresses for a dance. She’s very sweet and kind and has been there for me from the beginning. We are very close and she’s become my friend. I even go with her to visit the Orphanage. I wasn’t so sure about it at first cause I know nothing about being a role model but I like spending time with the children. I’m also building her a rabbit cage for her rabbits. Like I said one day a tomboy and the next a princess.

Well that’s about it. I want to thank you for pushing me into coming here. I never thought the day I showed up here that I would find me a family. Living here hasn’t been easy and there are still days when I think it’s too much for me to handle. Sometimes I think about running away but then I think about how lucky I am to have a family that cares so much for me. I don’t want to ever let them down so I’ve decided to stick it out no matter how hard it gets. I want them to be proud of me and to never feel regret for letting me live here.

I hope this letter finds you and Hannah well. I will come for a visit later this summer. The cattle drive is next month and I’ll be going with Nick. After I return I’ll make sure to come for a visit. In the meantime, here is some money for you and Hannah. I don’t want to hear how its too much money cause after what you both have done for me I think it’s time I gave a little back.

I miss and love you and Hannah very much.

Love always,
Heath

Rachel Caulfield sat in her rocking chair holding Heath’s letter to her heart as tears streamed down her face. Peace filled her soul knowing she had made the right decision in telling Heath about his father’s family. She knew that a young man who searched the world looking for a place to call home had not only a place to call home but also a family that loved him.

Rachel knew that her dear friend Leah could now rest in peace knowing her son would be fine. For Leah’s beloved son had finally found his destiny!