Destiny

Chapter 8-13

by Bonnie

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Synopsis: The road a young man travels in hopes of finding his destiny. Tom Barkley has been deceased for three and a half years, since August 8, 1866. Jarrod is 30 years old, Nick is 25 years old, Heath is 20 years old and Audra is 18 years old. Eugene doesn’t exist.

Chapter 8

Heath stood in the doorway of the library looking down watching his hands play with the rim of his hat. He wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t believe they wanted him to stay. Were they aware of the consequences?

“Do ya’ll know what will happen if I stay here? The talk from the ranch hands and the town will be fierce. I’m use to the talk, but ya’ll ain’t.”

“Heath, this family has never backed down from something because of the fear from what others would say.”

“But the talk won’t just be about me, it’ll also be about each of ya.”

“And your father.” Victoria knew what would happen, her husband’s good name would be put to the test. “There will be people in this town thrilled to tear down Tom Barkley’s name. But that doesn’t mean we’ll turn our backs on anyone in this family. If Tom was alive today he wouldn’t turn his back on you because of what people would say, and neither will we.”

“Don’t let others decide your future for you, Heath!” Victoria walked over and stood in front of Heath and put her right hand under his chin to make him look at her. “I know you want to be a part of this family. At least try. If it’s not what you want and you feel like you should leave then you can leave but at least try it.”

When Victoria touched his face and looked him in the eye the feeling Heath had felt the night before was there again. There was something about this woman that seemed to make Heath feel like he was somebody special. He never wanted to disappoint this woman. Tom Barkley’s widow the person who became his biggest supporter. Who ever would have thought?

Heath flashed a smile at Victoria, “All right, Mrs. Barkley, I’ll try.”

“Good.” Victoria returned Heath’s smile and began walking with him out to the foyer and up the stairs. “Now, let us go get you settled. You can choose whichever room you would like.”

Audra, not wanting to miss out on making Heath feel welcomed, quickly followed her mother and new brother up the stairs. She would join Heath on his search for his room and be there to let him know he had her support.

“I’m going to go outside and check with Duke to see how the men are doing.” Nick stood up and walked out the door leaving Jarrod in the library by himself. In truth it was only an excuse, he needed to be by himself to think about all that had transpired.

Jarrod picked up the photo of his parents and shook his head. He still couldn’t believe how everything in his life had changed in only one day.

After looking at all the rooms, Heath felt dizzy. This house was bigger than a hotel! Granted he had never been in a big fancy hotel before but he had heard about them. This house would put those hotels he heard about to shame. The rooms were massive, bigger than the little cabin he and his Mama lived in. But it was the last room on the search that caught his attention.

The room was smaller than the others were and it was apparent to Heath that Mrs. Barkley wouldn’t have chosen it for him. But he loved it, and it was the type of room he always dreamed of having. The room was beside Nick’s bedroom and the water closet and was, in Heath’s mind, still a large room. Once you walked into the room on the wall to the right side had a fireplace, a dresser and a chair that sat beside the window. To the left side there was a large closet and a nightstand beside the big brass bed that sat in the middle of the room. On the other side of the large bed was a roll top desk and chair.

Victoria knew this was the room Heath wanted. He stood in this room longer and surveyed everything in the room. “I’d like this room, Mrs. Barkley.”

“Heath, are you sure you don’t want one of the larger rooms?” Victoria had to try, she felt he deserved one of the larger rooms and wanted him to know she felt that way.

“To be honest, Ma’am, I’d need a map to find my way around one of those rooms.” Heath blushed when he heard Audra giggle. “Please, Mrs. Barkley, this room is still large enough. It’s even larger then the cabin my Mama had.”

“All right Heath. If this is the room you want then you can have this one.”

“Thank ya.” Heath laid his saddlebags on the bed and sat down marveling at the comfort in his new bed. He never sat on a finer bed in his entire life and he tried to imagine what it would feel like to sleep on it. Heath ran his fingers over the checkered quilt that graced the bed and smiled.

Victoria and Audra shared a look as they watched Heath marvel at the bed. A pain filled their heart at the thought of how much this young man had lost out on. Victoria sat down on the bed beside Heath, “Is everything all right? Is there anything I can get you?”

“No Ma’am,” Heath smiled and looked at her, “everything’s perfect.”

“All right. Well Audra and I will leave you be and let you get settled.” Victoria stood up and took Audra by the arm.

“I’ll see you later, Heath,” Audra smiled.

“See ya later,” Heath smiled back at her.

Victoria and Audra left the room and closed the door behind them. As they began walking downstairs Audra spoke quietly to her Mother, “Mother, Heath has had a rough life. I’m glad he’s staying here.”

“Me too, sweetheart.” Victoria smiled as she put her arm around her daughter and brought her into a hug before walking back to the library. Jarrod was sitting behind the desk trying to attempt some paperwork while Nick stood looking into the fireplace with his mind faraway in thought. Both men looked at the ladies when they came into the room.

“How did it go?” Jarrod asked as he looked up at the ladies.

“He picked the room beside Nick’s,” Audra smiled as she sat down on the sofa.

“That room is smaller than the rest. Why that one?” Nick asked suspiciously.

Audra giggled as she explained, “He said he’d need a map to find his way around the other rooms.”

“What’s he doing right now?” Jarrod asked.

“He’s getting settled,” Victoria answered.

“Well we have to find some way to control the gossip that will fill this town when they find out. Maybe I’ll take him to town…”

“What do you want to do, Pappy? Display him for the entire town like a circus show?!” Nick growled.

“No Nick but Heath is right and we are in for some rough times. If we can prevent some of that…”

“You can’t prevent it Jarrod,” Victoria smiled, “the town will talk.”

“Well I would like to try. Not to mention we have to get him an account at the bank and talk to the ranch hands. Plus he needs to go shopping for new clothes.”

“Can’t that wait? Give the boy some room to breathe! Hell give us all room to breathe!” Nick gave an exasperated sigh, “All I’m interested in is how much that boy knows about ranch work! I think I’ll go get him and see if he wants to help me fix the bridge that collapsed yesterday.” Nick stormed out of the room and up the stairs.

“Nick’s right Jarrod. We all need time to adjust to all of this. This is only the first day. Let’s take it one day at a time all right?” Victoria smiled at her eldest son. She knew he was thinking what was best for the family but she also knew that sometimes his way could be a little overwhelming. Knowing Heath was already skittish she feared Jarrod’s way would run him off.

Nick bounded up the stairs and forcefully knocked on Heath’s door. Hearing a “Come in” Nick opened the door to find Heath trying to open the window.

“Here let me get that for you.” Nick walked over and began to push the window open. “These windows are old and very tricky to open. They’re the ones that were put in when father built the house. We were going to replace them but never got around to doing it.”

With one more forceful push the window came open with a loud creak, “There you go. You sure you want this open? The nights get really cold.”

“Yeah, I like an open window when I sleep.” Heath sighed as he felt the outside breeze across his face, releasing the tension that was building when he feared the window wouldn’t open.

Somehow sensing the blond’s thoughts, Nick grinned knowingly, “You’re claustrophobic aren’t you?”

“Huh? Claustro…what?”

“Claustrophobic! It means you don’t like closed places.”

“Yeah,” Heath smiled, “that’s me. I didn’t know there was a name for it.”

“Those fancy city doctors give names to everything. Makes ‘em feel special,” Nick grinned at his own joke.

Heath smiled back. “Guess they need to feel all that money they make is worth it, huh?”

Both men shared a laugh and then Nick asked, “If you’re all settled, would you like to do some work? We got that bridge that collapsed on us yesterday and I wondered if you wanted to help me repair it.”

“I’d like that,” Heath smiled.

“Good, let’s go!” Nick smacked Heath on the back and then both men walked out of the room descending the back stairs that went to the kitchen.

* * * * * * * *

“Heath, this here is Silas. He’s been with us since before Jarrod was born. He’s family.” Silas blushed at Nick’s comment, “Silas this here is Heath.”

“Howdy Silas.” Heath reached his hand out to shake the man’s hand.

Silas smiled as he shook Heath’s hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet ya, Mr. Heath.”

Silas turned around and handed a bag to Nick. “This is yours and Mr. Heath’s lunch, Mr. Nick. You boys have a good day, now.”

“Thanks Silas.” Nick smiled as he took the lunch and then nudged Heath’s shoulder. “Silas here spoils us with his good cooking. Next to Mother Silas is the best cook there is.”

“Now ya stop tryin’ to butter me up, Mr. Nick. Yer already gettin’ that peach cobbler ya like so much after dinner t’night.” Silas pointed his finger at Nick.

Nick smiled and gave Silas a salute and then pulled on Heath’s arm. “Come on boy, let’s get that bridge fixed, the day’s a wastin’.”

Silas smiled as he watched the brothers walk out the backdoor towards the barn walking together side-by-side. He hoped this sight would only be the first of many that he would be seeing. There was something about that boy that Silas liked.

Victoria walked into the kitchen and saw Silas watching the brothers and she smiled. “The children always say there’s nothing in this house I don’t know about. I think that also includes you, my friend.”

“Hello Mrs. Barkley.” Silas smiled as he continued his work cleaning the breakfast dishes and preparing for the lunch meal. After a moment of silence Silas began to speak while he worked. “That boy has a lot of Mr. Barkley in ‘im. It’s real nice of ya to invite him to stay here. Yer a good woman, Mrs. Barkley, a real good woman.”

“Not too many people would allow their husband’s child from another woman to live under the same roof with them, is that what you mean?” Receiving a nod from Silas, Victoria frowned and sat down at the table. “It’s a shame that what I’m doing is so rare. No child should be blamed for the sins of their parents.”

“No Mrs. Barkley they shouldn’t, but they do.”

With a knock at the backdoor Silas opened it to be greeted by Hattie McCall. “Hattie!” Victoria went over and hugged her dear friend.

“Hello Victoria. I saw Nick and Heath leaving. I hope I’m not intruding, if so I can come back another time?” Hattie returned Victoria’s hug.

“Nonsense!” Victoria waved off her friend’s doubts and motioned her to sit at the table. Both ladies sat down and Silas fixed them coffee. The girlfriends drank their coffee in companionable silence.

“If you need to talk Victoria, I want you to know I’m here.”

“You always are, Hattie. Your friendship means so much to me. I couldn’t have gotten through Tom’s death without you. And I’ll need your help again to get through this.”

Victoria stood up and reached out her hand to her friend, “Would you like to join me in the garden?”

“I’d love that. I never could resist your garden, Victoria.” Hattie stood and the ladies walked out to the garden where they could talk privately amongst themselves about Tom, Leah and their son, Heath Thomson.

* * * * * * * *

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!

Chapter 9

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.

Chapter 10

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.”

There was silence in the room as Heath focused on reading the book and Jarrod focused on his notes about the Litton case. After an hour, Jarrod stood up and stretched. “I need a break! Heath, would you like a drink?”

“Sure, thanks.”

Jarrod poured him and Heath a drink and came to sit by Heath on the sofa. Heath swung his legs over the edge of the sofa and sat up taking the drink offered to him.

“Jarrod, can I talk to ya about somethin’?”

Jarrod smiled, Heath didn’t realize that he was acting like Nick when he needed to talk. Nick would go into the library where Jarrod would be busy doing paperwork and would do something else before he was ready to seek out the brotherly advice.

“Sure Heath, what is it?”

“I wanted to apologize that my presence here caused ya to postpone your weddin’.”

“Did somebody in town tell you this?”

“No.” Heath stared down at his drink too embarrassed to look at Jarrod. “I heard you and Rosa tell the family.”

“So you’ve known about this for two weeks and you’re just now coming to me?”

“Yeah. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”

“Because you were eavesdropping?” Jarrod saw Heath nod his head and continued. “I’m sorry Heath, we should have told you. We just didn’t want you to feel guilty about it.”

Heath looked at Jarrod surprised, “Ya ain’t mad?”

“For eavesdropping? No. Are you mad?”

“No, why would I be?”

“For not being honest with you about our decision.”

“Ya were tryin’ to protect me, and I ain’t use to people doin’ that for me. Guess there ain’t nothing to be mad about for havin’ someone protect me. I just feel bad ya had to that’s all.”

“Well don’t be. Heath I wanted to spend time with you. Even if this case I’m working on is getting in the way.”

“Well I agree with Nick that I just don’t understand. I mean Rosa is stayin’ here at the house now just like she would be if you were married so why not just get married? Why change your plans?”

“Well I guess that does make sense,” Jarrod chuckled at the sensible logic. “But you see Heath this would be a Barkley wedding. I’ll be the first Barkley child to marry and that means this wedding is going to bring people from all over the state. It’ll be a huge affair.”

“And I’d steal your thunder.”

Jarrod laughed, “Well in some sense yes you would, but it wouldn’t be in a good way Heath. There are still too many people making this a big deal. It’s not your fault it’s theirs. Do you understand?”

“Yeah,” Heath stood up and walked over towards the veranda looking out towards the garden. Jarrod walked over and stood beside Heath placing his hand over his shoulder.

“Heath, as your big brother I’m going to demand that you stop feeling guilty about this.”

Heath smiled and looked at Jarrod, “That’s not fair Jarrod ya know I’m still learnin’ this whole brother thing.”

“I know,” Jarrod smirked before growing serious. “Heath, this is your first lesson about brotherhood and family. We stick together through the good and the bad. No matter what.” Jarrod turned Heath around placing his hands on both shoulders.

“I’m glad you came, Heath. There are no regrets. A few months in postponing this wedding won’t change the fact that Rosa and I will still have the rest of our lives to be married.”

“Unlike Nick who lost his girl altogether cause of me.”

“Heath, Jessica was not the right girl for Nick. That break-up would’ve happened with or without you being here. Trust me on that, all right?”

“Thanks Jarrod,” Heath smiled and walked back to the sofa picking up his book, “I guess I did come in here to bother you from your paperwork.”

“You didn’t bother me Heath. I’m glad you came in and I enjoyed your company. And if you can keep a secret Heath, Nick doesn’t bother me either.” Jarrod smiled at Heath and walked back to the desk and sat down, “Now what do you say you get back to that book and I’ll get back to this case.”

* * * * * * * *

That night while the family ate dinner Audra was busy sharing the updates on the Easter festivities for the Orphanage. Heath listened intently to the information Audra was sharing.

“Boy Howdy, Audra I didn’t know ya did so much with the Orphanage.”

“Oh no!” Nick moaned knowing that Heath’s compliment would cause Audra to chatter away about the Orphanage.

Audra glared at Nick before looking over at Heath and smiling, “Well Heath I love working with the children. I’m in charge of the charities for the Orphanage plus the Thanksgiving and Christmas events as well. We try to do something in the summer for the kids too. I also teach one of the classes if they need the help.”

“Sounds real nice Audra,” Heath smiled.

“Thanks Heath. By the way I’ve been meaning to ask you if you wanted to come with me to my visits to the Orphanage. The boys need a man to spend time with them.”

“Oh I knew this was coming!” Nick sighed, “You had to rope him in, didn’t you?”

“Just because you don’t want to help out!”

“I have a ranch to run missy!”

“Uh…I wouldn’t know what to do?” Heath answered interrupting the fight.

“Well you would be like a big brother to the boys. Sort of like a role model for them,” Audra offered

Heath slumped down in his chair, he never had a role model as a kid and he wouldn’t know how to be one for these kids. “Uh I wouldn’t know how to do that Audra.”

“Oh well it’s very easy and I’d be there, so would the Padre. Not to mention the boys would be there too and their very vocal about what they want.”

“Well there would probably be no time with the work I have to do here so…”

“Heath,” Victoria interrupted, “if you want to go with Audra on her next visit you can check it out and see if you’re interested. Then you can decide if it’s something you want to do.”

“But the ranch?”

“One afternoon a week with the children won’t hurt the running of this ranch, Heath.” Victoria looked at Nick, “Will it Nick?”

“No Mother,” Nick replied without hesitation knowing very well the tone of voice she was using with him.

“Well then it’s settled!” Audra smiled, “Oh Heath you’ll have fun, I know you will!”

Heath smiled, hoping he didn’t just get himself into something he’d later regret.

* * * * * * * *

The following week, Heath accompanied Audra to the orphanage. Heath found he had more fun then he thought he would. He and the kids got along very well and they enjoyed themselves immensely. Heath wasn’t sure of too many of the games being played but the boys were quick to teach him. He even agreed to tell the boys a story that was made up as he went along, but the kids never knew and were transfixed with every word told to them.

Nick stood at the back of the room watching Heath sitting on the floor surrounded by the children and he smiled. Audra saw her brother and came over. ”What are you doing here?” Audra curiously asked.

“Mother wanted me to come by and see if Heath needed to be rescued. She wasn’t sure how he would be handling all of this.”

“Oh the children love him, Nick.” Audra smiled with pride in her eyes and Nick looked down at her and smiled.

“Looks like they love you too, Sis.” Nick chuckled at her shocked expression, “I’ve been here quite awhile and I saw you. You’re really good with those kids.”

“You’re very sneaky big brother,” Audra jokingly punched him in the side.

“Big brothers are supposed to be sneaky.” Nick chuckled as he put his arm around her waist. “He’s really good with that story.”

“Yeah he is, but he’s making it up as he goes along.”

“Really? Well the kids don’t seem to notice.”

“Nope, they’re eating this up!”

After the story was over Sister Marie gathered the children for lunch. All the children hugged Heath before they left and then he stood and stretched his legs. Heath was surprised to find Nick and Audra standing at the door smiling at him.

“Boy Howdy you two look like you ate the canary.” Heath joked as he walked over to Nick and Audra. “What are ya doing here? Want to make sure I get back to the ranch on time?”

“Nope,” Nick answered as they walked outside, “I was wondering if you were done here if you wanted to go into town.”

“Oh go ahead,” Audra encouraged, “I’m going to stay a little longer just to make some final preparations for the egg hunt and then I’ll be home.”

“Are ya sure?” Heath asked.

“Of course. Go on, you deserve it,” Audra hugged him and he hugged her back.

“Thanks Sis, I had fun.”

“I’m so glad.”

* * * * * * * *

While Nick and Heath rode their horses into town the brothers talked about the ranch before Nick brought up the Orphanage. “You were great with the kids today, Heath.”

“Uh…thanks.”

Nick chuckled, “You’ll make a good father someday.”

“What?” Heath looked over at Nick shocked at what he said. “Ya really think so?”

“Of course I do! You’re a natural with those kids.”

“Thanks,” Heath smiled. “Do ya want to have kids?”

“Sure do, someday.”

“Well then why don’t ya help out at the orphanage? I thought ya didn’t do it cause ya hated kids?”

“Where did you get that stupid idea?” Nick defended himself and then paused and sighed, “Audra?”

“Yeah,” Heath grinned.

“Hell, I don’t hate kids!” Nick was annoyed with the idea that anyone would think that of him.

“Then why don’t ya help out?”

“Cause the ranch takes up too much of my time is why!”

“If ya have time for the saloon and to go courtin’ then ya have time for the kids.”

“Did Audra put you up to this?” Nick eyed him suspiciously.

“No,” Heath laughed, “It’s just that I think you’d be great with the kids. They could use somebody like you around.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Cause you’re confident and ya’d be a good role model for them to look up to.”

“You think?” Nick blushed at the compliment.

“Yup.”

“Well you’re good for them too!”

“I don’t know the first thing about being a role model,” Heath sighed.

“Boy you need to stop putting yourself down so much! If you could’ve seen the looks on those kids faces then you would’ve seen what I did.”

* * * * * * * *

After entering town the brothers took their horses to the livery stable upon Nick’s insistence. When they left the livery Heath was confused because they headed towards Jarrod’s office and not the saloon as expected. “What are we doing here?”

“Plans,” Nick answered as they walked into the office ignoring Heath’s onslaught of questions.

“Hello Miss Leslie!” Nick greeted Jarrod’s secretary. “Is Jarrod ready?”

“Let me check, Mr. Barkley.” Leslie walked into Jarrod’s office and returned with Jarrod behind her.

“Nick, Heath.” Jarrod greeted his brothers and then looked at Nick while pointing at Heath, “Does he know?”

“You think he would’ve come if he knew?” Nick sighed rolling his eyes.

”Know what?” Heath looked from one brother to the other, “What’s going on?”

Jarrod and Nick exchanged looks, “So much like Mother to make us do this!” Nick complained as Jarrod smacked him in the head.

“Heath, why don’t we come into my office and I’ll explain.”

After the brothers entered the office Heath was still confused on what this was about, then a sickening feeling came over him. “Ya’ll decided havin’ me around was too much trouble so you want me to leave, don’t ya?”

Chapter 11

“WHAT?” Nick looked at an equally shocked Jarrod. “Make you leave? Boy, what kind of talk is that?”

“Nick!” Jarrod placed a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Heath, I’m sorry if we gave you the impression that we were here to kick you out. That’s far from the truth.” Jarrod walked over to Heath and put his hands on his shoulders, “Brothers stick together remember? Heath, we brought you here because there are still a few things that need to be settled concerning you being in the family.”

“Oh,” Heath blushed dropping his head and playing with the cuff of his sleeves, “I’m sorry.”

“That’s all right,” Jarrod encouraged Heath and Nick to sit down. After his brothers were seated Jarrod stood in front of them leaning against his desk.

“Heath, you’ve been with the family for almost a month now and we wanted to wait to give you time to get settled before throwing all of this at you.”

“Throw what at me?”

“We need to get you a bank account.”

“A bank account? I’ve never had a bank account before.”

“Well that’s what Nick and I are here for…to help you with that.”

“What do I need a bank account for?”

“Well for one the money you will be paid, it’s too much to not have a bank account. Second, you’ll need controlling interests in our finances. Third, you need access to the main ranch account that is used for the payroll.”

“Remember when I told you Jarrod and I would help you with the paperwork side of the ranch?” Nick asked while looking at Heath, “this is part of that paperwork.”

“Oh,” Heath whispered not sure how else to respond.

“There’s also the matter of shopping,” Jarrod delicately brought up the topic.

“Shoppin’?” Heath asked looking at Jarrod then at Nick.

“Yes. Heath…uh…well we thought you might like to go get some new clothes,” Jarrod replied trying to find a tactful way to approach the subject.

“And boots,” Nick added.

“Shoppin’ and a bank account?”

“Yes!” Nick and Jarrod both replied.

“Boooy Howwwdy.”

“I know this is a little much, Heath,” Nick chuckled, “that’s why we waited till now to spring it on you.”

“Heath, there’s another matter before we go to the bank for our appointment with Mr. Timmons.”

”What’s that?”

“Well it’s the matter of your last name,” Jarrod replied and when he received a raised eyebrow from Heath he continued, “What name do you want to go by?”

“Uh…I’m not sure what ya mean.”

“Well, do you want the Barkley name?”

“Uh…umm…uh…yeah.” Heath fumbled before releasing a smile, as the words sank in.

“All right! Then with that settled, if you’re ready we have that appointment with Mr. Timmons at the bank.”

“Lead the way.” Heath smiled receiving a chuckle from both brothers.

The brothers walked to the bank and once inside they approached the counter. “Hello Mr. Barkley,” Patrick the teller smiled as he greeted the brothers.

“Hello Patrick,” Jarrod shook his hand, “This here is my brother Heath.”

“Oh,” Patrick looked Heath up and down unable to hide his disgust, “Hello.”

“We have an appointment with Mr. Timmons, Patrick, will you let him know we’re here.” Jarrod’s cool tone told Patrick he wasn’t a happy man.

“Sure, Mr. Barkley. One moment,” Patrick went to the back of the bank and returned, “Mr. Timmons is on his way out.”

“Thank you,” Jarrod’s smile didn’t reach the cold stare of his eyes.

“Jarrod! Nick!” Mr. Timmons boisterous announcement livened up the nearly empty bank. “And you must be Heath! Nice to meet you!” Mr. Timmons exuberantly shook Heath’s hand.

“Nice to meet ya too, Mr. Timmons,” Heath replied returning the handshake.

“Well, Jarrod tells me you’ll be setting up a bank account?”

“Yes, sir,” Heath replied.

”Well then come on back here and we’ll get this taken care of. Don’t worry this is not as painful as you might think.”

The men sat down at a table in the back with Heath sitting in the middle of his brothers. Mr. Timmons sat down in front of Heath and laid out a stack of papers on the table. “Here are some papers that we need you to fill out, young man. Why don’t we go over them, all right?”

Mr. Timmons explained thoroughly to Heath about his bank account and the main Barkley account and what he didn’t understand Jarrod and Nick quickly jumped in to clarify for him. With Jarrod and Nick offering guidance, Heath did as he was requested although he wasn’t really sure of what he was doing or why. All he knew was that he never signed a name as much as he did “Heath Barkley” on all the papers put in front of him. It amused him to think about rich people and how they found ways to spend their money.

After they were finished at the bank the brothers headed to the general store where they bought Heath new clothes. Heath didn’t think he needed new clothes, but then again the rich liked to spend their money, and apparently his clothes weren’t fancy enough for being part of a rich family. Again, Nick and Jarrod offered their guidance, to which he was grateful.

Walking into the store, Jarrod spoke to the woman behind the counter. “Hello, Mrs. Johnson. This here is my brother Heath.”

“Hello Heath,” Mrs. Johnson smiled and shook his hand.

“Hello Mrs. Johnson, it’s nice to meet ya,” Heath nodded returning the handshake.

“Heath is here to buy some new clothes, Mrs. Johnson,” Jarrod informed her.

The brothers tried not to laugh at Mrs. Johnson’s exuberance in helping Heath pick out his clothes. The situation wasn’t supposed to be funny but they couldn’t help themselves. They also tried not to laugh at how Mrs. Johnson always seemed to make Heath blush. He turned towards the brothers and the look on his face told them he was not enjoying himself one bit. Mrs. Johnson tried to get Heath to choose clothes other than his favorites blue and tan but he stood his ground and she relented. When she brought up the topic of underwear, the brothers were certain Heath was going to bolt out the door. Their inability to keep from laughing received them glares from their new brother!

After the shopping was finished the brothers were exhausted. “As you like to say Heath…Boy Howdy it’s been one long day,” Jarrod laughed.

“You can say that again!” Nick agreed, “Hey what do you say we go to the Cattleman’s club for dinner? I’m starved!”

“All right,” Jarrod and Heath agreed and the brothers went to the Cattleman’s club after dropping off the packages at Jarrod’s office. Nick and Heath ordered steak while Jarrod ordered salmon. The brothers enjoyed a quiet conversation as they waited for their meals. Once the meal arrived they began to enjoy the meal in silence.

“Uh…I’m sorry that I doubted ya’ll like I did,” Heath spoke but wouldn’t look up from his food, breaking the silence at the table.

“It’s all right Heath,” Jarrod tried to reassure him. “It’s not like we didn’t trick you into coming to town.”

“Yeah we shouldn’t have surprised you like that but we felt you’d have refused to come any other way,” Nick defended their actions.

“I probably would’ve,” Heath chuckled, “but still I should’ve trusted ya.”

“From where I’m sitting you do trust us, Heath,” Jarrod replied.

“What do ya mean?” Heath asked looking at his brother, “If I trusted you I wouldn’t have thought…”

“You let us help you with the bank account and your shopping trip. I’d say there’s no doubt about how much you trust us.”

Heath smiled at his brothers and Nick gave a toast, “To brothers!”

“To Brothers!” Jarrod and Heath echoed.

After the meal was over Heath began to stand up, “Why don’t ya two stay here and I’ll go saddle our horses and get the buggy hitched.”

“Now there’s no reason we all can’t go,” Nick began to stand up but Heath stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

“No, I can do this. It’s the least I can do after what ya’ll did for me today.” Heath answered and quickly left the restaurant before any more protests could be made.

“Cussed stubborn…” Nick mumbled.

“Just like you, Brother Nick, just like you.” Jarrod chuckled as he received a refill on his wine.

* * * * * * * *

Heath whistled his way to the livery and began saddling their horses when he heard a noise behind him and he turned with his gun drawn.

“Well the Barkley bastard was actually allowed out of his cage.” Snickered a former Barkley ranch hand standing in front of Heath, with one of his friend’s. Although Heath didn’t know the names of the men, he did recognize them as former Barkley employees who left in protest. Before Heath could react he felt the impact of the gun that went across the back of his head and he fell to the floor as a third former employee stood over him with his gun in hand. “It’s time we teach this no good bastard a lesson!”

* * * * * * * *

Nick suddenly had a strange feeling in his gut. It was usually when a family member was in trouble that he had this feeling. He wondered who could be hurt. Audra was staying late at the Orphanage and was going to head on home, maybe something happened to her!

“Nick?” Jarrod stopped talking and became concerned at his brother’s changed expression, “What’s the matter?”

“I…don’t…know…” Nick glanced at Jarrod, “Something’s wrong!”

The haunted look in his brother’s eyes chilled Jarrod to the bone. “Are you getting that feeling when someone in the family is hurt?” Jarrod frowned when Nick nodded his head in agreement.

The family was well aware of Nick’s sixth sense when someone in the family was in some sort of danger. The family use to tease Nick about this sixth sense of his and never really thought too much of it. That was until the day Tom Barkley was murdered! Nick’s strongest connection with a family member had been with his father and on the day of his death he had sensed a horrible tragedy had occurred. But feeling a little silly with his concerns he ignored them, until it was too late. When the concern became stronger and appeared unbearable, Nick decided he would check it out. When he arrived where he sensed his father had been it was too late to save him. He had arrived in time to hold his dying father in his arms as he breathed his final words before death claimed him. Nick never forgave himself for not going to his father sooner and the family never again questioned Nick’s sixth sense towards anyone in the family.

“With who Nick?” Jarrod inquired.

“I’m not really sure, but I can feel that something isn’t right. Audra was going to stay after at the Orphanage to help with the Easter festivities maybe something happened on her way home?”

“Well then what do you say we go to the Livery stable and help Heath hitch up the carriage and then we’ll go check it out all right?” Jarrod suggested as he placed some bills on the table to pay for their meal. Jarrod and Nick left the restaurant and began walking towards the livery stables.

* * * * * * * *

The brothers entered the barn in time to see the three former Barkley employees beating up their brother. It was three against one so Jarrod and Nick relished in the idea of evening up the score as they leashed their fury on the men. There was nothing left of the men after Nick and Jarrod were finished with them. Kneeling beside Heath who was nearly unconscious, Nick’s hands did a rough examination searching for injuries. The touch caused a delirious Heath to fight back.

“Heath boy it’s Nick, calm down!”

“Nick?” Heath called trying to stand up but instead he fell and was caught in Nick’s arms.

“Damn!” Nick cursed as Heath’s weight unexpectedly came down almost making them both fall. Jarrod’s quick action helped steady both brothers.

“Sorry…” Heath blushed.

“Even with all those bruises you can still see that blush,” Nick joked.

“Come on Heath, let’s get you to Dr. Merar and he’ll check you over,” Jarrod instructed as they helped Heath to the doctor’s office.

* * * * * * * *

Dr. Merar sighed at the sight before him and helped the brothers lay Heath on the examining table. Nick and Jarrod tried to help undress Heath but he pushed their hands away. “Uh…there’s no reason you need to stay,” Heath looked at his brothers embarrassed. “You can wait in the other room.”

“We aren’t leaving you!” Nick declared, his voice allowing no argument.

“But…” Heath tried again but was interrupted.

“Heath, remember the talk we just had about trust and brotherhood?” Jarrod looked at him.

Heath sighed, he trusted his brothers more than he ever thought he could, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for them to see what was about to happen. He knew it would cause them to ask questions. Questions he wasn’t ready to answer. No longer fighting their help Nick and Jarrod continued to undress Heath for the examination. The brothers felt Heath flinch when the shirt was removed. The fresh bruises on his chest caused them to wince.

Dr. Merar put stitches in the back of Heath’s head and then performed the examination on Heath’s chest diagnosing a couple broken ribs and then asked the brothers to help him sit up so he could bound his ribs. As he was helped to sit up Heath closed his eyes and waited for the gasps that would be heard in the room.

All three men recoiled as they saw the sight before them. Heath’s entire back was covered in scars caused by a whip. There wasn’t a place on his back that didn’t have a scar. Nick and Jarrod grabbed onto each other for support as their tortured eyes looked at one another.

Dr. Merar continued bounding the ribs and the brothers assisted but their tear filled eyes couldn’t be torn from the sight of the scars before them. After his ribs were bound, Dr. Merar had Heath lay on his back. When he laid back down Heath wouldn’t look at his brothers and kept his eyes on the sidewall.

“He has two broken ribs and a concussion as well as bruises on his chest and face. The gash on his head caused the bleeding to make the injury look worse than it really was. I don’t want to give him any medicine right now because of the concussion. You can take him home but make sure to keep a close watch on him for the next twenty-four hours. If you notice his eyes dilated or he’s incoherent and if the vomiting doesn’t stop, then have someone come get me.” Dr. Merar handed Jarrod a bottle of headache powder, “I don’t like the sound of his lungs so keep a close watch on him. If there are no complications in the next twenty-four hours then give him some of this to help reduce the pain so he can get some sleep.”

“Thank you Doc,” Jarrod smiled as he held the bottle in his hand.

“Jarrod, I’ll go get our horses and hitch up the buggy,” Nick commented and he patted Heath’s shoulder, “Boy I’ll be right back. Don’t try to go dancing until I get back, all right?”

Heath nodded his head but didn’t respond to the joke as Nick hoped he would. Nick began to walk out of the room when Jarrod grabbed his arm.

“Don’t forget the packages that are in my office Nick.” Nick acknowledged Jarrod’s request with a nod and walked out. Jarrod watched Nick leave and then walked over and sat on the stool beside Heath, taking a hold of his hand causing Heath to flinch from the touch.

“You’re not going to feel so great for the next few days, Brother Heath.” Jarrod chuckled, “But you can be rest assured that the ladies of the house will make sure you are fussed over until you do.”

“Are ya gonna tell ‘em?” Heath’s shaky voice was quiet and the pain behind the words tore at Jarrod’s heart.

Jarrod closed his eyes and sighed, “We’re a family, Heath, and families don’t keep secrets from each other.”

“Please don’t tell ‘em.”

“Heath, what are you afraid of?”

“I can’t…” Heath’s voice trailed off.

“You can’t what, Heath?”

“I can’t hurt ya’ll with this.”

Jarrod sighed and wondered how he could get through to this new brother of his. Trust wasn’t easy for him and he had begun to show he trusted them. If he pushed too hard he could cause serious repercussions to that trust. He decided he’d tell Victoria what he learned tonight and then she could advise them on how to proceed.

“How about this, Heath. Nick and I will tell Mother for you. Then you won’t be there and have to witness her reaction. Will that help?” A moment of silence filled the room and Jarrod held his breath as he waited for a response. When the blond head nodded yes, Jarrod sighed in relief and smiled.

* * * * * * * *

The brothers rode back to the ranch in silence, deep in thought. After getting Heath into the house the brothers helped him get settled into his room. Jarrod tugged on Victoria’s arm and led her downstairs telling her they needed to talk. Silas stayed in the room with Heath while the family went downstairs.

Jarrod and Nick led the ladies into the library where they could talk in private. The brothers explained what happened in town and about the scars they saw on Heath’s back. Jarrod told of his conversation with Heath and his reluctance that they know what happened. All three ladies had tears streaming down their faces.

“Oh my God!” Victoria cried as she buried her face in Nick’s chest receiving comfort from her middle son, who held her tightly in his arms. “Who would beat that sweet boy?”

“Mother, he doesn’t want to tell us how this happened,” Jarrod explained.

“I think we should let him tell us on his own terms.” Victoria explained after composing herself. “If we force him we could lose him. It’s obvious he’s learning how to trust us and we can’t risk losing that.” Victoria looked at everyone in the room, “I want your word that you won’t push this!”

After everyone agreed to Victoria’s terms they all went to bed. Victoria went to Heath’s room and sat on the side of the bed and caressed the blond hair. “Hello sweetheart,” Victoria smiled and received one from Heath in return.

Throughout the night everyone in the family would get up to check on Heath. But Victoria never left Heath’s bedside all night long as she offered comfort and caring to the young blond as he endured the effects of the concussion and a high fever.

Nick had woken up to offer assistance to his mother and was now sitting in the chair with tear stained cheeks as he watched the magical scene playing before him between his mother and brother. Victoria sat on the edge of the bed holding Heath’s hand and tears fell down her cheeks as she heard the sweetest word being spoken from his lips. In his delirium Heath repeatedly cried out to Victoria by calling her “Mama.”

Chapter 12

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 Joaquin 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.

Chapter 13

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!

THE END