Three Days

by BonnieBee

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.

It was Christmas Day and Jarrod Barkley sat on the train as it moved from San Francisco to Stockton. He hadn't meant to miss Christmas Eve with his family, but things had interfered with him getting back in time to celebrate the holiday.

He sighed and shifted in his seat. Actually, if he had tried hard enough, he could have made it in yesterday, but in truth, he didn't want to. Things weren't going well between he and Megan. They hadn't been for a while. They had been wanting a baby and they had been trying for years with no success. The doctors could find no reason as to why they couldn't conceive. Megan tried to be brave, but Jarrod knew she was deeply hurt. The sadness in her eyes was too much for him to bear. Was it his fault? Was he the reason they couldn't have children? She never really said anything to him about it. Indeed, it had gotten to the point that whenever they talked about children, there would just be an argument between them. Megan talked about adoption once, but Jarrod refused to discuss it. Later on, he berated himself. Why not adopt? How many children were in need of a good, loving home? And what better home than with the Barkley's?

Nick and Heath each had two children, and if his suspicions were correct, Heath's wife was expecting another. He knew it would hurt Megan, but she would just smile and act excited like she had when her sisters-in-law would announce each new pregnancy. Megan and Jarrod had been married for eight years. Nick and Gwen for five and Heath and Mary for four. Heath and Mary had had twins, Leah and Hannah. Nick's two boys, Thomas and Nick Jr., had come a year apart. They seemed to have no difficulties in bringing the next generation of Barkley's into the world.

Megan. The thought of his wife caused Jarrod to smile. She was so beautiful. Wide green eyes that one could easily get lost in. And she was very passionate. About everything. She never complained about his many trips to San Francisco or Sacramento, understanding that his law practice was very important to him. Just as her work was very important to her. Megan had fought her way as the first woman into Veterinary School in San Francisco and had graduated in the top five of her class. She had moved to Stockton on the hopes of starting a practice when Jarrod met her. It was love at first sight for both and they were married shortly thereafter. Nick, of course, was delighted. To have Megan so close was a boost for the Ranch. And of course, he was happy for Jarrod.

Jarrod did wonder if perhaps Megan blamed him though for their childlessness. Maybe if he weren't away so much, maybe if they had more time together, maybe if there weren't such a strain on their marriage...

Jarrod again shifted in his seat. It was the strain on his marriage that almost caused him to do the unthinkable. He closed his eyes in agony. Alicia Brookeshire was his assistant. He had hired her just to work this particular case with him. A friend had recommended her to him, saying she was what was now called a Legal Clerk. She would look up case law and inform him of past rulings, therefore freeing him to concentrate on the case at hand. They got along well, but last night...

Jarrod shuddered. Last night they had been working late, even though it was Christmas Eve. This trial was very important. A man's life literally hung in the balance. Jarrod was defending a man for murder and fervently believed in his innocence, that he was being framed by one of the opium dealers in San Francisco. There were several witnesses both for and against the defense. Jarrod and Alicia had been working non-stop for hours and had taken a break to eat. It was late, they had each had a little too much wine. Wine. Why was he drinking in the first place? It was just that it was Christmas Eve and neither were with their families. Alicia was married as well, though her husband was having a difficult time accepting her career. She had talked with Jarrod about it quite a bit. At one point, Alicia broke down, telling Jarrod she loved her husband so much, but wasn't sure if it was enough anymore. Jarrod had placed an arm around her, just to comfort her when...he did the unthinkable. He kissed her. And she had responded! When they broke apart, both were upset and both profusely apologized. Neither one had meant for it to happen and didn't want it to happen again.

Unfortunately, neither one had seen the other person standing in the doorway, watching the kiss. The person left before hearing the words of regret from both Jarrod and Alicia.

The train pulled into Stockton and Jarrod stepped down. He was surprised to see Nick standing there, waiting for him. He hadn't wired the family to let them know he was coming home today.

"Well, brother Nick. Are you becoming clairvoyant?" Jarrod asked, smiling.

Nick looked away, unable to meet Jarrod's eyes as he spoke. "I took a chance that you would be on the afternoon train."

Jarrod could sense something was wrong.

"Nick, are you all right?"

Nick looked at Jarrod, and the lawyer could tell something was terribly wrong. The pain in Nick's eyes was unbearable.

"Nick, what is it? Is it the children?"

Nick shook his head. "Megan's at Dr. Merar's. You need to get there."

Jarrod's face paled. He literally ran to the doctor's, wondering what could be the matter. Please let Megan be okay, please his mind kept screaming.

He burst into the office and saw his mother's face. She had been crying. He looked around. There wasn't a dry eye in the entire room. Dr. Merar refused to look Jarrod in the eye at first, but when he did, Jarrod knew. His wife was dead.

"No," was all he said. He rushed into the room where Megan lay, so still and quiet. Her beautiful green eyes were closed in death, never to be reopened. Jarrod walked toward her slowly. He took her hand in his and held it. It was so cold. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening. Megan. The love of his life. NO! His mind screamed as his heart was breaking into tiny pieces.
He didn't know how long he had sat with her, but when he felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up. It was Nick. Heath was standing beside him, a look of anguish on his face.

"Let's go home, Jarrod. Get some rest. We'll discuss..."Nick faltered for a moment. "We'll discuss plans later."

Jarrod didn't want to leave his wife, but knew there was no reason to stay. Not now. He nodded and allowed Nick and Heath to lead him away. It was dark outside. Jarrod shivered just a bit at the cold weather.

"What happened?" Jarrod finally asked.

Nick sighed. "You know that mare was supposed to foal soon? Well, she was having problems and I asked Megan to help. She had just gotten back from out of town and hadn't even had time to change. But she came anyway. Things were going okay and I walked out to get something..." Nick faltered. He blamed himself. Cursed himself for leaving Megan alone with the mare.

"Anyway, I heard a scream. When I came back in the barn, the horse had kicked Megan. We rushed her to the doc's..."Nick couldn't go on. Jarrod didn't want him too. They made it home eventually and Jarrod managed to mumble a thanks to his brothers, then made his way upstairs.

He sat beside his and Megan's bed, refusing to lie down. It hurt too much. When was the last time they had made love? Jarrod felt shame that he couldn't remember the last time he had held his wife in his arms. Really held her, with all of the passion he had felt for her at one time.

He rose and poured himself a drink. It didn't take long for the decanter to be emptied. Jarrod went downstairs in search of more. He needed something to make him forget his pain. He found a bottle of whisky and slowly made his way back to his room. He hadn't seen anyone else. They must have all been in bed already.

When the whisky was gone as well, Jarrod stood in a drunken stupor, realizing that the pain of his wife's death couldn't be masked with alcohol. It was just as sharp. He began to weep and threw himself down onto the floor. Sobs racked his body until he thought he would be ill. He felt a hand on his shoulder and shook it away. He didn't want comfort at this time. Again he felt the hand. It had to be Nick. Nick wouldn't give up easily and would insist on being there for him.

Jarrod raised his eyes to look into the face of his...no wait. The man standing over him wasn't his brother. Who was he?

"Who are you?" Jarrod slurred. The man standing above Jarrod held out his dark hand. Jarrod looked at it for a moment then shook his head and lay back down.

"Jarrod, let me help you up."
Jarrod looked again at the man. He had never seen him before, but felt compelled to let him help him up. He took the man's hand and was helped to his feet. Jarrod swayed and the man steadied him.

"Who are you?" Jarrod repeated.

"My name is Kent. And I'm an angel."

Jarrod blinked. "An angel. More than likely you're my two bottles of whisky." Jarrod shuffled his way over to his bed and sat down.

"No, Jarrod. I'm an angel and I've come to give you a gift."

"A gift? What gift could I possibly want now?" Jarrod asked, tears coming to his eyes.

"I've come to let you know, you have three days. When you awaken tomorrow morning, it will be three days in the past. You will have your wife back and for those three days, you will be allowed to correct the mistakes in your marriage. But Jarrod, when those three days are up, your wife will still die."

"Then what's the point!" Jarrod almost yelled.

"The point, is that you make things right with her. She saw you and Alicia together. You have a chance to keep her from that pain."

Jarrod's eyes widened. No one knew about he and Alicia. Unless...Nick had said she had just gotten back from out of town. What if she had come to San Francisco to surprise him and had seen...

Jarrod looked to Kent again. Kent looked back and said, "Three days. That's all. Make it count for something." And then he disappeared.

Jarrod shook his head. An angel. Three days. Jarrod lay across the bed and began to weep. He eventually fell into an exhausted sleep.

Day One

The sun had risen and was shining in his eyes, causing Jarrod to put his hand on his face. It was too early. He didn’t want to wake up yet. He reached over to the other side of the bed. It was empty...cold. He heard his bedroom door open and pretended to be asleep. He didn’t want to see anyone yet. Someone was stirring around in the room and they weren’t being very quiet about it either. Apparently, they couldn’t take the hint that he wanted to be alone.

"You’re going to miss your train if you don’t get a move on, Jarrod."

That voice. Jarrod sat up with a start. Megan. Megan was standing before him, dressed in her riding clothes.

"Megan. You’re here!" he said.

Megan looked at him with an amused look on her face.

"Where else would I be?"

Jarrod jumped out of bed and grabbed on to his wife. He held her close. She was alive...his wife was alive!

"What has gotten into you?" she asked. Jarrod pushed back and stared into her eyes. He looked over and saw Kent standing in the doorway then he disappeared.

Three days. I only have three days, Jarrod said though he hadn’t realized he had said the words out loud.

"Until Christmas? I thought you said you finished your shopping," Megan said, thinking he was talking with her.

Jarrod looked at his wife again. He had to go to San Francisco. He had no choice.

"Megan, come with me to San Francisco. Please."

Megan stared at him with wide eyes. "Jarrod, I can’t go. You know that mare is supposed to foal any time now. It was all Nick talked about last night at dinner."

Megan had started to pull away but Jarrod grabbed her and held her in a firm grip. He wasn’t leaving without her.

"Please, come with me. I need you." Megan stared into her husband’s eyes, seeing his need for her was genuine. She nodded and he again drew her to himself. He placed a passionate kiss on her mouth sending shivers up and down her spine. He hadn’t kissed her like that in months. She kissed him back, loving the feel of him being so close.

When they parted, Jarrod winked at her and then began getting ready for the day. Megan still stared at him, wondering what had gotten into him. Well, whatever it was, she liked it. And she hoped it stayed in him for a long time.

"You’ll have to explain to Nick why I’m leaving. He won’t be happy you know."

Jarrod smiled and said, "You leave Nick to me."

Megan’s prediction that Nick wouldn’t be happy was partially true. He was upset at first, but once Jarrod drew him aside and explained he was taking his wife away for a few days, Nick smiled.

"You go ahead, Pappy. I can tell you two need this time together."

Jarrod smiled his thanks, wondering if the entire family was aware of the strain in their marriage. They had to be.

* * * * * * * *

Megan sat next to Jarrod on the train, reliving their morning together. She began packing as Jarrod shaved and dressed for the day. She was just about to close her valise when Jarrod asked,

"Did you get anything from in here?" He was pointing to the drawer where she kept her most revealing night things. In the beginning of their marriage, whenever Jarrod would return from a trip out of town, he would always bring her something very sheer, very seductive. They couldn’t wait for her to try it on, though Megan always considered it a waste of money since it never really stayed on for more than a minute or two. Yet she would gladly have paid ten times the amount for them for the pleasure they brought to her and her husband.

Jarrod had noticed her surprised expression and wondered at it. He was trying to think back to the last time he had bought her a negligee. Actually, when was the last time he had given her a reason to wear one? The shame he felt was almost too much for him. He opened the drawer and emptied it into her valise. She looked at him as though he had lost his mind. Well, maybe he had. But it was for a good reason.

They arrived in San Francisco and made their way to the town house. Jarrod had just been there two weeks before, so things weren’t in too bad of shape. They made their way upstairs to the bedroom and Megan placed her things on the bed. She began unpacking and realized that Jarrod was just standing there, watching her. He usually was out the door almost as soon as they arrived, trying to get to the office.

"Don’t you need to be at the office?" she asked. He came forward and stopped just inches from her. He pulled out his watch and studied it, then looked into her eyes.

"Not for another three hours."

"Was there somewhere you needed to go?" she asked, trying to figure out what was going on.

He shook his head.

"Was there something you needed to do?" she asked, again trying to figure her husband out. What was going on with him?

He nodded his head and placed his fingers under her chin to lift her face. He leaned in and gently kissed her lips. Then the kiss grew more passionate. Megan felt lost in her husband’s embrace, almost wishing to cry as it had been so long. Jarrod’s lips moved down to her neck, and her pulse quickened. He nibbled on her ear, whispering words to her that caused her to tremble in anticipation. He began unbuttoning her dress, oh so slowly. It was torture for her. She was wanting to rip the garment off just so he could get to her bare skin faster, but she was paralyzed. She couldn’t have moved if there had been an earthquake.

Jarrod listened to Megan’s breath quicken and heard a moan escape her lips. He smiled, wondering how he could have gone for so long without being with her, holding her. He pushed the things that were still on the bed onto the floor, not caring where they landed. The passion that filled them could not and would not be quenched. Jarrod wouldn’t allow himself to rush anything, loving the cries of delight from his wife. He was enjoying himself too, without a doubt, but was gaining most of his pleasure from watching and listening to her. When he brought her to the highest point of ecstasy, he was thrilled as he heard her call out his name. They held onto one another tightly, not wanting to let go.

Jarrod looked into Megan’s eyes, listened to her as she tried to catch her breath, then he began to kiss her again. Megan couldn’t believe what was happening. Jarrod seemed to be making up for lost time. Well, she wasn’t going to deny him and allowed herself to again be swept up in passion.

The scene replayed itself over and over. Darkness fell and they stayed in one another’s arms. Jarrod never did make it into the office that day, but he didn’t care. The only sad moment for him, was when he thought, Day one is almost passed. Only two more to go. He drew Megan closer to himself and fell asleep.

Day Two

The sun had risen and was shining in his eyes, causing Jarrod to put his hand on his face. It was too early. He didn’t want to wake up yet. He reached over to the other side of the bed. It was empty...cold.

Jarrod sat up with a start. He was in his and Meg’s townhouse in San Francisco. She was just with him last night. Where was she?! Jarrod looked around and saw Kent sitting in a chair by the bed.

"Where is she?" Jarrod demanded. "You said I had three days. Only one has passed. Where is she?"

Kent held up his hand. "Relax. She’s just getting some coffee."

Jarrod breathed a sigh of relief and lay back down. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and then put his robe on and got out of bed.

"Was yesterday a good day?" Kent asked.

Jarrod whipped around. "What did you see? You know, what went on was very private-"

"Relax. I’m an angel, remember?"

"For which side?" Jarrod asked angrily then felt remorseful at the look on Kent’s face. "Sorry."

"I didn’t see anything. I had to ask how yesterday was, remember?"

Jarrod nodded. He couldn’t help but smile. Yesterday was wonderful. Fabulous. He couldn’t remember the last time he had spent such a fine day with his wife.

"I can see by the smile on your face it was a good day."

Jarrod looked at the angel. "It was."

Kent smiled at him and before Jarrod’s eyes, disappeared. Jarrod blinked, then heard Megan as she came through the door.

"Brought you some coffee," she said. He took the cup and kissed her on her cheek.

"Thank you, My Love."

Megan’s breath caught and tears filled her eyes. She turned away quickly, but not before Jarrod had seen the tears.

"What’s wrong? What did I say?" he asked. He set his cup on the table next to the bed and turned Megan toward him.

"It’s just been so long since you called me that."

Jarrod’s eyes also filled with tears. He couldn’t believe how he had neglected his wife. He drew her close to him and held her. She held on to him, berating herself for her tears. She hadn’t meant to make him feel badly.

"I’m sorry, Meg. Please forgive me," he said softly, putting his hands on either side of her face and kissing her soft, sweet lips. Megan felt herself melting into his arms. After a few minutes, Jarrod straightened and sighed.

"I guess you really should get to the office today," Megan said, fingering his robe. "Since tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we’ll be heading back."

Jarrod kept his arms around her waist, holding her close. He didn’t want to think about the third day yet. It was too painful. He just wanted to stay right here with Megan. That was when the thought came to him. What if they didn’t return to the ranch for Christmas Eve? What if, they stayed here and returned Christmas Day! Then she wouldn’t have a chance to be kicked by the mare! Jarrod was mentally patting himself of the back and then glanced over to see Kent. The dark man was shaking his head as though he had read Jarrod’s mind. He then disappeared again.

"Who were you talking to when I came in?" Megan asked, bringing Jarrod’s mind back to the present.

"Hmm? Oh, just myself."

Megan smiled at him and then pushed him down onto the bed.

"So Counselor, what time do you have to be at the office?" she asked, climbing on top of him.

"Well, since I am the boss, I guess I could pick my own hours."

Megan smiled. "Good," she said and the two were lost again in a world of passion, but not before Jarrod took a quick look around to make sure his angel wasn’t watching.

* * * * * * * *

A couple of hours later, Jarrod was dressed and watching his wife sleep. He wanted nothing more than to climb in next to her, but knew if he did, he probably wouldn’t be getting any sleep anyway. He smiled at the thought. They would still have tonight.

He leaned over and kissed her gently. She roused and smiled sleepily at him.

"What time will you be home?" she asked.

"Around five I think. Promise me something," he said, coming to sit next to her.

"What?" she responded, stretching luxuriously and tempting Jarrod almost above that which he was able.

"Stay right there and don’t move until I get home."

Megan laughed and swatted at him. "How about I promise to meet you back here around five. Maybe I’ll be wearing one of those nighties you packed for me."

Jarrod smiled and knew if he didn’t make his escape now he never would. He was so tempted to stay, but knew if he got most of the work out of the way today, he could spend all evening and most of the day with her tomorrow. He leaned in and kissed his wife.

"It’s a date, right here, My Love."

Jarrod arrived home promptly at five. He literally ran up the stairs and peeked in the bedroom. The room was filled with candles, all lit and glowing like a million tiny suns. Rose petals were scattered everywhere and sitting next to their bed was a bottle of champagne. He looked around and didn’t see Megan anywhere. He heard the door close behind him and turned slowly, a smile on his face.

Megan stood before him wearing a nightgown that left little to the imagination. But just enough. She smiled seductively at him. She walked over to him and slowly undid his tie, unbuttoned his shirt and then his pants. The entire time, they looked one another in the eye, never looking away. Jarrod finally allowed his eyes to close in delight as he took his wife into his arms.

* * * * * * * *

Two hours later, Jarrod and Megan walked out of the townhouse dressed for dinner. They had reluctantly left their sanctuary in need of food. There wasn’t much in the house and both had grabbed a quick lunch that day. They dined at a small restaurant and then walked hand in hand through one of San Francisco’s many parks. The air was cool, but the couple didn’t notice, so lost were they in being together. Their conversation ranged from Jarrod’s case to Megan’s practice. They hadn’t talked like this in so many months. They stopped and listened to a group caroling. Megan had never heard this particular Christmas song and found it beautiful:

Who is this baby lying, asleep where cattle feed?

Who is this babe that merits not a bed?

Yet angel choirs proclaim, the glory of His name.

And wisemen by the star to Him are led.

There were people of all ages singing, young and old. One particular child caught Megan’s eye. She was about seven and sang along with the others. Her dark hair and bright blue eyes caused Megan to think that if she and Jarrod had a daughter, this is what she would look like.

Jarrod squeezed her hand as they listened to the beautiful music. Megan asked to wait so that she could ask the group about the song. She wanted to purchase a copy to take back to Audra who loved finding different songs for the children at the orphanage to sing.

"Do you see that little girl?" Megan finally asked, unable to hold back any longer. Jarrod looked into the group and noticed the adorable child. She couldn’t be missed. He smiled at Megan and she took hope that maybe Jarrod was ready to talk about their situation.

"Jarrod, I don’t wish to upset you," she began. He looked at her, and brought her hand up to his lips. They sat down on a nearby bench to talk yet stayed close by the singers.

"What is it, My Love?"

Megan took a deep breath. "I know it made you angry when I suggested we adopt. But would it be so bad? There are so many children at the orphanage who need a good home-"

Jarrod placed a finger on her lips. She knew he wasn’t angry with her and she smiled at him.

"I’ve been thinking about it a lot the past few days. I think we would make wonderful parents and maybe it’s just meant to be that we do adopt. We’ve tried to have our own and maybe we aren’t supposed to have children of our bodies. Maybe we are supposed to have children of our hearts instead."

Tears filled Megan’s eyes. She had felt this way for a long time, but Jarrod had been so angry with her before when she had mentioned adoption that she dared not bring it up again. He drew her close, knowing he had made her happy. That was all that mattered to him at the moment.

The carolers stopped and Megan briefly kissed Jarrod before walking toward them to find out about the song. Jarrod watched her go, feeling a sense of joy. A hand came to rest on his shoulder. He looked over and saw Kent.

"Nice words. But did you forget you only have tomorrow with her?"

The words spoken by his "Angel" caused Jarrod’s heart to stop.

"I’ve not forgotten", Jarrod said coolly.

"So you didn’t mean them," Kent said, watching for his reaction.

"Yes. I meant every word. And who knows? I might even adopt even after she..." he faltered, unwilling to say it out loud. "It’s always been her dream for all children to have a loving home. What better home than with my family?"

Jarrod stalked off but at the last moment, turned to see Kent disappear. Jarrod shook his head and went to find his wife.

Day Three -Christmas Eve

It was just after seven o’clock in the morning and Jarrod sat in the chair next to his bed, watching his wife sleep. She looked so adorable, curled up in a ball on her side, one hand resting under her beautiful face. He thought back to the night before when they had returned from their outing. They dressed for bed and then held one another close while they talked. The fire in the fireplace cast a warm glow on the room.

"Were you thinking we would just adopt one child?" Megan had asked. Jarrod honestly hadn’t considered it.

"How many were you thinking?" he asked, smiling just a little.

"There’s a couple of children at the orphanage, a brother and sister. Their names are Craig and Ashlyn. Isn’t that a pretty name?" she asked, but didn’t give Jarrod a chance to answer before she rushed on, becoming more and more animated. "Their parents were killed two years ago in an influenza epidemic near Modesto. They were transferred to the Stockton Orphanage about six months ago. Craig is six and such the little man. In fact, that’s my nickname for him, ‘Little Man’. He is a good caretaker for his sister. He reminds me a lot of you in that way. How you take care of your family. And Ashlyn...she’s such a dear. Dark hair, full of curls and brown eyes. She doesn’t talk a lot, but her smiles could melt your heart-"

Megan stopped at Jarrod’s laughter. She couldn’t understand what he thought was so funny. He pulled her close to him and said,

"One of the things I love about you most is that you are so passionate about all you do. I can’t wait to meet these children. Maybe we can go and see them soon."

Megan smiled. "How about tomorrow night? We could have them over for Christmas Eve-"

"No," Jarrod said quickly. He didn’t want the children there when it happened. "Let’s have them over the day after Christmas. We’ll go to lunch in town and all spend the day together. Besides, we still need to inform the family of our decision. It wouldn’t be right just springing it on them."

Megan seemed satisfied with that and then began talking about the evening they would be spending with the family. Megan always loved Christmas Eve. Jarrod’s heart constricted just a bit but he allowed his sad thoughts to be taken away by Megan’s voice.

"And you know what? They’ve not said anything, but I think Heath and Mary are expecting again," Megan said. Jarrod looked at her, noticing the smile on her face.

"You seem happy," he couldn’t help but comment.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?"

"Doesn’t it hurt that...that they’re going to have another one and we..." he let the sentence hang.

Megan propped herself up on one elbow and looked at her husband. Her face was serious as she said,

"I’ll admit there is a twinge of jealousy. I would like for it to be us announcing tomorrow night that we are expecting. But I am genuinely happy for Heath and Mary, just as I was for Nick and Gwen. And who knows, maybe we’ll have an announcement soon. And just maybe, we won’t have to wait nine months for our children."

Jarrod’s admiration for his wife grew in that instant. She was so special, so precious. He drew her closer to himself and placed a loving kiss on her lips. He hated the fact that in less that 24 hours, she wouldn’t be by his side.

Jarrod blinked the tears from his eyes. He glanced at the clock in the room and knew he needed to get going. He only planned to work for a couple of hours and then he and Megan would get ready to go back to Stockton. He made his way quietly from the room and went down to fix a small breakfast. He wrote Megan a quick note letting her know when he would be home.

He began walking toward his office, hating the fact that he had to be away from his wife at all. If this case weren’t so important, he would be by her side right now, kissing her...holding her in his arms. His eyes closed briefly as his mind recalled the past few days. How was he going to live without her? How was he going to make it through another funeral of someone he loved, taken before they should have been? It was too much...just too much.

"That’s a solemn face," Kent said, in step beside Jarrod. Jarrod looked over at him.

"And how could I not have a solemn look on my face? My wife has a little over twelve hours to live," he said sharply.

"Then why aren’t you with her?" Kent asked.

"Because a man’s life is literally in my hands. If I don’t prepare...if we lose this case...an innocent man could lose his life."

"But your wife will lose hers tonight and you know that for sure. Yet you aren’t with her."

Kent’s word’s struck a chord with Jarrod. He stopped and looked at the dark skinned man next to him. The trial wasn’t supposed to begin until after the New Year. Yes, it was important. Yes, people were counting on him. But he needed to re-evaluate his priorities. He would probably be able to get a continuance anyway because of Megan’s death. His eyes closed at that thought...her death.

"I shouldn’t be here," Jarrod muttered. He turned around and began walking back to the townhouse. He would send a message to Alicia to just go home and enjoy the holidays. He wasn’t coming back to the office today. He was going to spend the day with his wife. He didn’t notice that Kent just watched him walk away and then disappeared, a small smile on his face.

Megan woke and stretched. She had gone to bed with a nightgown on, but couldn’t find it now. She smiled at the memory of how it had been removed. Her husband had sure been in a mood these past few days. She didn’t mind it, but wondered what had changed him. She felt as though they were back to the early days of their marriage. Back then, they just couldn’t get enough of each other. They always had to be touching if they were anywhere near one another. And it seemed that their lust for one another couldn’t be quenched. Megan lay in bed, thinking about her husband and wishing he were there with her now. But he wasn’t. He had an important case that needed his attention. She would just be thankful for this time they had together and would hope it would be a sign of a new life for them.

She had just decided to get out of bed when the door to the bedroom opened. Megan glanced over and saw Jarrod. He stood there, staring at her as she was sitting up in bed, the sheet barely covering her. Jarrod was unable to draw a breath. He literally ran to his wife and took her in his arms. Neither one said a word as they again gave in to their passions.

* * * * * * * *

The train ride back was made in relative silence. Each was lost in his or her own thoughts. Megan’s thoughts were on various things: her husband, Craig and Ashlyn, the mare that would probably foal soon if she hadn’t already. Jarrod’s thoughts centered on just one thing: the fact that his wife was going to die in just hours. He held her hand tightly, agonizing over what was going to happen. Would she be in pain? How much would she suffer? He couldn’t bare the thought of her suffering. He closed his eyes and let out a groan. Megan looked to him, concern etched on her face.

"Jarrod? Are you all right?" she asked.

Jarrod, who hadn’t realized he had made any noise, just nodded.

"I think I’d like some coffee. Want some?" he asked, standing. Megan shook her head no and Jarrod carefully maneuvered down the narrow aisle, the train swaying back and forth. He walked outside and stood at the back of the rail car, watching the scenery as it passed by.

"May I ask what you are thinking?"

Jarrod looked over at Kent. He waited a few moments, then spoke.

"I’m thinking that I can’t do this," Jarrod responded softly.

"Do what?"

"I can’t let her go. She’s so special. So precious to me." He turned to Kent, his voice pleading, "Isn’t there anyway to stop this? Does she have to die?"

Kent’s gaze never wavered. "You knew from the beginning that this was going to happen. I never kept it from you."

"But I can’t deal with this! I can’t deal with the fact that in just a few hours she’s going to be dead and there isn’t a thing I can do about it!"

Kent’s expression stayed the same through Jarrod’s little outburst. Jarrod turned away, the tears stinging his eyes. He turned back to the angel.

"Can’t you do something? Talk to someone, give me more time? I need more time!"

"You’ve already been given more time, Jarrod. I explained that to you. Make the most of it."

Kent then disappeared again, leaving Jarrod alone. He composed himself as best he could and made his way back to Megan.

"No coffee?" she asked.

Jarrod looked at her, at first not comprehending her question. Then, "Oh, changed my mind."

She nodded, then turned her face back to the window, watching the scenery pass by. Jarrod sighed. Only a few hours left.

* * * * * * * *

Nick had left a horse and buggy for them at the livery stable and they were home in just a short time. Dinner was going to be in a few hours so Jarrod and Megan went upstairs to change and get cleaned up. Megan took a quick bath and then returned to their room. Jarrod smiled at her and drew her into his arms, breathing deeply her sweet scent. He kissed her cheek then went down to get his own bath.

He had just returned to the room and noticed that Megan was wearing some old clothes.

"Somehow, I don’t think Mother will approve of your attire," he said jokingly.

Megan smiled. "Probably not. But, Nick just came and told me the mare is ready to foal. I’ll not be long."

Before Jarrod could say anything, she kissed him and went out the door, closing it behind her. Jarrod stood where he was, his heart hammering in his chest. This was it. This was the moment he was dreading. In just a few minutes, she would be gone.

As of their own volition, his feet moved forward. He placed his hand on the door knob...but it was locked. He tried again. He couldn’t get out the room. What was going on? Had Megan locked the door? He pounded on the door, calling for someone to open it for him.

"What are you doing, Jarrod?"

Jarrod turned, startled by Kent’s voice.

"I’m going to be with her. I want to be there to hold her. Let me out of this room, Kent."

"What’s done is done, Jarrod. I can’t let you out."

Jarrod felt white hot fury build up inside of him. He wanted out of this room now.

"Let me out!" he said between clenched teeth. Kent just calmly stared at him. Finally, Jarrod stepped back and ran a hand through his hair. He looked over at Kent, his eyes pleading.

"I’ll do anything you want, if you’ll just let me out. I want to be with her. I need to be with her. Please."

Kent continued to stare at him and then, nodded slightly. Jarrod heard the door unlock. He threw it open and ran downstairs. He ran to the barn as fast as he could, then stopped just outside. He knew better than to run in, for that could be the very thing to cause the mare to kick. He drew a deep breath and walked in.

Megan was in the farthest stall, her attention completely on the animal before her. Jarrod heard Nick say he would be right back and knew the moment was at hand. He walked forward, watching as the horse was growing more and more agitated. Something was wrong. Megan was trying to soothe the animal, but the mare would have none of it.

Before Jarrod could even think of what he was doing, he rushed forward, hearing Megan scream. His world went dark as he realized it had happened. His wife was gone.

* * * * * * * *

The darkness enveloped him, and strangely enough, was comforting. It was so warm here, so quiet. He heard a voice in the distance, calling his name, but he didn’t want to listen. If he came out of the darkness, he would have to face the harsh reality that his wife was dead. He couldn’t bear that thought. If he stayed in the darkness, he could pretend she was still by his side.

After a while, the voice became more persistent. It was getting harder to ignore and no matter how much he tried, Jarrod couldn’t stay in the darkness any longer. The voice was familiar and for a moment, Jarrod thought it was his mother’s voice. That made sense. She was probably sitting by his side, holding his hand, begging him to come back to consciousness. Nick would be there as would Heath he was sure.

Jarrod’s eyelids fluttered and he opened them slightly. His prediction of Nick’s and Heath’s presence being there was true. Both looked at him with such concern. He saw his mother was there as well. He moved his head to the side and saw Megan was sitting next to him, holding his hand. She was so beautiful, even as the tears filled her eyes.

Wait. Megan was here!

"What are you doing here?" he asked of his wife.

"Why do you keep asking me that?" she asked.

"I thought...I thought the mare kicked you."

Megan smiled. "She would have, if you hadn’t pushed me out of the way. She got you instead. You’ve been unconscious for over twelve hours."

Jarrod stared at her, trying to comprehend what she was saying. Megan was alive. He had saved her by pushing her out of the way. Victoria motioned for Heath and Nick to leave with her to give the couple some privacy.

"Oh, Megan. I’m so happy you’re alive," Jarrod said holding his arms out to her. She gladly lay her head on his chest. She wept when she thought about how close she came to losing him. Jarrod’s tears were falling as well. He didn’t understand what was going on, but he didn’t care. His wife was alive and that was all that mattered.

A few minutes later, Megan left Jarrod alone to go and get him some broth. He lay in his bed, trying to remember exactly what happened in the barn. He glanced over and saw Kent sitting in the chair next to his bed.

Jarrod had a million questions to ask, but couldn’t bring himself to say anything. Kent smiled slightly and said,

"Your wife’s life has been spared, Jarrod. You’ve been given a special gift, one that many are never able to receive. You’ve been given more time with your wife. Another chance. Treasure each day. Love her always, the way you’ve loved her the past few days. Remember this time and what you almost lost."

Jarrod stared at the angel, allowing his words to wash over him. He had been given a reprieve. He would have gladly given his life for his wife’s, but instead, had been spared as well. Megan came back to his room a few minutes later to find that Jarrod was sitting up.

"Jarrod, you can’t get up now. You need to rest."

Jarrod smiled at his wife. "Oh, I’ll get plenty of rest later. Right now, it’s Christmas Day and I want to spend it with you and my family downstairs, not confined to this bed. We have so much to celebrate, My Love."

Megan smiled at him and then helped him dress. This was going to be one of the best Christmases ever.

Christmas Day One Year Later

Jarrod stood next to the fireplace, laughing at his children as they opened presents. Craig’s and Ashlyn’s adoption had just been finalized the month before though they had been living with the Barkley’s for many months. They fit into the family well, and Jarrod and Megan were enjoying being parents. There were adjustments to be made, but they handled each challenge with determination and love.

Their new house was almost complete and they would be moving in just after the New Year. Craig and Ashlyn were excited to have their own rooms, but would miss their cousins terribly.

Megan came to stand next to her husband and wrapped her arms around his waist as they watched their son and daughter. She leaned against him, feeling content and joyful. Jarrod kissed the top of her head and she looked up and smile at him. He had been a different man this year. He had decided to take things easier, slower, and take more time for his family. He and Megan went on a small trip to Fresno two months ago to celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary. He had many fond memories of those five days alone with his wife, but both had been eager to return to Craig and Ashlyn.

Megan too was thinking about their trip and reached up to draw her husband’s face close to hers.

"Remember Fresno?" she asked.

He smiled and said softly, "How could I forget? I don’t think we ever left the hotel room."

Megan smiled. "I got you a present, while we were there."

Jarrod looked at her, trying to think of when they had been apart. To his knowledge, they were together the entire time.

"When did you leave the hotel room?"

"Oh, I didn’t have to leave the hotel room to get it."

Jarrod’s face showed confusion. Megan was enjoying her little game.

"So, what is it?" Jarrod asked.

Megan tilted her head. "I’m not sure yet. We’ll find out in about seven months."

Jarrod’s eyes widened.

"You mean..."

"Craig and Ashlyn are going to have a baby brother or sister next summer."

Jarrod let out a "whoop" that caused everyone to turn their way. When they announced the news, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Jarrod held his wife close, tears running down his cheeks.

He looked over and saw Kent standing by the tree. The dark man smiled at him and disappeared. Jarrod smiled and drew his wife into his arms for a long kiss. What a wonderful gift.

THE END