Destiny’s Stormy Path

Chapters 19-37, Epilogue

by Catgirl

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.

Rolling his eyes upwards at the female voice shattering the silence of the world around them, Heath silently asked again why hadn’t he rented a horse and rode the long trail home instead of taking the stagecoach….why did he have to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere with…with… that woman…with her!

Chapter 19

“OW! Why don’t you look where you’re going?” snapped the redhead, the pain from her face and her unceremonious landing on the boardwalk only heightening her already quick fire temperament.

“Madison?”

Heath wasn’t even sure if the single word spoken as if the speaker’s throat was constricted with cotton came from him or not. His mind was attempting to filter what his eyes saw. It was struggling to comprehend the mirage his eyes were bringing forth.

The shot glass in Nick’s hand slipped out a strangled high pitched name from his brother after the cry of painful outrage in a female voice. Harry watched the full glass slide out of the rancher’s fingers and spill its liquid when the glass shattered after rolling off the oak bar. Leaning over before glancing up to protest the mess and destruction, Harry only saw the back of the black suit coat of the man who’d rushed to the doorway.

Stepping through the doorway, Nick stopped short to avoid colliding with his brother who stood above the girl shielding her left eye with her left hand, her right eye wide as she looked upward. Heath was staring down, blinking as if he wasn’t certain what he was seeing, rooted in place with feet that couldn’t move.

“Heath?” asked the girl after blinking a lid over her uncovered green eye. “Is that you?”

When Heath didn’t respond, Nick nudged him firmly in the shoulder and caused the younger man to waken from the trance that had captured him. Startled and unsure of how long he’d been standing there gaping like a fish out of water, Heath knelt down.

“Uh…yeah…it’s…me…Madison, are you okay?” stammered Heath reaching out to pull her hand away from where the door made contact with her.

“You swung that door open so fast, I thought it was going to fly off the hinges! I didn’t even have time to think.” exclaimed the redhead swatting at the hand reaching outward. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.” Answered Heath unaware of Nick and several citizens watching the scene with interest. “Let me see…”

“I said it was fine, Heath.” Protested Madison sharply, not wanting to give the whole town a view of the shiner she was sure was already there.

“Madison, move your hand so I can look at it.” Commanded Heath firmly, his tone causing Nick’s eyebrow to raise in amusement.

Glaring at the blond who tantalized her dreams at night and who had unexpectedly appeared before her, Madison clenched her jaws together and slapped his hand away with a low hiss.

“It’s bad enough that I’m still sitting here, Heath but I will not have the whole town seeing what you did!”

Flinching and looking around, the newest heir to the Barkley empire turned a shade of red at the interested onlookers scattered around them. Nick felt a rush of sympathy for the blond who suddenly appeared overly embarrassed and self-conscious. Kneeling down, he pushed back his hat and smiled at the green eye which turned his way.

“I’m Nick Barkley. Heath’s brother.” Introduced Nick, his friendly smile contagious in his tan face.

“Madison Conroy.” Informed the redhead reaching out to shake the hand of the man dressed in a black suit.

“We should get you on over to the doc’s.” suggested Heath after a sideways look to his brother before she allowed him to lift her upwards.

“Conroy?” repeated Nick with a frown. “Are you related to craz….uh…John Conroy?”

“He’s my father.” Informed Madison with a smile. “Do you know him?”

Opening his mouth, Nick hesitated and nodded slowly, “Sure, I’ve…um…seen him around a time or two. Well, I reckon Heath can get you over to the doc’s without my help…I’m just gonna hide…uh…go back in the saloon and talk to Harry.”

“Nick! Hey!” protested Heath to the matching swinging doors which closed after his brother hurriedly entered the drinking establishment.

“Is that how your brother always acts?” queried Madison.

“No....Madison, where is your father?” asked the blond nervously before he lead her down the boardwalk towards the office of Dr. Merar.

Madison found her hand falling away from the blackened eye at her attempt to keep up with the quick stepping man holding onto her elbow. Stopping suddenly, she wrenched her elbow free and glared at him when he looked down into her face.

Taking several breaths she finally caught her breath and scowled, “You don’t have to run at a full gallop, Heath! It’s not life threatening!”

“Oh, sorry.” Apologized the young rancher with a shuffle of his feet. “I just want to get you to doc’s so he can look at that eye.”

Reaching up and touching the swelling on her face, Madison offered, “At least you didn’t punch me in retaliation for what I did to you.”

“I’d never hit a woman!” snapped Heath angrily, lowering his voice at the heads turning up the street at the raised tone. “It was an accident Madison. I was mad at Nick and didn’t think before I shoved open the door.”

“Then why are you leading me down to the doc’s like a dog?” demanded the redhead with thinned out lips.

“I’m not.”

“You are too!”

“I’m not!” shot back Heath firmly before stammering. “I…uh…I got plans for later. I just want to make sure you see the doc before I have to leave.”

Studying the blond with a thoughtful face, Madison tilted her head and asked, “Did you know they think my father’s crazy?”

“Crazy?” repeated Heath nervously, remembering with a sigh the man who warned people off his land with a scattergun and who, Heath himself, had seen on several occasions talking to the trees in his small orchard.

“You know…loony…off his rock…a few bricks short of a load?” surmised Madison her hands clenching the material of her skirt. “Is that why you’re trying to get rid of me? Are you afraid the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?”

“Yes…I mean…OW!” corrected Heath quickly before howling at the brutal kicks to his shins and rubbing his paining leg while she stalked off with her chin in the air.

“Madison! Wait!” called Heath before slumping against the side of the land office and groaning to himself. ‘Great just great! With the way I’ve been lately…Nick will think I’ll fit right in with that family!’

Chapter 20

Smiling and nodding to the members of their community, Victoria’s gray eyes scanned the meeting hall looking for her two younger sons. The irritation she’d experienced when Nick told her they needed to ride into town ahead of the rest of the family had lessened while she readied for the social. She had realized perhaps this was Nick’s way of assisting Heath through whatever it was causing the shadows in his eyes with each passing day. It was a little over four months since Tom’s son from another woman found his way to them and blessed their lives.

‘Perhaps he has come to finally realize what having brothers and an extended family means.’ Thought Victoria as she pinned up her silver hair while sitting at her dressing table. ‘It’s probably best not to interfere and let Nick help Heath like the big brother he is.’

That had been her ultimate conclusion as she pondered over the events of the past days causing Nick and Heath’s preemptive ride into town. The drive in with Jarrod and Audra had been relaxing and pleasant, filled with conversation and excitement. Her daughter was almost giddy over the idea of her dance card being filled and wondered for the umpteenth time how she would ever fit all her admirers into a three hour span. Jarrod simply rolled his eyes and started to admonish his young vivacious sister to simply pick one and settle down before he caught his mother’s eye and bit his tongue.

Victoria had enjoyed the drive in, however, now as she stood scanning the small building and not seeing sign of either of her younger sons she wondered if perhaps interference would have been best.

“Jarrod, do you see your brothers?” asked Victoria looking up at her tall son who had the advantage of several inches on her.

“No, Mother.” Admitted Jarrod forcing a smile to his lips but not able to change the look of censure appearing in his light eyes for his wayward siblings. “I’m sure they’ll be here though.”

“Mother, there’s Jody.” Exclaimed Audra with a smile cutting off the two older people’s conversation. “Can I go talk to her and the girls?”

“Audra, you may, however, next time there is no reason to be rude and interrupt us.” Chastised Victoria, her words bringing a flush of embarrassment to her daughter’s cheek and a heartfelt apology before the blond dashed off across the room to the gathered hoard of giggling girls.

Jarrod felt several of the hoard scrutinizing him with hungry eyes and shifted his body to present his broad back to the overzealous young girls whose ultimate goals in life were to seek out and entrap a husband. The suave attorney had no designs to give any of Audra’s immature friends any reason to believe he’d welcome any of their attentions.

“There’s Nick.” Stated Jarrod with a sigh of relief at his hazel eyed brother who stopped in the doorway a moment before heading their way.

“You look lovely, Mother.” greeted Nick bending to place a kiss on her cheek and winking at his big brother. “You too, Jarrod.”

“Very funny.” Scowled Jarrod looking towards the doorway for their youngest brother. “Where’s Heath?”

“Uh…I’m sure he’s around somewhere.” Said Nick shifting on his two feet at the fierce scrutiny of his mother’s gray eyes.

“Nicholas, why is Heath not with you?” queried Victoria in a low voice, not wanting to give the people standing around them a hint of any family discord. “You did ride into town together. Wasn’t he with you this afternoon?”

“Some of the time he was.” Offered Nick reaching up to insert a finger between his collar and neck as if the suit was tightening while Jarrod silently enjoyed his brother’s discomfort. “I…well…he’ll be here, Mother. He’s an adult and knows where he’s to be. I can’t hold his hand all the time!”

“Nicholas!” hissed Victoria, her eyes burning at the impertinence of her son’s tone.

“Sorry, Mother.” Apologized Nick quietly, feeling the tips of his ears burning at his mother’s scolding. “We had a little disagreement but I’m sure he’ll be here.”

“What was it this time?” sighed Jarrod with a small shake of his head. “What’d you do?”

“Me?” snapped Nick angrily. “Why do you always think it’s me!”

Arching an eyebrow, Jarrod stated matter-of-factly, “Because based on past behavior patterns between you two Nick….it usually is.”

“Now listen here I graduated top of my stupid class lawyer….” Growled Nick taking a half step closer to his older brother, his back suddenly rigid with anger.

“Yes, cows are as smart as me rancher…” shot back Jarrod through clenched teeth.

“Stop it right now!” ordered Victoria taking hold of both her sons’ arms as if they were escorting her to a table. “We’ll discuss this later without the benefit of all of Stockton hearing.”

Glaring at each other over the top of their mother’s silver head, the two sets of eyes promised his brother a definite continuation to the talk, however, both knew with all certainly it would not be in a manner their mother would approve of.

Victoria felt the tenseness in the arm of each of her sons and tightened her small hands on their muscular biceps to tug on both their arms simultaneously. Drawing their eyes from each other and down to hers, she hadn’t needed to voice one single word for them to understand and she sensed a release of their anger for the time being. The tiny matriarch had no doubt both of her masculine sons would ‘talk’ with each other after they returned home. Both had been born with an overly large dose of Barkley stubbornness and pride that sometimes threw all reasoning out the window.

Sitting at the table with her two sons who weren’t participating in the social except for the occasional dance with her and their sister, Victoria suddenly gasped at the couple she saw entering the hall.

“Isn’t that John?” asked Victoria, the man and young girl on his arm stood impervious to the sudden hush falling over the hall as they entered.

“It is!” agreed Jarrod in disbelief. “John Conroy! He hasn’t been off his ranch in nearly three years!”

Overcoming her surprise, Victoria stood and her sons hastened to help her with her chair like the gentlemen they were. Making her way through the crowd towards the newcomers, the reigning leader of the prominent family smiled widely. “John, it’s good to see you!”

“Victoria, it has been a long time.” Admitted the small man with round wire rimmed glasses. His gray hair was a bit long for the usual style but his green eyes sparkled at the tiny woman who took his hand in greeting. “Victoria Barkley, this is my daughter Madison. Maddy has been back east attending a finishing school.”

“Madison, I’m delighted to meet you.” Greeted Victoria to the girl whose mouth had slipped open slightly before she recovered. The matriarch didn’t miss the bruise around the young girl’s left eye but proper etiquette didn’t allow her to ask about what occurred to cause it. “You are simply beautiful, Madison. I’ll have to introduce you to my daughter, Audra. I’m sure you will become the best of friends.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Barkley.” Smiled Madison, finding the shocked face of Nick Barkley before shifting her gaze around the room in hopes of seeing a blond head of hair. “I’d be delighted to meet her.”

“Please sit with us.” Offered Victoria.

“That would be our pleasure, Victoria. Thank you.” Agreed John with a slight bow, a smile hovering around his lips at the openly curious stares of those in the community, knowing they thought him as strange as the cultures in a foreign country. “Jarrod. Nick.”

“Mr. Conroy.” Stated both men at the same time as they stood back to allow the father and daughter to follow their mother.

Sitting at the square table, Victoria waved Audra over and introduced her family to the Conroy’s. Her gray eyes unable to hide her startled look when the young red headed girl admitted knowing Nick and also Heath.

“So you met my sons today in town?” asked Victoria.

“Actually I met Heath on the stage from Carson City. We were…stranded together after the stage was robbed.” Replied Madison with a forced smile at three of the faces who were taken totally by surprise, all except the hazel eyed member of the family that is. She felt a surge of anger when she realized other than his one brother Heath hadn’t bothered to say anything about her to his family. She felt humiliated as if the blond thought of her as nothing but a cast off, uncaring of her existence. “Nick, I met this afternoon in town.”

“What happened to your eye, Madison? It looks very painful!” asked Audra suddenly, unable to keep her curiosity at bay and lowering her face at her mother’s sharp tongued scolding along with Jarrod’s pointed look.

“Heath did it this afternoon.”

Chapter 21

Madison thought the looks of disbelief and shock on the faces of his family at her suggestion would give her a moment of happiness for his apparent rebuff but she found it didn’t take away the hurt the absent man caused. Nick Barkley was red as the checkered square in the tablecloth and she added suddenly when the large man opened his mouth.

“I meant it was an accident.” Offered Madison watching the looks change to puzzlement between the three members of the family who weren’t at the incident that afternoon. “Unlucky me just happened to be in the way when Heath swung open the saloon door, Mrs. Barkley.”

John Conroy shot his daughter a withering glance for the way she allowed the family to question for the briefest of moments if their newest member who’d they known only a short time could be capable of such an ungentlemanly deed. Satisfied when his daughter’s matching green eyes lowered with embarrassment,

the older man offered a smile of apology.

“Madison should have thought before she spoke, Victoria.” apologized John. “It was a freak accident and Heath did offer to take Madison to see Dr. Merar.”

“He did, Mother.” Agreed Nick through lips thinned with anger at the redhead spitfire who he was certain had gotten what she wanted from the effects of her words. “Like Mr. Conroy said…it was an accident.”

“I’m thankful you weren’t seriously injured, Madison.” Stated Victoria with a small smile, sensing the young girl was for some reason not happy with Heath at the moment. “John, we’ll be more than happy to pay for the doctor’s bill. It’s the least we can do.”

“There’s no need for that, Mrs. Barkley.” Countered Madison with a smile of innocence. “Dr. Merar didn’t charge anything for the visit. He just asked me some silly questions to make sure my head was alright. Course I had to tell him what happened but he understood it was simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Jarrod nudged Nick under the table at the hazel eyes which started to roll upwards and smiled widely showing white even teeth in his tanned face. “Did our town doctor clear you for dancing tonight, Miss Conroy?”

“Yes he did.” Said Madison finding the handsome man across from her did not spark her blood like the nearness of a certain blond. “I will admit even if he didn’t I would have found someway to be here tonight. After all if Stockton is to be my home again, I must become reacquainted with everyone. It has been a number of years since I left.”

“Maddy was the top graduate at her finishing school in Baltimore.” Boasted John proudly. “Her mother, rest her soul, had always wanted her baby to attend a ladies school.”

“Oh you must tell me what it was like.” Exclaimed Audra with excitement and blue eyes wide with wonder. “What is Baltimore like? What did you learn?”

Victoria smiled at the two girls who became lost in conversation amongst themselves before turning back to their visitor at the table. The leader of the Barkley family sighed with relief at who she saw standing in the doorway over the head of John Conroy.

“There’s your brother now.” Announced the silver haired lady with a wide smile as the blond approached, his face showing trepidation for a moment when he glimpsed who was sitting at the table with his family.

Victoria and Jarrod watched with interest as Heath’s pace slowed dramatically as if he dreaded the idea of approaching. John Conroy turned in his chair and saw the hesitation in the younger man. Turning back around after nodding to the newest Barkley member, he bite the inside of his cheek to hold back the grin as he recalled Madison’s probing questions while she rested her sprained ankle after arriving on the train. Questions about how he and her mother had met. What their courtship was like and when they realized they were in love.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” Apologized Heath nervously with a small smile to the woman who hadn’t hesitated to offer him a place in her home.

Standing and walking to the blond, Victoria took his hand and squeezed it lightly, “Heath, I understand you have already met Miss Conroy on the stage. This is her father, John Conroy.”

John smiled warmly and took the hand of the blond firmly, “Heath it is good to meet you in person instead of at a distance.”

“Mr. Conroy.” Acknowledged the blond with a small smile to the man he’d only seen from afar doing his strange activities. Releasing the strong hand, Heath took off his hat and nodded to the vision haunting his sanity. “Madison…uh…Miss Conroy, it’s…um…nice to see you again.”

“Mr. Barkley.” Replied Madison coyly turning her attention back to Audra on her left and trying to ignore the rapid beating of her heart.

Nick let out an audible sigh of relief and stood up to clap his blond brother on the back. “How about a beer, little brother after we get some punch for the ladies?”

“I’ll join you.” Said Jarrod standing and looking down at the older man. “Mr. Conroy?”

“Perhaps later.” Declined John. “I’d like to catch up the times with your mother.”

Victoria watched Jarrod, Nick and Heath walk to the tables set up along the wall. She arched an eyebrow at the man across from her whose green eyes sparkled with amusement after the girls left them alone at the table to join the group of Audra’s friends.

“Victoria have you heard the old expression….love and a cough cannot be hid.” Suggested John with a quick smile.

Tilting her head at his suggestion, Victoria’s gray eyes moved around the room picking out the two people standing on opposite sides of the hall. Gray eyes watched with curiosity as the blond head of Heath snapped up when Madison was escorted onto the dance floor.

Chapter 22

Madison welcomed the diversion of Audra’s nonstop chatter and stream of questions about her time on the eastern coast of the nation where the cities were large and refined in the areas she’d seen. She felt an immediate sisterhood with the blonde girl who was her age and fell easily into conversation with her.

In the brief glimpse into the crystal blue eyes, she had caught the trace of displeasure inside Heath and found she couldn’t stop herself from purposely ignoring him. Her rapidly beating heart couldn’t stop her insides from feeling as if they were ripping apart from his apparent unlike of having her near. It took every ounce of will power she possessed to sit at the table with him a mere four feet away and not give into the angry hurt.

When she’d been recovering from her sprained ankle at home she peppered her father with questions about his courtship to her mother. Though her mother had long since been gone for two thirds of her life she still remembered the feel of the love they had for each other while growing up. The way they held hands whenever they sat together and the show of affection for each other. Even as a small child she knew their love for one another was different than their love for her. It was what she felt inside for the muscular blond, blue eyed man.

During the recuperation, her dreams of a chance encounter with the man she only knew as Heath on an unnamed street would end with him professing his own undying love. He would sweep her up into his arms and not give her a black eye with a swinging door. His eyes would shine brightly from the love he had for her and not with dread that she were near. His lips would proclaim to all who would listen of his eternal joy at the woman he’d found and not address her with detachment or regret.

No…her dreams were not like this.

Madison briefly wondered as Audra talked if this was her future for the rest of eternity. Was she to spend her days on earth longing for the haven of his arms and the heavenly taste of his lips. Was she to be subject to hell on earth? Was she destined to live without the man she knew was for her? Was she to settle for less?

No…she would not settle for less. Whether he knew it or not, whether he chose to admit it or not…..he loved her. She would not settle…she would have him. Now, to get him to admit it would be the goal of the war and Madison looked down to brush an imaginary piece of lint from her skirt. Hiding the sly smile spreading across her face, she almost laughed at the battle plan forming in her mind.

“Madison, let’s go see my friends and I’ll introduce you.” Suggested Audra.

“I’d love to meet them.” Agreed Madison standing and placing a kiss on her father’s cheek before whispering in his ear. “Thank you daddy for being the kind of father who doesn’t mind talking to his daughter about the mysteries of life.”

Surprised for the span of a flicking eyelash, John Conroy may have been parted from his daughter for too long in the past years since he sent her to the Baltimore Ladies Finishing School but in that moment, he saw the mind of his wife in her eyes. Patting her arm as she whisked by him to follow Audra, John contemplated if Heath Barkley were aware by the time Madison was done….he’d be hogtied and never asking to be released. Much as he had been with his wife after she were done with him. The girl who captured him and who he loved just as much now as when she were by his side.

The father in him had no qualms about the beginnings of Heath Barkley’s life for it was the same way he came to be in the world. He’d been raised by his mother alone and he would never call it a shortcoming to be born a bastard. It was merely a challenge and a way to strengthen the character inside from what life threw at you. From what he’d heard of this son of Tom Barkley’s he knew him to be of the same morals and values as the rest of his siblings. That was good enough for him and all he cared about when it came to his daughter’s happiness. Money couldn’t take the place of having your soul mate in your heart. Money made the world go round but love made it spin crazily out of control, keeping you hungry for a mere taste and light headed from happiness.

Looking into the warm friendly gray eyes of Victoria Barkley, John felt he couldn’t contain the news to himself and wondered if the head of the town’s most prominent family would become his conspirator in this secret. He watched her eyes light up with realization at his question about the old expression and a smile hovered about her lips before she glanced around the room for the two the expression described.

“I think she did it on purpose.” Scowled Nick after taking swallow of the cold beer from his mug, his eyes scouting the crowd for those he wanted to dance with.

“Nick.” Warned Jarrod softly as he watched Heath staring into his beer. “Miss Conroy apologized for saying what she did. I suggest you forget about it. Right, Heath?”

“Yeah, sure.” Agreed Heath offhandedly not realizing what he was agreeing to as the scowl on his face deepened as he struggled to keep his eyes from seeking out the redhead of his haunted dreams.

Letting out a sigh of frustration, Nick hissed out for his brothers’ ears only, “Don’t do it, Heath! You’re not gonna start that again!”

“Start what?” asked Jarrod just as quietly not sure he liked his younger brothers to have a secret he wasn’t privy to. “What are you talking about?”

“The….that….” Stammered Nick when the words to describe the effect the red head on Heath wouldn’t come to his mind and he stated angrily as he gestured to the younger man with his head. “Heath knows exactly what I’m talking about and stop looking at me like I’m a blithering idiot, Jarrod!”

“I’m not!” countered Jarrod irritably. “I just don’t understand what you’re talking about or what’s going on!”

“Welcome to the club, big brother!” scoffed Nick with a shake of his head before taking a large gulp of the beer in his hand.

Heath felt the red creep up his neck and he ground out from clenched teeth while shooting a glare towards his hazel eyed brother, “Don’t start again, Nick!”

“Start?” repeated Nick incredibly. “Pete’s sake, I haven’t finished from this morning! And thanks to you, I still have a headache!”

The retort on the tip of Heath’s tongue died off when the band started their first song and his head snapped up at Jarrod’s observation at the pair heading to the dance floor.

“Oh…oh….I don’t think little sister is going to appreciate Miss Conroy stealing her admirers’ attentions away from her. Life is going to get complicated I’m afraid, brothers. A jealous Audra is worse than an angry one.”

Chapter 23

‘I should be happy and relieved’ thought Heath irritably.

Leaning against the wall next to the drink table, he found he was unable to pry his eyes away from the dance floor. Amid the couples waltzing across the area, he caught sight of the young red headed girl smiling into the nameless face of the most recent male to request her presence for a dance.

‘Maybe she’ll find someone to take her attention away from me’ thought the blond with a false hope as he took a swallow of the warm beer in his hand before grimacing at the taste.

Nick glanced over to Heath who was looking at his beer as if it tasted like Audra’s lemonade and frowned. The blond had been a permanent fixture to the wall since the band started their first song and he hadn’t been back to the table where their mother and Mr. Conroy were now talking with Jarrod. Looking around he watched Audra smile at the mayor’s son before they were blocked from view by another pair of dancers.

“Nick?”

Shaken from his examination of his newest brother again, Nick looked down and smiled sheepishly at his long-time friend in his arms. “I’m sorry, Mary. Did I step on your toes again?”

Laughing at the red under the tanned face of the handsome rancher she’d known since she was a little girl, the brown haired woman smiled and shook her head, “No, my toes are quite uninjured at the moment, Nick. However, this dance is not over yet.”

“I’ll do my best to prevent a limp.” Grinned Nick, hazel eyes twinkling into the muted browns looking up at him.

“That would be most appreciated.” Smiled Mary before following the wandering hazel eyes of her dance partner. “If a girl was the reason for your distraction, Nick, I’d know how to handle it. I can’t say I’ve ever had a dance partner who couldn’t keep his eyes off his brother.”

“I know, Mary.” Sighed Nick apologetically. “Guess I am distracted tonight.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” offered Mary. “Or anything I can help with?”

“Thanks for the offer but little brother will have to figure this one out for himself.” Smiled Nick and then shaking his head, “If Heath don’t figure it out soon, he’ll put me in the crazy house with him.”

Puzzled, Marry chuckled softly and smiled, “What are you talking about, Nick?”

“Mary, I’d tell you I really would.” Offered Nick with a shrug before adding, “I’m not sure what’s going on myself. Trying to make sense of Heath lately is like trying to track a drunk. First it’s this way then it’s that….all I end up with when I try to figure it out is a headache.”

The band ended the song and Mary entwined her arm into the crook of Nick’s arm to lead him towards the punch table and whispered. “I like riddles, Nick. Tell me what you think you know and I’ll see if I can figure it out.”

“Well…I don’t know.” Hesitated Nick handing her a small glass of apricot punch. “He’ll be upset if he finds out I said anything.”

“Oh, come on Nick.” Pouted Mary. “You know I won’t say anything….please…”

Looking around at his blond brother who was listening to Duke who’d made his way over to the wall he was holding up, Nick sighed and nodded, “Alright but not here where someone might hear.”

“Let’s sit at that table in the corner.” Suggested the willowy brown haired girl dragging the rancher to the secluded table and leaning her forearms on the top. “Spill the beans, Nick.”

Mary easily found the red headed girl Nick described standing with Audra and her friends. Shifting her eyes she watched with amusement as Heath kept sending glances to the group of young women and fidgeting uncomfortably. Smiling and covering her mouth to stifle her laugher, the muted browns sparkled as they met the hazel orbs.

Nick scowled and hissed at his laughing friend, “Mary, this isn’t funny…it’s serious! Stop giggling!”

Fanning her flushed face, Mary smiled widely and patted Nick’s hand, “Oh, Nick, surely you can’t be that blind?”

“Blind to what?” questioned Nick. “What are you talking about?”

“Heath’s in love, Nick.” Declared Mary with a soft sigh. “Head over heels and then some, I’d say.”

“Love!” squeaked out the tall rancher in disbelief. “No that can’t be!”

“Why not?” demanded Mary firmly.

“He hasn’t known her that long, Mary!” stated Nick. “He didn’t even know her last name til this afternoon!”

Mary’s brown eyes turned dreamy and she rested her chin on her hand, “Love doesn’t have a time table, Nick. Who says you have to know someone a certain amount of time before you know you love them? Love doesn’t make sense half the time anyway….this is all just so romantic…oh look…I’ve got goose bumps on my arm thinking about it.”

Looking at the slender arm covered with goose bumps, Nick shook his head and groaned before rubbing his face with his hands, “Jarrod was right, life is about to get very complicated!”

Chapter 24

Victoria watched the father and daughter smile at each other as they moved gracefully across the dance floor. The beauty of the red headed young woman was only enhanced by the blush on her cheeks and the wide happy smile on her face.

“I don’t see Heath.” offered Victoria after she searched the crowded hall for her family members.

“Heath snuck out the side door a few minutes ago, Mother.” Informed Jarrod. “He doesn’t appear to be having much fun tonight.”

“Well, he does have other things on his mind.” Stated Victoria offhandedly before smiling at Nick escorting Mary to their table.

“What other things?” questioned Jarrod curiously.

Turning to her first born, Victoria’s gray eyes sparkled and she shook her head, “Just things, my dear.”

Jarrod knew his mother was brushing his question away and past experiences told him he wouldn’t be able to coerce any further information until she was willing to share. Many often noted the Barkley stubbornness as a trait of their father’s but he knew she were perhaps ten times more stubborn than he’d been. Their mother simply carried it better and more elegantly, disguising it as self assuredness and refinement.

“Mary, it’s nice to see you.” Greeted Jarrod standing as the two approached. “And may I say it’s also a relief to see you’re still able to walk after dancing with my cumbersome brother.”

“Very funny lawyer man!” growled Nick as he pulled out an empty chair for his long time friend. “I didn’t see you out there on the floor. Your seat must be full of splinters by now.”

“Nicholas!” chastised Victoria.

“Mrs. Barkley.” Smiled Mary with a wink into the gray eyes of the older woman. “Nick was kind enough to keep it down to only one toe stomping tonight, Jarrod.”

“Hey now, Mary.” Protested Nick fighting to keep the grin from splitting his face. “From Jarrod, I would expect such foolishness but not you. Anyway, I’m not the one who knocked over two kids tonight.”

Blushing with embarrassment, Mary slapped the arm of Nick and giggled, “Unlike your propensity for stepping on toes, Nick, that was an accident! Those children couldn’t be more than four years old. They were so small I didn’t see them from the way you were hauling me around the dance floor.”

“Hauling?” repeated Nick with a scowl before defending himself. “Nope, that was just mighty fine dancing, Mary!”

“I beg to differ, Nick,” Observed Jarrod with a wink to brown haired girl and his mother. “It looked the same as when you’re tossing sacks of feed in the loft.”

Snickering behind her hand, Mary watched Victoria sigh and relegate herself to listening to her two sons banter back and forth for a minute over the finer points of social manners.

“Speaking of social manners…” said Nick glancing over to the beer table. “Where’s the Barkley wall flower?”

“Nicholas, really!” admonished Victoria with a shake of her head. “Your brother merely stepped out for some fresh air.”

“Don’t you mean escaped, Mother?” Smirked Nick with a sideways glance to Mary. “Bet he doesn’t come back.”

“You’ll lose, Nick.” Informed Mary with assuredness. “He’s not going to go back to the ranch, at least not yet anyway. He’ll be back.”

“Why do you think he hasn’t gone home?” queried Nick with interest.

“Whether he knows it or not, Heath will want to size up the competition.” Suggested Mary.

“What competition?” asked Jarrod from across the table breaking into the world the two dancing partners were lost in for a moment. “What’s Heath up to?”

Grinning like the cat that ate the canary into the curious blue eyes of his brother, Nick leaned forward, “If I told you, Jarrod, Heath might do me bodily harm…so, I’m not saying.”

“Obviously you told Mary.” Pointed out Jarrod.

“That’s cause I like Mary.” Smirked Nick before chuckling at the scowl on Jarrod’s face.

“Nicholas, stop teasing your brother.” Ordered Victoria with twinkling gray eyes.

“Nick didn’t tell me, Jarrod.” Countered Mary with a glare to the man on her right who smiled sheepishly. “I had to spell it out for him. Men are always the last to know right, Mrs. Barkley?”

“Yes they are my dear.” Agreed Victoria with a soft laugh.

Studying the faces of the two women at the table, Jarrod tilted his head and quickly ran through some thoughts in his mind before his eyes widened and he gasped, “Heath and…no? You can’t be serious!”

“He’s got it bad, Jarrod.” informed Nick with a deep sigh. “That explains why he’s been acting weird since he got back. The boy’s in l-o-v-e.”

Looking around the table at the nodding heads, Jarrod leaned back in his chair and chuckled. “They have barely spoken to each other tonight and if she’d want us to think Heath would purposely give a woman a shiner, I’d say she’s a bit upset with him at the moment. If you all are right, Cupid’s got his work cut out with those two.”

“Maybe so but even the mighty Cupid could use some help now and then.” Replied Mary with a sly smile.

John Conroy smiled down into his daughter’s radiant face. It had been a major feat to get his daughter onto the dance floor and away from the young men wanting to meet the newest girl to town. Not one dance had been sat out by his daughter much to Heath Barkley’s chagrin he imagined or rather hoped.

“Maddy, are you having fun?” asked the thin man softly.

Bringing her eyes up at her father’s question, Madison smiled, “I’ve a wonderful time meeting so many different people, daddy. Everyone’s been so nice and I think my feet are ready to fall off from dancing.”

Chuckling as they twirled around the square sawdust covered floor, John nodded, “I’m glad, Maddy. I was worried you’d find Stockton a might backwards after living in Baltimore.”

Madison blushed as she recalled her description of how barbaric she thought the western residents were compared to others after she’d been bowled over by a certain blond in Carson City. Looks were deceiving she now realized as were manners. She’d met all types of people across social lines and had been treated with the utmost courtesy and politeness by each of the males. While it was still a bit of a culture shock to walk down the boardwalk of a western town compared to the organized chaos in the eastern cities, she was happy she’d come home.

“It’s different.” Admitted Madison with a small smile. “Everyone has been so gracious and kind, daddy. Audra has already made plans for us to go riding and spend time together.”

“Really?” asked John with a wink. “Perhaps if you’re riding with Audra, you may run into a certain someone.”

“I’m not too hopeful about it.” Sighed the young girl as her eyes turned sad. “If he knows I’m around, he’ll run the other way.”

“Hmmm…perhaps.” Agreed John as he tucked his daughter’s arm into the crook of his elbow. Stopping and looking into her thoughtful eyes, he whispered, “A man can only run for so long, Maddy. Trust me. I know from experience with your mother. I didn’t know how lucky a man I was til she caught me.”

Leaning into her father’s side, Madison smiled, “I can only hope to be as good a pursuer as mother was, daddy.”

Chuckling, John nodded and patted his daughter’s small hand, “I’ve no doubts about that honey…you are your mother’s daughter in every way.”

Chapter 25

Nudging the man beside her with an elbow, Mary gave Nick a knowing glance as the misplaced member of the family slowly weaved his way around the town’s citizens to the table. Victoria smiled warmly at the blond dressed in the dark navy suit and patted the empty chair beside her.

“Heath, come sit by me.” requested Victoria sensing he wanted to decline but his gentlemanly manners wouldn’t allow him to and he smiled slightly at everyone before pulling out the chair.

“Where you been?” asked Nick before suggesting. “I thought you’d be halfway to the ranch by now.”

Tugging unconsciously at the stiff collar around his neck, Heath stated, “Nah, I was just out for some air.”

“You look a mite flushed, Heath. Are you feeling ill?” asked Jarrod with a scrutinizing eye.

Heath shifted in his chair when all eyes at the table moved to look at his face and he retorted, “I’m fine. It’s hot in here.”

Arching an eyebrow at the shortness of the reply, Jarrod shot a glare to Nick when he snorted, “It can’t be cause of too much dancing. I was afraid you’d turn into part of the wall and we’d have to pry you loose.”

“Nicholas.” Warned Victoria with a pointed look.

The flush on the blond’s cheeks was overcome by the red sheen of embarrassment working up his neck and Victoria shook her head. Placing a hand on the blond who was casting fire at his ranching partner, the matriarch smiled when the flaring light blue eyes turned her way.

“The band is getting ready to play again, Heath. Would you do me the honor of this next dance?” requested Victoria.

“Uh, sure.” Said Heath after hesitating only a moment before pushing his chair back and helping the woman who’d allowed him entry into her home and family up onto her feet. “Fair warning though ma’am, I haven’t done this much.”

Smiling widely as she tucked her hand into his strong muscular arm, Victoria waved off his concern as they moved with the others heading to the dance floor. “I’m not worried, Heath so don’t you be either.”

Holding the tiny woman with arms stiff from tension, Heath flashed a nervous grin into the gray eyes shining at him as the music floated across the hall. When he was a child his mama never attended the town socials and since becoming an adult he hadn’t had much chance to improve on his rudimentary dance steps.

Victoria smiled inwardly at the concentration the handsome son of her husband was using as the song continued to prevent any damage to her feet. Looking over Heath’s shoulder, she caught John Conroy’s eye and he lead his daughter towards them.

Heath was startled at the tap on his shoulder and nearly stumbled before catching himself. John Conroy released his hold on Madison and looked into the surprised blue eyes of the rancher.

“Time to switch partners.” Suggested the older man politely.

Glancing quickly at Victoria, Heath cleared his throat before muttering. “I…um…okay, Mr. Conroy.”

John turned to hide the smirk on his face as he took Heath’s place with Victoria who thanked the blond for the dance and was whisked away to disappear amongst the other couples. Heath awkwardly stood and stared into the green eyes of the red head before taking in a quick breath. Slowly taking a hold of her left hand, he placed his left on her waist before willing his feet to move. Fighting the thundering pace of his heart, Heath cleared his throat nervously at the tingle in the palms of his hand.

Madison gazed upwards into the ocean color eyes and wasn’t even aware if she were breathing. She had wondered if she would have to end the evening without a dance from the blond who kept his distance and the thought had been unsettling. Her fingers felt his muscles under the suit he wore and the bottom of her stomach fluttered from the warmth of his hands.

Heath fought to control the primal beast inside threatening to escape at the nearness of the young woman. Taking in a quick breath, he wet his lips and didn’t see her eyes focus on the tip of his tongue which darted out.

“So...Miss Conroy…you seem to be having a fun evening.” Suggested Heath his eyes falling onto the piece of hair escaping from its clip and laying against her cheek. The nearly uncontrollable desire to tuck the wayward tendril behind her ear overtook him and he forced his eyes to look over her head at some imaginary spot.

“Everyone’s been very nice.” Replied Madison, her words soft and breathless from her inability to keep air in her lungs from his close proximity. “I’ve danced so much I think my feet may fall off.”

“How many men do you need?” asked Heath harshly surprised at the green eyed monster inside him rearing its ugly head, his tone cutting deep into her.

Gasping outright at the man who was sputtering over his words to issue an apology, Madison could only stare in disbelief when a hand wheeled Heath out of her reach. It seemed to happen as if everything were mired in quicksand while she watched Heath fall into other dancers from a fist meeting his jaw.

Chapter 26

Watching from the table, Nick chuckled with appreciation at the move John Conroy and their mother made on the dance floor. The two older dancers effortlessly waltzed away and left the two young former traveling companions staring at each other before Heath slowly took Madison’s hand then placed his other on her waist.

“I didn’t realize Mother could be so sneaky and diabolical.” admitted Nick, his grin wide and his hazel eyes filled with amusement. “There’s no way Heath would have asked to dance with Madison. Oh, he’s gonna be fit to tied with Mother.”

Mary rubbed the goose bumps on her arms and giggled, “Two fated people who are destined to be together sharing their first dance. This is so romantic! It’s like a story out of one of those romance novels. After their trials and tribulations, the couple ends up together and they live happily ever after. Yep, just like in the romance book.”

“Romance book?” retorted Nick in disgust before looking back at the couple moving together. “You’d be better off reading a dime novel, Mary. I don’t reckon little brother thinks everything that happened is romantic. It’s more like a finding-a-rattler-sleeping-in-your-blankets kind of feel. Romance is for those poetry types!”

Jarrod laughed heartily at his brother’s remarks and shrugged at Mary who glanced over. “Sorry, Mary, if it’s not a newborn calf or colt with it’s mother, don’t expect Nick to get too starry eyed about it. And I certainly wouldn’t expect him to read you a volume of poems any time soon either!.”

Tearing his eyes away from Heath and Madison, Nick shot his older brother a scowl of displeasure. Preparing to shoot back a snide remark, Nick’s head snapped back to the dance floor when Jarrod shot to his feet and exclaimed loudly.

“What the…!”

Evan Miles had the privilege of dancing with the newest girl to Stockton and he found himself mesmerized by the green eyes of the young woman. She reminded him of another girl he knew in college and he felt his heart thundering in his chest. The small compact muscular man who worked on his father’s ranch was reluctant to end their dance but knew it wouldn’t be proper to keep her all to himself when they hardly knew each other.

Aware his parents were watching, he bowed slightly and stood back as another young man lead her away to the dance floor. Dancing with other girls throughout the evening he found was not the same as when he’d danced with Madison Conroy and his eyes kept track of her actions. He’d witnessed the switching of partners with a large amount of displeasure as he danced with his cousin.

Everyone in the valley knew who the mongrel was and where he came from. Many in town openly regarded the third son of Tom Barkley as lower than even the foreigners whose shacks were on the other side of the tracks. He, himself, was included among those many even though his parents who were old friends of the Barkleys welcomed him with open arms.

He felt a slow burn inside as he watched her smile up into Heath Barkley’s face. Weaving his cousin around other dancers to be nearer to the red headed young woman, he stopped suddenly at the harsh statement leaving the bastard’s mouth.

Nick turned quick enough to see Evan Miles’ right fist connect with Heath’s jaw. The power behind the blow propelled the blond backwards and he landed on two other dancers. Jumping to his feet, Nick was only a step behind his big brother and they scurried to Heath’s side.

Shaking his head to clear it of the cobwebs, Heath rolled off the two people underneath him and shakily pushed himself to his feet. Ducking under another fist coming towards him, Heath barely had time to register Madison’s scream of fright before he struck out with a fist of his own. Catching his attacker in the stomach, Heath stopped at the large hand pushing on his chest.

“You okay Heath?” asked Jarrod quickly and receiving a nod in reply.

“What’s the matter with you, Evan?” demanded Nick loudly.

Evan felt sick and gasped for the air jarred out of his stomach by the hard fist connecting with his body. When he had his breathing under control, he clenched his teeth together and lunged for Heath who was tenderly feeling the bruising on his jaw under Jarrod’s supervision.

Seeing John Conroy and his mother by Madison’s side, Nick saw the sudden move out of the corner of his eye and grabbed the smaller man effortlessly. Pushing Evan back forcefully, Nick dragged the hot headed man outside through the crowd which parted to allow him a clear path. Releasing the younger rancher with a not so gentle shove, the hazel eyes burned with anger.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Me!” retorted Evan furiously before sneering. “Your family’s bastard made an unsavory remark to Miss Conroy. Guess you can’t expect any less from his kind. He may say he’s a Barkley but we all know different, don’t we?”

“WHY YOU…” growled Nick taking a step forward and halting at the small hand suddenly appearing on his arm.

“Nicholas, that will be enough.” Warned Victoria, her hand tightening on the arm shaking with anger. Satisfied when she saw her middle son was acquiescing to her wish, Victoria turned her gray eyes to their friends’ son. “I’d suggest you leave, Evan. Now!”

Mother and son watched the eyes of the man flare with contempt before turning on his heel to stride away in the darkness of the night. Letting out a breath to calm the fire in his veins, Nick looked down at the tugging on his sleeve.

“Let’s go inside, Nick. There’s been enough fighting for one night.” Suggested Victoria.

“Alright, Mother.” Sighed Nick as he walked his mother back into the hall.

Whispers ran through the crowd as they made their way over to the table where Jarrod handed Heath a wet cloth. The blond’s face was rapidly bruising from the blow and he was slumped into a chair with his eyes closed. Jarrod motioned for Audra who stood across the room before looking at his mother and brother.

“John took his daughter home, Mother.” Informed Jarrod as he glanced to his forlorn youngest brother before adding in a low voice. “I suggest we do the same and we can discuss it where its less public.”

Chapter 27

The ride back to the ranch was as unpleasant as the ending of the evening from Audra’s scathing looks sideways at her newest brother. Heath’s unexpected altercation with Evan Miles and their mother’s wish to depart early had severed her conversation with the son of the mayor. She had been anticipating her school friend to finally overcome his tongue tied words and perhaps request permission to court her. Her eyes had flared with an impudence to rebel which quickly died out at the pointed look from Jarrod before they left the hall.

Oblivious to the smoldering looks from the other blond in the group, Heath rode next to the surrey. Allow his body to move naturally in an unconscious motion with the horse beneath him, his mind wouldn’t stop replaying the shocked and hurt look in Madison’s eyes. The despicable suggestion left his mouth of its own free will, stunning himself as much as her.

‘What do I care how many men she danced with?’ questioned the blond silently in his head, irritated at the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. ‘I should be damn happy to have some other guy take her attention off me.’

“Heath!” stated Nick loudly, breaking into the blond’s thoughts.

“WHAT?” snapped Heath in return, turning crimson when he realized they were stopped in front of the mansion and the whole family was watching with puzzled gazes from the porch as he sat atop his modoc.

“You gonna stay on that horse all night?” asked Nick with his arms crossed over his chest and a smirk on his lips. “Wouldn’t be very comfortable sleeping there.”

Biting back the retort on his lips, Heath climbed off his black equine and with reins in hand started to the barn.

“Heath, Ciego will take care of the horses.” Informed Victoria watching the back of the blond stiffen at her statement. “Let’s all go into the parlor.”

Grimacing at the thought of a discussion over what happened at the social, Heath realized after a quick glance over his shoulder the tiny woman who opened her home to him was waiting. Letting out a quiet sigh, he reluctantly handed the reins over to the slightly portly hand before slowly turning. Unable to meet her eyes, he crossed the few feet to the front porch and waited for her to enter before following.

Victoria eyed the bruised jaw of the blond when he neared, noticing he refused to meet her eye before she entered the mansion. Taking off her hat after pulling out the pins, she fluffed her hair with a small hand and waited for the man moving as if he were facing the gallows to place his gun belt on the small table in the entry.

“Hey Heath you want a whiskey?” asked Nick from the parlor.

“No thanks.” Answered the blond in a quiet voice as he followed the tiny silver haired matriarch into the adjoining room. Victoria took a seat in the high backed chair and smiled her thanks when Jarrod handed her a sherry.

Audra watched her blond brother leaning against the fireplace and stare at his hands as if seeing them for the first time. Nick took a sip of his whiskey before catching the eyes of his mother and arching his eyebrow.

“Did you hurt your hand, Heath?” asked Jarrod even though he seriously doubted it was the blow to the stomach of Evan Miles his youngest brother was thinking of during the intense scrutiny of his own limbs.

“No, they’re fine.” replied Heath finding his boots suddenly engrossing while he tucked his hands into the pockets of his suit pants. His hands tingled when he recalled holding Madison during their dance and he silently cursing the dreaded flush of red he could feel heating up the tips of his ears.

Irritated by the knowing looks between the elders of her family, Audra shook her head and blurted out, “Why did Evan hit you?”

“I…um…” stammered Heath reaching up to loosen the string tie around his neck as the invisible noose seemed to tighten when all their eyes watched and waited for him to reply.

“Did you say something? Did you two have an argument over something?” badgered Audra waiting for the tongue tied blond to reply before adding angrily, “It had to be something, Heath. Evan wouldn’t just hit you for no reason.”

“Audra.” warned Victoria, her heart welling for the young man who looked as if he would welcome the earth opening up and stealing him away. “Whatever it was I’m sure we can count on your brother making it right.”

“What?” choked out Heath after his head snapped upwards. “Ma’am?”

Meeting the widened pools of blue, Victoria smiled and offered, “I understand if you perhaps don’t want to tell us what exactly happened Heath. I won’t ask you to speak of things you’re not comfortable with. However, Evan’s parents are two of my oldest friends and I’d like to think you wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the friendship of our families.”

“I’m not gonna apologize to him! He hit me first!” declared Heath with a firm shake of his head.

“And why did Evan throw the first punch?” queried Jarrod as he stood by Nick and both fought to keep the smiles off their faces from the sidelines. “Did it have anything to do with Miss Conroy?”

Snapping closed his mouth, the blond glared at his brother for a moment before hissing, “That’s none of your affair, Jarrod.”

“Now Heath, that’s not entirely true.” Countered Victoria. “What affects one family member affects us all.”

“Was Evan jealous of you dancing with Madison?” asked Audra with a wide smile. “He thought she was the most beautiful girl at the social. Evan’s going to ask Madison out on a date. He told me so! Oh this is so romantic!”

Jarrod and Nick watched the pallor of their little brother turn slightly green as their little sister continued babbling over what a good looking couple the two would make. From the lurching of his stomach as his sister droned on, Heath could have sworn he’s swallowed a whole bottle of Ipecac.

Chapter 28

John unconsciously flinched at the sound of a pan hitting the top of the stove as he made his way to the kitchen at the back of his small home. From the volume of the battering she was leveling on his cooking implements, he knew her anger hadn’t cooled since last night.

Pausing at the doorway, he took the time to study her deliberate movements and again wondered what had happened between her and Heath the night before. He knew the blond had said something to Maddy to cause the Miles boy to lash out but his daughter hadn’t seen the need to elaborate.

“Morning Maddy.” Said John quietly hoping to eat quick and make a get away from his daughter’s wrathful disposition. “Sleep well?”

Placing a cup of coffee in front of her father, Madison ignored the question and turned to the sideboard. Taking out a plate and moving to the stove, she filled it and set it down on the table.

“Maddy, what is this?” asked John with a nervous smile after he looked over to the girl who’d taken a seat across from him.

“It’s breakfast, daddy.” Muttered Madison absently while outlining the knots in the table with her fingernail.

Looking down at what his daughter qualified as breakfast, John frowned and picked up a piece of charred bread. Turning it over and seeing both sides burnt beyond recognition he inwardly sighed. Hesitating for a moment, he picked up a fork and jabbed at the yellow runny mess on the plate. Setting his fork down and picking up his coffee, he said a quick thanks when the taste of the brewed liquid passed the test.

“Daddy, can I use the buggy today?” requested the red head keeping her eyes on the invisible pattern she was tracing in the wood.

“You can use it anytime you want, Maddy.” Assured John. “You have plans for today?”

“I thought maybe I’d head into town and get some things to fix up the house.” Answered Madison with a shrug.

‘Oh boy’ thought John with a shake of his head recalling his wife’s penchant for redecorating when she was out of sorts or his lack of insight into the female psyche waved a red flag in front of her eyes. ‘This is not good.’

“Oh is that all.” replied the older man before suggesting, “I kind of thought maybe you’d think about going to the Barkleys.”

“Whatever for?” snapped Madison angrily, her flashing eyes glaring at her father. “Why would I go over there?”

“Well, it seemed to me, you and Audra hit it off last night.” Said John. “I kinda thought you’d might become good friends cause you seemed to have a lot in common, Maddy. I’m glad you made some friends last night.”

Staring at her father as if he’d lost his last lick of sense, Madison snorted in a very unladylike manner, “Between having this black eye and being the cause of the fight last night, I doubt if people will want me in their house.”

“Now Maddy that’s not true.” Countered her father firmly. “I know you’re still upset over it but I’m sure Heath didn’t mean to do whatever he did. Whatever that happens to be, that is.”

“I was having a perfectly good time and he had to ruin it.” Huffed Madison as she crossed her arms and sat back in her chair. “We couldn’t even get through one dance! I must be crazy or something.”

“Honey, it was only one dance.” Pointed out John softly. “What happened was…unfortunate…but you gotta pick yourself up girl! You can’t let this ruin everything or give up so easily. What would the ladies back at the finishing school think if they knew you’d turned tail because of one little bitty roadblock?”

Biting at her bottom lip, Madison’s forehead furrowed in thought and she sighed loudly before meeting her father’s eyes. “I know you’re right daddy but Heath’s one stubborn….mule!”

Chuckling, John leaned forward and smirked, “Your mother used to call me the same thing, honey. She once told me even though I aggravated her so many times she nearly pulled out her hair, it was all worth it in the end. She used to say we found each other walking down destiny’s stormy path. There was lots of lightning and thunder for a while. After it cleared and the clouds lifted, the best was yet to come….our life together.”

Smiling tenderly at her father’s eyes shining with love for her mother, Madison nodded in agreement and winked, “I do believe I need to get busy on a new dress, daddy. Perhaps after I get the material I can stop at the Barkley ranch for Audra’s advice.”

“That’s my girl! The oak is as strong as the rose.” Cheered John with a grin.

“No daddy, a rose is as strong as an oak.” Corrected Madison with a sly smile. “This rose always catches the best of the morning dew.”

Chapter 29

Sitting in the saddle, Heath pushed back his hat and studied the opening to the path leading to the homestead before him. Rubbing a hand over his weary eyes, the blond scowled in frustration before sighing knowing if he hadn’t let his mouth run wild last night, he wouldn’t have had to come over here today.

Pulling his hat down and straightening his shoulders, Heath nudged the modoc with his heels and he made his way to the man he saw working in the orchards. Slowing his horse to a walk, he stared in puzzlement at the different variety of fruit producing plants lining the wide path he was taking.

John Conroy jotted in his notebook as he sat on his heels after studying the leaves of a specimen. Hearing the whinny of his horse, he glanced up and stood at the lone horseman coming towards him. Taking a breath he pushed back his hat and looked up into the light eyes when Heath pulled up his mount a few feet away.

“Morning, Mr. Conroy.” Greeted Heath quietly as he shifted on the leather seat.

Nodding slightly, John put the pencil he was holding behind his ear and replied innocently. “Mr. Barkley, what brings you here this morning?”

Clearing his throat nervously, the blond’s eyes glanced down to the reins he held in his fingers before looking up and stating, “Well…um…I was wondering if it’d be alright if I spoke with your daughter. I need to…I mean I wanted to apologize for last night.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, John Conroy frowned as if in deep thought while fighting to keep the hopeful smile off his face. Raising a hand to scratch at the shadow of whiskers on his face he hesitated for a moment. “Well now, I’m not sure Maddy’s up to seeing you right now, Mr. Barkley. She was a might put out over what happened.”

The shoulders of the blond rancher dropped slightly and he nodded in agreement, “I know, Mr. Conroy. It was my fault but I assure you sir, I didn’t mean what I said…I just…I.”

The agriculturist watched the blond scowl in frustration and shake his head at himself before adjusting his body again in the saddle, the confusion clear in the blue eyes. “I don’t know why it happened, Mr. Conroy. Nick told me I have foot in the mouth disease lately. Whatever the reason, please know there’s no excuse for my…behavior. I really need...no...I really want to make it right with Madison…uh…Miss Conroy if I can. If she’ll let me, that is and you too, sir.”

Lowering his head as if to study the notebook he held in his hand, John bit his bottom lip to stop the smile threatening to escape at the knowledge causing Heath’s confusion over his behaviour. Deciding he’d made the man uncomfortable enough, John looked up and nodded slowly.

“I can see how sincere you are about this, Mr. Barkley.” Informed John Conroy before adding, “You don’t need to make it right with me, Mr. Barkley but perhaps you could do me a favor?”

“Sure, Mr. Conroy.” Agreed Heath readily, anxious to right the wrong he’d caused the night before. “What can I do?”

“I’m going to be very busy today documenting my research on the crossbreeding of these plants.” Stated John gesturing to the vegetation around him. “Madison had wanted to go into Stockton today for a little shopping but with the way the clouds are looking in the horizon, I don’t know if I’ll be able to take her in….”

“I could escort your daughter, Mr. Conroy!” exclaimed Heath, his words cutting off the older man’s and he turned crimson at the way he practically shouted his agreement.

Smiling and looking relieved, John nodded, “I’d appreciate it, Mr. Barkley. I wasn’t looking forward to disappointing Maddy.”

“I’ll take good care of her, Mr. Conroy.” Promised Heath with a quick nod. “It’ll give me a chance to make up for last night also.”

“Good.” Grinned John as he slid the notebook into his pocket. “I’d best come with you to the house and explain it to Maddy.”

Heath felt a tingling in the pit of his stomach and discounted it as anxiousness over the upcoming apology he needed to make to the red head with the fiery temper. John Conroy crossed to his mount standing in the shade of a nearby tree and mounted.

Riding beside the blond, he grinned to himself at the mixture of nervousness and anticipation he saw in the pools of blue. The father silently congratulated himself on coming up with the plan to help encourage the two young people toward their combined destinies on the spur of the moment.

Entering the yard beside John Conroy, Heath felt his heart lurch in his throat at the sight of a someone talking to Madison on the porch and his fingers gripped the reins tighter as they neared.

Chapter 30

John Conroy cursed his unlucky stars when the man talking to Madison turned and he saw Evan Miles. He could almost feel the rigidness straightening Heath’s spine as they neared. Taking a quick glance to the man beside him as he pulled up, John saw the muscle pulsate in the blond’s clenched jaw. Dismounting, John watched Evan openly glared in disgust at the man who sat on the dark colored horse.

“Madison, look who’s come to see you.” announced John with a wide smile.

“Why it’s Mr. Barkley come to see little old me.” Replied Madison coyly after meeting the blue eyes and watching a blush of discomfort spread across his face.

Inwardly groaning at the tone of his daughter’s voice, John nodded to her first visitor and asked, “Was there something I could do for you, Mr. Miles?”

Biting back a smile at the tone of gruffness in the voice of Madison’s father, Heath felt a moment of happiness for the clear unwelcome directed to the son of his step mother’s old friends. Evan’s eyes narrowed in confusion at the underlying tone in the voice of John Conroy. No dummy to the world the young rancher could clearly see whose side the red head’s father appeared to be championing on. The side of the undesirable underdog.

“Mr. Conroy, I came over in hopes of perhaps spending some time with your lovely daughter.” Informed Evan with a smile for the red head standing on the porch.

Shaking his head, John smiled apologetically, “I’m afraid you’ve made the trip over here for nothing, Mr. Miles. Have a nice day.”

“Daddy!” protested Madison as she stared in disbelief at her father with emerald eyes.

Heath bit back a smile and his heart inwardly sang at the anger flaring in the eyes of Evan Miles before he hissed in a low voice, “I’ve already made plans with your daughter, Mr. Conroy.”

Arching an eyebrow, John shrugged his shoulder, “Unfortunately, I had already engaged my daughter an escort for the day, Mr. Miles. Perhaps another time.”

“What?” exclaimed Madison trying to keep the hopeful feeling in her heart out of her voice.

“Who?” snapped Evan his hands clenching suddenly at the ghost of a smile spreading across the face of Heath. “HIM?”

The sneer in the voice of the young rancher spurred a flaring of anger in Heath and he stared coldly at the younger man whose face was quickly turning purple from his fury at having been usurped by someone he saw as unfit. Madison unconsciously took a step backwards at the ripples of anger coming off the smaller man. For a moment it occurred to her that Evan Miles was angry enough to kill before he turned and stalked to his horse. Three sets of eyes watched the rancher viciously turn his mount’s head before raking the innocent equine with his spurs. The dust of his departure hung in the air around them and Heath watched the man gallop away til he lost sight of him.

“Maddy, I’ve asked Heath to take you into Stockton today since I can’t.” Explained John as he stepped onto the porch with his daughter.

The hopeful feeling inside Madison disappeared in a blink of an eye and she fought to keep herself under control at the revelation. Heath hadn’t wanted to take her, he was just doing her father a favor.

“I’ll get ready.” Replied Madison in a quiet voice before disappearing into the house and slamming the door behind her.

John stared at the door with puzzled eyes before glancing over to Heath who dismounted and was wrapping his reins around the rail, a dark frown on his face. The older man couldn’t decipher what had just happened to cause the reaction from his only child and he shook his head in bewilderment.

“I’ll hitch up the buggy.” Stated John offhandedly.

“I’ll help.” Offered Heath walking beside the older man to the barn feeling as if he were readying his own transportation to the gallows.

Slamming the door behind her, Madison brushed angrily at the tears dropping from her eyes. Climbing the narrow stairs and stomping on each section of wood, the red head let the hurt pooling in her heart show in her eyes. Sitting at her dressing table she covered her face and leaned her elbows on the top while taking several deep breaths.

Her anger was slowly replaced with an anxiousness that left her hand shaking as she picked up her brush. She had thought perhaps gaining Heath’s attention could happen by making him jealous with Evan Miles or someone else. Now she would have to spend the day with him without a weapon in her arsenal.

The sound of her father calling hastened her movements and she quickly readied herself for the drive into town. Taking one last look in the mirror she sighed loudly and picked up her small handbag. Squaring her shoulders, the red head internally resolved to spending the day to finding the key to unlocking the tower of resistance that was Heath Barkley.

Chapter 31

The stickiness of the day did little to help alleviate the stuffy uncomfortable silence surrounding the two heading east in the surrey. The large round wheels seemed to be groaning almost as if to protest the use of the worn contraption. Heath brushed a rivulet of perspiration running down the side of his temple and inwardly cursed the rapidly rising temperatures.

The right front wheel hit a stone and he swallowed the unwanted desire rising up when the lurching of the surrey jostled Madison. Even though he wore his usual attire of tan jeans and blue shirt, Heath felt the skin of his outer leg flare when her leg touched his as she fought to keep on her side of the invisible barrier between them.

If he had known John Conroy owned a smaller size surrey, he never would have agreed to accompanying the red head sitting beside him into town. Yet, he also knew this thought was not wholly true as he had wanted a moment alone with the torturer of his dreams to apologize for his ungentlemanly ways of the prior evening. Now he had the perfect opportunity, albeit, compliments of John Conroy and Heath knew he couldn’t waste it.

Madison inwardly prayed the blond beside her hadn’t heard her sharp intake of breath when her leg brushed his. Through the folds of her skirt, her skin burned with the small physical contact much as her arm had when he helped her into the surrey. Twisting the strings of her handbag in her fingers, she fought to keep her eyes straight while searching for some way to cut through the heaviness surrounding them without saying something to spark more discord between them. The red headed girl was determined to extrapolate the key to the mystery which was Heath Barkley. Even if he was only here at her father’s request, she couldn’t let this prime opportunity slip by.

The ears of the roan flicked when both of the people in the surrey spoke at once, saying each other’s name in a questioning voice. Looking at each other in surprise, their faces broke into amused smiles before the oppressive air around them lifted with their laughter.

“I’m sorry.” Apologized Heath with a lop sided grin, unaware the twinkling in his blue eyes sent her heart to beating faster before he bowed slightly. “Ladies first.”

The green eyes lowered slightly and Madison shook her head in denial, “No..no…you go first, Heath.”

Heath took in a deep breath at her innocently fluttering eyelashes and complied with her wish, “I’m glad I could escort you into town today, Madison.”

“You are?” asked Madison her wide green eyes sparkling with pleasure.

Nodding, Heath said, “I was coming over to see you to let you know how bad I feel for what I said yesterday….uh…last night, Madison.”

“You rode all the way to our place to tell me that?” queried the young lady with a surprised smile. “Really?”

“Yep.” Reassured Heath with a wide smile. “I couldn’t very well send you a letter to apologize for ruining your evening. I had to handle it in person. I don’t know why I said it but it was uncalled for.”

Feeling her heart palpitate at the warm smile accompanying his sincere regret, Madison unconsciously bit her bottom lip before sighing, “Thank you, Heath. It was very nice of you to go out of your way like that.”

“It was no problem but I hope I didn’t mess anything up for you today.” Suggested the blond after he turned his eyes back to the road in front of them, wondering why he suddenly felt a burning desire to know if Evan Miles meant anything to her.

Puzzled, Madison didn’t know what he was referring to and tilted her head slightly, “What do you mean?”

“I meant with Evan Miles. He rode a ways to see you too.” Answered the blond after glancing her way. “He seemed a mite put out when he left.”

In her mind’s eye, the red head saw she was standing at a crossroad and depending on how she’d answer his question would determine if she would continue using jealousy as her weapon of choice. As quick as the flash of the crossroad sprung up in her head, she shivered at the scary feeling the other man brought up inside her when he allowed his fury to show. Intuitively, she sensed the rampant rage inside Evan Miles was not simply a freak occurrence. No, if anything, she somehow knew it was part of who he was….and it frightened her.

“Madison? You okay?” asked Heath stopping the surrey at the look of fear in the green eyes.

Blinking away her thoughts, Madison forced a smile to her lips and shook her head before replying, “Oh yes…I’m fine, Heath.”

“You sure?” questioned the blond with a frown.

“Really, I’m fine.” Stated Madison reaching up to brush a fallen tendril of hair back in place and added, “I didn’t know he was coming over today. He just showed up a few minutes before you did and asked for us to go for a ride.”

“Oh…well…sorry I messed that up for you.” Apologized the blond rancher before starting the horses forward with a slap of the reins. “I’m sure he’ll ask you again.”

“What about you, Heath?” asked Madison suddenly. “Would you like to ask me out for a ride?”

The moment of truth was at hand and Heath swallowed nervously, opening his mouth to reply when he noticed the horse’s gait was off. Stopping the surrey, he wrapped the reins around the brake.

“The horse is limping.” Informed the blond jumping down as Madison silently cursed the equine’s intervention of his answer.

Chapter 32

Grateful for the escape from the question he wanted to know the answer to himself, Heath knelt beside the horse and ran his hands down its foreleg. His fingers felt the lines of the animal’s leg almost without conscious thought. The muscles and tendons beneath the horse’s coat was as familiar to him as the lines of his own face.

Taking extra time as he knelt on the ground, the blond wondered what the hell had happened. Why was he suddenly finding the thought of her with someone else making the blood simmer in his veins? Why would it matter to him if she choose another over him even for a simple ride in the afternoon? Boy howdy, he was so confused and out of sorts. It was almost as if he liked her but he knew that couldn’t be and he shook his head at himself. No, that couldn’t be it. There was no way it was that!

Madison straightened up on the bench seat to see over the hindquarters of the horse. Her green eyes catching sight of Heath kneeling on the ground and staring at the leg of the animal. She took in a long breath and let it out slowly, silently chastising herself for practically pushing herself on him. Hadn’t she seen how he reacted the last time when she let her emotions run amok and guide her actions.

Raising a hand to her lips she sighed at the taste of his kiss she swore had never left her. Rising up again she saw him shake his head and a frown moved across her face. Standing and moving to the side of the surrey, she stumbled and caught herself on the brake handle to steady herself. Gathering her skirts in one hand she cautiously climbed out of the surrey and moved to his side.

“Is it bad?” asked Madison suddenly appearing at his side and causing Heath to start at her voice.

Pushing himself up and taking a breath to steel himself again this female who was somehow under his skin, Heath pushed back his hat and shook his head, “Not too bad. It’s a little swollen.”

The pushing of his hat onto his forehead gave her a fuller view of the handsome face and the sparkling blue depths of his eyes. Madison swallowed a lump of impulsive desire to run her fingertips over his lips. Pulling her eyes away, she took in a quick breath to halt the stampeding desire and glanced at the area around them.

“Should we turn around and go back?” suggested the red headed girl.

Heath fought the magnetism of her eyes and when she looked away, the heaving of her breasts as if she were out of air didn’t escape his hawk like gaze. Forcefully dragging his eyes away and mentally scolding himself for studying her anatomy, he thought about her question for a moment.

“Well, either one would be okay since we’re about halfway between town and your home.” Informed the blond looking at the sky at the sudden hot wind blowing up. “Looks like a storms coming. I reckon it’d be best if we head on back to your place.”

No sooner had he finished his words when the world around them was shattered by a loud clap of thunder and the air was electrified by a charge of electricity from a jagged lightning bolt. Heath jumped and Madison screamed out in surprise while the horse forgot about it’s swollen limb and jumped in its harness.

Mother nature laughed when the terror filled equine fled down the road and she stirred up her elements, sending the first large drops of rain down on the two people left stranded by the escaping horse.

“Damn!” roared Heath taking off at a run, chasing after the surrey and its runaway.

The rain started falling and the world around them turned into a curtain of droplets. The horse and surrey didn’t stop, becoming a faded patch of black in the hazy distant. The bottoms of his boots slipped on the wet ground and he couldn’t stop his feet flying out from under him. The ground, softened by the rain, was still hard and the impact of his shoulder blades forced the air out of his lungs. Lying on the ground and struggling for an ounce of oxygen, he groaned at the woman appearing above him, her hands gripping his shoulders in a fierce eagle claw grip.

“Heath! Heath!” shouted Madison, her eyes filled with a frantic worry for the man whose unceremonious fall and then stillness scared the bejeepers out of her.

Blinking as the rain pelted his face, he reached up and held onto her arm, nodding and taking in a giant gulp of air. Her nails in his shoulder relaxed and she helped him up into a sitting position.

“Are you okay?” questioned the red head, her eyes wide in her face peppered with droplets of moisture.

“Yeah…yeah…I’m okay.” Assured Heath finally able to catch his breath before glancing at the girl who unselfishly knelt in the road quickly turning to mud, unconcerned for herself and only for him. Pushing up to his feet, he reached down and helped her stand.

The roaring of the wind and the nonstop driving rain overrode the tingling in the pit of his stomach at the wet garments clinging to her body. Taking hold of her arm, he knew they had to get out of the storm or they’d both catch a chill since the scalding temperatures of the day diminished with the fury around them. Madison nodded at his shout over the howling wind and found herself pulled by the man beside her off the road. The mud under their boots squished and made walking difficult. Stumbling a couple of times as they climbed a small hill, she shivered at the arm encasing her waist. The shiver not from the drenching cold rain but from the heat of his arm around her.

Heath’s first priority was for shelter against the rain and also away from the bolts of broken lightning standing the hairs up on his neck. The deadly natural occurrence was frightening in itself without the booming thunder accompanying it. Knowing they couldn’t stand out in the open in the midst of the fury of the storm, he led the young woman he was escorting off the road and to the stand of trees on the side of a hill. He wasn’t familiar with this section on the way to town and right now knew the trees would shelter them somewhat until the storm worked out its anger.

Madison stumbled a couple of times, her wet garments and the rain soaked earth beneath their boots making the way difficult. Taking hold of her waist to help support her, he sucked in his breath at the feeling of her slender body and hoped the howling wind covered the gasp which left his mouth at the energy surging up his arm from her nearness.

Chapter 33

The small hill did little to shelter them from the rain being driven by the gale force winds. Glancing around with eyes narrowed against the pellets hitting his face, Heath felt Madison shiver once again. Without conscious thought he pulled her closer into his side with his right arm and his left reached over to rub up and down the drenched material on her arm, briskly as if to rub away the cold and replace it with warmth.

Melding into his side effortlessly, Madison couldn’t stop the shivers of cold now overtaking her. She’d never been out in such a storm which displayed the often forgotten vicious side of Mother Nature. The sound of the wind howling through the growth around them left her cringing and hiding her face in the material of the wet shirt she clenched in her right fist.

Squinting through the periodic curtain of rain, Heath thought he saw a means of shelter and looked down at the red head hiding against his chest. Moving his left hand from her arm, he cupped her cheek and called out when his touch had her looking upwards.

“I think I see something over there, Madison. A place to get out of the wind.” Informed Heath raising his voice to be heard over the howling wind and finding he was becoming hypnotized by the wide frightened green eyes blinking against the rain and looking up at him. “It’s only a little further.”

Nodding she understood, Madison reluctantly eased away from his side to grant him freedom to move without her encumbering him. Taking hold of her hand and feeling the coldness of her skin, Heath moved forward picking his way through the debris of the vegetation around them. The moaning of the wind through the tops of the trees was only heightened in intensity by the small twigs and branches falling around them. Heath couldn’t remember being caught in such weather before and silently cursed the damn horse that bolted.

The elusive sight he’d seen through the curtain of the rain became clearer as they neared. It was a natural cut out in the hill towering above them. Stopping and indicating with a finger the redhead to stay where she stood, he pulled out his gun and bent slightly to investigate the natural haven.

Madison shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, finding her breathing had stopped when Heath walked forward with pistol in hand. In a thought quick as a flash, she realized he was preparing in case any of the creatures living in this area had sought refuge in the small alcove. Her mouth dried instantly at the danger he was putting himself in to get them out of the storm and she couldn’t stop the fear for him rising up.

She wasn’t sure how long she had stared at him without really seeing him when he returned. Two strong hands on her shoulders shook her slightly and the movement caused her to blink, her green eyes flashing angrily before she shrugged off his hands.

“ARE YOU CRAZY?” screamed Madison.

Heath stared at the woman who appeared to have turned loco during the few minutes he was gone and he was stunned at the turn about, unable to speak.

“WHAT IF THERE WAS A BEAR IN THERE? OR…OR…OR…A…A….CAT?” screamed the redhead, her piercing voice had no problem being heard over the storm around them.

Heath smiled suddenly at the bedraggled woman concerned only for him and laughed outright, causing her to stare at him in disbelief. Pulling the woman who was trying to make sense of the lunatic leading her, Madison bent slightly and followed Heath as he scooted forward. The cut into the hill was barely large enough for both of them and she huddled close to him, shivering but thankful to be out of the wind.

Taking off his hat and setting it to the side, Heath pushed the hair hanging over her forehead to the side. The shattering of her teeth as she fought the effects of the drenching cold rain was the only sound she made in the small alcove. Moving in the cramped space til he could reach both her arms, he again found himself running his hands over her arms briskly, hoping to drive away a small portion of the cold she felt. Running his hands down her arms, he pulled out her two small hands and captured them between his own. The chill in her skin worried him and he held her hands to his mouth, blowing on them to take the sting of cold away.

The warm breath on her hands made her gasp. Heath looked up at the sharp intake of breath and his heart flopped over in his chest at the picture before him. Dripping streams of water from her hair flowed down a face white with cold. Her mouth was slightly open and her even teeth chattered sporadically. Her dress, wet and clinging to her shapely form, was ruined with mud and debris from the driving rain. The emerald eyes were wide and gazing at him with a womanly hunger.

He’d never seen a more beautiful sight than this woman before him.

Releasing one of his hands, he raised his trembling limb and studied with renewed concentration the silky skin of her cheek his fingers glided over. Pushing back a stringy lock of hair, he looped it behind her ear and allowed his fingers to move forward and caress the outline of her jaw.

Heath found he couldn’t fight the powerful need to taste the lips of the woman before him and he moved closer, stopping just before their mouths met and stared with eyes steaming with passion.

“Madison.” Whispered Heath breathlessly before allowing himself to fall victim to her intoxication.

Moving his hand to the back of her neck, he felt her hands move up his arms and he touched his lips to hers. The sounds of the world around them died out at the euphoric uniting of their mouths. Her soft pliable lips melded with his and he moaned at the sweet taste of her. Her fingers entwined in his hair and she met his seeking tongue, tentatively at first and then with more assuredness.

Breaking his hold on her mouth, he gasped for air and watched as she did the same. He realized at that moment he was about to cross the invisible line he set for himself and was surprised he found nothing mattered but her. He wanted nothing more than to give her anything she wanted, anything she desired, anything she craved. He, who had been stoically fighting, suddenly gave up and surrendered, releasing the last confines of resistance.

Madison sensed within him the last layer of brick keeping him locked away from her fall. Studying the eyes no longer filled with battle, she smiled and effortlessly pulled his lips down to hers.

Chapter 34

For a brief moment, Heath thought he was flying high with the eagles, his body felt weightless and light. The promise and passion in their mutual exchange of kisses sought to drive away all sensibility, all sense of appropriate behavior. The fingers entwined in his wet hair tingled his scalp with their touch before they moved over the muscular planes of his shoulders and down his back. He wanted nothing more to keep tasting the sweet delicacy of her mouth but pulled back for a moment to gaze into the flushed face of the girl in his arms.

Reaching up and tenderly running the back of his finger over her cheek, he took in a shuddering breath and closed his eyes at the fingertip tracing the outline of his lips.

“Heath.” Whispered Madison, her voice low and husky, her lips unable to tear themselves away from the living dream holding her tightly. “What is it? Why did you stop?”

Taking in another breath, Heath forced his lids open and gazed hungrily into her emerald eyes before moving his fingers to run them through her wavy locks of hair.

“It can’t be like this, Madison.” Sighed the blond forcing himself to ignore the stabbing pains of want and need in his body as he studied every section of soft skin on her face. “Not….this way.”

The trembling low voice reached deep inside her and a puzzled look spread across her face when he held her away from him with his hands on her shoulders. Heath saw the confusion in her eyes when he moved her away a few inches, his heart thundering at the pain taking over the confusion before he spoke.

“But…I…I don’t understand. What did I do?” Stammered Madison, unsure of what had just occurred and her eyes filled with tears.

“No, don’t cry Madison.” Pleaded Heath reaching over and wiping the tears escaping with his thumb. “Let me explain please.”

Brushing at her eyes and nodding, Madison swallowed the hurt welling up in her throat and found her chin raised so he could look into her eyes. “It would be so easy, Madison to forget what’s right and wrong. But I can’t Madison. I won’t do that to you.”

“What are you saying?” whispered the young girl trying to make sense of his words that were the opposite of what his eyes were saying.

Taking hold of her trembling hands, Heath rubbed his thumbs over the back of her hands and questioned softly, “Madison, did you know I wasn’t raised with my family? With Nick, Jarrod and Audra?”

Surprise filled her eyes and she tilted her head before shaking it in a negative response. The feel of his thumbs caressing her hands was comforting and tantalizing, making her barely able to think and listen to his voice.

“I just found my family a few months ago.” Informed Heath watching her closely for any signs of understanding or heaven forbid, repulsion.

“Where were you?” asked Madison suddenly. “How can that be?”

Blushing slightly at the innocence in her voice, Heath bit his bottom lip before explaining in a low voice, staring into her eyes as he spoke, “My mama and Tom Barkley had….uh….were never married, Madison. Mrs. Barkley isn’t my mother. I didn’t know about my father until my mother passed away a few months ago.”

The emerald eyes widened suddenly as his words sank in and he held his breath waiting to see her response. Staring at the blond who looked like he was waiting for her to slap him, she smiled and exclaimed, “So, it’s not cause you don’t like me?”

Blustering for a moment at her excited question, Heath grinned and drew her hands up to his lips, placing a kiss in each palm. “I find I like you very much, Madison. Though I reckon I’m not sure how it happened.”

Gasping at the feather like kisses placed in her palms, Madison leaned forward, delighted when he met her halfway. Brushing her lips across his, she sighed with happiness when he released her hands and pulled her closer in the small confines of the natural alcove. Wrapping her hands in his shirt, she moaned at the feel of his tongue teasing hers, his hands reaching up to hold her face while he devoured every part of her mouth.

Wrapping his arms around her, Heath rested his head on her shoulder, his body screaming for more as her hands rubbed over his back. They simply held onto each other, basking in the feel of the wondrous elation filling them both.

Heath felt a shiver run through her body and he realized with a start, the raging storm outside had abated and the world was once again filled with serenity. Moving his arms from around her, he pulled her away just enough to lightly place another kiss on her lips.

“Miss Conroy, may I have the pleasure of courting you…uh…after we walk home that is.” Requested Heath quietly.

“I look forward to it, Mr. Barkley.” Replied Madison, her face lighting up in a wide smile.

Glancing around at the shadowy corner of the world where they waited out the storm, Heath picked up his hat and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I can’t say I’ve ever looked forward to walking home before, Madison.”

Blushing at the sparkle in his eyes, Madison nodded, “Me either, Heath. It’s lucky for us the horse ran off.”

Heath laughed in agreement as he led the way out of their hiding place, helping her to stand. Leading the way through the growth of trees that bore the brunt of the storm’s anger, the couple strolled hand in hand to the road under a brilliant rainbow filling the afternoon sky.

Chapter 35

The harsh summer storm left behind a land soaked and muddied, the ground under their feet took its time drinking in the moisture. The scalding temperatures of the morning had left with the releasing of the elements from above and the carpet of blue sky was only broken by billowy mounds of white. If it were possible to the two pairs of eyes as they walked, the colors all around seemed to have deepened and clarified.

Madison’s dress had dried and parts were stiff from the dirt stuck into the framework of the fabric. The red strands of her hair no longer shined when the light struck it and it hung limply from her head. The boots she wore were thick with a coating of brown sticky mud but at least they had kept her feet dry. She didn’t mind the discomforts from the clothes nor the haggard appearance of her hair. All she knew was the hand holding onto hers as they walked back to her home was still there and it warmed her entire being.

The entire back of him was brown from his unceremonious fall onto the earth when his boots slid out from under him after chasing the runaway horse. His hat was discolored from shielding his head from the rain and his feet hurt in the boots made more for riding than walking. He didn’t mind the blisters he’d have later nor the stiffness he’d suffer from his moment of clumsiness. He didn’t mind because of the small fingers entwined with his. Holding her hand and walking beside her felt as natural as the summer storm which washed away his opposition and opened his heart.

They’d been walking an hour when a cough from the girl beside him broke into his musings. Heath glanced over and stopped at the flush on her cheeks, hoping it was a touch of pink from their recent kisses as he raised his hand to her forehead.

“Madison, I think you have a fever.” Stated Heath, the back of his hand on her forehead felt the evidence of the warm temperature of her body.

Smiling at the concern in his voice and eyes, the red head reached up and pulled his hand away as she reassured him. “It’s just a chill, Heath.”

The blond caught the shiver which ran through her body after she spoke and he shook his head before cupping her cheek in his palm. The blue eyes filled with guilt for his inability to keep her out of the elements.

“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.” Apologized the blond as he looked around to gauge how far away they were from their destination.

“What is?” asked Madison swallowing and trying not to cough from the scratchiness in her throat, her body flaring with a rush of heat.

“The horse running off.” Explained Heath with a frown directed to himself. “I should’ve been more careful when I set the brake.”

Gasping suddenly and covering her mouth with her free hand, Madison’s wide eyes met his puzzled glance and she shook her head negatively. “No, it’s my fault, Heath. I bumped into it when I was climbing out of the surrey. I just remembered.”

“Well, I should have been a gentleman and helped you down. You shouldn’t have had to climb out yourself.” Pointed out Heath firmly, finding he couldn’t stand the idea of her regretting anything or shouldering any blame.

“Heath! You were busy with the horse! How could you know I was going to climb down?” chastised Madison, not able to hide a small cough that escaped or the emerald eyes which seemed to turn glossier with each passing second.

“Madison..”

“I don’t feel very good, Heath.” Admitted the red head suddenly, her voice sounded strange to her own ears and she found herself swung up into the strong arms of the blond.

Heath felt his heart jump into his throat at the panicking blood surging in his veins, overpowering any sense of desire as he held her in his arms. He felt the tremors running through her at the fever taking hold compliments of the unexpected opening from the summer storm. Placing a kiss on her forehead, his lips told him the fever had risen and he started for the ranch not too far away by horse but frighteningly far away on foot.

The world around her changed from clarity to a vision of haze. She couldn’t stop the infection greedily taking advantage of the chill she sustained. Madison wasn’t aware of the frantic look in the blue eyes of the man who carried her in his arms, terrified of the distance he needed to go. Through the fog of the fever she could hear the faint sounds of his voice. The words were jumbled by the time they reached her mind but his soothing and tender tone found their way to her heart.

Chapter 36

Those in the room felt the distance of Heath from all around him as if he were on another continent, halfway across the world. The owner of the small house and its visitors were collectively holding their breaths, waiting and praying, eyes burning into the door to the bedroom on the lower level, silently willing it to open.

Nick’s eyes found their way to his little brother who stood rigid at the window, his back stiff with worry and his own tormented thoughts, his appearance a mess from the storm and the day’s events.

Jarrod had chided him when he suddenly felt a need to seek out the blond who’d only recently come to them a few months ago. The eldest of the brothers was sure he was seeking a way to tease and taunt Heath with the red head who turned their newest brother into a man opposite his usual self. Nick once again silently thanked the almighty creator for the sixth sense he’d experienced that something was wrong after the storm had subsided and the land around them was lit up with glorious sunshine.

The rancher didn’t think he’d ever be able to forget the look in Heath’s eyes when he and Jarrod found him carrying Madison. The blond was emotionally wracked with fear and guilt, terror and shock. It had taken him and Jarrod a few minutes to convince their little brother to loosen his hold on the girl shaking in his arms, unaware of the death grip holding her in place against his broad chest.

“Heath, let go.” Commanded Jarrod firmly as they knelt beside the blond in the mud, trying to dislodge his brother’s strong hold.

Nick swallowed at the sight of terror in Heath’s eyes and the shaking of his head from side to side, denying either her current situation or his oldest brother’s wish. The rancher wasn’t certain of which it was and at the moment didn’t care. All that mattered was the look in the pools of blue that shook him to the very depths of his being.

Taking hold of the moving blond head, Nick forced Heath’s eyes to look at him and reassured the man who appeared to be shattered, “We’ll take good care of her, Heath. I promise.”

“I…it’s my fault…” stammered Heath, unseeing the anguish in the hazel eyes studying him. “I just…we are….please… it’s not fair.”

“Heath.” Whispered Nick at the impotency in his brother’s voice, the strength stolen from his burdening fright. “Let Pappy have Madison and we’ll help you take her home.”

Jarrod saw Nick’s words finally work through the curtain of fear in Heath’s mind and he was able to pull the limp girl from his little brother’s arms. The small framed woman weighed no more than a sack of feed and he climbed effortlessly into the saddle, the heat rolling off her body scaring him. Jingo felt the bit of the harsh kick in his sides, an unusual method for his master to use and jumped forward, the urgency of the man in the saddle causing his powerful muscles to surge and he reached a gallop within seconds.

“She’ll be fine, Heath.” Stated Nick his hands falling onto his brother’s two broad shoulders.

“I love her, Nick, I know it now….now when it may be too late..” Choked out Heath, uncaring that all his guards were down and he was allowing another to see the bared fears slowly withering his soul.

The distressed words tore into him and Nick fought the rush of tears threatening to overcome him at the agonizing admission. Pulling Heath against him, the big brother whispered his vow to his little brother that nothing would separate him from this girl he loved. He would do all he could to ensure their togetherness.

By the time he and Heath had reached the Conroy ranch, Jarrod was already there and gone.

Letting his eyes drift to the man standing by the window, John Conroy surmised it had been fated that Victoria decided to ride over and discuss the obvious destined path of their two children. They had chuckled at the effects of young love and smiled widely at their hopes for the future before Jarrod had burst into the home holding Madison in his arms. The eldest son rapidly fired out an explanation before leaving just as quickly. The flush to her cheeks and her wet sounding breaths left John tormented with fear. He cursed the summer storm, the reason a chill was able to take hold in his daughter’s body.

John’s hands had trembled as he pumped water into a pitcher to take into the room where Jarrod placed Madison. He’d been pushed from the room by Victoria so she could remove the filthy garments from his little girl. The fear inside him rose rapidly upwards and he fought to stop his horrible thoughts, his mind quickly falling back to a deadly bout with pneumonia that stole Madison’s mother from both their lives.

Shaking his head at the path his mind was on, he took in a deep breath and internally geared up for the campaign he would be waging. He wouldn’t let a virus take his daughter like it took the love of his life. The door swung open and his green eyes widened at the sight of the blond entering with Nick holding onto his arm.

It wasn’t the physical appearance that took his breath away but the agony in the light blue eyes that made him flinch. In that moment of time, John Conroy had seen what he must have looked like when he felt an unstoppable flood of terror when his wife was gravely ill.

He had seen it in the eyes of this man who’d been fighting his destined path with his daughter. He had seen it in the eyes of Heath Barkley…the eyes of a man who knew unbridled fear for the one he loved.

Chapter 37

Howard and Victoria helped the young redheaded girl sit forward when an onslaught of coughing struck. The silver haired matriarch murmured soothingly into her ear as Howard held a glass of lukewarm tea made from the root of boneset to her mouth and supervised the swallowing of the herbal brew.

“Now Miss Conroy if you follow my instructions to take your medicine and get some rest, you’ll be out of that bed in no time.” Stated the kind physician locking onto the weary green eyes of his patient. “Once your fever goes down you’ll feel ready to tackle the world.”

“But she shouldn’t…” interjected Victoria as she brushed the locks of wet hair off Madison’s forehead. “Right, Howard?”

Howard smiled and reached down to pat the small hand on lying on the bed, “Not sleeping right and barely eating properly these last few weeks let that chill get a hold on you, young lady. You need to take care of yourself.”

“Sorry.” Whispered Madison, fighting the closing of her eyes from the exhaustion of her sickened being, her words barely recognizable. “…a…bother.”

Smiling tenderly, Victoria sighed with relief knowing the girl was going to be fine. The gray eyes met the brown eyes of her old friend and she hinted, “I think there are a couple people who will be extremely grateful to hear what you have to say Howard.”

Nodding slightly in agreement, Howard smiled at his drowsy patient before striding to the door and leaving the two women behind. Jumping up from his seat at the opening of the door, the distraught John Conroy crossed the distance with two quick strides barely able to keep his hands from grabbing onto the town physician and demanding to know how his daughter was. Nick and Jarrod watched Heath spin on his heel in front of the window, hands clenched into tight fists and his face pensive with impending dread over the words he was about to hear.

“She’ll be fine, John.” Assured Howard after the fast advancing man stopped directly before him. “She still has a fever and a cough but those should settle down in a few days.”

“It’s not pneumonia?” choked out John in disbelief, sure the evil culprit was going to steal his daughter away like it did his wife.

“It could turn into pneumonia if your daughter doesn’t take care.” Warned Howard softly before smiling. “But I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that. She just needs to rest and take it easy til the infection works its way out.”

Howard watched as the oldest and youngest males in the room released the concerned tension riddling their bodies over the condition of his young red headed patient. John looked up towards the ceiling and blinked away tears of happiness before requesting to see his daughter. Heath stood riveted in place unsure of how his brothers came to be at his side, their hands holding onto his arms as his body trembled with the release.

“You can see her but she needs to sleep.” Stated Howard. “Only one visitor at a time, okay?”

Nodding he understood, John smiled and glanced over to the young man he’d forgotten in his euphoria over the prognosis of his daughter. The blond’s eyes blinked furiously and he couldn’t hide the glistening moisture covering his orbs.

“Heath first.” Suggested John watching the blond automatically shake his head in denial before he walked over and took hold of the two broad shoulders still shivering from the terror that had gripped him.

“Mr. Conroy…” stammered Heath the protest welling up before his words were cut off.

“You go in first Heath….isn’t there something you need to tell Maddy?” prodded the older man, smiling at the mouth which opened slightly at his words before the blond shifted in place nervously. “Go on, Heath. Don’t put off til tomorrow what you should do today.”

Staring into the green eyes of the man who fathered the spitfire of a red head, Heath found he could only nod numbly before John Conroy pulled him to the door. Opening it and blowing his daughter a kiss, John motioned for Victoria and stepped aside to give the blond a little nudge forward.

Nearly falling at the nudge, Heath swallowed the lump of irritation rising and smiled slightly at his step mother who drew his face down and placed a light kiss on his cheek. Squeezing his arm as she passed, she closed the door behind her.

Walking to the small bed where Madison lay reclined on some pillows, Heath studied the flushed face before slowly lowering himself to sit beside her. Madison smiled sleepily and moved her hand to entwine her fingers with his. Raising their joined hands to his lips, Heath placed a kiss on the heated skin before letting his eyes drink in the girl who’d snuck up and stolen his heart.

Leaning forward, he brushed his lips across hers, his heart as full as his sparkling eyes before he whispered.

“I love you, Madison Conroy, top graduate of the ladies finishing school.”

Letting out a sigh at the tender lips on hers and the admission she’d been waiting to hear, Madison whispered before her eyes closed, “Love…you…too…barbarian.”

Smirking at the girl who drifted off to sleep, Heath let his fingers brush over her warm cheek before he sighed, content for the simple pleasure of watching her dream and wondering what their futures would bring.

Epilogue

“Madison!” growled Heath. “You heard what the doctor said!”

Rolling her eyes, the quickly recovering redhead fought down the restlessness of being confined indoors from the old nasty infection that had taken hold of her. She found it difficult to be a model patient when all she wanted to do was be free of the confines of the four walls that were her daily guards.

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired!” whined the red head, her lips pouting and automatically drawing his eyes to her mouth. “Please, Heath…just for a little while.”

Shaking his head in frustration, the blond melted when her fingers brushed over the outline of his jaw. Taking hold of the small hand, Heath let out a sigh and nodded, “Alright but I’ll do all the work!”

“I can walk.” Protested the redhead.

“No!” snapped Heath as he wrapped a blanket around her shoulders even though she were dressed in a skirt and blouse. “Doc and your pa will probably have my head for this!”

Madison’s eyes glared in protest before the two strong arms lifted her effortlessly. Sighing with contentment as her beau carried her out of the room and onto the porch, she found herself gleaming with the freedom of escaping the sick room. Heath smiled at the loud sigh and brushed his lips across her forehead, relishing the fire that returned to the girl he loved.

Sitting down in the only chair on the porch, she looked up and arched an eyebrow when he set her sideways on his lap, his arm holding her securely in place.

“You don’t have to hold me.” Suggested Madison. “I can sit up.”

“This way if I see your pa coming, I can run you back inside.” Admitted Heath with a grin at the mouth which opened and closed in disbelief. “I’m not getting on his bad side just for you.”

Huffing at his statement and the smirk gracing his lips, Madison’s eyes gleamed with wickedness and she reached up, her lips leaving a trail of kisses on the underside of his jaw. Heath closed his eyes and swallowed at the soft lips on his skin before moving his head away at the desire rising up within him.

“Madison…” warned the blond.

“Yes, darling.” Replied the red head softly, a smile hovering on her lips at the blue eyes deepening with desire.

“You’re making this very difficult.” stated Heath with a shake of his head.

“Yes, darling.” Murmured Madison her finger tracing idly on the material covering his broad chest.

Heath fought the effects of the heat created on his chest from the tip of her fingernail and he stammered, ““We need to court…there’s proper ways…there’s…well…I can’t think of everything but…there’s dances…uh…walks….”

“Yes, darling.” murmured Madison softly.

“I mean it, Madison!” threatened Heath finding his resolve to properly court the redhead quickly dissolving.

“Yes, darling.” Agreed Madison.

“Ah hell.” Mumbled Heath to himself. “I should’ve taken the train.”

“Yes, darling.” Murmured Madison before smiling and pulling his mouth down to hers.

THE END ... perhaps