The Lure of Bounty

Chapters 31-45

by catgirl63

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 31

 

Nick stood at the edge of the clearing, his hat in his hands, his head slightly bowed, his eyes not leaving the blonde paying his respects to the two women who were no longer with him on this earth.  The right hand of the younger man raised and Nick knew it was to wipe away the pain coming out in the form of tears before he turned, walking away from the graves.  The sapphire eyes were downcast, his sigh loud in the calm late morning air, the words quiet as he moved to his side.

 

Nick nodded and replaced his black hat over his dark hair, his hand automatically reached to squeeze the muscled shoulder of the blonde walking by his side.  Heath glanced over and smiled, the touch taking away some of the pain twisting his heart and dampening his soul.

 

Making their way back to the small house, the two men were greeted on the porch by the watcher.  Heath patted the large animal’s broad head and opened the door, allowing Nick to enter before he followed.  Rachel indicated for them to sit at the table, placing coffee in front of each man.  Opening a tin, she put some cookies on the plate and set it on the table before taking the last empty chair at the table.

 

Looking around the small home, Heath nodded at all the packed crates standing against one wall.  “Is everything packed, Aunt Rachel?”

 

“Yes, except for these last few kitchen items and the clothes I washed this morning.” said Rachel to the two men.  “Heath, aren’t you hungry?  These are your favorite cookies.”

 

“Sorry, Aunt Rachel.” apologized Heath with a small smile, shaking his head.  “If Barkley doesn’t finish them all off, maybe I can have some later.”

 

Nick rolled his eyes, his mouth full of the cookie he was eating.  Taking a drink of coffee, he grinned, “Miss Caulfield, these are the best raisin oatmeal cookies I’ve ever had.”

 

“Thank you, Mr. Barkley.” smiled Rachel, the compliment sparkling her eyes. 

 

Glancing into the sapphire eyes, Nick smirked, “Thomson, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control myself and not eat them all.  They sure melt in your mouth.”

 

“Maybe they can sweeten your disposition, Barkley.” replied Heath, eyes wide with innocence. 

 

“Don’t listen to him, Miss Caulfield.  My disposition doesn’t need any help.” stated Nick with a wink, causing the older woman to giggle.

 

Finishing his coffee and standing up, Heath shook his head, “As you can see Aunt Rachel, Barkley is very modest.”

 

“Can I help it if I don’t have any faults, Thomson?” questioned Nick following the blonde to the door, turning to tip his hat to the laughing woman left behind. 

 

“Gee, if I’m lucky maybe some of your greatness will rub off on me.” laughed Heath leading the way to the small barn where a small wagon stood. 

 

Nick’s grin was wide and his face full of amusement while he helped to harness the horses, jumping in the back of the wagon as Heath drove it to the cabin.  The afternoon passed quickly, the men working steadily packing the wagon and carefully lashing the load in place.  Rachel and Atilla watched as the last chair was carefully tied down, the ropes inspected again to ensure they were tight and secure.  Her brown eyes filled with tears as she took one last look around the small house, the years of living under the wooden roof flashing through her mind, her ears hearing the sounds of laughter and tears over the years.

 

Two hands were laid on her shoulders from behind and a whisper reached her ears, “We had some fun times here, didn’t we?  With mama and Hannah?”

 

Nodding, she raised one hand and brushed at her tears with her fingertips, her voice thickened with sadness, the other hand patted the strong hand of her nephew.  “We did.  Lots of good times and some bad, too.”

 

Placing a kiss on her cheek, Heath turned his aunt and smiled into her brown teary eyes.  “Those memories are in our hearts forever and moving from here won’t erase them, Aunt Rachel.  Just think of all the new ones you’ll have to put with them in the future.”

 

Cupping his cheek, she nodded, “I can’t wait to meet Mackenzie, Heath.  I feel as if I already know her from your letters.”

 

“She’s beautiful inside and out.  I’m the luckiest man to have been able to win her heart.” sighed Heath, his sapphire eyes twinkling with love.  “She can’t wait to meet you either.”

 

Hugging him, Rachel stood back and took his arm, “Well, let’s not keep her waiting for too long, nephew.  I’m ready and looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life.”

 

Walking out the door, Heath helped his aunt onto the wagon seat and climbed up beside her.  Starting the horses, he called to Atilla and maneuvered the loaded wagon with Charger tied to the back, into the street.  Nick climbed up on Coco and followed as the sun was lowering to the horizon, his eyes watching carefully as they passed the hotel on their way out of town.  Glancing back at a sudden chill he felt on his back and hearing a deep growl from Atilla, he saw a man on the boardwalk, watching before returning back into the building.

 

Rachel laid a calming hand on her tense nephew’s arm when they passed the hotel.  Her brown eyes filled with relief when they left the town behind them without incident from the couple who had nothing but hatred for the gentle, loving man who sat beside her.

 

 

Chapter 32

 

Heath couldn’t avoid the main street of Strawberry, the deteriorated area around the town decreed they must leave the way they’d arrived.  Turning the wagon onto the main street, he felt his stomach twisting at the thought of the two people who ran the hotel. The big window of the hotel looked out onto the street, their beady eyes kept track of everything occurring in the portion of the world they reigned over. 

 

The thought of his two relatives left his muscles straining in nervousness, agitation and fear.  The child who less than six years earlier enlisted in the army, the action stopping the beatings and fear the couple left him shaking with each day.  The fear which he’d thrust deep inside when he went off to war was overshadowed by the daily atrocities he witnessed. 

 

The fear was there when he returned, buried deep inside a scarred teenager quickly turned into a young man, old beyond his years.  The life experience he’d survived when he left his hometown behind reflected in his eyes. 

 

The sapphire eyes were sunken in a gaunt face, steely with coldness and anger.  It was the hardened look in the sapphire orbs which sent a quiver of fear in his mama’s brother when the boy returned home, liberated from the prison camp and needing to mend his broken body and soul.  The boy who went to war to earn money for his mama was not the boy who returned to her loving arms. 

 

Feeling the hand of his aunt on his arm, Heath forced himself to look into her loving brown eyes and flash a slight lop-sided grin.  Reaching the outskirts of town, the two occupying the bench seat of the small wagon sighed simultaneously with relief.  Neither had known how the unstable blood aunt, Martha, would react to Heath’s presence in town and the knowledge the scapegoat relative was giving a future to the woman who was not a blood relative.  The mind of the mentally unstable woman was a minefield, a place where reason disappeared sporadically leaving confusion and anger in it’s wake.

 

The afternoon falling sun treated the travelers to a glorious sunset, the colors painted on the horizon as if the sky was a canvas.  Pulling the wagon off the side of the road, Heath jumped down and helped his aunt onto the ground.  Dismounting, Nick unsaddled Coco and lead his mount beside the red stallion to the stream.  Heath followed closely behind with the team used to pull the wagon and Atilla followed a trail with his nose along the bank of the stream.   Rachel rummaged in the back of the wagon, gathering the items she needed to prepare dinner while the men tied the horses and readied the campsite and fire.  An hour later, the travelers relaxed after satisfying their hunger, the shaggy dog whining low in his sleep, dreaming of chasing a rabbit in a field of tall grass.

 

“Lil Man, do you want some more coffee?” asked Rachel looking over at the blonde, who groaned out loud as Nick’s ears pricked up at the endearment, amusement lighting up the hazel eyes.

 

“Lil Man?” asked Nick, with a raised eyebrow and a wide grin.  “Miss Caulfield, why do you call Thomson Lil Man?”

 

“None of your business, Barkley.” growled Heath glaring across the fire. “Just ignore him, Aunt Rachel.  Maybe he’ll go away.”

 

Chuckling, Nick shook his head, “Com’n,  Thomson!  I’ll keep pestering til you tell me.  It’s a long ways to Stockton, boy.”

 

Heath’s eyes sparkled and he held up his hands in mock defeat, “Better tell ‘em, Aunt Rachel.  I don’t think I could stand the constant jabbering in my ear.  That voice’d probably break my ear drums.”

 

Laughing at the two men, she smiled and nodded, “It was a long time ago, Mr. Barkley.  I had moved or rather been dumped off at Strawberry by the man I thought was going to spend my life with forever.  We were riding the stage, we got off and when the stage left only he was on it.”

 

“That’s heartless.” growled Nick, his frown of anger causing Heath to smile.

 

“It worked out to be the best day of my life.” said Rachel with a smile.  “I met Heath’s mama that same day.  I was sitting on the boardwalk crying tears that wouldn’t stop and I hear this angelic voice.  I looked up into these round green eyes and a smile that was brighter than the sun.  She held out a hand and I couldn’t help but take it.  Course, if I wasn’t so wrapped up in my misery, I’d never would have let her pull me up from the boardwalk.”

 

“Why not?” whispered Nick, entranced by the story.

 

“I didn’t notice the glow about her came from the child she was carrying.  Heath.” admitted Rachel, squeezing the large hand which grasped hers.  “She took me in until I could get a job and get my own place.  When Heath was born, I was there with Hannah and am proud to say I helped deliver him.”

 

Heath smiled slightly, his eyes fond in remembrance of the story he’d heard a thousand of times in his life and yet, each time it was retold, his heart filled with love. 

 

“So, you call him Lil Man cause he was a small baby?” questioned Nick.

 

“What makes you think I was a small baby?” snorted Heath, grinning at the older man’s rolling eyes.  “Alright, alright, Barkley.”

 

Giggling, Rachel shook her head, “No.  Mr. Barkley, since he was the only male in our little family, Heath was forever trying to do everything he thought women shouldn’t do.  He was always helping us out, ready to take on any chore to help any of us, especially Leah.  That’s when Hannah started to call him, Lil Man.   She’d say ‘Lil Man, ya’s gonna wear ya’self out’.”

 

Chuckling, Heath grinned, “You sounded just like her, Aunt Rachel!  I can’t tell ya’ how many times I heard those words over the years.”

 

The memories of the small black woman, near and dear to them, left two sets of eyes wet with unshed tears.  The unexpected loss of her shocked them all but she had given them so much love during her time with their family.

 

“So, there you have it, Barkley.” sighed Heath, leaning back with his hands under his head, staring up at the stars.  “Now, I don’t have to worry about you chattering up a storm tomorrow.”

 

“Heath, you shouldn’t tease Mr. Barkley so much.” chastised Rachel with a smile.

 

“That’s right, Thomson!” agreed Nick readily, stiffening slightly when Atilla walked over and laid by him.  “Hey, you want to call your friend over, Thomson.”

 

Glancing at the nervousness on the tanned face, Heath smirked, “No, you two look very comfortable together.  I’d sure hate to break up a couple, Nick.”

 

Rachel shook her head and laughed, her brown eyes tearing with laughter as she climbed under her covers, barely able to bid the men goodnight between her gasps. 

Nick wrinkled his nose and groaned, “I can’t sleep if I have to smell this dog all night.  I haven’t smelled anything this bad since Gene came to dinner after falling into a load of manure.”

 

Heath smiled before placing his hat over his eyes and cross his arms, stifling his laughter at the pleading from across the fire.

 

“Thomson?  Heath?  Com’n buddy!”

 

 

Chapter 33

 

Waking from the sudden pressure on his chest, Heath groaned and moved to push the massive mound of fur to the side, stopping suddenly at the low growl Atilla issued in his throat.  The blonde placed a hand around the big snout using the command he taught the animal to silence his sounds.  Heath grabbed hold of his pistol and crept to Nick’s side, his hand clamping down over the older man’s mouth as he whispered in his ear.

 

“Atilla sees something moving by the horses.”

 

Nick’s hazel eyes which sprung open shifted to look over towards the area the animals were tied, the darkness hiding the movement to his eyes.  Taking his gun in his hand, Nick nodded at the blonde’s whispered plan, moving to wake Rachel who quietly moved under the stationary wagon, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

 

Heath motioned and Atilla crept forward by his side as the blonde made his way in a circle, glad the fire had burned down to ashes, freeing him to move without fear of a fire outlining him.  Atilla’s fur was bristled, his eyes not leaving the pitch blackness on the edge of the camp, silent and ready to protect at all costs.

 

The sound of a muffled curse reached Heath’s ears and he smiled when the low voice whispered angrily at the horse which bit him.  The blonde could just imagine Charger lashing out with teeth at the stranger who was trying to untie the ropes.  Making his way to the sound of the curse, Heath stopped suddenly at the shadowy outline of a figure four feet in front of him.  Holding himself still, he struggled to see if any other shadows moved in the darkness, wishing the clouds hadn’t hidden the moonlight. 

 

Jumping suddenly, he propelled himself into the figure, taking the body forward with him three feet, both men unaware of the environment around them, only aware of the struggle they found themselves in.

 

Nick jumped up at the sound of crashing in the woods and threw some logs into the fire, quickly blazing the smoldering into a burst of light, helped along with some kerosene.  Leaving Atilla with Rachel, he plunged into the trees to the horses grabbing the ropes of Coco and Charger, leading them to the wagon and returning for the other two draft horses.  Rachel held a pistol in her hand while the other rested on Atilla’s bristled fur, her eyes scanning the edge of the camp, her eyes wide with the sound of the struggle she heard going on between her nephew and the intruder.  Nodding at Nick’s statement to stay where she was, she waited for the men to return, the two sets of eyes keeping watch around them.

 

Heath froze for a moment at the sight of the man before him, his eyes filling with fury before he ducked under the limb swung at him, his right fist plunging into the thin man’s stomach pushing him back a step.  Following with a left hook to the jaw, Heath lunged after the falling man who kicked out and caught the blonde on the kneecap, bringing him to the ground from the shooting pain in his leg. 

 

The man jumped on the cursing blonde, his fists swung once before his wrists were grabbed and he was flung over the head of the prone blonde man, landing against a tree, his side hitting the hardened wood, the blunt force breaking a rib and causing the man to cry out in pain as he fell to the ground.  Holding his left arm to his side, he attempted to stand and stopped at the pistol which was thrust between his eyes, the cold barrel searing his skin.

 

Nick ran into the trees, his lungs bursting from exertion and his steps came to a halt at the sight of Heath holding his gun on an older man’s forehead, the scene illuminated from the flickering of the large fire from the camp.

 

“Thomson?” gasped Nick.  “You okay?”

 

Heath ground out angrily, “What were you gonna do?  Steal our horses and then kill us?”

 

The wide eyes of the man kneeling on the ground, widened when the questions were accented with a not so kind pushing of the barrel into his forehead, his face paling at the cold fury in the sapphire eyes.

 

“ANSWER ME!” snapped Heath, cocking the hammer. 

 

“He wanted you afoot!” replied the man rapidly, his fear of death rising immensely as the seconds ticked by, holding his hands up in defeat.  “I just do what I’m told.  You know that.”

 

Nick watched the exchange puzzled.  “You know him?”

 

“An associate of my uncle.  I shoulda known he let us leave too easily.” smiled Heath.  “That old man is meaner than a cornered rattlesnake.”

 

“What are we gonna do with him?” asked Nick gesturing towards the kneeling man, perspiring as if it were a hundred degrees outside.  “We could tie him up and take ‘em with us.”

 

“Or we could give him a head start and let Atilla loose on him.” suggested Heath coldly.  “He’s gotta eat too, even if it’s only coyote.”

 

“NO!” shouted the man,  “That dog’d tear me apart!  You wouldn’t!”

 

Nick growled, “Sounds good to me, Thomson.”

 

“Please, no.” pleaded the intruder, trembling at the punishment he knew he deserved.  “I only did it cause I owed your uncle.  He called it in and I had to.  Please.”

 

Taking a calming breath, Heath moved back slightly, limping on his bruised leg, his gun not leaving the thin man.  “Donovan, if I see you again I’ll kill you on sight.”

 

“You won’t see me, I promise.” assured the thin man, grateful for the salvation the young man was handing him.  “I never had no reason to harm you boy.  I just can’t be beholden, is all.”

 

“You can’t let him go, Heath.” protested Nick.  “We can take him with us and turn him over to Fred.”

 

“Get outta here, Donovan!” growled Heath, his words sending the man stumbling to his feet, falling twice before he melted into the darkness, the sound of his galloping horse reaching their ears.

 

“Why’d you let him go?” demanded Nick with a shake of his dark head.

 

Putting his pistol away, Heath turned and stumbled, his leg giving out under him.  Nick leapt forward and grabbed onto the blonde’s arm, holding him up.

 

“I caught a boot on my knee.” sighed Heath, reaching down to rub his kneecap.

 

Helping the blonde back to the fire, Nick chuckled at the crimson spreading up the blonde’s neck to his face at his aunt’s demand to lower his pants.  Heath glared at the smirking cowboy and mumbled under his breath.   Rolling her eyes, Rachel winced at the bruising and swelling on his left kneecap, wrapping a wet cloth around it.

 

Sitting by the fire, Nick questioned, “Why’d you let him go, Thomson?”

 

Rachel looked up and brushed back the blonde’s hair, his sapphire eyes meeting hers.  “Donovan’s not the type of man who’d kill anybody.  He’s just a weak man that can be controlled by others.  Besides, Fred couldn’t have done anything since this is out of his jurisdiction, Nick.”

 

Frowning, Nick shook his head before moving to harness the horses to the wagon, the three travelers already having made the decision to leave the area under the cover of darkness.  Finishing his chore, Nick helped Rachel onto the seat of the wagon before turning to the blonde.

 

“What about your uncle?  Do you think he’ll try something else?” asked Nick, placing a hand on the smaller man’s shoulder.

 

“The man’s hated me since I was born.  He’s my only living blood relative and if I died whatever I own would be his.  I’m betting he made a spur of the minute, desperate decision and sent Donovan to prevent us from leaving the area.” explained Heath wearily.  “If we were killed, it would have looked like a trail robbery.”

 

“Unfortunately, I think you’re right, Heath.” admitted Rachel sadly.  “I was afraid of something like this.”

 

Nick scowled, “With relatives like that, you need all the friends you can get.”

 

“Well, ya’ can’t pick your relatives, Barkley.” sighed Heath pulling himself up onto the seat.  “Ya’ gotta play with the hand life deals ya’.”

 

Nick mounted Coco and smirked, “I don’t know, Thomson.  Maybe you should ask for a redeal.”

 

Chuckling, Heath smiled, “I’m telling ya’, Barkley, you’re bad luck!”

 

 

Chapter 34

 

Traveling through the last hours of the night and the morning, Heath pulled the wagon to a stop in front of the small house, stepping down and helping his aunt off the seat.  Nick walked over and started untying the ropes holding the load on the back of the wagon as Heath led Rachel into the house, showing her the bedroom she would have until Mackenzie moved out to his ranch.

 

Holding tightly onto her nephew, Rachel blinked back her tears.  “It’s perfect, Heath.  It’s so large compared to my old house.”

 

Laughing, Heath returned her hug and smiled into the brown eyes, “For your house warming present, I paid your rent for a year Aunt Rachel.  This way you can concentrate on building your business up.”

 

“Lil Man, you..no..that’s too much!” protested Rachel.  “I can’t accept that.”

 

Taking her hands, Heath shook his head and replied, “It’s not too much for all you did for me and mama over the years.  All the friendship, the love.  I’ll never be able to repay you for those things, Aunt Rachel.  I love you and besides you have no choice.”

 

Openly crying from his words, Rachel hugged his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek.  “Leah would’ve been so happy for you, Heath and so proud.”

 

“I know.” whispered Heath, his voice thick with emotion.  “I miss her so much but I’m thankful you’re still with me.”

 

Nick entered the house, his hands full of chairs and cleared his throat at the emotional people before him.  "Sorry, where do you want these, Miss Caulfield?”

 

Wiping her eyes, she directed Nick where to put the chairs while Heath made his way out to the wagon.  The afternoon spent carrying in household goods and stacking the crates in the small house until the wagon was empty.

 

“Rachel, we’ll go pick up Mackenzie now.  You ready?” asked Heath, watching his aunt in the middle of the crates, after the two men carried out one last item.

 

Sighing, she frowned, “Heath, would it be okay if I stayed here and put some of these things away before Mackenzie came back to the house?  I don’t want her to come in here and have it look like a tornado struck while she was gone.”

 

Chuckling, Heath nodded.  “Sure, Aunt Rachel.  How about if we go out to dinner later?”

 

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she smiled, “Definitely not!  You have not seen her for a week and I don’t want to intrude on your reunion.  We can have dinner tomorrow, okay?”

 

“Boy howdy, I am anxious to see her.” admitted Heath with a smile.  “I’ll leave Atilla here for now, Aunt Rachel.”

 

“Mr. Barkley, thank you for your help!” smiled Rachel taking a hand of the large cowboy in hers.  “I hope to see you soon.”

 

“It was my pleasure, Miss Caulfield.” grinned Nick.  “I’ll let my Mother and Audra know you’re opening a new dress shop.  They can shop with the best of them.”

 

“Thank you, Mr. Barkley.  That’s very generous of you.” smiled Rachel seeing the men to the door.  “Heath, your limp is getting worse, maybe you should see the doctor.”

 

Kissing her cheek, Heath winked, causing her to smirk in understanding at his words. “I’ll keep your suggestion in mind, Aunt Rachel and I will see you later when I bring Zie home.”

 

Climbing aboard the wagon, Heath flicked the reins and started the wagon out to the Barkley ranch.  Driving by the office of Dr. Merar, Nick caught the blonde’s eyes and raised an eyebrow in question.

 

“Not on your life, Barkley.” growled Heath snapping the reins to quicken the horses’ pace with the deep laughter of Nick reaching his ears. 

 

An hour later, Heath smiled widely after they entered the gates of the Barkley ranch, his heart jumping in anticipation as he pulled up in front of the mansion.  Climbing down from the wagon, he stopped Nick as he walked by him, a hand on his shoulder.

 

“Nick, I appreciate your help.” said Heath sincerely, his sapphire eyes locking with the hazel eyes.  “I was wondering if I could ask ya’ another favor.”

 

“Sure anything, well, anything except baby-sitting Atilla.” smiled Nick.

 

“Don’t worry it’s nothing like that.” chuckled Heath, his smile being replaced with seriousness, causing Nick to study the blonde intently.  “I was wondering if ya’d consider being my witness at the wedding.”

 

Surprise flashed in the hazel eyes and Nick grinned widely, “I’d be honored, Heath.”

 

Shaking the extended hand, Heath smiled widely and turned at the female voice shouting his name, running towards him from the side of the house.  Catching the tiny woman in his arms, he twirled her around and his hands cupped her face.  Staring into her tearing eyes, he placed a lingering kiss on her lips.

 

“I missed ya’ honey.” whispered Heath holding her tightly in his arms.

 

Nick and Audra smiled at each other watching the oblivious couple before them, their eyes sparkling as they looked into each other’s face, their hands holding onto each other.

 

“Com’n lovebirds.” teased Nick turning the couple’s faces red when they remembered the audience before them, following the siblings into the house, thanking their hostess and visiting for a little while before they left the Barkleys behind.

 

Mackenzie held onto Heath’s waist, her arms not wanting to let him go, the couple talked back and forth, telling each other of their time apart.  Mackenzie slipped a finger in his shirt and rubbed his chest, causing a groan to escape his throat.

 

“Zie, that’s not nice, now.” protested Heath, trying to keep his mind on driving the team in the night which had fallen rapidly around them.

 

Giggling, Mackenzie felt a touch of wickedness surging within her and she undid his buttons.  Her breath quickened as the desire within her grew at the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers, tweaking his nipples in her fingers.  Pulling his face to her, she parted his lips with her tongue, savoring the renewed taste of him.  Heath gave in, his tongue meeting hers, his need tightening his jeans at the actions of the woman beside him.

 

Breaking off the kiss, he pulled the break and wrapped the reins around it, turning and pulling her to him, searching her mouth.  Mackenzie straddled him on the bench, holding his head in her hands and feverishly seeking his mouth, moving against him, his hands holding onto her tiny waist.  Running his hands up her back, he moved them to the front and brushed his palms over her breasts, the material of her blouse in the way, her moan in the night filling both of them with a frenzied passion to fulfill their needs.  Unbuckling his belt, Mackenzie lifted her skirt and found the object of her desire, their gasps loud in the night air. 

 

Laying her on the bench seat, Heath felt her legs wrap around him and he slowed his movement, bringing her to whimper with need, pleading for him to take away the fire within her.  Unable to tease her anymore, he let his passion quicken his movements as he surrendered into her, both crying out when their bodies bucked together, their animal desires surging within them under the velvet night of the California sky. 

 

Desires given and exchanged, whispered words of love and togetherness exchanged before clothes were adjusted and the wagon moved forward.  Arriving at his ranch, he led Mackenzie into the house and smiled, stating she was to stay there with eyes closed.

 

Mackenzie did as instructed, her ears picking up the sound of heavy footsteps passing the living room and heading up the stairs.  She put her hands over her eyes, to prevent her curiosity from opening them.  Heath smiled and thanked Matt Duer with his help, handing the hand some bills and Mackenzie heard her fiancé order the men to town for dinner and drinks.  A bonus for taking care of the ranch in his absence.

 

Waiting til the men rode off the ranch, Heath closed the door and locked it, making his way to the chair.

 

“Keep your eyes closed, Zie.” warned Heath playfully taking her into his arms and carrying her up the stairs.

 

Walking into the master bedroom, Heath placed her feet on the floor and stepped in front of her, pulling her hands down and stepping away.  The violet eyes widened at the sight before her and she looked up into the sapphire eyes.

 

Taking her hand, Heath led the way to the sofa from her house, lowering her to a seat before he knelt in front of her, his fingers shaking as he worked the buttons on her blouse.

 

“Whenever I see this sofa, it’ll always remind me of our first time, Zie.  The first time we became one.  The first time which makes me weak with desire each time I remember it.” whispered Heath huskily.  “I love you, Mackenzie Knight.”

 

Crying softly, Mackenzie captured his lips in hers before whispering, “I love you, Heath Thomson!”

 

Releasing her lips from a deep searching kiss, Heath lovingly caressed the soft skin the now open blouse revealed, his mouth tantalizing her soft breasts before moving down the front of her, her body quivering with desire again.  Clothes were discarded and hands touched each other, his fingers stroking up her inner thighs, gently working her into an explosion of need, before taking her and holding on tightly to the woman in his arms.

 

“Boy howdy, this is what I call a homecoming.” smiled Heath caressing the cheek as Mackenzie lay against him, spent from their burst of lovemaking.  Raising her face, she left him hungry for her with another lingering kiss, her hand moving over him raising them both to the heights of abandonment again.

 

Later laying in his empty bed, Heath’s dreams were of the passion shared between them before he had to introduce her to Aunt Rachel and leave her at the small house in town.  His heart pounded in his chest, his smile not leaving his face as he spent the night dreaming of the future which would be spent with her by his side.

 

 

Chapter 35

 

Before the sun had considered rising above the eastern horizon, Jim Fargas accepted the cup of coffee and sat at the table with his blonde boss, the two men discussing the ranch, the items accomplished during his trip to Strawberry and the upcoming week.  The crew had already eaten and were getting ready for the day.

 

“Any problems this past week?” inquired Heath taking a sip of coffee.

 

Shaking his head, Jim replied, “Nope.  We didn’t have to chase any Craddock cattle off, no more water holes were tampered with.  It was real quiet.”

 

Sighing with relief, Heath smiled, “Good.  I just want to ranch and be left alone.  Getting into a range fight with a neighbor isn’t how I intend to spend my future.”

 

“I know, boss.  But we all know you’d be able to handle anything thrown your way.  One way or another.” admitted Jim, his eyes showing his confirmation of the spoken words, the depths of them showing his admiration of the ability of the younger man.

 

Grinning slightly, Heath nodded and stood up, “Yeah, but a quiet life would suit me just fine til the day I meet my maker.”

 

Following his blonde boss out to the barn, Jim and Heath saddled their horses leaving instructions for the men to finish the fence they were building in the box canyon several miles away.  The boss and foreman rode side by side, two sets of eyes looking over the ranch they were the caretakers of, the land they would spend the remainder of their days on.  The examination of the fences had Heath relaxing in the saddle, no breaks meant no problems with the Craddocks.  Perhaps it was just someone’s way of testing what the new ranch owner would do before, feeling out the way the youngster would handle aggression. 

 

Smirking to himself, Heath thought if they knew anything about him, they’d have known he wouldn’t back down or cowtail to anyone.  Leaving Jim to supervise the erecting of the fence in the box canyon, Heath rode to the southern part of the ranch, the part which bordered the northern most part of the Barkley ranch up against the mountain range.  It was mid morning and the northern wind had a bite to it.  A promise of the colder weather coming, the leaves were turning colors, getting ready to flutter to the ground when they lost their hold on the limbs. 

 

Taking out his notebook and pencil, he stopped Charger and made some notations to the work needed to improve this section of the ranch.  Putting away the notebook, Heath leaned forward to scratch behind the red stallion’s ears and frowned as his eyes caught a set of tracks on the ground in front of the horse.  Climbing down, he studied the prints, his gut telling him they were similar to the ones found by the limed waterhole two weeks ago.  Leading the horse, he followed the tracks by foot glancing upward as they took a game trail into the mountains.  The hunter in him overrode the rancher and he mounted nudging the stallion into a walk, his eyes following the trail before him.

 

Climbing steadily up the trail, Heath shivered at the coldness of the higher elevation which he felt through his shirt, his coat back at the ranchhouse since he hadn’t expected to be traveling in the mountains.  Rounding a bend, he didn’t see the trap which the stallion sprung until it was too late.  The tied back branch hit him across the chest, taking away his air before propelling him off the saddle and unable to stop the momentum the surprise attack caused carrying him down the mountain slope.  His last conscious thought was of his horse before darkness fell in his mind after a burst of pain. 

 

The hunter’s prey reached over and struck the rump of the stallion with a hat, screaming loudly sending the frightened animal down the mountain trail in a burst of speed.  Standing above on the trail, he searched the mountain side unable to see the man who’d been tossed off the horse, a smile of revenge lighting up his face before he moved back to his horse and mounted, leisurely riding away.

 

Duke and Nick worked together, rebuilding a section of fence taken down by some of the cattle, stopping and looking at the group of men riding towards them.  Jim Fargas lead his crew towards the two men and stopped.

 

“Mr. Barkley, have you seen our boss today?” asked Jim.

 

“No, we haven’t seen anyone since we’ve been out here, Jim.” replied Nick, his eyes taking in the stallion Matt Duer was leading, fully saddled with no rider.  “What’s happened?”

 

“Don’t know.  We were on our way back to the ranch and Charger was wandering around the yard.  Last time I saw Heath he was riding out to check out this part of the ranch.” informed the older man, his worry shining in his eyes.

 

A sudden feeling of panic came over the dark haired rancher, throwing down his tools, Nick mounted and rode through the break in the fence before turning back to his foreman.  “Duke go back to the ranch, fetch Dr. Merar and bring a wagon with bedding and such.  I’ve a feeling we’re gonna need it.”

 

Nodding, Duke wheeled his horse away, pushing the animal into a gallop.  Sitting on his horse, Nick felt a strong pull towards the mountains on the horizon.  Looking over, he frowned.


“Have you checked the mountains?” asked Nick slightly shaken by the strong feelings running through him.

 

Jim shook his head negatively.  “No.  He didn’t have a coat and it’d be mighty cold up there with winter coming on.”

 

“I don’t know how but I got a feeling that’s where he is.  We only got a few more hours of daylight left.  We better hurry.” replied Nick, hazel eyes showing his confusion and wonder before riding towards the massive hills with his friend’s crew following. 

 

 

Chapter 36

 

Numbing cold left the prone man on the ground wondering if he’d fallen asleep in an ice house after he’d forced his eyelids open.  It took a few minutes before he could force his brain to work properly, a few minutes for it to register ice houses didn’t have grass and pine needles in them.  Blinking his eyelids he forced the sapphire orbs to focus and he bit back a groan when with awakening came realization of pain.  His hands felt like bricks of ice as he put them on the ground and pushed himself onto his side, crying out loud from the blunt piercing stabs in his leg.

 

Shaking from the small movement or from the cold, he took a few minutes and closed his eyes, his stomach lurching into his throat.  Opening his eyes, he looked down at the limb which complained and clenched his jaw tightly.

 

“Broken leg.  Great.” mumbled the blonde to himself, looking around and feeling more than just the cool temperature chilling his soul.  Remembering suddenly what happened, he felt a blaze of anger rising up within him, a fury which almost overtook the dire situation he was in. 

 

“When I find him...” hissed the blonde taking a shallow breath, unable to take a deep breath from the pain across his chest.  Closing his eyes for a moment, he opened them, holding onto his left pant leg with uncooperative fingers before turning over onto his back.  Tears sprang into his eyes, his hands clenched in fists at the insurgence of hurt, his vision darkened on the edges and he fought with himself to stay awake, staring up into the canopy of leaves above him.

 

His body shook from the shock and cold, his mind was firing rapidly as he lay on the ground.  His mind was telling him what to do but his body was slow to react.  Pushing himself to a sitting position, he opened his shirt and cringed at the bruising across his chest before running his trembling fingers down his sides.  Not feeling any moving ribs, he turned his eyes downward to the broken limb, scowling at it before looking around the area for what he needed.

 

Taking off his shirt, he shivered as he pulled out his pocket knife and cut the tail part of the garment into three strips.  His teeth chattered before he put the shirt back on and wrapped his arms gently against his bruised chest trying to stop his shaking, knowing what he had to do but damning the reality of needing to do it.

 

Putting the strips of cloth in his mouth, he clenched his teeth together and reached out, pulling himself through the covering on the mountain slope towards the deadfall some twenty yards away.  The area around the fallen tree was strewn with branches.  He stopped suddenly and sobbed in anguish when the broken limb was dragged over a rock sending renewed pain throughout his leg. 

 

Laying his head on his arm, he waited for the pain to subside to a dull roar and wiped his tears, staring at the darkened spot on his shirt.  Reaching up, he felt his head with his fingers and sighed when he saw the blood on them.

 

“What’s a few more ounces of blood.” muttered Heath placing his head back on his arm before slowly starting forward again, trying to focus on reaching a spot on the ground before him and accomplishing that, refocused on another spot, forcing himself to keep his mind on something other than pain.   Satisfaction flowed through him when he reached the deadfall, a milestone, a goal obtained. 

 

Searching through the debris, he found three that would suit his purpose and pulled himself to sit up against the log.  Leaning forward, he groaned at the pain the movement created in his chest, laying the three pieces of cloth beneath his calf, he laid two branches on the sides.  His trembling fingers drew the wood against his leg when he picked up the ends and taking a shallow breath, he tightened the cloth in a knot gasping when the branches pushed against his injured leg, the pain almost unbearable as he tied the one strip of cloth.  Falling back against the log, he moved his head from side to side, fighting the desire to lay down and let unconsciousness take him. 

 

He didn’t notice the tears falling down his face as he reached forward again repeating his self torture two more times before he closed his eyes and leaned over, not caring as he vomited, only aware of the pain and cold.  Leaning against the deadfall one arm laying across it with his head on the arm, he allowed himself to rest, unsure of how much time passed before the will to survive had him dragging the thick branch over and he pushed himself up to sit on the log. 

 

Studying the area from his new height, he looked up the mountain before looking down.  Neither direction looked promising and he debated which to take when his eyes caught sight of a faint trace of a trail leading along the natural contours of the slope.  Decision made, he laid his arm in the crook area of the branch, his crutch held firm in his hand and he concentrated keeping his balance as he followed the way of the mountain animals.  The thought of the feel of Mackenzie in his arms, the vision of her beautiful face flashing in his mind, keeping him company and warming him in the cold air of the late afternoon.

 

Nick and Jim searched the ground for tracks, the crew of men splitting up and moving across the area in a straight line.  Nick felt the urgency inside of him and fought to concentrate on the ground, his mind telling him he wouldn’t be doing Heath any favors by rushing headlong without an idea of where to find him.

 

“There!” shouted Jim pointing forward in the gathering dusky light of the early night.  Nick spurred Coco forward and jumped down in one fluid movement, grabbing hold of the pale blonde’s arms before him, taking in the feverish eyes, the exhaustion on his face.

 

“Heath!” exclaimed Nick watching the eyes blink in confusion and a small smile crossed the pale face.

 

“Barkley..ya’..don’t..look..good..as..Zie..” gasped Heath before collapsing in the larger man’s hands and being lowered to the ground.

 

Nick held on, taking the blanket Jim handed him and wrapped it around the shivering man.  Heath grimaced and clenched his jaw against the pain exploding in his leg.

 

“Charger?”

 

“He’s fine.” assured Nick holding the trembling man in his arms.  “Jim, we need that wagon.”

 

Nodding, the foreman spoke to Matt who turned his horse and spurred away.  Coming back to the two friends on the ground, Jim wet a handkerchief and wiped the blonde’s face, not liking the scarlet flush to his cheeks.

 

“Boss, think you can take some water?” asked Jim receiving a slight nod and holding the canteen up.  Taking a small amount of refreshing water, Heath lifted his hand  and pushed the metal container away, trying to wriggle out of the blanket around him, chills sending him through ice then fire.

 

Nick growled and pushed the blonde’s hands down, “Keep this blanket on, don’t touch it.”

 

Scowling in confusion, Heath mumbled, “Broke..leg…Nick.”

 

“Yeah, sure looks like it.” replied Nick, wrapping the blanket tighter around the feverish man.  “What happened, Heath?”

 

Moving his head slightly, Heath fought to keep his eyes open, knowing he was loosing the battle but not concerned due to the strong feeling of trust rising up in him.  With the knowledge the dark haired man was there, he relaxed into the strong arms, his words muttered, barely able to be heard.

 

“Trip..wire..trap.”

 

Nick swore at the muttered words and glanced over into the furious eyes of the ranch crew kneeling on the ground.  The blonde mumbled incoherently before succumbing to the darkness, unaware of those around him, their minds fueled with thoughts of retribution. 

 

 

Chapter 37

 

The wagon arrived along with Duke on the seat, Matt and Jarrod riding beside.  Nick sighed in relief after they lifted the blonde into the back and he never moved from the jostling of his injured leg.  Wrapping him securely in the make shift bed, Jarrod left for Stockton to bring Mackenzie and Heath’s aunt out to his ranch.   Howard was waiting on the front porch of the Thomson ranch and directed the men to carry the patient up the stairs.  Laying him on the bed, Howard instructed everyone except Jim to leave the room and closed the door, ceasing Nick’s protests. 

 

“Jim, we need to get these clothes off and get him warm.  He’s probably suffering from a touch of exposure.” instructed Howard, taking out a pair of scissors and cutting the tan pants, while the foreman took off Heath’s shirt.  The older man’s face paling at the scaring he saw on his back and the deep bruising across his chest.  He looked up into the caring eyes of Dr. Merar, his hands shaking as he pulled a blanket up to cover his boss.

 

Heath stirred slightly at the feel of the physician’s fingers on his chest, moaning from the pain the examination caused, his body trembling seemingly unable to get warm.  Howard called his name and studied the flushed face, tapping lightly on his cheek.

 

“Heath!  Wake up!” called Howard.

 

The words reached into his ears and he turned his head, fighting to rise to the light that was hovering above him.  His eyes opened slightly and he shifted them to look around the room.  Howard placed himself in his line of sight, holding up two fingers.

 

“How many, Heath?”

 

Staring at the hand, Heath mumbled, “Two.”

 

Patting the blonde’s shoulder, Howard smiled, “Good.  No concussion.  I’m going to give you some laudanum before I set your leg and plaster it.”

 

Confusion appeared briefly in the sapphire eyes as he looked around the room, down at his unclothed body and into his foreman’s face.  Heath saw the man’s tormented eyes and took a shallow breath, before answering the unspoken question at the shaking hand that held onto his arm.

 

“Carterson..Jim.” whispered Heath closing his eyes and shutting out the shocked look in the other men’s faces. 

 

Howard touched the blonde’s arm opening his eyes and administering the dose of pain killer.  The medicine mixed with exhaustion and trauma worked quickly, driving the blonde deep into sleep.  Working together, the leg was set, the plaster applied and the blonde was dressed in a night shirt before being recovered with several heavy quilts.  The shaking diminished greatly after his body began retaining the heat it lost.  Howard listened to his lungs, mindful of the raspy breaths, but all in all pleased it was not worse.

 

Jim sat by the bed, unable to take his eyes off the face of the young man, scarcely able to imagine the blonde surviving Carterson.  A place responsible for the deaths of many and the breaking of many others’ souls.  He felt the great trust the boss placed in him when he whispered the name of the place responsible for the brutality of the past reflected on his body.  Howard motioned to the foreman and they entered the hallway, meeting the anxious faces which lined the passageway. 

 

Nick and the crew looked up as the door opened.  Howard smiled at the men, his words low and quiet.   “He’s asleep.  We set his leg, bandaged his head.  He’s got some deep bruising on his chest which will be painful but thankfully whatever hit him didn’t break anything.  He’s suffering from exposure to the elements.  That’s causing his slight fever and his head wound had a lot of debris in it.”

 

Nick frowned, “He’ll be okay though, right?”

 

“With rest, he’ll be fine, Nick.” assured Howard, handing Nick a dark bottle.  “Some pain killer in case he needs it.  I’ll bring out a set of crutches tomorrow when I check on him.”

 

“Thanks, doc.” smiled Nick, relief evident in the hazel eyes as he watched the physician leave with the crew trailing behind him. 

 

Walking into the room and standing by the bed, Nick couldn’t stop the overwhelming need to reach over and place his hand on the blonde’s forehead, scowling at its warmth before he sat in the chair by the bed, keeping his eyes on the sleeping man before him.

 

Two hours later, Nick’s place in the room was taken over by two concerned women.  They ushered him out, Rachel went to the kitchen to make some coffee and Mackenzie sat on the bed, brushing her fingertips over the flushed cheek of her fiancé.  Muttering at the light caress, Heath turned his head and slightly opened his eyes, smiling when his slow rising hand was caught in hers and held to her lips, a tender kiss placed on it.

 

“Zie.” whispered Heath.  Tears filled her eyes and she leaned over so his lips could brush against hers.  “Don’t..cry.”

 

Smiling, Mackenzie kissed him tenderly and ordered softly, “Go back to sleep, Heath.”

 

Nodding slightly and unable to keep his eyes open, the blonde’s deep breathing could be heard again in the room.  Her heart filled with thankfulness and love as she sat holding his hand, her thoughts wondering who was responsible, afraid the next time they’d accomplish what they seemed set out to do.

 

 

Chapter 38

 

Two days later the fever broken, his bruised chest painful and tender, Heath sat up in bed, pillows behind his back and a smile on his face for the auburn haired woman carrying a pitcher of water into his room.  Placing it on the bedside table, she sat on the bed and kissed his waiting lips, holding his hand in hers.

 

“Zie, can I get up now.” pleaded Heath, his eyes flashing his wishes.

 

“Heath, you heard what Dr. Merar said.  One more day of bed rest.” explained Mackenzie brushing her fingers through his blonde hair.

 

Groaning and laying back against the pillows, he complained, “I feel one hundred percent better, honey.  Really, I do!   Zie, I got a ranch to run!”

 

Staring at the stubborn man, Mackenzie smiled and shook her head, “Not til tomorrow, Heath.  I’m sorry.”

 

Sighing, he asked, “Where’s Aunt Rachel?”

 

“She went to town for some supplies with Jim.” said Mackenzie.  “How about some breakfast?”

 

“Can you close the door, Zie?” asked Heath quietly, watching her stand and walk over to shut the door.  “Lock it.”

 

Turning to look at him for a moment, her stomach jumped from the desire in the sapphire eyes as she turned the lock in the key and took the hand he held out to her.  Moving over slowly, he pulled her down onto the bed with him, covering her with his blanket and holding her against him.

 

Giggling, Mackenzie sighed, “Heath, what if someone comes to visit?”

 

“Let them wait.” replied Heath, placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

 

“Heath.” protested Mackenzie. “You’re hurt.”

 

“I’m not that hurt, darlin’.” drawled Heath, his deep kiss was passionate and consuming.

 

“Zie, I love you so much.” whispered Heath, his hand caressing her cheek, his lips brushing against hers.  “I can’t imagine life without you.  Ever.”

 

“I’ll always be here with you, Heath.” promised Mackenzie, sealing the words with a lingering kiss on his lips before looking into his eyes and smiling.  “I can see you’re feeling much better.”

 

Hopeful, Heath asked, “Can I get up now?”

 

“No deal, cowboy.” smirked Mackenzie, enjoying his groan of annoyance before leaning against him and enjoying the feel of his hand rubbing her back before he moved it to lay on her side, keeping her beside him. 

 

She smiled feeling his body relax into sleep, knowing the ordeal on the mountain drained him more than he’d ever admit.  She waited several minutes before moving out of his arms and pulled the blanket up to cover him.  Her eyes taking in his handsome face, at ease in sleep, placing a kiss on his lips, his response automatic and he sighed her name in his slumber. 

 

Moving away, she unlocked the door and entered the watercloset, remembering the passionate way he stared at her causing a blush to spread across her cheeks, her body tingling from his gentle touch on her back.  Splashing cool water on her face, she looked in on him once more before making her way downstairs.  Humming as she made more coffee and set the bread out to rise, she grabbed a towel and smiled at the man knocking on the door, grimacing at Atilla licking his hand.

 

“Hi, Nick.”

 

Taking off his hat, Nick smiled back and entered the house, “Morning, Mackenzie.  How’s your patient today?”

 

“Kind of grouchy this morning.” sighed Mackenzie.  “I don’t think he’ll stay in bed the rest of the day like Dr. Merar ordered unless I can get him to agree to taking his sleeping powder.”

 

Rubbing his wet hand against his pant leg, Nick gestured towards the crutches leaning against the wall, “Either way, he won’t get far without those.”

 

“Don’t count on that to hold him down, Nick.  I’m sure he’s dreaming up some means of escaping.”

 

Nick smirked, “Can’t say I blame him.  Can I go on up?”

 

“He fell asleep a little while ago, but go on up anyway.  I’m sure he’ll be awake soon.” said Mackenzie.  “I’ll bring you some coffee.”

 

Nick climbed the stairs, his spurs signaling his approach to the blonde who sat in his nightshirt with his legs swung over the side of the bed, holding one arm slightly against his painful chest.  Stopping in the doorway, Nick stood with arms crossed and a grin on his face.

 

“Don’t just stand there, Barkley.  Get over here and help me up!” growled Heath looking around the room.  “Where are those damn crutches the doc brought?”

 

“Mackenzie’s keeping them out of your reach.  In the kitchen.” grinned Nick at the scowling face before stepping over and straddling a chair by the bed. 

 

Slumping in defeat, Heath ran his hand through his blonde hair, startling at the exclamation from the woman entering the room, a tray in her hands which she placed on the table.  “If you know what’s good for you, Heath Thomson, you’ll get back in that bed!”

 

Smiling sheepishly, Heath gingerly laid back against the pillows, capturing the small hand which pulled his blanket up and placed a kiss on it, his eyes asking forgiveness.  Sighing, Mackenzie smiled and caressed his cheek before taking the tray off the bedside table, placing it on his lap.  Handing a cup of coffee to Nick, she left the men alone.

 

“You ready for Saturday, Nick?” sighed Heath, picking up his fork and glancing over.

 

“You’re still planning on getting married?” asked Nick incredulously. “After what happened?”

 

Heath frowned, “What do you mean?”

 

“Maybe you should wait til you find out who’s trying to kill you.” snorted Nick.

 

Shaking his head, Heath shrugged before digging into his breakfast, “I’m not putting my life on hold, Nick.  Not for the likes of him, whoever, he is.”

 

“Well, then I’ll be there for you.” said Nick with a nod.

 

“Thanks, Nick.” replied Heath catching the hazel eyes in his own, before drinking his coffee, wrinkling up his nose at the taste of it.

 

“You got any ideas who did it?” questioned Nick.

 

“At least I know for sure it’s not the Craddocks.” drawled Heath, remembering Fred’s revelation the Craddock sons were in his jail the morning of the incident waiting for their father to bail them out.  “This guy could’ve made sure I died on the mountain but he didn’t.  I bet he’s getting lots of pleasure from playing cat and mouse with me.”

 

Scowling, Nick stated, “Just make sure he doesn’t win, okay?”

 

Heath shook his head to clear the cobwebs, confused as to his sudden need for sleep, his eyes closing as he whispered.  “Whatever you say, Nick.”

 

Nick took the tray from the lap of the sleeping man and put it on the table.  Shaking his finger at the woman who entered the room.   “He’s gonna be mighty upset with you.”

 

Smiling, she crossed over and brushed her fingers through the blonde hair, “He wouldn’t have taken it willing and sleep is good for him.  It’ll be our secret, Nick.”

 

Backing to the door, the dark haired man shook his head and held up his hands, “No way, I’m not getting involved in that and stuck in the middle between you two!”

 

Watching him back to the door, she smirked, “Coward.”

 

Nick’s laughter lasted long after he left the room, descended the stairs and patted a surprised Atilla on the head before turning Coco back to the ranch, the clear sapphire eyes of the blonde raised his spirits dramatically and lightened his step.

 

 

Chapter 39

 

Heath sat on the bed, watching Mackenzie pack her bag, his eyes filled with sadness.  She glanced over and sighed at the lost puppy dog look, her heart melting as she stood in front of him and took his face in her hands, placing a kiss on his lips.

 

“Heath, I’ll be back tomorrow.” whispered Mackenzie pulling his head to lay against her stomach.  Wrapping his arms around her, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

 

“I don’t want you to go, Zie.  We’re gonna be married tomorrow, what’s the difference if you stay one more night?” complained the blonde.  “Rachel’ll be here to chaperone, just like she has been.”

 

Running her hands through the blonde hair and down his muscular back, she shook her head.  “You know the groom can’t see the bride on the wedding day til she walks down the aisle.”

 

“I know Aunt Rachel says its bad luck.” admitted Heath dryly, looking up and pulling her down into his lap, his fingers brushing through her auburn hair.  “It’ll seem like forever though til I see you again.”

 

Tears filled her violet eyes, her lips trembled at the pure look of devotion and love as she whispered.  “I don’t know what I did in my life to deserve you.”

 

“I think ya’ve got that backwards, Zie.  I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you.” whispered Heath with a husky voice, before capturing her mouth and parting her lips with his tongue.  Lost in each other, the kisses became deeper, searching and urgent.  Pulling her back with him on the bed, she lay on his chest, he ignored the pain from his bruises, his hands massaged her back, and held her closer.   “We only have a little while til Aunt Rachel comes back from her morning ride with Matt, honey.”

 

Moaning with desire as he held her buttocks and moved her over him, Mackenzie heard his words and pulled away, searching the burning sapphire eyes before regretfully shaking her head.  “Tomorrow night, Heath.”

 

Groaning in disappointment and rolling them over onto their sides, Heath cupped her chin and kissed the corners of her mouth, his hands running up her leg over the dress material.  “Zie, it’s been more than a week.”

 

“Hmmm, I know, honey.” murmured Mackenzie finding it hard to fight the need he built up in her, her body aching when he pushed her onto her back and laid on her gently, his hand holding her wrists, pinning her arms above her head. 

 

“Well, since you insist on waiting til the wedding night, here’s a small preview to keep you warm tonight.”  Wickedly, he smiled before lowering his head to the full red lips, teasing her with his tongue, her whimpers of need filled every inch of his being.  Her body reacted to the tension in his body, his desire and passion overwhelming her.  His fingers ran over her heaving breasts, his eyes not leaving hers as they wandered down the front of her quivering body and under the skirt of her dress.   He lightly touched her fiery skin, her gasp loud as his fingers moved higher, the pace excruciatingly slow, past her knee, up the top of her thigh, sliding sideways, up the tender inner part of her trembling leg.  Her eyes widened with desire, her moans loud in the room as he claimed her mouth and kissed her deeply while stopping his fingers right before they reached her burning aching place. 

 

Withdrawing his hand, he soothed down her skirt and released her hands which grabbed the back of his shirt and entwined themselves in the material, her tongue searching his mouth frantically, her body demanding his touch, her hands ran down his back and her arms wrapped around him tightly.  Lips released and heads lay by each other, their chests heaving from their gasps, their bodies shivering and shuddering as they fought for control.  Placing a tender kiss on her cheek, Heath rolled over onto his back and groaned loudly.

 

“Maybe that wasn’t one of my brightest ideas, Zie.  Now, I’ll never get to sleep tonight.”

 

Giggling, she leaned over and caressed his flushed cheek, her eyes sparkling.  “Maybe not, but you’d best not disappoint me tomorrow night after that preview, mister.”

 

“I love you, Zie.” whispered Heath softly, his fingers playing with a lock of her hair.  “Don’t be letting Barkley fill your head with all kinds of nonsense about me now while you’re staying there tonight, ya’ hear?”

 

Smiling, she leaned over and kissed his lips.  “I won’t, Heath.  You just make sure you’re on time tomorrow.  Or else!”

 

Kissing her again, he pulled away and groaned, dragging his crutches over,  “Damn, I’d best get outta this room before I can’t control myself.”

 

She stood up after he was on his crutches, his hands holding onto the wooden sticks and hobbling towards the door.  Stopping him before he could escape by stepping in front of him, she ran her fingers down his chest.  Undoing two buttons of his shirt, she snuck her hand in to caress the lean flat stomach before moving her hands around his back and over his jeaned bottom, grabbing onto him.  Holding one tight cheek, her other hand moved and he teetered slightly on his crutches when he gasped as it came around to his front, searing him through the denim material and stopping short before moving up to his belt buckle. 

 

Releasing his bottom she moved her hand moved up behind his neck, pulling his head down to her, her tongue parted his willing lips and flicked inside, his groaned response filled the air.  One hand holding his head in place, the other reaching to the small of his back and pulling him closer, she moved against him, his arms shook as he tightened his grip on the handholds of his wooden legs and she whispered sensually in his ear before biting his earlobe and darting her tongue inside.

 

“A small preview for you, my dear.”

 

“Excuse me.” whispered Heath, his breath fast and he hobbled out of the room to the watercloset, her laughter filling his ears before he slammed the door and ducked his head under the cold water, leaving it there for several minutes.

 

Emerging fifteen minutes later with freshly combed wet hair, she smacked his bottom on her way past him with her bag, his protest loud in the hallway as he hobbled after her, slowly making his way down the stairs.

 

“HEY!  THAT’S NOT NICE, ZIE!”

 

Mackenzie placed her bag by the door, turning to smile at the blonde who finally made it down the stairs and into the living room.  Rachel entered the room carrying her bag and shook her head at the kissing couple.

 

“Lil Man, you’re gonna see her tomorrow.” protested Rachel, turning his face crimson. “I saw Nick coming with the surrey, why don’t you wait outside.”

 

“Yes, ma’am.” muttered Heath before placing one last lingering kiss on Zie’s lips, smirking as he hobbled past his aunt who rolled her eyes.

 

Nick stopped the surrey in front of the house and jumped out, greeting the blonde who hopped down from the porch and hobbled over. 

 

“Hi ya’ Barkley.”

 

“Thomson.” grinned Nick clapping the man on the back and seeing his wet hair.  “You just get up?”

 

“NO!” exclaimed Heath, blushing suddenly.  “I’ve been up for hours, probably way before you hauled your ass outta bed!”

 

Understanding flashed in the hazel eyes and Nick leaned forward, “It is true?”

 

Puzzled, Heath scowled, “Is what true?”

 

“You know!  What they say about cold showers?” inquired Nick, his shoulders shaking with laughter after he ducked out of the way of the swinging crutch.  Holding up his hands, he smirked at the irritated blonde, “Okay, okay, I’m sorry I asked!”

 

Atilla growled when the blonde swung the crutch and Heath growled back, “Traitor!”

 

Holding onto his knees, Nick bent forward with laughter, the mound of fur running over and trying to lick his face.  Straightening, he wiped his tears and patted the massive head before taking several deep breaths.

 

Smirking, Heath shook his head.  “Told ya’ you two make a great couple, Barkley.”

 

Rolling his eyes, Nick grinned, “Your bride ready, Thomson?”

 

“Yeah, she is.” smiled Heath placing a hand on the larger man’s arm as he walked by.  “I appreciate ya’ taking care of them, Nick.  I’ll feel better knowing they’re with you and not in town alone.”

 

Hazel eyes flashed at the sincerity in Heath’s voice and he covered the hand with his gloved one.  “You can count on me, Heath.  You just make sure you’re on time tomorrow.”

 

Heath smirked, “When you get married, I’ll return the favor.”

 

“Let’s not get carried away, boy!” exclaimed Nick with a shudder and a wink before climbing the stairs, entering the house and exiting with two bags, the two ladies following.

 

Placing the valises in the surrey, he watched Rachel kiss her nephew’s cheek and helped her in.  Mackenzie placed a gentle kiss on Heath’s lips and gave him a quick hug before allowing Nick to help her in.  Climbing up onto the seat, Nick looked down at the blonde and winked before turning the surrey.

 

“You sure you don’t need directions to the church, Heath?”

 

Chuckling, Heath shook his head and watched til he couldn’t see the surrey anymore.  Atilla sat by his feet, panting and glanced upward at his master, his dark eyes meeting the sapphire ones.

 

“Don’t look at me like that, Atilla.  Don’t be trying to suck up after you turned traitor on me?” exclaimed the blonde to the dog, hobbling over to the bunkhouse where Jim sat, with the beast bouncing beside him, whimpering his apologies.  “Can’t believe you’d pick Barkley over me?  Remember you’re not supposed to bite the hand of the one who feeds you!”

 

 

Chapter 40

 

Jim walked beside his hobbling boss into the barn, Atilla stopped to lay in the doorway, his head on his paws watching as his master talked to the men who were saddling their horses. 

 

“You boys be careful out there, okay?” warned Heath firmly.  “I want that herd but not at the expense of any of you.  If it doesn’t look good today, we’ll try another day.  Besides, I want you back here in five hours so we can head into town.”

 

“Okay boss!” exclaimed the men leading their horses out of the barn before mounting and heading out, following the second in command, Matt Duer. 

 

“Wish we could be there today, Jim.” said Heath wistfully, his eyes following the dust cloud of his crew. 

 

“There’ll be another time, boss.” answered Jim.  “You got anything you need ready for tomorrow?”

 

Thinking, Heath shook his head, “No, I think everything’s set.  When the boys get back, we’ll head into town.  I appreciate you agreeing to walk Zie down the aisle.”

 

Smiling widely, Jim dug his toe into the dirt and shrugged, “I’m honored Miss Knight asked me.  She’s a wonderful girl.”

 

“Don’t I know it!” agreed Heath, leaving the barn with his foreman following.  “I was thinking we may need to build another corral for more training space if we’re gonna expand next year, Jim.  I’ve been considering some different plans.  Let me know what you think?”

 

Heath took a seat in a wicker chair on the wraparound porch, leaning his crutches against the wall and petting the mound of fur that put its head on his lap.  Jim listened to the plans intently before replying.  Nodding, Heath listened to his thoughts carefully, the words giving a hint as to how much the older man had obviously thought about as far as the ranch’s future.

 

Heath looked into the older man’s eyes, his words quiet.  “Jim, I should have said it earlier, but couldn’t seem to find the right chance or words til now.   But I wanted to thank you for, well, for not speaking to anybody else about Carterson.”

 

“It’s not my place nor my business to talk about, Heath.” replied Jim softly, then adding hesitantly.  “You had to be real young when you were in the war, huh?”

 

Nodding, Heath took a shaky breath before turning his eyes to look out towards the horizon.  His face bland, his mind not seeing the present only the past, his ears hearing the muttering of the dying, the cries of the tortured.   The vacant look in the sapphire eyes aged the young man into an old man before the foreman’s understanding eyes. 

 

“My cousin died in that place.” informed Jim quietly, his words turning the sapphire eyes back to him.  “His name was Tony Fargas.  Maybe you met him in there?”

 

Shaking his head, Heath apologized, “No, I’m sorry, Jim.  I didn’t meet him.”

 

“He was a good egg, fun to be around but not much of a fighter.” smiled Jim, his face fond in remembrance.  “One time when we were kids, he got beat up by a girl!”

 

Heath was drawn in and listened to the stories of two cousins, close as brothers who grew up together, going their separate ways upon reaching adulthood.  The antics of two boys had the blonde smiling as his foreman shared his fondest memories.  The memories overtaking the dark reminders in his mind.

 

Jim placed a hand on the blonde’s shoulder, his smile grateful, his voice sincere, “Thanks for listening to me rattle on like an old maid in a den full of bachelors.”

 

Patting his hand, Heath asked, “Beat up by a girl, huh?”

 

Jim winked, “Well, in all fairness to Tony, she did outweigh him by a good fifty pounds at least and she was a couple inches longer in the arms.”

 

Standing on his crutches, Heath shook his head in wonder and grinned, “I bet he didn’t live that down too easily.”

 

“Not hardly.  At least not til he married her.” chuckled Jim, holding the door open for his laughing boss and followed him inside.  Sitting at the kitchen table with paper and pencils, the men drafted out the plans for the expansion, the vision in their mind set down on paper.  The sound of horses reached their ears and Jim jumped up to look out the front window, whooping happily.

 

“They did it, Heath!” shouted Jim waiting for the blonde to make his way over to him on his crutches before opening the door and standing on the porch as the riders ran the herd through the yard and into the corral at the edge of the buildings where Matt held open the gate and closed it behind the herd.

 

The men faces wide with grins, dismounted and clapped each other on the backs, their enthusiasm contagious as the boss and foreman joined them.  Standing outside the corral, the blonde’s eyes were filled with pride as he took in his crew.

 

“Wash up boys!  We’re headed into town and the first five rounds are on me!”

 

Whoops and hollers of happiness were the responses to his words, the men rushed to the bunkhouse, ready for the celebration to begin. Two hours later, Harry greeted the blonde rancher and his crew as they bellied up to the bar. 

 

Heath laid a stack of bills on the bar and said, “Harry, they don’t pay til this money is gone.”

 

Nodding at the blonde, Harry smiled and took the money.  “Sure, Heath.  What’ll it be, boys?”

 

Listening to the orders, Harry poured the shots and placed a glass in front of each man.  Holding his up, Matt proclaimed loudly to all listening, “To the man who’s taking on the ball and chain tomorrow!”

 

Heath turned red at the laughter and downed his drink, clapping the other man on the back and growled.  “I didn’t realize ya’ was the jealous type Matt!”

 

The crew joined Matt in laughter, their voices loud in the saloon.  Heath felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see the owner, his face widening in a smile.  “Jarrod!  Join us for a drink?”

 

The light blue eyes twinkled and the attorney shook his head, “Business before pleasure, Heath.  Boys, mind if I borrow your boss?”

 

Heath saw the wariness in the men’s faces at the thought he’d be out of their sight and he grinned, “I’ll be fine, boys!  Stay here and drink cause starting Monday we got a lot of work to be done.”

 

“Okay, boss but you best get back here before ol’ Jim drinks up your tab.” stated Shorty innocently, his statement causing Jim to sputter on his drink and the men to chuckle in amusement.

 

“Ol’ Jim?” snorted Fargas shaking a fist at the small man.  “You wanna muck out the stalls for the next month?”

 

Heath shook his head and left the room, the playful argument going on behind him, the men poking fun at each other.  Entering the office of the lawyer, Heath read the papers Jarrod handed him and nodded.

 

“Perfect!  I can’t thank ya’ enough Jarrod for handling this on such short notice.” said Heath with a wide smile taking the pen offered and signing where the dark haired man indicated. 

 

“It was no problem, Heath.” smiled Jarrod walking over and pouring two drinks, handing one to the younger man before sitting on the corner of his desk.  “Everyone should have a will.  It just makes it easier on those who are left behind and no one can cause disputes over what they think they’re entitled to.”

 

Heath sighed, “Yeah, I know.  Especially when ya’ have relatives like mine.”

 

Jarrod took a sip of his drink before handing the blonde an envelope from his inside jacket pocket.   Staring at the envelope, Heath looked up in puzzlement.

 

“A little wedding present from the Barkley family.”

 

“Jarrod your family didn’t have to get us anything.  You being there is enough.” protested Heath.

 

“Open it.” said Jarrod, eyes twinkling in anticipation as the blonde opened the white paper and took out a key.

 

“Is this the key to the city?” asked Heath with a lop-sided grin.

 

Jarrod smiled and leaned forward, “Good guess but not quite, my young friend.  It is in fact the key to the honeymoon suite in the Grand Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  You will have full use of the Barkley private car after the wedding tomorrow.  It will take you and your beautiful bride to the city on the bay.  There you can enjoy yourselves for three days in peace and quiet.  We wanted you to start your new life together without having to worry about your safety, Heath.  No one will know where you’re going.”

 

Speechless, Heath stared down at the key for several minutes before moving his eyes back upwards, the emotional turmoil in the orbs clear for Jarrod to see.  Opening his mouth several times, Heath swallowed the lump of emotion in his throat and stood up, pulling the suave attorney into a hug and patting his back.

 

“Thank you Jarrod and thank your family for me.” stated Heath.  “I don’t know what else to say.”

 

Surprised at the show of emotion which warmed him immensely, Jarrod smiled and handed the blonde his glass.  “Here’s to you and your beautiful wife, Heath.  Seeing the two of you together brings a smile to everyone around you.”

 

Clinking glasses and downing the drinks, Heath smirked, “Hard to believe Nick is in your family.”

 

Knowing how the two men felt about each other, Jarrod chuckled and shrugged, “Every family has a black sheep.”

 

Putting the key in his pocket, Heath laughed at the statement, his amusement showing in his eyes.  “He’s not gonna be with us on the train, is he?”

 

“No, he’s not.” laughed Jarrod with a shake of his head.  “The gift was Nick’s idea though and the rest of us were surprised when he suggested it.”

 

“Oh, just great!” groaned Heath standing on his crutches.  “Now if I enjoy it too much, he’ll never let me forget he thought it up!”

 

Placing a hand on the strong shoulder, Jarrod replied, “I’m sure there’ll come a time in the future that you’ll be able to repay him properly.”

 

Heath winked, “I don’t know if there’s a woman out there who’d be able to pin him down that long, Jarrod.  As fast as he runs, I’ll have to wait til I’m eighty to repay him.”

 

Laughing and opening the door, the attorney delivered the family’s neighbor and friend back to the watchful eyes of his crew.  After warning the blonde not to get too intoxicated and fall off his crutches, the eldest Barkley son rode out to the family ranch, his mind trying to bring forth the shadow of a nagging thought he felt lingering on its edges.  Reaching the house, he gave up the effort and entered the grand oak door.

 

 

Chapter 41

 

Hazel eyes widened with amusement as they stared into the bloodshot sapphire eyes of the blonde.  Nick bit back his laughter at the bedraggled man before him, swaying on his crutches and scowling at the men laying on the floor blocking his path.

 

“Boy, you look like you slept inside a whiskey bottle.” teased Nick, his voice in the small room causing several groans of pain.

 

“Shhhh.  Can ya’ try not to shout, Barkley?” groaned Heath nudging Shorty with his crutch.  “Move it or lose it!”

 

Mumbling, Shorty rolled out of the way, “Sorry, boss.”

 

“Com’n blondie, I’m here to make sure the groom gets to the church on time.” sighed Nick motioning the blonde towards him with an impatient wave of his hand.  “Hurry up, slowpoke!”

 

“I’m tryin’ but the floors moving.” whispered Heath his face scrunched up in concentration.  “Are we havin’ a earthquake or something?”

 

Rolling his eyes, Nick pushed back his hat and put his hands on his hips, waiting for the shaky man to make his way over.  Taking the left crutch out of the hand and lifting the left arm of the blonde, Nick put it over his shoulders and mumbled as he walked the protesting man out of the room, “Faster this way, take you all day on those damn things.  Good thing I came in early or you’d never make it.  Then as best man, I’d be blamed.”

 

The hallway passed by in a blur and Heath closed his eyes to stop the merry go round he was on, his hand clamped over his mouth and Nick pushed open the door of the watercloset, swearing when the door came back to hit him on his side.  Lowering the blonde in front of the porcelain, he stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him, taking a deep breath to quell his own suddenly queasy stomach.

 

Several minutes based before he heard the water enter the bowl and he knocked on the door, entering at the order.  Sympathy lit up his face at the sight of the blonde holding his head in his hands, sitting back against the tub.  Kneeling, Nick ran his hand over the blonde hair and sighed.

 

“Heath, let’s get you cleaned up, have breakfast and I guarantee you’ll feel better.” assured Nick, his voice quiet and soothing.

 

Looking up, Heath grinned slightly, “Zie’s gonna kill me, Nick.  I can’t remember getting to the hotel last night.  If I pass out cause I’m hung over, she’ll string me up!”

 

Chuckling softly, Nick patted the closest shoulder and winked, “Hey, that’s not gonna happen.  After breakfast, you’ll have a few hours to sleep before we gotta get our Sunday clothes on.”

 

Nodding, Heath groaned at the movement, holding onto the strong arms pulling him up.  “Nick, while I’m cleaning up can ya’ get some headache powder from the doc?”

 

“You’re not gonna drown in the tub while I’m gone, are you?” frowned Nick.

 

“No!” growled Heath, patting an arm in apology.  “Sorry, I’m a little grumpy.”

 

Nick winked, “Are you sure it’s not second thoughts?”

 

Scowling, the blonde glared into the hazel eyes, “I’m sure.  Go on, git outta here.”

 

Laughing, Nick nodded and left the blonde alone, entering the room where the crew lay, he shook Jim Fargas awake and the old man crawled to his feet and shuffled down the hallway, entering the watercloset, wincing at the sudden burst of thunder in the small room.

 

“JIM, WHAT THE HELL…?” shouted Heath before the door cut off the rest of the angry words from Nick’s ears, his laughter could be heard as he walked down the hallway.

 

A quiet breakfast, a four hour nap later, Nick stood in front of the blonde his large fingers fumbling with the string tie as he cursed and the blonde rolled his eyes.  “Nick, ya’ better get somebody else cause you’re shaking as bad as me.”

 

“I’m not shaking!” snapped Nick undoing the knot and retying it.

 

“HEY!” protested Heath pushing the hands away and loosening the knot. “Ya’ almost choked me, Barkley!”

Jarrod leaned against the doorframe of the back room of the church, his hand covering his mouth, the two men before him hadn’t noticed him yet.  The attorney was taking great pleasure in the play being acted out before sighing and clearing his throat.

 

“Allow me, brother Nick.” smiled Jarrod nudging Nick out of the way and winked into the sapphire eyes as he stepped back to admire his handiwork.

 

“Hell, he has to tie them everyday!” snorted Nick.

 

“Nick, stop swearing.  This is a church ya’ know.” whispered Heath nervously.  “It’s bad nuff I thought lightning was gonna strike me when I stepped foot in here.  Ya’ don’t have to add swearing on top of it!”

Jarrod’s blue eyes were questioning at the comment and he looked over into his brother’s hazel eyes.  Shaking his head slightly, Jarrod knew Nick would explain later and he kept his question to himself.

 

“Sorry, Heath.” apologized Nick with a sheepish grin.

 

“Ah hell, it’s okay Barkley.” said Heath with a wink towards Jarrod who burst out in laughter at Nick’s red face and stammering. 

 

Clapping Nick on the back, Jarrod left the two men alone and Heath smiled, “Nick, thanks for the present of the key.”

 

Embarrassed slightly at the soulful look in the younger man’s eyes, Nick waved off his thanks, “It’s nothing, Thomson.”

 

A knock on the door was the signal and the two men left the small room to stand at the front of the church.  Heath smiled into his aunt’s already tearing brown eyes, ran his eyes over the crowd  and inhaled sharply at the sight of his bride walking up the aisle on the arm of Jim Fargas.

 

Leaning forward, Nick whispered, “Breath, Heath.  Breath.”

 

 

Chapter 42

 

Leaning forward, Nick whispered, “Breath, Heath.  Breath.”

 

Taking a shaky breath, Heath’s sapphire eyes sparkled as he took the small hand of his fiancée and held it in his.  His smile wide, his shaking ceased with her touch and the ceremony started.  Grinning into the hazel eyes as he was handed the wedding band, he turned and slipped it onto her left finger.  

 

Time stood still as the veil was raised, violet eyes filled with tears of happiness gazed longingly into the sapphire eyes.  The promises made in front of the small group of guests at the church were sealed with a lingering kiss between the two people all eyes were held on.

 

Nick whooped loudly with joy, startling the couple who seemed to waken from a state of dreaming at the unexpected outburst.  Lifting his wife’s left hand, Heath placed a kiss on the wedding band before whispering, “Mrs. Thomson.”

 

“Mr. Thomson.” whispered Mackenzie, unashamed of her tears of joy, taking the bouquet of flowers handed to her by Audra before turning to face the guests with her husband by her side.

 

Audra lead the way down the aisle, her smile not as radiant as the woman who’d just joined with the man beside her.  Nick took several steps before the back door of the church burst open and all eyes turned towards the crash caused by the man holding a pistol in his hands. 

 

Eyes full of hatred, a heart full of revenge drove the Craddock foreman, Bard Flaherty.  Heath reached downwards for his pistol, his automatic movement for naught as he hadn’t worn his holster to his wedding.  Shifting on his crutches to place himself in front of his bride, he saw the triumph flare in the eyes of the man as the cocking of the hammer filled the house of worship with confusion and hysteria.

 

Sapphire eyes burned into the eyes of the enemy and Heath flinched as the pistol bucked in Flaherty’s hands.  He fell backwards into his wife, his hold on his crutches lost when his arms wrapped around the man who jumped in front of him, the spilled precious liquid turning his hands and clothing red.

 

The sounds of more shots ringing out and the screaming of his bride in his ears didn’t register through the shock of his whole being as he stared into the still face of Nick Barkley.  Rolling his best man off him, he didn’t realize he’d screamed Nick’s name out before he took off his suit coat to use it as a compress against the gushing wound.  He was unaware of the tears which fell from his eyes or his pleading to Nick. 

 

“Breath, Nick, breath.”

 

Jarrod suddenly appeared, lifting his younger brother in his arms to lean against him and tore off his clothing which was rapidly turning colors from the wound on his upper back.  Lowering Nick from his arms and rolling him on his right side, Jarrod heard the gasps and looked up.  His eyes taking in the white face of the groom whose body started shaking uncontrollably, his eyes wide in his ghostly pallor were riveted on his unconscious brother.

 

The outburst of words from Rachel Caulfield shook the Barkley family members to their very core.  “It’s the same as yours, Heath!  The birthmark!  It’s the same!”

 

The moment of confusion, the exclaimed words sent a wave of clarity through the family huddled around their fallen member.  The words rushed forth into their minds, pushing away the fog and exposing the answer to the questions each found they’d been asking since they first looked into the blonde’s eyes.

 

Their minds registering quickly when he laughed, they heard a part of themselves.  Their minds registering quickly when he left the room, a part of themselves left with him.  Their minds registering quickly when they looked into his eyes, they saw a part of themselves they thought they’d lost forever.

 

Rachel watched her nephew shaking his head in denial, the sapphire eyes haunted, his hands clenched tightly into fists.  Heath was trying to push himself backwards off the floor only to be encumbered by the weakness in his body, his nonresponsive limbs, his wife who was behind him and the casted leg which hindered his mobility.  His eyes changed and darted as if he were a cornered and desperate wild animal.  He desperately wanted to seek relief from the bluntness of the reality which was suddenly suffocating him.

 

No one noticed the now opened hazel eyes of the man on the floor, staring into the sapphire eyes.  A brief moment was spent wondering how he could have missed seeing it, how he could have missed understanding the feeling this man created in him.  How could he have missed the look flashed through his mind again.

 

They were the eyes of his father. 

 

Those eyes alive with love and promise a short while ago, now held pain and anguish in their shocked depths.  Those eyes were the window to the younger man’s soul, just as they’d been the windows to an older man’s soul. 

 

Seeing the shocked look turn to sheer fright and panic, Nick grabbed onto the once white shirt sleeve, now red with his blood.  Holding on with weak fingers, he gasped. 

 

“Heath..stay.”

 

The gasped, pained words brought the sapphire eyes back to the hazel eyes for a few moments before the loss of blood closed their covers.

 

 

Chapter 43

 

Fred Madden took the gun out of the older man’s hand before walking over and kneeling beside the body of Bard Flaherty, reaching out he felt for a pulse but knew he wouldn’t find one cause of the head wound, but he performed the automatic action anyway.

 

Mackenzie sat pinned on the floor by her husband’s weight, his attempts at moving away were stopped by Nick’s gasped plea of him to stay.  She wrapped her arms around him, her eyes searching the shocked faces of the Barkley family before raising to her husband’s ranch crew standing beside Jim Fargas. 

 

It was the quick action by the older foreman which prevented the now known enemy from completing his mission of revenge and death.  The dead man’s reasons for his actions were unknown for the moment, but like all things would not stay a secret forever.

 

Her violet eyes reflected the gratitude of a woman who’d been given a renewed chance at happiness with one she loved.  Matt placed a hand on Jim’s shoulder and asked Shorty to take the foreman outside.  The older man in shock at his actions, the first time he’d taken another human life in all his years.  Watching the man lead Jim outside, Matt walked over and knelt by his boss, his eyes showing their concern. 

 

The sapphire eyes had not left the face of his best man, the man who was discovered to be his brother.  The now present Dr. Merar quickly bandaged the wound and instructed Nick be carried to his office.  Motioning the last two of their hands over, Matt watched them carefully lift the unconscious rancher and carry him from the church with Jarrod on their heels, Victoria and Audra followed.

 

Heath’s eyes fell from the rising pale face to the puddle of blood on the floor which had pooled under Nick’s body.  His body not feeling Matt’s hand on his shoulder or the concerned words his crew member spoke.  He couldn’t move, he couldn’t think, he couldn’t see anything but the mark of his father on the chest of Nick Barkley.

 

Mackenzie’s worry grew for her husband, the shock of the discovery was overwhelming him, his body was still shaking as if he were bathed in ice.  He was unresponsive to her voice, unresponsive to his aunt, to Matt.  Fred knelt down and waved a hand in front of the unblinking eyes, the unexpected movement not changing the stunned expression in the blonde’s eyes.

 

Victoria heard the calls to Heath as she followed the men carrying her injured son out of the church, the fright in their voices turning her around.  Patting Audra’s arm, she told her daughter to follow Jarrod and Nick before walking back to the front of the church.

 

Rachel looked into the gray eyes of the Barkley matriarch as she moved the sheriff out of the way, knelt before the blonde and cut off his line of sight to the puddle of red liquid.  Holding his face in her hands, she worried at the haunted look in his eyes before stating in a voice, firm and gentle.

 

“Nick needs you.  Come with me, Heath.”

 

His expression didn’t change and her concern grew, caressing his cheek and running her hand through his blonde hair, she spoke louder and firmer.

 

“Barkley needs you Thomson.”

 

Everyone held their breath, waiting to see if her words would reach through the blanket of shock.  The tension filled air of the church changed into relief at the almost imperceptible nod of the blonde head. 

 

“Zie?” whispered Heath, his words sounding as if they were spoken from miles away, his eyes not leaving the concerned gray eyes searching his.

 

Tightening her arms around him from behind, Mackenzie stated, “I’m right here, Heath.  I’m right here.”

 

Hearing her voice spoken in his ear from behind him, Heath blinked several times and squeezed the small hands he now felt entwined across his stomach.  Matt and Fred knelt beside the shaking man, lifting him onto his feet and putting his arms over their shoulders, walking him out of the building. 

 

Rachel and Victoria lifted Mackenzie up from where she’d sat pinned by her husband’s weight.  Victoria wrapped the young woman in her arms, whispering in her ear, assuring her everything would be alright as she looked over her shoulder into the eyes of Rachel Caulfield.  Victoria reached out with a hand and squeezed the hand of Heath’s aunt.

 

“Right now all we need to concern ourselves with is Nick and Heath.” stated Victoria tears filling her eyes as she held a hand of each of the women.  “We’ll look for answers later after they’re both better.”

 

Nodding in agreement, the three women followed the men to the physician’s office.  Lowering Heath into a seat on the sofa, Mackenzie wrapped him in her arms and placed his head on her shoulder, Rachel placed a blanket around his shoulders. 

 

The waiting room was quiet, no words were uttered as they waited.  Heath now sat forward, his head in his hands, his mind couldn’t stop the questions from invading it.  Jarrod held onto Audra, his legal mind ran through the implications, his eyes filled with worry at the blood soaked blonde across the room who hadn’t uttered a word, whose eyes still held shock in them.  

 

Mackenzie kept a hand on her husband’s back, the tension in his muscles reflecting the inner turmoil he was under.  He’d only moved once in the past two hours and that was to sit forward to put his head in his hands.  Rachel sat on the other side of him, her time spent searching the past in her mind, trying to remember if Leah had given any clue as to who Heath’s father had been, any sign she’d overlooked.

 

Matt Duer leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets staring at his boots.  He’d taken control and sent the crew on home, staying behind with the surrey to bring the newly married couple home to the ranch.

 

The door opened and Dr. Merar exited with Victoria by his side, clearing his throat and announcing the patient was weak but would survive, the wound while serious did not do any permanent damage.  Nick was asleep but they could go in and see him if they wished.  Collectively letting out the breaths they’d been holding, Jarrod and Audra stood up. 

 

Mackenzie’s smile of happiness turned to dismay when the physician’s words hadn’t moved her husband from the position he was in.  Everyone watched while Rachel placed a hand on his shoulder and turned his face towards her with the other.

 

“Heath, Nick’s gonna be fine.”

 

Pulling his crutches to him, he hobbled towards the door with a surprised Mackenzie and Rachel following.  Victoria stopped the blonde with a hand on his arm, his eyes unable to look into hers, his anguished whisper filling her heart with sorrow and pain.

 

“Please, ma’am.”

 

After a moment, Victoria nodded and let her hand fall away, his back felt the eyes of the Barkley family on him as he left the office behind.

 

 

Chapter 44

 

After dropping Rachel off at her house in town with a promise they would see her tomorrow, Matt drove the couple out to the ranch.  Heath kept Mackenzie wrapped in his arms, his chin on the top of her head, trying to keep his mind free of thought, his eyes staring out into the blackness of the night. 

 

Thanking Matt, the couple headed inside while the hand took care of the horses, his face full of concern when he entered the bunkhouse and looked at the waiting faces.  Slowly climbing the stairs to the bedroom, Heath and Mackenzie changed out of their blood soaked clothes, washing up, simply holding each other as they fell quickly asleep from the emotional barrage of the day. 

 

Waking some time later, Mackenzie turned up the lamp when she didn’t feel her husband beside her.  Putting on a robe, she brushed back her long hair with her hand and entered the hallway, heading towards the stairs to go down to the kitchen, she stopped at the sound of movement in the attic above her.

 

Opening the door, she saw the glow of a lamp and climbed the stairs, her eyes seeing Heath staring at boxes in front of him, sitting in his robe.  He looked up, the haunted look in his eyes heightened severely in the glow of the lamplight.

 

“Zie, you should be asleep.” said Heath softly, turning his eyes back to the unopened crates in front of him.

 

“Honey, what are you doing up here?” asked Mackenzie quietly, sitting beside him and rubbing his back.

 

Tears moistened the sapphire eyes when he reached down and picked up her left hand, the matching rings clearly displayed for all the world to see, the symbol of their union.  “I’m sorry Zie for you having the remembrance of today as your wedding day.  It shouldn’t be that way.  Those memories shouldn’t be tainted by death and blood.”

 

Lifting his chin and pulling his face to her, she placed a tender kiss on his lips, “Heath, I love you and that’s what matters.  We stood in front of our friends and family to show everyone what we mean to each other.  During the ceremony, all I remember while the minister was speaking is how much I loved you.  All I’ll remember is our love which brought us together.  Nothing else.”

 

He closed his eyes and she watched him fighting for control, the emotions simmering just beneath, she released his chin to cup his cheek, “Heath, come back to bed.”

 

Gesturing to the crates and shaking his head, he took a deep shaky breath.  “These are mama’s things.  I never went through them after she died.  I just couldn’t bring myself to.  I was afraid of the pain it would reopen.  Now, I guess I got no choice.”

 

Understanding and compassion filled the violet eyes and she placed a hand on his, “I’ll help you, Heath.”

 

“NO!  I’LL DO IT!” raged Heath angrily, startling his wife, her gasp of fear loud in the quiet of the attic, his rage moving her back a bit.  Sapphire eyes overflowed with regret and he pulled her into his arms, his head on her shoulder.

 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.  Forgive me, Zie.  I didn’t mean it.” apologized Heath, his emotions tottering on the edge, barely kept under control. “I just..”

 

Running her hands up and down his back, she felt the trembling inside of him, the emotions bottled up which he needed to release.  Running a hand through his hair, she urged him to finish his statement.  “You just what, honey?”

 

“I just..” stammered Heath, his shoulders starting to shake.

 

“Talk to me, Heath.  Please.” pleaded Mackenzie in his ear.  “I’m right here, honey.  I’ve got you and I’m not letting go.”

 

His body quivered, his eyes filled with tears against her shoulder, his words were thick with emotion after she widened the crack in the dam and his thoughts tumbled out, sobs of anguish filled the attic. 

 

“Why didn’t she say anything?  They probably lived like kings and we lived no better than animals always fighting to eat, fighting to survive in that place.  I know mama loved me above all else, but I don’t understand, Zie.  Why?  Why’d Nick almost die for me to know?  Why didn’t I have a choice of growing up with brothers and a sister?  Now everything’s changed and I don’t know why.  Zie?  I want to know why.  WHY?”

 

Holding tightly onto his wife, Heath’s released torment left them both crying from the lack of answers, the need to know.  After his sobs stopped, she pulled back and looked into his red rimmed eyes, wiped the tears from his cheeks with her shaking fingers and shook her head.

 

“I wish I had the answers, Heath.  I don’t and we may never know why.” sighed Mackenzie regretfully, her eyes filled only with love. 

 

“Zie?  I just feel, I don’t know...” whispered Heath.

 

“I’ll help you look through your mama’s things and we’ll deal with the future together, honey.  But tonight is not the right time.  Not tonight, Heath.  In the morning, we’ll start.  I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help you find the answers you need.” assured Mackenzie, holding her hand to his stubbled cheek, her eyes not leaving his.

 

With tears still falling, he lifted a hand to caress the soft skin of her cheek, brushing back a lock of hair behind her ear.  Moving his hand to the back of her neck, his lips touched hers before whispering as if he were in tremendous physical pain. 

 

“Love me, Zie.  I feel so lost, so empty inside.”

 

The need to be reassured showed in his tormented, anguished pools.  Taking off his robe, she gently pushed him onto his back, pulling off her clothes to expose her body to him. 

 

Closing his eyes, Heath relinquished his shattered soul to the tender hands of his wife. Her lips on his skin burned him, sending a warmth through him which’d been lost earlier in the day.   The feel of her loving touch reviving him.  Her passion consumed him, her unselfish giving into his needs moved him again to tears.   She brought him to the highest plateaus, her love all he knew, all he wanted or needed in that moment of time, it filled him taking away everything else.

 

Surrendering to each other, they lay entwined on the floor, their lovemaking leaving them breathing heavily after their bodies molded into one.  She held his head to her breast, her fingers brushed through his blonde hair, his breathing signified her tormented husband was finally asleep.  Her tired eyes closed and she joined him in slumber, their separate dreams, the same. 

 

Several hours later with the early morning light streaming into the attic, Heath studied the profile of his wife as he leaned on his elbow.  She was laying on her side, her back to him and his fingers tenderly touched her auburn hair.  He didn’t believe he could love her more than he did last night.  But in the early morning light, his heart was bursting with more love as he gazed at her.  Moving her hair, he placed a kiss on her bare shoulder before moving his lips up to the hollow of her neck. 

 

She turned onto her back and murmured in her sleep at his touch.  He stared at the full red lips moving slightly before lowering his mouth onto hers.  The pressure of his lips caused hers to part and invited his searching tongue.  Responding, she held the back of his neck, hungrily returning his passion, moving her awakening body against his, building their desires with the action.  The surging fire left the couple in a state of frenzied need.  This morning’s need different from the need of the night before, this was a need to quench the animal instinct running through them as they joined together. 

 

Heath leaned his cheek on the top of his sleeping wife’s head as she lay in his arms and closing his eyes he relished the warmth of her body as he felt a cold hand of dread grab him.   He didn’t know if he had the courage to face what the dawning of this new day brought with it.

 

 

Chapter 45

 

“Please, ma’am.”

 

The anguished whispered plea filled her heart with sorrow and pain.  Her hand fell back and after the door of the office closed, Victoria stared at the wooden plank for a minute before taking a deep breath and leading her family into the examining room. 

 

Standing by the bedside of her sleeping son, her hand reached out to brush back a lock of his unruly black hair, glistening with sweat.  His face was slowly regaining color, his cheeks flushed from the elevated temperature from the slight fever which had taken hold in his large body.

 

Audra’s eyes glistened with tears and she placed a tender kiss on Nick’s cheek, holding his large hand in hers.  She studied his face, amazed the man who could raise his voice to be heard on the mountain tops was quiet.  Her courageous brother had stepped forward, taking a bullet and saving the man he thought was only a friend.  While waiting in the outer room, she found she couldn’t keep her eyes off Heath and her mind tried to wrap itself around the idea she had another brother.  Feeling a hand on her waist, she glanced upward into the light blue eyes of her oldest brother and leaned into his strong arm, thankful for his strength.

 

Jarrod wrapped his arm around his trembling sister, offering his strength while he scrutinized his younger brother’s face as he lay on the bed.  He knew the family physician stated Nick was out of danger but Jarrod didn’t like the look of his pallor or the flush to his cheeks.  Squeezing a blanketed thigh close to him, he wanted Nick to open his eyes and growl or complain about something.  He needed to hear his deep voice, see the sparkle in his hazel eyes as he aggravated their Mother by trying to get out of bed against her wishes.

 

Glancing over at his mother, Jarrod wondered what questions were going through the strong woman’s mind.  His mother, the woman behind his successful father, the woman who never wavered in her love or support of him.  His mother, the woman now knew she was betrayed by her husband, the only man she’d ever loved.  He wanted to ask what she was thinking but instinctively sensed she wouldn’t speak about it at this time.

 

Victoria felt the eyes of her first born on her, could feel his desire to talk about the revelation of the birthmark on Heath Thomson and the family’s realization his eyes were Tom Barkley’s eyes. 

 

After taking care of Nick and ensuring his recovery, Victoria explained what occurred at the conclusion of the Thomson/Knight wedding to Howard.  The healer in turn stunned her with his confirmation of the same birthmark on former bounty hunter turned rancher, Heath Thomson.  The birthmark was an exact replica of the one gracing the chest of Nick, the same as the ones on Jarrod and Gene, the same as the one on her late husband’s chest.

 

Victoria wasn’t ready to open the discussion not at this late hour, not after the tumultuous events of the day.  She was thankful Nick was alive and would make a complete recovery, his health and well-being was all she wanted to think about at the moment.

 

Her hands kept themselves busy by wringing out a cloth and placing it on Nick’s forehead, his head moving slightly at the sudden coolness.  His eyes moved under his eyelids and he mumbled in his feverish state.  Her hands stopped moving and she took a shaky breath at his words.

 

“Heath..stay.” mumbled Nick, turning his head on the white pillow.

 

Looking over towards Jarrod and Audra, she saw two different looks in her children’s eyes.  Her sweet, tender hearted daughter’s eyes burned with anger.  Her level headed, eldest son’s eyes burned with sadness and regret. 

 

Audra looked into her mother’s gray eyes and whispered furiously, “He should be here!  He owes Nick!”

 

Jarrod shook his head and whispered, “Audra, you saw the state of shock Heath was in.  It’s their wedding day and that memory has been destroyed by violence.”

 

Shrugging off his arm, Audra’s voice raised and she clenched her hands into fists, “I know that, Jarrod!  I feel horrible about Mackenzie’s wedding being ruined but he should be here!  Nick’s going to expect to see him.  He’s going to ask for him.  How do you think Nick’s gonna feel when we tell him he left?”

 

“Audra, his name is Heath!” snapped Victoria, closing her eyes for a moment at the frustrated look in her daughter’s eyes.  Looking at both her children standing on the other side of the bed, she shook her head.  “Audra, it has been a long day.  As I said to Miss Caulfield and Mackenzie, the time for answers is later.  Not now.  When Nick and Heath are better, we’ll discuss it then.”

 

“Mother?” moaned Nick, his eyes slightly opened and glazed.

 

Leaning over into his line of sight, Victoria wiped his face with a wet cloth, “Shhh, Nick.  You need to sleep and get your strength back.”

 

Managing a scowl, Nick groaned, “I’m..fine.”

 

Chuckling, Jarrod smiled widely and squeezed Nick’s hand, “Sure, you are brother Nick.  Just humor us okay?”

 

A slight grin lifted the corner of Nick’s mouth before his weakened condition pulled him back into sleep.  Victoria looked over and smiled, her eyes happier from her middle son’s assertion he was fine.

 

“Jarrod, can you get some rooms at the hotel?” asked Victoria, exchanging the warm cloth for a cooler one and placing it on the warm forehead.

 

“Yes, Mother.” said Jarrod.  “I’ll take the first shift.”

 

Shaking her head, she stated firmly, “No, I want to stay.  You and Audra get some sleep.  If his fever does climb, it could be a long fight.”

 

Audra started to protest but Jarrod put a firm hand on her arm, stopping the words with a warning glare.  Swallowing slightly at the icy glare, she walked around the bed and hugged her mother before leaving the room.   Victoria had seen the look between the two siblings and she squeezed one of her son’s hands after he gave her a kiss on the cheek. 

 

“Jarrod, would you speak with your sister please?  She’s very angry and I need her to be calm in case she needs to take a shift with Nick.” sighed Victoria.

 

Nodding, Jarrod smiled slightly, “Mother, she’s not the only one who is out of sorts right now but I’ll see what I can do about calming her down.”

 

“Thank you, sweetheart.” replied Victoria confident in her eldest son’s ability to help his sister work through her anger with his ability to bring forth reason and order out of chaos.  Placing one more kiss on her cheek, he smiled and squeezed one of Nick’s hands before leaving his mother tending his brother.

 

The Sunday morning sun had risen hours before and his mother finally retired to the rented hotel room after the fever holding Nick finally let loose and disappeared.  Jarrod sat by his sleeping brother’s bed, his chin resting on his fist when he looked over at the opening door.  Suddenly, the suave, sophisticated attorney jumped up onto his feet.  His calm demeanor replaced with an unexpected wave of uneasiness and wariness at the arrival of the sapphire eyed blonde with one of his ranch hands.  The very young man who had occupied his thoughts the night before and into the morning.

 

On his crutches, Heath stood six inches inside the room meeting the eyes of his neighbor before shifting sideways to look at Shorty and drawling, “Shorty, send the wire and I’ll meet you at the sheriff’s office when I’m finished.”

 

“Sure, boss.” replied Shorty, hesitating for a brief moment before leaving.

 

“Heath, how are you?” questioned Jarrod quietly, recovering his calmness after the unexpected arrival.

 

Cocking his head slightly, Heath studied the older man before lowering his eyes and sighing, “I’m fine.”

 

“Sure..you..are..brother.” groaned Nick weakly, his words taking the other two men in the room by surprise.

 

 

 

To be continued…