Relative Concerns, Part 2

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.

The continuing saga of Suzanne Weston-Barkley and the Barkley family.

Chapter 25

The roaring in her ears drowned out all other sounds of the ranch and her vision was reduced to a small tunnel of light. Staring into the blue eyes filled with concern and worry, Sue choked on the dryness of her throat, “Ya’ wanna trot that pony by me again, Heath.”

“Coco came back without Nick. This note was tied into his mane.” said Heath quietly. “It’s addressed to you.”

Feeling the note put in her hand, Sue tore her gaze away and opened it:

Zanie Weston

We have your husband. To get him back, you must pay a ransom of $500,000. Put the money in the tree at the fork of the Barkley and Weston roads. You have til Friday at 6:00 p.m.

Taking a shaky breath, Sue said, “Heath, send someone to get Davey at the ranch for me.”

Duke hearing her words, nodded to Heath and galloped back to the Weston ranch. Watching Duke ride off, Sue said, “Someone may be watching. Let’s go into the house.”

Entering the parlor, Victoria hugged the two returning women. “We’ll get Nick back, Sue. We can raise the ransom.”

Gesturing for the family to sit, Sue paced around the room and spoke quietly. “We can pay the ransom, but, I think they’ve no intention of returning Nick alive.”

Hearing the gasps of the women, Sue knelt in front of Victoria and said quietly, “It’s Ramona. If she wanted to remain anonymous, she wouldn’t have put my name on the note. Only she called me Zanie, no one else.”

Frowning at her logic, Jarrod nodded, “You may be right, Sue.”

“I’m sorry, Victoria. Another way to hurt me is to hurt Nick. I’m sure they’ll keep him alive long enough to ensure they’ll get their ransom, but not much longer after that. Then she’ll probably leave the country, knowing the law will be after her.”

Cupping the cheek of her daughter-in-law, Victoria nodded, “I understand, but we’ll raise the money anyway in the hopes that you are wrong.”

Jarrod asked, “Why do you need Davey?”

Crushing the note in her hand, Sue looked up, her face revealing fury, “I’m gonna need help back tracking Coco. I should’ve realized no one on the ranch was safe from that wretched...”

Putting her hand on the floor as the dizziness hit, Sue closed her eyes. Victoria knelt beside the pale woman, “Sue?”

“Mother, this happened on the way home too.” stated Audra softly. “We wanted her to see Dr. Merar, but she refused.”

“I’m okay.” said Sue opening her eyes.

Victoria helped her into the chair she vacated and felt her forehead. Sonja returned into the room with a damp towel and wiped her face.

Smiling her thanks, Sue looked at Heath, “When Davey gets here, we’ll head out.”

“Okay.” replied Heath. “I’ll be ready.”

“Sue, you should stay here and rest.” suggested Victoria. “Let the men take care of it.”

“No, I won’t stay here while she has her claws on my husband.” whispered Sue. “She’s not taking him from me like she did my father.”

“I’m coming with you and Heath.” stated Jarrod.

“Jarrod, someone needs to stay here at the ranch in case they try something else.” stated Sue softly. “I’ll give you a wire to send and the ransom money can be here in two days.”

Shocked, the family members looked at each other. Victoria squeezed her hand and said, “Sue, are you saying you have that much money?”

Chuckling dryly, Sue smirked, “Nick married into money when he married me.”

Chapter 26

Nick wiped his forehead as he and Coco made their way to the Miller ranch. The road was curvy and a mere path in places. Rounding a bend, Nick reined in at the sight of the woman sitting atop a rock on the side of the road.

“Ma’am, you need some help?” asked Nick.

Hearing a sound, Nick caught a brief glimpse of the rope that went over his head. The rope tightened around his arms as he was jerked out of the saddle onto the hard ground. Seeing stars from the impact with the ground that stole his breath away and jarred his ribs, he struggled against the rope that was cutting into his biceps. Forcing himself to his knees, he was propelled backwards as the horse backed up from the slack he created on the rope.

Laying on the ground and gasping for air, Nick cursed the sight of the man standing above him.

“Now that isn’t nice, Mr. Barkley.” stated Eric striking Nick in the jaw with his boot sending him into unconsciousness.

Climbing down, Brad pulled Nick up by the collar, yanked the rope off and dropped him back onto the ground. Nick’s head making a dull thud from the impact with the ground. Tying his hands, Brad brought over another horse and with Eric’s help laid him across the saddle. Taking another rope, he tied it around his ankles and handed it under the horse’s belly to Eric who secured it to his wrists.

Ramona tied the note into the mane of Nick’s horse. Taking the reins of Coco, Eric headed back towards the Barkley ranch while the other headed to the deserted farmhouse. A mile away from the ranch, Eric hit Coco on the rump and yelled, startling the horse into a gallop in the right direction.

Nick winced at the pain in the back of his head and fought a spell of dizziness. Opening his eyes, he looked around the barn where he was. Light filtered in from the missing boards on the sides and holes in the roof. His arms throbbed from the tightness in which they were bound around the post. He was sitting on the filthy floor, his legs were in front of him, bound at the ankles and the smell of rotting hay assaulted his senses making his stomach lurch. Looking up, he tried to see the condition of the post he was tied to.

The door opened and Ramona knelt beside him running her fingernail across his broad chest. “My, what a delicious specimen of a man.”

“What the hell do you want, lady?” snapped Nick angrily.

Standing, she gestured to her brother. Brad walked over and kicked Nick in the ribs. Nick’s head fell onto his chest from the blow and he gasped for air. Kneeling, he sneered “Keep a civil tongue in your mouth, boy.”

Enjoying the pain on his face, Ramona lifted his chin with her hand. “My stepdaughter certainly picked a handsome husband.”

Hazel eyes glared at her with hatred and Nick’s voice was thick with contempt, “So, you’re the worthless bitch, my wife told me about!”

Brad growled with rage at the words used to describe his sister and the pain flared in Nick’s ribs, stomach and face from the blows. His head bounced against the back of the post and blackness once again gathered around him.

Arriving at the farmhouse, Eric pulled the furious brother away and shouted, “We gotta keep him alive! You kill him and we don’t have anything to bargain with!”

Mason snorted, “He’s a dead man anyway. Let’s get it over with.”

“We all understand he’s a dead man, Mason.” nodded Eric in agreement, “What if the Barkleys want to see and talk to him before they deliver the ransom money? Dead man don’t walk and they certainly don’t talk.”

“Eric’s right, brother. We can have our fun later.” smiled Ramona taking his arm and leading him outside to the house

Eric knelt beside Nick and grinned at the bruises forming on the tanned face. Taking a cloth, he wiped the blood off his face and felt along his ribcage receiving a groan in response. Seeing the hazel eyes open, Eric walked to his horse and grabbed the canteen. Holding it to Nick’s lips, he tilted it offering the condemned man a drink of the cool water.

“Thanks.” whispered Nick closing his eyes against the pain.

Snorting, Eric put the cap back on and retorted, “I’m only keeping you alive til I get the ransom money. You’re only good to me for that long, dead man.”

Eric stared as Nick chuckled and gasped when his ribs protested, “You sure got that wrong, Benson. I’m not the dead man. When my wife gets ahold of you, you’re all gonna wish you’d never known her.”

Eric walked out of the barn with a chill running up his spine from the laughter that followed him.

Chapter 27

Victoria and Sonja, ensuring Sue ate a sandwich, convinced her to rest until Davey arrived. Reluctantly, Sue made her way to the bedroom she shared with her husband. The knowledge that he was in the hands of that woman caused fear to grip her heart and hold onto it.

Laying on the bed, she wrapped her arms around his pillow. Closing her eyes, she drank in the smell of him that lingered on the soft fabric and let his face fill the images in her mind. Knowing she’d need all the strength she could muster, she tried to relax and let sleep come.

Duke arrived back at the ranch with Jack and the other members of her crew. Shrugging his shoulder at Jarrod’s look, Duke said, “They wouldn’t stay behind when they found out about Nick.”

Heath knocked on the bedroom door and called out, “Sue, Davey’s here.”

Opening the door, Sue looked into the concerned eyes and smiled slightly, “We’re off to track your brother again, Heath. I’m gonna have to put a cowbell or something on that man to keep track of him.”

Chuckling, Heath wrapped his friend in a hug, “I’ll buy it for you.”

Patting him on the back, Sue returned his hug and said quietly, “You ready to go?”

“Yep.” replied Heath releasing her and walking beside her down the hallway. Buckling her belt as they walked, Sue stopped at the bottom of the stairs in front of Victoria, Audra and Jarrod.

“I don’t know when we’ll return, but we’ll get word back to ya’.” stated Sue kissing Victoria on the cheek.

“Be careful.” replied Victoria. Handing Jarrod the wire to be sent, Sue walked outside.

Heath kissed Sonja tenderly. “Be home as soon as I can, darlin’”

Hugging him tightly, Sonja whispered, “Be careful.”

“I will. I love ya’.” said Heath softly caressing her cheek. The rest of the family walked with Heath to the door and said their good-byes. Opening the door, Sue was standing in front of an angry crew.

“Boys, you can’t all come. Jack, you are definitely not going.”

“Why not?” asked Jack angrily.

Sue retorted, “Because you’re gonna be a father and I’m not taking the chance of Charity’s baby growing up without one. That’s why!”

“Boss..”

“NO! Davey, Bill, Hank and Heath will come with me. The rest of you have to go back to the ranch.” stated Sue.

The anger on the remaining men’s faces dissolved from the heartfelt plea she added, “I know how ya’all feel about Nick, but please go back to the ranch. I can’t be worrying about the ranch, Maria, Jose and Charity while I’m trying to track. I need ya’ to take care of them for me.”

Mounting the two groups headed their separate ways. Davey and Sue led the small cavalcade south following Coco’s clear tracks on the path. Reaching the point where the tracks merged with another, they dismounted and handed the reins of their horses off. Walking around in a circle, kneeling and checking the ground, they met up on the other side. The other three watched from their hoses, unable to hear the discussion taking place. Walking back over, Sue and Davey stopped in front of the group.

“This is the place that someone led Coco back to the ranch with the note. Whoever it was came from the south and now is headed north.” explained Davey.

Nodding, Sue gestured, “Only Coco and his horse, which means he’s only the delivery boy and didn’t have Nick with him.”

“So, Nick was taken somewhere else?” asked Heath.

“Looks that way.” stated Davey. “We figure our best chances of getting Nick back is to split up. When we find where they took Nick, we can track them from there.”

“The other group can track the delivery boy. Chances are the two trails will meet and we’ll find Nick at the end. I know if I was delivering a ransom note, I wouldn’t want to take the chance on missing the payoff at the end.” said Sue.

Taking the reins of their horses, they mounted as Sue spoke. “Hank and I will track the delivery boy. The rest of you go with Davey.”

“Sue, I’m coming with you.” stated Heath firmly.

Shaking her head, Sue smiled, “Heath, you’re familiar with this area. Davey’s not. It makes more sense for you to go with him.”

Departing, the two groups separated but remained steadfast in their common goal. The welfare of a brother, friend, husband and lover lay in their hands.

Chapter 28

Turning his neck and peering upwards, Nick squinted with his one eye trying to see the condition of the post. Moving his legs towards him, his spur caught in a hole on the floor and lodged into the wood. Staring at the lodged spur, he worked his right foot free of the boot. Sweat ran down his face from his exertions and his breath was coming in gasps. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he mumbled to himself, “This’ll be the only time I’d ever pray for a rotting post.”

Pushing himself upwards on numbed legs, he felt the slivers from the post dig into the skin on his forearms and his back. Standing, he pushed back using the strength of his legs and felt the post give a little. Taking a shallow breath, he bent his knees and pushed again, his body shaking from the strain. The post broke sending him falling backwards onto it, the movement jarring his ribs and blackening the outer edges of his vision.

Laying on top of the broken piece, he took shallow breaths and closed his eyes to stem the dizziness that was making his vision waiver. Rolling to the side, he struggled to his knees. The broken piece of post held between his hands. Taking a breath, he groaned as he stood and opened his hands letting the post fall to the floor behind him.

Leaning his head against the wall, he worked his other boot off and listened for sounds of his captors while looking around the dilapidated dwelling. Going out the front door with his hands tied behind his back was not an option. If he ran into Mason and Benson, he’d be unable to defend himself.

Catching a glimpse of two missing boards on the backside of the barn, he stumbled to it and peered cautiously out the hole. Seeing nothing but trees, he put his leg outside and then squeezed his upper body through. Falling on his side, he dragged his right leg through, struggled back onto his feet and ran to the trees as the door of the barn opened and a shrill scream of anger was heard.

His lungs fiercely protesting, his ribs throwing shock waves of pain through him each time a socked foot hit the ground. His face was black and blue from the beating Mason had given him, his left eye swollen shut and blood was running from the cut that had reopened when he had leaned against the wall. Making his way west using the setting sun as a guide, he prayed that was where the ranch lay and where safety could be found.

Stopping in the trees on the edge of a meadow, Nick couldn’t hear anything over his gasps for air. His legs shook from the exertion he was putting on them, his arms and back burned from the woods parts that were embedded in them. His head throbbed unmercifully. Deciding he needed to put more space between himself and his captors, he started out.

Halfway across the meadow, his ears heard the pounding of horses behind him and the report of a rifle. Keeping his eyes forward, he urged his legs to pump faster as he zigzagged across the meadow. His heart leaped in his throat at the sight of two riders galloping towards him as a red hot poker struck him in the back. Falling onto the lush grass of the meadow, he was unaware of the scream of anger and outrage one of the riders let out.

Chapter 29

Hank and Sue were riding down a hill trying to pick up the trail she had lost. The ground in the area was soft and no discernible hoofprints could be made out. Hank followed his boss as she rode, her eyes on the ground around them and the bushes, hoping to catch some sign of anyone’s recent passing. Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, he looked to the right and shouted, “It’s Nick!”

Sue reined in Amigo and looked to where Hank pointed. Kicking him into a trot they made their way around the trees and deadfalls towards the open meadow. Hearing rifle shots, they urged their horses towards the running man at a gallop. Taking out her rifle, she watched Nick flinch and slam to the earth from a bullet.

“NO!!” Sue screamed in outrage. “TAKE CARE OF NICK!”

Riding around her fallen husband, she jumped off Amigo, knelt and fired sporadically at the two riders on the other side of the meadow. Hank stopped, grabbed the injured man as if he were as light as a feather and climbed back in the saddle.

“I got him, boss!” yelled Hank galloping back to the safety of the trees as he heard the return of rifle fire from his boss.

Hearing Hank’s shout, Sue continued working the lever of her rifle. Sighting carefully, she squeezed the trigger and a rider flew out of the saddle. Shifting her sights to the other rider, Sue squeezed the trigger but no bullets were left in the chamber.

Seeing the horse barreling down on her, she jumped out of the way. Rolling to the ground, Sue lay on her stomach and watched the venomous woman turn her horse and ride back towards her. Jumping up to her feet and reaching for her pistol, she felt an empty holster. Not seeing her pistol on the ground, Sue threw her hot empty rifle at the woman on the horse.

Ramona watched her brother fly out of the saddle onto the ground, half his face missing from the bullet. Spurring her horse cruelly, she galloped towards her brother’s killer intent on crushing her beneath the pounding hooves. Missing her first chance, she reined the horse around and spurred him again.

The thrown rifle was coming towards her face and she threw up her hands to ward it off. Letting go of the reins, she fell out of the saddle and onto the ground when the horse abruptly turned.

Sue dodged the horse after she threw the rifle. Her right leg sending a shot of pain through it from the jarring it received in the landing. Pushing herself to her feet, she saw a dazed Ramona rise up three yards away. Running towards her, Sue ignored the protest of her leg and jumped on Ramona as she pulled a derringer out of her pocket and held it in her right hand.

Barreling into Ramona, she grabbed the wrist of her right hand and held on as they fell backwards onto the ground. Rolling on the ground, Ramona tried to dislodge the viper that was attached to her arm. Sitting on top of her stepdaughter, Ramona struggled to turn the gun downward with both hands. Sue saw the gun turn towards her slightly. Loosening the grip of her right hand on the wrist, she grabbed the blond hair and yanked Ramona over. Rolling on the ground, the derringer fired and Ramona smiled as she looked into the jaded green eyes.

Reaching the trees, Hank held Nick in the saddle as he climbed down. Grabbing the unconscious man, he laid him on the ground. Taking out his knife, he cut the ropes that bound his wrists. Grabbing a shirt from his saddlebags, he cut Nick’s shirt in the back and pressed his own against the bullet wound on the left side of his lower back. Checking the front of him, Hank’s soul filled with dread when he didn’t see an exit wound.

Glancing back to the meadow, he watched Sue shoot one of the riders from the saddle and the dodging game that followed. Knowing his boss expected him to care for her injured husband and afraid to loosen the pressure he was keeping on the bleeding wound, Hank watched the women rolling on the ground. He silently cheered her on. ‘Shoot her! Shoot the bitch!’ he screamed in his mind.

Checking the wound on Nick, time stood still after the sound of the shot reached his ears and he waited with baited breath to see which woman would emerge victorious.

Chapter 30

Sue flinched as the derringer discharged and the smile appeared on Ramona’s face. With her chest heaving from the fight for life, she rolled away and stumbled to her feet watching the blood spread across the front of Ramona’s blouse and the life drain from her stepmother’s eyes.

Sue slowly made her way to Amigo who had ran across the meadow. Talking quietly to him, she limped over and grabbed the reins. Pulling herself into the saddle, she trotted towards the hill where Hank had taken Nick.

“OVER HERE BOSS!” shouted Hank as he waved his one hand in the air. Reaching the men, Sue jumped down, limped over and fell to the ground beside Nick.

“You okay?” asked Hank seeing the more pronounced limp from her right leg.

“Yeah.” replied Sue reaching a shaky hand to the pale man on the ground. Her fingers caressed his bruised cheek and she blinked back tears at the barely discernible breath sounds from her husband.

Checking the wound, Hank said “It’s not bleeding anymore. He’s in bad shape, Sue.”

Nodding her understanding, she said, “If we sit him on your horse, the wound might start bleeding again from the rough ride. We need to make a travois, Hank. You find some poles and I’ll get the blankets off those other two horses.”

Stripping the two horses of their saddles, Sue grabbed the blankets and rope off Mason’s saddle. Working together, they created a travois and fastened it between their horses.

Sue grimaced as Hank tightly bound the shirt that was against Nick’s wound, her concern grew from the stillness in her husband and his unresponsiveness to the pain the binding should have caused. Hank gently lifted Nick onto the travois and helped Sue tie him on. Feeling his forehead, she sighed at the fever that was starting to take hold knowing it was one more thing that would interfere with his journey back to her.

Leaning over, she kissed his lips and spoke in his ear, “Nick Barkley, you fight to live. You fight for us. You hear me? Fight hard for us.”

Climbing on their horses, they cautiously carried the injured man between them. Slowly they wound their way around the hill, staying on even ground trying to avoid areas that would cause further jarring of Nick. Hank stifled the urge to push the horse faster, his concern for the man he called friend squeezing his heart.

Heading towards Stockton, Sue feared they may be too late to save her man who was hearing death’s beckoning whispers because of someone from her past. Looking over Amigo’s head at the man laying in the travois, she felt her soul fill with an unstoppable fear and dread.

Chapter 31

Heath and Bill followed Davey as he tracked the trails of the three horses away from the area where Nick had been taken. The ground the trail followed was hard making most of the trail easy to read. Heading into a meadow, they reined in and jumped down at the sight of the body on the ground.

Reaching over, Bill closed the woman’s eyes and looked at Heath, “Ramona. The boss’ stepmother.”

Davey walked around in a circle and looked on the ground. Heath and Bill watched as he bent down, retrieved a rifle and then further away a pistol. Catching a glimpse of another body, he waved them over and ran towards it.

“It’s Mason!” he called to the running men.

Reaching the young wrangler at the side of the man, Heath looked around the meadow. “Where’s Sue and Hank?”

Handing Bill the rifle, Davey said, “The tracks are a mess, but I’m guessing the boss took care of these two because these are her guns.”

Looking at Heath, Bill said, “Maybe Sue and Hank took Nick away from these two and are on their way back to the ranch.”

“Could be what happened.” replied Heath thinking on it. “Or maybe they ran into these two after they stashed Nick somewhere.”

Putting the boss’ pistol in his saddlebag, Davey nodded, “I’m gonna look around some more before we decide what to do. We don’t have much daylight left.”

Heath and Bill caught the two horses grazing in the meadow. Taking them to the bodies, they laid them across the bareback of the horses. Standing silently they watched Davey searching the area. The light was nearly gone when they heard the young wrangler shouting, “Here, come here!”

Rushing over with the horses, Davey pointed to the ground just inside the tree line. “I found tracks of the boss and Hank. They walked around this area and were taking care of someone laying on the ground. Looks like they’re on their way north towards town. From what I can see, they made a travois and have it between the two horses. I can only assume it was Nick laying on the ground. Heath, there’s quite a bit of blood on the ground.”

Seeing look of fear in the blue eyes, Bill took the rein of the extra horse from Heath’s hand. “If ya’ hurry, you might not be too far behind them when they get to town.”

Swallowing the emotion in his throat, he flashed a grateful lop-sided grin to his two friends, “Thanks!” Nudging Charger into a gallop, he leaned forward on him in a low stance as he urged the powerful horse to run faster towards town.

Chapter 32

An unseen projectile flew through the air and pierced the back of the fleeing man, a burst of pain searing through him, his lungs gasping for precious air, his steps faltering in mid stride. His eyes locked briefly onto the face of the woman coming towards him when the brutal force of the blow to his body caused him to fall onto the ground. His awareness taken from him as his limp body lay there in the lush meadow grasses, the life seeping out of him from the round entrance wound and the hand of death gently caressed his valuable soul.

The world was swaying softly as he allowed the darkness to comfort him and take away the pain, his limbs held in place with chains,. The air around him was heavy, pressing down and around his body with an invisible hand. His lungs seemed unable to get a good taste of the California air he loved. His weakness making him float like a feather through the air, the movement reassuring as he made his way to the light.

Dr. Merar had cursed at the lack of an exit wound on the body of Nick Barkley. Fever had taken a hold of the injured man, his bruises too numerous to count, his wrists bleeding from the ropes that had bound him and his feet cut and bleeding from this escape flight through the woods. Working with his wife, he probed into the wound, sweat pouring down his face until he located the offensive item. Grabbing it, he tossed it to the side and it landed in the metal pan with a pinging sound. Wiping the blood from the wound, he delicately stitched it up and placed a large pad over it.

Mrs. Merar cleaned the face and hair of Nick, indicating the cut to her husband who nodded and used his needle and thread again. Taking a cloth, he wrapped it around the man’s head.

Feeling Nick’s abdomen, he frowned at the bruising on his sides and the ribs that moved slightly under his touch. Deciding it was best for the moment not to bind them. His wife cleaned and bandaged the damaged feet.

“Let’s start sponging him down to see if we can get reduce this fever. I’m going out to talk to Mrs. Barkley.” stated Howard cleaning the blood of the young rancher off his hands.

Walking into the waiting area, all eyes turned towards him except the green eyes of the woman who was sitting forward, her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands.

Sitting in the chair across from her, he spoke quietly, “I got the bullet out but he’s lost a lot of blood and is running a fever. We’re going to give him a transfusion of blood from Jarrod.”

“Can I see him?” asked Sue her voice shaking.

“After the transfusion, you can.” stated Howard. Staring intently at the downcast head, he stated firmly, “Sue, look at me.”

Slowly raising her head to look at the man sitting across from her, shocked green eyes looked into concerned brown eyes, “I know he’ll put up a good fight. Don’t give up on him.”

Nodding, she blinked back the tears that were threatening and climbed to her feet to stand by the window, her hands squeezing the window frame. Motioning to Jarrod, Howard directed the eldest Barkley son to the room where his brother lay fighting for his life. After the transfusion, Howard came back into the room.

“Sue, come with me I want to look at your leg.” instructed Howard.

Sue turned and limped towards the doctor, stopping suddenly and holding onto his arm. The vision flashing through her mind jolted her into action.

Rushing into the room where Nick lay, she grabbed him by the shoulders and yelled in his ear, “DON’T YOU DO IT! DON’T YOU DARE GIVE UP!”

The rest of the Barkley family held their breath watching the drama unfold before them. Howard using a stethoscope listened to Nick’s chest and shook his head sadly, “I’m sorry Sue.”

Ignoring the man of medicine, Sue slapped Nick’s cheek and screamed with tears streaming down her face, “NICK! YOU LIED! YOU SAID WE’D GROW OLD TOGETHER! LIAR!”

Her hysterical screaming leaving tears on everyone’s face and standing by the bed she sobbed uncontrollably, “I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, NICK BARKLEY! YOU HEAR ME? NEVER!”

Holding her hands up, she stopped the arms that reached for her. Limping away, she stumbled and collapsed as her vision blackened, the floor rising to meet her.

Chapter 33

The light encircled him and a calming feeling filled him as it lifted him higher. Suddenly, a giant hand grabbed and yanked him backwards.

“Where were you going, boy?” asked the deep voice.

Opening his eyes, Nick looked around in surprise at the white room he was in. Confused, he looked at the man before him. Pieces of auburn hair tufted out from under a black hat, the blue eyes piercing under bushy eyebrows and a handlebar mustache showed a bit of gray.

“What’s going on?” inquired Nick looking around slowly.

Smiling, the man held out his hand to the confused cowboy. “Zane’s my name. And you are?”

“Nick Barkley.” replied Nick taking the man’s hand. “Where am I?”

Putting his arm around the younger man, Zane sighed and said softly, “This is called the holding pen by us cattleman, the in-between world by all others.”

“Are you saying I’m dead!” exclaimed Nick shaking his head in denial.

Zane shook his head, “To the people who were in the room, you have stopped breathing. To us, your soul still has a chance to return to your physical body. Your soul has not yet fully accepted it’s freedom from the pain and suffering that was engulfing your physical being.”

Looking closely at the man, Nick’s shock reflected in his hazel eyes, “You’re my wife’s father!”

Zane smiled, “Yes, Susie’s my daughter.”

“But you’re dead!” whispered Nick.

“So I am, Nick. I’ve always known we’d meet sometime, but I imagined it would’ve been a long time from now. What happened?” inquired Zane.

Thinking, Nick said quietly, “Your wife and her brother kidnapped me. I got away but they shot me. Sue was there! She was riding towards me.”

Zane sighed, “I never fully understood how Susie knew Ramona was bad, but she was right. I’d give anything to be able to let her know I was wrong and take back the arguments we had over that woman.”

“Yeah, she’s a good judge of people.” smiled Nick. “She’s quite a woman.”

“I love my daughter but she was always giving me gray hairs.”

Chuckling, a wide smile spread across Nick’s face, “I know what you mean, sir.”

“Susie’s skills are unusual for a woman. I always worried that she’d be left alone and never find that someone special.” admitted Zane. Looking at the man beside him, he asked “Nick, are you that someone special?

“I love her. She’s my life.” replied Nick love firing up the hazel specks in his eyes.

Placing his hands on Nick’s shoulder, Zane whispered, “She’s in agony, son. She won’t make it, if you don’t go back. Your souls are bound together. Listen, can’t you hear her screaming?”

Straining, Nick’s eyes filled with tears from the words filling his senses.

“Is her love worth crawling through the fires of hell for? Will you embrace the searing pain that was wracking your physical body for her? Are you going to give up and leave her alone? Are you gonna do that to my little girl?” asked Zane intently, his voice raising a pitch with each question as he stared into the hazel eyes.

“No! No! I’ll do anything for her. Anything!” stated Nick firmly.

Embracing his son-in-law, Zane squeezed him tightly, “Remember, nothing in life is easy but you’ll have each other to hold onto. Now go!”

Opening a white door and pushing Nick through, Zane yelled, “Give my little girl a kiss for me!”

Chapter 34

Streams of tears dropped onto Heath’s cheeks as Sue’s screams tore into his heart. The loss and anguish in them almost too much for him to bear witness to. The ceasing of breath sounds from his best friend, his big brother, tore through his soul like a jagged knife. Reaching out to Sue, he stopped from the look of defeat and devastation in the green eyes when she halted his reach and walked by him in a daze.

Heath knew how extreme pain and suffering could make one wish their life would end. He knew how comforting the darkness could be to a body seeking shelter from pain. Sometimes the desire for comfort was stronger than the desire to fight the pain and emerge a victor. He had experienced it in his own past, but never thought his big brother, whose strength of will seemed infinite, would fall victim to it.

Victoria, Jarrod and Audra openly sobbed for the loss of the man in the bed. The man who was often heralded as a loudmouthed braggart by those who didn’t know him. He exuded confidence, arrogance and toughness, but those close knew of the gentleness he could and often did display with those he loved. His life cut short in his prime, the Barkley family would never be the same.

“Sue!” exclaimed Jarrod as she crumbled to the floor on the way to the door. Rushing over, he knelt beside his sister-in-law with Heath. Victoria pushed in between the two brothers and cupped the pale face.

“Come on, honey.” Urged Victoria while tapping her cheek trying to rouse Sue into waking.

Howard knelt on the floor and took her pulse. “Heath, bring her into the other room.”

Heath gently picked up his friend. Holding her in his arms, he whispered in her ear as he carried her to the other room, “Sue, please I can’t lose you too.”

Grabbing Howard’s arm when he left to follow Heath, Victoria said softly, ”Sue was dizzy two times before today, Howard. She says it was cause she didn’t have enough to eat.”

Patting the arm of his old friend, Howard nodded and left the room. Jarrod engulfed his mother in his arms, holding on tighter as the sobs wracked her body. Audra was sitting by the bed with her head down on her arms, exhausted by the emotions engulfing her.

Falling back into the darkness, Nick slowly felt the pain of his physical body from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. The worst of the offending pain was in his back. His ears caught the muffled sounds of crying that seemed to be miles away.

Trying to open his eyes, he found he couldn’t even lift his eyelids. The exertion of that simple movement seemed beyond his capabilities. A sense of urgency filled him when his mind recalled the screams of agony from his wife. ‘Someone’s hurting her!’ the voice in his head repeated over and over. Sucking in a breath of air, he moaned softly when his ribs protested.

Audra lifted her head slowly and stared when she saw the rise and fall of her brother’s chest. Her eyes glued to the slight movements, afraid she was imaging it. Hearing the slight moan, she jumped to her feet. She ran out of the room to where Jarrod and her mother were waiting for word on Sue.

“Nick’s breathing!” screamed Audra at them turning and running back to the bedside.

Reaching his bedside, Jarrod leaned over at the moving of Nick’s mouth, “Someone..hurt..Sue.” was the painful whisper.

Holding Nick’s hand, Jarrod squeezed it gently, “Sue’s fine, Nick.”

“Screaming...”

Smiling, Jarrod replied, “She was screaming at you, little brother.”

Victoria’s eyes were closed in prayer, sending her thanks upwards for the return of her son. Opening her eyes, she kissed Nick’s cheek, “Rest, sweetheart. Sue will be here when you wake up.”

Chapter 35

“He’s going to be fine, Tom.”

“You sure put the will to live back in our boy, Zane. For that, I thank you. What about Suzanne? She’s in such torment.”

“We can only watch and hope, she’s not where we can reach her. They truly are soul mates, our children.”

The two souls hovered above the room watching Dr. Merar examining their daughter. Heath stood close never letting go of the small hand. Breaking open a tablet, Howard waved it under her nose.

The offensive smell reached through the fog she was in. Moving her head, she moaned and lifted a hand trying to move the odor away.

“Open your eyes, Sue.” Said Howard firmly. Tapping on her cheek, he ordered, “Come on, open them!”

Her lids fluttered open and the men watched the dazed emerald eyes look at them. Taking her hand out of Heath’s, she pushed herself up to a sitting position. Closing her eyes to shut out the memory of her dead husband’s face.

“Go away.” Whispered Sue drowning in misery.

Howard shook his head, “I need to finish my examination of you, Mrs. Barkley.”

She sucked in her breath sharply at the title the doctor bestowed on her and whispered, “There’s no need. It doesn’t matter, nothing matters anymore.”

Heath looked at her concerned, “Sue, ya’ gotta let him examine you. You just fainted.”

Climbing down from the table, she shook her head, “No. I’m going to the ranch.”

“Mrs. Barkley, I think…”

Anger swept through her and she snapped, “Don’t call me that! I am no longer Mrs. Barkley, you hear me!”

Grabbing her shoulders, Heath shook her slightly and yelled, “What the hell does that mean? You married a Barkley, so that makes you a Barkley!”

Pushing him away, she growled, “Don’t touch me. Leave me alone!”

Opening the door, she went through the kitchen, ignoring Sonja’s pleas and left the building through the back. Untying Amigo’s reins, she climbed in the saddle unaware she was being watched by a pair of evil eyes and two heavenly beings calling out not to leave.

Howard holding Heath by the arm stopped his attempt to follow her. “Heath, she’s not thinking clearly right now. She just lost her husband. Give her time to grieve.”

“Doc, she shouldn’t be alone.” Pleaded Heath.

Howard said softly, “Heath, go be with your family. They need you just as much.”

Torn between his family and his friend, Heath felt the gentle push out of the room by Howard. Both men stood stunned for a few minutes at Audra’s scream. Overcoming his shock first, Heath grabbed Howard and pulled him to the room arriving as Victoria was reassuring Nick his wife would be there when he woke up. Sonja hearing the words looked at Heath and shook her head.

Chapter 36

Eric Fletcher left the siblings and Nick Barkley at the deserted farmhouse with the strict order to leave the bound man alone. His mouth watered at the thought of the ransom money that was just within his grasp. He had to keep up his appearance as the Consultant for the New York firm and maintain a vigil in Stockton. Thoughts of what his share of the money could give him made the ride back to the town faster and satisfying. Delusions of wealth and power were his companions while he traveled.

Reaching Stockton, he stabled the horse and went to the hotel. Grabbing his key from the clerk, he climbed the stairs to his room. Opening the closet, he took out the suit and brushed it carefully. The afternoon sped by quickly with the time spent grooming his clothes to fit his need. He headed down to the restaurant taking a seat by the window. Ordering his dinner, he sipped his beer and read a day old paper.

Taking bites of the meal that had been set before him, Eric held himself still and felt a shiver of fear run up his spine from the conversation he overheard at the next table. His thoughts running wild and his eyes searched the restaurant, ‘Ramona and Brad dead? How did Barkley get free? Dammit, he knows I’m involved, I better get out of here.’

Paying for his meal, he forced himself to keep his steps to a walk as he made his way across the restaurant and up the stairs to his room. Throwing his clothes in a bag, he went down the backstairs of the hotel and to the livery. Quickly saddling the horse, he tied his bag on and led the horse from the stable.

As he rode from town, the anger in him grew from the ineptitude of his partners to the loss of the ransom money. His palms itched from wanting the feel of the money in his hands. He needed that money, he knew the Barkleys had it, he knew Sue Weston-Barkley had it and he was going to get it.

Stopping his horse under a grove of trees, he went through the options in his mind, discarding one after another. Arriving at the only two options that were left, he smiled and turned back towards Stockton. Tying his horse up, he made his way across from Dr. Merar’s office and settled down to wait. Night had fallen when his patience was rewarded by a woman rounding the building and heading out of town. Running to his horse, he rode off up the same trail on the moonless night, the darkness surrounding him.

Sue rode uncaring of where she was, unaware of everything around her except the anguish twisting inside of her, her mind called over and over, ‘You lied, Nick. Why’d you leave me?’

Standing on the shore of the lake, she sank to the ground and let the deep sobs of grief escape her lips. ‘He’s gone. I couldn’t save him. I was so close and I failed.’

Howard finished examining Nick who had finally found the strength needed to open his eyes. Looking around the room, his eyes lit upon each grateful face searching frantically for the one missing.

Astonished, Howard looked at the family, “His fever’s gone!”

“Where’s my wife?” asked Nick his voice shaking from the pain of his ribs and back.

The rest of the family looked to Howard and Heath. Heath said softly, “She rode off, Nick.”

“Rode off!” shouted Nick grimacing at the reward of pain for his efforts.

“Nick, please settle down. Heath, where’d she go?” asked Victoria.

“She said she was going to the ranch, Mother. She wanted to be left alone.”

“She went out the back.” Sighed Sonja.

“It’s my fault Victoria. I wouldn’t let Heath go after her. I thought Heath needed to be with you and she needed time to grieve.” Explained Howard.

“Time to grieve?” asked Nick confused. “Who died?”

Looking at the pale man on the bed, Jarrod smiled slightly, “You did, little brother.”

Trying to rise, Nick pleaded, “Heath, find her. I promised her father I wouldn’t leave her alone. You gotta find her!”

Howard pushed a frantic Nick back onto the bed admonishing him to lay there as the rest of the family stared in shock at his words. Running out the door, Heath jumped on Charger and headed to the ranch.

Chapter 37

Riding the trail after Sue Barkley, Eric was frustrated at the moonlight that had disappeared. He had been sure he would have caught up with her by now. Puzzled, he sat on his horse listening to the darkness. No sounds of hooves reached him, only the normal sounds of darkness. Realizing he had missed a golden opportunity, he headed to the hills sure the law would be searching for him in the morning.

Sue never realized how lucky she was that night, the night she arrived at the place of her wedding to the only man she would ever love. The night she sat pouring out the grief from within her as two fathers above hid the moonlight so the evil one that searched for her on the trail home, was unable to see her turn off.

Spent and exhausted from the tears she had shed, she climbed slowly to her feet. Walking to Amigo, she felt the meager contents of her stomach rising and clutched onto a tree as she vomited. Rinsing her mouth with water from the canteen when she finished, she felt her forehead and frowned.

Leaning against her horse, the moonlight came out from behind the clouds and shimmered off the lake. The beauty of it watering her eyes again. Closing them, she envisioned the lake as it had been on the day of her wedding. The wedding Nick had arranged and organized still created a sense of awe in her. His attention to every detail telling her how much he loved her and held her in his heart. Entwining her adopted Yaqui tribe’s heritage in with the ceremony performed by Father Martinez had delighted and surprised her.

Climbing on Amigo, she walked him to the main road intent on heading to the ranch. Stopping at the junction, she reluctantly turned the horse towards Stockton and back to Dr. Merar’s. Responsibility engrained in her since she was a child was an old habit that couldn’t be broken. Nick was her husband and she would do what was expected of her position. After the arrangements were taken care of, she would decide then what her future held.

Seeing the lights on, she tied up Amigo and entered the building. Limping back into the room where he lay, she stopped in the doorway closing her eyes at the handsome face that lay uncovered on the bed. Leaning her head against the doorframe and rubbing her right leg, she grimaced slightly.

Opening his eye slightly, Nick’s heart welled with love and he whispered, “You hurt your leg again?”

“Twisted it, I…” responded Sue rubbing her forehead and snorting. “Must be losing my mind. Talking to a dead man.”

“Dead men don’t talk, honey.” Growled Nick softly watching her eyes slowly open. Staring at him, she limped slowly to the bed, her body shaking in disbelief. Reaching her trembling fingers towards him, she gasped when he clutched her hand and held it to his lips.

“Chameleon, where have you been?”

His gentle words freed her soul from the torment it was languishing in and the tears of happiness came. Sue was unable to answer from the emotions raging through her. Nick watching the torrent of emotions in the emerald eyes blinked his tears away and pulled her onto the bed to lay beside him. He wrapped her in his arms, embracing his physical pain to take away her emotional pain.

Chapter 38

Arriving back in town, Heath stared at the black tied in front of the building. Running up the stairs, he ran into the room where Nick lay and sighed with relief at the sight of his friend laying beside her husband. Walking over, he grinned at Nick who opened an eye and held his finger to his lips.

Listening to Sue’s even breathing and peeking at her face, Heath frowned and whispered. “Nick, she’s awful pale. I’m gonna get Dr. Merar.”

“I wanna hold her a little while longer, Heath.” whispered Nick his eye pleading.

Nodding, Heath flashed a lop-sided grin and whispered back, “If I was in your place, I wouldn’t let her go. I’ll keep everyone out for a little while, okay?”

Nodding and kissing the head laying on his shoulder, Nick tightened his arms and closed his eye relishing the moment.

Thirty minutes later, Howard walked to the bed and gently shook her shoulder, whispering, “Sue. Come, Nick needs his rest.”

Forcing her eyes open at the doctor’s words, Sue stared at the man beside her watching his chest rise and fall. Touching his face softly with her fingertips, he moved his head away annoyed and mumbling in his sleep, “Cut it out, honey.”

She wiped her tears when she confirmed he was real and still with her. Howard moved Nick’s arm so she could rise from the place she had fallen asleep and helped her up. Leaning over, she tenderly kissed his lips and grinned at the mumbled response, “Working ranch.”

Walking to the family in the doorway, she embraced all of them before Mrs. Merar lead her away to an examination room. After checking on Nick, Howard followed the women and closed the door behind him.

Finishing their breakfast, Jarrod made his way to the sheriff’s office while Heath took Sonja and Audra home. Victoria sat by Nick’s bed reading a magazine waiting for Sue to return. Looking up, she smiled at her daughter-in-law and hugged her tightly.

“I’m fine, Mother.” Smiled Sue at Victoria’s question.

Waiting for the hug to be completed, Howard said quietly, “Victoria, see that she uses the crutches until that sprained leg is healed. I’d like to see her in two weeks and no horseback riding, Sue.”

“Yes, Dr. Merar.” Stated Sue sitting in a chair by Nick’s bed leaning forward and watching him sleep.

“Thank you Howard.” Smiled Victoria walking with her friend from the room.

Patting her shoulder, Howard shook his head, “I can’t explain it, but Nick had divine intervention on his side last night. Actually, I don’t want to be able to explain it. I’m just happy it was there.”

Sitting at the table, the three old friends spoke quietly of the night’s events and drank coffee.

Later that day, Nick roused from his sleep and gently stroked the auburn hair that was laying by his hand. Looking up at his touch, Sue climbed up on the side of the bed and gently kissed his lips.

“I thought I’d lost you, Nick.”

“For a while you almost did, honey. I’m sorry for scaring you.” Whispered Nick tenderly kissing her. “I love you.”

Stroking his cheek, Sue smiled, “I love you too, Achai.”

“Achai? What’s that mean?” asked Nick and then teased “Am I going to like it?”

“Hmmm. I think so. It’s a Yaqui male kinship title.” explained Sue.

“Achai. You didn’t tell me before that’s what husband means in Yaqui.” replied Nick winding a strand of her hair around his finger.

“It doesn’t mean husband. It means Father.” said Sue softly hiding a small smile.

Looking into the shimmering emerald eyes, Nick’s grin turned to a grimace from the bruises gracing his face. “Father? Really? A Father! I’M GONNA BE A FATHER!”

Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he groaned from the protest of his ribs and back, “Thank you, honey. Thank you.”

Smirking, Sue replied, “In case you weren’t aware, it does take two, darlin’”

Chapter 39

Tuesday morning, leaving a sleeping Nick in the room, Sue and Hank made their way to the sheriff’s office for the informal investigation into the deaths of Brad Mason and Ramona Bouvier. Dr. Merar had declined to let Sheriff Maden interview Nick until Wednesday. Jarrod had already informed Fred of the involvement of Eric Benson in the kidnapping plan. Fred had turned Stockton upside down trying to shake Benson out, but he was gone. Helping his boss down from the buggy, Hank held the door to the office open and she hobbled in.

“Morning everyone.” smiled Sue sitting in the chair Fred directed her to and nodding his greeting, Hank sat by his boss.

Taking their seats, Fred smiled at the rancher, “Sue, this is just to get the facts down on paper.”

“I understand Fred.” replied Sue.

Phil Archer took out a pad of paper. “Mrs. Barkley, as District Attorney, I am to determine if charges should be filed against you for the deaths of Brad Mason and Ramona Bouvier.”

Jumping to his feet, Hank shouted, “CHARGES?”

Phil shifted uncomfortably in his chair from the giant that stood before him. “Yes, Mr. Bardo.”

Fred and Jarrod smiled slightly at the sight of Phil squirming. Pulling on Hank’s arm, Sue got him to retake his seat. Hank patted his boss’ hand and glared at the man. “It’s okay, Hank.”

“Mr. Archer’s just doing his job, Hank.” said Jarrod. “Phil, this is an informal procedure. Why don’t we have Sue and Hank describe how they came to find Nick?”

Sighing, Phil nodded, “Very well, Jarrod. But keep in mind, I will do my job regardless of who may be subject to charges.”

Jarrod nodded and Hank let out a low growl while Sue started speaking. After she was completed and had answered several questions from the district attorney, it was all she could do to not slap the man. Jarrod interjected several times to remind Phil of the informalities. Fred rolled his eyes at the behavior of the district attorney. Hank then related his part of the story and Sue squeezed Hank’s hand when he spoke of caring for Nick while she was fighting her stepmother.

Listening carefully, the three men took notes. Putting his pencil down, Phil looked at the woman, “Please explain why you didn’t want to pay the ransom, again.”

Taking a deep breath, Sue looked at the man and stated through clenched teeth, “Mr. Archer, I already told ya’ it wasn’t that I didn’t want to pay the ransom. I felt Nick was as good as dead when they got the money.”

“Well, Mrs. Barkley, we will never know exactly what they planned on doing since they are no longer alive.” replied Phil coldly. “You seem to be taking the death of your stepmother in stride. I might point out, you don’t show any remorse at all.”

Fred and Jarrod grabbed Hank as he leapt for the man. Sue looked at the man before her and climbed to her feet.

Hobbling over, she leaned on the desk and stared into the brown eyes, “Mr. Archer, I might point out to you that I am a citizen of Stockton and the state of California. As a citizen of this fine state, I have the right to request your dismissal from the bar association. Based on the apparent misuse of your position to antagonize and harass members of a family that you do not like, I think a dismissal would not be unjust.”

“Surely Mrs. Barkley, you do not honestly think I’d do that.” scoffed Archer nervously.

“Mr. Archer, I think you are a small minded individual who has always seen himself as important. Your lack of progress in your career has nothing to do with anyone but yourself.”

Watching Phil turned crimson, the others grinned openly and offered their silent support to the furious woman.

“To answer your question, Mr. Archer. I was searching for my kidnapped husband. They shot and almost killed my husband when he was escaping. I defended my husband against them as he lay bleeding on the ground. YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT, I HAVE NO REMORSE. I’D DO IT AGAIN IF I HAD TO!!” shouted Sue angrily turning and hobbling out the door with Hank following.

Fred looked at Phil, “Archer, what the heck were you doing? We have the weapons they used at the meadow and their personal items were found at the farmhouse where Nick was held. From what we could find on them, Nick’s lucky to be alive!”

“Sheriff, the state needs to consider all the facts before proceeding.”

Putting on his hat, Jarrod replied, “Phil, is the district attorney’s office filing charges?”

Waving his hand, Phil cleared his throat nervously and replied, “No, Jarrod. The state is satisfied with the accounts it has received and no charges will be filed.”

Standing the door, Jarrod nodded and retorted, “I’ll be sure to let my brother and his wife know.”

Opening the door, Fred followed Jarrod out and shook his head, “Sorry about that Jarrod. Give Nick and Sue my best.”

Jarrod smiled and clapped Fred on the back, “I’ll let them know. Are you gonna interview Nick, tomorrow?”

“Yes. It’ll be just me.” grinned Fred watching Sue and Hank across the street with Mr. Foster. “Nick’s a lucky man, Jarrod. If Sue and Hank hadn’t been there, we’d have been burying him.”

“Yeah, I know.” said Jarrod quietly before heading to his office.

Chapter 40

Petey Samuels held tightly onto the saddlebags and jumped down from the train. Looking around, he grinned at the sight of Sue and Hank waiting for him by the depot. Wrapping his friends in a hug, he shook his head at the crutches, “Boss, are ya’ sure you don’t like using those things? Every time I see you, you’re on crutches or wrapped in bandages.”

“Oh shut up Petey!” smiled Sue returning his hug. “How’s Texas?”

Shrugging, he snorted, “Dry as a bone! Homestead’s gone, boss. A fire swept through and destroyed it.”

Gasping, Sue grabbed his arm, “Petey, I’m sorry. What are ya’ planning on doing?”

Chuckling, he smiled as Hank added his regrets, “Thanks. Well, I’m gonna get a job, what ya’ think! But first, I wanted to deliver this personally. Have ya’ heard anything about Nick?”

Walking to the bank, Sue and Hank told their friend the events that occurred. Hank laughed, “I thought the boss was gonna strangle that district attorney. I wanted to rip him apart myself.”

Depositing the ransom money in the bank, Sue smiled “Petey, why don’t you go out to the ranch with Hank? See Jack about a job, we seem to have an opening.”

“Boss, I can work on another spread. You don’t have to hire me on if you don’t need me.” stated Petey firmly.

“No, we need someone else. I can’t work and Curly’s not here. First, we can see Nick. Then, I’ll catch a ride back to the Barkley ranch with Sonja.” instructed Sue with the men agreeing. Heading down the street, they spent the next hour with Nick until he fell back to sleep.

Entering the school, Sue leaned against the back wall, watching her friend shaping and melding the minds of the next generation. The children groaned as their teacher assigned their lessons and dismissed them for the day. All sizes of kids rushed by the woman leaning against the wall in their haste to enjoy the rest of the fall day.

“Sue, what are you doing here?” smiled Sonja gathering up her books.

“Thought I could beg for a ride back to the ranch. I don’t think I can go that far on the crutches.” teased Sue.

“I’d love your company. How’s Nick feeling?” asked Sonja helping her friend into the surrey.

“Grouchy and tired. He wants Dr. Merar to let him go home even though he can’t walk around the room without sweating bullets.” admitted Sue.

Sonja started the horses towards home. Talking and laughing the two enjoyed themselves. Sonja had to stop the surrey once when Sue became ill. Emptying her stomach contents, Sue smiled at the concern in Sonja’s voice. “I’m okay.”

“Maybe we should see the doctor.” whispered Sonja.

Shrugging, Sue grinned, “We could, but he already said it’d clear up in seven and a half months.”

Bursting into tears, Sonja pulled her friend into a hug. “A baby! I can’t believe it! What’d Nick say?”

“He hasn’t come down from the clouds for me to ask.” teased Sue and then moaned from her rebelling stomach. “How long is this morning sickness supposed to last? And if they call it morning sickness, why does it happen all day?”

“Don’t ask me!” stated Sonja firmly starting the horses moving. “Have you told Victoria yet?”

“No. Only you, Nick and I know. We’re going to wait til Nick comes home.” admitted Sue closing her eyes against the nausea.

“Well, if you keep turning green and vomiting, you won’t have to wait til Nick gets home for everyone to know.” smirked Sonja pulling the team to a halt. “What!”

Chapter 41

“What!” exclaimed Sue opening her eyes and looking up when Sonja pulled the team to a halt.

“We can have a baby shower for you and Charity!”

Rolling her eyes, Sue retorted, “Ya’ scared the pants off me! I thought something was wrong.”

Starting the team moving, Sonja smiled, “Sorry. It’s just exciting!.”

Sue’s smile turned to a frantic tapping on Sonja’s arm with one hand and covering her mouth with the other. Stopping, Sue leaned over the side of the surrey again as her body was wracked with heaves and expulsions. Exhausted, she lay her head on her arms against the side of the bench seat.

Wiping her hair, Sonja whispered, “You okay?” Frowning when she heard the groaned response, “I hope ya’ have this much excitement when you and Heath have a baby.”

“Sue Barkley, that is not a nice thing to say!” stated Sonja with an indignatious tone starting the horses onto Barkley land waving to the blond headed their way.

Heath reined in Charger beside the surrey, blue eyes flashing like the flame of a torch “Sonja Meredith Barkley! You shouldn’t be driving home without an escort. Benson is still out there!”

“Meredith?” chuckled Sue receiving a glare from her friends.

“Sue was with me. I didn’t think there was anything to worry about.” replied Sonja with a shamed look on her face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

The anger dissipated quickly as Heath looked into his wife’s loving eyes. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. Until we find Benson, we have to be careful.”

“I’d be honored to drive my two favorite ladies back to the ranch.” stated Heath tying Charger to the surrey. Climbing up on the seat, he kissed his wife tenderly and whispered, “No more driving alone.”

Sonja nodded and rolled her eyes at Sue’s retort, “She wasn’t alone, Heath! What am I chopped liver or something?”

Laughing, Heath snapped the reins and retorted back, “Ya’ sure are looking like chopped liver. You catch the flu or something?”

Watching her eyes close, Heath barely caught the whispered, “Or something.”

Sonja held onto Heath’s arm and took his attention away from the pale woman on the seat. Describing her day, Heath listened and laughed at the antics of the children. Reaching the house, he helped Sonja down and rounded the surrey, reaching up and helping Sue down.

“Did the doc say when Nick can come home?” asked Heath walking the ladies into the house.

“Thursday morning!” exclaimed Sue.

Chapter 42

Dr. Howard Merar entered the room where Nick was sitting, propped up by pillows. His face had returned to the normal color except for the bruised sections. His back wound was progressing nicely and the bruised ribs mending. Deep breathing still caused grimaces of pain, but all in all, Nick Barkley was a blessed man. Nodding a greeting to Nick, Howard put the stethoscope to his chest.

“Doc, can you keep it in the icebox longer next time?” retorted his patient receiving a wink in response from the physician who listened closely to his lungs and heart.

“Sounding good, Nick.” smiled Howard checking the incision on his back. “How about going home today?”

“Sounds good to me!” grinned Nick.

“Sure you don’t want to stay longer, big brother.” teased Heath flashing a lop-sided grin at the scowl he received. “Morning Doc.”

Howard chuckled at the brothers and headed to the door, “Mrs. Merar will be in shortly with your breakfast, Nick.”

Taking a seat by the bed, Heath smiled slightly, “Bruises seem to be changing colors, Nick.”

“Yeah?” asked Nick. “What color are they?”

Studying his brother closely, Heath drawled, “Well, the purple has kinda changed to a light purple, the blue a light blue and the black is black with a little yellow mixed in.”

Rolling his eyes, Nick snorted, “Bet that makes a big difference!”

Heath’s eyes sparkled and Nick was rewarded by the lop-sided grin again. ‘Second one in about five minutes’ thought Nick ruefully deciding to take the bull by the horns.

“Okay, what is it?”

“What do you mean, Nick?” inquired Heath.

Grimacing when he took a deep breath, Nick shook his finger at the blond beside the bed, “What’s going on?”

“Nick, what ya’ getting all worked up about? Nothing’s wrong.” replied Heath quickly trying to calm his brother. “Stop it, you’ll get the doc all mad at me.”

Snorting, Nick snapped, “You can’t fool me Heath Barkley. I know something’s going on. I’ve been able to tell since you were this high to a grasshopper...”

Heath burst out laughing, unable to stop and held his sides from the stitches of pain. Nick rubbed his forehead and growled, ”WHAT THE HELL’S SO FUNNY?”

Wiping his eyes, Heath stammered between gasps for air, “Nick..ya nev’r..knowed me..when I..high to a grasshopper.”

Staring at his little brother, Nick turned crimson, “Heck, it feels like you’ve been here that long, cause YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY!”

Nick leaned his head backwards waiting for the laughter to stop. Chuckling softly, he glanced at Heath and grinned, “Happy to be your entertainment for the morning, little brother. Now, where’s my wife? I’m surprised she’s not here to take me home.”

“Okay, Nick.” replied Heath seriously. “Well, it’s like this…”

“Yeah, like what Heath?” asked Nick in concern when Heath paused briefly.

“Sue couldn’t come cause she was lookin’ very green yesterday, last night and this morning.” stated Heath catching the look of wonder and love appearing in his brother’s eyes. “You got something you want to share with your little brother?”

“No, there’s nothing I want to tell Eugene.” smiled Nick widely receiving a glare from Heath whose reply was caught off by the arrival of Mrs. Merar and his breakfast tray.

Chapter 43

“They’s here, Miss Sue.” said Silas watching the smile light up Sue’s face.

Getting to her feet, Sue hobbled past the old man and smiled, “Thanks Silas!” Making her way to the front door that Silas opened, she stood on the front step and watched the wagon stop in front of the house.

Jarrod and Heath helped their brother from the back of the wagon where Dr. Merar had insisted he had to ride back to the ranch. The bed in the wagon had been soft and comforting, but the ride home had been tiring and exhausting causing the pain to flare in his body. Nick’s face had a sheen of sweat on it and his complexion pale under the bruises.

“Hi, honey.” whispered Nick through clenched teeth.

“Take him upstairs, boys.” replied Sue. “Silas, will you turn the bed down for Mr. Nick.”

Silas nodded and hurried up the stairs to do as requested. Smiling when the loud reply caught his ears.

“I’m not going to bed! I just got home!” growled Nick.

Sue chuckled watching Heath and Jarrod roll their eyes, pick up their brother between them, ignored his protests and carried him up the stairs. Setting him gently on the bed, Nick was unable to swallow his moan from the pain. Handing Silas a brown bottle, Heath said, “Laudanum in case he needs it.”

Silas took the bottle and put it on the nightstand. Sue slowly made her way up the stairs and hobbled into the room as Jarrod was removing Nick’s boots. Leaning against the doorframe to quell her stomach, she watched Silas holding the spoon for Nick to swallow the medicine.

“Get that away from me, Silas.” boomed Nick moving his head away.

Tugging on the boots, Jarrod replied, “Nick, stop yelling at Silas.”

“Ya’ can’t work in this condition.” stated Heath firmly. “Take the medicine like Dr. Merar says, Nick.”

Confinement and helplessness was not something any of the Barkley boys dealt with gracefully, especially the dark haired and the blonde one. Their temperaments were at their worse in those situations. Needing to lash out at someone, Nick snarled at his little brother, “I think you hit every hole coming home on purpose!”

Jarrod protested the accusation and anger flared across Heath’s face, “Next time you need a ride, don’t ask me!”

“Nick Barkley!” shouted Sue when he opened his mouth. Hobbling over, she sat on the bed beside him and took the spoon from Silas.

Holding it up to him, Sue stated firmly, “You’ll take this medicine and play nice with your brothers or else!”

Staring into the exhausted eyes peering out from the pale face of his wife, Nick sighed and took the spoonful of the awful tasting medicine.

“Brother Nick, we will leave you in your wife’s capable hands.” stated Jarrod heading to the door with Heath following.

“Hey!” called Nick stopping his brothers’ retreat and smiled slightly. “Thanks for the ride.”

Grinning, Heath and Jarrod nodded before heading down the hallway. His assistance no longer needed, Silas left the room to continue his duties downstairs.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Sue smiled, “Sorry for snapping, Nick. It’s been a rough morning.”

“I’m sorry for acting like an ass.” admitted Nick. “You okay, honey?”

“I’m tired and nauseous.” said Sue. “How bout if I join you for an afternoon nap?”

“That’d be wonderful, honey.” whispered Nick pulling back the covers while Sue took off her boots. Kissing him gently, she lay in his arms falling asleep after she heard his even breathing.

Chapter 44

Nick’s strength grew with each passing day until he would no longer be confined in the house and rejoined his brother in running the Barkley ranch. The cautionary boundaries put on the women by the men of the household had been lifted. Eric Benson was no where to be found and Fred Maden was confident the would be kidnapper had left the area for parts more suitable to his health.

Morning sickness still assaulted Sue but did not stop her from running the ranch with her nervous partner, Jack who was awaiting the birth of his child. Members of both ranches ensured she cut down the hours spent working, ate properly and was getting enough rest. Biting her tongue each time at their suggestions, she had to remind herself they were concerned with her health and the baby.

When Sue had to trade her jeans in for dresses and riding skirts, she burst into tears at Nick’s innocent comment about her size and then screamed at him before leaving the house for her appointment with Dr. Merar. “IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!”

Shocked, Nick stood at the door with a dumbfounded look on his face, wondering what he had done. Victoria rubbed his back and sighed, “She doesn’t know what she’s saying, Nick. Her emotions are running wild from the baby.”

“Mother, she snaps at me for no reason. She cries for no reason. Is that normal?” asked Nick concerned by his wife’s strange behavior.

Chuckling, Victoria reached up and kissed his cheek, “When I was pregnant with you, I threw a can of peaches at your father and then cried when I couldn’t open the can because it was badly dented. It’ll pass, sweetheart.”

Smiling slightly, Nick kissed her cheek, “I’ll just make sure to keep the canned goods out of her reach for the next four months.”

“You are a wise man, my son.” teased Victoria receiving a chuckle from her son before he climbed on Coco and rode out to meet Heath.

Sue burst into tears in the office of Dr. Merar, “I think I’m going crazy, doc.”

Handing her a hanky, Dr. Merar waited for the tears to abate, “Why would you think that?”

“One minute I’m happy, the next I’m furious. I laugh, cry and scream all within minutes of each other. Nick probably thinks I should be committed.”

Patting her hand, Howard smiled, “Sue, you do seem to be having extremes of the mood swings every pregnant woman goes through. It’s perfectly normal.”

“This is normal? I might be divorced before the baby comes.” snapped Sue her eyes filling with tears again and spilling onto her cheeks. “What am I gonna do?”

“I’d suggest you speak with Marie Baldwin. She was the same way when she was pregnant.” stated Howard softly.

Wiping her eyes, Sue nodded, “Okay, I’ll speak to her if it doesn’t get any better.”

“How’s the leg?” asked Howard “Have you been exercising it?”

“Everyday, just like you said.” smiled Sue slightly. “Thanks, Dr. Merar. Any idea when Charity will deliver?”

Walking her to the door, Howard shook his head, “Well, it’s not up to me, but whenever the baby’s ready, I’ll be there. Speak to Marie and see me anytime you need to.”

Nodding, Sue smirked, “If you see Nick, don’t sign any commitment papers, okay?”

Laughing, Howard agreed and helped her into the surrey. Turning the rig, she started down the street with Howard wondering if Nick would survive this pregnancy.

Chapter 45

Sue stood by the window and contemplated the past weeks and the emotional outbursts Nick had been subject to. Her mood swings seemed to be evening out, but tension that was a byproduct of the outbursts was still there between them.

Walking to the corral, Sue stood by Nick and frowned at the stiffening of his body. Putting a hand on his arm, she said, “Nick, walk with me.”

“Sue, I got a lot of work to do.” mumbled Nick moving away slightly.

Taking a hold of his hand, Sue whispered, “Please, Nick.”

Unable to deny the whispered plea, he allowed her to lead him towards the orchards on her daily walk. Her growing stomach hidden in the folds of the dress, they walked slowly. Entering the orchard, Nick let her lead him and asked. “You walk all this way, Sue?”

“My leg needs the exercise and it’s good for the baby.” said Sue.

Continuing through the orchard and entering a bordering stand of trees, Nick stopped in surprise at the small oasis Sue lead them to. Putting her hands on his shoulders, she smiled as she pushed him down onto the lush grass.

Lowering herself, she sat beside him and caressed his cheek, “I’m sorry, darlin’ for everything I’ve said and did. I don’t know what comes over me. Please don’t be afraid of me, okay?”

Holding her hand, Nick replied, “I’m not afraid of you, honey. Just promise me you won’t grab a can of peaches.”

Puzzled, Sue smiled, “What are ya’ talking about?”

Laughing, Nick told her about her mother’s pregnancy and the can of peaches. Wiping her eyes, she leaned over and kissed him deeply, “I love you, Nick Barkley.”

“I love you, Suzanne Barkley.” whispered Nick placing a tender kiss on the stomach that contained his child while running his hand up her leg and under the skirt of her dress. Staring into her smoldering green eyes, he leaned over and teased her with his lips. His hands caressed her full breasts and stomach as the need in him grew. Moaning from the desires aroused in each other, she pulled him beside her and they spent the afternoon reveling in the heights of ecstasy.

Chapter 46

The sun was shining brightly and bringing with it some unexpected warmth to the fall day for the couple arriving in a buggy. Heath helped his wife down and grabbed the picnic basket from under the seat. Sonja walked over and spread a blanket on the ground. Setting the basket on the ground, Heath dropped to the blanket and leaned on an elbow watching his beautiful wife.

“Darlin’ this was a wonderful idea. It’s a perfect day for a picnic.” grinned Heath.

“Why, thank you kind sir.” smiled Sonja. “I thought it would be nice to spend some time away from the mini-battles of Nick and Sue.”

Chuckling, Heath nodded, “Boy Howdy, I agree! Nick admitted he’s almost afraid to look at her or say anything.”

Enjoying the food and each other’s company, they spent the afternoon laughing and talking about their future. As the sun set and they walked hand-in-hand on the shore of the lake, Sonja sighed, “Cowboy, do you ever wonder if I’ll be like Sue when we have a baby?”

Heath replied, “It has crossed my mind, darlin’. But, every woman’s different, even Dr. Merar says that.”

Stopping, he drew her into his arms and left her gasping for air from the passion that burned in the kiss. “When that time comes, I’ll gladly take my chances, darlin’.”

Sonja drew back, opened his hand and placed something in it. Heath stared at the small booties in his hand. His breath caught in his throat as he looked into his wife’s eyes.

His voice was thick with emotion, “A baby?”

Smiling, Sonja was whisked off her feet and twirled around. Pulling her to the ground, Heath held her in his arms and kissed her gently. “A baby! I’m gonna be a papa!”

“I love you, cowboy.” whispered Sonja.

Staring at his wife, he wiped his tears and whispered, “I love you. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, darlin’.”

Sonja shivered as he ran his hands over her stomach, his lips caressed their way down her neck and he pulled her down with him onto the ground. As their happiness carried them away, they were the only two people on the earth with the sun falling onto the horizon and the passion of their love consuming them.

Chapter 47

The room smelled of fresh paint and was decorated with wallpaper that had pictures of a carousel with brightly colored animals. The curtains fluttered in the breeze from the partially opened window, allowing the cool winter wind to blow in. The two men in the room had opened the window when the fumes started going to their heads.

The crate had been opened, the contents taken out and strewn about the floor. Curses and grumbles could be heard by the two women standing down the hallway outside the door. Holding their hands over their mouths to hide the snickers that threatened to escape as they listened in.

“Nick, it says part A goes in part D.” replied Heath reading the paper he held in his hands.

Looking around at the pieces scattered on the carpet, Nick sighed in frustration, “I don’t see any damn letters! Which one is part A again?”

Holding the paper to his brother, Heath pointed, “That’s what it looks like.”

Snorting, Nick grabbed the piece on the floor and yelled, “A is labeled C! Our babies are gonna be walking before we get this together! If we didn’t need another one, I’d say forget it and throw the whole thing in the fireplace.”

“Why don’t we compare the wood with the pictures and label them ourselves?” suggested Heath.

“Great idea, little brother!” exclaimed Nick with a wide grin. “You got something to write with?”

“No.” admitted Heath thoughtfully. “Let’s line the pieces up against the wall from A to Z.”

Nodding, they examined the pictures and put the pieces in the appropriate order. Hearing the calm in the room, Sue looked at Sonja with a puzzled look and received a shrug in response.

“Ouch! Watch it!”

“Sorry.”

“Nick, that’s Q!”

“I thought it was an O!”

“No that’s Q.”

“WHAT THE HELL? THAT DOESN’T LOOK ANYTHING LIKE THE PICTURE!”

“I told ya’ A goes into D.”

“You say D or B?”

“D.”

“B?”

“D! D! D as in dumb idea to buy a crib in a crate!”

“Hey! The one in the store looked good! They said it was easy to put together!”

“Boy Howdy, they sure pulled one over on you! We could have made one in the time it’s taking us to figure this out.”

“Let’s just get this thing together.”

Victoria and Audra had joined the two expectant mothers in the hallway. Listening, they held their hands over their mouths at the language being used.

“Ouch! Nick, that was my finger you just hammered!”

“Sorry!”

“Hey! GIVE ME THAT!”

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SO TOUCHY ABOUT IT!”

“Well, I’d like you to leave some of my fingers intact!”

“I SAID I WAS SORRY!”

“You read and I’ll put together.”

Sue wiped her eyes at the garbled instructions her husband’s deep voice read to his building partner. Sonja smiled at the admonishments coming from her normally quiet husband. Victoria and Audra smiled at the women and shook their heads.

“Heath, it’s not my fault these instructions don’t make any sense!”

“Boy Howdy, do ya’ think maybe we need Jarrod or Eugene to put this together?”

“Why would we need them?”

“Maybe these instructions require a college degree to understand them?”

“Well, they are coming home on Saturday. I guess we could see if they want to help.”

“That’s what I’m thinking, Nick. We can share the misery of putting this together with them.”

“Right you are, little brother, it’s only brotherly to share! Let’s put all this stuff back in the crate and get ourselves a drink.”

The ladies were in the parlor reading, talking and playing cards when the two brothers came downstairs. Looking up, Sue smiled, “You two finished already?”

Pouring drinks, Nick winked at Heath and replied, “We thought we should wait so our babies’ uncles could help us when they get here on Saturday.”

Nodding, Heath took a sip of his drink, “After all, their aunt Audra helped paint and wallpaper the nursery.”

Nick and Heath looked at each other puzzled at the laughter coming from the women.

Leaning over, Heath whispered loudly to Nick, “I think maybe we had some eavesdroppers, Nick.”

Laughing loudly, Nick smirked, “Maybe the eavesdroppers think they can do better!”

Pushing herself up from the chair, Sue poked her husband in the chest, “What are you implying?”

“Ah, nothing, honey.” stammered Nick seeing Heath eyeing the floor intently keeping his thoughts to himself.

“You think we can’t put that thing together cause we’re women, don’t you?”

Snorting, Nick growled, “It’s not as easy as it looks! Nobody could understand those instructions!”

Smiling widely, Sue stated, “Sonja, you up for the challenge?”

“I sure am!” replied Sonja firmly.

“You’ll have to move that crate into the guest room and then we’ll put it together.” said Sue. “Those paint fumes are too strong in there.”

Nodding, Nick smiled, “We can do that! Care to place a wager on if you can do it or not, honey?”

Heath rolled his eyes and said quietly, “Nick, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

Waving off her friends words, the emerald eyes sparkled with the thrill of competition, “Sure, how about $500.? Too rich for you?”

Clapping his hands in anticipation, Nick grinned widely, “Not at all my dear. This is gonna be the easiest $500 I’ve ever made.”

Winking at Sonja, Sue replied, “You’ve been trying for the past two hours to put it together, that will be our time limit after you move the crate. Deal?”

“Deal! Come on, Heath let’s move the crate.” stated Nick clapping his brother on the box. Sighing, Heath placed his glass on the table and followed him up the stairs.

Putting her needlework on the table, Victoria asked quietly, “Suzanne Barkley, didn’t you put one of those cribs together for Jack and Charity?”

“Sure did!”

“Isn’t that cheating?” inquired Audra.

Shaking her head, Sue grinned, “It’s not cheating, it’s called experience!”

Sonja laughed and put her arms around her friend, “Let’s go put it together and then we can decide what we’re going to buy with our winnings.”

Victoria and Audra giggled watching the two women climb the stairs passing their husbands on the way down. Adjourning to the study, Nick and Heath passed the time playing pool.

“Nick, ya’ think we should help them?”

“Help them! No way!” exclaimed Nick. “Women think they can do everything a man can do. Let them find out they can’t.”

Smiling, Heath lined up his shot, “Nick, your wife can do everything you can do.”

“Very funny, Heath.” mumbled Nick looking at the clock. “Time’s up in two minutes, let’s head upstairs.”

Putting the cues away, the brothers ascended the stairs to the guest room. Stopping in the doorway, Nick and Heath’s mouths gaped open from the fully assembled crib standing in the middle of the room. Sue and Sonja sitting on the bed, smiles lighting up their faces. Walking over, Nick pushed on the sides of the crib.

“What ya’ doing, Nick?” puzzled Sue watching her husband.

“Just checking to make sure it wasn’t gonna fall apart.”

Smirking, Sue winked at Sonja, “Since you probably don’t have that much money on you, we’ll expect payment by tomorrow night. Can you move it to the nursery for us?”

Kissing their husbands, the girls left and went downstairs. Shaking his head, Heath muttered, “Told ya’ that bet was a bad idea.”

“Oh, shut up!”

Chapter 48

A month later, Stockton was fighting the wettest winter ever. Rains had the rivers threatening dams and towns. The men on all the ranches in the area were putting in extra time to sandbag and help whichever way they could.

Jack and Charity were the proud parents of an angelic little girl named, Emily Suzanne Franklin. Emily’s godmother took great delight in spoiling her and holding her while she could, knowing in two more months her arms would be full with her own bundle.

Audra and Sue decided to enjoy the sunny break in the recently gloomy weather and headed into town for shopping. Stopping at the general store, Sue browsed and ordered some items for her ranch.

From across the store, Audra smiled at her sister-in-law, thankful for the calm that had finally settled over her in her pregnancy. Even the gloomy weather over the past month could not diminish the glow that was on her face.

“That’s a nice hat.” smiled Audra.

“I think it’d be nice for Sonja, don’t you?” asked Sue inspecting it closer. “I might get her a new dress to go along with it for when she starts showing.”

“That would be perfect for her. Have you finished your Christmas shopping already? I haven’t even started.”

“I’m almost done with it. When I see something, I just get it.” replied Sue. “You ready to head for home?”

“Can we stop by Mrs. Baker’s dress shop first?” inquired Audra with a hopeful look on her face.

Sighing, Sue nodded and then grinned at Audra’s squeal of delight.

The women headed to the dress shop. Sue waited patiently as Audra tried dress after dress on.

“Audra, we better get back.” called Sue into the dressing area. “I need to drop some stuff off at the ranch.”

“Okay, I’ll be right out.” answered Audra taking her purchase to the counter and Sue put on her coat.

Opening the door, they shivered as a blast of air blew. “It’s a little colder than earlier. Let’s go right home, the ranch can wait for the other stuff.”

Looking up, Audra smiled, “At least there’s no clouds in the sky.”

Climbing up beside Sue, Audra took the reins and stated, “My turn to drive, sis.”

Audra and Sue watched the clouds rolling in on the horizon. Slapping the reins, the pace of the horse increased in response. On the outskirts of the ranch, the wind picked up and dark clouds rolled in. A bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, startling the horse and the surrey moved forward of its own accord. Audra fought the horse to no avail. Grabbing the reins from Audra, Sue pulled back trying to bring the terrified horse under control in the deluge of rain that started.

Losing her grip on the slippery seat, Audra flew from the bouncing surrey and landed on the side of the road. Rounding a corner, the surrey slowed slightly and started to overturn. Jumping off Sue landed on her feet and stumbled forward from the motion. Several feet from where her feet had landed, she fell to her knees and hands on the ground.

As the rain poured down, she pushed herself backwards, sat on her knees and examined her wrist noticing the swelling that had appeared. Rubbing her stomach, she said out loud, “Sorry about the rough landing, little one.”

Climbing to her feet, she made her way to Audra who lay still on the ground. Running her hands down her limbs, no fractures could be felt. Tearing her dress, she wiped the blood oozing from the cut on the blonde’s forehead and sighed in relief at the moan she received when she pressed on the wound.

“Audra! Audra!”

Opening her blue eyes, Audra held her head and winced as something was tightened around her head, “Ouch! What happened?”

“Ya’ fell off the wagon.” smirked Sue. “Can ya’ get up?”

Helping Audra to her feet, Sue held onto her arm as she swayed. “Audra?”

“I’m just a little dizzy and I have a killer headache” whined Audra looking around. “Where’s the surrey?”

“I don’t know. I had to jump when it started to turn over. Put your arm over my shoulders and we’ll start walking.” stated Sue.

“You jumped! Are you okay?” gasped Audra.

“I’m fine, Audra.” smiled Sue. “I landed on my feet like Nicodena.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have spent so much time in the dress shop.” apologized Audra.

Laughing, Sue shook her head, “Audra, you may control most of the single men in Stockton, but ya’ have no control over the weather. Don’t worry it’s just a little rain, everything will be fine.”

Starting forward, Sue and Audra came upon the remains of the surrey further down the road. The horse lay on the ground with a broken leg and the surrey wreckage scattered behind it.

“Stay here. I’m gotta find the rifle and put it out of its misery.”

Audra, her vision wavering, watched Sue searching the road for the rifle. Seeing the stock of the rifle under a pile of supplies, Sue retrieved it and inspected the gun carefully. Walking over, she rubbed the neck of the animal before taking aim. The report of the rifle magnified the pounding in Audra’s head and the rain was soaking through her coat.

“We’re on our own, since Nick, Heath and the men are at the river. ” said Sue taking Audra’s arm again and putting it back across her shoulders. ”There’s no shelter between here and the ranch, we gotta walk the three miles home.”

Talking steadily to the blonde with her, Sue felt the increase of weight as Audra leaned on her more and more. The rain continued and Audra’s answers became slightly incoherent, her feet stumbling over themselves.

Tiring from the extra burden she was carrying, Sue stopped and lowered Audra to the ground. Audra closed her eyes and received a slap to the face, “What?”

“Don’t close your eyes! We’re just resting for a moment.” stated Sue.

“Sorry, I’m tired.” moaned Audra.

“I know ya’ are, sweetie. Please keep your eyes open for me.”

“Head hurts, Sue. We home yet?” whispered Audra confused at the surroundings.

“Almost, Audra. Now let’s stand up.” said Sue pulling on Audra’s arm, snapping at the lack of assistance. “Dammit, Audra. Ya’ gotta help me here!”

The frustration in the voice calling to her made Audra find the strength to climb to her feet. “Okay, I’m up.”

Chuckling, Sue replied, “Audra, you’re a lot tougher than your brothers give ya’ credit for.”

“Thanks.” whispered Audra the words coming from her sister-in-law, a high compliment. “You’re tough too.”

Sue held onto her and replied, “I hope I’m tough enough, Audra.”

Chapter 49

Looking at the clock on the mantle, Victoria worried as the time crawled by. The day that had started out sunny, was ending up dark and gloomy like the previous ones. Nick and Heath were out with the men sandbagging the river that was threatening to overflow. Sonja was keeping Charity company and Jarrod in San Francisco. Concerned that Sue and Audra should have been home by now, she put on a coat, opened the door and gasped.

“Audra’s hurt!” stated Sue in a tired shaky voice.

“SILAS!” shouted Victoria taking Audra’s weight from Sue.

Hearing her shout, Silas ran into the foyer and helped Victoria drag Audra to the sofa. Sue closed the door and sank to the floor, shivering and shaking from the rain and strain on her muscles. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the wall and rested, content in the knowledge she had brought Audra home to get the help she needed.

“Sue, honey open your eyes.” urged Victoria tapping her cheek. “Look at me!”

“Mother?” asked Sue forcing her eyes open and staring around in a daze.

Cupping her cheek, Victoria smiled, “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”

“Audra?”

“Audra will be fine. Silas has gone for Dr. Merar.” stated Victoria.

With help from her mother-in-law, Sue climbed to her feet and leaned against the wall, “Are ya’ sure Audra’s okay?”

“I’m sure. Dr. Merar will be here soon and he wouldn’t like to see you in wet clothes.” smiled Victoria.

“I’m tired, Mother. It was a long walk.”

Holding onto her arm, Victoria led Sue across the foyer into the parlor. Taking off her wet clothes and slipping a nightgown on her, Victoria wrapped a large quilt around the cold woman. “Sit here in front of the fire. I’ll bring you some tea.”

Sue let the blazing fire warm her in the cocoon she was encased in. Her eyes drooped and she dreamed of Nick carrying her in his arms.

Chapter 50

The crew of the Barkley ranch followed their two haggard bosses home. The sandbagging had been completed and all were looking forward to some time spent sleeping in their bunks. Duke rode beside Nick and Heath, none of the three were up to speaking, preferring to ride in silence.

“Hey, isn’t that Dr. Merar’s rig?” shouted Heath.

Spurring Coco, Nick raced the remainder of the way to the house with Heath and Duke following close behind. Jumping off, the brothers raced into the house. Howard was kneeling by Sue when the two soaked ranchers ran into the room.

“Sue’s okay, Nick!” said Howard standing quickly. “She’s sleeping.”

Staring at the man, Nick and Heath walked over and knelt by the chair.

“What are you doing here?” asked Nick puzzled.

Howard replied, “Sue and Audra were coming home when the horse was startled by lightning and took off. Audra fell out of the buggy, she’s got a mild concussion. Sue had to jump but told Audra she landed on her feet. Your stubborn wife practically dragged your sister home. Your mother’s with Audra now.”

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Nick whispered, “The baby?” Heath held his onto Nick’s shoulder and squeezed waiting for the physician’s reply.

“I’ve listened and the baby seems to be fine. I haven’t had a chance to fully examine her yet. Why don’t you take her upstairs and I’ll check her over completely.” smiled Howard.

Nick picked up his bundled wife in his arms and carried her up the stairs. Heath pulled back the covers on the bed and Nick placed her down gently.

“I’ll check on Audra.” said Heath quietly.

“Let me know how she is.” replied Nick closing the door behind his brother.

Nick changed into dry clothes and watched Dr. Merar examine his sleeping wife. Howard gingerly felt her left wrist and Sue moaned in her sleep.

“Well, doc?”

“Baby’s heartbeat is strong and steady, Nick. She has two very bruised knees and a sprained left wrist. When she jumped, she probably fell forward onto her knees and hands.” stated Howard wrapping her wrist. “She protected the baby by doing that, Nick.”

“Hi, there.” said Nick quietly.

Revealing her drowsy emerald eyes, Sue whispered, “Baby?”

Brushing the bangs off her forehead, Nick smiled, “Baby’s fine, honey.”

Sue felt her eyes closing and then startled herself, “Audra’s hurt!”

“Shhh, honey. Doc says Audra’s gonna be fine.” stated Nick caressing her cheek. “Mother’s with her, Sue.”

“I want you to drink this glass of water.” advised Howard handing Nick the glass.

Holding it to her lips, Sue drank it and closed her eyes. “I’m real tired, Nick.”

Howard whispered, “You can sleep now, Sue.”

Motioning to Nick with his head, Dr. Merar opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Nick placed a kiss on her forehead and stood in the hallway with the doctor where he could keep an eye on his sleeping wife.

“More than likely, Sue will sleep through the night. She’s exhausted. If she does wake up during the night, have her eat some soup and give her plenty of fluids.”

Nick frowned, “Are you sure that jump didn’t hurt the baby?”

Clasping his shoulder, Howard smiled, “I can’t be positively one hundred percent sure, Nick. All indications are the baby’s fine from the strong steady heartbeat. Your wife is a very active, physical woman. That is definitely in her favor.”

Nodding, Nick smiled, “Thanks, doc.”

Victoria came out of Audra’s room and smiled at the diagnosis. “That’s wonderful, Howard. Thank you.”

“I’ll check Audra once more before I leave.” stated Howard entering the other room, leaving Nick with his mother in the hallway.

“Mother, it’s been a long day. I’m going to sleep, too.” said Nick kissing his mother’s cheek.

“Okay, let me know if you or Sue need anything.” stated Victoria turning and entering her daughter’s room.

Smiling, Nick closed the bedroom door, knowing Heath and his mother would not leave Audra’s bedside tonight. Taking off his boots and clothes, putting on sleeping pants, he crawled under the covers with his sleeping wife.

When Sonja and Heath announced they were with child, Nick had been as ecstatic as his little brother. The closeness of the bond between the two brothers could not be severed. At different times both had silently wondered, if they had known each other as children, if the bond they shared would’ve been as strong or would it have been even stronger. Now, their children would grow up with each other and have the opportunities together the close brothers had not been fortunate enough to have as children.

Each evening when they retired to bed, they would lay together and talk about their dreams for the baby growing inside her. Each night, he would place his hands on her stomach and marvel at the movement he felt within it. Sue insisted their child was going to be a night owl, since the baby was more active at night. Nick insisted it was probably because they were active at night and would smile at the blush that spread across her face.

Kissing her cheek, Nick lay on his side and placed his hand on her stomach, comforted by the movements of his child beneath his fingers. Keeping his hand in place, he closed his eyes and let sleep come.

Foggy from his deep sleep, Nick lay wondering what had awoken him. Turning up the flame on the lamp to illuminate the room, he jumped out of bed and flew to the door, “MOTHER!”

Chapter 51

Startled by the panicked yell from Nick, Heath and Victoria rushed into the bedroom. Sue’s head was turning slightly, her eyes fever glazed and she was shivering. “Cold.”

“I know, honey.” said Nick placing a cloth on her brow, he looked up, despair clearly evident in his eyes. “She’s burning up!”

“Heath, send someone for Dr. Merar.” stated Victoria picking up another cloth to help with the cooling measures. Heath ran from the room and down the stairs, the slamming of the front door heard in the room.

“Baby?” moaned Sue her breath coming in gasps from the shivering wracking her, a cough leaving her lips.

“Shhh, the baby’s fine, honey.” stated Nick laying a cool cloth on her brow shaking his head at the wet cough.

Leaving for a few minutes, Victoria came back with more pillows. “Nick, lift Sue up so we can have her lay up against these pillows.”

Sitting beside her, Nick picked up his wife and held her against his chest, the heat burning his lips when he kissed her forehead. Laying her against the pillows, Sue shivered and pulled at the blankets to add them to the sheet covering her.

Pushing her hands away, Nick shook his head “No, honey.”

“Cold.” whispered Sue coughing.

“Honey, take a drink.” urged Nick holding the glass of water to her lips. Taking a small drink, Sue turned her head and shivered against the fever.

Entering the room, Silas and Heath brought more water and towels.

“Duke’s gone for the doc.” stated Heath filling the basins with water.

“Silas, mix thyme in some yarrow tea and bring a sheet in case we need to make a steam tent.”

“Yes’m Mrs. Barkley.” whispered Silas rushing out the room to gather the requested items.

“Mother, what’s wrong with Sue?” asked Audra from the doorway. Heath rushed over to his pale sister and held onto her.

“Heath, take Audra back to her room.” stated Victoria not stopping her hands from laying wet cloths on her daughter-in-law.

“Audra?” inquired Sue confusion reflecting on her face. “Bring her home. She’s hurt.”

Cupping her face in his hands, Nick stated firmly, “You got her home, honey. You took care of her for us.”

“Rain so cold.” whispered Sue, her eyelids drooping.

Heath led his sister from the room and helped her back into bed. Seeing the tears welling in the blue eyes, Heath sat on the bed and held her hand, “What is it, sis?”

“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t wanted to go to the dress shop, the horse wouldn’t have been spooked by lightning and we wouldn’t have been caught in the rain.” replied Audra tears streaming onto her cheeks. “If I hadn’t fallen out of the wagon, Sue wouldn’t have had to help me get home.”

“It’s not your fault, Audra.” stated Heath firmly.

Sobbing, Audra shook her head, “What if she loses the baby!”

Taking her in his arms, Heath rocked his crying sister gently, “Shush now! Sue’s not gonna lose the baby. She’ll be fine. It’s not your fault, Audra.”

Laying her down when the tears subsided, Heath wiped her cheeks, “Audra, you need to rest. I’ll stay here til you fall asleep.”

Nodding, Audra closed her eyes and held onto his hand. Brushing her hair softly, Heath smiled when her breathing indicated she was asleep. Pulling the blanket up to her chin, Heath placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room.

Pausing in the hallway, Heath heard the cough of his friend and took a shaky breath to calm his nerves. Closing his eyes, he sent a prayer upwards for her and the baby.

Chapter 52

Sue lay sleeping as Nick held her hand. The long battle against the fever that had taken hold of her had worn out her and the family. Her exhausted body was in the throes of a welcomed deep sleep. Her cheeks no longer crimson from the fever, her cough not as strong as before and her body temperature back to normal.

The battle had not been won overnight, but had waged for three days. With the help of Howard, they had been able to keep her fever under control until it had finally subsided. The prior bout with pneumonia had weakened her system, making it more susceptible to colds and fevers.

The strength she used during the struggle to bring her husband’s injured sister home in the cold and rain had been the catalyst that latched onto her weakness and started the battle. The quick action of her family in the fight, the cooling baths in the porcelain tub and the use of herbs were the combatants that finally weakened the illness, preventing it from taking a firm hold of her.

Nick had slept only marginally during the time his wife was battling the fever. His voice was a constant beacon to her fever glazed mind. It urged her on through the murkiness she was lingering in. Her awareness of everything around her had diminished, her thoughts garbled during the height of the fever. Her words mumbled and disjointed memories of the past.

Howard listened with his stethoscope, looked up into the worried hazel eyes and smiled, “Nick, want to hear your child?”

Nick put the ends of the stethoscope in his ears. Listening carefully, astonishment and wonder spread across the dark handsome features. Handing the tool back to the doctor, Nick grinned, “That’s truly an amazing thing.”

Clapping him on the shoulder, Howard said quietly, “Strong and steady heartbeat. Just what we like to hear, Nick. Now, I think you should get some rest, too.”

Nodding, Nick admitted, “I am a little tired.”

Chuckling, Howard smirked, “Frankly, you look like something Nicodena would drag in. I’ll let the family know you’ll be going to sleep.”

Standing, Nick shook his hand and grinned widely, “Okay, thanks for everything doc.”

Closing the door after the physician, Nick wiped his face wearily and undressed. Climbing under the covers, he leaned on his elbow and caressed the cool cheek of his wife. Tears rising in his eyes from the fear that had been gripping him from the moment he saw the telltale signs of fever on her face. Closing his eyes, he sent his thanks upwards again. Leaning over, he kissed her lips gently and whispered, “I love you, honey.”

Pulling the blankets back, he laid a kiss on her stomach. “I love you too, little one.” whispered Nick leaning his cheek on the baby’s home and chuckled when he received a tap from the baby inside. Covering back up, he took her in his arms and held her tightly as they all slept.

Continued in Part 3