Unsettling Consequences

Chapters 19-34, Epilogue

by catgirl63

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

Chapter 19

The ride to Strawberry from Pine Crest started out with conversation flowing between the three men. The closer to the destination, the quieter and edgier Heath became, his desire for conversation drying up, his stomach lurching into his throat.

Reaching the edge of the mining town, Heath stopped suddenly. Jarrod and Nick pulled up, their eyes watching as the blonde sat looking at the town, his eyes raking over the dilapidated buildings, the tumbleweeds trapped against buildings while others rolled freely down the street in a frenzied hurry to leave the near ghost town. The sun which had been shining down on the riders now disappeared at the edge of the town. The brightness of the day replaced with gloom and shadows.

Taking a deep breath, Heath nudged Charger into a walk around the town avoiding the main street. The smell of rot and disintegration assaulted the three as they rode on the outskirts of the forgotten place. Nick and Jarrod followed along after their little brother, letting the younger man take the lead in the place he knew like the back of his hand.

Stopping in back of the one room cabin, Heath dismounted and tied Charger to a tree. Nick and Jarrod climbed down following their brother around to the front of the small building. Heath climbed the two steps and stopped, staring at the spider-webbed closed door for several minutes.

“Heath?” asked Jarrod quietly, placing a hand on his forearm.

Looking over, Heath smiled slightly at the worry in the older man’s eyes. “Sorry, just remembering.”

Pulling the webs down with his hand, Heath pushed the door open and let the outside air into the closed up building. The sun shone into the small cabin, dust particles danced in the beams of light and the first tentative step was taken into the musty room. Crossing to the windows, the men opened all of them welcoming the fresh air to permeate the small building which was once a home to a young mother and her son.

Stepping outside, Heath took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I guess we could see if Aunt Martha’s at the hotel and start there while the house airs out.”

Looking back into the empty room, Nick frowned, “There’s nowhere to search in the house unless you have a cellar or attic.”

Heath sighed, “No cellar and no attic, Nick. Just one room. I figured we could bunk in there while we’re looking around the town.”

“Oh, that makes sense.” agreed Nick sheepishly while Jarrod rolled his eyes.

“Heath, what if your uncle’s at the hotel?” inquired Jarrod. “He may try to finish what he started a while back.”

“Let him try.” stated Heath calmly, taking the riding thong off his pistol. Walking down the street, his eyes watched for movement from the windows of the hotel as they approached. Stepping up on the boardwalk, Heath let the door fall open and stepped inside.

Dust lay gathering on the furniture and counter tops of the lobby. The guest register lay closed, unbothered by hands in some time. The cubbyholes at one time housed keys and mail, now housed only spider webs. Walking around the counter to the office, Heath peeked inside while Nick and Jarrod looked around the dining room and kitchen.

Meeting up in the lobby, it was decided they would extend the search to the rooms of the upstairs. The stairs creaked under the weight of the visitors, the carpet let loose a puff of dust with each footstep. A quick examination provided no guests and no owner.

Heath hesitated and then led the way to the door which lead to the basement. A place capable of stirring up his hidden terrors, a place not of storage but of past beatings, a place of unspeakable pain to a small boy.

Reaching for the door, his hand shook and he stepped back quickly, his face pale and sweaty. Nick howled in pain when Heath stomped backwards on his foot and Jarrod grabbed the shaken man.

“Heath, what’s wrong?” pleaded Jarrod unable to bring his brother back from the place he was. “Heath!”

Nick’s reminder of his sore foot quickly disseminated at the concern in Jarrod’s voice. Taking one look, he took Heath’s face into his hands and turned his face away from the opening and towards him. “Look at me, Heath! LISTEN TO ME!”

The quick, shallow breathing slowed and Heath’s eyes slowly lost the terror as the deep voice spread through his mind.

“I can’t do it. I can’t go down there ever again.” whispered Heath, haunted blue eyes stared into understanding hazel eyes.

“Alright, Heath.” assured Nick quietly. “You don’t have to go down there ever again. I promise!”

“I’m sorry.” whispered Heath repeatedly, leaning against the wall, his legs trembling. Jarrod squeezed his shoulder and glanced at Nick.

“Stay here, I’ll see if anyone’s down there.” suggested Jarrod lighting the lamp they had brought from the lobby.

“Dammit, Heath, you don’t have anything to be sorry for.” growled Nick squeezing the blonde’s neck. “That Simmons does!”

Wiping a shaky hand across his forehead, Heath muttered, “After all these years, I can still feel the strap on my back and the feel of his hands.”

Wrapping the younger man in his arms, Nick’s hazel eyes burned with anger at the thought of all Heath’d been forced to endure at the hands of his uncle and vowed firmly into his ear. “He won’t get another chance to do anything ever again.”

Jarrod climbed the rickety stairs and sighed in relief when he closed the door behind him. “I didn’t think those steps would hold. No one was down there either.”

Leaving the hotel, Heath stopped on the boardwalk and looked around, “I guess Aunt Martha musta left town. They lived at the hotel.”

“Let’s walk around and see if anyone else is here.” suggested Nick. “Maybe someone knows where she went.”

The afternoon waned slowly, the men searched the town coming up empty handed. No one appeared to be left, only the ghosts which walked the streets at night. On the way back to the cabin, they stopped at the small grave yard. Jarrod headed to the stream where Heath and Nick had words so long ago, intent on catching some supper for them. Entering, Heath’s eyes widened and he walked over to the mound of dirt without grass.

Nick followed his little brother’s every step, mimicking the blonde and not letting him out of his sight in the boyhood nightmare town. Stopping beside Heath, he stared at the name on the wooden cross.

Matthew J. Simmons

Beloved Husband

Murdered

“MURDERED?” shouted Nick angrily. “THAT SONOFABITCH WASN’T MURDERED!”

Heath felt the hairs prickle on the back of his neck at the shrill voice behind them.

“YOU GIT AWAY FROM HIM!”

Turning, they stared into the eyes of a woman.

The eyes of a woman who had lost her hold on sanity.

The eyes of a woman with a disheveled and harried appearance.

The eyes of a woman with hair unkempt and uncombed, clothes torn and dirty.

The eyes of a woman who held a gun which glistened in the afternoon sun.

The eyes of a woman who was Heath’s aunt.

The eyes of a woman whose finger pulled the trigger.

Chapter 20

Jarrod’s heart startled in his chest at the sound of shots reaching his ears. Jumping to his feet, he ran back towards the cemetery, gun in hand, his breath coming in gasps and burning his lungs. His light eyes bulged at the sight of three bodies in the small cemetery as he ran up.

Heath stood frozen in place, sapphire eyes widening when the rush of fear for his brother’s life sent his paralyzed body into motion. The sound of a gun rang out in the eerie quiet of the afternoon air.

Nick felt something hit him plow into him and he was propelled into the dirt of the cemetery. Grabbing for his gun from his prone position, he felt a red hot poker pierce his left shoulder as he pulled the trigger. His aim for the gun held in the hand of the crazed woman, missing it’s mark and finding her instead when her bullet entered his body, turning him slightly.

The bullet pulled the deranged woman back three feet, her body landing on it’s back, the large pistol in her small hand falling out to lay in the dirt, her eyes unseeing into the sky above.

Hearing the running feet, Nick groaned in relief at the frantic sound of Jarrod’s voice. Kneeling beside Nick, Jarrod’s eyes took in the bleeding wound and he yanked the cloth off Nick’s neck.

“Ouch!” growled Nick at the rough treatment from the removal of the handkerchief.

“Sorry, Nick.” apologized Jarrod plugging the hole, looking over for his other brother. “HEATH!”

Nick turned and he scrambled to his knees, crawling over to the still blonde lying on his stomach across his mother’s grave.

“Jarrod, he’s alive, right?” pleaded Nick, his eyes panicked in his white face. “Jarrod?”

Jarrod carefully turned their younger brother examining him for a wound. The lack of blood was a relief to the two men which turned to horror when they realized he wasn’t breathing.

“Heath! Com’n little brother.” begged Jarrod slapping the blonde’s face. “BREATHE DAMMIT! BREATHE!”

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH HIM?” shouted Nick frantically, tearing open the blue shirt and staring at the bruise forming over Heath’s heart on his chest. “HEEAATTHH! WAKE UP!”

“Jesus, he’s dying!” cried Jarrod picking up the still man and dragging him through the cemetery. “NICK, HELP ME!”

Pushing himself to his feet, Nick grabbed hold of Heath’s left arm and put it over his shoulder. His mind wondering what Jarrod was doing while it flashed the image of Heath on his mama’s grave before his eyes.

Reaching the cold stream, Jarrod grabbed Heath and jumped into the water with him. Nick’s legs gave out and he watched helplessly from the bank, riveted to the life and death struggle before his eyes.

Jarrod could never understand what made him drag the blonde to the river that day, but his fear gave way to tears of joy at the gasp which started Heath breathing again. The shock of the cold water started the blonde’s lung functions and his heart to start pulsating again.

“HE’S BREATHING, NICK!” called Jarrod, cradling the unconscious man in his arms, tears mixed with the water streaming down his cheeks from his wet hair. Pulling Heath onto the bank, he sat with him in his arms while Nick reached over and grabbed hold of the closest hand.

“Jarrod, he’s awfully cold.” growled Nick, his eyes not leaving Heath’s serene face, his ears hearing every breath the blonde took.

Studying Nick, Jarrod asked, “Nick, do you think you can walk to the cabin while I carry Heath?”

“I can make it.” stated Nick firmly pushing himself to his feet. Jarrod picked up the dead weight of his little brother and put him over his shoulder.

Entering the cabin, he laid Heath on the floor then helped Nick to sit against the wall. Running outside, he grabbed the bedrolls and saddlebags off the horses. Covering Heath with a blanket, he opened Nick’s shirt and examined the wound closer.

“High in the shoulder and it has an exit wound, Nick. You’ll be sore for a couple weeks but you’re lucky.” informed Jarrod quietly cleaning the wound and binding it up. “I’ll make you a bed by Heath and then I’ll go bury his aunt.”

“He pushed me out of the way, Jarrod. But I don’t understand why Heath stopped breathing.” puzzled Nick.

Jarrod reached over and took the piece of metal off the blue shirt. Handing it to Nick, the hazel eyes stared in shock at the dented badge, his hand started to shake.

Nick’s voice was a tormented whisper, “If he hadn’t been deputized Jarrod, we’d have been burying our little brother by his mama.”

“I know, Nick.” replied Jarrod softly. “The bullet hit the badge and the badge must have stopped his heart from the blow to his chest.”

Closing his eyes, Nick laid his head back against the wall. “If you didn’t put him in the water, he might not have come out of it.”

The anguish in Nick’s words sent a shiver up Jarrod’s spine and he grabbed the back of his brother’s neck. “He’s still with us, Nick. He’ll be waking up soon.”

Opening his eyes, Nick nodded, “I know, Pappy. Let’s get those wet clothes off him, you know how prone that boy is to colds.”

Jarrod cupped the tanned cheek of Nick and smiled gently, “He’ll open his baby blues before you know it, little brother.”

Working together the two got Heath out of his wet clothes, dried him off and redressed him in dry clothes. Inspecting the fireplace, Jarrod started a fire to further warm the cold blonde who lay in front of it, his head resting on the black jeans of his brother’s lap. Nick’s eyes were closed and he sat against the wall, his breathing a sign he was asleep.

Jarrod left the two in the cabin and walked to the cemetery. Picking up the gun from the dirt, he ran his fingers over the gold eagle on the grip, his eyes wide with shock.

Going into the hotel, he came back with a blanket and wrapped Martha Simmons in it. Finding a shovel in the crumbling livery, he laid her to rest in the cemetery beside the grave of her husband.

Unsaddling the horses, he was carrying the last saddle into the cabin when Nick shouted to the frenzied blonde on the floor screaming Nick’s name. Dropping the saddle, he rushed to his brother’s sides.

“HEATH, I’M HERE!” shouted Nick into the ear closest to him. The screaming stopped and a pair of confused blue eyes gazed upon him.

“Nick?” asked Heath moaning at the stab of pain in his chest. “What happened?”

Smiling, Nick replied, “Jarrod baptized you.”

“What the hell are ya’ talking about?” gruffed Heath rolling over onto his knees, holding a hand over the bruise. “I feel like a horse kicked me in the chest.”

“I bet you do.” sighed Jarrod, “Here, Heath. I believe this is yours.”

Heath looked at the gun Jarrod extended to him, his face scowling as he took it in his hand. “Where’d you get it, Jarrod?”

“Your aunt had it.” informed Jarrod watching the identical looks of shock appear in his younger brothers’ eyes. “There’s only one way she could have gotten it, isn’t there?”

“From Uncle Matt.” answered Heath looking to Nick with concern, “You, okay?”

Grinning, Nick nodded, “Thanks to you.”

“Where’s Aunt Martha now?” inquired Heath, his heart steeling itself at the regret in the hazel eyes.

“Her bullet threw off my aim for the gun, Heath. I’m sorry.” replied Nick, his eyes falling to the floor.

The sense of dread which flared inside Heath at the look of regret in the hazel eyes was replaced with a sense of finality at the turn of events. The journey for proof was over.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Nick. I saw the insanity in her eyes. She’d have killed all of us given the chance.”

“I know but she was our last hope to find proof you’re a Barkley!” anguished Nick.

“It’s not your fault, Nick.” said Heath firmly, reaching over to pat Nick’s leg before laying down, the pain from the blow to his chest clenching his jaw. “You look like hell, Nick. Get some sleep.”

After Heath’s pained eyes closed, the fear of what the next day would bring was clear for each to read in the other’s eyes as Jarrod and Nick stared at each other.

Chapter 21

The darkness of the night was kissed with a breeze and the ray of the moonlight shone down on the sleeping world. The small cabin lay quiet in the velvet, its occupants all having fallen into restless sleep. Dreams of beautiful women were nonexistent in the sleeping minds, only torturous sights and feelings of great loss graced their state of rest.

Heath fell into a deep sleep quickly, the shock to his body taking some of his strength away and his body was demanding it be replaced. Nick was tired from his blood loss and lay down to sleep when he saw the plaster on the wrist cast hanging in the firelight. The water which saved his brother’s life had undone the physician’s work.

Jarrod ordered Nick to lay down, the pale pallor of the tanned face and the quietness of the usually boisterous brother causing him great concern. Leaving the cabin, Jarrod found some wood and grabbed one of the ropes which hung from the saddles.

Rummaging in the saddlebags, he found Heath’s razor sharp knife and with a quick movement, cut the remainder of the cast off. The complete removal of the rigid plaster only caused the blonde’s head to move slightly. Splinting up the wrist, Jarrod secured the wood and laid the strong arm on the floor.

Kneeling beside his blonde brother, he studied the relaxed features and wondered if this was the last night they would all spend together in the name of brotherhood. The mere thought of the loss they were about to endure could have sent the physically and mentally strong man to his knees, if he weren’t already there. He could feel his insides drying up and withering inside.

For the first time in his life, Jarrod Barkley didn’t want the morning to arrive, he didn’t want the sun to rise in the east – he didn’t want the next day to bring new challenges – he wanted to stop the world and get off, to avoid what the new dawn would bring.

Heath’s eyes moved beneath his lids, the deep sleep of content broken harshly by the fears he fought to keep at bay. His wrist and chest sent small reminders of the pain he was experiencing. His mind sending him back in time to the same place.

A small hand turned the knob of the door, pushing it open slowly and swallowing convulsively to keep the lump in his throat down. His small blue eyes wide with fear at the dark opening down into the basement of the hotel.

‘There’s a lantern at the bottom, just move feet.’ willed the young boy’s mind to his legs.

Forcing his feet to move, he started tentatively descending the stairs, fear stopping him four stairs down. The world was howling in his ears, his grip on the rail tight when he jumped at the voice in his ear.

“Hurry up, bastard. We got a business to run.” ordered his Uncle Matt, the whiskey smelling odor reaching the small boy’s nose and causing his stomach to retch from the foul fumes and his fear.

The small feet tried to move but his grip only tightened on the rail and he shook his head. A wide hand shoved the small body forward, his grip ripped from the rail as his small body was sent down the hardwood stairs in a tumble. Laying stunned on the floor, Heath’s eyes widened at the sound of heavy footsteps on the wood, squinting into the glare of the harsh light which was lit.

His eyes teared from the fall and he pushed himself upwards, backing against the wall. The evil in the black eyes glared at him, his body steadied itself for the terror he knew was coming. The sight of his uncle loomed before him, the large vile hands reaching towards him.

“Nooooo!” screamed Heath, jumping up and backing away, hands crossed in front of him to ward off the evil approaching.

Nick and Jarrod scrambled to their feet at the sight of the terrified man screaming out in terror with the sound of a small boy’s voice. Their fanatic shouts not succeeding, the boy trapped in the man’s body and mind, stepped further away from them.

“Noooo! Stay away! Noooo!” pleaded Heath, his eyes crying, his breath gasping. Two voices whispered to him to run, confused at the sound of the male voice mixed in with his mama’s.

Heeding the voices, Heath turned to flee as his mama ordered. Jarrod and Nick shouted to him to stop, their breath stolen when the rotting part of the cabin gave way under Heath’s weight. The wood gave way under the socked feet, his scream of fright wound into their heart at the sight of the falling brother still locked in the torturous nightmare and screaming in terror.

Nick edged forward and grabbed hold of the trapped man. His hands grabbed onto the sweating face and he screamed his brother’s name at the top of his lungs.

Jarrod watched helplessly while one brother tried to bring another back from the trap of terror in his past. Trapped in the floor from just above his knees and down, Heath’s eyes slowly returned to awareness of his surroundings and the men kneeling by him, closely scrutinizing his face.

The firelight flickered on the pain flaring across his face from the shard of wood he could feel embedded in his lower leg. Putting his right hand to the floor, Heath tried to raise himself out of the hole, his eyes wide from his lack of movement.

“Heath, can you move?” queried Nick after seeing the lopsided effort.

Gasping, Heath’s blonde head shook, “No, the damn floor’s got a good hold on me.”

Jarrod saw the pain flaring in the ocean eyes, “Are you hurt, Heath?”

Nodding, the teasing reply came through clenched teeth, “Baptized and stabbed by some wood in the same day. Must be some kinda record.”

Nick let out a nervous chuckle and tousled the blonde hair. “Only you little brother would go for a record like that.”

Jarrod smiled at the love flowing between the two brothers and suggested, “What if we both grab an arm and try to lift?”

“I don’t know Jarrod. He could be caught underneath the floor.” frowned Nick.

“Just do it!” commanded Heath holding his arms out to the side.

Taking hold under their brother’s arm pit and taking a deep breath, they nodded at each other and lifted in unison. Heath trembled in their hands, his breathed sucked in rapidly as pain shot down his lower leg, his breaths hissed between his teeth as they slowly lifted him out of the hole.

Keeping his face downward to hide the pain in his eyes, the baby blues widened at the blood flowing down his leg, splattering onto a metal box which lay hidden beneath the floor in the dirt.

His whisper of wonder reached the two sets of ears and they almost lost their hold on his arms at the surprise.

“The secret box.”

Chapter 22

Nick and Jarrod breathed a sigh of relief when the floor around Heath didn’t collapse under their weight and dragged the blonde away from the gaping hole in the floor. Pushing himself to a sitting position, Heath struggled out of his brothers’ hands, his eyes frantically trying to see into the hole.

“DAMMIT HEATH!” shouted Nick grabbing Heath’s shoulders. “BE STILL!”

“The box, Nick. Get the box.” pleaded Heath, taking a hold of the black vest to yank his brother closer and re-emphasize his request. “Nick!”

“Okay, Heath I’ll get it. Just settle down.” assured Nick calmly glancing over to the eldest son. “Jarrod, you wanna check his leg.”

Crawling over to the hole, Nick lay on the trail of blood and peered over the edge. Reaching forward, his fingers just missed the box. Shimmying forward a little more, he was able to reach the metal container and lifted it carefully out of the hole. Pushing himself away, he moved back and placed the small rusted box in his little brother’s lap.

Jarrod cut the tan pants around the wood sticking into the lower calf, the blood oozing out from around the large gash it created when it entered. Glancing upward into the pale face, his eyes caught the look of fright.

“Heath, we have to get this wood out of your leg.” said Jarrod quietly.

Nick frowned when the blonde didn’t answer and squeezed the blue clad shoulder, “Heath, you hear Pappy?”

Slowly raising his eyes from the container in his lap, Heath nodded, his words choked out from his throat. “Nick, I’m scared to death.”

“Jarrod’ll be gentle Heath. He’ll do whatever he can to not hurt your leg anymore.” soothed Nick calmly. “The wood’s gotta come out, little brother.”

Shaking his head in denial, Heath stared into the hazel eyes, “No, Nick. Now that we found it, I’m afraid of what’s in it.”

The hazel eyes reflected understanding of the fear Heath felt. Jarrod reached over and squeezed Heath’s hand, his eyes searching the frightened ocean colored eyes.

“Whatever’s in there, we’ll deal with together as brothers, Heath. No matter what secrets the box contains – it’s no secret to anyone, we are brothers. We’ve been brothers since the dawn of time in our souls and only found each other physically a short while ago.”

Jarrod said firmly, “We’re brothers bound by love, bound by honor, bound by compassion and bound by our souls. Those are things more binding than anything else in this world or the next.”

The strong words reverberated through Heath’s mind, enlightening his soul of the shadow encasing it. Jarrod saw the words working through and could sense a release within his blonde brother.

“No matter what secrets the box holds.” whispered Heath, his eyes not leaving the lighter circles of blues. “We’re brothers bound by love, bound by honor, bound by compassion and bound by our souls.”

Confusion clearly reflected in the hazel eyes studying the looks between the two men. Nick felt as though in the last minute, he’d missed something, something important, something that happened before his eyes.

“Are we gonna open it or not!” growled Nick, his aggravated tone causing a wide smile to break out on the faces of the other men.

“WHAT?” snapped Nick, glaring at the smiles. “THAT’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR, AIN’T IT?”

Tearing his eyes away from Jarrod’s, Heath shook his head, “It was right here all along, Nick. All I had to do was look in my heart.”

“FOR PETE’S SAKE! I’VE BEEN SAYING THAT ALL ALONG! I TOLD YOU WE WERE BROTHERS ALL ALONG, BUT DO YOU LISTEN TO ME? NO! DAMMIT, YOU ARE SO STUBBORN!”

Nick’s dissertation of outrage and disbelief stopped when Jarrod pulled the wood from the wound and the unexpected onset of pain rolled Heath’s eyes into the back of his head. Catching the blonde in his arms, Nick caressed the pale face and tears fell onto his cheeks, his whisper filling Jarrod’s eyes with grateful tears.

“Stubborn kid. There’s no doubt you’re a Barkley to me or anyone else!”

Chapter 23

“How’s it look?” asked Nick, his brother still wrapped in his arms.

Jarrod finished wrapping the gash on the leg before answering. “I think I got all the wood pieces out and as long as the bleeding doesn’t start again, he should be fine Nick.”

Sighing, Nick smiled into the eyes of Pappy and leaned his head back against the wall. Closing his eyes, he suddenly reopened them and stared at the box.

“Jarrod, what about the box?”

Looking over at the metal container, Jarrod said, “Heath can decide what he wants to do with it when he wakes up. It may not matter to him now.”

“Yeah.” sighed Nick staring down into the pale face in his arms. “It sure as hell doesn’t matter to me. I’m just glad he’s here with us.”

Taking Heath’s top half of his slack body out of Nick’s arm, Jarrod laid him on the floor and covered him with a blanket, placing his head on a rolled up jacket. “Nick, you better get some sleep.”

Yawning, Nick nodded and lay down with a groan. His shoulder hurt like hell, the pain a throbbing but his heart was lighter than it had been in weeks. Smiling gratefully when Jarrod covered him with a blanket, he closed his eyes and was quickly claimed by sleep.

Staring at his younger brothers, Jarrod wiped a hand over his weary face and leaned up against the wall close to Heath, prepared in case the youngest of them woke in terror.

Shivering when he recalled the voice and look on Heath’s face in the midst of his nightmare, Jarrod reached over and ran his fingers lightly through the blonde hair.

His eyes teared and his mind apologized for their Father’s lack of knowledge which left the gentle man in an environment that created the nightmares.

Heath mumbled in spanish and turned his head away, causing the watchful blue eyes to sparkle with amusement remembering the blonde’s reflex welcoming of Eugene three weeks ago.

Closing his eyes, Jarrod let his lighter thoughts lead him into sleep.

Jarrod Barkley was ready for the sun to rise in the east.

Jarrod Barkley was ready for whatever the new dawning of the day would bring.

Jarrod Barkley was ready for the challenges of a new day.

Jarrod Barkley was ready for accept the ride as the world spun again.

Jarrod Barkley was enveloped in the warmth and love of the brotherhood of the Barkley family.

Jarrod Barkley was whole again.

Chapter 24

Time has a way of passing in a manner which is quick as a rattler’s strike, fast as a lightning bolt streaking across the sky, faster than a hummingbird’s wing. It takes your breath away when you think of how rapid time passes.

Sixty seconds in a minute. Sixty minutes in a hour. Twenty four hours in a day. Seven days in a week. Fifty two weeks in a year.

It hadn’t been fifty two weeks since the ride from Strawberry to Stockton. It hadn’t been fifty two weeks since the brothers found the secret box hidden in the floor of the childhood home of one Heath Thomson Barkley.

It’d only been three weeks.

To Victoria, Audra and Jarrod, they would have sworn it’d been ten or twenty weeks since the return of Heath to the family fold.

It’d only been three weeks and the fireworks were still exploding all around them.

It’d only been three weeks of a living hell for the rest of the crew and family on the ranch.

The daily battles being waged between the two had thrown everyone into a tail spin. They watched the two men struggle against each other, fighting the battle of wills. The sight before them reminiscent of the battles caused by Heath’s arrival to the ranch to claim his heritage.

At the secluded training area, Duke dismounted and unnoticed, walked over to the corral to watch Heath work a new stallion. The day was giving way to night and the foreman knew this was where he’d find the normally calm, level-headed Barkley son. The blonde was working longer into the night, seemingly to avoid the battles occurring on a daily basis.

Heath’s thoughts wandered as he worked with the new horse, his mind trying to wrap around the reason for the battles he found himself fighting again with his dark haired brother. Inwardly chastising himself, Heath knew he had been reacting to Nick’s actions instead of trying to find out the underlying reason for his brother’s actions.

He had to stop and take the bull by the horns to find out why or they’d end up ripping each other apart. Shaking his head, he realized his mistake a split second right before someone shouted.

The stallion bided his time and lashed out at the moment of opportunity provided to him by the lack of concentration of the man. His hoof found it’s mark and caused the man to be flung back into the corral posts and slide to the ground. Standing to finish the job, his hooves met with dirt when another man reached through the corral opening and took his target away.

Duke’s frantic grab of the blue shirt and yank of the blonde boss through the opening of the corral bars left his heart pounding wildly in his chest. Turning the blonde onto his back, he cursed at the blood flowing from the gash in the blonde hair.

Ripping his shirttail, Duke held the cloth onto the wound and studied the face of his unconscious boss. His pleas to Heath to open his eyes were unanswered.

Tying the cloth around the wound, he dragged the young man over to his horse. Untying Charger and wrapping the reins around the saddlehorn, Duke lifted Heath into the saddle of his horse and climbed up behind him. Heading towards the ranch base, anger flew through him and his jaw clenched in fury.

Grooming Coco, Nick hands worked over the horse, cringing at the anger inside of him he was directing at his little brother. Jarrod was right he was pushing away the very man they’d fought so hard for over the past few months.

Nick couldn’t answer the question as to why when his older brother demanded to know. He didn’t understand it himself. Ever since the whole nightmare was put behind them, he’d been treating Heath like he did when he first arrived.

Jarrod’s statement of how much did he think Heath would take before he left caused Nick to panic. He spent the afternoon on Lookout Point trying to ascertain the reason behind his uncalled for actions. He spent the afternoon in the very spot his little brother first handed him a small token of trust so long ago and revealed his nightmares.

Currying the horse, Nick’s heart fluttered at the sudden blow to his stomach and queasy feeling of unrest. Frowning, he couldn’t understand the reason for it. Patting Coco one last time on the neck, he left the stall and stopped at the empty stall signifying his little brother was still out working. His hours of work getting longer as the battles continued.

Shaking his head, Nick knew he needed to sit down with the blonde and figure out what was happening between them. Sighing, he only hoped he wasn’t too late and Heath would give him another chance.

Leaving the barn, Nick stopped at the front door and hollered into the house at the sight of the men riding double with Charger trailing behind.

Stopping in front of the white columned house, Duke saw the black leathered gloved hands reaching up towards the still man in front of him and snarled, “DON’T TOUCH HIM, NICK BARKLEY. THIS IS ALL YOUR DAMN FAULT!”

Chapter 25

The fury in the shouted words from the long-time Barkley foreman stopped the gloved hands a mere inch away from their intended target, the shock reflected in the hazel eyes staring upwards.

Jarrod was just as stunned at the fury in the shouted words from the Barkley foreman. Moving forward, he gently pulled Nick out of the way and reached up for his injured brother. Duke handed Heath down to Jarrod and helped the attorney carry the unconscious man upstairs and lay him on the bed.

Audra rushed to get the items her Mother requested. Victoria sat on the side of the bed and untied the knot in the cloth around her son’s head, her stomach turning at the amount of blood flowing from the wound when she lifted the blood soaked padded cloth away.

Coming out of his shock, Nick shouted for Ciego to get Dr. Merar and followed the others up the staircase. Standing in the doorway to Heath’s room, Nick’s face reflected his anguish at the sight of his still brother.

“Has Heath been awake at all Duke?” asked Victoria.

“No, Mrs. Barkley. He hasn’t uttered a sound.” informed the foreman.

“Duke, what happened?” asked Jarrod watching his mother inspecting the damage.

From the other side of the bed, Duke glanced towards Nick standing by the doorway and keeping his eyes on the man, replied quietly, “Heath was at the training center working with the new stallion. I think he lost his concentration for a second and he caught a hoof. It pushed him back against the corral rails and he slid to the ground. I was able to pull him out before the stallion finished the job.”

The realization of the reason for Heath’s lack of concentration and his near death encounter weakened Nick’s knees and he fell back against the wall. His breath was coming in gasps when Jarrod grabbed him by the arms. His blue eyes filled with worry at the whiteness of Nick’s face. “Nick?”

“I nearly killed him.” whispered Nick in torment. “I could’ve killed my brother.”

The anguish in Nick’s voice shook everyone in the room and turned Heath’s head to the side slightly, his eyes moved beneath his lids.

“Nick, get a hold of yourself.” stated Jarrod firmly giving his brother a slight shaking. “We need to concentrate on Heath now. We’ll discuss this later.”

Duke walked over and stood by the side of the brothers, “Nick, I was scared and worried about Heath but I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

Nick shook his head, “You had every right, Duke. Thank god you were there. You saved his life and you have our gratitude. We’ll let you know how he’s doing.”

Duke nodded and squeezed his boss’ shoulder before leaving the room and heading back outside to take care of the horses.

Victoria saw the signs of Heath trying to wake and caressed his cheek, “Heath, open your eyes sweetheart. Come on, let’s see your eyes.”

Gathering around the bed, the rest of the family held their breath as Heath struggled to come from where he’d been sent. His head moved slightly and his eyes moved beneath their lids. With a moan of pain, the fight to wake stopped and he went limp, all movement ceasing.

“HEATH!” startled Nick grabbing a hand laying on the bed, concerned at the limpness in it.

“He’s breathing, Nick. He’ll be okay.” assured Victoria seeing her words work through the fear in the hazel eyes, however, not taking it from her own heart.

“Nick, let’s go downstairs and wait for Dr. Merar.” requested Jarrod softly trying to pull Nick away from the bed.

“NO!” growled Nick pulling his sleeve out of Jarrod’s hold. “Leave me alone, Jarrod. I’m staying here with my little brother!”

“LITTLE BROTHER?” screamed Audra furiously. “HOW DARE YOU CALL HIM THAT NICHOLAS BARKLEY? HOW DARE YOU! AFTER THE WAY YOU’VE TREATED HEATH THESE PAST WEEKS!”

“AUDRA!” snapped Victoria silencing the girl’s outburst. “That will be enough!”

Clasping a hand over her mouth to stop her sob, Audra nodded and turned into Jarrod’s arms, her tears running down her face. Nick had stepped backwards from the bed at his sister’s furious words, the truth of them ringing in his ears. Turning quickly, he mumbled he was going to wait for Dr. Merar and left the room.

Victoria sighed and shook her head in resignation of the discord between the siblings. Her face broke into a small relieved smile when she saw the flow of blood had stopped. Jarrod calmed down Audra and smiled slightly into the gray eyes before following Nick’s trail of escape.

Nick sat on the bottom step of the staircase, his head held in his hands, trembling with worry. Sitting beside him, Jarrod put an arm over the quaking shoulders.

“Nick, he’ll be fine. Heath’s got a hard head.” teased Jarrod quietly.

Shaking his head in denial, Nick couldn’t hold back the tears spilling from his eyes. “I’ve been so awful to him lately. I was just so mad I couldn’t figure out why and I took it out on Heath. He didn’t deserve that and now look what happened.”

“It’s both your faults, Nick. Yours and Heath’s.” replied Jarrod.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN? IT’S NOT HIS FAULT – IT’S MINE!” shouted Nick angrily, hazel eyes sending bolts of anger into the cool blue ones.

Jarrod said firmly, “Heath is a grown man and a rancher, Nick. He’s worked with horses all his life. He knew the risks of getting into a corral with a wild horse. He knows better than to not pay attention when he’s in there. Yes, you were the cause of his lack of concentration because of your treatment of him lately. So, in conclusion, you are both to blame for what’s happened today.”

Staring into the face of his older brother, Nick said quietly, “You know I really don’t like lawyers.”

“I know, Nick.” smiled Jarrod tenderly pulling Nick into his arms and holding on tightly. “Let’s go see our brother. You two will have plenty of time to straighten everything out.”

Wiping his face, Nick sighed and turned to ascend the stairs when a knock sounded at the front door. Heading across the foyer, he sighed with relief at the sight of Dr. Merar and all three men climbed the staircase to the bedroom.

Chapter 26

Victoria stood up and relinquished her place by the bedside to the family physician. Smiling at his old friend, Howard squeezed her arm and set his bag on the bedside table.

“Victoria, any waking or blood from his ears?” inquired the physician leaning over the bed.

“No blood from his ears. He started to come around, then moaned and went limp.” informed Victoria receiving a nod from the physician who was busy probing the gash with his skilled fingers.

“I’d say about twenty stitches will be needed to close the wound. Some ice will help with this goose egg he’s got.” said Howard nonchalantly, his words loud in the quiet room.

“He’s awfully pale.” whispered Nick earning a sideways glance from the family physician at the softness in Nick’s voice.

Howard smiled, “He’s lost blood, Nick. That’s why he’s so pale.”

Nick nodded and turned his eyes back to the pale face laying on the bed.

“Jarrod, can you close the curtains? Nick, help me lift Heath up so I can put some pillows behind him. I don’t want him lying flat on his back with the blood loss. It’ll be harder for him to wake up.”

The men rushed to do their appointed tasks while the physician took out his stethoscope and listened to Heath’s heart. Nick took a post by the bedside. Jarrod moved back to encase his mother and sister in his strong arms.

The room was darkened considerably by the closing of the curtain and opening the left eyelid, Howard moved a candle back and forth. He repeated the same procedure with the right eye and frowned slightly. Closing the eye, he waited a minute and repeated his action.

“Howard, something wrong?” asked Victoria

“Unequal pupil size. That’s common with a concussion, Victoria.” assured Howard taking his needle and silk out of the black bag. “Audra, please have Silas bring me more water. Nick, you can open the curtains.”

Howard bit his lip to stop the wide smile which threatened to break out on his face from the mother grizzly bear mentality of the loud and brass Nick Barkley. Opening the curtains, Nick hurried back to the bedside and maintained his protective stance over his unaware brother.

Thanking Silas for the water placed on the bedside table, Howard delicately cleaned the area of the wound before closing the opening. Placing a pad over the wound, he wrapped a bandage around the blonde head.

Putting his instruments away, he leaned over and called to the younger man while tapping his cheek with his fingers. “Wake up! It’s Dr. Merar.”

Everyone watched carefully for any sign of waking from the physician’s words. Not receiving a response to the gentle taps and his calls, Howard pinched the tanned cheek. Opening his mouth, Nick started to protest the action when a soft moan was heard in the room.

“That’s it. Open your eyes now.” ordered Howard loudly. “Wake up!”

Heath slowly lifted a hand to push the fingers tapping his cheek away. His hand was pulled away and held as he struggled to open his eyes. The momentous undertaking had him slipping back into the darkness until he felt another pinch on his cheek.

Howard could feel the irritation and agitation flowing through his patient each time he pinched his cheek. After the third time, the physician was rewarded with a snarled ‘don’t’ and a pained moan.

“OPEN YOUR EYES!” shouted Howard firmly, his tone letting Heath know he was not going to stop until he responded.

Slowly opening his eyes, Heath regretted letting the pinches wake him when his stomach revolted from the dizziness and blurred vision. Howard quickly turned Heath onto his side to let the contents of the man’s stomach evade him into a basin Nick held.

When the heaving ceased, Howard wiped the sweaty face and laid Heath back. “How many fingers?”

Heath blinked slowly, his eyes looking at the physician with confusion, unable to hear the words from the ringing in his ears.

Biting back a groan, Heath mumbled, “Ears…ringing.”

“HOW MANY FINGERS?” shouted Howard holding up one finger in front of the dazed eyes.

Barely able to keep his eyes open, Heath’s face scrunched up in pain, “Three.”

“Head…hurts” muttered Heath reaching his hand upwards towards the source of pain.

Grabbing hold of the slow reaching hand, Howard smiled at the dazed glare he earned from the blonde and shouted, “DON’T TOUCH YOUR HEAD! WHAT’S YOUR NAME?”

“Heath.” Whispered the blonde unable to escape the pain in his head, only wanting to close his eyes and sleep.

“YOUR WHOLE NAME, HEATH?” shouted Howard patiently, not quite sure why all the members of the family seemed to be holding their breath waiting for the reply.

“Thomson.” Whispered Heath blinking his eyes again. “Barkley.”

Nick’s eyes closed briefly in prayer before he grabbed hold of the hand closest to him and held it between his two larger hands. Howard watched the eyes move slowly to the side at the new physical contact.

“Nick…brothers?” asked Heath before his eyes closed and he lost the strength to stay awake.

Nick bit back a sob, his fingers caressed the pale cheek and he called into the closest ear, “Damn right we’re brothers, Heath!”

Chapter 27

A week passed before Heath could be awake without feeling the effects of nausea and dizziness. The ringing in his ears diminished though headaches were still plaguing him. The prescription for a concussed rancher was rest and headache powder.

Heath opened his eyes, relieved the dizziness in fact appeared to be finally gone. Each time he’d opened his eyes, Nick was there. No matter what time of the day or how long in between he slept, Nick greeted him each time. This time was no different.

Nick grinned as the blue orbs looked over and saw him. “Morning.”

Smiling slightly, Heath wiped a hand over his face. “Morning already?”

Chuckling, Nick nodded. Heath saw the same look in the hazel eyes, when his vision cleared over the past week, each time he woke up. Sighing, he pushed himself to a sitting position and leaned his head back onto the headboard.

“Alright, out with it.”

“Out with what?” asked Nick.

“Out with what’s put the angry guilty look in your eyes.” stated Heath firmly staring into the hazel eyes. “Does it have anything to do with what was going on before I got the horse beating?”

“Horse beating?” puzzled Nick at the phrase.

Smirking, Heath replied, “I got beat up by a horse. He had a wicked right or so Duke said.”

Rolling his eyes, Nick snorted, “A wicked right. Boy, sometimes your humor leaves a lot to be desired.”

“I suppose.” admitted Heath quietly. “Nick, when we came back from Strawberry did I do something wrong?”

Shaking his head, Nick sat on the bed and fiddled with the edge of the blanket. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s what I did or didn’t do.”

“What’s that, Nick?”

Taking a deep breath, Nick’s voice trembled slightly. “I had a nightmare that you needed me and were calling out for me, Heath. It happened two days before you were taken from the bank. I rushed into your room and it took me a minute to remember you were in Pine Crest. I should have acted on it and I didn’t.”

Tilting his head slightly, Heath squinted in confusion, “I know I’ve been concussed, but Nick that don’t make any sense. What were you supposed to do? Ride to Pine Crest that night? It’d have taken you three days by horse. It was just a bad dream, Nick.”

“No, it wasn’t. I knew you were hurt or gonna be hurt. I’m your big brother. I should have been able to do something! I could have sent a wire to warn you. Then your uncle wouldn’t have taken and almost killed you!”

“What would you have said in the wire Nick without sounding crazy? You couldn’t have prevented anything that happened. Hell, I was there and if I had moved faster, none of it would’ve happened.” explained Heath patiently. “That can’t be the only thing that’s eating at you, Nick. What else?”

Heath watched the gambit of emotions run across the strong face of his brother, his eyes widened at the biting of the lower lip.

“Nick?”

Clearing his throat, Nick shook his head and looked away. “When we were looking for proof of your mother and our father, I was so damn scared we wouldn’t find it. It terrified me we were gonna lose you if we didn’t find it.”

“And?” prompted Heath quietly.

“I was so relieved when we found the box. Then when you said we were brothers bound by our souls, well, I felt the weight of the world was taken off my shoulders. But after we came back, I was so angry and I didn’t know why. I knew I was hurting you, but I just couldn’t stop it.”

Heath queried, “Did you figure it out, Nick?”

“Yeah. The day you were hurt, I spent the afternoon at Lookout Point trying to figure out why I was angry.” admitted Nick jumping up from the bed and pacing the room as the anger started to rise again.

“Tell me, Nick.” stated Heath seeing the agitation flowing through the larger man. “NICK, TELL ME!”

Clenching his fists, Nick’s words came tumbling out, his emotions blazing in his hazel eyes.

“How could you have even considered walking away from us? Away from the family? It’d have been the third time you’d have done it to us? To me! I can’t believe you were willing to give up on all we’d been through and meant to each other!”

“JUST LIKE THAT” shouted Nick with a snap of his fingers, “YOU’D HAVE LEFT AS QUICK AS THAT! HOW COULD WE HAVE MEANT SO LITTLE TO YOU THAT YOU’D GIVE US UP?”

“You’re right, Nick. I would have given up everything and while it would’ve killed me inside, I’d have done it.” admitted Heath watching the disbelief showing on the tanned face.

“Yes, I would have left and it would have been the wrong thing to do. Nick at the time everything in my life felt like a lie. Between Uncle Matt, the nightmares, the doubt and the shock of finding out mama been married before, I couldn’t think straight. I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was causing you so much torment, Nick. Leaving everyone behind would have been the worst thing I’d have ever faced in my life and I don’t think I’d have survived it had I done it.”

Wiping his hands over his face, Nick took a deep breath and sat back on the bed. “I just kept thinking how easily you’d have given us up like we meant nothing to you. It was really pissing me off.”

Chuckling Heath nodded, “Yeah, so I gathered, big brother.”

The grin on Nick’s face faded and seriousness took over, “What about the box? What are you going to do with it?”

Turning his head, Heath stared at the small unopened container laying on top of his dresser in the same spot since their return from Strawberry.

“Nick, I understand family means more than sharing the same blood. It means sharing good things, bad things, weaknesses, strengths, caring for each other, helping each other.” said Heath softly, tearing his eyes from the rusted box and stared into the hazel eyes. “I know you’re with me every step of the way. Everytime I look at that box, I wonder.”

Nick sat on the bed and nodded, “What if it has something in it, well, something you may not like.”

Sighing, Heath wiped his eyes and leaned his head back. “Everytime Mother is in here, her eyes are drawn to it. She has some of the same questions I have. Questions we need answers to. I don’t know if the answers are in the box but I’m willing to do whatever I can to lay my questions, but more important is laying Mother’s questions to rest.”

Nick inwardly smiled at the undisclosed love in Heath’s eyes for the Barkley matriarch. He was her son in every sense of the word and she, his Mother. Heath would do anything for his Mother and she would do anything for her son.

Reaching over, Nick squeezed the back of Heath’s neck and tenderly smiled, “I want you to know I’m a lucky man to have you as a brother.”

Surprised at the emotion in the hazel eyes, Heath turned crimson. “I think we both made out on this deal, brother Nick.”

Chuckling, Nick wrapped the blonde in a hug and patted his back. “Horse beating, huh?”

Snickering, Heath nodded. “Good thing it wasn’t more than one round.”

Chapter 28

“Heath!” exclaimed Audra jumping up from the breakfast table and hugging her blonde brother. “It’s great to see you up and walking around.”

“Thanks, sis.” whispered Heath returning the enthusiastic show of affection. “It’s good to walk again.”

Jarrod and Victoria smiled gratefully as they wrapped their arms around the embarrassed man. Holding Heath’s face in her hands, Victoria scrutinized his face carefully with her mother eyes.

“Heath, Dr. Merar said you were not to leave your bed for four more days.”

“Morning, Mother.” drawled Heath placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I’m feeling a hundred percent better.”

Blinking back her tears, she flashed a smile and nodded, “It is wonderful to see you out of your room, sweetheart.”

Taking his seat, Nick growled, “Hey, I’m here too!”

Audra looked over at her handsome brother and smiled, “Heath’s much better company in the morning, Nick. He’s not as grouchy as you.”

Heath bit back his chuckle at the scowl on his brother’s face and took his seat at the table while Jarrod burst out in laughter.

“Audra, I hear Nick’s bark is worse than his bite.” stated Jarrod with a wide smile.

“Watch it, Pappy.” gruffed Nick with a wink. “You may just find out if that’s true or not.”

Victoria smiled as the teasing between the siblings continued, her heart rejoicing for the ritual they’d missed over the past week and she was thankful it hadn’t been taken away for eternity by a moment’s lack of concentration.

Watching Nick and Heath carefully, Victoria sighed to herself at the peace between the two men, the peace which had been missing since the return from Strawberry.

“Mother, I almost forgot. I was going to tell you last night, but work kept me in town late.” said Jarrod taking a letter out of his suit pocket. “The town would like to honor Father with a statue for all he’s done in the valley.”

“Really?” asked Audra, her eyes lighting up. “A statue?”

Sitting her cup on the table, Victoria smiled, “This is certainly unexpected. I never would have expected such an honor.”

Nick glanced over at his little brother who was looking down at his plate with interest. Feeling eyes on him, Heath looked up and sent his brother a lop-sided grin at the concern in the hazel eyes. Victoria and Jarrod tuned out Audra’s excitement and watched the interaction between the two.

“Jarrod, when is the unveiling of the statue?” inquired Audra drawing the eldest son’s attention to her.

All eyes turned towards him and Jarrod replied, “Three weeks.”

Heath said quietly, “That’s good cause Gene will be home from school. He won’t miss it.”

Nick groaned, “Please tell me this is not going to be a dress up affair.”

Victoria and Audra rolled their eyes while Jarrod laughed, “Wearing a suit isn’t gonna kill you, Nick.”

Nick snorted, “When I wear those ties, I think it will. They’re worse than a noose!”

Chuckling softly, Heath reached up and rubbed his temples at the pain from an oncoming headache which was causing his face to pale slightly from the throbbing.

“You okay, Heath?” asked Nick.

Heath smiled slightly, “Just a headache, mother grizzly.”

Shrieking with laughter, Audra quickly apologized at the pain it caused her blonde brother. “I’m sorry, Heath. Mother grizzly! That describes Nick perfectly.”

Mumbling under his breath, Nick pushed back his chair and stood up. “I knew I shouldn’t have let you talk me into helping you downstairs this morning. Com’n back to bed, boy.”

“I’m okay, Nick.” sighed Heath waving off his brother’s concern. “Nothing to worry bout.”

“Like I believe that.” retorted Nick. “You always say you’re fine, then you usually throw up or bleed on me.”

“Nicholas! That is not a topic for the breakfast table.” chastised Victoria.

“Sorry, Mother.” muttered Nick sitting back in his chair, not taking his eyes off the man across from him.

“Heath, do you want me to have Silas get some headache powder for you.” offered Jarrod, placing a gentle hand on his brother’s arm.

Wrinkling up his face, Heath shook his head and immediately regretted the movement when a bolt of pain shot through it and he placed his palms on his forehead. Nick was around the table before anyone could blink and lifted the blonde to his feet.

“Boy, you throw up on me and I’ll throw you out the window.” growled Nick putting Heath’s arm across his shoulders and propelling the dazed brother out of the room with the others jumping up and following. Catching up, Jarrod put the other arm over his shoulder and together they helped their little brother up the long staircase.

Placing Heath on the bed, Jarrod held his little brother in his arms while Nick put some pillows behind him. Heath’s stomach lurched from the blinding pain and Jarrod groaned when the blonde couldn’t pull out of the strong arms quick enough, leaving his breakfast over the front of Jarrod’s suit.

Nick gleeful smile at Jarrod’s look of disgust was taken away at Victoria’s arched eyebrowed look. Working together, the three quickly cleaned up the mess, Jarrod changed and the family censured the apologies coming from the pained blonde as he waited for the medicine Audra brought him to kick in.

“Heath, you have nothing to apologize for.” smiled Victoria brushing her fingers through the blonde hair. “That’s what big brothers are for.”

Nick and Jarrod groaned quietly before leaving with their little sister. Heath’s words slurred from the strong medicine and he held her hand, “Mother, I’ve thought about it and I’d like you to be here when I open the box. Will you open it with me?”

Squeezing his hand, Victoria smiled, “If that’s what you’d like then I’d be honored, sweetheart. Thank you for asking.”

Fighting the medicine, Heath’s eyes closed, then reopened and he whispered, “I love you, Mother.”

Placing a kiss on his cheek, Victoria whispered, “I love you, son. Now listen to your mother. Close your eyes and rest.”

Smiling, Heath’s breathing evened out and the medicine stole him into sleep. Brushing her fingers in his hair, Victoria smiled remembering her attorney’s son look of disgust and Nick’s gleeful look of being vomit free.

“Nick owes you one, Heath.” whispered Victoria placing another kiss on his cheek before leaving her resting son and wondering what they’d find in the box.

Chapter 29

In the late afternoon, Nick greeted his mother when he returned home. He’d put in a full day with the crew and hurried back to the ranch to catch some time with his little brother before dinner.

Climbing up the stairs, he peeked in the open door of the bedroom. He saw the blonde’s eyes were closed and heard his even breaths. The innocent features relaxed in sleep hid the man who’d seen too much violence in his short lifetime. Each time Nick saw his brother in peaceful sleep, the boyish face always made him grin.

Realizing he had time to clean up, Nick headed to the watercloset. Leaving the room twenty minutes later, the water glistened in his dark hair as he walked down the hallway.

Relaxing in the bedside chair, his long legs were stretched out in front of him, his hands held a ledger which his eyes were scanning.

Heath’s eyes opened and he looked around, a smile lifted the corners of his mouth at the sight of Nick scowling at a ledger book.

“Jarrod and I can’t read your writing either, Nick.” teased Heath wiping the remainder of the drugged look out of his eyes with his knuckles and stifling a yawn.

“Ha, ha.” gruffed Nick closing the book and setting it to the side. “How are you feeling?”

Shrugging, Heath replied, “Once these headaches stop, I’ll be a new man.”

Nick’s face was thoughtful and he stared into the sapphire eyes, “A new man, huh? That might not be too bad.”

Rolling his eyes, Heath snorted at the grinning face and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I’m not letting ya’ off that easy, big brother. Fraid you’re stuck with me.”

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Nick smirked, “Damn.”

Chuckling, Heath pulled on his boots. “What’d you do today?”

“Finished the fence on the north range and Duke took the men to put in the new pumps at the orchard. Tony and Bill worked with the stallion. Looks to me like they’re taking their time waiting til you can finish the job.” informed Nick.

Sighing, Heath replied, “Hope it’s sooner than later.”

“Yeah, me too. I miss having you by my side.” agreed Nick, then asking quietly. “So, what do you think about the commemoration for Father?”

The surprise showed on Heath’s face at the question and he tilted his head slightly, his mind mulling over the question. “I’m not sure, Nick. I, uh, he’s our Father but then again he’s not.”

Nick’s voice trembled slightly when he asked, “Are you saying you don’t think Father’s your Father, Heath?”

“No, Nick. That’s not what I mean.” assured Heath quickly trying to find the right words.

“What I mean is to me he’s the man who slept with my mama. He’s never been a father to me. He was a great father to you but I don’t know him that way. All I know is he’s done great things during the time he was alive. Everywhere you look, this valley and the Barkley holdings are a testament to his vision and foresight. But, to me it’s, well, I don’t know how to put it exactly.”

“Like you’re on the outside looking in.” suggested Victoria from the doorway, startling both men with her soft words.

“Yeah, that’s what I feel like. I’m sorry.” replied Heath softly. “I don’t mean to hurt you or anyone else in the family.”

Giving the blonde’s shoulder a squeeze, Nick said firmly, “It’s unfortunate you didn’t have a chance to know him. Sometimes we’re uncomfortable talking about Father in front of you cause none of us like the fact you grew up without him. It’s hard on all of us, but don’t think you can’t say what you feel. Everybody’s entitled to their opinion whether people agree or not.”

Victoria watched the sparkle dancing in the blue eyes, “Well, Nick, seems to me that wasn’t exactly your thoughts when I first came here. Back then, my opinion caused a lot of fights between us.”

Nick shook his finger at his little brother and teased, “It’s your fault! You were so hard headed and stubborn back then.”

Rolling his eyes, Heath winked at Victoria, “What’s that saying, Mother? A pot calling the kettle black?”

Laughing, Victoria smiled at the two brothers and shook her head. Sitting on the bed beside him, she held his hand, “Are you feeling better?”

“Much better, Mother. Thank you.” smiled Heath, squeezing the tiny hand. “Nick, would you mind if I was left alone with this beautiful lady?”

Standing, Nick stared into the sapphire eyes, “I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

Heath grinned his appreciation and waited til the door closed before crossing to the dresser and bringing back the small rusted box. Setting it on the bed, Heath stared at it for several minutes before his eyes lifted upwards into the gray eyes of his Mother. Victoria saw the apprehension appear in his eyes and she reached out to caress his cheek.

“Heath, we don’t have to do this.”

Shaking his head, Heath held her hand to his cheek and smiled tenderly, “Mother, it’s time to see what secrets can be laid to rest. We’ll never know if we don’t look in this box.”

Placing a kiss on her palm, Heath released her hand and undid the latch of the container. Lifting the lid slowly, in unison, he and Victoria leaned forward slightly and looked into the container. Reaching in, Heath took out a small photo and two envelopes.

Heath showed the envelopes to his Mother and heard her sharp intake of breath as she spotted the handwriting on the envelope addressed to Leah Thomson. The outside of the second envelope was blank.

“It’s Tom’s handwriting.” whispered Victoria.

“Mother, there’s also this photo.” said Heath. “What would you like to look at first?”

“Heath, these are your things from your mother. You decide and I’ll be here with you.”

Nodding, Heath took a deep breath and turned over the picture. His eyes widened as he handed it to Victoria, his whisper almost too low to be heard.

“It’s mama and Father.”

Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the photo and studied it. Her eyes filled with tears and Heath squeezed her other hand, smiling his understanding of the pain the photo caused.

“I’m sorry, Mother.” whispered Heath. “Are you okay?”

Wiping her tears, Victoria nodded and smiled, “I’m fine, sweetheart. It’s okay.”

Waiting til she finished studying the photograph, Heath opened the envelope which was addressed to his mama and cleared his throat before reading.

Dear Leah,

I am ashamed to find I am putting paper to pen instead of speaking with you in person. I am also ashamed to find my courage is lacking at this moment from the realization of what has occurred. I can never be the man who will sweep you off your feet as I am a married man.

I thank you for saving my life and will never be able to repay the debt fully. At the time of my recovery let me assure you, I was not aware I was a married man. If I had known, I would not have allowed myself to fall in love with you.

My feelings for you run true, however, they do not run as deep as my love for my wife, partner and soulmate, Victoria. I have two small sons who I cherish with all my being.

You are a wonderful, giving person and worthy of all which life will bring you in the future. I am a better man for having known the love and generosity you have shown me.

Please accept my sincere and deepest apologies for the hurt I’ve unknowingly caused. You will be a fine mother, Leah. You must marry and have children as you were meant for that.

Sincerely,

Thomas Barkley

“Mother, he was hurt and didn’t remember you.” stated Heath, his hand shaking as he gazed into the tear stained face of his Mother. “He didn’t mean to hurt you. He didn’t do it on purpose.”

Unable to stop her tears, Victoria felt herself drawn to Heath’s chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly, giving her strength and comfort. Placing a kiss on her silver hair, he knew the letter would help set her mind at ease.

“I’m sorry, Heath.” apologized Victoria drying her eyes after several minutes. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Mother.” assured Heath with a smile, caressing her hand. “Are you ready for the last letter?”

Kissing his cheek, she nodded and each took a shaky breath. Opening the other envelope, Heath pulled out the faded tear stained paper and read.

Dearest Tom,

I find my heart is heavy with guilt. It is early morning and I have decided to put my thoughts down on paper in hopes it will help to alleviate my guilt.

It has been three years since your letter arrived. I find myself hoping everyday what we shared was real and yet, I know to you it was not real in the sense of your reality. Your reality of being a married man with children.

I have not blamed you and have not wished any ill will on you. I have kept you and your family in my prayers. I wish our time together could have continued forever. Such thoughts are best left hidden as they cannot change the future or alter the past.

Please forgive me for not telling you that we have a son and I have named him Heath. He has blue eyes and blonde hair. I have been given a precious gift from our brief time together. I know I should have told you, but could not find it in my heart to cause your family any pain.

Perhaps one day if you return to Strawberry, you will see him for yourself. He is a gift of golden sunshine. I have decided not to tell Heath who his father is until I am taking my last breath on this earth. It is not fair to you or Heath and I know it is an act of selfishness on my part.

This letter will be enclosed in a place where I can read it when I need help to find the strength to keep my secret within myself.

I needed to write the words down on paper that I cannot speak in public. Our son was conceived out of love and I will not destroy the love your family has for you.

Should God decree we are to meet after we have left this world, I hope you will forgive me for not sharing our son.

All my love,

Leah

The quiet voice reading the letter stopped and sobs took it’s place in the room. Drawing Heath’s head to her shoulder, Victoria held her crying son in her arms. The tense atmosphere in the room was filled with the serenity of truth.

“I’m a Barkley.” whispered Heath feeling the last lingering doubts in his mind being swept away with the salty droplets of water from his eyes.

“And my son.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on the wet cheek and holding on tightly.

Chapter 30

Standing on the boardwalk of the main street, Heath waited for Nick to reappear from the general store before they headed to the train station to pick up the arriving youngest son. The commemoration festival was to be held in two days, the statue was covered in the town square and awaited the unveiling.

The time passed quickly to the man whose last straggling doubt was swept away with the two letters in the rusted box. Mother and son experienced almost a rebirth of their souls with the news the letters brought.

Heath felt a release of anger towards his Father when they realized Tom Barkley had no knowledge of his birth. The knowledge his mama kept the information so she would not have to share their son created a new source of anger in the blonde man.

While his mama had unselfishly protected the family of Tom Barkley from the ramifications of the brief time spent together, she’d selfishly denied a young boy the chance to know his Father and his siblings for twenty four years. If Leah Thomson hadn’t taken sick, Heath often found himself wondering over the past weeks if his mama would have ever told him.

After the torrent of emotions had swept through the two from the words on paper, they had gathered the family after dinner and read the documents to the siblings.

Heath declined reading the letters outloud again, his throat still choked from the emotions of the afternoon. Jarrod read in his brother’s eyes, the emotions simmering beneath the surface and offered to be the narrator. The parlor was quiet as his deep voice and soothing tone caressed everyone’s ears.

Exhausted from the mental sprints, Heath closed his eyes as he sat on the settee and let the lawyer’s gentle voice lull him into a state of relaxation, oblivious to the damp eyes in the room after the completion of the reading.

Looking over, Victoria smiled tenderly at the sight of the slumbering blonde and held a finger to her lips. Between recovering from the concussion, the headaches which still plagued him and the doubts he’d carried inside, she was relieved to find him in sleep. His body was still mending and now his soul could mend too.

After an hour, Nick woke up his groggy little brother and helped him up the stairs to his room and teased, “Boy, you better enjoy the sleep now cause pretty soon you won’t be getting any.”

Unable to stop a wide yawn, Heath groaned, “With all this sleep I’m getting, ya’d think I was hibernating.”

Chuckling, Nick smiled widely, “Don’t’ worry, I’ll leave you about five miles of fence you can mend when you’re ready to get back to work.”

“Boy howdy, you’re too kind, Nick.” retorted Heath with a lop-sided grin.

Drawing the younger man into a hug, Nick patted the strong back and whispered, “Only for you, little brother.”

“Thanks, big brother.” smiled Heath after returning the show of affection.

The next morning the small rusted box and its contents were safely housed in the safe at the Barkley home at the request of his Mother.

Nick stepped out onto the boardwalk and stopped by his little brother. Glancing sideways, he frowned at the faraway look in the blue orbs. “Heath?”

“Nick, ya’ done already?” questioned Heath standing upright and receiving a nod. “Ready to meet the train?”

“Yeah, I hope it’s on time. We got a lot of work to do before Saturday.” growled Nick walking beside the blonde down the boardwalk.

Heath grinned at the complaining of the older man and shook his head. “Nick, I told ya’ we could’ve sent Ciego in to pick up Gene. If ya’d done like I suggested, you wouldn’t be growling now about the work we’re not doing.”

“You heard what Mother said, Heath.” gruffed Nick. “When her mind is set, there’s no changing it.”

“Hmmm, that sounds familiar.” mumbled Heath. “Like Mother, like son.”

“You say something?” queried Nick with a smirk at the innocent look in the sapphire eyes turned his way. “Look out!”

Heath felt his body bump into someone else when his head was turned towards Nick, the shouted warning not coming fast enough. Reaching out, his hands quickly grabbed out and he steadied the small woman. Seeing her face, he dropped his hands as if they were burning and apologized. “Terribly sorry about that, Miss Dorley.”

The eyes looked scathingly up and down the embarrassed blonde in front of her and she ran her fingers down her arms as if to rid herself of his touch. Hearing a sound starting to erupt from within his big brother at her motions, Heath reached out and placed a hand on the black clothed arm.

“Com’n Nick. Train’ll be here soon.” ordered Heath walking past and leaving the angry woman behind.

“You should keep better company, Mr. Barkley.” sneered Mary realizing her mistake at the seething fury in the dark haired man and stepped back at the guttural growl he issued.

Clenching his fists and glaring at her, towering over her from his six feet tall frame, Nick felt immense satisfaction as the frightened woman quickly scurried down the boardwalk. Watching until he couldn’t see her any more, he turned and caught up with his little brother in a matter of seconds at the train depot.

“You okay, Heath?” asked Nick after silence from Heath for several minutes.

Nodding, Heath sighed, “I’m fine, Nick.”

Snorting, Nick gruffed, “Too bad she’s a woman. I’d like the pleasure of teaching her some manners.”

“Don’t let her kind bother ya’, Nick. What goes around will eventually come around to people like that.” said Heath with a small smile.

“Hope it’s sooner than later.” replied Nick, motioning to the train coming up the tracks.

The steam let loose as the engineer drove the iron beast into the depot and the whistle sounded with a loud shrill announcing its arrival. Staying on the platform, Heath and Nick scanned the disembarking passengers.

Faces turned out wide smiles as the youngest Barkley dismounted with his bag in hand.

“Nick. Heath.” called Gene waving and running over to accept the big brother hugs and greetings.

Walking to the horses, Gene looked over and winked, “Heath, you gonna teach me some more spanish while I’m home?”

“Very funny, Gene.” stammered Heath, his red face sending his other two brothers into laughter as they mounted their horses and headed to the ranch.

Stopping in front of the house, Heath stared at Nick as he dismounted. “Nick, ain’t we going out to help the boys with the dam?”

“Yeah, but I have to look up something in the ledger first. Come on, you can help me.” stated Nick walking inside with Gene.

Grumbling, Heath dismounted and tied Charger to the rail and entered the foyer. Surprise flew across his face at the sight of the family gathered in the area waiting for him.

“Boy howdy, what is this a party?” puzzled Heath wondering whose birthday he had forgotten and quickly running the dates through his mind.

Grabbing a hold of the hand of her confused son, Victoria squeezed and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Heath, we know today is not the day the world was blessed by your birth, but it is the day you become a Barkley in every sense of the word.”

“But we already know I’m a Barkley.” replied Heath.

“Yes, we know Heath but today it is official.” stated Jarrod placing a document in his hand and bowing slightly. “Open it.”

Nick grinned and winked when Heath glanced towards him. Nodding his encouragement, Nick and the others watched the disbelief spread across Heath’s face.

“You’re adopting me? Kinda old, ain’t I?”

Victoria smiled, “Heath, we never officially put anything in writing stating you were a Barkley. As far as the legal world is concerned, you are still Heath Thomson with only an alias of Heath Barkley.”

Understanding flew into the ocean eyes at her words. “Why not just change my last name?”

Nick walked over and squeezed the strong shoulder, “Because you’re our brother and Mother’s son. We are adopting you officially into the Barkley family for all the world to know and recognize.”

Gene and Audra nodded, “That’s right, Heath.”

Jarrod smiled, “Heath, by adopting you there will never be a question as to who your Father is. We, as a family, are stating it loud and clear.”

Tears moistened the sapphire eyes and Heath blinked rapidly to clear them, the surges of emotion trembled his voice, “Boy howdy, I don’t know what to say.”

“Welcome home, Heath Thomson Barkley.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on the tanned face and smiling.

Chapter 31

“What do you mean you want to think about it?”

“It means exactly how it sounds.”

“I see, it’s okay to live here and reap the benefits of all he built, but you’re too good to wear his boots and honor him as your Father!”

“That’s not what I said!”

“That’s what it sounds like!”

“You can stop flapping your lips cause I’m not having this discussion with you.”

“IT’S NOT HIS FAULT! IT’S YOUR MOTHER’S FAULT BUT YOU’D RATHER BLAME FATHER! ”

“DO YOU THINK THIS IS EASY FOR ME? DO YOU THINK YOU CAN WIPE OUT 24 YEARS OF HATE FOR A PERSON? A PERSON YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE HATING UNJUSTLY?”

“THEN, IN THE SAME BREATH YOUR WORLD IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, CAUSE YOUR MAMA DIDN’T WANT TO SHARE YOU? SHE KEPT ME FROM KNOWING MY FATHER AND HIS FAMILY. WE LIVED WORSE THAN THE POOR IN OUR TOWN. WE SUFFERED ABUSE AND CURSES ON A DIALY BASIS. ALL OF THIS OUT OF HER OWN SELFISHNESS! DAMMIT, ITS NOT EASY AND I DON’T HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO YOU!”

Voices raised in anger were silenced by the slamming of the front oak door which shook the mansion to its very foundation.

Gene stood embarrassed and appalled in the parlor fully aware of the look of disbelief from his mother and glares from his other siblings directed his way after they rushed down from the upstairs at the heated conversation.

“DON’T YOU EVER THINK BEFORE YOU TALK?” shouted Nick being held back by Jarrod’s hands as he lunged towards the younger man.

“Nick.” warned Jarrod afraid of another brotherly confrontation. “This isn’t going to help!”

“Eugene Barkley, I am shocked beyond words. Your behavior towards your brother was uncalled for.” stated Victoria coldly. “You will apologize and you will make it right.”

“Yes, Mother, of course I will. I didn’t mean what I said.” assured Gene quickly.

Disgusted, Nick wrenched his arms out of Jarrod’s hold and said sarcastically. “So you think apologizing will make it all better? Boy, you’d best start growing up and be responsible for the words that come out of your mouth! Some day you’ll say the wrong thing to someone and you’ll wind up seriously hurt! Hell, if I was Heath, I’d have beaten you senseless!”

Gene accepted the dressing down he deserved from his older brother and watched Nick follow Heath’s trail out of the house. Chastising himself, he knew he deserved every bit of anger the family gave him. Two brothers trying on a pair of boots shouldn’t have ended up in a shouting match, but it did.

Jarrod’s anger showed in his ocean eyes and the frigid words, “Eugene, I’d like to see you in the study.”

Apologizing again to his sister and mother, Gene followed the eldest son and closed the door behind him, turning he was pushed back by the fury directed at him.

“Since when did you take on the responsibility of being the sole keeper of the Barkley name?” snarled Jarrod.

“Jarrod, I know I was wrong! I was just mad Heath wanted to think about wearing the boots.” stammered Gene. “Nick’s right, I should’ve thought before I spoke and not spoken in anger.”

“DAMN RIGHT, EUGENE!” shouted Jarrod losing the tight rein on this temper. “YOU KNOW WHAT THIS FAMILY’S BEEN THROUGH THE LAST FEW MONTHS. WHILE YOU’VE BEEN AWAY STUDYING IN COLLEGE, WE’VE BEEN FIGHTING TO KEEP OUR BROTHER HERE WHERE HE BELONGS. IT’S BEEN A LIVING HELL FOR ALL OF US!”

The brown eyes of the youngest Barkley male filled with tears and he nodded, “I know Jarrod. I don’t blame Heath if he never forgives me. I didn’t do it out of spite. He’s my brother and I love him. I was angry and upset he wanted to think about wearing the boots."

Shaking his head and taking a few deep breaths, Jarrod sighed. “Gene, you have to remember Heath never knew Father. All he knows is what we tell him or what he’s read in the paper. If he doesn’t wear the boots, it’s not the end of the world. Heath’s far more important than some leather boots.”

Wiping his eyes, Gene whispered, “It just feels like he’s been with us forever and I sometimes do forget. I can’t recall how things were before Heath became part of our family.”

“It’s not me you have to explain it to, Gene.” informed Jarrod squeezing a shoulder as he bypassed and left the guilt ridden younger man in the study.

Collapsing into a chair, Gene held his head in his hands and bit back a sob, his words twisted with anguish. “God, I’m sorry, Heath.”

Chapter 32

Duke McCall and the ranch crew had grown to respect their blonde boss as much as the dark haired ones. The time spent on the trail drive Heath headed when Nick took a tumble from the barn loft the previous year showed the men the caliber of the new Barkley brother and son.

He caught sight of Heath galloping towards the dam sight on Charger. Duke could feel the storm within the younger man when he dismounted and strode towards the foreman.

“How’s it going, Duke?” questioned Heath brusquely. “Everything on schedule?”

Looking over at the crew working on the last section of the needed dam, Duke smiled, “We’ll be finished in about twenty minutes. The men have worked real hard and steady.”

Heath stood by the foreman and nodded, “Good. When they’re done, send ‘em back to the bunkhouse. They can have the rest of the day off.”

“I know they’ll appreciate it.” replied Duke before he glanced over. “Everything okay?”

“Nothing going back in time won’t fix.” mumbled Heath before walking back to the bay and jumping into the worn saddle. Turning Charger’s head, he kicked the stallion and galloped away.

Sighing, Duke shook his head at the fierce Barkley temper flowing through the blonde’s veins and creating the storm in the eyes of blue. The trademark temper could be found in all the Barkley children as it had been in their Father.

A half hour later, Duke was not surprised when Nick showed up at the worksite where the men were collecting the tools. He was seeking his brother and Duke calmly pointed the frustrated man in the direction Heath had ridden. Wondering silently what happened as he stared in the direction of the brothers, his thoughts were pulled back to his job at a question from his men.

Nick followed the trail of Heath and found himself grinning despite his foul mood. He knew his little brother was highly upset when he’d left the house. Instead of heading out somewhere to think and stew, his trail went from one worksite to another checking up on the duties assigned to the men. His work ethics and the rancher in the younger man wouldn’t let his emotions overtake his responsibilities.

Nick was a mere minutes behind his little brother at each worksite. At the last one, he met the men as they were heading back to the ranch with the sun setting in the horizon. Pointing out the direction, Nick frowned wondering if his assumption of where Heath was headed was correct as he rode.

Entering the stand of trees, he pulled Coco alongside his companion and dismounted. Tying the reins, he walked through the trees and stopped at the sight of his brother, standing on the outside of the fence which encased the small cemetery. Nick stood silently by a tree and puzzled at Heath’s stance.

Facing the setting sun, his body was turned sideways to the grave and his face held upwards to catch the falling sun’s last warmth of the day with his eyes closed.

Nick had seen the ritual performed before by his little brother, face held upwards to let the sun wash over it as it went to bed but he’d never asked him about it. Sometimes people just had peculiar habits and it was a part of their personality. Now, he found himself needing to know the answer. Needing to know as much as he could about this man, this brother who came to him full grown with years of living under his belt, this brother he’d fought to keep by his side.

Heath knew he was not alone at the spot he’d only been to once before. He didn’t need to open his eyes to know it was Nick, he just knew.

“What do ya’ want, Nick?” drawled Heath, his eyes still closed and unconsciously prepared himself for his older brother to ask about his reasons for not wearing their Father’s boots.

Nick and Jarrod hadn’t questioned him, they simply nodded at his request for time but he saw the wounded look in their eyes as they headed upstairs leaving Heath with Gene in the parlor. Gene’s questions and his tone had taken his brother by surprise when they were left alone.

Stepping closer, Nick stopped by Heath’s side and glanced out over the horizon. “Heath, I’ve been meaning to ask why you do that? I’ve seen you hold your face up to the setting or rising sun a few times.”

Surprised at the question, Heath turned his head and opened his eyes. The look of concern in the eyes of hazel pushed him to find the words to explain and his voice lowered when he spoke, the memories creeping in from the outer fringes of his memory.

“It started in Carterson. I’d look into the setting sun and let it’s warm rays wash the horrible day off me. When Bentell would string us up for whippings, he always faced us west. I don’t know why it was always west but if he knew the setting sun helped me find the strength to go on, you can bet he’d have stripped that away. It kept me going many a time when I didn’t think I’d make it. The setting sun’s rays signify a new start of a new day just hours away. The rising sun promises a new day bulging with possibilities and hinting it could be blessed with happiness.”

The emotion in the hazel eyes had Nick turning away and he remembered the first time Heath told him about the nightmares on Lookout Peak. That morning was the first time he noticed the ritual and wondered about it.

“Is this the first time you’ve been here since Audra tried to whip you?” asked Nick curiously.

“Yeah, something just drew me here.” stated Heath glancing at the large marker bearing their Father’s name. “It’s a nice marker and this is sure a beautiful spot. I didn’t notice before.”

“Probably cause you were too busy dodging Audra’s wrath from her riding crop.” teased Nick.

Flashing a quick grin, Heath nodded and lowered himself to the ground in front of a tree facing the small cemetery. Nick sat beside him and watched Heath roll a cigarette.

“I thought you gave that up?” queried Nick.

Shrugging, Heath inhaled and blew out the smoke, “I did til a couple weeks ago.”

Nick waited for Heath to speak and decided to take the initiative after several minutes of silence from the blonde, who appeared to be lost in his thoughts.

“Are you going to the commemoration tomorrow?”

“Of course, I am.” snapped Heath taking a deep breath at his sharp tone. “I didn’t mean to bite your head off.”

“I wasn’t sure you would cause of what happened with Gene.” hesitated Nick, then adding. “Gene needs to learn not to run off at the mouth like he has hoof and mouth disease. You have every right to be angry with Father, Heath.”

“It’s not him I’m angry with, Nick. It’s mama.”

“Your mother?” queried Nick surprised. “Why?”

Nick could feel the explosion lying within his brother, waiting to be released. He waited and then started to get irritated when it didn’t appear his tight lipped little brother was going to respond. Suddenly, Heath wiped a hand over his face and spoke.

“How could my mama be so unselfish and then turn around and be selfish? When I was growing up, it upset her terribly when I’d come home bruised and battered from defending myself or her. She’d be so worried cause I worked in the mines and worked for Matt and Martha…” paused Heath, his eyes blazing with anger. “She didn’t like seeing me suffer – but she made the choice not to tell Father! I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT!”

“I don’t know, Heath.” admitted Nick quietly. “I don’t think we’ll ever understand it. Any of us. Only your mother knows why.”

“She was a good mama and I know she loved me but I can’t get the questions outta my head. Why would she watch me suffer like that? Why would she make the decision to subject herself to that kind of treatment?” questioned Heath drawing his legs up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “Too many questions and not enough damn answers. The ones stuck behind are always left wondering. Nick, I’m sick and tired of wondering. I’m sick of the questions that keep popping up. I just want a day without questions.”

“I know, Heath. We may never have the answers. Could be your mama was afraid Father would take you away from her. She knew he was devoted to his family and she was probably scared to lose you.” suggested Nick quietly.

“She never took the chance to find out though.”

“Well, Father should have realized the possibility of leaving your mother with child.” stated Nick firmly. “He could have checked and he should have checked.”

“It’s too damn bad they’re not here to tell us or explain their actions.” groaned Heath leaning back against the tree.

Nodding, Nick agreed, “It sure would’ve helped with everything we’ve been through.”

Several minutes passed before either of them spoke, lost in the thoughts of the recent past.

“Nick, if mama hadn’t taken sick I never would’ve known you were my brother or sought out the family. Mama probably figured by the time she died, I’d be an old man and wouldn’t want to seek out my father. We may never have had a chance to be a family. That angers me the most and scares the hell out of me.”

Putting an arm over the blonde’s shoulders, Nick grinned. “Nah, we’re destined to be brothers, Heath. Jarrod told me once that fate would have somehow crossed our paths at some time in the future. It was meant cause when you came to us, you completed our family.”

“Boy howdy, Jarrod’s getting philosophical in his old age.” smirked Heath, smiling at Nick’s deep laughter. “Either that or he knows I’m the only one willing to put up with you on a daily basis.”

“That’s more than likely the reason.” grinned Nick. “You ready to head for home?”

Standing, Heath held out a hand and pulled Nick up. “When we get back how bout we treat Eugene to a brotherly welcome home.”

Intrigued, the hazel eyes flashed with amusement, “What do you have in mind?”

Thinking seriously, Heath replied, “I’m wondering if a dunking in the horse trough would help cool down college boy’s temper. What do ya’ think?”

Grinning, Nick rubbed his hands together, “Sounds perfect to me!”

Chapter 33

Darkness was lying all around when the two brothers rode through the gates of the ranch. Standing at the window, Gene felt his stomach jump when he spied the returning riders stop and dismount at the barn.

Taking a deep breath he summoned up his courage to face the brother he hurt out of anger. Opening the front door, he was assaulted by the coolness of the night on his flushed face.

Walking across the dirt yard to the barn, the shame rose up within him. He was twenty years old but he acted that afternoon like he was ten.

Entering the large barn, he stood outside the stall where Heath was talking low to the bay stallion, his hands treating the animal to a welcomed grooming. Glancing over at Nick, he saw a flash of anger in the hazel eyes before they turned away.

“Heath, I’d like to speak with you.” requested Gene, his voice soft and hesitant in the confines of the barn.

“Sure, Gene.” said Heath putting the curry comb in the box. Patting the bay’s neck, he opened the stall door and stepped out. “You done, Nick?”

“Finished.” growled Nick closing the door behind him and glaring at his youngest brother with arms folded across his chest.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, his brown eyes met the sapphire ones and he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Heath. I had no right to question you like I did. It was wrong and I spoke out of anger.”

Nodding, Heath smiled slightly into the brown eyes, “Gene, you do have a right to ask questions, it’s how you ask them that gets you into trouble.”

“You’re right. I didn’t consider your point of view, I just reacted. That’s not how a grown man acts.” admitted Gene.

Heath’s chuckle caused Nick and Gene to stare at the blonde in puzzlement. A wide smile spread across his face and he winked, “Reckon you just acted like two of your big brothers.”

“Hey, how’d I get dragged into this.” gruffed Nick trying to hide his amusement.

Gene snickered before he put a hand on Heath’s shoulder. “Heath, I’ve been thinking about your mother all afternoon. I think she loved Father so much and she saw him in you, well, she needed to keep you with her to keep her love for Father alive. That’s why she didn’t tell Father. You have his eyes and his laughter. The way you tilt your head when you think is just like Father, too. She couldn’t give up the child who was born out of her absolute love for a man.”

Stunned at the depths of the youngest’s thoughts and revelations, Heath felt an immense warmth within him and pulled his little brother into an embrace.

“That’s beautiful, Gene. Thanks.” choked out Heath.

Nick wiped his eyes and cleared his throat of the emotion, “That is beautiful, Eugene but that doesn’t let you off the hook for what you did out of anger.”

Heath patted the tense back of the college student and nodded to his conspirator. Gene’s shouts and pleas towards his older brothers were silenced by the splash as he hit the water. Gasping and sputtering, Gene climbed out and glared at the laughing men, reaching out he pushed Nick sideways.

Heath’s laughter increased several volumes as Nick fell face first into the water.

“You think that’s funny!” Nick growled after he climbed out and advanced towards the blonde who turned suddenly and ran full tilt to the mansion with his brothers on his heels.

Victoria was crossing the foyer when Heath flung open the door and spied safety, “Mother, protect me!” he stammered through his gasps of air and laughter at the two bedraggled men chasing him.

“Nicholas! Gene! Why are you all wet?” asked Victoria, amusement filling her gray eyes.

“Move out of the way, Mother. He’s all ours!” declared Gene circling to the right while Nick circled to the left.

Heath dodged the grabbing hands and took haven behind the tiny woman again. Winking, Victoria suddenly stepped to the side taking away the sanctuary Heath was hiding behind.

“MOTHER!” called Heath out, his voice shocked at her move and hands grabbed his arms propelling him backwards out of the house.

Victoria watched from the doorway as Heath met the same fates as his brothers. The water dripped down his hair into his eyes and he grinned at the two extended hands held out in a brotherly gesture.

Both hands different.

One hand housed in a black glove covered the calluses decreeing hard work.

One hand free of covering would one day have the skill to save lives.

Both hands different.

But the love in the eyes of the owners of the hands, the same.

Taking the hands, he put a wet arm over each shoulder and stood between his brothers. “Do you think Pappy needs a bath?”

Victoria shook her head as her last waterfree son was forcibly dragged from the house, his shouts of outrage falling on deaf ears as he was carried across the yard and unceremoniously dumped into the trough.

Chapter 34

A banner of patriotic colors stretched across the street of the town announcing its intention to honor the man.

The man who had foresight and ambition to be the driving force behind many changes in the place he called home.

The man who cared for his fellow human beings all around him.

The man who stood for all that was right and just in the world.

The man who fought against all that was wrong.

The man who was after all only a man.

The man who gave his life while fighting the wrong in the world.

The arrival of the man’s family and ranch crew in the morning signified the start of the festivities. A grand stand had been set up by the covered statue and was lined with chairs for the family.

Victoria lead the way, her children unconsciously used their order of birth as the guide to line up. Smiling widely, she was greeted by the mayor and accepted his friendly kiss on the cheek, her eyes shimmering with love and pride as her children climbed the steps and took their places.

The speeches were given, each one a testament to what the citizens of the valley knew of the man they were honoring, each one a testament to what they were thankful for.

Handing the Barkley matriarch a pair of scissors, everyone watched and applause broke out as the curtain fell down revealing the bronze version of the man.

Heath stared at the bronze statue, amazed at the life like features the artist had coaxed from the metal.

“Boy howdy, Nick. He looks full of life.” whispered Heath unable to keep the awe out of his voice.

Nick whispered back, “That’s how Father lived too. Like it was his last day on earth. Each day was lived to the fullest.”

Nodding at his brother’s declaration, Heath stood up and followed his siblings off the grand stand. Lining up, the Barkley family accepted the greetings of the community members.

Victoria saw Heath’s eyes drawn again to the bronze statue and she smiled when she took his arm. “It’s wonderful isn’t it?”

Patting her arm, Heath smiled, “Boy howdy, it sure is.”

Walking towards the clearing where a town picnic was to be held, Victoria squeezed the muscular arm of her blond son and sighed, “Heath, I’m so happy you decided to wear your Father boots. It does this old lady’s heart good!”

Chuckling, Heath smiled, “Mother, you are far from an old lady and I’m glad I did decide to wear his boots. I’m not as angry and this is a step in the right direction, or so to speak.”

Victoria laughed at his words and Heath frowned at the sight of Mary Dorley approaching towards them while Nick groaned outloud.

“Audra, I haven’t seen you in months!” exclaimed Mary sweetly.

Audra’s eyes turned away from the girl and she continued walking, holding onto Jarrod’s arm, “Excuse us, Mary. We are expected at the clearing.”

Nick and Heath bit back their grins as they walked past the angry menace. The family and citizens of Stockton relished in the picnic and friendly games of competition.

The afternoon waned away and the family headed to the hotel where they planned to spend the evening. Some of the crew followed on their way to the saloon where their bosses declared they’d show up to buy the first four rounds.

Mary Dorley stopped Audra on the street, her eyes seethed with anger. “Audra, I don’t understand what’s wrong? You’ve been ignoring me all day long!”

“We don’t have anything in common that would keep us as friends, Mary.” replied Audra firmly. “Your behavior is appalling and I have no desire to be around you.”

“You’re taking a bastard over me. I’ve been your friend since the fifth grade!” sneered Mary, gesturing towards the red faced blonde man on her right.

Mary shrieked out in horror when she found herself falling backwards into a mud puddle which had formed on the street from a leaking water trough. All eyes watched as Audra screamed out in anger and pushed the girl into the mud.

Standing over her, Audra shouted, “HE’S MY BROTHER! HIS NAME IS HEATH! HE’S A GENTLEMAN AND YOU’RE NO LADY!”

Tim Dorley rushed over after hearing the words out of his daughter’s mouth, the embarrassment showed on his face.

“I’m terrible sorry, Heath. Please accept my apologies.” stammered Tim.

Taking the extended hand of the older man, Heath shook it in both of his and smiled, “Tim, no apologies are necessary from you.”

Smiling in relief, Tim nodded and hauled his daughter to her feet. “I knew I should have listened to your mother and sent you to a finishing school! No time like the present!”

“Daddy, I don’t wanna go.” whimpered Mary as her father dragged her down the street.

Wrapping his arms around his sister, Heath smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek, “Thanks, sis.”

Smirking, Nick shook his head, “For a second there, I thought you and her were gonna go ten rounds, Audra.”

Laughing, Audra swatted her smirking brother’s arm while Victoria rolled her eyes at the teasing the brothers were handing their sister over her possible boxing skills.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t hit her, dear.” admitted Victoria placing an arm around the slim waist.

“Mother, a little wallowing in the mud is better punishment for someone like her.” stated Audra with a wide smile.

Epilogue

Standing in the shadows, Heath shook his head at his inebriated brother. Sighing deeply, he swayed slightly when he walked over to Nick, putting his arm over his shoulders.

“Nick, he won’t talk back!” slurred Heath.

Squinting at the man beside him, Nick burped, “Heath! Where you been boy? I’m having a talk with Father!”

“Nick, it’s a statue.” stated Heath hitting his fist against the metal.

“I know that! I’m not daft!” snorted Nick, burping loudly again. “Wanna know what we’re talking about?”

Wiping a hand over his face in frustration, he shrugged, “Sure, Nick. Tell your little brother all about it.”

Nick threw an arm across the man’s shoulders and squeezed tightly, “YOU’RE A BARKLEY, BOY!”

Looking at his brother with a lop-sided grin, Heath drawled, “Where’s the rest of the Barkleys?”

Pointing over to the side, Heath squinted and could make out the forms of the two other Barkley sons passed out cold at the base of the statue.

“Com’n Nick, let’s wake ‘em up. Mother’ll have our hide if we get arrested for sleeping in the street.” slurred Heath, stumbling when he tried to climb over the fence, falling over instead.

Nick giggled at his clumsy brother and grabbed onto the fence when the world suddenly started spinning. “Heath, quit moving the ground!”

“I ain’t moved nothing.” growled Heath picking himself off the ground and patting Jarrod’s cheek. “Pappy, wake up!”

“JARROD, WAKE UP!” shouted Nick loudly, then looking around when Heath tried to shush him.

“Boy howdy, Nick. You want the whole town to hear ya’!”

“Sorry!” replied Nick sheepishly, then whispering loudly, “JARROD!”

Rolling his eyes, Heath blinked his eyes trying to fight the effects of the drinks they’d consumed. Sitting down, he stared up at the statue and slurred, “I didn’t realize Father was so tall.”

Nick’s eyes followed his brother’s upwards gaze and he nodded, “Yeah, he is mighty tall. I never noticed before.”

Fred Maden sat on a nearby bench and couldn’t stop the laughter from escaping at the drunken conversation from the two prominent ranchers. Standing, he stopped beside Nick who was trying to appear sober.

“Hi ya’, Fred!” exclaimed Nick, his liquor smelling breath causing the sheriff to step back and wave the air away in front of his face.

“Damn, Nick, did you drink all the whiskey in the saloon?” teased Fred.

Smiling, Nick nodded and puffed out his chest, “Ain’t no saloon us Barkleys can’t take down!”

Giggling, Heath drawled, “That’s right, Sheriff.”

Shaking his head, Fred smiled, “Com’n boys, how bout I help you with Jarrod and Gene?”

“You’re not gonna rest us?” asked Nick with a grin.

Looking at the two soused men, Fred smiled, “Not tonight, perhaps another time you’ll let me have the pleasure.”

“You have our word on it, Sheriff!” exclaimed Heath firmly with Nick readily agreeing. “We’ll let you arrest us another time!”

Putting an arm over Heath’s shoulders, Fred smiled. “I know I can count on you Barkleys to keep your word. We better get Jarrod and Gene in before pigeons start to roost on them.”

Working together, Fred helped the brothers into the hotel and up to their rooms. Victoria held the door open while Heath and Fred carried Jarrod in, setting him on the bed. Nick followed with Gene’s arm over his shoulder. Laying him in the other bed, Nick placed a kiss on his mother’s hand and stumbled out of the room, seeking the haven of his bed.

Thanking Fred for his help, Victoria smiled when Heath covered his sleeping brothers with a blanket.

Stopping in front of her, he smiled tenderly, “Mother, it was a good day for us Barkleys.”

“Yes, it was Heath.” agreed Victoria caressing his cheek. “You better get to sleep, son.”

“I love you, Mother.” whispered Heath quietly, his eyes full of emotion.

“I love you, too.” whispered Victoria placing a kiss on his cheek and walking to her door.

Heath waited til his Mother closed her door and entered his room. Stumbling to his bed, Heath’s eyes closed, his dreams free from nightmares and frights, his dreams were of the future where he was surrounded in Barkley love.

THE END