Jarrod and Rachel

Part 2 – The Second Child

by Janet

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.

Plot Summary: Sequel to Freedom is Precious. Jarrod and Rachel Barkley settle down to raise a family in San Francisco

Part 2 – Prologue

When Charles was nine months old, he said his first word. Jarrod and Rachel were relaxing in their living room one evening after a very long day in court for Jarrod. Charles was sitting on the couch between them. He suddenly looked up.

“Mama,” he said looking up at her.

Rachel looked up and then at her son.

“Jarrod,” she asked, “did he say mama?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Charles, if that is mama, who am I?”

“Papa,” the boy said.

“Very good son,” Jarrod replied. “You’re going to be a bright boy.”

“Oh Jarrod,” she told him. “That’s very good Charles. When your grandmother and your uncles come to visit, we’re going to have to figure out what you can call them.”

“Nick will spoil him rotten,” Jarrod said, smiling at the thought of his brother spoiling his son. “He has this picture in his mind that Charles is going to follow in his footsteps as a rancher.”

“Would that bother you?” she asked.

“No,” he answered.

“Jarrod,” she said, “I was waiting for a good time to tell you and now seems as good a time as any.”

“Tell me what?” he asked.

“I’m pregnant,” she answered.

Jarrod sat there a minute before he said anything. Rachel was worried that he wouldn’t accept the news. Then he turned to her, smiling broadly.

“Rachel,” he said, kissing her over Charles, “I’m so happy. I kind of hope this one is a girl since we have Charles.”

“I wasn’t sure how you would take the news,” she replied. “I’m so happy that you are also happy.”

“I am thrilled,” he told her. “Charles did you hear? You’re going to have a brother or sister.”

He didn’t say anything but he smiled. Jarrod picked him up, sitting him on his knee.

“Son,” Jarrod said, “you’re going to be the big brother just like I was. You’re going to teach it right and wrong, love and help guide it as it grows.”

“Jarrod,” Rachel asked, “do you remember when your brother was born?”

“Barely,” he answered, thinking back to when he was almost four years old. “From what I remember, the year Nick was born, I had pneumonia. Mother said I almost died. I can remember seeing him for the first time and holding my finger out to him. He grabbed hold and I think I told him to hold on tight; and never let go. I would always be there for him.”

“I know our son will treat the baby that way,” she said.

“You’re probably right,” he replied.

Chapter One

It had been three months since Rachel had told Jarrod about the baby. He had been involved in a very difficult case that had taken every minute of his time. He was hardly home anymore. Rachel had begun to worry about him because he was very moody and quiet. He hardly spoke to her. And when he was home, he was sitting in the study at his desk.

“Jarrod,” she asked when he came home after midnight one night, “how was your day? Charles wanted to stay up but he fell asleep several hours ago so I put him to bed.”

Jarrod walked right past her to his study, sitting down at his desk.

“Jarrod,” she said, “talk to me.”

“Oh Rachel,” he replied, “it’s late. Can we talk in the morning? I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“I never see you anymore,” she told him. “Will you tell me why you are spending all your time at the office?”

“You know that I have a very trying case,” he said showing how irritated he was at being disturbed. “I need to give it all my attention.”

“What about your son?” she asked. “Do you still love him?”

“Of course,” he answered. “But I have a lot of work to do.”

“Jarrod,” she said, “you are acting completely different from the way you did when I was carrying Charles. You smothered me then. Now, you won’t even look at me.”

“I’m sorry,” he replied. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“Just don’t forget that you have a family,” she told him, walking out the door.

Over the next couple of months, it gradually got even worse. Jarrod stopped coming home at all. By this time, Rachel was really worried about him. She knew if he didn’t stop pushing himself so hard that he would become sick and be confined to bed. She sent a telegram to Victoria asking her to come to San Francisco. Rachel hoped that Victoria could stop Jarrod from destroying himself. She arrived the next day because she realized that Rachel was very worried about Jarrod and frankly so was she especially after reading the telegram.

“Victoria,” Rachel said when Victoria walked in the front door after William picked her up at the train station, “I don’t know what to do.”

“Sit down dear,” she replied, “and tell me all about it.”

“It’s been going on for about five months,” Rachel told her. “Jarrod has been working all the time. He doesn’t have time for Charles or me. And now, he doesn’t even come home at all. I’m very worried about him. I’m afraid he could have a heart attack or worse.”

“That doesn’t sound like Jarrod,” she said. “Where is he now?”

“I don’t know,” Rachel replied. “You might try his office. That’s where he spends all his time anymore. He doesn’t even see his son.”

“Now don’t you worry,” she told her. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Thank you Victoria,” Rachel said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Chapter Two

Victoria had William drive her to Jarrod’s office in San Francisco. When she walked in, Mildred looked up from her work.

“Mrs. Barkley,” she said smiling, “what a pleasant surprise. What can I help you with?”

“Where is my son?” Victoria asked.

“He’s in court,” she answered. “He’ll be back to the office for lunch.”

“I’ll wait,” Victoria said, sitting down to wait.

“Is anything wrong?” Mildred asked.

“I’m not sure,” she answered. “That’s why I want to see Jarrod.”

When Jarrod walked into the office, Victoria could tell he was dragging. His eyes were bloodshot; he had dark circles under them and he was wearing wrinkled clothes, which definitely wasn’t like him.

“Son,” she said, “you need to rest.”

“I can’t,” he replied stone faced. “I have a lot of work to do.”

“Jarrod,” she asked, “can we talk?”

“I’m very busy,” he answered.

“I want to know what is wrong,” she replied.

“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,” he told her.

He walked into his office, sitting down at his desk. She followed, closing the door behind her. She stood right in front of the desk, looking down at him. He was rubbing his eyes with his hands.

“You’re completely exhausted,” she said. “You need to rest.”

“I’m fine,” he replied, but she knew better.

“No,” she told him. “You are going to have a heart attack if you don’t slow down.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said standing up. “I feel fine.”

“You don’t look fine,” she replied. “You are going to wind up in the hospital.”

“Mother,” he asked, “what are you doing here in the first place?”

“Your wife wired me,” she answered. “Because she is worried about you.”

“Rachel tends to get too emotional about things,” he said. “I don’t pay any attention to her.”

“I know,” she replied, leaning over the desk. “Your wife told me you hadn’t been home in two months.”

“I have been staying here at the office,” he told her. “I have so much paper work to do.”

“That’s no excuse,” she said. “You have a wife and a son. How do you think that boy feels right now.”

“He’ll get over it,” he replied. “I did.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, not understanding his statement.

“Father was gone a lot during my childhood and I turned out all right,” he answered. “Charles will too.”

“Jarrod,” she said, “you don’t understand. Rachel thinks she has done something to drive you away.”

“She’s letting her imagination run away,” he replied, looking up.

Victoria noticed that Jarrod’s face was pale and his breathing was getting labored. Before she could question him further he stood up, then grabbed his shirt before falling to the floor. Victoria was at his side in a matter of seconds.

“Mildred!” she called, “Mildred!”

Mildred opened the door, peering inside.

“Yes,” she said.

“Go get a doctor,” Victoria replied, trying to help her son. “Jarrod has collapsed.”

“Right away,” she told her as she flew out of the office.

Victoria made Jarrod as comfortable as possible. She placed a pillow from the couch under his head. She thought she knew what was happening. He was having a heart attack but she didn’t say it out loud. It would only scare him and she needed to keep him as calm as possible until the doctor arrived. Jarrod tried to speak.

“Mother,” he gasped, “I can’t breathe.”

“Easy son,” she said trying to keep him calm. “I’ve sent for the doctor.”

“I hurt...” he replied.

“Where?” she asked.

“My chest and down my left arm,” he answered. “It feels like my chest is going to explode. Mother, I’m frightened.”

“Jarrod,” she said, “I need to get Rachel.”

“No,” he replied. “She hates me for not coming home. She won’t come.”

“You don’t know your wife very well,” she told him. “She’ll meet us at the hospital.”

“Hospital,” he said confusion evident on his face. “Why the hospital?”

“I’m thinking you’re going to have to spend some time there,” she replied not telling me what she believed was wrong with him.

“But the case,” he told her.

“Will have to wait,” she said.

The doctor walked inside. Victoria stood up while he examined Jarrod. She turned to Mildred.

“Go get Rachel,” she said. “Have her meet us at the hospital.”

“Yes ma’am,” Mildred replied leaving the office.

The doctor glanced up at Victoria.

“He’s had a heart attack,” he said, still working on Jarrod. “I’m going to take him to the hospital. I’ll be able to tell you more after I get him stabilized and in a room. He’s driven himself to exhaustion.”

“I understand,” she replied, kneeling down next to her son. “Jarrod, it’s going to be all right. I’m going to send a wire to Nick and Heath. I think they should know what’s happening.”

He nodded but he was still in a lot of discomfort. The severe pain he was enduring was written all over his pale face. While Victoria was gone, the doctor had Jarrod moved to the hospital. When Victoria walked inside the door at the hospital, Rachel met her. She was holding Charles and crying.

“I came as soon as Mildred told me,” she said very upset that her husband was sick. “How is he?”

“I don’t know,” Victoria replied. “He was in a lot of discomfort in the office.”

“I can’t lose him now,” she told her. “What will I do?”

“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Victoria said trying to keep Rachel calm. “Jarrod was under a lot of pressure and he didn’t take care of himself. The first thing I want you to do is to stay calm. Remember you’re pregnant and you need to take care of yourself.”

“I should have done something to stop him,” she replied beginning to blame herself.

“It wouldn’t have done any good,” Victoria told her. “Jarrod’s mind was made up and you couldn’t have changed it for any reason.”

Chapter Three

In the examination room, Dr. Samson was trying his best to save Jarrod’s life. Jarrod had passed out in route to the hospital and the doctor was working on him. He was afraid that Jarrod wasn’t going to survive.

“I’ve got to get him stabilized,” he said working as hard as he could on Jarrod. “He’ll die if I don’t. His breathing is still labored.”

The nurse continued to work with him.

“Doctor,” she said a short time later, “he’s beginning to breathe a little easier.”

“Yes,” he replied wiping the sweat from his brow and breathing a sigh of relief, “but he’s still a long way from being out of the woods. He’s driven himself to this by not taking better care of himself. He probably hasn’t slept much or eaten like he should. I need to make sure he takes better care of himself.”

“Someone will have to monitor him until he is out of the woods,” she told him.

“That will be your job,” he said looking at her. “As soon as we move him to a room. If his condition changes at all I want to be notified.”

“Yes sir,” she replied.

They continued to work. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor came out to talk to Rachel and Victoria.

“How is he?” Rachel asked handing Charles to Victoria and rising from the chair. “Will he be all right?”

“Your husband has had a heart attack,” he answered. “I don’t believe it is a severe attack but if he doesn’t start taking better care of himself, it could get a lot worse. He is breathing a little easier but he is unconscious. He seemed to be completely exhausted and that may have triggered it. Has he been upset lately?”

“He’s been working on this case for the last several months,” she said. “He has been coming home very late or sleeping at the office.”

“I see,” he replied. “That is probably what started it. What I’m going to do is monitor his condition closely for the next few days. I’ve given him something to help him rest. If we can get him stabilized he will probably recover.”

“And if you don’t?” she asked fearing the worst.

“He’ll probably die,” he answered. “I wish I could give you better news.”

“Can I see him?” she asked.

“Only for a few minutes,” he answered. “I want him to get plenty of rest in order for him to recover.”

“I’ll take care of Charles,” Victoria said.

“Thank you,” she replied, heading off with the doctor after handing Charles to Victoria.

When Rachel walked into Jarrod’s room, she could see how pale he was. He was so still as he fought to survive. She walked over to his bed, sitting down in a chair. She picked up his hand in hers.

“Honey,” she said with tears falling down her face, “I’m here. You’re going to get better. Your son needs you.”

The nurse in the room, who was monitoring Jarrod, smiled at Rachel. Rachel wouldn’t take her eyes off her husband. She could see the effort it took for him to breathe. She kissed his cheek. After being in the room for five minutes, the doctor escorted her out.

“He needs rest,” he said walking her to the door. “Go home. We’ll contact you if there is any change.”

“No,” she replied. “I want to stay here. I need to be close to him.”

“I understand,” he told her. “Try not to worry. Everything is being done to help your husband.”

“I know,” she said walking back to the waiting room.

When Victoria saw her coming, she met her.

“He’s still in critical condition,” she said crying. “He may not make it. He’s so pale and still. Every breath he takes is a fight. I can’t lose him.”

“Rachel,” Victoria replied, “Jarrod is going to pull out of this.”

“I’m never going to take him for granted again,” she told her. “I love him and I can’t imagine life without him.”

“We need to be positive,” Victoria said. “Nick and Heath should be here soon.”

“You’re right of course,” she replied sitting down in one of the chairs to wait.

Chapter Five

Nick and Heath arrived the next day.

“How is Jarrod?” Nick asked when he walked into the hospital.

“He’s still in bad shape,” Rachel answered. “I can only see him for five minutes every hour.”

“What happened?” Heath asked. “He seemed fine the last time we saw him.”

“He had been working on an extremely hard case,” she answered. “He wasn’t getting much sleep or rest.”

“Mother,” Nick asked, “have you seen him?”

“Not since he was brought here,” she answered. “But in his office, he looked so pale and drawn.”

The doctor interrupted them.

“Jarrod’s regained consciousness,” he said smiling. “He’s still very weak but he’s awake and alert.”

“Will he make it?” Rachel asked.

“I believe so,” he answered. “He’s very lucky. But there will have to be some changes made.”

“What changes?” Nick asked.

“He’s going to have to slow down his activities for the time being,” he answered. “He’s going to have to get more exercise and plenty of rest. He’s already had one heart attack. If he doesn’t stick to the rules, he could have another one that will kill him.”

“Don’t you worry about that,” she said finally allowing herself to smile. “I’ll make sure he takes better care of himself.”

“Would you like to see him?” he asked.

“All of us,” she wanted to know.

“Yes,” he answered. “But only for a few minutes. Then his wife can stay a while longer.”

They followed him to Jarrod’s room. When they walked in, he smiled.

“Nick,” he asked, “Heath, what are you doing here?”

“Seeing about you big brother,” Heath answered.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“You will be after you get some rest,” she replied.

“Yes Rachel,” he told her. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you these last few months. This trial has had me so busy, I haven’t been eating or sleeping.”

“Now you will,” she said smiling for the first time. “You’re going to turn that case over to someone else and rest.”

“Papa,” Charles replied looking down at his father.

“Hello son,” he told him. “I’ll be out of here very soon.”

Victoria, Nick and Heath left after a few minutes. Victoria took Charles with them so Rachel could spend some time alone with Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” she said sitting down in a chair beside his bed, “you’re going to have to take it easy and listen to what the doctor says.”

“I know,” he replied looking away. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“I know that,” she told him. “You have been working too hard.”

“That’s for sure,” he said looking at her. “But that will change. I promise.”

“Good,” she replied. “Can I bring you anything?”

“No,” he told her. “Maybe I won’t be in here too long.”

“You just mind the doctor,” she said smiling.

“Don’t worry,” he replied. “I will. Rachel, I love you and Charles with all my heart. You are my life. I’m sorry for the way I neglected you both.”

“It’s all right now,” she told him. “Don’t worry about it now. Just rest. Are you in any pain?”

“Not much,” he said. “I wish this hadn’t happened.”

“It did and we’ll go on from here,” she replied.

He smiled as his eyes eased closed. She covered him up, sitting back down in the chair. She looked closely at him, realizing that he was still pale and drawn but he was breathing better.

“How long have you been married?” the nurse asked Rachel.

“Almost two years,” she answered. “We have a son and are expecting another baby in about six months.”

“That’s great,” the nurse said. “Don’t worry. He’s stabilized. If he follows the doctor’s orders, he’ll be fine.”

“Thank you,” she replied. “You are doing a wonderful job for my husband.”

“He’s lucky to have you,” the nurse told her.

Rachel smiled.

Chapter Six

Over the course of the next two weeks, Jarrod slowly recovered enough to be released.

“Jarrod,” the doctor said, “I want you to take it easy for the next few weeks until you regain more of your strength.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied.

“I want to see you in a week,” he told Jarrod. “And I mean no to anything that involves work. If you don’t slow down, it could be a lot worse for you.”

“All right,” Jarrod said. “I’m a very lucky man.”

“You certainly are,” he replied. “And if you don’t follow what I say...”

“I know,” Jarrod told him.

Nick and Heath helped Jarrod walk to the waiting buggy. He was still very weak. He climbed into the back along with Rachel and Charles. Nick and Heath climbed up front and Victoria sat in the middle. She would glance at Jarrod when he wasn’t looking to assure herself that he was indeed well enough to come home. Then the group rode to the house. Once they had Jarrod inside and settled in a chair, Nick and Heath took care of the buggy. Jarrod opted to sit in the living room. He was still pale but he was starting to get more color back. Victoria sat down beside of him.

“I am so glad you came by the office,” he said looking at her with gratitude. “If you hadn’t, I shutter to think what the end result could have been.”

“It’s all over honey,” she replied. “You’re on your way. I’m going to stay until after the birth of the baby. I think you and Rachel can use the help.”

“Thanks,” he told her. “Rachel and William can use the help.”

Victoria kissed his cheek.

“I’m going to see how your wife and son are,” she said standing.

She left the room. Nick and Heath walked in and sat down.

“How’s everything at the ranch?” Jarrod asked.

“Fine,” Nick answered.

“Yeah,” Heath said. “We’ve got a new string of horses and some more cattle.”

“When did you do all that?” Jarrod asked.

“Over the last few months,” Nick answered. “If you would come home more, you’d know.”

“I realize that,” Jarrod said. “I hope to spend some time there while I’m recuperating.”

“That would be swell,” Heath replied.

“Yeah,” Nick told him.

“I would love to show Charles the ranch,” Jarrod said.

“You’ll be able to,” Nick replied. “You know he’s going to be just like me.”

“I hope not,” Jarrod told him. “I don’t mind if he’s a rancher but I don’t want him to be as loud as you are Nick.”

“Very funny,” Nick said smiling.

Rachel walked in carrying Charles. She sat down beside of Jarrod. He smiled at her and his son.

“Are you comfortable?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “But you need to rest too.”

“I’ll be all right,” she said. “But now that you’re home and your mother is staying, everything will go smoothly.”

“What would you think about going to the ranch?” he asked.

“You mean now?” she wanted to know.

“Yes,” he answered.

“That would be wonderful,” she said. “But we’ll wait until the doctor says you can go.”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied smiling. “How’s my boy?”

“Papa,” Charles told him. “Well?”

“Not quite son but I’m getting there,” he said.

Charles smiled at his father and put his arms around Jarrod. Jarrod held him for a while treasuring the time he spent with his son. Rachel smiled as she watched him with their son.

Chapter Seven

Two weeks later, they were at the ranch. Jarrod just breathed in the crisp air, looking at the land lying before him. It was the middle of the summer but in the mornings the air was still cool. He hadn’t realized just how much he missed being here. Rachel put her arm in his.

“A penny for your thoughts,” she said.

“I was just thinking how beautiful this ranch really is,” he replied taking in all the beauty. “I didn’t realize that I missed being here. But our life is in San Francisco.”

“You’re going to recover here,” she told him. “This trip is going to be good for you but don’t forget what the doctor said.”

“I remember,” he said thinking back.

“Jarrod,” the doctor said at his last check-up, you can go to Stockton but you still need to take it easy and rest. I don’t want you doing any work for the next few months. And then it will only be for half a day to start with.”

“I understand doc,” he replied. “You don’t have to worry. My wife and mother will make sure I take it easy. And besides I want to show my son the ranch.”

“I’ll wire your doctor,” the doctor told him. “If you have any problems, you get in touch with him and he’ll inform me.”

“I will,” Jarrod said.

“Jarrod,” she said pulling him back to the present, “let’s get settled. Then I want you to rest for a while. That was a long train trip.”

“I am a little tired,” he replied.

They went inside and up to Jarrod’s old room. Jarrod laid down on the bed, closing his eyes. Rachel eased out of the room with Charles. She walked downstairs.

“Rachel,” Nick said as he met her, “let me take Charlie outside where Heath and I are. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Mama,” Charles replied excited.

“All right,” she told him. “But you mind Nick.”

“Yes mama,” Charles said bounding off with Nick.

She watched them walk out the door, then she went n search of Victoria. She found her in the dining room.

“Rachel,” she asked, “did you get Jarrod settled?”

“Yes,” Rachel answered pulling out a chair and sitting down. “He’s resting upstairs and Charles is with Nick.”

“He’ll love that,” she said smiling. “Nick will have him riding a horse before you know it.”

“I hope not,” Rachel replied. “One family member in bed is enough. I don’t need another one.”

“I understand,” she told her. “Jarrod was very lucky.”

“I wanted to thank you for going to his office that day,” Rachel said looking very serious. “If you hadn’t been there...”

“I know,” she replied. “You don’t have to say it. This trip will do Jarrod good.”

“He needs it,” Rachel told her. “We all need it.”

“And I’m going to make sure you all get plenty of rest,” she said. “Don’t forget. You’re going to have a baby in five months.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Rachel replied. “I do hope it’s a girl.”

“Are you going to name her Maureen?” she asked.

“Yes,” Rachel answered. “Maureen Victoria.”

“I’m honored,” she said smiling.

“I want her to know who her grandmothers were,” Rachel replied.

Chapter Eight

Jarrod woke up, somewhat confused. Then he remembered they were at the ranch and relaxed. He rose from the bed, freshened up and then went downstairs in search of his wife and son.

He found Rachel in the dining room with his mother.

“Did you rest well?” she asked when he came in.

“I did,” he answered. “Where’s Charles?”

“Out with your brothers,” she said.

“I better go find him,” he replied. “Nick will have him breaking horses if I know him.”

“Don’t do too much,” she told him.

“I won’t,” he said heading out the door.

Jarrod found Nick, Heath and Charles at one of the corrals. Heath was trying to break a beautiful black horse. Nick and Charles were sitting on the fence watching. Jarrod looked at his young son. Charles was avidly watching his uncle. When he saw Jarrod, he smiled.

“Papa,” he said smiling, “Uncle Nick letting me see.”

“I see that,” Jarrod replied climbing up beside his son.

“One day me do that,” he told his father.

“I don’t doubt it for a minute,” Jarrod said smiling. “You are just like your uncles and your grandfather.”

“Uncle Heth ride good,” he replied.

“Who?” Jarrod asked not exactly sure what Charles had said.

“Uncle Heth,” he answered.

“Jarrod,” Nick said, “he’s talking about Heath. You know he can’t say Heath so he calls him Heth.”

“Oh,” Jarrod replied. “I don’t have any idea what he’s going to call mother.”

“Let’s let him decide that,” Nick told him. “That way she can’t get mad at us.”

“True,” Jarrod said laughing.

Nick also laughed.

“Papa,” Charles said. “Me ride?”

“You want to ride a horse,” Jarrod replied.

“Yes papa,” he told his father.

“All right,” Jarrod said. “Come on.”

The two of them walked into the barn. Jarrod backed his horse out of the stall.

“Charles,” he said looking at his son, “one thing to remember is never stand right behind a horse. They can kick you.”

“Yes papa,” Charles replied walking over to stand beside Jarrod.

Jarrod saddled the horse and Charles watched every move he made. Even at such a young age, the boy was learning. Jarrod couldn’t believe how much Charles reminded him of his father and the colonel. He had brown hair parted on the side and his father’s eye color. Although Charles’ eyes were not as blue. Finally, Jarrod climbed up, holding down his hand for his son to grasp. He pulled Charles up and the two of them went for a ride.

“Big,” Charles said looking at the land spread out before them.

“What is?” Jarrod asked.

“Ranch,” he answered. “Big.”

“Yes it is,” Jarrod said. “Father started with a small place but over the years it grew. Your uncles are now the ones who take care of it.”

“Me want ranch,” he replied.

“Someday son you will have one,” Jarrod told him.

“Me be good rancher,” he said smiling.

“I know you will,” Jarrod replied. “Maybe I can have another son who will want to take over the law firm.”

“Me sure papa will,” he told him.

“I appreciate that son,” Jarrod said. “You’re a wonderful boy and I love you so much.”

“Me love you papa,” he replied.

Chapter Nine

As the days rolled by, Jarrod continued to heal and regain his strength. Rachel’s time to have the baby was nearing. Everyone was looking forward to welcoming a new member to the Barkley family.

Charles learned how to mount a horse because Jarrod had bought him a small pony for his very own. He was thrilled.

“Charles,” Jarrod said, “you have to help your uncles take care of your pony. Do you have a name?”

“Yes,” the boy replied. “Me name him Heth.”

“Heth,” Jarrod repeated. “That’s an odd name for a horse.”

“Me love Heth,” he told his father.

“I know you do,” Jarrod said. “Heth it is.”

Jarrod taught Charles how to ride with him around. And he told the boy not to ride Heth without him or his uncles present.

“Charles,” Jarrod remarked, “I don’t want you to ride your pony unless an adult is present.”

“Me will,” the boy said looking up at his father.

“Good boy,” Jarrod replied. “It won’t be long before your mother has the baby. You will have to be a big help to her.”

“Me will,” he told his father. “Me love baby.”

“I know you do,” Jarrod said smiling. “You’re like me, the oldest and as the oldest you have to help your younger brothers and sisters learn.”

“Me try,” he replied also smiling.

Rachel and Victoria walked out to see the pony.

“Charles,” Victoria asked, “what did you name your pony?”

“Heth grandmama,” he answered.

Jarrod cringed when he heard Charles call her grandmama. But Victoria smiled.

“I love being called grandmama,” she said. “But it will be grandmother when you’re older.”

“OK,” he replied.

Chapter Ten

One evening after the dinner hour, the Barkleys were in the study. Jarrod, Nick and Heath were playing a game of pool. Victoria, Rachel and Charles were watching the game. No one could stop Heath. He kept on dropping balls in the pockets and grinning at his two brothers. Jarrod finally threw up his hands in surrender.

“What?” Heath asked grinning broadly, “You giving up so soon big brother.”

“No,” Jarrod answered. “But you have wiped me out.”

“Me also little brother,” Nick said. “Maybe mother will play with you.”

“I don’t think so Nicholas,” she replied. “Pool is a game for men.”

“Chicken,” Jarrod told her smiling. “You’re just afraid you’ll lose money to him.”

“I beg your pardon Jarrod,” she said playing along. “You know I don’t gamble.”

“I forgot,” Jarrod replied.

As Rachel was sitting there quietly listening, she felt the first pains of labor. She clutched her stomach and Victoria stopped speaking.

“Rachel,” she asked turning her attention to her daughter-in-law, “is anything wrong?”

“I think the baby is coming,” Rachel answered still clutching her stomach. “I need you to get the doctor Jarrod.”

“We’ll go,” Nick said looking at Heath. “It’ll give Jarrod time to help you upstairs to your room.”

“Good,” Victoria replied.

Slowly, Jarrod helped his wife to their room. Charles followed behind them. He was worried about his mother. After Rachel was settled in the bed, Jarrod turned to his son.

“It’s all right,” he said. “Mother is just having the baby.”

“Me know,” Charles replied. “Me help mama?”

“No,” she told him. “You go downstairs with Silas.”

“Yes mama,” he said leaving the room.

Jarrod was standing beside the bed. His forehead was beaded up with sweat. His breathing was labored. Rachel looked over at him, worry written over her face.

“Jarrod,” she asked, “what is it?”

“I’m...” he answered trying to catch his breath, “I can’t...seem to...catch my...breath.”

“Charles!” she called. “Charles!”

The boy ran into the room just in time to see his father collapse to the floor.

“Charles,” she said, “get grandmother. Go.”

“Yes mama,” he replied. “Papa.”

“Go son,” she told him.

He ran from the room. When he found Victoria in the kitchen, he pulled on her arm.

“Honey,” she asked, “what is it?”

“Papa,” he answered.

“What about Jarrod?” she asked concerned.

“Papa on floor,” he answered.

Victoria flew up the stairs. When she walked into their room, Jarrod was lying face down on the floor. She quickly rolled him over. His breathing was very shallow.

“Victoria,” Rachel asked, very frightened, “how is he?”

“Not good,” she answered. “He’s having difficulty breathing again.”

“Where is that doctor?” Rachel asked.

At that moment, Dr. Merrar walked in. He immediately went to Jarrod’s side. After examining him, he looked up.

“He’s had another attack,” he said. “I’m going to put him to bed and wire the doctor in San Francisco. Nick, will you and Heath carry him to a bed?”

“Sure doc,” Nick replied concern etched on his face. “Is Jarrod going to be all right?”

“I hope so,” he told them. “I need to get a telegram off to his doctor.”

“I can do that doc,” Heath said.

“That would be a big help,” he replied. “The doctor’s name is Samson. Tim Samson.”

“Right,” Heath told him as he helped carry Jarrod to another bed.

Heath then left the house to send the telegram. Rachel was very worried about her husband.

“What happened?” she asked. “He seemed all right.”

“It was the burst of energy he had because of you going into labor that caused it,” he answered. “He has to stay as calm as possible.”

“Will he be able to see the baby?” she asked.

“I hope so,” he answered. “Meanwhile, I’ll keep a close watch on you as well. Victoria, will you stay with Jarrod until I finish up here?”

“Certainly,” she said, leaving the room.

When Victoria walked into the room where Jarrod was, she noticed Nick staying close to his brother. He looked up as she walked in.

“This should be one of the happiest days in Jarrod’s life,” he said. “But instead, he’s lying here unconscious and maybe dying.”

“Jarrod,” she replied, “is going to be fine. I know he will.”

“I hope you’re right mother,” he told her.

At that moment, Jarrod opened his eyes. He was a little confused until his eyes came to rest on his mother and brother.

“What happened?” he asked very confused.

“You collapsed,” she answered. “The doctor seemed to think it was from the excitement of the baby coming.”

“Rachel?” he asked trying to sit up on the bed.

“Easy Jarrod,” Nick answered, pushing him back down. “The doctor is with her. You just take it easy.”

“I’m all right,” he said trying to fight Nick. Let me up.”

“No,” Nick replied. “I want you to lie still until the doctor tells you it’s all right.”

“Mother,” he told her.

“Nick’s right,” she said. “Just rest.”

Jarrod finally relaxed. He looked up at the ceiling. He didn’t want to spend the time his child was born lying in bed. He wanted to be with his wife. The doctor walked in.

“Rachel?” he asked.

“She’s fine,” the doctor answered. “I wanted to check on you.”

“I’m fine now,” Jarrod said. “Please, can I go to Rachel.”

“I want you to describe what happened prior to your collapse,” he asked.

“I felt dizzy and disoriented,” Jarrod answered. “It was hard to breathe. I couldn’t stand up.”

“It’s not as bad as I first thought,” he said. “Jarrod, did you feel ill?”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied. “I was sick to my stomach.”

“It was a reaction to the stress of the baby’s birth,” he told them. “You’re going to have to take it easy but I don’t see why you can’t be present when your baby is born.”

“Thanks doc,” Jarrod said smiling.

Rising from the bed, he swayed a moment before the dizziness went away. He walked to his wife’s room. When he walked in, she smiled.

“You’re all right,” she said smiling. “I was so worried.”

“It was just the flurry of activity,” he replied. “I’m fine now.”

“That’s wonderful news,” she told him.

Chapter Eleven

Jarrod showed no ill effects as their newest child arrived into the world. When the doctor turned toward Jarrod, he held a small dark haired baby in his arms.

“Jarrod,” he said, “you have a daughter.”

Jarrod just looked at the small baby in the doctor’s arms. He reached out taking her from the doctor and smiling broadly.

“Rachel,” he said, “it’s a girl.”

“Maureen Victoria,” she replied.

“We’ll call her Maureen,” he told her still smiling.

Charles walked in. Jarrod coaxed him over to them.

“Son,” he said showing him the baby, “you have a sister. Her name is Maureen.”

“Sissy,” Charles replied. “Me love sissy.”

“We know you do sweetheart,” Rachel told him. “You’re going to have to help us take care of her.”

“Me will,” he said still looking at the tiny baby.

Charles looked up at his father. He knew that Jarrod had been sick again.

“Papa,” he asked, “all right?”

“Yes son,” Jarrod answered. “I was just a little sick.”

“Me glad,” he said hugging his father’s leg. “Me love papa.”

“I love you too,” Jarrod replied squatting down and hugging him back. “You’re quite a boy.”

Victoria, Nick and Heath walked in.

“I hear that we have a niece now,” Nick said.

“Yes you do,” Jarrod replied showing off his beautiful girl. “She has her mother’s eyes as well as my hair color. She is a beauty.”

“That she is,” Heath told him. “How’s the boy handling the news?”

“Charles is fine with having a sister,” Rachel said. “He looks forward to helping her learn and grow.”

“I’m glad,” Nick replied. “I remember the day Audra was born. Both Jarrod and I wanted to hold her. She was so pretty.”

“That she was,” Jarrod told him. “And she still is. I wish she were here to see her niece and nephew.”

“I’ll wire her in Rome,” Victoria said. “She’ll see them when she comes home in a few months.”

Chapter Twelve

Jarrod and Rachel were trying to decide when the best time was to tell the family that they were heading back to San Francisco.

“Jarrod,” Rachel said, holding Maureen in her arms, “it’s too soon for you to go back to work.”

“It’s been five months since the heart attack,” he replied. “I’m all right other than that small spell I had when the baby was born. I need to get back to work.”

“I suppose you’re right,” she told him. “I bet William thinks we’ve deserted him. After Frederick left to tend to his ailing mother, I thought we never would get another servant. But then William showed up at the door. He’s been wonderful through all of this.”

“Yes he has,” Jarrod said smiling. “I’ll wire him to let him know we’re coming home.”

“Good,” she replied also smiling.

As Jarrod walked down the steps, Nick met him.

“Where are you off to?” Nick asked.

“I was going to ride into Stockton to send a wire to William,” Jarrod answered. “We wanted to let him know we’re coming home.”

“Didn’t I hear you say that you had some business in Sacramento?” Nick asked.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered. “Why?”

“I was thinking that you could leave Charles and the baby here with us and take Rachel with you,” Nick said. “It could be like a honeymoon.”

“You know,” Jarrod replied, “you’re right. We never did take a real honeymoon. That mess with the bank kept me in San Francisco and then I got hurt.”

“Why don’t you,” Nick told him. “I promise to keep a close eye on Charles. He would love to stay here. He really loves the ranch.”

“You have a point,” Jarrod said. “I’ll see what Rachel says.”

Jarrod walked back upstairs to their room. When he opened the door walking inside, Rachel was surprised.

“You couldn’t have sent that telegram,” she said.

“I didn’t,” he replied. “I met Nick and he told me that you and I should take that trip to Sacramento for a honeymoon.”

“What about the children?” she asked.

“He said to leave them here,” he answered. “He said that he and Heath would look after Charles and I’m sure mother would love to take care of Maureen.”

“Why don’t we,” she said smiling. “We didn’t get to go on a honeymoon.”

“No,” he agreed. “We’ll do it.”

Continued…