by Leona (Heathisforme)
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.
They had ridden for a few hours, he was leading and she was following. Heath had the packhorse as well, and was looking for a place to rest the horses for an hour or so. They were off to Strawberry, his childhood home to see Hannah and Aunt Rachel. He wanted Janine to meet what was left of his family and to see his beloved mother’s grave. He hadn’t wanted to go back, he hated the place, but Janine insisted, saying she wanted to get to know him much better if she could see where he grew up. He relented, thinking it wasn’t such a bad idea for her to meet Rachel and Hannah.
He found a spot in which to rest the horses. He motioned to Janine that they were going to stop here to rest. Janine nodded and dismounted. “Let’s make some coffee and have some lunch here,” she said to him, going to the pack horse and finding the coffee pot plus the food. Heath made himself busy by looking for firewood and getting the fire ready. They sat by the fire together, enjoying each other’s company. The coffee was made and they ate the left over food from the wedding.
It was beautiful where they were. The evergreen trees adorned the land, the river drifted through like a snake looking for his home. Janine sighed, thinking of the last few days. She loved the rugged cowboy, his sensitivity to her feelings, his ability to know what she needed when she needed it. Such a big difference between him and Gary, she couldn’t help but compare them. Heath didn’t grumble when she couldn’t keep up, he merely stopped and waited for her to catch up. They rode side by side on the wider spots of the trail so they could talk a little. They admired the beauty of the land and told each other so. They had a mutual love and understanding for the land they were travelling in.
It’s a nice feeling to have someone share the wonder and beauty of the land with me, reflected Heath. She appreciated the art of God as much as he did. She didn’t complain, tried hard to keep up with him so he didn’t complain when it was taking a little longer then it should. He smiled, his wife was full of nice surprises. He moved closer to her and nuzzled her neck. She leaned against him, enjoying his closeness, and closed her eyes. He put his arm around her and lifted her head to meet his. He kissed her gently, enjoying her. He moved closer to her and whispered, “tired?”
She nodded, and stated, “I’ll be ready to go whenever you are, Heath.”
He glanced down at his wife who was relaxing fully on his chest. He hated to move her, but he wanted to hit Strawberry before it got too late. He gently prodded Janine, remarking, “we should hit the trail, my pretty.”
She sat up and yawned. “Sorry Heath, I think the excitement of the last couple of days are catching up to me.” She yawned again.
Heath chuckled. “We will be in Strawberry before long, Janey. Then we can rest. Should be only a couple more hours.” Janine nodded, stood up and stretched. She poured the rest of the coffee over the fire, and put the pot away on the packhorse. Heath helped her onto Titan, mounted Charger, and grabbed the reins of the packhorse, they started off on their journey.
A few hours later, they reached the outskirts of Heath’s childhood home. He stopped and told Janine not to be too surprised. It was deserted save a few people and it was not as nice as it once was. He wanted to prepare her for what she would find there, so she wouldn’t be too disappointed.
They entered the town with trepidation. Janine stayed close to Heath, taking in the gloomy site enfolding before her. She gasped inwardly, hardly believing what she saw. This is where her beloved husband grew up.
The town was in total disrepair. Signs blowing in the wind, hanging by one rope. Building fronts needing paint badly, roof shingles flapping in the wind. Sagebrush blowing down the middle of the street. Broken windows and boardwalks. It was a pitiful sight and Janine took it all in. She looked at Heath, whose lips were closed tight and she could tell he was fighting the feelings that were flowing through his body. She longed to take him in her arms and hold him tight. They rode through this dismal looking town to the house at the end of the street.
The house was his childhood home. The yard was kept neat but the house was as dismal as the rest of the town. It needed paint, the roof needed shingles and the porch was missing stairs. He led the way up past the picket fence, around to the back. He dismounted and helped Janine down. They hitched the horses to the hitching post. He smiled a sad smile at her when she squeezed his hand. They ambled across the yard, through the clothes hanging on the clothesline, and up to the door. He opened the door and hollered in “Hello! Anyone home?” A small, elderly black woman padded out from the back room. Heath smiled at her. “Remember me, Hannah? It’s me Heath.”
The black woman smiled a toothy smile, “My Heath. Ya came back. Yer a good boy.” She looked around Heath to look at the woman still standing in the doorway. “Who’d ya bring with ya?”
Heath smiled his biggest smile answering, “Hannah, this is my wife, Janine. Janine this is Hannah.”
Janine held out her hand to the lady, greeting her, “So nice to meet ya Hannah, Heath has told me a lot about you.”
This put a smile on the elderly woman’s face. “Ya done good, my boy. Yer mama would be proud of you. You been over ta see yer mama yet?” Heath shook his head. “I make ya somethin’ ta eat. Ya muss be hungry.” Heath hugged the small woman and thanked her. “Ya get over ta see ya mama’s grave. I bin takin’ real good care of it fer ya.” She was busy getting food out to cook.
“Hannah, we’re goin’ to Aunt Rachel’s. We’ll bring her back to join us as well.”
Hannah smiled at her golden boy and his wife. “Yes, that’s a good idea. You good boy, my Heath. Yer mama be so proud of you.” Heath hugged her, then taking his wife’s hand, left out the back door.
Heath stopped by the horses, made sure they had water, then turned to face Janine. She had never seen such a sad face. She held out his arms and he went into them. He nuzzled her neck, his body trembling. She rubbed his back, whispering that it was okay. She was here, she would protect him the best she could. Heath held her closer, and composed himself. He pulled away and apologized to her for breaking down.
“Heath Barkley! I’ll not have you apologize to me every time you feel sad, or feel like crying! I love ya and its only right that you feel what you feel when you come here. I fully understand how you must feel.” He grinned as he listened to her. “What are you grinnin’ at, you great big cowboy you?” She stood there, hands on her hips, making a spectacle of herself.
“Just you, my pretty. Just you. Did I tell ya that I love ya?”
She nodded, stating simply, “And ya better not stop!” They both chuckled and left the yard, going to his Aunt Rachel’s house across the road. Her house was not as bad as the other places in Strawberry. It was freshly painted, and looked like someone had been doing some work to the yard recently. Heath took Janine’s hand and walked up the stairs to the front door. He knocked on the door, then opened it, calling, “Aunt Rachel! You here?” A large lady with silver hair came to the door, wondering who was yelling for her. Her mouth fell open as she opened her arms and let him in for an enormous hug.
“Heath! How nice to see you! It’s been so long!” She let go, stepping back to have a good look at him. “You’re lookin’ good. Did you find the Barkleys?” He nodded. “Good, good. They treatin’ you good?” she inquired. Again he nodded. She invited them into her house and set about making some coffee. She came back out carrying a wooden tray, that Heath had made for her years ago, with the coffee pot and three cups, plus pieces of pecan pie for them. Rachel set it down on the coffee table and asked Heath, “Now, young man, who’s this lady that ya brought with you?”
Heath grinned. “Aunt Rachel, this is my wife, Janine. We were married two days ago. We’re on our honeymoon.”
Rachel Caulfield shook the hand that Janine offered and stated, “Congratulations Heath! I’m so happy for you! Welcome to our family, Janine. I’m so glad to meet you.”
“Glad to meet ya Aunt Rachel. Its really nice to finally put a face to the name that Heath speaks so fondly of.” Rachel smiled at the happy couple. They finished their coffee and pie, and told Rachel that she was invited to supper at Hannah’s. Rachel nodded and grabbed her wrap. She decided to bring the applesauce cake that she had made earlier for dessert.
“We’ve one more stop to make, Aunt Rachel, then we’ll be there. I want to see mama’s restin’ spot.” Rachel nodded her understanding. “I’ll tell Hannah, Heath. She’s been keepin’ real good care of it.” Heath hugged his aunt again, and followed Janine to the door.
They walked down the street to the overgrown graveyard. There were mostly unmarked graves but one stood out. It had been cleaned up, fresh flowers were on top of it. There was a marker naming the person who was interred there :
LEAH THOMSON
1834 - 1876
While Heath knelt down to talk to his mother, Janine stepped away to give him a private moment. She took the time to reflect what had happened since they got to Strawberry. She understood her husband now. Understood why he was the way he was. Hannah, Aunt Rachel and his mother raised him to be a proud, sensitive man. She was very proud of her husband, to come from such humble, poverty ridden beginnings to a rich family and to her. She loved him completely. This is what she needed to know. Tonight she would tell him so.
Strawberry was once a booming mine town. People from all walks of life came here, Heath explained to her a while ago. He found work in the mines, in the livery, then when the mine died out, the people left. Heath’s family were too poor to move. So when Heath was old enough, he left himself, never regretting the decision except for leaving his mother. Janine looked at her husband, tears running down her face.
Heath talked to his mama, poured his heart out to her. “Mama I miss you so much. I wish ya were here at my wedding. Ya would love her. Her name is Janine and she is very much like ya. Kind, honest and very proud. She would make ya very happy as she does me.” He stood up then, wiped his eyes, turned and faced his wife. She was standing there, tears running down her face. He held out his hand and she took it gratefully. “Here she is Mama. Isn’t she a beauty?” Heath gave Janine one of his lopsided smiles and brought her closer to him. “I promise to take care of her Mama, just like I did ya. I love ya Mama.”
Janine faced her husband and put her arms around his neck. She nuzzled his neck, inhaling his manly scent. He hugged her back, when he heard a sound behind him. Roughly pushing her away, he turned to face who ever it was behind him.
“So the bastard returns does he?” snapped the man. “Who’s the bitch with ya? Does she know that you’re a bastard?” The man was snarling and Janine stepped back. Who was that man? Why was he talking to Heath that way? He reminded her so much of her former husband that she started to tremble.
“Well, well, well. Uncle Matt. Come to pay yer respects did ya? Why bother? Ya didn’t like us when she was here why now? Or is it me ya want? What did I ever do to you besides being born?” Heath was clenching and unclenching his fists. “How’s Aunt Martha? Are ya still drinkin’? Yeah I can see that ya are! Do me a favor and leave me and my wife alone! We don’t need ya!” Heath was screaming at his uncle.
Janine stepped up close to her husband. “You are a mean spiteful old man. Leave Heath alone! He hasn’t done anything to anyone.” She touched Heath’s arm and gently pulled the shaking man away from the cemetery. “Let’s go Heath. He is a sorry excuse for a man and doesn’t deserve to have a nephew like you. Even death is too good for a man like him” she remembered her father’s words about Gary.
Matt Simmons just stood there, weaving from the effects of too much liquor, not knowing what to say. It wasn’t too often that someone, a woman, told him off and he didn’t like it. He only came over to see who it was at the cemetery and it was him, the bastard child. All the anger for his life was taken out on Heath, and his mother. He turned around to head back to the hotel he and his wife owned, tears running down his face for the torment he was in. He needed his drink, to take the pain away.
Heath took one last look at his uncle and allowed his wife to lead him away to Hannah’s house for the supper they were promised. Before they went in, Janine turned Heath around to face her. “Honey. Don’t worry, we’ll leave tomorrow and we will never have to face that man again! He’s a mean spiteful man who’s jealous of you! You are a good man Heath Barkley! A decent, honest man, one that I’m proud of!” She kissed him passionately. Heath returned the kiss, then hugged her.
“I love ya Janine Barkley!” he whispered into her ear. She grinned and took his hand. They went into the house for supper and conversation. It was getting late, the newly married couple wanted to set up camp yet. Hannah and Aunt Rachel understood their need for privacy, and with much regret, let them go. The elder ladies packed up some food for them to take on their journey and wished them luck.
“You come back soon, ya hear?” Aunt Rachel scolded Heath. To Janine, she remarked, “You remind him of his roots once in awhile will ya?”
The younger girl nodded and grinned. “Yes Aunt Rachel, I will.” Janine gave both ladies a peck on the cheek and said goodbye. “Nice to have met you. I hope we can meet again soon!”
Heath gave each the ladies a hug and promised not to stay away so long. He saw that there was a lot of work to be done on the house and he promised he would be back soon to fix things.
They mounted their horses and waved good bye to the women still standing on the stoop watching them leave. They headed back the way they came and found a spot just out of town.
It was getting dark, so they hitched the horses to the tree and made camp. Heath gathered wood for a fire and Janine filled the coffee pot with water so they could have some coffee.
The fire going, coffee made, horses taken care of, they relaxed by the fire, reliving their day. It certainly was an emotional day for both of them. Heath was especially quiet, thinking about his childhood. It took a lot for him to come back, but he did for his wife’s sake, and he was actually glad he did. He was proud of the way she stood up to Matt Simmons. The man always made him feel lower then dirt, calling him names, abusing him and his mother at any given opportunity. He hated that man. With Janine’s help he could put his uncle out of his mind.
Janine smiled at Heath and poured him a coffee. She walked over to the horses, taking the bedrolls off them. She brought them over to the fire and spread them out. She walked back to Heath who was leaning against a tree. She sat beside him, taking his hand and holding it. “It’s been a long day Honey. I think I’m goin’ to go get some shut eye.” She yawned to make her point.
Heath looked at her and nodded. “I’ll be there in a bit, my pretty. I just want to sit here for a bit, drink my coffee and have a smoke.” He pulled out his rolling papers and tobacco.
“Okay Heath. Don’t be too long okay? “ She winked knowingly at him.
“Yes wife, I’ll be along shortly.” Heath drew her closer to him, breathing in the scent of her hair. He kissed her passionately, again and again till they were breathless. “Janey, the things you do to me!” he whispered huskily.
“I’m goin’ to bed, husband. See that ya join me soon.” She giggled and kissed him again, parting his lips with her tongue. She left him suddenly, and crawled under the blankets feigning sleep. She could hear him moving around, putting wood on the fire. Heath took off his gun belt and belt and laid them beside the blankets within easy reach. He lifted the blankets and crawled in beside his wife. He snuggled close to her and turned her over. She had her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. Heath kissed her cheek. No movement. He kissed her other cheek. No movement. He decided to undo her shirt a little bit. He undid two buttons and kissed the open part of the shirt. Suddenly her arms went around his neck and pulled him up to her face. She giggled and kissed her husband’s cheek, nibbled on his ear. He groaned and kissed her deeply and passionately. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, contented.
“Good morning Mrs. Barkley!” greeted Heath when he saw that Janine was waking up.
“Good morning Mr. Barkley!” she responded then crawled on top of him kissing him.
“Boy Howdy Janey! I like waking up like this!” He chuckled as Janine became more persistent.
They got up a little while later, and started the fire for breakfast. Janine made pancakes and coffee for breakfast while Heath saddled the horses and put the things away that they used the night before. They ate breakfast quickly, as they wanted to get started on their journey.
They mounted their horses and galloped off towards the next leg in their journey. The couple was making their way to Sonora, then home. A nice journey that should take up their two weeks.
They rode side by side while the trail was ride, talking about everything. They stopped for a bit to rest the horses and themselves. While they were resting they saw a deer in the woods. Janine poked Heath and pointed. She smiled as they silently watched the deer feed on some willows. It was a beautiful sight. Janine sighed and leaned against Heath as they watched. He put his arms around her then he kissed the top of her head and told her it was time to go. She nodded, mounted her horse then were off. They wanted to set their camp before it got too late.
They traveled about another fifteen miles when they came upon the spot Heath was looking for. They dismounted, set about making their camp and relaxed in short order. Heath was cooking the supper, proving to her that he could actually cook. She laughed when he said he could cook. “Yeah right Heath. I haven’t seen ya cook yet!” She teased him. He feigned anger and told her he was cooking supper. Janine winked at him and agreed that he could cook.
They were eating supper when they heard a rustle in the bushes. Not sure what it was, Heath motioned for Janine to hide behind a rock. Janine nodded and did as she was told. Heath had his gun out, waiting, for who ever or what ever it was to come out. Janine watched in silence. There was another rustle and a groan. Janine nervously ducked behind the rock while Heath went to take a look. He disappeared into the woods and came back assisting a small, blond man who was hurt. Heath helped him sit down by the fire, and motioned for Janine to come out. Janine hesitantly left her hiding spot, taking her spot beside her husband.
The man was in blue prison garb, his hands restrained by cuffs. Janine instinctively moved closer to Heath, who was busy eyeing the man. He offered the convict a coffee and inquired to who he was.
“Why should I tell ya?” snarled the ungrateful man. “I ain’t nothing but an old prisoner wanted by the law!” He tried to get up but his leg buckled beneath him. Heath grabbed him before he fell and helped him sit. “I guess my ole leg won’t let me get too far.” He bent down to rub his leg, finding little relief in the gesture.
Janine moved forward to help the man, “Let me look at your leg, mister. I am good at fixing up things.” She said gently. Heath nodded at his wife acknowledging her kindness. She moved closer and asked him to lift his pant leg. He did as he was told. Janine gasped at what she saw, a large hole in the middle of his leg. Heath glanced over at them and pursed his lips and uttered, “My God!”
“Heath, I need some hot water and some cloths to clean this up. Also need something to make bandages with.” Heath nodded and set to work gathering the things that she had requested. “What is your name, sir?” she asked quietly.
“Mark Connors.” He stated simply. Janine looked up at him when he said his name but quickly went back to work, cleaning his wound. Mark Connors, notorious bank robber and a murderer. He was caught by bounty hunters a few months ago and put in San Quentin for murdering ten men in cold blood. Janine shivered at the thought.
Heath stared at the man in disbelief. “You’re supposed to be in San Quentin” Heath was thinking hard. If this man escaped, there would be a posse after him. Heath was worried but he wouldn’t let her know. He had to protect her. Even if it meant his life.
“You have heard of me then?” Heath nodded. “Well if you know what is good for you and the little lady here, you’d help me.” Heath simply nodded, looking for a way out of this situation. It wasn’t often he was stumped as to what to do but this time he was. He could let him go and tell the posse which direction he went. He could take him with them to Sonora and turn him in. All he knew was that he had to protect his wife.
As if the prisoner knew what the cowboy was thinking, he looked at him stating, “I have a pretty good idea what you’re thinking but I need help. I can’t walk very well and need a horse to keep going. If you let me have one of your horses, I will leave you alone.” Janine finished administering her nursing skills to his wound. He grabbed Janine and pulled her close to him. “Gimme that horse Mister. Or I will shoot your preety lil woman here.” Heath agreed not wanting to frighten his wife any further.
“Mr. Connors.” Janine said quietly to her attacker. “You need a doctor. Let us take you to one in Sonora. If you don’t see about gettin’ proper help for that bullet wound, you will end up gettin’ an infection and losin’ that leg.” She was concerned her husband may get hurt if he let the convict go.
The blond assailant considered this. She was right, of course, but he couldn’t waste anymore time. The posse would be soon upon him. He then made a decision. “You both are comin’ with me! That way you can’t say that you’ve seen me!” He pushed Janine violently forward towards the horses. “We can’t go anywhere, tonight, Mr. Connors. Let’s wait till daylight.”
He agreed. Again this lady was right. “Damn women,” he cursed . “Always so smart-assed!” Janine held a faint smile that only Heath could see. The escapee took the couple towards the fire and made them sit down. He took Heath’s gun and pointed it towards them. “Now if either of you make a move, I will keel the both of you.” Janine shuddered while Heath just sat there forming a plan in his mind. He knew better then to make any moves with that gun pointed at them.
Janine moved closer to Heath taking his hand. They were whispering to each other, trying to relax. Connors heard them and pointed the gun towards them. Janine stiffened while Heath tightened his grip on her hand. He couldn’t let this go on any further. “THERE WILL BE NO TALKING!” The man snarled at them.
Janine lost all sense of reasoning when Connors yelled at them. She let go of her husband’s hand and stood up. “WHO DO YA THINK YA ARE?” she demanded fiercely. “I’VE BEEN HURT BY THE BEST OF THEM! YOU’RE A WANTED MAN! DO YOU THINK WE’RE JUST GONNA STAND BY AND LET YA GO? I DON’T THINK SO!” The men stared at her incredulously but not saying a word. Heath tried to grab her and make her sit down but she shrugged him off.
Mark Connors regained his composure by telling Heath to calm his woman down or “By God, I’ll shoot the both of you!” Heath forcibly grabbed Janine, and sat her down on the ground holding her.
“Let me handle it honey! I appreciate what you’re doing but its going to go worse if you don’t be quiet.” Janine nodded, not believing what just happened. She totally lost it and she curled up in his arms. “Okay, she promised to be quiet.” Heath held Janine and glared at the blond who kept his gun pointed at them.
“Okay Cowboy. Get those horses saddled and lets go. The woman will ride with me!” Janine looked up at Heath with fear filled eyes. Heath nodded at her, telling her he had a plan in mind. He let her go and went to saddle the horses. Connors rudely pulled Janine up to her feet and pushed her violently towards the horses. “Hop up preety lady and no tricks!” He barely got this out when he was knocked to the ground with a vicious punch.
Janine was mounted on her horse when Heath yelled, “GO JANINE! GET OUTTA HERE!” Heath was busy fighting with the man knocking him down punch after punch. Connors gave as good as he got. Heath found his rifle off Charger and pointed it towards the convict. “Just try it Connors!” Connors took one step closer to Heath, fists ready to draw. Heath fired his rifle, hitting his mark. Connors fell hard to the ground, dead before he hit it.
Janine heard the shot and came riding back. Not knowing what she was going to find, she was relieved when she saw her husband standing there. “Oh Heath!” she sobbed as she jumped off Titan. “I was so scared!” His arms went around her and held her tightly, as his body shook. They were still holding each other when the posse of six men rode up a little while later. They looked at the scene before them, and silently loaded up the body on to the extra horse.
The sheriff asked Heath what had happened. Heath told him the details of the night before. The sheriff whistled and thanked the couple for their help in capturing the fugitive. They turned back in the direction they arrived from.
Janine sighed in relief that the horrid night was over. She went over to the now cold fire and sat there, reliving the events. She was shaking, thinking of how scared she was and how she had put their lives in danger. Heath bent down beside her and tilted her head toward hers and kissed her. He gently scolded her. “Janine Marie Barkley,” he began. Since he had never used her full name to her before, she knew she was in for a tongue lashing. “If, and I say if, we ever get into this kind of situation again, you let me handle it all right?” Nodding, Janine’s eyes filled with tears. “Boy howdy, Janey, if he had pulled that trigger, you could be dead right now!” He was close to tears himself.
“Oh Heath! I’m so sorry! I just didn’t think. I saw Gary all over again and I got mad. I didn’t want him to hurt you!” She sobbed. Heath reached over and pulled her to him.
“Shhhh…it's all right Janey! I’m not that mad at you. Just wanted to let you know that I’ll take care of you always. Just leave the fightin’ to me, okay?” Janine nodded and put her arms around his waist. “I love ya Janey, I want you to be near my side always! I’m not ready for death do us part yet!” This brought a chuckle from Janine.
“I’m sorry Heath and I’ll try to remember that you’re the protector. I’ll just fight the all those women that think you’re theirs!” Heath gave her his lopsided grin and hugged her tighter. He pulled her up from her seat on the ground and kissed her.
“I think we should go now to our next stop, don’t ya think, my pretty?” Janine nodded and started gathering their cooking stuff from the night before. Heath helped her, putting the dishes back in the bags on the packhorse. Janine turned back to check around the fire to make sure they hadn’t forgotten anything. She strolled back to her appaloosa and mounted. Heath mounted Charger and they left, secure in the knowledge that they were safe and unharmed.
They came upon their next camp just before nightfall. They once again set up camp, Heath took care of the horses, brought their bedrolls, laying them out beside the fire. Janine yawned as she handed Heath his supper of beans. “Boy Howdy Janey! I coulda cooked these!” He teased. Janine stuck her tongue out at him and grinned.
“Want some coffee?” she offered.
“Yep” came the reply and he held out his cup. As she poured, he told her, “We’ll be in Sonora tomorrow. We will stay there a couple of days then head home.”
“Sonora, tomorrow? Boy howdy!” she looked at her husband and grinned. “It’ll be nice to have a bath and change my clothes.”
Heath nodded and looked at her lovingly, “and to sleep in a nice soft bed.” She smiled at him silently agreeing.
After they ate, they washed their dishes and put them beside the fire. They sat beside the fire, enjoying the quietness of the land. They heard an owl in the distance and then the howl of a coyote. Then all was silent. Janine snuggled closer to her husband, enjoying his warmth. His arms went around her, enjoying her nearness. “Janine?” he mumbled
“Yeah Heath?”
“Do you miss New York sometimes?” He wanted to know more about her.
She turned around and looked at him. “Yeah I do just sometimes. I just miss the familiarity, the ease of life, sometimes I miss the little girl I used to be.” Heath nodded
“I’ve never been that far east. I would like to go see your city one day. Would you take me?” He asked hesitantly not really sure if he wanted to go to the big city or not.
“Of course I will, silly! Whenever ya want to go, we’ll go. Just like ya took me to your hometown, I would be proud to take you to mine. I don’t think those people have seen a real live cowboy from the west!” She kissed him. “Ya think that may be the people would be too la-de-da for ya?” She teased him
“Janey….Yer too la-de-da for me!” Heath teased back. “Seriously though, I want to see this city of yours. All the things ya told me about.” He held her in his arms, relishing the fact that this girl married him for better or for worse.
“Heath, when we get to Sonora, can we go out and have a beer? We haven’t done that since we met.” She put on her best pouting face she could muster up.
Heath smiled at his wife. He thought about the question. When he looked at her, he had to laugh. “Janey, you stop that! Boy howdy, woman! If that don’t beat all! That face! How can I say no to that face?” Janine laughed and sat on his lap, running her hands through his hair. He kissed her deeply without answering her question. They went to bed and after a while they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next morning Janine woke up and saw that Heath had already made breakfast and had the coffee going. She stretched, and curled back up in her blankets not wanting to face the day yet. Heath walked up to her and pulled the bed roll off her. “HEATH!” she shrieked. “That’s mean! Gimme back that blanket!” Heath chuckled and wouldn’t relent in giving it back. “Heath, if you don’t gimme back that bed roll, I swear, I will……I will…….” She couldn’t finish, because Heath was laughing at her. “Now what in the blazes is so funny Mr. Barkley?” She demanded.
“I think you had better cover yourself up woman!” and he threw the blanket back to her. She looked at herself and started laughing.
“Heath, you’re one mean hombre, you know that? I think I shall stay like this just to spite you!” Heath laughed and gave her clothes back to her.
“Get dressed, we’ll be in Sonora soon and I don’t want my woman to be undressed for the occasion!” Janine grumbled something about men being dumb creatures. He heard her but chose to ignore it.
When she was finally decent, she sat by the fire and Heath handed her some coffee. “Forgive me?” he asked her. She shook her head no. He dished her up some breakfast. “Please?” She kept her head down and wouldn’t acknowledge him. “Janey? Please forgive me!” She lifted her head and pulled him closer, gave him a deep kiss.
“Don’t ever…I mean never! Do that again, ya hear?” Heath hung his head in mock shame.
“Yes ma’am” he said in mock remorse. He loved to tease her and she loved to be teased. Janine finished her breakfast, drank her coffee when Heath told her it was time to go, “The day was a wastin’” Janine sighed, wanting to get started herself. She couldn’t wait till they reached Sonora. She loved the ride, loved the scenery, loved being with Heath but the thought of a soft bed and a bath made her smile.
They rode into Sonora when the sun was making its final journey across the sky. They went down the main street looking for a hotel to stay in. They found one, dismounted and went into the lobby. The lobby was large with a sofa and chairs with an end table just right for reading and relaxing before going to their rooms. There was a restaurant off to the left so they wouldn’t have to go in search of one. The couple walked up to the reception desk and rang the bell for service.
A portly, balding man appeared seemingly, from nowhere. “Yeah” he said “What do ya want?” Heath and Janine looked at each other and smiled. This man seemed out of place in such a posh place as this.
“We’d like a room, with a bath please.”
The manager eyed them suspiciously. “Are ya married? We don’t allow that kind of activity goin’ on in this here fine establishment.”
“Will ya just give us a room!” He said hotly. Janine put a reassuring hand on his arm. He patted it and said “Yes we’re married!” He took the register and signed it Mr. and Mrs. Heath Barkley. Janine smiled at his signature as the manager tossed the key to room 14 on the desk. Heath placed some money for the room on the desk and took the key, passing it to Janine.
“Top of the stairs and last door on the left” directed the irritating man. Heath picked up their saddlebags while Janine clutched the key in her hands. They turned and started up the stairs. They found their room, opened the door and walked into the room. Heath plopped the saddle bags onto the dresser saying to Janine, “I’m going to take care of the horses. Will you be okay here for a while by yourself?”
“Yes Honey. I think I’m gonna soak in the tub and get some of this trail dirt off me.” He nodded and kissed her.
“I’ll be back soon, my pretty” He kissed and hugged her again then went out the door. Janine felt a little lonely with him gone but she got her clean clothes ready and poured her bath.
Janine was just getting out of the tub when Heath walked in. “Hi honey! Horses all tucked away?” she greeted him. He nodded. “I’d kiss ya but you’re all dirty!” she teased him.
He grinned and told her he was going to jump in the tub. “Okay Heath. I’m going to lie down for a bit while you do that. Then we can go for a bite to eat.” Heath nodded and gathered his clothes, heading off to the bathroom. Janine laid down on the bed and fell asleep waiting for Heath to finish.
She woke up to a pair of blue eyes staring at her. Heath had lain down with her to rest after his bath. She snuggled closer to him and placed an arm around his middle. “mmmm….Heath” she uttered. “Is it time to go get something to eat yet?” Her stomach was growling, she had no idea how long she slept.
He nuzzled her neck and said, “Just about. I’m hungry too.” He pulled her closer, reveling in her scent. “mmmm…maybe I want to stay here” he teased her, kissing her tenderly and teasing her.
She sat up, “Heath Barkley! Is that all you have on your mind? Really!” feigning shock she scolded him “I’m appalled! I want to eat and all you can think about…..” she couldn’t finish the sentence as Heath was tickling her. “Heath! Stop that!” She attacked him with a tickling of her own. She was laughing so hard her face was turning red. “OK! OK! I give! Please let’s go get something to eat!”
He finally relented his teasing and sat up. “All right! All right! If you insist, my pretty, but you’re not getting off that easy!” He threatened. He put his gun belt on while she brushed her hair. He took the brush from her and brushed the back of her hair, enjoying the silky feel. “Okay, lets go and feed that growling tummy of yours! He replaced the brush onto the dresser and grabbed the key, placing it in his pocket. He took his hat off the hat rack placing it on his head then opened the door for his wife and followed her out.
They sat at the restaurant table looking at menus. He decided on roast beef. Janine was so hungry she couldn’t decide what she wanted so she ordered soup, salad and roast beef as well. When their meals came, they savored the taste of a meal they haven’t had since the night before they were married. They made small talk, talking about the meal, the trip, while they ate. When at last their stomachs were at last fulfilled, they sat there, drinking their coffees, deciding what to do next.
“Let’s go for a beer, Heath. Please?” The cowboy nodded albeit reluctantly. He didn’t like the idea of his wife being in a saloon but this one time wouldn’t be so bad besides he would like a beer too.
“Just this once, Janey. Nice girls don’t belong in saloons. But since I’ll be with you, it’ll be all right.” She felt guilty when he said this so she just smiled and nodded. She didn’t want to push her luck any further.
They walked into the crowded saloon. It was typical saloons she had wandered in before. The same kind of people, business types, ranchers, miners, transients like themselves. Heath grabbed her hand and walked up to the counter. He ordered two beers and handed Janine one. Janine turned around, beer mug in hand, surveying the room. There was a pool table in the middle of the room and no one was playing. Oh Boy! she thought. Janine poked Heath and pointed towards the table, asking him if he wanted a game. He nodded and handed her his beer while he grabbed the pool cues. Then he set up the balls and let her break.
Janine placed the beer mugs on the small table beside the game. She held the pool cue expertly and took her shot, balls rolling over the table, and two went into the pockets. One high ball and one low ball. She decided to take the low balls. She called the two ball into the side. It went in. She called the five ball into the corner and it went in. Heath stood there, dumbfounded. His wife was a good player and he was impressed. Pretty soon she had all the low balls in the pockets and she had the eight ball left. She stopped and took a drink of her beer, thinking about where to sink the eight ball. “Eight ball side pocket,” she announced. Heath watched with interest. He didn’t get one shot in this game. She was good! She lined up the shot, banked it off the end rag and it slowly made its way back to the black ball. Heath watched. So did everyone else in the saloon. It nudged the eight ball into the side pocket and she grinned. Heath walked up to Janine and remarked, “You’re good! I’m impressed.”
She grinned, took another drink of beer and said, “Another beer please!” After that she had all kinds of challengers willing to bet her money. She looked to Heath to see what he would say “Just this once, Janey.” He whispered. She nodded and took on the first man who challenged her. They bet five dollars on the game and she won easily. She took on another man, made a bet of five dollars, and won that game as well. She played game after game and won them all. Finally she laid down her pool cue and said “that’s it! I have had enough for one night!” The men who hadn’t had the chance to play with her groaned but let her pass by. They all wanted to buy her drinks but she said she had enough and wanted to be with her husband. She took Heath’s hand and told him she was ready to leave now. He finished his beer as she finished hers and they walked back to the hotel.
They staggered down the street, the affects of too much beer. Janine giggled when she accidentally bumped into Heath and sent him falling down on his rear end. “So sorry Honey. Ya okay?” Heath nodded as she helped him up. He pulled up too hard and sent Janine falling down. They both chuckled at this. They finally got up on their feet and holding on to each other they made to it to their room.
Heath shut the door, putting the chain on it and locking it with the key. He put the key on the dresser, hung up his hat and collapsed on the bed. Janine giggled as she tripped over his feet which were still on the floor and landed on the bed beside him. “your feet are too big Cowboy!” she told him drunkenly.
“Uh huh” he answered. He turned over to face her, an action he soon regretted because the room was moving. He closed his eyes to make the room stop spinning. “Where did ya learn to play pool like that?” He opened his eyes to look at her. She grinned but had her eyes closed.
“shhhhh…..” she put a finger to her lips. “You’re talkin’ too loud.”
“Okay, ya heard my question, let me hear the answer.” He was tracing her face with his finger. She moaned and moved closer to him.
She opened one eye and looked at him. “Someone taught me years ago.” She replied.
“Oh? And are ya goin’ to leave me in suspense or are ya goin’ to tell me more?” she smiled.
“Oh you want details? Okay I give ya details!” She giggled. “When I was about eight, Papa used to take me with him on some trips outta town. During these trips we’d stay at the finest hotels and he would take me with him to certain saloons. He told me never to tell Mama because she would be angry that he took me to such unruly places.” She paused and closed her eyes. She put her arms around his neck and drew his head down to hers so she could kiss him. When she let him up for air, she continued her story, “There was always a pool table at the saloon, so while Papa was busy with his meetings, he would let me play at the pool table. After his meeting he would show me how to hold the cue and how to do certain shots. We did these trips till I was eleven. After that I practiced by myself and got better.”
“I’ll say ya got better. Yer very good and ya never let on.” He chuckled as Janine unbuttoned his shirt. Heath kissed her and moved her up the bed. Janine moaned as he kissed her again and again.
“I’m perfect, remember?” They both chuckled and after a long while they fell into a drunken slumber.
The next morning they both woke up at the same time, looking forward to the day. Janine sat up, holding her head. “Now I remember why I don’t drink very much!” she moaned. Heath sat up and started to put on his clothes. After they were dressed, they grabbed the key, Heath put on his hat, and went downstairs. They decided to go get their horses today and find a spot to watch the sunrise then have breakfast.
They found a knoll by a nearby creek, they dismounted and sat on the grass. Arms around each other, they watched the beauty of the sunrise. A new beginning for a new day. Janine leaned her head against her husband’s chest while Heath rested his chin on her head. “It’s beautiful here” she remarked.
“It is” Heath agreed. His stomach rumbled. “I think it’s time for something to eat.” They sat there for a few minutes watching the sky. The birds were singing, squirrels chattering, and even the fish were jumping in the rushing waters of the creek. A fawn and his mother arrived at the creek for a drink of the swirling water. The happy couple watched as the fawn took a tentative drink out of the pool of water that wasn’t so swift.
After a while, the deer and her fawn left the creek. Heath and Janine lifted themselves up off the ground and mounted their horses heading back to town. They arrived in Sonora, happy and refreshed. When they left in the morning, the town was barely awake, just a few people up. They were gone but a couple of hours and the town was bustling. Children rushing to get to school, women walking to the stores early to get their shopping done. Men leaning against the posts along the boardwalk, talking to each other, sharing friendship and companionship.
They took in the scene and stopped in front of their hotel. They dismounted tying their horses to the hitching post in front of the building. They were about to enter the hotel when they heard a male voice, calling, “Heath! Heath Thomson!” They turned towards the voice and they saw a tall, lanky man about Heath’s age coming towards him, hand out in greeting.
“George! George Martin! You old sun of a gun!” Greeted Heath, excitedly. “How the hell you been?” Janine stood back watching the greeting between the two old friends.
“Fine! Fine! How have you been?” He was eyeing Janine suspiciously.
“Fine George. Oh! I’d like ya to meet someone, George.” Holding his hand out to Janine and bringing her closer, he introduced her. “This is my wife, Janine. Janine this is an old friend from Mexico. From a ranch I used to work at.”
Janine held out her hand, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Martin.”
He looked her up and down, making Janine very uncomfortable. “Likewise I’m sure” he responded. “What brings ya here, Heath?” He turned his attention back to his blond friend.
“We’re on our honeymoon and this is a stop on our journey.” Husband and wife glanced at each other, their eyes showing all the love they had for each other. Janine moved closer to him and put her arm around his waist. Heath welcomed the touch and put his arm around her shoulders. “I thought ya were still in Mexico. What are ya doin’ here?”
“I bought myself a spread an hour north of here. Raising horses, makin’ a profitable income. Been here five years.” He added, “Got me a woman, a Mexican, a good woman.”
“Boy howdy George! I thought ya would never get tied down! Congratulations!”
“Thank ya. How’s ‘bout you comin’ out to the ranch and havin’ supper with us? Conchita would love the company.”
The couple glanced at each other and Heath answered .”Sure George. We’d love to come. We’re here for one more day.”
George looked at Heath’s wife, standing there, looking very lovely in her green work shirt and jeans. His wife would never be dressed like that he thought. Wives are supposed to be at home, wearing dresses and not looking like a man, cooking, cleaning and taking care of their husbands. Yep, he mused, Connie could teach her something about being a wife.
After his friend left to do his errands, Heath and Janine sat at the restaurant table, eating their breakfast. “We should send a wire to the family,” mentioned Janine in between bites.
“Yeah good idea,” replied Heath, “ We need to get some supplies for the ride home as well but we can get them tomorrow.” Janine nodded. “We can explore the town a little and do a little sight seeing if ya like.”
“That sounds wonderful!” They finished their breakfast, paid for the meal and went off in search of the telegraph office. They sent a wire to Victoria, telling her they had arrived safe and sound, and would be home in about a week. Heath paid for the wire then left the office.
They decided to take a trip towards the mountains. It was a beautiful day. They had some food stashed in their saddlebags so they could have a little picnic while they were out. After an hour of riding, they found a nice spot in which to rest and relax for a bit. Heath had his fishing rod, so he decided to try his hand at fishing. They could have fish for their lunch as well.
Janine sat beside Heath as he threw his line in the water, hoping to catch a fish. She watched him as he reeled it in and throw it out time and time again. She smiled to herself, he sure is patient. I would be getting frustrated by now, not catching anything!
Heath gave her a side long glance and patted the ground beside him. “Wanna try?” She nodded.
“I bet I can catch one,” she told him.
He handed the rod to her and asked, “Have you fished before?”
Janine threw him a look that told him that maybe she had. “A little bit,” Heath nodded and let her throw the line out. As she slowly reeled the line in, she felt a tug. Heath saw the rod bend from the weight of the fish, judging it to be a large one. She stood up and let the fish play with the line a bit. Heath stood up as well, ready to take the line if need be but it wasn’t necessary. Janine had reeled it slowly in and landed it on the shore. It was a rainbow trout about ten inches long. “Boy howdy Janey! You can do all the fishin’ from now on!” He was impressed. This wife of his just keeps surprising him and he was enjoying it. He took the fish off the line and Janine gave the rod back to him.
“This fish will be good enough for both of us I think.” She decided. He nodded, taking the fish to clean it. “I’ll clean it Heath. I caught it. You get a fire going good enough to cook this.” She directed him. She brought the fish back to the fire and Heath had coffee and a frying pot hot enough to cook the fish in.
“I’ll cook the fish, honey” he told her. She gave him the fish and watched as he expertly fried it in the pan. He had chopped up a potato and put in another pan. Her mouth was watering by the time lunch was ready. He dished it up when it was done and handed her a plate.
She took a bite, and complimented him, “Boy howdy, this is delicious! You can cook for me any time!” She smiled at him. “You are a good campfire cook.”
After they ate their lunch, they went for a walk down river, exploring, throwing rocks into the water. Heath stopped and took Janine’s hand. “I love you Janine Marie Barkley!”
“I love you too, Heath Morgan Thomson Barkley!” Janine moved closer to Heath, wanting to feel his body near hers. She lifted her face up to his and welcomed his kiss. They were soon lost in each other. It was a wonderful day!
They dressed and Heath found his pocket watch. “I guess we’d better go to the Martins’ if we’re gonna” he said. Janine nodded, trying to get the grass out of her hair. “I think I have a brush in my saddlebag.” She started over there and looked inside the bag, pulling out the brush. She brushed her hair while Heath cleaned up their camp. Soon, they were ready to go. They mounted their horses and went to fulfill their obligation to Heath’s friend. Janine did not feel good about it but she followed her husband.
They arrived at the Martins’ at the appointed hour. He greeted them at the door, welcoming them in. His wife, a fleshy Mexican lady, was preparing supper at the cook stove. They looked around the cabin noting its size, seemingly small for the amount of people that lived there. All of a sudden three children, two boys and a girl came running inside, stopping suddenly when they saw the couple.
“Papa! Papa! Who are they? Why are they here?” asked the little girl of six, the spitting image of her mama.
“This my friend and his wife. They’re here because I invited them for supper. Does that satisfy your curiosity, little one?” the little girl nodded her head.
“Now you and your brothers wash up for supper, ya hear?” Mrs Martin directed her daughter to the wash basin. “Sorry ‘bout that. My name is Conchita since my dear husband forgot the introduce us.” They were amazed that she spoke perfect English.
Janine held out her hand, “Janine Barkley, ma’am.” The Mexican lady turned back to the stove. Janine looked at Heath for an explanation but he just shrugged. Heath hung his hat on the rack by the door and sat down. Janine followed suit and kept quiet while Heath and George exchanged pleasantries. She had never felt so uncomfortable in her life.
The children, now cleaned up for supper, helped their mother. They set the table, put the condiments they needed and a pitcher of water. “May I help you Mrs. Martin?” asked Janine.
“No!” she snapped at her. Janine was taken aback and sat back down. Tears filling her eyes quickly. Heath held her hand and rubbed it reassuringly. She didn’t know what she did to offend this lady. She was just trying to be helpful. Soon the meal was ready and they all sat down to eat. It was a quiet meal, the children obediently ate and didn’t say a word.
“This is delicious, Mrs. Martin” complimented Janine. Heath nodded in agreement.
George said that his wife was a wonderful cook and he never knew what kind of meal she would come up with next. It was all delicious. Conchita smiled at her husband, happy at the unexpected compliment. Clearly she was not happy with the couple being there. After dinner Janine got up to help clear the table. “Sit down!” she demanded. She obeyed. “May I help you with the dishes?” she asked in her most pleasant voice.
“No. That’s the girl’s job. She will do it.” Janine opened her mouth to say something but Heath gave her a look that said not to say anything. She nodded.
“Can you point the way to the outhouse?” she asked timidly.
George said, “I’ll take you there, Mrs. Barkley. I have to see to the horses anyway.” Janine glanced nervously at her husband who said he wanted to see what horses he had. Relieved, she thanked Mrs. Martin for the meal and that it was nice to meet her. She nodded, but didn’t say a word to her. Janine shrugged her shoulders and followed the men outside.
George led the way to the outhouse and then off to the stable to show Heath the horses. After a bit, Janine emerged from the outhouse, feeling a little better and was following the trail to the stable. She was looking at the ground when she walked into someone. She looked up and there was George Martin, looking smug at her. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was goin’.” She sputtered. “Where’s Heath?” She asked, feeling very scared. “He’s lookin’ at the horses. He sure has a way ‘bout them” he grabbed her shoulders. “Now pretty girl, the stable is just down the trail a piece. He won’t hear a thing.” Janine didn’t know what to do. This man was tall, much taller then her husband. He tried to kiss her and she turned her face away, trying to scream for help. He covered her mouth with his hand and she bit it. “OW!” he yelled. He made a grab for her but she was quicker and got away.
“GET AWAY FROM ME!” she yelled loud enough so that her husband could hear her. ‘LEAVE ME ALONE!” She swung a leg at him but missed her target and ended up on the ground. George Martin was just going to grab her again when he felt someone grab his shirt. He turned around and found himself looking at a fist. Heath’s fist managed to find its target in his face. George got up and swung back. The fight went on, for what seemed like hours, but in reality, was only a few minutes. Finally George laid flat on the ground, beaten by his once good friend.
Janine came closer to Heath and hugged him tightly, “I was so scared, Heath.” she sobbed into his shirt. He hugged her close, not wanting to let her go.
“shhhhh….it’s all right now.” He rubbed her back. “Let’s go now. They sure weren’t hospitable, so we won’t be either.” He pulled her away from him and held her hand. Janine obediently followed him to where their horses were hitched and mounted them. Both rode hard, wanting to put that place out of their minds as fast as they could.
They rode to the livery and stabled their horses for the night. Heath had already paid for the two days, so they left quickly and went to their hotel room. Janine grabbed some clean clothes and announced she was having a bath. Heath nodded, giving her room for privacy.
Janine sat in the tub for a long time, thinking about the Martins. She scrubbed so hard, she made herself red. She cried till she couldn’t cry anymore. By the time she finished crying, the water was cold, so she got out. She dried herself and got dressed. She couldn’t shake that man’s face out of her mind. She looked at Heath who was lying on the bed, sleeping. She crawled under the blankets willing sleep to come to her. But it wasn’t to be, so she got up and wandered around, looking out the window. Heath silently stole behind her and put his arms around her, pulling her close. She leaned into him, loving him for his concern. She felt the tears coming again, and she couldn’t stop them. She turned around, buried herself in his arms and chest, sobs racking her body.
He held her tight, feeling helpless because he didn’t understand why it had happened. He thought about meeting George here in town. Janine felt uncomfortable with him from the start. But he didn’t say anything because he knew she was scared of any man. He should have taken her feelings more seriously. He felt guilty for allowing him anywhere near her. He held her, feeling her body shake with the sobs, and he felt like crying himself. He gently pulled her away, and led her to the bed. She sat there, her eyes red from crying. He pushed a strand of hair away from her eyes and lifted her face so he could look at her. “I’m sorry” he whispered to her.
She stared at him incredulously. Why was he apologizing? That man was his friend, but he hadn’t seen him in many years. He couldn’t have known what a letch he was. People change over the years, she was deep in thought when Heath placed his lips on hers. She turned away from him. “Not now, Heath. I’m sorry I just can’t.” She laid down on the bed. Heath covered her up with the blankets and laid down beside her. He snuggled closer to her. She didn’t move, and he could hear her regular breathing, signifying that she at last fell asleep.
The next morning, Heath woke up to a pair of emerald eyes watching him. He smiled, “Good mornin’, my pretty.” She moved closer to him and kissed him.
“Mornin’” she said simply. She didn’t say another word, just kissed him over and over again. He responded in kind, loving the feel of her body next to his. He put his arms around her slender body, caressing her, loving her. “I love you Heath.”
“I love you too,” he whispered into her ear, and nibbled her lobe. She gave herself to him and felt better about what had happened the day before. They got up a while later, and packed their things. They made their way down the stairs to the restaurant for breakfast, anxious to be on their way.
While eating, Heath said they still had to pick up the supplies they needed to make the journey home. Janine nodded and finished her meal without another word. Heath paid for the meal for the last time, picked up their saddlebags, and walked out of the restaurant to get their horses.
They mounted their horses, Heath picked up the reins to the packhorse and found the mercantile. They dismounted, hitched the horses to the post, entering the store. Janine wandered around the mercantile searching for the supplies they needed. Heath got the flour, the sugar, coffee, and the other staples they needed. Janine smiled when she saw that he put the all important beans in with the supplies. She asked for some potatoes and legumes as well to supplement their diet. They also stocked up on some fruit, apples, and oranges. Janine was looking at some perfume when Heath came up behind her. “Did ya want somethin’ else, Honey?” he asked her. She shook her head no.
“Just lookin’” she said. She put the bottle of perfume down, and looked at the dresses. There were some pretty ones there. Heath watched her as she was browsing through the dresses but didn’t say anything. He paid for the supplies and loaded them onto their pack horse.
They rode out of town, relieved to put that place behind them. All in all, it had been fun, except for the two bad events. Oh well, thought Heath, can’t have perfection all the time!”
They stopped for the night about twenty miles from Sonora. It had been a day of hard riding, both getting their frustrations out. When they finally felt spent, they simply stopped at the first creek they saw. They tied the horses up, Heath made sure they were fed and watered while Janine gathered wood for the fire. They were both done at the same time, they built the fire up, and both cooked the supper. When they were done, they took the bed rolls and spread them out. Janine yawned and announced she was going to bed. Heath nodded and said he would be there after a bit. She kissed him and slipped under her bed roll, falling asleep almost immediately.
Heath sat by the fire, thinking about events of their honeymoon. He was extremely happy as she was. He leaned back against the log and took a deep drag on his rolled cigarette. He loved her, but he couldn’t help but feel guilty about what had happened.
No, he reasoned with himself, it wasn’t my fault. People change over the years. I couldn’t know what he was thinkin’ when he invited us over for supper. Still, I should’ve been more aware of her feelings.
He made a decision to be more aware of her feelings and to act upon them when he saw that she was uncomfortable. With that in his mind, he put out his cigarette, dumped out his cold coffee, put more wood on the fire. Then he crawled into the bedroll with his wife. How he loved the sound of that.
Janine rose first, placed more wood on the fire, and made coffee. Heath was still sleeping, but was moving around like he was awake. She smiled to herself. Hmmmm…I owe him, she thought. She got a small evergreen branch, sat on the log, and rubbed it against his cheek. He swatted it away. She tickled under his nose with it. Again he swatted it away. Trying to stifle a giggle, she tickled him again on his cheek, when he grabbed it and pulled. She lost her balance and fell on top of him. He tickled her ribs making her laugh. She attacked him with a tickle in his ribs. He laughed and rolled her over on her back, tickling her. “I owed ya that Heath Barkley!” she shouted at him.
“Uh uh” he replied still tickling her, “you’ll never get me unaware, my pretty!” He said confidently.
“Oh yeah? That’s what ya think!” She replied, just as confident. “I’ll catch ya, ya won’t know when. Ya won’t know where and ya won’t know how. But be warned Mr. Barkley, I will get ya!” He laughed at her, and kissed her nose.
“That coffee ready?” He asked her. She nodded and helped him up. They walked over to the fire and she poured him a cup of coffee. She put a couple of pans on the fire and started pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast, they washed their dishes and packed them away. They were anxious to get started as the morning was getting away from them
They were riding and talking when Heath asked if she wanted to ride double with him. She looked at him, thought about it and nodded. “That would be fun” she said. So they stopped quickly to hitch Titan and the packhorse together, helped Janine on Charger, gave her the reins for the two horses, while he got up behind her. She held the reins for the horses while he drove. She leaned back onto him, feeling very comfortable. Heath had his arms around her, holding the reins to Charger, enjoying the feel of her near him. “Its easier to talk this way” she stated. He nodded and kissed the top of her head. “Heath?”
“Yeah?” He pulled her closer to make himself more comfortable.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” She was real hesitant in asking, but she needed to know about the scars on his back.
“You can ask me anythin’ Janey” came the answer.
“I haven’t asked you this before, but I was wonderin’ how you got the scars on your back?” He stiffened up and didn’t answer. He knew the question was coming, but was surprised it was now. “Heath? Are you okay? You don’t have to answer if it hurts too much.”
“It’s okay Janey. I’ve been wantin’ to tell ya. I just don’t know how.” Heath sounded so sad. Janine took her free hand and placed it on his large one. “Well, those scars are whip lashes.” He finally said with no emotion in his voice. He was glad he didn’t have to look at her eyes. Janine held her tongue, waiting for him to go on. Then it all came pouring out, about the war, Carterson, the horrors he went through. The men dying around him and how he tried to block it out. He told her that he still suffered nightmares from it but he hadn’t had one in a very long time. Janine was glad he couldn’t see her face. She had tears streaming down her face, she grasped his hand with her small one and squeezed. He tightened his hold on her while tears ran down his burly face. He was glad that it was out in the open. He spent many a day wondering how he was going to tell her, and it hurt knowing that he was keeping a secret from her especially one like this one. With her love and support, he could deal with most anything that life threw at them.
Janine wanted to hold him in her arms. She wanted to tell him that things would be okay. She was expecting something bad had happened to him, but nothing like he was telling her now. Poor, poor Heath! she thought. I don’t know how he survived. “I’m sorry Heath.” she said simply, “I’m glad you told me. That must have been horrible.” He nodded, knowing that she didn’t fully understand but it didn’t matter, she loved him no matter what he told him. They rode together in silence till Janine said “I love you”
“I love you, my pretty.”
They made camp that night in the dark. They went a little farther than they intended to. They made some supper together, enjoying each other’s company. “The day after tomorrow, we’ll be in Stockton,” informed Heath. “We are a day early. Should we go home to the ranch when we get there?”
“The day after tomorrow? So soon? I don’t wanna go home yet! I’m havin’ too much fun.” Grinned the girl. Heath threw her a lopsided smile, loving the way she teased him. “Hey I just thought of something! Did we ever decide where we were goin’ to live?”
Heath thought about all their conversations. Not once did they discuss where they were going to live, he assumed they were going to live at the ranch. “I don’t think we ever discussed where we were going to live.” They laughed and decided that since Heath was managing the ranch that they would live at the house until they got one built for themselves.
They spread their bedrolls out and crawled into them. They wanted an early start tomorrow. Heath rolled onto his back with his hands behind his head. He couldn’t sleep so he thought about his past, present, future. The past was horrible but he survived, the present was wonderful, he loved his wife without reservation, and his future looked bright. His life felt completed. He turned on to his side, facing his wife, putting his arm over her waist. He listened to her breathing, regular and shallow, she was asleep. She moved closer to him in her sleep, throwing her leg over him getting comfortable. He hugged her closer and closed his eyes, willing sleep to take over.
Janey was a trooper, he reflected, suggesting this trail ride. I would’ve figured she would like to go ‘Frisco or Sacramento. But no she wanted to go on a ride. She loves the country and appreciates it as much as I do. It’s so nice, she doesn’t complain, does what is necessary and is fun to be around. Its been a good trip, the best I’ve been on. With that thought in mind, he fell asleep.
The next morning they both got up and made breakfast. After breakfast they cleaned up and saddled the horses. Heath helped her up onto Titan, he leaped up on Charger then they were off.
They traveled far that day and made good time. They saw all kinds of wildlife, deer, bear and a moose. When they stopped for a lunch break, they saw an eagle soaring high above them Janine watched it glide through the air and marveled at the beauty of it. They had a little while to go for their last camp of the journey. They didn’t want it to end, they had enjoyed their trip and getting to know each other.
They jumped up on their horses and raced through the forest. Heath got too far ahead of her and stopped to wait for her to catch up. She finally arrived a few minutes later, apologizing for being so far behind. “I saw a fox and I was watching him, forgetting that you were still going. I’m sorry” Heath grinned at the expression on her face. She really was sorry.
“It’s okay Janey. I appreciate that you are a nature lover. You just have to tell me when you are going to stop, okay?” She nodded and he put his hand on her saddle horn. “Ready to go?”
“Yep, let’s go!” So they started off towards the Barkley Ranch. Heath mentioned that they were on the boundary line. “Let’s camp at the line cabin tonight then.” She told him. He nodded and headed towards the cabin.
When they got to the cabin, they automatically did the chores they had been accustomed to doing throughout the whole trip. Janine brought in the saddle bags, went out found some wood, and started a fire in the cook stove. She made some coffee with the water from the canteens and it was ready when Heath came in. She was searching for food in the cupboards but since no one had been to the cabin in a while, there was none. She poured Heath a coffee and looked in the bags that he had brought in. She asked Heath if he could catch some fish for supper, they weren’t quite hungry yet, but would be soon. Heath nodded, grabbed his fishing pole and meandered off to the water to see about supper.
An hour later, he came back with a string of fish, which he had cleaned. She had cooked up some fresh biscuits, made some gravy, cooking some potatoes. Janine took the fish , rolled them in flour and placed them in the hot frying pan. Heath stole behind her, put his arms around her waist, and kissed the back of her neck. She leaned back against him, loving the attention. “Do you wanna coffee, my love?” She asked him . He nodded and held out his cup.
“Well, Janey, this sure has been a good trip, wouldn’t ya say?” He questioned her. She nodded, thinking of all the adventures they had and how well they had gotten along. She was amazed that they never fought. Not once.
“Yes I had a lot of fun. I enjoyed campin’ with you. You didn’t get mad at me for bein’ slow, you taught me a few things about bein’ out in nature I didn’t know. I would like to do that every year.”
“That could be arranged. I’d like to have a holiday around this time every year. We’ll call it out anniversary present to each other.” He winked at her as she brought their supper and set it in front of him. She grabbed the coffee pot and poured a cup for each of them.
They washed their dishes after they ate, and sat down to relax. It was a long trip and they were both looking forward to getting back to a normal life, together. Janine yawned and sat on the bed. Heath took his coffee and went outside to have his nightly cigarette, a ritual that she found enduring. She put the bedrolls on the bed, thinking that they wouldn’t be sleeping on the ground anymore. She loved the open air, it felt good to listen to the sounds of the night animals, and to have the breeze flow over her face while she slept. She didn’t realize she missed it. When she rode from St. Louis with her first husband, she was aware of her surroundings but didn’t pay much attention, but with Heath, it made her more alive, more aware of her surroundings. Yes, she thought as she laid on her back with her arms behind her head, I think I’m going to enjoy being Mrs. Heath Barkley. She smiled and closed her eyes.
Heath walked in the door and smiled when he saw his wife laying on the bed with a smile upon her face. He took off his boots, placing them within easy reach. He took his shirt off and placed it at the end of the bed. He took off his belts and placed them within easy reach as well. He gently woke Janine up, so they could get under the blankets, she shook the cobwebs out of her head and tiredly obeyed. As much as they enjoyed their honeymoon, it would be nice to go home and enjoy the comforts that were offered to them.
Janine laid on her side as did Heath, facing each other. They put their arms around each other and fell asleep after saying goodnight. The sounds of coyotes howling and the owls hooting lulled them to stay asleep.
They got up at daybreak to catch the sunrise, sitting on a log by the water. They loved this time of day, a time to wake up with their coffees, and reflect on what the day would bring. It brought a closeness to their marriage that they enjoyed. Heath put his arms around his wife and brought her closer to him. She placed her head on his chest and relaxed in the comfort of his strong, yet gentle arms. She marveled at him. He could be so gentle, yet so wild. He could tease and play yet a person was to do good by avoiding him when he was angry. There was still a lot they didn’t know about each other but they had a whole lifetime to learn. She was looking forward to it.
Heath had similar thoughts as she laid her head on his chest. He loved the feel of her body next to his. He liked the idea that she was always surprising him with her knowledge of things. She was a very smart woman, and he would not hinder her learning. There was so much she could teach him and he was looking forward to it. She was playful, gentle yet forceful when need be. She wanted to protect him at any cost, ready to defend when anybody threatened. No one ever felt that way about him like that before. It was a nice feeling. Yep, he mused, it’ll be an interesting life with her. He was looking forward to it.
They forced themselves up after a bit, and went to make breakfast. They warmed up supper from the night before and sat down to eat it. It was a silent meal, as it was the last one they would have together, alone, for a while. They were both deep in thought, not ready to leave yet. They did the dishes, put them away and decided to go for a walk before they left. Hand in hand, they walked around the lake, enjoying each other and the beauty around them.
They stopped periodically, Heath telling her of the different trees, and plants around. She was amazed at his vast knowledge on different subjects. He tested her on what he taught her, when she got the answers right, he awarded her with a kiss. She decided to have him a race to the cabin since they were so close. Heath was game, chasing her, letting her win. He loved playing games with her, it brought a balance to his life, that he never knew was missing. He caught her and held her while she struggled to get out of his powerful arms. She gave up knowing it was useless, turned herself to face him and kissed him passionately. He picked her up and carried her into the cabin.
A while later, they decided it was time to go home and face reality. Neither wanted to give up the honeymoon just yet, but it was time. They picked up their things and saddled the horses. They mounted the horses and rode off towards the massive ranch house. The honeymoon just about over.
They got to the ranch two hours later, they rode to the barn and Ciego was working in the barn. He took the horses from them and promised to look after them. Heath nodded and told him he would come out later and pick up their things.
Hand in hand they walked to the house, excited that they were home, but regretting that their honeymoon was over. They stopped at the door and Heath gathered her in his arms. “Welcome home, my pretty, “ he said as he kissed her. She kissed him back, then opened the door. They were home. Their new life together was about to begin.