A Haunted Child

Part 5

by sharie05

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

The bright morning suns rays found their way through Jessie’s open window and fell gently onto his bed slowly waking him. As he stretched his arms and legs under the covers little pieces of lint and dust began swirling around above his bed suspended in the suns rays. Opening his eyes he watched as the dust seemed to float above his head, riding some unseen curtain of air.

Jumping down from the bed he quickly grabbed his cloths and dressed, he wanted to be the first one in Heath’s room. Grabbing his boots he attempted to put them on as he hopped down the hall, reaching Heath’s door he knocked quietly. After knocking a few more times and getting no response, Jessie opened the door and looked around. Heath’s bed was already made and he wasn’t anywhere in his room. Jessie scratched his head, closed Heath’s door and headed downstairs. "I wonder where he is?" He thought as he walked through the quiet house.

Walking into the dinning room he could hear sounds coming from the kitchen, "maybe he’s helping Silas!" Thought Jessie as he quickened his pace. "Morning Silas!" Exclaimed Jessie as he entered the kitchen.

"Mornin Mr. Jessie, you’re sure up mighty early this mornin." Replied Silas as he kneaded his bread dough.

"Silas, have you seen Heath?" Jessie asked as he walked over to watch Silas prepare the bread.

"Why don’t you check out in the barn," stated Silas as he looked over at Jessie and smiled.

"Thanks Silas!" Shouted Jessie as he ran through the kitchen and out the back door. Running through the warm morning sunlight, Jessie quickly covered the short distance between the house and barn. Slowing his pace he opened the barn door quietly so as not to spook the horses. As he walked into the quiet barn he watched as the dust floated through the air caught in the suns rays, very much like over his bed this morning. Taking a deep breath he took in all the barns familiar smells and odors, it was funny, all barns smelled alike. Memories of his father and the times they spent working together in their barn came flooding back to him as he stood watching the dust swim around in front of him in a sea of light.

Hearing the barn door open Heath looked up from Chargers side and saw Jessie making his way down towards them. He was just about to call out Jessie’s name when the boy stopped walking and stood staring straight ahead. Heath tried to see what it was that captured Jessie’s attention but he couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. "Jessie…Jessie!" Heath called as he watched Jessie come out of his trance like state. "What’s got you so interested?" Questioned Heath as he limped out of Chargers stall and started towards Jessie.

Hearing his name, Jessie let go of his memories and came back to the present. "Hi Heath!" He exclaimed upon seeing his friend. Covering the short distance between them quickly, Jessie rushed up to Heath’s side. "How’d you get out here?" He asked as he looked up at Heath.

"I walked," replied Heath as he started back towards Chargers stall. "You’ve been taking real good care of Charger Jessie, thanks." Heath added as he turned and extended his hand out to the boy.

"Your welcome Heath, Charger and me got along just fine!" Stated Jessie as his excitement upon pleasing Heath came shinning through both in his voice and on his face. "Heath, won’t your Mamma be mad at you for comin out here?" Asked Jessie. He was glad to see Heath outside but he was still concerned about him. He looked so much better and his bruises where almost all gone but he still got tired so fast. He had over heard Mrs. Barkley talking to Silas in the kitchen yesterday. She was worried about Heath’s appetite; she didn’t think he was eating enough. This worried Jessie too; he’s seen Heath’s trays come back downstairs with hardly anything touched on them. He remembered his Mamma telling him that you always needed to eat to get your strength back when you were sick.

"Well I’m hoping she won’t find out," stated Heath with a smile. "You can keep a secret can’t you?"

"Sure I can!" Jessie answered quickly. "But how are you gonna keep it from her?" He asked a bit puzzled.

"I’ll just head back inside before everyone else gets up, then they’ll all be none the wiser." Smiled Heath as he started to brush Charger.

"Oh, I see," replied Jessie as Heath’s plan came into focus. "But you better hurry, I think I heard Nick calling down to Silas when I ran out of the kitchen to come here."

"Well then what ya say we head back in and get us some breakfast," Heath said as he hung up Chargers brush.

"I am kind a hungry," Jessie replied as he laid his hand over his stomach.

"Well what are you waiting for then, lets move." Heath stated as he put an arm across Jessie’s shoulders. Jessie and Heath made their way slowly out of the barn and headed off towards the back of the house. Jessie could hear Heath’s breathing getting louder and shorter the farther they walked, the limp in his leg seemed to get worse too.

"You OK, Heath?" Jessie asked as he noticed the sweat on Heath’s face.

"I’m fine Jessie, just a little…tired." Replied Heath as he tried to cover up his discomfort with a smile.

Jessie opened the back door for Heath as he limped inside. Heath made his way straight over to the sink and splashed some cold water on his face. The cold water from the pump felt wonderful on his sweaty face and neck, the walk from the barn had taken more out of him that he figured it would.

"How about a quick game of checkers before breakfast Jessie?" Questioned Heath as he wiped his face and hands with a towel. Heath figured he’d at least be able to rest while they played thus being refreshed by the time Mother and everyone came down to breakfast.

"Sure!" Came Jessie’s quick reply as he raced off towards the living room.

"Mr. Heath, are you feeling all right?" Asked Silas noticing how tired Heath looked.

"I’m fine Silas, don’t worry about me none." He replied as he limped off towards the living room.

Jessie had the board all set and ready to go in front of the fireplace, he’d even pulled up an ottoman for Heath to rest his leg on. "Well it looks like you’re all ready to go," stated Heath as he sat down across from Jessie.

"Heath put your leg up here," Jessie said as he patted the ottoman. "It’ll make it feel better." He added as a large smile lit up his face.

Heath propped up his leg and the two were soon engrossed in their game. Neither one of them heard Victoria Barkley as she walked into the living room.

"Heath Barkley! You know what Dr. Merar said! You shouldn’t be out of that bed!" She shouted at him as she walked around to face him.

"But…" Heath began before being cut off.

"But nothing! What am I going to do with you? Must I tie you to the bed in order to get you to follow Howard’s orders? Well?” She asked him as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Well it’s…." he started again.

"I want you to march straight back up those stairs and into that bed, now!" She stated, as she stood poised over him.

Jessie watched and tried not to giggle at the scene in front of him, but seeing Heath squirm and turn red was too much for him and he burst out laughing. Heath looked over at Jessie and started to laugh himself, it wasn’t long before even Victoria saw how silly they must all look and started laughing herself.

Standing up and taking Victoria in his arms Heath said, "Mother I promise I won’t do anything but paper work. I feel much better just being down here with everyone, I’m sorry if I upset you."

"You may stay downstairs on one condition, I want you seated on that sofa and your not to move unless someone is around to help you." She told him as she held him out in front of her. "Are we in agreement?"

"We are," was his reply as he kissed her forehead.


Seated behind the large oak desk in the study, Heath tried to catch up on some of the ranch’s endless paper work. But he was having a hard time concentrating; the gentle breeze blowing threw the studies porch doors was beckoning him outside.

"Heath would you like some lemonade?" Asked Audra as she walked into the study.

"Heath!" Audra said a little louder trying to draw his attention away from the window.

"What… sorry sis, what’d you say?" Questioned Heath as he finally realized Audra was in the room with him.

"I was wondering if you’d like some lemonade, or are you too busy?" She asked in a sarcastic voice.

"I’d love some sis," he replied with a laugh.

"I’ll bring it right in," stated Audra as she smiled at him and headed off towards the kitchen.

Hearing a knock at the front door, Audra told Silas she would answer it for him. Upon opening the door Audra was surprised but pleased to see Anna. "Anna! Come on in."

"Thank you Audra," replied Anna as she hugged her friend.

"What brings you out here, as if I didn’t know." Laughed Audra as she and Anna walked arm and arm through the foyer.

"How is he Audra?" Questioned Anna as the two entered the living room.

"He’s better, but I’ll bet he’ll feel even better now that you’re here." Replied Audra as the two girls sat down on the loveseat.

Standing up quickly Audra grabbed Anna’s arm and started leading her towards the kitchen. "Anna how about having some lemonade with me," Audra stated as a mischievous smile crossed her face.

"Sure Audra," replied Anna as she went with Audra towards the kitchen wondering what had suddenly come over her friend.

Entering the kitchen Audra took two glasses and filled them with the freshly made lemonade. "Anna why don’t you take these into the study, I’ll be along in just minute." Stated Audra as she handed the two glasses to Anna and started her on her way to the study.

"All right Audra," Anna replied as she took the glasses and headed off towards the study. Stopping in the hallway, Anna turned around to look back at Audra. "I wonder what’s gotten into her?" she laughed before continuing on into the study.

As she entered into the study she understood what Audra had been up to. Standing by one of the open porch doors was Heath. Anna watched him silently as he stood staring out the open door. The breeze was gently blowing in through the door causing his blonde hair to wave with each breath it blew.

He was holding a cane in his left hand as he leaned against the door jam with his right shoulder. Anna thought he still looked so thin but the sight of him moving around on his own filled her heart with joy.

"Can I interest you in a glass of lemonade Mr. Barkley?" Anna asked as she began to walk towards him.

"Anna!" Shouted Heath as he limped over to greet her.

Anna set the two glasses down on the desk and rushed over into his open arms. "I’ve missed you so Heath," she told him as she rested her cheek against his chest and held him close.

"I’ve missed you too Anna," he replied as he lifted up her chin with his hand and kissed her.

"Well Mr. Barkley, if I didn’t know you better I might almost believe you," Anna said playfully as she pushed away from him and ran around to the other side of the desk.

"Why Miss Holden I do believe you’re trying to play hard to get," laughed Heath as he attempted to limp around the desk and catch her.

But Anna was mush faster and quickly avoided him as she moved around the desk and over next to the billiard table. "If I didn’t know better Mr. Barkley I just might get the impression that you’re trying to catch me." She laughed as she watched the smile spread across his face.

Making another attempt at catching her, Heath used his cane and came around the corner of the desk. As he crossed the open floor between the desk and the billiard table he stopped quickly and grabbed his side as he let out a small moan.

Seeing Heath almost double over in pain, Anna rushed to his side. "Heath, I’m so sorry I never meant for you to get hurt." She stated as she placed her arm across his back.

Sweeping her into his arms, Heath laughed, "Seems I’ve caught you now Miss Holden."

Swatting him on his arm as she laughed Anna replied, "That was a mean thing to do Heath Barkley!"

"I’m just glad it worked," he replied before kissing her.

"I am too," Anna replied as she embraced him.

"Anna, …" Heath began before being interrupted by a knock on the door. "Yes?"

"Sorry to bother you Mr. Heath, but I was wondering if Miss Anna would like to stay for supper." Asked Silas as he stood in front of them.

Anna looked up at Heath who smiled at her, "I’d love to Silas." She replied as she placed her hand on his arm, "Thank you."

"It’ll be a pleasure to have you Miss Anna," replied Silas before leaving them alone again in the study.

"I’m glad you decided to stay Anna," said Heath as he held her hands in his own.

"Heath how are you feeling, I mean really feeling?" Questioned Anna as her face took on a more serious look.

Taking her hand and leading her over to the sofa, he sat down next to her and faced her. She could tell by the look on his face and in his eyes that something was troubling him. She wanted so much to help him through what ever it was, but would he trust her with it? "Heath you can tell me anything," she said as she squeezed his hand.

Heath looked down at the floor and then back up at Anna, her green eyes told him everything he needed to know. He could see how much she both loved and cared for him, he could trust her. "I’m feeling better everyday Anna," he began before stopping. "It’s just that…. I haven’t been sleeping well lately." He said quietly as his head dropped.

"Heath," Anna began as she lifted up his chin. "Let me help."

A sigh escaped him, as he began, "I can’t get him out of my head, Anna. I keep seeing him, it’s as though he’s still here laughing at me. Just waiting to finish off what he started." Heath said as a shiver ran through him.

"Oh Heath, I’m sorry I didn’t realize." Anna stated as she placed her hand on his cheek. "He’s gone love, he can’t hurt you any longer," she added as tears formed in her eyes. Drawing him into her she rested her chin on top of his head and brushed back his hair with her hand as he rested against her. She could feel his heavy breathing and longed for a way to ease his pain. "He can’t hurt anyone anymore."

Heath remained in Anna’s arms for a few minutes longer before sitting back up. "Anna his eyes, they were the eyes of a dead man, they were as black and cold as night." Heath stated as he remembered seeing himself reflected in those cold black orbs. "He enjoyed what he did, and Jessie lived with him for nine months."

"Heath I think he did die a long time ago but you beat him you lived. You also saved Jessie from him. Don’t let him win now not like this, you’re more of a man than he could have ever even hoped to be." Stated Anna as she looked lovingly at Heath.

It was Heath’s turn to draw Anna into him, holding her tight he whispered softly in her ear. "I love you Anna Holden."

The mood surrounding the dinner table was light and festive as everyone was in fine spirits.

"How big was it Jessie?" Asked Audra as she listed to Jessie retell his adventure with Jarrod this afternoon.

"This big!" Exclaimed Jessie as he held up his hands and formed a circle roughly the size of a large grapefruit. "My brother Thomas would a loved it!" He added, as his smile grew even bigger.

"That bullfrog gets bigger each time you tell the story boy." Stated Nick as he threw a furrowed brow Jessie’s way.

"So your brother liked frogs did he?" Questioned Audra as she swatted Nick’s arm.

"He sure did! My Mamma used to say Thomas liked anything that walked, crawled, flew, or slithered." Jessie replied as he bounced around in his chair.

"He sounds a lot like Nick when he was little," laughed Audra as she looked over at Nick.

"As I remember it brother Nick you were always coming home with some sort of critter in your pants pocket." Stated Jarrod as he winked at Victoria.

"Since when did this become about me! He’s the one with the ever enlarging frog!" Bellowed Nick as he pointed across the table at Jessie.

The table erupted into laughter at Nick’s outburst, eventually even Nick himself joined in the laughter. As dinner ended everyone made their way into the living room.

"Jessie have you shown Heath Chargers new trick?" Asked Nick as he plopped down in a chair.

"I almost forgot!" Exclaimed Jessie as he jumped up and rushed over to Heath. "Can I show you Heath? Can I? Jessie asked as he tried to pull Heath to his feet.

"I think you’d better go with him Heath," laughed Audra, "Before he drags you outside."

"All right little guy," replied Heath as he stood up and grabbed his cane. "Let’s go see that trick, shall we."

"If you two don’t mind I think we’ll all join you," stated Jarrod as he took Victoria’s arm in his own and started to follow Heath and Jessie towards the door.

As everyone moved towards the barn, Jessie raced on a head to get Charger ready. "Wait by the coral Heath, I’ll bring him out there!" Shouted Jessie before entering the barn.

Everyone was gathered quietly around the corral’s fence as Jessie brought Charger out of the barn. Leading him in to the corral, Jessie quietly began talking to him as he rubbed his nose. "Don’t worry about all of them, it’s just you and me out here Charger. Let’s show Heath what we can do, Ok? I know he’s gonna be real proud of you, just wait and see. OK Charger ready, down." Stated Jessie as he toughed Charger’s back.

At Jessie’s command the large horse bent first one front leg and then the other as he knelt down next to the boy. Jessie quickly jumped up onto his back and Charger stood back up. "Well what’d ya think?" Jessie asked as he beamed from ear to ear.

"Jessie how in the world did you teach him that?" Asked Heath as he limped into the coral next to them.

"I didn’t really, the night we found you Nick sent me back to the ranch for help. I was all alone and I couldn’t get up on Chargers back. I sat down and started to cry, the next thing I knew Charger smacked me with his nose and he was kneeling down next to me. It was like he knew I needed to get back to the ranch in order to help you Heath." Replied Jessie as he looked down at Heath from Chargers bare back.

"Well I’ll be," stated a shocked Heath as he petted Charger’s mane. "He let’s you mount him that way every time?" Asked Heath as he raised his eyebrow and looked up at the boy.

"Yup, every time," Jessie stated happily.

"Well Heath, seems Charger’s taken quite a liking to the boy." Stated Nick as he folded his arms across his chest and smiled. "I think you might a just lost yourself a horse little brother."

Heath turned and frowned at Nick before turning back to Jessie. "I think he has grown quite fond of you Jessie," Heath said as he continued to pet Charger.

"He’s a great horse Heath, he’s funny though." Laughed Jessie.

"How so?" Questioned Heath as he looked back at Jessie.

"Well when ever I’m out with him and I mention your name he, well he looks for you." Stated Jessie as he watched Heath smile.

"And just how can you tell that?" Questioned Nick in an irritated tone.

"Because he just does, it’s like he thinks Heath’s gonna walk up behind him or something. I think he misses him." Replied Jessie smugly as he smiled down at Heath.

"Stop picking on him Nick," stated Audra as she swatted him.

"What did I do?" Nick questioned as he shielded himself from any future blows from Audra.

"You’re hopeless Nicholas Barkley, hopeless!" Laughed Audra as she hugged him.

"Come along brother Nick, I’d like to discuss those Long Horn Cattle you were so interested in a few weeks ago." Stated Jarrod as he walked up and put his arm around Nick’s shoulders.

"Now what are you bringing that up for again!" Asked Nick as he looked questionably at Jarrod.

"Oh lets just say I have some information about them for you," replied Jarrod with a smile. "Shall we?" He asked as he waved his hand out in front of Nick indicating he would like Nick to join him in the house.

Nick walked of reluctantly with Jarrod, after they had gone only a few steps Jarrod turned around. "Anna, I was wondering if you might be able to stay a while this evening. There’s something I’d like to discuss with the family and it concerns you also." Stated Jarrod as he looked back at Anna.

"Certainly, that is if you think I can be of some help." Came Anna’s reply.

"Thank you Anna, I think you can." Replied Jarrod before continuing into the house with Nick.



Heath helped Jessie down from Charger’s back as Victoria frowned at him. Even though Jessie was small she didn’t approve of Heath lifting anything yet, let alone reaching up and out for the boy. "Heath," Victoria said as he put Jessie down on the ground.

Heath looked up and saw the disapproving look on Victoria’s face, "Sorry Mother," he said throwing her a lopsided grin as he followed Jessie and Charger into the barn.

"He certainly isn’t one for taking it easy is he?" Stated Anna as she placed a hand on Victoria’s arm.

"No I’m afraid he isn’t," laughed Victoria as she held onto Anna’s arm as they started walking back towards the house.


After Audra lulled Jessie to sleep she came downstairs to find everyone gathered in the living room. "He’s finally drifted off," she commented before sitting down next to the fireplace.

"He wasn’t any trouble was he?" Questioned Anna as she looked over at Audra.

"No not at all, he just kept going on and on about that bullfrog and about Charger. He was so excited about that trick he showed you Heath. You should have seen the expression on his face," she added smiling.

"He’s quite a kid," replied Heath as Anna wrapped her arm in his.

"Well now, Jessie is the reason I’ve asked you all here." Stated Jarrod as he stood up and moved in front of the fireplace.

As almost everyone in the room looked up at him with a questioning look, Jarrod began. "A few weeks ago Mother came to me with an idea she’d had, this idea concerned the future welfare of our small house guest."

Jarrod stopped for a moment and scanned the faces before him. "I did some checking into Jessie’s family and just recently discovered a lot about the young man. His family moved from Minnesota almost two years ago, his father bought a ranch with about 3,000 acres just outside of Merced near Willow Creek. As far as I’ve been able to find out the only family the boy has is a great aunt who still lives in Minnesota." Jarrod watched as Heath looked up at him, his eyes told the story of concern he felt.

"The aunt is very old and currently in the hospital, she’s not expected to ever leave it." Jarrod stated before taking a short pause. "His family and many of the family’s down near Merced succumbed to a very bad strain of Tuberculosis that ran ramped around a year ago. The entire county was pretty well decimated by the outbreak." Said Jarrod as he looked off into the fire.

"So he has no one," replied Audra as a tear ran down her cheek.

"That’s right Audra, no one but us," stated Jarrod as he watched all the heads in the room turn to look at him.

"What are you saying Jarrod?" Questioned Heath as he squeezed Anna’s hand.

"I think it would be in Jessie’s best interest if we adopted him." Stated Jarrod as he looked over at Victoria. "Now I wanted to discuss this with all of you before bringing it up with Jessie. As Nick so kindly pointed out to me, I’m not sure how Jessie will react."

"I for one think it’s a great idea!" Piped up Audra as she went over to Jarrod and hugged him.

"I agree with Audra Jarrod, what do we need to do in order to make it happen?" Questioned Nick.

"How about asking Jessie for one," stated Heath as he looked over at Nick.

"I know that Heath, but what else do we need to do?" Asked Nick brushing his brothers comment aside.

"What if he says no Nick?" Questioned Heath as he rose to his feet.

"What’d ya mean if he says No? Why would he say no! He’s only a little boy!" Stated Nick as he looked angrily over at Heath.

"Your right Nick he is a little boy but he's a little boy who’s seen more pain in his short life then we can even imagine." Replied Heath quietly. "He has a right to decide for himself where he wants to live, Nick."

Nick looked over at Heath as the anger he felt melted away, he could see the pain Heath felt for Jessie written across his face. "You’re right Heath, we should ask Jessie before we go making any plans."

"Thanks Nick," said Heath as he gave his older brother a half smile.

"Now if we did adopt him he’d be a full Barkley and have an equal stake in the ranch, that is assuming he wanted to be adopted." Jarrod stated as he smiled at Heath. "There’s also his family’s ranch to consider. As far as I’ve been able to find out no ones touched it since Jessie was taken."

"Jarrod I think we can discuss the ranch later, Nick and Audra I know your feelings about this but I’d like to hear how Heath and Anna feel." Stated Victoria as she looked over at the pair.

Anna looked up at Heath and then back to Victoria before she began, "I agree the best thing for Jessie would be to have a family that loved and cared for him but we have to take in to account his feelings. I have a feeling Jessie has yet to relive the worst of his treatment, I know he’s mentioned some of it to Heath but there’s still so much more he hasn’t told us." Replied Anna as she held onto Heath’s hand tightly.

"That’s one of the reasons we asked you to stay Anna, Jessie has taken a real liking to you. If he does agree to stay I was hoping you’d help us out with him. Talk him through some of those memories he has yet to retell." Stated Victoria.

"I’d be happy to help Mrs. Barkley," replied Anna with a smile.

"Heath I know you’ve spent the most time with Jessie and he thinks the world of you, how do you think he’ll feel?" Questioned Victoria as she watched Heath play with the buttons on his sleeve.

The room was silent as they waited for Heath to answer, "I’m sorry Mother I can’t answer that, I really don’t know how he’ll feel. I’m not sure if he’s really excepted the fact that his family is really gone." Stated Heath as he looked up at her with a sad look in his eyes.

"I see," stated Victoria as she thought about Heath’s comment. "How do you feel we should approach him about this? As a family, or would it be easier if one person spoke to him?" Questioned Victoria.

"I think he’d need to hear from all of us that he was accepted and wanted." Stated Heath as he looked around the room. "But if he chooses not to stay we must all except it." He added looking over at Nick.

"Then tomorrow morning after breakfast, we’ll discuss our idea with him." Stated Victoria as she rose up out of her chair. "Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to turn in."

As everyone in the room said their goodnights, Heath and Anna made their way out onto the small porch off the living room. As Heath stood staring off towards the coral, Anna came up behind him and wrapped her arms gently around his waist while resting her head on his back. Heath took his arms and placed them over hers holding her close.

"What is it Heath, what’s troubling you?" Asked Anna as she held onto him.

"How do you always know?" Heath laughed as he relaxed in her touch.

"Why don’t we just call it woman’s intuition," she laughed as he turned around to face her.

Taking her hands in his, he looked down into her eyes, "I guess I’m just nervous about tomorrow."

"Don’t be Heath; we’ll help him through this. I know you’ll help him Heath, trust yourself, I do." Stated Anna as she caressed his cheek.

Heath couldn’t say a word, so he just held her close and sighed. How did she always manage to say the right thing? She had a way of making him feel relaxed that no one else had ever even come close to.

They remained holding onto one another in the cool night air for a long time before finally coming back inside.


The next morning Jessie was a little nervous as he sat fidgeting between Anna and Heath on the living room sofa. He knew everyone was there to talk to him but he wasn’t sure about what yet. He sure was glad Anna stayed over again he enjoyed having her around. She was always so happy and easy to talk with; she never made him feel like a little kid. She would always listen to him and never judge him with out first knowing all the details, and she reminded him so much of his Mamma.

Jarrod and Mrs. Barkley sat across from him and Audra and Nick were off to his right. Everyone had been in a pretty good mood during breakfast so he was sure he hadn’t done something to terribly wrong. But Heath had been very quiet this morning, and he didn’t eat much of his breakfast either. Jessie watched as Heath played with the buttons on the cuff of his shirt. In the almost four weeks since Jessie had first gotten to know Heath he knew it meant only one thing, something was bothering Heath and that worried Jessie. But before Jessie could think on it to much Jarrod started talking to him.

"Jessie there’s something we’d all like to discuss with you; it has to do with your parents." Stated Jarrod as he watched the small boys expression change.

Jessie looked from Jarrod to Heath; Heath was still playing with the buttons on his cuff and not making eye contact with him. Jessie was growing more concerned by the moment; he wasn’t sure how much information about his parents Jarrod wanted to bring up. He certainly didn’t want to talk about their deaths in front of everyone.

"From what you’ve told us Jessie, your parents died a little over a year ago. Do you know of any other living relatives you might have? Say like grandparents, aunts, uncles, or perhaps cousins?" Asked Jarrod as he watched Jessie fidget.

"I never knew my Papa’s Ma and Pa, they died before I was born." Replied Jessie as he looked down at the floor. "But Papa did have two brothers, I only remember a little about them though. They died in the war when I was real little."

"Jessie, were your uncles married?" Questioned Victoria as Jessie looked up at her.

"Not that I remember Mrs. Barkley. My Papa always called them his baby brothers, I think they was pretty young." Replied Jessie as he took the hand Anna held out to him and smiled up at her.

"Jessie is there anyone on your mother’s side of the family that you remember?" Asked Jarrod even though he already knew the answer.

"My Mamma didn’t have any brothers or sisters, her Ma, my grandma died just before we moved out here. My grandpa died when I was just 4." Replied Jessie as he squeezed Anna’s hand.

"I’m sorry Jessie," stated Victoria in a quiet sympathetic voice.

"Its Ok Mrs. Barkley they was real old, and my grandma said it was past due time for her to go and be with grandpa again. She used to miss him an awful lot, but she always loved talkin’ about him or telling stories about him. She used to talk to him everyday in her prayers or whenever Thomas, Carrie or I did something we shouldn’t a done; she’d raise her hands over her head and ask grandpa for strength." Jessie added on with a smile.

Jessie’s reply brought smiles to the nervous faces in the room. It had something to do with how he talked about his dead relatives, he made them seem so real, and he gave them life again.

"My grandma always said that just because someone dies or goes out of your life it doesn’t mean you have to stop loving them. Sometimes when their gone you love’em even more then when they were around." Said Jessie as he remembered back.

Victoria watched as Heath stood up and walked over to the fireplace and rested his arm on the mantle. "That’s very true Jessie, my husband was taken away from me eight years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him and love him." Replied Victoria as she smiled.

"Jessie we know you love your family and that’s something no one can ever take away from you. But they’re not here to care for you any longer; we’d like to care for you Jessie. We’d like you to become part of our family, to live here with us on this ranch." Stated Jarrod as he watched Jessie hopefully.

Jessie looked around the room at all of their hopeful faces, "I…. I’d like to…but I can’t. I have a home; I promised my Pa I’d look after it for him. I can’t go back on my word, if a man can’t count on your word then he can’t count on you at all." Replied Jessie as he hoped they would all understand.

"You can’t go back to that ranch and run it all by yourself! Your just a child!" Stated Nick as he threw his hands up in the air in frustration.

"Nick!" Shouted an angry Heath as he stepped up next to him.

"I can too! I did for a long time before they came!" Shouted Jessie as he stood up from the couch and faced Nick. "I’ve already been away for a long time I gotta get back." He added as his voice started to calm down some.

"Jessie we’re not saying you have to turn your back on your families ranch, but Nick is right, it’s much to big of a job for one person to manage. You’ll need help, if you choose to stay here and become part of our family we can give you all the help you’ll ever need." Stated Jarrod as he tried to reason with Jessie.

"Jessie I know we can never take the place of your family and were not trying to. But please know that we all care about you and love you. Take some time to think things over before you decide, and Jessie know that more than anything I’d like to make you part of our family." Stated Victoria as she took Jessie’s hands.

Jessie held onto Victoria’s hands as he looked into her eyes, he could see she truly cared for him. He was just unsure on what to do, what should he say, how could he answer her and not hurt her.

"Oh Jessie, please think about it, I’d love to have you as my little brother. Why Heath, Nick and Jarrod would all become your big brothers." Exclaimed Audra as she sat down on the sofa next to Anna as she talked to Jessie.

Jessie’s heart was pounding away in his chest, he was positive everyone in the room could hear it. He didn’t know what to do, part of him wanted to fall into Victoria’s arms. He missed being part of a family; he wanted, needed loved ones around him again. But there was another part of him that wanted to run. To run far away, back home, back to his parents ranch. After all he promised his Pa he’d take care of the ranch, he promised.

"I don’t know what to do." Jessie said quietly looking around the room as tears threatened to fall down his cheeks.

Heath could see the lost look Jessie’s eyes held, he could feel the turmoil raging inside the small boy. Hadn’t some of that very same doubt raced through his veins once as well? Walking with the aid of his cane, Heath crossed in front of Nick stopping in front of Victoria.

"Mother I need to talk with Jessie alone." Stated Heath as he took Jessie’s hand and started leading the small boy towards the front door.

Victoria grabbed Nick by the arm as he made an attempt to catch Heath, "let them go Nick." Stated Victoria as she watched the pair walk out the front door.

"Mother we need to resolve this issue now!" Bellowed Nick as he turned to face her.

"That’s exactly what Heath’s doing," replied Victoria as she smiled at Nick.

Jessie was more confused than ever as he held onto Heath’s hand while the two of them walked quietly down the north road. His emotions ran wild inside him, for one he was happy to be out of the house and away from all the questioning faces. But he still felt as though he let them all down somehow by leaving and not giving them an answer. And then there was Heath; he’d been so quiet all morning. Jessie knew something was bothering him and he didn’t think it had anything to do with his injuries.

Heath turned off the road and led Jessie through a small grove of trees and down a slight hill before stopping by a small babbling stream. Jessie watched as Heath gingerly lowered himself to the ground and rested his back against a large rock. Jessie could see the perspiration on Heath’s face and his shirt was pretty much soaked with sweat as well.

Heath motioned for Jessie to sit down next to him as he stared off across the stream. Jessie sat down and followed Heath’s gaze, the sun reflecting off the flowing water had a calming effect on him. He sat back and let the warm morning breeze blow across his body, he could hear birds singing happily in the trees on the other side of the stream. Looking up at the trees he watched as the wind made them dance against the blue sky. They seemed to move as one, as if pushed by some unseen hand that gently rocked them back and forth. They reminded him of the pine trees around his parents ranch, oh how he missed them, the wind always seemed to whisper to him as it blew through them. And the smell, it was just about his most favorite smell in the whole world, it always made him feel so alive so refreshed.

"Heath?" Jessie asked quietly as he continued to watch the wind blow through the trees.

"Yes Jessie?" Answered Heath as he too watched the trees wave back and forth as he rested against the rock.

Jessie turned to look at Heath as he spoke, "Heath, I…I wanna go home." He stated as his voice quivered.

"I was wondering when you were finally going to come out with it," he replied as he smiled at Jessie.

"How’d you know?" Questioned Jessie as wondered how Heath figured it out.

"I’ve known since the first time you mentioned your parents and the ranch that you wanted to go back there." Replied Heath as he put his arm across Jessie’s shoulders. "I’ve just been waiting for you to ask."

A shocked expression came over Jessie’s face as he looked up at Heath, "you mean you’d take me home?" He asked as his voice once again began to quiver.

"That’s what I mean Jessie," replied Heath with a chuckle.

"Oh thank you Heath! Thank you!" Shouted Jessie as he flung himself into Heath’s arms.

Heath let out a small groan as Jessie squeezed him, "hold on little guy, if you bust one a my ribs again we’ll never get you back home."

Jessie let go and moved back from Heath, "I’m sorry Heath, I didn’t mean to hurt you honest!" He said as he looked down at the ground.

"Jessie, don’t worry I’m fine." He said as he shifted his position, wincing he added, "well maybe not fine but I’m getting there." He said with a smile.

Jessie felt a little better as he took in Heath’s smile; his smile had a way of always making Jessie feel good. He knew Heath didn’t give them away freely each one was earned and Jessie respected him for it. Moving back closer to Heath, Jessie asked him when he could go home.

"Well little guy I’m afraid there’s a few things we need to discuss first." Replied Heath as he turned to face Jessie.

"I know it’s about your Ma right?" asked Jessie as that familiar lump once again started to return to his throat.

"That’s part of it, but the other part has to deal with you and me." Stated Heath as he placed a hand on Jessie’s shoulder. "I think you all ready know how you’re going to answer Mother’s question don’t you."

Jessie shook his head yes, "It was real nice of her to offer, but I can’t stay Heath. I promised my Papa and I ain’t never gone back on my word. You aren’t mad at me are ya?" Jessie asked as his heart beat faster and faster in his chest.

"No Jessie not at all, just the opposite, I’m very proud of you." He replied with a smile.

"Proud of me, how come?" Came Jessie’s puzzled reply.

Taking both of Jessie arms in his hands, Heath looked directly into Jessie’s eyes as he spoke. "Jessie look at how far you’ve come, take a look at what you lived through. Most men wouldn’t have survived even half of what you went through let alone put up the type of fight you did. You gave it everything you had and then some, a lot of people owe their lives to you Jessie."

"But a lot of them don’t Heath." Jessie stated as a tear fell down his cheek.

"Jessie you can’t blame yourself for what Hank and his men did. They were grown men, you barely got away from them with your life as it was. If you hadn’t poisoned their food they’d still be out there murdering people, you put a stop to all of that, and they’ll never hurt anyone again Jessie." Replied Heath as he drew the sobbing child into his chest. Heath held onto Jessie and rubbed his back until the boy calmed down.

Sitting back up, Jessie looked up at Heath. "I wish I could a done it sooner, maybe more people wouldn’t a got hurt."

"I’m sure if the opportunity had come up sooner you would have taken it, but it didn’t. What you did took a lot of strength Jessie, not many men would have handled themselves the way you did. You stayed true to yourself and your values, I’m sure your parents would have been awfully proud of you too." Replied Heath as he watched Jessie smile.

"I hope so Heath," was Jessie’s quiet reply.

"I know so," stated Heath as he ruffled Jessie’s hair. "Now there’s something you and I need to discuss." Added Heath as he nervously brushed his hand through his hair, "I’ve got something to ask you but it’s not any easy thing to ask." Began Heath tentatively, "Nick was right about one thing, you can’t run that ranch all by yourself."

"But Heath…" stated Jessie until Heath raised his hand and cut him off.

"Let me finish first, I think with help you could do it though, my help. Jessie I’d like to become your legal guardian, that is if you’d let me." Stated Heath as he watched Jessie carefully.

Jessie looked back up at the trees moving so freely in the wind, his mind racing along with the wind. He wasn’t really sure what a guardian was, did that mean Heath would be his father? Would he have to stay on the Barkley ranch?

Heath could sense Jessie’s uneasiness, "Jessie do you know what a guardian is?"

"Does it mean you’ll be my new Pa?" Questioned Jessie as he turned his attention back to Heath.

"Not really Jessie, it just means that I’m legally responsible for you until your eighteen years old. I’d help you manage your affairs until you were old enough to make decisions on your own." Replied Heath.

"But where would I live? Would I live with you?" asked Jessie hoping that he could stay with Heath.

"Well I was figuring on taking a trip up to that ranch of yours, you know to see what work needs to be done on it. If everything works out OK I suppose we could live there, that is if you want to." Replied Heath with a lopsided grin.

"Just you and me together! Can we bring Charger too?" Jessie asked excitedly as he practically jumped out of his skin.

"Of course Charger can come along too. Speaking of horses I think you’ll be needin one of your own soon. I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of work to do and poor Charger can’t carry us both around forever. Besides every rancher has to have his own horse." Stated Heath as he laughed along with Jessie’s exuberance.

"My own horse too! When can we get’em Heath? Tomorrow?" Exclaimed Jessie as the joy he felt in his heart came bursting out.

"Well I guess you’ll just have to answer my question before we can decide all that." Stated Heath as he looked up at Jessie with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Answer your que…. Yes! Yes Heath! My answer is yes!" Shouted Jessie as he hugged Heath once again, but only this time not has roughly as before.

"Well now that that’s settled what ya say we head back and tell the rest of the family." Replied Heath as he struggled to stand without hurting his leg or stomach.

Jessie helped Heath to his feet as best he could and then wrapped his arms around him once more. "I love you Heath." He said, as he held on tight.

"I love you too little guy," replied Heath as placed a kiss on top of Jessie’s head.

Jessie bounced up and down and ran around and around Heath all the way back to the ranch as the warm morning sun shone down on him. He couldn’t remember a time when he felt this good, he finally felt free, all the weight he had been carrying around on his shoulders seemed to have suddenly disappeared.

As they walked under the Iron Gate archway of the Barkley ranch Jessie stopped suddenly; so suddenly in fact that Heath almost ran right into him.

"Jessie don’t worry, everything will be just fine." Stated Heath as he placed his hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

"It’s not that Heath," replied Jessie as he looked up at Heath.

"Then what little guy?" asked Heath, noting the concerned look in Jessie’s green eyes.

“What about Anna? Can she come with us too Heath?" Asked Jessie hopefully.

"I’m not sure Jessie, that’s something only Anna can answer." Replied Heath as he continued to muse over Jessie’s question.

"Are you gonna ask her?" Questioned Jessie as they began walking towards the house again.

"Jessie that’s not the type of question a man can just go up and ask a lady, it wouldn’t be proper." Answered Heath as they neared the house.

"No silly, that’s not what I mean." Laughed Jessie as he stopped walking. "When are you going to ask her to marry you!" He added with a smile.

Heath stopped and looked back at Jessie, he shook his head and smiled at the sight of the small boy wearing such a large grin. "Seems to me you have everything all figured out," replied Heath as he walked back to Jessie.

"Well don’t you want to marry her? You two all ready seemed married, you do love her right?" Asked Jessie, a little confused.

Heath stood in front of Jessie with a shocked look on his face. "Jessie I’m afraid it’s just not that simple." Replied Heath as he fought for the correct words to say.

"Why not? If you love her and she loves you that’s all you need. At least that’s what my Mamma always told me." Jessie stated confidently.

Heath chuckled at Jessie’s reply, "if I didn’t know any better I’d swear you were a lot older than you look."

Jessie was about to ask Heath what he meant when he heard Anna’s voice calling out to them. They both turned and saw Anna running down the path towards them, Heath watched as her long hair flowed down over her shoulders and glistened in the sun with each step she took. Every time he looked at her she simply took his breath away, she had such a gentle nature about her but he knew the fire that raged inside. It was that fire that gave her such a wonderful spirit and it was that spirit that he had fallen in love with from the first time they met.

"Hasn’t anyone ever taught you boys that it isn’t nice to keep a lady waiting?" Asked Anna playfully as she stopped in front of the two smiling figures.

"Well I guess we should head in and apologize to Mother Jessie, after all Anna’s right. It isn’t nice to keep a lady waiting." Laughed Heath as he elbowed Jessie.

"Heath Barkley!" Shouted Anna as she playfully swatted at him.

Heath grabbed her and held her close as he offered up his apology, "sorry Anna, we just had a few things we needed to work out."

"Heath, can I talk to you alone for a minute." Asked Anna, taking on a more serious tone.

"Sure, Jessie do you think you could take Charger for a little walk for me. He’s probably just itching to get outside and enjoy some of this sunshine." Heath asked as he smiled at Jessie.

"Can I ride him in the coral?" Asked Jessie as the excitement he felt was evident by the large smile he wore.

"All right, but take it easy." Heath stated as he took Anna’s hand.

Anna walked with Heath around the side of the house to the rose garden. Even though most of the rose bushes were done blooming for the season the garden was still a lovely and quiet place they both enjoyed. Sitting down on one of the garden’s benches, Anna took both of Heath’s hands in her own.

"Heath I have something important to ask you," stated Anna as she looked into his blue eyes. She wasn’t sure how to say what it was she brought him her for so she just decided to come right out with it.

"Heath I’d like to take Jessie in… to adopt him." She stated quickly as she squeezed his hands. She watched Heath’s expression change from one of concern to delight. She frowned a little as he began to laugh, as he continued to laugh holding his sides, she finally had to know what could possibly be that funny.

"Heath it’s not funny!" Stated Anna as she turned away from him.

Trying to compose himself he grabbed onto her shoulders and turned her back towards him, "Oh Anna I wasn’t laughing at you, it’s just that I asked Jessie that very same question only a half hour ago." He replied as started to laugh again.

Anna joined him in a good laugh as they both sat out under the bright morning sun. Neither one was aware of the figure that watched them standing silently by the study window.

Heath stopped laughing and looked into Anna’s lovely green eyes, he had to ask her, he knew he would never love anyone else but her. She made him feel so alive so complete. Resting his cane against the side of the bench, Heath gingerly knelt down on the ground in front of her. Taking her hand in his he slowly looked up at her, "Anna would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He asked her nervously.

Anna thought her heart was going to simply burst inside her chest! Oh how she had longed to hear him utter those words. Tears formed in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around him, "Yes Heath, oh yes I’ll marry you!" She cried as she held onto him. "You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world!"

"Anna if you’re so happy then why all the tears?" Asked Heath as he continued to hold her close.

Pushing back so she could she his face, Anna laughed. "These aren’t tears of sadness Heath, there tears of joy!" She laughed watching his befuddled expression. "Heath I’ve known ever since the first dance we shared together that you were special, I started to fall in love with you that very night." Anna replied as she placed a hand on his cheek. "I couldn’t think of a better man to spend the rest of my life with."

Heath grabbed her and held her tight once again. His heart raced underneath his blue shirt, she loved him, she truly loved him. Tears formed in his eyes as he held her, tears were also forming in someone else’s eyes, the eyes that watched from the study’s window. Her plan had worked; it had brought them together at last. As Victoria turned and walked away from the window she sent a thank you up to heaven and then she added, "You’d be mighty proud of him Tom, mighty proud."

The early morning stars still littered the sky as a lone rider set out from the Barkley Ranch. Horse and rider raced as one across the meadow as the first faint hints of morning began to kiss the sky. They raced along jumping fences and splashing through streams until finally coming to a stop on top of the north ridge.

Heath slid down from Charger’s bare back and walked up to the horse’s head. "Well boy it’s been a long time since we’ve been out together. It’s nice to know you haven’t forgotten me," he laughed as he stroked Charger’s nose. "Come on lets take a little walk and get you cooled off." Stated Heath as he began to walk Charger around the meadow. Once Charger had cooled down Heath let him munch on the different grasses in the meadow as he sat back under a tree to watch the morning sun rise.

As the morning sun made it way above the horizon, he started to reflect back on the last few weeks. Anna had agreed to become his wife, a smile spread across his face as he thought about that day. He remembered kneeling down in front of her and looking up into her eyes, he was almost positive that he wouldn’t be able to get the right words to flow out of his numb mouth. But he had, and she’d accepted, the look of excitement on her face had brought tears to his eyes. It took most of the day for her acceptance of his proposal to sink in; he still even now had to pinch himself to ensure that it had been indeed real.

Silas had been almost as excited as Audra was upon hearing the news of their engagement. Heath laughed as he remembered the both of them getting together to plan the big event. Both waving their hands in the air as they tried to explain why their idea was better. They finally agreed that Audra would take care of all the decorations, the music, all the tables and chairs needed, and the flowers. While Silas handled all the details concerning the food and drink needed for the wedding. He would also handle the hiring of extra staff to serve at the wedding.

Audra and Silas had both asked them so many questions about what they wanted, that they plum near wore Heath and Anna out. Heath had finally told them that how ever they handled it would be fine with him, he was just happy to be marring Anna and that nothing else really mattered that much to him. Audra hadn’t much cared for his reply but she understood his feelings, after all he was a man, how could he possibly understand these things.

Nick and Jarrod had taken the news extremely well, both had found Anna to be an absolute delight and where thrilled to have her join the family. Several of the men and his brothers were planning a little surprise party in town for him. He wasn’t supposed to find out but he had heard of few of the hands discussing it one day as he was sitting in the loft. They had joked back and forth about showing him one last good time before he had to wear the old ball and chain.

The only problem had come when he explained his plans for Jessie’s ranch. Nick was against his idea from the start, he argued that this was just as much Heath’s ranch as it was his and his responsibility lied here and not elsewhere. It took some doing but he was finally able to make Nick understand his position and how much this all meant to Jessie. Nick had insisted on accompanying them down to the ranch and helping with any repairs needed; and on this issue Heath couldn’t budge him.

Heath watched Charger lazily walk around the meadow as it slowly came to life with the morning sun. "Well boy, we better start heading back." Heath stated as he jumped up and headed over towards his horse. "If I’m late for breakfast on my first day out a the house Mother’s liable to keep me inside another week," he laughed as he mounted Charger.

He didn’t push Charger on the way back to the ranch at all; he was enjoying their time alone. As he rode up to the ranch he headed Charger into the barn and settled him in before heading off towards the house. Quietly opening the back door he watched as Silas opened the oven door and bent over to pull out a tray of biscuits. Just as Silas was starting to stand back up with the biscuits in hand Heath shouted.

"Morning Silas!" Shouted Heath as he closed the back door.

Silas hadn’t realized he was no longer alone in the kitchen until he heard Heath’s hearty greeting, the sudden noise startled him and sent the pan of biscuits he was holding up in the air. Heath cringed as the pan hit the top of the stove and landed on the floor with a loud clatter. Biscuits now covered the top of the stove and the floor around Silas.

"Heath!" Shouted Silas as he turned to face the now laughing cowboy. "Who did you think you were, Mr. Nick? You just don’t come hollering in someone’s kitchen first thing in the morning!"

"Sorry Silas," laughed Heath as he tried to help clean up the mess. "I’ll help you make more," he added as he continued to chuckle.

"No you won’t! Go on, git out a my kitchen." Stated Silas as he shooed Heath out the door. Silas stood and looked at the mess on the floor, "I sure am gonna miss that boy when he’s gone." Smiled Silas as he began cleaning.


The smell of pine made Jessie sit up even taller in Charger’s saddle, his head darted around as he took in all of the sights and sounds he had longed to see and hear once again. It felt as though he left here an entire lifetime ago, but now that he returned it seemed as though he’d left just yesterday. The cool breeze blowing down from the hills was very refreshing; the scent of pine it brought down with it was an added bonus for Jessie. The changing colors of the leaves danced around him as Charger walked down the road.

Hearing Nick shout, Jessie stopped Charger and turned around in his saddle. Nick, Heath, and Anna had fallen way behind him as they rode along the road to his home. He hadn’t realize how far ahead he’d wandered, seeing all the familiar sites had taken him back to the past and rendered him oblivious to everything else.

"Sorry," he said with a smile as Nick rode up next to him on Coco.

"That was only about the tenth time I yelled to you. What’s the matter? Your ears plugged or something?" Nick asked as he stopped next to Jessie.

"Huh?" Asked Jessie as he looked over at Nick, not really hearing a word Nick had just spoken. He had been to busy looking around and thinking about how close to home he was.

"Uh huh, just as I thought." Stated Nick as he frowned at Jessie.

Jessie looked up at Heath and Anna as they pulled up in the wagon. "Where almost there Heath!" Shouted Jessie, "The Butler’s place is just over that ridge about a mile and then it’s only a few miles to my ranch!" Exclaimed Jessie as he pointed on down the road.

Heath smiled at Anna as they both chuckled over Jessie’s enthusiasm. "Careful Jessie, with all that wiggling your doin’ atop Charger your likely to fall of before we even get there." He laughed.

Jessie smiled shyly as the three adults had a good laugh at his expense. "Jessie don’t you worry none, your doing fine." Stated Anna as she smiled up at him. Jessie enjoyed being around Anna and Heath; he’d never seen two people smile so much in his entire life. They were always holding hands or talking to each other so low that nobody else could hear what they were saying. Nick was always making faces behinds Heath’s back; Jessie would practically roll around on the floor with laughter whenever Nick made one. He especially like the kissy face Nick made, he looked like a big fish. Heath caught him making it once and chased him around the barn before finally catching him and dunking him in the horse troth.

"You gonna get moving or do you plan on standing out in the middle of the road all day!" Nick bellowed at Jessie as he started Coco down the road.

Jessie laughed and quickly urged Charger on. He noticed Nick’s smile as he pulled up next to him and Coco, "Race ya over the hill," shouted Jessie as he kicked Charger and took off.

"Your not gonna get away that easy!" Shouted Nick as he took off after them.

Jessie had a huge smile on his face as he raced down the road on Charger’s back. Racing over the hill and down around the next bend, Jessie quickly brought Charger to a halt. He couldn’t quite comprehend what his eyes were telling him, it just couldn’t be.

Nick pulled up Coco along side of Jessie and followed the boy’s blank stare out across the open field. About a quarter mile away he could clearly see the remains of a house, the house appeared to have burned down some time ago. All that now remained standing tall among the pines was the remains of a charred and blackened chimney. Nick could see some kind of notice posted on a pole in front of the remains but there was no way of telling from this distance what it said.

"Jessie, that isn’t your home is it?" Asked Nick softly as he noticed the distress written on Jessie’s face.

A tear rolled down Jessie’s face as he slowly answered Nick. "No it’s the Butler’s ranch, they were friends of ours." He stated quietly, "But they died before my Ma and Pa did."

Nick reached over and put his hand on Jessie’s arm as they both looked over at the burned out buildings. "Must a been lightning," stated Nick trying to come up with a reasonable explanation.

"But the barn wasn’t even close to the house and it burned down too," replied Jessie as he looked over at Nick.

"Well the wind could’ve carried a spark from the house out to the barn and started the hay on fire. I’ve seen it happen lots of times," stated a confident Nick.

Heath and Anna rounded the bend in the wagon and pulled up along side Nick and Jessie. "What’s wrong?" Asked Heath as he noticed the tears on Jessie’s cheeks.

"The Butler’s place burned down," replied Jessie as he pointed out across the field. Fear suddenly stabbed at Jessie’s heart, "if the Butler’s house burned then my house might a too!" His mind screamed at him. Turning his attention back down the road he kicked Charger into a run and took off.

"Jessie wait!" Shouted both Heath and Nick as the boy took off. Nick struck out after him and Heath and Anna followed behind in the wagon as fast as they could.

Jessie urged Charger on faster and faster, his fear growing with each passing moment. "Please God, please let it be all right, I’ve waited so long." He sobbed as he rode.

Nick was having a hard time keeping Jessie in sight, with such a light rider on his back Charger was running like the wind. Nick pushed Coco on faster; he could feel the horse straining to maintain the fast pace he’d set.

Anna held onto Heath as they pushed the team on faster. Anna was extremely concerned at how Jessie would react if his home were in the same condition as the one they had just seen. She felt the house represented a link to his parents for him, a way to keep their memory alive and with him always. If that link was broken she was afraid he would withdraw away from all of them and hide in a world all his own.

Riding through the pine trees, Jessie rounded the last turn in the road towards his house. Racing up and over the meadow his home finally came into view…….

Charred boards and timbers were all that remained of Jessie’s former house and barn. Jumping down off the wagon Heath walked around to help Anna down. "Oh Heath, poor Jessie," she stated as Heath held onto her and the two looked around at the burned out buildings. The only thing still standing appeared to be a small shed towards the back of the house, it was pretty well singed on one side but overall it looked to be in good shape.

"Heath where could they be?" Asked Anna as she continued to look around for any sign of Nick and Jessie.

Heath spotted both Coco and Charger nibbling on the long grasses in the meadow behind the remains of Jessie’s home, but there was no sign of Nick or Jessie. Looking past the horses and up the hill behind Jessie’s home, Heath could see the top of a grove of pine trees. Remembering all the times Jessie talked about his ranch and his love of pine trees, Heath felt it would be a good place for them to start looking.

"Anna, follow me," stated Heath as he took her hand and started leading her up the small hill behind the house. Making their way through the tall grasses they neared the top of the hill. A light breeze blew across their faces; the breeze also brought with it the sound of a child crying. Turning to look at one another, they both quickened their pace. Cresting the top of the hill they were greeted by the sight of both Nick and Jessie, Nick was sitting on the side of the hill in the tall grass cradling Jessie in his arms.

"Jessie," Anna said quietly as she knelt down next to them and placed her hand on his cheek. Jessie slowly turned his head away from Nick’s chest and towards Anna, looking up into her eyes he reached out to her. "It’s all gone Anna, it’s all gone, " he sobbed as she took him into her arms.

"It’s all right Jessie," she told him quietly as she cradled him in her arms. "Everything’s going to be all right," she continued trying to reassure him as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Nick stood up and looked down upon Anna and Jessie, feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned around to face his younger brother. Heath could tell by the look on Nick’s face how hard the last few minutes had been for him. Leading him further back up the hill away from Anna and Jessie, Heath asked him what happened.

"I was only a minute behind him, when I rode in the yard he was on the ground in front of the remains of his house." Replied Nick as he looked up at Heath. "Heath he was just kneeling there staring at the house, he looked so lost and alone. I reached out and touched his shoulder but he just screamed and took off running up this hill. I finally managed to catch him where you found us, he just collapsed crying into my arms." Added Nick as he looked over at Anna and Jessie.

Nick understood Jessie’s sorrow; he knew how much the ranch must have meant to him. He could remember how much working around the ranch with his own father had meant to him when he was a boy. How just one little word of encouragement from his father would fill him with joy. There was no greater happiness in life for a small boy than to win his fathers trust and respect by working hard. He also remembered what it was like to share a dream with his father, the same dream, to watch that dream slowly come to life only to have it ripped away right out of your very heart.

"Thanks for helping him Nick," stated Heath as he clasped a hand on Nick’s shoulder.

Turning to face his little brother, Nick replied quietly, "I’m not sure I did Heath," he said quietly.

Heath could see the concern Nick had for Jessie both on his face and in his voice. He too could feel Jessie’s pain, he knew what it was like to loose those you loved. He knew the heartache of loosing all that you hold dear, to have your hopes and dreams dashed before your very eyes unable to control or stop it. "Nick you were there for him when he needed you, that’s what matters most big brother." Stated Heath as he placed his hands on Nick’s shoulders and gave him a lopsided grin.

"Thanks Heath," replied Nick as he returned the smile.

Jessie seemed to be quieting down as Anna rocked him and hummed; she ran her fingers gently through his hair over and over again trying to sooth him. She watched as Heath and Nick made their way back down the hill towards the horses. Just at that moment Jessie sat up in her lap and tried to look over the hill, "what is it Jessie," asked Anna noticing the alarm on his face.

"The shed Anna is the shed still there!" He asked as he tried to stand up.

"I don’t know Jessie, I think it was." Replied Anna as she helped him up.

"It has to be!" Shouted Jessie as he took off running through the grass.

"Jessie!" Hollered Anna as she hurried off after him.

Hearing Anna cry out Jessie’s name, Heath looked up from Charger in time to see Jessie rushing down the hill towards them. "Jessie what’s wrong," asked Heath as he went over to intercept the boy.

Avoiding Heath, Jessie quickly made his way over to the shed; opening the door he disappeared inside. Running around the corner of the shed Heath made his way to the open door, looking inside he could see Jessie trying to push a large table out of his way. "Jessie, what happed?" Asked Heath as he stepped inside.

"It has to be here it just has to!" Jessie cried as he continued to struggle with the table.

Heath grabbed one end of the old table and managed to pull it out of the shed, walking back inside he saw Jessie on his hands and knees dusting off a large wooden object. "Jessie for the last time, what’s gotten into you?"

Jessie looked up through the dust and asked for Heath’s help, "Heath can you help me get this out?" He asked through his tears.

Bending down and trying to pick up the object Heath finally realized what it was. Looking up at Jessie he saw tears in the little boys eyes, "Come on Jessie, I’ll pull and you push, OK?" Stated Heath with a smile.

With both of them pushing and pulling, they finally managed to drag the heavy wooden object out of the shed and into the afternoon light. Standing up Heath looked over at Nick and Anna as they stood looking down wide-eyed behind Jessie. Taking off his shirt, Jessie began to wipe away a years worth of dust and dirt.

"Jessie did you make this?" Asked Anna as she knelt down beside him and ran her fingers over the wood.

Jessie stopped wiping and looked up at Anna, "I made it after they died but I didn’t get a chance to finish, I was afraid it was gone," he said quietly.

"Jessie it’s beautiful," cried Anna as she pulled him close to her. "You can finish it now Jessie, and this time I promise nobody will stop you."

Heath and Nick looked down at the wooden marker, carved into the top was the picture of a ranch house and barn. Behind the house was a hill surrounded by beautiful looking pine trees. Under the picture the marker was inscribed: Beloved Parents James and Mary Thorton, Brother Thomas Thorton, Sister Carrie Thorton, Baby Sister Mary Beth Thorton, Died in the y. That’s where the inscription ended.

"Heath it must have taken him months," stated Nick quietly as he continued to look down upon Jessie’s work.

Heath nodded his head as the sight before him left him speechless. How could that small boy living here all alone accomplish such a thing? The marker was beautiful, all of the long lonely hours Jessie must have put into it were hard for him to comprehend. For that small child to have even survived out her alone was one thing, but to have worked alone for hours on end making this was unbelievable.


Heath walked into the small shed and gathered up some of the old rags he found inside, looking around he noticed two wooden toolboxes on a small shelf near the back wall. One of the toolboxes was much larger than the other, but besides that small detail the boxes were virtually identical. Dusting off the lid on the larger box, Heath could see a name engraved in the wood, "James Thorton" it read. Reaching over and wiping off the smaller box, he could see that it too was engraved; it read "Jessie Thorton".

Standing in the shadows staring at the toolboxes sitting there silently side by side, Heath began to realize the full extent of Jessie's loss. Father and son had once worked side-by-side building their dream, their future together. Loved ones, supporting them, sharing the same dreams with them, had surrounded them always. But for Jessie all that was gone now, everyone he had ever held dear was terribly and brutally taken away from him, and he was left to deal with it all alone.

"How can I possibly give him back what he's lost," Heath questioned himself as he stared at the toolboxes. "How can I possibly take the place of his family, his father."

Nick unhitched the team from the wagon and put them in the coral with Coco and Charger. Being away from the barn and house the coral's fence had remained in pretty fair condition, Nick only had to make one or two minor repairs and it was as good as new again. Closing the gate he put his arms on the top board and rested his chin on them as he watched the horses check out their new surroundings. He felt so tired; the day's events had really taken a toll on him. He almost wished he'd let Heath talk him out of coming, seeing the remains of Jessie's home had really upset him.

He knew what it felt like to share a dream with someone, to work on that dream together. To watch it gradually come into focus and take shape; he also knew what it felt like to have that dream shattered. But he had been a grown man when his father was killed and Jessie was just a child when his died. He also had family and friends to help see him through, but Jessie had no one. "My God," thought Nick, "he had to deal with not only his fathers death but the deaths of his entire family! Alone with no one to lean on, no one to comfort him."

Feeling someone take his arm, Nick turned around to find Anna at his side. "Is everything all right Nick?" Questioned Anna as she noticed the tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

"Fine Anna, just getting the horses settled in," replied Nick as he avoided direct eye contact with her.

"Oh no you don't!" Stated Anna as she took Nick by the arms turning him sideways to face her. "I asked you a question and I would like an honest answer." She added looking into his eyes.

Nick could tell Anna wasn't about to give up, "I thought I understood what Jessie went through having lost my father. But coming here Anna, it made me realize how wrong I really was. That little boy has been put through more heartache and pain in his short life than I can’t even comprehend. How am I supposed to help him?" Stated Nick in a quiet voice.

"Nick you've helped him so much already, can't you see that? You've given him a reason to go on, to plan a new life with people he loves and who love him. Just being there for him, caring for him, that's what he needs to get through this." Replied Anna, her green eyes sparkling as she spoke.

Nick smiled at Anna and hugged her, "You know it's a lucky thing that brother of mine finally asked for your hand in marriage," stated Nick with a laugh. "Because if he'd waited any longer I would have asked you myself!"

"Nicholas Barkley!" Exclaimed Anna as she hugged him tightly. "How about giving me a hand and gather us up some nice firewood. I thought it might be better for Jessie if we camp just over the hill behind his house, is that all right?"

"Sounds like a great idea, shall we?" Replied Nick as he extended his elbow out to her.

"Why thank you Mr. Barkley," replied Anna playfully as she took his arm.

As Anna and Nick made their way across the yard to gather up supplies for their camp, Heath was with Jessie over near the ruins of his home.

"The porch steps used to be here," stated Jessie quietly as he pointed to a spot amidst the charred remains. "Mamma always loved sitting on the porch after dinner, it was her favorite time of the day."

Heath chuckled a little as he remembered back, his own Mother had also loved sitting out on the porch watching the day come to a close.

"What's so funny?" Asked Jessie as he looked up at Heath.

"Sorry Jessie, it's just that my mother always enjoyed that time of the day too. I guess you could say they were alike in many ways." Replied Heath as he ruffled Jessie's hair. "So tell me some more, what was the inside like?"

"Well we had a real big front door that opened into the living room. There was a fireplace at the far end of the room and stairs leading to my sisters and my room at the other end. If you went around the side of the stairs you could go into my Mamma and Papa's room. The kitchen and pantry where in the back of the house it was pretty big and we always ate out in the kitchen. We didn't have a separate room for eating like your house does Heath." Stated Jessie, as the memories of his home came flooding back.

Heath smiled as he put his arm around Jessie's shoulder, "I didn't have a separate room for eating when I was your age either," he laughed.

"Heath, how come they burned it?" Asked Jessie as he stared into the charred remains.

"I'm not sure Jessie, I suppose they were afraid of catching what your family had. Their way of insuring the disease wouldn't spread was to burn everything your family owned." Replied Heath, as he tightened his grip on Jessie.

"Didn't they know I was coming back?" Jessie asked as his voice shook with sorrow.

"No little guy, I don't think they did." Answered Heath quietly.

Jessie turned and grabbed onto Heath, his tears once again flowed freely from his eyes. Heath just held onto him tightly and let him cry, he needed to let the pain and hurt he was feeling out, if not he was afraid his heart would simply burst.

Heath held onto Jessie as the boy let himself go. As Jessie finally started to calm down, Heath held onto his arms and talked to him. "Jessie, you haven't really lost everything. Come on let me show you something." With that Heath took his hand, and the two walked towards the shed.


Jessie let Heath take him by the hand and led him over to the shed, he wasn’t sure why Heath wanted him to go into the shed but he'd looked so excited when he asked him that he didn’t want to let him down. Walking into the shed he stayed close behind Heath, stepping to one side Heath brought Jessie up next to him and pointed over at the small shelf. "I thought you might like to keep these," he said pointing at the toolboxes.

Jessie stood perfectly still; he almost had to will himself to even breath. Looking down at him Heath was surprised to see a shocked look on Jessie’s face, "Jessie I’m sorry, maybe I should’ve told you what I found before bringing you in here." Stated Heath as he put his arm around Jessie shoulders.

"They can’t be here," replied Jessie in a whisper, as he remained motionless. "They should a burned," he added in a far off voice.

"Jessie what are you saying?" Asked Heath as his concern for the boy grew by the moment.

Jessie stood in the shadows starring at the toolboxes, very slowly and quietly he replied to Heath. "They shouldn’t be in here, we always kept them in the barn, that’s where they were when I left." Slowly moving forward Jessie reached out and ran his hand across the top of his father’s toolbox and then his own. A single tear ran down his cheek as he heard his father’s voice, "This ones yours son, a man should have his own set a tools, especially if he works on a ranch." Jessie fell to his knees and cried, "I’m sorry Papa I failed, I failed you." He cried as he lowered his head.

Heath knelt down in the soft dirt next to Jessie and drew the boy into him. Quietly rocking him back and forth as he rubbed his hand across Jessie’s back, Heath tried to reassure him. "Jessie you didn’t let him down, far from it. I know how proud he must be of you, how proud your whole family would be. Jessie even if you’d been here you couldn’t have stopped any of this. The people who did this were scared; they may have even killed you if you’d been here." Said Heath as he continued to hold Jessie close.

"But I promised him Heath," Jessie cried into Heath’s shirt as he held onto him tightly.

"And you lived up to that promise." Replied Heath as he lifted up Jessie’s chin and looked into his eyes. "You took care of this ranch and your family just as you promised. Hank coming here and taking you wasn’t your fault; it wasn’t your fault the ranch was burned. As soon as you could make it back here you did, you weren’t even afraid to run the ranch all by yourself. Jessie your father would be awful proud of you, I know I would be if you were my son."

Jessie looked up at Heath and then buried his head in Heath’s chest as he hugged him. "I miss him, them so much." He cried as Heath continued to rub his back.

"It’s all right to miss them Jessie, don’t ever feel bad about missing someone you love. But don’t let their loss consume you, you have go on living, you must let yourself enjoy life again." Stated Heath; once again putting his hand under Jessie’s chin he lifted up the boys head so he could see his eyes. "But the most important thing Jessie is not to be afraid to love again. Don’t shut people out of your life for fear of being hurt again. Let people in here," Heath said as he placed his hand over Jessie’s heart. "That way your heart has a chance to heal. Letting others love you and loving them in return doesn’t mean you have to stop loving your family Jessie. The more people you love and the more that love you only makes your heart grow stronger."

Jessie hugged Heath once again and then sat up wiping his eyes, "Heath, who do you think put them here?" He asked looking up at the toolboxes.

"I’m not sure little guy, I think they’ve been in here a while though they were pretty dusty." Replied Heath as he helped wipe away Jessie’s tears.

Standing back up and brushing off his pants, Jessie stood in front of the toolboxes. "My Papa made this one for me when we moved out here. He said that every man needed his own tools and a good place to keep them." Explained Jessie as he opened up his box. "These were his when he was my age," added Jessie as he showed Heath the contents of his toolbox.

"It looks like you’ve taken real good care of them Jessie," replied Heath as he looked over the tools.

"Papa always said you had to care for your tools like they was your best friends," stated Jessie as he looked up at Heath and smiled.

"That Papa of yours was a pretty smart fella," replied Heath with a grin.

"Heath? Would you come with me for a minute?" Asked Jessie as he took Heath’s hand.

"Sure, what is it?" Replied Heath as he bent down in front of Jessie.

"I wanna show you something," came Jessie’s reply as he turned around to leave the shed. Walking through the yard they spotted Nick and Anna carrying their supplies up the hill behind the house. As they came around the side of the house, Jessie started to walk a little slower and his grip on Heath’s hand increased. "It’s just over here," he said quietly as he led Heath around a cluster of pine trees.

That’s when Jessie saw it; it stood in front of him in all it’s wild beauty waving to him, a red fern. A red fern had grown over the top of his family’s grave; it appeared like a giant red flag waving over a sea of green. A gentle breeze blew threw Jessie’s hair, he watched as the fern danced and waved to him; it seemed to know he was there.

Some how he managed to get his feet moving again and walked up to next to the fern. Slowly reaching out he brushed his hand gently through its fronds feeling its soft caress upon his hand. Kneeling down in front of the magnificent fern Jessie talked to his family, "Hi Mamma, Papa, it’s me Jessie. I’m sorry I haven’t been here for a long time but I had to go away for a while." He said as he continued to feel the ferns fronds, "I made some new friends, I know you’d both really like them they’re a lot like you. Papa, my friend Heath reminds me of you everyday, he’s big and strong like you and he loves horses. He has a real kind heart too."

Heath stood a little ways behind Jessie as the boy talked to his family, feeling an arm wrap around his waist he was delighted to see Anna smiling up at him. Holding her close, they stood together silently and listened to Jessie.

"And Mamma you should see Anna, boy howdy is she pretty. She has green eyes that sparkle just like yours and her smile is about a mile wide. She and Heath are gonna get married and they want me to live with them, I hope it’s OK Mamma. Their real nice folks and I’d do anything for them. I almost forgot Heath’s family is real nice too. His Mamma, Mrs. Barkley she helped me a lot when I first came there. Mamma you should see Heath’s sister Audra, she has hair just like Mary Beth’s. She sure is pretty and she likes to play checkers with me." Jessie said as he sat talking to the fern.

"Is that what I think it is?" Whispered Anna as she looked up at Heath, her green eyes sparkling.

"Uh huh," whispered back Heath with a smile.

Papa you’d really like Heath’s older brothers, Jarrod’s a lawyer, he’s real smart. He has a whole library in his house and he even likes Shakespeare. I’m reading Hamlet now it’s kind a sad but it’s a really good story." Stated Jessie happily.

Anna giggled quietly as she hugged Heath, the Barkley’s sure had made a big impression on that little boy.

"His other brother’s name is Nick. He can be kind a loud at times but Heath says his barks worse than his bite. He sure does love ranching Papa just like you; he even lets me help him fix stuff. Their ranch is the biggest I’ve ever seen! Papa they have more cattle than you can count! And when you stand on the front porch of their house, all the land you see in every direction is theirs. It’s really something!" Jessie stated as a smile caressed his face.

"I hope Thomas is behaving himself and not picking on Carrie, I wouldn’t want God getting to mad at him." Laughed Jessie as he thought about his little brother. "It sure is quiet without all of you though, Mamma. I know you wouldn’t want me to cry but sometimes it hurts so much I can’t help it." Jessie said quietly as he stared at the fern.

Heath held Anna closer as they stood in the cool breeze watching Jessie cry quietly. After a while they both walked over and knelt down on either side of him. Each taking one of his hands in their own, they said a quiet prayer together. "May you see God's light on the path ahead, when the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, the gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone, may you always remember when the shadows fall…you do not walk alone."

Jessie looked up at first Heath and then Anna; turning to Anna he threw his arms around her and hugged her. After Jessie finished hugging her, Anna told him a little prayer her mother taught her when she was just a child.

"Jessie my mother taught me this prayer when I was just a little younger than you are now. It always made me feel better when I was sad. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there... I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow... I am the diamond glints on snow... I am the sunlight on ripened grain... I am the gentle autumn rain. When you waken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of gentle birds in circling flight... I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry…I am not there... I did not die..." Said Anna as she sat holding Jessie.

Heath smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek before standing up, "I don’t know about you two but I’m starving," he said rubbing his stomach.

"Well Jessie, what a say we get some food into him before he gets grumpy." Laughed Anna as she helped Jessie to his feet.

"Sure, I’ll be right along," replied Jessie before turning back towards his parent’s grave. As Heath and Anna walked away hand in hand, Jessie said goodbye to his family. "I’ll be back soon Mamma I promise, I’m gonna go with Heath and Anna now. I told you they were special didn’t I." He added with a smile before running to catch up with them.

Nick had their little camp pretty well all set up by the time the three of them made it up the hill. Anna offered to heat up the stew Silas had graciously packed for them as the boys gathered the rest of the firewood they’d need to keep the fire burning all night. After dinner was eaten and everything was cleaned up, the four sat around the campfire looking up at the starry sky.

"Jessie, do you know the legend about the red fern?" Asked Heath as he looked across the fire at him.

"I know they’re special, today was the first time I’d ever seen one." Replied Jessie as he sat up a little straighter in Nick’s lap.

"Well a Modoc Indian once told me the legend, seems a long time ago a little Indian boy and girl were lost in a blizzard and froze to death. In the spring, when they were found, a beautiful red fern had grown up between their two bodies. He went on to say that only an angel could plant the seeds of a red fern, and that they never died; where one grew, that spot was sacred." Stated Heath as he watched Jessie smile.

"Are you sure Heath? Only an angel can plant one?" Jessie asked as he looked up at the stars.

"As far as I know," replied Heath as Anna took his arm.

"Wow a real angel, right here," said Jessie as he spun around slowly looking up at the stars. "A real angel."

The fire crackled and popped in the cool night air as Heath laid back and watched the small sparks leap from the flames and disappear up into the star filled sky. The stars were exceptionally brilliant in the moonless sky; he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen the stars shine as clearly as they were tonight.

"Heath?" Asked Jessie quietly as he sat down beside his friend.

"What is it little guy?" Replied Heath as he sat up and turned towards Jessie.

"Do you really think there’s angels up there?" He asked as he tilted his head back and looked up at the stars.

Heath watched the firelight dance on the boys face as he looked up at the sky, "There sure is something up there I can’t explain." He answered as he lay back and followed Jessie gaze up into the starry sky.

Jessie moved over closer to Heath and laid his head on Heath’s shoulder, Heath wrapped his arm around Jessie and held him close as they continued to watch the night sky. "Do you think my Mama and Papa are up there?" Jessie asked quietly.

"That I do, I think you do too," replied Heath as he looked over at Jessie.

Jessie kept his eyes on the stars as he answered, " I want to Heath, I wanna see them again some day."

"You will Jessie," said Heath as he pulled Jessie in closer.

They lay together quietly for a while before Jessie spoke up again, "Heath, how can I see them again if I can’t go to heaven?" He asked in a whisper.

"Of course you can," stated Heath as he sat up and held Jessie by his shoulders. "Why would you think that?"

"I killed Matt, God says you can’t go to heaven if you take someone’s life." Replied Jessie in a serious voice.

Having overheard their conversation as he sat across the fire from them talking with Anna, Nick jumped up and intervened. "Killed Matt! Jessie if you hadn’t of fired that shot Heath wouldn’t be here. He’d be dead just like all the other people those cowards murdered! You had to do what you did you had no choice. Jessie you didn’t kill him, he’s been dead for a long time."

Jessie sat next to Heath listening to Nick as he continued to go on and on about Matt, he suddenly felt very tired. Leaning into Heath he closed his eyes as he felt Heath’s arm wrap around him holding him close. He felt so safe wrapped in Heath’s strong arms; listening to the sound of Heath’s heart as he lay against his chest Jessie was soon fast asleep.

"Nick he can’t hear you any more, he’s asleep." Stated Heath as he eased Jessie into his arms and carried him over to his bedroll.

"I’ll stay with him," stated Anna as she came up next to Heath and placed her hand on his arm as they both looked down at the sleeping child. "I’m kind a tired myself," she added smiling.

"All right," Heath replied as he embraced her. "I’ll see you in the morning," he added placing a kiss on top of her head.

"Why Mr. Barkley, you’re certainly not embarrassed about kissing me in front of your brother now are you?" Questioned Anna playfully.

With the familiar red color rising up his cheeks, Heath placed his hand under Anna’s chin. Lifting up her head until their eyes met he slowly leaned forward and placed a gentle but firm kiss on her lips. "Good night Anna," he said smiling and gazing into her bright green eyes.

"Good night Heath," replied Anna with a smile.

Walking around to the other side of the campfire Heath noticed Nick standing in front of the fire, hands on his hips, grinning. "What are you grinning at?" he asked as he knelt down to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"Oh nothing little brother," laughed Nick as he took in his brother’s flushed face. "Nothing at all."




Jessie awoke to find Anna sleeping quietly next to him, rolling onto his back he stared up into the starry night sky. The sky was full of stars, "there must be thousands of them," he thought as he watched them sparkle. Feeling nature’s call he sat up and looked around the campfire. He could see the slumbering forms of Nick and Heath just across the fire from him. Standing up he headed off towards a group of trees not far from the campfire. Before he even realized it he was standing in front of the red fern. Its fronds seemed to give off a soft glow in the dark night as they stood protecting those that lay underneath it.

As Jessie stood admiring its beauty, a gentle breeze blew over him. For a moment he thought he’d heard Thomas calling his name, the wind seemed to almost whisper it to him as it blew across his face.

"Jessie…" the wind whispered quietly through the pines, "Jessie…"

"Who is it?" Questioned Jessie as he turned around trying to see where the voice came from.

"Jessie…" the wind whispered quietly again.

"Heath is that you?" Jessie asked as he turned back facing the fern.

"It’s me Jessie, Thomas," whispered the wind as it blew through his hair and caressed his cheeks.

"Where are you Thomas!" Shouted Jessie as he frantically turned around and around looking for his younger brother.

"Over here Jessie," whispered the wind.

"Where Thomas, I can’t find you!" shouted Jessie as he continued running around the small clearing.

"Right here Jessie," came the winds reply.

As Jessie turned around and faced the fern once again, he saw Thomas, Carrie, and Mary Beth. They looked just as they had before getting sick except now each was surrounded by a soft glowing light.

Rushing up to them Jessie shouted out their names, "Thomas! Carrie! Mary Beth! You came back!"

"We can’t stay Jessie, we came to say good-bye," said the smiling image of Thomas.

"Good-bye? Why can’t you stay? I’ve waited so long." Questioned Jessie feeling downhearted.

"We have to go with Mamma and Papa," replied the image of Carrie, her red hair moving softly in the breeze.

"Please take me with you, I wanna come too!" Shouted Jessie excitedly.

Reaching his hand forward the image of Thomas took his older brothers hand as he spoke. "You can’t come with us Jessie, it’s not your time."

"Why Thomas? I miss you all so much, why can’t it be my time too?" Sobbed Jessie as he looked at all three of his siblings.

"Because you have to stay here, with them." Replied the image of Carrie as she pointed her finger up the hill towards the campfire.

"But we’re a family and Mamma and Papa always told us that families gotta stick together!" Cried Jessie as the image of Carrie took his other hand.

"We’ll always be with you Jessie," replied the image of Thomas smiling.

"Right here," piped up the small image of Mary Beth as she placed her hand over his heart. "Mamma and Papa too!"

Jessie felt a warm pleasant sensation spread through his chest at Mary Beth’s touch; it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off of his heart. He was beginning to understand he would never really loose his family; they would always be with him. He would carry them around in his heart forever and when he needed them they would be there to comfort him.

"Will I see you again?" Asked Jessie as they all stood in a small circle holding hands.

"Of course," smiled Thomas. "Just close your eyes and remember all the fun we used to have together, how we used to laugh and play with one another. If you do that then we’ll be there with you laughing and playing once again.

Jessie stood smiling at his brother and sisters; a warm lighthearted feeling was creeping up inside him. Thomas, Carrie, and Mary Beth all looked at one another and started giggling as they had always done when together. Jessie was soon laughing along with them as they held hands and danced around in a circle to a symphony of crickets under the stars.


Something tickled his nose as he opened his eyes and looked up into the clear blue sky above him. A butterfly floated into view and once again tried to settle on his nose. Jessie watched as its delicate wings fluttered back and forth in a rainbow of colors just above his face. The butterfly seemed to be watching him as it hovered above him teasing him with its colorful wings.

Sitting up quickly, almost knocking the butterfly from the sky, Jessie remembered his siblings. "Thomas? Carrie?" He yelled as he stood up and looked around for them.

"Mornin sleepyhead!" Bellowed Nick as he walked over towards Jessie. "What’s all the commotion about?"

Looking around and quickly getting his bearings Jessie answered, " it’s nothing Nick, where’s Heath and Anna?" He added quickly trying to change the subject.

"They’re loading up the wagon, you want some breakfast?" Asked Nick as he helped Jessie roll up his bedroll.

"Sure I’m starved!" replied Jessie enthusiastically as he stood up with his bedroll in hand.

"You look it boy, you’re nothing but skin and bone!" Stated Nick as he grabbed Jessie around the middle and started tickling him.

"Stop Nick!" Shouted Jessie through bouts of laughter as he wiggled and tried to free himself from Nick’s grasp.

"All right, I think you’ve had enough." Laughed Nick as he let Jessie down, "Come on let’s get some food into that little stomach of yours, if you got any smaller you’d plum disappear!"

As Jessie walked with Nick his steps seemed lighter in the bright morning sunshine, he didn’t have the weight he remembered bearing down on him just yesterday, today. He watched as a butterfly floated just a few feet ahead of him it’s bright colors shimmering in the sunlight as it flew. Jessie watched as it rose straight up into the sky.


Running down the hill through the tall grass with the wind at his back and the sun shinning down on his face, Jessie raced an unseen foe. As he raced towards the bottom of the hill he could see his home as it had been before his family died. Carrie and Mary Beth were busy having a tea party in the back yard as he ran by waving at them on his way to the shed. Rushing up to it he slapped both of his hands against it, "I win!" he shouted triumphantly turning around to grin at his brother. Thomas smiled and waved good-bye as he slowly dissolved into the bright morning sunshine.

"Who’d ya beat little guy." Asked Heath as he came walking around the corner of the house.

"Just the wind," smiled Jessie as he looked back up the hill.

"Uh huh," replied Heath sarcastically as he pushed his hat back on his head.

"What?" Questioned Jessie as he turned around to face Heath.

"The wind huh?" Smirked Heath as he folded his arms across his chest.

"Really it was just the wind." Stated Jessie firmly.

"And you won, right?" Questioned Heath raising his eyebrow and looking at Jessie.

Jessie stood and looked at Heath, he wasn’t quite sure how to answer. Did Heath suspect something else or was he just goofing around? "Of course I won, I’m pretty fast you know."

"Are you now," replied Heath, as the grin never left his face.

"Yup, I can prove it too! I bet I can beat you up to the top of the hill." Challenged Jessie.

"All right, you’re on." Replied Heath lowering his arms.

"Go!" Yelled Jessie as he took off running up the hill leaving Heath standing still.

"Hey!" Shouted Heath as he took off after the boy. Jessie had a sizable head start but Heath closed the gap between them quickly as he raced up the hill. "You just wait till I catch you!"

Jessie glanced back over his shoulder and saw Heath right on his heals, letting out a small yelp he raced on faster than ever.

Heath was just about to reach out and grab Jessie when the tip of his boot hit a rock covered by the high field grass. Loosing his footing he landed hard on his left side as he hit the ground at full speed.

"Umph!" Was all that Jessie heard, glancing back over his shoulder he began to slow down. He thought for sure Heath would’ve caught him by now, why he’d only been inches away just a moment ago. Retracing his steps he walked slowly back down the hill, "Heath!" He yelled upon seeing his friend lying still in the grass below him.

Rushing up to his side Jessie dove down to his knees next to Heath, "Heath!" He shouted as he reached out and shook his shoulder. Quick as lightning Heath rolled over and grabbed Jessie around the middle pulling him forward, rolling back on is side taking Jessie with him, he soon straddled the boy and pinned him beneath him.

"I’ve got you now," he smiled as he looked down at Jessie.

"That’s not fair!" Shouted Jessie as he tried to sound serious "You cheated!"

"Oh and I suppose you played fair," replied Heath as he cocked an eyebrow at Jessie.

Jessie started laughing as he looked up at Heath; there were grass stains all over the side of his shirt. He even had grass sticking this way and that way out of his hair. "You sure do look funny," he giggled as Heath continued to hold onto him.

"What ya mean?" Asked Heath as he let go of Jessie’s arms and sat down next to him.

Sitting up Jessie replied, "Anna’s gonna be mad, you ruined another shirt." He laughed as he pointed out the grass and dirt stains.

Looking down at his shirt he could see that Jessie was right, he was covered in dirt and grass stains. Brushing at them with his hands didn’t seem to help at all either.

Seizing the opportunity to surprise Heath, Jessie jumped up and dove into Heath. Placing his hands on Heath’s shoulders he used all of his weight to push him back into the grass. "Now I’ve got you!" Jessie announced smugly as he straddled Heath’s stomach and looked down at him.

"You sure about that?" Smiled Heath.

"Don’t you d…." started Jessie before Heath quickly reversed their positions once again.

Laughing both of them lay back in the soft grass and gazed up at the puffy white clouds floating silently overhead. "How you feeling little guy?" Questioned Heath as he continued to look sky ward.

Jessie knew when ever Heath called him little guy he was trying to find out the truth, it was just his way of making Jessie feel a little bit more comfortable about opening up. "Better Heath, I’m doing better." They both remained quiet for a while before Jessie spoke up again, "Heath, I’m not as sad anymore."

Heath turned on his side and propped himself up using his elbow, "I’m glad Jessie, being sad all the time takes a lot out of a man."

"I still miss them, but there tucked away in here." Replied Jessie as he laid his hand over his heart. "That way I can take them everywhere I go."

"It’s the best place to keep them to," stated Heath as he lay back down and looked up at the clouds. "What ya think that one looks like?" He asked as he pointed to a funny shaped cloud overhead.

Jessie looked up at the cloud and it’s funny curves, "It kind a reminds me of something Audra cooked for dinner once." He replied with a laugh.

"You know, I think your right," said Heath as he joined in Jessie’s laughter.

"Look at that one Heath, it looks just like my brother Thomas after he’s been playing in the creek. See how the bottom of it looks like it has mud on it?" Stated Jessie excitedly.

"I see it, how about the one behind it. Looks like it just might be a little girl with long hair," replied Heath as he pointed upwards.

"That would be Carrie, she was always chasing after Thomas about something. Usually it was because he took one of her dolls or pulled her hair." Laughed Jessie, "see that one Heath, that’s baby Mary Beth. You can see the blanket she always carried around with her dragging behind her."

Jessie watched with Heath as the three clouds made their way across the sky, funny thing was they never lost or changed shape as they moved. As they lay quietly together, three larger clouds floated into the sky above them.

"Heath look, that’s my Mama and Papa." Smiled Jessie as he waved his small hand up at the sky. "I think your Mama’s there too," he added looking over at Heath.

Heath looked at the three clouds floating gently above him, something did seem awfully familiar about the last one. It was almost as if he could see his mothers face smiling down at him. Turning his head to look at Jessie, Heath noticed a sparkle in the boy’s eyes as he watched the clouds float past.

"Heath! Jessie!" Hollered Nick as he stomped around the yard looking for them. "Where in the blazes are they!" He shouted out loud, "Heath!"

Hearing Nick’s thunderous call, both Jessie and Heath sat straight up in the tall grass. "Just what do you two think your doing!" Shouted Nick as he stormed over towards them. "We’ve been looking all over for you two!"

"Well you see Nick," started Heath as he looked over at Jessie for help.

"We dropped something and we were trying to find it," piped up Jessie as he looked back at Heath and shook his head.

"I’ll bet!" Snorted Nick as he turned his back and headed back towards the wagon. "Come on, we ain’t got all day!"

Jessie and Heath quickly jumped up and brushed themselves off, "race ya to the wagon," smiled Heath as he looked down at Jessie.

"Go!" Shouted Jessie as he took off down the hill.

Nick never knew what hit him as both Heath and Jessie flew past him at full speed. "Hey watch it!" He shouted as he almost lost his footing.

Heath scooped up Jessie in one fluid motion as he ran past him, seeing Anna up ahead of them with her hands on her hips, Heath slowed down to a walk. Letting Jessie down they both walked heads down up to Anna.

"Just look at the two of you, I simply can’t tell whose the bigger child." Stated Anna as she tried to keep a straight face.

"Sorry Anna," replied Jessie as he looked up at her and took her hand. "It was my fault, I dared Heath to race me."

"Oh Jessie, don’t worry I’m not mad at you." Smiled Anna as she bent down in front of him. "Come on let’s get you up on Charger," she added as she helped him mount the horse. "But you," she stated as she turned around pointing at Heath. "You’re another story," she said unable to keep herself from smiling.

"Oh is that so Miss Holden," replied Heath as he started walking slowly towards her.

"Now don’t you go getting any funny ideas Heath Barkley," stated Anna as she pointed her finger at him.

"Now what would ever give you such an idea," replied Heath before rushing forward and swinging her up into his arms.

Laughing and holding on around his neck, Anna looked into his sparkling blue eyes. "Well Mr. Barkley exactly what are you planning to do with me now?" Laughed Anna.

Setting her back down he pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. "Now cut that out you two!" Bellowed Nick as he walked around the wagon. "We’re all ready late as it is!"

"Sorry Nick," laughed both Heath and Anna as they climbed aboard the wagon.

The journey back to the Barkley Ranch was a quick one with lots of conversation and laughter along the way. As Nick and Jessie rode under the iron archway and headed off towards the barn, Audra greeted them as she came rushing out of the house.

"Nick! Jessie! Your back early!" She shouted as she ran over and hugged them.

"Hi Audra," replied Jessie as he got a mouthful of her dress as she hugged him.

"Audra you should probably let him breath now," stated Nick as he pointed at Jessie.

"Where are Heath and Anna? Did they stay behind?" Asked Audra as she let go of Jessie.

"They should be right along, I think they just wanted a little time alone together." Replied Nick with a grin. "Well don’t just stand there gawking boy! Go get that horse taken care of!" Yelled Nick as he swatted Jessie in the rear with his hat.

"Yes Sir!" Replied Jessie with a salute before taking Charger into the barn.

After Jessie had disappeared into the barn, Audra questioned Nick about their trip a little further. "Nick what happened out there? How come you’re back so soon?"

Nick explained to her the condition they found Jessie’s ranch and those surrounding it in. He didn’t leave anything out. Audra’s eyes widened considerably as he talked about the red fern.

"A red fern, I’ve heard stories and legends about them but I’ve never seen one." Stated Audra amazed.

"I never thought I ever would either, but after actually seeing one, well I just don’t know what to believe any more." Said Nick as he started leading Coco over into the barn.

Jessie and Nick had just finished taking care of Charger and Coco, when Anna and Heath drove up to the house in the wagon.

"Anna, Heath! Where ya been?" Questioned Jessie as he ran up to the side of the wagon.

"What’d ya mean where have we been, we weren’t that far behind you two," replied Heath as he jumped down from the wagon and ruffled Jessie’s hair on his way over to help Anna down.

"We beat you by a mile!" Exclaimed Jessie as he danced around Heath and Anna.

"Well since you have so much energy, here, carry this." Stated Heath as he tossed Jessie a basket from the back of the wagon. "Take it in the kitchen for Silas," he added smiling as he watched Jessie struggle to carry the large cumbersome basket. "Then get back here, there’s a whole lot more to unload!"

"Heath Barkley," shouted Anna as she swatted him on the shoulder. "Making that poor little boy carry that big basket, how could you."

"But…" Heath began before noticing the twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face.

"She got you little brother," laughed Nick as he slapped Heath on the back.

Heath just smiled and shook his head as Anna leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, "I’ll see you inside Mr. Barkley," she said before walking off towards the house.

"Come on, you gonna stand there all day gawking!" Hollered Nick as he bumped past Heath on his way to the house with an armload from the back of the wagon.

After the wagon was unloaded Heath drove it over to the barn and started tending to the horses. As he worked he thought about the past weeks events, he never heard Jarrod enter the barn.

"Heath," called Jarrod once again as he tried to get his brothers attention.

"Sorry Jarrod," said Heath sheepishly as he looked up at his brother.

"I’m almost sorry I brought you back Heath, from the smile you had on your face I’d say you were somewhere mighty pleasant." Chuckled Jarrod as he pulled Jingo into his stall. "I don’t suppose Anna was involved at all," he added in grinning.

"Oh I don’t know, she might a been." Replied Heath, raising an eyebrow.

"So how’d everything go?" Asked Jarrod placing his elbows on top of the stall wall between them and leaning forward.

"Well not to bad all things considering." Replied Heath as he continued to groom the horse.

Waiting for Heath to continue on further, Jarrod watched his brother brush his horse. When it finally became evident that Heath wasn’t going to continue on without further encouragement, Jarrod spoke up. "Is that it Heath? Are you sure there wasn’t anything more?"

Heath looked up at Jarrod smiling, " I was wondering how long it would take for the lawyer in you to come out."

"Is that so," stated Jarrod as he pushed his hat back on his head. "Maybe I should put my lawyer hat on more often brother Heath, especially if it means being able to get information out of you." He added smiling.

"All right I surrender, Jessie’s ranch and those surrounding it in the area were burned. It appears that the survivors thought the only way to ensure no future outbreaks was to burn down the infected homesteads."

"How did Jessie take it?" Asked a concerned Jarrod.

"He had a few rough times but he managed to get through them. We had a long talk, he realizes his family is gone but he understands that by keeping them in his heart he can always carry them with him."

"How about you Heath, how are you handling it?" Asked Jarrod looking into Heath’s blue eyes.

"I’m all right Jarrod, I’m concerned about Jessie’s future. I need to talk with you about that, but what‘d ya say we go inside and have a little dinner first." Smiled Heath as he walked out of the stall.

"Sounds like a fine idea brother Heath." Replied Jarrod as he walked up next to Heath and placed a hand on his shoulder, as the two made their way out of the barn.


Jessie talked Silas into letting him help with the dishes after dinner was over. He was against the idea at first since Jessie was to become part of the Barkley family, but the boy just wouldn’t let the issue sit. At least having the boy around he’d have a chance to talk with him and find out what happened during the trip. He’d noticed a change in the boy since his return, he was much more at ease around everyone and his face had taken on a healthy glow.

If you were to stand outside the kitchen door, you’d be able to hear the happy tune both Jessie and Silas were whistling as they cleaned. "I want to thank you for the help Jessie," said Silas as he dried the plate Jessie handed to him.

"It’s nothing Silas, I always helped my Mamma with the dishes. To tell you the truth I kind a like doin’em." Replied Jessie with a smile.

Silas watched the young boy as he scrubbed away on a large pot, his arms covered in suds up to his elbows. The front of his overalls were covered with water and suds too.

"I don’t reckon you’ll be needing a bath tonight," Silas chuckled as Jessie looked down at the front of his overalls.

"I guess you’re right," laughed Jessie. "But I bet Miss Audra makes me take one any how."

"She just might at that," Silas replied with a nod.

The two continued washing and drying with out too much more conversation until Silas decided to ask Jessie about his ranch. "Jessie, I’m sorry about your ranch." He said in a comforting voice.

"Thanks Silas, I’m gonna miss it, but it was just a house. I saved it all right here," he replied putting a sudsy hand on his heart.

"I’m glad son, that there’s the best place to keep it." Stated Silas as he smiled and placed a hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

"That’s the same thing that Heath said Silas," laughed Jessie.

"Well Mr. Heath he sure knows what he’s talking about, you best listen to him." Replied Silas as he noticed the joy on Jessie’s face whenever Heath was mentioned.

"I will Silas, I promise."


"Jessie…Jessie! Where the devil are you!" Shouted Nick from the living room as he stood with his hands on his hips.

"Nick must you shout?" Questioned Victoria as she cringed up at him from her chair.

"What ya need him for Nick?" Asked Heath as he and Anna stepped back into the room from the porch.

"I almost tripped over this crate he left lying around when I came down the stairs." Stated Nick as he pointed over at the box lying in the foyer.

"Where’d it come from?" asked Heath as he walked over and picked it up. The crate wasn’t very large but it was rather heavy and it did indeed have Jessie’s name written on the top of it.

"How should I know where it came from! All I know is I damn near killed myself falling over it!" Nick shouted at back at him.

"Nicholas for the last time please lower your voice, Jessie’s bound to be right around here." Scolded Victoria as she stood up from her chair.


Jessie dropped the plate he was washing back into the sink as Nick’s loud voice came booming loud and clear into the kitchen. Looking up at Silas he quickly wiped his hands on his overalls and ran out of the kitchen. Rushing past the dinning room he could hear Nick shouting about something he’d left by the stairs. Trouble was he couldn’t imagine what it might be, he couldn’t remember leaving anything there.

Running into the foyer, Jessie slid to a stop on the floor right in front of the living room. Hearing the commotion all heads turned to face the small boy.

"What happened to you? Did you fall in the horse troth?" Questioned Heath as he laughed at Jessie’s wet cloths.

Looking down at his overalls he could see what Heath was laughing about. About half the water from the kitchen sink was now all down the front of his clothes. "No, I was washing dishes with Silas," he offered up quietly.

"Well you should’ve been putting away your things! I almost broke my neck tripping over that thing!" Nick bellowed as he pointed at the crate Heath was still holding.

Flinching slightly at Nick’s loud voice, Jessie looked over at the crate. He couldn’t figure out why Nick thought it might be his, as he’d never laid eyes on it before. "It’s not mine Nick."

"Not yours! Why your names right there on the top!" Shouted Nick as he threw his hands over his head in frustration.

Seeing Jessie’s discomfort, Heath carried the crate over closer to him. "This isn’t yours?"

"No Heath, I’ve never seen it before," he replied shaking his head as he read his name on top of the box.

Heath turned and looked over at Nick before looking back down at Jessie, "Jessie are you sure?"

"Uh huh, I brought my toolbox inside but I put it up in my room. Want me to go get it?" He asked as he turned towards the stairs.

"No Jessie, it isn’t necessary. Maybe someone dropped it off for you while we were gone." Stated Heath as he tried to unravel the mystery behind the crate.

Silas, who had been concerned about Jessie, emerged into the foyer to check on him.

"Silas! Do you know anything about this?" Nick questioned as he pointed at the crate.

"Yes sir Mr. Nick, a man came here this afternoon and dropped it off for Mr. Jessie. I’m sorry I got busy with Miss Audra and forgot all about it."

"What man?" Barked Nick.

"I’ve never seen him before, he just handed me that there box and asked me to make sure Mr. Jessie gets it all right." Answered Silas as he looked over at Jessie.

"Well how about opening it up Jessie?" Questioned Heath as he smiled at the boy.

"Sure, but I don’t know who’d be sending me something." He replied confused.

Walking into the living room with the crate in his arms, Heath placed it on the table near the fireplace. Everyone in the room gathered around to take a peek at the mysterious box. As Jessie walked up next to the table a strange feeling started to well up inside him, it wasn’t a bad feeling but rather a good one. He suddenly wasn’t nervous about all the faces in the room watching him as he pried the top off the crate. Something inside told him everything was going to be all right, that the contents of the crate were meant to help him, to help him remember.

"Come on boy, can’t you move any faster!" Gripped Nick, frustrated with Jessie’s slowness.

"Nick!" Shouted Heath as he shot his brother a nasty look. "He’s doin just fine."

Jessie hardly even noticed Nick’s outburst as he continued to open the crate. Once he had the lid off he started pulling out handfuls of straw, his hand hit a small piece of wood, as he pulled it out of the crate he froze. "It can’t be," he said meekly as he looked at the object in his hand.

"What is it Jessie," asked Anna noticing the shock on his face.

Jessie stood and rotated the object in his hand over and over again, he had to make sure it was real, but how could it be. "It’s Thomas’s slingshot," replied Jessie in a voice just barely above a whisper. "But I buried him with it."

"Are you sure it’s the same one?" Questioned Heath as he knelt down next to Jessie.

Staring at the slingshot in his hands, Jessie could clearly see Thomas’s name engraved on the handle. His Papa had engraved it after Thomas carved it, he’d know that slingshot anywhere. "It’s his, my Papa engraved his name on it see."

Heath took the slingshot and ran his fingers over Thomas’s name. The slingshot was in good shape; someone had obviously taken good care of it. "Jessie maybe you meant to leave it with him but…." Heath started until Jessie cut him off.

"No Heath, I put it in his back pocket! He used to carry it there with him always. I knew he’d want to have it with him!" Cried Jessie as he looked at Heath through tear filled eyes.

"Jessie what else is in the crate?" Asked Anna as she turned Jessie towards her.

As if in a daze Jessie turned back towards the crate and slowly reached inside. Pushing aside more of the straw packing, he felt something soft, something familiar. Slowly pulling the object from the crate and into the light he couldn’t believe what he was holding; it was Mary Beth’s blanket. Something was wrapped inside of it, carefully unfolding it he revealed yet another treasure, Carrie’s favorite doll.

"These can’t be real!" his mind screamed as he held the items in his hands. Turning Carrie’s doll over in his hands he could clearly see where his mother had sewn the dolls head back on after Thomas had so cruelly torn it off. Cradling the items to his chest he bent his head down and smelled them. Drinking in the familiar sent of his sisters, he knew they were real.

Heath and Anna looked at one another as Jessie shed silent tears in front of everyone. The rest of the room remained quiet and motionless as the small boy laid the items down gently on the table beside him. Reaching back into the crate he felt a large object. It was heavy and he was having difficultly lifting it out of the crate.

Without saying a word Heath stood up and helped lift the item out. Placing it down on the table, Jessie stood and stared at it. His parents quilt, the one his great great grandmother had started and passed down through the family. It was his Mamma’s pride and joy, how she had cherished that quilt. But it just couldn’t be here it couldn’t. Slowly reaching his hand out he touched the soft fabric of the quilt. There was something wrapped up inside it, with great care Jessie began to unfold the quilt. Heath stood next to him and watched, inside the quilt there was a large leather bound album. Heath watched as Jessie ran his fingers over the book and carefully picked it up.

Cradling the book to his chest, Jessie sat back down on the sofa. Anna moved over next to him and gently brushed the hair out of his eyes. As Jessie looked up at her she could see the far away look in his eyes and it frightened her a little. "Jessie can you show me what’s in the book?" She asked placing her hand on his arm.

Jessie nodded slightly and with one shaky hand opened the book. Everyone in the room quietly moved forward as Jessie began to turn the pages. As he turned past the first few blank pages, Jessie stopped and looked at the first old picture in the book. It was a slightly wrinkled picture of a couple with three children standing in front of a small one-story house. The female was holding a small child in her arms and two young boys stood at her side. There was a caption written underneath the photo, "Thorton homestead 1840 Minnesota, John, Mary, James, William, and baby Benjamin."

"That’s my Papa," stated Jessie quietly as he pointed at the taller of the two little boys in the picture.

"Then those must be his parents and brothers, the ones you told us about." Commented Anna as she looked at the picture.

"There’s a better picture of my uncles back here," replied Jessie as he quickly turned past the first few pages. "Here they are when they were older, my Pa said it was taken just before they all went off to war. It was the last picture ever taken of all three of them together," he added as he looked up at Anna.

Anna looked down at the three young men standing arm in arm together in their brand new uniforms. Their smiles giving away the hope and promise for a great future they all shared. But only one of them would have a future and it would be without the other two. Anna felt Heath’s hand on her back as she looked up from the picture and back to Jessie. "You look a lot like your father and uncles Jessie, they all look like fine men."

Jessie ran his fingers over the photo of his father. This had always been his Papa’s favorite picture; he could still hear his Papa talk about that day and how it would be forever engraved in his memory. He smiled as he remembered the sparkle his Papa’s eyes had and the love in his voice whenever he talked about his brothers. "This was Papa’s favorite picture," Jessie said quietly as a tear fell down his cheek.

"It’s a wonderful picture Jessie," Anna said lovingly as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.

Jessie turned the next few pages without much conversation until he came to a photo of his parents at their wedding. The picture showed a young happy couple dressed in wedding attire standing beside a carriage in front of a small church. "This is my Mamma and Papa when they got married." Stated Jessie in a slightly stronger voice.

Heath looked down at the smiling couple as a shiver ran through him. It was Mary; the same women who’d helped them at the stage and who’d helped him that awful night. It all came flooding back, he’d almost given up, and the pain had been unbearable. There was no way of escaping it, every breath he took only filled him with more and more agony. Then she came and his pain eased some. He remembered her gentle touch and the sound of her soft beautiful voice as she sung to him. She had helped him escape the man with the cold dead eyes if only for a short time.

He needed to breath, the air in the room felt suddenly very thick. Walking from behind the sofa Heath quietly made his way over to the fireplace. Looking into the flames he tried to collect his thoughts as his mind raced around in frenzied circles. Placing his hand on the mantle to steady himself, Heath never heard Audra ask him if anything was wrong.

"Heath what is it? Are you all right?" Questioned Audra as she noticed Heath’s heavy breathing and sweaty face. "Heath?" Asked Audra as she placed her hand on his arm.

Feeling someone touch him, Heath slowly turned towards Audra. "Why does she look so far away?" He thought as he tried to make out what she was saying.

Audra shrieked as Heath collapsed to the floor in front of her.

Nick was the first one at his side, "Heath... Heath," he called out as he gently picked up his brother's head off the floor.

Opening his eyes as he heard Nick's voice, Heath looked up into the concerned faces of his family looking down on him. "What…what happened?" He asked flinching slightly as he grabbed his side while trying to sit up.

"Not so fast little brother," stated Nick as he pushed Heath back down onto the floor. "What's the matter with your side?" He added as he noticed Heath still holding his hand over it.

"Nothing, it's fine. Now let me up," replied Heath as he brushed Nick's hand aside and once again tried to sit up.

Grabbing Heath by the shoulders, Nick pinned him back down on the floor. "Now as I see it something made you pass out and until we find out what's wrong your not going any where!" He stated forcibly as he continued to apply pressure on Heath's shoulders.

"I'm not a child Nick!" Shouted Heath angrily as his frustration with the entire situation grew. If he could only manage to get outside and breathe in some fresh air, then he could clear his head and think things through properly. "Let me up Nick, I won't ask again!"

Nick could see the fire building behind Heath's blue eyes; he knew he'd be in for quite a struggle if he tried to keep his brother down any longer. But damn it something was wrong, why wouldn't Heath tell him what it was. "Heath I'll let you up on one condition, you have to tell me what's wrong."

Heath relaxed a little as he looked up at Nick, "Please Nick not here, not here," he pleaded. He just couldn't talk about it in front of the rest of the family, especially not in front of Jessie. Not yet anyway.

Seeing the desperation in his brother's eyes and hearing it in his voice, Nick let go and helped him to his feet. He stood back and watched as Heath looked around the room before slowly walking out on the porch off the living room.

"Jessie I'll be back in a moment, in the mean time would you mind showing more of your pictures to Jarrod and Audra while I'm gone?" Questioned Anna as she stood up from the sofa.

"All right," replied Jessie as he smiled up bravely at her.

"Thank you," stated Anna as she bent down and kissed the top of his head before walking over to Nick. "Nick will you come with me for a moment?" She asked taking his arm in her own.

Nick nodded his approval and walked with Anna across the living room towards the small side porch. As they drew closer to the door Anna could see Heath, both his hands were gripping the railing tightly. His shoulders were rounded forward and his head hung low. "Nick I may need your help. Would you be willing to come out and talk with him if I call for you?"

"Certainly Anna, I'll wait right here." Replied Nick as he smiled and squeezed her hand.

"Thanks Nick," she replied quietly as she kissed his cheek. Turning around Anna quietly made her way out onto the porch. Walking up behind Heath she wrapped her arms around his waist, "So this is where your hiding," she stated happily as she held him tighter.

Wincing a little, Heath took Anna's arms from around his waist and turned to face her.

"Heath what is it? What's wrong?" Asked Anna as Heath continued to look at his feet. "Please Heath, I know something's bothering you. I can see it in your eyes, is it your side again?" She added as the fear inside her began to grow.

"I'm fine Anna, really." He stated quietly as he turned and placed his hands back in the railing.

Anna stood and watched him for a moment; he'd never turned away from her before. The fear that had been building inside her just a moment ago now totally engulfed her. "Please Heath, don't shut me out I couldn't bear it." She pleaded as she turned him back towards her, "please."

Seeing the pain in her eyes that he'd caused just about broke his heart. "I'm sorry Anna, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you." He cried as he drew her close. He could feel her gentle sobs against his chest as he gently stroked her hair.

Slowly Anna regained her composure and looked up at him, he looked so troubled and alone. Taking her hand she gently wiped away a tear that had fallen down his cheek. "I'm the one that should apologize Heath. I didn't mean to fall apart on you like that." She stated as she continued to caress his cheek.

"Don't think that way…it was my fault Anna. I just…I didn't know how to tell you." He replied hanging his head in shame.

"Didn't know how to tell me what Heath?" she asked placing her hand under his chin and raising up his head.

Heath looked into her soft green eyes for a moment before he began, "Jessie's mother." He said quietly while squeezing her hands. "I've met her before, at the stage and again in the woods."

"But how… she's…she's dead." Stated Anna in a shocked voice.

"I'm not sure Anna, all I know it that it was her. That night at the stage she was so calm and relaxed. I never thought much about it at the time but I remembered how easily Jessie calmed down for her, like he was in his mother's arms." Replied Heath as he looked into Anna's eyes.

"Are you certain that it was her?" Anna asked quietly as she pondered over his statement.

"I've never been so sure of anything. When I saw her picture in Jessie's album another memory came flooding back. That night, the night Hank and his men took me. She was there, there with me." He stated as he pulled Anna in close again. "I didn't think I could go on, the pain… the pain was winning. I couldn't get away from it; I couldn't breath. Then she came, singing softly to me telling me everything would be all right that help was on the way."

Anna held onto Heath and rubbed his back as he continued. "She touched my cheek and told me to try and relax. I don't know how Anna but the constant pain I was in seemed to dull a little, I could finally breath again. It didn't completely go away but at least I could work through it. I'm afraid I really don't remember too much after that except for something she said; "You helped my son, now it's my turn to help you."

"Oh Heath I wish I could thank her," replied Anna as she looked up at him. "Just thinking about you all alone out there with those men, well it was simply horrible. I never told you but that night I had a dream, you were in danger Heath I could feel it. I started right then and there to pray for you, for your safety. I rode out here with Dr. Merer I had to find out if you were all right."

"Anna you could have ridden straight into their arms, if anything happened to you…." He replied pulling her in closer.

"Nothing happened Heath. I think God wanted us to be together, all of us, you, me, and Jessie. I believe he let Jessie’s family help us on that journey." Anna stated as she held him close and listened to his heartbeat underneath his blue shirt.

Heath thought about Anna’s words as he ran his fingers through her long hair. Maybe she was right, maybe just maybe this was meant to be. He did have a lot in common with Jessie and he loved the boy as if he were his very own. And Anna, he’d never met a finer woman. She loved him for who he was not what he could do for her. She didn’t care about money, a fancy house or anything that most of the other girls in town fancied. All she cared about was him and the life they would share together, a long and happy life filled with each other, children and family.

"Should I tell him about his mother and the stage?" Heath asked as he continued to stoke Anna’s hair.

"I think when the time is right you’ll know the answer to that question Mr. Barkley." Stated Anna as she smiled up at him.

"Well Miss Holden since you seem to hold all of the answers this evening maybe you can tell me exactly when that time might be." He laughed as he replied to her.

"Oh now Mr. Barkley surely you don’t expect a nice young Irish girl like myself to go taken all the fun out of everything for you now, do you?" She asked in a thick Irish accent as her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I think I see where this is leading," he said before bending quickly and scooping her up into his arms. He had her up for only a moment before he realized how sore his ribs actually were. Putting her back down on her feet before he dropped her, he put one hand on his side while bracing himself with his other hand on the railing.

"What is it Heath?" She asked reaching for his hand.

"Just a stitch nothing to worry about." He replied as he stood up straighter and smiled at her.

"Well if it’s just a stitch then you won’t mind if I look at those ribs then will you?" Anna stated as she reached up to undo his shirt.

"Really Anna I’m fine," he replied taking her hands in his and holding them.

"Oh no you don’t, your not getting out of this that easily. Do I have to call Nick out here to give me a hand?" She asked while placing her hands on her hips.

"You know I think you’ve been hanging around mother to long, your beginning to sound just like her." He replied raising an eyebrow and smiling.

"Well then I expect to be treated like her, now undo that shirt and let me see those ribs." She stated firmly.

Heath knew he was in a no win situation and reluctantly started to undo his shirt. After undoing all the buttons he untucked the shirttails from his pants and lifted up his undershirt exposing his side with an audible sigh.

Anna gasped slightly as she saw the ugly bruises that once more adorned Heath’s side. "Heath when did this happen?" She asked as she gently ran her fingers over his bruised flesh.

"I fell while chasing Jessie the other day. Really Anna it’s nothing." Stated Heath as he began to pull his shirt back down.

"Looks like something if you ask me," piped up Nick as he walked out onto the porch.

"Well I don’t recall anyone asking you." Replied Heath angrily as he quickly buttoned up his shirt and began tucking it back into his pants.

"Heath, Nick’s just trying to help. I asked him too." Stated Anna as she placed a hand on his arm.

Heath looked over at Nick as he took control of his emotions, "Sorry Nick, I guess I’m just tired of being fussed over."

"No problem little brother, what ya say we head in for a drink. That should make those sore ribs of yours feel a little better." Replied Nick as he clasped a hand on Heath’s shoulder.

Looking over at Anna, Heath started to reply. "Maybe another time Nick."

"Nonsense Heath go on, go and take Nick up on his offer. After all when’s the last time he offered to buy?" Joked Anna as Nick shook a finger at her.

"Are you sure Anna?" Heath questioned while taking her hand.

"Geesh boy come on, you ain’t married yet!" Nick shouted as he grabbed the collar of Heath’s shirt and pulled him back into the house. Anna followed behind them laughing softly.



Later that night as the house slept a small boy crept quietly down the grand staircase carrying a large album, his bare feet barley made a sound as he walked across the foyer towards the living room. Sitting down in front of the fireplace he placed the large book in his lap and opened it. He never heard the blonde cowboy follow him down the stairs and into the living room.

Heath watched as Jessie traced each of the pictures with his hand. It was almost as if he was committing them to memory. Walking over to the fire Heath sat down beside him, "Care to talk about anything little guy?"

Jessie sat staring at the picture of his parents wedding a little longer before answering. "Heath? How come this picture upset you?" He asked, as his eyes never left the picture.

"This may be difficult for you Jessie," began Heath as Jessie looked up at him. "When I saw this picture of your parents a few memories came flooding back all at once. Do you remember anything that happened when Nick and I first found you with Hank?"

"A little I guess, I remember shouting at the stage. I tried to warn them, I didn’t want them to stop." Replied Jessie as he remembered back to that awful night.

"Do you remember when I found you?" Questioned Heath as he watched Jessie.

"Some of it…they shot the driver. I was standing over him when someone grabbed me. I thought it was Matt and I started screaming." Replied Jessie as a tear rolled down his cheek.

"Anything after that? Like someone holding you, singing perhaps?" Asked Heath hoping Jessie might remember.

"No, but I had a dream where my Mamma told me I could trust you," he said looking up at Heath.

"It wasn’t a dream Jessie."

"It had to be Heath, my Mamma’s dead." Jessie said as more tears threatened to flow down his cheeks.

"Jessie you were so scared I was having a hard time trying to calm you down. I was afraid you were slipping away from us. That’s when a woman came up to Nick and I and offered to help she said her name was Mary, we both thought she’d come from the stage. As soon as you were in her arms you settled right down. Jessie it was your mother." He said pointing to her picture.

Jessie looked hard at the picture of his mother as he remembered back to that awful night. He’d been so sure Matt was the one who grabbed him he immediately with drew into his own world. It wasn’t until he heard his Mamma’s song that he relaxed. "Mamma’s song, she was there!" He could once again hear her sweet voice singing inside his head as he remembered rocking in her arms.

"Walking all the day
Near tall towers where falcons build their nests
Silver-winged they fly
They know the call of freedom in their breasts
Saw Black Head against the sky
Where twisted rocks they run to the sea."

"Heath my Mamma she was really there!" Cried Jessie. "I remember…I remember her! Why’d she leave Heath! Why’d she leave me!" Jessie cried as he flung himself in Heath’s arms.

Heath sat in front of the fire trying to comfort Jessie. "Jessie she never left you. She’s been watching over you helping you, helping us." He said quietly as he rocked the distraught child in his arms. "Remember that night you and Nick found me with Hank and his men? I’d almost given up. I didn't think I could go on any longer the pain was winning. No matter how I tried I couldn't get away from it; I couldn't breath. Then she came to me singing softly telling me everything would be all right that help was on the way. It was your mother Jessie, she helped me get through that terrible night."

Jessie sat up in Heath’s lap and looked him straight in the eye. What he saw there was the truth, Heath was telling him the truth. "You saw her?" He asked quietly.

"Yes, she managed to take some of the pain away. Not all of it but enough so I could once again breath. She sang a song to me, it wasn’t until I saw this picture that I remembered it. Maybe you know it, it went something like this: Oh, come by the hills to the land where fancy is free. Stand where the peaks meet the sky and the boughs meet the sea; where rivers run clear, bracken is gold in the sun; ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done." Sang Heath softly.

"Ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done." Replied Jessie quietly as he looked off into the fire. "My Mamma always used to sing that song to us, especially at night when we were getting ready for bed."

"It helped put me to sleep too." Answered Heath as he turned Jessie back around. "There was one other thing she said I remembered, it was: You helped my son, now it’s my turn to help you."

A tear ran down Jessie’s face, "I always thought it was a dream. I wanted her there so much I thought I imagined it. I remember what she whispered in my ear that night Heath. She said: go with Heath now son, I promise you he’ll take good care of you. You’re a good boy son, your Mamma’s real proud of you."

Heath pulled Jessie forward and held him tightly against his chest as he ran his fingers through the boy’s hair. "I’d go through it all again Jessie, just knowing you’re safe and away from Hank makes it all worthwhile."

Jessie relaxed in Heath’s arms as Heath held him tightly against his chest. He felt so comfortable in Heath’s arms, it was almost as if it was meant to be. He loved Heath and Anna just as he had loved his parents, sometimes it almost scared him how easy it was to love them and how quickly he came to trust them.

"How about a glass of milk little guy?" Asked Heath.

"I am kind a thirsty," Jessie replied with a smile.

As Heath and Jessie sat in the kitchen drinking their milk and sharing the last piece of apple pie, Heath decided to ask Jessie about the deaths of his family members. "Jessie can you tell me what happened to your parents and brother and sisters?"

Jessie looked up at Heath with a milk mustache and nodded. Swallowing the last bite of pie he began. "My Pa was the first one to get sick. He started coughing one night while we were playing checkers; he just said he had a tickle in his throat. The next day he coughed all morning while we were working, sometimes he coughed so hard he couldn’t catch his breath. After dinner that night Mamma sent him up to bed. She said he looked and sounded terrible. I think Mary Beth started coming down with it that same night. Mamma kept saying how fussy she’d been all day and Mary Beth was never fussy.

I remember Mamma asking me to run a pot of her soup over to the Butlers. Pa was gonna do it but since Mamma sent him up to bed it was up to me. When I got to the Butlers I couldn’t get anyone to come to the door so I ended up leaving the pot of soup on the porch for them.

That night when I was lying in bed I could hear Papa coughing downstairs, I don’t know how he got any sleep he coughed all night long. Mamma was up with Mary Beth most of the night. She also started coughing and fussing a lot more.

When Papa came to the table for breakfast the next morning he had big dark spots under his eyes and he sounded all wheezy when he breathed. He didn’t touch Mamma’s eggs he only drank some coffee and went outside to tend the livestock. I remember Mamma watching him walk through the yard towards the barn she looked scared.

Mamma had a hard time teaching us our lessons that day. Mary Beth kept clinging to her and Thomas and Carrie just wouldn’t pay attention. At lunch Papa came back in the house and Mamma sent him straight to bed. He looked awful, he was so pale and the sweat just poured off him. Mamma came to me and asked if I could handle the chores alone or if I need her help since Papa was sick. I told her I’d be fine and that she didn’t have to worry about me.

That night at dinner it was just Mamma, Thomas, and I. Papa was asleep in bed and Carrie laid down with Mary Beth in an attempt to make her feel better. Mamma looked awful tired that night and she didn’t eat much. Just about the only person who ate was Thomas he was always hungry. I was to worried about Mamma and Papa to eat much Id never seen them sick before.

That night Mamma woke me up and asked me to help her with Mary Beth while she tended to Papa. Heath I was so scared, Mamma’s eyes looked so tired and frightened. She had me give Mary Beth a bath in the sink since she was so hot, while she put cold towels on Papa in order to cool him off. Carrie wandered downstairs coughing and complaining that her head hurt. Mamma tucked her back into bed and placed a cool cloth on her head, which seemed to make her feel better. Mary Beth fell asleep after her bath so I took her back up to bed with me for Mamma. I didn’t get much sleep between all the fussing and coughing both she and Thomas were doing.

The next mornings when I really started to worry. Mamma could hardly stand up in the kitchen as she tried to make us some breakfast. Papa didn’t even get out of bed and all I could hear was his coughing. Carrie was upstairs asleep with Mary Beth in mine and Thomas’s room, both of them felt so hot when I touched them. Thomas was at the table but he had a pretty bad cough and didn’t eat much. Seems everybody in the house was coughing except for me.

After breakfast Mamma asked me to ride back over to the Butlers to see if they needed anything. I offered to stay and help her with Papa but she said she could manage and that the Butlers didn’t have anyone else but us to check in on them. I remembered riding Daisy over to their farm as fast as she would carry me. I thought if I got there as fast as I could I could get back and help Mamma sooner.

The pot of soup was still on the front porch untouched. I knocked on the door but still nobody answered. I tried the handle and opened the door. I called out for Mr. and Mrs. Butler but they still didn’t answer. The curtains were all pulled and the house was dark, I remember walking in to leave them a note when my foot kicked something soft. I felt around on the table next to me and found some matches for the lamp. That’s when I saw what my foot had kicked it was Mr. Butler. He was lying on his stomach, I tried shaking him but he wouldn’t wake up. I didn’t know he was dead until I rolled him over and saw his eyes. They were open wide, like he’d seen a ghost. His mouth was open and his tongue was all swollen and black. He scared me Heath, I blew out the lamp and ran from the house. I was sure he was gonna get up grab me and take me back into that dark house with him. I rode home on Daisy looking over my shoulder the whole time. It wasn’t until I was putting Daisy back into the barn that I tried to figure out how to tell Mamma about Mr. Butler. I didn’t want to upset her so I told her they were feeling better and they thanked her for the soup. I hated to lie to her but she looked so tired. I know she was worried about Papa and Mary Beth, I just couldn’t tell her.

That night Mamma let me stay in with Papa for a while. I read some of my book to him but I don’t think he heard much of it. All he did was lie there; I don’t think he even knew I was there. Mamma took Mary Beth to bed with her and Papa so she could keep an eye on her. Her fever was really high and she wouldn’t eat anything. Carrie slept with Thomas and I, but I couldn’t get much sleep. Between both their coughing and thrashing around it was impossible.

When I went downstairs to do my chores the next morning Mamma and Papa were still in bed. I did my chores and started breakfast for everyone but no one came down for it. Both Thomas and Carrie said they felt sick and wanted to stay in bed. When I went to check on Mamma and Papa it took me a long time to wake them up. Papa really didn’t say anything and he looked so sick. Mamma’s voice sounded really funny when she asked me to get a bottle for Mary Beth. I knew she couldn’t be feeling very well since Mary Beth hadn’t had a bottle in over two years. That was the last morning we were all together.

"Mary Beth died first, she died later that afternoon in Mamma’s arms. Mamma asked me to come in her room and take Mary Beth back to her own room so she could rest a little. I don’t know if Mamma knew she was dead or not but I did. She was so cold and still, at first I didn’t know what to do so I just laid her on her bed and wrapped her in her favorite blanket. I remember sitting down on the bed next to her and crying, I told her I was sorry I couldn’t make her all better. I didn’t know what to say to Mamma, she was so sick and she was already worried enough about Papa.

I decided to check on Carrie and Thomas; they were still lying together in bed. I couldn’t get either one of them to drink anything all they wanted to do was sleep. They both felt so hot but complained of being cold, I put another blanket over them and told them I’d be back up in a little while with some of Mamma’s soup for them.

I put some soup on the stove to heat and went outside to finish my chores for the night. When I came back inside the soup was ready so I took some in for Mamma and Papa first. Mamma sat up and tried to look cheerful for me but I could see how bad she was feeling. Papa never moved he looked so pale and his breathing was real funny. I left the some soup with Mamma and took some upstairs for the twins. Thomas tried to eat some but only managed a spoonful or two before he lay back down. Carrie wouldn’t even try any; she just held her doll close to her chest and curled up into a ball. I tried pleading with her but she was just too sick to try. Heath I felt so lost, nothing I did seemed to make anyone feel better. I didn’t want Carrie or Thomas to end up like Mary Beth.

I stayed up late that night trying to get my sister and brother to drink or eat something. I tried putting cold cloths on their foreheads because they felt so hot; but with all the tossing and turning they did it was a loosing battle. I decided to sleep on the floor that night so they’d have more room in the bed. Something woke me up about an hour before sunrise. I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong with Mamma and Papa. I raced downstairs into their room; Mamma was holding Papa in her arms as they lay in bed together. As she looked up at me with her sad green eyes I knew my Papa was gone. "I’m sorry Jessie," she said "I’m sorry I can’t help you with any of this. Take care of your sisters and brother for me, you’re a good boy Jessie. I’m very proud of you, I always have been." Before I could say anything she closed her eyes. As I rushed over to her she exhaled her last breath.

I remember standing there looking at my parents, they looked as though they were just taking a nap together. They couldn’t be dead they just couldn’t! I tried pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t all just some horrible nightmare but when I drew blood I knew it was real. I laid down on the bed next to Mamma and ran my fingers through her hair as I cried I’m not sure how long I laid there but the sun was starting to come up before I got back up.

As I walked out of their room and closed the door I think it really all hit me. Mamma, Papa, and Mary Beth were really gone and they were never coming back. I fell to my knees at the bottom of the stairs and started to cry once again. That’s when I remembered Thomas and Carrie upstairs. I jumped to my feet and ran up the stairs, rushing into my room I could see both of them still sleeping together. I knelt next to the bed and asked God to spare them I couldn’t lose them too.

But he didn’t listen to me he took Carrie a little while later while Thomas was holding her and whispering quietly to her. Thomas went soon after Carrie, he said he needed to be with her so she wouldn’t be scared. I begged him not to go but he said Mamma was there and she said he had to that she needed him. After Thomas died I couldn’t think anymore, I wanted to die Heath I wanted to be with them. I know God says you shouldn’t think that way but I couldn’t help it. I was so mad at him, I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt me. How could he be such a great God if he does such horrible things?

I don’t remember what prompted me to go outside and start digging; I guess I just knew it had to be done. I couldn’t bear putting them in separate graves so I dug one big hole. It took me all night and most of the next day, I only stopped when I couldn’t raise the shovel anymore.

I went back in the house and wrapped Thomas and Carrie up in the blankets off my bed. I put Thomas’s sling shot in his back pocket since he always like to have it with him. I placed Carrie’s favorite doll under her arm so she wouldn’t be afraid of the dark. I took Thomas outside first and laid him next to the hole that would hold him forever more. I took Carrie outside next and put her next to Thomas so they could be together. Going back in the house I took Mary Beth downstairs to Mamma and Papa’s room. I remember holding her; she seemed so small and light in my arms. I was almost afraid to go in their room, I was afraid they’d look like Mr. Butler. But they didn’t, when I opened the door they were still lying there in each other’s arms like they were sleeping. I put a blanket on the floor next to Papa and carefully eased him off the bed onto the blanket. I used the blanket to slide him across the floor since there was no way I could carry him. I used the blanket to help me drag him outside, it took a while to get him all the way over to the hole. I don’t know why I dug it so far away from the house but it just seemed like the best spot. I went back to the house and did the same thing with Mamma, except I placed Mary Beth in her arms. I knew both of them would feel better if they were together.

By the time I got them all out of the house it was dark outside so I built a fire to see by. As I sat by the fire I wasn’t sure I could put them in that hole. How could I leave them down there in that cold dark place all alone without me. But I knew I couldn’t leave them where they were. I couldn’t just leave them out here in the open. Looking over at Mamma and Papa I remembered the quilt, running back into the house I knew exactly where it was. Mamma kept it in a box on her closet shelf.

The quilt had been handed down to Mamma by her mother just after she and Papa married. Mamma said her great grandmother started the quilt after her own wedding. She had taken pieces of her wedding dress and the suit her husband wore and worked them into the quilt. Mamma called it an Irish Wedding Ring Quilt. The rings were made from each generations wedding outfits starting with great grandma all the way down to Mamma. In the center of the rings were the dates that the wedding material came from. Mamma always loved talking about how the quilt was made and how much it meant to her.

I took the quilt outside with me and laid it out in the bottom of the hole. Then I put each of them in the hole on top of the quilt. Papa was first followed by Mamma and Mary Beth then Carrie and finally Thomas. I pulled the quilt up around them all and covered them with it. I don’t remember filling in the hole or falling asleep but in the morning I woke up and I was lying on top of the grave. Everything seemed so quiet, the birds weren’t even singing. I walked slowly and numbly back to the house and took care of the animals. After my chores I went back into the house for the first time alone.

I knew Mamma didn’t like a messy house so I changed the sheets on all the beds and remade them. I cleaned up the kitchen and swept out the entire house. After that I went and cleaned out the barn, but no matter how busy I kept myself the ache in my heart never went away. I remember seeing Papa’s toolbox in the barn just the thought of never working beside him again caused me to break down. I wanted to be with them, why didn’t God take me too. What did I do to make him so mad.

I couldn’t sleep in the house, every time I tried it was just to quiet. It’s funny, I used to yell at Thomas all the time for making so much noise but that first night I’d have given my left leg to hear his voice again. I moved some of my things out to the barn and decided to sleep in the loft from now on. When I was cleaning out the loft I found a big piece of wood and decided to make a grave marker for them. You know Heath it’s the one you helped me finish and put over their grave. It took me a long time to get it down from the loft, but at least now I had a purpose once again. I worked on the marker up until the day Hank and his men rode up to the ranch and took me away."

Jessie sat quietly after finishing his story as Heath took a deep breath. He couldn’t begin to imagine how Jessie had dealt with everything so well. Here he was a grown man and he didn’t think he could have ever done what Jessie was forced to do. He had been only ten years old when a terrible disease wiped out his entire family and he’d been left alone to deal with everything. Then to top things off Hank had come along and taken him away from everything he had ever known.

"Jessie I know why your parents are so proud of you, you didn’t let a dreadful situation get you down. You took control and did what you had to do, that’s all anyone can ask of you. You honored your family and the values they taught you by your actions. You have every right to hold your head up high, be proud of yourself Jessie. I consider it an honor just to be your friend." Stated Heath as he walked around the table and placed a hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

Jessie looked up at Heath with a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. Grabbing him around the middle he held on tightly as Heath held him. "Heath, how did the quilt and stuff get here? I mean it can’t really be real can it?" Asked Jessie as he held onto Heath.

"I think God let your family give you something to remember them by. It’s his way of saying how proud he is of you too." Replied Heath as he picked Jessie up and started up the back stairs. "Now it’s off to bed little guy, Nick’s gonna have us up mighty early tomorrow."

"I know I know, this is a working ranch." Replied Jessie as they both laughed out loud.


After breakfast the next morning as Silas was cleaning in the living room he noticed Jessie album lying open on the floor near the sofa. Picking it up he glanced at the picture it was opened too. Closing the book he walked outside towards the barn to find Heath and Jessie.

As he came around the side of the house he could see them over by the coral. Heath was standing behind Jessie holding him as he sat on top of the fence watching Nick break in one of the new horses they bought.

"Mr. Heath," Silas stated as he walked up behind them. "Could I have a word with you?"

"Sure Silas," he replied. "I’ll be right back Jessie, don’t you go getting any ideas about helping Nick out." He warned as he turned towards Silas.

"Mr. Jessie must a left his book here in the living room last night. I found it while I was cleaning." Silas said as he handed the album to Heath.

"Thanks Silas, I know this book is mighty important to that little guy." Replied Heath as he placed a hand on Silas arm.

"There’s just one other thing, when I picked up the book it was open to this page." Stated Silas as he opened the book in Heath’s hands. "This is the man who brought the crate yesterday and asked me to give it to Mr. Jessie." Added Silas as he pointed at a picture of Jessie’s father.

"Silas are you sure?" Questioned Heath as he looked at the photo.

"Sure as rain, Mr. Heath. I’d know him anywhere, why he looked just like Mr. Jessie he did." Answered Silas as he looked over towards Jessie.

"Thank you Silas, I’ll give the book back to him." Said Heath quietly as he closed the album.

"That was his father wasn’t it Heath?" Said Silas as he looked into Heath’s blue eyes.

Heath nodded his head. "That boy sure does have a lot of folks looking out for him." Stated Silas as he placed his hand over Heaths.

"He sure does Silas, he sure does." Replied Heath with a smile.

With the clean fresh scent of pine filtering in through the open windows, Nate maneuvered his jeep down the dusty old dirt road. From the poor condition of the road he figured it had been a long time since anyone else had traveled down it. The countryside that spread out around him was breath taking; it was so open and virtually untouched. He had heard how beautiful California was but he never imagined it was this beautiful. He knew right away why his great grandfather talked so highly about this place. He imagined it must have looked pretty much the same when his great grandfather was a boy as it did now.

Nathan had always shared a special bond with his great grandfather. His great grandfather had lived with his parents, him, and younger brother while Nate was growing up. He always enjoyed listening to the stories his great grandfather told about growing up in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Great grandpa was born in 1890, his father’s name was Jessie Thorton-Barkley and his mother’s name was Katie Thorton-Barkley. He had three brothers and two sisters and they all lived on a ranch in California. His grandfather was not to far away and often did things with great grandpa and his brothers and sisters. Great grandpa said his grandpa was quite a character, he was always teaching them something new. Great grandpa really looked up to him.

Nate always found it interesting that his great grandfather looked up to a man that wasn’t really his biological grandfather. He must have been truly a wonderful man; back then to raise someone else’s child was considered a burden. But great grandpa always said you would never have known his grandfather wasn’t really related he treated you as if you were his very own. He always said you didn’t need to be blood relatives to love and be a real family.

The one story Nate could never hear enough of was the one about the red fern. That story held a special place in his heart. He supposed that’s why his great grandfather had left this specific piece of land to him in his will. He had hoped to get out here sooner but after college and graduate school he had jumped right into the work force. And that left little time for anything else, especially when he lived in Boston and the land was in California.

Up a head he could see a gate across the road. Slowing his jeep he jumped out and unlocked it with the key his lawyer had given him. Closing the gate behind him he started back down the road. About a mile from the gate he rounded a curve in the road and came across the ruins of a very old house and what looked like a barn. Parking his jeep he climbed out to take a look around. "That must be the house," he thought as he walked up to the old ruins. Looking around the yard he noticed what appeared to be a shed still standing behind the remains of the house. From the dilapidated looks of it Nate didn’t think it would be standing that much longer.

He wasn’t sure why but he suddenly had a strong desire to go inside the shed. Slowly opening the creaky old door he carefully stepped inside. He had no problem seeing inside since many of the roof planks had long since rotted through. Looking around he noticed a small box sitting on the edge of an old shelf. Picking it up he took it back outside and sat down in the soft grass to examine it.

As he lifted up the top a letter fell out and into his lap. The name on the envelope read: To Mr. Nathan Thorton-Barkley. "But how could this be addressed to me? No body knew I was coming up here." Thought Nate as he turned the envelope over in his hands. Opening it up and taking the letter out he immediately recognized his great grandfather’s handwriting.

"Dear Nathan,
I knew one day you would come to this place my boy. I’ve left this place to you for special keeping as my father once did for me a long long time ago. I know how much you value family Nathan, you’re a good boy. This is a special place and it’s time someone came back here and started a family. I want that someone to be you Nathan, for you know the meaning and believe in the magic of the red fern. This place was meant for you Nate, I know my father would approve. So start a new life here Nathan, build yourself a family, you were meant for that. Let your sons and daughters grow up in this special place surrounded by love.

Love Your,
Great Grandpa Ben"

Nate read the letter again and again before standing up and walking around. This was a beautiful piece of land, but California his home was in Boston. Could he really move all the way across the country? As he stood thinking about his choices a slight breeze began to blow. The smell of pine was everywhere, the air here was so clean and crisp. Out of the corner of his eye he caught something waving in the breeze behind a large pine tree. Walking around the edge of the old house he walked over to a small clearing surrounded by tall pine trees. The trees almost seemed to call out his name the closer he got to them. As he entered the clearing he saw it, the red fern. It’s red fronds waved back and forth in the wind effortlessly it was breathe taking. Nate had never seen anything so beautiful in his entire life, he knew from that moment on he could never leave this place. This was to be his home, his and his families. It would remain in his family forever as it was meant to be.



Nathan never noticed the two ghostly figures standing behind him under a tall pine tree. "See Jessie I told you he was the one." Said the ghostly figure with a lop sided grin.

"All right you win again Heath. I’m glad he’s decided to stay; this land has been empty for far to long. It’ll be good to hear children laughing on it once again. I know my parents would like that too." Replied the second ghost as he turned with the first ghost and disappeared into the underbrush.

The End