The Gift

Part 2

by Jana

Heath too was giving thanks for a Mother’s understanding and unfailing trust.  He would never let her down.  Her happiness, the families happiness, was a primary goal.  He was learning to trust again and he could count the people on two hands that he could thank for this miracle.  Each helping in his or her own way.  Each reaching out with acceptance.  The wary feeling was not there as often.  Only occasionally, did he feel, that the rug would be pulled out from under him anymore.  It only really occurred on trips to town, when a loudmouthed cowboy made a drunken comment.  Heath smiled as he realized he walked away more often than not now.  Funnily enough,  Nick was the one taking the physical abuse, as he fought the town against the verbal abuse and stereotyping hurled at Heath. 

The next few days flew by for everyone in the Barkley household, as each tackled not only their own responsibilities but helped in the preparation for the quickly approaching Harvest festival. 

Audra and Colleen worked side by side making sure the games were planned, the persons assigned would be running them,  and all the necessary items needed to play them were on hand. 

Victoria and Edna, met every other day in Stockton, to finalize the charity auction.  Each of the female participants was confirmed and flyers stating the particulars were distributed.  Edna also took the time to interview each lady, claiming she needed the information so  the men would know the ladies interests, thereby bidding higher and increasing profits.  At least that’s  what she told Victoria.   

As she interviewed each young lady that had agreed to participate, she listed their interests deemed two acceptable for introduction to Heath.  The first was Jenny Watkins and the second Virginia Wheeler.  Both were quiet ladies who enjoyed cooking, sewing, and horses.  She felt that Heath needed all these qualities in a wife to be happy.  Someone needed to make sure he ate, and had descent clothing, but more importantly Heath’s love for horses needed to be shared by his wife.  She had seen the calming influence just petting Gal gave him when he was unsettled, and he enjoyed breaking their horse more than any other task he had tackled for them.  Did an excellent job too.  Dhalia, as they called her, was well mannered, calm, and easy to handle by either herself or George.  

Nick, while  managing the ranch, also took the time to oversee the gathering of over 400 pumpkins and get them delivered to the town for the annual carving contest.   Nick hated pumpkins.  He had expected to turn this job over to Heath this year, however knowing that Heath was spending his extra time getting his stallion broken, he decided to let him off the hook.  Now next year would be a different story. He never wanted to touch a pumpkin again.   

There had been a problem with the pumpkins this year when the first batch was loaded.  A  wagon wheel broke spilling the pumpkins all over, and damaging all but a few.  It took time to clear away the smashed pumpkins and choose another batch.  This was important as each pumpkin needed to be about the same size and shape. God but Nick hated pumpkins.  He wished that they didn’t even grow any, but the entire valley counted on the Barkleys to provide the pumpkins every year. *Maybe next year they could carve potatoes!* Nick thought.  

Heath and Jarrod by luck and design avoided becoming involved.  Jarrod pleaded an important case, which wasn’t an outright fabrication, and Heath was just not home enough to get roped into the work. 

As October 30th drew to a close, Audra’s anxiety increased to a point where she couldn’t sit still.  

“I need to just check on one more thing Jarrod, could you go over this list with me?” Audra asked, pacing around the family room. 

“Not tonight Audra. Everything is done. The festival is tomorrow, and you need your rest,” Jarrod chuckled at her obvious discomfort. 

“Jarrod, Please!  Please!  I know it should be fine, but all the children are counting on me.  I would be positively mortified if something went wrong.” 

“There, there Sis, Nick and I will help tomorrow with the kids games.  How’s that?”  Heath said in an effort to calm Audra down. 

“Now wait a minute there boy.  I’m not helping with the kiddie games.  I have more important things to do.”  Nick stated. 

“Oh yeah.  Like what?” 

“Like making sure everything is ready for the charity auction, the pumpkins are in place, and the horses are ready for the contest.    Is that enough for you?”

“Boy Howdy, Nick.  I had no idea you were that involved in this Festival.” Heath said shaking his head and trying to hide a grin. 

“How could you Heath, Nick said coming up and placing his hand on Heath’s shoulder, this is your first time at this festival. You  haven’t been here for most of the division of labor either.” 

Feeling guilty over his assumption Heath said, “yeah , you’re right.  Do you need help Nick, or should I still help Audra with the children’s games in the morning?” 

“Help Audra.  The pumpkins just need unloading, the horses are stabled.  I just need to check on them for last minute problems, and the charity auction, well, they don’t need help.  Just thought it might be fun,” He added smiling as well. 

“Thank you for mentioning we had the auction under control.  Really Nick, there is nothing for you to do except talk to the girls.” Victoria pointed out. 

“I know, Mother, I know,” he winked. 

Shaking his head, Heath said “Nick, I’ll go unload the pumpkins early tomorrow, then help Audra til the games end at 11:30.  I want to do my share.  How’s that sound?” 

With obvious disgust Nick said “No need, but as I hate pumpkins I’ll take you up on it.” 

“I would appreciate your help as well, Heath, Audra said, it just might help me sleep tonight knowing you’ll be there.” 

Taking care not to remind Nick that the kids games were where Colleen would be found, Heath answered “Fine.  See you tomorrow.” then went to bed followed closely by the rest of his family. 

Heath rose early, startled to hear movement from down the hallway.  He was usually the first one up.  On his way to the bathroom to shave, he noticed light was coming from under Audra’s door.  Knocking softly he asked, “Any problems?” as she answered her door. 

“No, I just know you rise early and I was hoping for a ride into town.” 

“Sure thing Sis.  I’m leaving in fifteen minutes.” 

“Would you grab me something to eat from the kitchen.  There is no way I can be ready and eat in fifteen minutes.  Do you always do everything so fast?” she chuckled. 

“Not everything.” he responded, looking down at the carpet to hide a blush. 

 Shivering in the early morning air and muttering about how long women take, Heath was impatiently standing by the buggy when Audra arrived, ten minutes late. 

“Let’s get going.  Here’s a sandwich.” 

“Heath, sandwiches aren’t for breakfast,” Audra pouted. 

“They are today.  Let’s get moving.” 

Helping Audra into the buggy,  Heath took the reins and began the trip into town.  As brother and sister enjoyed the early morning ride, the companionable silence stretched.  As they crested the top of the hill that would signal their descent into Stockton, Heath abruptly reigned in the horses, stopping the buggy.  As Audra took in the sunrise from the top of the hill, she leaned close to her brother and whispered, “Now I understand why you enjoy rising before the dawn.  It's spectacular.  I’d forgotten.” 

No response forthcoming, she added, “Heath?’ 

Bring himself back to reality, he said “We’d best be getting a move on.” 

As Audra moved closer to Heath, she felt privileged to be allowed this glimpse of her quiet brother.  He still had many surprises to share with the family.  It seemed like he had been with them forever.  It took moments like these to realize he was still an unknown in many ways. 

Maneuvering the buggy toward the town square, Heath handed his sister from the buggy and proceeded to park it at the livery stable. 

“Morning Gabe.  Usual place?” 

 “Morning Heath. You know I’ll take care of this for you.” 

“Yep, but I’ll do it.  Save you the trouble.” 

“It’s my job Heath, no trouble.  I tell you that every time you come in.  What is it with you and personally  taking care of all your horses, buggies, wagons, etc...? Gabe questioned.  The rest of the family trusts me.” 

“Its not a matter of trust.  Just taking care of what’s mine.” Heath responded, as he went to work. 

“Suit yourself, Heath,”  Gabe said, shaking his head. 

After making sure the buggy was stored and the horses were cared for, Heath walked back to the square to begin unloading the pumpkins.  He figured that if he spent time unloading this early in the morning, he would warm up enough to avoid needing a coat until later that night.  He could find a way to stay warm then.  It had been hard not letting Audra see how cold he was, not that he expected her to really give it much thought.  She was concerned with pleasing the children.  *She will make a fine mother,* he thought.  Still as she moved closer to him when they stopped to view the sunrise, he had welcomed her warmth.

Waving to his sister and Colleen, he headed to the piled up pumpkins on the two buckboards.  Boy Howdy, but that was a lot of pumpkins.  Nick had said so , but until he had seen them all stacked on top of each other, he never really understood what Nick’s griping was about.  Bending to his task of unloading the pumpkins, he began taking them from the wagons, and piling them in the roped off area Nick had described.  By eight a.m. he was tired and there were still pumpkins to go. *At least I’m not cold, actually kinda warm.  Wish the saloon or café would open up. I could use a cold drink.* As he continued to pile the orange pumpkins, his mind wandered and a slight touch on his shoulder made him freeze. 

“Colleen?” he said gently. 

“I brought you some water Heath.  It’s nice and cold.” 

Thanks, you’re a mind reader.” he said taking the glass from her proffered hand.  

Drinking the water thirstily, he handed the glass back to her this time keeping contact with her hand.  

With a twinkle in his eye, he said “Let me show you something.” and quickly pulled her behind the huge pile of pumpkins. 

“If you get down real low you can see something amazing.  Here put down the glass and look closely.” 

“What is it Heath.” 

“It’s down here, look!” he said, as he pulled her to her knees, while pointing to a spot between two pumpkins, near the ground. 

“Just what am I looking at?” she asked. 

“Don’t you see.  They’re orange.” 

“Heath, she finally choked out, everyone knows pumpkins are orange.”  

“Really? Well did you realize that way down here nobody can see me do this?” and he kissed her laughing lips. 

What started out as a “Heath” turned into a moan as she began to kiss him back. 

As he drew her towards him they fell against each other, throwing Heath against the pumpkins, which decided to pick that moment to topple. 

Blushing red, and trying to hide their snickers, Colleen and Heath quickly found their footing.  Heath helping her to stand called out in a louder voice “Are you okay, miss.  I’m sorry you tripped.” 

“ME!” she began to yell, then stopped abruptly as she realized he was trying to salvage the situation.  Closing her lips tightly, she hissed at him, “Make this look like my fault will you Heath Barkley.  Expect a payback before the day is out.” She turned and winked briefly taking the sting from her words as she moved toward Audra, who was rushing over to them when she saw the pumpkins crash. 

“Heath, Colleen, are you alright?  What happened?” Audra asked. 

Noting Colleen’s glare, Heath said jauntily “Colleen tripped and knocked down the pumpkins.  Now I have to begin again.” 

“Serves you right Heath Barkley.  I’ll be right there, Audra.  I need to collect the water glass.” 

“Are you sure you're fine, Heath?”                                                                                               

“Fine Sis.  Go on now. Git.” 

Looking at Colleens still angrily glinting eyes he was surprised by her next comment.  “Heath, If you ever need help knocking down pumpkins, I’ll be glad to assist.”  and squeezing his hand briefly, she rejoined Audra across the square. 

Smiling happily Heath began the task of re-stacking the pumpkins for the contest.  As he neared completion, for the second time. He saw Nick and Jarrod approach. 

“Need help?” Nick called. 

“Now you ask, seeing as how I just got done.”  Heath quipped. 

“Now that you’ve dealt with  them all don’t you hate pumpkins?”  Nick spat as he angrily surveyed the big orange stack. 

“You know Nick, I actually think I kinda like them.” 

“Lets go to the saloon for a game of cards and some beer until noon.” Jarrod said. 

“Can’t.” came Heath’s reply. 

“Why not? Nick asked, there’s no real excitement until noon, even though the Festival starts at 10:00am.” 

“If you recall, I’m taking your place with the children’s games, and they start right about now.” 

Nick and Jarrod followed Heath’s eyes to see almost every child in Stockton milling about near Colleen and Audra. 

“They are all yours little brother.  Let’s go Nick.” Jarrod said. 

“Certainly Jarrod.   Have fun Heath.  I’ll be thinking a lot about you out here while I’m cleaning up at poker.”  With that the two brothers left Heath on his own. 

*Children’s games, how bad could they be,* Heath thought as he looked past the kids to Colleen.  No he wouldn’t mind helping at all.   As he reached them, he realized that they did need help.

Neither lady could be heard, so no one was doing as they were instructed.  

“Oh Heath, Audra fretted, how can we get them quiet?” 

“I need to know exactly what you want of them, Audra.” 

“Well we need them divided into age groups.  Ages two to four, five to eight, nine to eleven, and twelve and up.  Then we need teams.” 

Hearing her frustration, Heath gathered two older children close to him, and explained that he needed their help.  Agreeing, they allowed him to lift them to his shoulders.  He supported their feet and they grasped wrists, making a pyramid of sorts.  This simple move captured the children’s attention.  The older boy asked for silence.  Being asked by one of their peers was always novel.  They quieted, and Heath told Audra to go ahead.  Thanking him, she and Colleen got the groups assembled and squared off for the first contest, an egg toss. 

Heath, Colleen, and Audra plus three helpers, passed out the eggs to the children and Audra rang the starting bell.  The egg toss commenced, and in seconds most of the eggs were broken.  Seeing a small six year old boy crying, Heath snuck up behind him and gently handed him a second egg.  Explaining how to arc the egg by throwing underhanded, the child tried again.  This time it was caught by his eight year old brother.  His brother deftly tossed it back , but the child failed to catch it.  It broke at his feet.  Sobbing the little boy fell to the ground.  Gathering the boy into his arms, Heath asked his name and was rewarded with a muffled “Jimmy.” 

“Well Jimmy, is this your first egg toss?”  Heath asked. 

“Yes..” came the tearful response. 

“You know games aren’t about winning and losing, but rather how much fun you have.  Now it doesn’t look like you had much fun, with you crying and all.  Look around you Jimmy.  What do you see?” 

Turning the youngster to view the scene before him, he held the boy who was now laughing as hard as he had been crying minutes before. 

Clapping his hands, the boy said, “Everyone is covered in egg guts.  Look, Samantha has it in her hair.  She’s my sister.  She wanted Bill to like her.  He won’t now, cause she is all messy.”  Jimmy was laughing again. 

Smiling and setting Jimmy on the ground, Heath slipped over to help with the three legged race.   He decided to try to get Samantha and Bill to race together.  He was unaware of the number of people watching him while he held Jimmy.  Victoria watched with Motherly pride. Edna, in satisfaction, as she asked Virginia Wheeler to go and say hello, and Colleen in delight.  Each of them thinking he’d make a good father. 

Seeing Heath, unaware of Virginia Wheeler's approach, Colleen smiled.  Heath was about to be cornered and she intended to enjoy watching the scene unfold. 

“Hello, Heath” Virginia called. 

“Uh, hello Miss Wheeler,” Heath said, his eyes darting for an avenue of escape. 

“I just thought I’d tell you how wonderful you were with little Jimmy just now,” she said, grasping his hand. 

Trying to extract it without being rude Heath mumbled, “Thanks” and tried to turn away only to feel another hand on his back. 

“Virginia,  Colleen said, did you come to say hello to Heath?  How kind.  He’s been wonderful helping and such, I think he could use a break.  Maybe some punch,” Colleen suggested. 

“Great idea.  Heath, lets let them finish while we have ourselves a nice chat,” and with that Virginia bodily pulled him away. 

Heath turned briefly to look for Colleen, but she was already headed toward the children again.  As he turned to Virginia he was compelled to turn around once more.  Almost in perfect unison, their eyes met.  His steady, hers sparkling, as she mouthed payback.  As brief as the second was Heath could feel his mood lift, and he let himself be led by Miss Virginia Wheeler to the punch bowl, where he tried his best for the next twenty minutes, to escape. Virginia simpered at him the entire time and he could hardly stand it.  Edna joined them briefly, asking Heath how he was, and from the looks of it, she  gave Virginia a conspiratorial shoulder squeeze.  Now why would she do that?  He hoped she didn’t like Virginia.  He wouldn’t want to hurt Edna’s feelings. 

As his mind drifted in and out of Virginia’s insipid prattle he watched from his vantage point by the punch bowl, the three legged race, noting that Samantha and Billy were not partners.  He then was treated to the barrel chase, the hoop roll, the relays, and finally made good his escape in time to join the last game of tag, by insisting Audra was counting on his help. 

“See you later Heath,” Virginia drawled, fluttering her eyelashes.

 Thinking about how he wanted to throw up, he quickly made his way to the tag game and helped referee who was actually tagged, as many children pretended they hadn’t felt the tag that was to freeze them in place.  Audra’s, Colleen’s, and his word was final.  After proclaiming a winner, Colleen and Audra left to change clothes for the auction. 

 As they moved toward the hotel, where they had a room for the day, Colleen said “You will be at the auction, won’t you Heath?”

 “Umn , yeah, I’ll be there to watch,” he mumbled.

 “Heath, you must bid on someone,” Audra said. 

“Don’t rightly know about that Audra.” 

“HEATH!” Colleen stated, quietly but firmly, her clear green eyes once again filled with anger. 

Thinking quickly and trying to extract himself from Colleen’s anger he said, “I need to help with the uuuuummmmmmmm..........horses at lunch, seeing as how Nick will be at the auction.  That’s been decided since that lunch at the house. Remember?” 

Marching up to Heath, Colleen said, “If I have to eat lunch with Nick, you will live to regret it.” 

“Colleen, I um.......” 

“Nick had better not win me Heath!  Do you understand?” 

“Yes” 

“Good,” she stated returning to Audra’s side. 

“What was that all about?” Audra asked. 

“Nothing really, just thanking him for his help this morning.” 

“Wait Colleen, I’ll go thank him too, and Audra turned to see Heath shaking his head as he walked away.  “Guess I’ll thank him later, let’s get dressed.  Did you bring the blue or the red dress?” 

“The blue one, Colleen answered.  Which one are you wearing?” 

“My orange. I love the sleeves,” Audra answered ,as the two girls compared fashion notes all the way back to the hotel.

  **********

*Boy, am I in trouble* Heath thought, desperately searching for a way out.  Colleen had made it perfectly clear that she would be furious if Heath didn’t bid and win her, and her Mother would be furious if he did.  Even assing her on the street and saying hi, earned him a nasty look, if her Mother was around.  Her Mother, would be there for the auction, he was sure, plus with the one dollar he didn’t stand a chance in hell of coming out the victor anyway.  When he thought about it, he was truly amazed Colleen had been allowed up to the house so often. 

Sitting down on the bench in front of the stable, Heath pondered.  He had twenty five minutes to come up with a solution, when he remembered his brothers were at the saloon.  Hey maybe a technicality would work.  That’s it, he decided.  A loophole.  No, it wasn’t nice, but he was desperate.  He would do it. 

Rushing to the saloon, he entered just as Nick and Jarrod were ready to leave. 

“Just where are you going?  You said you’d buy me a drink!, Heath insisted.  You can’t leave yet.” 

“Need to get to the auction, Heath, can’t keep the girls waiting.” 

“You promised, Nick.”  Heath forced a hurt look. 

An exasperated “Fine” left Nick’s mouth.  “A beer for my little brother, Sam.” 

“Hey, you got to join me, you didn’t have to help out at the kids games.  Were celebrating.” 

“Make it two Sam,” Nick called. 

“Jarrod?” Heath questioned. 

Noticing Heath’s mood seemed forced, and wondering what he was doing,  Jarrod said, “No, but I’ll wait for you.” curious to see what transpired. 

*Prefect, Heath thought, I may pull this off yet.* 

“Cheers,” Heath called, as Sam handed them the beers. 

Watching Nick down his in an attempt to get outside quickly Heath smiled and said, “Another for Nick, Sam.” 

“Sure thing,” he replied, pouring another cold one. 

“Come on Nick, you didn’t toast me!  Cheers.” Heath called again. Clinking their glasses together. 

Sighing, Nick clinked, and downed this beer too. 

“Gee Nick, you must be thirsty!  Sam another one please.” 

Taking the beer from Sam, Heath again, didn’t give his brother time to think as he said, “Congratulations on outsmarting me brother.  First you got me to unload those pumpkins for you, then I had to help with those kids games, and to top it all off, Virginia Wheeler cornered me.  Looks like you made out well, drinking and playing cards in here with Jarrod.  That deserves another round.  Sam!” 

“How many did you have before I got here Jarrod?” 

Smiling at Heath’s overt manipulations, and laughing that this was the very first time Heath had ever talked so much in so short a time, Jarrod felt very inclined to continue his observations.  He answered “Three.” 

“Fine, just fine, Heath said.  Drink up Nick, we got to get to that auction.  Come on. Hurry!” 

Seeing Nick down his  fourth beer, Heath smiled. 

His interest fully caught, Jarrod filed away the fact that Heath hadn’t consumed any beer, while he had maneuvered Nick into having four in less than fifteen minutes.  Something was up, and he couldn’t wait to see what his younger brother was doing.  This was a side of Heath he’d never seen. 

As they turned to leave Nick reached for the bar and held on for support.  All of a sudden he didn’t feel all that well. 

“Come on Nick, we can’t be late. Let’s go.” Heath almost gloated.  “Hey Nick, you don’t look so good.  What do you think Jarrod?” 

Giving Heath a knowing sideways glance Jarrod said, “No Nick, I must agree.  You don’t look too stable.” 

“What do you mean,” Nick thundered, feeling his stomach lurch. 

“I mean you’ve had too much beer and not enough food.”  Jarrod calmly stated, watching Heath’s face closely. 

Seeing Heath smile and say, “You know Nick, those women would probably be furious if they saw you like this, maybe you should just sit here for a spell.” 

“They would be mad.”  Feeling a little realization kick in, Nick suddenly said, “This is all your fault Heath.  I’m holding you responsible.” 

“What do you want me to do Nick?  Can I get you food, coffee, what? You really should know your own limits,” Heath goaded. 

“Why you!” Nick yelled,  knocking over a chair in his haste to get to Heath.

Allowing Nick to take the first swing, Heath absorbed the punch and said, while acting offended, “Nick why did you do that. I was trying to help?” 

“Trying to help, boy!  You just want the girls to yourself.”

 “Now Nick, listen to reason.  I’ll stay with you.  You’re more important than some silly auction.” 

Nick, angry and not wanting to listen to reason, punched Heath again.  This time Heath punched back.  It was a well aimed blow designed to leave Nick disoriented.  Moving solicitously toward Nick, Heath and Jarrod helped him to a chair, and Heath told Jarrod he would stay with him.

 “Jarrod, why don’t you go check out the auction.  One of us ought to be there.  I’ll sit with Nick. I’m feeling kinda guilty.  Didn’t think the beer would hit him so hard.” 

Feeling slightly angered, yet amused at what Heath had just accomplished, but unsure as to why Jarrod said. “Sure Heath.”  With enough emphasis that Heath realized Jarrod hadn’t been fooled. 

As Jarrod left the bar, he overheard Heath ask Nick where his wallet was, saying that he needed to pay Sam for all the beer Nick had consumed.  Turning with interest once again, he heard Nick mumble as Heath withdrew Nick’s wallet and gave Sam some money.  That brother has some nerve he thought as he once again headed to the auction.   

Heath hoped it was worth it.  At least Nick wouldn’t win Colleen, and that was what she had demanded.  That Nick didn’t win her, not that Heath did.  He was beginning to get a headache.  

As Jarrod approached the auction he noticed the line of girls, all beautifully dressed and ready. Each held their basket, containing the lunch they would provide, to one lucky bachelor.  Jarrod knew that the winners would be bachelors.  No self respecting wife would let their husband near these girls.  They were the town beauties.  Mother and Edna had done a wonderful job.  Everything was in order, the girls ready, and the risers filling fast with eligible men.   

Promptly at noon, Victoria’s voice rose above the din, and everyone quieted in anticipation. 

Gentleman, the ladies you see before you have graciously consented to allow themselves to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  The winner will receive lunch, prepared by the girl they won, as well as that girls company for the entire lunch hour.  As an added bonus the ladies have decided that the winner will be allowed the opening dance, with them as their partner, for the  nights finale, the Festival Ball.  Remember all money collected goes to the renovation of the orphanage, so loosen those wallets.  Not only will you win a lovely girls attention, but you will be helping a good cause as well.    Let the Auction Begin. 

Edna moved to center stage and began the bidding.  As each girl came forward, she told about the girls hobbies, and related a relevant fact; such as lightest dancer on two feet.  The bidding was fast and furious.  Each girl rewarded the high bidder with a brilliant smile and moved to the picnic tables to begin sharing the feast they brought with the lucky gentleman. 

Jarrod knew Nick would feel fine in under an hour, but he still felt very conspicuous without his brothers in attendance.  More than once he had noticed the ladies looking his direction.  A few of those looks seemed to be silently asking where Nick and Heath were.   Wanting to extract himself from the uncomfortable situation, he decided to bid on the gorgeous Helen Milton. She was new to town, and he had met her only briefly, but was intrigued.  That would explain his presence, while allowing him to state he had no idea why his brothers weren’t around. Jarrod knew that all the Barkley men were sought after, but Nick was usually in such high demand that Jarrod didn’t want to explain he was in the saloon, recovering.  He also wanted to avoid Mother, when she asked how he ended up feeling under the weather, this day of all days.  Heath would never hear the end of it, if Victoria thought he had purposely  kept Nick from the auction. 

Looking at the stage, Jarrod noted that Audra was up.  Edna had just said the Audra had a love of horses and was an excellent horsewoman.  She then added that Audra’s brownies were the moistest in the county.  Jarrod smiled, as he wondered if Edna had ever tried one of Audra’s brownies.   

As the bidding commenced for his sister, Jarrod noticed her smile.  It was good to see Audra enjoying herself.  Usually the smaller city of Stockton didn’t provide the type of entertainment and social whirl he knew his sister longed for.  He had to admit, seeing her all dressed up, that she could easily grace any theater hall in all of San Francisco, and blend in perfectly.  Her manners truly were impeccable.  She was still a little impulsive, but a few weeks in the big city would tame that tendency.  He noted that Audra had been won  for $26.00.  That was a major handful of change for most of the men in town.  As Audra regally walked to take Gordon’s hand, he noted that she seemed to shine.  Gordon helped Audra off the stage, took the picnic basket from her hand, and escorted her over to a waiting table.  Was there romance in the offing.  Jarrod doubted it, but Audra was ripe for anyone who spent a little attention on her.  He vowed to keep an eye on his sister, as he returned his gaze to the next lady. 

As Colleen walked forward, Edna explained that Colleen was an excellent cook and enjoyed reading and helping children.  She also added that Colleen was very sought after as a dance partner.  As the bidding began again, Jarrod noticed that Colleen seemed to be searching the crowd for someone.  Had her eye finally been captured?  He agreed with the rest of the town, in thinking that Colleen was unobtainable.  Gorgeous without a doubt, but she seemed cold, and very uninterested in men.  Many tried to gain her attention, but after the initial attempt, few tried again.   The Ice Queen, that’s what Nick called her, and he tended to agree.  He had met women like her in San Francisco.  The only thing that didn’t fit in was her friendship with Audra and the other young ladies of Stockton.  As he thought this through, he realized that the bidding had stopped, and Colleen was being helped off stage by Brock Jameson, the rich, widowed, banker.  She did not look pleased, but Jarrod was not surprised. 

Next up, just before Helen, who he fully intended to win, was Virginia Wheeler.  Edna motioned her forward and started her rehearsed speech with, Virginia is a lady of many fine talents.  She loves horses, southern cooking, quiet times outdoors, and she is comfortable with ranchers and lawyers alike.  

 Good Lord, Jarrod thought.  It sounded like she would be a perfect match for his brother, Heath.  What a comical thought.  Anyone who had ever seen Heath with Miss Wheeler, would instantly feel the tension that overwhelmed his younger sibling.  Heath truly disliked her, and her she was, being described as liking all of Heath’s favorite past times.  He couldn’t wait to relate this story to Heath and Nick.    

Edna was busily scanning the crowd for Heath as she announced Virginia Wheeler.  She had a plan that would get them together for the auction, and George was ready to participate in her scheme, but without Heath present it would never work.  As the bidding ended, Virginia was handed to Dan Collins.  Dan was smiling as he took her hand and she seemed pleased with the match up as well.   

Virginia wasn’t happy, just polite.  Where was Heath.  She really wanted to eat with him and share the first dance together.  Something must have held him up.  She was sure after the punch this morning he would be looking for her.  As she moved to the table with Dan, they began to talk, and she realized he was a very interesting man.  Maybe she should think about others.  Heath had held her interest for a very long time, but maybe he would come around if he saw someone else interested in her.  With that she began simpering in Dan’s direction, hanging on his every word. 

Jarrod was thoroughly enjoying himself.  Mother looked pleased by the high bids.  Edna, who they had all come to know, was relishing her position as the orator, and Helen was up next.  Helen was a woman that Jarrod found fascinating. 

As Helen moved to the center of the stage, Jarrod felt his excitement rise.  She was splendidly dressed in a pale blue walking dress, embroidered with dainty blue flowers at the neck and wrists.   Edna, began the bidding by explaining that Helen loved books, opera, and fields of flowers.  She also stated that she wrote poetry when alone and was politically active in  women’s right.  Maybe he would read her some of his favorite poems by Walt Whitman. 

Jarrod jumped in the bidding when the sum reached $20.00, and was gratified to see her smiling in his direction, as she nodded her head slightly, to acknowledge his interest. Jarrod was uncertain just how the bidding would go.  Either the men would give up early, knowing they couldn’t outbid a Barkley, or they would up the bidding really high to see how interested he was.

At the bidding continued he realized they had picked the latter course of action.   

Deciding to put a final halt to the auction, Jarrod stood up and said, “$75.00".  Hearing the gasps around him, he glanced toward Helen to be rewarded with a tender smile that reached her eyes. 

As he took her hand to help her from the stage, she whispered, “Thank you.  I wondered if by being educated and not yet well known in your town, I’d bring in enough money to make Victoria’s request that I enter, feasible.” 

“I personally consider it an honor to eat lunch with you and dance the first dance tonight.  Shall we sit here?”

“That would be lovely.” 

And with nary a thought to his brothers Jarrod sat back to enjoy himself for the next hour, which quickly  turned into two.  The couple discussed everything.   Scholastic achievements, political views,  authors, and scientific improvements as well as dancing and the weather.  .Jarrod also asked whether a ride the next day was possible, and received an immediate affirmative. 

From down the street the entire gathering could hear Nick as he grumbled to Heath about missing the auction.  

 “Why if I didn’t know better, I would think that you didn’t want me to be there to bid, Heath,” he hollered. 

“Now Nick, just calm down, came the muted response of his quieter brother.  You know I would never do such a thing.  Let’s go and see if the auction is over or if we can still get in on the action.”  

“Now you're talking.” Nick smiled as they headed to the deserted stage. 

“Looks like were a little late, Nick.” 

“I thought as much.  Now I have to wait for the dance to have any time with Stockton’s finest.” 

Wondering who Colleen had been paired with, Heath milled around the square until he spotted her.  There she was sitting and smiling at  Brock Jameson. *Boy howdy, Heath thought.  He sure is everything I’m not.  Rich, well mannered, cultured, rich.*  His blood was boiling as he saw Colleen take Brock’s plate and carefully pack it away.  As Heath moved closer, he saw Brock take her hand, raise it to his lips, and thank her for the delicious meal.  Remembering his first picnic with Colleen, he realized that he hadn’t really thanked, her but rather abandoned her to his brother.   Mostly he hoped she would still be speaking to him.  He intended to enter the pumpkin carving contest with her.  Moving away, his eyes downcast, he failed to see her perk up as he passed by. 

Thanking Mr. Jameson for the company, Colleen allowed him to gather her picnic items and walk her to the hotel.  As they neared the front entrance, Colleen spied her Mother, moving toward her.  Her mother had spent the day judging pies, the ladies had entered in the bake off. 

“Colleen, may I have a word with you?”  her mother asked. 

“Of course, Mother.  Thank you again Mr. Jameson.  I’m looking forward to the first dance tonight.” 

As Brock left, Colleen’s mother began expressing her happiness at seeing her daughter with someone as influential as Mr. Jameson.  “How did you like him?  Is he as smooth and educated as he seems?  When do you see him again?”  The questions were coming fast, and Colleen just wanted to escape. 

“Mother, he is very nice, and well mannered, however I don’t think I can see myself spending any time with him.”

 “Why ever not?  As you just said, he is personable, well educated, and respectable.  I expect you to try and find something in him to like.  Do you understand me?” 

“I understand Mother, but my future happiness is the only thing that I refuse to let you have a say in.  Do you understand me?” Colleen said stamping her foot. 

“Of course I do dear, but it wouldn’t hurt to try and get to know him better would it? Her mother responded looking down the street.  Spying Heath, she spat, at least he is respectable, unlike some men.” 

Turning to follow her Mother’s gaze, but knowing exactly who she would see, Colleen stated, “I will make my own choice.”  With that she turned to enter the hotel, only stopping when she heard her mother ask her to stay a minute. 

“Wait dear!  I know your happiness is your concern.  I only want you to be  happy.  You know that.” 

“Yes Mother I do!  It’s just that your ideas and mine don’t always match.  The men in this town can be so ..well....shallow.   Now, tell me all about the baking contest.  Did Della win again?  I think she must make the lightest crusts in town.” 

Being thankful for the change in topics, and her mother’s willingness to let the change stand, Colleen eagerly entered into a long boring discussion of Della’s triumph, the horrid taste of Greta’s filling, and on and on....   

As the discussion continued Colleen saw Heath approach.  She was surprised at this.  He had stopped earlier when he noticed her Mother, but this time he seemed intent on talking to her anyway. 

As he drew near she heard him politely say, “Hello, Mrs. McDougal, Colleen.”

 “Hello Heath,” Colleen answered as she watched her mother’s lips purse. 

As no response was forthcoming from Colleen’s mother, Heath continued, “I noticed that you had lunch with Brock Jameson.” 

“Yes I did. Why?” 

“Just noticed that it wasn’t with Nick.   I thought he was going to bid on you.” Heath said, looking very uncomfortable. 

“You know Heath, Nick wasn’t there at all.  I found that odd,  but my actual statement came true.”  Colleen responded gaily. 

“I was wondering, if you weren’t busy with your lunch partner,  would you be my partner in  the pumpkin carving contest, later tonight?” 

Looking at her mother, Colleen said, “I would love to, Heath.  Until then.” 

“Until then.  Good day Ma’am, Colleen,” and flashing her the most brilliant smile she had ever witnessed,  he continued down the street. 

“Colleen, that was badly done.” her mother stated, looking disdainfully at Heath’s retreating form. 

“What would you have me do Mother?  Be rude!  You're taking care of that for the both of us!”  Colleen spat angrily as she whirled and left her mother staring after her. 

*I’ll need to watch that girl, and ease up a bit, or else she will be marrying that man just to spite me.*  Mary McDougal thought, as she returned to her elite friends.  It was hard, with Victoria Barkley being one of the most prominent in her circle, but while she would be polite to her, she didn’t have to like her son one bit.  He was below Colleen’s standards, by virtue of his birth.  That alone was enough. 

Colleen too, was thinking of Heath.   He had to have been very concerned, or he never would have approached her, with her Mother there.  He knew how her mother felt, and didn’t want to stir up trouble before it was necessary.   Was he worried that she might actually like that pompous, boring Mr. Jameson?   Hoping he was more sure of their relationship than that, she thought how funny it was that he managed to keep Nick from the auction.  He had made good on her threat that he would suffer if Nick won her.   She couldn’t wait to hear the story of how it was accomplished.  Why he hadn’t been there, worried her though.   She had hoped he would bid on her, and win.  She had prepared his favorite meal, and fed it to Mr. Jameson.  Where had Heath been, and why hadn’t he bid?   These questions needed answers.  She would think about this as she watched the bronc riding.  She wanted to root for Heath, yelling and shouting with the rest of the town folk.  It was getting hard to keep her feelings for Heath unknown, to her friends, her mother, and the town. 

The family all stood together, enjoying a few moments of peace in a very hectic day, before the next onslaught of activities.  Audra was pleased about how well the children’s games had been received, as well as enjoying herself at the auction.  She was currently extolling the virtues of her lunch partner, Gordon. 

“He does seem to be a real gentleman,” Victoria agreed. 

“I’ve never heard a word against him,” Nick added. 

As the conversation continued, Victoria glanced at each of her children in turn.   Jarrod had seemed pleased with his lunch companion, but then she thought he would.  Audra was obviously enjoying her day, and she was so proud of her daughters participation in the planning, this year.  The children all had a wonderful time, from all the accounts she had been privileged to hear.  Nick looked bored, she noted.  He hadn’t been at the auction, but she would ask why later.  He seemed to be having fun with the family right now.  Finally she turned to Heath.  He was also having a nice time.  She could tell.  It was so nice to see him loosen up she thought as she observed him shiver.   Wondering why he was shivering, she observed him more closely.  He was still shivering.  It looked as if his teeth were chattering.  Why wasn’t he wearing his coat? 

As concern and anger rose, her usually calm demeanor was stretched, and she snapped, “Heath, where is your coat?” 

“I’m fine, Mother.” 

I didn’t ask if you were fine.  I asked where your coat was!” 

“It’s fine,” he repeated. 

“No it’s not.  You’re freezing!” 

As she said these words the conversation stopped and everyone turned to look at Heath, who was visibly shivering by this point, part in fear, but mostly from the cold.  As the sun had begun to set, the temperature had dropped rapidly, leaving him cold in the early evening air. 

“I’ll be fine, he glared at each of them, I’ll get a coat in town tomorrow.” 

“You’re in town today,” Audra said moving over to wrap her arms around Heath. 

“The shops aren’t open.  Case closed.  Now about Helen, Jarrod you were saying that she was good company.”  Heath said, trying to change the direction of the conversation. 

Not willing to let it go that easily, Victoria marched up to him and said, “Heath Barkley, right now I am very angry.  No one should be without a coat in this weather.” 

A quick, “You’re right, I’ll take care of it tomorrow,” was met with Victoria’s retreating back. 

“Boy is she angry.” Nick snickered, thinking it was nice to see Heath in trouble for a change.  Usually he was the one being told to control his tone of voice. 

“Yes, she is, Audra added, and that usually doesn’t bode well, brother.” 

“Don’t fret, Sis. She’ll calm down by the dance tonight.”

“Are you sure you’re talking about our Mother?” Jarrod interjected, as Colleen joined the group. 

“Have I interrupted something?” she asked, starting to back away. 

“Just Mother, mad at Heath.  Nothing important, Colleen.  Did you need something?” Audra asked. 

“Just came over to say hi, Audra.  Are you ready for the dance tonight?  You seem real fond of Gordon.” 

“Yes, he is quite good looking, don’t you think?” 

As the girls continued to talk, Nick rolled his eyes and Jarrod and Heath smiled in agreement.  

 “This could be a long conversation,” Nick said.  “Lets go to the coral and check out the broncos.” 

“Sure,” Jarrod agreed.                                   

“Suits me,” Heath said. 

As they began to take their leave of the girls, they were brought up short by Victoria snapping, “Heath, turn around here.” 

In unison, the entire group turned towards Victoria’s voice. 

“Since you can’t seem to get to town to pick up a coat, I took care of it for you.  Put this on!” and she handed Heath a lovely light brown suede coat, with a fleece lining and collar, adding, “I refuse to have you sick.” 

Taking the proffered coat and mumbling “Yes Ma’am” he put it on, feeling his stomach knot as embarrassment got the better of him.  Not only had she purchased the coat for him, but she had presented it in public...in front of Colleen.  Feeling sick, he started to walk away when Nick said,”Aren’t you going to the coral with us?” 

“Uh, sure,” he said, and he walked toward the coral as quickly as his legs could carry him, leaving the brothers to follow behind, wondering at his abrupt change in mood. 

Colleen too, wondered at Heath’s sudden mood swing.  He had almost seemed vulnerable.  He was definitely embarrassed.  What had made him so withdrawn?  She quickly thanked Audra for the conversation, telling her she would see her at the dance, then moved over to a bench to mull it all through.  Heath.  She loved him, but he was an enigma.  Open, carefree, conciliatory, angry, quiet, brooding, gently, reserved, fun, intelligent, playful, and soft spoken.  There were so many sides to him.  Trying to divide them into categories, she decided when he was with his family he was usually quiet, soft spoken, reserved, conciliatory, and occasionally angry.  When they were alone, he seemed more open, fun. Gentle, intelligent, and playful.  The brooding struck no matter where he was, or who he was with.  This was the one emotion she tied to the circumstances of his birth, and early childhood.  Carterson hadn’t helped.  He was very quiet on that topic as well, but with time she hoped he would open up.  She had doubts that he had told his family about his time there yet.  

Still unsure of his abrupt mood swing, she thought back over their dates.  There were wonderful picnics, horseback rides, walks, and even once swimming in the pond.  Well she wasn’t going to mention that one ever, but it was fun.  The first time she met him at the dance she also considered a date.  She loved spending time with him.  Maybe they could go to the restaurant and then to the play that was coming to town in two weeks.  The town was all abuzz. It wasn’t often they had actual live entertainment in Stockton. *Wait,* a thought popped into her head and started to take shape.  He hadn’t asked her to the play, or the restaurant. He hadn’t taken her to the carnival outside of town either, even though nobody would know they were together.  For the last fund raiser she had worn his favorite color, green, hoping he would be there.  His entire family showed.  He wasn’t there.  He didn’t bid on her, or anyone, at the auction today.  What was nagging at her?  He was angry and embarrassed when Victoria bought him the coat.   

That was it!  She had pushed it to the back of her mind once before, but as the thought slowly resurfaced, she knew she was right.  Heath, one of the Barkleys, had no money.  He was embarrassed about not being able to provide for himself, and would do without, until he could, just like he had done as a child. 

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she railed against his childhood, the fears that held him there, and his refusal to accept help.  Victoria probably didn’t even realize she had offended his very stubborn sense of pride.  This would be a challenge.  Changing his mood without letting him know that she knew his secret.  She doubted he didn’t have any money, but watching the family interact for the past two months, while helping Audra, she realized that they really never filled him in on anything.  They just seemed to expect him to understand.  How many times had she heard him say things like: “When was that decided, or I wasn’t aware.”  Maybe they just thought he’d understand he had money.  That all he had to do was sign his name to the bills and they would be paid.  That’s how the town was run, once your credit was established.  That’s what her Mother did.  Heath was probably never allowed credit, having to pay cash wherever he went.  What a mess! 

Not caring if Heath was rich or poor, but hating to see him suffer, Colleen made a resolution to put a bee in Audra’s bonnet about maybe informing Heath about simple traditions, making sure to mention the credit issue. 

As Heath watched the broncos, warm in his new coat, he felt his brothers draw near. 

“You ready to ride, Heath?” Nick asked. 

“Yep.. You?” 

“Can’t wait little brother.   I’m going to beat you good and proper.  Show the ladies what a man is capable of doing,” Nick egged Heath on. 

“Just what is that supposed to mean, Nick?” Heath responded angrily. 

As the words began to escalate Jarrod promptly said, “Enough!  First Heath stomps off leaving us to eat his dust, then you get mad at him and try to pick a fight.  This is a family day.  Let’s try to act like a family.” 

“Right,” Nick grumped. 

“Fine,” Heath mumbled. 

Jarrod, pleased that his lecture had at least stalled a fist fight, placed a hand on each of his brothers shoulders.  Feeling Jarrod’s touch, Heath and Nick looked at each other, smiled, and shook hands, both now cheerfully claiming to be able to beat the pants off of each other. 

By the time the contest was over, neither brother felt much like celebrating.  Heath had no idea where he had placed.  He just knew his mind hadn’t been on the horse underneath him, and he was tossed early.  Nick, shocked at his brothers performance, also wasn’t focused on the race one hundred percent.  Early on in his ride he was also launched into the air, making a spectacular landing.  He had stayed on for seven seconds, while the first place winner managed to double his time, staying on the bronco for a total of fourteen seconds. 

The entire family returned to the picnic table they had staked out earlier that day.  They ate a full dinner, commenting that Silas had outdone himself, once again.  Only Nick, had room for the pie, Silas provided.  Laughing as she cut it, Victoria noted that Nick could out eat everyone she knew..  Maybe next year they should have an eating race.  Smiling once more, she decided to suggest it. 

*Finally* Heath thought, as he heard the whistle blow.   It was time for the pumpkin carving contest.  He really didn’t care about the contest, but spending an hour with Colleen was something he was looking forward to. 

Gordon came, and Audra excused herself, explaining they had paired up for the contest.  Jarrod, too, said he needed to find Helen, as they intended to win.   

Seeing Colleen make her way over o the table, Nick stood, only to hear her say, “Heath, are you ready, I want to get an orange pumpkin.” 

Chuckling under his breath, Heath led Colleen toward the pile, so they along with the rest of the participants, could try to find the best one. 

“Nick, Victoria questioned, who are you carving with?” 

“I hadn’t asked anyone Mother.  I’ll go find someone now.”

“Are you feeling well, Nick?  You haven’t been your usual self,” Victoria asked concerned. 

“Yes, fine.  Just this day is getting away from me.  Don’t really know how or why, but its turning out differently than I expected.” 

“Oh, Mrs. Barkley, Nick, have you seen Heath?” 

“Yes, Virginia dear, he is entered in the contest with Colleen. I expect they are finding a pumpkin as we speak.” 

“Oh, I was hoping to be his partner.  Well never mind.  Nick, come on. Lets go.” she said, as she once again, bodily dragged a Barkley son away, that day. 

Throwing a quick, “See what I mean, Mother,” over his shoulder, Nick joined Virginia in choosing a pumpkin, of all things. *Here I am carving a hated pumpkin with Virginia Wheeler.  Well, she is pretty, just a little empty headed.  Might not be so bad.* Nick thought as he set about his task with gusto, exclaiming loudly that he would win something that day. 

It took no time at all for the pumpkins to be distributed, as each pair picked out one they liked.  The pairs then dispersed and began their job of carving a winning pumpkin. 

As everyone else began to clean their pumpkin, Heath was still walking around dragging Colleen with him. 

“Just what are you doing, Heath,” she asked. 

“Finding a good place to work on this.  Come on.” 

“What’s wrong with here?” she queried.  

“Too many people to see what were doing.  Wouldn’t want one of them to copy our ideas would you?” came his quick reply. 

“I guess not.  I didn’t know you would take this so seriously.”  Colleen stated, confused. 

“Oh, yes Ma’am, you have to have just the right atmosphere to carve pumpkins.  It’s the way it is.” Heath said, pulling her down the street and behind the Sheriff’s office. 

“Heath, it’s dark back here.  We can’t see to carve the pumpkin.  I can hardly see at all.” 

“Wait just a second,” he said as he stooped and pulled out a lantern, which he proceeded to light. 

“Now, Heath Barkley, you had this planned.  Didn’t you?” Colleen giggled. 

“The lantern, yep.  Hid it here about a week ago.”

“Not just the lantern, but this entire location,” came the jaunty rejoinder. 

Tipping his hat, he swept her a deep bow, saying “Of course my lady.  Your Mother will never find us.  We can carve quickly, then do what ever you want with the remainder of our hour.” 

“What I want?  I’d say you have some ideas already, cowboy.” she happily responded, then added with that glint he was starting to recognize, Did I tell you I want to win?” 

Hearing his moan, she laughed out loud and then sat on the hard ground, asking him for his knife.

 “Here, let me do that,” said Heath, resigning himself to cleaning the pumpkin. 

After removing the lid, both reached inside, to help remove the pumpkin guts.  As their hands pulled out the insides, Colleen choked out, “Oh look, they are orange too!” 

This brought on another fit of laughter, that neither could stop.  As they continued to scoop and laugh, Colleen looked deeply into Heath’s blue eyes, made dark by the dim light of the lantern.  Her look drew his eyes to her face, and she reached out, cupped his face, and leaned over the pumpkin, kissing him soundly on the lips. 

“Colleen,” he murmured, as he kissed her back. 

Breaking for air, Colleen echoed “Heath” and drew him back in for another leisurely kiss, which he deepened as her resistance weakened. 

Pulling her to a standing position so that their bodies could touch, they kissed deeply and passionately, their hands entwined in each others hair, one occasionally straying to a place neither could comprehend, as their passion rose.  As Colleen backed toward the wall, Heath continued moving closer.  Their backward progress was finally halted when Colleen’s back rested against the wall of the building.  The rough texture of the building contrasted sharply to Heath’s glorious hands, as they caressed her neck.  Taking her hands in his, he continued to kiss her as he raised them above her head and held them firmly in his grasp.  He leaned in to continue kissing her, but allowed himself the liberty of kissing her ears, throat and neck, as well.  As she moaned, Colleen arched her back and reached for his lips with her mouth.   Heath left her neck and rejoined her as they continued to kiss.   

The sound of the train whistle broke through their passion, and, returning to reality, they looked around and once again both began chuckling. 

“Well this is a fine mess you’ve got us into Heath.  How do we explain a pumpkin half full of guts?” Colleen tried to get out, through her laughter. 

“Like this,” Heath said, taking the pumpkin and dropping it on the ground.  “Would you look at that!  All our hard work ruined because you tripped again.” 

“I will not take the blame this time Mr. Barkley, but the concept works.  Let me try this.”  Lowering her voice and looking ready to cry she delicately whined, “Oh it was so beautiful, but then Heath dropped it.  I’m devastated.”  At this she broke into laughter again. 

Trying to keep a straight face, but finding it impossible, Heath laughingly agreed to be the pumpkin destroyer this time.  Extinguishing the lantern and picking up a few smashed pieces, they returned to the contest, where Colleen, retold their sad tale to everyone who would listen, while Heath sheepishly hid his face, so no one would see his laughter.  Their story fooled almost everyone.  It would have been more convincing to Nick and Victoria however, if they hadn’t noticed that each had pumpkin in their hair, and pumpkin stains on their clothing.      Colleen, around her waist and wrists, and Heath, across the back of his new coat.Victoria was amused, but Nick didn’t find the situation funny at all.  He fully intended to tell his brother so, and loudly, while they were changing for the dance. 

“Colleen, dear, Victoria called, may I have a word with you?” 

“Certainly Mrs. Barkley.  What can I do for you?” 

“I think I will be helping you this time, Colleen.  A word of friendly advice as it were. You might want to freshen up before anyone else takes a close look at you.” 

Looking at Victoria, and noticing her eyes twinkling merrily, Colleen nervously reached to smooth her hair.  As she felt the pumpkin, she hastily said, “Thank you Mrs. Barkley” and turned and fled to the hotel. 

“Where is Colleen going, Mother?” Heath questioned as he watched her run off, wondering what had upset her. 

“Up to her room to clean up dear, um, you might want to go remove the pumpkin form your hair as well,” she stated still twinkling. 

A deep blush immediately rose over Heath’s face as her words sunk in, and he to hastened to clean up. 

*There he goes.  Now’s my chance* thought Nick. He too left for the hotel, but for an entirely different reason.  Feeling completely irate, Nick opened the door to their room and stopped.  Heath was humming and smiling.  Two things Nick rarely witnessed, in his quiet brother.  As quickly as his anger had risen, he felt it recede, as he thought about the stallion Heath was breaking for his birthday, how Heath had unloaded the pumpkins for him, and how Heath’s friendship and skill made running the ranch an easier job, and more enjoyable for the companionship.  Deciding that Heath deserved to be happy, Nick shut the door as quietly as he had opened it, and returned to sit with Virginia Wheeler, as the contest was judged, a small smile tugging gently at his lips.   

It was replaced with a large grin and a YAHOO!  As he puled Virginia Wheeler to her feet as they announced that theirs was the best pumpkin in all of Stockton. 

Victoria noticed that this day really wasn’t turning out badly.  Jarrod and Helen were sitting quietly, talking and smiling.  Audra was happily conversing with Gordon.  Virginia and Nick were beside themselves, dancing and laughing  with elation as they claimed their prize, and Heath and Colleen were obviously happy.   All of her children should have a wonderful time at the dance tonight.

This was proving to be a prophetic statement as each in turn whirled or was whiled around the make shift dance floor.  It was really no more than a roped off area that had been smoothed, but with the candles providing  light it seemed magical.  Audra, Colleen and Helen, each, danced with their lunch partner.  This proved to be no problem at all for anyone except Colleen, who wished the insufferable Brock Jameson to Jericho.   When the first dance ended, Helen stayed wrapped in Jarrod’s arms.  Even though she was much sought after, she had promised him the first two dances.  She had a reason for this.  In Boston, the first dance would be a spirited dance, and the second a waltz.  She intended to waltz with Jarrod Barkley, one way or another, then she could mingle, as she had been brought up to do. 

This exact same feeling was echoed around the room as girls had to give up their chosen partner.  This was what polite society dictated.  Too much attention shown to just one man, caused tongues to wag, and many a girls reputation had been damaged, due to gossip. 

Heath stood beside the punch bowl once again, but this time he was contemplating how many times he could dance with Colleen before her Mother once again, forcibly dragged her away from him.  As he watched, Victoria made her way to his side.  He was the only one of her children not dancing, and lightly touching his arm she said “Colleen would love to dance with you Heath, why don’t you cut in?” 

“She’s in real high demand, and um well she’s enjoying herself,” he told her, trying to spare her feelings when she found out that his partnership, while welcomed by Colleen, would not be echoed by her mother. 

“You’re being evasive, she once again turned toward him.  Care to explain why?” 

“Not really.” 

“Heath, just ask her. I know she will be pleased.” 

“Quit pushing, he said, then added more softly, please.”  He truly didn’t want her to know he was not accepted everywhere.  She had always been so good to him.  How could he hurt her like this?.  Show her the dark side of people.  She deserved to be bathed in light, not forced to accept that friends of hers still thought of him as that bastard. 

“Heath, go on,” she prodded.

His frustration over weighing his reason, he sharply said, “Fine, you want to understand why I didn’t ask her, I’ll show you,” and he purposely strode across the floor, and cut in on Colleen’s dance partner.  As the gentleman relinquished his partner, Colleen turned   toward Heath, her face aglow with happiness.  As he took her in her arms, his misgivings left, as they quickly entered a world of their own making, free of outside influences.  They didn’t hear the music change, as they went from that dance to the next, and Victoria watched happily from the sidelines. 

Across the dance floor Mary McDougal was seeing red.  Here was her daughter: wealthy, beautiful, impeccably mannered, and one of the finest catches in the area, once again in the arms of the Barkley mistake. 

Remembering the first time she had seen them together, and recalling how she had bodily removed Colleen from the dance, she also remembered that the lecture she gave her daughter forbade her to have anything to do with Heath again.  Well one dance she could overlook, but carving pumpkins together, and now two dances in a row, well her daughter had just overstepped her boundaries, and she was going to put them right. 

Refusing to cause a scene, while also refusing to allow her daughter to spend one more minute with Heath, she moved across the dance floor and tapped Colleen on the shoulder.  “Get your wrap.  Were leaving.”   

Colleen’s back grew rigid and Heath’s eyes froze.  This wasn’t the time or place for a confrontation, and both knew it.  Shooting a dark look in Victoria’s direction, Heath said, “Thank you for the dance,” and turned away. 

As Colleen left the dance, firmly under her mother’s guidance, Heath allowed his feet to take him to Gal.  As he saddled her, he became aware of another presence in the stable. 

“Heath?” Victoria questioned. 

“Not now Mother!”  

“Oh, I think now is the perfect time, Heath.” 

“No, you shouldn’t have had to see that.  It was my fault.  I knew better.” 

“Look at me, she said pulling his face toward hers.  What she saw shocked her deeply.   Pain, raw pain radiated from behind hooded eyes. 

“Heath, I had no idea.” She began. 

“That’s obvious,” he lashed out in his desire to drive the painful lesson home, so she would never be disappointed again. Hurt as he was. 

Again she started, “Heath.” “Come on, its obvious.  She thinks I’m not good enough for her daughter.  Then he asked with the most venom she had heard from him in months, “would you let Audra marry a bastard, because that’s what’s being asked of Mrs. McDougal.” 

Seeing that he had hurt Victoria deeply, and being unable to forgive himself for this he mounted Gal and left. 

As for Victoria, while the tears fell, her other three children enjoyed themselves, unaware of the little scene that had just been played out, and her newest son rode home in silence, and alone. 

Returning that night with her other children Victoria allowed herself to take part in their happiness.  Nick was by far the most vocal, as he went on and on about winning the pumpkin contest.  As they returned for the night she allowed her thoughts to stray back to the unpleasant encounter with Heath.  She knew that he and Colleen would be a good match, and wondered why she hadn’t seen it earlier, however she was forced to admit that Heath was very good at hiding things from his family.  After all Nick had needed to spy to learn that Heath was spending all his time training the stallion.  She also knew that he had been hurt by Mary’s actions.  Could she ever associate with Mary again.  She doubted it.  As she prepared for bed she was surprised to hear a hesitant knock, and even more surprised, when she had expected Audra, to see Heath standing in the doorway, eyes downcast, twisting the button on a hastily thrown on shirt. 

“Mother..........,” he stammered 

As she reached out for him, trying to provide all the love she knew he needed she pulled him forward in a warm embrace, and said, “I am so sorry.” 

“I just needed to talk a bit.  Do you have the time now?” 

“Of course, come on in and sit down.” 

“You look ready for bed, I wouldn’t want to disturb you.” he said. 

“Please come in, Heath.”  She thought he looked like he could use a drink and almost offered, when she decided that the time it would take to get him one would change the mood, so she just sat and waited patiently. 

Her patience was rewarded when he said, “I’m sorry.  That’s all really.  I knew that Mrs. McDougal was opposed to me, and you need to know, but we want it kept quiet. Colleen and I intend to marry someday, with or without her Mother’s approval.  I didn’t want you to think I was giving up.   I’m not, but I never wanted you to suffer from the backlash of my birth.”  Flushing in embarrassment at all he had revealed, he again marveled at the trust he felt with this woman.  He was bitterly angry with himself for allowing her to be hurt tonight.   She deserved better. It wouldn’t happen again.  He would protect her, them, from the cruelty in the world. 

“Night,” he said rising.

“Heath, I love you,” she whispered softly, but loud enough for him to hear as he shut the door behind him.  It made her mad to see him more concerned about her feelings, than his own future, but she wasn’t sure how to help him, except show support by refusing to deal with little people.  Mary was not in her good graces any longer.  As she and Audra had discussed, many months ago, all they could do was be there for him. 

Rising early after a troubled sleep, Heath slipped quietly away, first to check on the stallion and then to go to George and Edna’s to work on his Christmas presents.  He felt even more compelled, to make sure they were finished, as it was his only way to let them know how much he cared for them. 

He knew the family would follow their traditional plans, which as near as he could figure, included church, followed by a long day at home, then dinner.  He fully intended to make dinner, and play cards or pool tonight. 

As he approached the line shack, he tethered Gal and dismounted, moving swiftly toward the still skittish stallion.  Murmuring, “Hi there big fella.  How are you this morning.  Have you eaten better today.   Let’s go check.” he moved past the horse to the food mill, to check the food level.  It was noticeably lower.  Finally, some good news!  The stallion was eating better.  He had been very concerned.  Often, an independent horse would go into a strong withdrawal and refuse to eat. He had been afraid that this was happening to the stallion.   “Now that’s what I like to see,” he soothed as he approached the horse, who had drawn nearer to Heath on his own.  Reaching out to touch the horses soft nose, Heath was thrilled when the mighty beast allowed him contact with out retreating.  

“Today fella, we get that blanket on you, what do you say?”   As  he pulled the soft cotton blanket off the fence, he again approached the horse, continuing to lull him with his voice.  Once again the stallion stood still and regarded him warily, but made no move to walk away. 

“I reckon, it’s now or never horse,” he said as he gently tossed the blanket, unfolded to diminish the weight, over the stallions back. 

Rearing angrily as the blanket settled over his back, the stallion snorted and tossed his mane.  Heath, taking care to once again avoid the slashing hoofs, grabbed a lasso from the fence post. Saying he was sorry for what he was about to do, he looped the horses neck, once again bringing him to a stand still.

As the horse calmed down, Heath decided to leave the blanket over his back.   “Boy howdy, don’t you look fine.  If you were my horse I’d name you Thunder, since you remind me of the angry winds and storms that sweep over the plains. But you aren’t my horse are you?  I bet you get a proud name, horse.  Yep, Nick’ll give you a proud name.  A name worthy of you.” he continued to mumble as he groomed the horse.  It had amazed him how easily the horse took to being groomed.  It seemed to settle him, and Heath found himself resorting to this, whenever the stallion showed signs of balking. 

Finishing, he once again caressed the silky nose, returned to Gal, and headed off to George and Edna’s, promising the stallion he would return tomorrow. 

While Heath was enjoying the morning ride, the Barkleys Sunday at church, progressed as usual.   Hard pews, long homily, and an even longer time spent saying their farewells, thanks to the Festival the night before.  No one could say anything out of the ordinary occurred.  At least they couldn’t swear to it, but as Victoria spent time with the ladies, rehashing the festivals strong and weak points, she was quiet.  Some would have said she was preoccupied, others, that she was contemplating the priests words.  Colleen thought differently.  Every time her mother spoke, no matter what the issue, Victoria engaged another lady in conversation.  Not once did she address a question posed by her mother.  Not once did she join in the self congratulations on a job well done.   When her Mother asked who wanted to be involved next year, Victoria had answered her only answer of the day, before returning to her family and heading home.   

Her answer had been, and Colleen could repeat it verbatim, “I will happily support any function not manned by narrow minded individuals.”  As Victoria left, her response was discussed, and the ladies concluded that Victoria had meant that she wanted the festival to evolve, not remain stagnant.   Colleen knew better.  She had seen the same determination in Heath at the dance, when he refused to voice his opinion, but Victoria had made them crystal clear.  No one had better consider Heath any less than a full fledged Barkley.                                   

  **********

Reaching George’s home, he dismounted and,  seeing George fixing the farm equipment, he waved hi, as he went into the barn. 

“Edna, George called, he’s here early today.” 

Emerging from the root cellar, and moving toward George, she called, “Did you tell him I’d get him breakfast?” 

“I reckon if he wants breakfast, he’ll ask, or mention he’s hungry.  Stop fussing over him.” 

“George, how can you be so cold!  I bet he never even had breakfast.  He hardly eats when he’s here.  He never takes the time.  I’ll go ask, and also try to find out why he didn’t spend more time with Virginia at the festival.” 

Lifting her skirts, Edna hastened toward the barn, where she knew she would find Heath.  Knocking, even though she now thought it was a silly formality, she called “Heath, son, do you want breakfast?” 

“No Edna, I grabbed a bite before I headed over.”   Seeing her still standing there Heath added “Something on your mind?” 

“Well now , um, actually, um , yes.” she said as he grinned.  “Would you quit looking at me like that Heath!” 

“Like what?” he said still looking at her in confusion. 

“You know, like that!  I bet you already know what I want to ask you, and you’re just trying to make me say it.  MEN!”  Edna huffed.  Seeing his continued look of confusion, she added, “Heath, I made sure Virginia Wheeler spent some time with you at the festival.  What do you think of her?”             

“Oh, Edna, well she’s fine and all. She’s a friend of Audra’s.” 

“She’s perfect for you, Heath,” Edna emphasized. 

“Edna, I really don’t.......” 

“Heath, I said she’s perfect.  She knows horses, and you like horses don’t you?” 

“Yes, but..........” 

“She can cook, and sew, she would make a great wife, and your not getting any younger.  You’ll never meet anybody spending all your time here.” 

“Edna, I really don’t think.....” Heath said more loudly. 

“Well that’s obvious, “she retorted, as she saw her matchmaking skills being thwarted.  “Maybe you should,” she continued, emboldened by his silence.  Maybe he was thinking it over after all, but what was this?   He was smirking.   Smirking in that infuriating way she had come to know.  As she continued more hesitantly, she noted his eyes peered behind her.  As a feeling of dread made its way up from her feet, to her head, she turned slowly around to see George, hands on his hips, in the doorway. 

“Edna!  You leave Heath alone.  For God’s sake woman, I told you, I only met the girl once, and she scared me to death with all that prattling.  

And Heath laughed! 

They knew in an instant that her matchmaking skills were not done in vain.  Heath had laughed. Openly, honestly, and wholeheartedly.  It was a sound they needed to hear more often as they approached the time when they would no longer be independent.  It was a sound they wanted to take to their graves.  His laughter was a gift. 

Gasping and barely able to control himself, Heath choked out, “I don’t have time for anybody as foolish as Virginia Wheeler, now I really must get back to work.  Thanks for the diversion.” 

As George and Edna left the barn, Heath returned to his current project.    The job was starting to become arduous and overly time consuming, but he refused to skimp on the quality and detail needed to complete Victoria’s gift on time and with the degree of perfection he was requiring of himself. 

Finally the day ended and Heath picked up his discarded coat, while thinking of the irony of the situation. Now that he had it he hadn’t needed it except on the ride over.   He hoped that today was just unseasonably warm, and not the beginning of an Indian summer. 

“Ready to go Gal?  I know I am.  How would you like a nice swift ride home?  We both could use the exercise, working in the barn is confining.”  He slapped her flank and away they tore, moving in unison, both thrilling to the feel of the wind against their faces.  He loved a fast gallop on a good horse, better than almost anything on earth.  Fully enjoying himself, as Gal raced the wind, he was stunned, when moments later, he was sailing through the air watching as the hard ground rose to meet him.  Landing with a resounding THUD, he looked toward Gal, wondering what had startled her.  He hadn’t seen any reason for her to just stop cold.  Picking himself up and wiping his hand across his forehead, he gathered his hat, dusted it off and returned it to his head.  As he moved nearer Gal, he noticed she was favoring her left rear leg.  As he calmed her, and he was beginning to think that all he did was calm horses, he bent to examine her hurt leg.  Bending her leg at the fetlock joint, he noticed that she had thrown a shoe, and was cut as well.  As he gently probed the cut he removed a few pieces of wood that had embedded themselves in her leg.  This led him to believe she had broken one of the many pieces of dry scrub that dotted the area, and had been cut by it in the process.  It was not uncommon, but once again he had a walk in front of him.  He also reckoned he would miss dinner again. 

“Let’s get going, Gal,” he said as they began the long walk home.  The return trip was slow going and it was well passed dinner by the time they arrived.  Heath took Gal into the stable, cleaned her wound, applied a poultice, and brushed her til she shown.  After feeding her and assuring himself she would be fine, he headed toward the house to explain his absence. 

As he passed the stalls of the other horses he heard a nicker coming from Charger’s stall. 

Smiling to himself, he said, “No Charger I haven’t forgotten you.  I have the sugar cube right here.”  As Heath gave Charger the treat, he carried especially for him, Charger leaned in to nuzzle Heath.  “I know boy, I know.  But you’re not my horse.  Wish you were.  Finest horse I’ve ever seen, you are.  Well it looks like for the next week anyway , we can be pals again.  I’m looking forward to it.  How about you?”  As if in answer, Charger pushed up against Heath’s chest and neighed softly.  With a final pat, he left closing the door on his horse and his dream companion. 

Opening the door he could hear quiet laughter from the parlor.   As he strode in he tossed his hat on the table, and headed in to say hello.   

Before he could get the words out. Nick exclaimed,”what happened to you?  You look beat.” 

Seeing everyone turn expectantly to hear his answer, he said “Gal threw a shoe, and cut her leg.  Had to walk her home.” 

“Well you’ll need a horse tomorrow, Nick said as he drew another card, take Dusty.”

“Nick, I was figuring on using Charger again.” 

“Charger, No.  Heath, he’s ornery.  Not ready to be working yet.” 

“Yep, he’s young, Nick, but I can handle him.” 

“You better listen to your brother, Nick, Jarrod said, his tone says he doesn’t intend to argue.” 

“No, Jarrod, he’ll ride Dusty”  Nick was silently still fuming over Heath and Colleen, and missing the auction.  He knew he was being as stubborn as Heath, but he wanted to win this one.  Heath would ride Dusty!  

  Unable to hide his disappointment, but to weary to continue the inevitable, back and forth disagreement, Heath mumbled, “Fine.  Whatever you say.  You’re the boss.  I’m heading to bed now.  Night.” 

After the chorus of goodnights were said, and Heath had climbed the stairs, Victoria requested a few minutes of Nick’s time.   Agreeing, he allowed her to proceed him into Jarrod’s study. 

“Nick, I’m not going to tell you what to do.  I wouldn’t expect you to listen to an ultimatum, but I would like you to think about something.”

 “It’s about Heath again, isn’t it?  Well I’ll tell you Mother, he just keeps coming out on top, everyone being all nice to him, making concessions: so he can make dinners, no mention of his missing church, raisin bread, well you name it, we do it for him.  I’m not going to do it any longer.  I run this ranch!  He will do as I say.” 

“Nick!  All I asked was that you hear me out.” 

“I’m listening.” 

“Short of what you feel the family is doing for Heath, how is he doing otherwise? In your opinion.” 

“He’s great.  Good with the hands, able to do the work of two men on any task given.  He has a way with horses that defies explanation, and he makes good decisions, usually.” Nick answered.  “Why?” 

“Sounds like he knows what he’s doing.” 

“Yes.” 

“Any backlash from anyone any longer?” Victoria, again, questioned Nick.

“Not often anymore, the hands respect him.  Why?” 

“Anywhere, Nick?” 

“Where are you going with this, Mother?” 

“Just answer.” 

“Not often, unless the hands from another ranch are drunk and mad, then they pick on him.” Nick answered. 

“So, as you see it he has no trouble fitting in anywhere any longer.” Victoria again pressed. 

“No?” but it was said as a question. 

“Nick, think back to high school.  You liked that girl.  What’s her name?” 

“Helga,” he answered. 

“Yes, that’s it.  Helga.  Now, I remember you spending days thinking of just the right words to ask her to the dance.  I couldn’t wait to see your face when you told me she said yes.  I always knew she would say yes.  Anyway, you came home, and I asked how it went and.....” 

“And I said I didn’t ask her.” Nick mumbled, hanging his head. 

“That’s right, and when I asked for an explanation, you replied that your friends thought she was strange.  No one wore their hair like that and her dresses were odd.  You said you didn’t want to have your friends laugh at you.  You needed to be accepted.  You were Nick Barkley. They all looked up to you, and still you were insecure.” 

“Well, I .......” 

‘Nick, confidentially, Heath still isn’t often accepted, at least not in all circles, only tolerated due to our name.  How would you feel if you were him.  You knew you weren’t accepted, and had to face a family member that you respect,.... and let me tell you Nick, that boy loves and respects you fiercely,....always ordered you around, and never listened to what you said or accepted your thoughts with out a battle?”   “Night Nick, she said kissing him on the cheek, and leaving the room, and him alone with his thoughts. 

Nick spent a restless night, and awoke feeling out of sorts.  Heath never really said anything, never complained, they got on well.  Was he really that wrong in insisting that Heath do things his way?  It was his ranch to run. Did his Mother mean everything, or just the horse issue.  Why was she involved?  She never gave him advice anymore, well rarely ever.  As these thoughts went round and round, he decided that a ride on Coco, might help him sort out his feelings.  As he reached the barn, he slipped inside the partly open door, and once again stopped.  Heath was inside saddling Dusty, while talking to Charger. 

“Well boy, I guess I was wrong last night.  It’ll be me and Dusty this week.”  As he moved the now saddled Dusty out of her stall he fed Charger a sugar cube.   

Nick watched as Charger gently took the cube then pushed his head against Heath.  This wasn’t the feisty young male he rode occasionally.  Charger was patient, and looked intelligent as he closely watched Heath’s movements.  As Heath walked on past, Charger butted the stall door.  Heath dropped Dusty’s lead, and moved back over to the stallion.  As Heath approached, Charger quieted. 

“Now Charger, Heaths voice, while soothing, sounded sad, I know I told you last night it would be us, like it was the last time Gal was hurt, but things change.  It’s just not my decision.   You stay calm, hear.  They’ll be in later to work you.  Probably Steve, just not me.  Now I gotta git or Nick’ll have my hide.”   

 As he turned to gather Dusty’s reins again, Nick slipped unnoticed, out of the barn.  Taking a deep breath, Nick pushed through the door saying “You here, Heath?” 

“Yep, Nick.  Just leaving to ride the fence line.” 

“Hold up a minute.  I think you saddled the wrong horse .” 

“Nick, maybe you better get your eyes checked.  This is Dusty,” Heath answered, shaking his head. 

“Yes it is Heath, but I gave it a lot of thought last night.  Take Charger and get to work.” 

The smile lighting Heath’s face as he quickly led Dusty back to her stall, and unsaddled her told Nick all he needed to know.  God, but Heath could put him through an emotional wringer, but it was worth it.  Life was easier before he got here, but having Heath more than made up for the new headaches, his presence sometimes caused. 

“Hey Heath, let me saddle Coco, and lets work on the fences together.” 

“I’d enjoy the company,” was the prompt reply. 

As they worked, they talked through the next month of chores, made decisions, both large and small, while keeping up a friendly banter. *He reveals so little* Nick thought when Heath surprised him by saying, “Nick, about these birthdays you guys have, well what’s planned for yours?” 

“What?” 

“I mean, do you have a large party like Mother’s?  Does everyone dress all fancy?  I really don’t know what to expect.”  It had been hard but Heath had finally asked.

“That’s right.  How could you.  Let’s see, Mother’s is always the same.  A huge affair, each year being bigger than the last.  Audra, almost always, has a party with fancy dresses, and us in suits, and dancing.....but you were here for that.....  Wait, her’s was just before you came.  So was Jarrod’s.  Mine is next then.  Let’s see.  Sometimes we go camping over my birthday, to break it up from Thanksgiving.  I’ve had a party, but it didn’t seem right.  This year I intend to play pool with my brothers while the ladies cheer me on to victory.  Dinner will include steak, potatoes, gravy, bread, mushrooms, and chocolate cake for dessert.  Of course, gifts are in the morning, as is usual for all of us.” 

“Boy howdy, that sounds fine.  Real fine.” Heath said, feeling very relieved.  He could play pool, eat a steak, and he had a gift.  No big surprises.  No surprises suited him just fine. 

“Heath, what are you getting me?’ Nick asked. 

“Don’t rightly know,” came the quick reply.  “You need socks?” 

Laughing in unison, they finished for the day, and returned home in good spirits.  This routine continued for the next couple of weeks.  Nick often worked with Heath, as they continued to prepare the ranch for the rains to come.  Both were concerned.  The rains were late already.  That often led to complications.  Heath spent his spare time at George and Edna’s, putting the finishing touches on the gifts,, and occasionally helping around the place, much to Edna’s dismay.  He also took the scraps of lumber and added a gift for Colleen and George and Edna as well.  On Saturdays he saw Colleen. 

Three days before Nick’s birthday, the rains began.  The sky darkened at first, and showers came, one after another, with only minute breaks in between.  By mid afternoon you couldn’t distinguish between daylight and night.  The men spent even more time ensuring that everything was battened down.  They returned home each night, drenched, shivering, and exhausted. 

“Boy Nick, I can sure see why you don’t have any parties.” Heath commented at dinner the night before Nick’s birthday.  He wasn’t looking forward to going back out that night, but he had to bring the stallion to the stable before Nick woke up the next morning. 

“Yes, Jarrod said, the one time we tried a party all the fancy dresses looked like spotted sackcloth, before the ladies made it inside the front door.  I think my job was to soothe all the ruffled feathers, of each lady present.  He then went into a monologue of his night: Yes Cathy, your curls look fine, even wet.  Nick will be entranced.  Jennifer, your skirt still twirls just fine, I’m sure Nick will not mind them being wet when you dance.  Denise, don’t worry.  Your shoes are not to wet to dance on our carpets.  I don’t think Nick will mind damp feet.  Pam, you look fine.  Don’t concern yourself with the rain.  Come and dance with me!  It just went on and on and on.  As Jarrod observed the heaving shoulders of his family members, as they listened to his diatribe, he felt glad to have been able to inject some humor into the gloom that was surrounding Nick’s birthday. 

The rains had been vicious, and despite everyone’s best efforts, rivers, lakes, and streams were rising at an alarming rate.  He knew Nick, Heath, and the ranch hands had been standing in knee high water for at least two days, piling on extra sand bags.  There was nothing more to be done.  So far their ranch was fine, but the Willit’s , to the North, were buried under a foot of mud, when one of their levees broke that was to contain the rising Mokelumne river.  Their levees were holding, but the strain was felt, as they worked feverishly, to repair holes.  When Victoria had heard of the Willit’s disaster, she had wanted to help, and was frustrated when she was told she couldn’t get to their ranch by buggy or horse, due to the flooding.  Jarrod figured he’d arrange a loan.  It would help them get started again and decided to bring it up. Maybe if the felt that they could help in some way, everyone’s spirits would lift. 

“Mother, Nick, all, I was toying with the idea of approaching Zeke Willit with a loan offer, to tide them over, and get them back on their feet for next year.  What do you think?” 

“Jarrod. Victoria answered, that’s a lovely idea, and one I was about to bring up myself.” 

“Agreed,” Nick added. 

As Jarrod said “Fine it’s settled.” Nick looked at his Mother and said, “No it’s not Jarrod.  We haven’t heard from Heath or Audra.” 

At this pronouncement Audra got up and hugged Nick, saying, “I never thought anyone would want to hear what I thought, but yes, you should loan them the money.  Maybe even give them a steer or two, to start over with. I heard they lost their entire herd as well.” 

As Heath added, “Sounds very neighborly.”  Nick saw his Mother smile at him.  The smile that said, I’m proud of you son. 

“Well, it’s officially settled.  I’ll go by later this week,” Jarrod amended, still smarting over forgetting to wait for his youngest siblings to answer.  Wanting to redeem himself, he added, “Heath, pool after dinner?” 

“Uh, no Jarrod.  Looking outside I figure I’ll be just as cold and wet as I was today.  Nick’s birthday or not, we will have work to do.  I’m heading to bed.” 

“Smart plan.  I think I’ll turn in too,” Nick said. 

“But who will play cards with me?” Audra pouted. 

“Audra, don’t try to make your brothers feel guilty.  They will get ill being out in this weather without proper rest and food, Victoria admonished.  You can sit here and work on your cross stitch with me.” 

Nick chuckled, as he heard Audra sigh, “Alright,” as though the world was going to end. 

“Don’t forget Nick’s birthday begins with breakfast at seven a.m.  You boys can start work after that,” she called to their retreating backs. 

Nick promptly fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of his birthday, as he loved birthdays as much as the rest of his family.  Heath on the other hand, read to keep himself awake.  He finally heard Audra and Victoria’s doors close at about ten o’clock, and Jarrod’s by eleven.  Giving them another half hour to ensure they were asleep, he dressed warmly and quietly crept out of the house.  Opening the door, which he had oiled two days ago to prevent the loud creaking, he slipped into the stable.   

He stopped to briefly pet Charger, then moved on down to saddle Gal, and said “I know.  This isn’t fair to you girl, but we have no choice.  I gotta get Nick’s present here and I need your help.”  Taking an extra length of rope, he led Gal into the cold night air and driving rain.  “I’ll be ready for bed before the night is through, girl, but if I see the inside of my room before sunrise I’ll be lucky. Come on.  Let’s go,.” 

The usual forty five minute ride took over an hour and a half, as they picked their way through, mud, water, and rain, which often made visibility impossible.  It didn’t help that there was virtually no moon and the lantern didn’t want to stay lit. 

“Not a fit night to be out, is it Gal?  Just a little farther.” he said into his rain slicker and pulled up coat collar.  As he reached the line shack’s coral, he saw the standing puddles.  They had been there yesterday when he had come by to check on and work briefly with the stallion, but they were much deeper.  The stallion was huddled over near the left side of the coral, under the lone tree that grew near it.  Heath doubted that the horse was any less wet then if he had stood in the middle of the corrall, but the mud and puddles weren’t as bad over there, so the tree was helping some. 

“Ok Gal, now I get real wet,” he said, sliding off her back.  He looped her lead over the fence post and began speaking softly to the stallion.  Moving through the solid mud that lined the bottom of the coral was hard work.  He was coated with mud to his knees, by the time he was within touching distance of the stallion.  As he approached, the stallion, who was not enjoying the rain at all, moved near the man he was coming to trust, as if to say, why are you here so late, and get me out of this weather. 

Placing the lead on the horse, Heath gingerly led him around the perimeter of the coral, to the open gate across the paddock, knowing if the horse took one false move he could ruin a leg permanently He was not about to shoot Nick’s present when he was within four hours of giving it to him.  After seeing him safely outside, Heath mounted Gal, and the trio, wet, cold, and muddy, slowly began the walk home.  This was the first time the stallion had been outside the coral since capture, and the night was not conducive to reassurances, so Heath kept up a steady stream of soft talk, telling the stallion all about Nick, the fine stall it had, and how nice it would be after they got there and he was all cleaned up.  The talk was as much for Heath as it was for the horses.  A voice, even his own, was reassuring. 

After what seemed like days, but had only been hours, Heath could see the shape of the ranch house and outlying buildings, including their destination, the stable.  Checking that he saw no lights on in the house, he led both tired horses inside.  As he closed the door behind them he was overwhelmed by the sudden heat he was enveloped in.   He led the stallion to an empty stall near the back.  It had no other horses near, so the stallion would be less likely to be frightened. Next he led Gal to her stall.   

As he unsaddled Gal, he said, “Tonight girl you're second.  If I could get this wet coat off to check my watch I could be sure, but I reckon it’s about four thirty in the morning and I gotta get Nick’s present ready. You and I will have to wait.” 

Heath took his time.  First rinsing off the black stallion, making sure all the mud was removed from his coat.  He then curried him til he shown.  The once rain soaked, mud splattered mane was a beautiful sight, and the dim black coat seemed once again to glow with vitality.  The horse was as ready as Heath could get him.  Bedding him down for the next hour, Heath chuckled with “Doubt that will do any real good, but you can get used to it being regular and dry.  See you soon fella.  Now I gotta take care of Gal.  He once again repeated the entire process then removed his own mud soaked boots, and quietly headed inside to clean himself up, as the sun rose. 

Although he wanted a full bath, he decided to hurriedly rinse off, figuring the bath water might wake someone.  All he really wanted was bed anyway.  He was tired.  His throat was sore from talking to the horses nonstop, and he ached from keeping both horses under control the entire trip.  As he lay down, he figured he’d get a good hour of sleep before Audra came and roused him. He was out as soon as his head hit the pillow.   

In his exhausted state it seemed like he’d been asleep about five minutes, before he heard Audra  calling “Heath, rise and shine.  Get dressed.  Nick’s birthday breakfast is in about twenty minutes.” 

Dragging himself from beneath the warm covers, he padded over to his closet, grabbed the closet items of clothing, and shrugged into the shirt and pants.  Ready for his boots, he realized they were still in the stable, so he put on his socks and headed groggily downstairs, feeling his muscles protest at every step.  It took all his will power not to turn around and return to bed. 

Jarrod’s “Good Morning Heath!  Ready for the big day?” followed by a pat to his back, made him cringe.  Jarrod’s voice seemed awfully loud. 

“Morning,” he mumbled as he took his seat at the table. 

As the choruses of good wishes and happy birthdays continued, he felt his lethargy lift and he also joined in wishing Nick a happy birthday.  Heath didn’t think Nick’s grin could get any bigger, but he was proved wrong as Silas presented a breakfast fit for the king of Sheba.  There was steak, eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, pancakes with Canadian maple syrup, french toast with powdered sugar, corned beef hash, milk, and hot coffee.  With every bite Nick took, Heath felt his appetite diminish.  He got a strong cup of coffee, and thought *Why can’t there be raisin bread?*  

As Nick put away a breakfast that had the entire family staring at him in amazement, Victoria decided to begin the festivities.  She really hated to think of Nick having to work on his birthday, of all days, but some things couldn’t be helped.  Well they would have gifts in the morning, and by dinner, a cake to top all cakes would be ready.  She and Audra had it all planned. 

“Nick, I think it’s about time for you to open your gifts.” 

“Oh yes, Mother, who’s do you want to be first, Nick?” Audra enthused. 

“Let me see.  I’ll take Mother’s.  Hers are predictable, she almost always gives me clothes.  Right Mother?” he smiled. 

As she handed him her two  packages, she smiled thinking, I hope he likes the clothes this year. 

“Well what do you know. Clothes!” Nick said holding up five new shirts, in blue, cream, and white, a new vest, four pairs of pants, and a new pair of leather work gloves.  Her second box contained a new hand gun, imported from England, and detailed by a local silversmith that Nick admired.  It was perfectly balanced.  He could tell as he hefted it .

“Boy howdy, doesn’t that look fine, brother Nick.” Heath commented. 

“Thank you mother.   These were sorely needed, and I was holding out until today, hoping you would have picked out some clothes for me.  As to the gun, what can I say,” he added, moving to kiss her cheek. 

“You’re welcome, Nick,” she beamed.  He always got so wrapped up in the gifts, that she enjoyed buying for him.  She was unaware that to the rest of the family she and Nick were very much alike. 

“Heath, your next.” Nick stated. 

Heath replied, “I think mine will have to be last, Nick.” 

“Oh how mysterious, Audra said, what is it Heath?  Seeing his eyes twinkle but his lips close she added “Well I’ll just wait along with everybody else, unless you’ll agree to give your favorite sister a hint.”  As there was no response, she added, “Okay, I’ll wait.” 

“Well then, Jarrod, its yours next, since I can’t take any more of Audra’s prattle.” Nick said, smiling at his sister. 

“Oh you, she flashed angrily, just for that here’s mine,” and she also handed him two packages. 

“Two, thanks sis,” he replied, taking her beautifully wrapped packages, and in an exact opposite to his mother, destroyed the wrapping in a single swipe of his hand.  Opening the lid of the first one, he found lovely hand embroidered handkerchiefs.  Hastily laying them aside, he reached for the second gift, just like a greedy boy asking for his third slice of pie.  He was thrilled to find a woven tackle box, and new fishing gear. 

“Oh Audra, thank you.  I almost forgot I lost my fishing gear on that trip last year.  I sure hope that whopper is happy pulling around my rod.  Maybe now I can try for him again.” 

“Okay Heath, since you claim last rights, I’m next,” Jarrod said, handing Nick a long rectangular box wrapped in blue.  This too was ripped open in a matter of seconds to reveal an imported German shotgun designed for accuracy and with a tag claiming that with just one shot it could take down a bear. 

Nick laughed saying, “I still think you would need to hit the bear in the head, Jarrod, and do they have bears in Germany?  This is wonderful, Jarrod.  How did you  know that I have wanted this to add to my collection of rifles? 

“Like I said at Mother’s birthday Nick, just a keen sense of knowing my families tastes exactly, dear brother.” 

Standing, Nick moved to kiss his sister, and hug Jarrod.  He then turned to Heath and said “Well, you’re the only one left.  Bet you can’t top these beauties?” 

He was wishing he had never followed Heath, and that he didn’t know about the horse, so he could be totally surprised, but he was still excited. Well at least as long as he didn’t think about Coco.  He thought Heath would need to be last, so by asking him early, he thought it would reaffirm that he had no idea what was coming.  The others were doing a good job as well.  They hadn’t let anything slip.  Preparing to put on his rain gear and make the trek to the line shack he was surprised by Heath’s next comment. 

“You will all have to come outside to the front porch in five minutes.  I wish the rain had let up, but it hasn’t so just wait under cover. Okay?” and he rose and left the house. 

As he led the stallion out of his stall, he began once again crooning softly to him.  “Today you’ll meet Nick, fella.  Come on with me.  I know you don’t want to get in this rain again, and neither do I.  At least it isn’t raining as steady as last night.  Must be the drizzle before those dark clouds over yonder hit us again around noon.  By then you’ll be dry and I’ll be wet again.” He led the horse to the main entrance of the house and held the reins, waiting for the family to appear.   As he waited he watched men coming out of the woodwork, like ants to a picnic, all staring at the magnificent stallion.  “Well they like you boy, but it’s Nick you gotta impress.” 

Just then the door opened and despite knowing Heath had been working on breaking a horse for Nick, nobody was prepared for the magnificence that greeted them.  Even Nick had only seen the horse from a distance.  Standing there, their mouths agape, Heath said, “Well Nick, come on over.  He’s all yours.” 

Although he had been prepared, Nick found he didn’t have the words to express his feelings.  As he moved toward the horse, to let it begin to get familiar with him, he noted the glistening black coat, the lightning white mane and tail, the white socks, and perfect blaze.  The stallion stood a good seventeen hands high, and was perfectly proportional.  He had a powerful chest, straight back, long legs, and more importantly a keen intelligence peered at him through the luminous black eyes.  The horse was truly splendid. 

The ranch hands were talking, the family was talking, Heath was talking, and Nick just stood there, completely stunned.  As he continued to allow the horse to become familiar with him, he began to allow Heath’s voice break through.  As he tried to focus on his words, he finally heard, “You’ll have to name him, and he’s been gentle broke and is saddle ready, but no more.  I thought you should be the one to put him through his paces.” 

“Heath, I don’t know what to say.” 

Smiling tiredly, Heath said, “Say you like him, and if you want me to lead him back to the stable or would you like to do it.?” 

He responded, “I like him Heath.   I want to hear all about how you managed this.  He’s the stallion from the ridge, isn’t he?  I’ll take him to the stable, then be right back.” 

As Nick took the horse, their eyes met briefly and Heath thought that maybe Nick’s were a little brighter than usual.  Feeling pleased, he watched Nick lead his new horse to the barn, and as he stood in the rain watching he overheard Victoria complain that she wished Nick didn’t have to work on his birthday.  Knowing that he would do anything to make her happy and give Nick a perfect birthday, he moved to talk to Jarrod. 

“How about you and I do Nick’s work today.  That way he can clean his new guns, try on clothes, tell fishing tales, and just relax.  He’s been working so hard Jarrod, he could use the break.” 

“Right you are Heath.  Any indoor jobs need doing?” Jarrod joked. 

“Nice try.  I expect you and I will be standing in about one to two feet of water all day.  How does that sound?” he said with a yawn. 

As Jarrod and Heath began making plans for their day, Audra caught Heath’s second yawn of the morning, and hurriedly spoke to her mother. 

Nick entered the front door and began again to thank everyone for his gifts when they all heard Victoria state with a finality that no one was going to argue with, that she refused to have any of her son’s working in the rain today.  They could work twice as fast and hard tomorrow, if needed, but today they would all relax. 

“Mother, Nick said, we can’t do that.  The sand bagging must be kept up.  I don’t want to lose Shiller field, and that bend leaked yesterday, until we got it repaired.  I need to go check it again today.” 

“Nick, not today, and that’s final.  Have Harry coordinate the jobs, but you are all staying in.  Now, Audra and I are going to the kitchen to work.  Please do not disturb us.”

As they ladies left, Victoria said, “Thanks for catching that Audra, the rest of us missed it.  You and Heath are so in tune sometimes it amazes me, and then after a second she added, and other times not,” as she thought back to Colleen, Audra’s best friend, and the secret Colleen and Heath were keeping. 

“Wonder what that was about, Nick questioned as he made up the job list for the foreman.  We can’t afford to just sit.” 

“Well I for one am going to take her advice.  I think I’ll get back to bed,” Heath said as he wearily began climbing the stairs.  Nick had liked his gift.  He had done well.  He let these thoughts run through his head as he slipped under the covers and slept for an undisturbed eight hours. 

By one o’clock the cake was finished, complete with an entire ranch scene on top.  Audra laughed that no matter where Nick cut the cake, everyone would still be eating beef for dessert.  The cows were that plentiful. 

“Let’s go find the boys and play cards Mother.” Audra said. 

“Sounds fine.  I have some reading to do,” Victoria agreed.  They joined Nick and Jarrod in the family room where the two were playing pool.  Nick was losing.  

“Now Jarrod, It’s my birthday.  I’m supposed to win,” Nick grumbled. 

“Just be glad you’re not playing Heath,” Jarrod stated. 

“Speaking of your brother, where is he?” Victoria questioned. 

“Still upstairs, sleeping I guess.” Nick replied offhandedly. 

“Then I am glad that I refused to allow any of you to work today,” she replied. 

“Mother?” Jarrod and Nick questioned. 

As she laughed, she explained that while the rest of them were oblivious, Audra had noticed his yawns, and put together how much work it must have been to move the horse from the line shack to the ranch last night, and then also clean him up so well. 

“Hadn’t thought about all that,” Nick said as Jarrod nodded in agreement. 

“Now who will play cards with me?” Audra questioned each in turn. 

“You go ahead, Nick. I’ll just sit and watch,” Jarrod replied. 

As the day progressed the group reminisced about other birthdays, each relating their favorite gifts, favorite parties, and favorite ages.

“It has been a nice group of birthdays, hasn’t it Mother?” Audra said. 

“Yes, dear, we are all very fortunate,” she responded. 

As Heath made his way downstairs, Jarrod looked up, eyes wide, and hurriedly whispered, “When’s Heath’s?” 

Feeling much better, but still slightly sore, Heath entered the room to see four pairs of eyes trained on him. 

“Did I mis-button my shirt?” he joked in an attempt to take their focus off of him.  God, they were quiet and still staring at him.  What had he done? 

“Heath?” Victoria rose, and taking his hands she led him to a chair. 

 The thoughts rushed through his head. *I don’t know anybody I care about who might have died.  The rain has slowed considerably, I doubt we’ve lost an orchard yet.  They have proof that Tom isn’t my father.* and as his world began to go black, Victoria asked, “When’s your birthday?”  Drawing a deep relaxing breath, he was relieved as he thought so that was what they wanted. 

“May tenth. Why?” he replied. 

“You should have said something Heath, Audra cried, we didn’t know.” 

“It didn’t worry me none, don’t let it worry you.” but as he said this all four pairs of eyes watched him twist the button on his shirt sleeve continuously. 

“We’ll make it up to you. Audra exclaimed, rising and becoming more animated.  I can bake a cake............” 

“No!”  “This year is this year.  Next year is next.  I wasn’t concerned, don’t let it upset you We didn’t even celebrate birthdays, except for a walk.  Anyway it’s taken me a long time to get used to this much fal de rah, but I guess everyone celebrates differently. You do what you can, he muttered lost in memories of his early birthdays, while still twisting the button. 

To ease the tension, Nick said, “Pool Heath?” 

The entire family was amused by Heath’s response of, “Are you sure you want to get beat on your birthday?” 

Slapping Heath’s back and laughing, Nick said “It’s a Barkley law that you get to win on your birthday!” 

“Don’t believe him Heath,” Jarrod said conspiratorially.  I already won one.” 

As Nick moved to the pool table calling “I break,” he was astonished as Heath promptly beat him four games in a row. 

“I think that’s enough for now.  How long have you been holding back, boy.” 

“Just lucky today, big brother. Just lucky,” Heath grinned.  

Almost immediately, Silas announced that dinner was served.  Victoria offered Nick her arm, while Heath took Audra’s.  Jarrod followed behind anxious to see what his Mother had set up this year.  Each of them had something special done for them on their birthdays.  Audra, always had a fancy dress party, with a different theme.  This year it had been, the masquerade, and everyone invited had come masked.  At midnight you revealed who you were.  It truly had been fun, although he hadn’t admitted it.  He usually had a practical joke played on him, as his birthday was March 16th.  They carried on the leprechaun idea, to this day, and he had to look carefully and try to deduce what the trick was.  Usually he failed.  This year had been the same.  The trick, was that there wasn’t a trick.  Nick’s birthday usually had an outdoor theme.  Nick loved being outside, and this time of year was usually cooped up. So, Mother and Father, had decorated to turn the indoors into the outdoors for Nick.  Jarrod was anticipating what she and Audra  had done to the dining room this year. 

“Would you look at that,” Nick exclaimed, entering the dining room.  No one had been allowed in the room all day and Nick was very surprised to see what his Mother and sister had achieved.  Each year the decorations were spectacular, and wondering about them was always fun, but this year they had outdone themselves. 

Everyone was delighted when they looked at the transformation.  Not only had Silas set the table and provided Nick’s favorite meal, but the dining room had been turned into a full scale diorama, reminiscent of a camping trip.   

Blue was Nick’s favorite color, and it was in abundance  The ceiling had been draped in deep blue sheets, and covered with sewn on stars.  Jarrod could recognize his Mother’s and sister’s hand in the stitching.  Plants had been moved in to surround the table.  Another pale blue cloth was placed on the floor with wrinkles, that resembled waves. It was embroidered with fish.  Nick’s new fishing gear was set up to suggest that a fisherman was nearby, waiting for a good catch.  Sleeping bags, were rolled out on the floor, and a tent stood open on one side.   

As Nick, began to examine the room in depth, they heard a bird call. “Mother, don’t you think live birds is carrying the theme to far?” Nick said. 

“Nick, I didn’t bring in birds, live or caged.  I don’t understand where the bird came from.”  

As they were discussing the bird, they heard the call once more.  Then again, and again.  Each call sounding a bit different. 

“I don’t see any birds,” Audra said, looking under the tablecloth for them.

“Nor do I sis,” Nick added, looking at the tops of the curtains, to see if they were up there. 

“Well, there must be birds here somewhere, Audra stated still searching, I refuse to eat food in the dining room, if there are birds flying overhead.” 

Hearing the chirping again, Jarrod moved  toward the sound.  As the rest of his family frantically searched for the birds, Jarrod finally found what he was looking for.  He saw Heath and Silas making bird calls to each other from behind the potted trees.  Deciding to see how long the ruse could continue, he cupped his hands and added a loud whippoorwill call to the myriad of birds now filling their home. 

“Was that a whippoorwill?” Victoria asked, thoroughly confused.  

“Couldn’t have been, Mother, they don’t even live here,” Nick answered. 

As Jarrod began making  the call again, he noticed Silas leave the room and Heath move from behind the plant toward him.  As the Whippoorwill call left his lips, he felt his younger brothers hand on his sleeve, and heard him say, “Well look at what I found.  Your bird is a Ruby throated Lawyer.” 

“Jarrod, Nick exclaimed, as the entire family turned to look at him, that wasn’t funny.” 

“Boy howdy, it sure wasn’t, Heath added, a disgusted look on his face, but pure devilment in his eyes.  

“Now Heath,” Jarrod started, only to be interrupted by Victoria saying, "enough if this foolishness, Nick’s birthday dinner will be cold if we don’t eat soon.” 

Moving beside Heath, Jarrod said, “just wait,” and was shocked when he saw Heath stick his tongue out at him.  His brother must be coming out of his shell.  This was the second time he’d seen Heath pull a practical joke. 

Taking their places around the table, they said grace, then dug into the meal that was exactly what Nick had promised Heath it would be.  They had steak, potatoes, gravy, mushrooms, bread and Heath figured that since Nick had mentioned chocolate cake, that they would have it for dessert.  The table conversation was light, and centered around the decorations.  Nick remarked how pleased he was, since he never got to go camping on his birthday.  The weather, virtually never permitted it.  He also fondly spoke of the one year when he was fourteen, and they had gone camping.  Finally the meal was brought to an end, when Nick declared that he was done.  Again Victoria marveled at how much he could eat. 

Silas, who must have been waiting to see Nick lay aside his fork, poked his head around the corner and asked, “now Mrs. Barkley?” 

“Yes, Silas, she said rising, but I want to help with the presentation.”

 “May I as well, Mother?” Audra asked. 

“Of course, you get our special gift, and I will bring in the cake with Silas.” 

“Certainly,” and Audra too, left the table. 

“Special gift? Jarrod and Nick, said in unison, what do you think she means by that?” 

As Audra entered carrying a large, wrapped package, Silas and Victoria entered, rolling a huge cake toward Nick, borne on the enormous tea cart.  As they placed it in front of Nick, the family began singing:

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear Nicholas,

Happy birthday to you.

Their voices blending in harmony, from Audra’s perfect soprano, to the deep baritone of Jarrod’s voice, mixing with the high and low ends of the alto range that Heath and Victoria contributed, thus adding depth to the often heard words. 

Nick stood silently, accepting the tribute, while he gazed at the cake with wonder.  As the song ended, he quietly said, “Thank you.  I really don’t believe what I’m seeing.”  The cake he was staring at was a detailed relief map of the Barkley holdings, complete with: hills, valleys, a miniature house, corals, horses, timber, orchards, a mine entrance, gold dust (which he assumed was colored sugar), and cows.  An entire herd of cows!  The cattle that made running this ranch into his dream job.  Ranching was his life.  It was in his blood.  His mother and sister not only took him camping for his birthday but they gave him the ranch on a silver platter. 

“Magnificent,” Jarrod exclaimed. 

Noting that his brother was overwhelmed, Heath said, “Boy Howdy, but that would feed the entire valley.  Nick, when do we get some?” 

Picking up on Heath’s intentions, Audra added, “Yes Heath, I told Mother that no matter where Nick cuts the cake, we will still be having beef, even for dessert.” 

At that everyone laughed, and Nick said, “who wants what?,” as he picked up the knife to cut his cake.  As each person ate a good chunk of the Barkley ranch, Victoria handed Nick the last gift. 

“Mother?” Nick questioned. 

“No explanations, just open it.” 

As the paper once again fell in a heap to the floor, Nick pulled out a quilt, and opening it, was treated to a work of art, depicting scenes from his life on the ranch.  As emotion once again overwhelmed him, he found his birth date, embroidered over his bedroom on the house.  There was the date he got Coco, embroidered over a horse, the date of each land acquisition, and the dates went on and on, each bringing up loving memories of his life with his family. 

A whispered, “Mother, did you......” was interrupted by, “Yes, dear. I did. Now lets finish the cake and go play some birthday games.” 

The family enjoyed themselves well into the night, but finally it was time to retire.  Heath and Jarrod were the first to turn in, claiming that they both had busy days ahead of them.  Next went Victoria, which left Nick very frustrated.  He had wanted to speak with his mother, and now he would have to wait.  Waiting didn’t suit him! 

“Well Audra, guess I’ll turn in too,” he mentioned, as he moved to the stairs. 

“I’ll join you, wait up.” 

As they went upstairs, Audra put her hand on Nick’s shoulder, stopping his forward progress.   

“Happy Birthday, big brother,” she said. 

As he resumed his climb, he thought better of it, and turned to see her standing still, watching him.  As he looked at her, he found he could contain his question no longer. 

“Audra, why the gift at dinner?” 

Softly she uttered, “Nick, sometimes you forget that you are special to us.  It was to be for Christmas, but Mother and I thought you could use a reminder of how loved you are, right about now.”   

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she climbed the stairs to his side and tenderly kissed his cheek, as she looped an arm around his waist.  This gesture eased Nick greatly, as he released his anger.  Anger he hadn’t admitted to.  He hadn’t realized he felt he was losing his sister to his new brother.  It wasn’t so.  He had been distant for months, and had been becoming more so.  His mother and sister were bringing him home.  

 Arm in arm, the two turned and went back to the dining room.  Nick drew Audra down by the fake lake, and as he fingered her gifts, the two talked well into the night.  He learned a lot.  Things that he needed to know.  He was indebted to his sister for reminding him that he mattered.  Mattered as much as his blonde haired brother.  They not only had love, they had history.  No matter what they did for him, Heath would never share that.  It had taken a quilt, his sister, and a stallion in the stable, to show him that his family cared.  His entire family cared.  He might not have realized it before, but Heaths’ coming was a blessing, and after all the rough spots were smoothed out, they would all be richer for it.  He in some ways more than the others. 

 As the night drew to a close, they returned upstairs, arm in arm, and as Audra entered her room Nick heard, “I love you , big brother.  Never forget it again.  If you do get lost again there is a small heart on the quilt with an A beside it dated, Feb. 14, 1862. 

“I don’t remember Audra.  What is that date?” 

“It’s the day you beat up Gil and Nate, because they called me ugly and stupid.  You were then, and have always been my protector.” 

Blinking his eyes hard, he moved into his room and went to bed, the quilt held tight in one hand. 

Nick’s restful sleep was rudely interrupted, by Heath’s forceful knocks, followed by, “Out of bed, we’ve got work to do.  See you downstairs for breakfast.” 

Grumbling, Nick cleaned up and threw on his work clothes, knowing the next few weeks would be long.  Refusing to look outside and see even more rain, he decided to eat breakfast in peace, then greet the work day.  As he arrived at the table, he heard the conversation in full swing, Jarrod and  Victoria at opposite ends, speaking happily for all to hear. 

“Good morning, Nick, Jarrod greeted him. Have you looked outside yet this morning?” 

“No I was saving that pleasure til later,” he said, sarcastically. 

“Never fear, Nick.  The rains have let up.” 

“What!” he exclaimed, rushing to the window and peering outside.  Sure enough, although the clouds were dark, they weren’t ominous.  It looked like they might get a days reprieve before the rains began again. 

Smiling happily, he turned to Heath and said, “you know what this means, don’t you?” 

“Yep Nick.  I get to spend the day only standing in ankle high water.” 

“Hey, you’re right.  I just decided I’m going to leave you in charge, while I spend the day with my new horse, Lightning.” 

“Aptly named,” Jarrod said. 

 Heath thought, *I still prefer Thunder,* but before mentioning it, he changed his mind.  He had no hold on the horse, and Nick didn’t need the guilt.   

“Lightning, it is, he affirmed.  Tell me what you think of him when I get back tonight.”   

Grabbing his coat, he headed out to get the men back to the levees, to see what damage the torrential rains had caused.  It was a grueling task, and he had been right about the ankle high water.  When the days work was completed, he turned Gal around and headed to George’s. 

Having completed his gifts for Christmas, just before Nick’s birthday, Heath had no reason to return to George and Edna’s, however he was drawn back, almost on the same schedule as before.  He could tell that the cold weather was hard on George, even though he refused to admit it.  Edna too was worried, so Heath happily helped out when they would allow it.  He mended the house roof this time, since a water spot had appeared.   They also allowed him to chop some more of the firewood into manageable sizes that they could handle easily..  He spent one evening just moving firewood from the barn to the house.  He would often stay for a cup of coffee, and a leisurely chat before he returned home.  They learned about Nick’s birthday, enjoyed hearing about the stallions progress, and laughed at Audra’s attempts at making a perfect Beef Wellington.  Edna failed to mention that she also heard about these things from Victoria.  They had kept in close contact since meeting each other.   

As Heath headed home, his thoughts turned to the upcoming weeks.  It seemed to him like it would be a dreary few weeks, the only break being Thanksgiving, before the Christmas season was upon them. He was not looking forward to Christmas.  

The rains continued to fall on and off the entire time, keeping the ranchers hopping, but it did little to dampen the Thanksgiving spirit, as each gave thoughts to what they were thankful for.   

The ranch hands had the day off, and the ones who had no place to go, were treated to a full Thanksgiving feast, compliments of the Barkley family.  While Silas cooked his first Thanksgiving  meal of the day, the family continued the tradition of visiting good friends.  Audra and Jarrod were left at the ranch to receive guests, while Victoria, Nick, and Heath accompanied her on her rounds. 

 To the boys the rounds were tedious.  Nick and Heath sat quietly with Victoria, and endured  what they termed, useless prattle.  Finally, after their sixth stop of the morning, Victoria announced that the next stop was their last.  Laughing, as both boys cheered, she told Nick to head to Edna’s.  As Heath turned white with shock, Nick replied that he didn’t know where she lived.   Victoria directed him, explaining their place was nestled, just off the north side of their ranch, near the Black Diamond Hills. 

“You’d have thought I’d have noticed their house,” Nick stated. 

“You’ve never noticed it Nick? Heath said, I’ve seen it, but then again I spend more time working this end of the ranch, while you work the south side, where the cattle are.” 

“True Heath, true.  That must be it.” 

The next half hour loomed like a brick wall to Heath.  He needed to be able to sit there, and not give anything away, either in word or action, and his mother was very observant.  Also, while he hated lying, lying on Thanksgiving seemed criminal. 

As Nick pulled the buggy as close to the door as possible, Victoria dismounted and knocked, Heath by her side, and Nick rapidly approaching.   

Opening the door, Edna exclaimed, “Victoria, how lovely to see you.  These must be your boys, Nick and Heath, is it.  Pleased to meet you both.  Victoria has told me so much about you.  Come on in.  Make yourself comfortable.” 

Heath smiled as she led them to the small living room, talking a mile a minute.  As they all took seats, Victoria passed Edna a large basket, filled with preserves and canned vegetables that had been put up earlier that year, saying “Happy Thanksgiving.” 

“How very generous Victoria.  Would you enjoy some tea?  Nick, Heath, anything for you?” 

“No Ma’am,” Heath fairly spat. 

“Nothing for me either,” Nick politely replied. 

“Victoria, you then?” 

“Yes, thank you.  Tea sounds pleasant.”  And over a nice warm cup of tea the ladies talked. 

Heath didn’t say a word, just sat gratefully, that Edna never once let on that they knew each other.  He was going to make it home free and clear.   

As he relaxed, George entered, and seeing Heath said “Heath, what are you doing here I .......... 

“Uh, Mr., uh, George, I came with my mother,” Heath added quickly before George could finish his sentence. 

Victoria, engaged in close conversation with Edna, was unaware, but Nick sensed something was going on, and asked, “Heath, how do you know Mr. Temple?” 

“We met and spent a few minutes together at the auction Nick,” he hastily answered, while giving thanks that Nick had asked him and not George.  He might hate lying, but George was as good at lying as he was at carpentry.  Heath settled back and decided to stay silent the rest of the visit. 

As the visit wore on, Nick grew bored, and patience was not a virtue he enjoyed, so he decided to start a conversation with the only male that looked like he might speak. 

“George, what exactly does your farm produce?” Nick probed. 

George quickly replied, “Peach orchard. Almond orchard, corn and hay.  Edna grows vegetables for us.” 

“Place looks in good repair,” Nick tried again. 

“Yep,” came the monosyllabic answer. 

“You raise animals?” it was Nick’s last try, before he resigned himself to more silence. 

“I have a cow, a pig, a horse, and some chickens.  Why!?” George answered so brusquely that Nick knew the why, implied shut up! 

“Sounds interesting,” Nick replied, more to get in the last word than anything.  He was sure not another word would be uttered among the men.  He was almost correct.  As they took their leave, he noticed George lean over and speak briefly to Heath.  He noticed Heath’s lips twitch, but no matter how he pestered Heath on the way home, he could get no answer from his brother. 

Heath was still laughing inwardly, at George’s parting words.  He had said, “Didn’t I do good son.  I didn’t tell that boy nothing.  What a loudmouth.” 

While they were making calls, Jarrod and Audra were busy receiving callers as well.  From ten until noon, a steady stream of guests had entered their home. The tea pot had been refilled, the snacks consumed and replenished, and the door closed so many times that they were exhausted, and ready for some quiet time.  Thinking that they had just closed the door on their last caller, they were starting to straighten up, when they heard the distinctive sound of their door knocker once again.  Exchanging surprised glances, Jarrod headed to the door, and stopped when Silas reached it first.  Resuming his place beside Audra, he waited to see who was there. 

“Mrs. Mary McDougal and Colleen, Sir,” Silas intoned in his most masterful voice.   

As Jarrod welcomed them to the house and indicated chairs, Mary promptly took one, while Colleen embraced Audra, whispering in her ear, “Could I speak to you privately before we leave?” 

“I’ll find a way,” Audra whispered back. 

After a few minutes of pleasantries had passed, Audra said, “Mrs. McDougal, Jarrod, would you excuse Colleen and myself briefly?  I need some advice on a dress for church next week.” 

“Of course Audra, Jarrod said, I’d be happy to enjoy more of Mrs. McDougals company.” 

Mrs. McDougal also added her consent, and the two friends went quickly to Audra’s room, knowing they would only have about ten minutes, before they would have to return downstairs.  Closing the door Audra turned expectantly to Colleen, and said, “Okay, tell me.  Is it about a man?  Do you have a boyfriend?  Is he gorgeous?” 

“Audra,” Colleen’s tone stopped her fantasies, and caused her to refocus on her best friends face. 

“I’m sorry Colleen, you wanted to talk with me?” 

Colleen had given this conversation a lot of thought, and although apprehensive, felt she needed to speak her mind.  Could she do it and not let Audra know she cared deeply for Heath? 

“Yes, Audra, I want to talk to you about what happened at the festival.” 

“When?” Audra questioned. 

“I was there when your mother gave Heath that coat, and he didn’t seem real pleased.  Did you notice?” 

Finding this conversation odd, Audra answered, “yes, I’m sure he wanted to pick one out for himself.  Why?” 

“Well I thought about it a lot Audra, and I see Nick in town often, and of course Jarrod works there, but Heath is hardly ever there.” 

“Colleen, that’s why he didn’t have a coat!  He kept saying he had to get to town to buy one every time Mother asked him where his coat was.” 

“Maybe that’s it, Colleen said, but perhaps he didn’t understand how things work.  He doesn’t wear many new clothes compared to Nick and Jarrod.” 

“Well he works a lot, maybe he doesn’t care about how he looks, Audra replied, but I don’t see what it matters to you.” 

*Oh this was going badly* Colleen thought.  Audra was misunderstanding all her hints, and she couldn’t find a way to get it said without saying she thought that they had neglected to explain things to Heath about money. 

“Audra, I’m trying to say that maybe........... 

“Yes Jarrod, were coming, Audra yelled.  Sorry Colleen, your mother is ready to leave.  You can tell me later this week. Okay?” 

“Sure Audra,” she replied.  They both left Audra’s room feeling very confused and frustrated. 

After their guests left Jarrod asked, “Did you sort out your dress problem?” 

“There was no dress problem!” Audra snapped. 

“Then I must admit to being confused.  I seem to recall that you were going upstairs to ask Colleen for dress advice.” 

“Jarrod, she said exasperated, that was just to have time alone.” 

“Of course,” he smiled, and let it drop.

About ten minutes later Audra said “Jarrod?  Colleen was trying to tell me something, but I’m not sure what.  We’ve never had trouble talking before.  Why would she think I wanted to know about Heath’s coat?” 

“Heath’s coat.  Why don’t you start at the beginning.” 

“Well Jarrod, she said taking his hand and leading him to a chair, she asked if Heath seemed upset when Mother gave him the coat.  I said yes, he wanted to get his own, then she said that you and Nick were in town a lot but Heath wasn’t.  She also said that she had never seen him in much new clothes, like she did you and Nick.  I said he probably didn’t care about new clothes much and she said something that really confused me.  She said maybe he didn’t understand.  Understand what Jarrod?  That he would look better in a different color shirt. That girls would like him more if he had different clothes.  I’m just so confused.” 

“I must admit I’m stumped  as well.  Don’t let it concern you.  She will tell you later.” 

“Okay Jarrod, thanks.  Now lets get this place cleaned up.  Mother, Nick and Heath should be back any minute, and I can smell the turkey.  I bet dinner will be about two today.” 

As they cleared, the front door opened and the rest of the family entered.  They all talked about their respective visits, Nick stating, quite forcefully, that he was glad that they only did this three times each year.  It was all he could stand.  Heath joked, that watching Nick stay still for so long, was a treat for him.  Victoria left to check on Thanksgiving dinner and finally Silas announced that it was ready. 

The dining room was elegantly laid out, with fine china and crystal.  The turkey was perfectly presented on a large platter, surrounded by candied apples and brussel sprouts.  There were mounds of mashed potatoes, and gravy was almost overflowing the sides of the sterling gravy boat.  Dressing was in abundance, as well as fresh bread, and Victoria’s cranberry preserves.  Local Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine of the night, and the crystal goblets contained iced water.  Pumpkin pie was for dessert.    

Taking their places, Heath once again was overwhelmed by the bounty of food before him.  He knew the remains wouldn’t go to waste, but still seeing this much food at one time astounded him.  He kept thinking he would get used to it, but it seemed that the more he found placed in front of him, the less he ate.   

After the prayers were said, Heath picked up his fork, when Victoria raised her glass and began speaking.  Heath let his fork drop back to his napkin as she said, ”Today is Thanksgiving.  A day to celebrate all the riches we have in our lives.  I am asking each one of you to tell what you are thankful for today.  Nick, as you are on my right, please go first.” 

As Nick began, Jarrod’s gaze was focused on Heath.  Something was nagging at the back of his mind, but he couldn’t bring it to the forefront.   

Heath, too, was thinking.  He was trying to come up with something to say, but nothing fit.  This must be another tradition.  Well next year he would be ready, but what would he say this year.  He needed time to think.  Let’s see. He was thankful he wasn’t on Victoria’s right.  He was thankful to have a roof over his head, this year.  He was thankful to be dry.  Thankful they let him stay.  Thankful for George and Edna, thankful for Colleen, thankful Gal was okay, thankful he got to ride Charger last week, thankful for pumpkins, thankful for them, his family, but how did he say what he felt?  The thoughts kept coming but the words refused to do so.  He refused to blurt out something like, I’m thankful for gravy.  Good Lord where had that come from? 

“Happily Mother, Nick replied.  I am thankful that the rains stopped before destroying everything that so many have worked so hard for.” 

Jarrod continued, by adding, “In that vein brother, I am thankful that when tragedy has befallen those we know, that we have been fortunate enough to be able to aid them ourselves.” 

Next, Audra said, “I am thankful for the orphanage, for Father Joseph, and for all the children that they help.” 

All eyes next centered on Heath, and after a seconds hesitation, it hit him. It was the words to his mama’s prayer.  Offering his mama, a silent thank you for guiding him right now, he said, “I am thankful for the food that we are about to receive.” 

Victoria knew that of all the words spoken at the table, Heath’s were the most heartfelt.  She followed with, “I am thankful to have my family, healthy, and gathered around me as we celebrate.” 

Once again Jarrod saw Heath lift his fork, then set it back down, as Victoria requested that Jarrod do the honors of carving the turkey. 

“Certainly Mother,” he said.  Taking the stag handled carving set, he sharpened the knife and deftly carved the Thanksgiving turkey into thin slices of meat.  As he laid down the carving set, he saw Heath look at his fork, but refrain from reaching for it.  Finding it endearing, he said, “ Dinner is officially served,” and was rewarded with Heath’s grin as the fork this time stayed in his hand.  

 Everyone was thoughtful and quiet, as they gave thanks for their good fortune and the clank of cutlery could be heard as Nick’s voice, for once, wasn’t overshadowing it.  As their stomachs filled, and the wine bottle emptied, the conversation grew louder.   Finally Heath noted, that you could once again hear Nick and very little else.  He hadn’t been paying attention, but it sounded like Nick and Audra were talking about a Christmas dance, and he fully listened when Nick mentioned asking Virginia Wheeler to go with him. 

At that, he said, “Are you nuts.” 

To which Nick replied, “I may be, but I think I kind of like her.” 

As Audra brought up her friends and their likely partners, Colleen’s name was mentioned.  This led Jarrod to think back to the conversation with Audra, and as he did that nagging feeling grew.  How frustrating this was.  It was like this when he was working on a case, and the answer to freeing a client was visible but he still couldn’t grasp it.  When the answer finally did come to him, the relief he felt was palpable.  That was the feeling he had now.  A nagging feeling that something had been overlooked, but the harder he tried to pin it down, the further it retreated from his mind.  He worried his way through his dessert of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, barely tasting a bite. 

Nick refused a slice, and returned to his tirade against the orange beasts.  He and Heath traded banter, one extolling the virtues of the pumpkin, the other denigrating their existence. 

Jarrod looked at Nick. Nick looked fine.  He looked at Heath.  Heath looked fine. 

Think Jarrod...... his mind screamed.......think!   Maybe more wine would clarify the situation.  Pouring himself a last glass, he stared at the patterns it made on the white starched tablecloth.  They had used this tablecloth at every Thanksgiving he could remember. *Funny thing about traditions, you just take them for granted, and he pictured Heath picking up his fork and returning it.  What were his Thanksgivings like?  Did he celebrate any?  He hadn’t known what to expect tonight. How could he his mind screamed again.  No one explained to him what to expect.  How many times had this occurred.  Instantly he could picture at least five.  The first dinner Heath had with them, the table fully set, Easter, his mother’s birthday, the fourth of July, heck you would have thought that he had never seen fireworks before, and tonight.  They hadn’t told him what to expect, but he adapted well.  Nope this wasn’t it.  The angle was wrong, the feeling was still there, nagging him.  Well maybe it will come to me Jarrod decided, as Silas cleared the table. 

As the family left the Thanksgiving table, Heath said, “I need some exercise.  Think I’ll go for a ride.  See you later.”  He was out the door before anyone could protest. 

“He loves riding,” Audra smiled as she moved to the piano to play a few songs before there annual Thanksgiving game of charades began. “ I was hoping to be his partner, but I guess it’ll be you and I again this year, Nick.” 

As the family played charades, Heath rode.  He would have liked to have stayed home, if just to avoid the questions that would come when he returned, but the need to leave was stronger.  Riding over the now very familiar terrain, he tied Gal in front of George and Edna’s and went inside, with out even knocking. 

“Happy Thanksgiving,” he said as Edna jumped up to hug him.  He was getting used to it finally.  He shook George’s offered hand and sat at the table as they requested. 

“Can I get you something, Heath,” Edna fussed. 

“Actually we just ate, but if you have cornbread, I might have a slice.”  He asked for the cornbread because he knew they would be upset if he didn’t eat, and he could see the crumbs by George’s place, where Edna hadn’t finished cleaning yet.

“Here you go Heath.  So glad to see you,” Edna said, handing him a huge hunk of cornbread.  Doing his best to eat his way through the enormous piece, he allowed himself to relax.  He needed to spend Thanksgiving in both houses. 

“Well Heath, don’t just sit there and eat, tell me how I did this afternoon?” George said gruffly, trying to hide his concern that he might have caused Heath problems.  They all knew that Heath’s being with them was a secret he kept from his family. 

“You did great, George, Heath answered.  Nick pestered me the whole way home asking what you said to me as we left.  I told him that you said he talked a lot.”  With that they both laughed, and Edna sat back to enjoy the view. 

How she had wanted children.  She felt so fortunate that George had just accepted things and never sought to hold her accountable.  In Heath they had found their son.  George had already drawn up a will, leaving Heath their property, when they had both passed over, but it was a secret they would take to their graves.  Heath would be furious if he found out, and they didn’t want to face him.  She felt safer, and smiled at the image of Heath, yelling at their gravestones, his fists clenched, his face red, but too late to do anything about it.  Finally she began laughing as well, the image being to much to take. 

George and Heath stopped talking to look at her.  “Something funny?” Heath asked. 

“Yes, but you wouldn’t understand,” she giggled, knowing George would get a kick out of it later that night.  As her laughter subsided, George proposed a game of Hearts. 

“Sounds like a fine idea to me,” Heath said, and Edna agreed.  Three games later a fuming George, was bidding goodbye to a victorious Heath, as he decided he’d better get back home.  As George shut the door, he held onto Edna, trying to hold on to some of the warmth that seemed to have left when Heath did. 

On the ride home, he contrasted the two homes.  It was so easy at George and Edna’s.  There were no expectations to live up to, no glaring mistakes to be made, just easy comfort.  Somehow thought, the elegance was missing, and he was coming to enjoy that as well, since it was always done with love, not for show.  Remembering the first time he’d had raisin bread at home, they placed it on the sideboard on the very best silver platter they owned.  He had felt so honored.  Both ways felt good.  Both came from love.  He was lucky. 

Reaching the house he entered quietly, as he could hear riotous laughter coming from inside, and he just wanted to observe for a bit.  What he saw amazed him.  They were all gathered in the parlor, and Nick was standing in the center of the group.   

He listened as Audra said,”First word, little word. A? And? The?” 

As Nick pointed to his nose, Aurda said, “the , the” and at Nick’s nod she said, “Second word,” and Nick dropped to his knees on the floor.  As he crawled around wiggling his rear end, Audra, Victoria, and Jarrod all collapsed in a fit of laughter.  Heath was hard pressed not to join them but really wanted to see what would happen, so he pursed his lips and continued to view the strange goings on. 

Finally Audra choked out, “sheep?” 

Now Nick was shaking his head no, and his rear end moved in time to his head.  Once again she laughed uncontrollably.  “Nick, this isn’t helping.  Are you an animal?” 

“We can see that sis, but you can’t ask questions,” Jarrod ever practical managed to choke through his laughter. 

Now Nick was shaking his head yes to Audra’s question, and shaking his rear end, making him look like a love sick seal.  Audra couldn’t even get a word out, when Nick got disgusted and stood up.  He thought his dog was exceptional. 

“Audra, he snapped, think, try again!” 

This sent Victoria over the edge, as she grasped her sides in pain. 

“Now watch me closely,” he said, resuming his on all fours position and again shaking his rear end, this time getting the brilliant idea to pretend to chase his tail as Audra’s dogs did.  Crawling frantically in ever widening circles, he was gratified when Audra choked out “Dog?” 

Pointing once again to his nose, he heard Audra say “The dog______. Last word.” 

Staying on all fours he planted his rear on the floor the spitting image of a dog sitting up, then he stuck out his tongue and breathed loudly.  At just that minute, three things happened. 

Audra yelled “ Pants.  The dog pants!” 

Heath collapsed on the floor, grasping his sides and laughing uncontrollably. 

And Jarrod noticed Nick was wearing new pants, while Heath was wearing the same ones he always wore, and that they looked a little thin.  The nagging feeling stopped, as the light went on, only to be replaced by a feeling of enormous guilt. 

Heath didn’t understand their traditions.

Heath didn’t understand their methods.

Heath didn’t understand!

Heath didn’t understand that he could buy things.

Heath didn’t understand how they handled the finances.

Heath didn’t understand that he had money. 

His laughter instantly stopping, he gazed at his brother, laughing on the floor.  He had to take care of this issue immediately.  Heath needed to know, and know now.  How could they have overlooked this.  This was important!  He decided to briefly talk with his mother first, to see if she wanted it handled any special way, and to fill her in, but he assumed everyone had thought he’d already told Heath.  He was guilty of neglect.  He had never thought about the finances, just added Heath’s name to the list and done for him what he did for the others.  He had assumed Heath would know.  He should have known better.  Lawyers never assume they assure.  As self inflicted recriminations consumed him, he grew short tempered, and everyone called a halt to the evening, each deciding to do their own things. 

Victoria and Heath were reading, Audra was embroidering, and Nick was playing solitaire.  Jarrod was brooding. 

“Mother, may I see you in my office?” he snapped. 

Angry at her sons tone, Victoria glared at him, only to see what looked like grief on his face.  Allowing her anger to pass, she said, “Coming,” and rose to follow his quickly departing form.

As she entered, he shut the door behind her, and dropped into his chair. 

“Jarrod?” she questioned, concerned for her eldest son. 

“In a minute Mother, I need to get this right.” 

Allowing him the same silence she often gave Heath, she noted that he gripped the edges of his desk forcefully, but kept his head bent.  Knowing that he only did this when he was feeling guilty, she waited for him to speak. Guilt was hard for all her children.  Each tried to do the best they could.  Each felt compelled to live up to an unknown standard, and if they fell short they would hit themselves over the head forever, allowing it to eat away at them until they finally relented and talked it through.  Puzzled she could think of nothing that could have put Jarrod in such a state.

He had won his last four cases, he and Helen were seeing each other, he wasn’t angry with any family member, even the Willit’s loan had been handled gracefully and gladly accepted.  Patience, Victoria, she thought, patience.  Finally he was talking. 

“Mother, I’ve hurt Heath, Served him a terrible injustice.”  His dramatic tone lent emphasis to his words and brought his guilt to life. 

“I don’t understand,” was all she added. 

“I never explained to him that he had money.  Nine months Mother, nine months.  How do you make that up to him?” 

“Jarrod, I’m sure he  knows, she began, then sat down hard, remembering the coat and his extra embarrassment.  He hand covering her mouth, she exclaimed, “Oh, Jarrod, then after taking a moment to compose herself she added, I’d just assumed........... 

“That I’d taken care of it.  Yes I know Mother.  I know.” he interrupted, the self loathing evident.

“No, Jarrod, I’d just assumed he’d know.  Why would you be any different.  Nobody has known or they would have said something.  We must fix this now, but Jarrod, feeling guilty for an honest oversight won’t help.  There have been so many changes and upheavals, that some things are bound to slip through the cracks.  How did you figure it out?” 

“I feel even worse about that.  I didn’t figure it out first, Colleen did.  She tried to tell Audra today, but they left before she could finish.” 

When Jarrod left to get Heath, Victoria offered up a prayer of thanks that Colleen was looking out for her son as well. 

As they both entered, Victoria thought, somewhat humorously, that both looked like they were going in front of a firing squad.  Her unintentional, short burst of laughter helped ease the tension in the room. 

Jarrod motioned Heath to a chair, and took a seat behind his desk.  This time Heath chose to remain standing as the fear assailed him once again.  This was it!  Attempting to quiet the demons, and trust, he gazed at the floor as Jarrod began speaking, in what Heath termed lawyer lingo.  Detached and factual, feeling nothing.  That was the voice he was using.  

 As the fear built, and the band once again began constricting Heath’s soul Jarrod said “Heath, I’ve been very neglectful, and I intend to remedy that situation right now.” 

That didn’t sound like what he expected a leave immediately bastard speech should sound like.  Paying closer attention, he brought his eyes up, and looked at both Victoria and Jarrod.. 

Jarrod continued to say, “I neglected to tell you how the finances worked.  I keep an account for each of the family members, and make regular deposits for everyone based on the ranches profits for the quarter.  The money is yours when ever you need it.  Also for casual purchases, like clothes, work gear, books, etc., we operate on credit in Stockton.  You pick out what you need, and then sign your name to the tab.  These are sent to me monthly and I pay them out of a household fund.  If you will come around here, I’ll show you your account balance, and give you your bank number.” 

Heath turned to Victoria and saw her nod, so he did as instructed.  What Jarrod showed him, left him breathless.  He had never seen a number that big in his entire life applied to him.  Not even the number on his Carterson prison shirt was that big. 

“Are you telling me that this is mine,” he said shocked. 

“Yes, I’m sorry.  I didn’t  realize that you weren’t aware sooner.” 

“I can’t accept this,” he stated flatly. 

“It’s not a matter of accepting it, Victoria spoke, its yours.  Yours for all the work you do, yours for your share of the ranch, yours for being a Barkley.” 

“It’s too much.  I don’t deserve this.  If you insist maybe you could just pay me a cow hands wages.” 

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Heath.” Victoria said. 

“Never,” Jarrod added.  Heath you’re a Barkley.  You share in the good and the bad.” 

“I thought I was the bad.” he stated. 

“Heath, Victoria spoke sharply, I never want to hear anything like that out of you again.   Do you understand?  You’re a wonderful part of this family.  I’ve always tried to show you that,” she said placing her hands on his tense shoulders. 

Sitting down, Heath said, “this will take some getting used to.  Don’t expect any big bills from me Jarrod, an occasional shirt maybe. Nothing much.” 

“You don’t need to justify your expenses.  We trust you as each of us trusts each other.  We expect you to trust us as well.” 

He hated the word trust.  It was so hard!  Heath just sat there looking stunned, and shaking his head when Victoria said, “Heath, how did you buy that new saddle?” 

Caught off guard he responded, “Working for George and Edna.” 

“WHAT! thundered Nick, who had been shamelessly eavesdropping through the open patio doors.  Nobody can work as hard as you do, and work somewhere else as well.” 

“Heath, no, Victoria said, you’ll kill yourself.” 

Jarrod just let his head drop further.  He had caused his brother to take an extra job just to get by. 

“Did they pay you anything boy, anything near what your worth?”. Nick yelled again. 

Thinking of the wages, the good feeling of being able to buy his brother the beers, their companionship, and the lumber and extras he had asked for, he felt he had been well paid, so he nodded yes. 

“Good Lord, how did this happen?” Nick yelled. 

“Lower your voice Nick,” she snapped back, her fear for Heath’s health adding to her distress.  All those weeks that he had been cold and without a coat, making excuses.  Even the orphans had coats.  Why hadn’t he asked them for money.  It was moments like these that drove her to distraction with her new son.  She hadn’t shared his life until the past nine months.  She had to guess what it had been like from bits and pieces he had said.  Even her trip to Strawberry, while solving her problem, hadn’t explained much about Heath.  He had been poor, of that she was sure.  His reaction here would tell anyone that.  His pride was a strong as any Barkleys, perhaps stronger.  He wouldn’t ask for anything that he couldn’t provide, that wasn’t his.  None of her children could.  But to go to work at Edna’s.  To lie to them for a few dollars.  She was as angry with him as she was with Jarrod. 

“Heath, how could you work for someone else?” she questioned. 

“Well you’ve seen George try to build that stage at the auction,” Heath laughed, and she joined him.  If anyone needed help it was George, and they had a good worker in Heath.  She would need to speak to them.    

Then another thought hit her.  “Heath, where did you ride tonight?” 

Twisting his button he said, ”just around.” 

“Heath, look at me and answer.” 

“Yes Ma’am,” he answered. 

Victoria was unaware but Edna would have known that Heath was on the spot, just from the ma’am.  “I’ll repeat the question. Where did you ride tonight?”  All eyes were on him again. 

“Over to George and Edna’s ma’am,” he responded quietly. 

 “I hope you had a nice time.  How were they?” 

“Fine.” 

She needed to talk to Edna sooner than she thought.  Tomorrow would be the earliest she could go and Heath would go with her.  She wasn’t about to lose this son, to another mother figure.  Now what was Nick saying, she thought. 

“I expect you to work here full time,” Nick said. 

“And I can’t wait to have you around for more dinners.” Victoria added. 

“Yes Heath, the controlled lawyer voice spoke.  As we have said before, we’ve missed you.  I realize why you were gone, and that I caused it, but you no longer need to work double jobs.” Jarrod finished. 

Silence reigned as everyone once again drifted to their own thoughts. 

Finally Nick broke the silence with, “Pool, Heath, I’ll let you win a game before we turn in.”

“Sure” Heath responded, following Nick from Jarrod’s office to the pol room.  Seeing his mother follow them out, he said, “Nick you rack them.  I’ll be right there.”  He turned and went back into the office. 

For the first time since coming there, he was able to offer comfort.  Touching Jarrod’s shoulder, he said “ I could have asked for money anytime, if I wasn’t so stubborn.  Don’t blame yourself.  This is a family, you keep telling me.  Things work two ways.  Come in and play pool with us.  We can both beat Nick.” 

Smiling Jarrod allowed Heath to talk him out of his dark mood.  He knew he would feel guilty for weeks, but Heath had started him on the road to healing. 

As the game of pool commenced Heath quickly let his mind drift back over the conversation, and figured out that they were right.  He no longer needed to work the double jobs, and he no longer needed to lie, but he could still help out his friends.  Realizing he would sleep well this night, he quit the pool game, and turned in early. His body once again ached from the tension, and he wanted a hot bath, and a warm bed. 

Victoria's first priority the next morning was to see George and Edna, and explain that Heath would no longer be working for them, as he had explained to his family the entire situation, and it had been remedied.  She explained this to the family over breakfast, and was prepared to ride immediately after.  She expected Heath to be pleased, so she was surprised when she met with resistance in the form of Heath, bodily blocking the front door. 

“I won’t have you telling them that I’m not working for them.” 

“Heath, we’ve been over this enough, you don’t need the job.” Victoria stated.  As she listened to his next words, she felt her heart sink. 

“I agree, but I do need George and Edna, and they need my help. I will no longer get paid, or work as often, but I refuse to let down those two people who have given me so much.” 

“We need you here.   You’re not working there, and that’s final.” Nick said, rehashing the entire conversation from last night. 

“NO!” Heath adamantly refused to be swayed. 

“Heath!” Nick took a menacing step toward him. 

“Stop this immediately, have you forgotten you still owe me for one vase, Nick Barkley?” 

As he stood there defiantly, Heath tried to find a way to explain his feelings.  He hated feelings sometimes.  He needed George and Edna in his life.  They were there when he was overwhelmed. He would be there for them always.  Simple thoughts, impossible to express to four of the people he loved more than anything in the world.  He wasn’t trying to pick sides, but that seemed to be what they wanted.  He would not do it.  Tempers were high all around, and he just wanted to escape.  To ride Charger, um, Gal until they dropped.  Despite his good nights sleep, he was still tired.  He thought he might be getting sick, but then it would pass, and he would feel fine.  But he was tired of thinking.   

As they all stood lost in their own thoughts and fears, while glaring at one another, they heard an angelic voice of reason from the staircase.  “Let me see if I understand this correctly?”  Audra’s words brought them up short.  She had missed last night’s conversation, and had only been briefed on the basics, so she wasn’t hung up on details.  “Mother, Jarrod, Nick, you want Heath to never work at George and Edna’s again, Correct?” 

Stated that bluntly, Victoria recognized her error, and that it had been made out of fear.  Saying Thank you to Audra, she asked, not ordered Heath to ride with her.  As he hesitantly agreed, she had Ciego saddle their horses, and they left.  She stayed beside Heath, but let him lead, and was once again reminded of his stubbornness.  They were heading directly away from her intended destination.  

As they rode he felt the tension lift, and spurred Gal to a full gallop.  Victoria reigned in Silver, and just watched him take pleasure in the outdoors.  Presently he slowed and made his way back to her side. 

They rode in silence, side by side, for about a mile before Victoria felt ready to talk.  Spying an old tree trunk, Victoria said, “Could we rest here?” 

Heath said nothing, but dismounted and steadied Silver, while she got down.  As she sat on the gnarled tree stump, Heath moved aimlessly around, digging with his toe, in the mud freshly speckled with new green shoots of grass.  The rains always rejuvenated the face of the valley, turning the golden hills to a verdant green. 

Finally she could take his silence no longer.  Feeling a strong kinship to Nick at this point, she said, “Heath, I’m sorry, I was wrong.” 

As short, clipped, “no need to be sorry,” was returned. 

“You didn’t mention the wrong, Heath.” 

“That’s because you were.” 

“Yes, I was.  Do you know why?” she questioned. 

“You just were, what you wanted isn’t right.” 

“Heath, let me tell you why.  I was wrong because I was scared of losing you.  I was wrong, because I love you.” 

“Loving isn’t wrong.” 

“No Heath, loving isn’t wrong, she said looking at his face.  He seemed very confused, but was remaining very closed.  Okay Victoria, try again.  Be blunt.  Force him to understand.  To accept the love he deserves.  “Heath, look at me.  At my eyes.” 

He stopped toying with the earth, and moved to her side, looking into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. 

“We’ve determined that I was wrong, but you must understand why to forgive.” she calmly repeated. 

Bewilderment was evident, as he thought that this was the second time he had been asked to forgive someone.  She had said the right words.  He was ready to listen. 

“Let me ask you a question.  Have you ever been jealous?” 

“Yes!” he replied, thinking of Charger. 

“That’s how I felt.  I didn’t want to share you with them.  I didn’t want you to prefer them to me, to us.” 

His simple clear response told her all she needed to know, as he said, “ Nick and Jarrod are my brothers, Audra my sister, you my Mother.  How could I not love you?” 

Taking his hand, she said, “Lets go tell George and Edna that.” 

“They already know,” was his comment as they both rode back the way they had come, and over the hills to Heath’s other home. 

Once again Victoria found herself on Edna’s doorstep, but this time the entire story was out.   There would be no pretending.  When George answered, he took an immediate step back and tripped, looking greatly confused.  As Heath reached out to steady him, Victoria saw the concern Heath exhibited, and the gratitude with which it was received.  No she couldn’t forbid him to stop seeing these people.  They needed him as much as she did. 

“Edna!” George called,  moving into the kitchen and leaving them standing on the doorstep. 

“What is it this time, you lose another sock,” she called back. 

“No, you got company,” he called. 

“Now who could that be?” she said as she moved down the hallway, to the door.  “Victoria, Heath, come in.  Have a seat.”  Heath sure looked miserable, she thought, and Victoria not that much better.  “What can I do for you?”

“Edna, Victoria began, last night Jarrod discovered that Heath had been working for you.  We feel  he is working to hard, and have asked him to quit working here.”  Just then the clatter of a breaking dish could be heard from the kitchen.   “I thought that we should ride over and tell you” she continued. 

“Heath?” George asked, holding a cut hand as he moved out of the kitchen, “Did you agree.” 

“George, Edna, Heath said holding their gazes with his, I have agreed to stop being paid for working here.  Not to stop working for you.  I ‘ll still help you as often as I can, and I love that corn bread, and stew, and pot roast, so don’t be thinking that your prayers have been answered yet, he joked.  I’m still coming over here.  Can’t get rid of me that easily.”  As they smiled he quietly added, with a catch in his voice, unless  you don’t want me here, of course?” 

“HEATH!, all three adults cried at once, and Edna added, “how could you even think such a thing.”  His smile lit the room. 

“Okay then George, let me help you with that new back door you got in last week,” Heath said as Victoria began talking to Edna. 

“I thought they would never leave.” Edna said conspiratorially to Victoria, as the men departed. I am so glad to be able to talk openly with you now.” 

Victoria smiled, as Edna chatted away, hardly allowing her to get a word in edgewise.  They loved him, she could see this.  She needed to let go of her fears, and trust Heath.  Ironic, how she had spent so much time trying to teach him to trust, and she needed the lesson now. 

“........and Victoria, don’t you think he must have a wife?  I thought Virginia Wheeler, but he laughed at me.  Can you imagine?  He laughed at me.  Now what’s wrong with her I ask you?  She seemed nice to me, but there you go.  You just can’t figure men out.  I think I’ll try Maggie next.  What do you think about her?  Oh and that boy talks non‑stop, well when he talks.. Actually he doesn’t talk all that much, but anyway its, Jarrod this, or Audra that, or Mother says...he must do nothing but think of you all.  That and work.  Now how is he ever going to meet a woman like that?  Here is what I think we should do.  First, we plan a party and ........” 

Hearing a back door slam, Victoria allowed herself to stop trying to follow the dizzying conversation, and looked up expectantly, as the men re-entered the sitting room. 

“Ready to go, Mother?” Heath questioned. 

“Of course, I need to get lunch going, and I know Nick thought you would get those horses broken today, so we should be off.  Good day Edna, George,” she said rising, and heading happily to the door with Heath. 

“You go get the horses ready Heath, Edna instructed, I need a few more minutes of Victoria’s time.”

Heath answered, “Certainly” as he smiled hearing Victoria’s sigh. “I’ll be right outside, don’t be long.” 

Edna started up right where she left off, as soon as Heath left.  “Now as I was saying, we have this party, and well I think the ideal girl must like horses. Don’t you?  Heath loves them, so maybe not Maggie.  Well who would you recommend, Victoria?”  She waited patiently for the answer and Victoria was hard pressed not to laugh.

“Edna, I think that we should leave Heath to make his own choices.  Now I really must be going. I’ve kept Heath waiting long enough.” and she left, wishing them a fond goodbye and telling them she would expect to see them soon. 

Somehow the journey home didn’t seem as long to either of them, and they talked easily.  Victoria asked about the ranch work, and listened as Heath laid out the plans for what needed to be done.  Stating that she thought it sounded more ambitious than other winters, Heath told her of Nick and his plans to add two more orchards next year.  As Stockton grew, the demand for fresh produce would as well.    He explained that it would take years for the orchards to produce, so the sooner the ground work was laid the better.  That meant extra winter work, aside from the levees and repairs that always needed attending to. 

Victoria then took a turn and told him about the Christmas plans for the orphanage.  He had been to the orphanage a number of times, but hadn’t realized that the number of children had tripled in the year before he came, due to an influenza epidemic, and a huge fire that took a number of parents with it.  Audra and her friends were going to be making and filling stockings for each child, so they could have a Christmas.  After Heath agreed that this was important, they talked of any number of things, including the visit to George and Edna’s, the Christmas season, and Jarrod’s latest court case.  Heath even went so far as to mention Jarrod’s interest in Helen.   

This allowed Victoria to broach a subject that she was anxiously in need of talking about.  “How long have you been seeing Colleen. Heath?” 

Not really wanting to answer but aware that since the festival she was aware of them courting, he answered truthfully, “Since the dance this spring.  Wasn’t going to tell anybody, just yet, but I guess talking to you is fine.  I’m serious about her ma’am.” 

“I thought as much, Heath.  I want you to know that I support you and the match.  She is a great girl and you’re a wonderful young man.” 

“Thank you,” he said.  ‘Race you home,” and off they went. 

As she gave chase, she laughed at the lengths he would go to, to avoid personal questions. 

While not surprised, Victoria was amazed at the flurry of activity the weeks leading up to Christmas brought.  Christmas was still three weeks away and she barely had any shopping done. She had just returned home from Stockton, passing Heath and Nick, both working in what she assumed was to be the new cherry grove, and entered the house to find Audra, Colleen, Helen, Virginia, Gloria, and Ellen, busily sewing the stockings, they had cut out the week before.  It looked like they had a work circle going.  Two were stitching the linings together, two were sewing the outer stocking together and the last two were putting together fur that was to go on the top of each stocking.  She knew the number of children in the orphanage was twenty seven, but seeing all the fabric laid out in front of her, reminded her of what a large undertaking this was for the girls. 

Handing her packages to Silas, she entered the parlor saying, “You look like you have this well under control, girls, would you like some tea, and perhaps a tray of cookies brought in for a snack?” 

“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Barkley,” Helen commented. 

“Yes, please,” Ellen and Virginia added in unison. 

“Thank you Mother, I was so busy I forgot to offer,” Audra added. 

“I’ll have it brought right out.  Good work, girls.” she added, going to find Silas. 

As the day wore on, the stockings began to take shape, and the girls gave thought on what should fill each one.  Suggestions, were fast and furious, coming one after another. 

“Candies,” Virginia, exclaimed.                                       

  “Nuts,” Colleen added. 

“....and a quarter,” Helen threw out.  “I always received a quarter.” 

“Whirly gigs for the boys, and rag dolls for the girls,” Ellen threw in. 

“Oh, and how about ribbons, for the girls hair,” Gloria said. 

“These are great, let's add paints.   I loved getting paints.” Audra voiced. 

“Fruit,” suggested Helen. 

“..and small books” added Ellen. 

“You know, we have very little for the boys,” Colleen stated. 

A round of you’re right, I’d forgotten about that, and the boys would have so much less than the girls, was echoed around the room. 

“Well, what do boys want?” Ellen asked.  “I didn’t have brothers.” 

“Well I sure do, Audra said.  “Too bad none of them are home.” 

“I wish they were here too,” Giggled some of the girls, while others nodded. 

As the discussion continued, two very muddy cowboys, came home and entered together. As they put their hats down, they heard, “Nick, Heath, can you come in and join us?” 

“What is it?” Nick said, as they both entered the room.  He smiled when he saw the women there.  Seeing Colleen, Heath’s eyes lit up as well, and he smiled.  Virginia smiled back , then looked at Nick. *No, I think Nick is cuter than Heath.  I wonder why I didn’t see it before.*   She flashed Nick a huge grin. 

 “Nick, we so need your help.” she gushed. 

“Glad to oblige,” he responded heading her direction. 

Helen cut in with, “We’ve been trying to decide what to fill the stockings with, for the orphans, and realized that we have the girls well covered, but have no real ideas for the boys.  What do boys want in their stockings?” 

Looking at Heath expectantly, Colleen watched, as he lowered his head refusing to make eye contact with anyone in the room, as Nick rattled off, “tops, toy boats, candy, toy guns, whirlygigs, sling shots, marbles, pennies, a whistle, will that do, or do you need more?” 

Laughing at the quickly recited list, Gloria said, “That should do Nick.   Heath do you have anything to add?” 

Lost in thought, he didn’t hear her question, and Nick loudly yelled, “Hey! You got anything else to add to my list of ideas?” 

Bringing his head up at Nick’s question, he said, “I always wanted marbles.”  He then left the room and entered Jarrod’s office, and poured himself a strong drink from Jarrod’s personal supply of brandy.  I will never get through Christmas, he decided.  I just can’t pull this off.  His family hadn’t even begun preparing, and he was dreading every minute of it. 

Colleen watched him move into the office, and decided to follow him.  “If you will excuse me, I’m going to freshen up before I head home,” she said, and left heading up the stairway to Audra’s room.  At the head of the stairs, she however turned and followed the back stairway down to the kitchen.  Giving Victoria and Silas a saucy look, and no answer to their raised eyebrows, she left through the back door.  When she reached the French doors that opened into Jarrod’s office, she could see Heath inside, but as she turned the handle, she found the door locked.  RATS!  Trying to decide if she should knock or not, she pressed her face to the glass.   

At the sound of the door creaking as she pressed against it, Heath turned around.  Noticing Colleen, her face distorted by the glass, he laughed.  He moved to unlock the door, and swung her into the room.   

“Just what do you think you’re doing, sneaking around outside some ones home?” 

“Coming to get you Heath.  You looked like you could use some cheering up.” 

“Reckon I could at that.  Not real good company right now, I’m afraid.” 

“Want to talk about it?” 

“Yes and no, Colleen, yes and no.” he murmured. 

Pulling away from him, she moved to Jarrod’s chair and sat down.  Assuming a very business like air, she said, “No won’t get me answers, and if you want to be my client, I can only help if you are totally forthcoming.  I will have to insist you go with yes, and tell me all about it.”  

Laughing, he pulled her to her feet and kissed her.  “Thanks for making me laugh.” 

“If I do it again, do I get another kiss?” she questioned. 

“I’m not sure.  Is that your fee for taking my case?” 

A flirtatious glint to her eye, she replied, “Four kisses an hour, and they better be good, or I’ll drop the case like a hot potato.” 

Murmuring, “Sounds good counselor,” he pulled her roughly to him and kissed her soundly.  Raising his head, he said, “That takes care of fifteen minutes, but I think I’ll pay for the entire hour in advance.” and he again plundered her lips as she tightened her grip around his shoulders. 

Finally Heath released her, took her hand, and sitting down on one of the fine leather chairs, drew her into his lap.  “I do need to talk Colleen.  Do ya have the time?” 

“I think your passionate kisses ate up my time Heath.  I pretended to need to freshen up.  Could you ride part of the way home with me?” 

“Reckon I could,” he smiled, and added, if you didn’t need to freshen up before, you probably should now.” 

As she laughed they heard a  polite knock on the glass doors.  Jumping hastily apart, they saw Victoria open the doors and quickly motion Colleen outside. 

“Audra and the girls are looking for you.  It seems they  are under the impression that you went upstairs.  Silas is telling them that I asked you to walk with me.   You had better join me quickly.” 

“Thank you, Mother.’ Heath said, blushing as Colleen fairly fled out the door and took Victoria’s arm, as they hurriedly moved toward the garden.   Heath watched as Victoria deftly answered all the girls questions, then he went upstairs and freshened up.  He returned downstairs just in time to say goodby to the departing group.  Only Ellen and Colleen remained behind. 

‘Are you two staying for dinner?” he questioned. 

“No, and I must be going,” Ellen said.  “You coming , Colleen?” 

“Yes, I am.” she replied. 

“If you two are riding back toward town, I’ll accompany you.  I’m headin’ that way,” Heath said, knowing that Ellen’s home was the other direction. 

“No, I’m going home, Heath, not back to town,” Ellen replied, while Colleen said, “I’d be happy for the company.” 

“Fine.  I’ll be ready as soon as I saddle Gal,” and he left the girls to say their goodbyes.  He was waiting with all three horses as the girls came out.  Handing Ellen’s reins to her he said, “I think what you are doing for the orphans is wonderful.” 

“We sure hope it brings them a little joy, Heath.  Goodbye.  Colleen I’ll see you on Wednesday, at two p.m. in town to pick up the gifts for the children.  Goodbye.” 

“See you then, Ellen,” Colleen confirmed, mounting, while Heath held her horse steady. 

“Cobbler’s Creek?” she said with a smile, only to hear him say, “No.  It’s been raining and many places along the bank aren’t safe.  How about the almond grove.  Its not near as pretty, but it is kinda dry?” he suggested as an alternative. 

“Sounds fine, at least the trees will provide some shelter from the cold.” 

“Don’t worry!  I’ll personally make sure you’re warm.” came his wolfish reply. 

They dismounted and he led her to an area where the trees had been buffeted by the wind, causing them to grow a little closer together than usual, hoping this would help keep her warm.  Time would be limited as it was dark by five p.m. and she should be home before it was dark, for safeties sake.  He figured they had a little under a half hour together at best. 

While he was trying to gather his thoughts, she pushed him to the ground, and sat beside him, pulling her jacket close.  “Okay, Heath Barkley, why don’t you just start talking to me?  I can be as patient as you can be silent.” 

“Figures.” 

“Heath, please?”

“Don’t rightly know where to begin Colleen,” and with that he stopped talking again. 

“How about starting right there Heath.  What made you uncomfortable earlier?” 

“Well, umn.. you were all talking about stockings, and wanting help with what to put in them.  Colleen, I wanted to help, but couldn’t.” 

“Sure you could, Heath, you just needed to speak up.” 

Taking her hands and looking deep into her eyes, he said, “Remember our first date, and our conversation?” 

“Yes.” 

“Colleen, I told you then that my background changed things.  Would be different for you, but it’s hard for me too, and in ways, you, they, couldn’t understand.” 

“You’re right, Heath.  I don’t understand.” 

“Take  today.  I couldn’t answer.  I never had a stocking.  We celebrated Christmas, by having a mince pie and Mama bought me a candy.  That was all.  They’re talking trees, ornaments, greenery, garland, stringing berries.  Things I don’t understand.  All the holidays have been hard, and I reckon next year will be easier, and I do have my gifts ready, but Christmas just seems overwhelming.  They talk and talk, and I just sit.”   

As it started to rain, he pulled her onto his lap to help keep her warm.  It was then that she allowed herself to give in to the tears that had been threatening for so long.  He couldn’t see the tears streaming down her face.  She couldn’t let him.  That would be impossible.  He would not reach out again if he felt she pitied him.  How was she to help?   

As she thought about what to say, he continued, “ I wished for this all my life, and now I’m scared.  What if it doesn’t measure up to what I want?  What if I mess it up for them? 

Pretending to wipe the drizzle from her face, she dried her eyes with her glove.  Taking his hand, she rose, and he followed.  “Heath, she said walking amongst the trees, I never gave it any thought.  Thank you for explaining it to me.  Can you tell them?” 

“Don’t think so,” he said shaking his head.  “I’d love to, help.  I heard Nick offer, but I wouldn’t even know how to fill a stocking.” he admitted. 

“It’s easy.  I could show you.  The little things go in first, followed by the bigger items.” 

Stopping he turned her to face him.  Raising her face so their eyes met, he threaded one hand through her luxurious hair.  “Don’t be sad.  I can tell you’ve been crying.  Talking has helped.  It’s been hard dealing with it all alone.  I have been dreading it for so long, it just kept getting worse and worse.   Knowing you understand makes a lot if difference, and now I can fill a stocking,” he managed to smile. 

“Oh, Heath.”  She threw herself against his chest.  “I  want to make it all better.  I feel so helpless.” 

“Well then I have good company.  It’s getting dark.  Lets get you home.” 

“I’ll be fine on my own.” she said. 

“I wouldn’t let you ride home, alone, in the dark, with the rain beginning again.  No one would forgive me,“ he smiled.  “Even your mother might be grateful.” 

“Heath!” 

“Well fine, not your mother, but she’ll have to deal with me, cause I’m taking you to your door tonight.” 

“Mother won’t make it pleasant.” 

“Then I’ll annoy her, watch!”  He added. 

After helping her down from her horse, he escorted her to her door.  Colleen opened it and quickly tried to step inside, while pushing him away. 

“Hello, Mrs. McDougal!” Heath called.  “I brought Colleen home, shall I see to her horse?” 

Colleen’s glare was eclipsed by her Mothers, as she said, “Get out.  Colleen, I expect you home before dark so you don’t need an escort.” and with that she slammed the door in Heath’s face. 

Knocking once again, Heath watched as Mrs. McDougal answered it, and still glaring, huffed, “Yes?” 

“Have a nice night Ma’am, Colleen.” he said, smiling for Colleen’s benefit.  He then shut the door firmly behind himself and whistled his way back to Gal.  

He arrived home in time for dinner, and sat quietly while everyone discussed Christmas plans.  He figured the more he listened, the more he would understand, thus feeling less of an outsider in what he considered a very personal holiday.  If someone would have intruded on his Christmas’s with Rachael, Hannah, and his mama, he would have been put out, and he couldn’t help, somewhere deep inside, feeling like an outsider intruding.  Like right now.  They were all talking about taking a half a day off tomorrow, and going to pick greenery for the house decorations.  Was he expected to go?  Did he have to?  Maybe he could get out of it he decided, as he said, “I think I’ll stay and work with the horses for the army contract while you all go out tomorrow.’ 

“Nonsense.” Victoria said. “We go as a family.” 

This gave him more to ponder.  I guess I’ll figure out greenery tomorrow.  The hotel used to decorate some.  They put up candles and ribbons.  Contemplating greenery took up the rest of his dinner, and he ate very little. 

Joining in a card game with Audra, he saw the finished stockings and asked, “What did you decide to fill them with?” 

“You were there when I told the ladies what to put in them weren’t you?” Nick grumbled.  “Didn’t you listen?” 

“Yeah, I listened,” he snapped, not liking Nick’s tone.  “Just didn’t figure you would put all of that into each stocking.” 

“Why not.  Kids like toys,” Nick stated. 

“We won’t Heath.   Probably just the candy, nuts, a quarter, and then for the boys, marbles and a top, and for the girls, ribbons and a rag doll.” Audra replied. 

“Seems an awful lot to me.  Santa is going to be good to them.” 

“Yes, he is.  That’s the point.  They have so little to look forward to.  Christmas would be so dreary without presents, don’t you think?” 

“Your turn, Audra,” he said, cutting off the discussion, and refusing to return to it. 

When Victoria and Jarrod finished reading, and Audra had beaten Heath, they all decided to retire.  Nick had already gone upstairs, claiming that he had to get up early, if he was to take half a day off tomorrow. 

Blowing out his light, Heath returned to contemplating greenery.  He really felt a little foolish.  Here he was, twenty four years old, and he didn’t know what they meant.  He didn’t think he had ever seen greenery in Strawberry.  It was a very dry region, but they did have mistletoe.  The Meyers brought it back each year from their trip to San Francisco.  The army had no greenery.  Christmas was a night of cease fire, so you didn’t have to fear dying on the Lord’s birthday.  In Carterson, he never even knew if Christmas came.  The months were so jumbled in his mind.  After the war, he had traveled and worked odd jobs.  He was by himself at Christmas.  Didn’t recall greenery at all.  He didn’t reckon they were talking greens.  Those you ate, and he knew about them.  Trees were green, but he knew they were going to have a tree.  He had seen trees before, all decorated up, through the windows of the fancy houses, when he fished for crab in San Francisco.  Boy those houses were elaborate, and the trees incredible.  He thought the Barkleys might have a tree like that, but still he couldn’t get a handle on greenery. 

As he lay there pondering, he felt himself drawn to the stockings.  Slowly he put on his pants, and crept quietly downstairs.  Moving into the parlor, by instinct, rather than by sight, as he didn’t want to rouse the family by lighting the lamps, he moved to where the assembled stockings were piled.  Picking the top one off the stack, he let his fingers run over it, feeling the fur top, compared to the satin of the boot.  He stuck a hand inside, and felt how much room there was for toys.  He thought of marbles.  All the boys had marbles.  The poor boys had clay marbles, and the rich boys had some glass ones.  One boy, Robert John, had a Chinese one.  He could see it so clearly.  Shiny porcelain white, with four orange bands running around it one way, intersected by two rows of blue bands, going the other.  Caleb, had a big shooter, with a sulfide horse inside it.  He never got tired of rubbing that piece of information in all the boys faces.  He had seen the stockings hanging in the houses that he delivered laundry to.  Just once he had wanted a stocking.  Just one, filled with marbles of every color and size.  Wishful thinking.  His mother had explained that Santa was not real, and that the parents bought the presents for their children.  He had been four, but he had understood.  It wasn’t magical, and they could not afford luxuries.   

Shaking his head to clear the memory, he went back to bed, this time noticing the light seeping out from under Jarrod’s office door.  He didn’t know Jarrod had witnessed his solitary moments, as Jarrod had slipped into a shadow as he passed.  Jarrod too, wasn’t sure what he had just witnessed. 

They awoke to a wet morning, but the clouds were broken in the sky, and it looked as if the afternoons outing would be rain free. 

Jarrod hastily went to Stockton to finish a report that needed filing with the courthouse, and unbeknownst to the rest of the family, finished his Christmas shopping.  By the time he returned home for lunch he was feeling very pleased with himself. 

Audra and Victoria had baked goodies that would be delivered to their neighbors.  They made stolens, pralines, and would have the sugar cookies done by noon.  As tradition would have it, the family would ice the cookies that night after decorating the house.  The tree would come later in the week. 

Nick and Heath both finished in the orchards, and then quickly inspected the levees, to ascertain how much if any repair work needed to be done.  Then complaining good naturedly, they too headed home for lunch.  Entering, they were assailed by the smell of wonderful baked goods. 

“Those are the sugar cookies, Heath.  I sure can’t wait to decorate them later.  Personally it’s the only reason I put up with the greenery gathering ritual.” 

“Uh huh.   I better get cleaned up for lunch.” Heath uttered. 

“I’ll just go make sure Ciego has the wagon ready, and the horses hitched for today, then I’ll be in to clean up.  Tell mother if I’m late.”

*****End of Part 2*****

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