The Girl Next Door

Chapters 15-28

by Sharon

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

Chapter 15

Amy opened the door, the smile on her face disappearing upon seeing Heath standing there. For a moment there was complete silence as the two of them looked at each other, just like the day before. Then she quickly regained her composure. “What are you doing here?” she asked quietly.

“Somethin’ I shoulda done a week ago. We’re gonna talk, and we’re gonna do it now,” he answered firmly, pushing the door further open and coming in.

Amy shook her head. “No. You’re leaving…now. I don’t know what you think-“

“Amy?” a voice interrupted. A young man, handsome and well dressed, came into the room. Seeing the tense way the two were looking at each other, he walked over to Amy and put an arm around her shoulders.

Heath was shocked, too stunned to even speak. THIS was why she had broken things off with him? For another man? He’d been devastated that whole week, wondering why she didn’t want to see him anymore, worried that his heritage was too much for her to handle, worried that there was some horrible misunderstanding that she didn’t want to put right. He’d practically mourned over losing her, and now to find out that she had tossed him aside like so much garbage because she had found someone else who interested her more…Heath’s anger mounted at an alarming pace, and he was soon livid, absolutely livid. How dare she treat him this way, make him suffer so, after all the time they’d spent together, after all that they’d shared?

The young man tentatively stuck out his hand, trying to head off the anger he saw building on Heath’s face. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” he said. “I’m-“

But that was as far as he got. That this man who Amy obviously preferred over him was making overtures to him, being nice to him, was the last straw. It was as if all the hurt, anger, and misery he’d been feeling all week suddenly concentrated itself in his fist and exited his body…right onto the man’s chin. He flew backwards, landing on the floor.

“HEATH!” Amy screamed at him. “How could you, how could you DO that?” She ran over to the man and bent over him. “Are you all right? Rob, answer me, are you all right?” she begged worriedly.

Rob? Heath stood there, frozen. No, it couldn’t be. He passed a hand over his eyes, not believing what he’d just done.

Rob rubbed his chin, looking apprehensively at Heath. “I’m all right,” he said shakily as Amy helped him to his feet. She turned on Heath with all the fury she possessed.

“How DARE you, what were you thinking, hitting him like that?” Her face was red with anger as she stood right in his face, forcing him to take a step backward. “How could you do such a thing? What possible reason could you have for attacking my cousin?” She breathed heavily, her hands on her hips, angrier than she’d ever been.

“Amy…” Heath had never been so ashamed of himself. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know who he was, I’ve never met him before. I thought…I thought he was your beau, that he was the reason you didn’t want to see me anymore.” He turned away from the girl whose mouth was now agape with shock and walked over to the man he’d just punched. “Listen…Rob…I’m real sorry, it was just a big mistake.” He sheepishly stuck out his hand. “I’m Heath, Heath Barkley, your father’s neighbor…” Rob nodded and slowly shook his hand, the wary look in his eyes not yet completely gone as he rubbed his chin with his free hand. “We’ve never met, you left right before I moved here, ” Heath went on with a nervous laugh. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am…are you all right?” he asked, concerned.

“I’m…I’m all right,” Rob answered, feeling more at ease now that it was clear that Heath was no longer a threat to his physical well-being. “I decided to surprise my father with a visit…It’s a shame we had to meet like this-“

“’The reason I didn’t want to see you anymore’?” Amy broke in loudly, shaking her head in disbelief. “Heath Barkley, you’ve got some nerve accusing me of seeing someone else, after…after what you did to me!” She shook her head again, floored by his utter gall.

“And just what was that?” Heath demanded. “You’re gonna tell me this time, and I’m not leavin’ until you do!”

Amy nodded her head quickly, a bitter smile on her face. “All right. If you’re so determined to make me say it, FINE." She was too angry to hesitate anymore at putting the awful story into words. “You have the nerve to accuse me of having another beau, when you were just USING me while the girl you really loved was away!” At his look of puzzlement, she went on, still seething. “Oh, come on, there’s no need for you to pretend any more. I know all about the girl you love so much, the one you’ve been unfaithful to by spending time with ME.” She looked at him with disgust. “I suppose I should congratulate on your upcoming wedding. I wonder if your bride-to-be knows just what kind of man she’s marrying.”

Heath was in a state of total bewilderment. Of all the reasons he’d imagined for Amy to want to be rid of him, this hadn’t been one of them. “What are you TALKIN’ about?” he beseeched loudly. “I don’t have another girl, you were the only one I was seein’. Who told you this crazy story?” he challenged, his eyes narrowing with confusion.

Rob was feeling very uncomfortable by this time and was anxious to get away from the scene. “Uh, I think I’ll take a look around outside, give you two a little privacy,” and exited as quickly as he could.

Amy faltered at the seemingly sincere dumbfounded look on Heath’s face. She answered him, though not with as much conviction as before. “I was in the dress shop, and a woman came in and started telling the salesgirl all about her daughter and her beau, Heath Barkley, and about how the two of you would probably be married soon…I don’t know her name, I might have seen her around once or twice before, but I don’t know who she was…” She stopped at the sudden smile that was starting on Heath’s face, and it rekindled her anger. “Oh, so you think it’s funny that you used me like some… plaything while your true love was away. Heath Barkley, you are the most shameful, dishonorable man I’ve ever met. You-“

“Amy, Amy,” Heath broke in, his voice much quieter now, anxious to ask her a question. “This woman…was she real…heavy-set, with black hair that was turnin’ gray, all gathered into a funny little topknot?” This was unbelievable, he thought.

“Well, yes,” she said, not understanding. “Don’t you know what the mother of the girl you love looks like?”

He shook his head, still not quite believing this turn of events. “No, Darlin’, I don’t. I never had the pleasure of meetin’ your mother,” he said.

Her anger was slowly being extinguished by her utter confusion…and the endearment which he’d bestowed upon her for the first time. “I don’t understand,” she whispered.

Heath gently put his hands on her shoulders. “Amy…that woman has been pushin’ her daughter on me for months now. Somehow she got it into her head that I’d make the perfect husband for the girl, and she’s been after me non-stop. But I’ve never said more than two words to her…and I’d rather have a rope put around my neck than marry her,” he said, relief washing over him now that he knew exactly what had happened.

“What?” Amy actually took a step backwards in astonishment. “But why…why would she say all those things…”

“She must have known we were seein’ each other and when she saw you in that dress shop, figured it was the perfect chance to make up that nasty little story and break us up.” He shook his head. “I knew she was determined, but I never reckoned…”

Amy just looked at him, stunned by what he’d just told her. “You mean…all this time…I thought you loved someone else…” her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

Gently, Heath took her in his arms. “No, Darlin’. There’s only one girl I love, and she’s right here.” They looked at each other, this time happily, and he bent down and kissed her, slowly. Suddenly he pulled back. “And there’s only one girl I want to marry.” He pulled the box out of his pocket and gave it to her. She covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide. She opened the box, and gasped when she saw the exquisite ring inside.

“Amy, I love you,” he said tenderly. “I think I’ve loved you since that day at the picnic when I saw you skippin’ those rocks.” He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “This isn’t how I planned on doin’ this, but…look, I know we haven’t known each other all that long, but I already know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of bein’ my wife?” he asked, his face full of love for her.

A smile spread over Amy’s face as she nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak.

“Wait a minute, lets see if it fits, huh?” He said with a wink. He placed the ring on the fourth finger of her left hand, and to his delight, it fit perfectly. “I thought it would,” he said, grinning slightly before taking her in his arms again.

“Heath,” she breathed. “Oh, Heath…I love you, too. I never stopped, even when I thought…” she put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder.

They just stood there for a while, holding each other. He slowly caressed her hair, letting the familiar lavender scent fill his nostrils.

“I’ve been such a fool,” she murmured against his shoulder.

Heath nodded, trying not to laugh. “And here I was, thinkin’ you’d be the brains in this family,” he remarked.

She lifted her head and looked at him, her face serious. “Heath, I’m so sorry…I should have known you’d never hurt me, or anyone else, that way. I should have known that you’d be too honorable to do anything like that.” She paused. “I thought I did know, but I was just so hurt…oh, I feel so stupid for believing that woman…”

He interrupted her with a kiss before answering her. “Amy, I don’t blame you for any of this. You’re so young and innocent- a real good girl.” His mother had been right, he realized. “So good, that you’d never for a minute think someone could be makin’ up such a story. That’s part of the reason I love you so much,” he said simply. “And when you think about it, why would anyone make up a story like that?” He shook his head.

“But I should have asked you about it,” she continued, chastising herself. “It’s just that I was so embarrassed…I couldn’t say it out loud, not to you, not to my uncle.” She sighed. “My foolish pride again.”

Heath stroked her cheek. “Darlin’, I can understand that. Really, I can.” He paused. “Too bad you couldn’t tell your uncle, though, he’da told you I wasn’t seein’ anyone else,” he said.

Amy laughed slightly. “Even if I had, it wouldn’t have done any good. Uncle John’s never cared about things like that- who’s seeing whom. He never has a clue about people’s private lives. I just assumed he didn’t know since he never said anything the whole time we were seeing each other.” She shook her head wretchedly. “Thanks to me we’ve both had a horrible week, one we’ll never get back…”

Heath pulled back from her and affected a stern expression. “It’s not ‘thanks to you’, and that’s the last I want to hear about that. And as for this past week,” he continued, his voice softening, a smile starting, “we’ve got a whole lifetime together to make up for it. Startin’ right now,” he proclaimed.

She smiled at him adoringly, closing her eyes to accept his lips as they came down to meet hers once again.

“By the way, where is John?” Heath asked his beloved when they finally separated. “I reckon we should give him the good news.”

“Oh, he had to go out for a while,” Amy answered. “He doesn’t even know Rob’s here. He just showed up this morning, totally surprised me. Decided it had been too long since he’d been back and took some time off from his medical clinic in Tahiti. I hardly recognized him, I hadn’t seen him since he and my aunt and uncle came to St. Louis when my mother and Jimmy died.” She shook her head. “This day has been full of surprises so far, and it’s early yet.”

Heath chuckled. “Sure has been. Come on, let’s go find Rob and convince him his cousin isn’t plannin’ on marryin’ some kinda lunatic.”



It was quite a day. When John returned, he had not one but two surprises waiting for him: his son’s unexpected visit from his medical practice in Tahiti, and Heath and Amy’s reconciliation…and engagement! A toast was had before they all headed over to the Barkley ranch to spread the good news. They were lucky to catch Jarrod still at home, and one of the hands was dispatched to bring Nick to the house. There was much kissing, hugging, and shaking of hands as the joyous group celebrated the wonderful news. Rob was also greeted warmly by the Barkleys, who hadn’t seen him since he’d left for the South Seas over four years ago.

The family was shocked when they heard what nastiness Louise Dixon had worked on Amy. “Never thought I’d see the day when I’d want to hit a woman,” Nick said angrily. Victoria quietly remarked that she would definitely have to pay Louise a visit soon, before quickly changing the subject to happier matters. Audra eagerly agreed to be Amy’s maid of honor, and the two girls and Victoria excitedly started talking about the wedding preparations. The men quickly excused themselves and had another toast, anxious to leave that sort of talk to the womenfolk.

Later, Victoria watched happily as Heath and Amy stepped away from the group for a moment alone. He took both of her hands in his own as they gazed at each other with pure love written all over their faces. Victoria’s heart was filled with joy that her son had found his true love, such a wonderful girl who she couldn’t wait to welcome into the family.

Heath caught his mother’s eye and winked at her before mouthing a silent “thank you”. She nodded at him, a smile on her face as her tears of joy started to overflow.

Chapter 16

Amy finished her lemonade and thought again of how she couldn’t wait to see Heath when he returned tomorrow. They hadn’t wanted a long engagement, but with the dress to make and all the wedding preparations to take care of, the earliest date they could set had been over two months in the future. Now there were only ten days to go, and Amy couldn’t be happier. These past few months planning the wedding had passed in such a whirlwind, and now Heath had been gone almost three weeks because of the cattle sale- they’d hardly spent any quality time together in ages. Just one more day, she thought happily.

Only two things marred this most joyous time of her life. She felt bad at leaving her uncle all alone again, but he had repeatedly assured her that his happiness over her marriage to Heath would more than make up for his missing her when she moved to the Barkley Ranch. And she felt very sad that her mother, father, and brother weren’t alive to see her marry this most wonderful man. By right, her father should be the one walking her down the aisle, but at least her uncle would be there. She wistfully thought of her family, but quickly reminded herself that pretty soon she’d have a whole new family, made up of people she already adored.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it, and was shocked to see her fiancé standing there, grinning at her.

“Heath!” she cried happily, falling into his arms. “I didn’t think you’d be here until tomorrow!”

He kissed her, long and hard, before answering. “Me either, darlin’, but I did a little pushin’, made everyone move a little faster. Couldn’t go another day without seein’ my best girl,” he said, looking at her tenderly.

She laughed. “You know, you always show up when I don’t expect you. But I’m thrilled,” she said, lifting her head for another kiss. Suddenly she pulled back, realizing how she looked. “Oh, no, I don’t want you to see me like this!” she exclaimed, looking down at her old shirt and her cousin Rob’s old denim pants. “I’ve been packing up all my things, and I’m so messy and dirty…”

Heath smiled as he wiped away the dirt on her cheek. “You’ve never looked more beautiful to me. And anyway, look at me- after all this time on the trail, I shoulda stopped at the house to get cleaned up before comin’ to see you, but I couldn’t wait,” he said before pulling her close once again.

She nuzzled her head against the crook of his neck. “I’m glad you didn’t,” she said quietly, her arms around his waist.

“John here?” Heath asked.

“No, he’s in town, but he’ll be back soon,” she said, still luxuriating in being in his arms after all this time.

“Well, listen,” he said. “How ‘bout we go for a walk or somethin’? Not that I don’t like your uncle, but I’d kinda like to have you to myself for a while before I head home.” At her nod, he continued. “Lets go down to that creek that runs near your boundary line. It’ll be cooler there.”

Amy thought for a minute. “But, Heath, that’s too far to walk, and Uncle John took the wagon into town- and his buggy has a wheel that needs fixing,” she said.

“Well, that’s no problem,” he said. He pretended to look her up and down with a discerning eye, his eyes narrowed. “I reckon Charger can carry the both of us- you don’t look too heavy to me,” he said with a wink.

She looked dubious. “I don’t know.” Heath was planning to teach her to ride after they got married, but she’d as yet never been on a horse.

“Oh, come on, think of this as your first lesson,” he entreated. “All you have to do is get on, and I’ll do the rest. Nothin’ to it,” he promised.

“All right,” she relented. “Just let me leave Uncle John a note so he won’t worry. And here,” she said, pouring him a glass of lemonade, “you must be thirsty.” She quickly penned the note while he drained his glass and then they both went outside.

Heath went to Charger’s left side and showed her where to hold on to the saddle horn, then bent down, cupping his hands. “Put your foot in here…no, darlin’, your left foot…all right, now just swing your other leg up…” But Amy had trouble with that part. She turned back and saw him trying not to laugh. “Heath Barkley, if I hear you laugh just once, this wedding is off, do you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. She tried again and this time he lifted her by the waistband of her jeans until she was sitting unsteadily in the saddle, holding on to the saddle horn for dear life. Heath easily swung up and sat behind her and they were on their way.

As they rode, he put an arm around her waist while holding the reins in his free hand. “This isn’t so bad, is it?” he asked her, gently easing her back against his chest.

“Mm mm” she answered lazily, enjoying it, not scared anymore.

They reached the stream and Heath alighted, then lifted Amy down. They walked to a cluster of trees that provided a shady spot, out of the midday sun. With the breeze coming off the water, it was indeed much cooler here than in the house.

They sat down on an incline and Heath lay back on the grass with his hands behind his head. “That’s more like it,” he said, sighing heavily. They talked for a while about his trip, until Amy suddenly thought of something. “You know, we’re getting married in ten days, and I just realized that there’s something very important that I don’t know about you,” she said.

“Yeah? What’s that?” her future husband asked.

“Whether or not you’re…ticklish!” She fell upon him, tickling his abdomen. Heath laughed and pushed her off, tickling her until she was lying on her back and he was above her. They both laughed, breathing hard.

Heath fell silent and looked at his girl, who had also finished laughing and lay there, a slight smile on her face. He stroked her cheek, then bent down and kissed her, supporting his weight on his knee and elbow. She put her hands around his waist and gently massaged the small of his back. He kissed her slowly, lazily at first, but soon found it wasn’t enough, and pressed his lips against hers more firmly, more eagerly. His breath was hot, his mouth wet, as he dipped his tongue into her mouth and tasted her honey sweetness. The sounds of pleasure emanating from the girl beneath him, as well as her fingernails which were now moving up and down, pressing firmly into his back through his shirt, only increased his ardor and his desire for her. Amy unthinkingly bent one leg at the knee, making it easy for him to settle himself between her legs. He placed a hand on her hip and followed a path to her knee, then back again.

He knew he should stop now, that he shouldn’t be lying against her this way, that things were about to get out of hand…but he couldn’t help himself. He hadn’t seen her in three weeks, and she was just so soft, so delicious, it was making him a bit lightheaded. He continued exploring her mouth with his tongue and was delighted when she returned the favor. She ran her tongue across his full bottom lip, then gently but firmly sucked on it, driving him mad, making him shift against her, dangerously, where the legs of her jeans met. Both of them were breathing heavily by now, and as Heath’s hand started inching upward toward her breast, he knew he had to be the strong one and put the brakes on. He knew she trusted him completely and probably wouldn’t have stopped him, but it just wouldn’t have been right for him to go any further. Better wait, he thought regretfully.

It took all the self-control he possessed to remove his hand and get up. His breathing was ragged, his voice hoarse as he said, “Darlin’, we’d better stop now- or pretty soon I won’t be able to.” He got up and walked a few feet away, trying to get himself under control.

Amy sat up, still breathless herself. There had been several passionate kisses since their engagement, to be sure, but they’d always kissed either sitting down or standing up before, never laying down like they just had, with their bodies touching so intimately. She blushed, thinking of how frighteningly good it had felt when Heath had pressed against her that way. The prospect of their wedding night was suddenly very real to her, and she found herself looking forward to it, though still a bit nervous.

She looked up at Heath as he walked back and sat heavily on the ground next to her, putting an arm around her. They sat there quietly for a while, her head on his shoulder.

“How much longer ‘til the weddin’ again?” he asked gruffly, his breathing finally under control.

“Just ten more days,” she said.

He lay back on the ground, putting his hands safely under his head once more. “Those’ll be ten of the longest days of my life, Amy,” he said regretfully.

“I know, for me too,” she said quietly, lying down on her side next to him, her head resting on her hand, making sure not to touch him just then.

He looked up at her, full of love for this beautiful girl who he still had a hard time sometimes believing was his. He thought back to the elaborate engagement party his mother had thrown for them last month. He’d gotten Audra to tell him in advance what color Amy’s dress would be, and he’d been pleased when the answer was what he’d hoped. Just before the party, he’d asked Jarrod to deliver a box to Amy in Audra’s room, where the two girls were getting ready.

Later, he and his brothers waited for the women at the bottom of the staircase. When Heath saw his intended coming down the stairs toward him, he could hardly breathe. She was a vision in an emerald green velvet dress, cut off the shoulder and daringly low in front, exposing a tantalizing hint of her full, creamy bosom. He saw his brothers staring at her and smacked them both gently on the backs of their heads. “Best close those mouths before somethin’ flies in there,” he said to them before walking up the first few stairs and taking Amy’s hand. He led her a few steps away so they could have a moment alone. Audra had artfully arranged Amy’s dark hair in an upsweep, and even though he usually preferred it down, he had to admit it looked striking, and made it easy for him to stroke the back of her lovely neck. The icing on the cake was the exquisite gold, diamond, and emerald choker and matching earrings he’d sent up earlier. “They say jewelry should complement a woman, but I gotta say, darlin’, you’re the one that makes those jewels sparkle,” he said appreciatively.

She looked at him adoringly. “Heath, they’re beautiful, just beautiful, thank you,” she said, fingering the choker around her neck.

“I knew it had to be emeralds, to match your eyes,” he said, smiling at her. “And when my sister told me your dress would be the same color, I knew it would be perfect. And you do look perfect,” he added, struggling to keep his eyes above her neck.

“I love them, Heath, really I do…so extravagant, though…” she said, sounding a bit worried.

“Shhh,” he admonished her. He’d never been a big spender before, nowhere close to it, but now it gave him untold pleasure to buy Amy beautiful, expensive things. “I’d buy you the sun, the moon, and the stars if I could,” he said softly.

“You already have,” she answered, her eyes bright with tears of happiness.

He held her close as he kissed her until Nick walked over, loudly clearing his throat. “I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of that around here from now on, won’t we?” he asked good-naturedly.

Amy blushed and tried to move away, but Heath put an arm around her waist, keeping her close. “That’s right, brother, so you might as well get used to it.”

“No problem, Heath, as long as you share the wealth a little.” Jarrod said as he moved out from behind Nick. “Don’t I get to kiss my future sister-in-law?” Not waiting for Heath’s answer, he took the laughing girl into his arms and kissed her lightly on the lips.

“Yeah, me too,” Nick insisted, hugging Amy and kissing her much as Jarrod just had.

“That’ll do, boys,” Heath pronounced sternly.

Lying on the ground now, Heath thought again of how Amy had looked in that low-cut dress, the unsettling glimpse of the wonders she’d reveal to him on their wedding night. Suddenly he had to shift his weight and sit up to hide the evidence of his thoughts. Just ten more days, he thought to himself, sighing.

Chapter 17

On the long ride to their honeymoon in the mountains, Heath thought about the glorious wedding that had ended a few hours ago. He knew grooms were supposed to be nervous, but he hadn’t been- not at all. He knew he was making the best decision of his life in marrying Amy, and he’d been cool as a cucumber standing up there with his two best men beside him (there had never even been a question of choosing just one)…until he’d seen his bride walking down the aisle toward him on her uncle’s arm, seemingly gliding on a cloud of white with orange blossoms in her hair. For a moment he’d lost the ability to breathe, had thought his legs might give way until he’d felt Nick’s steadying hand on his arm. He’d swallowed hard as it had suddenly hit him that this…this vision was going to be his wife. His wife. But everything had been fine again when she’d stood next to him. When the minister had finally given him permission to kiss his bride, he’d thought to himself that there couldn’t possibly be a happier man on earth.

He didn’t remember much about the rest of the wedding. Oh, he knew that the church, and then the reception at the Cattleman’s Hotel, had been filled with happy, elegantly-dressed people, that his brothers had made some grand toasts, and that he’d danced with his mother and sister…but most of his attention had been focused on his beautiful new wife and the happiness in her shining green eyes as she looked back at him. When it was time for them to dance the customary first dance, he’d whispered in her ear, “Think we can cut out now?” Amy had laughed and said, “I think people might notice, don’t you?” They’d finally changed their clothes, for the last time in separate rooms, and left under a hail of rice and good wishes. His brothers had embraced both of them good-bye, and he’d seen tears of happiness in his mother’s and sister’s eyes when they’d hugged them tightly.

Heath glanced over at his wife seated on the bench next to him, and she turned to him and smiled. He put his arm around her and she moved closer to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

It was nearly dark when they finally reached the cabin- they were just in time to see the glorious sight of the sun setting behind the mountains.

“Oh, Heath, isn’t that the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen!” Amy said breathily, a look of rapture on her face at the sight of the wondrous pinks and oranges.

Heath gave her one of his half-grins. “Well, second most, anyway,” he said, lifting his bride down from the wagon.

Amy looked at her new husband, then glanced quickly downward. Now that they were actually here, all the thoughts and questions she had been having about her wedding night were about to become a reality. She wasn’t sure whether she was more nervous or excited. Trying to put those thoughts out of her mind for a little longer, she busied herself looking at the quaint exterior of the cabin. “Heath, what a wonderful place- I’m so glad you thought of it for our honeymoon!” He’d offered to take her anywhere she wanted to go- San Francisco, perhaps, or another big city, but when he had tentatively suggested his family’s mountain cabin, she could see that it was really his first choice, and it had sounded wonderful to her.

“Better wait ‘til you see the inside before you decide that, Amy. It’s bound to be pretty dusty, not havin’ been used in so long,” he warned.

“Oh, that’s all right, I can’t wait to see the inside,” she said, starting for the door.

“Hey, hold on there, darlin’. You know you’re not allowed to just WALK over that threshold!” and before she knew what was happening, she felt herself swept up into Heath’s strong arms. Laughing, she reached down and turned the doorknob. Heath kicked the door open and they went in.

It was quite dark inside, and as Heath put Amy down, he reached for the matches he knew were on the mantle over the fireplace. “I know there’s a lamp here somewhere…yep, here it is.” As he lit the lamp, the room took on a rosy glow and Amy looked around, seeing the room for the first time.

“But it’s…it’s…Heath Barkley, you said this place would be a mess! It’s absolutely lovely!” And it was. The walls had been recently whitewashed, the braided rag rug had been given a thorough cleaning, and there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere. There was a fireplace, and against the opposite wall stood a large brass bed. Even without touching it Amy could tell that the white linens were fresh and the quilt was brand new. Looking at the bed brought back her mixed feelings about tonight, so she turned and examined the pretty mirror with gilt edging, the pitcher and bowl standing on the bedside table, and the stove and table in the corner.

“Well, so it is! Wonder how that happened?” Heath wrinkled his brow, feigning ignorance, and then his face relaxed into a slow smile. “Mother and Audra rode up with some of the hands last week and gave the place a good once-over. Mother woulda tanned my hide if I’d brought my bride to a honeymoon in a dusty mess of a place.” With these last words, Heath walked over to Amy and stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders. His voice got very quiet as he continued. “I wanted it to be perfect for you, Amy. A memory you’d always treasure.”

Amy could feel her skin burning under her blouse where his hands rested. Such a simple touch, but everything had a magnified significance tonight. Slowly she turned around. “Oh, Heath, it is perfect,” she whispered to the man she loved above all else.

“I love you,” he said quietly as he put his arms around her and bent down to kiss her.

“And I love you,” she said happily, returning his kiss. His hands started to move across her back when he suddenly stopped and pulled back. “You know, I’d better get a fire goin’. It can get pretty chilly here at night. Not that you’ll have to worry about keepin’ warm, though,” he added with a lazy grin as he lightly rubbed his hands up and down her arms before going to the stocked woodpile just outside the door.

“Can I help?” Amy asked, trying to maintain a normal tone of voice even though she was jittery as a cat inside. His hands had sent shivers throughout her whole body from just that brief contact. She couldn’t help wondering what more intimate contact would do to her. His last comment had made her blush, she was glad his back was to her so he couldn’t see.

“Nope, I got it,” Heath answered, squatting down as he put the logs in the fireplace, added kindling and lit a match. The fire took instantly, crackling heartily in the small, quiet room. Rising, he moved to the lamp. “Reckon we don’t need this anymore, then,” he said, blowing the light out. Instantly the room took on a magical quality, with the reflected flames dancing on the walls.

Amy stood looking into the fire, mesmerized. Heath took a moment to look at his bride, marveling that she seemed even more beautiful by the light of the flames. It’s time, he thought to himself. He reached out and gently turned Amy to face him.

The new Mrs. Barkley was getting more nervous by the second. She was full of desire for her handsome husband, but now that the moment was at hand she realized she didn’t have a clue as to what to do. Should she go put on the nightgown she’d brought? She didn’t know where to look, where to put her hands. Her uncertainty was apparent as Heath asked gently, “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Nervous?” and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

Amy nodded hesitatingly. “I’m worried that…that I won’t please you…”

“Darlin’, I’m not worried about that, not one bit.” Heath interrupted softly. “You know, we’ve only just got here and I’m already…very pleased.” His blue eyes softened as he put his arms around her, drawing her close.

Amy looked at Heath, loving the way the firelight picked out the golden highlights in his rich brown hair, and slowly ran a hand through its softness. He bent down and kissed her, gently at first, but very soon with a hunger that evidenced all the months they had been so chaste, how long they had waited before this moment when they could fully let themselves go. She opened her mouth to receive him and was rewarded by that wonderful feeling again, of his warm, delicious tongue sweeping over hers. As he held her close, she could tell that he hadn't been lying when he’d said he was pleased, and this built up her own excitement even more.

Just as she was wondering how their clothes would come off, Heath made the problem elementary by unbuttoning her blouse. As his fingers reached the last button, Amy realized she should do the same for him. Feeling the heat rising to her face, she slowly undid the buttons on his light blue shirt and eased it off his shoulders. He stood there, bare-chested, and all of her shy innocence couldn’t keep her from running her hands over that lovely skin, reveling in the contrast between it and the crispness of his chest hair. Her touch made Heath exhale heavily. He put his hands on the sides of her torso, his thumbs reaching in to stroke her breasts through her camisole, and she gasped with pleasure. As they continued kissing, he finished undressing her before bending down and lifting her into his arms for the second time that evening.

Heath walked to the bed, depositing her carefully on top of it. He quickly shed the rest of his clothes before lying down next to her. As his gaze move slowly over her body, his breathing quickened upon seeing her fully exposed for the first time. Heath smiled slightly at the blush on her cheeks. “Amy,” he whispered, brushing back a lock of hair from her forehead, “you’re lovelier than I ever imagined.” He bent down and pressed his lips against hers while his hands caressed her full, lush breasts, causing her to moan softly. He kissed her long and hard, his tongue darting in and out of her mouth, making her mad with desire for him. His mouth moved lower, laying a trail of kisses down her neck to her breasts, where he gave each one careful attention. He then moved back up to reclaim her mouth while his hands continued caressing her body, as he enjoyed the sounds of pleasure coming from his wife.

They kept at it for a while, as he wanted her to be relaxed, to be ready for him when the time finally came. He wanted her so badly, and kept having to remind himself to go slow, to take it easy, not to rush things. Finally he stroked the inside of her thigh, lightly moving his hand upward until he was able to ascertain that the time was right. He moved so that he was fully on top of her. “Darlin’, I’m gonna be as gentle as I can, but-“ She placed a silencing finger on his lips before putting her arms around his neck, trusting him.

As Heath looked down he saw her bite her bottom lip, trying not to cry out. He made soothing sounds in her ear as he moved slowly, carefully, hoping that she’d start enjoying it soon. Suddenly, he felt her start to move underneath him, matching his rhythm. He looked at her again and saw a small smile on her face as she lifted her head a bit and kissed the side of his neck. His movements became faster, more urgent, and as she alternately moaned and breathily uttered his name, his own excitement grew.

Amy’s hands tightened their hold on him as they continued moving together in harmony. His passion was rising crazily from the feel of her and from the sensuous sounds she was making, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer. He saw a sudden, startled look on her face, and as she cried out, he was thrilled to see that it was from pleasure, not pain. She went over the edge, calling out his name, and he joined her a moment later as they were both thrown into the eye of the storm before crashing down to earth. Heath put his arms around his wife and laid his forehead against hers as they both rested from their exertions.

“You all right?” he whispered, lifting his head to look at her, smiling slightly as he slowly caressed her hair. Amy nodded, reaching up to stroke his cheek. “Better than all right,” she whispered back. He moved and lay beside her, putting an arm around her waist. They lay there as their breathing gradually slowed. So that’s what it’s like with someone you love, he marveled, holding her even more tightly.



It was only a few hours later when Amy woke up suddenly. She saw her husband lying on his side, his head resting on his hand, watching her. “Haven’t you slept at all?” she asked him shyly, noticing that the fire was still going.

Heath nodded. “Some,” he said. “I woke up a little while ago, threw another log on the fire. And then…” he paused, reaching out to caress her shoulder. “The sight of you sleepin’ next to me…no way could I fall asleep again.”

She moved closer to him, feeling her inhibitions melting away. They lay there, side by side, as she moved one hand across his chest, looking at it in the firelight, feeling how very strong and muscular it was underneath that lovely layer of hair. Hair that was surprisingly soft and crisp at the same time. Amy moved her hand lower, feeling the three pairs of abdominal muscles that bulged slightly as Heath shifted his weight. She explored him like a blind person, wanting to feel all of him, but as her hand rested on his stomach, she realized she couldn’t go any further and moved it back up.

Looking into her eyes, Heath gently grasped her hand and moved it back down, past the point where she had stopped. There were things a woman needed to know.

Amy gasped at the unfamiliar but exciting feel of him as he let her explore. She was fascinated as she ministered to her husband, reassured by her his reactions that she was doing things the right way. A groan escaped his lips and he gently pushed her onto her back before quickly climbing on top of her.

“You always were a quick study,” he murmured, devouring her with his mouth and hands as their coupling started anew.



It was a wonderful honeymoon. For Heath, it was also the first vacation he’d taken in ages, and he enjoyed it thoroughly. Much of the newlyweds’ time was understandably spent in bed, getting to know each other in every way. Still, they took full advantage of the lovely mountainous setting with the clear, shimmering lake not far from the cabin. Heath taught Amy how to fish, and after a few mishaps, she found herself to be quite good at it. She, in turn, gave her new husband lessons in skipping stones on the lake. He didn’t turn into quite the expert she was, but she applauded his every effort.

All too soon it was time to go home, back to the real world, to start the newest chapter in their lives.

Chapter 18

Heath turned over in bed and looked at his wife’s sleeping form, her skin made silver by the moonlight streaming in through the window. Her deep breathing was a testament to their passionate lovemaking that had finally ended a little while ago. Not once but twice had their bodies joined together that night in the physical expression of their love. That in itself wasn’t unusual, but their efforts tonight had been particularly strenuous, enjoyably so. Amy had fallen asleep soon after instead of the usual time spent lying awake in each other's arms, talking quietly.

He carefully pulled the sheet up over his wife’s bare shoulders. The fire he’d lit earlier in the bedroom's fireplace had almost gone out, and it was a bit cold in the room, seeing as how it was January. She usually didn’t bother putting on her nightgown after they made love, though. She always told him she didn’t need it; that his body exuded enough heat to keep her warm.

He lay on his side, looking at her as she slept. It was three months since their wedding day, and married life just kept getting better.

He’d never known such happiness. He’d thought his life was complete when he’d found his family that day long ago, but this…being married, having a beautiful wife to come home to after a hard day’s work, was sheer bliss. He did his work just as carefully, just as methodically as ever, but rushed home like never before each day into the welcoming embrace of his wife. She was definitely something to look forward to. On more than one occasion he’d been so dirty that he’d been reluctant to touch her, but she never let him get away with that. “Heath Barkley, you put those arms around me where they belong- or I’ll start wondering whether you still love me,” she’d just said to him the other day. “Yes ma’am,” he’d answered with affected seriousness before pulling her against him and kissing her. As if she’d ever have to worry whether he still loved her. He was mad about his wife, more so each day, more than he’d ever thought it was possible to love another person.

Heath was thrilled that she’d adjusted so remarkably well to living on the ranch with his family. He’d offered to build them a house of their own right away, but she’d told him that there was no hurry, that she’d enjoy getting to know his mother and siblings better. In the end they’d agreed that he’d start work on it in the spring, just a few months away now. And he had to admit that he was happy they were staying with his family for a while; for him to walk into a room and see her talking and laughing with his mother, sister, or brothers gladdened his heart. She’d lost so many loved ones, and it made him happy to see that she had found a new family- just as he had. If meals had been vocal and spirited before her arrival, they were even better now with the contributions from the smart, funny girl he'd married.

He smiled, thinking of how they’d sit with the family after dinner in the lounge or the billiards room, when both of them were really just biding their time until a decent interval had passed and they could escape upstairs. Not that they didn’t enjoy spending time with the family, but… eventually he’d look at her and raise an eyebrow slightly, just barely gesturing with his head toward the stairs. It pleased him to see the heat flooding her cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes, as she answered him with a slight nod. She was always too embarrassed to make the first move upstairs, so he’d do it. “Well, I guess we’ll be turnin’ in,” he’d say, and they’d both rise and leave the room, telling everyone goodnight. He sometimes saw his brothers looking down and smiling, but it didn’t bother him. Amy would have been mortified, though, had she seen them. His wife’s childlike innocence and shyness in these matters never ceased to amuse him. It had taken her a while until she was finally able to look them all in the eye as they said goodnight.

But once they closed their bedroom door…the transformation from girl to woman was complete. She was always as eager for him as he was for her, always enthusiastic to learn whatever he could teach her. But the student had long ago surpassed the teacher, and he was overjoyed at her desire sometimes to be the aggressor, her wish to give him as much pleasure as he tried to give her. He was relieved, too. After all those years sitting in saloons, listening to men talk…he’d almost been convinced that married men didn’t get any pleasure in the bedroom, and that those wives that did allow their husbands access did it most grudgingly, most uninterestedly. His wife couldn’t have been more different.

As he watched the sheet rise and fall over his wife’s breasts, he felt a familiar stirring, wanted her yet again, but he couldn’t bring himself to wake her. Tomorrow, he thought reluctantly, lying on his back. Just then, Amy stirred and moved closer to him, putting her hand on his chest and running it languidly through the hair there.

“Thought you were asleep,” he whispered, glad yet puzzled.

Her voice was low, sultry with sleep. “I was…but I’m not now,” she answered.

“Can’t say as I’m disappointed,” he murmured, turning and placing his body over hers once again.



It was several hours later that the rooster crowed, heralding dawn’s arrival. Amy turned her head away from the window and watched her husband as he got dressed in the gray light. She could never wake up as early as he and Nick did every day, she had never been much of a morning person. She sometimes felt bad that she couldn’t get up to join the brothers for coffee before they went to work, but she always made sure she was there to join them later when they came in for breakfast, along with the rest of the family.

She lay there, gazing at Heath as he moved with catlike grace around the room, silently so as not to wake her.

It was pure joy being married to this man. He was always so loving, so wonderful to her. Her love for him was so strong; there were some days that she didn’t know how she’d wait until she'd see him walk through the door and be swept into his strong arms.

Not that she spent her time sitting and waiting for her husband to come home. Happily, her days were kept quite busy- she enjoyed helping Audra at the orphanage, had such fun teaching the children the games of her youth. She had also been instrumental in starting the drive to enlarge Stockton’s small library. This was an issue dear to her heart, and she was lucky that Audra had so much experience raising funds for the orphanage, so she was able to give her sister-in-law plenty of help. Amy also spent a lot of time in the kitchen with Silas. He was trying to teach her to cook, but mostly gave her small jobs like shelling peas. The two were already fast friends, though Amy did most of the talking in their conversations. The quiet butler was quite content to listen and offer an occasional comment. She also made sure to visit her uncle often, and John Stanton had a standing invitation to dinner at the house.

Yes, her days on the Barkley Ranch were happy and fulfilling. And the nights…the nights were magical, each one a veritable garden of delights. She simply hadn’t known that two people could give each other such pleasure. She knew part of the reason must be that Heath was such a tender and caring lover, yet he knew exactly when to be more aggressive, more vigorous. As she watched her husband, she smiled to herself, enjoying the view.

Heath carefully sat down on the bed to put his boots on. Ignoring the cold, Amy sat up and moved over until she was behind him and put her arms around his waist. He hadn’t buttoned his shirt yet, making it easy for her to slide her hands up and run them slowly over the soft hair of his chest while she nuzzled the side of his neck with her lips.

“Hey,” he said softly, turning his head slightly. “Careful, my wife could walk in any minute, and she’s the jealous type.”

Amy giggled delightedly into his neck, moving so that her lips lightly grazed his cheek, feeling the smooth skin he’d just shaved.

“Darlin’, Nick’s probably already waitin’ for me downstairs,” he said feebly, not really caring at that moment. Her bare breasts were burning holes into his back through his shirt, and he really couldn’t think too clearly.

“Mmmm…you’d better go then, it would be rude to keep him waiting,” she murmured, one hand slipping down his still-unbuttoned pants and slowly caressing him.

“Amy,” Heath groaned, turning his body to pull her across his lap. He could never resist her; she was like a drug he couldn’t get enough of. He looked at her sleepy eyes that couldn’t hide her desire for him, her tousled curls tumbling over her shoulders, and felt his passion grow as he fondled her breasts. “Oh, let him wait, he’s probably used to it by now,” he said huskily as he hurriedly kicked off his pants and lay back, pulling her on top of him. “Mornin’, darlin’ “ he mumbled as she bent her head down to hungrily claim his mouth.



“Well, this is a surprise,” Nick said as Heath came into the quiet kitchen, shrugging into his coat. “You’re kinda late- I was beginning to think you were gonna take the day off.” He smirked good-naturedly.

Heath poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the stove. “Maybe one of these days you’ll be smart enough to get hitched, then you can find out how much fun…bein’ late can be.” He smirked back at his brother before drinking his coffee.

“Maybe,” Nick agreed, nodding. “Just as soon as I find a gal as pretty as your wife.”

Heath laughed. “Good luck, brother. No chance of that.”

Nick chuckled, too. “Gotta agree with you there.”

They started discussing the plans for that day’s work. “I thought I might have to advertise for a few more men, but Duke tells me the Haggertys rode in last night, so we’ll be full up.” Nick paused at the look on his brother’s face. “Look, I know you and Luke Haggerty aren’t exactly bosom buddies…” he looked uncomfortable as his voice trailed off.

Heath was quick to reassure his brother. “Nick, it’s fine- they got here just in time, we need the help.” But his mouth stayed in a straight line.

Nick sighed. “That’s the truth- we’ve got a hundred jobs just waiting to be handed out around here.” He looked at his brother. “Aw, hell, just say the word and I’ll tell them to ride on out-“

“I said it’s fine, Nick,” Heath interjected. “Doesn’t matter if Haggerty and his brothers don’t take to me, so long as they do like I say. Besides, they never stay more’n a few months. It’ll be fine,” he stated, finishing his coffee.

Nick hesitated, then put his own cup down on the table. “All right, let’s get going,” he said, fastening the belt on his coat and moving toward the door. Heath finished his coffee and followed him.

Nick and Heath each took a group of ranch hands to the various tasks that needed to be done, with their foreman Duke and his second-in-command, Parley, taking charge of the remaining men. Heath was disheartened to see that Luke Haggerty and his brothers were in his group. Nick also noticed, too late, and silently took his brother aside and offered to switch, but Heath just shook his head. It wouldn’t look good in front of the men, and besides, he didn’t want to give Haggerty the satisfaction.

Heath went over to the hands he’d be bossing that day. “Mornin’,” he said. He nodded to the Haggertys. “I see you three are right on schedule.”

Luke smiled broadly at him. “That’s right, Heath. We never pass on the Barkley Ranch. Always get treated real nice here.”

Heath looked at him for a brief moment before telling the men to get into the wagon that would take them to their early-morning task.



Luke Haggerty sat in the wagon with his brothers, Wade and Dennis, looking at the back of Heath Barkley’s head as he drove the team.

The Barkley Ranch was indeed a great place to work- except for the fact that he had to take orders from that…bastard.

Chapter 19

The Haggertys’ father, Jake, had grown up in Wichita, Kansas, and had come west in the grand excitement of the Gold Rush of 1849. He’d spent many fruitless years panning for gold, finally giving up and settling on the outskirts of Saratoga. He’d eventually married a much younger woman who had fallen under the spell of his Black Irish swarthy good looks and had borne him three sons. Jake had barely managed to support his family by doing odd jobs around town; much of his time was spent sitting around their small, two-room shack drinking most of his pay, and taking his anger at his failed dreams out on his wife as well as on Luke, his oldest son, when the boy had tried to protect his mother. He’d finally died when Luke was fifteen; from the drink, the doctor had guessed. The boy hadn’t had the urge to shed even one tear.

Mattie Haggerty had been a beautiful woman once, but years of taking in washing and mending to supplement her husband’s meager income had taken its toll on her- not to mention the beatings that would come without warning or reason. She had become an old woman before her time, physically worn down until she finally died when Denny, the youngest, was sixteen. Luke, by then twenty-five years old, became Wade and Denny’s sole support and source of guidance. It wasn’t a hard position to slip into- he’d always been more of a father to them than Jake ever had. It was easy to identify the three as brothers; all had the raven hair and black eyes that had dominated the family genes since long before the first Haggerty had come over on the boat from County Cork.

Luke hadn’t had much of a childhood. Between worrying about his mother and trying to shield her from his father’s fists… to absorbing Jake’s insults as well as his blows…to working all day and then helping his mother at night with the work she took in…he’d had to grow up too fast. There had been no time for games, no friends with other boys his age. He had understandably built up a hard shell infused with bitterness over the years, something his brothers had never had the need to do. Their father had never laid a hand on them, only Luke, and their memories of him, though unpleasant, weren’t the horrific images that still roused Luke out a sound sleep. Moreover, they hadn’t been as close to their mother as Luke had been. They’d mourned her death, of course, but his grief had been the most intense, his pain the most inconsolable.

After their mother’s death, the Haggerty brothers had started their itinerant way of life that continued until the present time: roving the California coast, making their way from one ranch to another. Some spreads, such as the Barkley Ranch, had become regular stops on their yearly trek, and they had been stopping there for five years now. The food and pay were good, the bunkhouses clean, the conditions fair. Wade and Dennis would have been happy to stay on permanently, but it was always just two or three months at the most until Luke’s wanderlust, the same bug that had bitten their father all those years ago and pushed him toward California, would kick in and they would move on to the next ranch, the next job.

It would never occur to the younger Haggertys to stay on without Luke; he was their leader, their caretaker, and they could barely blow their noses without his say-so. He made all the decisions, did all the talking when dealing with the bosses. And in any case, they’d never have risked their older brother’s wrath by suggesting that he move on without them. Brother or no, both Wade and Denny had felt the back of his hand against their cheek when they’d displeased him. They at once idolized and feared the man, and always tried to stay in his good graces. He in turn took care of them, he who loved them as much as he was capable of loving anyone besides their mother.

It was their second yearly stop at the ranch when they’d met Heath for the first time. His heritage was well known around the bunkhouse, and Luke had been amazed to learn that this man had been able to waltz in and claim a share of this vast fortune. Never one to cotton to authority figures, Luke nonetheless had a grudging respect for Nick and never thought twice about doing whatever the lanky rancher said.

But Heath…

That he was expected to take orders from this mongrel pup was beyond his ken. Luke and his brothers hadn’t had any formal schooling; as soon as they’d been able they’d done whatever jobs around town they could to earn a few pennies. But their Ma had taught them their sums and how to read and write, and she’d read to them every night from the Good Book. Luke knew what Heath Barkley was- he was an abomination, a product of sin. He had pounced on their boss’s vice, eager to consider himself morally superior.

Luke had no illusions about what his father had been, but at least he and their Ma had been joined in holy matrimony, and their three sons were free of the stain that sullied the youngest Barkley son. He wasn’t a religious man, but had no problem latching onto whatever biblical passage conveniently tied in with his own opinions, and the fact that their Ma had treasured the Good Book made it even easier for him to indulge in his antipathy for the man. In this singular way was he able to pay homage to the one person he’d ever truly loved, who he felt had truly loved him.

He couldn’t admit even to himself that his hatred for Heath was based on jealousy, pure and simple; jealousy that someone who had grown up pretty much like him and his brothers had one day lucked into this vast fortune while the Haggerty brothers barely had two nickels to rub together. Oddly enough, Luke didn’t have a loathing for rich people in general. He realized that some, like his family, were destined to be down-and-out, while others were meant to have it all.

But the fact that Heath, dirt poor like him and a bastard to boot, had managed to make the leap to the other side…it made Luke all too uncomfortably aware that he’d never be more than he was right now. He pushed down his feelings of inadequacy by rationalizing that he and his brothers could have made something of themselves if only they’d been lucky enough to find some rich family to take them in like Heath had.

It was easier for Luke to foster his hatred and resentment rather than focus on the real reason that he hadn’t been able to make a success of himself: He and his brothers, for all their faults, were hard workers, and by now could have saved enough money to buy a nice spread of their own. But just as their father before them, they frittered away their money almost before it was even in their pockets, too eager to enjoy the whiskey and women the nearest saloon could provide.



The sun was fully up by the time the wagon reached the section of ranch that needed new fencing. The men quickly and efficiently dug holes in the ground before inserting the posts. Heath was glad to see everything going so smoothly and realized that they were even a bit ahead of schedule. His satisfaction was short-lived as he happened to look up, his brow furrowing at the sight of the three Haggerty brothers standing together, looking at something on the ground.

Heath threw down the post he was holding and walked over to them. “I didn’t call the break yet, boys,” he said, suddenly seeing what they were looking at. A rabbit lay caught in a bear trap, still barely alive.

“What are you waitin’ for, Luke- shoot the poor thing, put it out of its misery,” Heath demanded.

“Hold on there, Heath,” Luke answered without looking at him. He squatted down, reaching in his pocket. “They say if you can get the foot off while the animal’s still alive, it’ll be extra lucky. Damn, I forgot my pocketknife. Wade, gimme yours-“

He was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot at close range and looked up to see Heath standing there with his pistol smoking- not to mention his ears.

Luke got up slowly. Black eyes bore into blue ones as both men stood there, not moving. Finally Luke said quietly, “You had no call to do that, Heath. None o’ your concern if I’da shot him a minute later- why’d you hafta-“

“You’re on my land, that makes it my concern,” Heath said, an edge to his voice. “And I don’t care if it’s a rat in the barn- I ever catch you treatin’ an animal like that again, you’re outta here. All of you,” he added, his glance taking in the wide-eyed Wade and Dennis.

Luke looked at Heath for another moment before smiling broadly. “Anything you say, Heath. Like you say, it’s your land.”

Heath had had enough. “Get back to work,” he said abruptly before turning and walking away.

“Thought it was quittin’ time now,” Luke called after him.

“Not ‘til I say it is,” Heath answered shortly, continuing to walk back to the post he’d left on the ground. Truth be told, he’d been just about to tell the Haggertys and the rest of the men to get into the wagon so they could go back for breakfast. But he had suddenly felt an uncharacteristic need to exert his authority, to show them just who the boss was around here- he’d decide when they’d break, and no one else.

He sighed. He was suddenly mad at himself for giving into his anger over the Haggertys’ cruelty to the animal. Most of the time he had the full respect and cooperation of the men working under him and he didn’t need to raise his voice in anger or bark out orders- nor did he want to. He enjoyed working together with his men- not standing around like some fancy overseer. But he’d let Luke Haggerty get to him just now, and he vowed not to let it happen again.

He waited another fifteen minutes, then told the men to get into the wagon.



As Heath steered the team back toward the bunkhouse, he felt his anger finally dissipate. He had a feeling he knew the reason for Luke’s attitude toward him – some men just couldn’t accept being bossed by someone with his heritage. He’d come across his type before, plenty of times, but it usually took just one confrontation to set things straight. The man either apologized and got in line, or was fired. The problem with Luke was that he’d never been outright rude or disobedient. He was too smart to cross the line to actual subordination, and therefore Heath really had nothing to call him on.

Besides, the brothers did their jobs well; it wasn’t always easy to find such good workers- and three of them, to boot. Still, Heath might have fired Luke anyway due to personality differences, but he knew that Wade and Denny would have followed him out. It was obvious that they couldn’t take care of themselves if their lives depended on it, and he just wouldn’t have felt right taking their livelihoods away as well, not without a good reason.

So year after year he managed to conceal his distaste for the man. They were only on the ranch for a few months out of the year, after all, and most of the time Nick made sure Heath had other men under his charge instead. And it was really only Luke who got under his skin- Wade and Denny mostly stayed quiet and let their older brother do all the talking. Still, the few times he did have to deal with the Haggertys was annoying, and he found himself already wishing it was the end of their stay instead of the beginning.

But still, this year was different. This year he had his wife at home to look forward to, and that made any problem seem smaller.

Chapter 20

The family was just sitting down to breakfast and talking amongst themselves when Victoria saw Amy’s face suddenly light up. She didn’t have to turn her head to know that Heath must have just walked in. She smiled, as always enjoying the young couple’s obvious love for one another. Heath leaned over and gave his wife a quick kiss before going to the buffet and loading his plate.

Victoria was glad to see that Amy finally seemed to be more comfortable with Heath being affectionate with her in front of the family. She had always jumped, blushing, if one of the family walked in on them in an embrace. Victoria had gently told her not to be so self-conscious. “Don’t forget, I was a newlywed once, too,” she had said, smiling. But Amy hadn’t blushed this time, and the petite matriarch was glad; she wanted more than anything for her daughter-in-law to feel comfortable in her new home.

“Heath, you’re a little late today, is everything all right?” Victoria asked mildly.

At Heath’s hesitation, Jarrod smiled. “Oh, I’ll bet he was having himself a little nap in the wagon and forgot to wake up in time.”

“Yeah,” Nick chimed in. “You know what a loafer this one is.”

Heath nodded ruefully. “Yep, that’s me, all right,” he said.

Amy’s laughter joined the others. She so enjoyed living with this happy, at times boisterous, family. For the longest time it had been just her and her father, then her and her uncle, and it was wonderful to be a part of a real family again for the first time since she was a little girl. She adored her new brothers-in-law, and thoroughly enjoyed having a sister for the first time in her life. She and Audra spent a lot of time together, and the pretty blonde had offered to give Amy extra riding lessons when Heath was too busy. She was slowly but surely starting to feel more comfortable astride a horse, and both Heath and Audra assured her that in time she’d be a fine horsewoman. The two women often went into town together, sometimes with Victoria as well, and often met Jarrod for lunch.

They had been so welcoming to her, all of them wanting to make her feel like one of the family. Victoria had been especially kind to her, so eager for her to feel at home in the big house. She’d insisted on turning the seldom-used sewing room next to their bedroom into their own private bathroom, with a connecting door for convenience. Amy and Heath had told her that it wasn’t necessary, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. “It might convince you to stay here longer instead of moving to your own house,” she’d said, her eyes twinkling. “But no matter how long you live here, I want the two of you to have your own space- and it’s only right that a married couple should have their own bathroom.”

But Amy’s nicest moment with her new mother-in-law had been when the woman had tentatively suggested that she call her “Mother”. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to,” she had hastened to add. Amy had smiled shyly at her. “No, I’d like that…Mother.” It was wonderful having a mother again, especially this loving, wise woman.

“Heath, could you pass the butter, please?” she asked her husband. As he gave it to her, he looked at her for a moment, his eyes drawing hers to his face like a magnet. He didn’t say anything, just gave her one of those special, private looks that were meant only for her, that made her feel like she didn’t have a stitch on. He had the habit of doing that when they were with the family, creating for a moment a private little world in which only the two of them existed. It always made her blush, worried that someone would see and know exactly what they were thinking. She quickly turned her attention to buttering the biscuit in front of her.

“By the way, Heath,” she heard Nick say. “How’d it go this morning? Any problems?” He was still feeling bad about making his brother work with the Haggertys.

Heath shook his head. “No, not really. Nothin’ I couldn’t handle.” Seeing that Nick wanted to talk more about it, he quickly changed the subject. “Listen, Nick, we’re runnin’ low on grain,” he said, adding sugar to his coffee.

Nick nodded, swallowing a bite of eggs before answering. “I know, I know. I’m going to the bank later, I’ll pick up enough afterwards to hold us for a while.”

Amy looked at her brother-in-law. “Oh, you’re going into town today? Can I go with you?” she asked.

“Sure, your company’d make the trip interesting for a change,” he answered, smiling broadly at her as he reached for the biscuits.

Heath turned to his wife. “What’ve you got planned for today, darlin’?” he asked.

Amy toyed with the food on her plate. “Oh, nothing too exciting. I have a few letters to mail, and then I thought I’d stop in and see Georgia,” she said, referring to one of the girls in town she’d gotten friendly with. “She mentioned that she had a new dress pattern I might want to borrow.”

They all finished breakfast and Amy got ready to go into town with Nick. Heath walked her to the wagon and kissed her good-bye before helping her in. “I’m puttin’ my wife in your care, Nick- you take good care of her now, you hear?” he said sternly.

Nick saluted him. “As if she were my own, brother,” he answered with a smile.

As they drove off, Amy turned around and waved to her husband. He waved back, thinking that his mood was much improved from what it had been earlier that morning. He headed off toward the barn, whistling.



Amy was laughing as Nick pulled up in front of the post office. “Nick, that was terrible,” she said, wiping her eyes. “Funny, but terrible,” she added.

Nick was chuckling himself. “Just don’t tell that husband of yours I told you that joke, he’ll tan my hide.” He was starting to think that joke had been too much on the risqué side for his sister-in-law’s innocent ears. She was just so easy to be with, he’d forgotten to filter his speech this time. He quickly vowed to watch his mouth from now on when talking to the girl he already thought of as a sister.

She waved off his worries. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t that bad. But you’re right, I don’t think Heath would approve.” She jumped down from the wagon.

“I’ll meet you at DeWitt’s Store in about an hour, all right?” Nick called down to her.

She nodded. “That’ll be fine,” she answered on her way to the door, waving as he drove off. She watched until he was out of sight, then turned away from the post office and crossed the street, walking in the opposite direction.



Nick was loading the last sack of grain into the wagon when he saw Amy walking towards him. “Get all your errands done?” he asked her.

Amy nodded. “Sorry I didn’t get back in time to help you load the wagon, Nick,” she said, smiling.

Her brother-in-law laughed. “Yeah, where were you when I needed some muscle? Come on, up you go,” he said, helping her into the seat.

As they reached the edge of town, Nick suddenly took a small bag out of his pocket. “I almost forgot…something for the ride back,” he said, handing it to her.

Amy opened the bag and gasped with delight. “Chocolate drops! You know they’re my favorite- thanks, Nick!” she said before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Aw, it’s nothing,” he said sheepishly. He smiled at the sight of her happily eating her treat as he turned the horses toward home.

She held out the bag to him. “Here, have some.”

Nick shook his head. “No, no, those are for you.” He glanced at her again and finally stuck out his hand. “All right, gimme some of those,” he said gruffly.

She laughed and poured some into his hand. As he filled his mouth, he suddenly remembered something. “Listen, Sam DeWitt just told me the funniest joke- and this one’s fit for your ears. Seems this frog went into a church…”



Later that afternoon Denny Haggerty elbowed his brother in the ribs. “Lookee there, Luke- that’s Heath’s wife. Parley just pointed her out to me. She sure is something, ain’t she?” The other hands had quickly filled the brothers in on the events of the past year, and the three Haggertys had been wondering about the woman Heath had married.

Luke looked over at the woman picking flowers near the big house and raised an eyebrow. “Well whaddaya know.” He hadn’t imagined she’d be so beautiful. Damn that bastard, his luck just never runs out, he thought jealously. “Reckon I could get me a woman like that if I had a piece of the Barkley fortune,” he grunted.

His brother Wade laughed, but was immediately silenced by a threatening look from his older brother. “Come on, Nick says we’re to fix them leaks in the barn roof,” Luke said, waving his brothers along.

On their way to their task they passed Heath leaving the corral. “You fellas need something to do?” he asked.

Luke shook his head. “No sir, boss, Nick already gave us orders,” he answered. Our real boss, the one whose charity is lettin’ you live like a king, he thought, his jealousy rising again. But outwardly he just smiled. “Unless you got something more ‘portant for us to do, that is.”

Heath shook his head and moved on without another word.

“Thinks he’s better than the likes of me, does he,” Luke mumbled under his breath. Again he marveled that someone from an even lower strata of society than he had lucked into money and such a lovely wife. “Come on, let’s go,” he gruffly ordered his brothers. “Barn’s waitin’.”

He followed his brothers to the barn, but not before taking one more look at the newest Mrs. Barkley. “Yep, damn lucky,” he muttered, shaking his head.

Chapter 21

Heath lay on the bed, one hand behind his head, watching his wife brush her hair at the vanity table. He couldn’t get enough of looking at her, no matter what she was doing. As the brush pulled through the dark brown curls that cascaded down her back, Amy caught his eye in the mirror, and smiled in response to his wink.

They’d bought some more furniture to put in his room to accommodate her clothes and things, and he found himself liking seeing her brush on the vanity table, her silky, ribboned underthings in her drawers. He was happy that she didn’t want or need to color her beautiful face with cosmetics, but their bathroom was still filled with her things: her soaps, lotions, and the lavender oil she put in her bathwater. He’d been a bachelor for a long time, but he loved these feminine touches she brought to his life.

Amy put her brush down and walked to the bed, removing her robe to reveal the matching lacy nightgown underneath. She pulled back the blanket and got in next to her husband, snuggling against him before lifting her head to receive his kiss. Heath’s hands gently pulled the thin straps from her shoulders as his mouth grew more insistent.

“Sweetheart…wait,” she said, pulling back slightly. She was eager for him as well, but she wanted to talk to him first.

At his questioning look, she lay on her side, her hand propping up her head. “I have to tell you something,” she said.

“All right,” he said, curious. He, too, lay on his side, mirroring his wife’s pose. “Shoot,” he directed, letting his hand rest on the curve of her hip.

“Well,” she started, her fingers playing in the hair on his chest, “I…I fibbed to you this morning about why I wanted to go into town.”

Heath raised an eyebrow at her. “That so? I thought married couples didn’t start lyin’ to each other ‘til much later than this,” he teased, a half-smile on his face.

Amy laughed slightly. “I’m serious,” she said. “I stopped in at the dress shop to talk to Nadine…I told her to fix up a whole trousseau for Alice and to bill it to my account.” She looked at him, slightly concerned. “That’s all right, isn’t it? I know I didn’t ask you first or-“

Heath interrupted her. “Darlin’, that’s fine, just fine,” he answered. “And you never have to ask me first about anythin’ like that. What’s mine is yours, you know that,” he continued tenderly, moving his hand up to caress her shoulder.

She caught his hand in her own, and turned her head to kiss his fingers. “Thank you, my love,” she said, smiling at him. “I told Nadine not to even hint that it was from me- that if Alice mentions my name, she should tell her it was from someone else who wants to remain anonymous.”

Heath looked at her skeptically. “Amy, she’s gonna know it’s you. Who else would do that for her?”

Amy shook her head. “I hope not. I don’t want her to feel awkward around me. Nadine showed me the wedding dress she’s making for her- I told her to fancy it up a bit and put that on my account too,” she said. “Every girl should have a beautiful wedding dress and trousseau. It’s not Alice’s fault that she can’t, she shouldn’t be punished for that.”

Heath smiled, full of love for his kindhearted wife. She certainly had no obligation to be generous to Alice Dixon, not after what her mother Louise had tried to do to them all those months ago. His mother hadn’t given them all the details of her meeting with Louise after he and Amy had gotten engaged, but he knew it hadn’t been pleasant. Louise had been very upset, almost furious with Victoria before finally collapsing in a sobbing heap and pouring out the whole story to her, rambling on about how she had tried to break up Heath and Amy so that Heath would marry Alice and save the family from certain poverty. Victoria just couldn’t stay angry with her when it was suddenly so obvious that the poor woman was no longer in her right mind. She’d quietly contacted the church about making sure the Dixons got some financial help, adding a generous amount herself.

Alice had come back from the health farm in Arizona by then, and had been shocked when Victoria had told her what her mother had done. She’d been mortified and had apologized profusely for Louise’s actions. Victoria had been pleased to see that Alice had returned with more than just a loss of excess weight and an improvement in her hair and looks; her physical improvements had somehow built up her self-confidence, given her some pride, and she now felt able to stand up to her mother. She had also agreed with Victoria that her mother wasn’t well, and had stated firmly that she would look after her from now on and make sure she didn’t cause any more trouble. She’d vowed to get a job to help support her family, and upon hearing that she was good with numbers, Victoria had talked to Jim Stanley, little Joey’s father, and gotten her a job doing bookkeeping in his office. Victoria had also taken it upon herself to ensure that some of the women from the church would drop by and sit with Louise several times a week, so that she would still feel a part of things.

Alice had felt obligated to apologize to Heath and Amy as well for what her mother had done to them, and they’d both been quick to assure her that she wasn’t to blame and that no harm had been done in the end. Amy’s heart had gone out to the lonely girl, and she’d gotten the idea of introducing her to Everett Price, the new schoolteacher. Ev was tall and thin, with a mop of red hair and a protruding Adam’s apple. He was a kind man and the students had taken to him immediately. Amy had sensed a certain strength underneath his unimposing appearance, and she’d thought he and Alice would be a good match- and she’d been right. They’d each seen something in the other that no one else did, and it hadn’t been long before they’d announced their engagement. Everett certainly wasn’t the rich man Louise had desired for her daughter, but Alice couldn’t have cared less. Between his salary and hers, they wouldn’t be wealthy, but they’d do all right.

Most importantly, Alice had made Ev aware of her parents’ problems, and he’d shown the fortitude, the core of steel inside him by announcing that Louise and Maynard were more than welcome to live with them after their marriage. Her father’s business had completely collapsed by this time, and they’d managed to sober him up and not let him near any more whiskey, but he didn’t do much more now than sit at home all day, despondent. It wouldn’t be easy for Everett and Alice to take care of these two people, and certainly not the ideal way to start a marriage, but they both felt it was nothing more than the right thing to do. It would be a struggle, but they’d manage- together.

Heath’s hand continued to caress his wife’s shoulder before moving down to her breast. He leaned in and started to kiss her again, and she could feel herself getting warmer- and not just from the fire blazing in the room’s hearth.

“Heath,” she managed weakly, “there’s one more thing.”

He shook his head. “It’ll have to wait, darlin’,” he murmured, moving his lips down to her neck.

She managed to get a breath and hurried to get the words out. “I also saw Dr. Merar today.”

Heath lifted his head like a shot. “What? What’s wrong, are you sick?” he asked, concerned.

Amy hesitated. “Well…” she started.

“Well what?” he interrupted, even more worried now. “What is it you’ve got?” he demanded.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said casually. “Nothing that another seven months won’t take care of.”

“What?” He asked perplexedly, not understanding. “Seven months? What the-“ He saw the smile creeping across her face and the penny suddenly dropped. “You mean…we’re…a baby?” he asked, sitting up, his eyes open wide.

Amy nodded, her love for him obvious as she looked up at him. “Are you happy?” she asked hopefully. “I know it’s sooner than we expected, but-“

Heath moved and pulled her close to him. “It’s wonderful,” he whispered. “I couldn’t be happier. Amy, I love you…I love you so much.”

Seeing tears in his eyes for the first time made Amy’s eyes get wet as well. “I love you too,” she said, holding him tightly.

When they finally separated he stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. They looked at each other happily, enjoying the moment. Suddenly he realized something. “So you’re two months along? We’ve only been married three months- that baby better not come real early or there’ll be talk,” he said, smiling slightly.

She laughed. “I know, I thought of that, too. What can I say, my husband’s a fast worker,” she said, moving to kiss him.

Their kiss quickly grew more eager, and Heath’s hands were just starting to roam her body when he stopped. “Wait- are we allowed to…you know, with the baby and all?”

Amy nodded. “I asked Dr. Merar about that.” She smiled, remembering. “More like I blushed and stammered until he realized what I was trying to say. He said it’s fine, that he encourages his expectant mothers to continue the…physical part of marriage. He said it’s very beneficial, makes them more…relaxed.” She pressed her body against his and put her arm around him, stroking his back.

Heath smiled with anticipation. “I was never one to go against doctor’s orders,” he said, reaching to turn down the lamp.



The family was thrilled when Heath and Amy announced their news at breakfast the next morning. Nick lifted Heath clear off the ground when it was his turn to embrace his brother, and Victoria remarked that it was about time she’d be able to hold a grandchild in her arms. Both she and Audra had tears of happiness in their eyes, and Jarrod proclaimed that he’d have to replenish his stash of good cigars in anticipation of the big day. Silas was beside himself, his hands clasped together joyfully at the thought of a baby in the house after so long.

When they’d finished eating and the men had gone off to work, Amy approached Victoria and took her hand in her own. “I’m so glad I’ll have you to turn to for advice, Mother,” she said happily.

Victoria smiled and hugged her tightly. “Me too, dear,” she said. “Me, too.”

Chapter 22

It was a week later that Amy was about to leave the henhouse with a basket full of eggs for Silas when she almost bumped into a man standing by the door. She gasped with surprise, then smiled and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you standing there.”

Luke Haggerty shook his head. “Oh no, ma’am, it was my fault for not lookin’ where I was goin’.” He doffed his hat. “I heard Ole Heath got hisself hitched. I’d like to congratulate you on the nuptials, ma’am,” he said, smiling expansively at her.

“Why, thank you, Mr…” Amy said hesitatingly.

“Haggerty, ma’am, Luke Haggerty. Me and my brothers come through the ranch this time every year, stay a few months afore movin’ on.” He placed his hand on the basket she was carrying. “Whyncha let me carry that for you?”

Amy shook her head. “Oh, no thank you, I’ve got it.” There was something about this tall, skinny man, with his black eyes and black scraggly moustache that was making her very uncomfortable. She wished he wouldn’t stand quite so close to her.

But Luke insisted. “Now, ma’am, can’t have the boss’s wife carryin’ things when one of the Haggertys is around.” He firmly took the basket from her and gestured for her to walk ahead of him. There was nothing she could do but nod and walk with him to the house.

Luke kept up a steady chatter as they walked, oblivious to the fact that her short replies to him were only what politeness required, nothing more. Too soon for him, and not soon enough for her, they reached the door to the house.

“I appreciate your help, Mr. Haggerty,” she said as she took the basket from him, eager to get inside. She didn’t have occasion to talk to the hands all that often, and when she did, they were always unfailingly polite and respectful towards her. But though this man had done nothing rude, had in fact been most polite, she was getting more uncomfortable around him by the minute. The way those black eyes of his bored into her unnerved her greatly.

“It’s Luke, ma’am, and it’s my pleasure, ain’t it. Anytime you need anything, you just go ahead and…” his voice trailed away as his eyes flickered over Amy’s shoulder. “Well, I best be getting back to work. ‘Day, ma’am,” he said, turning and walking away.

Amy sighed with relief and was about to put her hand on the doorknob when she heard Nick’s voice behind her. “He bothering you?” he asked, his eyes narrowed, hands on his hips as he watched Haggerty walk away.

She put a smile on her face before turning to her brother-in-law. “Oh, Nick, don’t be silly, he was just helping me carry these eggs. I’d better get these in to Silas, I’ll see you later,” she said as she walked into the house.

Nick nodded absently, still looking at Haggerty’s retreating back, before continuing on to the corral.



As Amy came out of the kitchen a while later she saw Jarrod walk through the front door. “Jarrod!” she exclaimed happily, hurrying over to give him a hug. “It’s good to have you home!” she said, smiling at him.

The dark-haired lawyer chuckled. “Well now, with a welcome like that, maybe I should go away more often,” he remarked. “How’s my favorite sister-in-law?” he asked.

Amy laughed. “You know, I might be more flattered if you had more than one sister-in-law,” she said, walking with him into the study. As he started emptying his briefcase, she remarked, “That was a quick trip this time- did you accomplish everything you’d hoped?”

Jarrod nodded. “I certainly did. Oh, and I picked this up for you- I hope it’s to your liking, madam,” he said, a twinkle in his eye.

She took the offering from his outstretched hand and looked at it, a smile spreading across her face. “Scribner’s Monthly- oh, Jarrod, thank you, this is wonderful,” she said, thumbing through the periodical with delight.

He smiled, happy that Amy was pleased with his choice. He knew that her voracious appetite for reading material wasn’t adequately filled by Stockton’s comparatively meager offerings, so he always made sure to bring something back for her from his trips to San Francisco. It was the least he could do for his adored sister-in-law, the girl who would be forever in his favor for making his brother so happy.

“Come on into the kitchen, Silas just made the most delicious popovers,” she was saying.

Jarrod looked at her, his eyebrows raised questioningly. “And how many have you had already, young lady?” he asked with mock sternness. Her increasing hunger had become a source of amusement among the family.

“Oh, just one…or two,” she said, as they both laughed. “But my appetite’s gotten bigger since you’ve been gone- come on, I’ll join you,” she said as they made their way to the kitchen.



“Saw you talking to that fancy lady, Luke- just what game you playin’?” Wade asked his brother that night when the three of them were walking to the bunkhouse.

“No game, just bein’…friendly is all,” his brother answered with a leer.

Denny joined in. “She as pretty as she looks from far aways, Luke?”

The eldest Haggerty shook his head, his tongue passing over his lips. “You got no idea, Denny. She’s a stunner, that one is. Real quality, too. That Heath got real lucky somehow, nabbing that fine filly.” He paused, thinking. “What I wouldn’t give for a piece of that,” he added, opening the bunkhouse door.

Luke had worked on lots of ranches, seen lots of pretty wives and daughters, but this girl was something else. He’d always been a sucker for dark hair and pale skin, and she had those green eyes to boot. Damn fine figure, too. He had to admit that it was probably the fact that Amy was Heath’s wife that made her more interesting to him. He couldn’t imagine why such a beautiful, high-class girl would marry someone who was a product of sin. Enough money’ll buy anything- even a woman like that, he thought.

He’d had his share of women- Luke fancied himself to be quite the charmer. He knew he had the fine Black Irish looks, and when he poured on the smooth talk, there weren’t too many girls of his station who could resist him. And if they did…well, he’d never been one to give up so easily.

But he’d never even dreamed of trying to make time with a real lady, a woman of quality, and it intrigued him just to talk to Heath’s wife, to be near her, breathing in that pretty smell that floated around her.

“Speakin’ a pretty gals, I got my eye on a little number in town,” Denny said, sitting on his bunk to take off his boots. “Old Man DeWitt’s got his daughter workin’ at the store now, and whoo-eee! She’s somethin’!” he added, outlining the curves of her body with his hands.

Wade snickered. “Yeah, Denny- she’d sure be innerested in you- to shine her boots, maybe!”

His little brother got up and gave him a shove. “You dunno what the hell you’re talkin’ about, so why don’t you just shut your yap-“

“Quiet, the both a yas!” Luke interjected. “I had enougha your bickerin’. ‘Sides,” he continued, “ain’t no reason Denny can’t get that gal to like him. Even if she don’t take to him at first…” his mouth twisted into a smirk, “Well, ain’t I always told you boys, some gals just need a little…persuadin’?” The three of them laughed.

“But Denny, by the time you get anywheres with her, it’ll be time for us to ride outta here- ain’t that right, Luke?” Wade asked.

“Hm? We’ll see. Now pipe down and lemme get some shut eye,” his older brother answered gruffly.

Luke lay on his bunk, his hands under his head, listening to the other ranch hands come into the bunkhouse to go to sleep. The thought occurred to him that maybe he and his brothers would stay on longer this year. The Barkley Ranch had suddenly become a much more appealing place to be.

Chapter 23

It was after dinner one evening that the Barkley family was sitting in the parlor. Heath and Jarrod were finishing a game of billiards while Nick was making popcorn in the fireplace. He shook the pan, trying to get the unpopped kernels to burst.

“Nick, that smells delicious, what a good idea,” Victoria said from her chair. She was hemming a dress that Audra wore as she stood on a stool in front of her mother.

“Yep, nothing beats hot popcorn on a cold winter night,” Nick agreed, taking the pan over to a table and pouring the popcorn into a bowl, dousing it liberally with salt. “And I’ll bet I know who’d like the first taste,” he teased, going over to Amy where she sat on the settee, engrossed in her book.

“Hm?” Amy asked absently, her eyes still on the page.

“Wow, that book must really be good if you’re turning down food,” Nick laughed.

Amy looked up. “What?” She laughed, too. “Me, turn down popcorn? Not a chance,” she said, digging into the bowl.

The boys finished the pool game, and Jarrod walked over to his sister-in-law. “You were a million miles away- lets see where exactly, hm?” he said, turning over the book she was holding. “Ah, yes, ‘Pride and Prejudice’”, he said, nodding understandingly.

Amy nodded. “Mm hm, that’s where I was- Pemberly. Not exactly a million miles away, but certainly another world from here…”

Jarrod looked up suddenly, his brow furrowing. “Let me see, now, how does it go?” He had a gleam in his eye as he started to recite:

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away

Amy excitedly joined him for the next verse:

Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.

“Jarrod, that’s too easy, you know Emily Dickinson is one of my favorites!” she exclaimed. It was a game the two of them often played: quoting a verse of poetry or a passage from a book and seeing if the other could guess the source; or, to be more precise, each trying to stump the other.

“Face it, Jarrod, you’ve finally met your match,” Heath said proudly, sitting down on the settee next to his wife and putting an arm around her shoulders.

Jarrod gave a slight bow. “With competition as lovely as this, I don’t mind,” he said, smiling. “Say, is all that heavy reading in preparation for your meeting tomorrow?”

Amy nodded. “Yes- oh, and thanks again for taking me. Mrs. Harriman mentioned that this would be one of the first books we’d discuss, so I thought I’d reread certain parts.” She smiled. “But I’ve read it so many times already that I practically know it by heart…it’s like an old friend.”

“Good girl, you show ‘em what a smart wife I’ve got,” Heath said, winking at her. She smiled at him, always happy when the man whose opinion she most valued expressed his pride in her.

“I agree,” Jarrod added. “And I’ll be your most willing chauffeur tomorrow, don’t you worry. I was planning to go into the office anyway and catch up on a few things.”

“Thanks, Jarrod,” she said gratefully. Nick and Heath would be spending the next day at a nearby cattle auction so Jarrod had offered to take her into town for the first meeting of the Stockton Literary Society. “I just don’t feel confident enough to drive the buggy by myself yet, but Audra says I’m almost ready, right?” she asked, looking at her sister-in-law. Heath hadn’t let her back on a horse since they’d found out about the baby, so Audra was teaching her to drive the buggy in case she needed to go somewhere and there was no one available to take her. Her husband wasn’t thrilled that she was even doing that much. Amy loved him for being overprotective, but she’d convinced him that it was important that she be able to get around, just in case.

Audra nodded. “That’s right, I think one more lesson and you’ll be ready to do it on your own.”

Heath turned to his wife and brushed back her dark brown curls from her shoulder. “I’m not surprised. Amy’s a real quick study,” he said, looking at her in that way that always made her heart pound faster. She quickly turned to hide the blush that was creeping into her cheeks and said, “Hey, Nick, where’s that popcorn?”



A short while later, Heath and Amy were taking a walk outside. This was a pastime they had enjoyed together since their courting days, even now when the weather was cold. They cherished this quiet time together when they could talk, just the two of them - especially on days that Heath couldn’t make it home for lunch and they had to go the whole day without seeing each other. They stopped in the warm barn and went to the stall housing Sally, the gentle mare Amy had learned to ride on. She held a carrot to the horse’s mouth and watched as it was eagerly eaten.

“Sorry, girl, but bringing you treats is all I’ll be able to do for a while,” she said soothingly.

Heath patted the mare’s flank. “Don’t worry, darlin’, she’ll be right here waitin’ for you after the little one comes,” he said, taking his wife’s hand and lacing his fingers through hers.

“You know,” Amy remarked as they sat down on a bale of hay, “we should really think of some names. I know we’ve got time, but we can’t keep calling him- or her- “little one” forever,” she laughed.

“All right,” Heath agreed. “Let’s hear it- what’ve you got in mind?” he asked, one side of his mouth lifting in a grin.

“Well, for a girl, both of our mothers’ names, of course,” she said decisively. “I think Leah Rose is a beautiful name, don’t you?”

Heath nodded, touched that she’d put his mother’s name first. “Sure is,” he said. “I thank you for that, Amy, it means a lot to me.” He put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her tightly against him.

“And if it’s a boy…” she hesitated, looking at him. “Would you like us to use your father’s name, my love?”

Her husband thought for a moment, then shook his head. “I appreciate that, darlin’, but I never knew the man. It’s enough that I’ve got the name Barkley to hand down…and anyway, there’ll be plenty of Thomases around here if my brothers and sister ever decide to get hitched.” They both laughed.

Heath got quiet suddenly, thinking. “What matters most to me is that this child’ll be born knowin’ who he is. He’ll grow up proud, knowin’ just how he fits into the world. No one’ll ever be able to make him feel like trash for something he couldn’t help.” His eyes darkened as he sat there silently, remembering every slight, every insult ever hurled at him.

Amy touched his cheek, her face etched with concern. “I’m sorry, my love, I know how much it still preys on you,” she said. She knew that even to this day, even with the Barkley name behind him, her husband was still sometimes treated with prejudice and unkindness because of the circumstances of his birth, and it both angered and saddened her.

He shook his head. “It doesn’t, most of the time. I only thought of it now because I’m so thankful our child won’t have to worry about any of that.” Not wanting to bring her down further, he went on, his tone more upbeat. “But listen, about that name for a boy…how does William James sound to you?”

She looked at him, happiness all over her face. He’d chosen her father’s and brother’s names. “Oh, Heath, that would be wonderful, thank you…Oh, how l love you,” she said, hugging him tightly.

He caressed her cheek with his hand and moved her face so that he could kiss her. “And I love you, sweetheart. Keep askin’ myself how I ever got so lucky,” he said quietly.

His wife smiled at him. “Me, too,” she said.

Heath pretended to look perplexed. “You ask yourself how I got lucky?” he asked before breaking into a smile.

Amy slapped him lightly against his chest before getting up and pulling him to his feet. “Come on, funny-man,” she said, laughing. “Let’s go in.”

As they were walking to the house, Amy shivered. “It’s getting colder,” she remarked, pulling her shawl more tightly around her.

Heath put his arms around her and kissed her firmly on the lips. “Got your mouth warmed up- now lets get upstairs and take care of the rest of you,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her. They quickly walked the short distance to the house and went inside.



Neither of them noticed the pair of ebony eyes hidden in the even blacker shadows of the bunkhouse porch, watching them.

Chapter 24

Saturday was a bit chilly but sunny as Jarrod dropped Amy off at the Harrimans’ elegant house on the edge of town. “I’ll pick you up here in about an hour,” he offered.

But Amy shook her head. “No thanks, there’s no need for you to bother. I’ll just walk to your office when I’m done here- it’s a nice day for it,” she said. As Jarrod hesitated, looking uncertain, she added, “Don’t worry, Jarrod, Dr. Merar said that walking is the best thing for me. He wants me to get plenty of exercise.” She smiled at him, waving him on.

“All right, have fun,” her brother-in-law answered, smiling back at her before flicking the reins and driving off.

Amy turned and walked up the steps and pulled the fancy bell-pull next to the door. Presently the door opened and she found herself looking into the face of Olive Harriman, one of the grand dames of Stockton society.

“Why, Amy, how lovely that you could make it! Won’t you come in,” she said, touching her hand to her elegantly coiffed gray hair to make sure all was in place. “And how is Victoria feeling?” she asked solicitously.

“Much better, thank you, but she still has a slight cold,” Amy answered.

“Well, please send her my best,” Olive said. As Amy removed her cloak, the older woman continued, “And I must say, that is a most becoming outfit you have on,” she added, looking with undisguised admiration at Amy’s forest green skirt and matching bolero jacket, both edged with black trim, that she had paired with a white blouse with a lace jabot. “You can put your cloak in that bedroom right there, dear,” she added, pointing the way.

As Amy walked through the house, she saw several other women she knew, though not very well. She was a bit dismayed not to see anyone there closer to her own age. As the pleasantries were exchanged, Mrs. Harriman pronounced in her most regal voice that the meeting would start in a few minutes and that everyone should find a chair and get settled. Amy placed her cloak in the bedroom and stopped at the mirror for a moment to freshen up. When she was done, she moved to return to the parlor, but as she was about to leave the bedroom, she was stopped by the sound of her name in the hallway.

“…see that Amy Barkley is here,” Harriet Reynolds was saying.

“Yes,” Olive Harriman answered her. She laughed briefly before continuing. “I must say I’m surprised that any girl Heath Barkley would marry would be interested in the Literary Society. After all,” she went on with meanness in her voice, “I daresay HE’S not much of a reader!”

“Olive!” Harriet admonished her. “Could it be that you’re just the slightest bit miffed that Heath never showed any interest in Marcy?” she asked knowingly.

“Of course not!” Olive retorted hotly, though Harriet had indeed hit the nail on the head. “I would never let my Marcy keep company with any but the most educated gentlemen. Oh, Heath’s a very nice man, to be sure,” she continued smoothly, “but I fear our book discussions would just go right over his head! Well, we’d best go into the parlor, I’m sure everyone’s arrived by now…”

Amy hurriedly placed herself behind the bedroom door just before the two women passed by. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw her cheeks burning with anger. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been so livid. This wasn’t some deliberate misunderstanding such as the one Louise Dixon had engineered all those months ago; oh no, this was mean chatter, pure and simple, and there was no chance she’d misheard or misunderstood.

She got herself under some semblance of control, grabbed her cloak, and left the room, planning on leaving the house without a word to anyone. Suddenly she stopped, and with a small twist to her lips, turned around and went into the parlor where she found Olive Harriman putting the finishing touches on the refreshment table. “Why don’t you find a seat, dear, we’re about to start the meeting,” she said, smiling at Amy.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay after all,” Amy said sweetly, smiling back.

“No? Why ever not?” Olive asked, puzzled.

“Well, you see,” Amy said, the smile remaining on her face, “I’ve thought it over and I’ve decided that compared to the rest of you, I’m really not much of a reader. Why, I’m sure any discussions you had here would just go right over my head!” She was rewarded with the sight of Olive’s face suddenly blanching and her eyes widening with shock and realization. “Good day,” she said, nodding to Harriet Reynolds, who was trying to hide her smile behind her handkerchief. Amy turned on her heel and left.

As Amy walked through town on her way to Jarrod’s office, her anger grew. How dare she, she thought. How dare that woman say those horrible things about the most wonderful man, the most loving husband! It wasn’t Heath’s fault that he hadn’t had much in the way of formal education. While Olive Harriman had spent her whole life pampered and spoiled, Amy’s beloved Heath had worked his fingers to the bone, trying to provide for himself and his mother. She was so terribly proud of who her husband was and all that he’d accomplished despite his lack of schooling, and to hear someone insult him that way made her want to cry.

Heath may not have spent too many years in school, she thought, but you’d never know it, not from that quick, insightful mind of his. She’d known men with advanced degrees who weren’t nearly as sharp as her husband. He could meet a person for the first time and in two minutes know what they were all about. She was constantly amazed at his ability to weed out any phony, any faker. Books could make a man know more, but intelligence was either something you were born with or your weren’t, and Heath was definitely in the former category. He did read once in a while, but he was so busy, he just didn’t have the time to devote to books the way she did.

With each step she took, her anger continued to increase. Olive Harriman’s husband Barton might have graduated from an Ivy League university, but he certainly didn’t pay Olive the attention Heath paid his own wife. One night while the boys were playing pool, Nick, not realizing that Amy was in hearing range, had mentioned that he’d seen Barton go up the stairs with Flossie at the saloon. Heath had interrupted him, gesturing with his head toward his wife, and his brother had instantly been contrite. Amy’s anger abated for the moment as she thought of how loving her husband was, how he treated her like a queen, how he hadn’t wanted her to hear Nick’s innocently-uttered remark because he cherished her so and didn’t think such remarks were suitable for her innocent ears. He was the last person to deserve nasty remarks such as the ones Olive had made, and her ire flared up again. She wanted to go back to that house and wring the woman’s neck.

As she turned the corner at the livery, Jarrod’s office in her sights, she thought back to the one time the gap between hers and Heath’s educations had been an issue in their marriage. It was their habit to lay together talking at night after expressing their love physically, and lately their upcoming arrival had been the topic of most of those conversations. It had just been a few nights ago that a self-depreciating comment her husband had made had angered her.

Amy sighed contentedly, her head on Heath’s chest. “You know, this baby is so very lucky to have you for a father…all the things you’ll be able to teach him…”

Heath smiled as he stroked her hair. “He sure is lucky,” he remarked. “If he’s ever in the mood to for some smart talk, about books and such, he’ll have you and the rest of my family to talk to,” he said, not a drop of malice in his heart.

Amy raised her head to look at him. “As if you’re not capable of ‘smart talk’?” She said a bit angrily. “What kind of way is that to talk about yourself?”

He gave her a wry smile. “It’s all right, darlin’, I’m glad you’ll be there to give him some intelligent conversation. Lord knows he won’t get that from his father.”

He wasn’t prepared for her reaction. She sat up in the bed and turned to him.

“Heath Barkley, how dare you!” she said, furious. “How dare you talk that way about the man I love! Why, you’re as smart as the next person- even more so! I won’t have you say such things about yourself, I won’t! They’re simply not true, for one thing, and they’re hurtful.” She lowered her voice, but it was filled with sadness. “They’re hurtful to me, my love. You’re a part of me, and when you put yourself down like that, it cuts right into me. Please, promise me you won’t ever say such a thing again.”

Heath nodded silently, pulling her down against his chest so that their faces were only inches apart. “All right, sweetheart,” he said quietly.

“And another thing,” Amy added, a smile playing on her lips now. “You’re always saying how smart I am…would such a smart girl marry any but the most intelligent of men?” she asked.

Her husband smiled back. “I reckon not,” he answered, stroking her back. “I love you, you know that?”

She bent down to kiss him. “I know…but I never get tired of hearing it. I love you, too.”

Amy had hoped that would be the end of that, and now to hear those horrible remarks Olive had made… She hurriedly climbed the steps to Jarrod’s office and opened the door. Her brother-in-law looked up from his desk with surprise. “The meeting couldn’t be over that quickly?” he asked, perplexed.

Amy didn’t answer right away; she just sat down in the chair in front of his desk and sighed.

“Hey,” Jarrod said, concerned. He got up and walked around his desk, perching on a corner in front of his sister-in-law. “What happened?”

She told him what she’d overheard, and as he listened his mouth drew into a straight, tight line. “And what did you do, if I may ask?” he pressed. Amy told him how she’d turned Olive Harriman’s words around on her, and finally Jarrod laughed. “Good for you,” he said proudly. “That old busybody deserved some comeuppance.”

Amy shook her head. “I don’t suppose we can count on her anymore for a donation to the library fund,” she sighed. “Me and my big mouth.”

“No, no,” Jarrod was quick to reassure her. “You and your big mouth did exactly the right thing. She shouldn’t be allowed to get away with such nastiness, and you were right to put her in her place. And don’t worry, you’ll get that donation. Olive Harriman won’t sit idly by and let it be known that she didn’t contribute a huge sum of money to such a worthy cause.”

Amy looked up suddenly, a worried look on her face. “Jarrod, Heath mustn’t know anything about this!” she pleaded.

Jarrod help up a placating hand. “He won’t, honey, don’t worry. But he’s going to ask you how it went, and he’ll wonder why you don’t attend any future meetings.”

She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “I won’t even have to lie about that. I’ll just tell him that instead of the serious literary discussion I expected, it turned out to be just an excuse for a bunch of gossipy busybodies to get together and have punch and cake. From what I saw, it’s probably not far from the truth,” she said emphatically.

Jarrod chuckled. “I’m sure you’re right- why do you think I didn’t want to go?” he asked. They both laughed and Jarrod got up. “You know, I really don’t feel like working today after all. What say you and I go to lunch- if my company passes your high standards, that is,” he teased, offering her his arm, bent at the elbow.

She laughed and took his arm. “You’re in luck- you just managed to pass with an inch to spare.”

As they were walking down the sidewalk, they almost bumped into a young woman walking in the opposite direction. She and Amy recognized each other and both laughed.

“I’m sorry, Amy, I wasn’t watching where I was going,” the pretty redhead said.

“It’s all right, Colleen, neither was I,” Amy answered. She turned to her brother-in-law. “Jarrod, this is Colleen Ferguson. She and her family just moved here from Denver. Colleen, this is my brother-in-law, Jarrod.” She couldn’t help noticing the way the two were looking at each other.

The raven-haired man remembered himself and tipped his hat. “Miss Ferguson, nice to meet you. I believe I met your father the other day- he bought the farm out past North Creek, didn’t he?” he asked, noticing what warm brown eyes she had.

Colleen smiled at him. “Yes, that’s right, Mr. Barkley.” She couldn’t help but notice how utterly handsome the man was.

The two stood looking at each other for a moment until Colleen suddenly said, “Well, I’d better be going, I’ve got to get to the bank. Bye, Amy. And it was nice meeting you, Mr. Barkley,” she added before continuing on her way.

“Bye, Colleen,” Amy called after her as Jarrod nodded.

Amy was about to move on when she saw that Jarrod had turned his head and was watching Colleen as she walked away. “Jarrod?” She asked, trying not to smile.

“Hm?” He turned back to her. “Right, let’s go,” he said, leading them to the cafe.

As they sat down, Amy tentatively said, “She’s very pretty, isn’t she?”

Jarrod busied himself looking at the menu. “Let’s see, the roast beef is always good here.” He caught her eye and put the menu down, sighing. “Yes, she certainly is.”

“Smart, too, “ Amy added casually. “And nice like you wouldn’t believe!”

Her brother-in-law smiled wryly at her. “I suppose there’s a point to this accounting of the young lady’s virtues?”

Her voice was hesitant when she spoke. “Well, I was just thinking that…that the two of you might hit it off,” she said, looking at him hopefully. “It’s been so long, Jarrod,” she added gently.  He’d never discussed his wife Beth with her, but Heath had – including the circumstances of her murder and Jarrod’s hunt for her killer. Her heart had ached with every word. She could imagine what this man whom she held in such high regard must have gone through- she’d gone through something similar when her father had been killed, but somehow she knew it must be different when it was a spouse.

More than for any of her newly acquired siblings, she hoped that Jarrod would marry soon. She figured that Nick still had some wild oats to sow before settling down, and she knew that Audra would certainly marry one of these days, judging from the number of suitors she juggled. But Jarrod…she was worried about him. He was such a wonderful man with so much to offer the right woman, and it was just wrong that he was alone. He should have a wife and children- and soon, she thought. If he didn’t start getting into the swing of things before long, he might never do it. He might get too complacent with only his family and his work for company, and she was determined not to let that happen.

But right now her brother-in-law had fallen silent, and was looking down at the table. “Oh, Jarrod, I’m sorry,” she said miserably. “I shouldn’t have said anything, it’s none of my business-“

Jarrod interrupted her with a shake of his head. “No, honey, you care- that makes it your business.” He sighed, thinking. “And maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s about time I started…having more of a social life.”

Amy smiled happily. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Now, I can make this really casual- I’ll invite Colleen over for tea, and you can just happen to be there- just like the way I met your brother,” she said, excited at the thought of setting them up.

“Hold it, hold it,” Jarrod said amusedly, holding up a hand. “I believe I said maybe. Lets not put the cart before the horse, hm? I’ll think about it and get back to you, how about that?”

Amy nodded. “All right, that’ll do- for now,” she said pointedly.

Jarrod chuckled. “First Alice, now me- are you trying for a career in matchmaking, young lady?” he asked jokingly.

His sister-in-law thought for a moment. “You know, I do seem to have quite the knack for it…but lets order now, I’m starving!”



When they got back to the ranch, Jarrod alighted from the buggy. While Amy was waiting for him to walk around to her side and help her down, she happened to look up- and immediately wished she hadn’t. For there, next to the barn, stood Luke Haggerty, watching her, a toothpick working between his lips.

“Amy?” Jarrod asked. She quickly turned and allowed him to help her down. Her head told her not to look again, but she couldn’t help herself.

He was gone.

Chapter 25

Amy stood at the corral fence, watching the gray stallion as it stomped around, its anger at being fenced in palpable. Heath, Nick, and two of the hands had spent a lot of time the past few days in Juniper Canyon trying to get a rope around him, and today they’d finally succeeded. She knew she wouldn’t be around to watch them break him, though. Much as she found ranch life fascinating, watching them break horses was something she wasn’t used to yet- especially when her husband or brother-in-law was the one doing the breaking. The first and only time she’d seen Heath thrown she’d been scared to death, worried that he’d been badly hurt. Amy had found it unbelievable that he and the hands had laughed off her worries. “Happens all the time, darlin’,” he’d told her. She hadn’t been able to watch anymore after that. Maybe one day she would, but her nerves couldn’t take that again, not yet.

She jumped at the voice behind her. “Fine lookin’ animal,” Luke Haggerty drawled, coming up next to her and putting a leg up on the fence.

Amy smiled nervously at him. She surreptitiously looked around and to her dismay saw that there wasn’t another soul in sight. The men were inside looking at the plans for their house that Heath was planning to start building soon, and she’d thought that all of the hands would be in town as it was Saturday evening. The approaching darkness made her even more wary of being alone with him.

It seemed that almost every time she went outside lately, this man was there. Worse, he always managed to pick his times so that neither Nick nor Heath was ever around. The thought that he purposely waited for them to be absent had crossed her mind more than once, but she’d always made herself dismiss that idea as silly. Yet here he was again, when she was alone, getting some fresh air.

She moved slightly away from him, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “I thought everyone was in town tonight,” she said, trying not to sound nervous.

Luke nodded. “Yep, my brothers is finishin’ gettin’ spiffed up, and then we’ll be leavin’ too,” he said, his black eyes expressionless.

“Well,” Amy said, moving to step down from where she stood on the second rung of the fence, “I guess I’ll be-“

She was interrupted by him sticking out his arm, quick as a flash, and holding her elbow to help her down, smiling as he did so. Trying not to visibly recoil at his touch, she nodded her thanks and moved back a step.

“I’d better get back inside before my husband wonders where I am,” she finished, emphasizing the word “husband” ever so slightly.

He smiled wryly at her. “Thought Heath was smarter than that, lettin’ his wife be outta his sight,” he said.

She couldn’t stand next to him one second longer, she thought to herself. Nodding at him once more, she called out a quick “Good night” over her shoulder as she walked back to the house. She didn’t turn around, but she could practically feel his eyes boring into her back.

“Night, ma’am,” she heard him answer her.

Amy wondered, not for the first time, whether she should say something to Heath, or perhaps Nick. But, like every other time, she realized she couldn’t do that. What would she say, exactly? “He hasn’t done anything improper, but he makes me uncomfortable.” For it was true. She couldn’t point to one clear example of unbecoming or disrespectful behavior on his part- even the way he had helped her down from the fence just now had been absolutely proper…it was just the way he did everything, said everything, the way he looked at her with those black eyes of his.

Still, she knew that if she even hinted to Heath or Nick that Luke Haggerty was bothering her in any way, even if it was all in her head, he’d be gone tomorrow. She had no doubt that he and his brothers would be fired immediately, and she couldn’t let them all lose their jobs over something Luke hadn’t even done. Worse, she knew that Heath would never let anyone get away with harassing his wife- he’d probably beat the man senseless, or maybe even get hurt himself. No, she couldn’t let that happen.

Besides, she knew by now that the Haggertys only stayed a few months out of the year. She’d just make sure she wasn’t alone with him again until they left.

She’d picked up on enough of Nick and Heath’s talks to realize that Heath wasn’t fond of Luke Haggerty, and thought wryly that once again, her husband was right on the money with his character assessment. She’d tentatively asked him once why, if he didn’t like the man, didn’t he just let him go. Heath had smiled slightly. “Amy, if we only hired men we wanted to be pals with, there’d only be five hands on the whole ranch. Long as a man does his job, does it well, doesn’t cause any trouble…that’s good enough for me…and for Nick.”

She opened the door to the house to be greeted by the warm and comforting sights and sounds of her family assembled in the parlor.

Chapter 26

Nick was sitting at the desk in the study, his brow furrowing as he worked on the payroll, when there was a tap on the door. He looked up and smiled. “Danny, come on in,” he said.

The youth hesitatingly entered the room, looking apologetic. “I’m sorry to be bothering you at home, Nick. Silas let me in, I hope it’s all right that I-“

“Come on, don’t be silly, “ Nick cut in, his smile growing broader. He leaned back in the chair and put his feet up on the desk. “What’s on your mind? Need an advance on your pay for a girl or something?” he asked with a wink, wondering what Danny was doing here on a Sunday afternoon.

The young ranch hand shook his head. He hadn’t wanted to come to Nick with this and felt horribly uncomfortable about what he was about to tell his boss. It was only after much consideration that he’d finally decided that he had no other choice, that his loyalties were to Nick and the Barkleys above anyone else.

For Danny Wiggins idolized his boss, thought more highly of him than any other man he’d ever known in his young life. It was only two years ago that he’d been an out-of-control teenager, shunned by his stepfather because his real father was a Sioux Indian. His mother had sided with his stepfather, and had packed him off to boarding school. He’d run off, preferring to live on the streets, stealing from the people of Stockton and selling the pilfered goods to storekeepers.

He’d been doing pretty well when he’d met Nick Barkley. He’d stolen several of the Barkleys’ expensive saddles and Nick had traced him back to his hideout in an abandoned mine where he lived among his stash of stolen merchandise. Nick had fallen into the trap Danny had set for him, and the boy had decided to hold the wealthy rancher for ransom. Things had gone horribly wrong when some of the weakened mine’s support beams had fallen, trapping Danny underneath. Nick had managed to get free and could have easily escaped at that time, but instead he’d stayed, freeing Danny and dragging him to safety just moments before the whole mine had caved in.

Anyone else would have surely tossed him aside at that point, and with good reason. Not Nick, though- he’d taken Danny under his wing, giving him a job as a ranch hand and a place to live. He’d seen that for all his bravado, Danny was just a lonely kid who’d been thrown into some bad circumstances- and all he needed was a helping hand. For two years now, Nick and Heath had given him much-needed guidance, discipline, and caring as they turned him from an angry kid to a responsible, hard-working young man. He adored both of these men who’d been such wonderful role models for him, and he would have gone to the ends of the earth for either of them.

Especially Nick. Not only had the man saved his life in that mine, he’d saved him from a sure life in jail. He now had no doubt that’s where he would have ended up had Nick not taken him in. In jail, or dead, or both. Which was why he was standing here now, prepared to tell him something he’d heard in the bunkhouse, a place where the men’s talk was usually sacrosanct, never to be repeated outside.

Nick saw the young man’s discomfort and got up and stood next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Danny had shot up during his stay on the ranch, and he was almost as tall as his boss now. “Danny…what is it, what’s wrong?”

Danny looked at him, wringing his hat in his hands. “I’ve got something to tell you, Nick, and you’re not gonna like it.”

Nick nodded slowly. “All right…just say it, son, and get it off your chest.”

“Nick…” he hesitated, not knowing how to say that which was so distasteful for him. “I was walking alongside the bunkhouse last night, about to go inside…I thought all the men were still in town, but then I heard laughing coming from inside…Nick, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, honest I didn’t, but then I heard Luke Haggerty mention Mrs. Barkley’s name…” He looked down. This was going to be harder than he’d thought.

“What?” Nick eyes narrowed in confusion. “What were they saying about my mother?”

Danny shook his head. “No, Nick, not that Mrs. Barkley. The other Mrs. Barkley…Heath’s wife.”

Nick’s mouth drew into a straight, hard line. He suddenly had a bad feeling about what Danny was going to say. “Go on,” he said shortly.

“Well, uh…” This was the hard part. “They were all laughing, Luke was saying how…” he swallowed hard, wishing he were anyplace but there.

Nick’s hazel eyes bore into him. “Say it, son,” he said gently, though his voice was cold steel.

Danny picked the least vile remark of all he’d heard, took a deep breath and spilled it. “He was saying that whenever he got near her he got an ache in his…he got an ache that took days to go away, and that…” he paused, suddenly scared at the frosty look of silent fury on Nick’s face. “And that if she was his woman, he’d…well, he said all the things he’d do to her.” He said the last several words as fast as he could, his mortification growing by the second. For all his thieving past he was still quite innocent in matters concerning women, and what he’d heard last night had made his ears burn. “Please, Nick, don’t make me say any more. It’s more of the same, just…worse.”

He remembered something and added, “Listen, Nick, they’d just gotten back from the saloon, and the three of them were drunker than all get-out. And they didn’t know I was there, they thought they were all alone…”

“That don’t matter,” Nick said quietly. He suddenly turned back to the young ranch hand. “Anybody else know about this?”

Danny shook his head and looked at his boss, wide-eyed. “Nick…you don’t think I’d say anything about this to the other men? I’d never-“

Nick interrupted him with a shake of his head, holding up his hand in a placating gesture. “No, Danny, I know you wouldn’t. I asked for my own peace of mind more than anything, is all.” He sighed. “I appreciate you coming straight to me with this.”

“Sure, Nick,” Danny answered. “I thought I’d better come to you instead of Heath, you know what would have happened then.”

The lanky rancher nodded. “We’da had the sheriff and the undertaker over here. No, boy…you did the right thing, coming to me. I won’t forget it.”

Danny was just glad the ordeal was over. His boss looked a little calmer now, but Danny knew that underneath, Nick’s blood was boiling. He’d never been on the receiving end of that anger, thank goodness, though he’d seen it exacted on others. Nick was the most decent, fairest man he knew, but when someone wronged him or his family…

Danny had spent a restless night in his bunk debating whether or not to come to Nick with this, and now he was glad he had. He didn’t care about the Haggertys one way or another- they’d never bothered him, and they mostly stuck together in their little pack. But it didn’t matter who’d done the talking, he knew he would have had to tell Nick what he’d heard. To say such things about a kind woman like Mrs. Barkley…Danny knew she was beautiful, of course, but that didn’t give Haggerty the right to say what he had.

Danny truly liked Heath’s wife. He’d been pleasantly surprised and touched on Christmas Day when she’d pressed a package into his hands. Opening it, he’d found the books he’d need to study for the high school equivalency test he was planning on taking next year. She’d told him that he could count on her for any help he needed in preparing for the exam. The Barkleys knew he’d been saving most of his pay for his big dream: college. Nick had taken him aside one day and quietly told him that he would match any amount that Danny saved for his tuition. Danny had been overcome by their kindness. The Barkleys were the only ones who’d shown him any compassion or consideration in his short, miserable life, and he owed them. He’d pay them back by being the best man he could be; he’d show them that all the time and effort they’d put into him hadn’t been wasted. He enjoyed working on the ranch, but felt that one day he’d like to have a different kind of career. He wasn’t sure exactly what, yet, but knew he’d need a college education to find out.

He looked at his boss, who was staring at the floor, his arms folded across his chest, his mouth pursed. “Well, uh…I guess I’ll get going, Nick,” he said, edging toward the door.

“Huh?” Nick looked up, woken out of his reverie. “Right, right. Oh, listen, Danny,” he added suddenly. “Go tell Silas to set you up with some cake or something before you leave, huh?” He gave the youth the closest thing he could to a smile at that moment, knowing how hard it had been for him to come to him with this sorry story.

Danny nodded, smiling back. “Sure, Nick, thanks,” he said, exiting the room.

Nick walked back to the desk chair and sank heavily into it. He picked up the pencil he had been writing with earlier and threw it angrily across the room.

Well, that was that. Haggerty and his brothers would be off the ranch that very day. There wasn’t even a question in Nick’s mind that he’d have to fire the men. No one, but no one, talked about one of the Barkley women like that and got away with it. He was sure his family had been the subject of many conversations in the bunkhouses over the years, but this was the first time he’d gotten wind of such ugly talk, and it made him angrier than he’d been in a long time.

For a split second he thought of all the hard work the Haggertys had done for him over the years, but it didn’t mitigate their sin, not one bit. He hadn’t seen Luke Haggerty so much as look at Amy since that day several weeks ago, so he’d put it out of his mind. Now he could see that had been a mistake. It didn’t matter a whit to him that they’d been drunk, that they’d thought they’d been alone- there was no way in hell he’d let that man and his brothers stay on. If he ignored this and one day something happened to Amy…he’d never forgive himself.

Anyway, he didn’t want any man who’d say such things about his beloved sister-in-law to remain in his employ. The sooner they got off the ranch, the better. He wouldn’t say anything to Heath until after they were gone, as he knew what his brother would do to the man if he got his hands on him. Nick himself had an almost uncontrollable urge to find Haggerty and slam his fist into his filthy mouth.

Nick sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Firing a man wasn’t his idea of fun, and he knew Luke wouldn’t take the news lying down. He waited a few minutes, giving himself time to calm down- it wouldn’t do to start brawling with the man. He got up and started for the door, anxious to get the distasteful task over and done with.



He found the three brothers in the bunkhouse, playing cards. “Luke.” Nick motioned to the door and Haggerty followed him outside.

“Listen, Luke,” Nick started. “I’ve decided to let you go- all three of you.”

Luke frowned. “What? But Nick, we only been here a few weeks- got at least another month or two before we head out-“

Nick interrupted him with a shake of his head. “You don’t understand, Luke- you’re riding out today, and don’t bother coming back next year, or any other year.” At the puzzled look on Haggerty’s face, he went on. “Don’t like what I’ve been hearing lately, is all.” He took a wad of bills out of his shirt pocket and peeled some off. He hesitated, then added some more. Might make the pill easier to swallow, he thought. He handed the bills to Luke, who was still standing there, mouth agape. “Here’s your pay, plus some extra,” he said.

Luke finally regained his powers of speech. “Whaddaya mean, ‘you don’t like what you been hearin’ lately’?” he asked. “We done our work the same as always- ain’t never had no complaints afore.” He narrowed his eyes, suddenly wondering if that bastard boss had had anything to do with this.

Nick shook his head. “It’s not your work, it’s the way you’ve been conducting yourselves around here. I-“

“Don’t lie to me, Nick,” Luke growled. “We both know what this is about- it’s that brother a yours, ain’t it? He never did take to me, and now he figures he can run to you and get ridda us. Well-“

“That’s not it, Luke,” the lanky rancher said, his patience wearing thin.

“The hell it ain’t,” Haggerty stormed back. “That bastard thinks he can do us out of a job-“

“That’s enough!” Nick shouted. “And next time I hear you talk about my brother that way, you’ll need a new set of teeth.” He turned to walk away, but then changed his mind. “All right, Haggerty,” he said more quietly, though the look on his face was one of disgust. “Seeing as how you’ve worked hard for me over the years, I’m gonna give you a piece of advice.” He pointed his index finger in the direction of Haggerty’s chest. “Next time you’re mouthing off about your boss’s wife, make sure there’s no one around to hear you. Now I want you three to pack up your gear and ride out- today.” The two men looked at each other for a moment before Nick turned on his heel and left.

Luke stood there, his face red with anger. So that’s it, he thought. Someone heard had heard him last night and had reported back to Nick. He still wondered just what part Heath had played in their dismissal. He cursed out loud at losing such a good job that the three of them could count on year after year, his hatred for Heath increasing by the second.

He kicked the wall with the toe of his boot and went inside to tell his brothers the bad news.

Chapter 27

The next night found the Barkleys in the billiards room, the men enjoying a game while the ladies pored over fashion magazines.

“Audra, this one would be perfect,” Amy said, pointing.

Audra looked and nodded happily. “Yes, that would be just right for Caroline’s party- what do you think, Mother?”

Victoria smiled. “I think you’d look beautiful in anything, dear, but Amy’s right- that would be lovely on you. You’d better get it over to the dressmaker’s this week, though. I know the party’s a month away, but I’m sure Nadine will be backed up with orders, and it’ll take her some time just to make a pattern for that one.”

Her daughter nodded. “I’ll go into town tomorrow,” she stated. “Why don’t the two of you come with me to help pick out material and things? We can make a day of it.”

The two other women looked at each other and nodded. “Sounds like a wonderful idea,” Amy said.

“And I’ve got a wonderful idea of my own,” Nick said abruptly, holding his pool cue. “What say the Barkley brothers have a little night on the town? We haven’t had a beer together since I don’t know when.”

Jarrod nodded in agreement. “Sounds good to me, Nick- though I don’t know if our little brother will want to leave his sanctuary of marital bliss.” He looked at Heath and smiled.

A lopsided grin broke out on his brother’s face. “Well now, I’ve gotten used to keepin’ company a lot prettier than the two of you, but I reckon I can lower my standards for once.” He looked at his wife. “You got anythin’ planned for us tonight, darlin’?”

Amy pursed her lips, thinking. “Well, lets see. A night out with your brothers sounds good to me, but if you’d rather stay home, we’d be more than happy to have your opinion on some dresses. Isn’t that right?” she said to her mother-in-law and Audra. Both of them laughed in response.

“Oh, yes,” Audra agreed, smiling. “Maybe you could model a few things for us as well.”

Heath threw down his pool cue. “You just talked me into it- into leavin’, that is.” The boys got ready to go and Heath came over to kiss his wife good-bye. “Meet you upstairs later?” he murmured into her ear so that only she could hear.

Amy nodded, squeezing his hand. “See you later, have a good time,” she said.



The Barkleys rode into town and headed straight for the saloon. As they walked through the swinging doors, they were hailed by Harry as he stood behind the bar, wiping a beer mug.

“Well, if it ain’t the three Barkley boys!” he exclaimed happily. “Haven’t seen all of you here together since Heath tied the knot!”

“That’s what we’re here to fix, Harry,” Nick stated. “Send over a pitcher, wouldya?” he added as they made their way to an empty table.

The brothers were sitting together, enjoying their beer and conversation when Flossie came over to say hello. “Hey, handsomes,” she said, her gaze encompassing the three of them. “How are my favorite brothers on this fine evening?” she asked, winking.

“Just fine, Flossie,” Jarrod answered, winking back. “And yourself?”

“Better, now that you good-looking devils are here- you sure do brighten up a place,” she said, looking particularly long at Heath until he started to blush at her openly hungry gaze.

“Now, Flossie, you know Heath’s off limits,” Jarrod said, wagging a finger at her.

She sighed. “Don’t I know it,” she answered regretfully, adjusting her well-filled bodice.

“You know,” Nick said, looking at her meaningfully, “Heath’s not the only Barkley around- the rest of us ain’t got to stay faithful,” he said, smiling broadly at her.

Flossie sashayed over to him and parked herself in his lap. “Do tell!” she said. Although she was still curious about what Heath would be like upstairs, she’d had many a session with the middle Barkley brother, and had always found him to be lots of fun. “Been a while, Nick- howsabout we go upstairs and get reacquainted, huh?” she said, one arm around his shoulders while the other hand stroked his chest.

Nick was mighty tempted, but finally shook his head. “Not tonight, Floss- me and my brothers just want to relax a little- but tell you what, next time I’m here, it’s just you and me, all right?”

She got up and started walking away. “I’ll hold you to that, cowboy,” she called over her shoulder. Nick reached out and playfully tapped her rear, laughing.

“Ain’t he the smooth one, though?” Heath asked, turning to Jarrod.

Jarrod shook his head and sighed before taking another sip of beer. “They broke the mold on smooth when they made him, that’s for sure.” Suddenly he looked up. “Uh oh,” he said quietly.

Nick and Heath turned around just in time to see Luke Haggerty and his brothers walking towards them from their table in the corner where they’d been sitting unseen by the Barkleys.

“Now you take it easy, Heath, you hear me?” Nick asked, worried. After making sure the Haggertys had ridden out yesterday, he’d found Heath and had told him a watered-down version of what Danny had reported to him. As expected, his brother had been furious, the rage visible in his eyes. Nick had been doubly glad he’d waited until the Haggertys were gone- but he hadn’t expected to see them again so soon, not here. He was concerned at the sight of that same rage in Heath’s eyes now, and just prayed there wouldn’t be any trouble. He glanced at Jarrod, to whom he’d told every word of Danny’s report, and saw his own concern mirrored on his older brother’s face.

“Well now, lookee here,” Luke said, grinning evilly. “If it ain’t the high and mighty Barkleys. In here to celebrate firin’ us, are yas?” His words were slurred slightly thanks to the copious amount of beer he’d just consumed.

“Go back to your table, Luke,” Nick said quietly. “We don’t want any trouble.”

Luke pretended to think on the matter. “Now, if I rightly recollect,” he started, “you kicked the three of us off your place yesterday. I figure that means you can’t tell us what ta do no more.” He turned his gaze to Heath. “And how’s that pretty wife a yours, Heath?” Wade and Dennis stood there, watching, starting to get worried despite their state of intoxication.

Heath started to get out of his chair but was pushed back down by Jarrod. The dark-haired lawyer spoke softly but firmly. “You’re either a fool or you’re tired of living, Haggerty, making remarks like that. Now either go back to your table or leave.”

Luke smiled wryly. “Oh yeah, I plumb forgot. I ain’t allowed to make no remarks ‘bout that wife a yours, Heath. Didn’t mean no disrespect, of course.”

Heath’s words were infused with cold fury. “You’re not fit to even say her name. Now for the last time, get outta here before I forget I’m a reasonable man.”

Luke shook his head, laughing. “Now there you go again, thinkin’ you got the right to order us around. You Barkleys is so used to givin’ orders, you just-“

“Luke!” Nick’s face was angry as he looked at Haggerty. “You’re drunk as all get-out- the three of you, you can barely stand. Why don’t you get outta here and sleep it off. Thought you woulda left town by now anyway,” he added.

“Oh don’t worry, we’re leavin’ Stockton tomorra. Horse threw a shoe and we had to come back. We ain’t plannin’ on stayin’ a minute longer’n we have to in this crummy town a yours,” Haggerty sneered.

He couldn’t resist one more dig at his nemesis, the drink clouding his better judgment. “I’d sure keep an eye on your woman if I was you, Heath. Someone’s liable to come and snatch her out from underneath ya.” He laughed at his unintended joke. “From underneath ya! That’s a good one-“

Luke didn’t even see Heath get up and come toward him. All he felt was a punishing blow to his jaw and the next thing he knew he was lying on the floor. He looked angrily at his assailant. “Why, you no account bastard…”

Heath bent over and lifted him slightly by his shirt. “It’s only out of respect for my wife that I don’t kill you with my bare hands. I reckon you owe her some gratitude, not your disgustin’ talk, you drunken piece of filth.” He disgustedly let him fall back to the floor as Nick and Heath reached him.

“Come on, Heath, lets go,” Nick insisted. Haggerty was a drunken fool, certainly not worth getting into a barroom brawl over- this was clear even to Nick, who wasn’t known for shying away from such scuffles.

Jarrod agreed. “I for one don’t want to stick around, not with the scum they’re letting in these days. Come on.” The three of them exited without another word.

“Luke, they can’t do that to ya,” Dennis exclaimed. The saloon had gone quiet at the scuffle and everyone in the crowded room sat watching them. Even the piano player’s hands had stopped moving over the keys. Denny was mortified at how his idol was being looked at like some sort of fool. “They just can’t!”

Luke shook his head. “They already done it, Denny. Rich folks like that always come out on top, doncha know that by now?” He gingerly touched his jaw and groaned.

“Think you can stand, Luke?” Wade asked him.

“Just gimme a minute, I’ll be all right,” his brother answered. He saw his youngest brother looking towards the door, his hand on his holstered gun. “Whatever ya thinkin’, forget it, Denny,” he warned.

But Denny wasn’t thinking too clearly at that moment. The combination of the drink, the humiliation of his brother, and his desire to look like a man in Luke’s eyes were too powerful to overcome, and he had a sudden desire for revenge, plain and simple. “They ain’t gonna get away with this,” he said quietly, stumbling to the door.

“Denny!” Luke called. “Oh, hell, come on, let’s get him afore he does somethin’ plumb stupid,” he said to Wade, leaning on his brother’s proffered arm to get up.

The Barkleys were outside, about to mount up. “Don’t give them another thought,” Nick was saying to Heath. “They’re just not worth it-“

“Not worth it, huh?” Denny called to them. “I’ll show ya who ain’t worth it. You hit my brother, made a fool of him- now you’re gonna pay.”

“Your brother made a fool out of himself, all on his own, “ Nick answered roughly. “Now get outta here, kid, before you hurt yourself.”

Denny was starting to lose his nerve. He was out of his element, and he knew it- even through the drunken fog surrounding his head. But it was too late to back out now. The thought that this would finally make Luke see him as a man instead of his kid brother pushed him on. He shook his head, his hand twitching nervously at his hip. His words were shaky but loud with false bravado. “Draw, Heath. Now.”

Heath shook his head. “I ain’t gonna draw on you. Do like my brother said and leave.” He turned to get on his horse when he suddenly heard Jarrod shout “No!”

Heath flashed around and quick as lightening shot his gun just as Denny’s bullet aimed at him went wide. The boy crumpled to the ground just as Luke and Wade reached the door.

“Denny!” Wade screamed as they ran over to him. A moment later, Luke looked up, malice all over his face. “Ya killed him,” he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. “He was just a kid, and ya killed him!”

“Denny shot at him first, Heath had no choice!” Nick stated firmly.

Luke shook his head. “He was just a kid…drunk…and ya had to go and kill him.” Wade sat there weeping, holding Denny’s head in his lap.

“Drunk or no, he still tried to kill my brother,” Jarrod said, trying to head off Luke’s anger. “Believe me, we’re all sorry this had to happen, but-“

“Sorry…you’re sorry…” Luke gave a short, bitter laugh. “You Barkleys got everythin’, we got nothin’ but each other, and now one of us is gone…but you’re sorry. Oh, that’s rich,” he said, his black eyes filled with hate.

Sheriff Madden arrived on the scene, pushing through the small crowd that was quickly gathering. “Step aside…I said step aside!” He shouted. Surveying the scene in front of him, he turned to the man he knew he could count on for an accurate report. “Jarrod- what happened here?”

The dark-haired lawyer sighed. “Simple case of self-defense, Fred. Denny Haggerty drew on Heath even after my brother said he wouldn’t draw back. Denny took a shot at him anyway, and Heath shot back. Nick and I saw the whole thing- and there must be several other witnesses around.”

Fred nodded, his mouth a grimace. “Your word’s good enough for me, Jarrod, but I’ll still need to check things out, write up a report. Why don’t you all come over to my office…Haggerty,” he called to Luke. He knew him from all the years he and his brothers had been stopping at the Barkley Ranch. He’d never had much trouble with them, aside from an occasional barroom brawl after they’d had too much to drink. “I’m gonna send the undertaker over. After he …takes care of your brother, you and Wade come to my office,” he ordered.

Luke nodded his head, not saying anything. He was too full of anger and sadness. He put a gruff arm around Wade as they sat there, waiting for the undertaker.



Just a half hour later, Fred had all the facts he needed. He turned to the three Barkley brothers standing in his office. “I found two other witnesses to corroborate what you boys told me- and that was after only a few minutes of asking around. I’m sure I’ll find some more when I go back out- but I’ve got enough for now. Self-defense, pure and simple,” he said.

“Fred,” Heath started as the door to the office opened, “make sure that any of the bills for the buryin’ get sent to me-“

He was interrupted by Luke Haggerty’s angry voice as he and Wade stormed into the office. “Well ain’t that generous of ya!” he said sarcastically. “But we don’t need no charity from the mongrel pup done murdered our brother!” Heath’s hands clenched into fists but he stayed silent. He was sick over what had happened, but knew there’d been no other choice.

Nick’s gravelly voice could have cut ice. “We know you’re grieving, Luke, so we’re gonna forget you said that.”

Luke snorted. “Don’t do me no favors, Barkley. And you,” he said, looking at Heath, “can take your charity and stuff it. I wouldn’t bury my brother in this town a yours- we’ll take him out in the hills and do it ourselves,” he said bitterly. He turned to the sheriff. “You gonna charge him, Sheriff?”

Fred sighed. “With what, Luke? I got witnesses telling me it was self-defense- now, unless you can prove otherwise-“

“Self-defense?” Luke shouted. “He kills my kid brother in cold blood and you’re gonna let him get away with it, ain’t ya?”

Jarrod answered instead, his voice loud with indignation. “Your ‘kid brother’ was twenty-one years old- did you ever think that if you’d taught him to be a proper man, none of this would have happened?”

But Luke went on as if Jarrod hadn’t spoken. “Must be nice to be a rich Barkley, have the sheriff in yer back pocket-“

“That’s enough!” Fred’s voice thundered in the small room. “If you’d think on the matter for one minute, you’d see the truth of it. I think you already see it, deep down.” He turned to the Barkleys. “You three are free to leave,” he said quietly.

Luke and Heath stood looking at each other until Jarrod put a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Come on, Heath, lets go,” he said, nudging him toward the door. The brothers left, accompanied by the murderous stares of Luke and Wade Haggerty.

Heath hesitated at the door, his conscience and ingrained goodness not allowing him to leave just yet. “Luke…Wade…” he said. “I’m truly sorry for what happened. It ain’t what I wanted, but I had no choice,” he said. He swallowed at the looks of pure hatred emanating from the two remaining Haggertys.

“Heath,” Nick said, his hand on his brother’s arm. “Lets go home.”

The three of them walked slowly down the street toward their horses. “Aw, Heath,” Nick said, stopping. “It’s just like you said, you had no choice.”

Heath nodded, sighing. “I know it,” he said. “Don’t mean I gotta like it.”

“The boy was drunk, Heath,” Jarrod said gently. “Drunk and foolish- a dangerous combination that got him killed. No one would have reacted any differently,” he added firmly.

“What worries me most is how Amy’s gonna react to this,” Heath said, concern all over his face. “In her condition- I hate to have to tell her what happened.”

“I know,” Jarrod said. “But you know she’ll hear about it sooner or later, from someone else, and that’ll be worse.”

“Right,” Heath answered resignedly. He looked at his brothers. “But she doesn’t need to know that this had anything to do with her, agreed?”

The two nodded emphatically. “She sure doesn’t,” Nick said. “That’s the last thing she needs right now.”

Heath suddenly couldn’t wait to get home, to hold his wife in his arms. “Come on, I’ve had enough of town for one night,” he said as they reached their horses and mounted up.



“Amy?” Heath said softly in the quiet of the kitchen. His wife sat at the table, a glass of milk in front of her. “What’s wrong, darlin’, couldn’t sleep?” he asked, coming to sit in the chair next to hers. He’d woken up suddenly, sensing that she wasn’t there beside him, and had gotten worried.

Amy shrugged, her eyes staying on the wall opposite her.

Heath sighed. “It’s what happened tonight, isn’t it? It upset you,” he said sadly. He’d told her that a disgruntled ranch hand, upset over being fired, had drawn on him when he’d been loaded up with liquor, and he’d had no choice but to shoot him down. Nothing more. She’d been shocked, and he’d felt her shaking when he’d held her in his arms. She’d asked him who it was, and his answer had gotten her upset all over again. He knew it wasn’t right to think badly of the dead, but he cursed the day Luke Haggerty and his hapless brothers had ever set foot on the Barkley Ranch.

Instead of answering his question, she asked him one of her own. “That man…I know he had two brothers working here. Were they all fired?”

Heath nodded, wondering why she wanted to know.

“Why, Heath? What did they do?”

Her husband wasn’t prepared for this question, and as he hesitated, trying to think of something, anything but the truth, Amy suddenly turned to look at him. Her worry that she might have been the reason for their dismissal and the ensuing killing, as well as the possibility that Heath could have been killed, too, caused her to speak more harshly than she’d intended.

“You know,” she said, a touch of impatience in her voice, “you don’t have to shield me from everything, Heath. I’m not a child.”

Heath was taken aback at her attitude- it wasn’t like her to talk to him this way. Not understanding what was motivating her anger, he said gently, “I know that, darlin’- and I’m not tryin’ to hide anythin’ from you. They were let go because…because they’d gotten into the habit of drinkin’ in the bunkhouse and it was affectin’ their work.” He hated lying to her, but there was no way he’d tell her the real reason they’d been thrown off the ranch.

Amy wondered if that was really the truth. Even if she had been the reason, she suspected that Heath would never tell her. But his explanation seemed logical enough, and as much as tonight’s tragedy saddened her, she couldn’t help but feel relieved that they were off the ranch, for whatever reason. Just so long as they were gone…

“What?” Heath asked, his voice rising. “What do you mean, ‘just so long as they’re gone’?”

Amy looked up, startled. She hadn’t realized that she’d said the last few words aloud.

“Amy, I asked you something,” he said, his jaw clenched. “What did they do that would make you want them gone?”

She sighed. She couldn’t think of anything to tell him but the truth. “Oh, Heath, it’s nothing…and it was just one of them that-“

“Luke,” he interrupted flatly.

She looked at him, her brow furrowing with confusion, wondering how he knew. “Well, yes,” she said. “He never did anything improper…but he made me a little uncomfortable…”

The muscle in his jaw started working. “How?” he spat out.

Amy didn’t like the look on her husband’s face, but she continued. “It’s nothing I can even put into words, Heath…just the way he looked at me sometimes…it’s really not even worth talking about-“

“You should have told me, Amy,” he said angrily, turning away from her. He put his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Heath,” she said softly. “Please…don’t be angry with me. I didn’t want to cause any trouble, especially when he hadn’t actually done anything-“

“But he might have,” Heath snapped at her. “And I’d have had no warnin’ or anythin’- Amy, I had a right to know,” he said insistently. He turned to her suddenly. “He do anythin’ else that made you uncomfortable?” he asked warily.

Amy tried to sound casual. “Nothing, really,” she said. “He talked to me a few times, that’s all.” She suddenly thought of what had happened at the corral fence the other night and looked down, unconsciously biting her lip.

“What?” Heath narrowed his eyes, sensing that she was wasn’t telling him everything. He sat up straighter. “He didn’t…he didn’t put his hands on you?” At her hesitation, his mouth closed into a straight line. “Amy, you’d better tell me right now,” he said, his voice ominously quiet.

Amy hurried to reassure him. “Just once, I was standing on the rail of the corral fence and he helped me down. That’s all, Heath, I promise you!” she said.

He exhaled heavily. “I can’t believe I’m hearing all this for the first time,” he muttered angrily.

“But he didn’t do anything, not even close,” she said, not understanding why he was so upset. “Don’t you think you’re making too much of this-“

“No, I don’t!” he said loudly. “I don’t like to think of you keepin’ somethin’ like this from me, you should have told me.” He suddenly remembered that the whole house was asleep. Speaking more softly, he started again, realizing that his anger was being stoked by his knowledge of what Haggerty had said about her, something she knew nothing about. “You should have-“

“Why? So you could shoot him, too?” she asked, tears in her eyes. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she’d have given anything to take them back. The look of profound sadness on Heath’s face was more than she could bear. “Oh, Heath, I didn’t mean that. I’m so sorry, my love,” she said, putting her arms around him. The tears started trickling down her cheeks as she continued. “What happened tonight just got to me more than I realized…Heath, I know you’re not to blame,” she said.

“I had no choice in the matter, Amy,” Heath said quietly.

“Of course you didn’t,” she said emphatically, upset that he would think she believed otherwise. She hugged him more tightly. “I know that because I know you so well,” she added. “Please, Heath, I couldn’t bear it if you were upset with me. I don’t know what got into me, saying such a terrible thing, I’m so sorry…it’s just that the thought of you in a gunfight upsets me so…if anything had happened to you…”

Heath turned so that he was able to put his arms around her as well. When they pulled back, he wiped the tears from her eyes. “I just want you to put it out of your mind, darlin’, not to worry about it anymore. It’s over and done with,” he said gently.

Feeling terrible that she’d made him feel even worse about his horrible evening, Amy tried to sound happier. “Don’t mind me, my love. You know how expectant mothers are- too emotional at times,” she said, looking at him hopefully, willing him to forgive her.

She was rewarded with a lopsided smile. “That’s all right,” he answered her. “I reckon I can handle that. Now drink that milk- it’s good for you and the little one. And then we’re goin’ back to bed- the two of you need your sleep,” he said firmly.

Amy nodded at him, feeling better now. “Anything you say, my love.” She finished her milk and the two walked arm in arm toward the staircase.

Chapter 28

One month later….

“Silas? Silas, are you in here?” Amy called, looking around the kitchen. Her good friend the butler had promised to show her how to make Heath’s favorite dessert, chocolate cake. She just hoped it would turn out better than some of her previous culinary attempts.

Amy fervently wished she had more of a knack for cooking. After her mother had died when she was a little girl, she and her father had had a cook/housekeeper who’d taken care of all their domestic matters, and so had her Uncle John when she’d lived with him. She’d tried cooking for them on Emma’s days off, but after watching her uncle stoically try to swallow whatever she put in front of him time after time, she’d finally let him off the hook. After that they’d always gone into town for supper or eaten leftovers on those days.

But now Amy was more determined than ever to improve her culinary skills. One day they’d have a home of their own, with no Silas to cook for them, and she wanted to be able to serve Heath proper meals. A few weeks ago, on a rare night that they’d been the only ones at home, she’d cooked them dinner and had watched eagerly as he’d taken the first bite. He’d tried to put a smile on his face, but she’d seen how hard he’d had to work to swallow. She’d taken a bite of the pot roast and had immediately spat it into her napkin. Heath, wonderful husband that he was, had doggedly tried to keep eating her offering, but she’d pulled the plate away from him, mortified.

“What will we do when we’re in our own house? You’ll starve to death,” she’d said, close to tears.

Heath had come around to her chair and hugged her. “Reckon we’ll just live on love, darlin’,” he’d answered.

Amy had laughed. “You know, I’ll bet we could,” she’d said before they’d gotten up to raid the kitchen.

Silas must be outside, she figured, deciding to get things ready for their lesson. Finding the cocoa powder, flour, and sugar, she put them on the sideboard. She remembered that Silas always used a certain bowl to mix cakes in- she thought it was in one of the upper cabinets. Pulling a chair over, she got on top of it and started rummaging around the cupboard. She didn’t see it right away and stood on her tiptoes to see better, causing the chair to wobble slightly.

It all happened so fast. She heard the footsteps, the sharp intake of breath, and before she knew it she was in Heath’s arms.

“Just what do you think you’re doin’?” he demanded.

“I was looking for a mixing bowl; Silas is going to show me how to make a chocolate cake- isn’t that nice?” she asked, smiling at him.

He exhaled heavily. “Next time, you wait and let him climb up and get things, you hear me?”

“All right, I will,” she said, putting her arms around his neck. “You know, I didn’t expect to see you until lunchtime,” she remarked.

“Well, I reckon it’s a good thing I showed up when I did, isn’t it?” he asked, upset that she wasn’t taking this more seriously.

“Why, Heath,” she said, looking at him. “You’re really angry, aren’t you?”

“Damn right I am,” he spat out.

Amy’s eyes widened with shock. Never before had he used such language with her. “Heath!”

His face softened, as well as his voice. “Sorry, darlin’,” he said apologetically. “That was uncalled for. It just scared me somethin’ awful to see you up on that chair like that. You could have fallen, or…just promise me you won’t take a chance like that again, all right?”

She nodded, leaning her head into the crook of his neck. “I promise,” she said. A moment later, she added, “Um, Heath…this is nice, but you can put me down now.”

He chuckled slightly. “Can I?” he asked. “You sure I can trust you to behave?” At her nod, he said, “All right, then,” and lowered her gently to the ground.

“Heath, I’m sorry,” Amy said, contrite. “I wasn’t thinking.”

He shook his head, amused. “No, I reckon you weren’t.” His voice got more serious as he went on. “Amy, if anythin’ had happened to you or the baby…”

“But it didn’t,” she said gently. “And I wasn’t up that high or anything-“

He sighed with exasperation. “Darlin’, the two of you are my responsibility- so from now on you let me decide what’s too high or too much, all right?” he asked earnestly.

“All right,” she agreed, as he took her in his arms and kissed her.

Silas came into the kitchen then, and upon seeing the chair under the cabinet, he sighed. “Oh no, Mistah Heath, she at it again, ain’t she?”

Heath nodded. “And I’m tellin’ you right now, Silas- she’s not to do any climbin’ or liftin’…or anythin’! You got my permission to yell at her if she tries.”

The gentle servant smiled, knowing he could never raise his voice at his beloved Mrs. Heath. “Don’t you worry none, I’ll watch her best I can.”

Heath kept an arm around his wife as he talked to Silas. “Say, how’s my wife doin’ with her cookin’ lately?” he asked.

Silas hesitated almost imperceptibly before smiling broadly. “Fine, Mistah Heath, jest fine! She’s coming along real nice, she is,” he lied easily.

Heath winked at Silas over Amy’s proudly beaming face, giving the butler a knowing look. “Glad to hear it, Silas,” he said. He turned back to his wife. “Gotta be gettin’ back out there, but I’ll see you at lunch.” They kissed good-bye and he started for the back door.

“Heath, wait,” Amy called. “You never said why you were here in the first place.”

He gave her a half-smile. “Just to tell you I love you, darlin’,” he said, waving as he walked out the door.

Silas watched Amy standing there looking happy. He cleared his throat, causing her to turn to look at him. “Well, Silas, lets get started, shall we?” she asked, more determined than ever to make something edible for the man she loved.

“Yes ma’am,” he answered, smiling.



Jarrod entered the house that evening and put his gunbelt and hat on the table in the entrance hall. “Mother-“ he started calling, but stopped as he turned and saw Victoria and Audra in the parlor, motioning for him to be quiet. He suddenly saw Amy sitting on the settee, fast asleep, a book in her lap.

“Oh,” he said, smiling understandingly before going into the parlor.

“We were all talking, and she just drifted off,” Audra explained quietly.

“Well,” Jarrod began, just as quietly, “if you were telling her that story about your pickled cucumbers winning first prize at the County Fair, I can see why,” he teased his sister.

“Oh, you!” Audra said with feigned annoyance, getting up to punch him playfully in the arm before giving him a hug.

Amy stirred and moved her head slightly where it rested against the back of the settee.

Victoria gave her children a warning glance. “Quiet,” she admonished, though her eyes were smiling.

It wasn’t long before Heath and Nick walked in through the front door. “Whew, it’s cold out there!” Nick bellowed. He was answered by a chorus of “Shh!” from the parlor.

“Huh?” he asked, bewildered. When he saw his sister-in-law, he smiled. “Oh.” He put a finger to his lips and walked on exaggerated tiptoe to the drinks table, where he began pouring a little something to chase away the chill.

Heath bent to kiss his mother hello. “How long’s she been out?” he asked softly.

Victoria thought for a moment. “Oh, about half an hour. But don’t wake her; dinner won’t be ready for a little while yet.”

Heath nodded, going over to Amy and carefully lifting the book from her lap and putting it on the end table. He stood there, watching his wife as she slept. Her dark, curly hair fell around the shoulders of the midnight blue velvet dress she was wearing. She breathed deeply, her long eyelashes brushing her cheeks, her full lips slightly parted. She made quite a pretty picture, and it took a moment before Heath was able to tear his eyes away from her and join his brothers for a drink.



Amy gradually became aware of the sounds around her even before she was fully awake. She heard her mother-in-law and Audra talking quietly, as well as the muted voices of the men accompanied by the clinking of glass. She slowly opened her eyes and took in the sights of the room. The wind was blowing fiercely outside, but inside it was warm and cozy thanks to the fire crackling in the hearth. Audra was showing Victoria some embroidery she was working on, and Heath and his brothers were standing at the drinks table, discussing a case Jarrod was trying.

She stretched slightly and her movement caught her husband’s eye. As he smiled and walked over to her, Nick remarked good-naturedly, “Well, now, if it isn’t Sleeping Beauty, come awake!”

Amy blushed slightly at the sight of everyone smiling at her. Heath sat down next to her and put his arm around her. “Have a good nap, darlin’?” he asked. She nodded and said in a slightly embarrassed tone, “I’m sorry, I hope you’re all not waiting dinner because of me!” She sat up straight, still feeling a bit silly that she’d fallen asleep like that.

They were all quick to reassure her, and Heath pulled her back down against him so her head rested against his shoulder. “We’ve still got a few minutes,” he said into her hair.

It felt so good lying there against him, Amy decided not to be embarrassed in front of the family and just stayed there, enjoying herself. “It seems like all I do lately is eat and sleep,” she remarked ruefully. She’d gotten into the habit of taking a nap every day after lunch, but this was the first time she’d slept twice in one day.

“And becoming quite proficient at both, if I may be so bold to say,” Jarrod said, evincing laughter from all present.

“And that’s all you should be doing,” Victoria stated firmly, wanting to make Amy feel better. “Get all the rest you can now, because after that baby comes, you won’t get much, believe me!” she said, smiling warmly at her daughter-in-law before turning to help Audra with her stitching.

Amy looked up at Heath. “How was your day, my love?” she asked.

He looked down at her tenderly. “Better, now,” he answered. “But I’ll tell ya, it ain’t easy havin’ to pick up the slack all day,” he said, winking at Jarrod.

Nick whipped around. “Pick up the slack?” he said angrily. “Now just what do you-” Seeing the way both of his brothers were smiling, he grinned as well, shaking his head. “I’ll show you slack, brother. Tomorrow, I’m giving Jody the day off and YOU can muck out all the stalls.”

“Oh, I’d like to see you try,” Heath threatened, as the rest of the family laughed.

They all continued to enjoy their conversation until Silas came in and announced that dinner was ready.



Later that night, Heath lay in bed against the pillow he’d propped up against the headboard. The only move he’d made toward undressing so far was removing his boots. With one leg on the bed and one leg on the floor, he was busy reading an agricultural journal while Amy put away some of his shirts that Silas had ironed that day. “Anything interesting?” she asked him.

“Mm, not really,” he answered distractedly. “There’s an article here about an outfit in Nevada makin’ a new kind of feed- I told Nick I’d look at it and tell him what I think,” he said. “I’ll be done soon, then I’m all yours, darlin’,” he added with a quick grin in her direction.

Amy smiled back. “No hurry,” she said casually. She looked at him once more before quickly taking something from the bureau and heading into their bathroom.

A few minutes later she stood in the doorway. She waited a moment, then cleared her throat. When Heath still didn’t look up, she sighed. “Heath?”

He didn’t look up from the page. “Hm?”

She took a few steps toward the bed. “Heath,” she tried again.

“Be right with you, sweetheart,” he murmured, looking up at her for a brief second before his eyes returned to the article. Suddenly he looked back at her, one side of his mouth moving slowly into a smile.

“Well, I see you’re really busy- I don’t want to interrupt your reading, so maybe I should just leave,” she said, trying not to laugh.

Heath sat up in the bed. “C’mere,” he said huskily, tossing the journal to the floor.

Amy walked over to him. “I know I’m the one wearing it, but I really bought it for you,” she said softly. She was wearing a new nightgown that had just arrived in that day’s mail. Nick had given her the package when he’d come back from town. He’d shaken the seemingly empty box that made no noise and had joked, “What’ve you got in there, a Gatling gun?” She’d taken the package from him and had laughed nervously. “Oh, it’s just some handkerchiefs I ordered,” she’d improvised before scooting upstairs.

Heath nodded appreciatively. “Well I must say, darlin’- that’s one of the best presents you’ve ever gotten me,” he said as his eyes hungrily roved her body. He’d never seen her wear anything so revealing before. The silky material was champagne-colored, slit up the leg to mid-thigh. Thin straps that tied on each shoulder held up the top, and the front plunged to a deep vee, exposing the creamy mounds of her breasts. The gown was quite sheer, and left very little to the imagination.

“I wanted to wear something like this for you while I still have the figure to do it,” Amy said, smiling down at him. “But I think it’s too small already,” she said, slightly dismayed, noticing how the material stretched tightly over her breasts as they threatened to overflow.

Heath shook his head. “Nope, it’s perfect, just perfect,” he murmured, rather liking that it was too snug right there.

She stroked his hair as he continued to sit on the bed in front of her. “So I take it you like it?” she asked, teasingly.

Her husband nodded. “Oh, I like it all right,” he answered, slowly moving his hands up her bare arms to untie one shoulder strap, then the other. “But I think I’d like it even better on the floor,” he added, letting the gown fall from her body, leaving her fully exposed before him. He smiled at the slight blush that started on her cheeks, pleased that he could still make her color after being married for several months.

Heath’s eyes moved slowly, keenly, over his wife’s body. She was four months along now, and pregnancy obviously agreed with her. He’d never seen her look more beautiful. Her hair and skin fairly gleamed with vitality, and there was a new kind of light in her eyes, a secret sparkle. It was too early for her to show yet, but her breasts already had an added fullness, and as he moved his hands to her waist, he found that he could still span it, though his thumbs didn’t meet as easily as they usually did.

“You won’t be able to do that much longer,” Amy said softly. “I’ll be awfully big pretty soon.”

Heath smiled at her. “Just more of you to love, darlin’,” he said gently, meaning every word. He couldn’t wait to see her big with his child. He put his head between her breasts and nuzzled there for a moment before giving each soft globe slow, careful attention. Amy closed her eyes and sighed with pleasure as her husband’s hands and mouth continued their caresses while her fingers entwined themselves in his hair.

He gently pulled her down on the bed next to him, kissing her deeply while holding her tightly against him. It was strangely exciting lying together this way, him fully dressed and her totally bare. But soon both of them were eager to feel skin against skin, and Heath reached to undo the buttons on his shirt. Amy stopped him, pushing his arms away, wanting to do it herself. He lay back, feasting his eyes on her, watching her lazily as she undressed him, moving when necessary to help her.

Finally she lay on top of him, nothing between them but a whisper of air as their lips met in a long kiss. Heath was enjoying his wife’s ardor and enthusiasm and suddenly let out a chuckle.

Amy lifted her head. “What?” she asked, amused.

“I was just thinkin’,” Heath answered, his hands moving slowly up and down her back. “I sure am glad I’m not a Mormon.” At her questioning look, he continued, “The men take more than one wife. I can barely keep up with the one I’ve got.” He smiled as she sat up and looked at him, her eyebrows raised.

“Heath Barkley, is that a complaint I hear?” she asked, trying to sound stern.

“No ma’am,” he answered. “More like me countin’ my blessings,” and they both laughed as he pulled her back down against him before turning over so that she was underneath him.

It was a long, languid session of lovemaking that night, each of them giving as much pleasure as they received. For these two people, the act was never only about the physical- there was always a melding of souls as well as bodies, a connection that transcended time. It was during a particularly pleasurable moment that Amy turned her head to catch Heath’s hand as it caressed her cheek. She bit down slightly on his thumb so as not to cry out, afraid of being too loud.

As they lay together afterwards, Heath thought to himself, not for the first time, that the only real problem in living with his family was his and Amy’s lack of privacy. She, especially, was worried that one of the family would hear them at night, and always made sure to be as quiet as possible. Heath understood this, but he hadn’t heard her really express her pleasure in the bedroom, loudly, since their honeymoon, and he missed it. He looked at his wife’s beautiful face, the way it now held a look of lazy satisfaction, and once again couldn’t wait until they were in their own home and didn’t have to worry about anyone else getting an earful.

He’d started work on the house a few weeks ago- marking off the rooms and putting down the foundation. They’d decided on a two-story structure, though not too large, with a wraparound porch, complete with swing. It was on a lovely spot less than two miles from the house, near a stream and good grazing land. He’d been taking his time, wanting everything to be perfect, but now thought that perhaps he should rethink his pace.

“I’m gonna have to start working faster on our house,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Can’t have you…holdin’ back anymore.”

She smiled up at him. “That’s a reason to work faster?” she asked almost shyly, turning to put an arm around his waist.

Heath nodded. “It is to me,” he answered, bending down to kiss her. They lay there, talking quietly about the future, until sleep overtook them both.

To be continued…