Nick stood wide eyed watching as his newest little friend coughed hard and struggled to get a clean breath.

"Mother, is Heath okay?"

"Nick, Heath just doesn't feel well. He has a fever and a very bad cough that makes it hard for him to breathe," she explained to her concerned son.

Nick patted Heath on the back to console him.

Finally the coughing spell subsided and a very weary little boy snuggled into Victoria's chest and allowed the rocking motion to lull him to sleep.

Nick smiled, "He's sleepin' now, Mother."

"I think that's what you should be doing too, young man," Victoria instructed as she reached up and brushed the dark hair out of her son's eyes.

Down the hall Tom was waiting for Howard Merar to finish up with Leah. His nervousness caused him to pace outside the door as he contemplated what he was going to say to Leah. The door opened allowing Tom to hear the final comments from the doctor.

"A good night's rest will do you good. I'm going to take a look at your boy and then I'll come back and tell you what I find before I leave." Tom could hear the assurance the doctor tried to give Leah.

"How can I ever thank you?" Leah's voice was soft. She did sound tired.

Tom could not make out Howard's response to Leah's comment.

As the door closed, Howard looked surprised to see Tom standing there.

"I know where Nick's room is, Tom, there was no need to wait for me," Howard chuckled softly. That youngest Barkley had been in many a scrap in his eight years of life.

"I know that, Howard. Is Leah okay?" Tom's voice actually held a hint of concern.

"Nothing that a few days of rest and a decent meal wouldn't cure. She bruised her ribs when she fell from the wagon. She'll be sore for several days. She's more concerned for her son than herself. The other lady, Rachel, told us that Victoria had offered for the two of you to care of the child so that they both could get a much needed night's rest. I suggested they take you up on it," Doctor Merar shared.

Tom nodded and then knocked softly on the door.

Rachel opened the door just a crack and stared into his eyes, her look speaking volumes. "May I help you, Mr. Barkley?" Rachel's tone was curt.

"I'd like a word with Leah," Tom spoke with the same unyielding stare.

"She's resting. I'll give her a message..." Rachel's words were interrupted by Leah.

"Let him come in, Rachel." Leah's voice was tired but stern.

Rachel opened the door but planted herself so that it wasn't easy for Tom to enter the room. Tom was annoyed! Who was this woman and what right did she have to treat him like an unwelcome guest in his own home! How he'd love to toss her to the road where McCall had found her. He guessed...no, he knew where her resentment came from, but even that was none of her business!

When he had squeezed past Leah's posted guard, he finally made eye contact with the woman with whom he shared a past, a secret. She looked tired, thin and not anything like the bright beautiful young woman who had turned his head several years ago. She was still pretty, but it was obvious that the years that had passed were not kind. He saw an eagerness come to her eyes as she looked up into his face.

"I'd like to have a word with you, Leah," Tom spoke in a serious tone.

"The doctor said she needs some rest," Rachel spoke up before Leah could answer.

Irritation was filling the room. Both Tom and Rachel were on the verge of making comments that would be better left unspoken. Leah didn't have the energy to fight them. She was glad Tom had come to her, here he was back in her bedroom again...just like all those years ago. The thought made Leah's heart quicken. Silly thought, she knew it and yet it caused her to smile and stare into Tom's blue eyes, those same blue pools that entranced her years ago.

"Rachel, go ahead and take that bath Mrs. Barkley offered," Leah finally took her eyes off Tom and looked at Rachel as she spoke.

"But, Leah..." Rachel stopped. She gathered a few things and quietly walked out the door.

Tom closed the door and paused taking a deep breath before he began.