The next day was very warm for April. It felt like July at least. Katie wasn't used to such weather, but Jarrod said that she should be thankful that it wasn't a drought.

Apparently Stockton was the drought magnet of the world, but Katie didn't say that out loud.

Often Katie wondered what it was like in Philadelphia. It was somewhat cooler than here and she wondered that if her mother came to see her if she could handle the weather.

Katie still went to lessons with the old nun at the mission. Right at this moment she was learning the names of the saints. The saint that she was learning the most was about Saint Maria, the mother of Jesus.

The old nun said that Saint Maria was who her mother was named after. Most Spanish names were patterned after saints. Katie's name- Katalina- was the name for Saint Katherine.

The old nun went on to say that there was a saint for all 365 days of the year, but it would take Katie much too long to learn them in one afternoon.

Katie walked out of the church, her Spanish prayer book in her hands. Since she had started to take the lessons she had also started to look more Spanish. She wore a flowered Spanish top and an orange skirt this day. Maria had made the clothes for her when Katie had said that she was interested in her Spanish heritage.

Katie walked all the way to the general store and stopped to look at the apples in a barrel. She picked up an apple and examined it. It looked as if it was not rotten, as there were no bad spots on it.

She took the apple and laid it on the counter. "I would like to buy this please," Katie said.

"I'm afraid I can't sell it to you, Miss Barkley," Tom Danforth said.

"Why not?" Katie asked, her blue eyes filled with confusion.

"I just can't. Tell your grandma that Barkley money and your family's credit is no longer any good here," Tom said.

"Very well. I'll tell her what you said. She might want to go to another store to buy groceries," Katie said.

As Katie walked out the door a tomato hit her in the face. Katie tried to hold her head up as she walked to her father's office and not cry. No one had ever treated her like this before. Katie opened the door to her father's office.

"Lavena, is Papa in?" Katie asked.

"Yes Miss, but what's that on your face?" Lavena asked, her gray eyes concerned.

"Never mind," Katie asked. She pushed open the door to Jarrod's office and went in.

Jarrod was working on some briefs for a case when he heard the door open. Katie entered his office and sat on the leather couch.

"Katie, what are you doing here?" Jarrod asked.

"Nothing," Katie said, her voice low as she looked at the prayer book beside her.

"Katie, what's wrong? I've known you long enough to know when you're upset," Jarrod said.

Katie turned to face her father. The tomato had dried on her face, but some of it was still on her face.

"Katie, what's that on your face?" Jarrod asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

"Tomato," Katie said.

Honestly, she's worse than Heath, Jarrod thought. His brother wasn't much of one for talking, but apparently so was his daughter.

"Katie, how did a tomato get on your face?" Jarrod asked.

"It was thrown at me," Katie said.

"Thrown at you? Who threw it? Where was it thrown?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes it was thrown. I don't know who threw it. And it was at the general store," Katie said, answering all three questions at once.

"Do you know why they threw it?" Jarrod asked.

"No. Mr. Danforth wouldn't tell me. He just said our money wasn't good there anymore. Neither is our credit," Katie said.

Jarrod took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She wiped her face with it.

Jarrod was angry. What kind of person would treat a child that way? Katie tried to act like she wasn't hurt, but she was.

Katie looked up at Jarrod. Her father apparently knew she was hurt, but he didn't ask if she was.

"Papa, why do the people of this town hate us now?" Katie asked.

"It's your grandfather. He said that he’d try to make this valley hate anyone whose name is Barkley," Jarrod said.

"So that's why Mr. Danforth won't sell any groceries to us?" Katie asked.

"Yes, but I'm going to go to the store. No man has any right to punish you," Jarrod said.

"I'm sorry I made you so angry," Katie said softly.

"You didn't, Honey. These narrow-minded people do," Jarrod said.

Jarrod kissed her forehead gently and walked out. Katie sat in her father's office. She started to read the prayer book. With her growing knowledge of the Spanish language. The words brought comfort to her hurt heart.

Jarrod stormed into the store, an angry look in his blue eyes. The general store owner looked scared. An angry Barkley was never a good thing. At least it ain't Nick, Tom thought. Nick would have started a fight if he had heard about Katie Barkley and the tomato.

"Tom, I want to talk to you," Jarrod said.

"Jarrod, if it's about your daughter I'm sorry," Tom said.

"You're sorry? Katie came into my office with a tomato on her face and you're sorry?" Jarrod asked.

"I didn't throw that at her Jarrod!" Tom said.

"But you didn't stop whoever did throw it!" Jarrod said.

"Look, I'm sorry that your little girl's feelings got hurt, but y'all are Barkleys," Tom said.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Jarrod asked.

"If it wasn't for your durn family Montera would have left my family alone," Bert Hadley said over in a corner.

"Is that why you felt brave enough to throw a tomato at a 10-year-old girl?" Jarrod asked.

"She's a Barkley like the rest of ya," Bert said.

"She has just recently come into the name, Bert. My daughter has just gotten over her shock and fear of living here. She wants to make Stockton her home and you have just made her impression on Stockton worse," Jarrod said.

"Then maybe you should just send your daughter back to Philadelphia," Tom said.

"No. Katie is my daughter and she is going to stay here," Jarrod said. He walked out. He went back to his office where Katie sat waiting.

Katie was praying in Spanish when her father came in. She put down the prayer book on her father's desk and went to him.

"Well?" Katie asked.

"Katie, it was intentional," Jarrod said, flatly.

"Papa, I could have told you that!" Katie said.

"Bert Hadley threw that tomato at you, Honey," Jarrod said, sitting down on the couch.

Katie sat next to her father. Jarrod wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed his lips against her forehead.

"Papa, what are we going to do?" Katie asked.

"Well, I can't lock you in your room until this blows over. The best thing I can do is bring you to town every day and pick you back up in the afternoon," Jarrod said.

"Papa, I'm scared," Katie said.

"I know I am too," Jarrod admitted.

"You're scared, Papa?" Katie asked.

Jarrod smiled at his daughter. "You find that incredible to believe, Hmmm?" Jarrod asked.

"Yeah. I thought you were very brave. Are Papas' not allowed to be scared?" Katie asked.

Jarrod started to laugh. "Don't let Papas' fool you. We get scared like everyone else," Jarrod said.

"Papa, can't I just take my lessons at the ranch every day?" Katie asked, changing the subject.

"No. If you stay by me every day no one will throw food at you again," Jarrod said.

"That's good. I hate tomatoes any way," Katie said, wrinkling her nose.

Jarrod laughed again. His daughter never stayed scared for long. Jarrod knew that prayer changed things so the prayers she was reading probably helped in more ways that one.

As Jarrod walked out with Katie, he sent a prayer up to Heaven asking God for help in this matter.

The days until the 4th of July dragged by and the town still hadn't changed in their opinion of the Barkleys. Katie was relieved that Jarrod would take her to town every day.

Katie was in the church praying on a regular basis after the tomato incident. A few times Maria would pray with her when Katie would go to bed at night, but the anger of the town would still not change.

One afternoon Katie was praying in the church when Don Alfredo entered. The old man looked at his granddaughter. Katie's black hair was braided and she wore a blue skirt and peasant orange shirtwaist. He had been told that Katie had started to get an interest in her Spanish heritage and that she liked to dress like it.

Apparently that was true. Katie was praying in Spanish as far as Don Alfredo could tell.

"I hope God answers your prayer, Katalina," Don Alfredo said as soon as Katie finished.

Katie looked over at her grandfather. "I think he will. Mama and Sister Rosita said that if I trust him, he’d answer it,” Katie said.

"What were you praying anyway?" Don Alfredo asked.

"If I told you you might get mad at me," Katie said.

"I promise I won't," Don Alfredo said.

"I was praying for you to stop hating us for being Barkleys," Katie said.

"Sounds like a real good prayer," Don Alfredo said.

"That was only half of it. I was also praying for the people of this town. I suppose you heard about the tomato that Bert Hadley threw at me two weeks ago?" Katie asked.

"Sí I heard about that," Don Alfredo said.

"I was also asking God that he would help me not to be bitter and angry over it. Sister Rosita told me that a man can't forgive on his own, but with God they can," Katie said.

"Sounds like you have done a lot of thinking and praying," Don Alfredo said, surprised at the knowledge coming out of a ten-year-old.

"Grandfather, can I ask you something?" Katie asked.

"Go ahead, Katalina," Don Alfredo said.

"My cousin Isaac says that you hate Uncle Heath. If you hate Uncle Heath why do you hate my father? My father's not Uncle Heath," Katie said.

"I am well aware that Jarrod Barkley is not Heath Barkley. I suppose Isaac told you that you might have been Heath's daughter," Don Alfredo said.

"Yes. When I got angry with Papa for not sending me back to Philadelphia he said that my mother loved Heath 6 years before I was born," Katie said.

"Yes. When that happened and I took your mother away from here, I told her that all Barkleys were not of the proper bloodlines. That I wanted my grandchildren to be of the proper bloodlines," Don Alfredo said.

"So you think I am not of the proper bloodlines? That just because I was born with the name Barkley that I am trashes. You sound like my mother up in Philadelphia. When my father died she became a walking etiquette book. A young lady wore this kind of dress to a party. A young lady never was kind to servants. A young lady covered her mouth always with her hand when she yawned. A young lady always chewed each bite of food 24 times before swallowing. One mistake. One slip up and you would be trash like you just said Tommy and I was," Katie said, standing to her feet, Her bright blue eyes flashing.

Don Alfredo looked at her in amazement. He saw that Barkley stubbornness a few weeks ago when she stormed into his home, but Katie had just now made sense. Don Alfredo grudgingly admitted that that was the only thing the Barkleys had that he liked about them.

"Katie, it's time to go home," Jarrod's voice broke into Don Alfredo's thoughts.

Don Alfredo and Katie looked up at Jarrod. He was standing there, his briefcase in his left hand. Katie walked over to her father and took his hand. Both left the church; Don Alfredo sat there thinking about what should be done to help the Hadleys. Tomorrow he would send out some workers to rebuild their home.

Jarrod and Katie were on their way to town the next morning when they passed the Hadleys property. Bert came up to the wagon, a huge smile on his face.

"Good mornin' Jarrod, Miss Barkley," Bert said.

"Good morning, Mr. Hadley. What's going on?" Katie asked.

"Well, old man Montera sent us an apology and he's sent some workers to rebuild our home," Bert said.

"You're joking!" Katie said.

"Nope youngun I'm not. Old man Montera said he saw you at the church yesterday and that you made him feel sorry for what he did to my place. He said his argument was with you Barkleys, not us," Bert said.

"So you're not angry any more with us, Bert?" Jarrod asked.

"No Jarrod. And I'm sorry for sayin' it was your fault that Montera was that way," Bert said.

"I understand, Bert. You don't have to apologize," Jarrod said.

"But I do, Jarrod. I also need to apologize to you, Miss Katie. I shouldn't of thrown that tomato at you. Your pa was right I was out of line there," Bert said.

"It's all right. I'm not mad," Katie said.

"Bert, I'm going to drop Katie off at her lessons. Then I'll go home and get Nick and Heath and we'll help you rebuild your house," Jarrod said.

"Thank you Jarrod. I really appreciate that," Bert said.

Jarrod got the horses moving again. After dropping Katie off at her lessons Jarrod, true to his word, picked up Nick and Heath and took them back down to the Hadleys and helped rebuild the house.

Life in the valley was easy after Don Alfredo had stopped the quarrel with the Barkleys. After the quarrel ended Katie was happy to be a Barkley. After she decided to be Katie Jarrod was not as strict with her. It became easier to call him "Papa." The man obviously loved her.

Often she would sit in his study and watch him work. Once she asked him what he was writing and he tried to explain it to her. The law took on a keen fascination for her. She often took books out of Jarrod's office and would read them.

She didn't understand every word in the books and she would ask Jarrod to tell her what they meant. One day Jarrod finally gave up trying to explain new words to her.

"Here Katie, take my dictionary. It can explain the words better than I can," Jarrod had said.

Katie believed him when he said it was easy. In a few months time if Jarrod said it was true, it was true.

The more she read, the more she wanted to be a lawyer. She knew that it was uncommon for women to be accepted into the bar, but she knew that it must be possible. She remembered the time that her mother was looking for a lawyer to draw up her will and the lawyer that came was a woman.

At the moment she couldn't tell that to her father. He might think that a girl couldn't do it either and try to talk her out of it. Jarrod didn't seem like the type to make fun of her career choice, but she didn't know if he'd be pleased or not. He may have wanted Tommy to be the lawyer.

And she knew that she shouldn't talk about it to her Grandfather. He came to the Barkley ranch each day since he made amends to the Hadleys and they would talk about how life was in Philadelphia.

If she told her grandfather that she wanted to be a lawyer, he'd be shocked. He often said that a Montero woman should be poised, graceful, and let her husband make the decisions.

The 31st of July came quicker than anticipated. Katie dressed in a simple orange-brown skirt and a top that was made in Mexico.

That day she looked like a Hispanic girl. She combed her black hair and pinned it.

She walked downstairs. Jarrod and the others were waiting in the parlor.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone shouted.

Jarrod walked over to his daughter and hugged her. "Good Morning, Papa," Katie said, her voice muffled as her face was buried in Jarrod's chest.

Jarrod's soft hands were stroking her soft black hair gently. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and looked into her bright blue eyes.

"You know that after this year we are going to celebrate your birthday in April, Don't you?" Jarrod asked.

"I know," Katie said.

"Your mother and myself are just going to let you celebrate it today to give you a sense of comfort. Considering this is the only birthday you've had for 9 years," Jarrod said.

"I know, Papa," Katie said, respectfully.

Jarrod's blue eyes took on a glow of happiness. He got the look each time she called him "Papa."

"Katalina, remember your grandfather is coming today," Maria reminded her.

"Really? He's still going to come after all?" Katie asked.

"Yes. He's still coming. He'll have to put up with us Barkleys for today," Nick said.

"But I've been asking Padre Enrique and he says that my grandfather still doesn't like our family," Katie said.

"It's true. He doesn't like your uncles or myself. He never wanted your mother to marry me," Jarrod said.

"Why? I've heard that it's because of Uncle Heath. What's that got to do with you, Papa?" Katie asked.

"It all has to do with your Uncle Heath. When he came to this family your mother fell in love with him. Your grandfather forced her to choose between Heath or the Montero family and she chose her family. At that time he rationalized that no one in the Barkley family were any good," Jarrod said.

"What's wrong with Uncle Heath?" Katie asked.

"Your uncle was not born of your grandmother. He was Tom Barkley's son, but his mother was another woman. Her name was Leah Thomson. Your cousin, Sarah, actually looks a lot like Leah. But your grandfather said that if Maria married Heath, Nick, or myself the Montero bloodlines would be polluted. So that's all he thinks about. Wanting your blood to be that of the aristocracy," Jarrod said.

"But it's too late for that. Tommy and myself are already born and we're Barkley's," Katie said.

"I know. You'll always be my daughter. You will always be Spanish, but don't let that attitude affect you, that all people are of wrong or right stock. If a man loves you and is a decent boy I have no problems with you marrying," Jarrod said.

"Jarrod, let's not talk of this right now. Today is Katie's birthday. And Uncle Nick and myself have a surprise for you," Heath said.

Katie grinned and went down the hallway, hoping Edna sent her a gift for this day.

The sun was hot as Katie stepped outside with her father and uncles. The foursome entered the barn as a trio. Heath pulled a horse blanket off an odd shaped thing on a pile of hay.

It was a saddle. The saddle gleamed in the sunlight shining through the cracks of the barn.

"Uncle Heath, it's beautiful," Katie said, in awe.

"You have one uncle, Katie?" Nick asked, a stern look in his hazel eyes.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Nick. Thank you both for the saddle," Katie said.

"We're happy that you like it," Heath said.

"Papa, may I go riding until Grandfather arrives," Katie looked up at her father.

"I don't see any reason why not. As long as your home before 2:00," Jarrod said.

"Thank you, Papa," Katie said.

Heath saddled up her horse and Katie mounted. She waved to her father and raced out of the barn, her long black hair flowing behind her.

Edna Stallingforth was just entering into town when Maria went to the general store to pick up Katie's birthday gift.

Edna remembered Jarrod's promise that Katie could come back to Philadelphia that summer, but Katie had written her telling her that she'd rather stay in Stockton.

Edna turned up her nose at the primitive town. This place was not like her mansion in Philadelphia. She didn't know why Katie would pick it over Philadelphia.

Edna's bright red hair shone like a beacon in the street. "I'm looking for the home of Jarrod Barkley, please," Edna said to a street vendor.

"Counselor Barkley's not here in town today. I've been told his oldest daughter's having a birthday today, so the Barkley's having a family party," the man said.

"That's why I'm here," Edna said.

"Counselor Barkley's wife is over there at the store. I think she's buying a gift for the girl," the man said.

Edna left the man and went into the store. "Mrs. Barkley?" Edna asked.

"Sí?" Maria said, turning. When she turned and saw Edna her face dropped.

"Señora Stallingforth, what are you doing here?" Maria asked.

"I came to see Abigail. How is she adjusting?" Edna asked.

"She is adjusting just fine. But I don't think you should come to the house. She is just starting to respect Jarrod and myself and your presence might hurt her and she could lapse back into her old habits," Maria said.

"I don't think giving her this box of stationary is going to make her disrespect you," Edna said, holding up a box.

"Very well. You may come. But don not call her Abigail in front of us. She's refused to go by that name," Maria said.

"All right, Mrs. Barkley," Edna said. She shook hands with Maria and left the store to dress in her finest dress for Katie's birthday.

Katie rode back to the ranch around 1:30. The sun was incredibly hot. Her dark face was drenched in sweat and reddened by the heat of the day.

Katie rode into the barn and unsaddled her horse. Since she had arrived she learned how to unsaddle a horse and do all the chores around the Barkley ranch. It was a more carefree existence than in Philadelphia or Connecticut, If her mother could see her blistered hands and red face; she'd have a fit.

Katie opened the back door to the kitchen. Silas Whiting was putting the finishing touches on her birthday cake.

"Hello Silas," Katie said.

Silas jumped in alarm at the sound of the voice. ""Mercy sakes‘, Miss Katie! Does you have to scare ol Silas now?" Silas asked.

"I'm sorry, Silas. Is Papa in the parlor?" Katie asked.

"Yes, Miss Katie," Silas said.

"Thank you, Silas," Katie said, politely.

Since she had come back to the Barkley ranch she enjoyed talking to Silas. Silas was very old, but he enjoyed serving the Barkley family and Heath had once told her that Silas had no desire to ever leave.

She walked out of the kitchen and went to the parlor. Her father's masculine voice could be heard from the hallway. Her father's voice was a comforting sound. His voice was pleasant and rarely ever raised in anger.

The only time it ever did was when she heard the argument between Her grandfather and Jarrod a few days earlier.

It appeared that when Don Alfredo visited the ranch he didn't want to see Heath or his family in the same room with him or his grandchildren.

In Katie's opinion She thought her grandfather was being silly, but he wouldn't listen to her. He didn't even listen to Maria.

Katie entered the room and stopped in shock. "Mother?" Katie said, surprised.

"Well, you appear surprised to see me, Abigail," Edna said.

"I am surprised, Mother. I didn't think you'd come," Katie said.

Edna looked at her daughter's red face and clothing. "What have these people done to you, Abigail?" Edna asked in consternation.

"Pardon?" Katie asked.

"You look like a peasant and your face is a ghastly red color," Edna said.

"I've been out in the sun riding a horse, Mother. That's what people out west do. And I happen to like my peasant garb. Mama had it made for me in Mexico," Katie said.

"Well, you look very vulgar with those poor girl clothes and red face. Also go wash your face and brush your hair. And when you come back in here, stand up straight," Edna said.

Katie looked at her father with a helpless glance. When Edna Stallingforth went into one of her tirades about etiquette and clothing, nothing could stop her.

"Mrs. Stallingforth, who's daughter is she?" Jarrod asked.

"Why she's yours, but certainly, she doesn't come to the dinner table looking like this?" Edna asked.

"She has a few times," Jarrod said.

"Mother, I even wear boy's clothes," Katie said, knowing that she was courting the ragged edge of disaster with this statement.

Edna looked more shocked. “What happened to those beautiful clothes you had? Don't tell me that you wear pants all the time?" Edna asked.

"Yes Mother. Papa, when is Grandfather going to be here?" Katie asked Jarrod.

"In a few minutes. I suggest you do go upstairs and get ready for your party," Jarrod said. He walked over to her and gave her a brief hug.

"Yes Papa," Katie said. Jarrod kissed her forehead gently and watched her go up the stairs. While Katie walked to her room, it was then that she decided that she loved her father. He was being totally understanding.

Katie half-wished that her father would tell Edna to go away. She was not making this a very pleasant birthday.

Katie came down the stairs with clean clothes on and her hair brushed. The only objection Edna could have was that they were a pair of pants, shirt, and vest.

Don Alfredo was coming into the house as she was coming downstairs. "Buenos Tardes, Grandfather," Katie said.

"Buenos Tardes, mi Hija," Don Alfredo said, kissing her left cheek and then her right.

"Thank you for coming. You do know that Uncle Heath and Aunt Dora will be there with their children don't you?" Katie asked.

"I know, Katalina. I shall endure Heath for today. It is your day and I hate to make you sad on your day," Don Alfredo said.

"Gracias Grandfather. My adopted mother has already said some bad things already today," Katie said.

"She's here?" Don Alfredo asked.

"Sí. She made fun of my appearance in front of Papa and Mama," Katie said.

Don Alfredo and Katie walked down the hallway to the dining room were everyone was present.

"Hello, Don Alfredo. Welcome to our ranch," Victoria said, in her kind, hospitable manner.

"Hola, Señora Barkley," Don Alfredo said.

Edna Stallingforth's eyes widened in shock at the Mexican. "Abigail, who's this?" Edna said, with disdain.

"Mother, this is my grandfather on my mother's side," Katie said, her pretty little face taking on a deep frown.

Jarrod and Maria both smiled inwardly. After all these years she still looked a little bit like Don Alfredo when she frowned.

"What's he doing here?" Edna asked.

"Mother, he's here for my birthday. Papa invited him to come over last April when I wouldn't celebrate it on the day I should have," Katie said.

"Counselor Barkley, I thought you said that your wife's family and your family don't get along to well?" Edna asked.

"Mother, please let's not fight today. We have enough problems with people not accepting Uncle Heath," Katie mumbled the last part of that comment.

"Don't mumble it's not ladylike," Edna said.

Jarrod saw his daughter's face flush with shame at the reprimand. "Mrs. Stallingforth, I would suggest you keep your criticism to yourself. Today's Katie's birthday and your not making it a very happy one with your criticism," Jarrod said.

Edna closed her mouth and Katie flashed her father a grateful look. "Thank you, Papa," Katie mouthed at him.

Jarrod smiled at her and pulled out a chair next to him. Katalina Maria Isabel Barkley, you are the guest of honor. Would you care to be seated?" Jarrod asked, giving a courteous bow.

Katie giggled at her father's manners and took the seat he offered her. He kissed her forehead gently and then the family started to eat the dinner Victoria and Silas prepared for Katie's birthday. The food was rich, but good. Then it was time to open the presents.

....Continued