The sun was just rising above the horizon as Sue hobbled across the yard to where to Jose who was holding the reins of the buggy.

“Thanks, Jose. You ready?” asked Sue smiling at the teenager.

“Si, Miss Sue.” grinned Jose.

Throwing the crutches under the seat of the buggy, Sue pulled herself up and onto the seat. Lifting the casted leg, she placed it on the edge and took the reins from Jose.

Maria came rushing out and ran up to the buggy, “Miss Sue! We have no more sugar.”

Smiling, Sue nodded. “Okay, I’ll get some. You need anything else?”

“No, Miss Sue.” smiled Maria waving goodbye to the two as they made their way to Stockton, talking and laughing.

Reaching town, Jose rode his horse to the school and dismounted. Sue waved a greeting to Sonja and headed to the store. Stopping the buggy and wrapping the reins around the brake, Sue grabbed her crutches and jumped down onto her one foot. Hopping onto the boardwalk, she made her way into the store’s open door.

“Morning, Mr. Foster. Two pounds of sugar please, Mr. Perkins.”

“Miss Weston, nice to see you.” smiled Mr. Foster. “Are the happy couple coming home today?”

“Yep. They’ll be in around six on the train.” replied Sue. “I bet Jack can’t wait to get back to work.”

Chuckling, Mr. Foster carried the sugar out and set it in the buggy. Standing by the buggy, Sue asked nonchalantly, “So, have you received any invitations in the mail?”

Wagging his finger at her, he grinned, “Uh, uh. You know I’m sworn to secrecy, Miss Weston.”

Rolling her eyes, Sue groaned, “Dang, I never imagined Nick’d be able to keep his plans a secret this long.”

Helping her into the buggy, Mr. Foster handed her the crutches. “Good things come to those who wait.”

Smirking, Sue took the reins and replied to the smiling man, “Well, loose lips sink ships. I just haven’t asked the right lips yet.”

Snapping the reins, Sue drove down the street with his laughter following her. Stopping in front of the doctor’s office, she made her way inside for her appointment.

“Doc, if the bone doesn’t strengthen like it’s supposed to, what then?” inquired Sue.

Leaning back in his chair, Howard looked into the green eyes and said softly, “This leg will be weaker than the other. It’ll be prone to injury, you could have a limp and probably arthritis in it as you get older.”

“What about exercising the leg to build the strength back? Won’t that work?”

“I am not ruling that out, however, you must prepare yourself for when we take the cast off in three months.” advised Howard. “Only then will we know.”

Digesting his words, Sue heard a gentle voice whispering in her subconscience, “We all bear burdens in our journey through this life until we all meet in his kingdom. How we carry them is up to us.”

“Miss Weston?” said Howard quietly

Smiling, Sue nodded, “ I hear ya’. It’s better than being dead, right?”

“I’d say that’s correct “ smiled Howard helping her to her feet. “Anything else we need to discuss?”

“Ah, no doc.” blushed Sue rapidly making her way out of his office on her crutches.

“I’ll see you in two weeks, then.” stated Howard as he helped her into the buggy.

“Okay, thanks!” called Sue heading for home. Stopping at the ranch, Maria took the sugar from the buggy.

“I’ll see you later, Maria.”

The sun had set and gone to bed when the Barkley family heard a knocking on the door.

Opening the door, Heath smiled at the man who stood on the steps. “Jack, welcome back!”

“Heath, is the boss here?” asked Jack frantically.

“No, she’s not here. Why?”

“We can’t find her!” said Jack worry creasing his handsome face. “She didn’t met us at the train and the last time anyone saw her was this morning at the ranch.”

Hearing Jack, Nick was on his way to greet the returning man and stopped in his tracks at Jack’s words, his heart pounding furiously.

Heath held onto Jack’s shoulder and spoke calmly, “Who saw her last?”

“Maria. Sue dropped off some sugar and said she’d be back later. Maria didn’t see where she headed.”

Nick nodded, “Okay, have you looked in town?”

“Yeah. Fred and the twins are checking again.”

“Jack, was she on a horse or in a buggy?” asked Nick.

“Buggy. Riding with the cast is too uncomfortable.”

Putting on their gunbelts and hats, the brothers headed out the door with the frazzled man. “Heath, get some of the men and we’ll split up. She’s probably on the ranch someplace, Jack. The wheel could have broken on the buggy or something like that.”

Gathering around at the beginning of the ranch, Nick shouted. “Split off into two’s and when you’ve searched your area, head to the Weston ranchhouse and wait.”

Nick and Heath rode together under the full moon to the north side of the ranch. Heath shook his head and grinned at the scattered phrases he heard Nick grumbling, ‘Only Sue could get in trouble with a busted leg?’ ‘She’s gonna drive me to an early grave.’ ‘When I get my hands on her.’

After delivering the sugar to Maria, Sue had headed out to the furthest line shack to check the supplies kept there. Unable to ride and work the cattle with the men, she had looked for other ways to be outdoors and remain as active as possible with the ranchwork.

Reaching the line shack and climbing out of the surrey, she didn’t see the snake until it had embedded its fangs into her cast. Hearing the rattles, the horse bolted away from the sound as the woman killed the snake with her knife. Her skin crawled at the sight of the fangs and the feel of the snake as she pulled it’s head off her cast. “God, I hate snakes!”

Staring at the fleeing horse and buggy, Sue groaned outloud. “Dammit, I didn’t tell anyone where I was gonna be.”

“Well, at least I’m not gonna die from a snakebite.” she mumbled examining the indentations of the puncture wounds in the plaster.

Going into the line shack, she grabbed a canteen and filled it with water from the pump. Opening a can of peaches, she ate them before deciding she’d start hobbling home.

Mumbling to herself, she set out on her crutches, “Just had to check that shack today, couldn’t wait til tomorrow. Jack and Charity are gonna skin you alive if you’re not there to meet the train. Nice homecoming for them.”

Darkness started to close in and stopping on top of a small hill, she tried to decide how to make her way down it. Leaning forward to get a better look at the side of the hill, she lost her balance and fell forward. Rolling down, the canteen smacked her forehead and she saw stars.

Landing at a heap at the bottom, she caught her breath and looked around for her extra legs. Crawling over to them, she gathered up the crutches and winced at the pain in her casted leg.

Sue wiped the sweat off her forehead with her sleeve and inhaled sharply when the material scrapped the bump on it. Sighing, she got to her feet and continued back towards the ranch on her crutches.

Moving slowly, her arms and hands screamed in pain from the crutches. Her right leg still hurt from the small tumble down the hill and her mind screamed over and over, “damn snake!”

Stopping, she leaned against a tree and closed her eyes to gather her strength. Hearing someone shouting, she heard her name being called over and over.

Hobbling out away from the tree, she waved her hand and called out, “Here! I’m here!”

Seeing the riders wheel their horses towards them, she smiled when she recognized the two riders. Leaning on the crutches, she rested and waited for them to dismount. Rushing over, Nick grabbed her in his arms.

“Are you okay?” both brothers asked at the same time.

“I’m fine. Damn horse took off with the buggy.” replied Sue.

“WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING OUT HERE?” shouted Nick angrily holding her by the arms.

“MY JOB, NICK. I’M A RANCHER, REMEMBER?” snapped Sue pulling out of his hands.

“Whoa, you two!” stated Heath seeing them square off and open their mouths. “Don’t say anything you’re gonna regret!”

Sue closed her mouth at Heath’s wise statement and hung her head in exhaustion. Nick closed his eyes and took deep breaths knowing his little brother was right.

Heath grinned watching the two trying to control their heated words and said softly, “Now, kiss and make up.”

Nick lifted up her face and tenderly kissed her lips. Frowning at the bump on her forehead, he heard the whispered, “Don’t even ask.”

“I’m sorry. I was worried.” explained Nick softly.

“I’m sorry, too. I’m just tired and sore.” admitted Sue softly. “Can I get a ride home?”

“Be my pleasure, honey.” grinned Nick climbing on Coco.

Heath handed Sue up and Nick wrapped his arms around her. Putting her arms around his waist, she snuggled closer and stifled a moan when Coco started walking. Giving into her exhaustion, bruised body and pain, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Nick and Heath looked at each other as another moan was heard from the exhausted woman. Indicating towards Stockton with his head, Heath nodded in agreement at his brother’s suggestion. Meeting Pedro and Bill, Heath rode over to let them know they were taking their boss to see Dr. Merar.

Howard stared at the sight of Heath carrying the sleeping Sue Weston into his office, with Nick walking behind. Heath gently placed her on the bed and stepped back. Talking quietly, Nick explained how they had found her coming back to her ranch.

“Her forehead?” asked Howard examining her.

Nick shrugged, “She said not to ask. Doc, she covered at least eight miles on her crutches before we found her.”

“Stubborn woman. Just plain stubborn.” mumbled Howard while Heath and Nick stifled their chuckles.

The brothers winced at the blisters Howard showed them on the inside of her hands from the crutches. Lifting her cast to study the plaster caused Sue to moan and open her eyes. Exhaustion still reflecting on her face now mixed with irritation.

“I said home, Nick!” groaned Sue eyeing the man messing with her leg.

Howard frowned and shook his finger at her, “What did you do to this plaster?”

“Doc, I can’t help it if a snake bit it and I fell down a hill.” stammered Sue.

“A SNAKE BIT YOU!” exclaimed Nick loudly, “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US?”

“Nick, the snake bit the cast, not me.” explained Sue patiently.

Looking up at the ceiling and waving his arms around, he retorted, “OH THAT MAKES ME FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I DON’T KNOW WHY I WAS SO WORRIED!”

Heath chuckled when Sue rolled her eyes. Howard examined the plaster and groaned, “I’m gonna have to replace this plaster. It’s cracked. That’s why your leg hurts, it’s not holding the bone in place like it should. After that, I’ll put some salve on your blisters and wrap your hands. Now, do you feel dizzy?”

“No, just tired and beat up on.” smirked Sue watching Nick’s face turn red. “Let’s get it over with doc.”

“Nick, you and Heath will have to help me since my wife’s out of town. Heath, come with me and we’ll get what we need.” said Howard.

Sitting beside her on the bed, Nick caressed her cheek and whispered softly, “I was worried about you. Jack was frantic when he couldn’t find you.”

“I’m sorry, Nick. I don’t mean to worry you and everyone else.” whispered Sue with tears filling the guilt ridden eyes.

“Shhh, don’t cry.” said Nick softly. “It’ll be alright.”

Wiping her eyes, Sue nodded, “I really didn’t mean it when I said you were beating up on me, Nick. I’m just so tired from today.”

Kissing her softly, Nick smiled, “Dr. Merar will fix you up good as new. Then we’ll have to talk about you riding alone in a buggy until your leg heals, okay?”

“Okay.” whispered Sue in agreement.

“After all, wouldn’t you like the cast to be off when you walk down the aisle?” inquired Nick innocently watching the green eyes light up with excitement.

“When would that be, Mr. Barkley?” asked Sue eagerly.

Brushing his lips against hers, Nick tasted the sweetness of her lips and brought her closer to him. Holding her in his arms, he claimed her lips and left both of them filled with desire.

Looking into the shining emerald eyes, he smiled, “Miss Weston, the date of our wedding.”

“Yes? The date is?” asked Sue in anticipation.

“Is for me to know and you to find out on that day!” grinned Nick.

Seeing the eyes shooting flames at him, he dropped her back onto the pillows, jumped up and smirked, “You didn’t actually think I was gonna tell ya’ now, did you?”

Pointing to the door, she shouted, “GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE, BARKLEY!”

Laughing, Nick walked to the door and looked back at the angry woman, “Honey, don’t forget to get a wedding dress now.”

Ducking into the hallway, the flying book missed him by mere inches. Heath and Howard watched the book flying by his head and grinned.

“Boy howdy, you must like living dangerously, Nick.” sighed Heath.

Howard stood by the door and called. “Miss Weston, Heath and I are coming in, don’t throw anything.”

Victoria smiled at the sight of Sue sleeping in the wicker settee on the porch with the calico cat curled by her side. The replastered leg lay on a stool beside the settee. Walking up the steps, she sat in the chair beside her and studied the sleeping woman while remembering her exhausted sons’ faces at the breakfast table this morning.

“The doc clipped her wings until the cast comes off, Mother. Dr. Merar said if he heard of her leaving the ranch alone, he’d strap her to a hospital bed.” Heath informed his family while Nick chuckled.

Filling his coffee cup, Nick smirked, “Her throwing arm still works.”

Jarrod smiled at Heath rolling his eyes and asked, “Can we assume from that statement Sue threw something at you?”

“Just a book.” stated Nick.

“Why’d she throw a book at you?” asked Audra curiously.

Nick grinned widely, “She got a little upset when I wouldn’t tell her the wedding date.”

Victoria shook her head and replied, “Nick, I still don’t understand why you won’t just tell her. A lady needs to plan for these things.”

“Mother, all she has to do is get the wedding dress. I’m doing everything else with Heath’s help!” gruffed Nick. “Besides, I want it to be a surprise.”

Smiling, Audra nodded, “Well, I think it’s romantic. Can I help?”

Standing, Nick shook his head and laughed, “Sorry, no girls allowed. Heath, I’ll see you outside.”

“Okay, Nick.” replied Heath finishing his coffee.

Audra leaned over and whispered, “Please Heath, can’t I help?”

“Sorry, sis. Nick’s got everything under control.” drawled Heath kissing her on the cheek.

Reaching over, Victoria gently shook Sue awake. Sue smiled at her visitor and sat up on the settee.

“Victoria, it’s nice to see you.”

“Sue, I heard about your mishap. How’s the leg?”

Gesturing to the casted leg, Sue grinned, “It’s still there! How about some coffee?”

“Sounds wonderful.” stated Victoria.

“Hold on, I gotta call my legs.” smirked Sue holding her bandaged hands to the sides of her mouth. “HANK!”

“Coming boss!” yelled Hank from the barn and came across the yard.

Laughing, Victoria leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I was wondering how you were gonna use your crutches with your hands in bandages.”

Coming up the steps, Hank nodded at Heath’s mother and picked up his boss. “Where to, boss?”

“The parlor, please.”

Holding the door open, Hank carried her to the parlor and set her down on the sofa. Lifting the plastered leg, he placed it on a pillow on the coffee table.

“Thanks, Hank.” smiled Sue. “Can you ask Maria to bring some coffee in?”

“Sure, boss.” grinned Hank bowing briefly to the older woman. “Nice to see ya’ again, Mrs. Barkley.”

“You too, Mr. Bardo.” replied Victoria sitting by Sue when he left the room. “Do you want some help picking out a wedding dress, Sue?”

“Thanks, but I already have one, Victoria.” stated Sue calmly.

Puzzled, Victoria said, “Nick said you still had to buy it.”

Winking, Sue squeezed Victoria’s hand. “I bought it last year when I was in Texas taking care of the disposition of the ranch.”

Shocked, Victoria smiled as what she said registered, “I hope Nick knows how lucky he is.”

Laughing, Sue replied, “I’ve known for some time, I’d either marry him or kill him.”

Hugging Sue again, Victoria whispered, “Can I see it?”

“Only if you tell when the wedding is.” stated Sue with a hopeful look.

“Sorry, even I don’t know. Nick said he’d tell the guests the day before and you the morning of.”

“Dang!” sighed Sue. “He’s really keeping this a secret.”

“He sure is. Audra wanted to help, but Nick stated no girls allowed.” chuckled Victoria watching Sue roll her eyes and groan.

Pushing Heath’s hands out of the way, Nick growled, “Cut it out, I can do it.”

Eugene and Jarrod watched their brothers struggle with the tie, their hands shaking with the anticipation of the upcoming event.

“I don’t know why you’re shaking Nick, you’re not the one getting married today.” smirked Eugene as Nick scowled at him.

Jarrod chuckled, “Maybe Nick’s thinking about his own upcoming nuptials.”

“When exactly is that again, Nick?” asked Eugene with an innocent look.

Rolling his eyes, Nick growled, “Why don’t you two make yourself useful AND LEAVE?”

Jarrod and Eugene replied with more smart comments, laughing harder as Nick growled more. Heath grinned at the teasing between his three brothers.

Nick stood back and studied the tie, “Perfect!”

“Thanks, Nick.” said Heath. “Ya’ got the ring?”

Patting his pocket, Nick nodded, “Right here, little brother.”

Jarrod pulled out his watch and opened it, “Eugene, we better take our seats.”

“Okay, Jarrod.” replied Eugene walking over to Heath and pulled him into a hug, “I’m happy for you, Heath. Sonja’s a wonderful lady.”

Patting him on the back, Heath whispered, “Thanks, little brother.”

Clapping Heath on the back and putting his arm on his shoulders, Jarrod nodded, “My sentiments exactly. In a short time, you’ll be an old married man, Heath.”

Nick watched the sweat broke out on Heath’s forehead and heard the whispered, “married?”

Jarrod and Eugene chuckled at the nervous man and closed the door behind them. Nick shook his head, took out his handkerchief and wiped Heath’s forehead, “Just keep thinking about the honeymoon, Heath.”

Taking deep breaths, he flashed Nick a weak lop-sided grin, “Nick, if anyone said two and a half years ago that you’d be standing up for me at my wedding, I’d think they were loco!”

“Two and a half years ago, I’d of thought the same thing. We’ve come a long way since then and I wouldn’t have it any other way, brother.” grinned Nick.

Nick watched the blue eyes shining with emotion as Heath wrapped his arms around him, “Me either. Thanks, big brother.”

Knocking on the door, Jack popped his head in and said, “Time to go boys!”

Slapping Heath’s back, Nick smiled and whispered, “Keep thinking about the honeymoon.”

Heath grinned, “I will.”

Entering the church, Heath and Nick stood side by side. Nick scanned the crowd and his eyes found the auburn haired lady smiling at him from where she sat in between Hannah and Charity. Winking at her, his heart pounded when she blew him a kiss in response.

Heath fidgeted with his cuff nervously, stopping when Nick poked him in the back. Catching his first glimpse of his bride, Heath’s breath caught in his throat and his eyes teared watching her walk down the aisle towards him on her father’s arm.

Sven Sorenson proudly escorted his beautiful daughter to the man who had captured her heart. The look of rapture and love on the groom’s face shone for everyone to see. Tears of joy fell down Sonja’s cheeks as her father kissed her and handed her to the young man whom her family loved like a son. Taking a seat beside his wife, he held her hand as they watched the union of the two young people who had found each other.

Victoria held onto Hannah’s hand as the couple exchanged their vows and dabbed at the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her heart bursting with pride and love. Hannah squeezed Victoria’s hand and dabbed at her own tears with a worn handkerchief. Closing her eyes briefly, she smiled knowing two other women were watching from above and would be sending a blessing of their own down to the couple standing in front of the altar.

The next week, Jarrod looked up at the three men entering his office and leaned back in his chair, “Good morning, boys!”

Hank and Horace nodded a greeting while Nick walked up to the desk, “Jarrod, can you get these things when you’re in San Francisco?”

Taking the list from Nick’s hand, Jarrod scanned the items and looked at his brother with a raised eyebrow. “May I ask what this is for?”

“It’s for the wedding! Why else would I need crepe paper flowers?” snorted Nick in disgust at the obvious answer.

“Did you ask at the general store if they had any?” inquired Jarrod.

Rolling his eyes, Nick retorted, “Of course I did! Can you get them?”

Nodding, Jarrod smiled, “Shouldn’t be a problem, brother Nick. So, did you recruit Hank and Horace here for the wedding? I thought you and Heath were doing all the planning?”

Hank grinned, “We’re building the..”

“DON’T TELL HIM!” shouted Nick. “HE’S A LAWYER!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” scowled Jarrod.

“Jarrod, you’ll just keep asking questions about the wedding. That’s what lawyers do, they ask questions until they get answers.” explained Nick. “Hank and Horace are gonna help since Heath’s on his honeymoon.”

Looking at his brother, Jarrod debated silently whether it were in his best interest to continue the discussion. Common sense won out and he nodded, “I’ll bring the stuff back on Saturday.”

“Great!” smiled Nick walking out of the office with the two twins.

Putting the list in his wallet, Jarrod tried to concentrate on the documents in front of him. Shaking his head, he realized Nick was right, “If he were here right now, I’d be asking questions trying to determine what he’s doing.”

Jack held the door of the office open and waited until Sue hobbled through it. Walking beside her on the boardwalk to the carriage, he shook his head and stated in a bewildered voice, “I still can’t believe you’re doing this, boss.”

Stopping and looking at Jack, Sue smiled, “Jack, you’re an equal partner now. I’m not your boss anymore.”

“To me, you’ll always be my boss and friend.” said Jack quietly.

Laughing, Sue turned and smiled at him, “I’m just a partner and friend. Charity’s your boss now or didn’t she tell you that yet?.”

“Very funny, Sue!” grinned Jack looking past her and seeing three men leaving the mill and loading a wagon. Nick stopped when he saw them and frantically waved at Jack to get her away.

Opening the door to the post office, Jack said, “Boss, I gotta see Mr. Foster. Wanna come in and say howdy?”

“Sure sounds great!” agreed Sue entering the building.

Glancing down the street, Jack smiled seeing how quickly the men were loading the wagon. Jumping up on the seat, Nick slapped the reins and nodded his thanks as he passed the man standing in the doorway.

Jack entered the building and frowned at Sue’s words, “Mr. Foster, it’s okay. I never expected her to stay away forever.”

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t cause you any problems, Miss Weston.” stated Mr. Foster.

“There’s not going to be any problems. She’s your only child, Mr. Foster. You need to have her around you.” replied Sue squeezing his hand. “Thanks for considering my feelings, though.”

Smiling slightly, Sue hobbled past Jack and whispered. “I’ll wait for you outside, Jack.”

“Okay, boss.”

Making her way down the boardwalk, Sue wondered if she was really as positive as she had sounded about the return of Jamie Foster to Stockton. Throwing the crutches into the surrey, she pulled herself up onto the seat, deep in thought.

Jumping up on the seat beside her, Jack put his arm around her shoulders and said quietly, “That was awful nice of you, boss.”

Sighing, Sue nodded, “Somehow I don’t think Nick’s gonna think it was.”

Kissing the top of her head, Jack grinned, “He loves ya’, boss! Don’t worry!”

Rolling her eyes, Sue sighed, “It’s true. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Seeing the puzzled look on Jack’s face, Sue smirked, “Stop calling me boss!”

Chuckling, Jack headed the surrey back to the ranch.

....Continued