Sue’s thoughts were on the two brothers and their opposite actions over the past week. Heath, quiet and thoughtful, had given her a good dose of anger before he left for Stockton. His concern for her emotional state pushing him to the outburst. As long as she had known Heath, she was always startled when his anger came out. She knew it was there inside of him, but he reined it in by keeping a short leash on it. Smiling, she knew once again that an angry outburst from him had shocked her into dealing with her emotional trauma.

Frowning, her thoughts turned to Nick, the man who had captured her heart and soul. Since the loss of the baby, they both had suffered the lows and highs of the emotional tide they were riding. Nick had been the pillar of strength that offered patience, understanding and support. These things he offered and she was thankful for them, however, that was all he offered. Emotionally, he had withdrawn into himself and taken on Heath’s characteristic of quiet and thoughtfulness.

Since the miscarriage, he handled her as if she were made of glass with a small crack in it. She missed the fire in his eyes and the gentle touches of his hands and lips. He would greet her with a kiss, but it was if he were afraid to show the affection he had before.

They had both been relieved when the doctor had stated she would be able to conceive again. Both of them wanted children in their future. The loss of the first had come as a blow especially to her as a woman. Dr. Swenson had been patient and addressed her questions and concerns about her feelings of inadequacy.

She hadn’t known about the baby, but as Father Martinez had asked her, “What would you have done different? Would you have not followed after Varner and Nick? Would you have let Dan and Heath take that path on their own?”

Thinking on his questions, Sue shook her head and stated firmly, “No. I would’ve went after him even if I had known. If I lost Nick, I think my soul would be forever darkened.”

“Things happen for a reason, Miss Weston. Sometimes the reason is not clear at the time but there is always a reason.”

Visiting the graveside of Dan yesterday, Nick had watched her grieve for the friend who had given his life to save Heath. The man who had always loved her and been there for her. After placing a gentle kiss on the headstone, Nick held her close and carried her back to the wagon. Nick’s support was there as it had been over the past week.

Leaning up against the headboard, Sue stared at the white plaster on her leg. “The bone,” Dr. Swenson said “is not technically broken as in fractured, but it was damaged and weakened by the bullet that was lodged in it.” The analogy fit Nick over the past week. Nick was not technically broken in the body but he was damaged and weakened in his soul.

Nick opened the door and kissed her forehead. “Here’s some clothes for tomorrow, Sue.”

Stifling a sigh at his unconscious action, she opened the package Nick handed her and saw the dress inside. Rolling her eyes and groaning at the item, she stated, “I am not wearing that!”

“Sue, it makes sense to wear a dress. There’s no way you can get jeans on over that cast.” explained Nick.

Sue responded sarcastically, “Really? I couldn’t have figured that out on my own. Thanks, honey.”

The biting tone of her voice caused Nick to sigh and reply patiently, “You have to wear something. You can’t wear a sheet.”

Sue snorted, “Nick, have you even bothered to look at this dress? Did you pick this out?”

“No, one of the sisters from the mission gave it to me.” replied Nick quietly. “Let me look at it.”

Looking at the dress laying in the box, Nick’s eyes widened and he winced. “Who would wear something like that?”

“Can’t you get a different one for me, Nick?” pleaded Sue. “I don’t wanna walk around in that!”

His eyes remained transfixed on the dress with the large sunflower print and he whispered softly, “I can’t. The store is closed and won’t open until tomorrow.”

“Well, get Tom and wake the owner up!” retorted Sue.

“Tom’s not here. He won’t be back until late tomorrow.” replied Nick. “Can’t you just wear it in the morning until the store opens. We can buy a new one before we get on the train.”

“Get me a sheet and I’ll wear that!” snapped Sue.

Throwing the box on the table by the bed, Nick shouted, “DAMMIT! YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO WEAR IT! I CAN’T GET YOU ANOTHER ONE UNTIL TOMORROW AND YOU’RE NOT WALKING AROUND IN A SHEET!”

Smiling at the fire in the hazel eyes, Sue patted the spot on the bed beside her. “Nick, come here.”

Looking at her, Nick shook his head, “I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU JUST CAN’T WEAR IT. IT’S ONLY GONNA BE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS.”

“Come here.” whispered Sue softly.

Stifling his anger and huffing, Nick sat stiffly on the bed and looked at his boots. Reaching over, Sue lifted his face towards her and kissed him.

Nick drew back, stared into the green eyes and stated firmly, “I am not waking up the storeowner.”

“Nick, I’m not made of glass.” said Sue watching a puzzled look cross his face. “Do you realize you haven’t really kissed me since the miscarriage or even raised your voice to me over this past week?”

“Yes, I have.” denied Nick softly.

“You’ve spoken to me firmly, but not with an upraised voice. You’ve given me kisses on my cheeks and forehead. But have you kissed me like this?” asked Sue brushing her lips against his and using her tongue to tease him.

Tears welled in the confused hazel eyes and Sue smiled gently, “I love you, Nick. It hasn’t been easy on either of us, but don’t be afraid to show me you care. I won’t break.”

“I know you won’t break. I, I didn’t realize I was treating you differently.” whispered Nick with regret. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“Of course, you didn’t Nick. This past week has been hard on both of us. I’m not saying I understand why it happened, but we can’t change the fact that it did happen. After we’re married, I know we’ll have more babies.”

“That’s right, Sue. We will.”

Caressing his cheek, Sue said softly, “I think the gods were smiling on me when I moved to California. I never imagined being able to love anyone as much as I love you, Nick.”

“I think the gods were smiling down on both of us, honey.” replied Nick in voice overfilling with emotion. “They’ll smile on us again when we have more babies.”

“Nick, I’ve missed you.” whispered Sue in a voice filled with a longing that mirrored the look in the emerald eyes.

Leaning forward, he hesitantly claimed her full lips and deepened the kiss in response to her hunger. Savoring the renewed passion between them, she pulled him closer to her. Kissing like two dating teenagers, they reveled in the closeness of each other but confined within boundaries.

Laying beside her and holding her in his arms, Nick placed a gentle kiss on her nose, “Are you anxious to go home tomorrow?”

“I sure am. I can’t wait to get home.” sighed Sue snuggling closer to him and yawning. “Will you stay until I fall asleep?”

Kissing her gently, Nick smiled into the sleepy emerald eyes, “I will. Now get some sleep, you have a big day ahead of you.”

Walking into the room, Nick paused in the doorway and watched as Dr. Swenson stood in front of the woman on crutches. Nodding his approval at her progress as she made her way around the room.

“Very good, Miss Weston. In no time at all, you’ll be racing around on the crutches.”

Sue smiled her thanks and grinned widely at the handsome man watching.

“Morning, Nick.”

Entering the room, Nick nodded at the doc and grinned, “Morning, Sue. You ready to be sprung from this place?”

Laughing, Dr. Swenson replied, “I don’t think it will take much persuasion on your part, Mr. Barkley. Miss Weston, I wrote Dr. Merar and advised him of your injuries and treatment. Make sure you see him as soon as you arrive in California.”

“I’ll see that she does.” replied Nick as Sue rolled her eyes. “Thanks for everything.”

Shaking his hand, the doctor smiled, “My pleasure. Just take care of yourselves and have a good trip home.”

“We will. Thanks doc for everything.” said Sue softly kissing his cheek. “If you’re ever in California, make sure you stop for a visit.”

“I will.” Stated Dr. Swenson as he left the couple alone.

Nick stepped in front of Sue and caressed her cheek. Leaning forward, he tenderly kissed her and said softly, “You ready, honey?”

Sighing, Sue shook her head, “I’m ready, Nick.”

Picking up her bag, Nick watched as she hobbled out of the room slowly on the crutches. The cast on her leg hidden by the material of the dress the sister had brought. Chuckling softly, he remembered the look on her face when Nick had handed her the package the night before.

He paused at the door, Sue whispered as she went by him, “Nick, is the store open?”

Closing the door, Nick nodded, “I saw it was open on my way here.”

“Good god, man! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” replied Sue with a grin.

Laughing, he put her bag into the back of the wagon. Picking her up, Nick carried her down the steps and placed her in the back. Putting the crutches beside her, he hopped up on the seat and drove the team down the street.

Gathering her up in his arms, he carried her inside and placed her on the counter. The storekeeper smiled and greeted her warmly, “Miss Weston, I hear you’re on your way back to California.”

“That’s right, Mr. James. But, first I need to purchase some traveling clothes. Can I see your dresses, please?” asked Sue.

“Sure, let me get you a couple.” stated the storekeeper heading towards the rack in the back of the store.

“Hey, Nick!” exclaimed Sue her eyes lighting up.

Looking to the item she pointed at, Nick smiled. “Will you look at that?”

“I know a certain brother of yours that would love that. Let’s get it for him!”

Standing in front of her, Nick teased “Jarrod or Eugene?”

Taking a handful of his shirt, Sue pulled him closer until their noses were touching and whispered, “Keep it up and I’ll have to kiss it out of you when we’re riding in that private car to Stockton.”

Nick smirked, “I’m not sure if Jarrod would like it.”

“I’m warning you.” growled Sue her eyes betraying her serious tone.

“Well, I know Gene wouldn’t appreciate it.” replied Nick seriously.

“Ohhhh, you’re gonna pay, Mr. Barkley.” drawled Sue.

Eyes widening in anticipation, Nick’s reply was cut off by the return of the storekeeper. Holding up two dresses in front of the couple, Sue nodded. “Much better. I’ll take both of them, a riding skirt, a blouse and the statue of the stallion.”

Pleased, Mr. James smiled widely, “I’ll just wrap those up for you.”

Leaning forward, Nick kissed her eyelids and brushed her lips. “Promises. Promises.”

The train rambled down the track forging its way to California, land of sunshine and opportunity. Inside the last car of the train, it’s occupants laughed together as a hand held a garment out the window and the wind took it away.

“Nick, what if some poor drifter finds that hideous thing.” chuckled Sue dressed in a solid light blue shirt and denim skirt.

Pulling her into his arms on the sofa, Nick smirked, “Probably scare the daylights out of him.”

“If he thinks that’s what the women in this part of the country wear, he’ll never come back.” giggled Sue.

Picking up her hand, Nick placed a small kiss in the palm of it. “Sue, you know I love ya’.”

Smiling widely, Sue whispered, “I know, Nick. I love you, too.”

“I don’t like it when someone breaks a promise to me.” replied Nick seriously.

“I didn’t break any promises to you.” puzzled Sue. “What are you talking about?”

“In the store, you promised I’d pay. We’ve been on the train for at least thirty minutes. I think you’re welching on me and going back on your word.” stated Nick with a sly smile.

Watching the hazel eyes sear with emotion, Sue felt her heart pounding in her chest and held his face in her hands. Placing gentle kisses on the corners of his mouth, she whispered, “Can’t have my future husband thinking I’m a welcher now, can we?”

Brushing her lips across his softly, Nick inhaled sharply and whispered, “Can’t have that.”

Using her tongue and lips on his, groans of desire and need could be heard over the rumbling wheels of the train. Time stood still as the method of payment caused him to pull her onto his chest and hungrily respond to her delicate method of torture. Deepening and lingering kisses left them gasping for air. Shirts were slowly opened revealing the arousal in each of them. Laying beside each other, they placed delicate kisses on each other. Holding on tightly, they moaned from frustration knowing the passion could not be consummated. For now, they would be satisfied just knowing their love was returned and the passion still simmered beneath the surface.

“Do you want something to drink?” asked Nick breathing heavily and watching the green eyes slowly lose the wanton look in them.

Placing a light kiss on his lips, Sue nodded, “Coffee would be great.”

Reaching over, he slowly redid her undergarments and buttoned her shirt while she did the same for him. Leaning over, he smiled and claimed her lips in a lingering kiss, “Be right back.”

Pushing herself into a sitting position, she leaned back against the sofa and watched him close the door, heading to the dining car. Picking up a newspaper from the table beside the sofa, she started reading. After completing the fourth page of the newspaper, she glanced at the clock on the wall and wondered where he could be.

Grabbing her crutches, she slowly stood up and leaned on the wooden sticks. The wobbling of the car making it difficult for her to get her balance. Realizing, she wouldn’t be walking on the crutches while the car was moving, she resigned to sitting in a chair at the nearby table. Pulling her leg up, she placed it on the chair across from her and picked up a deck of cards.

Hearing the door open, an odor caught her nose. Looking up, she smiled as Nick came in carrying a tray and made his way to the table. Her eyes widened at the familiar odor as he neared and she snarled, “Don’t come any closer!”

Puzzled, Nick replied, “Why? What’s the matter?”

Waving her hand in front of her, Sue blanched at the odor and struggled to her feet. Holding a hand outward to stop his forward movement, she shakily made her way to the opposite side of the car on her crutches and sank into a chair from the effort.

“WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH YOU?” shouted Nick angrily.

“Nick, I think I’m gonna be sick.” moaned Sue.

Concerned flashed across his face and he hurriedly put the tray on a table, “What’s the matter? Is it your leg?”

“What is that smell?”

Grinning, Nick said in a pleased voice, “Some guy was handing out free samples of the latest men’s cologne.”

“Was his name, Purcival McMann?” asked Sue fanning herself to keep the odor away.

“Yeah, how did you know?” said Nick curiously squirming from the glare she fixed on him from across the room.

“You have two choices, Nick. You can either throw your shirt out the window and hope that takes the smell away.” paused Sue holding her head when the smell seemed to intensify.

“I’M NOT THROWING MY SHIRT AWAY. I LIKE THIS SHIRT!” shouted Nick with an incredulous look.

“OR OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS AND STAY ON THAT SIDE OF THE CAR ALL THE WAY TO STOCKTON.” yelled Sue angrily.

Nick looked back at the man who had knocked and entered the private car, “Mr. Barkley, I meant to give you some samples for your brothers.”

Seeing the man responsible for the return of the offensive odor, Sue snapped, “Nick, where’s my gun?”

Nick watched as the salesman’s pallor turned pale and the sweat broke out on his forehead. Stammering, Purcival threw the samples onto the nearest table and he backed slowly to the door of the car, “Miss Weston? Really, Miss Weston, it was an accident. Good day, Mr. Barkley!”

Nick stood routed to the floor, staring at the fleeing back of the salesman and looked to the back of the car in amazement at the woman sitting there sporting a greenish color. Moving to the side of the car, he opened the windows. Peeling off his shirt, he threw it out the window and made his way over to her.

“Wash!” stated Sue firmly holding out another hand to stop his movements.

Rolling his eyes, Nick poured some water in the basin and scrubbed his upper body with soap and water. Drying off with a towel, he grabbed a new shirt out of his bag and put it on.

The smell slowly left the car and her stomach lost the nauseous feel. Putting her head back against the chair, she closed her eyes in relief. Walking over, Nick knelt in front of her and gently brushed the bangs off her forehead.

“Feeling better?” whispered Nick.

Nodding, Sue smiled, “Thanks, Nick. That’s the same guy that spilled that stuff on my shirt on the way to San Francisco.”

Chuckling, Nick grinned, “I figured that part out from the way he lit out of here when you asked for your gun. Come on.”

Picking her up, he carried her to the sofa and sat with her on his lap. Leaning her head on his shoulder, Sue sighed in relief at the absence of the smell. “Nick, next time, let me pick out the cologne.”

Tilting her head back, he nodded and sealed the agreement with a kiss.

Heath waited anxiously on the platform of the depot for the train to arrive. Seeing it rounding the bend, he waved to Horace who stood in front of the hotel. Steam escaped as the train slowed and came to a standstill. Heading towards the private car, Heath grinned at the sight of Nick carrying a casted Sue out the door.

“Need a hand with that package, Nick?” asked Heath with a lop-sided grin.

“Very funny, Heath.” retorted Sue as Nick handed her to his brother.

Holding her in his arms, Heath kissed her cheek and smiled. “Good to see ya’, Sue.”

“You too, Heath.” whispered Sue wrapping her arms around him and squeezing. “Thanks again for everything.”

Heath winked as Nick jumped down to the ground with her crutches and growled. “Heath, how many times do I have to tell you to kiss your own woman?”

Setting Sue on her feet, Heath watched as Nick steadied her on the crutches. “Afraid of some competition, big brother?”

Drawing his brother into a hug, Nick laughed, “It wouldn’t be fair, Heath. Great to see you.”

Getting the bags and package out of the car, Nick handed the box to Heath. The couple grinned widely as Heath looked at them and asked. “This for me?”

“Yep. Go on, open it Heath!” stated Nick with excitement.

“Thanks, but you didn’t have to get me anything.” replied Heath as he set the package on a bench. Heath opened the lid and pulled out the statue and whistled. “Boy howdy, this looks like Charger!

“I’m glad you like it, Heath.” said Sue quietly watching the blue eyes light up with gratitude and love.

Nick put his arm over Heath’s shoulders and whispered, “Just a little token of how much we love ya’, brother.”

Putting the statue back in the box, Heath kissed Sue’s cheek again and smiled widely when he heard a loud protest. “Get your own woman, Heath!”

Chuckling, Sue shook her head and started up the street with the brothers walking beside her. Looking around, she asked Heath, “I thought Jack was gonna be here with the wagon.”

“He was delayed so I’m gonna buy you lunch at the hotel.” stated Heath.

Nick shook his head, “I gotta get Sue down to Dr. Merar’s first. Then we can have lunch.”

Rolling her eyes, Sue explained, “Dr. Swenson’s orders, Heath. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“Doc’s not there. He’s out delivering a baby over to the Jones’. He’ll probably be back later today, though.”

“Then you can buy us lunch, little brother.” smirked Nick helping Sue up onto the boardwalk. “Remind me to send Jarrod his gun back, Sue was gonna shoot some poor salesman on the train on the way here.”

Heath held the door open to the hotel and let the couple enter first. Putting the bags and packages behind the front desk, the men followed Sue as she made her way through the lobby and laughed. “I wasn’t really gonna shoot him, Nick. However, I might shoot you if ya’ try anymore samples of men’s cologne.”

“FOR PETE’S SAKE, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY I’M SORRY?” bellowed Nick as he followed Sue into the dining room.

Looking back over her shoulder, Sue grinned, “Heath, I’ve never smelled anything...”

“SURPRISE!!!” was screamed out by a multitude of voices as the trio entered the room.

The guests watched a startled Sue pushed backwards into Nick on her crutches. Nick seeing her falling, caught her in his arms and heard the sharp intake of her breath when landed on top of him. The unexpected weight of the woman in his arms propelled him onto Heath, who lay stunned beneath the two.

“Boss!” yelled Jack running over and helping the stunned woman to her feet. Horace picked her up and carried her to a chair.

Heath recovering from the shock of the landing pushed Nick off with his hands. “Git off me, Nick.”

Hank grabbed Nick by the arms, helped him to his feet and put his hat back on the stunned man’s head.

Jack pulled Heath up and checked him over. “You hurt, Heath?”

“No, I’m fine.” grinned Heath.

Nick knelt by Sue and panic reflected in his voice, “You okay? How’s the leg?”

Looking at him, Sue nodded, “I’m okay, Nick. I just hit my elbow on your gun.”

Relieved, Nick kissed the top of her head and stood as his mother walked over to them. Kissing the cheeks of the confused pair, she smiled, “Sorry we scared you. Congratulations on your engagement.”

Nick complained loudly, “Mother, you almost gave us heart attacks!”

Sue stood up on her crutches and winked to the crowd of faces, “Thank you all for the wonderful surprise. I’d say it’s good to be home, wouldn’t you Nick?”

Grinning widely, he winked at his mother and his family, “Anything you say, dear.”

“I’ll never hear that again!” retorted Sue rolling her eyes as the crowd laughed heartedly.

Nick leaned over and placed a lingering kiss on her lips while the guests cheered for the happiness of the two they loved. Nick meandered through the crowd while Sue opted to sit in a chair and accept the kisses, handshakes and well wishes of their friends and family.

The evening wore on and Sue gestured for the sheriff to come over. “Fred, I do believe you owe me a drink!”

Fred nodded, “Okay, you were right. I’m buying!”

Leaning forward, Sue whispered, “You still got those marked cards? We could take all the Barkley money tonight.”

Laughing outloud, Fred shook his head and teased, “It’s been so quiet since you’ve been gone.”

“Sorry to hear that sheriff!” chuckled Sue. “Fred, on your way to get the drink you owe me, can you ask Dan to step over here for a minute?”

“Sure, be right back.” smiled Fred making his way to the young attorney.

Dan Baldwin sat down in the chair beside her and smiled widely, “It’s good to see you, Sue. How long before the cast comes off?”

“Four months.” replied Sue and leaning over whispered in his ear, “Dan, I had a nice talk with an Officer Michael O’Malley when I was in San Francisco. It appears he knew a young Danny Baldwin when he was growing up there.”

Dan he groaned, “Oh, lord! Of all the people you had to meet when you were there!”

Laughing, Sue teased, “So, tell me Danny Baldwin. How long did you get suspended when you ran the teacher’s bloomers up the flagpole?”

Turning bright red, Dan chuckled, “A whole week!”

“That’s my attorney!” grinned Sue slapping him on the back. “Did you get that little thing I needed taken care of?”

“Ready for your signature.” stated Dan.

“Great! Thanks, Dan!” smiled Sue.

Waving off her thanks, Dan asked offhandedly, “So, what else did Officer O’Malley say about me?”

“That, my friend, is for me to use against you as blackmail later.” smirked Sue accepting a drink from Fred as Dan shook his head.

“Sue, blackmail is against the law.” stated Fred seriously.

“Fred, I’m just trying to keep you busy, is all.” Laughing with the two, she raised her glass, “Here’s to coming home to friends and family.”

....Continued