The light of the day was falling down when riding up to the barn, Nick dismounted and Ciego came out to take care of his horse, keeping his curiosity to himself at the bruises on his boss’ face. Nick’s long steps ate up the space between the barn and the oak door of the mansion, entering he took off his hat and belt, looking up at his mother saying his name.

“Nick?” gasped Victoria studying his bruised face, noting the bandage on his cheek and the smell of liniment as Jarrod entered the foyer.

Kissing her cheek, he stated, “I was over at Heath’s ranch, Mother.”

Jarrod’s eyebrow raised at the twinkle in Nick’s eyes and he felt immense relief from his brother’s relaxed countenance. “And?”

“And what?” asked Nick innocently walking his mother into the parlor with Jarrod rolling his eyes and following behind.

“Nick, what happened?” exclaimed Audra after her returning brother placed a kiss on her cheek.

“It’s nothing. Heath and I had a little discussion today.” shrugged Nick pouring a drink for himself and offering to the others who declined, waiting for him to continue.

“Nicholas.” warned Victoria her patience leaving her and anxiety filling her at her son’s avoidance of answers.

Sheepishly, Nick smiled, “Sorry, Mother.”

“How is Heath and Mackenzie?” inquired Victoria.

“They’re fine. In fact, I’m gonna be an uncle!” exclaimed Nick, his broad smile and happiness sending a surge of joy through the rest of the family members, anticipation already filling them at the upcoming blessed event. “Poor Mac though. She’s sick with morning sickness.”

“I’m so thrilled for them.” smiled Victoria, clasping Audra’s hand. “Let’s ride over there tomorrow to see if there’s anything we can do for her.”

Nick sipped his drink and saw the crestfallen look on his mother and sister’s faces. “Nick, is it okay if we ride over there? Would Heath mind?”

Sitting on the coffee table in front of her, Nick put his glass down and took her small hands in his. “Mother, I think Mac would appreciate it. Heath and I decided we should start fresh as brothers. It’s not gonna be easy but we’re both determined. He’s willing to try to be part of the family and I just know we can do it. Heath did ask me to give you this letter, Mother.”

Taking the envelope from his pocket, Nick placed it in his mother’s hand, her eyes filled with curiosity and apprehension. Holding it in her hand, she looked into her son’s eyes and queried.

“What did happen today, Nick? You’ve been gone all day.”

Taking a breath, he told the others about the words and fight at the waterhole, their eyes filling at the pain Heath’d been in for weeks because of his misunderstanding of the shouted words he’d heard while leaving the office of Dr. Merar. In seeking to protect the blonde from the family and give him breathing room, Nick’s shouts had succeeded in driving him away.

“After lunch, Mac went to rest and Heath took me into his office. He showed me a report on Bard Flaherty’s background he’d asked Fred to get for him.” explained Nick.

“Did it say why he tried to kill Heath?” inquired Jarrod, studying his brother’s scowling face.

“Seems Heath killed Bard’s half-brother trying to bring him in for a bounty. Bard’s brother was wanted for murdering the man who killed their father, in self-defense, over a poker game. When Heath caught up with him, Bard’s brother was on his way to get married. He didn’t want to be taken in, pulled a gun and Heath shot him. Heath took him to the nearest doctor but he died from his wound.” replied Nick quietly with a shake of his head.

“How come Bard didn’t go after Heath when he first saw him?” asked Audra outloud, her eyes clouded with confusion.

“Fred questioned some of the Craddock hands and it seems Bard didn’t recognize him at first as the same bounty hunter. Bard and Jim Nelson attacked Heath that night in town at the corral. Bard told Nelson he wanted to teach the outsider it wasn’t a good idea to butt in on other people’s business.”

“The fight in the saloon with you.” stated Jarrod receiving a nod from Nick.

“Nelson said Bard became obsessed with causing problems for Heath after he confided in Nelson who Heath was. Anyway, he limed the waterhole, took down the fence twice and moved the Craddock cattle onto the land, took a shot at Heath. Nelson didn’t know for certain but thought maybe Bard was responsible for the other attack on Heath and accosting Mac at the dance.” sighed Nick before adding, “Since there’s been no more attempts, looks like Nelson was right.”

“What about Jim Nelson’s involvement? Is he under arrest?” asked Victoria.

Snorting, Nick shook his head, “No! Heath didn’t press charges for the attack. He said he was fine and Ezra Craddock assured him there would be no more problems from any of his crew.”

“You don’t sound too happy about his decision, Nick.” suggested Jarrod calmly.

“Well, it’s not up to me.” growled Nick taking a sip of his drink. “Jim Nelson apologized to Heath for his part in the attack. He admitted he should’ve done something to stop Bard but was afraid for his job. Heath just wants to forget it.”

“I certainly hope it means this nasty business has all been left behind for Heath and Mackenzie’s sakes.” stated Victoria holding the letter in her hand and standing. “I’m going to my room and will see you all at dinner.”

“Yes, Mother.” stated her children, all eyes on her as the grand mistress of the mansion floated out of the room and up the staircase, anxious to read the letter enclosed in her hand.

Closing the door behind her, Victoria turned up her lamp and took a seat in the chair by the table. Using a silver letter opener, she slid the piece of metal under the flap and moved it along the edge, her fingers shaking slightly.

Taking a breath, she gazed up at the portrait of her husband before pulling out the white paper, her eyes reading the words, a smile floated across her face for a brief moment.

Dear Mrs. Barkley,

Please accept my sincere apologies for the condition of your son, Nick, when he arrives home tonight. I can promise you he gave out as much as he took.

You were correct, Mrs. Barkley. You and I are the innocent parties of the past actions of others. I do not know if the boxes containing my mother’s belongings hold the answers we are seeking. Zie and I will be sorting through her things tonight, hoping to find something to help us both.

I promise to let you know what we find, no matter what it may be, you have my word.

Sincerely,
Heath Thomson

Rereading the letter, Victoria lifted her eyes to the portrait of her beloved husband, wishing he were here to fill in the gaps, wishing he were here to take responsibility. Sighing deeply and wiping the tears springing to her eyes, she admitted to herself, she just wished he were here to hold her and assure her everything would be fine.

Four days later on a sunny Sunday, the temperature cool and the noon hour just passed when Heath rode between the gates to enter the yard of the Barkley ranch. Dismounting, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door, smiling at Silas and stepping into the foyer. His stomach was twisting, his hands twirled his hat in his hands and he nervously cleared his throat stating he’d wait in the foyer, declining Silas’ offer to wait in the parlor. Victoria descended the staircase and greeted the anxious blonde in the foyer.

“Heath, congratulations to you and Mackenzie.” exclaimed Victoria, her gray eyes shining with happiness. “Yes, I can see by your bruises Nick gave as much as he took.”

“Yes he did, Mrs. Barkley.” smiled Heath slightly. “Zie and I are looking forward to when the baby arrives and how are you ma’am?”

Putting a small hand on his to stop his fidgeting movement, Victoria smiled, “I’m fine, Heath. Would you like some coffee?”

Shaking his head to decline the drink, he felt an overwhelming need to protect this tiny woman in front of him, an overwhelming need which he shoved to the side since he promised he’d disclose what he found regardless of whatever it may be. It was time to let the chips fall where they lay, let the wounds bleed again to rid him and her of the abscess which had grown over the past month. They needed to lance it, to let it drain before any healing could begin.

“Mrs. Barkley, is there somewhere we can talk in private without anyone interrupting?” asked Heath quietly.

“We can go for a ride, Heath. I’ll get my coat.” suggested Victoria.

“It’s cool outside, ma’am. Ya’ don’t want to be catching a cold.” frowned Heath.

Smiling at his concern, she squeezed his arm. “Don’t worry, Heath we’ll go somewhere sheltered and not too far from here.”

Waiting, Heath studied the pattern of the oak flooring in the foyer, looking up when a hand closed on his shoulder and black boots took the place of the knot in the flooring. The light blue eyes of the eldest son took in his new brother, the older eyes reflected his guilt, the wrong he’d inflicted previously on the younger man.

“Heath, I’m glad you’re here.” said Jarrod, relieved his hand had not been shaken from the blonde’s shoulder. “I’d like to apologize for being an ass before. I was thinking like a lawyer, not a brother. I’m ashamed of what I said and put you through. Those thoughts are not what I truly feel inside, Heath.”

Heath sighed and fiddled with his hat before moving back out of the hand’s grip, “It’s okay, Jarrod. I understand.”

Jarrod was gripped by the simple movement. He was the cause, the man who once called him friend and sought advise from him in the past, was no more. Instead a wounded brother was in his place, a brother he’d hurt and angered. A brother he wanted by his side, a brother whose trust he’d have to work hard to regain and nurture.

Any further conversation between the two was shunted by the arrival of Victoria who had changed into riding pants and a heavy coat. Coming down the stairs she observed the backward movement of Heath, effectively moving away from Jarrod and cutting off the physical touch offered by his brother.

Placing a kiss on Jarrod’s cheek, she pulled on her gloves and smiled, “Heath and I are going for a ride, Jarrod. I’ll be back by dinner.”

“Yes, Mother.” nodded Jarrod, his further request for details stayed unspoken at the flash in her gray eyes before she departed through the door Heath held open and closed behind him.

Victoria walked to the barn and Heath followed leading Brownie, helping her into the saddle before mounting, riding beside her out of the ranch with Jarrod watching from the mansion. The two riders did not speak, they kept thoughts and dreams to themselves letting the beauty of the outdoor fill them as she lead the way. Stopping two miles from the house, Heath climbed down and hurried to the side of her horse, lifting the small woman from the saddle.

Thanking the blonde, they tied the horses and Heath followed her on the worn path leading to a creek, the spot hidden and sheltered from the wind. Seeing the fire pit, he gathered wood and started a fire to provide extra warmth in the cool air. Victoria sat on a log and patted a spot beside her, offering it to the skittish young man who nodded and walked over placing his saddlebags on the ground by his feet.

“It’s beautiful here, Mrs. Barkley.” said Heath, looking around the spot. “Looks like it’s a well used spot.”

Putting a hand on his arm, she shook her head, “Yes, this is a favorite spot of mine. It’s quiet and good for the soul. Heath, you found something in your mother’s things, didn’t you?”

Sapphire eyes studied gray eyes for a bit before he nodded and picked up his saddlebags, slowly unbuckling the strap, stopping and looking at her again.

“Zie and I found some things.” stated Heath quietly, placing a hand on hers and squeezing it. “Are you positive, ma’am?”

“Yes, we both need to take care of this before we can move forward. No secret can be kept forever, Heath. It’s been revealed and we are left to deal with the aftermath.”

Taking a shaky breath, his fingers felt leaden as they fumbled with the clasp finally undoing the buckle and opening the bag of leather. Pulling out a small cloth wrapped bundle, he placed it in his lap and unwrapped it.

“I never knew mama had these things, ma’am. I don’t know why she never told me. Even on her death bed, she didn’t utter a word. I’ve had four days to think about what we found Mrs. Barkley. I should’ve come over sooner but needed those days to digest it, turn it around in my head.” explained Heath softly putting a pair of cufflinks in her hand.

Victoria’s eyes filled, her mind taken back to when she’d given the gold cufflinks with the onyx jeweled T to her husband.

“He told me he lost them.” whispered Victoria, her tears not hidden from the blonde when she looked up, the anguish in her eyes breaking his heart, making his eyes fill in sympathy for her.

“I’m sorry.” offered Heath, not knowing what else to say for causing the wound in her soul.

“It’s not your fault, Heath.” said Victoria with a shake of her head, wiping her eyes and taking a breath to calm herself before asking. “What else?”

“There are five letters and a picture, ma’am.” informed Heath hesitantly, her eyes widening in surprise. “Zie found them hidden in mama’s bible.”

Nodding, she read his hesitation and cupped his cheek in her hand, her eyes burning into his. “I want to see them, Heath, no, I need to see them.”

Handing her the picture, Victoria steadied her shaking hand and her eyes studied the couple on the paper before her. An intimate gesture of Tom’s arm around a young girl who was a spitting image of the blonde beside her except for the eyes, the only feature he hadn’t inherited from his mother.

“Your mother’s beautiful, Heath. You look exactly like her.” stated Victoria, her voice quivering and he placed an arm over her shoulder, offering his strength as she leaned into him.

“Yes, ma’am.” whispered Heath pulling out the worn letters and staring in her eyes. “Mrs. Barkley, I’ll give you these letters and you can read them in private. I think you need to read them alone. I’m sorry for what you’ll be reading. I wish I’d never found them.”

Closing her eyes, she could hear the despair in his words, the hurt he was causing her ripping him up inside. Taking the letters she put them in her inside pocket of her coat, standing up, leaned down and placed a kiss on the blonde’s tear streaked cheek.

“Heath, thank you for using discretion in this matter. I care for you and Mackenzie deeply. You are always welcome at our ranch, in our home, in our hearts. You are family and I’d like you to remember that. No matter the hurt the past is causing us, we are all family.” smiled Victoria wiping the tears from his eyes.

“Thank you, ma’am.” whispered Heath standing and pulling her into an embrace, her arms tightening around him before they put out the small fire and headed back. Stopping before they reached the yard, Victoria offered to come to see Mackenzie soon and Heath nodded, watching her enter the yard before riding back to his ranch.

Heath entered his house and took off his coat, Mackenzie held out her arms and he walked into them, pulling her to the floor. His body shaking with sobs at the pain he’d forced on the other innocent party.

As Heath was being comforted by his wife as they sat on the floor, the gray eyes of the Barkley matriarch filled with tears and she fell to her knees on the floor of her bedroom. Shaken by the knowledge her beloved husband willingly carried on a four month affair with a young woman from Strawberry before he broke it off when his conscience finally caught up with him.

As with all things, life has a way of moving from one day to another, regardless of how your world may have been shaken, regardless of how many cracks had been inflected in a pedestal of someone you admired. Life moves from one day to another and nothing slows it down. Spring turns to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter and winter to spring. It is a circle of time, a circle of progression. It is a circle with no end.

Victoria lifted herself up from the floor when she’d fallen to her knees from the blow of the letters. She picked herself up, stared at her husband’s portrait, gray eyes full of betrayal and vowed to move on.

Victoria lifted herself up from the floor and vowed all the secrets would be lain on the table for the rest of the family to hear. It was necessary for all of them to hear the truth, to be given the chance to work through the anger, the betrayal caused by the man they all loved. It was necessary to prevent any backlash of emotion from the discovery against the child born out of the hidden union, now a young man who didn’t have a choice in how he’d been brought into this life.

Three weeks passed and four days before the day of Thanksgiving, the Barkley children were gathered together and given the news of the discovery made by Heath and Mackenzie. The information sent the offspring of Tom Barkley on a trail of upset, a myriad of emotions stunned them to their very foundations. Victoria helped her children work through what they’d learned, their torturous journey also a cleansing.

Heath and Mackenzie accepted the invitation to share Thanksgiving dinner with the family. Though it was the first time Gene was to meet Heath, he’d been informed of his new brother by letters from his family and unfortunate scandalous reports in the newspapers.

Victoria surveyed the table one last time, her gray eyes scrutinizing every detail, every piece of china, every piece of silver. Nick entered the dining room and shook his head before kissing her cheek.

“Mother, the table’s beautiful!” assured Nick looking down into her gray eyes.

“I just want everything to be perfect.” worried Victoria, studying the table again.

Placing an arm around her shoulders, Nick winked, “There’s only family coming over, Mother. Not royalty.”

Laughing, she returned his hug, “I hope it’s the first of many holidays we spend together with Heath and Mackenzie, Nick.”

“Me too, Mother.” said Nick before placing a kiss on her silver hair. “Now, leave the table alone and come into the parlor to have a glass of sherry.”

Leading her into the parlor, Nick walked to the bar and poured drinks, handing one to his mother. Audra, Jarrod and Eugene entered the parlor, taking their respective places, dressed in their best on this important day. Eugene smiled and squeezed his sister’s hand. Audra squeezed back, thankful for him by her side, her stomach twisting violently from her disclosure to Gene she hadn’t seen Heath or Mackenzie since the dreadful emotional explosion in town.

At first, Gene was shocked to hear of Audra’s behavior but then realized he’d probably have acted the same way, given the extreme circumstances. He had been stunned when he’d first heard about this new brother of theirs. He knew Heath’d been friends of the family first before they’d found out about his paternity. Observing the way Nick talked about him these last few days, he knew his older brother considered Heath a man he trusted, respected and, to his surprise, seemed to love as a brother.

Observing Jarrod, Gene had been frustrated when he was not able to get to the bottom of his eldest brother’s feelings for Heath. The eldest son, unknown to the youngest, was concerned he’d not regain the trust he’d bent severely. He vowed to be there for their new brother in every way, just as he was with his other siblings. The eldest son still chastised himself inwardly at his behavior on that day.

Waking early Thanksgiving day, Heath and Mackenzie served breakfast to the members of their ranch crew who hadn’t left to visit family during the holiday. Unlike a cattle ranch, he could get by with a very minimal crew as the horses being trained were kept in corrals and close by. The morning passed quickly and the couple dressed while Shorty and Jim readied the surrey.

Heath leaned against the doorframe, his sapphire eyes watching his wife as she finished with her hair, the folds of the dress were unable to hide the evidence of the child growing inside her. Looking in the mirror, she smiled and walked over to him, taking his hands in hers.

“Ready?”

Heath sighed, “I wish Aunt Rachel was coming with us.”

“Heath, you act as if you’re going to need reinforcements.” chastised Mackenzie, placing a kiss on his lips. “I think it was very nice of Rachel to make dinner for Mrs. Maden. At least Mary won’t be alone while Fred’s working. Everything will be fine, you’ll see honey.”

Wrapping his arms around her, his lips meet hers and his hand pulled her closer as the kiss deepened, his tongue meeting hers before she pulled back.

“Now Heath, that’s the start of how I got in this condition.” whispered Mackenzie, her fingers running across his lips lightly, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

Heath smiled and placed a hand on her stomach, “It’s a good thing you explained that Zie. I wasn’t sure how it happened.”

Mackenzie caressed his cheek and held his hand to her growing abdomen. “Baby and me are ready for dinner, cowboy.”

Rolling his eyes, he took a deep breath and groaned, “All you think about lately is food.”

Slapping his chest playfully, she lifted her chin on the way out of the room, “Seems you forgot last night, dear. If it wasn’t memorable then maybe it shouldn’t happen again.”

“Zie, I’m kidding, honey. Hey, you wouldn’t do such a thing, would ya’?” protested Heath following her down the stairs.

“Don’t tempt me!” warned Mackenzie, shaking a finger at her husband who laughed and helped her into her coat, his fingers quickly buttoning up the warm garment and caressing her cheek before he placed another kiss on her lips. Shrugging into his coat, he escorted her out the house, helping her into the surrey and wrapping a blanket around her legs. Saying goodbye to the Shorty and Jim, Heath started the horse south towards the Barkley ranch, his wife’s arm entwined in his.

Pulling up in front of the mansion, Heath jumped down and reached up to help her off the surrey, thanking Ciego for taking care of the horses before walking to the door and knocking.

Victoria opened the door and smiled widely, “Come in, you two. I’m so happy you could join us.”

Ushering the couple in, she waited til Silas took their outer garments before greeting each of them with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you for inviting us, ma’am.” smiled Heath, his words earning him an immediate tongue lashing.

“Heath, you are family and welcome here any time.” stated Victoria, holding one of his hands and one of Mackenzie’s. “We’re not going to have this discussion again, are we?”

Blushing, Heath shook his head, “No, ma’am.”

Mackenzie smiled at Victoria and squeezed her hand before the head of the Barkley clan ushered them into the parlor where the rest of the family was.

“HEATH!” exclaimed Nick loudly, wrapping the blonde in a bear hug and clapping his back. “Where you been boy?”

“Boy howdy, Nick! Some of us have working ranches in case you didn’t know.” smirked Heath, his statement causing Nick to growl at the blonde before he kissed his sister-in-law on the cheek.

“I swear Mac, I don’t know how you put up with him.” teased Nick, hazel eyes sparkling.

“It’s definitely a trial, Nick.” agreed Mackenzie with a wink at her grinning husband.

Heath shook the hand of his oldest brother and smiled widely at Jarrod, asking him how his last trip to San Francisco was. Mackenzie, Nick and Victoria held their breath as Heath greeted his blonde half sister and whispered in her ear. Her eyes filled with relief and she nodded, before placing a kiss on his cheek.

“I’m sorry too, Heath.” whispered Audra.

“Heath and Mackenzie, this is Eugene.” introduced Victoria watching as Gene shook Mackenzie’s hand and turned to Heath.

“Heath, nice to meet you.” stated Gene. “I’ve heard lots about you.”

Heath looked at Eugene and winked, “Nice to meet ya’ too, Eugene. Of course, I hope Nick didn’t try to fill your head with a bunch of nonsense.”

Gene nodded, “Call me Gene and don’t worry Heath, we never listen to Nick. We usually just nod and he thinks we’re listening.”

Chuckling, Heath looked at Nick who was growling at the youngest son and shaking his finger at him. “College boy!”

On the sofa, Victoria held Mackenzie’s hand, the two women smiled as the teasing extended to include the eldest brother and the only daughter. The sound of laughter filled the house throughout the afternoon and Victoria’s heart was filled with happiness.

Humming to herself, Mackenzie bustled around the kitchen, making several different variety of cookies for the children at the orphanage, placing them in decorative tins after they cooled. Taking out the last batch, she wiped her forehead and sat at the table sipping a glass of water, the kitchen temperature was as hot as Hades.

Looking at the small clock on the sideboard, she stood up and walked upstairs to change. Audra would arrive in a while to bring her and the goodies to the orphanage. Smiling, Mackenzie was happy the two girls were back to being friends and sister-in-laws, the turbulent times seemed to be in the past and the future was bright with sunshine.

Changing, she laid on the bed, holding Heath’s pillow in her arms, smelling his scent which lingered on the cloth. He’d been gone over a week on a trip. His old friend, Frank Sawyer, wired him when one of the citizens in his town was killed, the widow asked the kind Sheriff to dispose of the horses and cattle kept on the small ranch. The bereaved widow was planning on moving east and the details of the liquidation she trusted only to the lawman. In her mind, lawyers were people who stood in the shadows of criminals. The widow’s categorizing of the profession created by her husband’s run in with a shoddy attorney at one time, the experience stinting them both for life.

Heath kept in touch with his old friend through letters over the time since he’d departed Spanish Creek. The men were as close as could be, they respected and trusted each other immensely. Upon receiving the wire, Heath hesitated in responding, while he trusted Frank’s judgment of horseflesh, he didn’t like the thought of leaving his wife while she was pregnant.

Mackenzie coaxed her blonde husband into taking the trip, encouraging him to leave so she could prepare for the upcoming holidays without him raiding the baked goods. He wanted the horses and she was willing to let him put the ranch before her, not wanting to be a burden because she was with child. Her unselfishness was appreciated and she blushed remembering his passion during their last night together.

When he left the ranch and rode out to Stockton to catch the train, she fought to keep the tears at bay. Even though in a timeframe perspective, their marriage was young, each of them felt old in their hearts and soul. They felt as if they had known each other for more than a lifetime already.

This was the first time, Heath’d been apart from her since they’d married. She found sleep was slow in coming, the sounds of the house, the rustling of the wind on the shutters keeping her awake. At least those were the reasons she made up in her mind, however, she knew it was missing the warmth of him, the passion of him, the caring touches whenever they were in the same room. A squeeze of a hand, a finger brushing through her hair, a gentle hand rubbing up and down her arm when they sat together on the couch watching the fire jump in the fireplace. She missed the sound of his voice, the sound of his laughter and the huskiness in his tone when he whispered her name in the heat of the moment.

Taking a deep breath, she inhaled his fragrance and sighed realizing he wouldn’t be home for three more days. Putting the pillow back in its spot on the bed, she stood up and straightened the covers before entering the next room, studying the half finished nursery, trying to remember exactly what she wanted to get while in town today, unable to come up with the item which sprang into her mind the night before.

Hearing a knock on the door, she went downstairs and smiled at Matt, standing on the porch.

“Hi, Matt.” greeted Mackenzie after opening the door.

“Ma’am, Shorty just came back with the mail. No wire today.” said Matt, his tone apologetic, handing her three letters.

“Tell Shorty I said thanks for checking.” smiled Mackenzie before asking, “Are you and the men heading up to the ridge today?”

Nodding, Matt replied, “Yes, we’re gonna take Atilla with us, if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine, I’ll be going to the orphanage with Miss Barkley. Atilla will be able to track the cougar, just don’t let anyone get hurt, Matt.” warned Mackenzie. “Two horses is not worth anyone’s life.”

Putting on his hat, Matt agreed, “Yes, ma’am. We’ll be careful.”

“Good hunting!” said Mackenzie, before closing the door and sitting in a chair, her eyes widened and a smile broke out on her face from the name in the return address on the letter addressed to her. “Daddy!”

When Jacob Daye, wanted outlaw became a married man with a family, he worked out with the woman who was his soulmate, a method of contact. A method of contact for those times when the law was one step behind him and his absence from their lives was necessary. The aliases used over the years the same, the post office boxes kept under the assumed names paid for in advance. Sometimes the boxes were never used but when the ending time of the lease neared, the required payment would arrive to the postmaster ensuring the same box would be kept open.

When his wife passed on, he passed the method of contact onto his daughter, the child he’d raised as his own. His daughter was never far from his heart as he was never far from hers. He was kept updated in the events in her life by the short letters he received, the accounts in the Stockton newspaper he’d read and the two occasions he’d visited her on the ranch while her husband and the ranch crew were working. He was a wanted man who was going to be a grandfather in four months.

He moved about the country doing odd jobs, leading a meager existence, feeling the pull of being near his daughter grow stronger every day. When he visited the ranch, he’d wanted to stay and talk with Heath Thomson, but Mackenzie worried over his reaction to her father’s presence. Jacob heeded her wishes and left before Heath arrived home.

Jacob didn’t think Heath was aware he’d been at the ranch, however, the outlaw was mistaken. Heath had seen him departing the first time and later that evening found he couldn’t question his wife about it, the sparkle of happiness in her eyes told him the importance of her father’s visit to her.

Heath was hurt she didn’t confide in him, studying her as she sewed a dress that evening, he suddenly realized she’d been afraid to. When she had brought up her father in the past, he wasn’t willing to meet her on neutral ground as far as her outlaw father was concerned. Thus, she kept his visit a secret to keep him from being in a bad position such as when he’d first met her father.

The second time when he walked to the house, he’d seen the track of his horse at the hitching rail and later that night, long after she’d fallen asleep in his arms, he searched his heart and mind. The former deputy in him wanted the outlaw to stay away, the former bounty hunter in him was worried someone would connect Mackenzie to her father, the husband in him wanted his wife to have all the happiness in the world.

Many things occurred since he first met Jacob Daye, many things which had sent him reeling from the shock, the anger. He forced his wife to keep her father’s appearance on the ranch a secret and now as he was stepping into his role as brother to his siblings, building up his ranch, anticipating the birth of his first child…he found himself contemplating his father-in-law.

Heath was aware of the letters and even the small pieces of papers had the ability to make the former lawman nervous. He knew the letters were few and far between, the places they came from varied as the man moved from place to place. He was at a loss as to what to do until one day he read in the paper about a man who was given a pardon from a governor for crimes committed as a young man, many years before.

Walking into his eldest brother’s office three weeks ago had been difficult. Heath felt guilty inside. He felt as if he were using his association with his new sibling to commit some wrong doing. Jarrod was honored his new brother came to ask for his help and he quickly put him at ease. Heath took a deep breath and laid his cards on the table, watching Jarrod intently, surprised when the attorney showed no surprise. The blonde wondered how his dark haired lawyer brother would be in the court room or at a poker table.

“Jarrod, I know there are statutes of limitations and other laws like that. Are they the same for every state?”

“No, they can vary from each state, Heath.” explained Jarrod. “I can request a background check on Mackenzie’s father, see exactly what the charges are and then we can go from there.”

Nodding, Heath sighed, “Send me the bill and let me know what ya’ find out, Jarrod. I appreciate your help in this matter and I’m sorry for, well, getting ya’ involved.”

Placing a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder, Jarrod shook his head, “Heath, I’m more than happy to help with anything you need. I’m not sure what I’ll be able to do though til I’ve done some research after we get the report.”

“I know, Jarrod.” replied Heath, fidgeting with his hat. “I feel guilty asking for your help with this. It’s as if I’m asking ya’ to break the law or something.”

Jarrod smiled, “You haven’t done anything of the sort, Heath. As your lawyer, you are subject to client confidentiality and we are only researching possibilities. We’re not assisting a criminal in hiding from the law. There’s the difference, brother Heath.”

Smiling at the endearment, Heath nodded and clapped the attorney on the back, “Thanks, Jarrod. Course, I bet ya’ get lots of practice keeping Nick outta jail don’t ya’? I swear the man can’t walk into a saloon without trading fists with someone.”

Laughing with amusement, Jarrod walked the blonde to the door, seeing him out and sitting back at his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he smiled at the warmth rising up in him from Heath’s display of trust and willingness to let him help with this issue.

As Heath Thomson, Stockton rancher made his way back home, he’d have taken the train and left the animals behind if he’d known someone else had found out the method of contact used by Jacob Daye.

The lure of the bounty in a price tag of five thousand dollars on the known outlaw’s head was an enticement and a prize worth winning.

The sky was cloudless, the moon a beacon in the vastness of the sky, the cool night air was on his face but the blonde man by the fire didn’t notice the beauty in the inky darkness around him. His thoughts on his home, his thoughts on reaching Stockton the next day. His thoughts were on the past which were mingling with the future.

Cursing, Heath wiped a hand over his face and kicked out the fire, dumping the remaining coffee in the pot on it, moving dirt over the coals to ensure they wouldn’t ignite and spread destruction to the wilderness around.

Picking up his gear, he apologized to Charger before putting the blanket on the horse’s back, the saddle following and in a matter of moments he was set to travel. Glancing around the camp one last time, he took the ropes of the two horses and mounted, traveling down the trail the moon highlighted with its beams.

He was two days ahead of schedule, two days in which his mind wouldn’t stop working. His visit with Frank Sawyer, the conversation between the two men helped the blonde put things in perspective. He loved his wife and he wouldn’t sell his soul, he couldn’t help a man escape punishment by means of legal loopholes.

He’d always stood up for the underdog, he’d always stood up for the weak. Honesty and integrity were the foundation of his whole being. He wouldn’t allow a law biding person to bully another law biding person and he couldn’t, in all good conscience, aid Jacob Daye in sidestepping the law.

It wasn’t up to him, Heath Thomson rancher, to bring the man to the law. However, as a member of society, he was bound by the rules of the group, he was bound by the rules of the whole of society. He was bound morally to disclose the whereabouts of Jacob Daye if he knew where the man was. Not speaking, looking away was just as bad as actively helping the man.

Heath knew his altering conscience would in all likelihood drive a deep wedge between he and Zie. He felt his heart tremble and his stomach lurched but he knew he had to be able to look himself in the mirror everyday, to be able to live with himself or their union would be based on falseness not truth.

Thinking of his unborn child, he knew he couldn’t allow his child to grow up, wondering why the grandfather’s name couldn’t be spoken outloud in public. Why the grandfather only came to visit when there was no one else around. Why the grandfather couldn’t come to school plays, contests or activities. He couldn’t allow the innocent child inside his wife’s womb to grow up in a shadow of a person who’d purposely broken the law and escaped justice. He couldn’t and wouldn’t allow his child to pay for the past sins of another person.

His need to see Jarrod, to speak with his wife drove him through the night and into the morning. An exhausted rancher left the two horses at the livery and dismounted in front of Jarrod’ office. Knocking on the door, he turned the knob but it was locked, frowning and wondering if his eldest brother was working at the ranch or had he gone to San Francisco. Turning Charger, he made his way out of town, the ride to the ranch seemed to pass as if the large powerful animal were walking in quicksand.

Smiling at the sight of his home, he entered the yard and dismounted in front of the house, glancing around for Atilla before climbing the stairs. Opening the door, Heath entered, his eyes taking in the frightened eyes of his wife, triggering his sense of danger. Rolling into the house, his hand came up with his gun when he felt a blow to his chest, his fingers going slack on the piece of metal, his wife’s scream reaching him before he was taken into darkness and crumbled to the floor, his muscles unable to hold his weight.

Mackenzie and Audra screamed at the ambush of the blonde, his body falling to the floor, his wound pooling blood beneath his body from the knife thrown across the room. Mackenzie struggled against the man who held her arm firmly in a grip stopping her movement towards her injured husband, her tears streaming down her cheeks.

“SHUT UP!” screamed the man holding her, lifting his hand and backhanding her. Audra screamed at him and pulled Mackenzie out of his hold, into her arms.

“DON’T TOUCH HER!” screamed Audra, trying to calm her sister-in-law who was trembling uncontrollably, her eyes not leaving her husband.

Audra watched the second man drag Heath into the living room, his wound leaving a trail of blood on the floor, before the man took the dropped gun and shut the plank of wood. He didn’t like how this was going, first there were two women and now Thomson was home ahead of schedule. Everything about this carefully detailed plan was going wrong and his temper was darkening. Daye was on his way here. It should have been quick and now they were three more to take care of.

“Please can we see to my brother? He’s bleeding terribly.” pleaded Audra to the one who appeared to be the leader of the two. His eyes narrowed and he walked over, with the knife he’d taken out of the blonde, stepping behind Mackenzie, holding her by the neck and moved the bloody blade across her bulging stomach. Mackenzie closed her eyes, nausea rising up within her at the foul breath on her cheek, the motion of the knife and the fear for her husband.

“Do anything stupid and the kid comes out early.”

Swallowing, Audra nodded, grabbed a towel and rushed over, kneeling by Heath’s side. Her shaking hand opened his shirt, pushing the white towel against the wound opened in his chest. Her blue eyes stricken with fear at the position of the wound, close to his heart and by a crescent moon birthmark.

....Continued