For the first time, Nick sat still taking the time to truly look at each wound. Heath had become very quiet and so still. He seemed just as hot...maybe hotter, but his fever induced movement had stopped. Heath’s shallow, almost panicked breathing was the only consistent surety that he was alive.

The cold moist towel was once again freshened and placed on Heath’s feverish forehead. Nick proceeded to clean and apply temporary bandages to his wounds. The left side of Heath’s face and neck showed bruising, and the burn of the burlap weave etched deep into his skin. The deep gash above the blackened, swollen shut left eye, would need stitches.

Open wounds too numerous to count, traveled along the left side of his body, some holding small pieces of splintered wood. The most serious being the left ribcage area, the wooden dagger making a deep entry, causing several broken ribs.

Nick worked to position Heath’s left shoulder so that his broken arm could lay close to the side of his body. The swelling at the site of the break was increasing, hopefully the cold wet towel Nick wrapped around it would help.

Nick worked his way down Heath’s body, tending to each and every trauma. As he unwrapped the lower portion of Heath’s body, the tiny feline scooted away from his cozy slumber close to Heath. Storm stood defiant, close to the right side of Heath’s face.

“What the devil! How did you get in here!” Nick yelled, standing ready to pursue the cat and pitch him out the door.

The chase began, Storm leading the tall, angry cowboy up the stairs, then back down. Next the chase led Nick to the gun room. Nick lost him there, looking under the table and behind the drapes.

Nick returned to the foyer and found the animal drinking from the basin of cold water, next to Heath.

“I’ve got you now and I’m tossin’ your tail out the door!” Nick reached and swooping up Storm in his hand.

Storm gave a merciful scream and dug his teeth deep into Nick finger. Nick blared out several colorful terms, as he continued his pursuit. Now he’d show no mercy to this confounded feline!

Victoria’s night was restless. The cot in Mrs. Mason’s room was small, more the size for a child, but Victoria wanted to be close to the new mother and infant. Checking the clock, it was now four in the morning. Mother and child were finally sleeping peacefully, after several hours of maternal conversation and feedings. Victoria got up, she was still wearing her day clothes wanting to be presentable when Mr. Mason arrived home.

Quietly Victoria closed the bedroom door as she left for the kitchen. She checked the stove and added several pieces of wood to build up the fire, filling the teapot with water, she placed it on the stove. She checked the two tins on the shelf above the sink and found several dozen cookies that Audra and the children had baked yesterday. Victoria selected a couple that smelled of raisins and cinnamon and closed the lid.

Victoria sat peacefully enjoying her tea and baked goods as she recalled the birth of her own children.

Jarrod came on time, peaceful and strong, Nick fought, not wanting to enter this world till he was good and ready, voicing his dislike of the birthing process as he came. Audra was one week late and beautiful, her sweet cries more melodic than squalling, with little pink cheeks and rose colored lips. Victoria was surrounded with love and caring during her deliveries. Even for those children she had lost, Tom and friends were always nearby.

She thought of Heath and Leah, knowing that even before his first breath, life’s difficulties had begun. Leah’s love surrounded him and for a few short years it was enough. Too soon...the cruelty of the world shattered that haven.

How she had grown to love that boy! Each passing week, family life seemed to just get better and better for all the Barkley’s. Her mind drifted to Jenna, knowing that Heath’s feeling continued to grow for this young woman. She smiled, thinking that in the next few years there might be a wedding and even a grandchild. Heath and his babies would be encircled in the love and the support of his family when that time would come, she’d make certain of it!

Jarrod rode hard to get back to the ranch. Howard would collect his supplies and follow by buggy to the ranch. Jarrod warned Doc Merar that the road conditions were becoming difficult and to travel cautiously.

The mud splashed up from a murky road as Jingo carried his rider home. Jarrod’s pant legs now covered in a muddy brown wash.

Heading straight for the barn, Jarrod apologized to Jingo for the haste in which he stabled him and wiped him down promising to make it up to him.

Nick held Storm by the scruff of the neck, the feline dangling mid air where he could not latch onto the frustrated cowboy. Nick loudly cursed the little creature, making his way toward the door, when he heard Heath plead, “No...Nick...please!” Heath forced out. “Don’t hurt him.”

Nick turned quickly seeing Heath struggling to speak, extending his right arm.

“Heath, it’s just one of Audra’s barn cats, I was just tossing him outside.” Nick explained.

“He...stayed with me, told him...you’d come.” Heath justified.

Nick carried Storm and sat down on the right side of Heath. Nick could see that Heath was trying to lift his arm to reach Storm, so scooting in closer he took Heath’s hand and placed it on Storm’s back. Nick watched in amazement, as at Heath’s touch the kitten started to purr and arched closer into the fold of Heath’s hand.

Nick shook his head, not sure that he understood all that was going on, or what had been. “Nic...Storm’s gotta be hungry.” Heath urged.

“Well now Little Brother, I’m worried about you, not your little friend here.” Nick assured.

“I’ll feel better...if he eats.” Heath countered in return.

“Okay Heath, I don’t know what we’ve got to feed the little fur ball, but I'll do it since he’s so important to ya. One condition, I’ll find something for the cat, but I’m fetching you some tea and I want no argument...you’re drinking it.” Nick ordered.

Heath gave a somber look and nodded his head, feeling the few minutes of energy leaving him.

“Could give him...some of that cream you know they enjoy.” Heath smiled, sharing the secret he was privy too.

Nick looked down at his younger brother giving a grin, you think your pretty darn smart, don’t ya? If you weren’t flat on your back, I’d give you a good swift kick! Eavesdropping on your older brother.”

Nick patted Heath’s arm and as he walked away laughing, he heard words that warmed his heart,

“Told you...he’s a good man, even better brother.”

Nick looked back and watched as Heath spoke to his furry little friend.

Jarrod made his way to the porch and removed his poncho, shaking out the excess rainwater. He paused before he opened the door, looking out toward the entry gate to the ranch, hoping Doctor Merar would soon appear. With hesitation he turned the door knob, hoping that Heath’s condition had not worsened.

Nick turned, his face showing relief in seeing his older brother’s return.

Jarrod was thankful at the sight before him. There was Nick, sitting next to Heath, placing a fresh cool cloth on his forehead, a small feline was in front of Nick lapping from a small bowl. During the course of this night full of worry, fear, and uncertainty, this small creature had produced some levity.

“How is he?” Jarrod asked as he hung his hat and coat on the coat tree near the door.

“Fever is higher, got him to drink some tea about twenty minutes ago. I’ve tended to the wounds I could do something about.” Nick answered, communicating his concern.

“Howard is on his way, I expect him to arrive within the next half hour. Travel is difficult, the rain is washing out the road.” Jarrod stated knowing that the doctor’s arrival would bring relief to all the Barkley brothers.

“Would you like to explain, the cat? You know Mother would not be happy with the animal being in the house.” Jarrod warned.

“I know...I’m doin’ it for Heath. They’ve seemed to take a liking to each other. He was trying to get the mangy thing down from the loft, when he fell. He was doin’ it for Audra, darn fool! He had no business in the barn, little lone climbing to the loft. This Little Brother of ours sure has a way of getting into crazy mishaps.” Nick smiled as Jarrod joined him, sitting on the other side of Heath.

“That he does, Brother Nick... that he does. Usually with the best of intentions, always having someone else's concern in mind, never thinking of himself.” Jarrod spoke softly as he felt Heath’s flushed cheek, checking the fever for himself.

Victoria heard a rider and made her way to the parlor window to see who was approaching. She checked the clock and saw it was just before five, soon the sun would break over the horizon. As she had hoped, catching a glimpse of the large man leading the horse into the barn, Dan Mason was home.

A wave of relief flooded her heart, she could head home and check on her son. She had tried, without success to rid herself of the growing worry about him. Taking a minute to run her fingers through her hair and make sure she was presentable, she then made her way outside to the small porch.

Dan Mason greeted, “Mrs. Barkley, good morning. Thank you for coming to stay with Melaine, has she delivered the baby?” Though he looked tired, the excitement to be home and learn about his family shined in his eyes.

“Congratulations Dan, you have a new son. He was born last night.” Victoria announced, as her warm breath left a trial of fog drifting in the cold, damp morning air.

“Well, how about that...finally a son! Don’t get me wrong, I love my little girls, but I sure wanted a boy.” Dan said proudly.

“Dan, there is no need to apologize. I believe all fathers want a son, a son carries on the family name.” Victoria understood remembering Tom’s desire for the Barkley name to be carried on in time.

“Let me get the buggy ready for you and I’ll be right in.” Dan nodded in agreement.

While Audra dressed and finished packing for both she and her Mother, Victoria made a quick breakfast for Dan. She knew he had ridden most of the night and had to be ready for a warm meal...especially riding in this cold rain. She gazed out the kitchen window, as she retrieved a cup for Dan’s coffee. The rain was finally down to a drizzle so the ride to the ranch would be easier, though she figured the roads would be terrible, slowing their arrival home.

Dan stood on the porch and waved his good-byes as the Barkley women drove away.

Doctor Merar had arrived about twenty minutes after Jarrod and went to work battling Heath’s injuries. After a quick exam, the physician decided that he would do the procedure to repair the wounded right side, where Heath lay, he could be moved once he was more stable. When he had all the supplies readied and instruments prepared, he gave one final instructions to the brothers who stood by ready to assist, wanting feedback that would encourage their troubled hearts and minds.

“Jarrod, Nick...While I work on the boy, no questions. I promise I’ll give you answers once we have him upstairs and settled. You’ve seen the extent of his injuries, I don’t have to tell you that he is in a bad way. Now, if one of you would wash up with the carbolic soap, I’ll most likely need an extra hand.” Doctor Merar advised, as he checked Heath’s pulse.

Victoria and Audra arrived home with the bright October sun warming the fall breeze. If it wasn’t for the lake like puddles and mud covered carriage and horse, one would find it hard to believe the terrible storm had even occurred.

Victoria pulled up to the barn, wanting to stable the horse and take care of the buggy without allowing Heath to handle the task. She hoped that her reservations and worries for her son were for naught. She was surprised to find Jarrod’s carriage and what looked like Doctor Merar’s there. Briefly she was relieved, Jarrod was home and Howard had made it out earlier than expected. Heath was not alone, she felt comforted.

Victoria and Audra walked toward the house, light chatter of what to prepare for lunch and the new Mason baby was the conversation. Opening the door, she took Jarrod by surprise. He was cleaning up the area when Heath had laid and Doctor Merar had worked. The bloodied sheets and rags had been rolled into a large ball and Jarrod was lifting the mattress to return it to it’s proper place.

“Mother, Audra, I didn’t hear you ride up!” Jarrod said surprised, as he dropped the mattress and moved to shield them from the blood covered linens.

Victoria’s smile turned quickly into questioning,

“Jarrod, what has happened here. Who is hurt?” She asked pointing to all the bedding, and looked up toward Heath’s closed door.

“Mother, why don’t you and Audra have a seat in the parlor and I’ll explain.” Jarrod coaxed.

Before Jarrod had a chance to begin his explanation of Heath’s calamity, Nick called from the upstairs that Doc Merar needed both of the brothers. Jarrod moved quickly with Victoria and Audra right behind him. Nick stood at the top of the stairs, waiting for Jarrod.

“Mother, Audra, when did you arrive home?” Nick questioned in surprise.

“Nick, they arrived just minutes ago, I was just starting to explain what has happened when you called. You said that Howard needed both of us?” Jarrod questioned.

“Yes, he wants to talk to us about Heath...his condition and what we need to do for the boy.” Nick answered as he hugged his Mother and Sister.

Jarrod open the door and found the weary physician sitting on the side of the bed, draping a fresh moist cloth across Heath’s forehead.

Howard looked up, happy to see that the Barkley women had arrived home.

“Good, you’re all here. I prefer to go over Heath’s situation in detail once with all of you. I will try to answer all your questions once I’ve finished. The doctor got up, allowing the family to enter the small bedroom and urging Victoria to take his seat next to Heath.

Jarrod and Nick watched as their Mother and Sister saw Heath for the first time. Tears welled up in their eyes and Audra was unable to suppress the sobs that were rising inside her. Jarrod quietly told the facts as he and Nick knew them. Heath had taken a bad fall, Nick had a sense Heath needed them...the same sense that had mystified the family before, they came home and found Heath in the barn.

“Where did he fall from to have caused him this kind of injury?” Victoria questioned, as she fingered Heath’s blond hair that fell forward over the fresh white bandage that wrapped around his head.

“From the loft.” Nick announced, glaring at Audra.

Nick stepped over to a wooden crate sitting on Heath’s desk and held up a sleepy black and white kitten.

“Seems he had to get Audra’s last kitten down from the loft!” Nick stated snidely.

Audra stood, wide-eyed, disbelieving that Heath was hurt, trying to save the littlest of the litter. She recalled her attitude, her strong urging that they needed to find the kitten or it would die. She knew in her heart that Heath would climb for the feline. He would do it for her, for the life of the kitten...he would risk himself! Of course he would! Now her stomach felt a rumbling, just like the fierce rumble of the thunder last evening. Her tears fell like the pouring rain that had hit hard against the roof. She felt her self growing sick and taking one last look at Heath and the family around her, ran from the room.

All eyes turned toward Nick, who gently laid the kitten back in the box and walked toward the door.

“I’m sorry, I’m just tired and worried. I'll go get her and bring her back.”

Audra ran to her room, staring out her window she cried openly. She loved Heath so much, and knew that he would be the brother driven by his heart and not his head. When it came to his little sister, he’d do anything to please her and she knew it. She prayed that he would be okay and in return she would be more mindful in her sometime selfish pleas to have her way. The knock on the door interrupted her prayer, the light tap told her it was her Mother or Jarrod.

“Come in.” Audra spoke quietly, wiping away the trail of tears that streaked her cheeks.

Nick cleared his throat as he opened the door allowing himself inside. He looked around the room, his eyes not wanting to meet the puddled eyes of his sister. The room was so bright and colorful, so Audra. Like his and Jarrod’s the room, hers was large and filled with things...memories of years gone by. It served as a reminder once again of the differences between those born to the Barkley name and the one that had to prove it to be his. Nick knew that Victoria had tried to talk Heath into moving to one of the larger bedrooms, with no success. Nick thought he needed to talk to the boy himself, he should have a room like the others.

His sudden daydream had taken him away from the true purpose of his visit. He moved toward Audra, turning her to face him and looking down into her sad eyes, he pulled her close and hugged her tight.

“Audra, I’m sorry...I’m worried and worn-out. I can’t believe he climbed that ladder to get that little cat! What was he thinking...he’s too stubborn for his own good.” Nick apologized, as he held her tight, hearing returning tears.

“With his heart...” Audra sobbed, leaning back and smiling at Nick.

“What are you talking about?” Nick questioned.

“That’s what he was thinking with...his heart. He was thinking of me and my kitten. He wasn’t thinking about himself at all.” Audra explained, hugging her sometimes too quick tongued brother once more.

Nick walked Audra back to Heath’s room where everyone was waiting for them. When the family members were all seated, Doctor Merar explained his findings and the necessary routine for the next several days.

“This boy is pretty beat up with bruises over much of his body, part of them being from the injuries on Monday. His left arm is broken, a clean break above the elbow, along with the shoulder being dislocated. His arm is in a temporary splint and wrapped tight to his body to keep the shoulder immobilized. In a few days, when the shoulder is less painful, I’ll cast the arm.” The doctor’s voice was tired as he continued the clarification. He walked over to where the pitcher of water sat, after pouring fresh cool water into the basin, he moved back to his patient.

“The side wound, was nasty. Thank goodness it only broke some ribs. It came mighty close to his lung and may have bruised it, but I hear the lung working when I’ve listened. The wound was cleaned out real good and stitched shut, because I needed to bind those ribs. We will have to check the wound several times a day, I can tell you he’s not gonna like it one iota. It’s gonna hurt like the daylights to keep wrapping and unwrapping those ribs, but it has to be done. We need to especially watch that wound, but all of those cuts for infection. An infection had already started in the side wound. That and some congestion I hear in that left lung is what’s causing the fever, which we need to get down. He has a large bruise that wraps from the wound around to his mid back, nothing’s broken...but I’m sure it’s very tender.” The Doctor shook his head and continued.

“He’s been out for a long time Doc.” Nick’s questioning concern could be heard in his worn-out voice.

“He took another good hit on his noggin, the deep gash above that eye took several stitches to close. He’s been out the entire time I’ve been here. I know that he has spoke a few words to Nick and Jarrod and seemed to know who and where he was, but I’m hoping he’ll come around soon. When he wakes, he’s gonna be in a world of hurt. Sorry to say, I think it best if I not give him anything strong for the pain for at least twenty four hours. All I feel good about giving him for now is aspirin powder. When he does wake, I’d like to keep him awake for the next several hours. I’d like everyone to talk to him, question him and get some food and liquids in him. If you feel he seems to have his memory, both current and past and he seems to have no problems seeing and if his headache isn’t too severe, I may change my mind about the pain medicine.” The Doctor finished, looked at each Barkley, waiting for the questions.

“Howard, you’ll want someone to be with him for the next couple days?” Victoria asked.

“Yes, Victoria, around the clock until I give the word.” Merar confirmed.

“When will he be out of that bed?” Nick solicited.

The others all turned and stared at him.

“Hey, don't look at me that way! He’ll want to know, you all know that will be one of his first questions!” Nick defended himself.

“Nick, I’m sure your right, but lets get him through the next couple days and then we’ll talk about that.” Howard smiled.

“I do have one other question,” Victoria turned to look at Jarrod and Nick, “May I ask why there is a cat in Heath’s room? Wouldn’t you agree Howard that it would be best if the feline was removed?” Victoria quipped.