Nick was eager to check on Heath, so he turned over the reins and headed toward the house. He gazed up toward Heath’s bedroom window and could see the low light in Heath’s room. Doc Merar’s buggy had not gone unnoticed in the barn. Nick paused at the door, preparing himself to go inside. At least he had good news to share.

Victoria sat at Heath’s bedside, the night had been long and filled with uncertainty. The family was weary, as was Doctor Merar and at four thirty, she had sent them all off to get some much needed rest. She would not leave him, not until she was sure of his survival, and his awareness that he was home, safe and in her care.

The fever had been frightful, maybe it was because of his over all condition. He seemed so unable to deal with intense heat his body was dealing with. They debated the use of the tub and in the end decided his other injuries, made it a bad choice. So they bathed him, over and over with cool water. The window was kept open allowing the air of the chilly autumn night to fill the room. His body shivered as the cool water worked to bring down the fever.

Finally their efforts were rewarded as the fever let go of it’s hold on him. For the first time in many hours Heath seemed to be in a deep sleep, his breathing more even.

She opened the curtains wide, the sun was coming up and if he would wake soon he could see the start of the day. Sunday morning...normally the family would be preparing to have breakfast and head to church. In Heath’s early days with the family he had not attended services with them. He seemed to decline being among crowds of people he thought to be judging him. But in the last several months he had started accompanying them to Sunday services. Victoria smiled remembering the first Sunday morning when Heath arrived at the breakfast table in his suit, instead of work clothes, showing signs that he had already been working hard for several hours.

No major comment was made about his decision that morning, not even by Nick whose grin went from ear to ear. None of her family recognized the pride Victoria felt that day, when she strutted inside the church with all of her children in tow. How handsome they all looked, that day and every Sunday since. Heath sat next to her that first Sunday, she sensed his nervousness as the service began. She remembered taking his hand and how he hung on to her. She could tell that he had grown up hearing all the old hymns, because as the song service started he seemed to relax as something familiar filled the air. He has good voice, how she’d like to hear him sing today, instead of working to breath, but right now his breathing was music to her ears.

Lost in her thoughts, she had not heard Nick enter the room. She turned to find him laying his hand over Heath’s forehead, checking for the fever’s return.

“He’s much cooler, just a slight fever.” Victoria informed, as she stood behind Nick who had taken a seat beside his brother on the bed.

“Has he come around at all?” Nick asked, his eyes never leaving Heath.

“No, not yet, but for the last few hours he seems to be resting better.” Victoria soothed, noting the worry in his tone.

“If he could hear about Jenna and the boy, I know he’d rest better. I promised her you know...that he’d be fine and that I’d come Wednesday with Audra in his place. His are big shoes to fill when it comes to being with those kids.” Nick smiled, looking back at his Mother.

“I can’t think of a person he’d rather have fill them than you. Your brother will be fine, we will see to it.” Victoria said confidently, as she straightened the blanket that covered Heath. If she stayed busy, if she could keep her mind occupied, then the situation seemed more hopeful.

“Jenna is coming back with us on Wednesday, told her she could visit Heath. Do you think that was a mistake?” Nick questioned.

“Nick, Wednesday is three days away. I am hopeful that in three days there will be a vast improvement in your brother’s condition.” Victoria assured.

“What about the possibility of pneumonia, does Doc Merar still think he has a chance of developing it?” Nick’s worry was heavy on his heart and as hard as she tried, Victoria seemed unable to make his burden lighter.

“Nick, we’ll do everything possible to avoid it, that’s why Howard wants us with him at all times for now. If he wakes...when he wakes, we will make sure he is taking deep breaths and we’ll get fluids into him.” The words that stumbled out...if he wakes... had taken both she and Nick by surprise, the look on her face matched that of her dark haired son.

Sunrise turned into afternoon and Doctor Merar left to see other patients, saying that he would return before dinner. He left instructions with Victoria and urged her to get some rest, warning that it could be another long night. He shared with her that if Heath had not stirred and taken fluids by the time he returned, they would work to rouse him.

After a late lunch her children insisted on her resting, promising that if Heath awoke they would wake her. She laid for an hour, praying for her young, blond son. Her prayers seemed to bring her peace, allowing her to drift off in much needed slumber.

Hours later, she heard a soft tap on her door and as she sat up Audra entered and sat on the edge of the bed. “How did you sleep, Mother?” Audra smiled.

“Longer than I anticipated, I was hoping to be awakened with the news that there had been a change in Heath’s condition.” Victoria answered, as she checked the clock setting on her night table.

“Goodness, five thirty, Howard should be returning anytime. Is dinner ready?” Victoria continued her questions as she got up and selected fresh clothing.

“That’s why I came to wake you, dinner will be ready in about half an hour.” Audra informed.

“You’ve not mentioned Heath, how is he doing?” Victoria, stopped her bustling about the room to listen to her daughter’s response.

Audra sighed as she began, “He is still sleeping, his fever is a little higher, but by all means nothing like last night. We have stayed with him Mother, Nick has not left since you laid down.”

“Thank you for waking me, I’ll get dressed and meet you in Heath’s room.” Victoria told as she showed Audra out.

Audra went to the kitchen to inform Rosa that her Mother would need a dinner tray in Heath’s room, while Jarrod took some completed paperwork back to his desk in the library. Nick was left alone for the first time in hours with Heath. Taking a seat once again on the side of the bed, he purposely this time rocked the mattress as he scooted himself close to his brother’s side. He watched Heath’s face for any sign that his aggressive movement might purposely wake him. Thus far, his so called fuddled attempts went ignored by his younger brother. Next he tried clearing his throat, not one but twice and in frustration he ran his hand through his hair.

Victoria watched from the doorway, as her bold, assertive son tried to wake Heath without reaching right out and giving him a good shake. She entered the room making sure not to show signs of what she had witnessed. She understood Nick’s need to be near Heath and his wanting to be there when he would wake. Victoria stood behind Nick, her arms resting on his shoulders as she hugged his face. For a few seconds, nothing was said as they both stared at the injured one they cared so much about.

“Nick, I’m going to get a fresh supply of bandages. Howard will be arriving soon and I’m sure he’ll want to clean Heath’s wounds and redress them.” Victoria needed to break the trance that held them captivated. She would not allow hopelessness to succeed in stealing their spirit.

“We’ll be right here Mother, isn’t that right Heath?” Nick smiled at his Mother as she left the room. “You know how much your quietness bugs me Heath, I need ya to move, say somethin’, scream, kick me off this here bed boy, do ya hear me?” Nick encouraged.

As in other times when Heath had been sick or hurt, Nick’s plea seemed to find his brother’s consciousness. Nick heard Heath breathe several short, shallow breaths, and saw his eyelids flutter. Nick could tell his brother was waking a bit panicked at finding his movement restricted.

“Easy Heath, it’s Nick. Breathe easy...take it slow and breathe as deep as you can.” Nick spoke firmly, but gently, watching as his brother tried to follow instructions, his face showing the pain the effort caused. “You’re at home, in your bed. Don’t go trying to fight Doc Merar’s handy work or he’ll be good and mad at ya boy. Your left side was really banged up in the fall from that loft ladder.”

Nick laid a gentle hand on Heath’s injuries as he explained the wounds. “Dislocated shoulder here, broke your arm just above the elbow, no cast yet. Doc said he wanted to wait a few days till that shoulder had time to mend. You took a good hunk of the stall in your side right here, some broken ribs and a bruised lung.” Touching Heath’s head above his bruised right eye, “large gash here, trying to mess up that pretty face of yours.” Nick gave Heath a smile. Between Monday’s toss off that horse and the fall, your hide is just covered in a rainbow of pretty colors. Really Heath, you’ll be fine, it’s just gonna take some time.” Nick assured.

Heath worked to listen, hearing Nick’s voice made him feel safe. He hurt all over and the pounding in his head made it hard to keep his eyes open. He was ready to allow sleep to reclaim him, when Nick’s voice stirred him.

“No you don’t boy, don’t go shuttin’ them eyes just yet. You need to drink some water or tea and if I don’t get you to do some of those breathing exercises, my name will be mud. Besides, it would do the rest of the family a lot of good to see those eyes of yours.” Nick ordered, as he shook Heaths right arm and tapped his slightly flushed cheek.

Heath struggled, but whispered, “tired Nick...so... tired.”

“I know you are, and I promise you’ll get to rest, but come on now...just a few more minutes.” Nick prodded, as he called out for the rest of the family to join him.

Victoria was the first to Heath’s room as Nick’s holler brought them running from various rooms of the house.

“Nick, what’s wrong!” Victoria questioned as she entered the room, her heart pounding. The sight before her brought tears to her eyes and a smile to her lips.

“Sorry to yell Mother, but he woke up and I don’t think he’ll be awake for long.” Nick beamed.

Nick’s apology for yelling made it to Heath’s ears and it tickled his funny bone. If it had not hurt so bad to laugh out loud he might have tried, but he was content enough to allow a grin to cross his face before he drifted off.

Wednesday morning dawned and Heath awoke, his body telling him it was time for medicine. If he remembered right, Victoria had said Doc would be out very early to visit him and he was to not have the morning dose of the nasty tasting potion, until the Doctor would arrive. He heard Nick leaving to start the work day. Heath’s normal behavior would be to lay quietly until one of the family woke and would come to check on him. This day found Heath, calling out to anyone who would listen, reacting more like his brother Nick, might approach the day. This wasn’t going to be just any day, Jenna was coming to visit and the anticipation had him truly excited. Victoria and Jarrod came running, hearing his call for someone to come. When they hurried into the room his smile was contagious.

“Sorry to disturb everyone, but I was hoping I could ask Jarrod to help me shave this morning before he got too busy, don’t think I’m steady enough to do it myself.” Heath asked. The thought that Heath, felt he needed a shave, made Jarrod chuckle. Heath had not seen himself in the mirror and the whole right side of his face was bruised and roughed up.

“Sure Heath, I’d be happy to help you out, though I don’t think it will take long. I’ll get dressed, have some breakfast and be right up.” Jarrod answered, quite willing to help his little brother look presentable for his favorite girl.

“You need to have breakfast first anyway, young man. Howard will be out this morning and when he is done with you, a nap will be in order.” Victoria informed her blond son. Heath was doing better, Tuesday he had taken more than just liquids and though he was asleep more than he was awake, he was much improved. The dosages of medication Doctor Merar had prescribed, did cause Heath to sleep a great deal. He still suffered from a terrible headache and was in a great deal of pain.

“Actually Mother, I ‘m really not hungry this morning. Maybe some juice, but that is all I need.” Heath spoke up, watching her he knew he was in for it. He saw Jarrod’s smile as he stood behind her and watched her strike her pose. The one that told her children they were going to get a lecture, whether they wanted to hear it or not.

“Heath Barkley, you know that you have to eat properly in order to heal. You just started to eat solid foods yesterday. You know how easily you lose weight when you’re not well. You’ll have breakfast and every other meal scheduled today and I’ll hear no more about it! Do I make myself clear?” Victoria stood, hands on her hips, waiting for Heath to reply.

“Sorry Mother, I wasn’t thinking. You’re right, I’ll eat whatever you bring me.” Heath answered, giving her a devious smile.

As the minutes, turned into hours Heath was growing tired and anxious. Nick and Audra had come almost two hours ago to say they were on their way to the orphanage and would return around lunch time. The brother and sister duo teased their blond brother about being up primping at the crack of dawn.

Victoria watched as her son’s pain grew more unbearable and his eyes told the story of the headache overpowering him. She tired to make light chatter, but as the clock ticked away and no sign of Doctor Merar, his answers came slower, sharper and more breathy. Without the medication, his body could not relax, and Victoria noticed his cheeks starting to flush. Was it due to frustration or fever, she sat beside him and tried to lay her hand on his forehead, but he jerked away.

This was to be such a good day for her son. Tuesday had brought a measurable improvement in Heath’s condition and for the first night since they all had arrived home, everyone in the house slept. But now the storms of life were washing over him, his disappointment flooding his heart and mind. The day was not going as planned and he knew that with each passing moment, his afternoon with Jenna was becoming less and less likely. He’d have to have the medicine eventually and it would cause him to sleep for hours and when he would wake, it always seemed to take some time for him to be able to focus on who, where, and what was going on about him.

Finally Jarrod entered the room, “Look who has arrived Heath, I told the good Doctor that he has one eager patient waiting for him”

“Sorry folks, I had an emergency in town, I got here as quickly as I could.” Howard Merar smiled an apologetic smile.

Victoria took over the conversation, knowing that Heath was not going to offer much in the way of a response.

“Howard, Jarrod is correct, Heath is ready to begin. He has a special visitor coming this afternoon and he’s hoping to spend time with her.” Victoria tried to communicate Heath’s reason for the impatient behavior Howard was about to witness.

Jarrod and Victoria stood by, offering help when the doctor needed them. After a good exam of all Heath wounds, Howard explained that he felt it necessary to cast the arm today and that the side wound looked good and that he would stitch it up. Howard told Heath that after the side wound was closed and his arm secured in a cast, hopefully in the next few days, they could get him up into the chair for short time periods.

Normally news like this would have caused the blond cowboy to share his trademark grin, but not today. He understood stitching and casting meant a good dose of medicine, so that was why the old doctor had not wanted him to have any medicine this morning!

“Howard, I think a slight fever has returned since Heath woke this morning.” Victoria informed.

She watched as the look on her son’s face was that of betrayal. His eyes opening wide and his mouth gaping open. If his energy had not already been spent on brooding all morning, he may have actually questioned whose side she was on.

Howard moved to work on the arm. He poured a hearty does of laudanum and sat it on the bedside table. Waving Jarrod over, they moved all the pillows that held Heath in an upright position. When only one pillow remained, Howard offered the Heath the medication.

“I don’t need it to cast the arm do I, then I won’t need so much for the stitches.” Heath sounded more determined, than questioning.

“Son, trust me...you need the drug. I’m sorry I’m late, but we need to do this.” Howard urged, as he held the glass.

“I think you should let me decide what I need, I know I can do without it. Don’t I have a say in this?” Heath said angrily.

Howard looked at Victoria, then Jarrod, “Okay son, if you think you know better, we’ll give it a try.”

It didn’t take much convincing to change Heath’s mind about the pain medicine. Already tired, and taxed by pain and a headache, just the removal of the bandage the arm was wrapped in was more than he could stand. Victoria watched as his coloring became more flushed and his face shook as he gritted his teeth, trying not to react to the growing pain his body was not tolerating. When she could stand no more, she said firmly,

“Heath Barkley, this is ridiculous! Sometimes you’re more stubborn than Nick. I promise you that you will see Jenna today. I’ll invite her to stay for dinner and explain what has happened here this morning. Do you really think she’d want you suffering this way to have a little time with her? What kind of company do you think you’ll be at this rate? Now drink the medicine and let’s get you taken care of!”

Audra, Jenna and Nick entered the house with spirited laughter. Nick called out in his loudest voice, “Ready or not Heath, we’re on our way up, boy!”

Nick ran ahead of the girls up the steps, Audra taking the steps more slowly with Jenna’s pace, due to her healing ankle.

Before Nick could make it to Heath’s door, Victoria emerged closing the door behind her as Jarrod came from the library hurrying up the steps to stop Audra and Jenna.

“What! What’s going on? Is Heath okay?” Nick’s mind was racing. Just a few hours ago he left his brother anxious about the day, about Jenna’s visit.

“Nick, let’s go downstairs and talk in the parlor and please lower your voice. Jarrod, would you stay with Heath until I can return.”

Victoria led Jenna into Heath’s room, past Jarrod, guiding her to the right side of the bed. Nick and Audra followed, staying at the end of his bed. They all observed quietly as Jenna tentatively sat beside Heath, afraid that any movement might cause him discomfort.

It was hard for her to see him this way, this man who had won her heart, her trust. He seemed physically to be so invincible. She knew his tender heart and understood from their many long talks, that it seemed to be the only vulnerable part of his body and person. He was so strong, so handsome, so kind. A man who stood taller in her opinion than any man she had met. It took a real man, to admit his short comings, to take time to volunteer... to be one of the few men willing to come help with the children at the orphanage. Then again, Heath understood loss, he understood not having a father... not having a home...he had been where these children are today.

Jenna closed her eyes, wanting to picture him playing tag with the children, swinging Jillie around in circles till the both of them would drop to the ground in laughter and dizziness.

She pictured herself with him under the big old willow tree, about a mile from the orphanage, where they would ride off to escape on warm afternoons. Where Heath, as he had promised taught her to dance. She fought to get the picture of his face, smiling down at her as she hummed a tune and he twirled her around under his arm and held her close. So close that she thought she could feel his heart beating against hers.

A soft sob escaped her, causing her to open her eyes. She felt Victoria’s reassuring touch n her shoulder and Jarrod’s hand reach across Heath’s legs and squeezed her hand. They all understood how she felt about him, maybe more than either Heath and Jenna realized.

Quietly Jenna spoke to Heath, to this man who each day she loved more and more. “Hey Cowboy, I’m here and Mrs. Barkley has invited me to stay until this evening, so you rest and we’ll visit later. Okay Heath...” She, leaned down and lightly kissed his cheek. Realizing what she had just done, in front of his whole family caused her to blush. She turned prepared to make an apology to the family for her outward sign of affection, but as she did she saw the smiles on their faces and knew there was no apology necessary.