“So when did the fever start back up?” Nick asked as he took the empty seat next to his brother, where Jenna had sat.

“I’d say Mother noticed it about nine. His pain and agitation seemed to keep climbing as we waited for the doctor.” Jarrod informed. “By the time Howard arrived...he was just in too much pain, he wouldn’t take the medication at first, he wanted the arm done without it. He thought that if he could stand it, he’d only need a small dose for the stitches to be done. You should have seen him Nick, trying to hide the agony, finally Mother put her foot down and he took the drug. He should sleep until close to supper. Howard didn’t think he’d feel very well when he does wake up and wants another dose given to him after we try to get some food into him. There will most likely be a fever off and on for several days as he heals.”

Nick shook his head at the words he heard. “I feel so bad for him, he wanted this afternoon with Jenna...he needed it.”

“I know Nick, circumstances occur, we can’t always control them.” Jarrod soothed.

“Now there you go sounding like a lawyer instead of a brother, Jarrod” Nick scolded.

“Not at all Nick. I feel just as badly as you do at today’s outcome. Don’t you think I wanted things to go his way today? God Nick, sometimes you make me sound so heartless.” Jarrod responded, his bruised feelings showing.

“Sorry Jarrod, I know we both wanted the same thing, I just get so damn frustrated! The boy deserved a break today! You saw his face this morning, I love it when he gets excited like that.” Nick groveled.

“I need to ride into Stockton after lunch, were you planning on being here this afternoon?” Nick questioned.

“Yes, my calendar’s clear all week. I thought the trial might have taken till mid week. Why do you need to go into town?” Jarrod inquired.

“Oh, today when I was filling in for Heath with the kids, that little girl Jillie had that rag doll Molly with her the entire time. That poor old thing has really taken a beating...Jenna calls it being over loved. Well, this last adventure, a swim in the creek and beating against the rocks really took its toll. I guess the nuns tried to repair her, but if I think she looks bad, well you can imagine. On the ride back to the ranch I ask Jenna when Jillie would get a new doll. She told me that they might be able to work out one for Christmas. Said the orphanage can’t afford to buy toys for the children. I never realized that when Audra ropes us in every December to get toys for the kids that it’s probably the only time each year they get something new. I knew what Heath would do. He’d go straight into town and get the girl a new one. He’d probably have Jenna tuck it in her bed and she’d find it when she went to sleep. So...if I’m filling in for the boy, I’ve gotta do it right.” Nick explained, once again his tender heart showing.

“Awh...but Brother Nick, would he buy just one doll, or something for each of the children?” Jarrod teased.

“Fine Lawyer, open that fat wallet of yours and we’ll both make the boy shine today!” Nick laughed.

Victoria left the girls downstairs sitting at the grand piano. Audra and Jenna both loved to play and Jenna had mentioned that playing seemed to bring her peace when she was worried. Victoria sensed the young woman’s need for a little peace and suggested she and Audra enjoy the piano for awhile. Wanting to check on Heath and allow Jarrod a break, Victoria headed upstairs.

Heath continued to sleep as the afternoon faded into an early October evening. Family members came and went from his room, one always remaining by his side. His fever remained, but didn’t seem to climb, his breathing seemed less labored as long as they kept him upright, positioned with a stack of pillows behind him.

As the others enjoyed Rosa’s Baked chicken at dinner, Victoria sponged her slumbering son, with a cool cloth. The smell of chicken soup filled his small room. Rosa made it just the way Heath liked it, with rice and diced red peppers and onion. She didn’t add the spice she normally would for him, but maybe in a few days his stomach would tolerate some of her Mexican cooking.

The last half hour he had grown more restless and slight moans would come now and again. Victoria knew he was working his way out of his drug induced sleep. He was starting to feel the pain and soon she knew she would see his blue eyes.

Taking the moist cloth, gently she wiped over his eyes. He could feel the coolness and turned his face into her hand. He heard her light calling and sensed her nearness.

Victoria watched as he came back to her, the movement of his mouth as he tried to swallow the dryness in his throat, the change in his breathing, and the slight opening of his eyelids.

“Heath, sweetheart, can you wake up for me?” Victoria urged him.

He felt her hand on this arm, and he fought the desire to keep his eyes closed. As his eyes focused, she came into view, her warm smile seem tired...worried. “Mother...” Heath whispered, sleepily.

“I’m right here, Dear.” Victoria assured.

“Is it still Wednesday?” Heath asked, not sure of the time that had passed.

“Yes Heath, it’s Wednesday and yes...Jenna is downstairs having dinner with your brothers and sister. How about we get some dinner for you? Rosa made her chicken soup for you.”

“What about you?” Heath questioned.

“Me, regarding dinner?” Victoria smiled at his concern.

Heath’s slight nod told her that he was concerned about her having eaten.

“Why I’m having dinner with you Heath Barkley.” Victoria grinned, as she patted his arm.

“Not sure...my stomach is feeling a bit contrary right now, don’t wanna... Jenna’s visit.” Heath told as he rubbed his hand over his stomach.

“Well, okay...but try some warm tea, maybe that will help. I ‘ll need to give you your next dose of medication and I think we should make sure you take some fluids.” Victoria moved to Heath’s dresser and poured a cup.

“I’m sorry...” Heath spoke softly.

“What are you sorry about?” Victoria questioned as she sat on the bed.

“The day is a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall my behavior earlier...”Heath’s apology was interrupted by Victoria’s quick response.

“Heath, there is no need to apologize, you’re sick, you’re in pain and very disappointed, your behavior was understandable. Now drink this tea for your Mother.”

Heath drank the heated brew, he could feel the warmth it brought way down inside. Funny how a little thing like drinking a cup of tea and a willingness to have another cup, brought her so much happiness.

Victoria left to get Nick. Heath wanted to talk to him before Jenna came upstairs, Victoria had not been privy to the arrangements made between the brothers regarding a gift for Jenna.

In minutes Nick was at Heath’s side, wanting to waste not one second of the time his brother would be awake.

“’Bout time, sleeping beauty!” Nick joked, as he sat beside his brother.

Heath grinned, Nick could always made him feel good, no matter the situation.

“How’d it go today?” Heath questioned, the thought of Nick surrounded with little arms tugging him all over the mission yard, was something he’d like to see for himself.

“Heath, I don’t know how you do it all the time. The little hellions and I do mean hellions don’t stop for a minute. I was a good enough replacement, but they want Mr. Heath back, and believe me...I want to give them Mr. Heath back. Makes me wonder about the whole fatherhood thing down the road.” Nick teased.

“You’ll be great...the best kinda father, your kids will always know where they stand and how much you care.” Heath shared, looking his brother in the eye.

“Heath, thank you. I hope so, I wish I could be as sure about my ability as you seem to be.” Nick said sincerely.

“Easy for me to see...being your Little Brother and all. You take good care of me, I think I’m part of your trainin’.” Heath responded, giving his lopsided grin.

“Well, I will admit, after all my life wanting a little brother, and now having one...it’s a mighty big job. I tell you what boy, I need to march downstairs and say thank you to Jarrod. Of course I’m not half the job you are!” Nick baited.

“Hey...what you mean by that?” Heath questioned?

“We’ll discuss it later, we’re takin’ up Jenna’s time. I suppose you want me to fetch her gift? I’ll head to the barn and be right back up. Are you ready for her to come up?” Nick eased off the bed, seeing Heath nod his head.

Nick had stepped in to the hallway, Heath sunk back into the pillows thinking he had pulled a fast one. He should have asked Nick for the dose of medication Victoria had poured. That was what she had told him to do...take it just before Jenna comes in, so that he would have several clear minutes with her before the drug would start to lure him to sleep. Now feeling a bit guilty, he called out to Nick, but heard no spurs coming back toward his room.

If he tried to get up, he could surely do that...he could take it and get back into bed before anyone would know the difference. He tried to scoot himself to the edge of the bed. In his head it made sense, his legs were fine, just bruised up. It was just a few steps, as he slid to the side and his left leg slid over the edge of the bed to the floor, it jerked his body side ways, the pain was unspeakable. The pulling on the side wound, the heavy cast swung to his side as he tried to steady himself. Heath’s nauseous stomach was really rolling now, and he felt a chill as he perspired from every pore on his body.

“Dumb move, Heath! What are you gonna do now, when they find you passed out on the floor! Nick’s right, I am a big job.” Heath scolded himself.

He tried to hang on to the blanket with his right hand. Thank goodness Victoria had tucked it in tight at the bottom of the bed. Right now that blanket was keeping him off the floor, but his strength wasn’t lasting and he could feel his stomach rise to his chest. Suddenly he heard spurs, “Nick...”

Nick heard the pitiful plea and hurried to the door, quickly he caught Heath as the blanket pulled away from the bed.

“What the devil are you doing, Boy!” Nick reprimanded, as he aided Heath back onto the bed.

Nick got him centered on the bed and positioned onto the pillows. He shook out the blanket that had been on the floor and covered Heath. Nick took a towel, dunked it into the water basin, wrung it out and blotted his brother’s face and chest.

Once Heath’s breathing settled and the painful look on his face had eased, Nick once again questioned him. “Want to explain what you were doing here?”

“I didn’t ask you for the medicine, I was supposed to and didn’t. I thought I could get it and take it, before anyone got back here. I wanted to stall as long as possible, but then I knew Mother would be upset and I didn’t want that.” Heath explained, he suddenly felt so tired. Just minutes ago, he felt ready for time with Jenna, now he just wanted to sleep.

“I was coming right back, why didn’t you just wait! Are you okay, let me look at that bandage on your side.” Nick watched Heath’s face for pain and drew back the blanket. The bandage was nice and white, no trace of blood.” Nick shook his head, and returned the blanket.

“Sorry Nick!” Heath, uttered as he rubbed over his left shoulder and the plaster covered arm.

“You hurt that arm or anything else?” Nick asked concerned.

“Tried to catch myself , shouldn’t have used this arm.” Heath tried to smile.

Nick grabbed the medicine glass and handed it to Heath. He watched as his brother choked down the amber liquid. Smiling, he exchanged one glass for another filled with water. Nick stepped in to the hall and recovered the basket he dropped when he heard Heath’s call. Storm was still sitting inside, waiting. Nick lifted the basket to Heath’s right side, on the bed. Seeing Heath’s face when Storm came into view seemed to lift Nick agitated mood.

“I’ll go get Jenna.” Nick told as he moved toward the door.

“Nick,” Heath called quietly, “Can we keep this between us, it would just give Mother another reason to worry. I won’t do it again.”

Nick nodded his head in agreement, then added, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Little Brother!”

Nick delivered Heath’s long awaited visitor and excused himself, giving the young couple some time alone. Jenna smiled, making her way to the right side of the bed. Heath patted the space next to him, encouraging her to sit close to him.

“So, Cowboy...do you always invite girls over and then sleep the entire time they’re here?” Jenna teased. She always called him “Cowboy”, somewhat of a nickname, usually in a playful tone.

“Well, I‘ve worked hard today, I had breakfast, laid here, waited for the Doc, laid here, dreamed the day away which I must say helped make the day bearable, laid here and as you can see...I’m still here.” Heath grinned, trying to make light of the day.

“So what are you dreamin’ about?” Jenna asked in a teasing voice.

“Oh, this pretty girl I know, we were out at one of our favorite spots...I’d tell you more, but I wouldn't want to make you jealous of her.” Heath smiled taking her hand and pulling her nearer to him.

They both laughed as they bantered back and forth. Heath reached to lift Storm from the basket.

“Jenna, I have a little gift for you. This here is Storm, a good friend of mine. He is the reason I was climbing to the loft. He stayed with me till Nick and Jarrod came, Nick said that this little cat led them to me.” Heath shared and then invited Jenna to hold the little black and white creature.

“Heath, he’s beautiful. I’d love to have him, the children will love him too. I wish all storms were like this little guy, soft and gentle.” Jenna accepted Heath’s gift, leaning down and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The color in his cheeks from the fever grew, as he blushed at the touch of her lips.

“Is that all the thanks I get, a kiss on the cheek?” Heath pouted.

“What did you have in mind Cowboy, I mean you’re all banged up. It’s not like we can take a walk, lay under the stars and talk.” She tormented.

“Well, this Cowboy’s lips are just fine, you could kiss me proper.” Heath, again pulled her toward him, only to have her playfully resist.

“Proper you say, what would your Mother say if she came in and found us kissing, when your supposed to be resting?” Jenna queried.

“She’d think that girl knows how to say thank you in return for a nice gift. As far as resting, it doesn’t take much energy to do some kissin’.” Heath wasn’t giving up.

Jenna smiled, she could see that he was growing tired. His eyes were getting a sleepy look and he had spent a lot of energy in conversation.

Leaning down, she laid Storm on Heath’s chest, and placed her lips on his. His right hand massaged her back, as their kiss lingered. When she started to move away, his hand brought her face back to his, as another kiss dallied. Storm, sat watching, purring in satisfaction at the scene before him.

Jenna scooted onto the bed, and stretched out beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her, drawing her close. They would lay like this under their willow tree and talk, learning precious details of each other’s history, hopes, and dreams. He nuzzled her head, kissing her forehead, as they lay there quietly. Jenna heard the change in Heath’s breathing, easily she slid from under his protective arm. She sat beside him for awhile longer holding Storm. A lone tear ran down her cheek, as she watched him sleep.

“Heath Barkley, I love you!”