Petey Samuels held tightly onto the saddlebags and jumped down from the train. Looking around, he grinned at the sight of Sue and Hank waiting for him by the depot. Wrapping his friends in a hug, he shook his head at the crutches, “Boss, are ya’ sure you don’t like using those things? Everytime I see you, you’re on crutches or wrapped in bandages.”

“Oh shut up Petey!” smiled Sue returning his hug. “How’s Texas?”

Shrugging, he snorted, “Dry as a bone! Homestead’s gone, boss. A fire swept through and destroyed it.”

Gasping, Sue grabbed his arm, “Petey, I’m sorry. What are ya’ planning on doing?”

Chuckling, he smiled as Hank added his regrets, “Thanks. Well, I’m gonna get a job, what ya’ think! But first, I wanted to deliver this personally. Have ya’ heard anything about Nick?”

Walking to the bank, Sue and Hank told their friend the events that occurred. Hank laughed, “I thought the boss was gonna strangle that district attorney. I wanted to rip him apart myself.”

Depositing the ransom money in the bank, Sue smiled “Petey, why don’t you go out to the ranch with Hank? See Jack about a job, we seem to have an opening.”

“Boss, I can work on another spread. You don’t have to hire me on if you don’t need me.” stated Petey firmly.

“No, we need someone else. I can’t work and Curly’s not here. First, we can see Nick. Then, I’ll catch a ride back to the Barkley ranch with Sonja.” instructed Sue with the men agreeing. Heading down the street, they spent the next hour with Nick until he fell back to sleep.

Entering the school, Sue leaned against the back wall, watching her friend shaping and melding the minds of the next generation. The children groaned as their teacher assigned their lessons and dismissed them for the day. All sizes of kids rushed by the woman leaning against the wall in their haste to enjoy the rest of the fall day.

“Sue, what are you doing here?” smiled Sonja gathering up her books.

“Thought I could beg for a ride back to the ranch. I don’t think I can go that far on the crutches.” teased Sue.

“I’d love your company. How’s Nick feeling?” asked Sonja helping her friend into the surrey.

“Grouchy and tired. He wants Dr. Merar to let him go home even though he can’t walk around the room without sweating bullets.” admitted Sue.

Sonja started the horses towards home. Talking and laughing the two enjoyed themselves. Sonja had to stop the surrey once when Sue became ill. Emptying her stomach contents, Sue smiled at the concern in Sonja’s voice. “I’m okay.”

“Maybe we should see the doctor.” whispered Sonja.

Shrugging, Sue grinned, “We could, but he already said it’d clear up in seven and a half months.”

Bursting into tears, Sonja pulled her friend into a hug. “A baby! I can’t believe it! What’d Nick say?”

“He hasn’t come down from the clouds for me to ask.” teased Sue and then moaned from her rebelling stomach. “How long is this morning sickness supposed to last? And if they call it morning sickness, why does it happen all day?”

“Don’t ask me!” stated Sonja firmly starting the horses moving. “Have you told Victoria yet?”

“No. Only you, Nick and I know. We’re going to wait til Nick comes home.” admitted Sue closing her eyes against the nausea.

“Well, if you keep turning green and vomiting, you won’t have to wait til Nick gets home for everyone to know.” smirked Sonja pulling the team to a halt. “What!”

“What!” exclaimed Sue opening her eyes and looking up when Sonja pulled the team to a halt.

“We can have a baby shower for you and Charity!”

Rolling her eyes, Sue retorted, “Ya’ scared the pants off me! I thought something was wrong.”

Starting the team moving, Sonja smiled, “Sorry. It’s just exciting!.”

Sue’s smile turned to a frantic tapping on Sonja’s arm with one hand and covering her mouth with the other. Stopping, Sue leaned over the side of the surrey again as her body was wracked with heaves and expulsions. Exhausted, she lay her head on her arms against the side of the bench seat.

Wiping her hair, Sonja whispered, “You okay?” Frowning when she heard the groaned response, “I hope ya’ have this much excitement when you and Heath have a baby.”

“Sue Barkley, that is not a nice thing to say!” stated Sonja with an indiginatious tone starting the horses onto Barkley land waving to the blond headed their way.

Heath reined in Charger beside the surrey, blue eyes flashing like the flame of a torch “Sonja Meredith Barkley! You shouldn’t be driving home without an escort. Benson is still out there!”

“Meredith?” chuckled Sue receiving a glare from her friends.

“Sue was with me. I didn’t think there was anything to worry about.” replied Sonja with a shamed look on her face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

The anger dissipated quickly as Heath looked into his wife’s loving eyes. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. Until we find Benson, we have to be careful.”

“I’d be honored to drive my two favorite ladies back to the ranch.” stated Heath tying Charger to the surrey. Climbing up on the seat, he kissed his wife tenderly and whispered, “No more driving alone.”

Sonja nodded and rolled her eyes at Sue’s retort, “She wasn’t alone, Heath! What am I chopped liver or something?”

Laughing, Heath snapped the reins and retorted back, “Ya’ sure are looking like chopped liver. You catch the flu or something?”

Watching her eyes close, Heath barely caught the whispered, “Or something.”

Sonja held onto Heath’s arm and took his attention away from the pale woman on the seat. Describing her day, Heath listened and laughed at the antics of the children. Reaching the house, he helped Sonja down and rounded the surrey, reaching up and helping Sue down.

“Did the doc say when Nick can come home?” asked Heath walking the ladies into the house.

“Thursday morning!” exclaimed Sue.

Dr. Howard Merar entered the room where Nick was sitting, propped up by pillows. His face had returned to the normal color except for the bruised sections. His back wound was progressing nicely and the bruised ribs mending. Deep breathing still caused grimaces of pain, but all in all, Nick Barkley was a blessed man. Nodding a greeting to Nick, Howard put the stethoscope to his chest.

“Doc, can you keep it in the icebox longer next time?” retorted his patient receiving a wink in response from the physician who listened closely to his lungs and heart.

“Sounding good, Nick.” smiled Howard checking the incision on his back. “How about going home today?”

“Sounds good to me!” grinned Nick.

“Sure you don’t want to stay longer, big brother.” teased Heath flashing a lop-sided grin at the scowl he received. “Morning Doc.”

Howard chuckled at the brothers and headed to the door, “Mrs. Merar will be in shortly with your breakfast, Nick.”

Taking a seat by the bed, Heath smiled slightly, “Bruises seem to be changing colors, Nick.”

“Yeah?” asked Nick. “What color are they?”

Studying his brother closely, Heath drawled, “Well, the purple has kinda changed to a light purple, the blue a light blue and the black is black with a little yellow mixed in.”

Rolling his eyes, Nick snorted, “Bet that makes a big difference!”

Heath’s eyes sparkled and Nick was rewarded by the lop-sided grin again. ‘Second one in about five minutes’ thought Nick ruefully deciding to take the bull by the horns.

“Okay, what is it?”

“What do you mean, Nick?” inquired Heath.

Grimacing when he took a deep breath, Nick shook his finger at the blond beside the bed, “What’s going on?”

“Nick, what ya’ getting all worked up about? Nothing’s wrong.” replied Heath quickly trying to calm his brother. “Stop it, you’ll get the doc all mad at me.”

Snorting, Nick snapped, “You can’t fool me Heath Barkley. I know something’s going on. I’ve been able to tell since you were this high to a grasshopper...”

Heath burst out laughing, unable to stop and held his sides from the stitches of pain. Nick rubbed his forehead and growled, ”WHAT THE HELL’S SO FUNNY?”

Wiping his eyes, Heath stammered between gasps for air, “Nick..ya nev’r..knowed me..when I..high to a grasshopper.”

Staring at his little brother, Nick turned crimson, “Heck, it feels like you’ve been here that long, cause YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY!”

Nick leaned his head backwards waiting for the laughter to stop. Chuckling softly, he glanced at Heath and grinned, “Happy to be your entertainment for the morning, little brother. Now, where’s my wife? I’m surprised she’s not here to take me home.”

“Okay, Nick.” replied Heath seriously. “Well, it’s like this…”

“Yeah, like what Heath?” asked Nick in concern when Heath paused briefly.

“Sue couldn’t come cause she was lookin’ very green yesterday, last night and this morning.” stated Heath catching the look of wonder and love appearing in his brother’s eyes. “You got something you want to share with your little brother?”

“No, there’s nothing I want to tell Eugene.” smiled Nick widely receiving a glare from Heath whose reply was caught off by the arrival of Mrs. Merar and his breakfast tray.

“They’s here, Miss Sue.” said Silas watching the smile light up Sue’s face.

Getting to her feet, Sue hobbled past the old man and smiled, “Thanks Silas!” Making her way to the front door that Silas opened, she stood on the front step and watched the wagon stop in front of the house.

Jarrod and Heath helped their brother from the back of the wagon where Dr. Merar had insisted he had to ride back to the ranch. The bed in the wagon had been soft and comforting, but the ride home had been tiring and exhausting causing the pain to flare in his body. Nick’s face had a sheen of sweat on it and his complexion pale under the bruises.

“Hi, honey.” whispered Nick through clenched teeth.

“Take him upstairs, boys.” replied Sue. “Silas, will you turn the bed down for Mr. Nick.”

Silas nodded and hurried up the stairs to do as requested. Smiling when the loud reply caught his ears.

“I’m not going to bed! I just got home!” growled Nick.

Sue chuckled watching Heath and Jarrod roll their eyes, pick up their brother between them, ignored his protests and carried him up the stairs. Setting him gently on the bed, Nick was unable to swallow his moan from the pain. Handing Silas a brown bottle, Heath said, “Laudanum in case he needs it.”

Silas took the bottle and put it on the nightstand. Sue slowly made her way up the stairs and hobbled into the room as Jarrod was removing Nick’s boots. Leaning against the doorframe to quell her stomach, she watched Silas holding the spoon for Nick to swallow the medicine.

“Get that away from me, Silas.” boomed Nick moving his head away.

Tugging on the boots, Jarrod replied, “Nick, stop yelling at Silas.”

“Ya’ can’t work in this condition.” stated Heath firmly. “Take the medicine like Dr. Merar says, Nick.”

Confinement and helplessness was not something any of the Barkley boys dealt with gracefully, especially the dark haired and the blonde one. Their temperaments were at their worse in those situations. Needing to lash out at someone, Nick snarled at his little brother, “I think you hit every hole coming home on purpose!”

Jarrod protested the accusation and anger flared across Heath’s face, “Next time you need a ride, don’t ask me!”

“Nick Barkley!” shouted Sue when he opened his mouth. Hobbling over, she sat on the bed beside him and took the spoon from Silas.

Holding it up to him, Sue stated firmly, “You’ll take this medicine and play nice with your brothers or else!”

Staring into the exhausted eyes peering out from the pale face of his wife, Nick sighed and took the spoonful of the awful tasting medicine.

“Brother Nick, we will leave you in your wife’s capable hands.” stated Jarrod heading to the door with Heath following.

“Hey!” called Nick stopping his brothers’ retreat and smiled slightly. “Thanks for the ride.”

Grinning, Heath and Jarrod nodded before heading down the hallway. His assistance no longer needed, Silas left the room to continue his duties downstairs.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Sue smiled, “Sorry for snapping, Nick. It’s been a rough morning.”

“I’m sorry for acting like an ass.” admitted Nick. “You okay, honey?”

“I’m tired and nauseous.” said Sue. “How bout if I join you for an afternoon nap?”

“That’d be wonderful, honey.” whispered Nick pulling back the covers while Sue took off her boots. Kissing him gently, she lay in his arms falling asleep after she heard his even breathing.

Nick’s strength grew with each passing day until he would no longer be confined in the house and rejoined his brother in running the Barkley ranch. The cautionary boundaries put on the women by the men of the household had been lifted. Eric Benson was no where to be found and Fred Maden was confident the would be kidnapper had left the area for parts more suitable to his health.

Morning sickness still assaulted Sue but did not stop her from running the ranch with her nervous partner, Jack who was awaiting the birth of his child. Members of both ranches ensured she cut down the hours spent working, ate properly and was getting enough rest. Biting her tongue each time at their suggestions, she had to remind herself they were concerned with her health and the baby.

When Sue had to trade her jeans in for dresses and riding skirts, she burst into tears at Nick’s innocent comment about her size and then screamed at him before leaving the house for her appointment with Dr. Merar. “IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!”

Shocked, Nick stood at the door with a dumbfounded look on his face, wondering what he had done. Victoria rubbed his back and sighed, “She doesn’t know what she’s saying, Nick. Her emotions are running wild from the baby.”

“Mother, she snaps at me for no reason. She cries for no reason. Is that normal?” asked Nick concerned by his wife’s strange behavior.

Chuckling, Victoria reached up and kissed his cheek, “When I was pregnant with you, I threw a can of peaches at your father and then cried when I couldn’t open the can because it was badly dented. It’ll pass, sweetheart.”

Smiling slightly, Nick kissed her cheek, “I’ll just make sure to keep the canned goods out of her reach for the next four months.”

“You are a wise man, my son.” teased Victoria receiving a chuckle from her son before he climbed on Coco and rode out to meet Heath.

Sue burst into tears in the office of Dr. Merar, “I think I’m going crazy, doc.”

Handing her a hanky, Dr. Merar waited for the tears to abate, “Why would you think that?”

“One minute I’m happy, the next I’m furious. I laugh, cry and scream all within minutes of each other. Nick probably thinks I should be committed.”

Patting her hand, Howard smiled, “Sue, you do seem to be having extremes of the mood swings every pregnant woman goes through. It’s perfectly normal.”

“This is normal? I might be divorced before the baby comes.” snapped Sue her eyes filling with tears again and spilling onto her cheeks. “What am I gonna do?”

“I’d suggest you speak with Marie Baldwin. She was the same way when she was pregnant.” stated Howard softly.

Wiping her eyes, Sue nodded, “Okay, I’ll speak to her if it doesn’t get any better.”

“How’s the leg?” asked Howard “Have you been exercising it?”

“Everyday, just like you said.” smiled Sue slightly. “Thanks, Dr. Merar. Any idea when Charity will deliver?”

Walking her to the door, Howard shook his head, “Well, it’s not up to me, but whenever the baby’s ready, I’ll be there. Speak to Marie and see me anytime you need to.”

Nodding, Sue smirked, “If you see Nick, don’t sign any commitment papers, okay?”

Laughing, Howard agreed and helped her into the surrey. Turning the rig, she started down the street with Howard wondering if Nick would survive this pregnancy.

Sue stood by the window and contemplated the past weeks and the emotional outbursts Nick had been subject to. Her mood swings seemed to be evening out, but tension that was a byproduct of the outbursts was still there between them.

Walking to the corral, Sue stood by Nick and frowned at the stiffening of his body. Putting a hand on his arm, she said, “Nick, walk with me.”

“Sue, I got a lot of work to do.” mumbled Nick moving away slightly.

Taking a hold of his hand, Sue whispered, “Please, Nick.”

Unable to deny the whispered plea, he allowed her to lead him towards the orchards on her daily walk. Her growing stomach hidden in the folds of the dress, they walked slowly. Entering the orchard, Nick let her lead him and asked. “You walk all this way, Sue?”

“My leg needs the exercise and it’s good for the baby.” said Sue.

Continuing through the orchard and entering a bordering stand of trees, Nick stopped in surprise at the small oasis Sue lead them to. Putting her hands on his shoulders, she smiled as she pushed him down onto the lush grass.

Lowering herself, she sat beside him and caressed his cheek, “I’m sorry, darlin’ for everything I’ve said and did. I don’t know what comes over me. Please don’t be afraid of me, okay?”

Holding her hand, Nick replied, “I’m not afraid of you, honey. Just promise me you won’t grab a can of peaches.”

Puzzled, Sue smiled, “What are ya’ talking about?”

Laughing, Nick told her about her mother’s pregnancy and the can of peaches. Wiping her eyes, she leaned over and kissed him deeply, “I love you, Nick Barkley.”

“I love you, Suzanne Barkley.” whispered Nick placing a tender kiss on the stomach that contained his child while running his hand up her leg and under the skirt of her dress. Staring into her smoldering green eyes, he leaned over and teased her with his lips. His hands caressed her full breasts and stomach as the need in him grew. Moaning from the desires aroused in each other, she pulled him beside her and they spent the afternoon reveling in the heights of ecstasy.

The sun was shining brightly and bringing with it some unexpected warmth to the fall day for the couple arriving in a buggy. Heath helped his wife down and grabbed the picnic basket from under the seat. Sonja walked over and spread a blanket on the ground. Setting the basket on the ground, Heath dropped to the blanket and leaned on an elbow watching his beautiful wife.

“Darlin’ this was a wonderful idea. It’s a perfect day for a picnic.” grinned Heath.

“Why, thank you kind sir.” smiled Sonja. “I thought it would be nice to spend some time away from the mini-battles of Nick and Sue.”

Chuckling, Heath nodded, “Boy Howdy, I agree! Nick admitted he’s almost afraid to look at her or say anything.”

Enjoying the food and each other’s company, they spent the afternoon laughing and talking about their future. As the sun set and they walked hand-in-hand on the shore of the lake, Sonja sighed, “Cowboy, do you ever wonder if I’ll be like Sue when we have a baby?”

Heath replied, “It has crossed my mind, darlin’. But, every woman’s different, even Dr. Merar says that.”

Stopping, he drew her into his arms and left her gasping for air from the passion that burned in the kiss. “When that time comes, I’ll gladly take my chances, darlin’.”

Sonja drew back, opened his hand and placed something in it. Heath stared at the small booties in his hand. His breath caught in his throat as he looked into his wife’s eyes.

His voice was thick with emotion, “A baby?”

Smiling, Sonja was whisked off her feet and twirled around. Pulling her to the ground, Heath held her in his arms and kissed her gently. “A baby! I’m gonna be a papa!”

“I love you, cowboy.” whispered Sonja.

Staring at his wife, he wiped his tears and whispered, “I love you. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, darlin’.”

Sonja shivered as he ran his hands over her stomach, his lips caressed their way down her neck and he pulled her down with him onto the ground. As their happiness carried them away, they were the only two people on the earth with the sun falling onto the horizon and the passion of their love consuming them.

....Continued