A month later, Stockton was fighting the wettest winter ever. Rains had the rivers threatening dams and towns. The men on all the ranches in the area were putting in extra time to sandbag and help whichever way they could.

Jack and Charity were the proud parents of an angelic little girl named, Emily Suzanne Franklin. Emily’s godmother took great delight in spoiling her and holding her while she could, knowing in two more months her arms would be full with her own bundle.

Audra and Sue decided to enjoy the sunny break in the recently gloomy weather and headed into town for shopping. Stopping at the general store, Sue browsed and ordered some items for her ranch.

From across the store, Audra smiled at her sister-in-law, thankful for the calm that had finally settled over her in her pregnancy. Even the gloomy weather over the past month could not diminish the glow that was on her face.

“That’s a nice hat.” smiled Audra.

“I think it’d be nice for Sonja, don’t you?” asked Sue inspecting it closer. “I might get her a new dress to go along with it for when she starts showing.”

“That would be perfect for her. Have you finished your Christmas shopping already? I haven’t even started.”

“I’m almost done with it. When I see something, I just get it.” replied Sue. “You ready to head for home?”

“Can we stop by Mrs. Baker’s dress shop first?” inquired Audra with a hopeful look on her face.

Sighing, Sue nodded and then grinned at Audra’s squeal of delight.

The women headed to the dress shop. Sue waited patiently as Audra tried dress after dress on.

“Audra, we better get back.” called Sue into the dressing area. “I need to drop some stuff off at the ranch.”

“Okay, I’ll be right out.” answered Audra taking her purchase to the counter and Sue put on her coat.

Opening the door, they shivered as a blast of air blew. “It’s a little colder than earlier. Let’s go right home, the ranch can wait for the other stuff.”

Looking up, Audra smiled, “At least there’s no clouds in the sky.”

Climbing up beside Sue, Audra took the reins and stated, “My turn to drive, sis.”

Audra and Sue watched the clouds rolling in on the horizon. Slapping the reins, the pace of the horse increased in response. On the outskirts of the ranch, the wind picked up and dark clouds rolled in. A bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, startling the horse and the surrey moved forward of its own accord. Audra fought the horse to no avail. Grabbing the reins from Audra, Sue pulled back trying to bring the terrified horse under control in the deluge of rain that started.

Losing her grip on the slippery seat, Audra flew from the bouncing surrey and landed on the side of the road. Rounding a corner, the surrey slowed slightly and started to overturn. Jumping off Sue landed on her feet and stumbled forward from the motion. Several feet from where her feet had landed, she fell to her knees and hands on the ground.

As the rain poured down, she pushed herself backwards, sat on her knees and examined her wrist noticing the swelling that had appeared. Rubbing her stomach, she said outloud, “Sorry about the rough landing, little one.”

Climbing to her feet, she made her way to Audra who lay still on the ground. Running her hands down her limbs, no fractures could be felt. Tearing her dress, she wiped the blood oozing from the cut on the blonde’s forehead and sighed in relief at the moan she received when she pressed on the wound.

“Audra! Audra!”

Opening her blue eyes, Audra held her head and winced as something was tightened around her head, “Ouch! What happened?”

“Ya’ fell off the wagon.” smirked Sue. “Can ya’ get up?”

Helping Audra to her feet, Sue held onto her arm as she swayed. “Audra?”

“I’m just a little dizzy and I have a killer headache” whined Audra looking around. “Where’s the surrey?”

“I don’t know. I had to jump when it started to turn over. Put your arm over my shoulders and we’ll start walking.” stated Sue.

“You jumped! Are you okay?” gasped Audra.

“I’m fine, Audra.” smiled Sue. “I landed on my feet like Nicodena.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have spent so much time in the dress shop.” apologized Audra.

Laughing, Sue shook her head, “Audra, you may control most of the single men in Stockton, but ya’ have no control over the weather. Don’t worry it’s just a little rain, everything will be fine.”

Starting forward, Sue and Audra came upon the remains of the surrey further down the road. The horse lay on the ground with a broken leg and the surrey wreckage scattered behind it.

“Stay here. I’m gotta find the rifle and put it out of its misery.”

Audra, her vision wavering, watched Sue searching the road for the rifle. Seeing the stock of the rifle under a pile of supplies, Sue retrieved it and inspected the gun carefully. Walking over, she rubbed the neck of the animal before taking aim. The report of the rifle magnified the pounding in Audra’s head and the rain was soaking through her coat.

“We’re on our own, since Nick, Heath and the men are at the river. ” said Sue taking Audra’s arm again and putting it back across her shoulders. ”There’s no shelter between here and the ranch, we gotta walk the three miles home.”

Talking steadily to the blonde with her, Sue felt the increase of weight as Audra leaned on her more and more. The rain continued and Audra’s answers became slightly incoherent, her feet stumbling over themselves.

Tiring from the extra burden she was carrying, Sue stopped and lowered Audra to the ground. Audra closed her eyes and received a slap to the face, “What?”

“Don’t close your eyes! We’re just resting for a moment.” stated Sue.

“Sorry, I’m tired.” moaned Audra.

“I know ya’ are, sweetie. Please keep your eyes open for me.”

“Head hurts, Sue. We home yet?” whispered Audra confused at the surroundings.

“Almost, Audra. Now let’s stand up.” said Sue pulling on Audra’s arm, snapping at the lack of assistance. “Dammit, Audra. Ya’ gotta help me here!”

The frustration in the voice calling to her made Audra find the strength to climb to her feet. “Okay, I’m up.”

Chuckling, Sue replied, “Audra, you’re a lot tougher than your brothers give ya’ credit for.”

“Thanks.” whispered Audra the words coming from her sister-in-law, a high compliment. “You’re tough too.”

Sue held onto her and replied, “I hope I’m tough enough, Audra.”

Looking at the clock on the mantle, Victoria worried as the time crawled by. The day that had started out sunny, was ending up dark and gloomy like the previous ones. Nick and Heath were out with the men sandbagging the river that was threatening to overflow. Sonja was keeping Charity company and Jarrod in San Francisco. Concerned that Sue and Audra should have been home by now, she put on a coat, opened the door and gasped.

“Audra’s hurt!” stated Sue in a tired shaky voice.

“SILAS!” shouted Victoria taking Audra’s weight from Sue.

Hearing her shout, Silas ran into the foyer and helped Victoria drag Audra to the sofa. Sue closed the door and sank to the floor, shivering and shaking from the rain and strain on her muscles. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the wall and rested, content in the knowledge she had brought Audra home to get the help she needed.

“Sue, honey open your eyes.” urged Victoria tapping her cheek. “Look at me!”

“Mother?” asked Sue forcing her eyes open and staring around in a daze.

Cupping her cheek, Victoria smiled, “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”

“Audra?”

“Audra will be fine. Silas has gone for Dr. Merar.” stated Victoria.

With help from her mother-in-law, Sue climbed to her feet and leaned against the wall, “Are ya’ sure Audra’s okay?”

“I’m sure. Dr. Merar will be here soon and he wouldn’t like to see you in wet clothes.” smiled Victoria.

“I’m tired, Mother. It was a long walk.”

Holding onto her arm, Victoria led Sue across the foyer into the parlor. Taking off her wet clothes and slipping a nightgown on her, Victoria wrapped a large quilt around the cold woman. “Sit here in front of the fire. I’ll bring you some tea.”

Sue let the blazing fire warm her in the cocoon she was encased in. Her eyes drooped and she dreamed of Nick carrying her in his arms.

The crew of the Barkley ranch followed their two haggard bosses home. The sandbagging had been completed and all were looking forward to some time spent sleeping in their bunks. Duke rode beside Nick and Heath, none of the three were up to speaking, preferring to ride in silence.

“Hey, isn’t that Dr. Merar’s rig?” shouted Heath.

Spurring Coco, Nick raced the remainder of the way to the house with Heath and Duke following close behind. Jumping off, the brothers raced into the house. Howard was kneeling by Sue when the two soaked ranchers ran into the room.

“Sue’s okay, Nick!” said Howard standing quickly. “She’s sleeping.”

Staring at the man, Nick and Heath walked over and knelt by the chair.

“What are you doing here?” asked Nick puzzled.

Howard replied, “Sue and Audra were coming home when the horse was startled by lightning and took off. Audra fell out of the buggy, she’s got a mild concussion. Sue had to jump but told Audra she landed on her feet. Your stubborn wife practically dragged your sister home. Your mother’s with Audra now.”

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Nick whispered, “The baby?” Heath held his onto Nick’s shoulder and squeezed waiting for the physician’s reply.

“I’ve listened and the baby seems to be fine. I haven’t had a chance to fully examine her yet. Why don’t you take her upstairs and I’ll check her over completely.” smiled Howard.

Nick picked up his bundled wife in his arms and carried her up the stairs. Heath pulled back the covers on the bed and Nick placed her down gently.

“I’ll check on Audra.” said Heath quietly.

“Let me know how she is.” replied Nick closing the door behind his brother.

Nick changed into dry clothes and watched Dr. Merar examine his sleeping wife. Howard gingerly felt her left wrist and Sue moaned in her sleep.

“Well, doc?”

“Baby’s heartbeat is strong and steady, Nick. She has two very bruised knees and a sprained left wrist. When she jumped, she probably fell forward onto her knees and hands.” stated Howard wrapping her wrist. “She protected the baby by doing that, Nick.”

“Hi, there.” said Nick quietly.

Revealing her drowsy emerald eyes, Sue whispered, “Baby?”

Brushing the bangs off her forehead, Nick smiled, “Baby’s fine, honey.”

Sue felt her eyes closing and then startled herself, “Audra’s hurt!”

“Shhh, honey. Doc says Audra’s gonna be fine.” stated Nick caressing her cheek. “Mother’s with her, Sue.”

“I want you to drink this glass of water.” advised Howard handing Nick the glass.

Holding it to her lips, Sue drank it and closed her eyes. “I’m real tired, Nick.”

Howard whispered, “You can sleep now, Sue.”

Motioning to Nick with his head, Dr. Merar opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Nick placed a kiss on her forehead and stood in the hallway with the doctor where he could keep an eye on his sleeping wife.

“More than likely, Sue will sleep through the night. She’s exhausted. If she does wake up during the night, have her eat some soup and give her plenty of fluids.”

Nick frowned, “Are you sure that jump didn’t hurt the baby?”

Clasping his shoulder, Howard smiled, “I can’t be positively one hundred percent sure, Nick. All indications are the baby’s fine from the strong steady heartbeat. Your wife is a very active, physical woman. That is definitely in her favor.”

Nodding, Nick smiled, “Thanks, doc.”

Victoria came out of Audra’s room and smiled at the diagnosis. “That’s wonderful, Howard. Thank you.”

“I’ll check Audra once more before I leave.” stated Howard entering the other room, leaving Nick with his mother in the hallway.

“Mother, it’s been a long day. I’m going to sleep, too.” said Nick kissing his mother’s cheek.

“Okay, let me know if you or Sue need anything.” stated Victoria turning and entering her daughter’s room.

Smiling, Nick closed the bedroom door, knowing Heath and his mother would not leave Audra’s bedside tonight. Taking off his boots and clothes, putting on sleeping pants, he crawled under the covers with his sleeping wife.

When Sonja and Heath announced they were with child, Nick had been as ecstatic as his little brother. The closeness of the bond between the two brothers could not be severed. At different times both had silently wondered, if they had known each other as children, if the bond they shared would’ve been as strong or would it have been even stronger. Now, their children would grow up with each other and have the opportunities together the close brothers had not been fortunate enough to have as children.

Each evening when they retired to bed, they would lay together and talk about their dreams for the baby growing inside her. Each night, he would place his hands on her stomach and marvel at the movement he felt within it. Sue insisted their child was going to be a night owl, since the baby was more active at night. Nick insisted it was probably because they were active at night and would smile at the blush that spread across her face.

Kissing her cheek, Nick lay on his side and placed his hand on her stomach, comforted by the movements of his child beneath his fingers. Keeping his hand in place, he closed his eyes and let sleep come.

Foggy from his deep sleep, Nick lay wondering what had awoken him. Turning up the flame on the lamp to illuminate the room, he jumped out of bed and flew to the door, “MOTHER!”

Startled by the panicked yell from Nick, Heath and Victoria rushed into the bedroom. Sue’s head was turning slightly, her eyes fever glazed and she was shivering. “Cold.”

“I know, honey.” said Nick placing a cloth on her brow, he looked up, despair clearly evident in his eyes. “She’s burning up!”

“Heath, send someone for Dr. Merar.” stated Victoria picking up another cloth to help with the cooling measures. Heath ran from the room and down the stairs, the slamming of the front door heard in the room.

“Baby?” moaned Sue her breath coming in gasps from the shivering wracking her, a cough leaving her lips.

“Shhh, the baby’s fine, honey.” stated Nick laying a cool cloth on her brow shaking his head at the wet cough.

Leaving for a few minutes, Victoria came back with more pillows. “Nick, lift Sue up so we can have her lay up against these pillows.”

Sitting beside her, Nick picked up his wife and held her against his chest, the heat burning his lips when he kissed her forehead. Laying her against the pillows, Sue shivered and pulled at the blankets to add them to the sheet covering her.

Pushing her hands away, Nick shook his head “No, honey.”

“Cold.” whispered Sue coughing.

“Honey, take a drink.” urged Nick holding the glass of water to her lips. Taking a small drink, Sue turned her head and shivered against the fever.

Entering the room, Silas and Heath brought more water and towels.

“Duke’s gone for the doc.” stated Heath filling the basins with water.

“Silas, mix thyme in some yarrow tea and bring a sheet in case we need to make a steam tent.”

“Yes’m Mrs. Barkley.” whispered Silas rushing out the room to gather the requested items.

“Mother, what’s wrong with Sue?” asked Audra from the doorway. Heath rushed over to his pale sister and held onto her.

“Heath, take Audra back to her room.” stated Victoria not stopping her hands from laying wet cloths on her daughter-in-law.

“Audra?” inquired Sue confusion reflecting on her face. “Bring her home. She’s hurt.”

Cupping her face in his hands, Nick stated firmly, “You got her home, honey. You took care of her for us.”

“Rain so cold.” whispered Sue, her eyelids drooping.

Heath led his sister from the room and helped her back into bed. Seeing the tears welling in the blue eyes, Heath sat on the bed and held her hand, “What is it, sis?”

“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t wanted to go to the dress shop, the horse wouldn’t have been spooked by lightning and we wouldn’t have been caught in the rain.” replied Audra tears streaming onto her cheeks. “If I hadn’t fallen out of the wagon, Sue wouldn’t have had to help me get home.”

“It’s not your fault, Audra.” stated Heath firmly.

Sobbing, Audra shook her head, “What if she loses the baby!”

Taking her in his arms, Heath rocked his crying sister gently, “Shush now! Sue’s not gonna lose the baby. She’ll be fine. It’s not your fault, Audra.”

Laying her down when the tears subsided, Heath wiped her cheeks, “Audra, you need to rest. I’ll stay here til you fall asleep.”

Nodding, Audra closed her eyes and held onto his hand. Brushing her hair softly, Heath smiled when her breathing indicated she was asleep. Pulling the blanket up to her chin, Heath placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room.

Pausing in the hallway, Heath heard the cough of his friend and took a shaky breath to calm his nerves. Closing his eyes, he sent a prayer upwards for her and the baby.

....Continued