Jarrod and Rachel

Part 1 – The First Child

by Janet

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Plot Summary: Sequel to Freedom is Precious. Jarrod and Rachel Barkley settle down to raise a family in San Francisco

Part 1 - Prologue

It had been a few months since the beating and subsequent arrest of Jarrod Barkley. Thanks to Nick and Heath Barkley’s investigation along with Adam Howard, Jarrod had been cleared of any wrongdoing in the murder of William Fuller.

During the time that Jarrod was incarcerated, he learned that he was going to be a father. He was thrilled once he had completely recovered. He made a promise to himself to share in everything with his wonderful wife as she carried their first child inside her.

One evening after he had come home from the office in San Francisco where he now spent most of his time, he was sitting on the couch beside his wife reading the daily paper.

“Jarrod,” she said smiling, looking over at him, “the baby just kicked. Here.”

She placed his masculine hand on her stomach. Jarrod also smiled when he felt the baby kick. It was an experience neither of them would forget being this was their first child and they wanted to savor every little thing connected with having this child.

“It has to be a boy,” he said also smiling. “With that kick, it just has to be.”

“Well girls can kick just as hard,” she replied, smiling broadly.

“I know my little sister did,” he told her, almost laughing. “Mother let me feel Audra’s kick and she nearly knocked me down.”

“Jarrod,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “will you be serious.”

“I’m sorry,” he replied, becoming serious. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t upset me,” she told him, smiling again. “I love you with all my heart. I didn’t realize just how much until those men beat you. When I didn’t know whether you were going to live or die. I was very frightened.”

“But I’m fine,” he said. “No one is ever going to hurt any of us again.”

“I trust you,” she replied. “Jarrod, I know you have the name picked out if it’s a boy. But what if it’s a girl?”

“I don’t know,” he told her, looking very surprised at not thinking of that before. “What do you want the baby to be named?”

“I was thinking about Maureen after my mother,” she said. “But if you would rather name her something else, I’ll understand.”

He put his hand up to her mouth. Then he kissed her.

“Maureen is a beautiful name,” he said. “And I think your mother would be pleased.”

“Thank you my love,” she replied kissing him. “There is one thing we’ve not discussed.”

“What’s that?” he asked, with a questioning look on his handsome face.

“Well,” she answered, “it’s customary to have godparents for a son. Are we going to have godparents if we have a son?”

“That might be a bit difficult,” he said, thinking about his brothers. “I know Nick and Heath will spoil that boy rotten. And even Gene when he’s informed that he is an uncle. But I don’t know who to ask.”

“I have an idea,” she replied. “Jarrod, where is Eugene? He wasn’t at our wedding.”

“Who?” he asked. “Gene is back east in Boston. He’s been there for almost a year.”

“Adam and Marcy Howard,” she answered. “I’ve known Adam most of my life. Especially when he was married to his first wife. After her death, I didn’t know if he’d ever find anyone else but that all changed when he met Marcy. And they have that fine boy, Davy. What is Eugene doing?”

“I know,” he said. “Adam helped me get started here in San Francisco. David is now at West Point and is going to make the army a career. That is fine with me. Gene is a professor teaching at the university.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I hope to one day meet him.”

“Positive,” he answered. “You will. He’ll come home sooner or later.”

They again kissed, this time much longer and more intimately. Then Jarrod stood up and turning to look at her.

“I’ve got a busy day tomorrow,” he said stretching and yawning. “I’m going to be in court most of the day. I think I’ll turn in for the night.”

“I’ll be up shortly,” she replied.

“Don’t stay up too long,” he told her as he headed for the stairs.

“I won’t,” she said smiling as she watched her husband leave.

Two hours later, Rachel finally turned in. Jarrod was sound asleep when she crawled in the bed. She watched him sleep and then laid her head down beside of his closing her eyes.

Chapter One

The next morning, Jarrod was up early. He was in the study, going over papers he would need in court when his wife walked in.

“How long have you been up?” she asked.

“A couple of hours,” he answered. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” she said. “I think I’ll go see Adam and Marcy today. I want to ask them about being godparents.”

“Let William drive you,” he replied, looking very serious. “I don’t want you over doing.”

“Will you stop worrying,” she told him, getting a little aggravated. “I am fine.”

“I’m not going to stop worrying until you have the baby,” he said.

“I’ll have William drive me,” she replied, giving in. “I promise.”

“Good,” he told her. “I’ll see you tonight.”

He kissed her, picking up his valise and heading out the door. She smiled.

Jarrod decided to walk to his office instead of riding in one of the buggies. It was a beautiful, warm day and he enjoyed walking when it was pretty. It made him more homesick for the ranch but his life was here. He was crossing the street when he spied a man he hadn’t seen in many years.

“It’s not possible,” he said. “He was supposed to stay locked up for the rest of his life.”

Jarrod looked again at the man. It sure looked like him. Then when Jarrod did finally cross the street, he came face to face with the man.

“Counselor,” former sheriff Walt Baker of Pinewood said as he stood in front of Jarrod blocking his path.

“I thought you got life for helping Russ Miller cover up that murder in which Paulino Aretta was accused of,” Jarrod replied.

“I was paroled early for good behavior,” Baker told him. “I was going to look you up.”

“I was only doing my job,” Jarrod said very leery of Baker and his intentions.

“I know that,” Baker replied. “But I’m free now and you’ll be seeing me around.”

Baker turned on his heel and left. Jarrod stood there a moment staring at a man he thought he was finished with. Baker was older, his hair starting to get flecks of gray in it. He looked like his time in prison had been hard on him. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, Jarrod made his way to his office. As he started up the stairs, he felt something in his back.

“That’s as far as you’re going Barkley,” Russ Miller said with a gun in his hand and a sadistic smile on his face.

Baker appeared beside of Miller also smiling that sadistic smile. Russ Miller had also aged. His face was rougher than the last time Jarrod had seen him.

He must have been in some fights while he was in San Quentin, Jarrod thought.

He wasn’t afraid because he knew that they wouldn’t shoot him because it would attract a crowd.

“Did you really think we’d forget all about you Barkley?” Baker asked. “That’s all I’ve thought of since the day I was put in prison. You were the main one who cost me my job. You and that Basque boy.”

“What do you want?” Jarrod wanted to know, still hoping he could reason with the two men.

“In the alley,” Baker said, pushing Jarrod forward.

Slowly, with the gun still pointed at his back, Jarrod walked into the alley followed by the two men. He still wasn’t afraid but he knew that something was going to happen. He just didn’t know what. When they were far enough away from the entrance, Baker turned Jarrod to face him.

“Small world,” Baker said as he smiled at Jarrod. “We didn’t have to hunt very long before we found you.”

“What are you going to do?” Jarrod asked. “Kill me.”

“No,” Miller answered. “At least not yet.”

“Russ is right,” Baker said. “We want you to enjoy our little visit.”

Baker threw a punch to Jarrod’s ribs. He doubled over with the impact of the punch. Then Miller punched him on the side of the jaw. Before long, they were punching him and when Jarrod dropped to his knees, they began to kick him in the ribs, stomach and back. Finally, they stopped just before they killed him. They stood there a moment looking down at their handiwork.

“You breath a word of this,” Baker said, “and we’ll finish the job.”

The two men walked off. Jarrod managed to get to his feet. His ribs were on fire and he was bleeding from a cut above his right eye. He was feeling the effects of the one-sided fight. He knew that he had been lucky because they could have killed him. He made it up to his office where he collapsed onto the couch still in a lot of pain. As he sat there, he began to think about his wife and unborn child.

I have to protect Rachel and the baby, he thought. I don’t want those men to go after her.

Jarrod’s secretary, Mildred Watson, an older lady of fifty, walked inside to her desk and sat down. She was always prompt. She thought she heard a sound coming from her employer’s office. She opened the door peering inside.

“Is anyone in here?” she asked.

What she saw, shocked her. There was Jarrod sitting on the couch, his face had a stream of blood trailing down it. He was holding his ribs and whizzing as he tried to catch his breath.

“Mr. Barkley,” she asked, hurrying to his side and extremely concerned, “what happened?”

“I met two men from my past,” he answered, trying to catch his breath. “I guess they weren’t too happy with the job I did.”

“This is not funny,” Mildred said. “You could have broken ribs. I’m going to ask Dr. Samson to come take a look.”

“There’s no need,” he replied, looking at her. “I’m fine. All I need is a cloth to stop this bleeding.”

“You could be seriously hurt,” she told him, showing her motherly influence which irritated Jarrod. “You need more than a cloth. You need a doctor.”

“All right,” he said, giving in, in order to stop her from smothering him with her worry. “If it will make you hush.”

“Good,” she replied. “I want you to stay right here until I return.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” he told her. “I’m not in much of a moving condition.”

Mildred headed out in search of Dr. Samson.

Chapter Two

Rachel had William drive her later that morning over to the home of Adam and Marcy Howard. The house was a two-story, white house with black shutters. It had large columns across the front of the house. It reminded Rachel of the Barkley home in Stockton only it was much lighter in color. She walked up to the front door and knocked.

“Yes,” their servant, Marcus said when he opened the door.

Marcus was a fairly young black man with a family that lived in a small house behind the Howard home.

“I would like to speak with Adam and Marcy if they are at home and not busy,” she replied.

“Come in,” he told her. “I’ll see if they will see you.”

He left her in the foyer and Rachel looked around the enormous room. She could see Marcy in the decorating of the home. Marcy was a lot different than Adam’s first wife was and Rachel could see the difference right away. Whereas the first Mrs. Howard enjoyed the big city look, Marcy liked the Victorian decor. But Marcy had also been very good for Adam. A few minutes later, Adam walked down the stairs smiling.

“Rachel,” he said, “I’ve been meaning to get over and see you. But I’ve been covered up in work. How are you and Jarrod?”

“We’re both fine,” she replied. “I wanted to speak to you and Marcy.”

“Marcy is in Fresno visiting friends,” he told her. “She won’t be back for another week. What is it? Maybe I can help.”

“I wanted to know if you and Marcy would be godparents for our baby if it’s a boy,” she said.

“We’d be honored,” he replied. “Are you sure it’s going to be a boy?”

“No,” she told him. “But we want to be prepared. You knew that we already have the name picked out?”

“No,” he said. “What have you decided on?”

“Jarrod had this name picked out since he was around nine years old,” she replied. “His grandfather passed away and asked that if Jarrod ever had a son to please name the boy after him.”

“What’s the name?” he asked. “Did his grandfather die of a heart attack?”

“Charles and Matthew for Jarrod’s best friend,” she answered. “No. He died in a fall from his horse. Jarrod was devastated by the news.”

“I remember him telling me about the boy he grew up with,” he said. “Matt Parker I believe. I’m sure his grandfather will be pleased with that name. And if it is a boy, I know he will take after Jarrod.”

“Thank you Adam,” she replied. “I know it would make Jarrod happy if he would become a lawyer but if he doesn’t, it’s all right too. The only thing I hate is that mother and father are not here to share our joy.”

Adam walked over, putting an arm around her.

“They know,” he said, trying to comfort her. “And they would be just as proud as Tom Barkley at the prospect of a new grandson. What if its a girl?”

“Maureen after my mother,” she replied.

“Rachel,” he told her, “don’t you worry. Everything will work out. I promise. And I’ll be there to help you any way I can.”

“I know you will Adam,” she said hugging him. “I better get back to the house. Jarrod will be home for lunch.”

“You tell that husband of yours not to be a stranger,” he replied. “I know he stays very busy but he could get over to see an old friend once in a while.”

“I will,” she told him, heading out the door.

As Jarrod waited for the doctor to come, he made a promise to himself not to mention this to Rachel. It would only upset her and he didn’t want her upset now that she was pregnant. The doctor walked in just ahead of Mildred.

“You’re going to need a couple of stitches on that cut,” he said as he examined Jarrod. “You have a couple of broken ribs as well as bruised ones. I’ll wrap them.”

“Doc,” Jarrod replied, “please don’t tell Rachel. I don’t want her to know.”

“Why not?” he asked, puzzled by Jarrod’s reaction.

“It will only upset her,” Jarrod answered. “She doesn’t need that right now. She’s pregnant and it might hurt the baby.”

“Will you stop worrying,” he said. “Rachel and the baby are fine. She’s going to know something is wrong by the way you move. And she is not an invalid. She needs to know.”

“I just don’t want her to know,” he replied. “She’ll worry and that’s not good for the baby.”

“Whatever you say,” the doctor told him. “But you’re making a mistake. Jarrod, I’ve known Rachel for many years and one thing she is not is a worrier. She can handle bad news just like you or me.”

“Maybe I am,” he said grunting as the doctor sewed up the cut. “But it’s my decision to make.”

When the doctor was finished, he looked over at Jarrod.

“You need to take it easy with those ribs,” he said. “If you don’t, you could puncture a lung. I suggest you go home for the rest of the day.”

“I can’t do that,” Jarrod replied. “I have to be in court today.”

“Did you not hear what I just said,” he told Jarrod. “You can damage yourself far worse than you are right now if you don’t take it easy for a few days.”

“Yes,” Jarrod said, “but I’ll be fine.”

“Suit yourself,” he replied, shaking his head.

The doctor left but Mildred stood in front of him. She couldn’t believe that Jarrod was being this stubborn about the whole incident.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“I think you should tell your wife,” she answered. “Mrs. Barkley is not a frail woman. She can handle the news and not hurt the baby.”

“You will not say a word,” he said. “Is that clear?”

“Yes sir,” Mildred replied leaving the room but she was not happy about his decision.

Jarrod gingerly stood up. He grunted as he made his way to his desk. He sat down, looking over the papers he would need in court. When he stood up, he cried out as the pain from his injured ribs hit him. Mildred was at his side before he knew it.

“You’re in no condition to go to court,” she said, genuinely concerned about Jarrod.

“I’m going and that’s final,” he replied, pushing her hand away.

Mildred had to help him to his feet. She watched as Jarrod moved very slowly to the door holding his ribs with his other hand. He was slightly bent and his breathing was still ragged sounding. Once there, he paused to catch his breath. As he walked out of his office, he had to stop again to catch his breath.

Mr. Barkley,” Mildred said, trying to stop him from leaving, “please don’t do this. The case can wait but your health can’t.”

“Leave me alone Mildred,” he replied holding his ribcage with his left hand. “I don’t need you telling me what I already know. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”

“No sir,” she told him. “I’m going to be right here when you return.”

“Suit yourself,” he said, heading out of the office.

Jarrod had a more difficult time walking to the courthouse. He had to stop every few minutes to catch his breath. He was completely out of breath by the time he arrived.

Chapter Three

Jarrod sat down in his chair in the courtroom. He was still trying to breathe as normally as possible. He could also feel his heart pounding in his chest. His client was brought in and he looked at Jarrod with a concerned face.

“You all right?” he asked.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered, but his voice betrayed him.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

“No,” Jarrod answered.

The judge entered and the conversation stopped. Jarrod stood up very gingerly and sat back down gingerly. After a few minutes, he was able to move a little more freely and finished out the morning session.

William and Rachel returned home but Jarrod was not there.

“William,” she asked, a wee bit concerned, “didn’t Jarrod say he would be home for lunch?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Court could have run over and he didn’t have much time.”

“I’m sure that’s what happened,” she said, but she couldn’t get the feeling there was something else wrong.

Rachel knew Jarrod and she also knew that he wouldn’t miss a meal with her unless there was something wrong.

“I’ll fix him something special for dinner this evening,” she said.

“Very good,” he replied.

When Jarrod returned to his office for the lunch break, he was on the verge of passing out. His ribs were on fire and his breathing was somewhat labored. Mildred met him at the door, helping him to his office couch.

“Mr. Barkley,” she said, “please don’t go back to court. You’re not capable.”

“I’ll be all right,” he replied but she could tell he was lying.

“No you won’t,” she told him. “You’re in a great deal of pain and I’m not going to let you hurt yourself any further.”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” Jarrod said getting angry. “I’m going to be fine.”

Then he grabbed his ribs and tried to get a good breath. Mildred noticed the effort that it took for Jarrod to breathe.

“You’re not going and that’s final,” she said in a louder voice. “You’re going to puncture a lung if you don’t take it easy.”

Jarrod tried to get to his feet but sank to his knees with the pain coming from his ribcage. Mildred was at his side.

“All right,” he said giving in.

Mildred helped him to his feet. Then she helped him sit down on the couch. He laid his tired and aching head back, closing his eyes. She left the room going in search of the doctor.

Chapter Four

“William,” Rachel asked, trying to decide what to have for dinner, “do you think Jarrod would like a roast or a steak for dinner?”

“He would prefer the steak,” William answered, smiling. “I’ll get two ready. Why don’t you take it easy this afternoon? I don’t want Mr. Jarrod jumping all over me for letting you do too much.”

“William,” she said, “you’re as bad as Jarrod. I’m not an invalid.”

“I know that,” he replied. “I don’t want him to be angry. You know how he worries about you.”

“He won’t be,” she told him. “You let me handle that husband of mine.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said smiling.

By the time Mildred returned, Jarrod was unresponsive. The doctor checked his ribs again, noting that they would have to be bound again. He was working on them when Jarrod jolted awake. He tried to get up but the doctor held him down.

“Don’t move Jarrod,” the doctor said. “You’re ribs are still in bad shape. I told you to take it easy for a few days.”

“I couldn’t,” Jarrod replied. “I’ve got a case going in court and I have to be there.”

“You’re going to have to get a continuation,” the doctor told him. “You’re going home and you’re going to bed.”

“I can’t go home,” he said. “I don’t want Rachel to know.”

“She’s going to have to be told,” the doctor replied. “I’ll need someone to monitor your condition for the next couple of days so you won’t puncture a lung.”

“No,” Jarrod told him. “She’s not to know.”

“Look,” the doctor said, beginning to get a little angry with Jarrod, “you have two broken ribs. If either one of them move, you could have a punctured lung. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied, his voice showing his anger. “I understand but I can’t tell Rachel.”

“Come on Jarrod,” the doctor told him while helping his to his feet. “I want you to go home now and I’m going to take you.”

“You can’t!” Jarrod cried.

The burst of energy caused him to bolt off the couch and clutch his ribs as he sank to his knees. He looked up at the doctor with pain evident in his blue eyes and nodded.

“Good,” the doctor said, helping Jarrod outside to his waiting buggy.

Chapter Five

Jarrod was exhausted by the time the doctor drove up in front of the house. When Rachel saw the doctor, she flew out of the door.

“What’s wrong?” she asked coming to Jarrod’s side, worry evident on her face.

“Do you want to tell her or should I?” the doctor wanted to know.

“I was beaten up slightly this morning,” he answered, trying to skirt the issue. “I’ll be all right.”

“He has two broken and several bruised ribs,” the doctor said. “I also had to stitch up a cut over his eye.”

“Who did it?” she asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” he answered.

“It does matter,” she said, trying to understand her husband’s motives. “You are my husband. I am very concerned about you. Please tell me.”

“It was two men from my past,” he replied, finally giving in. “They wanted to get even and they did.”

“I’ll get the police to arrest them,” she told him. “We can’t have them walking the streets beating innocent people up.”

“No,” he said looking into her beautiful face. “Just let it go.”

“Let it go,” she replied, still not understanding his motives.

“Yes,” he told her. “I don’t want them to come after you.”

“All right,” she said. “But I still don’t like it.”

The two of them helped Jarrod into the house and put him to bed. The doctor gave him something for the pain and he fell asleep. She looked up at him.

“Is he going to be all right?” she asked very concerned.

“Yes,” the doctor answered, “but he needs rest and quiet for a few days until those ribs heal. Give him a spoonful of this medicine every four hours as needed for the pain.”

He handed her a bottle of liquid.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “He’ll get it. I promise.”

“Good,” he replied. “I’ll come by tomorrow and see how he’s getting along.”

The doctor left. Rachel left the room walking down the stairs to see William.

“William,” she said as she walked into the kitchen, “Jarrod will be in bed for a few days. I don’t want him up for any reason. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly,” he replied. “Is something wrong?”

“He’s got some damaged ribs,” she told him. “From a fight this morning on his way to work. He’s being stubborn about the incident because I’m pregnant. I want you to help me keep him in line.”

“Yes Mrs. Rachel,” he said. “You can count on me.”

“Good,” she replied.

She returned to their bedroom. Jarrod was sleeping peacefully. She sat down in a chair, watching her handsome husband. When would it all end? Two beatings within a short period of time. If she didn’t keep a closer eye on him, he could end up dead and she couldn’t imagine life without Jarrod. She also knew that his job put him in jeopardy.

Chapter Six

Jarrod roused from sleep a few hours later. He looked around the room upon opening his eyes. When he finally saw Rachel, he turned his head away in shame.

“I want you to tell me why you didn’t want me to know,” she said, showing both anger and disappointment that her husband didn’t want to tell her about the beating. “I have a right to know when my husband is injured. Jarrod, I love you. When we said our vows, it was in sickness and in health.”

“I know,” he replied quietly still unable to look at her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want anything to happen to our baby or you.”

“So you put your own life in jeopardy?” she asked. “Jarrod, do you love me?”

“Of course,” he answered.

“Then from now on,” she said, “please be honest with me.”

“All right,” he replied turning his head to look into her big brown eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Rachel leaned over, kissing him on the lips.

“I know you are,” she said, smiling. “Do you think those two men will come back?”

“No,” he replied. “They were just passing through. They were in San Quentin.”

“So they had no idea you were here?” she asked. “That is until they saw you in the city.”

“No,” he answered. “I’m sure they’re both headed out of the city by now. They won’t bother us again.”

“I hope not,” she said, but she couldn’t get the feeling out of her mind that those men would be back. “Can I get you anything?”

“No,” he replied. “I’m pretty tired.”

“You rest,” she told him. “And I’ll have William fix you something.”

“Fine,” he said letting his eyes close.

Rachel stood there looking down at her husband. He was still as handsome as the first day she had met him. She would never forget that day as long as she lived.

Her father, Colonel Robert Hodges had served in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. His young aide was a young man named Jarrod Barkley. The colonel had taken the young man under his wing, teaching him everything he could. Then Jarrod had been injured and he was worried that the young man wouldn’t survive but he did. When Jarrod had been discharged four years later, he had applied to the University of San Francisco to attend law school. Colonel Hodges, who had retired from the service after the war and moved to San Francisco to live, had written a letter of reference that helped him gain acceptance to the college.

One evening after his classes were over for the day, Jarrod had been invited to dinner at the Hodges’ home. His young daughter, Rachel, had fallen for Jarrod the minute she laid eyes on him. She thought he had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. They dated and were planning on marrying until men working for Hanibal Jordan, the head of the Coastal and Western Railroad, kidnapped both Jarrod and Rachel, while they were on a picnic. He wanted to get even with Tom Barkley for standing up for the farmers’ rights in the San Joaquin Valley. Jarrod was shot in the leg and left for dead. Rachel stayed right by his side. After finally being rescued by their fathers, the colonel had arrived at a difficult decision. He no longer wanted his daughter to see Jarrod. He was very worried about her safety. He felt that if she continued to see Jarrod, something terrible could happen to her. Tom and Victoria Barkley didn’t have the heart to tell their son that Rachel was gone until after he had begun to heal. The colonel left the hospital with her and Jarrod never saw her again or the colonel for that matter. He was completely devastated by her leaving after his parents told him but he carried on, meeting Beth Randall on the train from Washington, D.C. and marrying her only to lose her a few days afterward to a man who wanted to get even with him.

Before he finished law school, Jarrod was informed of the colonel’s death. He was very sad and hurt. The colonel had gone out of his way to help Jarrod and he would never forget the man for as long as he lived. Rachel and her mother had left California, moving to Virginia where other family members lived. It would be almost twenty years before they saw each other again. Jarrod hadn’t hesitated. He asked Rachel to become his wife and she accepted.

Now she was watching her husband suffering again. She realized why he didn’t want her to know. He didn’t want her to end up dead like Beth did.

“When will this nightmare end?” she asked aloud.

Chapter Seven

Later that evening, Jarrod woke up. He was clearer headed and very ashamed at the way he acted earlier. He looked up at her, smiling. She smiled back.

“Rachel,” he said, looking into her face, “I want to apologize for my actions this morning. I should have told you to begin with. But I let those two men plant the seed of fear inside me and I acted from that fear. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course,” she replied, realizing what it took for Jarrod to say this. “You were only doing what you thought was in the best interest for my welfare and the welfare of our unborn child. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I’m a big girl now and can take care of myself.”

“I know that now,” he told her still feeling the shame. “I want you to know everything. Those two men were from Pinewood where a group of Basque sheepherders live. I was asked by one of them, a man named Paulino Aretta to defend him in the murder of Russ Miller’s brother, Bill Miller. The townspeople had it in for the Basque because a lot of them were anarchists. The people were frightened by what that term meant. Anyway, I arrived in Pinewood. I was accosted right off the bat along with Paulino who they wanted to hang. The sheriff acted like he was helping protect us when in reality he was just as guilty as the rest of the town. I was beaten by the Basques who wanted Paulino to be a martyr for their cause. But I wouldn’t stop defending him. Even though the judge, an old family friend, was also frightened and ended up declaring a mistrial because he allowed the seed of bias be planted in the courtroom, I was able to prove that Paulino was innocent. Miller and Baker, the former sheriff were indicted and placed in prison. Baker said they got out for good behavior.”

“They blamed you for getting that sheepherder off,” she said.

“Yes,” he replied. “That’s all of it.”

“Thank you for telling me the truth,” she told him. “Now we can deal with this together as a family.”

“You’re right of course,” he said smiling.

“I know I am,” she replied also smiling. “I’ll have William prepare you some supper.”

“I am hungry,” he told her.

She left his room. He watched her go.

I’m a lucky man to have found her again after all of these years. I knew I wanted to marry her since the day I saw her in this house.

He had applied to the university and was very surprised when he learned that Colonel Hodges had written a letter of recommendation for him. The first time he had seen her, her beauty captivated him. They went on a picnic only to have it spoiled by Jordan’s men. They were taken to an abandoned icehouse here in San Francisco and locked up. When the headman had not gotten what he wanted, he had shot Jarrod in the thigh of his leg. Rachel stayed beside of him trying to keep him alive until help could arrive. It had in Colonel Hodges and Tom Barkley. He had been taken to the hospital where he learned sometime later that Rachel was gone. He was completely devastated by the news. He managed to finish law school and pass the bar but he never forgot about his first love, Rachel. Even while he was married to Beth, Rachel was still in his heart.

Chapter Eight

Over the next couple of days, Jarrod healed. He was allowed to return to work but only if he would rest for an hour during the day. He reluctantly agreed.

“Rachel,” he said, “I’m going to the police station to talk to my client. I need to go over the testimony he’s going to give in court.”

“Jarrod,” she replied, “you heard the doctor. You need to take it easy a few more days.”

“I also have work to do,” he told her getting angry. “You should know that. I’m a lawyer and sworn to defend my clients to the best of my ability. And that means going to the jail to talk to them.”

“I know you do,” she said. “But at least let William drive you.”

“All right,” he replied.

He kissed her goodbye. She watched him leave; still a little worried about his physical wellbeing.

Jarrod walked into his client’s cell.

“I was wondering if you had forgotten about me,” he said. “Where have you been?”

“I’m sorry Sam,” Jarrod replied. “I’ve been in bed for a couple of days.”

“Does it have anything to do with what happened the other day when you were in court?” he asked.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered. “But that’s behind us. Now, we need to concentrate on your testimony.”

So Jarrod spent the next several hours going over with his client what he would say in court. By the time he left, Jarrod was getting tired. William was waiting to drive him back home.

“How did it go?” he asked when Jarrod climbed into the buggy.

“Fine,” Jarrod answered. “I’m very happy with the way the case is going.”

“Mrs. Rachel will be getting worried if we don’t go home,” he said.

“I know,” Jarrod replied.

They drove back to the house. Rachel met Jarrod at the door.

“Did you get everything taken care of?” she asked. “Because you need to rest and I’m going to see to it that you do.”

“Yes,” he answered. “I’m very pleased.”

“Are you tired?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered.

“You’re going to rest,” she said. “I want you to go upstairs and lay down for a while.”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied, smiling. “You’re the boss.”

Jarrod headed upstairs to rest.

Walt Baker and Russ Miller had not yet left San Francisco. They had been inquiring about Jarrod, finding out that he was now married and where he lived.

“Russ,” Walt said sitting at a table in one of the saloons, “we can get Barkley and his wife.”

“Yeah,” Russ replied. “We can kidnap them both and make Barkley watch as we make his lovely wife suffer before we kill her. And then we can kill him.”

“Sounds right,” Walt told him. “We’ll get them tomorrow.”

The two men drank a beer in memory of Jarrod and Rachel Barkley.

Jarrod rested for over an hour. He rose from the bed, heading downstairs to his study.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked as he walked down the stairs.

“Yes I did,” he answered. “I didn’t realize how weak I still am. I really needed that rest.”

“You going to do some paperwork?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “I wanted to go over some of the testimony my client will give in court tomorrow. This is a crucial part of the trial and there can’t be any slip ups or he will be found guilty.”

“What exactly did he do?” she asked.

“Well,” he answered, “it’s a long story.”

“I don’t mind,” she said. “Unless it’s breaking the lawyer-client confidence.”

“No,” he replied. “Sam Reynolds is an employee of the stock exchange here in San Francisco. He was arrested for using illegal methods to gain stock certificates from other investors. He pled not guilty. After investigating, I discovered that another employee was the actual thief but he had made it appear that Sam was guilty.”

“He doesn’t have anything to worry about,” she told him. “He’s got the best lawyer there is.”

“I appreciate the compliment,” he said. “But for a while it really looked like Sam was the guilty party.”

“Well,” she replied, “I’ll let you get to work and I’ll go see about dinner.”

He smiled as she headed for the kitchen. He couldn’t wait until Rachel was a mother. She was a special lady and he was truly blessed to have found her.

Chapter Nine

The next morning, Jarrod and Rachel were both up at six o’clock. As they were eating breakfast in the dining room, there was a knock at the front door.

“Who could that be at this hour?” Jarrod asked a little annoyed.

“I don’t know,” Rachel answered. “William, will you get the door?”

“Yes ma’am,” William said, heading for the door.

“May I help you?” he asked as he opened the door.

“You sure can,” Walt Baker answered holding a pistol in his hand.

Russ Miller was also standing there holding a pistol.

“We want the lawyer,” Miller said. “You take us to him or I’ll blow a hole right through your head.”

William had no choice but to take the two men to the dining room where Jarrod and Rachel were. When they walked in, Jarrod slowly rose to his feet.

“I bet you thought we were gone,” Baker said.

“I was hoping you were,” Jarrod replied. “What do you want?”

“You two,” Miller told them. “You’re coming with us.”

“Oh no we’re not,” Jarrod said, standing his ground.

Baker walked over to him, backhanding him across the face. Jarrod stumbled backward landing against the buffet. Rachel was at his side.

“Now move,” Miller said.

Jarrod nodded, taking his wife’s arm.

“Listen,” Jarrod said, trying to talk to the two men, “you don’t need to do this. We won’t say a word.”

“No,” Miller replied, “you won’t. You want live long enough to.”

As they walked out to the barn, Jarrod realized that he and Rachel were in big trouble.

I need to come up with a way to get free, he thought. I know they are going to kill us.

Miller and Baker hitched up a buggy. Tying Jarrod’s hands behind his back with rope, they pushed him into the buggy.

“Now,” Baker said, “so we don’t have to hurt you until we arrive at our destination, I want you to climb up in the buggy. Or I’ll throw you in it.”

Jarrod climbed up followed by Rachel. Then Baker and Miller joined them. They rode off while William alerted the authorities. He left the house heading for the police station. He went straight to the front desk.

“I want to report a kidnapping,” William said very agitated.

“Who?” the desk officer asked.

“Jarrod and Rachel Barkley, my employers,” William answered.

“Do you know who took them?” he asked. “Do you mean the famous lawyer from Stockton?”

“Two men,” William answered. “I believe I heard Mr. Jarrod say their names were Walt Baker and Russ Miller. Yes he is from Stockton.”

“They were recently released from prison,” he said. “We have a report.”

“They beat up Mr. Jarrod several days ago,” William replied.

“We’ll send some officers out to search the city,” he told William. “But you’ve got to understand that this is a big city. They could be anywhere.”

“You have to find them,” William said. “They plan on killing them after making Mr. Jarrod watch his pregnant wife die.”

“We’ll let you know what we are able to find out,” he replied.

William left the police station, heading for home but his thoughts were with his employers.

The group arrived at an old broken down warehouse building on the other side of the city. Jarrod and Rachel were ushered inside. Jarrod was thrown to the floor. Rachel tried to rush to him but was held back.

“We have a surprise waiting for you,” Baker said as they walked. “You are going to be tied and watch us carve your wife up.”

“No!” Jarrod screamed, lunging at Baker.

Miller hit him on the back of the head, knocking him out. Jarrod fell to the floor. Rachel tried to go to him but they held her back.

“You’re coming with me,” Baker said.

He pulled Rachel from the room into a smaller room. She was kicking and trying to free herself from his grasp. He made her stand there until they could tie Jarrod’s limp body to two ropes suspended from the ceiling.

“Now we wake up your husband,” Baker said.

Miller reached down, picking up a bucket containing water. He threw it on Jarrod, who shook his head. Upon coming awake, he saw his wife at the hands of Baker and Miller. He tried to reach out for his wife but the ropes stopped him. All he could do was watch in horror as they began to touch his wife.

“Baker!” Jarrod screamed. “I’ll kill you when I get loose.”

“I’m sure you will,” Baker said. “But after we take care of your wife, you’re next.”

“Jarrod,” Rachel replied, “it’s all right. Don’t worry. I’ll make it.”

“Don’t hurt my wife,” Jarrod told them.

Meanwhile, William was waiting for word from the police about the Barkleys. He decided to wire Mr. Jarrod’s family in Stockton. The telegram said:

Barkley Family,

Jarrod and Rachel kidnapped. Please come at once.

William

Chapter Ten

Jarrod was still trying to free himself as he watched them begin to rip Rachel’s clothes from her body. He could see the fear on her face, as she was tortured. He felt her pain and agony. He again tried to free himself.

“Baker!” Jarrod yelled. “Leave my wife alone!”

“You took away our freedom,” Baker said. “Now we’re going to take away your wife and your life.”

“Rachel,” Jarrod replied, “I love you with all my heart. Be brave and we’ll find some way of getting out of this.”

“I know,” she told him, starting to cry.

After an hour of torturing Rachel, the two men turned their attention to Jarrod. Rachel was lying on the cold floor unconscious. He just looked at her still form and a thought ran through his mind. He was afraid his wife was already dead and so was their unborn child. Tears began to form in his eyes. He tried to keep his mind focused on the two men who were starting to move in his direction but his heart was still with Rachel. Jarrod tried to steel himself for the beating that he knew was coming.

“Barkley,” Backer said, “you are going to die. But you are also going to suffer.”

Rachel was still lying in the floor, her dress ripped to shreds. She came too, crying as she looked up at her husband. He saw the fear in her eyes and on her face. Jarrod tried again to talk to Baker.

“Walt,” he said slowly and calmly, “don’t do this. We can work this out. All you’re going to do is end up back in San Quentin.”

“I don’t mind really,” Baker replied. “I just want to exact my revenge on you.”

As he was talking, Baker was getting closer to Jarrod. Jarrod instinctually began to back up but with his hands tied, he couldn’t go backward very far. When Baker was in front of Jarrod, he grabbed the front of his shirt. Then he punched Jarrod hard in the ribs. Jarrod tried to double over but he couldn’t because of the ropes. Rachel cringed when she saw the blow to her husband’s ribcage. She shed silent tears for him. He knew the ribs were broken again. Then he hit Jarrod as hard as he could on the left arm with a board he found lying nearby. Jarrod screamed out in pain as the impact of the board snapped his arm bones into. Rachel closed her eyes to keep from seeing the pain written all over Jarrod’s face. He was in pain from his broken arm but he was still trying to fight Baker.

“Now,” Baker said, “we’re leaving. You’re both going to die. When we walk out of here, we’re going to torch this building with the both of you inside.”

“That’s premeditated murder,” Jarrod replied. “Consider the alternatives.”

“I already have,” Baker told him.

They left the room, lighting a bonfire in the middle of the open part of the building.

“Rachel,” Jarrod said coughing, “I love you.”

“I love you,” she replied also coughing.

The two of them were beginning to succumb to the smoke. As Baker and Miller left the building, the police were there waiting.

Chapter Eleven

The police apprehended the two men without incident. Once they went inside the building, putting out the flames, they found Rachel trying to control her crying and clutching her stomach. Jarrod wasn’t fairing much better. His ribs were in pain and he was trying to keep the weight off of his broken arm as much as possible and keeping his eyes on his wife.

“Easy,” one officer said as he untied Jarrod easing him down to the floor.

Jarrod instinctually tried to crawl over to his wife but the officer kept him as still as possible.

“My wife,” he said. “How is my wife?”

“She’s being tended to,” the officer replied. “You need to rest.”

They were both carried out to a waiting wagon and taken to the hospital. Jarrod would look over at her, feeling her pain as well as his own. When the doctor walked in to examine them, Jarrod refused treatment until they checked his wife first.

“Please,” he begged. “Help Rachel. She’s going to have a baby.”

“We’ll do everything we can,” the doctor said. “But you also need to be tended to.”

“Not until after you take care of my wife,” he replied.

A second doctor was called in for Rachel. Jarrod unable to see what was happening to his wife was fighting the doctor who was examining him.

“How is she?” he asked.

“We won’t know until the doctor is finished,” the second doctor answered. “You have a broken arm along with damaged ribs. We need to set it.”

Jarrod didn’t pay much attention to his own injuries. He was so worried about his wife and unborn child.

In the lobby of the hospital, Victoria, Nick and Heath Barkley walked in after having gone by the house.

“We would like to see Jarrod and Rachel Barkley,” she told the nurse on duty.

“I’m sorry,” the nurse replied. “The doctors are tending to them. Once they are moved into their rooms, you can see them.”

“Is there any way they can stay together?” she asked. “They are married.”

“I’ll let you know when you can see them,” the nursed answered.

They waited.

“Mother,” Nick asked, “do you think they’re going to be all right?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “I have no idea what happened to them?”

“I’d kill the people responsible for this,” Nick said.

“That won’t do Jarrod and Rachel any good,” Heath replied. “You need to concentrate on Jarrod and Rachel and hope the baby is all right.”

“I had forgotten about the baby,” Nick told him.

The doctor appeared and they stopped talking.

“How are they?” Victoria asked.

“Mrs. Barkley has some internal bleeding from some damaged tissue,” he answered. “She will be all right but will have to take it easy until the baby is born.”

“The baby?” Nick asked.

“It’s fine,” the doctor answered.

“That’s a relief,” she said. “How about my son?”
“He has a badly broken arm,” he replied. “I’ve set it but he’s so worried about his wife that it has been difficult to examine him.”

“What about his ribs?” she asked.

“Broken again,” he answered.

“Again?” she asked confused.

“Yes,” he answered. “He was beaten by these same two men a week ago.”

Victoria was shocked by the news.

Back in the examination room, Jarrod was so upset about his wife that the doctor had to finally sedate him so he could finish taking care of his injuries. He was moved to a room after his arm was splinted. Rachel was still crying.

“Your baby is fine,” the doctor said. “But you have some internal injuries.”

“Will it affect the baby?” she asked.

“No,” the doctor answered. “At least I don’t think so.”

“How is my husband?” she asked.

“He’s in a room under sedation,” he answered. “He was so worried about you that they couldn’t set his arm without first knocking him out.”

“Will he be all right?” she asked.

“He should be in a few days,” he answered. “But you are going to have to be extremely careful for the remainder of your pregnancy. If you don’t, permanent damage can be done to your child.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” she said.

“Good,” he replied.

Finally, Rachel was moved to the same room. She looked over at her husband and tears flowed down her face. She knew he was worried about her but thanks to the police, they would be fine.

Chapter Twelve

Once they were settled in a room, Victoria, Nick and Heath were allowed to see them. Jarrod was unconscious with his left arm in splints. He had several bruises on his face and his ribs were wrapped. Rachel didn’t show any signs of the horror she had been through. But Victoria knew that she would have emotional scars for a long time to come.

“I’m so glad you came,” Rachel said. “I was so worried about Jarrod.”

“How are you feeling?” Victoria asked.

“I’m sore,” she answered, “but I’m all right.”

“I’m glad,” Victoria said. “Everything will be all right now.”

“I know,” Rachel replied. “You should have seen the way Jarrod stood up for me. I was so proud of him.

“I am very proud of my son,” Victoria said. “In fact, I’m staying until the baby comes. Jarrod is going to need help.”

“You’re right about that,” she replied. “The doctor said he had to be sedated because he was so worried.”

“I’m sure he can use the rest and quiet,” Nick told her. “Brother Jarrod worries about everyone but himself.”

“It was terrible,” she said. “They were brutal to us. They made him watch what they did to me. I know if he had been free he would have tried to kill them.”

“They are behind bars,” Heath replied. “And they’re going to stay there.”

“I appreciate you being here,” she told them, starting to cry again.

“You get some sleep and we’ll talk later,” Victoria said.

Rachel closed her eyes after looking over at Jarrod one last time.

“Mother,” Nick said, “they were both very lucky.”

“I know,” she replied. “They could have been killed or lost the baby.”

“I want them to get plenty of rest so that when the baby is born, they will be able to enjoy it,” she told them.

“Mother,” Heath asked, “are you really planning on staying until after the baby is born?”

“Yes,” she answered. “I know they have William but I think Rachel would feel better with a woman to help and since her mother is no longer here, I will substitute for her.”

“Mother,” Nick said, “you’re amazing.”

She smiled.

Chapter Thirteen

Jarrod and Rachel began to heal as the days rolled by. By the end of the week, they were both recovered enough to be released. After getting both of them home and in bed, Victoria began to run the household with William’s help. Jarrod was still concerned about his wife but he also knew his mother. She would make sure that Rachel and the baby were taken care of. So he took it easy for a few more days until he was well enough to return to his normal routine.

Jarrod hovered over his wife for the remainder of her term. He wouldn’t let her do anything.

“Jarrod,” Rachel said, “I am perfectly capable of walking down the stairs to the living room.”

“Not as long as I am here to carry you,” he replied scooping her up into his arms.

“You don’t need to be carrying me Jarrod,” she told him, trying to convince him she was fine. “You’re still affected by the beating you took to your ribs.”

“I am perfectly fine,” he said. “And I’m going to take care of you.”

Victoria watched Jarrod as he kept Rachel from doing almost everything. She could see that her daughter-in-law was getting very aggravated with Jarrod so she decided to talk to him but first she spoke to Rachel.

“Rachel,” she said, “I know that Jarrod is going overboard with this.”

“He doesn’t mean to,” Rachel replied. “He only wants to protect me.”

“I’ll have a talk with him,” she told Rachel.

“All right,” Rachel said.

Victoria knew that Jarrod just cared about his wife. But she also knew that Rachel would somewhere down the road get angry with him if she didn’t convince him to stop hovering over her.

“Jarrod,” she said that evening after dinner while Rachel was still upstairs, “you’re smothering your wife. She needs to get up and move around. She needs to stay busy.”

“You heard the doctor,” he replied. “I don’t want her to have any problems.”

“She has a problem now,” she told him. “She has a problem with you.”

“With me,” he said. “I only want to help her.”

“Helping her is fine,” she replied. “But you’re going overboard.”

“I don’t mean too,” he told her realizing that his mother was right.

“I know that,” she said. “But Rachel is feeling left out.”

“I didn’t realize I was hurting her by trying to help her,” he replied.

“Yes,” she told him. “Let her tell you when she needs your help.”

“All right,” he said.

Jarrod walked upstairs to their bedroom where his wife was sitting. He walked inside looking at her. She smiled as he came to her.

“I’m sorry Rachel,” he said taking her hand in his and kissing it. “I know I have been overreacting. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course,” she replied smiling. “It won’t be long now.”

“You mean before the baby comes?” he asked.

“Yes,” she answered. “It will be anytime.”

“I hope I can be a good father to it,” he said.

“You’re going to make a wonderful father,” she replied. “You will teach it everything it needs to know.”

“I don’t know about that,” he told her.

“I do,” she said smiling. “If it’s a boy, we’ll take him to the ranch where his Uncle Nick and Uncle Heath will teach him how to ride.”

Jarrod just stared at her. He had a hurt look on his face. She saw his expression and was concerned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I was hoping to teach my son to ride,” he answered, sorrow in his voice.

“I didn’t mean anything by the comment,” she said. “I was just thinking that if you were too busy, they could.”

“No you weren’t,” he replied. “You don’t think I can teach him anything.”

“I never said that Jarrod,” she told him.

“You didn’t have too,” he said. “You don’t trust me with our child.”

“Now who’s getting carried away,” she replied showing anger on her face. “You’re jumping to conclusions.”

“No I’m not,” he told her, his voice getting louder.

Victoria appeared at the door. She had heard them arguing downstairs.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “I can hear you all the way downstairs. Jarrod, you are not thinking rationally.”

“Yes I am,” he answered, anger in his voice. “She doesn’t want me to teach our child anything.”

“Rachel didn’t say that and you know it,” Victoria said trying to stop the argument before it got any worse. “You are getting tired and when you get tired, you get more irritable.”

“I do not,” he replied raising his voice.

“Yes you do,” she told him. “Now, go downstairs. Go on. When you have calmed down you may come back here to see your wife.”

“But...” he began.

“Go,” she said.

Jarrod left the room. He wasn’t happy and he stomped down the stairs.

“Don’t worry about him,” Victoria said. “He’ll calm down in a little while.”

“I didn’t mean to upset him,” she replied.

“You didn’t,” Victoria told her. “He’s always been like this. It really showed right after his father was killed. He almost lost it completely but Nick was there and pulled him out of it. Give him some time.”

“He’s been through so much physically as well as mentally since we’ve been married,” Rachel said. “I want him to enjoy this child.”

“Jarrod will,” she replied. “He just needs some time.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jarrod walked slowly and deliberately down the stairs. He was angry with himself more than he was at Rachel. He knew he was being stupid about things but he didn’t want to think about someone else teaching his child. That was his responsibility as the father to make sure his son or daughter knew right from wrong.

“I need to calm down and listen to my wife,” he said aloud. “I’m not going to be any help to Rachel if I’m not thinking rationally.”

He sat down on the couch, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.

Maybe I need a rest, he thought. I haven’t stopped since Rachel and I were released from the hospital.

When Victoria and Rachel came down a short time later, he didn’t move.

“He’s asleep,” Rachel said smiling. “He’s worn himself out.”

“That and trying to deal with all the feelings he having,” Victoria replied. “Jarrod doesn’t wear his feelings on his sleeve. He keeps them inside until they threaten to destroy him.”

“I never knew,” Rachel told her, realizing just how vernable her husband really was.

“He doesn’t tell anyone,” she said. “He’s just that way.”

“I love him no matter what,” Rachel replied.

“And I know for a fact that he loves you,” she told Rachel.

Rachel sat down in a chair watching her husband. She smiled as she thought about him becoming a father.

“He’ll make a wonderful father,” she said.

“Yes he will,” Victoria agreed.

Jarrod woke up. He saw his mother and his wife. He wouldn’t look at them.

“I’m sorry Rachel,” he said very softly, lowering his eyes. “I know I didn’t have a right to say those awful things to you. I didn’t stop to think about your feelings.”

“I’m not angry,” she replied. “I’m happy.”

“You are?” he asked a little confused.

“Yes,” she answered. “We won’t have to wait.”

“Huh?” he asked.

“The baby is coming,” she answered.

“Oh no,” he said, unsure of what to do.

“Jarrod,” Victoria replied, “go get the doctor. I will make Rachel as comfortable as possible.”

“All right,” he told them.

Jarrod kissed Rachel and then left. Victoria helped Rachel upstairs to her room. She lay down on the bed, gripping the sheets as she was beginning to go into labor. Jarrod and the doctor arrived a very short time later.

“No Jarrod,” he said when Jarrod started following him up the stairs. “You wait here. It’s going to be enough to deal with the mother. I don’t want to have to deal with a nervous father.”

Jarrod paced the floor waiting for word. William came in several times to offer him coffee but Jarrod shook his head. All he could do was pace and wait. He looked at the clock. It had been two hours and no word. He was beginning to get worried. Then he heard the sound. The sound of a new life. Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs.

“It’s a boy,” she said. “You have a son.”

On September 11, 1882, Jarrod’s first son was born.

Jarrod was ecstatic. He flew up the stairs. Walking into his wife’s room, he smiled at her. She pulled back the blanket so he could see his new son.

“He’s beautiful,” Jarrod said smiling.

“He’s got your eyes,” she replied.

“But he has your hair color,” he told her.

“Would you like to hold him?” she asked.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered.

He took the small bundle into his arms, looking down into the little face. The boy looked up smiling at his father.

“You are going to named Charles Matthew Barkley,” he said. “We will call you Charles. That was your great-grandfather’s name. He would be very proud of you right now. I promise to tell you stories about your great grandfather as well as your grandfather. You may not get to know them physically but you will through me. I wish you had your grandfathers here to see you but your grandmother is here.”

“Jarrod,” the doctor replied, “Rachel and the baby need to rest.”

“Oh,” he told him, handing his son to his mother. “You rest and we’ll visit later.”

“Jarrod,” she said, “he weighed 8lbs. 2 ounces.”

“I love you,” he replied, kissing his wife.

“I love you,” she told him, returning the kiss. “Will you get word to Adam and Marcy?”

“Of course,” he said. “You rest.”

“I will,” she replied. “Are you really happy?”

“You have made me the happiest man alive,” he told her. “I wouldn’t trade him for all the babies there are.”

She smiled, closing her eyes. Jarrod left the room heading for the Howards.

Chapter Fifteen

“Jarrod,” Adam said as he walked into the parlor.

“Adam,” Jarrod replied, “we have a son.”

“A boy,” Adam repeated. “And the name?”

“Charles Matthew Barkley,” Jarrod told him. “Rachel wanted me to tell you.”

“With both of her parents gone,” Adam said, “she sees us as fill-in parents.”

“I know,” Jarrod replied. “That’s why we wanted you to be godparents. You have known Rachel since she was a little girl. You have been there for her since the death of her parents. I knew her father quite well and he was a wonderful teacher. I will never forget what he taught me.”

“That’s true,” Adam told him. “But you are special too Jarrod. I know that you still miss your own father.”

“I do,” Jarrod said. “I wish he could be here to see Charles. He would be so proud.”

“Yes he would,” Adam replied. “When is the christening?”

“A week from Sunday,” Jarrod told him.

“We look forward to standing with you and Rachel at the altar,” Adam said.

“Thank you,” Jarrod replied. “I better get back to her.”

“All right,” Adam told him.

Jarrod hurried home. When he walked in the front door, his mother was walking up the stairs.

“How are they?” he asked.

“Resting,” she answered. “Charles is a very quiet baby. He doesn’t cry even if he’s hungry.”

“Mother,” he asked, “are you happy?”

“Of course,” she answered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because it’s a boy,” he said.

“I didn’t care one way or the other,” she replied. “As long as it’s healthy and he is.”

“Can I see him?” he asked.

“He’s asleep,” she answered. “Why don’t you wait until he wakes up.”

“All right,” he said. “Has anyone wired Nick and Heath?”

“No,” she replied.

“I will,” he told her heading out again.

Jarrod walked to the telegraph office. When he went inside, he spoke to the operator.

“Joe,” he said, “I need to send a wire to my brothers in Stockton.”

“Yes sir,” Joe replied.

Jarrod wrote:

Nick and Heath,

Come at once to see your nephew.

Jarrod

He handed the paper to Joe and left. Joe smiled as he sent the wire.

Chapter Sixteen

When Nick and Heath arrived in San Francisco to see their nephew, Jarrod met them at the train.

“Where’s that boy?” Nick boomed as he and Heath exited the train.

“He’s at the house,” Jarrod answered. “It was too soon to get him out.”

“Always the worrier,” Nick said grabbing his brother in a massive bear hug.

“Wouldn’t you be if he were your son?” Jarrod asked.

“I reckon so,” Nick answered. “Did you name him after...”

“Yes,” Jarrod said not letting Nick finish. “Charles Matthew.”

“Charlie,” Nick replied.

“Nick,” Jarrod told him, “he’s not Charlie.”

“Maybe not to you,” Nick said. “But to me, Charlie.”

“Nick,” Jarrod replied.

“Easy you two,” Heath told them. “We haven’t even seen him.”

“I’m sorry Heath,” Jarrod said extending his hand to his brother. “Let’s go.”

They rode to the house. When Nick walked into the house, his booming voice could be heard in every room.

“Where is he?” he asked.

“Nick,” Victoria answered, “ keep your voice down. You’ll wake him up.”

“Sorry,” Nick said. “Mother.”

“How was your trip?” she asked.

“Fine,” he answered. “How is my nephew?”

“Just fine,” she said. “He has brown hair like his parents, blue eyes like Jarrod and he is very quiet.”

“At least he doesn’t take after his uncle,” Heath replied. “One loud Barkley in the family is enough.”

“Oh very funny,” Nick told him. “At least he won’t be a boy who sticks his nose in a book. He’ll be on the range working with his uncles.”

“I hope not,” Jarrod said. “I’m not telling him what to do but I don’t want him to be a rancher.”

“And what is wrong with being a rancher brother Jarrod?” Nick asked.

“Nothing really but I don’t want him to be one that’s all,” Jarrod answered.

“You never thought grandfather or father was awful for being ranchers,” Nick said.

“Yeah,” Jarrod replied. “And I didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with father either. All he wanted to do was show you the ropes.”

“He did,” Nick told him. “And I plan on showing Charlie the ropes too.”

“His name is not Charlie!” Jarrod yelled loudly.

“Jarrod,” Victoria said. “What is wrong with you? Your brothers have only just arrived and you’re already in a quarrel.”

“He started it,” Jarrod replied looking at Nick. “Telling me that my son, my son, is going to be a rancher.”

“Well,” Nick told him, “with a name like Charles Matthew what else could he be?”

“See mother,” Jarrod said.

“That’s enough both of you,” she replied. “I’m not going to put up with your infernal arguing. Nick, Jarrod is right. Charles is his son and he will decide what his son is going to be.”

“No mother I’m not,” Jarrod told her. “That will be his decision. But I’m not going to stop him from being with his uncles.”

Jarrod smiled and so did Nick.

“Well now Heath,” Nick said. “What do you think of our brother the new father?”

“I think he’s in for a long haul with that boy,” Heath replied.

“And I’ll be there every step of the way,” Jarrod told them.

Rachel walked downstairs carrying the baby. When Jarrod saw her, he went to her. Helping her to the couch, she sat down.

“Here is your nephew,” she said showing both brothers the baby.

“He’s so small,” Nick replied.

“They don’t come full size Nicholas,” Jarrod told him.

“I just didn’t expect him to be so small,” Nick said.

“He’ll grow,” she replied. “And before long he’ll be out riding and out doing his two uncles.”

“Now just a minute,” Nick told her.

Rachel laughed. So did Jarrod, Victoria and Heath. Nick followed soon afterward.

“Rachel,” he said, “I hope you won’t make me eat those words.”

“No,” she replied still laughing.

She let Nick and then Heath hold Charles. Heath at first was a little afraid but after he took Charles in his arms, he relaxed.

“Nick,” Jarrod said, “you’re not going to get him involved in any of your hair brained schemes.”

“I do not get involved in hair brained schemes,” Nick replied.

“Oh no,” Jarrod told him. “What was it last time Heath?”

“Making apple cider again,” Heath said smiling. “Made the best horse lineament.”

“That wasn’t funny,” Nick replied, looking at Heath.

“But it helped the horse,” Heath told him.

“Brother Nick will never learn,” Jarrod said.

Chapter Seventeen

As the day of the christening approached, Jarrod and Rachel were busy with the details. They spoke to the reverend and decided it would be better to have the ceremony at the start of the service. That way the baby wouldn’t be too tired.

“Rev. Billings,” Rachel asked, “would it be all right to have the christening at the start of the Sunday morning service?”

“I don’t see why not,” the reverend answered. “Will the child have godparents?”

“Yes,” Rachel said. “Adam and Marcy Howard.”

“Do they know the responsibility they are undertaking?” he asked. “Godparents are responsible for the child in the event anything happens to the parents.”

“We know,” she answered. “Yes, they understand as well.”

“I had Godparents when I was christened,” Jarrod said.

“Good,” he replied. “Then I will see you Sunday.”

They left the church, heading home.

“Jarrod,” Rachel asked, “do you ever think about Charles growing up without his parents?”

“No,” he answered, but his mind was a thousand miles away.

“What’s wrong?” she asked very concerned.

He didn’t answer her.

“Jarrod,” she said. “Did you hear me?”

“What?” he wanted to know. “I’m sorry honey. I was lost in thought.”

“You seem preoccupied,” she replied. “Are you sure nothing is wrong?”

“Maybe I am,” he told her. “Right now I want to go home with my family.”

“Jarrod,” she asked, “something is wrong. I know it. Why won’t you tell me?”

“Nothing is wrong,” he answered. “I was just thinking.”

“About what?” she asked.

“Rachel,” he answered. “I have a feeling that my son is not going to follow in my footsteps.”

“How can you say that?” she asked. “He’s only a few days old. He’s got the rest of his life to decide what he wants to do. Even if he doesn’t choose to follow in your footsteps, he won’t stop loving you.”

“I know,” he said. “I love you.”

Turning toward her he kissed her. She smiled at him.

“I love you Jarrod,” she said.

“And I love you,” he replied.

Chapter Eighteen

The Barkleys and the Howards arrived at the church at ten thirty. They walked inside and took their seats in the middle of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was medium sized with an altar at the front. There was a small bowl sitting on the railing and Jarrod knew that was what the reverend was going to use on Charles. He couldn’t remember his own christening but he wanted this one to go off without a hitch. Baby Charles was asleep as Rachel held him in her arms.

At eleven, Reverend Billings came to the pulpit.

“I would like for Jarrod and Rachel Barkley to come forward and anyone else who will stand beside them,” he said. “They want to baptize their son.”

Jarrod, Rachel, Victoria, Nick, Heath, Adam and Marcy Howard rose, walking to the altar. Rachel handed the baby to the minister.

“Let us pray,” he said, holding the small boy in his arms. “This is my covenant, which ye hath kept, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

“And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

“And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

“He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must need be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

“And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

“And God said unto Abraham. As for Saral thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

“And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her; yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

“Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

“And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

“But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

“And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

“And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. Amen.

“We now enter into the baptism of this child. Let us pray. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Immersing the baby in the water, which Jarrod was unprepared for, the minister then, laid his right hand on the boy’s head. Jarrod kept his eyes on his son and soon realized that the boy was all right. Then the reverend put his right hand on Charles’ forehead.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded. And so Charles Matthew Barkley, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Do the parents wish to appoint God parents in the event that they are not able to raise the child to adulthood?”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied. “We wish that Adam and Marcy Howard be appointed as his Godparents.”

“Do you understand the roll you will undertake as Godparents of Charles?” he asked.

“We do,” Adam answered.

“In the event of Jarrod and Rachel not being able to raise their son, you will raise this boy and take on the responsibility of teaching him everything he will need to know, he said.

“We will,” Adam replied.

“Jarrod wishes to say something,” he told them.

“I want to let you know that my mother along with my two brothers will also help in the raising of my son,” Jarrod said. “They will help guide him and teach him.”

“Baptism is a joyous occasion,” he replied. “Charles is now ready to accept God and do his bidding. Let us pray. May Jarrod and Rachel grow and learn along with their son. And may this child become a member of your flock. In Christ’s name. Amen.”

After the ceremony was concluded, the congregation walked by to welcome Charles into the church family. Jarrod and Rachel were ready to leave when it was over. The group went home.

Continued…