by
Leona (Heathisforme)
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.
The Barkley household was bursting with excitement. With
Thanksgiving over, they were thinking of Christmas and all the
preparations. The women of the house
were planning a trip to San Francisco to do some shopping. The men were busy
with winter chores on the ranch, with the oldest brother working on a very
difficult case that was keeping him in San Francisco.
Janine was very excited about the upcoming trip to San
Francisco. She had some reservations
about going, not only was she going to miss her husband, but her legs still
gave her some grief. She still
occasionally fell, skinning her knees and hands, once she even fell down the
stairs. She sat at the bottom of the
stairs then, throwing a temper tantrum.
Audra and Victoria came to her rescue, helped her up, making sure she
was all right. She limped to the
settee, sat down, crying. She hated the
fact that she cried, it seemed, all the time.
Mother and daughter sat down, one on each side of her, talking to her,
calming her down. The trip to San
Francisco would be a time for them to
get to know each other in the three days they planned to stay. They were leaving in a week.
The week after Thanksgiving, Janine’s own parents had left
for New York so they could spend the holidays the way they always had. They were in Stockton for two months, saw
their daughter married to the man they accepted, even though his parentage
caused them to rethink their decision. They decided it was time to go home as
winter in the west was not the same as in the east. Heath and Janine were
planning a trip to the east sometime in the spring before the ranch got really
busy for the summer.
The cowboy brothers came in after a while to have some
lunch. The two sisters-in-law were
sitting on the sofa, having tea, crocheting and talking. They didn’t hear the brothers walk in till
Nick bellowed, “Mother! We’re hungry!
Where’s lunch!” The girls
jumped, spilling their wool on to the floor causing them to lose stitches in
their projects.
Janine grabbed her cane and shook it at Nick, “Don’t ya
EVER do that again Nick Barkley! I will
wrap this cane around your neck if ya do!”
Heath looked at his wife and gave her a lopsided grin. He was often at the end of that threat and
glad it wasn’t him this time. Audra
looked at her sister-in-law and laughed at her. Nick and Janine often sparred with each other and the others
watched them with amusement. Nick often
backed down from Janine’s tirades which was a rare feat indeed.
“Well where is Mother, Audra?” Nick was getting impatient,
wanting lunch.
“Oh Nick! If you
would give us a chance to tell you, instead of yelling all the time.” Chastised
his sister. Nick gave her a look and
Audra went on, “Mother went to town to see Sybil Geroux. She is sick with influenza.”
Nick nodded, “Who is gonna make us lunch then, huh?”
Janine threw up
her hands in exasperation. “Nick Barkley! Do ya know how to ask for
anything?” Heath chuckled, his wife was
in a mood and he wasn’t getting in the middle of this. He quickly excused himself and went to wash
up. Janine watched her husband as he went up the stairs. “ Audra and I will, if you’re willing to
wait a few minutes.” She looked at Nick questioningly, “Ya can wait five
minutes, can ya not?” Nick nodded. “okay then.” She picked up her stuff and put it in her bag to put it
away. “Go wash, when ya come down,
it’ll be ready.”
The women went into the kitchen and burst out laughing,
“You sure put Nick in his place!” Audra said in between giggles, “Where did you
learn to talk to men like that?”
“Gee whiz, Audra, I thought he was gonna put me in my
place but he didn’t say a word!” Janine laughed. “Heath doesn’t back down like
that. He has his ways of standing up to me.”
She blushed and looked at the sandwich she was making. Audra watched her friend, but didn’t say a
word.
They brought the sandwiches, the soup tureen full of split
pea soup and put it on the table for the hungry men. They were sitting at the table, talking over ranch business when
they came in. “ ‘Bout time,” said a
famished Nick. Heath gave him a look
that said not to say anything, but he was too late.
“Nick!” The women said at the same time. “You’re lucky ya
got lunch at all!” they told him. Nick
was quiet. He realized he was not
winning this round of arguments. Janine
was feisty and gave as good as she got.
After lunch, Heath and Janine spent a few moments
alone. “Boy howdy, Janey. Ya sure know how to put my brother in his
place. I’ve never seen him so speechless!
I’m impressed.” He kissed her
gently.
“Ya going back out Heath?” she asked him, leaning against
his rugged, muscular frame.
He nodded. “Goin’ to the smithy. One of the horses threw a shoe.”
He noticed that Janine was rubbing her back so he rubbed it for her.
“Still hurts, huh?” he asked her gently.
“It does. I hope
goin’ to San Francisco will be okay. I
hate leavin’ ya. You’re so good to me when I get like this.” He grinned and
held her close. She leaned her head
against his chest and sighed. “I love
ya,” she whispered.
“I love ya too, my pretty. You’ll be okay in ‘Frisco.
With Mother watchin’ ya how can ya not be?” He chuckled, “I’ll miss ya
when ya go. But you’ll have fun. Wait and see. No sense borrowing trouble.”
She nodded knowing that he was right, she was worried.
“Heath!
Heath! Where are ya?” came a
loud bellow from the parlour. Janine
sighed will he never learn?
“Guess I gotta run Honey.
See ya later, k?” He kissed her
passionately, leaving her wanting more.
He touched her nose with his finger and winked at her. He left the room then as she sat down on the
sofa, picking up her crocheting.
A few days later, the Barkley woman were boarding the
train to San Francisco, for their Christmas shopping. Janine was apprehensive
but excited. Heath had driven them to
the train depot and was waiting with them till the train arrived. Victoria and Audra spoke in low tones about
what they were going to do once they got there.
They heard the moaning train whistle in the distance. The women all stood up, Janine leaning
heavily on her cane. Heath kept a
protective hand on her arm so she wouldn’t fall. He was worried about her, but didn’t show it. He didn’t want to spoil her fun. The train pulled up in front of the station
and hissed to a stop. Heath grabbed
their valises, and hung on to Janine as they strolled across the wooden
platform to the train. Janine waited
while his mother and sister said good bye to him. They climbed up the iron steps to Jarrod’s private car. Heath kissed Janine quickly, they had said
their good-byes the night before, and helped her up the stairs. She stood on the train platform, looking
forlornly at her husband. He waved at
her, she smiled and turned to enter the car.
She sat down on the luxurious seat and looked out the window. She waved to him and threw him a kiss. They were going to miss each other.
The trip seemed a long time. Janine fell asleep, legs tingling from overuse, would the pain
never go away? Victoria kept an eye on
the sleeping girl, knowing the agony she must be in. Janine had confided in her that she wanted to go to see a doctor
in the city that Howard had recommended.
He was supposed to be the best in treating back injuries such as hers
and had some new-fangled medicine that was supposed to help with the healing
process. Victoria was not comfortable
in keeping secrets from her son, but Janine promised she would tell him when
they got back.
Leaving from the station, heavy hearted, Heath decided to
stop for a beer on the way home. He
pulled the wagon in front of the saloon, and glanced across the street to the
mercantile. I should go see about
getting somethin’ special for our first Christmas together, he pondered as to what to give her. He
suddenly had an idea, and went over to the store to see about ordering his gift
to her.
After he was done in the store, he meandered over to the
saloon, intent on having a beer. He
walked into the saloon, ordered a beer and observed the room. It wasn’t that busy at this time of the day,
it was still early, but it was interesting just to sit back and watch. As he sipped his beer, he saw somebody come
into the saloon, someone he recognized.
Someone he didn’t want to see. Someone who was a threat to him and his
marriage.
He watched as she sashayed up to the counter asking for a
drink. Heath kept his eyes averted and
tried to look inconspicuous. It didn’t work.
She came over, as if nothing happened, “Howdy Cowboy” she drawled to
him. He nodded at her but didn’t say
anything. “Whatsamatta, cowboy, surprised to see me?” He nodded unable to say anything. How dare she show up here, after all these years! She gave her answer when she walked out on
him 7 years ago. He was angry.
“What are ya doin’ here, Missy?” he finally asked
her. He didn’t hide the disgust in his
voice from her.
“Well, well, well.
You can talk. I work here now, I’m singin’ over at the lounge.” He
nodded, she did have a beautiful voice, he thought, but not as beautiful as my
Janey’s. “I never thought to find you here,
Heath.” He downed his beer and went to
leave when she stopped him “Where ya goin’?
I thought we could chat a bit.”
“I got work to do Missy.” He said simply. He can’t believe he ever loved this woman,
she was loud, and brash.
She nodded,
saying, “Okay then, Cowboy. Maybe
another time. Try to make it to my show.
Its at seven.”
“I don’t think so, Missy.
I’m married now.” He smiled when
he thought of his Janey. His beautiful,
spitfire Janey.
She spit out her drink, dousing Heath with it. He looked at her in disgust. “I’m sorry Cowboy, you took me by
surprise! Congratulations, I hope you
are very happy.”
“I’m very happy thank ya.
Now I have to go. I’ve got work
to do. See ya!” He pushed his way past
her, disgusted that he ever knew her. She was voluptuous, beautiful afar, but
up close, he could see the years hadn’t been kind to her. He went outside, jumped into the buggy and
sped off towards home.
The Barkley women arrived in San Francisco in the late
afternoon. Jarrod was at the station to
meet them and to drive them to his townhouse.
He was still working hard on his case, but spared a few minutes for his
family. Audra gave her oldest brother a
huge hug as did Victoria. Janine took
her time getting off the train, she was having troubles managing the
stairs. How she hated stairs. The conductor passed the valises to Jarrod
then helped Janine down. “Thank you
Sir.” Janine politely said. The
conductor politely tipped his hat towards her and told them all to have a good
day.
As they drove through the city, Janine remembered living
here with her first husband. They
weren’t good years, she didn’t like living here, but now she was seeing it
differently. I will have to come here with Heath some time. That would be wonderful she thought. “Victoria, I have to go to the hospital
tomorrow, will ya come with me?” She asked, timidly.
“Yes Dear. I wish
you had told Heath about this.” Janine
did too, but she didn’t want him missing any more work because of her. It didn’t matter it was winter, the ranch
needed him there. “But what done is
done. What time is your appointment?”
“Ten in the morning.” She replied. Jarrod looked at the women curiously.
“I’ll tell you
later Jarrod. We need to get to your place so Janine can relax. Her legs are bothering her.” Jarrod nodded
and they were there in no time.
The next morning, Janine felt much better, having had a
good night’s sleep except for the fact of missing her husband. She laid in bed for a while noticing that
Audra was already up and about. She
swung her legs over the bed, got up, finding her clothes. She dressed, and went out to the kitchen
where everyone was sitting down for breakfast.
“G’mornin’!” she said to everyone.
“Good morning!” the three chorused. She pulled out a chair to sit down, falling
forward, hurting her hand.
Jarrod was up in a flash, grabbing her but missing her as
she fell. The two other women watched
in horror as her hand swelled up instantly.
“DAMN!” she cursed. Then she looked at everyone, “sorry.” She looked at
her hand and said quietly, “I think I need to go get this looked at.” Jarrod nodded, telling the women he would
take her to the hospital since she had to be there at ten anyway.
They agreed and
said they would start their shopping.
Janine said she would shop with them tomorrow. “Don’t you dare tell Heath about this!” She said, “I’ll wire him
after I get my hand looked at.” The
women looked at her incredulously and silently nodded. They didn’t like keeping
secrets from anyone unless it was for Christmas or birthdays.
Jarrod went to pick her up and the strawberry blonde was
angry. “I just fell, Jarrod
Barkley! I think I can still
walk!” Jarrod was taken aback at her
anger. She grabbed her cane and limped
towards the door. He glanced helplessly
at his family and shrugged.
“Be back later” he told them.
Heath was back at the ranch and doing some errands in the
tack room, thinking about Missy, his ex girlfriend. Why did she come here? Was it just coincidence? This could cause some problems but his Janey
was an understanding woman, he would know there was nothing between this Missy
and him. It was all water under the
bridge as far as he was concerned. Janey,
he mused, wonder how she is doing. It
had been a long night for him, he missed her.
Its amazing, they had only been married a few months and it seemed like
she was always apart of him. They were
destined to be together. They favored
the same things, trail riding, nature, the ranch, quiet times. They were
different in personalities though. She
was passionate about anything or anybody she loved. She protected those she loved with a vengeance and proved it time
and time again. She was very outspoken
when upset or happy and she let everyone know it. He was quiet when things bothered him, but she always listened to
him when he had something to say. She knew exactly the right thing to say and
how to say it. Heath loved this woman
and would spend his whole lifetime making her happy.
Missy was different.
They met while she was working in a lounge in Mexico. She had a sultry voice, a voluptuous body,
and those eyes. Heath fell for her
eyes. They were lovers right from the
start, Heath felt guilty and wanted to marry her. She laughed at him telling him that she was only in the
relationship for fun. They had a
terrible fight and she left, not caring that he was very hurt. He never got close to another woman again
until he met Janine. Janine was
different. They were made for each
other. He would have to tell Janine
about Missy, of that he was sure.
Jarrod took Janine to the hospital and found the doctor
she was supposed to see, Dr. Lombardi.
He took one look at her hand and put a plaster cast on it. It was
broken. Janine was in tears but she was
brave. Jarrod sat there, holding her
other hand, being the big brother he was accustomed to being. Janine was grateful he was there, she wanted
Heath there in the worst way but Jarrod would have to do.
Dr Lombardi, a younger, dark haired man, fixed her hand,
then explained to her about the problems with her back. He told her since it was broken and was
healing, she may always have problems walking.
These kind of problems rarely cleared up. But he could help with the pain somewhat. He pulled out a bottle with liquid in it. It
was a new medicine called Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound. It was supposed to work wonders on pain such
as hers. She took the bottle
hesitatingly, looking at Jarrod. Jarrod
asked a few questions about it, making sure it was all legal and there would be
no complications with it. She was only
to take the medicine when she was in severe pain. He would ship some to Stockton so that she could always have
access to it when she ran out. They
thanked the young doctor and left.
“Thanks Jarrod,” she said. “I’m sorry I yelled at ya this morning.” Jarrod took her hand and told her it was
okay, he understood. “No, it’s not
okay. Heath keeps telling me to watch my temper and he’s right. I’m always getting mad at things I can’t
control. But it bothers me when I fall.
I’m afraid I’m going to fall in public!” Jarrod listened to her, not saying anything. “I guess I’d better stop at the telegraph
office and wire Heath. I haven’t wired him yet to tell him we made it here.”
Jarrod nodded and drove her there. He
dropped her off at his town house and went to his office, knowing that he had a
lot of work to catch up on.
Heath received the wire that night. Shocked to find that she had broken her
hand, he was glad his older brother was there to help. He sent a wire back to her telling her he
missed her and to be careful. He would
see her in a couple of days. Nick and
Heath were bored with no family around so they decided to go into town for some
brotherly fun.
They walked into the saloon a little later, and it was
packed with all the ranchers and hands enjoying the night out. The brothers ordered a beer each and stood
at the counter talking to Harry the bartender.
Heath heard her talking to Nick, looked and there she was, dressed as a
saloon girl. Talking to his brother.
Heath pulled Nick away from her and talked him into playing poker. “What’s wrong with you boy? I was having fun with Missy, there.”
“I know ya were and let’s just say I was savin’ your
hide! She’s nothin’ but trouble! Heath
was furious at Nick even talking to her.
He wanted nothing to do with her and he didn’t want his brother involved
with her either.
“Well I think I can choose who I want to see and who I
can’t, little brother!” Nick was furious with him, but Heath really didn’t care. She was evil, using people to her own
fulfillment. He wasn’t about to let his
brother have fun with the voluptuous blonde!
Missy came to where they were sitting, and spoke quietly
to Nick while Heath seethed. “Missy” said Heath quietly, looking at his cards.
“Yes Heath?” she looked at him with longing in her eyes.
“Why are ya here?”
He didn’t look up, but he asked for two more cards and placed a bet.
“Why I work here, love.” She answered back. He looked up
at him then, the look in his eyes scared even Nick.
“YOU LIE!” seethed a very angry Heath. “You told me you were working over at the
lounge!”
“H-h-h-heath! Quit it! You’re scarin’ me!” she stayed behind Nick. “I am workin’ at the
lounge. I also work here” She was near
crying. “Heath I know you’re mad at me, but let me have my fun! I didn’t mean to run into you here!”
Nick looked at the both of them and dragged Heath from the
saloon. “Do ya mind tellin’ me what’s
goin’ on here?” Missy followed them
outside, trying to explain her presence once again at the saloon.
Heath wouldn’t speak to Nick, he was just too
furious. He had no reason to feel this
way, he just felt like he was being used again. So Missy spoke up. “Nick,
is it?” Nick nodded. “Nick, Heath and I used to be friends. Well
more then friends, let’s say.”
“I gathered that.” said Nick still concerned at the anger
his blond brother was displaying.
“Well Heath was young at the time, and he fancied himself
to be in love with me. I was just havin’ some fun. I didn’t realize he was serious till he asked me to marry him and
I turned him down!”
“Well no wonder he’s mad then! And then you show up, his emotions all mixed up. Did you know that he is happily married?”
“He mentioned that.” she said, “I didn’t come here to
wreck anyone’s lives. I came here to
work. I didn’t even know he was
here. When I saw him standing here
yesterday morning, I admit, I wanted him back.
But he was having no part of me and I guess he doesn’t want you to have
any part of me either!” She wiped her eyes. She turned to Heath, “I’m sorry
Heath. I will leave if it will please
you.” She put her hand to his face, “I never meant to hurt you. I hope you and your precious wife have a
wonderful life together.” Her words spoke with venom. They really were shallow.
Nick walked to his brother and put his arm around his
shoulders. “Let’s go home little brother. Janine will be home the day after
tomorrow.” This put a smile on his
face, Heath missed his wife more then ever now.
The next morning, Janine woke up confused, then remembered
where she was. Today I will pick up
Heath’s gift. He will love it. She hoped that she would be okay. No sense in borrowing trouble is what her
husband told her before they left. Yep,
he’s right. I’m gonna have fun!
The women ate breakfast and headed out for their day of
shopping. Janine’s hand was paining so
she took the medicine that the doctor gave her for her back. She thought it
should do the same thing for her hand.
They went to several stores and Janine bought a
lot of things for Christmas presents.
She was quite pleased. They
stopped to eat at noon, at a restaurant downtown. Janine sat down, tired, sore and happy. Mother and daughter looked at her, and asked if she was all
right. She nodded but said she was a
little tired. She only had a little
shopping left to do, could they meet in a couple of hours? They agreed to meet back at this restaurant
in a couple of hours after they finished their lunch.
They got back to Jarrod’s place, tired but happy they got
their shopping done. There were
packages all over the place. Jarrod
walked in a while later and was shocked at how much they bought. “Did you ladies but out ‘Frisco?” he asked
them jokingly.
“Just about Jarrod!” laughed Janine. The family laughed with
her, Victoria managed to whip up something for supper and they all sat down to
eat.
“I’m going home with you ladies tomorrow.” said Jarrod.
“Oh Jarrod, that’s wonderful! You’re finished with the case?” Audra gushed
“Yes sweetheart. I
am done with this one. Now I have a
case to work over in Stockton, but at least I can home once in awhile!”
They arrived in Stockton in the early afternoon. The quartet were glad to be back home. The
city was nice to visit but Janine was really glad they didn’t live there!
Heath was waiting for them at the station. The conductor took the packages and valises
and set them on the boardwalk in front of the station. The Barkleys got off the train, Janine and
Jarrod last, Jarrod holding her arm
protectively so she didn’t fall. Janine
looked at Heath and let go of Jarrod.
Her legs buckled and she fell to the ground. She grinned up at Heath as he lifted her up to her feet “Well I
missed ya but I sure didn’t wanna kiss you’re feet!” Heath laughed out loud as did everyone else.
“Boy howdy Janey, ya do know how to make an entrance, don't
ya?” He hugged her tightly, whispering,
“I missed ya!” She smiled as he let her
go and held on to her while they walked to the buggy.
They drove home with Audra describing their shopping
spree. Jarrod sat in the back with her
and Victoria sat in the front with Heath and Janine. They made it home within an hour, and Heath parked the buggy in
front of the house. The brothers took
the valises and packages in the house, Janine directing Heath to take hers
upstairs to their room. Janine stayed
downstairs and sat down. Jarrod poured them all a sherry, and they all gladly
took the offered drink. Janine’s hand
was hurting badly and she wanted to lie down. Heath saw that Janine was tired,
and offered to help her upstairs. She
nodded, saying she would be down in time for supper. Victoria and Audra decided they wanted a bit of a siesta before
supper as well. Jarrod had some work he
wanted to catch up on before the trial on Monday.
Heath carried his wife up the stairs and into their
room. He laid her gently on the
bed. “I missed ya so much honey.” He
closed the door, took off his boots and lied beside her.
“Look what I did to myself Heath. I was so mad! I fell at Jarrod’s and broke my hand.” He kissed her fingers that
were sticking out of the plaster. “I
went to the hospital and saw a doctor about my back too, honey.” He looked at her, surprised. But he didn’t
say anything. “He said I may always walk with a limp, and may always be in pain
but he gave me this medicine and said it may help.”
“Ya saw a doctor without telling me first?” She nodded, hoping he wasn’t too angry with
her. “Ya should talk to me about these things, Janine.” She lowered her head
and didn’t say anything. Heath pulled
her head up to face him. “Okay? Will ya
talk to me when you have an idea like this?”
She nodded, “Are ya mad at me?” she was scared of the
answer, she sure wasn’t used to having anyone care for her. He shook his head
no. She lied on her back and closed her
eyes. Heath followed suit and she lied
her head on his chest. He put his arm
around her and kissed her hair. “I sure
missed you, Heath Barkley. But Jarrod
made a nice stand in!” she told him teasingly.
After a bit, he said, “I got somethin’ to tell ya too.”
“Yeah?” She was
almost asleep. “Did something happen?”
“Well not really.
I reckon it did cause me to have
a fight with Nick.”
She sat up then and looked at her husband. He looked so peaceful lying there. She loved him with all of her heart and
soul. “What happened?” She was busy
with the buttons on his shirt, and kissing his chest.
“mmmm….an old girlfriend is in town Janey.” Janine stopped what she was doing and Heath
opened his eyes.
“Oh?” she didn’t
know what to say to this. She hadn’t
taken into consideration about his old girlfriends. She thought they were far
away and out of town. To have one this close, well she would have to go see
this woman. Heath told her of all that
was said and done, and how he felt about her being in town. Janine started laughing. “Heath ya were in
love with a saloon girl?”
“What’s so funny ‘bout that? She wasn’t a saloon girl when I met her, she was just a
singer. She used me Janey, and I’ve
always hated that!”
“I’m sorry Heath. I didn’t mean to make light of your
past. I just can’t picture ya with that
woman!”
Heath chuckled in spite of the situation. “Ya mean you
aren’t mad at me?”
“Why should I be mad at ya, silly boy? Your past is your past. If she stays away from you and leaves ya
alone, I don’t care. If I hear that she
tried anything with ya, then I will be mad. At her and at ya!”
“Fair enough. I
wouldn’t go near that woman with a ten foot pole.” They both chuckled. Janine
lied back down and played with the buttons on Heath’s shirt. She was happy that she was home and couldn’t
wait for the surprises of Christmas.
The week was a busy one, everyone was getting busy for the
upcoming holiday. They brought down the
decorations from the attic. They opened
the boxes and started decorating the foyer first, by the end of the day, the
mistletoe was up, the nativity scene that Tom Barkley so lovingly made so many
years ago was put in place on the mantel. Each one of the Barkley put out their
special decorations around the room.
Audra put her little angel doll, she made out of cloth when she was but
eight years old, on the table next to the chair that her mother always sat
on. Jarrod put his painting of the
nativity on the wall, made when he was in his teens. Nick brought out his three wise men on camels. They were made of
wood and very detailed considering he made them when he was ten. He set them on the table beside the fireplace, so it looked like they
were heading towards the nativity.
Heath had made a beautiful sign that said “And to all a Merry Christmas
From the Barkleys” with ivy carved around the outside for the border. It was something he had made when he first
arrived here.
Janine watched this all with interest. She had never seen
anything like it. Usually at home they
set out their decorations, had visitors, throughout the month of December,
bringing well wishes and presents. They
went to parties, but nothing like this family togetherness. It was nice to belong to a family that
celebrated this way. With Gary it
wasn’t much. They had gifts for each
other, it was the one day of the year where he was nice to her, and they went
visiting where Gary usually ended up getting drunk and she had to drive the
buggy home. Heath saw that she was
standing off to the side, watching, and walked over to her, throwing an arm
over her shoulders. She leaned against
him, observing everything.
“Heath?”
“Yes, my pretty?”
“What’s the mistletoe for?”
“I’ll show you.”
He brought her under the mistletoe and kissed her deeply. Janine looked confused.
“You see, mistletoe is a sign of fertility” explained
Heath, quietly, with a hint of red seeping into his face, “when one kisses
under it, it means that one will be
blessed with many babies.”
“I never have seen mistletoe before. What an interesting tradition.” She whispered to Heath. “Does it work?”
“Don’t know. But it wouldn’t hurt to be under it, I don’t
think.” He whispered back to her. She
grinned up at him and kissed him back.
“I think I like this tradition,” she whispered shyly to
him.
The three Barkley
men decided to get the tree the next day while the Barkley women made
decorations to adorn the tree with. The men would help when they got back. With all the decorations up and around the
house, they decided to have a carol sing around the piano, with Victoria
playing the traditional tunes. They all
had glasses of brandy eggnog, and gathered around the piano. Victoria played:
“Silent Night
Holy Night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child.
So tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace”
Their voices blended beautifully together, Tenors, altos,
sopranos. Heath had his arm around his
wife and smiled at her as they sang.
“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep.
The silent stars go by in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.”
Janine moved closer to her husband and put her arm around
him. Their voices drowned out by the
emotions that were flowing freely through out the music.
That night as they enjoyed their quiet time in their room,
they wrapped some of the presents Janine had bought while in San
Francisco. She had to go get the cast off
soon and she would be so glad, it was starting to chafe her hand , making it
very itchy. The medicine worked wonders
on her back, hardly any pain, but she felt drowsy all the time. She was considering stopping the medicine as
she hated dragging herself through the day.
She yawned and stretched. “I
think I’m going to bed as soon as we clean up this mess. I hate being so tired all the time!”
Heath nodded, “Its been a long day. If we are going to get that tree tomorrow, I
guess I’d better get some shut eye as well.”
They cleaned up their mess, put the presents away and went
to bed. They lay there for a long time,
waiting for sleep to come. “Heath?”
“Yeah Janey?”
“Ya sleepin’?”
“Not anymore.” Came a sleepy reply. He rolled over and
pulled her closer kissing her cheek.
Feeling its wetness, he asked, “what’s wrong?
“I miss mama and papa” she replied quietly, “what a big
baby I am.”
“I understand, my pretty. I miss my mama at this time of
year. She always made it special for
us. We didn’t have much money, but she always made it special.”
“I’m sorry Heath.
I keep forgetting that Victoria isn’t your real mama, but she is real
special too, wouldn’t ya say?” Heath
nodded. “They sure go all out here,
huh?”
“Yeah I was overwhelmed the first year I was here
too. Was always second guessing
myself. Never sure if I was doing
right, or if I was gonna make a mistake.
I still get that feeling sometimes, like I won’t ever measure up.”
“At home, Christmas was through the whole month. We had parties, went to parties, with Papa’s
employees. Christmas Day, Grandpa and
Grandma would come. Boy that was
fun. Grandma always let me help her
bake cookies, bars, cakes, pies. They
would come about a week early and take over mama’s kitchen. She hated that.” Janine smiled at the
memory.
Heath smiled, picturing a young Janine. “Mama always told me I was underfoot. Always tryin’ to help. Hannah and Aunt Rachel helped out too but
mama always made sure I had a special day.
I never got many presents, but what I did get was special. The three of them would make me something,
new clothes, mainly, and once Mama saved her money and bought me a brand new
book. It was a book called Oliver Twist
by Charles Dickens. How I loved that book.
I brought it to school once and a boy stole it from me. I never did tell mama what happened to that
book.”
“Oh that’s mean, stealing a book like that. What did you do to the boy?”
“I couldn’t prove who it was who took it. So I didn’t do anything. Even though that book meant a lot to me, my
dignity was worth a lot more.”
Janine was impressed by the way Heath presented himself at
such an early age. What a remarkable
boy he was she thought. “Such a grown up way to think, Heath. I’m impressed,
most boys would’ve beat them up on principle.”
Heath nodded, “I
know. But to beat him up wouldn’t have
taught him anything, he would have bothered me worse. So I left it”
They yawned at the same time. “Thanks Heath. I guess we had better go to sleep now.”
Heath chuckled, “I’m wide away now, Janey. What should we do about that?”
“Nuthin’!” she threw the blankets over head, pretending to
go to sleep. Heath nestled under the
blankets, teasing her. “Heath! I’m tryin’ to sleep.”
“Well ya woke me up, so ya owe me woman!” he told her
quietly. She relented and they finally
fell asleep in each other’s arms a while later.
The next morning the Barkley brothers went out in search
of a tree. Janine had to go into town
to see the doctor and a few other quick Christmas errands. She asked Audra if she wanted to go with
her. Audra said that she had a few things to do in town as well so the woman
set off towards Stockton.
“This tree looks good, “ said Nick a while later.
“Nah” said Jarrod.
Heath nodded. Nick looked disgusted. They had been out in the cold for
the better part of the morning, and he was getting tired of traipsing through
the snow. They couldn’t find a tree
that the three of them could agree upon. One was too tall, one was too skinny,
one was too short. After about another
hour they found it! A tree that
everyone could agree upon. It was the
right height, and the right fullness.
It was the tree of perfection.
“Let’s get this tree cut down, and into the wagon. I’m
freezin’!” Nick whined to his brothers.
Heath and Jarrod rolled their eyes at each other, grabbed the axe and chopped
the tree down. Nick helped load it into
the wagon and the three of them jumped in.
Heath flicked the reins and they started off to home.
Janine and Audra got to Stockton in record time. Janine stopped in front of Dr. Merar’s
office and gingerly got out of the buggy. “Be a little bit here, Audra. Meet ya at Cattlemen’s in about an hour or
so?” Audra agreed as she had some last minute Christmas things she wanted to
get. “Okay see ya in a bit.” With that
Janine went inside to get her cast off, get her back looked at and find out why
she wasn’t feeling well some mornings.
After her appointment, she went over to the mercantile,
and found another gift for her husband. He was going to be spoiled this
year. After all it was their first
Christmas together and she wanted to make it special for them. She had a
special present hidden for him, they decided they would open the ones from each
other early Christmas morning just so it would be extra special.
She went over to Cattlemen’s restaurant and found that
Audra was already there. “Sorry Audra,
I’m late. Just had a couple of things I
had to do.”
“That’s okay Janine.
I just got here myself.” Janine nodded, head swirling from the Audra’s chattering.
I got my cast off today and it just feels weird to have
that extra weight off!” She chuckled at
the sight of her hand, it was all wrinkled, looking very much like an old
woman’s hand.
“Excuse me for a moment. I would like a word with Mrs. Harrison.”
She nodded and watched as Janine limped into the kitchen to see her friend. She
came back and told
her lunch was taken care of. Mrs. Harrison promised them something special.. Janine was a remarkable lady, and Heath did
all right marrying her.
After their lunch, Audra and Janine decided to do a little
window shopping before going home.
Arm in arm, Audra and Janine wandered through the stores, looking at clothes, shoes,
fabric. Janine dreamed of the day when
her house would be built which was to be this summer and she could have the
dishes, furniture, nick-nacks she wanted. She looked at all the dish patterns
and silver. Audra watched her as she
browsed through everything. Audra
started to browse through as well, remembering with a chuckle that she was to
be a married woman in June. So many
things to do, she wondered how Janine and Heath did it in the month before
their wedding.
Finally, they were headed off back to the ranch. Janine was getting tired, something she was
getting used to, though she hated lazing around all the time. She never seemed to get anything done!
They walked into the house, their arms full of packages,
talking to each other not watching where they were going. Janine walked into her husband who was
helping with the tree they had picked up.
Packages flew everywhere. Audra
stood there dumbfounded, then regained her composure, and quickly picked up the
parcels before anyone else did. Janine
sat on the floor, red faced but laughing.
Heath had shoved Jarrod and Nick into the corner. “Heath, dammit! Would you watch what you’re doing?” Nick chastised his
brother.
“Yeah okay Nick.
But it was an accident.
Honest!” Janine got up off the
floor, feeling her hand, making sure it was okay, picked up her packages and ran
upstairs.
She threw the packages into the closet and sat on the
bed. Heath came in a little while
later. “You sure make some fantastic
entrances, my pretty!” he teased her.
“Oh shush up Heath!” she teased him back. “That’s what I get for not paying attention!
I’m sorry. I never meant to come flying
in like that. Audra and I had the best
time!”
Heath smiled and nodded, “I see ya went to the doctor
today.” She nodded.
“I have something to tell ya, Heath.” She got up and
limped to the door to close it.
Heath sat on the bed, looking at her closely. “Yeah?”
“yeah.”
She purposely lied on the bed, on her side and patted the
bed for Heath to lay next to her. “The
doctor told me something very interesting today.” She tried keeping a straight
face but when she looked at Heath, he looked so concerned, she couldn’t help
but smile. She moved closer to him and
kissed him gently on the lips. “Look at my hand, it looks like an old lady’s
hand.” She said, teasing him. He took
her hand and kissed it.
“Boy I am tired, I could use a nap,” she told him.
He stared at her
and groaned. “Are you goin’ to tell me what interestin’ thing the doctor said
to ya or am I goin’ to have to go downstairs and help with the decoratin’?”
“Oh Heath!” she
looked at him with love in her eyes.
“I’m….I mean we….I mean….sheesh….I’m gonna have a baby!”
Heath was
dumbfounded. A baby? Him a papa? He
finally regained his senses and kissed her excitedly. “A baby? Are ya sure?” She nodded. Heath jumped
up and pulled Janine to him.
“Really? I’m gonna be a
papa?” Janine watched him, smiling.
Knowing that he was happy.
“Let’s not tell the family until Christmas day, k, Heath?”
Heath nodded his eyes full of love for his wife.
“When is it due, Janey?”
“Sometime in June, honey.” Heath nodded, a big smile
happening again on his ruggedly handsome face. “Let’s try to keep it a secret,
k? It’ll make a nice present to
Victoria.” Heath nodded.
“Its a nice gift for me too, my pretty.” He kissed her
gently then, and then more urgently. Janine moaned, getting lost in her
husband’s kisses.
They laid back in the bed, kissing, hugging,
caressing. Janine broke the silence by
saying, “aren’t ya supposed to be doing something, like helping set up the
tree?” Heath nodded, but kept up his urgent kissing. Janine giggled as he
nibbled on her ear.
“Yeah I guess, I’d better get back downstairs. And as God as my witness, I’d rather be here
with my wife!” Janine grabbed him
drawing him to her. She placed a trail
of kisses from his cheek to his neck to his chest, and reluctantly let him
go.
“I love ya Heath Barkley!
You’re the best thing that ever happened to me!”
“I love ya too Janine Barkley!” They got up from the bed
reluctantly, Janine pulling Heath to a standing position. She threw her arms around his head and drew
him to her lips.
“Go help decorate the tree, Honey. I’ll be down in a little while. My back
hurts and I want to relax. Plus I have
a few presents I need to wrap, and I don’t need ya here!”
Heath chuckled, “all right, my pretty, I know when I’m not
wanted! Ya gonna need lots of rest now.
So I’ll take care of everythin’ for ya.
Don’t ya worry your pretty little head none.”
Janine smiled, “I know ya will, Cowboy, I know ya
will. My hero!” He kissed her once more, passionately and
left the room.
The house was beautiful, Janine stood at the top of the
stairs, Christmas Eve, looking at the beautiful foyer. The tree looked beautiful, adorned with
candles, popcorn strings, the homemade ornaments, and the star at the top. All the Barkleys participated in decorating
it, including Silas.
It smelled like Christmas. The smells of holiday baking, the eggnog, the smell of the
Christmas tree made it seem like a holiday. The family was bustling, putting
presents under the tree, singing or humming the carols, all looking very
contented. Janine put her own presents
under the tree and stood back looking at it.
It was simply beautiful. She
felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around her waist and a kiss on her neck. She leaned against him, loving the feel of
him. “There is one thing missing Heath,
to make it a truly beautiful Christmas,” she told him.
“What’s that, my pretty?” Heath kissed the top of her
head.
“Snow.” She stated simply, “New York always has snow”
Heath took her hand and led her outside. She limped along beside him, her back not
quite hurting as much now. It was still
light out but he pointed up towards the sky.
Janine looked to where he was pointing, and she was amazed! Snow!
Snow was falling just for her. She felt so blessed. Heath pulled her towards him and whispered,
“Merry Christmas, my pretty, Merry Christmas!”
They went inside hand in hand, and joined the rest of the
family in hanging up the stockings.
Nick was excited as any kid on Christmas Eve. He hung up his stocking, teased his brothers and sister
unmercifully. Even Janine and his
mother weren’t left out from his teasing.
He had them all laughing at his antics.
One by one the family went to bed. There was a static of excitement in each one
of them, as they descended the stairs.
Audra and Nick were excited
about the gifts they would receive.
Audra was excited about what she got everyone. Victoria loved the holiday and the excitement it brought her
family. They would do some visiting in
the afternoon, and be home in time for supper.
Jarrod was excited because of the holiday season. He loved the hustle
and bustle of the family, the family togetherness and the happiness that is
called Christmas. Heath was excited
because each year was something different. He had a home, a family, now a wife
and a baby. He would have his own
family in a few months. That was
exciting enough. Janine was excited to
be married in such a family. She had a wonderful, attentive husband, a baby on
the way. She never thought she could be
so happy. She loved the holiday season and this year was special to her. She
was in love and not scared to be alive anymore.
Christmas morning Janine woke up to Heath’s soft kisses in
her hair. She snuggled closer to him
and kept her eyes shut. She wasn’t quite ready to wake up yet. He caressed her cheek, trying to wake her
up. She opened one eye, seeing that it
was still dark, she closed it. There
was a chuckle and a caress. She
snuggled closer but refused to wake up.
“Heath its still dark,” she whispered.
“I know. I can’t sleep anymore.” He told her placing a
kiss on her lips.
“Does that mean you have to wake me up?” she chuckled when he tickled her with his
burly face.
“Yep. When I can’t
sleep means you have to wake up and keep me company!” Janine groaned and hit
him with a pillow.
He grabbed her pillow and stuck it under his head. “Heath, I need my beauty rest you
know!”
When she tried to grab the pillow, he grabbed her and
kissed her passionately, “Merry Christmas, my pretty!” She kissed him back, forgetting about
sleep. Eventually they got up, standing
at the window, watching the sun spread its fingers across the golden winter
sky. With their arms wrapped around one
another, and a blanket wrapped around their shoulders, their Christmas day
began with high hopes.
Janine went to her hiding place and brought out her
present to him. She had two for him,
the other one could be opened when they went downstairs. This one was special to him. He pulled his present to her out of his
hiding spot.
Heath told Janine to open hers first. It was so
small. What could it be, she
wondered. She opened it slowly,
enjoying torturing him. She opened the
velvet box and inside was a locket made of gold . “Open it, Janey” he said
quietly. She opened it and inside was a
picture of them on their wedding day.
The other side was bare, waiting for another picture to be put in.
“Heath it’s beautiful.”
“Look on the back,” instructed Heath. She turned it over and in the tiniest
engraving she had ever seen, it said:
To my pretty Janey,
now and forever,
Love Heath
“Oh Heath it’s beautiful!
Thank you ever so much!” She
threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “I love you.” she said,
kissing him passionately. She handed his to her.
It was a fairly large gift, he turned it over and over,
trying to guess what it was. “Would you just open it!” Janine was
impatient. Heath threw her a lopsided
smile and slowly ripped open the paper.
Inside lay a book. He looked at her in disbelief, not believing he was
really looking at the book Oliver Twist.
“Janey! You listened! You really listened to me! How can I ever thank you?”
“You just did, my sweets!
The look on your face said it all.”
He grabbed her and hugged her tightly.
“This was just perfect Janey.”
“I listened to your voice when you told me how much that
book meant to you. I know that its not the book your mama gave you, but I hope
you know that I was thinking of you and your mama. I know she would’ve bought the book again for ya if she
could. Think of this as a gift from
her.”
Heath looked at her with tears in his eyes. “You are
pretty special you know? No wonder I love you so much!” They kissed each other passionately. Heath helped Janine put her locket on and
they got dressed to go downstairs.
Once downstairs, they saw the whole family waiting for
them. “hey you guys are never up before us. What’s this?” Heath demanded, grinning his lopsided smile.
“Merry Christmas Heath and Janine!” They all chorused
together. Silas brought them each a
coffee and they commenced opening the gifts.
All the gifts were opened except two. One was for Janine and one was for Heath.
Janine opened hers and saw that it was a pair of earrings
that Heath had bought. They were gold
horses to represent their trail ride together.
She loved it. Heath opened his
and it was a pocket watch. “open it
Heath” He opened it and inside was inscribed:
To Heath,
my love, my life,
I love you always,
your pretty,
Janine
“I love you Janine Marie Barkley!”
She grinned, “Don’t you ever stop!” They forgot that there was anyone else in
the room as they thanked each other.
“Okay Lovebirds!
Time for breakfast, don’t you think?”
Nick bellowed. Heath and Janine
pulled apart, the red seeping to their cheeks.
“Now Heath” Janine whispered to him. He nodded.
“We have one more gift for all of you. Especially for you Mother. Its not wrapped
or anything but this one can’t be” They
looked at the couple curiously. Heath
never spoke this much and he was looking pretty nervous about this
present. He took his mother’s hand and
his wife’s hand, saying, “We are going to have a baby”
Victoria smile widened.
“When?” she said quietly.
“Sometime in June”
They all got up and congratulated the elated couple. Victoria hugged Heath extra long, saying to herself, what a great
Christmas!
Janine accepted the hugs and congratulations from
everyone. She stood back and observed
the room. A room full of love and
laughter. She was eternally grateful for this family. For Heath and for the baby conceived in love. No more fear in her heart, just love.