Disclaimer:
The characters and situations of the TV program
Man and horse had been together so long, they read each other’s minds. Jingo sensed his master’s disconcerting thoughts and took the lead in guiding them home.
Home. Somewhere Jarrod Barkley, Esquire, had no desire to go. It was unlike him to harbor these feelings. His usual confidence escaped him. He felt vaguely empty. It hadn’t been a good day. He lost the case. It wasn’t just the loss. It was more. He had lost cases before and he knew he would lose others. This was just the wrong day. Normally the thought of a pleasant evening home with his family was just the ticket. Tonight, he wished he had elsewhere to be. As he entered the yard, he bolstered his spirits and prepared himself to face his family.
“Jarrod. Welcome home! How was your day? Did the verdict come in?” Victoria Barkley, matriarch extraordinaire of the Barkley clan, swept to her son’s side as he entered and kissed his cheek.
“I am afraid, my legal expertise failed me.”
She could see the hurt look on his face. “I’m so sorry. You did say it would be a difficult case to win.”
“Yes. It was.”
“How did the
“Better then I might have expected. The land office is giving them one month to vacate the property.”
“Where will they go?”
“I don’t know. They built their lives here and now they must give everything up. I just don’t know.”
“Why don’t you go clean up and you can relax before dinner. If you don’t mind me saying, you look tired.”
It escaped his lips before he could stop it. “I am, Mother, I am.” He moved slowly up the stairs. On top of everything else that had happened that day, he now felt physically exhausted. He couldn’t help but wonder if Nick was right. Maybe he was getting old before his time sitting behind a desk.
Dinner passed as usual. Jarrod tried to keep himself in the conversation, but it was hard. They adjourned to the study and the men played billiards. As the evening wore on, Jarrod was having more and more difficulty keeping his mind in the room. As he had now lost his fourth game, he decided to call it a night.
“That’s all for me. Good night one and all.”
“What? No way. Jarrod, it’s only 8:30. You can’t be serious.” Nick liked his winning streak and didn’t want the evening to end.
“I’m tired, Brother Nick.”
“Tired? What on earth could you have possible done with those lily-white hands that got you tired today? I don’t recall seeing you up on the north range working fence with Heath and I today.”
“No, I…”
“Big Brother, you’ve got to start working more on the ranch. Sitting behind the desk is getting you nowhere. We gotta build your stamina and get some color in your cheeks. That old back of yours needs to get a bit broken.”
“You’re absolutely right, Nick. I need to work on the ranch. Never mind my law practice or the people who count on me, including this ranch. That’s a great idea. From now on you can take care of the ranch books. The paperwork alone should keep you well rested behind a desk.” He paused a moment, having stunned the room. “You figure it out, Nick! I’m going to bed.”
“Jarrod, I…” Nick was too late. Jarrod had left the room. Nick started to go after him, but
“No, Nick. Let him be. He had a hard day.”
“But, Mother, I was just kidding. I…”
“He knows, Nicholas. He knows. You can apologize in the morning.”
Not surprisingly, Jarrod didn’t sleep well either. He rethought the
The
They had not saved enough money to be evicted. They had nowhere to go and no money to start over. Jarrod hadn’t even been able to convince the judge to compensate them for their losses. Now, they had only one month.
One month. He wondered to himself, lying in his comfortable bed, what he could do with one month. Could he fill the void that had formed in his life? Could he find the answers to the unasked questions? He wondered if he could heal his inner turmoil in one month? He settled into a restless sleep with a plan in his mind.
He was up even before Heath the following morning. He had packed his saddlebags and had already prepared Jingo for their grand adventure. He joined his family, not dressed in his usual suit, but ranch wear.
Nick immediately perked up when Jarrod entered. He had tried Jarrod’s room earlier, but found it vacant that morning. He didn’t mind the public apology he was about to make. He had made his blunder in front of the family; he could apologize there too.
“Jarrod. I… I’m sorry about last night. You were tired. I had no right to tease you.”
“Last night is a memory, Brother Dear. Already forgotten.” There was an unusually chipper tone to his voice. The family all smiled, assuming the night’s sleep had done Jarrod good.
“So, Jarrod. You gonna work fence lines with us today? You aren’t exactly dressed for lawyering?” Heath asked what everyone else was wondering.
“Sorry, Heath. Although, I am sure you and Nick feel that getting my ‘lily-white hands’ dirty would be good. I have other plans.”
“What would those plans be, Son?”
“I’m taking a vacation.”
“What?” It was hard to tell who had said it first or loudest.
“A vacation?”
“Yes.”
“How long will you be gone, Darling?”
“A month.”
A round of ‘whats’ followed again and Jarrod chuckled.
“What are you going to do, Jarrod?” Heath thought it was a great idea. He was even a little jealous.
“I don’t know.”
“Where will you go? Care for some company?”
Jarrod smiled at Audra, sensing her worry. “I don’t know that either, so I can hardly invite you along, Sister Dear.”
Finishing his plate, he pushed back his chair and rose to go.
“Leaving already?” His mother rushed to join him.
“Yes, I want to get an early start.”
“I hope you find what you are looking for.”
He kissed her forehead. “Thank you.”
“Take care.”
“I will.” He kissed
her again and left.
Jarrod had no idea where to go. He knew only that he didn’t want to be near
anyone. Escaping to
He rode out with no predetermined path. At times, he simply allowed Jingo to lead. After a few hours, he would rest and then point Jingo in a new direction. They weren’t getting anywhere fast. In fact, Jarrod was not even sure they had left the Barkley ranch yet. He laughed to himself, wondering if he could possibly find his answers on his own land.
‘His own land.’ He thought on those words. They really weren’t accurate. The land belonged to the family, not him
alone. What did belong to him? Sure, he owned a town home in
He had meandered overland for eight hours. As near as he could tell, he was actually
only a half-day ride from
His mind was all over the place as he sat near the stream and fished for dinner. Finally catching something, he made his dinner, cleaned up and then leaned back against a tree as he contemplated the fire before him. Thousands of thoughts seemed to be colliding in his mind. He felt a slight headache forming.
“Oh for crying out loud, Jarrod. You don’t have to solve everything tonight!” He laughed. “I’m already talking to myself. What will happen after a month?”
The fresh air from the day took its toll on his unaccustomed body and he stretched out on his bedroll and was soon asleep.
Morning dawned and the suns early rays warmed his face ever so slightly. He groaned and stretched his body to its full length. He lay there a while longer just listening to the sunrise noises and watching the sun make its move to claim the day. He found himself wondering why he didn’t enjoy the sunrise more often. It really was a beautiful way to start the day. It refreshed the soul and renewed purpose.
He packed up his camp and nibbled on the biscuits he had pilfered from Silas the previous day. Knowing how good his stretch had done him, he decided Jingo might appreciate an early morning rub down. He groomed his faithful friend and then saddled him and climbed up.
“Well, Old Boy,” he patted the horses neck affectionately. “What do you think is over that ridge? How’s about we go find out?”
He spurred the horse into motion. After a few seconds, he felt the desire to fly. He edged Jingo on faster and faster until they were traveling full speed up the ridge in front of them. It felt so good. As they hit the top, he reined him in and stopped to survey the landscape. It was stunning. A beautiful valley stretched out before him. He wondered how he had missed this area. He didn’t recall being here before. Far in the distance, he could make out the edges of a small town. To the right of him, at the bottom of the hill was a small ranch. He decided to go and investigate.
*~ ~*
Jarrod found an abandoned house and barn. They were both in bad shape. Many of the prior occupants belongings were still inside. Jarrod mused the myriad of possible reasons. Death was the most likely contender. He couldn’t explain why, but he was drawn to the place. He ran his hands along the furniture and walls. It truly made no sense to him. The surrounding land was excellent, fertile and well watered. This was certainly a ranch that could prosper. Why was it left like this? He thought about the town he had seen. Perhaps he could find some answers there. He remounted Jingo and for the first time since leaving, rode with direction and purpose.
The town was small. It wasn’t very old, but it wasn’t new either. A signpost boasted the name of “Haven” as he rode in. He found it ironic. Was this his new haven? There was a small rooming house, a few small businesses, a livery/blacksmith and a general mercantile. A few smaller houses dotted the outskirts of the main street, but that was it. It didn’t even have a saloon. This disappointed Jarrod slightly. A nice cold beer had sounded good to him, even at the early hour.
He opted for the mercantile. He entered and couldn’t stop the laugh from escaping. Along the side wall of the shop wasn’t the expected counter filled with candy jars and small trinkets; it was a bar. No town could be wholly without a saloon. He went directly for the bar and rested against the side.
“S’might early, Mister, but what’s your pleasure?” The man approached from the store area and flashed an inviting smile Jarrod’s way.
“I realize that, but a beer would just about hit the spot right now.” Jarrod countered.
“Had those kind of mornings a time or two myself.” He served Jarrod the beer and he took an appreciative drink. “What brings ya to Haven?”
“Vacation.”
The kindly man laughed. “Vacation? That’s a first. Most folks don’t even know we’re here.”
“As it so happens, I stumbled across this place myself.”
“Name’s Tom Jenkins. Welcome.”
“Jarrod B…” He
suddenly felt the need to remain inconspicuous.
“
“Passing through?”
“I was, but then I had another idea.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“You seem like just the man. What can you tell me about the abandoned ranch south of here?”
“Ah… You must mean Oak Haven.”
“Oak Haven?”
“Yep. Only vacant place I know of.”
“Why is it vacant?”
“Family died of the fever about 4 years ago.”
“No one wanted the place?”
“No one around here needs it. ‘Spect no one can afford it neither.”
“How much?”
“$100.00 in back taxes.”
Jarrod coughed on the drink of beer he had just taken. “$100?”
“Yep. Why you interested in stayin’?”
“Hm… Maybe. Maybe.”
Another customer entered and Jarrod was left alone. He knew what he wanted, no had to do. He knew this was a good place and he knew he could find himself here. Jenkins returned to him some time later.
“Who do I see about buying the place?”
“You serious?”
“Yes.”
“That would be me. I kinda run the town finances.”
Jarrod dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He discreetly removed $100 and handed it to the man.
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks. Aren’t there some papers I should sign?”
“Um… No? I’ll file it in the records. Jarrod Benton, right?”
“Yeah.” He thought a moment. “I’m gonna need some supplies.”
Jenkins laughed. “I reckon you will.”
“Let’s start with food supplies. I’ll make a list when I get back there. Livery got extra wagons to rent?”
“I suspect he has something for our newest citizen. Welcome to Haven, Jarrod.”
“Thanks.”
Part 2
Jarrod packed up his supplies and returned to the ranch, his ranch. He wondered what his father would think. He was a rancher now with a ranch of his very own. Sure, he was starting with more then his own family had, but there was no less work to be done. He allowed himself to be overwhelmed for a few moments as he looked about the place. The work needing to be done seemed to have multiplied during his short visit to town. He had been rather impulsive and wondered briefly what he had gotten himself into.
He took his small notebook and wandered slowly around the house, then the barn and finally the grounds carefully noting each and every project he could find that needed doing. He was meticulous. After two hours, he returned to the house, removed a larger sheaf of paper from his saddlebag and set about not only prioritizing the list of projects, but listing supplies and timelines as well. When he was finished, he looked everything over once again. He laughed at himself. Once a lawyer, always a lawyer, even as a rancher, he couldn’t stop himself from creating paperwork.
Noting the weather, he knew he needed to get any crops he wanted into the ground, soon. He went out to the barn to explore and found a plow. After inhaling a swift lunch, he hesitantly harnessed Jingo to the plow. He wasn’t a plow horse and a large part of him knew what he was doing was tantamount to betrayal. Jingo, however, seemed to understand his master and didn’t fight him. The ground was good and it turned easily. He wasn’t planning on massive fields, there was plenty of grazing lands for cattle, but he needed vegetables for the winter. This thought gave him another moment’s pause. He was planning his winter needs, for this place. Did his subconscious know something he didn’t?
By the time the sun began to set, he had turned over a sizable field and stood back, admiring his work. He unharnessed Jingo and rubbed him down thoroughly. He had done well that day. Jarrod had been ignoring his own aches and pains throughout the day. As the work slowed, he began to feel pains in his body in places he didn’t know could hurt. He gazed down at the creek and decided even the cool water would feel better then nothing.
He walked slowly into the water and let his body adjust to the chill. Screwing his courage, he walked out a bit further and dove underwater. He swam about and loosened his tense muscles. It felt good. He felt very free and surprisingly refreshed. As the cold began to creep into his bones, he climbed out and stretched out in the tall, soft grasses to dry. He found himself counting the stars as they began to appear in the darkening sky.
He looked over at his dirty clothes. He hadn’t thought to bring clean clothes down with him. He dreaded putting the dirty ones back on. Glancing around and realizing no one would know any different, he picked the clothes up and walked back to the house. He felt oddly liberated.
He put a clean pair of trousers on and prepared dinner. Beans were going to get old fast. He knew he needed to do some hunting tomorrow. He also planned a trip to town for seed and other supplies he now knew he needed. He cleaned up the bed in the bedroom and fell instantly asleep.
He had thought that it would be the sun’s rays that pried his eyes open the following morning, but it wasn’t. He opened his eyes to the darkened predawn light. He smiled to himself. Maybe he was more a rancher then he thought. He made to rise, but stopped short of sitting up as his muscles groaned. Methodically, he tensed and relaxed the various muscle groups throughout his body and after a few minutes, completed the motion of standing.
His cleaned up and drove the wagon to town. He quickly bought the necessary supplies and was about to head back home, when Tom stopped him.
“Jarrod. I thought you might like to stay a bit and meet some of the others in town.”
“Thanks anyway, Tom. But I have quite a lot of work to do. Perhaps another day.”
“Your choice. I just thought maybe you might need some help.”
“Help?”
“Ya. It sure seems like you could use some help with your renovations.”
Jarrod smiled. “You’re right, but for now, I am enjoying the solitude. I don’t mean to offend anyone.”
“Nope. Not a problem. Just know, we are here if you need some company.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
*~ ~*
Having supplied himself with enough to keep him amply busy for several days, he drove back home. After an early lunch, he set back to work. As the heat of the day burned at his frame, he removed his shirt. The hot rays worked wonders on the overwrought muscles from the previous days efforts. For an instant he could almost feel his muscles growing into the exertion. He smiled at the flow of power that flowed through long inert areas of his body.
Once his body had grown accustomed to the grueling pace and moved mechanically through the tasks assigned, his mind began to drift. He was not surprised to find his mind reliving childhood memories. He recalled the births of Nick and then Audra. He wondered if he had ever known a time when he didn’t feel responsible for them. He didn’t recall his parents ever putting the pressure on him, it simply existed from their births. He wished he had been privy to Heath’s birth, but he knew better then to dwell on that. Ironically, he had almost instantly felt the same responsibility for Heath. He mused at the bonds of family. How were they able to transcend space and time to connect souls? It was a question he knew he would never answer, no matter how long he mused.
His garden planted, Jarrod again ended his day with a swim and after a simple dinner of beans, yet again, fell fast asleep. Pleasant images and experiences from childhood filled his dreams and he awoke rested and feeling more content. After baking some biscuits for breakfast, he sat at the table and picked up his detailed and prioritized list of tasks. He gazed out the window and slowly crumpled the paper in his hand. Jarrod Barkley was now a rancher and that meant going with a certain natural flow. Nick and Heath made lists of duties each evening, but it was more a formality for the foreman and hands. Both knew instinctively what needed to be done, if left alone, he was certain they would never write out a list. Jarrod suddenly longed to know if that instinct dwelt within him as well.
Rain clouds in the west told him to finish the outdoor chores first and he decided today would be the perfect day for work on the inside of the barn. He had cleaned out enough to house his meager supplies and provide Jingo comfortable shelter, but there was more work to be done. Again his mind drifted to more experiences in his life. He remembered the fear he had, the evening he had planned to tell his parents that he wanted to attend law school in the east. Jarrod had always felt torn.
He knew his father loved the ranch, and it was obvious from an early age that Nick did too. The two spent a great deal of time together. Jarrod had always been more interested in people then horses. He devoured books in an attempt to learn more about people and their relationships with the world. He read newspapers and listened intently to discussions between his parents and other adults. He saw early on that there were things that happened that just made no sense to him. He somehow felt he needed to change that, and so he delved deeper.
Tom Barkley had often spoken of Jarrod’s education. He was no fool. He knew his son’s mind had to be satiated. He assumed he would study business and the various subjects related to running the ranch. Jarrod had done nothing to change that perception. He wanted to please his father. That evening, so long ago, he had nervously entered the parlor, after reading Audra Sleeping Beauty for what seemed like the millionth time. Nick had refused to ever read her the story again.
“Father, Mother. I
have something I would like to say.”
“Certainly, Son. What’s on your mind?” Jarrod vividly remembered his father’s deep
baritone voice with its distinctive inflections. He knew that was one memory that would never
fade.
“I… I have been
accepted to university.”
“Now, Torie, don’t hog all the
congratulations.” Tom Barkley extended
his strong arms around his son as well.
“We have a lot of work to do to get you ready for
“Well, actually…”
“Yes, Dear?”
“I was accepted at Harvard.”
“HARVARD? But
Jarrod, that’s in
“Congratulations, Son.
That is quite an accomplishment.
I’m proud of you.”
“NO!”
“Tom, please. This
is an honor.”
“No. It’s too
far. This family stays together.”
“But, Father, it’s only a few years. Then I will be back.”
“I don’t like it.
Just what can a
“Um…”
“Don’t stutter, Jarrod.
Say what you want.”
“I am studying Law.
I want to be a lawyer.”
He remembered all too well the silence that fell through the room. His father had said nothing for several minutes, as his mother chatted on and questioned him about his plans. He knew his father wasn’t listening. He was lost in a world of hurt and betrayal.
Over then next several months, as he prepared to leave, his father acted normal, but didn’t talk about Harvard. The entire family accompanied him to the train station to leave. His mother had insisted on traveling with him, but after several long discussions, he convinced her to remain at home. Good-bye was difficult, but he knew the Christmas holiday would be here sooner then he could imagine and he would be home to share his exciting stories with his family.
“Good luck, Son.”
That’s all his father said as the train pulled away. It had hurt him deeply. He had hoped his father would come around.
*~ ~*
Jarrod stopped his work and arched his back. The sweat droplets on his face glistened in the strong beams. He slowly rolled his neck and heard the bones cracking. A smile came to his lips. Just when he had thought his father would forever be disappointed, Tom Barkley did something that would forever solidify his love for his son. He walked slowly into the house for a short break. Scanning his path as he moved, he decided he had earned it.
Jarrod was at a low point.
His professors were difficult and challenged him at every turn. It was unlike any experience in his
life. He felt the first inklings of
failure. Letters from home only seemed
to make life in
A more urgent knock shook him from his reminiscences. He moved to the door and opened it uncertainly.
“Hello?”
“Howdy, Neighbor!” The man before him was short, but robust. “Name’s Kyle Miller, we have the next ranch over the south range. Heard you moved in, thought I’d stop by and say howdy.”
“Thank you. I’m Jarrod Benton.” He hoped he didn’t notice the hesitation in his voice.
“You’ve done quite a bit already. The place is almost starting to look lived in again.”
“Thanks. There’s a lot to do. I guess I threw myself into it.”
“I like a man who’s not afraid of a little hard work. Say, the missus asked me to invite you to dinner tonight. You up for a warm meal? I suspect the roast beef Estella cooks is a might better then what you’ve been eating and my boys are known for their entertaining ways.”
“How many boys do you have?”
“Four. They keep us busy. There’s always something with one of them.”
Jarrod chuckled. “I imagine.”
“So, join us?”
Jarrod thought a moment, “Thanks. I will.”
Jarrod passed a wonderful evening at the Miller’s. Kyle had not been kidding. The four Miller boys were a wonderful range of talents and interests. He couldn’t help but reflect on his own family. He left, promising to return again soon.
As he settled into his bed for the evening, he reflected on the love and pride that Kyle Miller so obviously had for his family. He again thought of his own family and focused immediately on his father.
He had opened the door that miserable night and found his dripping wet father.
“Son”
“Fa…th…er”
“I’m sorry. It was
wrong of me to send you off like that. I
haven’t been able to sleep much since you left.”
“You… you could have written.”
“Maybe, but I needed more.” He opened his arms and instinctively Jarrod fell into them. “I needed this.” Tom spoke softly to his son. “I am proud of you, more then I will ever be able to say. You’re going to be an amazing lawyer, Jarrod.” Jarrod stepped back. “You’re going to do great things and I need you to know that I will always be here for you, always!”
Jarrod had said nothing. He didn’t need to. It was the one moment in his life that he knew he would never have words for. Words would have only spoiled the moment.
The following days flew by with the hard labor paying off both for the ranch and for Jarrod’s soul. He enjoyed the ache of his body. It told him that he was alive again. He found himself wondering if he had been wrong all these years. Perhaps he was more his father’s son then he ever believed. Perhaps he was meant for this life. His head told him he was being foolish, but his heart knew that although he had done a lot of good things with his legal career, he somehow lost himself.
Jason Miller interrupted his thoughts.
“Good Afternoon, Mr. Benton.”
“Afternoon, Jason. No need to be so formal, call me Jarrod.” Jarrod had been impressed with the oldest Miller son from the beginning. He reminded him of himself at that age.
“Thanks, Jarrod. But ma would never stand for it.”
“So what brings you by?”
“Pa heard Sam Hinters is selling off his stock to move East. He thought you might want to get in on it before it became well known.”
“Your pa’s a smart man. That is exactly what I need. Where is this man?”
“I came to show ya.”
“Let me clean up.”
Within no time, Jarrod and Jason were on the trail and chatting about life in general. Despite its remote location, the Millers stayed up on current politics. Jason had a keen brain. Hinters was more then willing to unload his whole herd. It wasn’t huge, but it was a great start. Jarrod couldn’t help but notice the glances Jason threw at Sam Hinter’s daughter. She was a fetching girl. The possibility of young love brought a smile to Jarrod’s face. They made arrangements to pick up the cattle in a few days time and started for home.
“Ma would skin me alive if I didn’t bring you home for dinner. She’s making roast chicken.”
Jarrod laughed. “Well, we can’t have you getting skinned alive can we?”
At dinner that evening, Kyle and Estelle insisted that Jason help Jarrod with the fencing that would be necessary to contain the new herd. Jarrod accepted the help graciously, knowing it would be too much for one man to complete in the short time.
*~ ~*
The next morning, Jarrod rode to town and obtained the necessary supplies. When he returned, Jason was already working on the fencing. He joined the young man and they worked late into the day, stopping only for meals and water.
In the allotted time, they were ready and Kyle joined them to drive the cattle back to Oak Haven. The ranch was a new place with cattle. Jarrod found himself breathing a little deeper and felt he was a bit taller too. The days were fast slipping away from him and he wondered what his future now held.
He was taking an afternoon off and fishing. As he lounged by the river, the fish he struggled with at the end of his line was startled away by the approach of a horse. As he neared, Jarrod made out Jason as the rider. He rode up fast and stopped suddenly. He dismounted and ran to Jarrod.
“Can you help me?”
“How? What’s happened?”
“Mr. Hinters called the sheriff on me. He thinks I did something with his daughter.”
So, Hinters noticed it too. Jarrod kept his thoughts to himself. “I don’t understand. He came to ask you about her disappearance?”
“No. He came to arrest me. Ma and Pa tried to stop me, but it just felt all wrong.”
“Have you seen his daughter?”
“NO. Not since the day we picked up your herd. I don’t even know her name.”
“We have to go back.”
“NO.”
“Yes, calm down. I can help.”
“How? Going home doesn’t seem like the answer.”
“But it is. Trust me.”
“Why should I?”
“I’m a lawyer.”
Jason placed his trust in Jarrod and they rode back to the ranch to meet an angry Sam Hinters and the sheriff, Ton Jenkins. Jarrod used every trick in the book to calm the distraught father down. After half an hour, the men all rode out in search of Hattie Hinters. They found her stranded on the rode, where her horse left her after bolting. She had planned to run away to avoid going east to the school her father was sending her to.
Jarrod and Kyle rode back to the Miller ranch. They shared dinner and Jarrod prepared to head to his own home. Kyle walked him to his horse.
“Thanks for what you did today. It could have turned out a lot different.”
Jarrod smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“Do you miss that life?”
“What life?”
“You’re life in
Again, Jarrod chuckled. “How did you know?”
“Jarrod’s not a common name and I’ve seen your picture in
the
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I figured if you wanted us to know, you would have told us.”
“I didn’t mean to deceive you.”
“Humph, not a problem. So, when are you going back?”
“Who says I am?”
“A man like you has to.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Jarrod Barkley, lawyer, rancher, son, brother… You got a full life. I figure it just got a bit overwhelming and you needed a break. Don’t think you’re the only one ever wanted that?”
“You mean to tell me you’ve up and left your family?”
“Well, not such as you, but close. Why do you think ranchers love cattle drives and riding the line. We get away. I suspect your brothers never clued you in to that.”
“No, I guess they didn’t. Thanks, Kyle.”
“You’re always welcome here, Jarrod.”
“I appreciate that.”
Twenty-eight days after leaving the Barkley ranch for his
vacation, Jarrod closed up his ranch and pointed Jingo toward
His first stop was the now packed up
“Karl, Emma, good to see you.” He held out his hand and they both graciously shook it.
“Do you have news, Jarrod?”
“Yes and no. I can’t save this house for you, but I know of another place, a beautiful place called Oak Haven…”
He sold them the place for $100, gave them the legal documents and pointed them in the right direction. They assured him the door would always be open for him. The hug that Emma Anderson gave him before he left; warmed his heart like no other. He was beginning to truly feel content.
His next stop was more private. He noted the well-tended and fresh flowers on his father’s grave and knew his mother had recently visited the site as well. He kneeled before the tombstone and thought about his father.
His voice wavered just a bit as he spoke his words aloud. “I’m sorry, Father. I forgot for a moment. You are always with me. It won’t happen again. I promise.”
He rode into the yard and handed Jingo’s reins to Ciego, who welcomed him warmly.
He threw his hat on the table, as he always did when he entered the foyer and waited for the inevitable rush of greetings. None came. Silas eventually arrived and informed him that everyone was out, but would be home for dinner. Jarrod took the opportunity for a long hot bath and waited for his family’s return.
He didn’t wait long. Silas kept his secret until the rest of the family was gathered in the parlor.
“Anyone miss me?” He stood in the entryway as his family rushed him with hugs and kisses.
“Of course we did, Darling.” His mother kissed his cheek. “You look wonderful. Something has changed.”
He kissed her cheek back. “Nope, just needed the rest.”
“REST? Just what did you do? You’re all tan and that grip of yours has never been so strong.” Nick had pinpointed the physical changes in his brother after releasing his hand.
“Brother Nick, I simply went on vacation.”
“Bow howdy, we won’t be talkin’ about your lily white hands for some time.”
“Touché, Brother, touché.”