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 authors. The ideas expressed in this story are copywrited by the author.

 

 

 

To Define a Son – by nutterone

 

Ten

 

Everett rose from the table and moved with the other men out into the yard.  He spoke first.  “What’s wrong?”

 

“It’s awful, Mr. Wescott.  Just plain horrible, I don’t care what you think about darkies.”  Cleat Smith was a hard working young man, who hadn’t received much formal education.  He refused permanent jobs with local farms, choosing to work at several different places. 

 

“What’s happened?”  Tom spoke this time, wanting to hurry things up. 

 

“They struck again.  This time they wiped out three families.  They was butchered.”

 

“Which families?”  Everett attempted to regain control.

 

“Carters, Simioak and James’”

 

“Oh no!”  It was Charlotte who expressed everyone’s fear.

 

Jarrod and Nick looked at each other, each reading the other’s thoughts.  An organization called the Klu Klux Klan had sprung up out of Tennessee after the war, its reign of terror spreading throughout the south.  The terrorist attacks on innocent. colored families were well known throughout the country.   It didn’t matter to these groups of men whether you were black or white, if you got in their way, there would be brutal beatings, torture and lynching.  They often left their mark via a burning cross.  It often stood as a warning of impending danger.  Those choosing to ignore the warning would face dire consequences.  In 1869, the Imperial Wizard had called for disbanding of the men due to the violent attacks but word was slow to spread. 

 

Jarrod and Nick were hard pressed not to get involved in the conflict.  It wasn’t in either of their natures to stand idly by as innocent people were murdered, yet they both knew Heath had to be found or he would disappear forever. 

 

Everett looked coldly at Tom.  “If you still have those infamous tracking skills, we could use them to find these butchers.”  He added icily.  “Unless your grown son, who chose to leave on his own, is more important than innocent children?”

 

The tension in the group was palpable.  Charlotte looked from her husband to her brother, lost in the situation.  She knew they would need time to get to know each other, but this was no time for them to be at each other’s throats.  Her eyes finally settled on Tom.  “Tom, please, can you help them?”

 

He looked at his sister with love in his eyes.  He could deny her nothing, having already brought her more pain then was reasonable to expect from a brother.  “Yes.  Certainly.”  He turned to Cleat.  “How long ago?  Are there other men to help search?”

 

Cleat shuffled nervously, refusing to make eye contact.  “Dunno.  Ain’t nobody too eager to chase after deez here men.  Dat’s what I comes here.  I figured somebody here would care.”

 

“You were right, Cleat.”  Charlotte pulled his arm and guided him toward the bunkhouse.  “Please go and gather some men to help you.”  She turned back to the men gathered.  “Everett and Tom, you’ll go with Cleat.  Nick, Jarrod?  Would it be alright if we sent one of the men with you to look for Heath?”

 

Nick jumped in.  “Charlotte, that’s not necessary.  Jarrod and I have been here so long, we know our way around, besides, we’re not sure how far we’ll need to go.  We didn’t find anything in town, so chances are he camped out.”

 

Charlotte smiled.  “Are you sure?”

“Certainly.”  Jarrod had been watching Tom and Everett.  He was not comfortable in leaving the two men alone.  “I hate to leave at this time.”

 

Everett sneered.  “Really?  I suspect you’d hate to dirty your hands with this messy situation.”

 

“Everett!”  Charlotte hissed.

 

Tom stepped in front of Everett.  “I’ll not have you speak to my guests this way.  Apologize!”

 

“APOLOGIZE?  This is MY home, now.  You left remember?  I’ll not have condescending, northern sympathizers judging our lives!”

 

Tom was about to lunge forward when Charlotte stepped in between them.  “STOP IT THIS INSTANT!”  She took several deep breaths.  “WE don’t have time for this.  The war is over.”  She looked at Jarrod and Nick.  “Please, forgive my husband.  This isn’t easy on him.  We are respected in the area and people look to him to stop these attacks.  It’s not easy.”

 

Everett attempted to stop her.  “I don’t need you to…”  He was cut off by a glare from his wife.  “You aren’t thinking clearly.  The Barkleys are welcome guests in OUR home and I know you didn’t mean anything you just said.”  She stepped back and pointed to the stable were horses were appearing.  “Get moving, all of you.”

 

The men said nothing more and did as instructed.  As soon as they were out of earshot, the girls broke out into fits of giggles.  Charlotte looked at them confused.  “Ladies, there is nothing funny about this situation!  Please conduct yourselves correctly.”

 

Shelby and Clarice fought to regain their composure but it didn’t last long and the fit overtook them again.  Charlotte was more stern.  “Just what is so funny?”

 

Clarice held her sides.  “Mother, how could anyone ever think of you as a southern belle?  Did you see the way you just handled those four men?”

 

Shelby added.  “It was brilliant.  You know that, right?”

 

“My Darlings, we women learn early to let men think they are in charge.  A truly wise woman only asserts such control if it is necessary.  A man’s ego is often quite frail and you must be wise to that at all times.”  She smiled.

 

Shelby looked wistful.  “I don’t think Heath is struggling with his ego.”

 

Charlotte placed her hand along side Shelby’s cheek.  “No Darlin’, Heath is fighting with his pride.”  She looked at both of the young woman she loved and was at once proud and frightened.  “I don’t think you should continue with your picnic today.”

 

“No!  Please, Aunt Charlotte!”  Shelby was terrified.

 

“Shelby?  Look at everything that has happened today.  Neither of you should be out there.”

 

“But he’s waiting on me!”

 

“I know but it’s simply too dangerous and I know Heath would agree.”

 

“But it’s perfect.  Don’t you see?”  Clarice finally got a word in and both women looked to her for explanation.  She continued.  “If we go, we can work on bring Heath back, thus helping Uncle Tom and the Barkleys.” 

 

Shelby interrupted her.  “And us!  We want to get to know him, too.”

 

Clarice smiled, knowing exactly what her soul sister meant.  “You’re right.”

 

Charlotte knew the girls were excited but wasn’t convinced.  “Yes, but it’s too dangerous.”

 

Clarice smiled brightly.  “That’s just it!  Heath will be there to protect us.  Based on what Jarrod and Nick have said, Heath wouldn’t dare let anything happen to us.”

 

Eleven

 

Heath was waiting, not very patiently.  It seemed like the morning had taken forever to get to this point.  He had left Charger to graze and he paced up and down the stream.  His ever-alert senses noticed the approaching horse.  For a second it sounded like two horses, but only one came out into the clearing.  He couldn’t control the smile that spread across his face and through his heart.

 

Shelby and Clarice had ridden out together.  To all who watched them, one might assume they planned to remain together.  About half way to the creek, Shelby handed Clarice a portion of the food and as they neared the goal, Clarice rode her own way.  She would spend the day with a good book and the sunshine warming her skin.  Shelby rode into the clearing alone and witnessed Heath’s smile.  As she crossed the field, her spirits rose.  She found herself wanting to know everything about this man and hoping he would decide to join the family after all.  She understood some of his past and she could certainly understand his reservations about his father.  Even in the south, where bastard children were common, they were never respected and their lives were often difficult.  She knew her desire for him to stay was really selfish.  She wanted to spend more time with him.

 

“You came!”  Heath had moved to her side and extended his arms to help her dismount.  She noted his clean clothing and got a faint whiff of soap.  She wondered for a moment if he was as excited as she was.

 

“Good Afternoon, Miss Bryant.  Did you think I would weasel out of our appointment?”  He offered her a teasing grin.

 

“Appointment?  Is that what this is?  Are we to conduct business this afternoon?” 

 

“Only if that’s what you wish!”  Heath couldn’t stop the smile on his face.  He felt like a silly schoolboy.

 

“I do not wish.”  She knew he was joking and liked how easy it was to be in his presence.  She had often been nervous in the company of men in the past.  They didn’t often understand her impulsive whims.  Most had wanted to squelch the artist in her.  They never seemed to realize that would squelch her.  “I do hope you’re hungry.  I’ve packed enough food for an army.”

 

“As a matter of fact, I am.  Did you cook it yourself?”  She hesitated a moment too long.

“You had help?”

 

She blushed.  “I can cook some, but…  Well, I did have help.”  She was suddenly stubborn.  “Is that a problem?”

 

“It depends.”

 

“Depends on what?”  She was now indignant.

 

“Two things.”

 

“And they are?”

 

“Well, first of all, how good is the cook who helped ya?”

 

She laughed and cut him off.  “A very good cook, nothing to worry about there.  What’s the second thing?”

 

“How good your artwork is…  Did you bring some samples?  Is that a portfolio I see on your saddle?”

 

She laughed again.  Her heart was warming faster and faster.  “It is.  As for how good it is, only you can say.  But, why does that matter?”

 

Heath grinned, hoping she wouldn’t hit him.  “Well, if the art’s no good, there’s no excuse for not being able to cook.”  He winked.

 

“Humph!  Which do you want to test first?”

 

“Well, I suppose I should say the art, but I’m powerful hungry, so I’d honestly like the food first.”

 

Shelby laughed.  “Food it is.  Besides, maybe the art will look better on a full stomach.”

 

Heath spread out a blanket and saw to the horse while Shelby laid out a lunch fit for a king.  They dined in a comfortable silence.  She hadn’t been kidding about feeding an army.   The basket was loaded with roast beef and fried chicken, not to mention side dishes.  Heath ate heartily.  He was happy to see that Shelby didn’t shirk from food either.  He liked a woman with a healthy appetite.  He thought back on the years when his mother hardly ate enough to keep a bird alive.  She always told him it was a sign of genteel living.   A true lady never ate much in mixed company.  She also told him that she ate after he had gone to bed.  He had believed her then.

 

“So, Shelby?”

 

“Yes, Heath?”

 

He chuckled.  “No, I mean your name, Shelby?  It’s rather rare.”

 

It was her turn to laugh.  “Well, my full name is Michelle Beatrice Bryant.  Michelle is from my grandfather, Michael and Beatrice is from Shakespeare.”

 

“Much Ado About Nothing?”

 

“You’ve read it?”  She was surprised.

 

“Beatrice is a strong woman.”  Heath had read a lot of books since coming to the Barkleys.  He cringed a bit at the memory.

 

“But not without typical female issues, like insecurity.”

 

“You don’t seem insecure.”

 

“Oh, I am.”  She shied away from the conversation.

 

“And you get Shelby from that?”  He didn’t understand and tried to change the topic.

 

“My mother…  My father called me “Shel” and my mother liked to call me Bea.  They compromised on Shelby.”

 

Heath laughed.

 

“It’s not funny.”

 

“No, it isn’t.  It’s wonderful.  I like it a lot.”  His laughter quieted and she could read the sincerity in his eyes.  “So, can I see your work now?”

 

She eagerly jumped up to retrieve the portfolio.  His desire to see her work was intoxicating, however she was worried he might not like her work.  Criticism usually rolled off her back, but she feared his wouldn’t.  Returning to her spot at his side, she removed several sheets.  She was attempting to search for pieces she thought he would like when his hand settled on hers. 

 

“Don’t.  Let me see them all, please?”

 

She handed the stack to him and he began looking through them.  He liked what he saw.  She captured not only the majesty of nature, but the simple beauty of every day life as well.  He didn’t say much and it worried her.  When he had finished examining all the works, he turned to her.

 

“I’m kinda a simple man.  I haven’t had lots of education and I certainly don’t know how to tell you this…  But if it means anything, I think these are about the finest pieces of art I have ever seen.  I don’t know the technical words for it, but you really capture the spirit of the thing your paintin’.”

 

Many people had critiqued Shelby.  Some had been full of praise; others had condemned her.  Nothing any of them had said had ever meant as much to her.  It brought tears to her eyes and she wiped at her face to hide them. 

 

Heath noted the tears and decided he had said something wrong.  “I’m sorry.  I really do like them.”

 

“No! No!  Thank you.”  Heath removed his handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.  Shelby continued, touched by his gesture.  “I don’t know why it hit me so.  I’ve never had such a wonderful compliment.   Thank you.”

 

He was leaning in so close to her face, he couldn’t resist.  He leaned in further and brought his lips to hers.  At first, she felt the tender softness of his lips.  She hadn’t expected them to be so soft.  All at once, she broke the kiss.

 

“I’m sorry.”  Heath realized that this southern woman might be unused to such forward advances and felt guilty for his rash actions.

 

“No.  It was fine, it’s just…”

 

“I know.  I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have.”

 

“No.  No.  It’s just, well…”

 

“Well?”

 

“I…”  She steeled her resolve.  “You’ll be leaving.  I don’t want to lose my heart over a man who’s only here for today.”

 

Heath pulled back.  He hadn’t expected that.  He stood and walked down to the water.  Shelby followed him.  “You could stay.”

 

“No, I can’t.”

 

“Heath.”  She made a calculated risk.  “It’s not so bad here.  He’s not a bad man.”

 

Heath glared at her.  “What do you mean?”

“I know who you are.”

 

“Did he put you up to this?  DAMN HIM!”

 

“NO!”

 

Her attempts at clarification went unheeded as a scream rose out from the trees.

 

“Clarice!” 

 

Heath didn’t have time to be angry with her, as another scream rent the air.  He ran toward the sound.   

 

Twelve

 

The four drunken men were wandering aimlessly through the woods.  They had been part of the previous night’s attack.  The white robes with matching white hoods were tied awkwardly to the back of their saddles.  They reeked of alcohol, blood and filth.  If they had held their wits, they would have known they had stumbled upon the private sanctuary of Clarice Wescott.  Everyone in town knew the Evanston-Wescott family.  Most owed their livelihoods to the family in some way.  These men were no exception.  In their inebriated stupor, they didn’t care that the flesh they longed to paw belonged to the powerful man’s daughter. 

 

Clarice had stolen a few glances at the picnicking couple, but had been content to sit in this lovely spot and read her book.  She had spent many an afternoon ensconced here while Shelby painted in worlds beyond.  She ignored the rustling of bushes as animals.  It would not be abnormal for a family of deer to drift through.  She didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother her.  The voice however, startled her.

 

“Well, looky here.  We got ourselves a present.”  Crispin Cutter and his brother Mark were the first of the four to stumble from the trees, leading their horses. 

 

Knowing the boys were no good, but not trusting their obvious state, Clarice tried for a retreat.  “Hello, Boys.  I was just heading out.”  She began to back away.

 

As Ed Gantor and Bill Stuckey completed the group, Clarice was no longer nervous, she was afraid.  She turned to run from the group and they gave chase.  It was not an easy run for her as there were stumps and ruts all around.  She knew she needed to reach the safety of Heath and Shelby at the shore.  How the men were keeping up with her, she had no idea.  She could tell it was not all of them.  One would stumble and another would take his place.  She was so caught up in figuring where the men were; she missed her step and fell. 

 

Crispin saw his chance and grabbed onto her leg.  She screamed.  She kicked him in the face and pulled herself up.  Just as she had righted herself, Ed flew at her and knocked her back to the ground.  His body covered hers.  She struggled as best she could but there wasn’t much she could do.  The second scream escaped from her lips and she prayed for help.

 

Heath thundered through the underbrush to reach the screams.  His gun was drawn and the adrenaline rush and prior anger made him feel ready for anything.  Through the trees, he saw two men in front of him.  The occasional arm slugging at both told him Clarice was there also.  Neither man noticed Heath’s arrival.  Heath stopped long enough to fire at the one standing.  He hadn’t aimed to kill and his aim was true.  The man clutched at his shoulder and backed away.  Completing the distance without heed, he came across the man struggling with Clarice.  He pulled him back and sent him spiraling away with a strong fist to the chin.  Sensing that both men were now incapacitated, he reached down to help Clarice up.

 

“Heath!  NO!”  Before Shelby’s words could reach his brain, Heath followed Clarice’s terrified eyes over his shoulder.  His body turned as he saw the two additional men approaching from behind.  In a fraction of a second, he stepped in front of Clarice, glanced at Shelby and pulled the trigger on his gun.  In that same instant, Mark and Bill both fired.  Heath crumpled to his knees at the impact of the two bullets.  He felt one pierce his shoulder, while the other his side.   He managed to pull Clarice down with him, further shielding her body.  His bullet had found its goal and silenced the beating heart of Mark Cutter.  Despite his own hits, Heath leveled his weapon at the approaching form of Bill Stuckey.  He fired.  Bill slumped as well. 

 

Momentarily forgetting the other two men, Heath turned to Clarice.  “Are you alright?”

 

She stuttered her answer.  “Yes….”

 

In the next second, Shelby was at their sides.  She hadn’t yet noticed Heath’s injuries.

 

After making sure the women were alright, Heath turned to his injuries.  He stuffed his handkerchief in the shoulder wound, hoping to stem the flow of precious blood.  He found himself wishing he were closer to Charger.  He wasn’t sure if he could pull off the walk back without tipping his hand to the seriousness of his injuries.  Knowing what he now knew and who these two ladies were, he had no desire to return to their home, as he was certain they would insist. 

 

“Let’s get going.”  He pulled at Shelby’s arm to get her to rise.  She brought Clarice with her.

 

“DAMN YOU!”  Ed Gantor, felled only by a fist, had come to in time to see his friends shot down.  He had grabbed the largest branch he could find and raged at the injured defender of women. 

 

Before Heath could react the solid wood of a broken tree limb was striking him repeatedly.  He couldn’t escape the blows and protect the women.  He knew as long as the man continued his assault, the women had a chance to escape.  He was doing his best to avoid the brunt of the blows and between defensive rolls he hissed to Shelby.  “Take her and run!”

 

Shelby pulled Clarice up and pushed her in the direction she and Heath had come from.  She didn’t follow.  She fumbled on the ground to find Heath’s dropped gun.  Finding it, she rose and took aim.  She had to wait for the right shot or she risked hitting Heath again.  She screamed at Ed, hoping to draw his attention.  He brought the stick down squarely on Heath’s head, obviously dazing him and next swung a crashing blow to Heath’s calf.  Heath had lost control of his body and immediately cried out in anguish.  He curled into the fetal position.  It was the moment Shelby needed.  Proud of his work and confident of his win, Ed stood tall and examined his win. 

 

Shelby’s shaking hands squeezed the trigger.  The bullet hit Ed, but didn’t kill him.  He looked at her stunned and started to advance on her.  Shouts and horses scared him and he turned to flee instead.  Shelby raised the gun in her hand and fired repeatedly in the air until the chamber was empty.  She could hear help approaching and dropped to Heath’s side.  He was badly injured and she knew it.  She didn’t have a clue as to where to begin, she prayed that the help arriving was friendly.  Heath needed that now more then ever.

 

Jarrod and Nick were the first to arrive at the scene.  They saw the two horses and then saw Clarice running out of the woods.  Nick quickly dismounted and ran to her.

 

Nick wrapped his arm protectively around Clarice.  “What’s wrong?”

 

Clarice stared into his eyes, frightened of many things.  “Mmm… men.  They attacked me.”

 

Jarrod was close and watched as another group of men rode up.  “Who?”

 

Clarice found her courage.  “Heath.  He fought them off.  I think he’s injured.  Shelby’s in with him.”

 

Leaving Nick to comfort Clarice until the other group arrived, Jarrod climbed through the rough.  He could make out the two figures ahead of him.  “Shelby?”

 

Shelby looked up from Heath long enough to recognize Jarrod approaching.  “Here, Jarrod.  Hurry.  Heath’s hurt badly.”

Jarrod found Heath unconscious and cradled in Shelby’s lap.  He set about check his brother’s injuries and as he did quietly questioned Shelby.  “Did you plan to meet him today?”

 

She nodded.  “I…”

 

“You didn’t tell us.”

 

“I wanted to try to get to know him first.”

 

Jarrod continued to work.  “You still might have told us.”

 

“I didn’t think Tom or Nick would have allowed me to go through with it alone.”

 

Jarrod quietly acknowledged his agreement.  He took the time to glance over his shoulder and saw Nick coming closer.

 

“Damn!  Does this boy…” Nick stopped himself and went on softly.  “He always finds the trouble, doesn’t he?”  Nick looked at Shelby and she met his glare.

 

“Is Clarice alright?”

 

“Her father was in the group.”  As if on cue, the group of men appeared, with Clarice.

 

Before anyone could speak, Clarice blurted out.  “How is he?”  She turned to the newly arrived men and went on.  “He saved my life.  The Cutter boys and their cronies were…”  She went no further as no one heeded her words.  They were intent on the injured man. 

 

Everett bent down behind Shelby and laid his hand on her shoulder.  “Did anyone get away?”

 

Shelby pointed over her shoulder in the direction Ed had gone and whispered his name.  Everett indicated to several of the men and they went off in the direction of the fleeing man. 

 

Shelby whispered to the assembled men.  “I don’t think he can wait for a wagon.”

 

Jarrod was accepting offered clothes and using them to bind wounds.  “You’re right.  Is Charger nearby?” 

 

Shelby didn’t understand.  “Yes, by the creek”

 

Nick was off at the finish of her words.  Jarrod looked to Tom for help.  The new father was pale and worried.  Jarrod knew he feared losing his son before he had a chance to find him.  “Help me, Tom.”  Everett pulled Shelby away and Jarrod slipped in behind Heath, reaching his arms under Heath’s shoulders.  Tom took Heath’s feet and immediately felt the movement in the injured man’s leg.  He knew instantly it was not good.  Moving his arm higher on the thigh above the break.  The men rose in tandem and carried Heath carefully through the woods to the clearing where Nick waited with Charger.  Everett followed with Shelby and Clarice. 

 

Shelby and Clarice were confused.  Shelby asked out loud.  “What are we doing?”

 

Jarrod spoke over his shoulder.  “Nick will ride double with Heath on Charger.”

 

They gently lifted Heath onto Charger’s back.  They all worried at the lack of response.  As Nick moved to climb behind Heath, who was being supported by Jarrod and Tom, Tom touched Nick’s arm.  “May I?”

 

Nick halted long enough to reply.  “No, Tom.  Charger knows me.  He’s done this before.”

 

Tom nodded.  Knowing he had been silly to ask.  At this time more then any other, he had to rely that Jarrod and Nick knew what was best for his son. 

 

**

 

Hours later the doctor finally left the sick room.  Six worried faces met him.  Charlotte was attending to Heath and was already aware of the young man’s condition. 

 

Nick sprang to his feet at the same time as Tom.  They spoke together.  “How is he?”

 

Doctor Anton Albers had delivered both Evanston children and Shelby, as well as seen to the family’s ailments for years.  He’d never quite felt this level of tension and concern.  He carefully chose his words.  “I think he’ll live, barring serious infection.”

 

A collective sigh of relief escaped the room.  It was Tom who spoke next.  “I sense a ‘but’.”

 

Dr. Albers smiled then grew serious.  “Yes.  The gunshot wounds weren’t overly serious.  I’ve gotten the bullets out and stitched the wounds.  He’s running a mild fever, but that’s to be expected.  It may yet rise, only time will tell.”

 

“And?”  Tom asked.

 

“He has several deep tissue bruises from the branch attack but they too will heal.  He’s not come to yet, yet but the head wound is serious and it will most likely be several days before he comes around.”

 

“And?”  Nick asked this time.

 

“It’s the leg.”

 

“Damn, I knew it.  I felt it move too much when I picked him up.”  Tom wasn’t happy that his suspicions were true.

 

“It is a bad break.  I had to operate to set it.  It’s a spiral break.”

 

“A spiral break?”  More then one voice expressed the question.

 

“The bone is broken in such a way that if pressure is applied, it will break the bone further down.”

 

“So he is off his feet for several weeks?”  Tom was silently happy to know the injury would limit his son enough to give him a chance.

 

Jarrod shattered his hope.  “It won’t be easy to keep an angry Heath off his feet.”

 

“Ugly won’t describe it.”  Nick added.

 

“I need you to understand.  Breaks don’t get any worse then this.  The slightest pressure will spread the break.  It won’t heal in weeks.  We are talking two to three months assuming he never applies any pressure.”

 

“Two to three months?”  Shelby knew this man of action would never stay still in this house.

 

Everett surprised them all.  “Sounds like it won’t be easy but we don’t have a choice do we, Doctor?”

 

“If it gets much worse, I’ll need to take the leg.”

 

“So we have no choice.”  Tom didn’t realize he was speaking aloud.

 

With a chipper excited voice, Clarice summed it up.  “We will win.  He can’t fight us all, right?”  She scanned the worried faces and didn’t find any to match her enthusiasm.

 

Thirteen

 

The family was just beginning to stir after the long first night, when a knock was heard at the door.  One of the house servants found the knocking at this early hour annoying, but did, as she knew she must.  She opened the door slowly, not knowing what she would find.

 

“I’m sorry, I know it’s early, but I couldn’t wait any longer.”  Before the flustered servant stood a petite, silver-haired woman. 

 

“Can I help you, Ma’am?”  She was still nervous, even though the woman was dressed in an elegant lavender traveling dress.

 

“Is this the Evanston home?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I’m Victoria Barkley.  I believe my sons are here?”

 

“Yes, Ma’am.  All three Barkleys are here.”  She stepped back and waved her hand slightly.  “Won’t you come in?  The family is just setting down to breakfast.  I’ll tell them you’re here.”  She directed Victoria to the parlor and left her alone.  Victoria eyed the tasteful room.  It was decorated to her liking.  She wondered if she would like this home’s mistress as well.  Jarrod and Nick were becoming quite fond of the Evanston Family.  She corrected herself.  Heath’s aunt was a Wescott.

 

Jarrod and Nick were the first incredulous people into the room.  The others hung back to allow for a reunion.  Both cried out to her at once.  “Mother!”

 

She moved to them and wrapped one arm around each.  She noted the exhaustion around their eyes.  “The young girl said my three sons were here.  Where is Heath?  Are things going well?”

 

Jarrod and Nick both tensed.  Nick paced away and Jarrod took a deep breath to deliver the news.  “Mother, Heath is here.”

 

“But?”

 

“He’s been badly injured.”

 

“I suspected as much.”

 

Jarrod raised an eyebrow.  “You suspected something?”

 

“I couldn’t stay away any longer.  This has gone on long enough.  I just knew I had to be here.”

 

Nick returned to the group.  “And it’s a good thing, too.  This isn’t going well.  We lost him.  He wanted nothing to do with us.  He’s got no love for any of us right now.”  He grabbed his mother’s hand and planted a kiss on it.  “I think you are just the thing we need right now.”

 

Victoria offered her son a reassuring smile.  “We’ll get through this.”

 

Jarrod suddenly lost optimism.  “But not with him.”

 

“Jarrod, is it that bad?  He was optimistic when he left.  He promised to come home.  What happened?  Is he staying here?  Has he reconciled with Tom?”

 

Nick laughed.  “He busted Tom in the chops.  He ain’t got no love for anyone.”

 

Victoria’s mind was buzzing with questions.  “How badly is he hurt?”

 

“He’s been shot and he’s broken his leg very badly.”  Jarrod listed the injuries matter of factly.

 

“How badly?”

“He might still lose it.”

 

“Does he know this?”

 

Nick answered.  “No.  He hasn’t come to, yet.  He has a concussion, too.  It’s probably better.  The break will only get worse if he puts any pressure on it.  As angry as he is, we’ll have to tie him to the bed.”  All knew he wasn’t kidding.

 

“Where did the anger come from?  I don’t understand.”

 

Jarrod thought on his mother’s question.  It wasn’t the first time.  He’d given the same question a great deal of consideration.  The guilt plagued him.  “The train.”

 

“What?”  It was Nick who posed the question.

 

“He had a dream on the train.  He woke up and seemed out of sorts but wouldn’t talk about it.  It was then he organized our evening….”

 

“And then left.”  Nick finished.

 

“He said nothing?”  Victoria queried.

 

It was Nick’s turn to raise an eyebrow.  “Our brother?  Speak his feelings?  Are you tired from your trip, Mother?” 

 

She chuckled softly.  “Point taken, Nicholas.  Can I see him?”

 

“Certainly.”  Jarrod and Nick both offered their arms.  Victoria wrapped one arm around each of her offered sons’ arms and they climbed the stairs. 

 

Charlotte rose from the chair near Heath’s bedside as they entered.  She had been warned of the arrival and was expecting them.  She approached the group, offering her hand.  “Victoria Barkley, I presume?”

 

“You must be Charlotte Wescott.  It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.  You have been such a wonderful hostess to my sons.”

 

“It’s my pleasure.  You have two fine sons.  Please, call me Charlotte.”

 

Victoria looked over Charlotte’s shoulder at her loved one in the bed.  “I have four fine sons.  I am proud of them all.”  She smiled and looked at Charlotte.  “Please, it’s Victoria.”

 

Heath’s body needed sleep.  There was no necessity to drug him; his body provided the natural healing sleep.  As the days slipped by, the family members became acquainted with Victoria and relaxed into a routine.  Someone was with Heath at all times.  Jarrod and Victoria couldn’t help but smile at the way Tom and Nick frequently bristled over who got to be at Heath’s side more.  Victoria found herself praying Heath would come to accept the love both families could offer him.  It seemed when Tom took his place by the bedside, a small crowd would gather in the room, as he recounted stories of his life.  The entire family gained a great deal of respect for the man who had come through so much.  To be deserted on the island for so long with so little.  It was really a miracle he survived.  All could see where Heath had gained his fortitude and stamina. 

 

Shelby stayed back from the crowd.  She took no turns at Heath’s side.  Charlotte found it off, knowing the attraction Shelby had found.  On the third day, she finally confronted the heartsick girl.  “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

Charlotte smiled.  “Try again.”

 

Shelby looked at her confused.  “I…”

 

“Did your afternoon with Heath not go well?”

 

“Of course it didn’t.  He’s lying there half-dead.”

 

Charlotte laughed softly.  “I meant before all this.  Did you have a nice time?”

 

Shelby’s chin dropped, “Yes.  Wonderful.”

 

“So?”

 

“I hurt him.”

 

“How?”

 

“He feels I betrayed him by not telling him who I was.”

 

“You had to expect that.”

 

Shelby bit her lower lip.  “I guess.”

 

“There is no guessing.  You played a dangerous game with his emotions.”

 

Shelby still wouldn’t look Charlotte in the eyes.  Charlotte reached down and cupped the young woman’s chin in her hand, pulling her face upward.  “Could it be you have fallen in love with this man already?”

 

Large tears welled in Shelby’s eyes.  “I can’t.”

 

Charlotte smiled with the wisdom of understanding.  “Why not?”

“He hates me…  and…”

 

“And?”

 

“And I have to go.  I can’t fall in love right now.”

 

Charlotte laughed again.  “We don’t have the liberty of choosing when we are to fall in love.”

 

Shelby unceremoniously wiped her face on her sleeve.   “It doesn’t matter anyway.  He’ll leave.  He’s very angry.”

 

Charlotte pulled the girl to her and kissed her forehead.  “Anger fades.  Love grows.”

 

“Not before I have to leave.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

“I won’t stay for him.”

 

“Of course not.”  Shelby knew Charlotte was offering her a platitude.

 

On the fourth day, as Tom and Victoria sat with him, Heath began to moan and shuffled his head a bit on the bed.  Somewhere in the fogginess of his head, he knew he was not alone.  He heard his name being called.  He knew they were cajoling him, enticing him to open his eyes.  He also knew he had no desire to deal with anyone who might be waiting for him.  He forced his mind back into oblivion.

 

“He’s ignoring us.”  Victoria raised an eyebrow as she watched her son settle into sleep again.

 

“How do you know?”  Tom Evanston was in awe of this woman’s capacity to love his, no her son.

 

“I’ve sat at his side often enough to know when he’s awake.  He was never any good at hiding it from me.”

 

Tom smiled.  “I’ve lost so much with him.  I don’t know why I even think I should try to know him.”  The sorrow in his voice belied the smile on his face.

 

“The past is always with us but it can’t stop us from the future.”  Victoria laid her hand on Tom’s shoulder.  It was a simple gesture that had always brought her in union with her own beloved husband. 

 

“They are truly wise words, Victoria, but not always easy to live by.”

 

“I suppose not.”  She paused and then added, “He’s worth the fight.”

 

“Of that there is no doubt in my mind.  I wonder only if he will ever decide I am worth the fight.”

 

Victoria smiled.  “Will you be a fight for him?”

 

“Aren’t I?”  He looked into Victoria’s eyes and noticed that she didn’t understand.  “We are worlds apart.  Surely, if he is to accept me, it will mean leaving you?”

 

Victoria was stunned.  She had never allowed that Heath would opt to stay here with this new family.  She had always believed he would return to Stockton.  She considered what she had seen so far and couldn’t believe they had more to offer her son.  She turned from Tom to hide her anguish.  ‘How could I be so naive?  I wanted him to find his true family, but I never assumed he would stay there.’ 

 

Tom stood and turned her back to him.  He saw the pain in her eyes.  “I told you once I would go forever.  That can’t happen any more.”

 

“You changed that.  You left the letter.”  Victoria was suddenly angry with him.  “We wouldn’t be going through this if you had ridden off like you promised.”  Her voice rose in keeping with her anger.

 

“I had no idea he would go to Strawberry so quickly.”  He added, to spite her.  “I had no idea you would tell him so soon.”

 

The sharp slap to his face stung.  Victoria’s own hand stung from the impact as well.  “I could not lie to him.  I love him that much.  I have supported him in everything he has done since he came to us.  That is more then I can say for you.”

 

“Supported him?”  Tom laughed.  “That’s not how I hear it.”

 

“How dare you!”

 

“I dare.  I listened.  What do you think Nick, Jarrod and I have been doing all this time?  We’ve been talking.  They’ve told me all about my son and what has happened since he became a Barkley.”

 

Victoria reined in her emotions and spoke coldly.  “You had better explain that.”

 

Tom smiled, confident in his imminent victory.  “Heath said it himself when he rode off.”

 

“And that was?”

 

“I have an excellent memory.  His exact words to Nick were that you had never accepted the real him.  The family accepted him only if he did what you expected him to.  He was relieved that he didn’t need to pretend anymore.”

 

“He said no such thing!”

 

“He did, Mother.”  Jarrod’s soft voice broke the tension of the room.  Neither Victoria nor Tom had realized their argument had attracted attention. 

 

Victoria looked to the sleeping man on the bed.  She wondered if he had heard every word they had spoken.  “We didn’t…”  Victoria slid into a chair before her legs betrayed her.

 

Jarrod entered the room and kneeled in front of his mother.  “I’ve been thinking about it for days.”

 

The thrill of victory that previously surged through his blood evaporated.  Tom found his guilt growing.  He knew he had meant to hurt Victoria in a vain attempt to better himself in his son’s eyes.  “I’m sorry, Victoria.”  The words stuttered from his lips.  “I never meant to hurt you, really.”

 

Nick now entered and stepped in between Tom and his family.  He pointed at the doorway and Tom acquiesced.  Pausing just outside the door, he leaned back.  “I am sorry, Victoria.  You didn’t deserve that.” 

 

She looked up at him, eyes shimmering with unspent tears.  “Perhaps I did.”

 

Left alone, the three Barkleys comforted each other as best they could.  No one spoke right away.  Victoria finally spoke aloud the words in her heart.  “I often wondered what your father what have done when confronted with his failure toward Heath.  I was sure it would devastate him.  Now I am certain.”

 

“Mother?”  Nick didn’t understand and Jarrod wasn’t quite following his mother’s words either.

 

“We expected him to do things as we would have.”

 

“Yes, I agree, Mother, but that’s not unusual.  We had no other point of reference.”  Jarrod’s legal instincts were taking over.

 

“That was the problem.  We just assumed he should handle things our way.”  She paused.  “Our way was based on our experience.  We assumed our way was the right way because it was all we knew.”

 

Nick finally spoke.  “He had to make the decisions based on what he knew was right.”  He stopped and very quietly said, “We didn’t trust him.”

 

All three looked to the man they loved so much and had so unwittingly betrayed.

 

Fourteen

 

“Show us some of Tom Barkley’s guts!”

Victoria sat straight up in bed as tears welled in her eyes.  The dream had been too real a symbol of her betrayal.  She allowed the tears to roll down her cheeks as she struggled to control her breathing.  She was surprised to find herself second-guessing every decision she had ever made.  For some time now, she had lived with the supposed imperfections of her husband; even this new revelation of his fidelity hadn’t caused her to put her husband back on a pedestal.  It was so much easier to dwell on another’s flaws than one’s own.  Yes, she knew she wasn’t perfect but somehow having it thrown in her face was harder then she ever imagined.  “Oh, Tom.  What do I do?  I know he isn’t your son but I know you would have loved him like one.”  In a voice barely above a whisper, she added.  “I know I do.”

 

A knock at her door was followed by it opening slightly.  “Victoria?”

 

Lacking a kerchief, Victoria dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her sheet before answering.  “Yes?  Is Heath alright?”

 

Dim light from the hallway flooded Victoria’s room as Charlotte stepped in.  “Heath’s sleeping.  I…  Well, to be honest, I was walking by and heard you.  Can I help with anything?”

 

“No, but thank you.  I’m sorry I bothered you.” 

 

“It was no bother.”  Charlotte then added.  “I know this isn’t easy for you.”

 

Victoria began to laugh.  Charlotte sensed distress and without permission entered the room and moved to sit on the side of Victoria’s bed.  She reached out and took one of her hands.  “Please, tell me how I can help?”  The laughter was worrying her.

 

Victoria was normally a very private person with her emotions.  Most girls raised in the northeast were taught to be so.  Living in the west had certainly changed her life but often she kept that bold, tough exterior of her youth.  It was all lost now.  She needed to talk and she needed to fall apart, even if only for a short time.   “I’m embarrassed.”  She continued to chuckle softly.

 

“Why?”

 

“When he first came to us, he had lots more nightmares.  He’s had such a hard life.  He sometimes woke the entire family screaming out.  He hated it.  He was so embarrassed.”  She paused.  “I understand that now.”

 

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed of, we all have bad dreams from time to time.”

 

Victoria laughed harder, shaking her head.  “How many times have I said the same thing to Heath?  It didn’t help him.  I know that now.”

 

Charlotte longed to find a way to reassure the grieving mother.  “Tell me about him.”

 

“Who?”

 

Charlotte smiled, knowing Victoria had taken the bait.  “Your son…  Heath.”

 

Victoria managed a smile.  “My son.  How do you define a son, Charlotte?”

 

Charlotte wasn’t expecting that.  She felt the instant pressure.   Her next words could either greatly help this woman or hurt her even more.  “I have a son and yet I don’t.”

 

Victoria raised an eyebrow.  She hadn’t expected that.  “Please go on.”

 

“I carried him in me for all those months.  I delivered him.”  She smiled at the memory.  “It wasn’t easy either.  He was so stubborn, almost as if he wanted nothing more then to stay inside me.”  She let the birth of her son pass and moved forward in time.  “I nursed him, changed him, cleaned him and loved him with all my heart and soul.  The time passes so quickly.  At the time it seemed it would last forever.”

 

“I didn’t have that with Heath.”  Sadness crept into Victoria’s heart.  She knew exactly what Charlotte was talking about.  She had felt the same with each and every one of her children.  She knew she didn’t stop often enough to ponder the wonder of motherhood.  There simply never seemed to be the time to stop and consider the wonder of it all.  She suddenly wondered if she had any right to claim Heath as a son.  After all, it was Leah that had held those experiences with him.  She forced her mind back to the present, with Charlotte.  “You said, you don’t?”

 

A tear formed in Charlotte’s eye.  “He grew up.”

 

Victoria immediately understood.  “They always do.”

 

“And of course we want them too, but somehow, a piece of you goes with them. One you can’t ever get back.”

 

“He’s not really my son anymore.  As he grew up, his interests rivaled his fathers, so Everett seemed to take over.  Where he once came to me for hurts and comfort, now he followed his father.  I think…  I think I was jealous for a long time.”

 

“I know I was.”

 

Both women smiled.  “Your question is a good one.”

 

“But do you have an answer?”

 

“I don’t know.  I think being a mother is more then just giving birth and raising your child.  It has to be…”

 

“So, I am justified in claiming Heath as my son?  It isn’t wrong?”

 

“No.  Loving someone with the love you have for a child of your womb is not wrong.  It is a testament to your heart.”

 

“Should my other children be hurt?”

 

Charlotte chuckled.  “How long have Nick and Jarrod been here?  No, they love him too.  I continue to celebrate my son’s triumphs and cry for his pains and failures.  I would give my life for him in a moment.”

 

Victoria smiled in continued understanding.  “So, something happens to us as our children grow?”

 

“I think it has to.  In the beginning, our children need us for nurturing but that goes away.  Something else has to replace it.”  Both were silent a moment, reflecting on the words.  Charlotte spoke again quietly.  “Maybe that’s why you loved Heath as a son so quickly.”

 

“Why?”

 

“You didn’t have to let go of the nurturing stage.  You could move right into a celebration of his life without feeling the loss of a bond you once had with him.”

 

Victoria smiled at this new thought.  It made a lot of sense.  “We never do get over the day they no longer need us, do we?”

 

“Oh, they will always need us.  They just don’t know it.”  She leaned in and the two women hugged.

 

Victoria pulled back.  “Heavens!  I got so caught up in worry, I never even asked where your son was.”

 

“He’s studying at university.  We rarely see him.  Everett travels north to see him.  He doesn’t seem to want us women to visit.”

 

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

 

“Well, it is.  I asked Everett about it.  He said ‘A boy doesn’t want his mother and sister around while he’s sowing his wild oats.’”

 

“Oh my!”

 

Charlotte chuckled.  “You’re right.  That conversation didn’t go over well.  I don’t think I have ever seen Everett so shocked.  He had no idea I would be concerned over such matters.”

 

Victoria laughed.  “When Tom decided to ‘introduce’ the boys to relations with women, I thought I would die.”

 

“I’m rather surprised he told you about it.”

 

“He didn’t have much choice.  He knew better then to keep secrets from me.”  Victoria was again struck.  Throughout their years together, she had been certain Tom would never lie to her.  He had evaded a situation once, early in their marriage and since that time, he knew better.  It occurred to her that she had forgotten this aspect of their marriage with his death.  She should have known he wouldn’t have betrayed her.    She should have known all along that Heath was not her husband’s son. 

 

Charlotte must have sensed Victoria’s change in tone.  She rose from the bed with a squeeze of her hand.  “Please try and get some sleep.”

 

Victoria shook herself from her latest thoughts.  “I will.  Thank you.”

 

Charlotte smiled.  “We mothers need to stick together.”  She turned and closed the door behind her.

 

Victoria resumed her thoughts.  There would be no sleep for her tonight.  ‘I betrayed my husband to find a son.  Then, in loving the son, I betrayed him.  Now I find, I have no right to the son.’  She smiled.  She knew in that moment, that she did indeed have the right to love Heath as her son.  Any person, that you could love enough to put yourself through the kind of mental anguish and worry that only a mother could know, was a son.  She thought about settling into the covers and trying for sleep on this bit of contentment but opted to run through various possibilities for the future of Heath Thomson Barkley Evanston.

 

Fifteen

 

Nick was sitting with Heath overnight.  Knowing that Heath might be ignoring them, he pulled the chair back a bit and sat as still as he ever had.  He was rewarded after some time, by Heath’s open eyes.  They were staring upward, not sensing the presence in the room yet. 

 

Before opening his eyes, Heath did a small survey of his body.  He somehow knew he had been sleeping for some time.  His head didn’t ache nearly as much as before and he felt vaguely at peace.  He listened to the room for a spell.  He heard nothing.  He was glad to be alone.  Listening to Tom and Victoria argue over him had been too much.  He needed time away from all the pressures to clear his head.  He didn’t need them arguing over him like some horse.  He didn’t belong to anyone.  He knew that now.

 

He turned his head slowly and his eyes came to rest on the still form of Nick Barkley.  He made a move to close his eyes but Nick’s voice in his ears stopped him.

 

“Don’t do this, Heath.  Please!  It ain’t fair.  It ain’t you.”

 

A croaking voice responded.  “It is me.”

 

Nick moved to the side of the bed, slid his arm under Heath’s neck and upper back and lifted him higher on the pillows.  Then he poured a fresh glass of water and helped Heath drink it down.  He drained two glasses before waving a limp hand to signify no more. 

 

“That better?”  Nick was eager to keep the conversation flowing.

 

“Yep.  Thanks.”

 

“Well, now that’s an improvement.  You’re being civil.”

 

Heath tried to turn away but Nick caught his chin and pulled his face back.  It was a tender movement and it dashed at Heath’s heart.  “I told you.  Don’t do this.  Don’t shut us out.”

 

“I…”

 

“We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what you said.  You’re right.  We were wrong.  I was trying to picture myself in your shoes.  If it had been me…  I guess I might have done just about anything to get accepted.  It don’t take much reflecting to see we took advantage of that but you have to know we didn’t do it on purpose.”

 

“I…”

 

“Now, you just hear me out.  You can’t fight us forever.  You busted up that leg something fierce.  Doc called it a spiral break.  That means if you step on it at all, it’ll break more.  Doc threatened to take the leg if it got worse, so you’re stuck here.  Ya hear me?  No moving around!  I want you to come home with us, but no matter what, you need two legs.  If you are so all fired determined to leave everyone who gives a hoot about you, then you’ll need two legs to do it.”

 

“I…”

 

“Don’t give me any lip.  You’re hurt.  This is my show right now.  I’m in charge.”  Nick paused, ignoring the chagrinned look on Heath’s face.  “I should have known.  The minute we heard the screams, that somehow you were involved.”  He smiled and winked.  “If there’s a woman screaming and running, you’re around somewhere.”

 

“I…”

 

“Don’t worry.  The girls are fine.  You got three of them boys, a good thing, too.  They attacked a family the night before, killed them.  They’re with the Klan, sick group of men if you ask me.  The fourth is still on the run but you winged him, so it won’t be long.  Everett is trying to figure out if they were acting alone.”

 

“Nick…”

 

Ignoring Heath’s plea, Nick went on.  “Heath, you can’t just leave us.  I… Well, I was lost until you came along.  Jarrod and Eugene just weren’t interested in the ranch like I was but I know now, I can’t do it alone.  I need you.  It don’t matter if we have the same blood by birth or not, we got it and that’s all that counts.   You’re as much a brother to me as Jarrod and Eugene and don’t think they’d tell ya any different.”

 

Before Heath could even open his mouth, Nick went on.  “I can’t blame you for wanting to know your real family but you can’t just throw us aside like this.  The guilt alone will tear us apart.  It already is.”

 

“Guilt?”

 

“I told you.  We been doing lots of thinking.  We made you do things our way.  It wasn’t fair.”

 

“Nick, I told you.  I ain’t got no claim to the name Barkley and it wouldn’t be fitting to just come back and take up where we left off.”

 

“You’re wrong.”

 

Heath sighed with frustration.  He was tired and Nick’s pleas were weighing on him heavily.  “I thought you were going to try and tell me what to do?”

 

“I…  Well…”

 

“Go to sleep, Nick.  I’m tired.  I ain’t going anywhere any time soon it seems.”  There was a genuine sleepiness to Heath’s words.  Heath watched Nick settled back in his chair.  “I don’t need ya here.”  The voice was trailing further off. 

 

“Well, I’m staying put.”

 

Heath mumbled his last words, as sleep claimed him.  “I didn’t know you could be so quiet.”

 

Nick joined the crowd at breakfast the following morning.  Victoria had relieved him.  He’d shared with her the evening’s events.  She shared his optimism.  Nick found his appetite returned and scooped large portions of eggs and potatoes on his plate.

 

“Hungry, Brother Nick?”  Jarrod smiled at his obviously improved brother.

 

“That I am, Lawyer.  Heath and I had a good talk last night.”

 

“You did?”  All present listened for more details.

 

“Sure did.  I could hardly get a word in.”

 

Tom interrupted.  “Has he decided anything?”

 

Nick looked at him boldly.  “About you?  I don’t know and quite frankly, I don’t care.”

 

“Nick!”  Jarrod was shocked at the harshness of Nick’s tone.

 

“Jarrod!  I care about Heath.  He is my top concern…”

 

“It’s alright, Jarrod.”  Tom spoke to them both.  “Nick is only trying to protect his brother.  I would expect no less of him.”

 

“It’s good that he was talking to you.”  Shelby interrupted the tension from the men.

 

Nick looked at her.  Jarrod was far more willing to forgive her for not telling them about her clandestine meeting.  Nick’s best instincts told him Shelby was gonna cause Heath more pain and right now, he was fiercely devoted to protecting him from further hurt.

 

Everett saw how Nick glared at Shelby and moved to defend her.  “Perhaps, now that Heath is feeling better, you and Clarice can go and give appropriate thanks.  He did save you.”

 

Shelby glared at him.  “Say what you really want to.  We’re all being honest.”

 

“Certainly.  You shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”  Everett met her challenge.

 

“So, it is all my fault?”

 

Tom stopped the bickering pair.  “No!  No one is at fault.  We can’t second-guess any circumstances.  Everyone is safe and Heath is healing.  Fighting amongst ourselves isn’t going to help anyone or anything.”

 

Everett clapped his hands slowly.  “Great speech, Dear Brother in Law.  Where do you suppose we should start?”

 

Tom stood and faced him.  “Perhaps you should see about that missing man.”

 

“I can’t today.  I have a business to run.”

 

“I’ll see to any business needs.”

 

“While you sit by your son?”

 

“It just kills you doesn’t it?  I have a son.  The inheritance of all this is no longer yours.”  Tom gestured about the room.

 

Everett, contrary to expectations, grabbed Tom by the shirt.  “I have worked long and hard to keep this place going.  Don’t for one second think you can waltz back in here and take what’s mine.  You or your bastard son!”

 

“EVERETT!  THOMAS!  STOP THIS AT ONCE!”  The fury in Charlotte’s voice stunned the room.  “I don’t know how anyone in this room dares to speak to anyone else in such a way but I won’t have it in my house.”  Everett attempted to speak but was instantly silenced by a glare from his wife.  “No ONE!”

 

Everett turned on his heel and left the room.  Outside, he barked orders to men around him and saddled his horse.  He rode for a short time before stopping at a small shack.  He pushed the door open and entered.

 

“You’re awake.”

 

“Yes, Sir, Mr. Wescott.  I’m feeling a heap better today.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes, Sir.  I was thinking I might go home, now.”

 

“Home?  I don’t think so.  You were identified by my own daughter.”

 

“But, Sir.  I can’t stay here forever.”

 

“No, you can’t Gantor.  You surely can’t.” 

 

Everett turned to leave.  “Mr. Wescott, what should I do?”

 

Everett turned back and fired before Gantor could even duck.   He fired once more in the head to ensure the man was dead.  Without concern, he wrapped the corpse in a blanket from the cot and tied him to his saddle.  He mounted up and rode toward home, planning the whole time.  Tom Evanston and his bastard son were not going to change his life.  He had ways to see to that.

 

Sixteen

 

Everett rode slowly into the yard, as his burden made the ride awkward.  The men working around the various buildings saw their boss ride in and immediately recognized what had to be a body wrapped up on his saddle.

 

“Boss?”  Erwin Hankler approached Everett first.  “Who’s that?”

 

“Gantor.”  Without saying more about what happened, Everett directed Erwin to ride into town for the marshal.  Other men approached an unloaded the burden.

 

“What should we do with him?”,  one asked.

 

“Throw him in the barn for now.  The marshal can take care of him.”  Everett strode confidently into the house. 

 

Charlotte approached him intending to scold him for his earlier behavior.  She’d already done the same with her brother.  “Everett, I want to talk to you.”

 

“Yes, I suppose.”  He ignored her intent and went on with his own.  “I released the guards on the house.  Clarice and Shelby are free to leave alone again.”

 

“What?  Why?”  Charlotte forgot her anger with this abrupt news. 

 

“I went out riding,” he looked pointedly at his wife. “To relieve some stress.  I saw smoke coming from one of the smaller cabins.  I stopped to check it out and came across Gantor.”

 

Charlotte’s hands flew to her mouth in surprise.  “You captured him?”

 

“I killed him.”

 

“Kil…”  The words stopped in her throat.  She loved her husband but was not naïve to his darker side.  It gave him his strength.  Charlotte had long ago learned that most people had a darker side.  “Was it necessary?”

 

“WHAT?  Of course it was.  The man attacked my family.”

 

“But…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“He might have told us who the grand wizard was…”  Charlotte let her voice fall away.

 

“Good heavens, Woman!  What is more important to you?  Your daughter’s safety or some insane idiot terrorizing mongrel darkies?”

 

“Everett!  How can you speak this way?  Who are you?”

 

Everett knew immediately he had gone too far.  He raked his hands through his hair as he slowly shook his head.  Leaving his graying hair disheveled, he reached out to tenderly pull his wife to him.  When she was wrapped in his arms, he spoke softly into her ear.  “I’m sorry, my Darling.  I don’t know what has come over me.  You don’t deserve to be treated like that.”  He pulled back a little to read her face.  “Forgive me?”

 

Charlotte found this more like the man she married.  She placed her hands on either side of his face and pulled him into a passionate kiss.  When she released his lips, she spoke for his ears only.  “I know this hasn’t been easy for you.  It has been a lot for all of us.  I love you, Everett John Wescott.  You are a wonderful husband, father and businessman.  I know we will get through this.”

 

Everett kissed his wife’s cheek, “I love you and as always, your wisdom shines through.  I agree.  We will get through all of this.”  He added what he knew she would enjoy best.  “And we will be a stronger family for it.”

 

Charlotte smiled.  “That’s the husband I know.”

 

After his conversation with Nick, Heath knew he couldn’t feign sleep anymore, so when he was awake, he opened his eyes.  He still slept a lot.  Each time he did open his eyes, a different person was there with him.  He wouldn’t feign sleep but he had little to say either. The first person he woke to was the lady of the house.  He struggled to remember her name. 

 

“Good morning, Heath.” 

 

“Ah, morning.”  His voice was shaky.  She immediately helped him drink some water.

 

“Do you think you could try something to eat?”

 

“Um…  Ah, I guess so.  I think one of the aches I’m feelin’ is my stomach complaining for food.  If it’s no trouble.”  Heath continued to struggle for the woman’s name.

 

Charlotte smiled as if guessing his hesitation.  “I’m Charlotte Wescott.  You, Sir, whether you like it or not, are my nephew and therefore nothing is a trouble.”

 

Before he could stop, the words rolled off his tongue.  “I doubt that.”

 

“Pardon me?”

 

“Nothing, Ma’am.  Thank you for your kindness.  Nick tells me that my leg is pretty bad broke but I’ll do what I can to get out of your way.”

 

“Nothing doing, Young Man.  You will stay here until that leg is healed.”

 

Heath looked her in the eye.  “And after that?”

 

She smiled at how similar he was to his father.  He was blunt but with that face, there was no taking offense.  “I’ll make you a deal.”

 

“Do I have a choice in accepting this deal?”

 

“Of course.”

 

He truly hadn’t expected a choice and was leary.  “Alright, let’s hear it.”

 

“Give us a chance…”

 

Heath cut her off.  “I don’t want this.”

 

“This?  How do you know what ‘this’ is?  You didn’t give me a chance to finish.  May I proceed?”

 

Heath blushed.  He knew he had no call to be rude with this woman, his aunt.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“Good.  Now, as I was saying.  Give us a chance to get to know each other.  You don’t have to love us, or even like us, but you can’t make any decisions about your life without all the information.”

 

Heath didn’t have a response.  Part of him knew she was right, but the other part of him didn’t want to take the risk with his heart. 

 

Charlotte saw his mind clicking but went on.  “Heath, I know you have every right to be angry and hate us.  I am merely asking that you hold your hostility down.  There is no need for more people to be hurt.”

 

“Like Shelby?”  Heath misunderstood her message.

 

“Shelby?  Are you thinking of hurting Shelby?”

 

“No, but I assume you want me to stay away from her.”

 

Charlotte wasn’t sure where to go with this information.  “You may speak to Shelby if you like.  I trust her to make her own decisions.”

 

“She doesn’t want to see me, does she?”

 

Charlotte chuckled.  It was obvious that the attraction Shelby felt was mutual.  “She thinks you don’t want to see her.”

 

“Why?”  Then it dawned on Heath that his last words to her had been angry.  “Wait.  She lied to me.”

 

“She didn’t lie to you.”

 

“I think if you ask my fancy lawyer bro…  Jarrod, he will tell you that legally, withholding information is a kin to lying.”

 

Charlotte decided not to push the slip up, but used it to her advantage.  “See, that is just how badly we would like to get to know you.  Now, you rest and I will go get you some broth.”

“Broth?”

 

Charlotte smiled.  “Yes, broth.”

 

She had almost cleared the door, when his voice reached her.  “Mrs. Wescott?”

 

She turned back to him.  “I understand you might not be ready to call me, Aunt Charlotte, but Charlotte will be fine as well.”

 

“Thanks, Ma’am, ah, Charlotte.”  He paused to gather his courage.  “Are you mad at him?”

 

“Mad at whom?”

 

“Him, Tom.”

 

“We have always been close.  I missed him so much when he first left.  I was sad that this life didn’t seem to be enough for him.  Then he disappeared and the years went by.”

 

“You’re not answering my question.”

 

“Yes.  Every day.”

 

“And yet?”

 

“And yet, I can’t live in the past.  I have a wonderful chance to love my brother again.  I am not stupid enough to waste such an opportunity.  We’ve already lost too much.  Anger doesn’t get us anywhere.  It only holds us back.”  She paused a moment, daring a bold question.  “How about you?”

 

“Do I hate him?”

 

“No.  How did you come to feel about Tom Barkley?”

 

“I…”

 

“Don’t bother answering.”  She deliberately turned and left him with her words. 

 

It was Victoria that returned a short time later with a tray.  “I met Charlotte in the kitchen.  She said you were feeling up to some food.”

 

“She said broth.  That ain’t food.”

 

“Now, Heath Barkley, you know better then to expect solid food right away.”  She watched closely for reaction to her reprimand.

 

Heath didn’t meet her eyes.  “That isn’t my name anymore.”

 

She knew it had been too much to hope he wouldn’t react to it.  She sincerely responded.  “I know.  I’m sorry.  It is a hard habit to break.  I like the name and it has always suited you.”

 

“It’s not mine.”

 

“Yes, it is.  You earned it.”

 

Heath shook his head and focused on the tray on his lap.  He heard her quiet voice.  “I am sorry.”

 

“Like you said, it’s a hard habit to break.”

 

“That’s not it.”

 

Heath knew she was referring to the argument.  “He had no right to speak to you like that.”

 

“Yes, he did.  I wish you had said something sooner.”

 

“I tried, you didn’t listen.”

 

His blunt words stung.  “I suppose that’s true.  I know now though.”

 

“Just in time for the end.”

 

“It doesn’t have to be the end.  You are Heath Barkley.”

 

His blue eyes flashed with anger.  “NO, I AM NOT!  You are not my mother, you can’t tell me what to do.”

 

Again, his words had cut her to the quick.  This was harder then she had ever imagined.  She was silent for a time, gaining her composure.  “I have never been your blood mother but I do love you.  No matter what happens, that will not change.  I love you.  I understand what I did wrong.  It will not be easy to change, but I will.  We were wrong to make you bend to our will.  I see that so clearly now.  I would like you to understand a few things though, Heath.  I love you as my son.  No matter what name you choose that will not change, ever.  A woman doesn’t simply open up her heart to a son and then take it away.”  Heath had looked away from her.  She reached across the bed and turned his face to her.  “There is something else.”

 

“What?”

 

“If you leave us now, it will be very unfair.”

 

The comment riled Heath.  “How so?”

 

“We opened our hearts to you, every one of us.  You can not simply point out these flaws and leave.  It is unfair not to give us a chance to show you we understand and will change.  I think you owe us that at least.”

 

“That might be true but with me gone, you’ll have no reason to change.”

 

“So, you would leave us with the guilt and pain of your loss?”

 

“It never should have been.”

 

“But it was and you can’t take that away from us.”

 

“So you say.  A person might think you were forcing me to bend to your will again.”

 

“Perhaps.  It’s what people do when they love each other.”

 

“And maybe some people leave to prevent further hurt.  I guess it all depends on your perspective.”

 

Seventeen

 

Days passed.  Heath kept his emotions and anger buried deep inside.  He somehow accepted that since he was trapped in the bed, he couldn’t antagonize these people he was dependent on.  Visitors came and went, most often Victoria, Nick and Jarrod.  They knew better then the rest, how the whole situation was bothering Heath.  They sensed him pulling back within himself.  He was reverting to the old Heath, the Heath that dwelt in his past. His years as a Barkley had helped him move past those days and embrace the hope of the future.  That hope was disappearing more and more daily.  Everett and Charlotte would stop in to check on his progress but seldom-stayed more then a short time.  Heath would never admit it but he was disappointed in Shelby’s lack of attention.

 

When a visitor came, Heath kept his responses brief.  His mother had always raised him to be polite, no matter what.  With all the other issues in his life, he wasn’t about to let her down now, too.  He never initiated a conversation but spoke when he was spoken to.  He did spend a great deal of his time sleeping.  There seemed little else for him to do.  When he was finally able to be awake for longer periods of time and it seemed evident that he wasn’t going to talk much, Jarrod brought him several books to read.  Jarrod smiled to himself, knowing he had selected well.  Heath hadn’t been able to stop the small smile that spread across his face as he had perused the titles.

 

The doctor confirmed what Nick had told him.  Heath tried hard not to think of just how long he might need to be in the bed.  He was already sick of it.  He could hear the sounds of the men at work outside the home and it called to him.  Often he would let his mind wander out to them.  He imagined he was one of them, toiling under the hot southern sun, yet loving every minute of the labor.  As if his emotional discomfort weren’t enough, the doctor had applied a long, heavy cast that went from the middle of his foot, all the way up to the middle of his thigh.  Not only was it incredibly hot in the humid summer but it made attending to his personal needs awkward.  His jaw would ache from clenching when he needed assistance.  Knowing how humiliated Heath had to be, Nick and Jarrod saw to his needs themselves.  Heath never asked for help but his brothers always seemed to know when it was needed.

 

Heath noted that in these first days, neither Shelby nor Tom visited.  He was both glad and disappointed.  He was growing accustomed to the familiar care of the Barkleys.  It was easier.  He didn’t have to fight feelings of anger, only those of unworthiness. The latter feelings enabled him to stay calmer and remain on his padded prison.  As the days passed and his body began to heal more quickly, Heath convinced the family that he needed time alone.  As they left him to his thoughts, his moods would swing dramatically.  Left to his own devises he recalled happy memories with his family.  Just as quickly his mind would fade to self-pity.  He wondered why anything good in his life always seemed to slip through his fingers.

 

In addition to the strained family relations, accidents began happening around Evanston Manor.  At first it seemed simple accidents, like corrals being left open, but as sharp tools began to be placed in dangerous situations, all in the home looked sharp.  There was no direct evidence to the Klan but all knew it had to be related.

 

Two weeks into his recovery, Victoria brought him his lunch.  She settled the tray on his lap and removed covers from the various dishes.  She noted the abundance of food that was about to go to waste.  She knew he would do more then nibble on the sustenance.  Old habits die hard and she longed to push him into eating more.  He had quickly become the too skinny Heath who had first come to them.  Ironic, how the anger and hostility of those times had returned as well and for almost the same reasons.  “Would you like some company?”  She offered, feeling optimistic.  She was trying hard not to push him, to give him his space.

 

“No, thanks.”

 

She had expected no less but was still disappointed.  She chanced a brief kiss to his forehead and left.  She stopped in the doorway, “I’ll be back soon to take the tray.”  She succumbed to her maternal instincts.  “I hope that plate is clean.”  She offered him a weak smile. 

 

He said nothing.  Again he was torn.  He wanted so badly to accept her love and concern.  He knew he could.  The logical part of his mind knew that he could stay.  He loved his family and they loved him.  It didn’t matter that they didn’t share blood, they shared something more, a soul.  It was his heart that could allow what his mind had accepted.  His heart reminded him of the pain he had caused the family upon his arrival, of the pain he had brought to the family during his stay, and now the embarrassment this latest turn had brought to them as well.  He looked at the food in front of him and his anger welled up. 

 

His disposition wasn’t helped by the eager voices raised in excitement from outside.  A new stallion had been delivered and all the world seemed to be cheering on various riders.  Heath longed to be outside with them he twisted his body in the sheets to hear better.  Now and again he could hear Nick shouting encouragement.  How often had Nick cheered him on?  As he turned back from the excitement, his arm hit the tray in his lap and his coffee cup spilled into his lap.  Although he had enough layers to protect his skin from burns, he could feel the liquid soaking through not only his coverings, but his nightshirt as well.  The cold clamminess was touching his skin. 

 

“DAMN IT!”  He grabbed at the corner of the tray and hurled it across the room.

 

Shelby had slowed her pace, as she always did when walking past Heath’s room.  She’d spend a lot of time building up her nerve each morning.  Each time she neared his door, she lost it all.  She was just outside his room that day as she heard his initial outcry.  Her hand went immediately to the handle but she pulled back until she heard the sound of the clattering dishes. 

 

“Heath?  Are you al…”  She saw the spill on Heath’s lap and then noticed the tray and dishes on the floor.  “Tell me, how does a tray end up across the room?”

 

He looked at her.  At first she saw anger flashing within but it instantly mellowed.  “What do you want?”  He started to push himself up, as if to try and stand.

 

“What are you doing?  Lay back down!  You’ll hurt yourself further.”

 

“I asked you what you wanted?  Did your fine southern upbringing not teach you to answer a question?”

 

Shelby was shocked.  “Why you…”  She turned and stormed from the room.  About ten steps outside the door her pride got the better of her and she turned back.  “HOW DARE YOU!”

 

Heath had been sitting up, trying to figure out what to do.  He was a jumble of emotions over not only the crash but seeing Shelby as well.  He didn’t expect her to come thundering back in.  “Huh?”

 

“You stubborn, thick headed, FOOL!  A person comes by to offer you help and that is how you treat them?”  She saw him open his mouth.  “DON’T even try and tell me you don’t need any help.  You’re acting like a CHILD.”  She began to mock him.  “Poor me… poor Heath… Two families willing to love me…  a woman who loves me… everybody here to help me but my pride just won’t let them.  Well, to hell with you!”

She turned again and left.  She was too shocked at her own behavior to stay.

 

“Wait!”

 

Her mind reeled, stopping her feet.  ‘Did he just call to me?’  She stood planted to the floor without turning back to him. 

 

“What did you just say?”

 

She literally growled.  “You heard what I said.”  Had she turned back to him, she might have seen the smile on his face. 

 

“Seems to me you pretty much said I was full of pity for myself.”

 

“You heard me right then.”

 

“You said I had two families who love me.”

 

“You do.”

 

“And a woman?”

 

Shelby’s eyes grew wider.  Had she really said that?  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“No.  I expect you wouldn’t.  I mean, you haven’t been to see me at all these past weeks.”

 

“Well, I…  You made it clear you didn’t want to see me.”

 

“When did I do that?”

 

“At the river.”

 

“I did?”

 

“You did.”

 

“How did I do that?  I don’t recall saying anything.”

 

“You didn’t.  You…  You turned and walked away.”

 

“I see and that means I didn’t want to see you any more?”

 

Shelby finally willed herself to face him.  “Are you trying to tell me, you know what you want?”

 

Heath blushed.  “No, I don’t reckon I do right now.  I’m sorry if I hurt you that day.”

 

Shelby tried looking at her feet but was drawn to his face.  “I should have told you who I was.”

 

“You did.”

 

It was Shelby’s turn to blush.  “Heath.  This is ridiculous.”

 

“What is?”

 

“These feelings…  It’s too soon.”

 

“Too soon to be in love with someone?”

 

“It just doesn’t happen like this.  You aren’t supposed to look at someone and know you want to spend the rest of your life with them.”

 

“Isn’t it all over those fairy tales and romance novels ladies read?”

 

“Yes, but they are just stories.”

 

“So, did you?”

 

“Did I what?”

 

“Have that feeling?”

 

“It’s not real.”

 

“Don’t ya suppose it has to be?  Why else would people look for it?  It had to exist at some time for someone to write about it, so others could look for it.”

 

“Neither of us was looking for it.”

 

“Looking for what?”  Nick entered the room.  “Heath?  What have you done here?”

 

Shelby swallowed her tears and quickly left the room. 

 

Nick watched her go, confused.  “What was all that about?”

 

The conversation with Shelby and expression of rage helped soothe Heath’s troubled soul.  More time passed and everyone relaxed into routines.  The doctor was pleased with the healing.  He even suggested that Heath might be able to use a wheeled chair soon.  He was well aware of what a change in location might do for the healing man.  Nick and Jarrod were helping Heath after an afternoon bath.  As Heath settled into fresh clean linens, his spirits were calm.  “You all have been gone from home too long.  You need to go home.”

 

Nick and Jarrod looked at each other.  Both knew the conversation would come but neither knew what to say.  Truth be told, they did miss their home.  The wires between Virginia and Stockton were frequent.  Nick was relying on Duke and Jarrod had all but closed his offices.  It was a wonder that Audra and Eugene hadn’t yet taken it upon themselves to travel east.  They had all taken it as a sign of maturity, that the two youngest had stuck to their duties. 

 

“We…”

 

Heath cut Jarrod off.  “I’ll admit.  You staying here has been nice.”

 

Nick interrupted.  “Well, that’s about the nicest thing you’ve ever said, Little Brother.”

 

Heath glared at him and Nick silenced.  “I couldn’t have come this far with out ya, as usual.”

 

“Heath, you are our brother.  We love you and we will stick by you.”  Jarrod had settled his hand on Heath’s shoulder and Heath hadn’t pulled away.

 

“I know that.”

 

Nick raised an eyebrow.  “You know that?”

 

Heath let out a long slow breath.  “I know that.  I always have.”

 

Nick’s heart leapt.  “So, you’re coming home with us?”

 

“No.”  Heath saw both faces immediately drop.  “Not right away.”

 

“But you consider it home?”  Jarrod questioned.

 

Heath couldn’t face them, but had to admit the truth.  “For as long as you’ll have me.”

 

The grin on Nick’s face melted any reservations Heath had about the confession.  A wave of relief had washed over all in the room. 

 

“I can’t wait to tell Mother.”  Nick added.  “She’ll be so happy.”

 

Jarrod caught a fleeting look on Heath’s face and couldn’t ignore it.  “Heath?  What about Tom Evanston?”  Jarrod saw the problem all to clearly.

 

“What about him?”

 

“Are you simply going to leave here when you are able?”

 

“I expect so.”

 

“That’s fine.”  Nick was annoyed that Jarrod had brought the subject up.

 

“Heath, if this is because he hasn’t been here to see you…”

 

“No.”

 

“Are you sure?  He does care.  He’s afraid of angering you and hurting you more right now.”

 

Heath looked away from Jarrod’s wise eyes.  “It don’t matter.  There’s nothing for me here.”

 

Nick was thrilled at the latest turn of events.  He was exuberant at the turn of events.  He couldn’t help but feel they had won.  His joyous mood was obvious at dinner that night.

 

Tom was telling the family about the wheeled chair that would arrive the next day for Heath.  “It has a support that sticks out to hold his leg out.  It should help a lot.”

 

Victoria smiled.  “It will do him a world of good to get out of that room.  I can already see the happiness on his face if we roll him outside.”

 

Charlotte added.  “Fresh air and sunshine is the best thing for the soul.”

 

Nick was ready to burst.  He and Jarrod hadn’t had time to tell anyone about Heath’s decision.  “Going home will be better for him.”

 

“Nick!”  Victoria chided. 

 

“Well, he said so today.”

 

Victoria smiled, despite the company.  “He said he was coming back to Stockton?”

 

“He sure did!”  Nick beamed. 

 

Jarrod was more subdued.  He watched the faces of Tom and Shelby fall at the news.  Charlotte couldn’t help but notice the small smile form on Everett’s lips. 

 

Eighteen

 

The next morning a man from town drove a wagon into the yard bearing the wheeled chair for Heath.  Nick was perhaps more happy then Heath was.  He bounded out the front door and helped unload the chair and pushed it inside the main house. 

 

Tom watched the brother’s enthusiasm.  The love the Barkleys had for his son was overwhelming.  He’d thought a lot about the situation since his argument with Victoria.  He knew that Leah had raised a fine boy, who had grown into an even finer man.  He was proud to consider his small part in that.  At the same time, he had decided that for the sake of his son, he could play no part in Heath’s future.  He couldn’t watch his son be torn apart any further.  Although every part of his being wanted to take his son into his arms and offer him the love of a father, he now avoided the room.  He knew it was the least he could do.  He had come to doubt that what Heath really needed now was a father.

 

He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn’t notice Victoria by his side.  “You should be part of this not standing by.”

 

“What?”  Her voice cutting through his mind startled him.

 

She knew he had been lost in thought.  “This day is due to you.  You should be the one helping Heath.”

 

They both watched Nick and Jarrod climb the stairs.  The brothers were headed to Heath’s room to carry him downstairs to his new chair.  The doctor was already upstairs waiting. 

 

“No.  This is Heath’s day.  There is no need to spoil it.”

 

“You’re sure you would spoil it?”

 

“Aren’t you?”

 

“No.  I think Heath has had a lot of time to think.”

 

“Indeed he has.  He’s decided to remain a Barkley.”

 

Victoria wanted to smile but saw the pain in Tom’s eyes.  “I’m sorry.”

 

Tom chuckled lightly.  “No, you aren’t. You love him and I am sure your heart is bursting with joy at the recent news.”

 

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to have a relationship with him.”

 

“You’d rather he had a divided heart?”  Tom was curious.

 

Victoria smiled.  Tom had taken her bait.  “No, but you forget.  I have already fought this battle with him.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Heath has another mother.”

 

“She was dead when he came to you.”

 

“Not long.  He had to decide for himself that it was ok to call two women mother.  I wasn’t replacing Leah.  I knew I never could.  I told him once that she owned his past and would never be truly gone.”

 

“And you?”

 

“I wanted to be part of his future.  He could accept that.”

 

“So, you think I need to ask him to be part of his future?”

 

Victoria chose her words carefully.  “If he could come to accept two mothers, I think he can come to accept two families.”

 

“I think that is generous of you, but we are talking about two families who live an entire country apart.  With all due respect, for what you say to be true, one of us should die.”

 

Victoria couldn’t respond.  She was stunned.  She struggled to find words but lost the effort when Nick, Jarrod and the doctor appeared at the top of the stairs carefully carrying Heath.  The smile of anticipation on Heath’s face warmed everyone’s hearts.  Progress down the stairs was slow and well orchestrated to keep Heath’s leg protected.  It would be the last time the trip would be made, as a small room had been prepared downstairs. 

 

Heath was settled into the chair and he cautiously moved at the wheels to propel himself forward.  Nick pulled at the bar just above Heath’s head.  “Slow down, Heath.  Doc says you aren’t to over do it.  You get to be pushed around just a bit longer.”

 

“Nick, I’m fine.  Let me go.”

 

“No.”

 

Jarrod laughed and said aloud.  “Great.  They’re already back at it.”

 

“Ha, ha, Jarrod.  I’m just seeing to the best interests of my brother.  I know what he wants.”

 

“You do?”  Jarrod asked sarcastically.

 

“I do.  This boy needs some fresh air and I intend to see that he gets it.”  Nick started to turn Heath toward the door. 

 

Victoria stepped closer to Nick and rested her hand on his arm to stop him.  “Nicholas, Tom got Heath the chair.  I think he deserves the honor of the first ride.”

 

Nick was stunned.  For a moment he felt like his mother had just stabbed Heath in the back.    “But…” The look in his mother’s eyes caused the words to die in his throat.

 

Heath froze at his mother’s suggestion.  He too, felt betrayed.  Didn’t she want him to come home?  Was she trying to push him away? 

 

“Victoria, if Nick would rather push Heath outside.  He should.  I’m sure Heath would prefer that.”  Tom was upset with Victoria for pushing him in a direction he just said he didn’t want to go.

 

Heath watched Tom out of the corner of his eye.  He wondered what game was being played.  He turned his upper body to see Victoria’s face.  He read her thoughts immediately.  She was trying to reunite father and son.  He felt so disappointed.  He was again lost in a world of confusion.  She had seemed so happy that he was choosing to come back to Stockton.  He didn’t understand this latest turn of events. 

 

It didn’t matter how old Nick Barkley was, nor that he managed one of the most vast ranches in California, nor that he had a presence that commanded respect of great men, when Victoria Barkley gave him an order, spoken or not, he obeyed.  He stepped back and waved his hand in a small gesture toward Tom.  Tom swallowed deeply and stepped behind the chair.  Heath held his breath and tried to focus on the view just beyond the door.  Tom pushed him slowly forward.  As they cleared the front door, they turned and Tom settled the chair next to a white rocker. 

 

Nick and Jarrod started to follow the men out the door, but a wave of Victoria’s hand stopped them short.  Jarrod was as concerned as Nick.  “Mother, this is a dangerous game you’re playing.”

 

Victoria glanced at the father and son, the tension evident in both their bodies.  “Perhaps, Jarrod, but they are both due this chance.  Heath will never totally come home to us unless this happens.”

 

Jarrod wanted to believe his mother, but for the first time in his life, he doubted her.  “Aren’t you doing exactly what drove him away?”  He hated seeing the look of pain in her eyes that his words had brought.

 

Victoria held her tongue for a moment, thinking.  “I guess it is.  I see your point.  It’s a dangerous game but sometimes a mother has to do something.  Sometimes it takes an outsider to point out facts.”

 

“But, Mother.  You’re not an outsider.”  Jarrod glanced outside to the two men and then turned and left. 

 

Outside, Tom struggled for something to say.  “May I sit here a moment?”

 

“It’s your chair.”  There was no emotion in Heath’s voice.

 

Tom chuckled.  “Actually, this is one of the few things I remember from my youth.  Charlotte has just about redecorated everything around here.”

 

“Boy howdy.  Goes to show you how a family moves on without you.  Guess that means you didn’t mean much to them either.”

 

The blow from words hit hard, a small sorrowful sigh escaped Tom’s lips.  “I guess so.”

 

“Maybe it just means they didn’t mean much to you?”

 

“Nothing could be further from the truth but I don’t expect you to believe me, Heath.”

 

“That’s good, because I don’t.”

 

“Do you even try?”

 

Heath was surprised by the blunt question.  “Why should I?”

 

“It’s unfair of you to judge me with out hearing me out.”

 

“Well, I am plumb sorry if I didn’t take the time to hear how you could leave a woman you claim to love.”

 

“You don’t believe it’s possible?”

 

“No.”  He weighed his next words.  He didn’t want to get into a war of words with this man.  “I know that if I ever have the fortune to love a woman as fine as my mother was, I won’t leave her.”

 

“Even if she tells you to go?”

 

“Even if she tells me.”  Heath said the words aloud but didn’t feel confident of them.  Could it be true that his mother sent Tom Evanston away with her blessing?

 

“Then I guess there is no more to say.”

 

“I guess not.  I’ll be out of your way as soon as possible.”

 

“You know I don’t want that.”

 

“Yep.”

 

“So you’ll go to hurt me.”

 

“Yep.”  With that one small word Heath, in his mind, ended his relationship with his father before it even began.  He mind turned to wondering how Victoria could have wanted him to have to face this man.  If she had wanted him to forgive his father and stay here, she was wrong.  He’d battled deceit before.  He knew how to win.

 

Tom was angry with himself.  He had allowed Victoria to raise his hopes and this conversation had just dashed them completely.  He could read the anger in his son’s eyes and he knew there was no tempering that depth of hatred. He sat next to his son a while longer.  He needed to hold some dignity.  After many minutes of silence, Tom stood and walked down to the corrals.  He needed to ride.  He needed to feel powerful and free.

 

Heath had no idea how long he sat outside alone.  It felt so good to be outside, he didn’t care.  He was even happier that he had been left alone.  After some time had passed though, the discomforts began to set in.  He hadn’t sat upright for weeks and his back ached a bit.  He was also thirsty and needed to relieve himself.  He looked around and saw no one to ask for help. He thought about calling out, but his pride stopped him. 

 

Shelby was coming in from her afternoon ride.  She noticed Heath sitting on the porch.  Inside she smiled.  She knew he had to be feeling better.  She hadn’t spoken with him since their argument.  She was afraid of him.  She had plans for her life and didn’t want anyone to stop them.  That afternoon they had come dangerously close to admitting something that she simply wasn’t ready for. 

 

Heath saw her approaching.  He tried to avoid eye contact with her but couldn’t force his eyes away from her.  She was lovely to him.  He wanted so badly to convince her that they could have indeed fallen in love already.  He knew he felt it.  She had stirred something in him he had never before felt. 

 

“Good ride?”  He offered the question to her as she reached the bottom stair.

 

“Yes, thank you.  I love to ride.”  She was trying to be polite with out displaying her excitement at seeing him.

 

“Did you paint?”

 

She blushed at the question.  It was no secret she was an artist but few asked her about her work so soon.  “I did do some sketches.”

“May I see them?”

 

“I don’t think so.  They are just rough sketches.”

 

“What will you do with them?”

 

“I’ll develop them later into paintings.”

 

“I look forward to seeing them.”

 

Shelby moved to change the subject from herself.  “Are you enjoying your first day of freedom?”

 

He knocked on his leg cast.  “As well as can be expected.”    He didn’t want to dance any longer.  “I’m sorry Nick interrupted us the other day.”

 

Shelby couldn’t look him in the eye.  “We were finished.”

 

“We were?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“So you do believe in love at first sight?”

 

“I don’t believe you love me, Heath.”

 

Heath smiled.  It was a pure smile of joy.  “But I do love you.  I can’t explain why, but I don’t aim to fight it.”

 

“No…  No…” Shelby stammered.

 

“Is there someone else?”

“No… I…”

 

“It’s me, then.  You don’t want to love me?”

 

“No… I can’t, Heath.  I just can’t.”

 

“Why not?”

 

Shelby longed to tell him the truth but her mind was set and she feared what he would say.  She didn’t want this to be happening.  She didn’t want to hurt him any more then he already had been and truth be told, she didn’t want to be hurt either. 

 

Heath watched the struggle inside her on her face.  He tired a different approach.  “Shelby, I’m gonna go home to Stockton as soon as I can.”

 

“I know.”  She was relieved at the apparent change in conversation.

 

“How about until then, we just be friends?  Truth be told, I could use a friend right now.”

 

Shelby thought a moment.  Could she be a friend to him?  Could she be friends and not give him her heart?  She took one look at the incredible grin that blessed his face and couldn’t say no.   “I’d like that.”

 

Nineteen

 

“Will you sit with me?”  Although normally quite content to be alone, Heath felt a strong need for Shelby’s presence.

 

“Now?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

She glanced nervously around to see if anyone was looking.  She hated to get in between the Barkleys again, especially now that Heath had decided to return home with them.  She thought about that as she sat next to him in the rocker Tom had recently vacated.  Now that Heath was going home, it made her more willing to spend time with him.  They had no future together.

 

Heath’s body wasn’t used to sitting upright for long periods.  After some time, he and Shelby had settled into a comfortable silence.  They had chatted easily about many topics.  The afternoon was drifting by.  Each seemed to be simply enjoying the day and the presence of each other.  Shelby glanced over to see Heath sleeping.  She watched the quiet rise and fall of his chest.  He seemed so innocent in sleep.  The turmoil that was his life seemed to vanish.  The harsh lines on his face softened and he appeared almost childlike.  She quickly rose from her chair and retrieved her sketchbook from the stairs where she had left it and went to work.  Deep in her heart, in a place where she knew full well she would never love another man more than the one before her, she recognized she needed these sketches.

 

Victoria had gone to rest and Jarrod was attempting to read as Nick paced back and forth in the study.

 

“Brother Nick, I hope you have sharpened your carpentry skills.”

 

“What?  Why?”  Nick had been startled by his brother’s voice.

 

“You’re wearing a hole in the floor and will need to repair it.  Sit down or better yet, go for a ride.”

 

“I can’t.  I can’t leave him.”

 

“He is fine.”  Jarrod stood and crossed the room to glance out the same window Nick had been spying on the couple through.  “Shelby is taking good care of him.”

 

“That’s the problem.”

 

“Why is that a problem?”

 

“He’s in love with her.”

 

“Then why aren’t you happy for him?”

 

“It ain’t gonna work out and his heart’ll be broken.”

 

“Why are you so sure?  They can move to Stockton.”

 

“She ain’t coming to Stockton.”

 

“What makes you say that?”

 

“Clarice told me.  Shelby isn’t going to be around long enough.”  The conversation with Jarrod had ended in Nick’s mind.  He’d had enough.  He wasn’t going to let his little brother be hurt yet again.  He charged out the door.

 

“Heath!  It’s ti…”  Nick was silenced by a glare from Shelby.

 

“Sshh!”  In a whisper she said, “he’s sleeping.”

 

Nick looked at his sleeping brother and noticed the sketch in Shelby’s hand.  “He give you permission to draw that?”

 

She looked at him confused.  “No.  I…”

 

“You shouldn’t capture someone’s image without permission.  In some Indian tribes, it’s like taking their soul.  Ya gotta respect these things.”

 

“I had no idea he would be hurt by a few sketches.”  Shelby was infuriated with Nick for treating her so, maybe not so much infuriated as embarrassed at being caught.

 

“Nick, let her be.”  The drowsy voice from the wheel chair broke the tension.  “She’s an artist.  It’s what she does.”

 

“Well, I just come out here to bring ya in.  You should be sleeping in a soft bed, not a hard chair.”

 

“I’m fine out here.”

 

“Maybe he’s right, Heath.  You’ve been in the chair a long time.”  Shelby saw the logic in Nick’s argument, even if she was miffed with Nick.

 

The hovering people raised Heath’s ire.  “What I’ve had is too much time in a bed.  I am fine and if I need something I’ll ask!”

 

Nick laughed.  He couldn’t stop. 

 

“This isn’t funny, Nick.”  Shelby demanded he stop.

 

“Yes, it is.  Heath saying he’s gonna ask for help.”  He clasped Heath on the back.  “That would be a first.”

 

“Now, Nick…” Shelby started to reprimand Nick further but stopped when she saw a smile curl Heath’s lips and then laughter spilled from his lips as well.

 

“He’s right.”  Heath continued to laugh.  It felt good.

 

“Shelby, have you ever met a more stubborn man?”  Nick asked.

 

“Only his brother.” 

 

The threesome kept chuckling until they were distracted by the return of the men from the days’ work assignments.  It was Friday night and many would head to town.  At the same time, Tom rode in.  He dismounted and handed his horse to one of the men to be curried.

 

Tom walked toward the house, seeing the three young adults, he slowed his pace, unsure of the welcome he would receive.  “Hello.”

 

Shelby spoke first.  “Did you have a nice ride?”

 

“Yes.  Very.  I took some of the trails I rode as a boy.  Some things just don’t change.”

 

Shelby smiled and Nick nodded in appreciation of the feeling.  He found himself a touch homesick at the thought of the trails he often rode at home. 

 

Shelby excused herself, saying she needed to see if she could help with dinner.

 

One of the men approached the group.  It was Earl Sanders, the foreman.  He nodded to each of the men.  “Ah, Mr. Evanston, Mr. Barkley, the men are going into Bea’s tonight.  They wanted to know if you wanted to come along.”

 

Nick wasn’t sure what Bea’s was and asked.  Earl explained it was the local gentlemen’s establishment.  A man could spend a delightful evening in the arms and legs of a lovely woman.

 

Heath could see Nick thinking about it.  “Go on, Nick.  I suspect you ain’t enjoyed a lady’s company for some time.”

 

“And what makes you think that?”

 

“I can tell by your surly nature.”

 

“My what? Why you…” Nick then recognized the signs of Heath’s goading and laughed again.  It felt so good and natural to laugh like this again. 

 

“Go on in with the boys, Nick.  Have a good time for both of us.”

 

“Well, I dunno.  I mean; you need me.”

 

“Jarrod’s home.  He can help me.”

 

Nick rubbed his chin.  He was tempted to enjoy a night out.  “Well, I suppose I can… For you, mind ya.  For you, Heath.”

 

“Nick.  Is there no end to what you’ll endure for me?”

 

“None, Little Brother, none.  Make my excuses to the family, will ya?”

 

Heath laughed.  “Will do.  Will do.”

 

Nick brushed past Tom and left with Earl. 

 

“That’s some brother you have there.”  Tom was enjoying the moment of levity.

 

“He sure is.  I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”  He looked pointedly at Tom.  “Or a father.”

 

“No one is asking you to.”

 

Heath sensed that Tom wasn’t going anywhere.  He looked for a way to rid himself of the man.  “You’re not interested in an evening with the ladies?”

 

“No.  Once you love someone, it just doesn’t seem right to.”

 

Heath was stunned.  “What?”

 

“You may find this hard to believe, Heath, but I have said it before.  I loved your mother.  She was the only woman I ever wanted to be with.”

 

Heath’s words were dark.  “She’s dead.”

 

“Not in my heart.”

 

“All these years?”

 

“There’s been no one else for me.”  Tom knew the words would be hard for Heath to hear but was surprised at how they overwhelmed him as well.  “Do you need anything?”

 

“NO.”  Heath’s words were blunt, displaying his agitation with the conversation.

 

Tom left.  Jarrod, possessed by the spirit of Nick, had observed the whole situation.  He gave his brother a few minutes to himself.  While he waited, Victoria came to his side.  “How is he?”

 

Jarrod smiled and kissed his mother on her cheek.  “Lovely Lady, how did you rest?”

 

“Fine, now, how is your brother?”  Victoria sensed Jarrod was holding something back.  “Is he alright?”

 

“I think so.  He just had a minor run in with Tom but prior to that, he was laughing with Nick and Shelby.”

 

“I like Shelby.  They make a good couple.”

 

Jarrod smiled at the matchmaking glint in his mother’s eyes.  “They aren’t a couple, as far as I know.”

 

“Oh, trust me, Jarrod.  They are.  A mother knows these things.”

 

“Then this mother obviously hasn’t spoken with Nick.”

 

“Oh?”  Victoria had a terrible thought.  “Nick isn’t…”

 

“Oh, no.  But Clarice told him something that he feels will doom the relationship before it starts.”

 

Victoria was quiet, deep in thought.  The clock chiming on the wall broke her concentration.  “He’s been outside a long time.  Let’s get him settled before dinner.”

 

Jarrod was able to settle Heath in his new room by himself.  The increase in mobility was good for Heath’s spirits and he even chatted a bit with Jarrod and Victoria before they were called into dinner.

 

After dinner, the various household members were gathered in the parlor, entertaining themselves in various ways.  Victoria glanced around the room and felt a feeling of home.  The girls played a card game with Jarrod and Everett and Charlotte and Victoria were working on needlework.  Tom read quietly in the corner.  There was a sense of peace and calm throughout the house, despite the giggling from the girls as they attempted to cheat at the game.  Heath had fallen fast asleep after eating his first decent meal.  Victoria was compelled to check on him now and again, as she knew he might be uncomfortable in a new room. 

 

The sense of calm was abruptly ended by a loud crash.  The girls bounced out of their chairs in surprise and ran to the older women, whether out of fear or the desire to protect them.  The men went for guns.  Since the war, Everett kept the gun cabinet in the main foyer.  He quickly opened it and tossed a rifle across to both Jarrod and Tom.  Tom reached the door first and flung it open as he threw himself out onto the porch and crouched low.  He immediately fired on the retreating backs of the riders in white robes, fleeing the scene. 

 

He didn’t stop when they were out of range, he ran out into the yard and continued to fire shots at their backs.  He stopped only when Jarrod placed a hand on his shoulder.  Everett joined the two men and the three stared at the giant burning cross in the middle of the yard.  

 

Continued…