Chapter One

The sound of the train's whistle rising in the air, waking its sleeping passenger up, something Faith Ann Mitchell was not exactly happy about. However, her displeasure at being woken up from her much needed nap was something none of the other men and women who were traveling with her would ever know. The daughter of a father plagued with health issues and a mother who did everything from cleaning houses to doing laundry to make enough money to provide for her family and pay the doctor bills, Faith had learned early on how to work hard and keep her mouth shut. After all, opening it meant visiting instead of working, and that meant risking lose one's job.

The moment the train had come to a stop after pulling into Stockton's train station, Faith got off the train as soon as she could. The sooner she got off, the faster she could get to the school where she would be teaching. Teaching, she sighed. As much as she loved children, she wished she didn't have to teach in a school. Though, for the moment, she didn't see that she had much choice. She'd gone through a list of other occupations she could do to get out on her own and not one of them had held attraction to her whatsoever.

Faith could cook okay, only not well enough to work in a restaurant. She made her own clothes, but the idea of sitting at a table creating one dress after another made her ill. She loathed the idea of cleaning anyone else's home; she hated her own home chores as it was, though she did do it. When it came to laundry, it fell into the same category as the cleaning did. No, when all was said and done only three professions held any interest to her. Ranching, writing and teaching. Since no ranch she knew of would hire a woman, though that's where her heart really was, and writers needed a second job if they weren't to starve; she'd taken the third and gotten her teaching certificate. She'd been very grateful that she had at least found a good deal of satisfaction in seeing the children she taught learn something new.

"Humph!" Faith, who was carrying her only piece of luggage and had her mind elsewhere, bumped into a gentleman she had not seen. The stranger was sent falling down to the ground below. She was so embarrassed, and it showed she quickly set her luggage down, stretched out her hand and went to help the gentleman up.

"I'm sorry, sir." Faith was turning a thousand shades of pink as she let go of the man's hand and looked upon the stranger who was now standing before her. In his three piece suit and tie, he was a sight to behold. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to knock you down." Faith knew she was speaking the truth and hoped the man would somehow be able to see that fact.

"It's Jarrod, Jarrod Barkley." Jarrod smiled at the black hair, blue eyed beautiful young woman standing before him. Her suitcase sat nearby, so Jarrod surmised that she was new to Stockton. And, he thought to himself, since she looked to be around twenty, he figured she'd soon have many young men calling her. "May I know your name?"

"Faith, Faith Ann Mitchell." She glanced at her luggage and said, "I'm afraid I was in a hurry to find the house I am supposed to be using while I'm here." She went on to explain why she'd come to Stockton. "I planned on heading to the school afterwards. I'm supposed to meet the board members and then start teaching on Monday." She was glad she had a few days that could be used for preparation.

Jarrod couldn't help but grin wider. As he had accepted a very temporary place on the school board, due to an unexpected vacancy, he had to attend the meeting. As he thought on the meeting, Jarrod had to chuckle as Nick would also be there. His brother been elected to the school board the year before. However, Jarrod was sure it wouldn't be long before Nick handed in his resignation. The man, like him, was simply far too busy with the ranch and their mines, along with a number of other items that were on his plate to sit on the school board for very long. Of course, it didn't help Nick that Leah still clung onto him like crazy if her father wasn't around. For that matter, Bryon had even warmed up to his loud uncle and was now tagging along with his sister and uncle when Heath wasn't available.

"Your train is early, Miss Mitchell. It wasn't supposed to be here for another ten minutes." He went on to explain that the other board members had asked if he or Nick would meet her, but that Nick had ranch business to take care of first. "The house you will be using is within a block of the school. I will show you the way."

Faith thanked him as he picked up her suitcase and then followed him to the buggy he was driving. As he drove down the street, they exchanged small talk until the house she'd be using came into view. She could see the school from where they were. When a tall cowboy dressed in black walked around the corner of the building, Faith found herself mesmerized. She had to literally force herself to look at Jarrod. "Who's that?"

"My brother, Nick," Jarrod answered as he climbed down and then helped her out of the buggy. Grabbing her suitcase, Jarrod headed for the house. Faith followed only after Nick disappeared into the schoolhouse.

~oOo~

The following story was inspired by the song "One Wing in the Fire" sung by Trent Tomlinson. If the information I found on the internet is correct, Mr. Tomlinson co-wrote it with Bobby Pinson.