Jarrod Thomas Barkley was exhausted, angry and wet. As he walked toward the ranch leading Jingo the rain did nothing to dampen the attorney's mood. Jingo had thrown a shoe about three miles back so Jarrod had to walk the rest of the way home. As Jarrod searched his saddlebags he realized someone had gotten his rain slicker and now it was pouring down rain.

Jarrod had not planned on going to town today but Nick had insisted they had to renegotiate the contracts for the mines in Colorado. Jarrod had just finished up a very long trial and all he wanted was a few days off before doing anything else. But as usual Jarrod agreed to keep the peace quite literally in the house. Nick didn't bother to show up leaving Jarrod to deal with the hot headed miners. Although it took all day Jarrod was finally able to get a new contract agreeable to both parties.

Now he wished he would have stayed in town with the miners when they invited him for a drink or two. But Jarrod knew he had other paperwork and accounting waiting for him at the house. Jarrod did not mind doing the paperwork or accounting for the ranch as he saw it as part of his responsibilities since Nick and Heath were doing the physical aspect of running the ranch.

Jarrod sighed as the rain started to fall harder. He was always working whether it was with his law offices or ranch business. He could not remember the last time he took a day off from either one of those. But yet he knew for a fact Nick and Heath had taken off to go hunting or fishing from time to time. Nick was always picking at him about keeping his nose in his dusty old law books but what choice did he have?

Then it hit Jarrod, he had a choice. it was assumed Jarrod would take care of the business aspect of the ranch but no one had come out to ask him. He knew he had no one to blame but himself for this.

Jarrod had always wanted to be a lawyer for as long as he could remember and he loved it. There were times he did get frustrated at some of the outcomes but all in all he knew he was making a difference.

When his father had been killed Jarrod put his aspirations aside to come back home and help his mother and Nick in anyway he could. Being the eldest he felt it was his responsibility but now everyone had finally settled into their new roles. Jarrod had never complained about all of his added responsibilities but now he knew he had to make some changes.

Audra had picked at him about going out more socially but when did he have the time? During the day he was at his law office and at night he was working on ranch business. Jarrod had missed plenty of dances and socials because of work. Yet the rest of the family attended with glee. Jarrod was not upset at his family as he knew it was his own fault.

But Jarrod had made up his mind that things would changing immediately, if I don't die from pneumonia, he thought wryly.

As Jarrod trudged through the mud he knew the ranch shouldn't be too much further. Then a flash of lightning and thunder sounded causing Jingo to jump suddenly. Jarrod was not paying any attention so when Jingo jumped Jarrod lost his balance and fell into a large mud puddle. Jarrod sat in the mud sighing in disgust.

Jingo came back to his faithful companion and nickered at him.

Jarrod got up and patted his sorrel's nose, "It's okay Jingo ol' boy. Let's head to the ranch."

Jarrod once again grabbed Jingo's reins and started walking again.

An hour later Jarrod finally saw the white mansion come into sight. He was relieved but then anger took him over again. Nick better have a damn good excuse for not showing up today or else.

Although Jarrod was soaked to the bone and shivering to took Jingo to the barn to take care of his trusty companion. He sighed in disgust realizing everyone must have had today off except him.

He angrily strode to the house. He knew he should have gone in through the kitchen but at this point he didn't care anymore. He opened the door and slammed it shut.

Victoria came rushing into the foyer to see who in the world had come into the house and was shocked at the sight of her eldest son.

"Jarrod, what in the world..."

Jarrod interrupted his mother as he marched into the parlor not worried about the mess he was making, "Where's Nick?"

Before Victoria could respond Nick and Heath came into the parlor and at the sight of their oldest brother they started laughing loudly.

"Boy howdy Jarrod you look like you rolled in a pig sty," Heath joked.

Jarrod glared at his brothers as he gulped down his drink. He turned to Nick and spat, "Where in the devil where you today?"

Nick smirked as he answered, "Well it was raining and I didn't want to get wet." both Nick and Heath started laughing again.

Jarrod glared at his brothers and knew he had made the right decision. He poured another drink and gulped it down before he said, "I quit."

Nick stopped laughing and said, "You quit? What?"

"Doing all the ranch paperwork and business dealings. I have two law offices I need to concentrate on and since you and brother Heath have time to go hunting and fishing you two can handle all of that now."

Heath spoke quietly, "Aw Jarrod you know we was just having fun."

Jarrod glared at Heath as he responded, "Well now it's time for me to have some fun." Jarrod stomped up the stairs and to his room leaving his family standing there in shock.

Nick spoke, "I'm sure after he calms down he'll be okay."

Heath said, "I certainly hope so cause I don't cotton to do any paperwork."

Victoria looked at the mess Jarrod had made and wondered if her eldest was serious or not.