I do NOT own the Big Valley nor any of the original Barkley characters.

Raging River

Chapter Four

Morning found Victoria, Audra, Deborah and Abigail all sitting around the Barkley's dining room table. Just as Silas was setting the food in front of them Jarrod walked in with the mail. "Anything good today?" Audra asked as Jarrod sat down. She always loved when the mail arrived, as she loved it when they received letters from their friends and family.

"Well, this is a letter from Eugene," he held up an envelope ,"and a telegram from Nick. Which should I read first?" Jarrod looked at the women, not surprised when his mother asked for Eugene's letter first. Jarrod opened the letter and began reading.

Dear family,

I am sorry, I need to make this extremely short as I have a very busy day planned. I just wanted you to know that I have finally asked Rebecca Richards to marry me. Yes, Audra, I finally got around to asking her, guess I should thank you for introducing us. Due to family obligations we will marry here, in a few months, but hope to have an open house in Stockton sometime next summer. I'll write and give you all more details later.

Love,

Eugene

"Yes!" Audra yelled a bit louder than she meant to, "Sorry, mother. I didn't mean to yell. It's just that they make the cutest couple and they've been going together forever!" It was just the news she'd been hoping to hear for months.

Victoria couldn't agree more; still, she rubbed her ears, "It's Nick who is supposed to hurt my ears, Audra, not you."

"Sorry," Audra was rather embarrassed she'd just matched Nick in volume, that was definitely a first!

"Talk about that my husband of mine," Abigail smiled at Jarrod, "What does he have to say in the telegram? They're not going to be home late are they? This baby won't wait for him, if it decides to come."

Jarrod opened the telegram hoping to hear the news inside was just as good. His eyes widened and his jaw fell open; it felt like it hit the floor as he read the words inside. His reaction, naturally, got all the women's attention. "What is it, Jarrod?" Victoria asked feeling herself stiffen slightly as she asked the question, "Has something happened?"

'Something is for sure, but what?' Jarrod thought as he looked up from the telegram. "Nick, Heath and," Jarrod paused not believing this could actually be happening a third time, "Mary, Heath's wife, will be home in a few days."

Shock waves ran through all of them, Audra actually had to grab the table to steady herself, "Who? His what?" she looked at her oldest brother. She had to have heard Jarrod wrong; there was no way Heath could be married!

"You heard me," Jarrod handed her the telegram and said, "read yourself."

Audra took the telegram and read "Heath married Mary M. Hamilton here in fresno today. We'll be arriving home sometime Saturday. Nick"

"I don't believe it!" Audra just stared at the telegraph, then, without thinking said, "Who am I going to get to go with Beatrice?" That only served to get her looks of disbelief from the others.

Victoria didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Sure, she was grateful Jarrod and Nick's marriages had worked out; still, they'd even admitted it was quite the adjustment to make. "I'm sure we'll hear their story when they get home." In fact, she knew they would as she'd demand it.

While the Barkleys were discussing Eugene's upcoming marriage, and Heath's sudden one, Heath, Nick and Mary were once more bedding down for the night. Mary sat on her bedroll looking up at the sky once more. Heath sat down on his, which lay next a few inches away from hers. Nick was already asleep.

"What are you thinking?" Heath asked as he watched Mary gazing upon the stars.

She pointed to a few stars, "I used to lie awake at night connecting various stars, making different pictures. I would make up stories as I did so, guess it was a way to deal with what life had handed me, what my father had done. I used to hate him," she looked at Heath, "I was so angry at him, now I just feel sorry for him. Are you sure your family will accept me? I mean, this isn't exactly expected and it's awfully fast, and will they believe me when I say I never slept with either of the men I was with. I mean, that part is nigh unbelievable."

Heath couldn't help but start chuckling, "Don't worry, if anything they'll just be saying 'not again'," he nodded towards his sleeping brother, "Both my older brothers' marriages happened quite fast. I'll have to tell you about it later. Right now, we best get some sleep." Heath lay down on his side, away from Mary his mind racing for a good hour before he drifted off to sleep.