CHAPTER TEN
The next morning, Eugene took them – and their many packages – to the depot, and after giving each a hug and kiss promised to be home for Christmas. They all settled in for the ride – and there was much chatter about the opera performance and the wonderful time they all had in San Francisco.
Jarrod came to sit by Jennie and Nick – and showed them the morning edition of the San Francisco Chronicle. "You're famous!", he said to her, as he read the article in the society column about the prior night's opera. There was a quarter page picture of Victoria and Jarrod looking very elegant - with the caption "Prominent San Francisco Attorney Attends Opera". The article continued – mentioning it was Victoria's birthday - and giving details about how dashing mother and son looked. Victoria told the reporter that her gorgeous gown was designed by Miss Jennie Hall of Stockton especially for the occasion. Jennie was speechless. "Oh, Mrs. Barkley", she exclaimed, "that was so generous of you!" Victoria smiled – "Well", she said, "as long as you are trying to grow your business, I might as well help". They all laughed and congratulated Jennie on her new-found notoriety. Jennie chuckled, "It's a lot better than the last claim to fame I once had!" Nick turned to her and laughed, "now that's a fact!". She then rested her head against his shoulder, and soon fell asleep to the rocking of the train.
The train finally arrived in Stockton, and together with luggage and packages, the family alighted from the private car. Jarrod had arranged for a wagon and carriage to take them back to the ranch. Nick told them to go on without him, as he would take Jennie home and hire a horse for the ride back.
Saying her goodbyes to the Barkleys with hugs and tears in her eyes, Jennie and Nick waved and then walked to her shop. She put her packages on the couch and went to get her guitar. "I can't tell you how happy I am with the new strings", she chatted happily. She then went to the kitchen area, and putting the kettle on the stove turned to Nick, "can I make you some tea? I'm afraid I don't have anything else to offer."
She settled herself on the couch and was about to begin to restring the guitar when Nick stood and walked over to her, "well,..er...I have something to offer", he said quietly. She looked at him inquisitively as he knelt down before her. Holding out the ring box, he gently asked, "Jennie...would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Nick Barkley?" Immediately, she started to cry, "Oh Nick, the angels do answer prayers!" she exclaimed as she hugged the handsome cowboy kneeling before her. They embraced warmly – alternating between kissing, crying and laughing together. "You haven't opened the box", Nick laughed. Jennie realized that she was squeezing the box tightly – and releasing her grip, opened it.
Her mouth formed a large "O" as she looked at the beautiful emerald and diamond ring. She handed it to Nick – "put it on my finger, please", she said softly and when he had done so, she hugged him tightly – crying on his shoulder. Laughing heartily, Nick said, "All right, woman, let me stand...these old knees aren't what they used to be!"
Straightening up, he asked, "Are you up to a ride to the ranch?" "On horseback or in a buggy", Jennie laughed. Putting his arms around her, he said, "On horseback – I can't wait to tell them!" Jennie pushed him toward the door, "You arrange for the horses, and I'll change into a riding outfit and pack a bag." Nick gave her a sweet kiss – "hurry", he said, "I'll be right back!"
Returning with the horses, Nick helped Jennie fasten her things to the saddle and together rode quickly to the ranch. The moonlit ride was filled with their happy chatter about their future plans. Jennie kept alternating between laughing and crying – and Nick smiled as he watched her mood swing from one to the other. "Look at all the stars!" Jennie exclaimed. They both looked up to the star filled sky. "Mother", Jennie whispered with tears in her eyes, "thank you".
Nick leaned over and caressed her face – he couldn't believe that he had finally found the love of his life and wanted them to be together as soon as possible. Jennie agreed with him – but added that his mother would not be satisfied with anything less than a grand party. If they could somehow manage to pull it together sooner – that was fine with Jennie.
Arriving at the ranch, they let Ciego take their horses and entered the house through the kitchen. Silas told them that the family were in the library and they hurriedly made their way. "Bring a bottle of champagne", Nick called back.
Walking with their arms around each other's waists, they entered the library. "Meet the soon to be newest member of the Barkely clan" he proudly announced. Gasps and cries of 'congratulations' echoed around the library as Silas came in with the bottle of champagne and glasses. Everyone was so excited, exclaiming at how beautiful Jennie's ring was, and Victoria hugged Jennie saying, "I just knew he was falling in love with you!" Jennie was so excited by the family's acceptance of her – and she thanked them all for their kind wishes. "I'm sorry", she said - in between tears and laughter, "I'm just so happy!". Audra came to hug them both, "I just knew you two would be together!", she gushed, and welcomed Jennie as her new 'sister'. Jarrod and Heath also took turns congratulating the happy couple – and as Silas passed around the glasses of champagne, Jarrod proposed a toast: "To Jennie and Nick...the Barkley family is proud to welcome you!"
Naturally, the talk turned to plans for an engagement party. Jennie shyly said that although she would welcome an engagement party; that she and Nick would prefer just to focus on a wedding. Nick added that his choice would be a wedding right after Christmas – which would give them a little time to plan. "Christmas!" Victoria exclaimed, "that's only two months away". Then seeing Jennie's face, she quickly added, "but I know we can pull everything together by then. That time of year will be beautiful". "Besides", Nick added putting his arm around Jennie, "what better birthday present for my bride-to-be!"
Audra came to stand by Jennie – "Yes", she said, "we have to shop and arrange for your gown and trousseau." Jennie laughed, "well, I would certainly welcome the help". "I see another trip to San Francisco" Audra agreed adding, "Every dressmaker for miles around here will be very busy!" Jennie gave Audra a big hug – "thanks for being the sister I always prayed for!" she said with tears in her eyes. Then smiling added, " I have a picture of exactly what I would like for me and my maid of honor – and know where to find it!" Audra looked in surprise – "Maid of honor!" she exclaimed – "Oh Jennie...you are the sister I always prayed for too!"