A/N The parts marked with a * are, for the most part, out of Chapter Six. Though, I have changed things a bit to fit the chapter.

~oOo~

Previously: Scott forced himself to smile through the shock he was feeling and simply said, "Merry "Merry Christmas!"

"Same to you, Mr. Breckenridge," Mr. Lancaster smiled from ear to ear as he watched Scott turn around and leave.

"If you will excuse me, I've got a few other things I need to attend too before I go to a Christmas party tonight." "I just hope Nick doesn't kick me off the ranch when I arrive." Scott thought as he walked away with the Lancasters still feeling as if they were living a dream.

~oOo~

*"Nick had to step out and look at one of the calves'." Jarrod, who was visiting with Jace and the other two farmers whose land had been at risk when Scott lent them money, said when he was asked where his brother was.

* Jace looked at Jarrod. "Did you really invite Scott Breckenridge here for Christmas?" He'd been stunned when he'd heard that rumor. After what had happened, he was sure none of the Barkleys would ever want the man in their home again.

*"Yes, but that was months ago, before he came here for that 'visit'." Jarrod sighed as he looked around the room and then shrugged his shoulders, "But he said he was pretty sure he would busy."

Jace went to say something else, only to be interrupted when a knock came at the door. Jarrod excused himself. "I'll be right back." He assured hid friends and then went to see who was at the door.

Jarrod had had many surprises in his life, but never one as great as the one he got the moment he opened the door and saw Scott Breckenridge standing on the other side.

For his part, Scott wasn't the least bit surprised by the look on Jarrod's face. He just hoped the man's offer still stood. "I recall you inviting me to your Christmas party once. After what happened a few months ago, is the invitation still there?"

Jarrod couldn't speak for a moment, as he thought about his brothers inside. Heath had admitted it was all he could do not to lunge at the man and beat him to a pulp…and everyone had agreed it was a good thing Nick had been busy at the time. However, before Jarrod could find his voice, his mother walked up behind him. Both men found themselves holding their breath until a smile spread across the Barkley Matriarch's face. Holding out her hand, Victoria beckoned for Scott to enter the home and then welcomed him to the party as Jarrod shut the door. "I didn't think you had the time to spare." she looked at him questionably.

"I made the time and, no," he quickly added due to the looks that appeared in both Barkley's eyes, "it's not a cover up for anything; I promise. It's just," he sighed as he looked around the room and observed the guests, some of whom were now staring at the newest arrival and then back at their hosts. Making sure he was looking at Jarrod, Scott continued on. "I…I once courted a young woman by the name of Sarah. She told me that I had turned into my father. I denied it at the time only, now I have to admit she was right. It's just been a long time since I spent Christmas with people who cared more about other people than their money bag." It was the truth; he might as well admit it if he was going to actually start over. Though, Scott had to hold in a laugh as Jarrod, who had been holding a glass full of scotch quickly put it down. Scott figured it was because Jarrod had, most likely, thought his part in the experience the night before to simply be a dream.

"I don't believe it!" Nick spoke rather loudly as he marched over to his mother, Jarrod and their guest. "I never thought I'd see you here again after the things I've been told."

"Nick!" Victoria, afraid Nick was about to make a scene, spoke up.

"It's all right Mrs. Barkley." Scott said and looked straight at Nick. "I can't change the past, but I can do something about today. After all, correcting a mistake doesn't always wind up causing more problems than a person can handle."

Once again, Scott had to hold in a chuckle as Nick too put down the glass he was holding down on the table. He then wondered if either Jarrod or Nick would ever ask him about the "dream" they'd had. Just the thought made him inwardly chuckle again, as he was pretty sure the answer to that thought was a sound no. In fact, he dared say they wouldn't even be telling each other, out of fear of being told they were crazy.

Nick lowered his voice and said, "Well, since you ended up doing the right thing by my sister, I won't throw you out. Come on in."

Scott followed Jarrod and Nick into the living room while Victoria went back to some of her other guests. Though, after visiting a few of the guests who were stunned to see him there, Scott made his way to the front of the Barkley's Christmas tree. The same gorgeous tinsels, Christmas bulbs, candy cane and such covered the tree from top to bottom….and a star sat on the top of the tree.

As he stood there Heath and Gene walked up to him. "Welcome to the party, and thanks for sending my sister home ." Gene, who had been told all about the events when he'd come home for a visit, held out his hand and greeted Scott.

"No thanks necessary," Scott smiled, "She's a very remarkable young woman." Gene agreed and then left.

Scott felt a bit uneasy as Heath looked at him, but said nothing. Finally Scott broke the silence and said, "I am sorry about what happened when I was here before." He was more than relieved when Heath answered.

"I know; you never would have shown up here if you weren't." Heath gave him a lop sided grin. He might have said more only Mark and Sarah entered the room. Both Heath and Scott were surprised when the couple made their way through the other guests, stopping in front of them. The couple were absolutely beaming as they told Jarrod that Mark had received a promotion at his work.

After visiting with the Billings and Heath for awhile, Scott excused himself. He wanted to find Audra and apologize to her for making it so she found it necessary to offer herself to him in order to save the farmers' land. When he realized she wasn't in the living room, he went to Victoria and told her what he wanted and why.

Victoria smiled from ear to ear. "She left the room, said she was going to be on the Verandah getting some fresh air."

Scott didn't have to ask why she'd left the room. "Thanks." He then too made his way to the Verandah.

Audra, who had turned to see who was coming, quickly turned back around. Scott sighed, but he really hadn't expected anything else. "I wanted to say I'm sorry." He said after stopping beside Audra.

Audra couldn't believe her ears. The great Scott Breckenridge was actually apologizing. Her rigid shoulders relaxed some and she tried a smile as Scott began talking.

"You are a very beautiful, and remarkable, young woman. Believe me when I say that your offer was very hard to resist. I'm glad that somewhere deep inside me I had the compassion to refuse it. Truth be told, I think I knew I would be disgusted with myself if I actually held you to your promise. I mean, I knew you deserved better. I was also amazed that a beautiful young girl such as yourself would make such a sacrifice for others." Scott paused as he smiled at her and then continued, "I stand here not only to apologize to you but to make you a promise. I will never allow myself to be so blinded by greed, or anything else, to the point that an innocent person is harmed in any way. I may need help along the way." He wasn't about to say some of that help had come to him the night before. "I can tell you that I will accept that help. Now," Scott took a deep breath, "I don't expect you to forgive me, nor forget what I have done, I just need you to understand that I am so sorry. "

By this time tears had sprung to Audra's eyes. She knew herself to be a stronger person than many people gave her credit for, but she hadn't expected to hear such words, spoken with nothing but sincerity, to come out of Scott's mouth. She was moved by Scott's admission, but quickly wiped her tears away. She nodded towards the veranda twin doors. "We best move in," she said quietly. "I thank you, and your apology is accepted. Now, mother let me make the eggnog this year. However, I warn you, found a new recipe and I'm afraid I may have laced it a little too heavy with rum."

"Well then," chuckled Scott. "I'll appreciate the both the warmth in which it was made as well as the warmth it will provide to my body."

"Body and Soul," giggled Audra as she almost floated towards the door.

Scott slowly followed, knowing that the young women's comment showed that she had indeed forgiven him…even if he hadn't asked for it. He couldn't help but allow his smile to grow even wider than it was. He was looking forward to the life's journey he now intended to honor. The rest of the evening Scott spent visiting all the Barkleys and their friends. By the time he left more than one person said how amazed they were at the change that seemed to have taken place in the man.

Epilogue

Scott stood on the porch of the home he had bought outside Stockton. It had been a year since he'd woken up from his rather interesting experience and he was looking up at the sunrise wondering just when he was going to be told about Audra's part in the other future he'd been shown that fateful night. When he heard someone on the porch, Scott turned his head and about fainted… Tom Barkley was standing on his porch smiling at him. Once he found his voice, Scott asked, "Why are you here?"

Tom smiled and answered, "You have some questions you've wanted answers to for a long time. I've been allowed to come back and give them to you."

Scott leaned against the white porch railing that he'd had put up the week before. After a minute he nodded and said, "Why did Audra get involved when it comes to that other future I was shown?"

"It was your birthday." Tom answered and sighed. "Sarah told her she had a special present to give to you, but she didn't want to give it to you with everyone in the office around."

"So, she had nothing to do with my torture or murder?" Scott turned his head, he'd been looking straight ahead of him, and looked at Tom.

Tom folded his arms and leaned against the post that stood behind him. "Once inside, Sarah shocked both you and Audra when she pulled out a gun. She then confessed to tricking one of the employees as she pulled some rope out from behind one of your cabinets. She threw the rope at Audra and told her to secure you to your chair. Audra never would have done it, only Sarah threatened to shoot her and harm the Barkley family if she didn't. Afterwards, Sarah told her she could go but, once again, threatened her if she told anyone anything. In fact, she made sure to tell Audra she was now her accomplice." Tom shook his head. "Audra left California for the simple fact that if she wasn't near her family she wouldn't be able to say anything to them, thus protecting them the only way she figured she could. And, she hadn't been a willing accomplice. Don't ask me why she just didn't go to Jarrod and tell him everything; it would have been better."

While Scott felt a bit queasy, he was grateful to know for sure that Audra hadn't been a willing participant. He went to say something else only to have Tom disappear as voices could be heard coming down the street. He turned his head and smiled as Audra and one of her friends could be seen walking down the street. When Audra waved at him, Scott waved back. He couldn't help but smile wide, grateful to have put the past behind him thanks to Tom Barkley and three very special brothers.