You Can't Go Backwards

by kitty2292

Victoria is missing Tom and it's making her grumpy. She wanted to start over that morning and do it better this time but, as they always do on the Barkley Ranch, things change in a moment and reality hits hard. Appearances by the whole family and some other major characters. Set near the end of harvest season and shortly after Days of Wrath. Enjoy and as always please R&R.

10. Chapter 10

"Well, well," Dr. Merar smiled as Silas showed him to the parlor. "I see someone has had enough of her bedroom," he smiled when he saw Victoria sitting on the sofa with Audra.

"Yes Doctor," Victoria smiled. "I simply could not stay in that bed one minute longer.

"Despite everyone's best efforts to keep her there," Audra frowned and stood up. "Can I get you anything Doctor?"

"No, thank you Audra," Merar smiled. "If you would just give us a moment," I will check her stitches quickly."

"Certainly," Audra smiled and nodded to Silas. "The boys are in the library, I think we should join them Silas."

"Yes Miss Audra," he trailed after her into the library.

"Good as new," Merar smiled and quickly took the stitches out. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine," Victoria smiled and tucked her blouse back into her skirt. "Can I officially be off bed rest now?"

"I think so," Merar smiled. "I'll head out so you can go tell the family.

"Thank you," she smiled and waited for him to go. She looked up at Tom's portrait above the fire place. She missed him again today. "I'm tired," she whispered to the portrait. "I miss you and I want to be with you, but Tom, these children of ours need me. Don't be angry." She smiled and got up from the sofa. She walked across the foyer and pushed open the library door.

"Mother," Nick scolded. "Where is Doctor Merar?"

"He is gone," Victoria smiled. "He took the stitches out and said I was good as new."

"That's wonderful," Audra hugged her mother.

"I'll go get some champagne to celebrate," Silas smiled and brushed by everyone out the door.

"Great," Jarrod kissed his mother's cheek.

Heath maintained his place next to the fire place. He saw the same thing in his Victoria's eyes that he had seen a week ago. He knew now that she missed his father. He had nearly died himself, more than once, since he found his family. Every time he thought of his mother and how much he longed to see her again. He thought of how he longed to meet his father up in heaven. He knew that deciding to put up a fight to live was an agonizing choice. It must be even harder for Victoria.

"Heath," Victoria broke into his musing as she walked toward him. "Everything ok?"

"Of course," he smiled his famous sideways smile. "I am so glad that you are going to be ok." He took a step toward her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Victoria squeezed Heath's shoulders as she felt a wave of peace wash over her. He had seen that look again, he must have. Oh, how wonderful that hug felt now.

THE END!