The Contract – Chapter 10

6th Month

The Fourth of July activities were winding down; Jarrod and Alexandria relaxed on a blanket as they prepared to watch the firework show. They had arrived in Stockton two days earlier and had been spending time with the family as the town prepared for the festivities. This was by far the biggest celebration of the year and everyone looked forward to it. Jarrod had told Alexandria of all the activities that would be occurring and she found herself looking forward to it as well.

Jarrod spent time with his brothers fishing one day and practicing for the sharp shooting contest the next day. Alexandria enjoyed spending time with Audra and Victoria as they cooked different items to enter in the baking contest. Jarrod had also taken her riding both days to different parts of the ranch so they could spend time together as well.

Both Alexandria and Jarrod found themselves looking forward to the rides but neither mentioned it to the other one for fear of being rejected. They had only shared a few more chaste kisses since Victoria and Audra visited them the last time but Jarrod had been busy getting ready for an upcoming trial and Alexandria had several dresses she had to get ready for the Fourth of July celebration. But they were no longer fighting continuously and they made sure to eat breakfast together each morning before heading to work.

In the evenings Jarrod would shoot pool with his brothers as Alexandria showed Victoria and Audra the newest fashion books. Last night they went for a walk around the ranch in the starlight. As they walked Jarrod reached for her hand and she gladly grabbed his hand. He smiled shyly as they walked and Jarrod told her of some of his boyhood adventures with Nick. He stopped in front of the large oak tree and sat down against it.

Alexandria joined him and put her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He put his head on her shoulders and inhaled her scent while Alexandria leaned further against his chest.

"It's lovely out here Jarrod. Don't you ever miss it?"

Jarrod sighed as he raised his head from her shoulders and said, "Yes and no."

Alexandria heard a catch in Jarrod's voice but decided not to ask about it as she just wanted to enjoy tonight. They sat there for several more minutes before Jarrod spoke again; his voice was barely above a whisper.

"You once told me you are a good listener." Alexandria simply nodded her head yes. Jarrod sighed before he spoke again. "I have good memories and painful memories here and right now the painful memories are still very overwhelming to me." He put his head on Alexandria's shoulder once again as he tried to regain his composure.

Alexandria decided to speak quietly, "Jarrod you don't have to tell me anything if you are not comfortable with it."

Jarrod blew out another breath and said, "I want you to understand why I don't come back here that much anymore."

Alexandria turned her head to look at Jarrod and smiled tenderly, "You don't have to explain anything to me Jarrod." She put her hands on his face and caressed his cheeks. Jarrod leaned into her embrace and they simply held each other.

As the fireworks were about to start, Jarrod spoke to Alexandria bringing her from her thoughts over the past few days, "Are you okay?"

Alexandria smiled as she responded, "Oh yes. I was just thinking what a wonderful time I've had the last few days."

Jarrod smiled as he stretched out on the blanket and used another blanket as a pillow. "It has been a nice trip hasn't it?"

Alexandria looked down at him and said, "Yes. I think we both needed a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city."

Jarrod frowned as he spoke, "Yeah it's back to the real world Monday."

Alexandria giggled at Jarrod's frown. She was sitting next to him as he patted the spot next to him and as she looked around nervously Jarrod pulled her down next to him. He put her head on his chest and said, "We are married so this is acceptable."

He felt Alexandria relax as she put her hand on his chest and he gently rubbed her back.

The rest of the Barkley's were spread out on a few blankets and did not miss Jarrod and Alexandria as they laid next to each other.

"That looks like a good sign," Heath said as he looked at the couple.

Victoria agreed, "Yes it does."

Nick added, "And they have been spending a good bit of time together going for rides or moonlight walks."

Victoria smiled at her children and said, "Only time will tell."

Audra said, "They have been married for six months and they seem closer this weekend than I have ever seen them."

Nick chuckled, "You may well have that grandchild you've been wanting before long."

Victoria shook her head at Nick and laughed. She looked back at Jarrod and Alexandria and knew this was not a show they were putting on for the sake of onlookers. But Victoria also knew something no one else knew. She knew the couple was not sharing a bed.

She had heard Jarrod slip into the guest bedroom both nights after he thought everyone was asleep but Victoria heard the doors opening and closing. Both nights she had gotten up and confirmed that Jarrod was indeed asleep in the guest bedroom. She wondered what was going on because it was quite obvious the couple was much closer than they were last month.

She also remembered the appointment book Alexandria gave Jarrod and the inscription. Victoria remembered it for more of what had not been said than what it had said. She thanked Jarrod for everything he had done but only signed it Alexandria which troubled the matriarch.

She had also ran into the Gibbs a few weeks ago and based on their conversation Victoria had a sinking feeling that this marriage was not based on love but instead it was Jarrod's way of helping Alexandria. If that was the case it would make sense but Victoria also wasn't sure why her son would have went to such lengths to help out someone he didn't know that well. As she looked at them she wondered if they were falling in love with each other.

Jarrod continued to run his hand up and down Alexandria's back as they watched the fireworks. He was keenly aware of his family watching their actions but this was not for their benefit and he hoped Alexandria felt the same way. Alexandria nestled her head on Jarrod's chest as the last firework went off and sighed.

"Are you okay?" Jarrod asked quietly.

"Yes I guess so. I guess I'm not ready for tonight to be over."

Jarrod smiled widely as he responded, "Me either."

Nick walked up and stood over the couple, "Are you two just going to lay here all night or are you coming in the house?"

"We'll be in shortly Nick," Jarrod replied rather curtly which caused Nick to laugh.

"Alright big brother but don't stay out here too late."

"Hmph."

Nick herded his family toward the house and said loud enough for Jarrod and Alexandria to hear. "The lovebirds want to be left alone."

Jarrod merely shook his head as Alexandria laughed. Once the family went into the house Alexandria faced Jarrod and put her chin on his chest. This was by far the most relaxed she had seen him since their marriage. She played with the buttons on his shirt as he ran his hands through her hair. He brought her face down to him and kissed her deeply.

From the house Victoria watched the couple and said a silent prayer of thanks.