Author's Note: This chapter takes place ten days after Hester's death; two days after Priscilla's meeting with Jarrod at his office.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Heath rode into town trying to enjoy the spring sunshine that filtered through the leaves of the trees lining the path. He usually liked coming into town, watching the hustle and bustle of traffic, and hearing the sounds people and horses. Today though was different, for two reasons.

The meeting with Jarrod was on his mind; what was it about? He'd received a handwritten note on Jarrod's letterhead, with few details. There was also the issue that it kept him from seeing Sarah. Heath wasn't sure whether he was relieved or not with the delay. He had planned on coming into town today anyway, because Sarah was back. Jarrod's request, to come to his office at nine o'clock meant that he wouldn't be able to go to the dressmaking shop until later.

Sarah had been out of town for almost two weeks, arriving back last night on the late train. Heath knew this because she had sent a telegram from San Francisco earlier that day. It was the first communication that he'd had from her, since the note informing him of her trip. That fact was why he'd not felt the need to rush to the station that night.

After taking leave of Jarrod when they finished at the funeral house Heath had walked over to the dressmaking shop. Heath had been sure that she'd gone there after their fight they'd had, about Hester. Arriving at the shop he found out that he'd been right about her going there, but wrong that she was still there. Penny, Sarah's mother, greeted him with an almost apologetic air, as she handed him a sealed envelope.

Inside was a note in Sarah's handwriting explaining that she had to go to San Francisco on a fabric buying trip. Heath read the missive twice, taking in the fact that the letter didn't convey any clue as to Sarah's feelings about him, or what had happened between them. He was left with Penny looking at him, with a what are you going to do now? expression. Deciding that retreat was the best option – Heath wasn't sure what Sarah had told her mother – he left the shop.

Standing on the street it had come to him that he really had nowhere to go; or rather no where he really wanted to go. His house, the one he'd put so much time into building, would be cold, dark, and unwelcoming. The big house would be warm, but he didn't feel like putting up with his mother's and Silas' curious stares. It would lead to talking about Sarah, which he didn't think was right. He could hear the tinkle of piano sounds from the saloon, but he didn't want to be there either.

Heath knew he could always get on the next train to San Francisco, to reconcile with Sarah. He could even take Jarrod's advice and buy some jewelry to take along. In his mind though he'd done nothing wrong; no he'd not told Sarah about Hester – or Maria – or several others - but dang it they were way before he met Sarah. There was no good reason for her to be acting like she was, and Heath didn't want to give her the satisfaction of thinking she was right. Instead he went home to his house; yes it was cold and dark but it was his after all. He heated up some beans for dinner, and washed it down with three large glasses of whiskey, as he sat by himself in the kitchen.

The next morning, after waking up with a headache, he had thrown himself into work on the ranch. There was a great deal to be done, since Nick was riding into town every day to see Priscilla. Nick's oft said comment regarding the working ranch was clearly taking a back seat, but Heath didn't blame Nick in the least. He went to dinner several times at the big house, putting a good face on about Sarah being in San Francisco. His mother, by the third meal, was giving him hard looks, so Heath started eating with the ranch hands.

When Sarah's telegram had come yesterday Heath had read it warily; he wanted to end the stalemate between them, but didn't want to be put in the wrong. Jarrod's note, about the meeting gave him an excuse for not seeing Sarah first. Heath though wondered if Sarah would see that as another instance of his family interfering in their lives. He hoped that the reason for the meeting would be enough justification, even as Heath was annoyed that he had to justify it to Sarah.

His thoughts were broken by arriving at Jarrod's office; going in he was greeted by Lewis and offered coffee before being shown into Jarrod's conference room. He noted Jarrod, Nick and Priscilla, as well as a stranger in an expensive city type of suit. Heath paused at the door, seeing the occupants of the room, now understood why Jarrod had mentioned to wear a suit in his note. When he was getting dressed that morning he had donned his older pale grey suit, not one of the new ones Sarah had picked out for him; he wasn't sure if he was more annoyed at Sarah or Jarrod about getting dressed up.

Jarrod was wearing one of what Audra had always called his court suits – slightly more tailored than what he wore day to day. Heath noted the older man standing next to Jarrod was wearing a city style of suit. His grey hair and mustache were well trimmed, and the pearl tie pin glowed amongst a starched white neckpiece. The man was definitely from out of town, making Heath wonder from where.

Nick was dressed in a dark grey suit with a faint pin stripe; it was one that Sarah had picked out for Nick. She and Heath had been kidding Nick about always buying the same things. That had been on a trip to San Francisco, and Heath now remembered how much fun they'd had together. He looked around the room and recognized the drapes as one Sarah had picked out, when she'd redone Jarrod's office.

Those memories recalled the days, before the wedding, when Sarah had been happy to do things with his family. She had been excited to be part of his family, and Heath knew that they had welcomed her and her mother warmly. Heath suddenly wished he was alone, so he could figure it out – especially before seeing Sarah later that morning. However, Nick's voice greeting him made him push the thought aside.

His brother was sitting next to Priscilla, who was at the head of the table, in an arm chair upholstered in blue velvet. It set off her dark green dress, the fabric having a soft sheen of silk; the dress and her elaborately put up hair reinforced the image that this was a serious meeting. Heath was curious about her placement; it was Jarrod's conference room and he should have been at the head of the table.

"Good to see you Heath, come on in." Jarrod gestured to him, waving to a chair at the table. Heath's reminiscing about Sarah had made him pause in the doorway, but now he walked into the room.

"This is Mr. Heath Barkley?" The older well-dressed man almost sniffed the question, and Heath caught the undertone of a seaboard accent. Clearly this man had been raised in the old states, even if he was out west now.

"Yes, this is my brother Heath." Jarrod stepped forward effusively towards him. "Heath this is Roland White, of the law firm of Pendleton, White and Hooper. He is here from Denver." Heath could see that his brother's brilliant blue eyes were trying to convey but Heath wasn't sure what. Roland White was clearly a somebody, but Heath couldn't read Jarrod to see what his opinion of the man really was. However this was Jarrod's conference room and his brother was hosting this meeting; therefore Heath withheld judgement.

"I didn't realize this was a formal meeting." Heath left it there, not sure where he stood in this gathering. He stood up straighter in the doorway, raising his chin and looking Jarrod straight in the eye. His rescue came from an unlikely source.

"Heath, it is my fault that the meeting was last minute." Priscilla jumped up from her chair and came over to him, her silk skirt making a soft swishing sound. Heath was aware of her femininity as he now noticed the ruching on her dress along with her floral scent. It made him miss Sarah something awful, as Priscilla looked up at him. "Nick and I didn't figure it all out until yesterday afternoon, and when we stopped by your house last night there was no one home." Her eyebrows knit in puzzlement as she made the statement.

He didn't want to explain why no one had been at home; in fact he'd been staying at the bunk house rather than be alone in the house. Heath looked down at Priscilla, admiring how pretty she looked, in spite of the black armband around her arm. The last time he'd seen her at been at the canyon, passed out in Nick's arms. He had thought about going to see her, when she was at Doc Merar's, but had felt odd going by himself. Of course if Sarah had been around it would have been different; but then so many things would be different.

"Anyway, we just figured it out yesterday, and met with Jarrod." Pricilla flashed a dazzling smile in Roland White's direction, even though in Heath's mind the older man was undeserving. "Mr. White is in town from Denver; he represents my late sister Hester." She left it there, and Heath finally had an inkling of what this meeting was about. He clenched his jaw, as the thought of the woman roiled his mind. She had caused trouble for him while alive, and was still causing trouble for him dead.

"Please come sit down Heath, so we can get on with this." Jarrod's voice carried a pleading note, as he looked directly at Heath. It was apparent that Jarrod wasn't totally at ease with this meeting, despite it being in his conference room. As he sat down he looked at the occupants in the room, only Nick and Priscilla looked happy; or so he thought at first.

"Miss Converse I am so glad that you are ready to move forward with the estate." Roland White, who'd looked with supercilious coolness at Heath, was now beaming happily at Priscilla. It took Heath a moment to connect the dots, but when he did the lawyer's behavior was understandable. Priscilla was Hester's heir, and Hester had been a wealthy widow.

Heath knew the scope of the Colorado mining production, and had no problem figuring out exactly why the snooty lawyer was pandering to Priscilla. He wondered how Nick felt about Priscilla's new found wealth, and looked over at his brother, trying to read his emotions. All he saw was Nick sitting next to Priscilla, looking happy and pleased; his hand rested on her shoulder with pride. Priscilla's voice cut into observations.

"Mr. White I appreciate all that you have done, in trying to protect the Van DerHoffen legacy." Priscilla stated, and Heath noted the stiff wording she was using. "Joseph was a good man, and deserved better than what he received." She went on to talk about Joseph, and Heath was more interested than he realized, in hearing about the man Hester had married.

"My sister was not a good wife, or a good woman." Priscilla declared and Heath saw Roland White look shocked. Before he could exclaim, Priscilla held up her left hand - the large engagement ring flashing red and white sparkles – "I expect that statement to stay in this room, but I wanted the facts to be known, so you understand my decision." Heath was impressed that she was being so honest about Hester.

"One of the charities Joseph supported was a farm and school for orphan boys, run by the Christian Brothers Monks, north-west of Denver. Joseph himself had been raised in an orphanage run by monks, and felt that his success was due to their influence." Priscilla stated. "When I visited Denver he took me out to see the facility, and his pride and involvement were clearly evident." Her smile showed a happy memory, Heath noted.

"Yes, Mr. Van DerHoffen was well known for his philanthropy in Denver." Roland White admitted grudgingly and Heath was left with the feeling that Mr. White himself did not go in for that virtue.

"It is for that reason that I have decided to take Joseph's estate – which went to my sister Hester – and turn it into a trust, to benefit the orphanage." The room went silent as Priscilla finished speaking; Jarrod was looking down at the table, Nick was smiling at Priscilla, and Roland White looked like his life was over. Heath wasn't surprised at the lawyer looking like that; how many people gave away that kind of money?

"Miss Converse, have you really thought this out? Mr. Barkley." Roland White jumped up from his chair, even as Jarrod, Nick and Heath all turned to look at him. "Mr. Nick Barkley, she is your future wife. Are you going to let her throw away the estate to a bunch of orphans?" The lawyer made it clear what he thought of Priscilla, and what Nick should do about it. Heath, up until now had had almost bored with the meeting, was suddenly glad he came, as he waited for Nick's reaction.

"I am very much in favor of her donating the money to a bunch of orphans. Priscilla is kind and good, and I am proud to stand beside her and her plans." Nick had stood up too, and leaning across the table put himself right into the unpleasant lawyer's face. Roland White was very taken aback, both by Nick's statements and the loudness of his voice. Heath enjoyed watching the lawyer crumple faster than a house of cards, as he pulled back.

"Mr. White I am setting up the trust with myself and Jarrod Barkley as the trustees." Priscilla started to speak, as she reached out to pull Nick back. Heath noted though the soft smile Priscilla gave Nick, which he returned with a wink. His brother sat back down, but reached over to hold Priscilla's hand, making it clear what his feelings were. At least Heath now knew why Nick had been as calm as he was, about Priscilla inheriting the money. Her next words showed why he'd been invited to the meeting.

"I am also proposing Heath Barkley as one of the trustees, specifically to deal with the mining rights." Priscilla turned to look at Heath, tilting her head at him. "Heath, you would have liked Joseph; you two were rather alike. Part of the reason why Joseph was in Switzerland was because he was looking into devices to increase safety in the mines. Heath, I know how important that issue is to you also, and am aware that you are very knowledgeable about the industry." Her words resonated with him, and he felt gratified that at least someone gave him credit for what he wanted to achieve.

"Miss Converse, you are stating that you are putting all your inheritance into a trust – to benefit a religious orphanage? You, along with Jarrod Barkley;" Roland White, still standing up drew himself up even straighter. "and Mr. Heath Barkley will be the trustees?" The lawyer's reaction was incredulous Heath saw; that so much money would be out of his control had the man practically quivering.

Heath himself was stunned at what he was being offered; to bring the largest producing mines up to the latest safety standards was a challenge and an honor. He had campaigned with so many mine owners, to treat their workers better, which would lead to higher production. The Barkley mines had given him the chance to test his theories, but they were only a small part of California and Nevada output. The rich veins in the Colorado Rockies would give him a bigger scale – and a national presence – to showcase the importance of safety.

"Mr. White, I would of course expect your law firm to be involved in the trust." Priscilla's voice was smooth like honey, and Heath noticed that some of the redness left the well-dressed lawyer's face. "We are in California, but will make visits to Colorado. Especially in the first couple of years there will be a need to have legal oversight in Colorado, and clearly Joseph thought your firm capable." She finished, and Heath had to admire how well Priscilla had handled the stuck up lawyer.

The law firm of, along with Roland White, would still be able to bill some nice legal fees for their enrichment. Heath was sure though that Jarrod and Priscilla would be looking at each invoice with an eagle eye. He admired too how Nick had stepped back from dealing with Hester's money; or rather how Priscilla had relieved Nick of having to deal with Hester's legacy. It was the thought of the money that made him want to know exactly what was expected of him.

"I would be honored to be one of the trustees Priscilla, but I want to understand the scope of my responsibilities, and what constraints would be imposed?" Heath didn't want some do-nothing position on a board of directors. He'd been offered that many times since coming into the Barkley family, and had become very good at declining the position.

Jarrod, who until now had been rather reclusive, perked up at his question. The next ten minutes were spent with Jarrod explaining to Heath exactly what mining claims would come under the trust's control. Heath learned too that he would have full authority to oversee the mines and make decisions about production. It pleased him to see Roland White start to look at him with more respect, as he discussed mining issues.

"Heath, Nick and I are planning a trip to Denver in September, after the round-up and state fair." They had finished the meeting and Heath was getting ready to leave when Priscilla came over and put her slim, delicate hand on his arm. "There are several matters, in regard to Hester, that I need to take care of in person. I – well Nick and I – would like you and Sarah to come along. It would give you the chance to visit the mines and meet the owners." She regarded him with a questioning smile.

"Yes, that would be great. I would enjoy the chance to see Colorado." Heath left it there, not sure how to respond about Sarah. From the comments she'd made the last time they'd been together he wasn't sure what Sarah's reaction to the trip would be. Of course September was four months away, and a great deal could happen.

It took another quarter hour to end the meeting and make his goodbyes, but finally Heath was standing out on the street. He took a deep breath and headed over to the dressmaking shop, feeling an odd mix of exhilaration and dread. The position that he'd accepted, as trustee, made him one of the most important players in the mining industry. It wasn't lost on him, the irony of the fact, which it was indirectly because of Hester that it had all come about.

Heath felt honored that Priscilla had given him the opportunity she had. He recalled her praise at his knowledge and achievements in the field, which touched him. The conversation at the big house often touched on mining issues, and Heath had always been very vocal in his opinions. Priscilla had clearly been listening to what had been said he thought. Nick was very aware of his views, but Heath was sure that his brother had done nothing more than gone along with Priscilla's decision.

His pleasure at the new opportunity though was tempered by what Sarah's reaction would be to it. Taking the job would add to his work load, and involve trips to Colorado for him; more so for him than Jarrod or Priscilla. Sarah was always busy with the shop, or running to San Francisco for her mother. Heath wondered too if the fact the trust would be a family matter would play into her feelings.

There was also the unpleasant thought that maybe Sarah wouldn't understand what a great opportunity this was for him. Up until their argument he would have been sure they were of the same mind set, but now Heath had doubts. If Sarah really resented doing things with his family – which was his business in a way – what did that bode for their future together? He had fought hard for; even as at times struggled for the legacy his father had formed. No, Heath wouldn't turn his back on the ranch or his family he decided, no matter what.

It was with that thought in his mind that Heath arrived at the dress shop and went inside, feeling very large and masculine among the surroundings. The walls were a soft pink with ivory touches; the drapery all pink and what little furniture there was sat on spindly legs. There were four mannequins, each wearing a different outfit, and a large three panel mirror. Heath wished that he'd just gone around to the back of the shop, where Penny lived.

The young assistant sitting at the front table greeted him and informed him that Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Barkley were at the back. Heath stepped through the curtain – yet again pink – that separated the living quarters from the shop. He went into the kitchen and saw Penny and Sarah sitting there, sorting invoices and doing the books.

It had always stuck him as incongruous that Sarah, who dealt with clothes for a living, always dressed rather plainly, even at the shop. While Penny was wearing a rather elaborate day dress, clearly showing off her skill and taste, Sarah had on a beige colored muslin blouse and a simple brown skirt. He had asked her about it once, when they were courting, and she had murmured that she didn't want to look too frilly. Heath had taken her comment at face value, and since he was low key himself he'd let it drop.

His mind came back to the present, and his eyes took in her appearance, noting her smooth milk white skin and brown hair that was loosely put up. Heath liked stroking it, the texture fine and smooth like silk, when they were in bed together. That image brought forth other memories of being with her. He found himself longing for her so badly that a sharp loneliness filled his body. As he looked closer though Heath saw the circles around her eyes, and thought she looked thinner than before.

Heath sighed inwardly, wishing that Sarah wouldn't push herself so hard. He knew that she could go hours without eating – and even sleeping – if she was wrapped up in a project. For one moment Heath thought about putting his foot down, about her working in the shop. There was no reason for Sarah to do so; he was more than able to provide and care for her. However he was aware of how much the shop meant to her and her mother; Heath didn't want to deprive her of it. Her movement made him aware that he'd been staring at her.

"Heath hello." Sarah stood up and came over to hug him, with deliberation, making him wonder if she was concerned about where they had left things between them. Heath felt her body against his, the curves soft and he felt a wave of wanting come over him. He pushed it aside, even as he took it be a good sign that she wasn't holding a grudge about their fight. Penny came over too and embraced him, before offering coffee. He shook his head, having had enough at Jarrod's office so Penny started to excuse herself.

"No, please stay Penny. I just came from an important meeting and have a lot to share." Heath stopped her, wanting to share the details. There was also the issue that he wanted someone around when Sarah heard about his new position. "It concerns Hester's death." He left it hanging out and both women nodded their heads in acknowledgment. The story, with lots of lurid details some true or not, had been front page news for over a week. Heath could only imagine the conversation Nick had needed to have with Priscilla; if she had seen the papers.

The next ten minutes were spent with Heath telling the ladies about the trust, and his responsibility for the mines. Heath felt his excitement rise, as he talked about the impact he would be able to have on mine safety. When he finished telling them about Priscilla's decision, Penny asked him several questions, which he responded to gladly. It was only as she was asking her fifth question that Heath realized Sarah had not said anything at all.

Heath looked over at her, and she that she had a contemplative look on her face, which meant she was thinking deeply. Her brown eyes were partially hooded by her upper eyelids, and she was chewing her lower lip. He knew that those gestures made she was concerned about something, which could bode ill for what might happen next.

"Sarah, isn't it exciting about Heath's new opportunity?" Penny inquired of her daughter in a sharp voice; apparently she had noticed Sarah's silence. Heath picked up tautness in Penny, as she addressed her daughter and it surprised him. He had only seen love and concern between them before, with Penny being attentive to Sarah. Suddenly Heath remembered Penny's attitude when she'd given him Sarah's letter, over two weeks ago. He had been left with the feeling then that he was supposed to have done something he recalled.

"Priscilla is really giving all that money to an orphanage?" Sarah had an incredulous note in her voice; not quite to the extent of Roland White, but he came to mind as Heath looked at her. Before he could say anything though, Sarah went on. "She is giving all that money away and your brother is letting her?" Heath wasn't sure if Sarah was more puzzled by Priscilla giving the money away, or Nick going along with it. Penny saved Heath the bother of coming up with a reply.

"Nick, like most men." Penny paused and turned to look at Heath with a hard stare. "Most men prefer for their wives to be focused on domestic matters, like being home to greet them in the evening." She then stood up and excused herself, leaving Heath and Sarah sitting awkwardly across the table from each other. The silence lasted for several minutes, as Heath let his eyes roam around the simple kitchen. In some ways it reminded him of the place he'd grown up in, and he thought of his mother, which then made him think of Penny.

"I get the impression that your mother is not happy with me." Heath offered to get the conversation going. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but rather like the meeting at Jarrod's office he was in the dark.

"No, she is not happy with me." Sarah answered, pursing her lips. He tilted his head, waiting for her to explain. "My mother does not think I'm being a good wife. I tried to explain to her, but she told me that I was wrong. Your past is your past, and I need to spend less time at the dressmaking shop and more time at home." It was clear that she was upset; no Heath thought, rather angry at her mother's remarks.

"You told her about our quarrel?" Heath asked the question, both out of curiosity and to maybe diffuse some of Sarah's anger. It in a way reminded him of the quarrel they'd had, several weeks earlier about Hester. The fury in Sarah seemed to come out of nowhere, and with very little basis in his opinion. He wanted Sarah to be happy, but was honest enough to admit that he'd like to come home to his house and his wife eager to greet him.

"Well after I was still here by the third day she started asking questions." Sarah sat up very straight and almost sniffed, and Heath could only think of Roland White again. Why was his wife reminding him of the cold lawyer, he wondered? Sarah's voice broke that unpleasant train of thought, much to his relief.

"What did you tell her?" Heath asked slowly, thinking about Penny's attitude toward him the last time he'd been at the shop.

"At first I told her you'd gone to the far range – not knowing that I was right." Sarah sighed and looked over at the stove in the kitchen. Heath recalled how he'd left without talking to her, sending a note for her. The situation with the fence break had come up fast, and frankly he'd been glad of an excuse to leave town. Before he could explain himself though she brought her gaze back to him, as she spoke.

"My mother has always been good at reading me, and managed to worm the whole story out of me." Sarah admitted. "I tried to explain my point, and also brought up Maria but she told me to stop being a ninny!" Her response left Heath wondering if Sarah was more annoyed at not being supported by her mom, or being told that he was right.

"She then went on to explain to me my role and duty, as the wife of a prominent man. I am supposed to be decorative and supportive, with no ideas of my own. Just like she was with my father when he was alive." Sarah's cheeks flamed with color, and Heath could see that she was getting upset.

"Sarah, I want you to be happy!" Heath wanted her calm, so they could talk about their life going forward. He knew all too well her unresolved anger towards her father and his actions; hell he'd been in the same position so could sympathize. However, he had made peace with Tom Barkley, and hoped that one day Sarah would make peace with her father. Now though was not the time or place for that talk.

"I know how much your work means to you, and I would never take that from you." Heath declared, as he reached for her hands. He was sincere he told himself, even as he privately admitted he would like her home more. "Sarah I will support you, and I hope that you will support me also." The words hung in the air, and Heath could see that she'd picked up on the unspoken meaning.

"Heath, thank you for that; I mean it." Sarah moved to mesh her fingers with his. "I know you understand my feelings, about how I want to accomplish something in my own right – something that is not dependent on someone else. I never want to have to fear losing everything again." Her voice held anguish, and he realized that she was still dealing with the ramifications of her father's business failure.

"And my mother was right; I really don't have justification to get upset about your life before we met. It's just that I hate being blind-sided, or like everyone else knows something I don't. It is my father's death all over again." She added, as she came over and sat in his lap, letting him inhale her scent of Parma violets. It was soft at first breath, but then a strong essence hit you; just like Sarah.

"We really need to discuss something else, especially since I have accepted this offer to be a trustee." Heath forced himself to ignore the way her body felt against his; as good as it was. He wasn't going to walk away from what he'd been offered, and neither would he turn his back on his family. "The last time we talked you made it clear that you didn't enjoy socializing with my family – which is business on many occasions." Heath wanted to hear what she had to say in reply to this statement.

"That accusation was partly said in anger, but part truth Heath. I don't mind your family, but at times I feel like you put them before me." She looked at him, her soft brown eyes making him feel vulnerable. "I wish you would ask me if I want to go to one of the events at the big house, instead of assuming I am happy to jump at the chance. I always feel like I am display at those events, and my duty is to make nice to whatever guests – and there are always guests – are there." Her voice held a peevish note, and it came to Heath that from her point of view those evenings could be seen that way.

"I didn't realize you felt like that Sarah. For me, I like having the chance to socialize with people who come from different backgrounds and hold different viewpoints than I do." Heath admitted, and after taking a deep breath went on. "I grew up in a small mining town, but it was full of dreams – people come from all over to try to strike it rich – I loved seeing the variety and excitement. One of the things I admire about my family is that they are so ready to embrace new people and new ideas." He stopped, and looked down at her, to see if she understood what he was trying to say.

"Thank you for sharing that with me Heath – your past. I understand now why you are so excited about the trustee position you've been offered." Sarah smiled with acceptance, and Heath felt the vise unconstrict around his heart. "You will get to go to Colorado and preach mine safety, as well as enact your ideas on some large producing mines." Her voice was even and smooth, and Heath wondered – for one moment – her words of preach and your ideas. He didn't give it more thought as she moved against him.

"It is not just me who goes to Colorado, but you also." Heath decided to take advantage of her acquiescence to his new role. "Priscilla and Nick are going to Denver in September, after round-up and the state fair, and they want us to go along. It will give us the chance to have a fun trip together." He wanted Sarah along, thinking that it would be good for both of them to get away from their day to day responsibilities.

"You haven't asked me why I was in San Francisco Heath." Her response had him feeling the vise tightening around his heart again. He also didn't like how she'd not said anything about the Denver trip; it left him wondering what she would say next.

"Your note said that it was a fabric buying trip." Heath offered slowly, not wanting to incriminate himself – not that he was sure against what. He left his statement at the bare fact and waited for her to reply.

"Heath, Hester was the reason I left town for San Francisco;" Sarah answered in a soft voice, as Heath felt her hands relax in his grasp. "But she wasn't the reason I stayed there." Her shoulders sagged, and he saw that she was sad and tired. Heath hugged her closer to him; clearly she was dealing with so many troubles that his heart went out to her.

"Sarah, what is going on?" Heath pulled her close against his chest, liking how her heartbeats started to match to his. His chin rested against her head and he felt the soft silkiness of her hair, evoking so many memories.

"When the publicity about Hester's death made the newspapers, it was my father all over again. You didn't know but we had reporters outside of the dress shop." Sarah answered with anguish tones, her tears making Heath's shirt wet. "All they wanted was some scandal and I could give it to them. I was married to Heath Barkley, whose brother Nick – oh, remember all the bar fights – was engaged to the dead woman before he was engaged to her sister?"

"No doubt you were out on range – north, west – wherever so you missed all that." Sarah crumpled against him, and Heath wondered if maybe he needed to insist that she be home more. He had never considered that the family; and Nick's past history would impact her. Heath was trying to figure out what to say, but before he could Sarah spoke.

"The statement I made Heath, about spending time with your family had more to do with your attitude." She stated, and he put his hand under chin, slowly caressing the pale, soft skin. "It seems like there is never any time for us, but always time to be with your family. I want you to put us before anything else." Sarah's velvet brown eyes filled with tears, and Heath found himself wanting her so badly.

"I can make time for us right now Sarah, but I will have to drag you over to the hotel and get a room." Heath felt his desire swelling, even as he pulled her close against him. She molded her body against him, moving sinuously as her hands went around his waist.

"My mother is off to have lunch with her ladies reading circle." Sarah giggled happily. "I figure we have a couple of hours, and after all we are married." She nuzzled into Heath's neck, murmuring something about his tight collar. He replied that his collar wasn't what was tight, before he went on to tell her what was. When he heard her retort Heath lost no time in sweeping her into her arms and carrying her up the back staircase.