Chapter 54: A Brother's Confession

Nick Barkley had noticed Audra packing a picnic basket as she talked animatedly to Silas. She grinned from ear to ear as she happily chirped out about the surprise for Heath. Silas chuckled as he helped Audra with the food.

It had been almost a month since Audra and Heath had come to an understanding about their relationship and love in the study. They had snuck off every night and sometimes during the day to be together intimately. Today, there wouldn't have to be much sneaking. Jarrod had taken Victoria to San Francisco for early Christmas shopping. Nick had went to town with some hands to grab a drink at Harry's. However, he decided to come back early and see if Heath was done with the chores he claimed he needed to finish. Nick missed the camaraderie he shared with his blonde younger brother.

"Yes. Miss Audra, Heath sure will be happy that you are bringing him a late lunch. Mrs. Barkley was disappointed when you wouldn't go with her to San Francisco for shopping. But I surely know how much you want to spend time with Heath." Silas picked up Audra's prized pickled cucumbers. "Don't forget these."

"Heath loves those." Audra giggled delighted. "He'll be more surprised that I know how to bake him a pie like Hannah does. She gave me the recipe." She glanced at the servant. "Don't act sly, Silas. I know she shared a lot of recipes with you too."

"She sure did. Miss Hannah wanted to make sure her boy got his favorite fixings." Silas chuckled. "Not that I didn't already know some of them."

Nick rolled his eyes and grunted. Silas was always spoiling that boy. When did Audra meet Hannah? It didn't matter. If his little sister was thinking that she was going to share that picnic lunch with Heath and not him, she had another thing coming. He'd trail her to wherever Heath was and join them for the late picnic.

Nick waited until Audra was gone at least a half hour before he decided to trail her. He figured as much as she packed, he'd be able to surprise the two and claim his own meal. Nick thought he'd be invited if he was home anyway. Audra was surely feeling sorry for their brother having to finish up some work instead of taking time to go to Stockton with him.

Nick knew exactly where Audra was headed once he followed her path. It was by the lake at the old line shack. There wasn't much to do as far as work there. He supposed Heath was repairing the old place.

As Nick pulled Coco up over the hill to head towards the awaiting picnic, he blinked as he saw the two blondes. Nick blinked again as he held his breath thinking he was seeing things. But it was right there before his very own eyes.

Audra was half dressed as Heath's body lay on top of her. Heath was shirtless as he lay between Audra's thighs. Nick's heart pounded as he stared in disbelief of his blonde brother kissing his blonde sister passionately. Heath's hands were in very inappropriate places as well.

Nick cursed loudly when it dawned on him the reality of the situation. Heath and Audra weren't only kissing, which was bad enough, they were getting ready to do much more than that. The dawning of reality came when Nick saw Heath lean back to unbuckle his pants.

I'll kill him. No. He's my brother. I'll just hurt him bad. Well not too bad because he has to work. I'll choke the living daylights out of him. Well not so he can't breathe or anything. But he will feel a hurtin'. Fool boy!

Nick kicked Coco's sides as he hurriedly headed to the blondes. He was going to kick his little brother's hind parts and then ask questions later.

"What the &^^%!" Nick yelled as he galloped Coco towards his siblings. He knew he better speak up before any more clothing was discarded.

What the holy...they're takin' off their clothes! They're getting naked! TOGETHER! As in nude!

"Oh my!" Audra squealed in horror as she tried to pull her blouse back on.

Heath knew the punch was coming and was grateful he was able to buckle his light colored jeans before Nick sprang off of his horse.

Heath fell backwards as Nick's fist connected. He lay on the ground staring up at his brother. "Hold on, Nick. I can explain."

"Explain!" Nick kicked Heath in the side. Don't kick the boy too hard. It is my brother after all. Don't bust a rib on him. But the boy needs taught a lesson. You don't kiss or other things with Nick Barkley's sister!

"How can you explain what I just saw? You were going to ….to….well, you know what you were planning with Audra! OUR SISTER!"

"She's not my sister!" Heath interjected as he struggled to stand from the assault of Nick's boot.

"Stop it, Nick!" Audra yelled as she saw Heath grab his side.

Ummm. Hope that wasn't too much. His face looks in pain. But dang he was ... I don't want to think what my little brother had in mind for my little sister. I'm gonna be sick.

Nick didn't hear his sister's words as he pulled Heath up to only punch the man again. Heath blocked the third punch as he stood up the next time. He allowed his own fist to connect with Nick's jawel.

Got to give it to the boy. He can pack a wallop. Quit admiring him, Nick Barkley! Got to show the boy what isn't right!

Fists continued to fly despite Audra's begging. Nick was getting the best of Heath until a small shattered cry caused both brothers to halt the assault on one another.

Audra buckled over holding her waist. She stared at Heath as tears caressed her cheeks. "Heath, help me."

Heath pushed Nick off him as he rushed to Audra's side. He picked her up cradling her body in his arms. "What's wrong, Darlin'? Tell me."

Nick wiped his bloody mouth on the sleeve of his shirt. He stared at his younger brother and younger sister as Audra leaned into Heath still holding her waist.

Heath whistled for Charger to come to him. The horse immediately obeyed his owner as he left his grazing area.

Heath handed Audra over to Nick temporarily. Heath mounted his horse before addressing Nick. "Hand her up here, Nick. I got to get her back to the ranch. Send someone for Dr. Merar." As he took Audra in his arms, he pleaded with Nick. "Please, Nick. Please. Hurry."

Nick nodded as he put away his anger long enough to help his little sister. Nick headed toward Dr. Merar's office as Heath held tightly to Audra getting her back to the ranch. After Heath arrived to the ranch, Heath ordered Ciego to take care of the horse as well as send a man to retrieve Audra's mare. He then carried his bride up the stairs to his room, as it was the closest.

Heath held tightly to Audra as she cried due to the pain in her abdomen. He raked her hair as he held her to his chest. He was perched on the bed beside her.

"I love you, Audra. I love you so much. Please be okay." Heath begged in a whisper as he clutched Audra to him. "I love you more than my life. Don't you ever doubt that."

Audra sniffed as fear began to dwindle at his words. Even though she was in pain, she grasped Heath's hand in hers. "I love you too, Heath."

Nick didn't take long to have Dr. Merar enter the house. Dr. Merar was nearer than they expected due to visiting a neighbor. Therefore, the trip was less time as well. Dr. Merar quickly followed the worried Nick Barkley up the stairs. Nick started to head towards Audra's room but heard Audra and Heath speaking to each other from Heath's bedroom.

He heard their declaration of love to one another. Nick held his breath as he showed the doctor into the room.

"Heath, can you excuse me while I take a look at her?" Dr. Merar opened his bag. "Where's Victoria?"

"Gone to San Francisco with Jarrod. Why?" Nick glanced as Audra still clung to Heath.

"I can help, Doc." Heath spoke up. "If you need help."

Doctor Merar furrowed his eyebrows. "Not sure it would appropriate even for a brother, Heath."

"I'm not her brother." Heath inhaled a large gulp of air. He looked at Nick then stared down at his wife. "I'm Audra's husband."