Chapter Twenty-Six

Previously:

"This isn't up for discussion, Jarrod." Nick interrupted, his voice slightly raised-but not so much as to disturb Elizabeth. "In twenty-four hours, if Heath hasn't brought Tabitha up here, I'm taking Elizabeth and going to town. After that, I'm wiring mother. If you will contact your friends, I'd greatly appreciate it. If not, I'll still get Tabitha enrolled when we get there." He turned and walked abruptly out of the room, leaving Jarrod very frustrated and feeling very much out of sorts.

Nick stood in front of the Jacksons' home puffing on a cigarette Phillip had given him. The sky was cloudless and, in spite of the snow on the ground, it was fairly warm. There were even a few birds flying in the air-not surprisingly, they were heading South. Tabitha and Heath had arrived thirty minutes ago; the young girl was in visiting with her mother while he could hear Jarrod and Heath talking inside. Since the window was shut, he couldn't hear what they were saying only he wasn't surprised by the irritated tone in Jarrod's voice. Only when the talking stopped and the door opened, did Nick turn his eyes away from the scenery before him. He was relieved to see it was Heath coming out to see him. Though, he said nothing as Heath stopped a few feet away from him.

For a moment nothing was said-each brother simply keeping his eyes on the snow laden trees and ground. "He won't admit it only I think Jarrod's more worried about you and afraid than anything. That is, afraid of what the Hyatts might do." Heath turned and faced Nick. "You have really thought this all out? You really like her that much?"

Nick didn't answer at first. Kicking some snow up into the air with the tip of his boot, he growled out of frustration, "Yes to both questions, told Jarrod as much too. For the first time in my life, I'm not just jumping in without thinking everything through."

A small crooked smiled appeared on Heath's face, though his eyes still held some concern in them. "That's nice to know." Glancing back at the home behind them, Heath shrugged his shoulders. "I won't fight you if she decides to let you court her only," he paused and shook his head, "I'm not sure Jarrod will change his mind, nor can I promise what Mother and the others will say or do." The fear that the family could very well be torn apart could be seen in Heath's eyes even as he assured Nick he'd not give him a fight.

"Thanks, and I don't expect your word on anything." Nick let out a sigh of relief. It felt good to know at least one member of the family was not going to fight him when it came to seeing the young widow.

While Nick and Heath talked, Jarrod made his way into the kitchen where Elizabeth and Tabitha sat. The young girl was spelling words into her stepmother's hands. "My blurry sight may not interfere with telling who's in the room, but it does keep me from seeing Tabitha's signs clearly. However, she can still spell letters out on the palm of my hand. It might take longer only we can still communicate." That had been the widow's exact reply when Heath and Jarrod asked how a woman who was, at least temporarily, legally blind and a deaf child were going to talk.

"I go read my book." Tabitha quickly signed to her stepmother and exited the room; she didn't have to told Nick's brother wanted to talk to her stepmother. She'd watched the grown-ups 'talking' and figured out real fast that something was wrong. She'd cornered her stepmother about it only to be told that Elizabeth would explain later.

Elizabeth, who had- in spite of Nick's efforts-heard every single word he and Jarrod had exchanged, said nothing as she waited for Jarrod to sit down and start the conversation. She might have spoken first only she didn't know what to say. Nick liked her, and she returned the feelings. Nothing would change that either. Would there come anything of a courtship if one took place? She had no clue only she was beginning to think she would like to find out. Inwardly, she sighed; this current dilemma would be a mute issue if only Cass hadn't turned out to be so bad.

Finally Jarrod broke the silence. "My brothers and I have talked. We think it's best if we all leave here within the hour. However, I had hoped we could talk before then."

Elizabeth felt herself stiffen. Though, on the outside, she appeared to be relaxed and unfazed. "About the fact that Nick insists on accompanying Tabitha and I to Fremont or the fact that he'd like me to settle in Stockton, or some town nearby, so he can court me?" Okay, in her book, she'd just asked a pretty stupid question. Still, she couldn't say she was sorry for asking it.

Jarrod, who had seen a determined look in Nick's eyes when they talked, saw the same determination appear in Elizabeth's eyes. He didn't know whether to admire the two or to shake some sense into them. "Like I told Nick, I am grateful for all you did for Nick. I am also very willing to do what I can to help get Tabitha settled into a special school, and willing to talk to some friends who would be delighted to help you find work near there…a job that would enable you to be closer to your stepdaughter. I think you should seriously consider it, Mrs. Kegan."

Elizabeth found herself a tad bit irritated at the tone that had entered into Jarrod's voice-along with the fact that he'd addressed her so formally. After all, Nick had made it a point to introduce her by her first name. Though, due to his sound reputation and the long talks she and Nick had had, she pushed the irritation quickly aside. His wife had been murdered by her brother, one very selfish, self-centered man who she had no respect for. Jarrod Barkley had every right to his feelings, and to be leery of any type of relationship between herself and Nick. Still…slowly, she stood up and spoke as politely as she knew how. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Barkley." If he preferred to address her formally, she would do the same for him. Not out of spite, but out of a desire to do what she could to be polite. And, in her book, a person who insisted on formalities should be given the same back. "However, your brother has been rather insistent that he wants to court me in spite of who my brother is. If he has not changed his mind, I am going to allow it."

Before Jarrod could object, Nick and Heath entered the room. Both could feel the tension in the room and see how straight Elizabeth was standing. Nick hurried to get Elizabeth out of the room while Heath-who had promised Nick he'd talk some more with Jarrod-was left to do just that.