Chapter 2
It had been almost 2 weeks since Audra had gone to San Francisco to see Jarrod. She hadn't told her family what she was doing. The only one who knew was Jonathan and he was happy to keep her secret. Jarrod had sent a telegram to Audra letting her know he and Juliann would be attending the wedding. Audra was thankful that she'd had the foresight to ask Jonathan to check each day at the telegram office to keep Nick, Heath, or her mother from getting the telegram first. She had no intention of keeping the information from them but she wanted to tell them on her own terms.
The family was gathered in the billiard room after dinner. Nick, Jonathan, and Heath were engaged in a lively game of billiards while Victoria and Audra discussed wedding plans. The wedding was just 6 weeks away and the final touches were being put into place for the reception dinner. Audra knew now was the time she needed to tell everyone what she'd done.
Audra took a deep breath and spoke, getting everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I wanted you to know that I am adding two more guests to the wedding."
She looked to Jonathan who smiled and nodded to her in encouragement. Nick and Heath each shrugged. They weren't sure why Audra felt the need to announce the fact.
"Audra, that is cutting is close! But we can't add anymore after this. I'm not sure we'll be able to fit anyone else!" Victoria exclaimed. She knew her only daughter would want an extravagant wedding and the guest list had grown rather large.
"I know, Mother. I'm sorry." Audra took another deep breath. "I invited Jarrod and Juliann and they've accepted. I also asked Jarrod to give me away."
The room was silent. Victoria felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Both Nick and Heath looked at her to gauge her reaction. Audra was watching her mother as well, but it was Nick that spoke first.
"Well that's a fine how do you do! I'm not quite sure why you thought inviting him and that woman would be a good idea! Jarrod made it very clear the last time he was here he wanted nothing to do with this family anymore. He was choosing her over us. And here you go writing to him and sending him an invitation!"
Audra's eyes flashed with anger. "Nick Barkley, this is my wedding. Mine and Jonathan's. We decide who we want to invite or uninvite," Audra emphasized the word "uninvite" making it clear he was dangerously close to being on the uninvite list.
"And besides, I didn't mail them an invitation. I went to San Francisco to see Jarrod and asked in person."
Audra heard the quick intake of Victoria's breath. She was now regretting her approach. She never wanted to hurt her mother. Nick thought his head was about to pop off of his body.
"Did you know she was going to do this?" Nick asked their mother. He had not been paying attention to Victoria or he wouldn't have needed to ask the question. Victoria's face was pale.
"No, Nick, I-"
"Don't yell at her! No one knew I was going except for Jonathan."
Jonathan braced himself for the wrath he knew he'd receive. He had prepared himself for it and wasn't concerned. He had an older brother too and knew that the dynamics of family could be difficult.
"And why would you let her go!" Nick asked Jonathan furiously. Without waiting for an answer, Nick continued, pinning Audra with a hard stare from his hazel eyes. "You've seen how Jarrod's leaving has impacted us all. You saw how it almost killed mother! Not to mention what he did and how he tried to justify it. That man is not welcome at this Ranch!"
Audra had had enough. She'd made herself sick with worry about having to tell the family and it was turning out worse than even she could have imagined.
"This isn't about what you want, Nick! It's our wedding and it's about what we want! And we want Jarrod there!" Audra exclaimed trying to stifle a sob. She then turned on her heel and left the room crying. Jonathan put down his pool cue and walked toward the door to follow his fiancé. He paused and then turned around to address the hazel eyed cowboy.
"Nick, you know I respect you. But if you ever speak to Audra like that again, you'll have to deal with me. And I can guarantee you won't like the end results."
Once Jonathan walked out, Nick's shoulder's sagged. He'd gotten carried away and shouldn't have spoken to Audra the way he had. He would talk to her later once things calmed down. Jarrod was a sore subject with him, for many reasons and he had a hard time controlling his emotions where his older brother was concerned.
Heath cleared his throat, bringing the attention to himself.
"Boy howdy, if Audra didn't make a good choice with that fella."
It was meant to lighten the mood, but it didn't have the intended results Heath had hoped for.
"Mother, are you alright?" Heath asked. He'd been watching her throughout the entire exchange and saw how she was battling to keep her composure. At Heath's question, Nick turned to their mother.
"I'm not sure. I don't blame Audra for wanting Jarrod there. He's been a father figure to her almost all her life. I just wish things were different…" her voice trailed off. She stood and quietly walked from the room.