Chapter 3

Four weeks later, the train from San Francisco arrived in Stockton around noon. Jarrod stepped down first with Adeline in his arms and helped Juliann as she disembarked. She smiled her thanks at her husband and took the sleeping infant from him while Jarrod went to make arrangements for their belongings to be transported to the rental where they'd be staying.

Jarrod was back within 10 minutes and had also secured a ride for them out to a small ranch to the South of the town. This is where they'd stay for the next few weeks for the wedding.

Nick Barkley's brow furrowed as he watched his brother. He'd come into town to check on a few deliveries and hadn't expected to see Jarrod as he walked toward the livery. It was like a punch in the gut. He didn't trust himself to speak to his older brother, but he also felt some shame for not making his presence known. When he saw Juliann and the baby, he let out a shuddering breath. This was going to be more difficult than he thought.

The ride to the rental house where they'd be staying took close to a half hour. Jarrod was grateful he'd hired someone to go ahead of them the week before. He wanted Juliann to rest as much as possible and he knew she'd insist on making sure everything was in perfect order. The effects of what had happened over the last 5 years were still very evident physically and she tired easily. Mrs. Taylor, their housekeeper, would follow later in the week and would stay with them in Stockton to help.

He looked over at her and smiled. She returned the smile, but he could tell she felt pensive. They passed the field where the church usually held its picnics, and both were transported back in time.

Five years ago…

The church picnic was in full swing by the time the Barkley's arrived. Jarrod had driven the surrey with his mother, Audra, and all the food that had been prepared. Jingo was tied behind the surrey and followed along. Heath and Nick followed each having ridden on their horses.

Children ran around, their laughter ringing out while the women were busy setting out food. The men were setting up games of horseshoes as well as checker and chess boards.

Everyone noticed when the Barkley's arrived. Particularly the young women. Heath and Nick were very aware of the looks they were given, and both jumped from their horses to help their mother and Audra with relieving the surrey of its burden of food. The sooner they helped, the sooner they could mingle.

Jarrod was also aware of the glances and side looks from the women, but he didn't pay much attention. No one had ever really caught his eye from their small town. Not since…Jarrod shook his head slightly and didn't allow his thoughts to proceed any further.

An area had been roped off for the dance that would happen later in the evening. Jarrod had just walked past with a pan of fried chicken when he heard a name he recognized.

"Juliann Stettler! How good to see you!"

Jarrod felt his heart race a bit. He set the pan down and turned to see Juliann smiling at the elderly Mrs. Smith to whom she was speaking. Her chestnut brown hair was piled attractively on top of her head and she wore a burgundy dress. He couldn't hear what was being said between the two women, but he wanted to greet Juliann and hoped he wasn't interrupting.

As Jarrod approached, Mrs. Smith noticed him first and held out her shaking, wrinkled hand to Jarrod. He took it, saying hello. Then turned to Juliann. Before he could say anything, the elderly woman began to speak again.

"Jarrod, you remember Juliann. Well of course you do. I thought for sure you two would have ended up married. Such a shame it didn't happen. Well, you two are here now!"

Jarrod saw Juliann's cheeks pink up a bit. Mrs. Smith had no filter and Jarrod wanted to rescue Juliann from further embarrassment. Before he could say anything, Juliann spoke.

"Oh Mrs. Smith, you are so sweet. But its Juliann Richardson now," she said softly. Juliann didn't look at Jarrod or she would have seen the disappointment on his face before he schooled his features.

So, she and Simeon did marry, Jarrod thought. His heart grew a bit heavy and he looked around wondering if Simeon were there.

"Oh," Mrs. Smith replied. She looked just as disappointed as Jarrod felt. She dropped her hand from his and shrugged. Then walked away.

Juliann turned to Jarrod. He was just as handsome, if not more than Juliann remembered. He wore a dark blue shirt with a brown vest. His raven hair rustled a bit in the breeze and his mesmerizing blue eyes held hers. The last time she'd seen him they were both 18, and the circumstances had not been pleasant.

"Jarrod," Juliann said in way of greeting. "It's so good to see you again. How are you?"

Jarrod returned the smile.

"Just fine. It's good to see you. What brings you to town?" he asked.

"Passing through actually," she replied simply. Juliann hoped Jarrod wouldn't press her further.

Jarrod seemed to sense that she wasn't interested in sharing more information. Before he could say anything else his mother came to stand beside them.

"Juliann? Oh Juliann, it's so good to see you!"

The women embraced, were then joined by Nick and Audra who introduced Heath. Jarrod enjoyed watching the interaction between them and thought how easily Juliann fit in with their family. His heart grew heavy though when he remembered Juliann was married.

"You have to join us for lunch, Juliann," Victoria said. Juliann looked hesitantly at Jarrod and saw that he was smiling and took that as a sign that he would be ok with her joining them.

"Will your husband be joining us?" Jarrod asked.

Juliann shook her head no. "He was unable to make the trip with me."

Jarrod nodded, admitting he was not upset. He was not fond of Simeon Richardson. The small group made their way to the blankets that had been set up for their family. The rest of the day was spent enjoying good food and company. Several people came by to pay their respects. At different times, Nick or Heath excused themselves to go speak to someone – usually a young lady – then returned to the family. Audra also received her fair share of visits from the young men, all vying for her attention.

Jarrod listened as Juliann, his mother and sister conversed easily. He heard Juliann mention a supply store that she and her husband owned in the small town of Jackson. He didn't pay much attention to the rest of what was being said but would offer a comment here and there. He was happy to see his old friend again.

Friend. Is that really what she was? He looked at her left hand, saw the gold band and knew that is what she had to be. His heart ached a bit.

Heath, who was keenly observant, had been watching the way Jarrod's eyes rarely left Juliann. If Juliann noticed Jarrod's scrutiny, it did not seem to bother her. She would glance his way but never allowed her gaze to linger. He could tell there was a special connection and he wondered what the history was between the two.

Jarrod's thoughts drifted to the last time he and Juliann had seen one another. It wasn't the happiest memory. She had just told him since he was leaving for college, they needed to stop seeing one another. He tried to convince her otherwise, but she was very firm that her mind was made up.

"How long will you be with us?" Victoria asked. The question brought Jarrod back from his wandering thoughts.

"Only until tomorrow," Juliann replied.

Jarrod filed the information away. The dance was starting up, so the group headed over as one. Victoria went over to help some of the other ladies finish setting up while Audra was asked for a dance by one of her many suitors. Nick and Heath had each claimed one of the young ladies they'd been speaking to throughout the day and all were enjoying the evening.

It was on the tip of Jarrod's tongue to ask Juliann if she wanted to dance when she spoke.

"It's getting dark. I think I should head back to the hotel," she said, her eyes on the many happy couples. Jarrod thought he saw sadness in her blue eyes.

"I can walk with you," Jarrod offered. The walk to the hotel wasn't far but Jarrod was wanting a few minutes alone with Juliann. Just to catch up, he told himself.

"That isn't necessary –"

"If you think my mother is going to allow you to walk back to the hotel unescorted…then you are sadly mistaken," he said, his mouth turning up into a small smile.

Juliann knew it was the truth. Jarrod went to his mother and let her know what he was doing. She nodded and then waved goodbye to Juliann. Heath noticed the couple leave and frowned just a bit. His dance partner noticed his distraction and squeezed his hand which brought his attention back to her. He smiled, showing an even row of white teeth and then pulled his dance partner closer as they traveled across the dance floor. Heath made a mental note to watch for his big brother's return.

Most of the walk was made in silence though not uncomfortable. Juliann wanted to explain to Jarrod why she'd insisted they stop seeing one another all those years ago but couldn't bring herself to say the words. How would she have told him she broke things off because she loved him and wanted to protect him?

Being deep in thought, Juliann wasn't watching where she was going and stumbled a bit. She wasn't really in any danger of falling but Jarrod was quick to reach and steady her on her feet, holding on to her arm.

"I'm sorry. I'm clumsy," Juliann said as she slowly pulled her arm away. His touch sent shivers through her and while she didn't want to break the connection, she knew she had to.

Jarrod didn't say anything and felt some disappointment when she put distance between them. They reached the hotel in record time and Juliann thanked Jarrod for his kindness. She turned to walk into the hotel when Jarrod's voice stopped her.

"Juliann, I have to get back to the dance to take Mother and Audra home. Could we meet afterwards? My office? It's just across from the hotel."

Juliann bit her lip in uncertainty. She knew she should say no but, in all honesty, didn't want to.

"When?"

Jarrod had been holding his breath, waiting for her reply. He knew he was playing a dangerous game.

"It'll be a few hours. And it'll be late. I'm sorry, I –"

"What time?" Juliann asked again.

Jarrod mentioned a time and Julian nodded then went into the hotel. Jarrod made his way back to the dance. Heath noticed his arrival and breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure what had him so on edge except he knew Jarrod and knew that look in his eyes as he had watched Juliann throughout the afternoon. Heath wanted to believe that none of Tom Barkley's sons would ever make the same mistake he did, but something needled at Heath and he couldn't shake it.