Chapter 28

Heath wiped the sweat from his brow with his kerchief. It was going to be another hot one. Thankfully, they weren't experiencing drought conditions. The rivers and streams were full, as were the many small lakes, allowing the cattle to get the water they needed. This made the unbearable temperatures much easier to handle.

He was headed to Audra and Carl's after visiting the Sommers' Ranch. Well, technically, it still belonged to Jonathon Sommers, but he rented out the buildings and lands to another family, the Steadman's, about ten years before. Jonathon and Ella remained in the Valley for another six months after the shooting that left Jonathon paralyzed from the waist down. They consulted several doctors in San Francisco, as well as in Sacramento, but the results were still the same. He'd never have the use of his legs again. The bullet had been removed by a top surgeon, and Ella hoped that would give Jonathon the use of his legs. It didn't seem to make any difference. They moved back to Oregon but kept the property near Stockton, hoping to one day return.

Audra waved to Heath as he rode into the yard. Carl came from the barn and stood next to his wife.

"What are you doing out in this hot sun, Audra?" Heath asked, concern in his voice. Audra was due with her third child any time and the doctor had already warned her not to overexert herself in the heat.

"Oh, Heath. I'm just picking a few flowers for the table. I'm not over-doing. Am I dear?" she asked her husband. Carl raised an eyebrow at his wife, then invited his brother-in-law inside.

Quinto, Audra and Carl's butler, brought some ice-cold lemonade to the living room. Heath accepted his glass with a grateful nod and took a long drink.

"Mmm. Hits the spot on a day like today," Heath said.

"Are Jarrod and Melissa back from San Francisco yet?" Audra asked.

"Yeah," Heath answered. "Last night. Melissa looks as uncomfortable as you."

Jarrod and Melissa had four children: Jeremy, Cynthia, Peter and Richard. Melissa was expecting their fifth and was due the same time as Audra. Audra and Carl had two boys, Carl Jr. and Matthew. Although she would be happy with another boy, Heath knew Audra wanted a girl. Nick and Abby had three children: Mark, Jennifer and Mary. Nine-year-old Mark was Nick's spitting image, from looks to personality. He was already working on the ranch almost a full day on Saturdays, much to Abby's consternation. She thought it was too much for her son, but Nick was delighted Mark wanted to take such an active role.

"Only a few more weeks, I think," Audra announced. She smiled at Carl who kissed her hand. Heath watched the tender moment, wishing not for the first time, that Ellen was still alive. He seemed to miss her now more than ever before. Their child would have been the same age as Mark. Heath often watched Mark and Nick, wondering if his son would have wanted to work the land like his cousin, uncle and father. Heath shook his head mentally to focus on the conversation with Carl and Audra. He was invited to stay for dinner but opted to go home. He and Victoria were the only ones living in the big house now, and he didn't want her to eat by herself.

When he arrived home, Victoria greeted him. She told him a letter had come for him, and she'd put it on his bed. Heath washed up then went to his room. He found the letter and opened the envelope. He scanned its contents, then folded the letter and placed it in the drawer of the desk in his room.

He went to dinner with Victoria, each telling the other about their day. Victoria was eager for her two newest grandchildren to make an appearance. Heath smiled as he listened to her talk about the impending births.

"You seem quiet, Heath. Is everything alright?"

Heath sighed.

"I got a letter from Jonathon Sommers today. He's asked me to come up for a visit. Said he's got some prime stock to sell. He's offering us first choice."

"Will you go?" Victoria asked.

"Don't see why not. Things are slow around here for the next little while. You'll be leaving soon to stay with Audra and then Melissa. Might be good to get away for a bit."

Victoria watched this son of her heart. He never spoke about Ellen, but she knew he had to be missing his wife. He'd watched his brothers and sister live in marital bliss and have families of their own. Heath had never shown any interest in anyone since Ellen's death. He'd been encouraged by Jarrod and Audra to find someone else, but Nick never said anything. At least, not that Victoria ever heard. It was almost as if Nick knew something about Heath that the others didn't.

"I think you should go," Victoria said with a firm nod of her head. "I wonder how Jonathon and Ella are doing? I know Audra hears from Ella every once in a while."

So it was a week later that Nick rode into town with Heath to see his brother off. Nick didn't admit it to Heath, but he was nervous about the trip. He wasn't afraid to say something, for Nick Barkley was not afraid of confrontation. It was just something he couldn't explain. He wished Heath a fast and profitable trip, then headed back to the ranch.

Heath stepped down from the train in Eugene, Oregon. It was late afternoon when he arrived, and Heath was ready to sleep on a bed that didn't move. He'd had enough of the cramped, smoke filled rail car. He'd played a few hands of poker and even entertained a young boy so his mother could get a few hours of rest, but the days and nights on the train were long.

Breathing in the fresh air, Heath decided his first course of action would be to find out where Jonathon's ranch was. Then he'd secure a horse and hope to make it by nightfall. He'd sent a wire from Stockton before he left, letting Jonathon know he was on his way, but he wasn't sure of when he would arrive.

Heath thought he heard someone call his name and looked around. His eyes widened at the sight of Ella standing on top of a wagon seat, waving her hands in the air. He smiled and waved back, walking toward her.

"Howdy," he said.

"Hi yourself! I was beginning to think you weren't coming," Ella said sitting down, an easy smile lighting her face. She looked older and thinner than she had when he'd last seen her, but she was still a beautiful woman. Heath noticed a young boy peeking around his mother's shoulder.

"Howdy," he said to the boy.

"Heath, you remember Drew?"

"Last time I saw him he was just a baby. Nice to see you again, Drew."

Drew smiled shyly but put out his hand. Heath shook it then looked up at Ella.

"Throw your things in the back. We've been coming to the station every day the last few days to see if you'd arrived," Ella explained.

"Sorry to put you to so much trouble," he replied, hating to inconvenience anyone.

"Oh, it's no trouble. Jonathon's been so exited since we got the wire saying you were coming. He's been looking forward to seeing you again."

Heath climbed up into the wagon, and Ella handed him the reins. She told him which direction they would be headed and as they drove, gave a brief history of her home. On the way to the ranch, she pointed out the homes of her brothers and sisters. They all lived nearby, much the same as Heath's own family.

"That's Papa and Mama's old house. Charles lives there now. Papa died about five years ago, and mama passed a year later."

Heath didn't reply, chancing a glance in Ella's direction. She looked sad as they drove by the house that had been her childhood home. He kicked around for something to say to cheer her up, but Drew took care of that for him.

"Mama, when we get home, do you think Mr. Barkley would want to see my new horse?"

Ella smiled. "Why don't you ask him?"

Drew again peeked around his mother and asked his question.

"I reckon I'd like that."

Heath smiled as did Drew. Ella's face brightened as she put her arm around her young son.

"There's home," Ella said. Heath had been watching Ella but turned to see where she was pointing.

"Home" was a two-story house that was slightly larger than the ranch house they owned in Stockton. It was well kept as were the buildings that surrounded it.

Heath pulled the wagon up in front of the house and helped Ella down. Drew hopped down on his own and ran inside. A ranch hand was there to take the reins from Heath. He took his one bag and followed Ella inside. They met Drew at the door.

"Papa said for me to go riding with Uncle Jeff for a bit. He wants to talk to Mr. Heath," Drew explained. Ella smiled and nodded to her young son. Drew ran out the door calling to his uncle that he could finally go riding.

"Jonathon's in here," Ella said. "I'll take your things to your room. It's upstairs, the last room on the right."

Heath thanked Ella and knocked softly on the bedroom door. Jonathon called for him to enter. Heath pushed open the door and saw Jonathon sitting up in bed. The years being bedridden had taken their toll on the older man, but his smile was bright as he motioned for Heath to come in and close the door.

"I'm so glad you could come, Heath," Jonathon said holding out his hand. Heath shook it and took a seat next to the bed.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what stock you are selling."

"Oh, we can talk about the stock later. I've got something else I want to talk to you about."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I want you to marry my wife."