Chapter 4

After the incident with Jeb, most of the men left Emma alone. Jeb especially gave her a wide berth. As the weeks went by, the men's respect for their only female cowhand grew as it was more and more apparent she was not afraid of hard work. Emma would do any job, no matter how dirty or disgusting and wouldn't complain. She did her fair share of the work and didn't beg off for any reason.

Nick and Heath watched the men with interest. They all seemed comfortable with Emma and accepted her, but Nick was still bothered by her working for them. She had proven herself more than capable, but he couldn't get past the fact she was a woman. She should be wearing a dress that complimented her curvy figure instead of baggy pants and too large shirt. Her green eyes were always shaded by her hat and her hair in a constant braid down her back. Nick found himself wondering what it would look like flowing freely about her shoulders.

"I wonder how long it is?"

"You wonder how long what is?" Heath asked.

Nick looked at Heath in alarm. He hadn't meant to say that aloud and cleared his throat.

"I..I wonder how long the cattle drive will take?"

Heath looked at Nick sideways, knowing full well that's not what he had said.

"Probably about the usual I guess."

Nick grumbled something and rode on. He needed something to take his mind off his newest cowhand.

There was a dance on Saturday night and most of the ranch hands were going. Heath hitched up the buggy for he and Cassie and drove away whistling a happy tune. Sarah and Jarrod would make an appearance later, while Malcolm was on his way to pick up Audra. Nick had asked a girl from town and had left some time earlier.

Jarrod sat in the study, going over some papers he had brought home from the office when there was a knock at the door. He called for whoever it was to enter, and Malcolm slowly came in. He looked nervous as he twisted his hat in his hands.

"Well, Malcolm. Come in. I think Audra is almost ready. I'll go see if I can hurry her along."

"Uh, no that's fine. Silas was going to let her know I'm here. I really needed to speak with you sir."

Jarrod smiled kindly and asked the young man to sit down. Malcolm did, but sat on the edge of the comfortable sofa for only a second before rising again.

"I wasn't exactly sure who I should talk to. Either you or Mrs. Barkley. I thought maybe since you were the oldest of Audra's brothers..."

Jarrod tried to hide his smile. He had a feeling he was about to gain another brother while losing his precious sister at the same time.

"Go on, Malcolm." Jarrod said softly.

"I would like your permission to ask Audra to marry me. We've been spending a great deal of time together and I love her. She has told me she feels the same about me and we wish to be married."

Jarrod rose from his seat and shook Malcolm's hand.

"We would be honored to have you as a part of our family, Malcolm."

Malcolm smiled broadly, but that lasted only a moment.

"You may not feel that way after I tell you this. You know my family is from Missouri?"

Jarrod nodded.

"We own a ranch located just outside of St. Louis. My father is wanting me to go back and take it over. He and mother are quite happy here, but father doesn't want to part with the other ranch. It was my grandfather's you understand. I'll be going back to St. Louis. I want Audra to go with me as my wife."

Jarrod considered the other man's words. St. Louis was a considerable distance. Audra and his mother shared a strong bond and Jarrod knew both ladies would miss one another terribly.

"Have you shared this with Audra?"

"Yes sir."

"And she's willing to go?"

"She said she was. I know she would miss being here, at the ranch and with her family. But I assured her that we could visit. Since my family will be staying on here in Stockton, it will give us double incentive to come back. And you would all be welcomed there of course. "

Jarrod again extended his hand.

"You're a good man, Malcolm. And if Audra accepts your proposal, we'll still be happy to have you in our family. We'll miss her greatly, but I know we all want her to be happy."

Malcolm let out the breath he felt he had been holding since entering the Barkley house. He smiled his thanks to Jarrod.

"Should I speak with Mrs. Barkley now?"

Jarrod thought about it.

"No, I'll say something to her. No doubt she'll be sad over Audra leaving, but she likes you a lot. And she wouldn't stand in the way of Audra's happiness."

Malcolm again smiled and held out his hand. Jarrod took it and watched the younger man's back as he left the study. He poured himself a drink and sat at his desk. Several minutes later, Sarah, dressed in a beautiful blue gown, stood by the door, and watched him.

"Jarrod?" she said.

Jarrod looked up, unshed tears in his eyes. Sarah walked over to him, concern on her face.

"Darling, what is it? I thought I was the only one to get emotional these days."

Jarrod smiled slightly. He told Sarah of his conversation with Malcolm.

"I am happy for them, really. But Audra... I'll miss her."

Sarah leaned in and kissed her husband. She loved the relationship he had with his family. He always treated his mother and sister with such tenderness and Sarah found he was the same with her.

At that moment, Sarah's hand flew to her growing mid-section and gasped. Jarrod's eyes showed alarm.

"Sarah, are you all right?"

Sarah had a look of absolute awe on her face as she said, "I just felt the baby move."

Jarrod placed his hands on his wife's stomach. He was still sitting, so his head was at the same height as the baby. He tenderly kissed his wife's belly, thankful for this new life and hoping that it wouldn't be a girl. If it were this difficult to see Audra leave, what would it be like to see his own daughter leave home?

Emma was standing outside the barn, leaning against a fence. The air was warm but not too uncomfortable. It was very quiet since everyone seemed to be at the dance in town. Emma hadn't even considered going and was enjoying the solitude.

The sound of horse's hooves drew her attention. A lone rider was coming in. Emma waited to see who it was and was surprised that Nick would be home so soon. She walked up to him as he dismounted.

"Evening, Nick. I'll take care of Coco for you."

"That's all right. I rather enjoy it."

Emma nodded. Nick had made her uncomfortable during her first few weeks here. She had heard every word he had spoken in Jarrod's office the day she was hired. She tried not to take it personally, especially since she had heard it all before.

"Coco is a fine horse. You must be proud."

Emma was a bit surprised at herself for trying to carry on a conversation with Nick. But she was missing her family right now and wanted to talk with someone.

"Oh, yes. I am. He was a gift from my father."

"Sounds like Maisy."

Nick looked over at her and asked, "Maisy?"

"My horse. She was a gift from my father as well."

"Is your father still alive?"

Emma shook her head. She didn't want to elaborate, and Nick decided not to push.

"Have a good time at the dance?" she asked.

"It was alright." Nick wouldn't for the world admit that while he was dancing all he could think of was a brown haired green-eyed cowhand and he wasn't talking about Old Pete either.

Emma sensed that Nick wasn't in mood to talk, so she excused herself and walked to the tack room.

Nick heard her leave and close the door. He finished with Coco and went straight to his room.

It was Saturday evening and the family was gathered for a special meal. Heath and Cassie were there as well as Malcolm and Audra. Each couple had announced their engagement and the family was celebrating. It was also a few days past Jarrod's birthday, which Victoria had missed while visiting a friend in Sacramento. She hated missing it, but he understood. After all, he had Sarah and since his birthday was in the middle of the week, it seemed better for all to celebrate it on Saturday.

Heath's and Cassie's wedding would be first. They decided to marry in the beginning of August which would give them a month before school started. Cassie wanted to teach one more year and Heath had agreed.

Malcolm and Audra would marry in December. Audra had wanted to spend one more Christmas at home and with her family. Especially since there was to be a new Barkley by then. Malcolm wanted to marry sooner but understood.

Jarrod and Sarah were still enjoying married life. Sarah's stomach was swelling with the new life growing inside and she was glowing all the time. Jarrod couldn't seem to keep his hands off her swollen belly, wanted to feel the baby move. Sarah had been feeling the baby for a while, but Jarrod had yet to experience it.

Victoria looked at her family and felt such contentment. Things seemed perfect, until she looked at her middle son. Although he was in a lively discussion with Malcolm, Jarrod and Heath, Victoria saw an underlying sadness. That he was lonely was clear. With her mother's heart, Victoria wished for Nick to find someone special just as her other children had.

The meal was just finishing when Victoria asked Jarrod, "Did you enjoy your birthday, Jarrod?"

Before Jarrod could say anything, Nick said, "Sounded like it to me!"

"Nicholas Jonathon Barkley!" Sarah said in outrage. Her face was turning all shades of red while everyone else tried to stifle laughter.

"What? Can I help it if I have to pass by your room to get to mine?"

Heath chose that moment to lean over and say softly to Cassie, "See why we're building our own house?"

The table erupted into laughter, even an embarrassed Sarah joining in. Everyone decided to adjourn to the parlor for cake.