Chapter 9

The month of October was upon them before anyone knew it. Audra's wedding plans were in full swing. She and Victoria took many trips to Sacramento and San Francisco, buying material and seeing dress makers. But the next big even at the Barkley household would be the birth of Jarrod's and Sarah's baby. Jarrod was keeping busy at his office in Stockton. He was making trips to San Francisco about every two weeks but planned to stop going around the first of November. He would try to stay around Stockton as much as possible until after the baby was born.

Thankfully, he had not received any more unwelcome visits from Ann Wilder. He had been told she decided to visit her sister and would not be back for a time. He admitted he was glad. Jarrod was going to suggest she seek out another lawyer but hadn't needed to since she was not in town.

Sarah was doing well, though feeling uncomfortable. The baby moved constantly, and Jarrod was delighted when he could feel the baby. He loved putting his hands on his wife's stomach and feeling a kick or wiggle. When he would talk to her stomach Sarah enjoyed the look of awe that her husband wore whenever he was rewarded for his efforts.

Heath and Cassie were enjoying married life. School was in full swing so she was kept busy, but enjoyed having a meal, simple though it may be, waiting for her husband when he returned home at night. They had invited Jarrod and Sarah over a few times and Nick was also a frequent visitor.

Since the wedding, Nick and Emma had not spent much time together. Both felt it was best because of their respective positions. Sarah and Emma still spent a lot of time together and would go to Cassie's for lunch on Saturdays if Emma's schedule would allow it. Both Cassie and Sarah felt that Emma was perfect for Nick but wouldn't interfere.

Heath and Nick needed to take a small buying trip to a neighboring town and would be gone for three days. Heath hated leaving Cassie, but she assured him she didn't mind. With a smile, she said, "This is a working ranch after all." Heath kissed her good-bye and promised to be back as soon as he could.

It was while the men were on their trip, that Emma went into town for supplies. She filled her list and then went to the post office. She was surprised to find a letter from her mother. She opened it with anticipation, but her heart felt heavy at the news it brought. Emma returned from town knowing what she had to do, but not looking forward to it. She asked one of the other hands to put the supplies away, while she walked up to the big house.

She entered through the kitchen and saw Silas and Sarah working. Victoria and Audra were not due back from San Francisco until later in the week. Silas was doing his best to get Sarah to sit down, but she refused. She wanted to help and wasn't going to let him molly coddle her.

"Excuse me, Sarah. Are Nick and Heath back yet?"

Sarah turned with a ready smile that died when she saw Emma's face.

"Emma, what's the matter?"

"I need to speak with one of them. Are they here?"

"No, they're not back from their trip. Probably won't make it back until tomorrow. What's wrong?" Sarah asked again.

Emma looked miserable as she held up a piece of paper.

"I got a letter from home. I need to leave and just wanted to let them know."

Sarah took Emma by the arm and said, "Let's go see Jarrod. He's in the study."

Jarrod finished reading the letter and looked up at the two women.

"I'm sorry Emma. When will you be leaving?"

"As soon as I can get my gear together. I can tell you I'm not looking forward to the long trip."

Jarrod studied the woman before him. She was a hard worker and one of the best employees the ranch had ever seen. He hated to see her go. He admitted some of his regret was because of Nick.

"What time does your train leave?" Sarah asked.

"I'm not taking the train."

"Why not?" Sarah asked.

"I can't leave Maisy here and I can't afford to pay for her to be transported. I figure if I leave today, I'll make it home in a few weeks."

Sarah looked to Jarrod and he read his wife's unspoken request.

"We'll pay for Maisy to be taken by train."

"No, Jarrod-"

"It's the least we can do, Emma. You've been a great worker. Please. We really want to."

Emma couldn't believe the kindness of this family. All she had wanted when she first came to Stockton was a chance to prove herself. She had gotten that and a lot more.

"Thank you, Jarrod. I'll need to go into town to check the schedule."

"Why don't you let me do that. I've got to go to the office anyway. I'll take care of all the details."

It was on the tip of Emma's tongue to refuse, but to be honest, she was thankful for Jarrod's kindness. She said thank you to them both and walked out. Sarah watched her go, tears filling her eyes. Jarrod put his arms around her, feeling the baby move between them. No words were spoken, but they didn't need to be. Each was thinking the same thing. They wished Nick were here.

Jarrod and Sarah rode into town with Emma the next day. Emma had insisted they didn't need to, but the couple was adamant that they wanted to see her off. They stood on the platform, watching as Maisy was loaded in with some other horses. The conductor called "All aboard!" and Emma turned to Jarrod and Sarah.

"Thank you both for your kindness."

Sarah reached out to hug Emma. Emma warmly returned it and was greeted with a swift kick from Sarah's middle.

"Well," Emma pulled back laughing. "This little one is quite active! I'm sorry I'm not going to be here when the baby is born."

"Me too," Sarah said sadly.

Emma turned to Jarrod and held out her hand. He took it.

"You're always welcomed at the ranch Emma. When your step-father is back on his feet, we'd love to have you return."

Emma smiled.

"Thank you, Jarrod. That means a lot."

Emma turned and picked up her small bag. She boarded the train and gave one last wave to her friends. She sat next to a window watching them. She was really going to miss the Barkley family.

A tear slid down her cheek. Emma wiped it away, wishing she had been able to say good-bye to the other Barkley brothers. Particularly, the one with the hazel eyes.

Nick and Heath made good time and were nearing the Barkley Ranch. Heath was eager to get home but remembered Cassie would still be at the school. He decided to stop in and say hi to Sarah and maybe get something to eat.

They rode into the yard and saw Ciego milling about. He called a solemn hello. Heath and Nick wondered what the matter was, but neither were inclined to ask at that moment.

When they entered the house, they saw Jarrod sitting in the parlor. He looked up at them, a sad expression on his face. Both men immediately thought of Sarah and the baby.

"Jarrod, is everything all right?" Nick asked while simultaneously Heath asked, "Are Sarah and the baby okay?"

"Sarah and the baby are just fine, thank you." They turned to see Sarah coming in behind them with a tray of sandwiches.

"Silas said he saw you both ride in. I know you're eager to see Cassie, Heath, but I thought you might like a little snack."

Nick and Heath kissed their sister-in-law's cheek and reached for a sandwich.

"So, Pappy, what's wrong?" Heath asked around his first bite.

"Emma had to leave today."

Nick, who had been quite hungry, found the bite he had taken hard to swallow. He had been thinking a lot about Emma on this trip and had decided he would talk to her when he got back. It looked like he had missed his chance.

"Why?" he asked after swallowing.

"She got a letter from her mother saying her step-father had been in an accident. Said she really needed her help on the ranch."

"How was he injured?" this was from Heath.

"Horse threw him. Emma's mother said the Doc was sure he'd be up in a few months. His back was injured., but nothing permanent from what they could tell."

"Will she be coming back?" Again, this was from Heath. They all noticed Nick's quietness.

"I told her she was welcome any time. Sarah and I took her to the station. We paid for Maisy to be transported by train. Emma was going to ride her all the way back to home, but I knew she'd get there faster by train."

Nick seemed lost in thought and no one disturbed him. Under normal circumstances, Nick would have received quite a bit of ribbing from his brothers on the fact that he wasn't saying much. But Jarrod, and Heath seemed sensitive to their brother's mood.

Nick excused himself and went straight to his room. That he was disappointed over Emma's leaving was evident.

Heath, Jarrod, and Sarah exchanged glances. They found themselves hoping Emma would be coming back soon.