Chapter 22

The weeks passed by with Emma working somewhere on the ranch in the mornings and then helping Sarah in the afternoons. Jarrod made a few trips to San Francisco, the trial going well, and he won his case.

Sarah gradually began to spend longer periods of time up in the afternoons, though she still needed to lie down. The sickness was beginning to fade, and she could tolerate more foods. Dr. Merar did admit he was concerned about her weight, but since her appetite was increasing, he was sure she would gain an adequate amount.

Victoria returned at the end of the month, happy to report that Audra and Malcolm were doing well. Their ranch was beautiful, and Malcolm was doing a great job. Audra was keeping busy with work at the orphanage and she and Malcolm were attending a small church in the area. Audra was teaching a Sunday School class of young girls every other month and was enjoying it immensely.

Since Victoria was home, she took over a lot of the care for Tori when Sarah needed rest, allowing Emma to spend more time outside. Victoria was excited that there would be another baby. She also welcomed Emma warmly. She really liked her new daughter-in-law and could see that she and Nick were very happy.

The month of July passed by, Nick and Heath taking the long cattle drive. Both were in a hurry to return to their wives. It was while they were gone that Jarrod brought home a letter one day for Emma. She had been expecting one from her mother but knew that the letter she held in her hand wasn't from her. No one noticed the way she put it in her pocket. She didn't want to think about it right then, knowing it was from David. She had hoped that he wouldn't write to her again, but apparently, he had found out where she was. It made her more angry than afraid and she went out for a ride to try and clear her head.

She rode down by the large lake on the Barkley property that she had deemed her thinking spot. It was very similar to the small pond that was on her family's ranch in Boulder. She finally took out the envelope and opened it slowly. She cringed at the words on the page.

Did you think you could hide from me? You know I'll always find you.

Emma crumpled up the paper. She shoved it back into her pocket, determined to throw it in the stove when she returned home.

Thunder sounded in the distance, waking Jarrod from a sound sleep. He could barely make out the time on the clock. He waited until the lightening flashed again and saw that it was half past midnight. He reached over and felt Sarah's warm body. She used to be terrified of storms, but now she slept through them. He smiled to himself, thinking of a thunderstorm a few years ago and how it had brought them together.

Sarah turned over and snuggled against her husband. Her mind registered the storm starting outside, but she smiled contentedly. Let the storm rage. She felt safe in her husband's arms.

Jarrod drew Sarah closer, and realized she had woken up. He kissed her gently on her forehead and felt her face move up. He found her lips and she responded. It had been a long while since they had enjoyed each other. Jarrod had tried to be mindful of how Sarah felt, so he had not approached her. She was thankful for his understanding but was missing her husband's tender touch. It wasn't as passionate a time as they were used to, but lovely none the less.

Afterwards, they lay talking and listening to the storm as it raged. They eventually fell asleep, unmindful of how the storm was keeping Emma awake.

Emma sat in the chair across the room from her bed. She hadn't been sleeping well at all since Nick had been gone. She hoped he was not caught out in this storm but knew he and Heath probably had not been able to find any shelter along the way. She wished he were here now so that he could take her in his arms. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but the letter from David had really bothered her. She had almost completely put him from her mind but found that impossible now. The lightening flashed and the thunder sounded, causing Emma to jump. She thought she had heard a noise outside, but upon listening further, realized she had just been imagining things. She knew she needed to turn in but couldn't make herself lie down without Nick.

Emma had finally convinced herself to at least try and get some sleep when she heard a noise. Someone was coming up the stairs. She couldn't move. Her imagination was running wild and she could just imagine that David had indeed found her again and was coming after her. She wondered briefly if Jarrod was awake but knew she would have to go out of the room to get him and she was too frozen with fear. The steps were getting closer and closer. Emma held her breath as the doorknob began to turn. She wanted to close her eyes but couldn't. She wanted to open her mouth to scream, but her mind refused to obey any of these commands.

The door opened slowly and then closed. Someone was in the room with her. She still sat in her chair, digging her nails into the fabric. What was she going to do?

"Emma?"

Emma let out a little sob and Nick turned around. He had thought she would be in bed and was surprised to find her sitting in the chair instead. He hurriedly lit a lamp and saw her holding herself, rocking back and forth while she cried. He rushed to her and took her in his arms.

"What's wrong? Sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked softly. She held on to him, thankful that he was finally home. The last few weeks had been horrendous for her. The letter from David had made her edgy and she had let her imagination run wild. Plus, she hadn't slept well either.

"I'm just so glad you're home!" she said, kissing him. Nick pulled away, saying something about getting her clothes wet, but she didn't care. Her husband was home and that was all that mattered. Nick undressed, turned down the light and joined his wife in their bed.

A few weeks later everyone had gathered at the ranch for a Saturday evening meal. It was a joyful time, and all were glad to see that Sarah was feeling better. She still seemed tired, but she didn't need to lie down in the afternoons anymore. Heath and Cassie had shared the news that it looked like Tori and her new baby brother or sister would be welcoming a cousin early the next year. Everyone was excited and congratulated the couple. Cassie hadn't felt sick much at all for which she was thankful.

After dinner, they adjourned into the billiard room. The men played several games of pool while the women talked of the new babies. Emma found herself feeling a bit envious but pushed it aside. It would happen when it happened and worrying about it would do no good. She looked up to see her husband watching her. He winked at her and she smiled at him. Their love for each other knew no bounds.

Looking back, the members of the Barkley family would see that the darkness started to envelop them early that September. But since they weren't looking for it, they didn't notice as its tendrils began to wrap itself around them and when the darkness would finally lift the next year, no one would be the same.