Chapter 34

Nick helped Sarah move into the house and that he wasn't happy was evident. It wasn't that he minded the work, but Jarrod should have been there. Nick bit back many angry words directed toward his brother. Sarah had made it clear she didn't want to hear them, and Nick would abide by her wishes. After several hours, Nick finally calmed down. He knew Jarrod was hurting and he didn't really blame him. He might even be tempted to act the same way, but Nick did hope if something like that happened to him and Emma, that they would be drawn toward each other. Nick decided he would pay his brother a visit once they were done helping Sarah with the move, just to talk. It had been a while since the brothers had sat down and enjoyed a drink together. Jarrod probably wouldn't welcome him at first, but Nick would hang around and pester him just like he had when they were little boys. Jarrod obviously needed a shoulder to lean on and Nick wanted to be the one to offer it.

Jarrod poured himself a drink and was walking toward his desk when someone knocked on his office door. He set his drink down, wondering who could be coming to see him this late in the day. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Ann Wilder. She still looked the same. She walked in and smiled at the lawyer.

"It's been a long time," she said as she turned around to look at him, her low cut dress showing ample cleavage.

"Yes, it has," Jarrod said. At their last meeting, the young widow had made it clear she was very interested in Jarrod being more than just her attorney. He had flatly refused her. She then left to visit her sister and had been gone almost two years.

"What brings you back to Stockton, Mrs. Wilder?"

Ann smiled at him. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes and wondered if perhaps things weren't as happy for him and his wife as they had once been. She had been disappointed at Jarrod's refusal of her attentions but was more than willing to forgive him. She had only planned to be in town for a short time but could extend her stay if given a good enough reason. And Jarrod Barkley was definitely a good reason.

"Oh, just passing through. I'll be around for a few weeks. How have you been, Mr. Barkley?"

Jarrod could tell Ann was trying to be her most charming with him. He was in no mood for it though. It was all he could do to pretend to be civil.

"If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Wilder, I have work to do." Jarrod firmly took the woman's elbow to escort her out of his office. She turned and pushed herself closer to him.

"You once told me you were a happily married man, Mr. Barkley. I dare say that isn't the case anymore. Why don't you let me help you forget about your troubles?" she asked seductively.

She leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips. Jarrod started to push her away but before he could, he heard a noise and looked up. He stared into the very angry eyes of Nick. Nick didn't say a word but turned on his heel and stalked out. Jarrod did push Ann away from him then and in a cold, furious voice that brought chills to the woman standing in front of him said,

"I have never in my life hit a woman, but the temptation is so great for me right now I honestly think I could do it and not regret it. Get out of my office and don't you ever return."

Ann stared at him, knowing she had overstepped her bounds. She quickly retreated from the inner office and tried to muster as much dignity as she could as she walked home. She decided at once she would leave this town and never come back.

Jarrod was just getting his coat on to go after Nick, when the other man walked back into the office and slammed the door. Jarrod turned around in surprise.

"Would you care to explain what it was I just saw?" Nick asked, proud of himself for not yelling. What he really felt like doing was punching Jarrod, so he was also proud of himself for even asking the question.

"It wasn't what it looked like, Nick," Jarrod said, sighing. He took his coat off and went over to fix himself and Nick a drink.

"Oh, really. So, when I walked in and saw that beautiful woman's arms around you and you both locked in an embrace, you two were just discussing a case?"

Jarrod was becoming frustrated. He was hoping Nick would at least give him the benefit of the doubt.

"I was in the process of pushing her away when you saw us."

"In the process," Nick said sarcastically.

"NICK! Leave me alone! I didn't do anything wrong. That woman threw herself at me. I have no interest in her at all!"

"One has to wonder if you still have an interest in your wife!" Nick yelled.

That was the final straw. Nick had hit a very sore spot for Jarrod and the lawyer had had enough. Nick had come to stand just behind him, and Jarrod turned to throw a punch. Nick's head snapped back and then he threw one of his own, his fist connecting with Jarrod's jaw. Jarrod fell back. He sat on the floor, wiping the blood from his mouth, but he didn't try to fight anymore. He slumped his shoulders in defeat.

Nick stood over him, instantly sorry for what he'd done. He noticed Jarrod's shoulders shaking and knelt down beside his big brother.

"Oh, Pappy. What's going on?"

Jarrod put his face in his hands and sobbed. "Nick!" he gasped. "Nick, I can't stand the fact that my son is dead. I can't stand the fact that they placed his body in the ground. Why did he have to die? Why?!"

Nick's heart broke for Jarrod. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to have his own child die. He thought of Emma and the baby she carried. She was due any time now and he was so excited. But to have gone through what Jarrod and Sarah had gone through, Nick didn't know if he could handle it.

"Pappy, Pappy, you've got to listen to me," Nick said, shaking his brother gently. "I'm not going to say I know how you feel because I don't. But you can't let Jay's death destroy your marriage. He wouldn't want that. You've got a beautiful wife and daughter who love you so much. Please, Jarrod, do what you can to reconcile with them."

Jarrod continued to cry, holding on to Nick. The two dark haired men sat on the floor, rocking back and forth. Jarrod knew Nick was right. He did need to make things right with Sarah. But he just didn't know how. He'd taken his anger out on her and blamed her for Jay's illness and death. He barely tolerated her presence and he knew he'd hurt her with his actions and words.

"Come on, Jarrod. Let's go over to the saloon and get a drink. I think you could use it."

Jarrod nodded in agreement. Nick helped his brother up off the floor and the two men left Jarrod's office. Nick was hoping that this would be the beginning of Jarrod's healing.