Chapter 2

Adeline stood before Jarrod, begging her heart to stop its frantic beating. She felt as though she could pass out from just the sight of him, willing herself to stay on her feet.

Jarrod, for his part, was trying to get his heart to start beating again. She was just as lovely as the last time he had seen her. The years had been kind. Both waited for the other to speak, and finally, Adeline said,

"You came."

Jarrod smiled and held out his hand. Adeline took it, hardly able to believe he was standing before her.

"I had to," was all he said. He led her to a bench and Adeline gratefully sat down. Jarrod didn't let go of her hand and she was thankful. She held onto his hand as though it were her lifeline.

"I've so much to tell you, Jarrod," she began. She took a deep breath, knowing that what she was about to say would change his life forever. Even though she was sitting, she still felt woozy. It had been a few days since she had had a decent meal and it was catching up to her now. She closed her eyes, trying to stop the world from spinning. Jarrod noticed her discomfort and squeezed her hand.

"Adeline?" he asked. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at him.

"Jarrod, before we begin, could I ask a favor?"

"Yes."

"Could you buy me lunch?"

Jarrod smiled. He led Adeline to his waiting carriage and the two rode in silence to a small restaurant nearby. Jarrod frequented this place and was shown a table quickly. He waited until Adeline had finished their first course before questioning her.

"Adeline, are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, Jarrod. I am now. It's been a while since I've been able to eat a good meal," she held up her hand to stop the questions she knew he was going to ask. "But I'll explain all of that soon. Not here. There might be...others listening."

Jarrod raised his eyebrow. Who else would be listening to two old friends...friends? Is that what they were? Jarrod looked at her left hand and noticed she wasn't wearing a ring. He admitted to himself right then and there that he didn't want to be "just friends" with Adeline. He wanted what they had ten years ago. He let his mind drift back...


"So you'll come with me?" Jarrod asked, staring into Adeline's beautiful blue eyes. They had been seeing each other every weekend since the dance. The Christmas break was fast approaching and Jarrod had made plans to go home. He knew that Adeline had no family to spend Christmas with and he wanted to take her home with him.

"Jarrod, what would your family think if you show up with me. Christmas is family time and I'm not family."

But I want you to be, was Jarrod's thought. He pushed the thought aside, knowing that now was not the time. He still had another semester of Law school, and a grueling one at that. Then he had to study for the bar exam and that would take up most of his time. But he was planning on asking Adeline to marry him. It just couldn't be soon. They had not said anything to one another about the future, but Jarrod knew he loved Adeline. At first, he had just enjoyed her friendship, spending time with her. But then he realized in his heart that he was beginning to think more of her than just a friend. Penny Collins had tried getting his attention a few times and Adeline encouraged Jarrod to see her if he truly wanted to. But Jarrod didn't want to. Adeline admitted she was relieved, but she didn't know her own heart where Jarrod T. Barkley was concerned.

"You're right, Christmas is family time and you don't have any here. Now, you have a choice. You can either spend Christmas alone or with me and my family. They won't mind, I promise you."

Jarrod could be quiet charming and Adeline knew she wouldn't be able to refuse him. It was true that she was planning on spending her Christmas alone in her dorm room, just as she had spent all of her Christmases since her Aunt Maureen had died. The semester break was five weeks and would give them enough time to travel to Stockton, spend a few weeks and then travel back. She did dread spending the holidays alone again.

"If you're sure your family won't mind..."

"They'll be thrilled. I promise!"

Their plans were made and the two traveled to Stockton. Adeline asked Jarrod to at least wire his family to warn them, then she insisted on going shopping and buying each member of the family a small gift. Jarrod insisted that wasn't necessary, but Adeline said she wouldn't go if she couldn't do this.

They arrived on the late afternoon train, both travel weary. Tom and Nick met them in town and loaded up their luggage. Jarrod introduced Adeline and then they were off to the ranch. Adeline enjoyed the banter between Jarrod and his father and brother. Jarrod had told her all about his family, so she felt as if she already knew them, but seeing them up close was different. She laughed at the teasing from Nick and enjoyed listening as Tom caught Jarrod up on the happenings around the Valley.

That Jarrod came from a close knit family was evident. He had not been ashamed to hug his father or brother upon seeing them again for the first time in many months. How wonderful to have others care for you, Adeline thought. She felt a sadness stealing over her and tried to push it away. Jarrod noticed her quietness but didn't feel he could ask her if something was wrong. Even though he was in the middle of a conversation with his father concerning something about the railroad, Jarrod still reached over and took Adeline's hand. He squeezed it and she responded by curling her fingers around his. This type of physical contact was not new between them and neither thought anything about it. Nick however had seen it and wondered if he was looking at his future sister-in-law.

They arrived at the house and were greeted by Victoria, Audra and Eugene. Victoria had been working hard for days, cooking all of Jarrod's favorites, so thankful that she would have all her children home for Christmas. She knew that it was difficult for Jarrod to come home since he was in school so far away and having him home now was a special treat.

Victoria's eyes were kind as they turned to Adeline. She was also as sweet as any girl Victoria had ever met and loved listening to her speak. Her slight English accent was very easy to listen to.

Audra, who had celebrated her thirteenth birthday a few months before, was impressed with their guest as well. She thought the dress that Adeline was wearing was beautiful and loved how she had styled her hair. Living in the East was vastly different than the West and Audra was eager to learn about her brother's friend.

Fourteen year old Eugene greeted Adeline, but in typical teenage boy fashion, really didn't have a lot of interest in her. He thought she wasn't very pretty, but he wouldn't say that aloud. If he did, he would be pounded into next week, probably by both his brothers and father. Not to mention what his mother would do to him. Adeline seemed nice enough though and he just left it at that.

Adeline in turn was very impressed with Jarrod's family. They were kind and she was thankful she had agreed to come with Jarrod to Stockton. She admitted she was tired though and was glad when Victoria offered to show her the room she would be staying in while a guest on the Barkley Ranch.

Adeline took a much needed nap, though it was short and changed her dress for dinner. She had quite an appetite by the time she arrived downstairs and found Jarrod in the parlor with his Father and Mother. Tom was the first to spot her and waved for her to join them. He offered her a small glass of sherry which she took and then sat next to Victoria on the sofa.

They were soon joined by Nick, Audra and lastly Eugene then headed into the dining room for a delicious dinner.

The meal was relaxing and filling. Adeline loved spending time with the Barkley's but was eager to sleep in a bed that did not move. She stifled quite a few yawns before Jarrod noticed her tiredness. He asked Adeline to join him for a short walk, then he promised she could head on up to bed. He had wanted to get her alone to make sure she was all right. Her expression that he had noticed earlier as they had ridden from town bothered him and he was concerned.

"How are you?" he asked and they walked around the corrals. Each wore a warm coat, though the temperature in Stockton was not as cold as in Cambridge.

"I'm fine. Just tired," she answered. Jarrod's eyes traveled over her face, the full moon casting a silvery glow. She watched him as he watched her, wondering what he was looking for. She was about to speak when she saw his expression change. He must have been satisfied with what he saw, for he took her hand and led her back to the house. They stopped just in front of the door and Jarrod looked up. Adeline, curious as to what he was staring at, looked up as well. Mistletoe had been strategically placed above their heads. Jarrod looked at her, his blue eyes twinkling and his eyebrow raised in question. Adeline smiled at him and nodded.

Jarrod leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Adeline's mouth. This was their first kiss and Adeline closed her eyes in pleasure. Jarrod found that one kiss wasn't enough and kissed her again. When they broke apart, Adeline bit her bottom lip, and looked at Jarrod with some uncertainty. He winked at her, causing her to relax and the two went inside.


Over the next week, Jarrod and Adeline didn't spend much time together. Adeline went with Victoria and Audra into town for some last-minute shopping, while Jarrod worked with his brothers and father on the Ranch. Jarrod received plenty of teasing from Nick about being out of shape, but Jarrod worked just as hard as his younger brother. Tom allowed the teasing, but made sure Jarrod knew he was proud of him, something that Jarrod never doubted.

Tom and Victoria had a few discussions in the privacy of their room about Adeline and Jarrod. They seemed to just be friends, but the parents wondered if that were changing. Jarrod had always been a private person, even as a child. If things were to go forward, both Victoria and Tom agreed they would welcome Adeline into their family. They did hope, however, that they would take things slow.


The day before Christmas Eve, Jarrod wanted to spend some time alone with Adeline. He asked Silas to prepare a lunch and then asked Adeline if she wanted to go for a ride. Adeline was an excellent horsewoman, having received her training from the finishing school.

The air was cool, but not unpleasantly so. The couple rode for a few hours, Jarrod showing Adeline a good portion of the ranch. They stopped in a meadow lined with trees and ate their picnic lunch. They then rode some more before returning to the Ranch. Whenever they found themselves under the mistletoe, Jarrod was more than willing to give Adeline a kiss. She never refused, finding she looked forward to the tradition.


Christmas Day was a lovely affair and Adeline was surprised to find presents under the tree with her name on them. Each member of the Barkley family had been impressed with Adeline's gifts for them. They could tell she had put a lot of thought into them. Adeline felt as if she had made out like a bandit. She hadn't received a Christmas present in years and found herself feeling overwhelmed. She needed a few minutes alone and when she felt it would be acceptable, she excused herself for a walk outside. Tom watched his son as he watched Adeline leave. When Jarrod made a move to follow, Tom stopped him.

"Give her just a few minutes, Son."

Jarrod looked to his father questioningly but agreed. When Adeline had been gone for a half hour, Jarrod turned to his father. Tom nodded and Jarrod walked quickly from the house. He looked around, not sure where Adeline would have gone. He decided to check his mother's garden first. Adeline wasn't there, so Jarrod tried the barn. The temperature was colder than in previous days and he thought maybe Adeline would seek shelter.

He didn't see any sign of her and was getting worried. He was about to walk out of the barn when he heard something. He looked up and realized he hadn't checked the loft. He climbed the ladder quickly, seeing Adeline sitting over in a corner. Jarrod walked over to her and knelt. She looked up when he touched her and he noticed her tears.

"Addy," he said softly, using his nickname for her. He gathering her into his arms. "What's wrong. Did you get hurt?"

Adeline shook her head, not able to speak. She allowed Jarrod to hold her and when she had calmed down he asked her again what was wrong.

"It's just been so long, Jarrod," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "So long since I've spent Christmas with anyone. So long since I've even received a gift. I'm sorry I left, but I was feeling a little overwhelmed. Your parents are so kind and I have always wondered what it would be like to have my father put his arm around me the way yours does to Audra. He's such a wonderful man."

Jarrod and Adeline had talked about her past, about how her mother had died when she was just ten and she had been sent from England to live with a spinster Aunt in America. Adeline had written to her father several times, but had only received short, impersonal letters in response. She figured that his grief over her mother's death had been too much for him. Her Aunt had been sweet enough but kept to herself. Adeline had been sent to live at boarding schools and then in her first year of finishing school, her Aunt had died. Adeline had been left all her estate, which was now in a trust fund, but she received enough money each month to pay for school and expenses.

Jarrod himself couldn't imagine not having family. He and his brothers, sister and parents were close. Living apart from them while in the war and then at Harvard had been difficult, but he finally adjusted. He had wanted Adeline to experience family life and hoped he hadn't blundered everything.

"I'm sorry, Adeline."

"Oh Jarrod. You have nothing to apologize for. I'm the one who's sorry for running out. I just needed a few minutes alone."

"Do you want me to leave?" Jarrod asked, hoping she would tell him no. He wanted to continue to hold her close. She shook her head against him.

Jarrod tipped her head back with his finger and leaned in for a kiss. Adeline responded by putting her hand behind his neck. Jarrod took her action as a sign and deepened his kiss, making it more passionate than ever before. When they broke apart, Adeline was breathless, but had a smile on her face.

"It's nice to know you can kiss without the benefit of mistletoe," she said impishly. Jarrod laughed and leaned in for another kiss. They walked back hand in hand to the house and Jarrod made up his mind to take things to the next level. It was time to court Adeline Taylors.