Chapter 3

"Why are you looking at me like that, Jarrod?" Adeline asked. Jarrod blinked a few times and smiled at his lunch companion. He wasn't sure how long he had been lost in his memories, but he knew Adeline wasn't offended as she smiled warmly at him.

"Just thinking," was all he would say and Adeline left it at that. Now that she was here with Jarrod, the courage she had earlier was waning. She would have to tell him soon about everything yet was worried how he would react. The logical part of her said he would be upset however she didn't think he would act harshly. It was the emotional part of her that was afraid.

They finished their meal and then Jarrod ordered the carriage driver to take them to his townhouse. Adeline insisted that they have absolute privacy. He could see some fear in her blue eyes and he wondered about it.

They settled in his parlor with cups of coffee. Jarrod lit a fire in the fireplace, adding a warmth to the chilled air. Adeline couldn't decide how to begin. So much had happened. Jarrod noticed her indecision and took matters into his own hands. He was sitting across from her; she was on the settee, and he was in a comfortable chair.

"Why don't you start with what happened after we last saw each other?" he asked. Adeline looked up and smiled.

"It seems like such a long time ago," Adeline commented, her eyes going to the fire. Adeline let her thoughts drift back.


Adeline immediately noticed the difference in Jarrod after Christmas. His attention toward her stepped up a notch. Though she didn't mind, she wondered at it. They still saw each other every weekend, often spending all day Sunday together. On Saturdays, Jarrod spent the day studying, then in the evening, he would come by and the two would either go to a concert or just go to dinner and talk. But Jarrod also began dropping by at least once during the middle of the week, usually for only a few minutes. Their physical relationship was different as well. Not only did they hold hands, but Jarrod often put his arm around Adeline if they were seated next to each other and he always gave her a kiss when saying goodnight. If there were someone else around, his kisses would be chaste. When they were alone, the kisses deepened and lengthened, causing both to feel heady and breathless.

It was just before graduation that Jarrod told Adeline he loved her. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes, for she had known for quite a while she loved him. He informed her that his parents were coming into town for graduation and had asked if Adeline could stay with them all at the townhouse they were renting. Tom had left Nick in charge of the ranch, his first time without his father. Duke, the foreman, would be there to help him if needed, but Nick was looking forward to showing his father he could do it. Audra and Eugene were still in school and wouldn't be accompanying them on this trip.

Jarrod graduated from Harvard Law School with honors. Adeline knew no end of her pride as she watched him during the ceremony. The next day, Tom, Victoria, and Jarrod attended Adeline's small graduation ceremony. Jarrod would be staying in Cambridge for another two months to clerk for a law professor who was also a local judge, then would be returning to Stockton where he would do some clerking for the circuit judge there. His plans were to bring Adeline home with him. He was going to ask her to marry him and have the date set for after he passed the Bar.

Adeline had agreed to a teaching position at the Finishing School but wouldn't be starting until later in the summer. Jarrod, of course did not intend for her to keep that position. When Tom and Victoria left for Stockton, Jarrod and Adeline went with them. Jarrod didn't have to report for work at Judge Stein's office for six weeks. It was decided that on the trip out, Jarrod and Tom would share a sleeping car while Victoria and Adeline would share another. Victoria enjoyed spending time getting to know Adeline better and hoped that Jarrod would realize what a treasure this young woman was. Tom and Victoria noticed the change in Jarrod's and Adeline's relationship from what it had been at Christmas. Both were happy for their son and pleased with the young couple's apparent love for one another. Although she knew Jarrod still had a long road ahead of him concerning his law career, she knew that Adeline was a perfect match for him and was hoping the news of their engagement would be soon. She had purchased a small silver plated picture frame for an engagement gift just before she and Tom had traveled East. Tom questioned her about it, and when she told him who it was for, he smiled.

Jarrod and Adeline were looking forward to spending time together without the distraction of school. Jarrod spent several hours every day studying for the Bar, but he always made time for Adeline, even if it was just for a short walk. Adeline enjoyed living on the Barkley Ranch. She had lived in the city all her life and found that the ranch was a quiet and restful place. There were some rumors of trouble brewing with the railroad, but Adeline decided not to pay too much attention to that while visiting.


One morning Jarrod and Adeline found themselves alone at the house. It was really an accident that it had happened, no one realizing as they went off in different directions that day. Tom, Eugene and Nick were on the southern most part of the ranch working on replacing some fence posts, while Victoria and Audra were making a trip to see a sick friend. Adeline had plans to go into town and was on her way down the stairs when she saw Jarrod walk in from outside. He had just seen his mother and sister off and looked up to see Adeline as she walked down the stairs.

"Well, don't you look lovely today," he said when she reached the bottom. In fact, Jarrod had never seen her look so lovely. Her dress was a pale pink, one that fit her form perfectly and showed color in her cheeks. Adeline was not too thin but wasn't what could be called fat either. Plump was the word that came to Jarrod's mind, but he found that term endearing as he took in her appearance.

"Why thank you, kind sir. You look rather dashing yourself."

Jarrod smiled. "Where are you off to, my lovely young lady?"

"Into town. I wanted to buy your family a small gift for their graciousness in allowing me to stay here."

Jarrod's eyebrows raised and Adeline knew what he was going to say next.

"You don't have to do that," Jarrod insisted.

Adeline smiled at him, her eyes sparkling as she said, "I know I don't. But I want to."

Jarrod found himself lost in Adeline's gaze and couldn't resist leaning in for a kiss. Adeline's arms came around Jarrod and both were lost in their own world. When they broke apart, Jarrod held Adeline close. She closed her eyes in pleasure, holding tightly to the man she loved.

"Are you really set on going into town?" he murmured, and Adeline pushed back to look at him.

"What did you have in mind?" she asked breathlessly.

Jarrod's eyes traveled over her face. "I just thought maybe we could go for a ride," softly, the intensity of his gaze causing Adeline to blush prettily.

"Don't you need to study?" she asked, hoping he would say no.

"Actually, I woke up early this morning and spent several hours studying. I think I can spare some time now."

Jarrod continued to hold Adeline close. She nodded slightly and Jarrod smiled. Adeline went back upstairs to change into riding clothes while Jarrod saddled their horses. They rode for about an hour toward the base of the mountains. This had become a favorite spot for them. There was a small stream that ran through the area, the perfect place to be alone.

Jarrod helped Adeline down from her horse and the two walked hand in hand. They sat down near the bank of the stream and watched the water as it rolled southward. Jarrod lay on his left side, on one elbow. His gaze went from the stream to Adeline, who had her legs out in front of her, crossed at the ankles. She was leaning back on her elbows, watching the water passing by.

She seemed to sense him looking at her and turned to him. He sat up and kissed her deeply. Adeline gladly accepted his intimate kiss and returned it. Neither remembered lying down or Jarrod coming to rest on top of her so lost were they in their passionate kisses. Jarrod had only ever kissed Adeline, never had he allowed his mouth to travel to her neck, but it seemed a natural thing to do now. Adeline, having never experienced anything like that, groaned in pleasure. Jarrod couldn't believe how her voice alone excited him and his hands began roaming over her body. Things were getting quite heated when Adeline pulled away, her breathing coming in ragged gasps.

"Oh Jarrod. We can't," was all she said. He could tell her objections were made half-heartedly, but he knew she was right.

Before he could change his mind, Jarrod stood. He helped Adeline up and looked into her eyes. She smiled at him and it took all of his self control not to kiss her again. His mind kept bringing forth the memories of his hands as they caressed her through her clothes. Jarrod held Adeline close.

"Adeline," Jarrod said softly. "I love you."

Adeline smiled up at him and repeated the words. Jarrod gave her a chaste kiss and they mounted their horses, returning to the ranch. Knowing that they both desired one another drew them closer, but they did concede that they should be more careful. They tried to never have too much time alone and with three younger siblings, as well as his parents, that wasn't difficult to do. Jarrod stepped up his plans concerning his marriage proposal, hoping to ask Adeline when they returned to Cambridge.