Chapter 6

As the train made its way to Stockton, Jarrod held Adeline's hand tightly in his. He couldn't help but let his mind drift back to the night they had spent together, completely lost in one another. His mind inadvertently went to Beth. He had not even thought of another woman since her death. He glanced over at Adeline and his heart was full. He knew he had loved Beth but they hadn't had the chance to get to know one another, to build up to a fraction of the passion that he and Adeline shared with one another. That chance had been ripped away by Cass Hyatt's bullet. Jarrod closed his eyes for a moment, guilt washing over him regarding her death. It was that death that allowed him to be with the woman next to him now. He couldn't imagine his life without Adeline, thankful for another chance with her...he drifted off to sleep then and woke to find Adeline leaning on his shoulder. A feeling of contentment washed over him. He kissed the top of her head and then fell back asleep.


Adeline watched Jarrod as he slept, thankful that they had found one another again. She was nervous about seeing his family, especially since they had a lot of news to share with them. She wondered how they would react to the news that they had married. Jarrod had gotten in touch with a friend of his who was a judge and the ceremony had been performed that morning. She asked him if he wanted to wait until they got to Stockton, but he insisted he would rather do it this way. Later, he was sure his mother would want to throw a reception for them, but he wanted to be married now. She hadn't argued, glad that they were finally able to be together once again. But Adeline still needed to tell Jarrod something...something she should have told him last night before...

But she couldn't bring herself to say anything. At first, she had been too lost in their passion and then out of fear, she kept her news to herself. He would hate her. She knew he would. Adeline felt herself getting worked up and becoming very anxious. Jarrod had woken up and was watching her profile as she looked out the window. He noticed the change in her and reached out for her hand.

"Adeline, what's wrong?"

Adeline turned to him, startled, not realizing he had woken up.

"Just thinking about how your family will react to everything," she said softly. It wasn't the entire truth but had enough of it there for Jarrod not to get suspicious.

"They'll be surprised, but supportive. My mother asked if I thought you would come out for a visit. So, I'm just making sure you stay a long time."

Adeline smiled. She stared into Jarrod's eyes and saw them as they drifted down to her lips. She smiled and leaned in, allowing him to taste her sweetness. With her face close to his, he whispered, "I wish our private car was attached to this train."

Adeline bit her lip, blushing just a bit. "Tonight," she said softly, taking her finger and running it along his lower lip. Jarrod caught her hand in his own and kissed it. His blue eyes were intense as they held hers and Adeline could barely breathe.

When they arrived in Stockton it was late in the afternoon. Jarrod retrieved their things and they decided to walk to his office. Jarrod would then go to the livery and rent a horse and buggy to take them out to the ranch. He unlocked the door to his office, and they went inside. Adeline was impressed. She always knew Jarrod would be successful. She smiled as she looked around.

Jarrod came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"What are you thinking?" he asked, his mouth close to her ear. She closed her eyes in pleasure. She turned around to face him, pressing her body close to his.

"Just admiring your office," she said, reaching up to kiss him.

Jarrod held on to her tightly. He knew his family wasn't expecting him home, so he made a quick decision. He pulled back from his wife and walked over to the office door. Adeline heard the lock click and smiled broadly when Jarrod turned around. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. He led her over to the settee that sat against one wall.

"You know, this settee is very comfortable," he said.

"Really? Well, maybe we should try it out," Adeline said, pulling her husband down.


They finally made it home later that evening. Adeline found herself getting nervous. Jarrod reached over and held her hand for a moment, letting her know things would be fine. Jarrod stepped down from the buggy and helped Adeline down then the two walked into the house. The family was gathered in the parlor, talking about the day's events. Nick was the first to spot them and grinned widely. He noticed the woman with Jarrod and thought she looked familiar.

"Pappy, welcome home!"

Everyone turned toward them and Adeline smiled at them all. She recognized everyone except for the blond man who stood back from the rest. That must be Heath, she thought. She smiled at him warmly and he returned the smile, though it was hesitant.

"Evening everyone. Mother, Audra, Nick, you remember Adeline?"

Nick and Audra's eyes widened. They had completely forgotten about Adeline Taylors. Jarrod had never elaborated as to what had happened between them, why they had ended their relationship. Each smiled at her and she returned their smiles shyly. Victoria, who had been aware of the reason for Jarrod's trip, stepped forward to embrace Adeline. Adeline returned the embrace and blinked back tears. She had always cared for Victoria.

"It's so good to see you again. I was hoping you would be able to come for a visit," Victoria said.

Adeline looked to Jarrod who winked at her.

"Well, she's here for more than just a visit, Mother." They all looked at Jarrod expectantly. He smiled and said, "We were married this morning."

All were silent for a few minutes, then Nick and Audra came forward to hug Adeline. Nick patted Jarrod on the back, telling him congratulations. Heath moved forward as well and shook Jarrod's hand.

"Heath, I would like you to meet, Adeline Tay- er Barkley."

Heath leaned in and kissed Adeline on the cheek. She smiled at him.

"It's nice to meet you, Heath. Jarrod's told me a lot about you."

They all sat in the parlor and Jarrod told them about what had happened. Victoria and Audra had tears in their eyes, thinking about the baby. Nick had a stern look on his face. He was thinking he would like to get his hands on Adeline's former husband. He was glad the man was dead and was out of their lives.

"So, what's next?" Nick asked Jarrod.

"I'm going to get in touch with Pinkerton's and see if they can help us find the doctor that delivered Meredith."

Adeline closed her eyes at Jarrod's mention of Meredith. Their daughter would no longer be a baby, but a child almost ten years old. Adeline wondered if she still looked like Jarrod. Did she still have his dark hair and blue eyes? What was her personality like? Did she ever wonder why she was given up for adoption? Did she even know she was adopted? Was she with a kind and loving family or in an orphanage, hoping to have a real home some day?

Adeline opened her eyes and looked up. She saw Heath watching her with concern as the others talked around them. She smiled at him to let him know she was fine and he nodded. When Jarrod had told her about Heath, she admitted she was surprised. But the way Jarrod spoke about him conveyed to her his love for his new brother.

Jarrod then announced that he and his new wife would be retiring for the night. They had both had a long couple of days. After bidding the family goodnight, they made their way upstairs.

Adeline looked ready to drop right there. She was exhausted. Her long train ride across the country as well as the emotions of the past few days were catching up to her. Jarrod walked up behind her and began unbuttoning her dress. He helped her undress and then into her nightgown. Once he had her tucked in, he undressed and joined her. Adeline snuggled up against him and he gladly held her. The two fell asleep quickly, thankful to again be in each other's arms.


When Adeline awoke the next morning, she was alone in their room. The clock told her it was still early, that the sun had just risen. She stretched and then rose from the bed. After looking through her small wardrobe, she realized she needed to do some shopping. She only had two dresses, the one she was wearing when she was thrown out of Cedric's home, and the other that she had bought on her way out to California. Maybe she could go into town with Audra or Victoria.

Adeline made her way down to the water closet and drew a bath. She didn't linger, deciding she would luxuriate in the bath later. She returned to hers and Jarrod's room and finished getting ready for the day. She glanced over at the dresser and noticed a picture. She walked over and picked it up, noticing it was a picture of Jarrod with another woman.

Adeline's eyes filled with tears. This must be Beth, she thought. Jarrod chose that moment to walk in. Adeline looked over at him and he came to stand beside her.

"Let me put this away," he said reaching for the picture.

"No, Jarrod. You don't have to do that. Seeing the picture doesn't upset me. I just...I hate the fact that she had to die."

Jarrod smiled sadly, not catching the meaning of Adeline's words. Had he thought on them more, he would have been more curious. Instead, he was thinking about their time together in his office the day before. He had only ever slept on that couch, but now it would hold fond memories for him.

Adeline looked over at him and noticed his smile.

"And just what are you thinking Mr. Barkley?"

Jarrod leaned in and kissed his wife. "Just that I love you and can't wait until we have time to be alone together."

Adeline smiled and kissed him back.

"Ready for breakfast?" he asked, knowing if he didn't get out of their room soon, he never would.

"I'm ready," she said softly.

"I have to go into town today to the office," he said as they descended the stairs.

"Jarrod, I need to buy a few things. May I go into town with you?"

Jarrod didn't answer but smiled again. Adeline looked over at him, recognizing the amorous smile on his face and pinched the inside of his arm.

"Ouch! What was that for?" he asked.

"For whatever thoughts you were having," she said and then whispered, "I hope you'll show me later what you were thinking."

Jarrod winked at her and it caused her cheeks to blush the prettiest shade of pink. He was going to enjoy being married to Adeline.