Special thanks to Jjingo and BlueEyes2016.

Previously…

"Mr. Barkley," Monroe said by way of greeting.

"Mr. Monroe, what brings you to Stockton so late?" Jarrod asked. Monroe was the secret service agent who had come to town two years before. Jarrod's best friend from law school, Brett Schuyler, had gotten involved in a counterfeiting ring and Monroe asked for Jarrod's help to capture him.

"I have a favor to ask. And I wasn't sure who else I could trust," Monroe stated.

"Alright, what's the favor?" Jarrod asked.

"I have a witness, Rebecca Thatcher, who needs protection. No one can know her whereabouts. I also need you to help me get her to Washington DC in six weeks. Can you help me?"

"What else aren't you telling me?" Jarrod asked. "I need to know as much as possible so I can keep her safe."

"Rebecca Thatcher is my niece."

"Becca, I can protect you. We can go back to the ranch," Jarrod pleaded.

"Jarrod, you don't deserve to live a life of always looking over your shoulder because of me. I couldn't live with it if something happened to you or your family because of my predicament. You'd resent me for that. You deserve to have someone who will be able to go into town with you without fear of who could hurt one or both of you. A woman who will walk into your office and redecorate and help you charm your clients and then go back to your home and fill your nights with passion without the fear of who is stepping off the next train or stage. I want more than anything to say yes but I can't. My mind is made up."

She began to walk past him, and Jarrod reached out to her. She stopped, unable to meet his eyes. She knew she'd see how much she was hurting him. Her heart was breaking as was her resolve. If she didn't leave soon, she wouldn't be able to. Whatever decision she made she knew she'd regret it. Especially if something happened to Jarrod or his family.

"You should convince Becca to let me take her back to Stockton. You know I can keep her safe," Jarrod said fervently to Monroe as Becca worked to gather hers and her daughter's things.

"She made her decision, Barkley. You need to respect it. We talked about it and hashed it out. She'll be safe with me."

"She can't survive another year on the run, Monroe."

"She won't be on the run for a year. Six months at most…let's just get to the crux of the matter, Barkley. You're upset that my niece isn't going back with you to your ranch. You were only ever supposed to protect her. Not fall in love with her."

Jarrod walked toward the train station. He was determined to head back to Stockton. It had been a while since he'd been home and he knew there was work to be done. He considered staying one more day, but it was time to go home.

He decided to push any thoughts of Becca aside, she'd made her decision. He lifted a small prayer that she and Emma, her small daughter, were safe. He hadn't thought of having a family until he'd met her. Emma had stolen his heart along with her mother. Jarrod knew now he wanted a family. It was time. He longed to have someone with whom to share his days and his nights. Someone to decorate my office. He smiled at that thought.

Jarrod boarded the train and settled his bags in one of the cars. He then made his way to the dining car. He'd ordered a scotch and lit a cigar. The train would be leaving soon. He wasn't paying much attention to others around him. The car was crowded, and the waiter had just brought his glass of scotch when Jarrod was bumped from behind. He turned around and saw a blond woman with high cheek bones and twinkling blue eyes.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going."

Jarrod smiled.

"It's alright."

"Excuse me, Miss Randall? Your table is ready," the waiter said to her. The woman smiled at the dark skinned man and then looked back at Jarrod.

"Thank you for being so understanding. Again, I apologize for bumping into you."

Jarrod nodded and started to sit back down. He then made an impulsive decision.

"Miss Randall?" he called out.

"Yes?" the young woman responded.

"Would you like to join me?"

The woman smiled and her entire face lit up. She nodded and Jarrod pulled out her chair for her, then took his seat.

"My name is Jarrod Barkley."

"I'm Beth."

Chapter 1

When Jarrod Barkley was in Stockton, he spent time with the family. He knew they were all watching him with concern as it had been only five months since Beth's untimely death. He acted as normal as possible, seemingly following his mother's advice to forget about everything that had happened. In truth, Jarrod was wracked with guilt. An impulsive decision made after a heartbreak started a chain of events which led to tragedy.

It was that guilt and heartbreak that pushed Jarrod into spending more and more time in San Francisco. Stockton being a smaller town, Jarrod was unable to discreetly assuage the guilt he felt without everyone knowing his business. He and his brothers were known to visit Big Annie's and imbibe on alcohol and join in many of the poker games. It was also no secret that they visited the ladies upstairs. Jarrod particularly enjoyed his time with Ruthie but found himself holding back. He always made sure she enjoyed her time and was paid well, but she wasn't who his heart wanted.

His mind wandered to Beth. He knew he could have grown to love her, and they could have made a happy life if Cass Hyatt hadn't ruined it all with his desire for revenge.

Jarrod had done a good job of driving Becca Thatcher from his mind, but she was never far from his heart. His time spent with her and her young daughter, Emma, at the Barkley lodge had been blissful. His family didn't know anything about Becca, and he didn't want to tell them. His time with her and Emma was too special to try to explain. When he and Beth arrived back at the ranch and then her untimely death, it drove from everyone's minds the fact Jarrod had been away from the family for over a month before with no explanation.

When Jarrod had been with Becca and Emma, for the first time in his life, he felt contentment and it was through them that he realized he wanted a family. He was ready. Becca leaving six months prior had devastated him and it was because of that heartache, he had thrown caution to the wind and chosen to get to know Beth on the train headed West.

Jarrod Barkley was rarely impulsive. When he'd seen Beth in the dining car, he thought he'd get to know her a bit to help pass the time. Watching her get off the train in Denver, he felt he was being abandoned again so he impulsively made the decision to follow her which he now saw as a mistake.

Jarrod now found consolation in two things: scotch and women. In Stockton, it was difficult to be discreet. No one would understand him visiting Ruthie every night, seeking release so for just a moment he could forget about the last six months.

He'd spend as much time as he could with his family while in town, taking care of clients and ensuring any ranch business was maintained. He'd also drink quite a bit of scotch once everyone went to bed. Some nights, it was the only way he could get any sleep. His room, once a sanctuary, was now a place of oppression and regret.

He would leave Stockton as soon as he could however, back to San Francisco so he could feel free to do as he pleased. This usually meant days spent in his office and his nights either nursing a bottle of scotch and passing out or visiting one of the many gentlemen's clubs in the area.

He always chose the ladies with dark hair and he'd take his time, paying extra if needed, hoping to capture just a fraction of the passion he had with Becca. He'd usually end up disappointed though because the eyes he'd look into when everything was said and done, weren't the violet eyes he longed to have looking back at him.

Jarrod sat in his office in Stockton, already trying to plan his next trip to San Francisco as soon as he could without the family getting suspicious. There was a knock at the door, and he called for whoever it was to enter. Bobby, one of the local boys in town came in with a telegram. Jarrod tipped the young boy and opened the envelope. His hands began to shake, and after a minute he realized he had been holding his breath.

We need to meet where you gave away Dolly. FM

Jarrod informed the family at dinner he had a case come up and would be gone for a while. None of them thought anything of it and no questions were asked. Jarrod preferred it that way.

He didn't drink any scotch that night, not wanting to risk missing the early stage to Lodi. In fact, he'd barely slept at all and was headed to town well before sunrise. He went to his office to take care of a few things and leave some notes for his secretary.

Jarrod boarded the stage and watched the scenery as he passed by. He was eventually able to drift off and woke when the stage made its destination.

Rubbing bleary eyes, Jarrod exited the stage and looked around. He was handed his bag and decided he'd go to the hotel first. He couldn't help but let his heart skip a beat thinking he might be seeing Becca and Emma soon. Then he stopped in his tracks. He hadn't considered that something had happened. It was Monroe who sent the telegram, not Becca.

Jarrod scanned the town as he began moving forward again. Nothing seemed to stand out to him as being odd, but he was going to be wary until he met with Monroe and got answers.

He entered the hotel and rang the bell to bring the clerk from the back. He was given a room key and an envelope. Jarrod waited until he was in his room before ripping open the envelope and scanning its contents.

Room 16 was all the note said. Jarrod was in room 12. He quietly opened his door and walked down the hall, knocking softly on the door. He held his breath, hoping Becca would be on the other side, but it was Monroe that opened the door and ushered him inside.

"Where's Becca?" Jarrod asked, not wanting to waste time exchanging pleasantries.

Monroe sighed. "She and Emma are safe. But we need your help."

"What is it you need?"

Monroe motioned to the only chair in the room for Jarrod to take a seat. Monroe sat on the edge of the bed. He looked haggard in his appearance. Exhausted. Jarrod waited for the man to speak but was fast losing his patience.

"We've done a good job of staying ahead of Elliot. He hasn't found them yet but he's closing in. We thought things would be close to being settled by now but that isn't the case."

Jarrod bit his tongue to keep from telling Monroe "I told you so."

"There's been a slight complication and we needed a place to stay that wasn't in a town. Becca told me about the lodge your family has. That's where she and Emma are."

Jarrod nodded.

"I'll head that way today," Jarrod said.

Monroe knew Jarrod wouldn't waste any time. He stood, as did Jarrod and Monroe reached out his hand. Jarrod took it and the men exchanged a firm handshake.

"Are you coming as well?" Jarrod asked.

Monroe shook his head. "No. I'm going to try and lead Elliot's men in another direction. Throw them off our trail. They almost caught up to us in St. Louis. I'll need you to get word to me about where you are. Becca will need to testify again but probably not for a few months."

"We'll probably-"

"Don't tell me where you're going yet," Monroe said, holding up a hand. "Send a telegram to E. Porter in Fresno. That's where I'm headed next. And be discreet in what you say."

Jarrod had the sense Monroe wasn't telling him everything.

"Is there anything else?" Jarrod asked.

Monroe thought of telling Jarrod everything but decided against it. He did however, issue a warning.

"You were right about Becca not being able to survive on the run. She's a strong woman but she's reached her breaking point. She might not be the same person you remember."

Jarrod's eyes narrowed. "Care to be more specific?"

"No."

Jarrod took a deep breath and released it. He walked toward the door before turning back to the older man when he began to speak.

"Barkley remember that Elliot Thatcher is ruthless. He won't hesitate to kill Becca or anyone who stands in his way. If he can get to Emma, he'll use her against Becca to get her to do what he wants."

He nodded and Jarrod left the room, heading back to his own. After he cleaned up, he decided to stop by the livery to secure a horse and small surrey then went to the general store and picked up some supplies, among them some lemon drops and books. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing his girls again.

His girls, he thought to himself, unable to keep his heart from skipping a beat.