Chapter 3

Jarrod was trying to decide the best way to get them back to the ranch without being too conspicuous. If they went back to Lodi, and took the stage, that would get them back more quickly. However, Jarrod was concerned that because they'd been there recently, it could alert someone who was looking for them to their presence.

While he didn't want to do it, he opted for them to take the long way home, which was leaving on a stage from the town in the opposite direction of Lodi. They'd eventually end up in Modesto. They left early, just as the sun was coming up. Emma snuggled up against Jarrod and fell asleep quickly.

Becca smiled at the picture they made and sighed. Jarrod looked over at her and gave her a wink, causing her heart to flutter.

Jarrod turned back to the road before him. As the horse plodded along, Jarrod's thoughts drifted back to the conversation between he and Becca the night before.

"Does your family know about us? I mean, about Emma and me?" Becca asked. They were lying together in bed, both enjoying the warm afterglow of their lovemaking. Becca was snuggled up next to Jarrod, one leg draped over his, their unborn child moving between them.

"Honestly, no."

He noticed Becca stiffen just a bit and she didn't respond. He realized how his answer probably sounded. He went on to explain.

"I didn't feel as though I could tell them, that it might somehow put you two in further danger. I wasn't sure if anyone realized I'd been with you and I didn't want my family to try and keep a secret like that if someone started to snoop around."

He felt Becca relax and nod against him.

"What will they say about the baby? We didn't exactly go about things in the conventional way," she asked.

"I won't lie. They'll be surprised. Shocked. But they'll accept you and Emma and our baby. And they'll come to love you all just as much as I do."

He felt Becca relax against him. He took a deep breath, thinking now would be the time to tell her about Beth.

"I wanted to also tell you about…" before he could finish, he heard soft snoring. Jarrod thought about nudging her awake but knew she was exhausted. They'd have plenty of time to talk on the way back.

It took almost a week, but they made it to Stockton. There was a close call once they reached the town where they'd catch the stage. Becca thought she had recognized one of her former father in law's men. They checked into a hotel under the name Mr. and Mrs. J. Tanner. Becca and Emma stayed in the hotel while Jarrod scouted the town over the next few days. Once he saw the man leave on the stage, he knew they'd be safe. He purchased tickets for the next morning for the stage to Modesto to catch the train. Several days later, the evening train pulled into the Stockton station. Jarrod held on tightly to Becca's hand as they disembarked. He carried a sleeping Emma.

"I'll have our things brought out to the ranch. I sent word in Modesto before we left for Nick to leave us a horse and carriage at the livery. We'll go to the Sheriff's office and I'll have you both wait there while I go get it."

Becca was weary and just wanted to crawl into bed. Jarrod was worried about her pale features. He knew she was nervous about meeting his family. Truth was, he admitted he was as well, but he knew once they got over their shock, it would all be alright.

The trip out to the ranch was uneventful and Jarrod was glad to see his childhood home coming into view. Ciego met them as Jarrod pulled the carriage to a halt. He took a still sleeping Emma from Becca and then helped Becca down. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled weakly at him.

Jarrod opened the front door and heard his family in the parlor. He knew they had already had dinner as the hour was late. Victoria was the first to spot them.

"Jarrod!" she said as she went to him. She accepted his kiss and smiled at the woman next to him.

"Mother," Jarrod greeted. Nick, Heath, and Audra walked toward them.

"Everyone, this is Rebecca Thatcher. And this one who can apparently sleep through anything is Emma."

Becca smiled at the others.

"It's nice to meet you Rebecca," Victoria said. "Shall we go into the parlor?"

"Mother, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get Becca and Emma settled? It's been a long few days," Jarrod said.

At the nickname "Becca", everyone looked at one another surreptitiously. Everyone could tell this woman was special to Jarrod although none knew why.

"Of course. Silas just freshened up the guest room earlier this week. Follow me."

Jarrod and Becca followed Victoria. Jarrod turned back around to the rest of the family.

"I'll be back down once I get them settled," he said.

The room Victoria chose for Becca and Emma was just down the hall from Jarrod. She wasn't sure who this woman was to her son just yet, but she could tell there was a connection. Victoria raised an eyebrow wondering if that connection had anything to do with the child Becca was obviously carrying. She guessed she had to be at least six months along. This caused Victoria's thoughts to go to Beth. It was only 5 months ago that Jarrod brought home his bride. Victoria shook her head. Now wasn't the time to try and sort things out. Jarrod would explain when he was ready. For now, their guests needed rest.

"I hope you'll be comfortable here," Victoria said as she opened the door to the spacious bedroom. Becca's eyes widened. The room was perfect, and she looked longingly at the large bed.

"Oh Mrs. Barkley, this is lovely. We will be more than comfortable. Thank you!"

"Please, call me Victoria."

"Thank you, Victoria. I go by Becca."

Jarrod watched the exchange and was grateful for his mother's hospitality. Victoria pulled back the blankets and he gently laid Emma on the bed then removed her shoes.

"Uncle Mister Jarrod?" Emma said, her eyes still closed.

Jarrod knelt beside the young girl.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Are we at your ranch?"

"Yes, we are," Jarrod replied as he tucked her under the covers. He placed a kiss on the child's forehead and stood, thinking Emma had fallen back asleep.

"Uncle Mister Jarrod?" Emma said again.

"Yes?"

"I miss Dolly."

Jarrod knelt again and brushed the hair from Emma's forehead.

"We'll get you a new dolly tomorrow. I promise."

Emma rolled over and was soon softly snoring. Victoria watched the exchange and couldn't help but smile. Jarrod always had a tender side, especially with Audra. She could see how that carried on to the dark haired girl asleep in the bed. Victoria excused herself and Jarrod said he'd be back down momentarily.

The door was left ajar and Jarrod moved to close it quietly. He then took Becca in his arms. He kissed her soundly, holding her close, feeling the baby move between them. He broke the kiss and put his hands on her belly. He looked at Becca, her violet eyes showing apprehension.

"I'm going to go downstairs and fill my family in on what's going on with the investigation and come up with a plan to keep us all safe."

Becca nodded, loving the safety she felt in Jarrod's arms.

"And tell them about us?" she asked.

Jarrod kissed her lightly on the lips.

"And tell them about us."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

Jarrod took a deep breath.

"Becca, you're exhausted. You can come down if you'd like, I don't have a problem with that. But I'd love to see you get some rest."

Becca smiled and put her hand on Jarrod's cheek. She wished he could join her and hold her close, but she knew that wouldn't be appropriate.

"Thank you, Jarrod."

"I'll see you in the morning," he said and left the room.

Jarrod walked down the stairs and into the parlor. He poured himself a glass of scotch and then turned to face his family. Victoria and Audra sat on the settee. Nick and Heath stood behind them. All watched, waiting for an explanation of the guests asleep upstairs.

"I'll be direct. I'm going to be father."

Everyone's eyes widened but no one said anything.

"I understand that you're all surprised. Maybe disappointed," Jarrod went on, his eyes landing on Heath. Heath remained quiet.

"If you have any questions or wish to discuss your disappointment in this situation, I ask that you direct that at me. It solely lies at my doorstep."

No one seemed to know how to reply. There were questions. They all had them, but none seemed to know how to start. Jarrod looked each in the eye and then his gaze fell on his mother. She stared back, not with condemnation or judgement. Just curiosity.

"I will be completely honest and tell you I'm very happy. And I'm happy to take the responsibility of the new additions to our family. All of them."

Jarrod then looked again at Heath. Heath nodded gave his oldest brother a small smile. Jarrod knew his mother and Heath would be the two who would struggle the most with the news. And he knew he'd have more explanations to give in the coming days. For now, he was content to let things stand.