Special thanks to JJingo for allowing me the use of her OC Abraham.

Chapter 4

After telling his family about the baby, Jarrod then went on to give a brief explanation about Becca's part in testifying against Elliot Thatcher. He asked Nick and Heath to have hands covertly around the ranch to act as guards. Jarrod planned to go into town the next day to send a telegram to Monroe letting him know of their location.

It was late before they all went to bed, each trying to digest the news having been told to them. Jarrod went to the study to check through the correspondence he knew was piled up on the desk and to work on how he would word the telegram to Monroe. He poured himself a glass of scotch and lit a cigar as he went through the papers on the desk. He felt, rather than saw his mother in the doorway, watching him.

"I know you have questions," he said quietly. Victoria walked into the room and sat down on the settee. Jarrod joined her.

"Becca seems to be a lovely woman," Victoria said.

Jarrod smiled softly. "She is."

"Jarrod I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Maybe a little angry with you. You've never mentioned her and here you are with a baby on the way in just a few months."

Jarrod sighed and then took a draw of his cigar. He expected this reaction. He was grateful that his mother wasn't taking her anger out on Becca however.

"I'm not sure there's much I can say other than I'm sorry. I know I've hurt you. All of you."

The two sat in silence for a few moments though it wasn't uncomfortable.

"How did you two meet?" Victoria asked quietly.

"Remember several months ago I said I would be out of town for a while? And that I'd end up in Washington?"

Victoria nodded.

"And do you remember Agent Monroe who was investigating Brett?" Victoria again nodded. "It turns out Brett had more information regarding the operation he was involved in. He was asked to turn states evidence and he did. Which is why he was killed in prison."

"Oh Jarrod," Victoria said, knowing how hurt Jarrod had been when his friend was killed.

"Agent Monroe came to visit me late the night before I left. He asked me to protect a witness who was testifying against Elliot Thatcher. Told me it was his niece, and that she was Thatcher's daughter in law. I didn't know about Emma at the time. We met in Lodi and I took them to the lodge. It seemed the safest place. We were there for several weeks. Elliot Thatcher had his own son, Becca's husband, murdered. Mother, I had to protect her."

Jarrod paused, unsure how to continue.

"And you two fell in love?" Victoria asked, placing a hand on Jarrod's arm.

Jarrod smiled as he looked over at his mother.

"We did. And I know we didn't go about things the right way, but Mother, I assure you, I want to marry Becca. I want to make things right and live a long, happy life with her."

Victoria's mind couldn't help but turn to Beth. The what ifs. What if Beth had lived? What if Cass Hyatt hadn't succeeded? She was trying to decide if she should say something about it or not. Victoria wasn't sure what to ask next. She thought perhaps she'd leave things alone for now. She rose and kissed her son on the cheek and left the room.

Jarrod stayed where he was for several minutes, finishing his cigar and glass of scotch. He decided to turn in so he could go into town as early as possible the next day. He went up the stairs and couldn't resist checking in on Becca and Emma. In the soft glow of the lamp that Becca had left burning, he saw Emma had kicked off her covers and he replaced them. He watched Becca as she slept and noticed she seemed to be relaxed. He went over to her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

Becca awoke for a moment and smiled at him, again smelling the scotch on his breath. She wondered briefly if she should ask him about it but she was too tired and quickly fell back asleep.

Jarrod left the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He fell asleep quickly, but not before his thoughts drifted to how he wished Becca was beside him.

The next morning, Jarrod escorted Becca and Emma down to breakfast. Both looked more rested, although Jarrod thought Becca still looked a bit pale. Victoria, Heath, and Audra were already seated, stating that Nick would be joining them soon. They'd all just filled their plates and said grace, Nick having told Heath to pass the word not to wait on him.

Conversation flowed easily and Becca and Emma were included. Emma was enjoying the eggs that had been placed on her plate and had just shoveled in a spoonful when Nick came into the room, loud and blustering over an issue that had happened that morning. Emma watched him with wide eyes. Jarrod and Becca noticed her reaction and Becca was preparing herself for Emma to burst into tears, not being used to having someone so boisterous around.

Nick paused long enough to take a breath at which time Emma stated, "You're very loud."

Nick, who had forgotten about Becca and Emma stopped putting food on his plate. The entire family watched for Nick's reaction.

"Emma," Becca said, trying to sound stern but wasn't very convincing. Heath and Audra laughed while Victoria concealed her amusement behind a napkin. Jarrod grabbed Becca's hand with his left hand but bowed his head and was laughing behind his other hand.

Emma stared at Nick, her violet eyes not wavering from his hazel ones. A slow grin spread across his face and he began to laugh as well.

"You're right, Sweetpea, I am."

Emma nodded and went back to eating her breakfast.

Becca was embarrassed and attempted to apologize but Victoria waved her off.

"Emma didn't say anything we haven't all already said."

The rest of the meal was spent in lighthearted banter and Becca enjoyed watching Jarrod interacting with the rest of his family.

Once the meal was finished, Becca and Emma walked out with Jarrod to tell him goodbye.

"I'm going to send the telegram to your uncle and make a few purchases. Anything special you're wanting?" he asked, his blue eyes searching her face. She smiled up at him.

"Just you back here safely," she said quietly, tears springing to her eyes. Jarrod gathered her into his arms.

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

Emma had been skipping around on the veranda and came over when she heard Jarrod's proclamation.

"Do you have to go Uncle Mister Jarrod?" she asked.

Jarrod picked her up.

"Not for long. And when I return, I'll have a special surprise for you," he said, hugging her.

Jarrod set her down and then gave Becca another kiss, drawing her close.

"How about when I get back, we go for a ride?" he whispered in her ear. Becca pushed back and smiled her yes to him. Jarrod mounted Jingo and rode away.

Packages arrived. Safely where you believed you were right.

Jarrod had tried to recall the conversations he'd had with Monroe when he visited Stockton the first time several years ago. He hoped Monroe would catch on to what Jarrod was saying. He also sent a telegram to his friend John Hampton at Pinkerton's and asked him to come to Stockton as soon as possible. He was going to ask the man to keep an eye on Elliot Thatcher.

Jarrod paid for the telegrams and then left the office. He walked toward the General Store and perused the aisles. He saw a doll that looked exactly like the one Emma had at the lodge except it had a green dress instead of blue. He knew he'd also promised to have some matching dresses made and wished he'd thought to have Audra with him. He decided he'd have to wait on the dresses and knew Emma would be happy to have the new doll.

He picked up a few books as well and looked forward to later that evening when he could sit with Becca beside him and Emma in his lap while he read. He loved the tradition they had created.

He wanted to find something for Becca and looked at the hair clips. None of them were exactly what he wanted. He did see some lemon drops and purchased a small bag. He thought he'd go by the small jewelry store at the end of the block. He knew he wanted to purchase a special ring from his jeweler friend, Abraham in San Francisco, but he thought he would at least look in town as well.

Nothing was catching his attention and he was about to leave when he noticed an amethyst necklace. It matched Becca's eyes perfectly. He smiled as he made his purchase and tucked the necklace away in his pocket. He couldn't wait to give it to her.

Audra offered to stay around the house and listen for Emma when she woke from her nap. Jarrod had Ciego get a small carriage ready and he took Becca on a ride toward the river. He was hoping to have some privacy and that they'd have time to talk. He needed to tell her about Beth.

They arrived at the river and Jarrod helped Becca climb down. He held her hand as they walked toward the lake. Jarrod spread a blanket on the ground and drew Becca to him. He placed a kiss on her lips, and she wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss. Jarrod couldn't resist laying her down on the blanket. He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, and she brought his head down to her lips again.

"Are you alright?" he asked once their passions were spent, his breathing coming in gasps. Becca laughed, trying to catch her breath as well.

"You ask me that every time. Jarrod you aren't hurting me or the baby," she said leaning up to kiss him. After several minutes, Jarrod spoke.

"I promise this wasn't my intention when I brought us out here."

Becca was playing with the hairs on Jarrod's chest.

"Maybe it was my intention," Becca replied reaching up to put her hand on his face. Jarrod shifted to his side so he could look into her eyes.

"I love you, Becca," he said. He lowered his head and kissed her again. They rose and dressed, Jarrod remembering the necklace he'd purchased. Becca's back was to him and he walked up behind her. He placed the necklace around her neck, and she gasped.

"Jarrod, it's beautiful!" she said turning to him.

"I thought it matched your eyes," he replied. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Ancient lovers believed that a kiss could unite their souls. It was said that the spirit could be carried in one's breath. I don't know exactly when it was that your soul whispered to mine but Becca…You woke it. And it hasn't slept since. I knew I loved you when home went from being a place to being a person and that person is you and Emma."

Tears fell down her cheeks, and she was unable to speak. She reached up to kiss him deeply. She wanted nothing more than for him to take her again but knew Emma would be awake soon if she wasn't already. Jarrod gathered the blanket and they walked hand in hand back to the carriage.

As they made their way back to the house, it occurred to Jarrod that he didn't talk to Becca about Beth as he'd intended. He sighed. The house was coming into view and he was sure Emma would be up from her nap and he wanted enough time. He'd find the right time later.