Chapter 5

Dinner was a lively affair with Emma keeping everyone entertained. After, the family adjourned to the billiard room. Emma had her doll and played quietly near the hearth while the ladies talked, and the men played a game of pool.

Nick and Jarrod bantered back and forth but Heath remained quiet. Heath was never one to talk a lot, but he gave as good as he got when it came to the brothers teasing one another. Jarrod felt keenly aware of Heath's silence. He was most concerned about him when he introduced Becca and Emma. They hadn't had a chance to talk yet and Jarrod hoped to do so soon.

Becca was enjoying getting to know Victoria and Audra. Both seemed genuinely kind and Victoria reminded her of her mother. At the thought of her own mother, Becca dug her thumbnail into her hand to keep the tears from springing to her eyes. One thing she hated about expecting was how emotional she was, crying at any whim.

Becca's eyes went over to Jarrod when she heard him laugh and she couldn't help but smile. That he loved his family was very evident. She watched as he poured himself another glass of scotch and realized it was his second or third glass. It was probably not worth worrying over, but she was beginning to realize he drank quite a bit. Thinking back to their time spent at the lodge she didn't remember him ever drinking anything other than water or coffee. She had to wonder if this was usual or because he felt he needed it now that he was to be a father. Was he feeling trapped?

Where had that thought come from? Becca asked herself. She shook her head, concentrating on what Audra was asking her.

"I'm sorry, Audra. My mind wandered. What did you say?"

Audra smiled. She was enjoying getting to know the woman in front of her and hoped there would be an announcement soon regarding a wedding. She couldn't help but think what color dress would bring out the beautiful shade of eyes of both Becca and Emma.

"I was thinking I could take Emma to the orphanage with me some time so she could play with some of the children? I think she'd enjoy it."

Becca wasn't eager to let her daughter off the ranch any time soon.

"Is it alright if I think about it?" Becca asked.

"Of course. Maybe I could just take her for a ride around the ranch instead?" Audra replied, seeming to grasp that Becca wanted to keep Emma close.

Becca nodded. Maybe that would be alright. Especially if there were others around to help protect them.

Boisterous laughter brought the ladies' attention back to the game between the brothers. The game had ended, and Jarrod noticed Emma was stifling yawns. After a glance at Becca, Jarrod thought she looked as though she was fading as well.

"Well, everyone," Jarrod announced. "I see a little girl who needs to turn in for the night. Becca and I have a tradition of reading to Emma before bed. If you'll excuse us?"

Becca said her good nights and Emma went around to everyone and gave them a hug. Heath knelt before the little girl and accepted a hug feeling his heart squeeze when she said, "Good night Uncle Mister Heath. I can't wait to go out and see the cows you were telling me about."

When Emma went to Nick, she wrapped her arms around his neck and tightly squeezed.

"Uncle Mister Nick, will you carry me up to bed?" Emma asked. Everyone else in the room smiled. Nick looked surprised but his face split into a big grin. He looked over at Becca and Jarrod and saw both nod their ascent.

"I think I can do that," he said. Nick, Emma, Jarrod, and Becca left. Heath set up another game but played by himself. Eventually, Victoria and Audra excused themselves.

After reading to Emma and tucking her in, Jarrod spent a few moments with Becca. He could tell she was tired, so he didn't want to keep her up too long. He kissed her and then promised to see her the next morning.

Jarrod went back into the billiard room and saw Heath still playing. He went over to the humidor, pulled out a cigar and then poured himself a glass of scotch.

"Would you like a drink?" he asked Heath.

"No thank you," Heath said, sinking a ball into one of the pockets. That's Jarrod's fifth glass, he thought. Heath was frustrated with himself that he had been counting.

Jarrod lit the cigar and watched his brother for a moment.

"Do we need to talk, Heath?"

Heath paused. He set the pool cue down and turned to Jarrod.

"You said if any of us was disappointed to bring it to you. To lay it at your doorstep. I'm not going to lie, Jarrod. I'm struggling. Don't get me wrong. Becca and Emma are wonderful. I'm excited for you to become a father."

Jarrod took a long draw of his cigar, thinking about Heath's words. He knew there was more.

"But?" he asked.

"I might not know a lot about babies, but I can see Becca is far along."

After emptying his glass, Jarrod poured another. He took a sip and then puffed on his cigar.

"I plan to marry Becca, Heath. I know we didn't go about things the right way, but I am not abandoning her or our child."

Heath knew Jarrod wouldn't do that. He might have been Tom Barkley's son, but he wasn't Tom Barkley. Still, it ate away at Heath, the what ifs and what might have happened. If Beth had lived. If Becca hadn't sought out Jarrod to let him know about the baby. The end didn't justify the means.

"What about Beth, Jarrod?" he finally asked.

Jarrod walked toward the fireplace, placing an arm on the mantle. Heath saw the lawyer's vibrant blue eyes grow cold for an instant. When he turned back to Heath, the cold was gone.

"I met Becca before I met Beth. I already explained she needed to be protected so she could testify. Once we arrived in Washington, there were some complications," Jarrod paused. He waited a moment before continuing. "Becca chose to leave to keep me safe and to be honest, it devastated me. On my way home from Washington, I met Beth. You know the rest."

Heath nodded. He did know. He saw how much Beth's death had changed his older brother. He watched as Jarrod pulled a gun on Nick, wanting to get to the man who'd killed his wife. He saw how much it cost Jarrod and it worried him. Heath wasn't sure if the other family members realized that Jarrod was drinking more than usual. Or that he didn't sleep much when he was in Stockton. Heath knew Jarrod went to bed late, well after everyone else, and Heath knew Jarrod was awake early in the mornings when Heath was headed out to start his day. He also picked up on Jarrod wanting to spend more time in San Francisco. Heath knew the others would figure it at some point, but for the time being was keeping what he knew to himself.

Since he'd returned with Becca Jarrod seemed better – except for the drinking - but Heath had to wonder how long that would last. There was no doubt Jarrod cared deeply for Becca and her daughter, but Jarrod had not dealt with whatever was still eating away at him.

"Becca and Emma seem very special, Jarrod. I just don't want your demons to ruin anything."

One of the things Jarrod appreciated about Heath was his perception as well as his directness.

"I do love her, Heath. Becca silences those demons."

Heath regarded the man before him. Jarrod was one of the wisest, best men he knew, and he felt privileged to call him his brother. Heath was struggling with what he was seeing in this man he revered and hoped he could get his point across.

"That's a lot of pressure you've put on her. I hope she can handle it."

Heath bid Jarrod goodnight and left. Jarrod stayed by the fireplace for quite a while considering his brother's words.

Jarrod went into town and checked in with Perkins if he had any telegrams for him. There was one from Hampton saying he'd be in town on the afternoon train. Jarrod waited in his office, his eyes constantly glancing toward the clock. The afternoon train was on time and Jarrod watched from his window as Hampton crossed the street moving toward his office. Moments later, there was a knock at the door.

"John," Jarrod greeted, holding out his hand to the other man.

"Jarrod, I got here as soon as I could. What do you need?"

John and Jarrod had known one another since college. John's initial goal was to obtain a law degree but decided it wasn't for him. He hired on with Pinkerton's and worked his way up to being chief investigator. Jarrod had used him on several occasions and trusted the man implicitly.

"What I'm about to tell you must stay between the two of us, John. We can't risk this information becoming public," Jarrod replied. He explained being asked to protect Becca and Emma, Elliot Thatcher, and the danger they were all in. John had known Brett and when Jarrod told him about Brett's involvement and Elliot Thatcher having him killed in prison, John was all the more eager to help. Jarrod touched briefly on the fact he and Becca were expecting a child together, but John's expression didn't change at the news.

"This is something I'll handle personally, Jarrod," John said, and Jarrod breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he'd be able to count on his friend.

The men spent another few hours together going over specifics. By the time they were done, the evening train was due to leave within the hour and John would be back on it.

Before going to the livery to retrieve Jingo, Jarrod stopped off to see Sheriff Madden and inform him of everything that was going on. Afterwards, he headed back to the ranch. He was eager to see Becca and Emma and spend time with his family.