Chapter 1

Life had settled into a routine for Jarrod Barkley. It had been a year since Beth had been taken from him. His law practice was beginning to pick up again after years of him needing to keep things as simple as possible. He heard from Pinkertons every so often about Beth but most of the reports were the same. There was no progress. The fact made Jarrod sad but also relieved. He only wanted the best for her and had hoped the doctors back East would be able to help her. Maybe all he'd done for her was enough? He'd felt guilty for not thinking to seek out other medical opinions but knew now he'd done his best by her.

He sat in his office, enjoying the business of the day. There were contracts for the ranch, clients who needed wills drawn up, and he'd just been asked to defend a client in a criminal case. Jarrod sighed with contentment.

He let his mind drift to Jaq briefly. She was enjoying living in Stockton and was becoming quite ingrained in the community since moving there the year before. She and his mother continued to bond, and Jarrod knew the rest of the family enjoyed her company as well. Nick was especially thrilled because as Jarrod's client, Jaq had purchased a small parcel of land that contained an orchard. Nick hoped to enter into an agreement with Jaq to help harvest the grapes for a new vintage of Barkley wine.

Jaq and Jarrod would see one another occasionally, mostly for business. As busy as Jarrod was rebuilding his practice, there wasn't a lot of extra time for socializing. After their conversation at the lodge, Jarrod hoped Jaq didn't think he was avoiding her. In fact, he was thinking of riding over to her place on the way home that day and asking her to dinner soon. He did enjoy their friendship and wouldn't mind if it became something more. From their conversation at the lodge, Jarrod believed she felt the same way.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He called for whoever it was to come in and was surprised to see John Hampton, a Pinkerton agent walk in.

"John," Jarrod stood and greeted the other man with a handshake. "What brings you to Stockton?"

Jarrod motioned for John to take a seat and Jarrod returned to take a seat at his desk.

"I have news, Jarrod. About the former Mrs. Barkley. I believed it would be best for me to deliver it in person."


Jaq rode out to the small orchard she'd purchased and was pleased with the progress. Nick met her there and he was very knowledgeable on what she needed to do to maintain the property and take care of the grape vines. He'd also brought over a few bottles of the newest Barkley wine that they were starting to produce. He wanted Jaq's opinion. He opened one bottle and poured some in a glass. Then gave the unopened bottle to Jaq to put into her saddlebag.

Nick and Jaq worked well together but neither one had any romantic inkling toward the other. In fact, Nick had decided that Jaq and Jarrod were perfect for each other and he wanted to do what he could to foster that relationship. He wanted to see the light in his brother's eyes again and Nick though Jaq was just the one to help. Jarrod had returned to his old ways before Beth of staying busy and not having much of a personal life. If Nick had his way, he'd do what he could to change all that.

"This wine is really good, Nick. When do you think you'll distribute it on a wider scale?" Jaq asked.

"Hoping to have it out by next year," Nick answered. The two heard a horse approach and Nick noticed the way Jaq smiled when she realized it was Jarrod.

"Good afternoon," Jaq said welcoming the eldest Barkley brother. Jaq had been hoping to make it into town soon to see Jarrod. She did have some business to discuss but she also hoped they could spend some time together.

"Afternoon," Jarrod greeted. He dismounted and took a good look around. "You seem to have settled in well."

Jaq smiled. "With as much as I've been welcomed with open arms by your family, I definitely have. What brings you out this way, Counselor?"

"Oh, I had some free time this afternoon. Thought I'd ride out and enjoy the day."

Nick felt like a third wheel, but he was in no way offended. He decided he'd get himself back to the ranch and hope Jarrod had the good sense God gave him to ask Jaq to dinner.

"Well, I've got to get back," Nick said. "It's a working ranch after all."

With that Nick mounted Coco and rode off. Jaq finished her glass and offered Jarrod some of the wine. He declined. Jaq felt something was off with Jarrod, but she wasn't sure what.

"Is something wrong, Jarrod?" Jaq asked, deciding she wasn't going to be coy.

Jarrod took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He appreciated Jaq's directness.

"I was visited by a Pinkerton agent earlier today. At my request, they have been keeping tabs on Beth's recovery."

Jaq listened. She knew if she'd been in his position, she might have done the same thing.

"Did something happen?" Jaq asked when Jarrod didn't continue.

"Beth passed away, "Jarrod said as he looked around. Jaq thought he might still be in shock. "They think it was her heart. The agent didn't have much more information to give except that she was buried late last week."

Jaq wasn't sure how to react. She and Jarrod had a pact to not pity one another but this news…

"Jarrod," Jaq said softly. Jarrod had been staring out into nowhere. Jaq could tell he was still trying to comprehend what he'd been told. Jaq placed a hand on Jarrod's arm to get his attention. When Jarrod looked over, he saw compassion in her eyes.

"Let's go to my place. We don't have to talk. We can just sit. You don't seem to be in any hurry to head home," Jaq observed.

In truth, Jaq was the first person Jarrod wanted to see after hearing the news which was why he went to her house. When she wasn't there, he thought perhaps she'd be at the orchard and was relieved to have found her as quickly as he had. He realized he'd barely acknowledged Nick's presence earlier. Jarrod nodded in agreement. The day was cool enough to sit on the porch and Jaq brought out some lemonade. The two sat on the swing, enjoying the sounds of nature.

Jarrod didn't say much but was thankful for Jaq's presence. He didn't want to go home and tell the others about Beth just yet. He'd done a bulk of his grieving over the last several years and what he felt now wasn't sorrow as much as it was relief. And guilt that he felt that way. The relief was from the fact Beth was no longer living a life that had no quality. The guilt was from the fact he felt relief that she was dead. Such a dichotomy.

Jaq watched Jarrod's profile. His normally vibrant blue eyes were dull. She was saddened to hear of Beth's passing and wondered what Jarrod was thinking. She decided he'd share if and when he was ready. Sometimes, all a person needed was to have someone sit with them.

Jarrod knew he needed to be getting home. He'd briefly thought about asking Jaq to dinner soon but felt as though the timing wasn't best.

"Thank you," Jarrod said as he stood.

Jaq smiled and reached up to give him a small kiss on the cheek. "Anytime, Jarrod. I mean it. If you need a place to come and sit or need to talk, you're always welcome here."

Jarrod thanked her and then was off. He dreaded arriving home and delivering the news he had but he needed to get it done and over.


Jarrod's prediction to himself of how his family would react was spot on. Victoria, Audra, and Elsa each shed tears while Nick and Heath looked at Jarrod with sorrow. He allowed them their reactions but didn't linger long after dinner. As Victoria watched Jarrod go up the stairs, she hoped that this news, while sad, would allow Jarrod the freedom to move on in his life. She also hoped that moving on included a certain new neighbor.