Thank you all again for reading and your support. I'll not be posting again until Monday since I'm taking the kid back to college. Have a great weekend!

Chapter 7

After the storm, neither Jarrod nor Jaq talked about what she'd seen. Jarrod tried to broach the subject a few times, but Jaq insisted she wasn't ready to talk about it and he decided to let things be. The next month passed and although Jarrod could sense Jaq was on edge, with each passing day she seemed to relax a bit more.

Jaq still rose early in the mornings and took her coffee out on the front porch while sitting on the swing. Every so often, Jarrod would join her, but she was usually alone. While Jaq adored her husband, she needed alone time every so often so she could clear her thoughts.

She had convinced herself that what she thought she was seeing had to have been an overactive imagination. Beth was dead and Jaq was working hard at making herself believe that. She felt awful for what she'd put Jarrod through and tried to not let him see how shaken she still was.

Over the next couple of months, Jaq would find small yellow flowers that Jarrod would leave for her. Sometimes on the swing, sometimes on the kitchen table…each time he did it, Jaq felt more and more thankful for her husband. The flowers made her smile and she couldn't help but feel loved. It started to become a game in her mind, where would she find the flowers next? The flowers would appear in different places, one time even in the drawer where she kept her delicate pieces of clothing. Each time Jaq found the flowers, she would smile, loving the surprises.

Jarrod started noticing a change in Jaq. She was happier and had become more affectionate, like the weeks leading up to their wedding and just after. He was relieved to have her feeling better. He continued to show his affection and was delighted when she'd reciprocate or even initiate their time together.

On Sundays, the family would gather at the Barkley ranch and have dinner. It was always a joyous time and Leah was usually the center of attention. Elsa's pregnancy this time around wasn't as easy, and she was struggling with keeping food down. All could tell Heath was worried, but Elsa just smiled, thankful for the new life growing inside her.

Ashlyn was a frequent visitor, and there was no doubt how smitten Nick was with her. The feeling was clearly mutual. Victoria smiled, knowing another wedding would be taking place, probably in the next year.

Jarrod and Jaq walked out to their carriage after saying goodbye to the family. Jaq had something she wanted to discuss with her husband but was scared to bring it up. As Jarrod helped her into the carriage, Jaq noticed small yellow flowers on the seat, and she took that as a sign to put aside her fears.

They were not far from home when Jaq spoke.

"I was thinking about Leah and how she'll be a big sister soon," Jaq spoke softly.

Jarrod smiled. Leah was growing quickly and had started toddling about. Jarrod and Nick often "fought" over who the favorite uncle was.

"She is a cutie. Those blue eyes…Heath can't deny her," Jarrod said with a laugh.

Jaq agreed and took a deep breath.

"What would you think about Leah having a cousin?"

Jarrod stopped the carriage and looked at his wife.

"Are you saying…" Jarrod asked. He was certain they'd been careful.

Jaq slipped her hand in her husband's and looked him in the eyes.

"Not yet…but I want to. Soon. I say we throw caution to the wind, Jarrod. I have you by my side and I can face anything," she said, choking back tears.

Jarrod leaned in and kissed her deeply. He got the horses moving and they made it back to their home. Jarrod stabled the horses and Jaq decided she'd wait for him wearing the shear negligée that she'd purchased with her wedding dress. The couple spent the rest of their night in the throes of passion, each hoping they'd too have an announcement to make soon.


Jarrod's practice was picking up and Jarrod spoke about bringing on an associate, perhaps a partner. They traveled back and forth to San Francisco periodically, although sometimes Jaq stayed behind.

During one such trip to San Francisco, Jarrod and Jaq arrived early to have a few days before a scheduled trial was to begin. They'd been determined to enjoy as much time together as they could, and Jaq had a sneaking suspicion their time together was indeed successful. She didn't want to say anything just yet in case she was mistaken.

Her cycles were always on time. Like clockwork. And she was now two weeks late. She'd wait another few weeks before going to see either Dr. Merar or someone in San Francisco. Since they'd never paused their lovemaking for Jaq's womanly time, often finding ways to still enjoy one another, Jarrod didn't notice any difference.

The weeks passed and Jaq was sure she was expecting. She couldn't wait to tell Jarrod and was forming a plan in her mind on how she'd do just that.


Jarrod's case in San Francisco didn't go as well as he'd hoped, with his client being found guilty. However, he wouldn't have to serve any jail time. The client was appreciative, but Jarrod could tell he wasn't happy. Neither was Jarrod.

Jaq could tell her husband was frustrated by the result of his most recent case and thought now would be the best time to tell him her news. He was working late in town and Jaq decided to take him dinner. She included in the basket a pair of baby shoes she'd surreptitiously purchased the week before while in San Francisco. Jaq smiled all the way as she rode into town. She kept picturing in her mind Jarrod's face and how he'd take her in his arms. She'd then allow her thoughts to go to the child growing in her womb and what he or she would look like. Jaq really hoped it was a boy. She admitted to herself she wasn't ready for a girl again. Not yet. But also knew she'd be thankful regardless.

Jaq hitched the horse and carriage to the railing just outside Jarrod's office. She saw Nick and Ashlyn walking her way, arm in arm.

"Well hello, you two," Jaq greeted.

Nick smiled and bent to kiss his sister in law's cheek. Ashlyn and Jaq exchanged hugs.

"What brings you to town?" Nick asked. "My brother burning the midnight oil again?"

"He has an important case coming up. Thought I'd surprise him with dinner."

Nick smiled. His heart was full, and he couldn't remember a time when all his family was so happy. Even Audra seemed to be finally settling down, and he knew Will Marvin, a long-time neighbor had a lot to do with that.

Ashlyn listened to the conversation. She noticed someone pausing near the carriage before walking past. She turned her attention back to the conversation between Nick and Jaq.

"What are you two doing in town?" Jaq asked. She couldn't help but smile, Jarrod having confided in her that Nick had asked him for the name of the jeweler he used in San Francisco. Nick was having a ring designed to give to Ashlyn soon.

"Dinner, dancing…whatever M'lady wants," Nick said, looking fondly at Ashlyn. Ashlyn blushed but looked at Nick with pure love.

"You both enjoy your evening," Jaq said as she went around to the other side to pick up the basket from the carriage and made her way into the building.

Jaq knocked on Jarrod's office door and heard him call to enter.

Jarrod's face lit up at the sight of his wife and he stood from his desk, walking toward her an taking the basket from her hands.

"What is this?" Jarrod asked, giving his wife a kiss on the cheek.

"I thought I'd save my husband from wasting away as he worked to support his family," she said with a smile on her face. She was hoping Jarrod would pick up on the word "family" but he didn't seem to. It made her smile, eager for him to see the baby shoes in the basket.

Jarrod sat the basket on his desk and drew his wife into his arms. He was missing spending time with her, the current case taking up a lot of his time. He reminded himself he needed to hire an associate or two soon to help lessen the load.

When Jaq could come up for air, she smiled into Jarrod's blue eyes and felt pure contentment. Life was perfect.

"Let's see what my Love has brought me," Jarrod said opening one side of the basket. The baby shoes were still hidden but Jaq saw the yellow flowers.

"How did you do that?" Jaq asked.

"How did I do what?" Jarrod responded.

"The flowers? How did you sneak them in there without me seeing?"

Jarrod looked at Jaq as though he didn't know what she was talking about.

"I didn't put any flowers in the basket, Jaq," he said smiling.

"You had to have, Jarrod. I didn't put those in there. And since you've been leaving them for me off and on for the last few months…"

Jarrod shook his head. He had no idea what Jaq was talking about. He hadn't given Jaq flowers in months, but it was something he knew he needed to do more often.

Jaq backed away. "If you haven't been leaving the flowers then…"

Jarrod looked at the flowers and picked them up. They were bright yellow and grew near Isla del Cielo, where Beth had been shot. Jarrod hadn't been up there in over a year.

"Jaq, I haven't been giving you flowers. And these flowers…they grow…"

"Where do they grow?" She whispered.

"The only place I've seen them is at Isla del Cielo."

Jaq's face paled. She thought she would faint. Jarrod had told her that Beth reached for the flowers and then she was shot. Jaq couldn't draw a breath and she was backing away from Jarrod. He reached for her, but she pushed him away and ran from the office.

Jarrod ran after her, trying to catch her before she hurt herself. He called to her, but she couldn't hear him.

Nick and Ashlyn were standing in front of a storefront, enjoying the evening. Their reservations weren't for another half hour. Nick saw a commotion out of the corner of his eye and looked over to see Jaq running from Jarrod's office.

"What in the world?" he said as he started to run toward Jaq. The late afternoon stage was arriving, and Jaq was headed right into its path.

Ashlyn watched as Nick ran into the street and grabbed hold of Jaq just as the stagecoach passed by. Jarrod had just reached the bottom of the stairs and ran out to meet them. Ashlyn also joined them and saw that Jaq was unconscious. A crowd was forming, and Jarrod picked up Jaq to carry her to Dr. Merar's. Just as the crowd dispersed, Ashlyn noticed a person wearing a cloak pulled up over her head, but she could see the woman's face clearly. Ashlyn pushed everything aside, following Nick and Jarrod to the doc's.

Jarrod paced back and forth. He couldn't understand what was happening. Someone had been leaving flowers for Jaq and that someone was getting them from Isla del Cielo. Beth was dead. He'd been told by Pinkerton's that she was dead. Surely they wouldn't have made such a mistake?

Nick and Ashlyn watched Jarrod pace. Nick tried to get Jarrod to sit but he refused. He never stopped moving until Dr. Merar pushed back the curtain and invited Jarrod back with him.

"How is she?" Jarrod asked as the doctor closed the curtain behind him.

"She's probably going to be sore for a bit. I think the baby is fine, however," the kindly old doctor said. Jarrod stared at him wide eyed.

"Baby?" he asked.

Dr. Merar smiled sheepishly. "I guess she hadn't had a chance to tell you yet?"

Jarrod shook his head no.

"She's a few months along."

Jarrod smiled widely. This was wonderful news. But then he remembered why they were in the doctor's office.

"Jarrod, you might want to consider going to the ranch for a few days. Having someone with her at all times. Not permanently but given her current state and what you said about her becoming hysterical, we need to keep her as calm as we can. I'd rather not give her any laudanum in her current condition but…"

Jarrod stiffened at the thought of having to give Jaq laudanum, not hearing anything else the older man said. It brought back too many painful memories with Beth.

Jaq started to stir, and Jarrod moved to her side immediately. Dr. Merar left the room to give them some privacy.

"Sweetheart," Jarrod said softly.

Jaq opened her eyes briefly saying his name then fell back asleep. Jarrod refused to let the memories of Beth awakening much as Jaq had done and then falling back into unconsciousness. Jaq had not been shot she'd fainted.

Jarrod walked out to where Nick, Ashlyn, and Dr. Merar were waiting.

Nick and Ashlyn were relieved to hear Jaq was going to be alright. Neither the doctor nor Jarrod mentioned the baby.

"Doc, is she alright to go back to the ranch tonight?" Jarrod asked.

"I'd like to observe her for a few more hours but I think she should be alright to travel in the next couple of hours."

Jarrod looked to Nick.

"Why don't the two of you continue on with your evening. If you make it home before I do, can you let Mother know she'll have a couple of guests?"

"Of course, Jarrod," Nick replied. He and Ashlyn left the doctor's, and both decided to eat a quick dinner and then head back to the ranch.