Chapter 10

Jarrod and Jaq lay holding one another. Jaq couldn't help but feel safe in her husband's arms and didn't want that feeling to end.

She thought about what Jarrod had told her, that Beth's sister, Amanda, was behind everything. Jaq couldn't comprehend the hatred Amanda had toward Jarrod that would cause her to do all these things. Jaq admitted she was terrified. It would have been one thing to have just "seen" Beth, but Amanda had made this even more personal by coming into the home she and Jarrod shared…coming into their bedroom.

Jarrod felt Jaq stiffen and tightened his hold on her. He was worried. Not just worried but scared. While there wasn't definitive proof that Amanda was the cause of all of this, it didn't seem likely that it could be anyone else.

Jaq sat up and Jarrod did as well. He put his arm around her, and she leaned into him. They still needed to work out some things, but Jarrod knew he would do whatever he needed to, to help them get back to where they were.

"Jarrod, I need to tell you something," Jaq said softly, playing with the buttons on Jarrod's shirt. After they'd spent time enjoying one another earlier, they'd dressed, just in case someone came to the door. While they weren't used to such short times of passion, it was still very much what the couple needed.

"Yes, my Love?"

"We're going to have a baby," Jaq said, and she looked up at Jarrod. He was smiling.

"You knew?" She asked.

"Dr. Merar let it slip," Jarrod said sheepishly. Jaq smiled and rolled her eyes a bit, then sighed.

"I'd wanted to tell you myself…had it all worked out until…"

Jarrod tightened his hold and kissed Jaq on the top of her head.

"How were you going to tell me?" he asked.

Jaq took a deep breath. "I bought a pair of baby shoes in San Francisco when we were there last. I had them in the picnic basket last night. But you found the flowers…"

The two remained silent for a few minutes.

"Jaq," Jarrod said, not realizing Jaq had started dozing.

"Hmmm?"

"I'm excited about the baby. And I know we have a few things to work out because of all of this, but I love you and I cannot wait to meet him or her."

"Me too," Jaq murmured against Jarrod's chest. She wished they were in their own home because she wanted her husband again. As it was, there was a soft knock at the door.

Jaq sat up and Jarrod went to the door and opened it.

"Nick is back," Victoria said. She peaked into the room and saw Jaq.

"Please, Victoria," Jaq said. "Come in."

"I'm going to go see Nick. I'll be right back."

Victoria sat in the chair next to the bed.

"Did Jarrod tell you what's going on?" Jaq asked. Victoria could tell Jaq felt embarrassed. She took her daughter in law's hand.

"Yes, and Jaq, we'll figure this out. No one hurts our family and gets away with it. We'll find Amanda or whoever it is that's doing this, and they'll pay."

Jaq's eyes filled with tears.

"Thank you," she whispered. Victoria squeezed Jaq's hand and hoped the younger woman would be able to draw some comfort.


The next day, Jarrod decided to make a quick trip into town to get some things from his office. He was going to work from the ranch for a few days. If Amanda was still in the area, he hoped she would think he was spending time with his family due to Jaq's "accident" a few days ago. He and the family were planning to meet later in the day to discuss all the events that had transpired and figure out what they should do. He hoped to hear back from Pinkerton's soon confirming whether Amanda was back East or not.

Jarrod walked into this office. The picnic basket was still on his desk. He opened it and saw the shoes picking them up. He loved how tiny they were and couldn't wait until he could meet the person who would be filling them. He smiled and put the shoes in his coat pocket.

He picked up the files he needed and headed over to the telegram office to see if there had been any news. He knew it was too soon, but he couldn't make himself not stop in. He got the answer he was expecting and then headed back to the ranch. Heath and Elsa were due for dinner in a few hours.

Despite the seriousness of everything going on, Jarrod couldn't help but feel a bit light-hearted as well. He and Jaq were going to have a baby. And he was going to do all in his power to make sure this was a happy time.


The family gathered in the parlor, Heath and Elsa having been caught up on what everyone knew so far by Nick earlier that day. Leah walked around, babbling in baby talk with a few words spoken here or there that could be understood by the adults. She was their bright spot during this time.

She walked over to Jarrod and held her hands up. He picked her up and she giggled as he tickled her. He then settled himself and Leah on the settee next to Jaq.

Jaq adored the picture that they made and couldn't wait to see Jarrod holding their own child. They agreed they'd share their news with the family that evening.

"I think for the time being, Jaq and I will be moving back here to the ranch," Jarrod said. Jaq wasn't thrilled about it, but she knew it was the best decision. It wasn't that she minded being at the Barkley Mansion, but she loved the home and Jarrod shared and hoped this would only be temporary.

"I think that's wise, Jarrod," Victoria said. "At least until we can get more information on who is doing this. Whether it's Amanda or not, someone is targeting our family."

"Heath, I honestly don't think Amanda or whoever is going to focus on you or Elsa, but if you'd feel safer here for a while…?" Jarrod asked.

Heath and Elsa looked at one another.

"We've thought about that. We think we should move back in at least until the baby is born. Makes me nervous to have Elsa and Leah alone when I can't be with them. Especially with Elsa being close to her time."

The entire family agreed.

"We have a bit more news to share as well," Jarrod added. Leah was playing with the lapel on Jarrod's jacket and Jarrod kept a firm arm around her while his other hand held Jaq's.

"Jaq and I will be adding to our family in about six months," he said, and Nick whooped loudly in celebration. Leah jumped and puckered her lower lip at the loud noise, then realized the noise had come from her Uncle Nick. She smiled at him as she snuggled up against Jarrod. Jarrod took the opportunity to mouth the word "Favorite" to Nick. Nick gave Jarrod a withering look but winked at Leah.

After congratulatory hugs and kisses all around, they all settled back down. At least there was some good news in all this uncertainty.


Jaq made a list of things she wanted from the house and Jarrod and Nick went over to retrieve the items. Jarrod worked to gather things from their bedroom while Nick took his list and got what Jarrod wanted from the study.

Jarrod opened and closed drawers, packing items in the valises. Jaq had been very specific about a certain negligée she wanted, and he was only too happy to oblige. He opened the drawer and clenched his jaw. Inside were some yellow flowers and he could tell they were fresh. Amanda had been in their home recently. Jarrod grabbed the flowers and crushed them in his hands. He turned just as Nick came into the room.

"Flowers," was all Jarrod said, his blue eyes showing his anger.

"Don't worry, Jarrod. We'll get this figured out," Nick said with certainty.

Jarrod hoped Nick was right because he needed this to end.