Chapter 11

Just over a week later, a wire from Pinkerton's arrived. Amanda's location was unknown. While this was unsettling news, it did give all the Barkley's some sense of relief that they were correct in their assumptions that it probably was Amanda causing the issues.

Other than a small bout of nausea because of the smell of toast, Jaq felt fine. When she'd been pregnant with Louisa, she felt much the same way. While she was happy about the baby, she was also nervous and scared. It wasn't just because of the situation with Amanda, but because of what had happened with her first child, Louisa. Jaq knew Jarrod was worried about her. She hated adding stress to him and tried to act normal, but it was all beginning to be too much. The main house, while large, was full of people and Jaq needed her solitude. She missed the home she and Jarrod shared. She missed their privacy. Neither felt they could be as passionate as they wanted, and it was starting to wear on them both.

Jarrod came up with the idea of he and Jaq traveling to San Francisco for a much needed get away. Jaq didn't want to go for fear of being in the open and Amanda making another appearance, but Jarrod pushed, hoping the time away would be good for them both. The two left on the late train out of Stockton and arrived in San Francisco under the cover of darkness. Jarrod had reached out to a colleague who was able to find them lodging at a lovely Victorian house in Cottage Row. Jarrod had considered getting a room at one of the many fine hotels, but he didn't want to chance Amanda finding out where they were and terrorizing his wife any further.

"I'm so tired," Jaq said after they had gotten settled. She and Jarrod had undressed and readied for bed. Jarrod couldn't help but smile as he noticed his wife's growing mid-section. He was eager to see her body swell with their child and prayed the next few days would be filled with rest and relaxation for them both.

They lay in bed, Jarrod holding Jaq and he felt her hands begin to explore his body.

"I thought you were tired," he said softly, and he heard Jaq laugh.

"Never too tired for you," she murmured and the two were lost in a time of passion that had not been enjoyed by them in several months.


Jarrod and Jaq stayed just over two weeks in San Francisco. Jarrod would go out for appointments, but Jaq stayed in the house. She was enjoying the solitude and safety she felt. She wished they didn't have to return to Stockton, but she knew Jarrod had clients waiting for him.

It was with trepidation that Jaq and Jarrod boarded the train East. Jarrod could sense a heaviness in Jaq and kept a close eye on her.


Things developed into a routine for all in the house, with Leah continuing to be the bright spot for everyone. Elsa's time was near and early one morning, the house was awakened by the lusty cry of a newborn. Jarrod made his way out into the hallway and saw Heath holding a small bundle. His eyes were not on the babe but on the door to their bedroom, a concerned look on his face.

"Heath," Jarrod called out to him. "Is everything alright?"

Jaq had come to stand next to Jarrod and saw the concern on her husband's and brother in law's faces.

"Doc shooed me out of the room. Said he needed to concentrate on Elsa. Mother is in there with them."

The baby began to cry again, and Heath looked down.

"This is Jonathon Jarrod, named for his two uncles," Heath said, smiling slightly. Jarrod couldn't help but keep the grin from his face.

"We're going to call him Jon," Heath said, his eyes going back to the closed bedroom door.

The door opened and Victoria walked out. She had tears in her eyes. Nick had joined them by this time and put his hand on Heath's shoulder to give him strength.

"Elsa," Heath asked.

"She's going to be alright, but it was touch and go. She lost a lot of blood. Doc Merar said you can go in now," Victoria said. She looked exhausted and Jarrod put his arm around her shoulders. Heath handed Jon to Jaq and she couldn't help but smile as she held the tiny baby.

Elsa was confined to bed for the next week and Dr. Merar was a frequent visitor. He declared the newest Barkley healthy but cautioned Heath to not allow Elsa to overdo. She looked pale and weak but blissfully happy as she held her son. His appetite was strong, and Heath smiled as he watched his son suckle from his wife's breast.

Jaq enjoyed spending time with Leah and the two bonded. Leah was excited about her new brother and talked about the baby all the time.

The next several months, nothing unusual happened. Heath and Elsa decided to return to their home with their children. Elsa's mother and father stayed with them for a few weeks which was a comfort to them all. Heath couldn't wait to have his little family all to himself again, but he also was relieved to know someone was there with his wife and children when he was out on the range. Elsa continued to grow stronger and this was a relief to all.


Jaq had begun to feel the baby move. She was excited but still feeling anxious. It seemed as though everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jarrod didn't pressure her, but he hated seeing Jaq staying only in the house. Nick tried to coax Jaq into going out to the orchard, but Jaq refused. She refused to go anywhere, not even to see Dr. Merar, instead asking that the doctor come out to the ranch. He had been told by Jarrod what was happening and was happy to help alleviate any undo stress for the expectant mother. Jarrod could see his once independent, vibrant wife slipping away from him and he felt helpless.

One night as they lay together, sleep alluding them both, Jarrod reached for Jaq and pulled her to him.

He felt Jaq's shoulders shake slightly as she began to weep.

"I feel so lost, Jarrod. So afraid. I've never been like this. I'm scared to do anything, go anywhere. It isn't just Amanda. I keep thinking about Louisa. This is all too much," she said as she wept.

"You don't have to be lost, my love…Come back to me," he whispered to her. "Listen to my voice and know I'm here. Come back to me."

Jaq held on to Jarrod, wanting to find safety in his arms. The two eventually fell asleep, the child Jaq carried moving between them.