Chapter 12

Jaq's pregnancy progressed well, and she was due soon. Jarrod made one more quick trip to San Francisco and then settled in to be in Stockton for the foreseeable future.

Amanda had not been seen or heard from in months. Pinkerton agents would send updates every so often, but they were always the same: Location Unknown. Jarrod at one point reached out to Calvin and wasn't surprised when he didn't hear back.

Jarrod was in his office late one evening when there was a knock at the door. He quickly answered it, hoping whoever it was would not stay long as he was wanting to get back to the ranch as soon as he could. Jarrod was shocked to see Calvin Randall.

"Calvin," Jarrod greeted.

"May I come in?" Calvin asked. Jarrod couldn't help but notice the man seemed smaller than before. Almost broken down.

"Of course," Jarrod answered and ushered the older man inside. The men took seats opposite one another and Jarrod waited for Calvin to speak.

"I got your telegram about Amanda. I don't know where she is. I haven't heard from her in months."

Jarrod considered the man's words.

"Because of my telegram you got on a train and traveled cross country to tell me that?" Jarrod asked, no censure in his voice. Just curiosity.

"After Beth…died…Amanda seemed to change. She talked a lot about how you were to blame for what happened. I didn't disagree with her. I know you are aware of my feelings toward you."

Jarrod nodded, waiting for Calvin to continue.

"I know how much you loved my daughter. And I also know there was nothing between you and Mrs. Childers. I heard the entire conversation between you in your office that day. I was just so blinded by my hurt and anger that I wanted to make you pay."

Calvin slumped in the chair, looking haggard and exhausted.

"I eventually was able to come to terms with everything and felt as though I could begin moving forward. Amanda though…she seems stuck. She can't get past Beth being shot, then being in her condition…and then her death. Tell me, Jarrod. Why were you asking about Amanda's whereabouts?"

Jarrod filled Calvin in on his marriage to Jaq as well as what was happening with Amanda appearing as Beth for Jaq to see. He even included the flowers being left in their home. Calvin closed his eyes.

"I think she's insane, Jarrod. I think she's lost her mind. She's so angry and full of hatred toward you. I want to help find her and bring her back East. See if I can get her some help."

Jarrod sighed. "I think that would be wise, but Calvin, we haven't seen her in about 6 months. Jaq is due with our first child any day now and I don't want to cause any more stress."

Calvin looked surprised at the news of the baby, but he agreed, she didn't need to be put under any more stress.

"I have a room at the hotel. I'll stay in the area for a while to see if I can find out where she is. She may not be anywhere near here, but I can't think of anywhere else to look," Calvin said as he stood. Jarrod stood with him and the two men walked to the door.

"I am sorry, Jarrod. For everything. You did your best for Beth. The doctors back East were impressed with her care and that you hadn't put her away."

Calvin stuck out his hand and Jarrod took it. As soon as Calvin left, Jarrod gathered his things and left for home.

When he walked through the front door, he heard his family in the parlor. He set his things down and headed toward the sound. Ashlyn was sitting on the settee with Victoria and Audra while Nick was fixing the ladies a drink. Nick and Ashlyn had announced their engagement and were planning a Christmas wedding. The conversation was centered around those plans.

Jarrod bent to kiss his mother's cheek.

"Where's Jaq?" he asked.

"She said she'd be down in a minute," Audra said accepting a kiss from her brother.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll go up and find her," Jarrod said. He was going to tell the family about Calvin's visit, but he wanted to tell Jaq first. He took the stairs by two and entered their room. He found Jaq standing near the foot of the bed, grasping the bedpost. Jarrod rushed to her.

"Jaq, are you alright?"

Jaq clasped his hand and Jarrod was amazed at her strength. The contraction passed and she allowed Jarrod to help her sit on the edge of the bed.

"I've been having contractions all day. That was the worst one yet," she said, sweat beading on her brow.

"I'll send Nick for the doc," Jarrod said, giving Jaq a quick kiss.

Jaq didn't move but braced herself for another contraction. They were getting closer and closer and she wasn't sure if the doctor would make it in time. Jarrod was back quickly with Victoria on his heels.

"Let's get you settled Jaq," Victoria said, taking command.

"I'd like to walk around a bit if you don't mind Victoria. It helps the contractions stay consistent. If I lie down, they might stop, and my water hasn't broken yet. This is what helped with Louisa."

Before Victoria could question who Louisa was, another contraction hit. Jarrod felt helpless watching his wife in so much pain.

"Jaq, maybe you should lie down," he said.

"No. I don't want the contractions to stop," she gasped after the contraction passed and she could talk again.

"Mothers know their own bodies, Jarrod. Let Jaq do what she needs," Victoria insisted.

It seemed like an eternity but Dr. Merar did arrive. Jarrod stood over to the side, unsure of what to do. Did he stay or go? He wanted to stay but he wasn't sure what Jaq had wanted. They hadn't discussed it.

"Jarrod, please stay," Jaq insisted. He held her hand and watched as his wife worked to bring their child into the world. Jarrod had seen births before, having lived on a ranch his entire life. But watching his wife labor and push, to see his child take their first breath, Jarrod knew he'd never forget that beautiful sight.


Nick, Ashlyn, and Audra waited downstairs. Hours past and Nick knew he needed to get Ashlyn home soon. They'd sent word to her Uncle that Jaq was in labor and that Ashlyn would be home later than usual.

The clock had just chimed the eleventh hour when the cry of a newborn was heard. Audra was dozing on the settee, but Nick and Ashlyn were wide awake, talking in soft tones. At the sound the three rushed up the stairs and waited outside of Jarrod and Jaq's room. Moments later, Jarrod walked out with a small bundle in his arms.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Audra asked. She looked at the baby that had a thatch of dark hair.

"This is Simon Thomas Barkley," Jarrod said, introducing his son. They all crowded around and looked in awe at the baby. "Simon was Jaq's father's name," Jarrod explained.

"How's Jaq?" Nick asked, unable to take his eyes off his newest nephew. He could see a lot of Jarrod's features in the tiny child.

"She was amazing. So strong. The doctor is finishing up with her now. She wanted me to bring Simon to meet all of you."

Nick and Ashlyn left so he could take her home, and Audra took a turn holding Simon.

"Oh Jarrod, he's so perfect," she said, and Jarrod agreed. Soon Victoria and Howard walked out, and Simon decided he was hungry so Jarrod took him back to his mama so he could eat.

Jarrod continued to stare in awe at his son. His son! Jaq had done a masterful job. Jarrod knew Jaq was a strong woman, but he was so impressed with how she'd handled the birth.

"Thank you," he said to her, giving her a kiss on her forehead.

"He's beautiful," Jaq said, tears streaming down her face as she cradled her son to her bosom. Jarrod agreed and settle down next to his wife and son. Both knew they needed to get some rest but neither Jaq nor Jarrod could resist watching their son.