Cannot thank Bamafan2016 and Jjingo enough for all their help and for all of the readers who have left helpful and constructive reviews. This didn't start out to be three stories but grew into that and all of your support has been amazing. I enjoy writing and after over a decade of not doing so because of life, it's been cathartic to come back and share my stories.
Chapter 16
Two hours earlier….
Jaq was feeling nauseous, and her breasts were sore. Her milk had let down and knew the front of her blouse was soaked. She couldn't help but think of Simon and knew that by now someone had him. Audra, Victoria, even Jarrod should have been home. It hurt Jaq's heart to think of her child crying and unable to understand why she wasn't there for him. She thought of Jarrod and the terror he had to be feeling.
She glanced over at Amanda and had to wonder what the other woman had planned. If she was going to kill her, what was she waiting for?
Despite the circumstances, Jaq couldn't help but notice the beauty of the area. She looked around and saw several patches of the yellow flowers.
"This is where my sister was shot," Amanda said. Her voice was calm. Jaq remained silent as she watched her.
"I got all the details I could. Asked questions. My brother in law didn't want to tell me much but I needed to know all that I could. He told me about this place. I came up here the first chance I got."
"Why?" Jaq asked.
Amanda had been staring out over the lake but looked at Jaq when she spoke.
"I wanted to see where my sister's life ended. I know she didn't die here. But she didn't have much of a life after. She was a schoolteacher you know? She wanted to help children. I could never stomach them, but she always wanted to be near them. She was a whimsical person. I guess that's why children really liked her. She could get on their level."
The two were silent for several minutes. Jaq wanted to sit down but didn't dare move.
"Beth also loved flowers. They're a waste…I never understood her fascination of them. Sure on this hill, they'd be pretty to look at, but when you pick them…they die. What's the point of that?"
Jaq was beginning to see that Amanda wasn't quite all there. Other than the day she testified in the trial a few years ago, Jaq hadn't had contact with Amanda. And had never spoken to her. But something in her eyes was unsettling.
"Why are you doing this, Amanda?" Jaq asked. Amanda turned her cold, lifeless eyes to Jaq.
"My sister was a good woman. She was kind, caring…and her life was cut short because she met Jarrod Barkley. He deserves to suffer."
Jaq shook her head.
"He has suffered, Amanda. He loved your sister. Everyone could see that. He cared for her and didn't divorce her or put her away which would have been his right. I remember he brought flowers to her even though he knew she probably wouldn't realize he did. When you and your father took her away, he was devastated."
Amanda scoffed. "And you were there immediately to fill that void."
"No. It was well over a year before we started seeing one another. I lost my husband too. And a daughter. I didn't want anyone else. Jarrod was just my lawyer. But we became friends and then it became more. There was never anything before that."
Amanda's eyes narrowed. Clearly, she didn't believe Jaq.
Movement caught Jaq's eye and she saw Heath. She knew if Heath were nearby, so was Jarrod. Jaq prayed she could keep Amanda occupied so they could disarm her.
"Sit down," Amanda ordered, pointing toward a fallen log. Jaq walked over slowly and lowered herself.
"Reach for the flowers," Amanda said.
"What?" Jaq asked in confusion.
"I said, reach for the flowers!"
"No…I'm not going to do what you say anymore," Jaq replied standing and raising her hands. She saw Calvin Randall coming up behind Amanda.
Amanda raised the gun and pointed it at Jaq. Before Jaq knew what was happening, a gunshot was heard, and Jaq felt piercing pain going through her left side. She looked down and saw blood. She was in and out of consciousness, hearing another gunshot then seeing Jarrod's distressed face hovering above her.
"Jaq! Oh my God…my God…Jaq!"
"Doc Merar asked me to let you know you can go up."
Jarrod held his son close before handing him back to Elsa.
"Thank you. Would you mind holding him just a bit longer?"
"Of course, Jarrod. Take your time."
Jarrod looked back at his brothers before leaving the room and heading upstairs.
Jarrod slowly made his way up the stairs, the familiar feeling of dread settling in. He was truthful when he told his brothers he didn't think he could go through this again. He also had Simon to consider. This was all too much. He wanted Jaq to live but if she was going to be in the same state Beth had been after she'd been shot, he would rather she pass away quickly and peacefully. Not live in the in between of consciousness and unconsciousness. It chilled Jarrod to the bone to think of her becoming violent as Beth had and potentially hurting Simon.
Jarrod paused outside his bedroom door, hand on the doorknob. He braced himself for what he'd see. He turned the knob and the door opened. Dr. Merar was standing over his wife and his mother was on the other side of the bed. Jarrod couldn't see Jaq's face.
Dr. Merar moved and Jarrod's eyes widened. Jaq was sitting up, eyes open. She looked pale and tired, but Jarrod could tell she was awake. Truly awake. She smiled weakly at him.
Howard Merar turned to Jarrod and understood the man's shocked expression. He too had fully expected things to turn out as they had with Jarrod's first wife. Surprisingly, a miracle had happened.
"She's fine, Jarrod," the kindly old man said. Jarrod looked to his mother who smiled at him and nodded through unshed tears.
"The bullet went through her upper left side. Missed all vital organs, hitting mostly the fatty tissue of the underarm. She's going to be weak for a long time, but with rest, she'll make a full recovery."
Jarrod continued to stand and stare at his wife. Jaq couldn't help but think he looked like a lost little boy and her heart broke for him.
"Could I have a few minutes alone with my husband?" Jaq asked. Victoria and Howard left the room, closing the door behind them.
"Come here, Jarrod."
Jarrod moved slowly. He knelt next to the bed and took Jaq's hand in his own. He stared at her, thinking he had to be dreaming.
"Is this real?" he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion. Jaq reached out and put her hand on his cheek.
"It is. I came back to you," Jaq whispered. Jarrod put his head in Jaq's lap and began to cry. Sobs wracked his body as all the pent up emotions of not just the recent events but years of needing to stay strong and focused released. Jaq had never heard Jarrod cry as he had. Tears streamed down her own cheeks as she listened to his weeping.
Victoria stuck her head in and looked at Jaq with concern. Jaq assured her mother in law everything was alright with a nod and Victoria left the couple alone.
Jaq continued to whisper loving words to her husband and let him cry. He eventually was able to get himself under control and stood.
"How about if I go get our son?" he asked, smiling as he wiped away tears.
"I'd love nothing more," Jaq said, returning his smile.
"No."
"Jarrod, you're being unreasonable."
Jarrod looked at his wife, his blue eyes flashing. He held Simon, who had just been fed and couldn't understand why his wife was calling him unreasonable. It was clearly she who had lost all reason.
"You're not going into town! You were shot less than 48 hours ago! You heard Doc Merar say you needed rest!"
Jaq took a deep breath and released it slowly.
"I know you don't want me to do this, but I have to Jarrod. I'll never have any peace if I don't."
Jarrod clenched his jaw. He looked down at his sleeping son and placed him in the small cradle next to the bed. Jarrod then sat down on the edge of the bed and took Jaq's hand.
"Do you not believe me when I say that Amanda is dead? I saw it with my own eyes. Heath saw it. Calvin shot her and she died right after she fired her gun at you," Jarrod said, his eyes pleading with her to believe him.
"I do believe you. And if Heath were standing right here, right now, I'd believe him too. But Jarrod after everything that's happened, I need to see her body for myself. You told me Calvin is leaving on the afternoon train. He's taking her back East to bury her next to Beth. Please, understand, I have to do this."
Jarrod stood and raked a frustrated hand through his hair. He did understand. He was just worried that the trip would be too much. He turned back and looked at his wife.
"We'll go straight there and straight back. No detours."
"Of course."
"My mother can watch Simon. It's too soon for him to go out of the house."
"I agree."
Jarrod didn't like the idea of Jaq getting out of bed so soon but he knew she was determined to do so and would find a way. He couldn't help but be proud of the fact her independent streak was showing so soon after all that had transpired. He could see glimpses of the Jaq he fell in love with and made him adore her all the more.
"I'll have Ciego hitch the light buggy," Jarrod said, and he left the room. He told his mother the plan and Victoria looked at him questioningly. She understood that Jaq needed the closure, but it still seemed unwise. She was happy however, to keep an eye on Simon though.
A half hour later, Jarrod and Jaq were on their way to town. Jarrod didn't allow the horse to go fast, and he kept an eye on Jaq. If she showed any sign of distress, he'd turn the buggy around.
"It feels so good to be out in the open again. And not be afraid," Jaq said softly. They were passing by the road that would take them to their home. Jaq felt a longing to be in their own home again and her next order of business would be to convince Jarrod it was time to move back.
Calvin agreed to allow Jaq to see Amanda's body. Jaq was trying to be as sensitive as she could toward the grieving father. The man had suffered a lot.
Once Jaq saw what she needed to, she and Jarrod turned to leave. Calvin's voice stopped them.
"I heard what you said. About losing a husband and a daughter. I'm sorry for all that Amanda put you both through. I never thought…I never thought she would have done this."
Calvin looked close to tears and Jaq walked over to him slowly. She raised her right arm and wrapped it around his neck, giving him a gentle hug. Calvin returned the gesture, but Jarrod could see the surprised look on his face. They parted and Jaq walked back over to Jarrod, who wrapped his arm around her.
"If there's anything we can do for you, Calvin. Please don't hesitate," Jarrod said.
Calvin nodded and the couple left.
The ride back to town was made in silence. Jaq was weary and eager to get back to bed. She leaned against Jarrod and began to doze. He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Jaq sighed, feeling safe and secure.
Epilogue
"Don't slam the" Jaq didn't get to finish the sentence as the front screen door slammed. She smiled ruefully as 10 year old Simon ran outside to greet his father. Jarrod had been away in San Francisco for a week, and he had been missed terribly.
Jaq listened for a cry but didn't hear one, thankful that 5 year old Carol and one year old Charles were still sleeping.
Simon and Jarrod walked in, Simon catching his father up on all the news.
"And I got an A on the math test. Thank you for helping me study," Simon said. Jarrod smiled and put his hand on Simon's shoulder.
"I'm very proud of you. Now if you'll excuse me, sir, I believe I need to give your mother a very big kiss."
Simon's nose crinkled in disgust but then he laughed. Seeing his parents show affection was not unusual. Simon asked to go back out and play and was given permission, provided he didn't allow the door to slam shut.
"That boy worships the ground you walk on," Jaq said, and she accepted a kiss from her husband.
"How was everything while I was gone?" Jarrod asked, holding his wife close. Jaq wrapped her arms around her husband and sighed with contentment. She loved having him home.
"Status quo, Counselor. Your mother hasn't been feeling well but I think she's on the mend now. Summer cold is what Dr. Peterson is thinking."
Dr. Merar had brought in a new doctor several years before, knowing he could use the help with the growing community. It took people time, but Dr. Peterson was fast becoming a favorite which thrilled Dr. Merar to no end.
"I'll go over tomorrow to see her," Jarrod said, leaning down to give his wife another kiss. Jarrod deepened the kiss and heard his wife moan. He was tempted to scoop her up in his arms and carry her off to the bedroom, but a small voice changed his plans.
"Poppa!" squealed the dark haired, blue eyed little girl. Carol Barkley ran to her father and was scooped up in his arms.
"Well, aren't you a pretty site!"
Jaq smiled as she watched father and daughter. When Carol was born, Jaq struggled. Louisa was never far from her thoughts and having another daughter terrified her. It wasn't until Carol was walking that Jaq felt she could breathe again.
"Dinner will be ready in an hour. There's mail for you on your desk," Jaq said as she went back into the kitchen.
It was later in the evening when the children were in bed that Jaq found Jarrod in the study. He sat at his desk, deep in thought. Jaq watched him from the door, noticing that his hair was starting to become grayer, but she felt it make him look distinguished.
Jarrod looked up and saw his wife. He smiled and she walked in and sat on his lap. She noticed he looked distracted.
"Are you alright?" Jaq asked.
Jarrod held up a letter and let her read it. When Jaq was finished, her eyes met his.
"I'm sorry Jarrod," she said, setting the letter down.
The letter was from an attorney back East and it was informing Jarrod that Calvin Randall had passed away.
"He tried to make amends for all that Amanda did. There's a scholarship in Beth's name at the teacher's college where she graduated. That's where his inheritance was willed to," Jarrod mentioned.
The two sat in silence for a few moments. Jaq stood and held her hand out to her husband. Jarrod smiled and took his wife's hand, letting her lead him into their room. They shut the door and spent the next few hours bringing one another to the heights of pleasure.
Much later that night as Jarrod lay holding Jaq, he pondered how what seemed like a tragic ending with Beth had brought him his friendship with Jaq. That middle allowed them both time to heal and to foster their friendship, building a firm foundation for their beginning, which included a wonderful marriage and three beautiful children. Jarrod couldn't wait to see where life took them all next.
The Denouement
