Chapter Three

Two Years later:

Music filled every available space of the three bedroom home that Agniece and Heath had shared since they arrived in Stockton. That is, the home he and his brothers had built when Heath had brought Agniece home as his bride. The couple were celebrating their second wedding anniversary, and had decided to renew their marriage vows.

Decorations were hung around the spacious living room which held a sofa, love seat, a few chairs and a piano. Jarrod, Nick, Nick's new wife, Paula and Audra were all mingling with their guests while Victoria was up in Agniece's and Heath's room helping Agniece get ready for the ceremony.

"You look as beautiful as the day Heath brought you home." Victoria put the crown of flowers that Jarrod's wife had made for the occasion on Agniece's head and stepped back.

"A bit rounder, good we not do this in five months. This celebration it…maybe…get stopped." Agniece smiled as she patted her slightly swollen abdomen, and looked at the strong willed woman who had opened her arms and welcomed her into the family without hesitation. That reaction had gone a long ways in erasing any fears the young woman had previously had.

Victoria chuckled. "Rounder is fine in your condition. Though, I dare say you are right when it comes to the timing if you waited." She turned and headed for the door. "We'll be ready to start soon."

Agniece might have told her mother-in-law there was no need to leave only she was too busy looking out the window. She could see that some of the guests were outside talking, and that her husband, along with her brothers-in-law had joined them. The fact that so many people would show up to any kind of celebration the Barkleys would hold no longer astounded Heath's wife. She had quickly learned her husband's family not only knew how to throw a party, but how they made everyone feel welcome as well.

Her eyes went to Jarrod. He had been so polite and charming when Heath had introduced her to him. Overtime, she had come to value his honesty. She then looked at Nick. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a black tie. She had to chuckle. That man was the loudest person she'd ever met, but he had heart of gold and a lot of tenacity. She respected that, and was glad the tenacity was a trait shared by Heath. Come to think about it, that trait was common in the whole family. When Audra stepped out of the house and started motioning people inside, Agniece had to smile wide. Her sister-in-law's kindness to others, and her devotion to her family and friendswere also praiseworthy. Thinking about the brother she'd only heard about through letters, Agniece couldn't help but think she would see the same, or similar, qualities in him if their paths should ever cross.

"The guests are finding their seats" said Heath-who hurried into the house and up the stairs, stepping into the room.

"Don't they say it bad luck…" Agniece teased as she stepped away from the window. "You see bride before wedding?"

Heath laughed as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and laid his free hand on her abdomen. "I think it's too late to worry about that." He started kissing her only to have his mother interrupt them.

Rolling her eyes, she told them, "This renewal of vows was your idea, so I suggest you postpone any other activity until later."

"Yes, Mother." Agniece and Heath laughed as Victoria left the room, telling the two not to forget what was going on.

After Victoria left the room, Heath held out his arm and smiled. "After the formalities are over, we are going to the Stockton hotel for the night-Jarrod's paid for it. He's also bought a wedding anniversary present for us. He's sent it to the hotel room."

Gift? Hotel room? What on earth had her brother-in-law gone and done? Agniece wanted to ask, but Heath was already leading her out of the bedroom door and then down the stairs. The music disappeared the moment the couple entered the room, as did any talking. It wasn't long before Heath and Agniece were exchanging vows; though, they-and everyone else-laughed when the Reverend said Heath could kiss the bride…again. How could they not when a rather blunt nine year old boy embarrassed his parents by pointing at Agniece's swollen abdomen and said, in essence, "I think they already did that." Naturally, all it earned the young boy was the opportunity to be taken out of the room by his father.

~oOo~

The moonlight slipped in though the slit created by the two curtains that hung in the hotel room's window. Heath and Agniece were curled up in the bed, a bottle of the best Rosé sat on the small end table that was next to the bed-though some of it was gone. The beverage had been a pleasant surprise. "Jarrod has a colleague who just returned from France, the Provence area to be exact. He brought a few bottles with him even though he has bought plenty here' had been Heath's exact words.

"I got best bargain when I get home with you. I hope we get many many years together." Agniece tilted her head back so she could look into her husband's eyes.

Heath chuckled as he pulled her closer. Even though he was tempted to, he wisely decided not to touch the subject of making sure the child she was carrying eventually would have a sibling. He wanted her tonight and, if he touched 'that subject' he'd only find himself in the hallway. "We'll have a lifetime to be together." He said as he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.

Four months later, Heath and Agniece were blessed with a son, Morgan Bonnaveture Barkley. Three years after Morgan's birth the couple was blessed by the birth of their daughter- Julie Agniece Barkley. Years later, the brother and sister would enjoy repeating the story of how their father had given their mother more than a house to live in…he'd given her a home filled with love.

A/N For those of you who may be thinking 'Why would she have any alcoholic beverage to drink if she's expecting?'…..the research I did said doctors and society in the 1800's did not stress the importance of not drinking while one was expecting. Yes, they were social rules of what to do, how much etc…but the medical knowledge wasn't there. And, as you can see, I don't have them drinking a lot.