A/N I apologize for the length of this last post only…the epilogue turned out longer than expected.

Chapter Forty-One

It was close to seven thirty in the morning by the time Jarrod, Heath and Nick made their way up yet another trail. With the cold air nipping at their heels, the three brothers were more than elated when they found themselves on a hill watching smoke rise from the last shack any of them knew about. Jarrod, his father and others had used this particular shack on more than one occasion when they were out hunting…though it had not been occupied in quite some time.

"He's down there." Nick's eyes grew cold. He didn't have to see into the shack to know that one; he could feel it, and feel it strong. He started his horse forward only to have Jarrod reach out and take a hold of his arm. Naturally, Nick turned his head sharply and gave him a look that screamed "What are you doing that for?'

Since Nick had lost his temper on more than one occasion since coming back home, Jarrod and Heath did what they could to make sure Nick didn't act in haste. "Think Nick! If we approach that shack from this angle, Kyle is sure to see us coming. We have to make our way around to the back and catch him by surprise." He almost added 'He might get away otherwise'. Instead he, along with Heath, looked at Nick waiting to see if he'd listen to what Jarrod was telling him.

Nick didn't like it; he wanted to take the most direct route to the shack. However, he was bull headed not stupid. He knew Jarrod spoke the truth. Of course, that didn't stop him from growling. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going." He turned his horse to his left and started doing just as Jarrod had suggested; Jarrod and Heath were at his side seconds later. For whatever reason, at that very second Nick felt as if some invisible force had just wrapped itself around he and his brothers, creating a bond he just knew would never be broken. Jarrod and Heath must have felt it too, as Nick glanced at each one of them and saw an indescribable look on their faces. It didn't matter though; Nick could still read the message the look held. It said 'Kyle Jensen has no chance against the three of us as long as we work together'.

While the three brothers turned their horses to the south and rode alongside the top of the hill-but not so close to be seen from the shack-Kyle grabbed his coat, walked out of the shack and headed for his horse. He was going to go get the animal and take a ride, making sure to stay out of sight.

Nick, Heath and Jarrod, who had dismounted their horses and tethered them to some trees that stood behind the shack, heard the door opening and heard the sound of footsteps. Not knowing what Kyle-and they knew it was Kyle-even if they hadn't seen him-they hurried to stay behind the trees with their horses. They needn't have bothered though, as Kyle never turned his head, so intent was he on getting to the lean-to and his horse.

Before Jarrod or Heath had time to say anything, Nick stepped out from behind the tree he was behind. "STICKING AROUND TO SEE WHAT THE RESULTS OF YOUR HANDYWORK IN THE LIVERY STABLE ARE?" Nick bellowed loud enough to wake the dead.

Kyle froze in his tracks, as he felt the force of Nick's voice burr through him. Sure, he had heard how loud the newest Barkley was, but he had thought people were only exaggerating. Though, Nick's words made his heart pound faster. No one had seen him enter the stable-he'd made sure of that and, after he'd killed Carl Wheeler, he'd slipped out the livery stable's back door. It was only after his musings began that Kyle realized that he had just assumed he'd killed Carl; he'd never actually checked the man's pulse!

"I ASKED YOU A QUESTION, MISTER!" Nick bellowed again.

Unaware that Jarrod and Heath were with Nick, Kyle made a split-second decision, especially since he didn't intend to do prison time-or possibly hang –he whirled around while drawing his pistol out of its holster. As he did so he was horrified to see that Heath and Jarrod were each standing by the side of their brother; Jarrod on the right and Heath on the left. Before he knew it, Kyle felt the force of three bullets enter his chest. He stiffened, but still tried to aim his pistol. However, all he managed to do was shoot a bullet into the side of the shack as he fell to the ground.

By the time Nick, Heath and Jarrod ran to where the man had fallen, all they could do was stand and wonder as Kyle looked up at them and said with his last breath, "Stupid wind...stupid birds,"

Epilogue

Nick sat in the chair his family had placed near the living room entrance. Carl, who was still moving rather slowly, was resting on one end of the sofa, while Audra-who was now wearing Carl's ring had just entered the room. She told the family that Silas was fixing the eggnog that they'd need for the small party they were having later that evening, and then sat on the other end of the sofa. Gene and his wife, Beatrice, who had arrived the day before sat on chairs near Victoria, who was seated near the fireplace. Beatrice's very swollen abdomen was a clear sign that Victoria would indeed be a grandmother soon. Jarrod and Heath began removing the presents from under the tree and handing them out one by one.

Nick did his best to pay attention, though he found it hard to as he would look from Carl and Audra to Gene and his wife. Nick didn't know what to do with the mixed feelings he had come over him. He was extremely grateful to have be reunited with his family, and he was very happy for both his sister and his brother. Still...slowly, he stood up, walked out of the room and headed for the Billiard room.

Nick's departure did not go unnoticed; soon Victoria was excusing herself and making her way out of the living room and to the Billiard room. She wasn't surprised to see Nick standing in front of the cabinet that held the various drinks her family preferred to have available, either for themselves or guests.

"You're free to have anything you want; you should know that by now." Victoria said as she walked up beside Nick.

"But leave some behind?" Nick asked as he turned and looked at her, his mouth in a half smile; his mixed feelings shone brightly.

Victoria, who remembered the first few years without Tom, and how it had been with Jarrod after Beth's death, gave her son a sympathetic smile as she took a hold of his right arm with both her hands. "Remember her, son, love her, but don't hold on so tight that you can't enjoy your life."

As she finished speaking, Victoria wondered what she'd said so wrong as Nick's eyes widened just a little.

"What have you been doing? Communicating with Mama Davies?" Nick couldn't help but smile and chuckle as he asked the questions. He then sighed and admitted Mrs. Davies had, basically, said the same thing. However, before Victoria could answer, Heath and the others started entering the room.

"We figured if you two were going to leave the party, the party would just have to follow you." Jarrod smiled as he walked up to one very surprised Nick and handed him a small package. "Here."

Nick looked around and was again overwhelmed at what had been given back to him after so many years. He reached out and took the offered gift and slowly began unwrapping it. Once he opened it Nick could see it was a brand-new wallet. He didn't know what to say; he already had a wallet and didn't need another one. However, Jarrod spoke up and said, "You have the wrong side showing; turn it over. You have to see what's on the other side."

Nick did as he was told and found a lump in his throat as he saw the picture of saddle and the words "NICK BARKLEY-28 years" looking up at him. He looked up and his eyes met Jarrod's. For a deafening moment, nothing was said. Then, a smile wide spread across Nick's face as he embraced Jarrod. "Thank you,"

"That's not all." Audra grinned as she handed him a box, saying it was from both her and Carl.

Nick took the box, which looked to be decent sized, and opened it. A grin a mile wide spread over his face. Inside the box was a brand new, black, vest. "Thanks," he hugged Audra while smiling at Carl.

However, Nick's eyes filled with curiosity when Heath threw him a crooked smile and nodded towards the door. "Mother, Eugene and I got you a present too, but we have to to go outside."

"Outside, what on earth for?" Nick asked, more than stunned. He couldn't think of any present that couldn't be unwrapped in the house.

"Just come on," Victoria smiled as she took a hold of Nick's arm and led him out the door; everyone but Carl followed...and that was under protest-as Jarrod reminded him the doctor had only consented to allow Carl to attend the party if he stayed inside once he arrived at their home.

Once outside, Victoria led him towards the barn. Nick felt his heart skip a beat when a memory from the week before came back to him. 'No way, they wouldn't have' Nick thought as Heath opened the door and they walked inside.

Victoria let go of his arm, and Nick's eyes widened. He and Heath had been looking at horses the week before. Nick had seen the very horse which stood in the stall and fallen in love with him, though he'd backed out when it came to buying him…. too many years of having enough money to live comfortably, but not enough to afford 'such luxuries' had made it impossible for him to fathom actually owning the animal.

"What are you going to name him?" Eugene broke the silence as he watched Nick, almost mesmerized, walk up to the animal and start running his hand down his face.

Nick didn't have to think twice as he thought on the first horse he'd ever owned, a faithful, loyal horse whom he had loved dearly. "Coco," Nick smiled as he answered wide. "His name will be Coco."

After a few minutes, Victoria smiled as Nick stepped away from Coco. "We need to get back inside; do you still want some whiskey?"

"No," Nick was still smiling wide as he looked at Audra. "Think I'll just go get some of Silas' eggnog." With that he practically tore out of the barn. Audra was right behind him trying to tell him that the eggnog couldn't be touched until later.

Jarrod and the others started laughing as they headed for the house, grateful they had been blessed to have Nick back in their lives.