Chapter Twenty-Two

Maris stretched in the large oversized guest bedroom. The flocked velvet wallpaper, the matching drapes, the paned windows, fresh roses, the mahogany lowboy, needlepoint pillows, and satin duvet, the matching vanity with a lead glass mirror—all highly formal details meshed by Victoria's taste into a welcoming room for her. She wanted to memorize every detail of the best week in her entire life.

"I can't believe the week is almost over."

"Nick, for the first time I feel a part of a family. James David and I are in awe."

Nick kissed her soundly, "We ain't perfect. You will hear us squabble and bicker some. Kinda like me and Heath over the horse sale. Sorry 'bout that."

She kissed him back, "That's one of the reasons. Jarrod and you argued over the row boat too,"

Nick looked sheepish.

"Oh no, my dearest, it made me appreciate your family more. Growing up and in my marriage, there were never, never any cross words. Not one. This feels right. To an opinion. To be heard. To disagree. And yet, you still love each other. No one held a grudge."

"Oh Bella, it's just my family. We don't always do the right thing but we try—-and I know I have told you about my Mother's wooden spoon."

&—

She made her way down the long staircase. Nick and his brothers took all of the boys on an overnight camping trip.

"Nick, he's never been camping before. Thank you so much." and soundly kissed him. He pulled her back closer and kissed her in return. "Bella, for that I will take him camping. the rest of his life,"

The thought of his kiss warmed her and of that promise-. All of the kisses several times a day. It seemed they were catching up for the long years of loneliness. She always kept propriety around his family but was shocked at his familiarity and that of his brothers. She saw all four at different times kiss their wife or hug them or squeeze their hand. He had no problem touching her casually in front of his family.

"Missy, my old childhood friend, I believe you are right. I wish I could tell you if I am—or you could tell me. It's funny I never thought of our garden secrets until I met Nick—-and now it crosses my mind all of the time."

Victoria met her at the foyer and took her arm, "Breakfast? It is just us this morning."

"I would love that Mrs Barkley."

Rosa opened the silver trays and placed food on their plates. Victoria sat down at the head and she patted for Maris to sit next to her.

"I have had such a wonderful week."

"So have I. When you reach seventy, you want every moment to count. I am pleased that Nick has invited you into our home; it has been a long time,"

Maris was surprised at her directness even though Nick had warned her—-"I was pleased to be invited," and she swallowed, "I think highly of your family, uh, and your son."

"I am glad to hear that," squeezed her hand.

"Nick said he had the best family in the world. I believe that."

"And I thoroughly have cherished the time that James David and you my dear have spent with us."

Rosa interrupted, "More tea?"

"Please," they said at the same time.

She poured out of the fancy silver teapot and exited the room, "Ring if you need anything."

"I was so surprised on Wednesday night. Nick surprised me. Said we were going to town for dinner at Como's. We ate there in San Francisco on the first night we met each other. And to walk into the back room and the whole family—-including little Benjamin was there. A child was included in the dinner. What a joy!"

"And falling asleep in his Uncle Nick's lap."

"Nick is a very good father and uncle. The best."

"I agree. The patience he showed during the fishing trip, even with me and those crunchy crickets. I kept losing the cricket and he would bait my hook. Had to show me several times how to cast and unhook my line. But I caught my first fish."

"Sally said Nick quite enjoyed Maris's nearness, showing her how to cast. A bit too much, Jarrod said. He will never live that down with his brothers—-and I couldn't be happier," Victoria recalled.

They spent an hour at the breakfast table visiting and Victoria dared herself to hope that Nick would soon find happiness again. He definitely had his mother's approval.

—-&—-

Nick had asked her to be ready at 8 p.m. for a private dinner on her last night at the ranch. She dressed carefully and put on a new green dress she had made for a special occasion. She was ready in the foyer and she spied Victoria peek from the upstairs landing. She smiled knowing her mother's heart.

They rode out to the orange grove. This time flickering candelabras twinkled behind the trees and a starched white linen tablecloth and two velvet tufted dining chairs were paired with it. Maris recognized the chairs from Victoria's private chamber.

Nick pulled champagne from the ice bucket and poured them a glass, "To us."

"To us," as they clinked glasses.

He served her a petite steak with potatoes and strawberries. He gallantly pulled off the silver cover off the hand-painted Italian plates and bowed. She giggled and he winked.

She noticed the plates, "Where?" with a breathless gasp.

"Got them from Como. I want us to have a whole set."

She nodded and softly smiled, "Me too."

They finished their meal; they both were nervous and left half their food.

"We can get into the pie later?"

"Sounds good."

He pulled her chair out and led her to the wedding ring quilt spread on the grass.

Maris admired the detailed work and ran her hand over it.

"My mother brought this west with her in a covered wagon."

"Nick, how special," not daring to mention the hope in her heart of its significance.

He took her hands in his, "Maris, I know we have talked about it several times but I need to make sure. You know that JD will likely take away your home, jewelry, and possessions if we marry."

"I do and there is nothing more important than us."

"We will figure this out together."

"Thank you."

"James David gave me his official permission last night. It was the only one I wanted."

She could only nod. Her heart was beating so loudly in his chest that she felt he must be able to hear it.

He got down on one knee, "Maris? Would you consent to be my wife?"

"I do, I will, I would—" with a tiny giggle.

He pulled out a ring from his vest pocket and placed it on her left hand.

"It's so lovely." she gasped.

"Barkley gold and gemstones from our family. Our father mined them and traded for them; the emerald is for your eyes. The diamonds are from my mother's necklace from my father after their first mine strike.

Tears trickled from her eyes, "What kind of man are you, Nick Barkley?"

"The kind who wants to stand beside you the rest of my life."

And he pulled her close in a deep kiss. He leaned her back on the quilt and showered his kisses down her neck and even onto her bodice. He willed himself to concentrate again on her lips again. She laid back in his arms and looked at the constellations. They stayed that way most of the night and snuck in around dawn.

—&—