Chapter 4

It was a lovely day outside so Nora planned on getting the most out of it. She had followed Gabby to her room and tried to speak to her after that humiliating fall into Heath's lap, but her sister only clammed up.

"It's not like you to be clumsy, Gabs. Do you want to talk about it?"

Gabby sat at the vanity and brushed her hair, finally turning to her younger sister. "What would you like me to say, Nora? I just fell into a handsome cowboy's lap after spilling water on him last night and I'm not sure I can face him again, and yet, somehow, I must. I knew it was a mistake coming here. Maybe I should stay at a hotel in town for a while."

"You are a grown woman and can do as you please, but I hope you decide to stay here. I have missed you so..."

Looking over, Gabby saw Nora's gloomy expression and knew it was genuine as Nora wasn't one to be manipulative to get her way. It was a short walk to wrap her arms around her sister, and they stood there comforting one another. "Okay. I'll stay. For now. But if I have one more embarrassing episode..."

Nora laughed as Gabby hoped she would. Gabby had always had a great sense of humor, although it seemed to be sorely lacking lately. "Gabby, you don't have to worry about Heath. He is down to earth and I'm sure he didn't think anything at all about your episode this morning. Or the bath you gave him yesterday."

Gabby's eyes grew large. "Bath? I... I'm... whatever do you mean?" The terrified look in her eyes surprised Nora.

"The water you spilled on him at dinner last night. I was only making a joke." Something was definitely going on with her sister.

"Oh that," Gabby said as she exhaled. "He must think I am terribly awkward." Her lack of eye contact was telling, only Nora wasn't sure what to make of it. She decided to let it go.

They would be taking the buggy today on their travels so Nora could show Gabrielle around the ranch, and her old house. Then they planned to have lunch in town and maybe do a little shopping. Hopefully, the fresh air and leisure time would do Gabby some good.

###

After Nora went to get ready, Gabby heard a knock on the door. Opening it, she found Audra standing in the hallway. "Hello, Gabby. May I come in?"

Opening the door wider, Gabby stepped back. "Of course, please do."

On her entrance, Audra closed the door behind her. "I don't think we have been very welcoming to you, and I want to apologize. I know you don't have brothers, so perhaps mine have made you feel a little out of place here. They can be rowdy, but they are all gentlemen. But please know that we are happy to have you stay with us. And don't worry about Heath. As a matter of fact, he is concerned about you."

Her words were soothing, and Gabby felt herself relax as she spoke- until she mentioned Heath. Suddenly all her senses came to life. "Thank you for the kind words, Audra. I'm not usually so uncoordinated as I've been since coming here." Silent for a moment, she couldn't stop herself from asking, "Why is Heath concerned about me?" Hopefully, he had kept their secret. She grew nervous as she waited for a response.

"Well, he thought perhaps he and my other brothers might be a bit... coarse, for lack of a better word. You are a sophisticated lady, and maybe they should use better manners around you."

Gabby's laugh took her by surprise. It was a wonderful bubbly sound and made Audra smile.

"Sophisticated? Me? Oh, that's sweet of him. But I'm not though- remember, Nora and I were raised by the same parents. It was just over a year ago that we were knocking on doors and asking if we could do errands or chores for pennies. No, Audra. Your family has been very hospitable, I think I'm simply tired. And embarrassed." There was no way she could share the truth, no matter how nice Audra was being to her.

"No need to be embarrassed. We all do clumsy things sometimes. Well, I'll let you finish getting ready. Soon, the three of us will have to have a day together, but I know that Nora wants you all to herself today. See you this evening. And I'm glad you are here." Audra's soft words were followed by a clasp of her hand before she turned to leave.

Gabby stared at the closed door feeling much better than she did earlier. Maybe she could fit in around here- in time.

She would simply have to avoid Heath.

###

"You two be careful. Are you certain you don't want me to tag along?"

"Gabs and I are taking the buggy, so the baby and I should be fine." Her brief words were a bit stilted, which was unlike his wife.

"Alright," he said as he put his arms around her waist and clasped his hands together. "I only want you to be safe, Lenny. I love you. Both of you." He had started calling her by the nickname after she played him in poker dressed as a man. It was her character's name when she was young and doing skits at home with Gabby.

Nick's kiss was gentle, but Nora pushed him back quickly, bringing a puzzled look to his face.

"I love you too, but none of that today, you will make me late. This is new for both of us, Nick, but at least I've had no pesky morning sickness I've heard so much about."

"I'm even happier that Gene will be home today. Having a doctor in the house will make me much calmer about my wife and this little one." Placing his hand gently on her belly, Nick smiled. "I can't wait to feel him moving around." Nora smiled tightly at his caress.

"Alright. My sister is probably wondering what is taking me so long. I will see you later," she said with a peck on his cheek before turning for the door.

###

The buggy was ready to go when the sisters came outside to leave. Heath had taken it upon himself to hitch up the horse and was now standing at its side.

"It's a beauty!" Gabrielle exclaimed as she exited, then went silent when she saw Heath. Her excitement was enough to make him smile, but he noticed her change of demeanor when they made brief eye contact. Hopefully, he would see that enthusiastic side of her more often as time went by.

"Nick and I repaired it ourselves. And I rode to the wedding in it with Jarrod," Nora said proudly. "Thank you, Heath," she added as he helped her onto the seat and handed her the strings, then hurried around to help Gabby up.

When he took her hand, he felt it trembling at his touch. Her skin was soft and warm. The feeling caused him to meet her gaze which held momentarily. There they stood in silence as if both had forgotten what they were supposed to do.

"Everything alright?" Nora asked at the hesitation, seemingly breaking the spell.

"Yes. Yes of course," Gabby responded as she finally stepped aboard. "Thank you, Heath," she said quietly before knocking her bag onto the ground, which he quickly retrieved and dusted off, holding her stare once again before smiling slightly as he handed it to her.

"Most welcome," he said in his polite way and tipped his hat before stepping away. Then he watched as they drove off.

Nick soon walked out pulling his gloves on, noticing Heath still staring after the buggy. "What's that you have there?" He asked, Heath turning to look at him, then down at the long reins in his hands.

"What do you make of this?" Heath asked, showing Nick a cut that was almost all the way through the leather.

"Probably just getting old and needs replacing."

"Looks more like a cut to me. Check out the smooth edges."

Nick examined it closely then handed the reins back to Heath. "Maybe. But I prefer to think it is simply worn out. I don't even want to consider the other possibility."

"I hope you're right," Heath replied as he headed for the barn. What he didn't tell Nick is that those were the reins that his wife would be using right now if Heath hadn't noticed the damage.

###

Nora glanced over at her sister and saw her staring off into space. "So, you think Heath is handsome?"

"Uh... what?" Gabby only heard part of the question.

"You think Heath is handsome," Nora repeated.

"Heath? He is alright," she answered nonchalantly as she studied her fingernails.

"At the house, you called him handsome."

"Did I? I guess in a rugged sort of way some might think he's handsome."

A nod was her only response for a moment. "Does that 'some' include you?"

"Really Nora?" Gabby huffed out.

"You know Heath and I are close; I could talk to him..."

"NO!" Gabby's eyes were wide and angry. "Nora, just let it go! Stop trying to match me up with Nick's brother in some ruse to keep me here."

The words exploded out so quickly that Gabby couldn't stop them. Looking over, she saw Nora take a deep breath and slowly let it out. She knew she had to apologize, but right now she was too frustrated.

The ride was silent for a time until Nora softly spoke. "Is that what you think I am doing?"

A loud sigh was her first response. "Of course not, but you do have a history, you know."

"Whatever do you mean?" Nora asked, feigning shock.

Gabby lifted her hands and began to count off her fingers. "Jimmy Coats, Benjamin Lorry, Robert Trent..."

"Alright," Nora replied lifting her hand to silence the tally. "Maybe I have- IN THE PAST- tried to matchmake... a little."

"A little?! Nora Steele... Barkley! You were the queen of matchmaking when we were in school. You had no interest yourself and yet you tried to fix me up with every eligible boy in town. In every town."

The words brought a lift to the corners of Nora's mouth and shortly she was giggling. Her joy was contagious and soon Gabby snickered. Their laughter swelled until they were gasping for air as they rode along. When they were spent, Gabby reached over and touched her sister's arm. "I miss this."

"Me too. And here we are at the first location I want to show you. This is Paradise. My favorite place on the ranch."

###

"You know Mother, you have looked at the clock three times in the last 2 minutes."

"Have I? I'm excited to see Eugene, I guess. It's hard to believe he is finally home from school. Perhaps we should have gone to town to meet the train." Victoria paced as she spoke, making her daughter smile. "They should be here already... ah... is that the wagon?" Both headed for the door as they heard it pull up out front, but it flew open before their arrival.

"Mother! Audra!" Gene yelled, wrapping them both up in an affectionate hug.

"Oh Gene, it's so good to have you home!" Victoria kissed her son's cheek and embraced him again as Jarrod walked in.

"He didn't even let me stop before he launched out of his seat," Jarrod interjected with a cheerful smile. "I think he looks smarter, don't you?" he teased as he slapped Gene on the shoulder.

"Nick and Heath should be here shortly," Victoria added with a grin.

"And Nora? Don't tell me Nick has run her off already."

"Not on your life!" Nick hollered as he entered, Heath following behind. "Good to see you, little brother!"

"Or should we say, Dr. Barkley?" Heath added as both greeted Eugene with embraces and handshakes.

"Nora and her sister Gabby have gone sightseeing," Audra interposed.

"Sister? Is she single and as pretty as Nora?" Gene's words brought laughter to the family as Victoria glanced at Heath who suddenly found something interesting to look at on the floor.

"Yes, she is single and very beautiful," she replied. "They will be back this afternoon and you can meet her then."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Let's go have some lunch, shall we? Then we will get you settled." Victoria's excitement was palpable as she clutched Eugene's arm and led the family into the dining room.

###

"It's a lovely little house, Nora."

"The remodeling on it is almost complete. The Barkleys bought it from Mr. Henderson who owned it when I lived here," she explained as they walked through. "He took a fall soon after Nick and I wed and couldn't keep up with the property anymore, bless his heart. Since it backs up to the ranch, we thought it would be a good addition to purchase."

Gabby was quite aware of her use of the term 'we' when her sister spoke. Nora had indeed become one of the Barkley family. And she could see her sister's creativity in the modernizing of the house.

"What do you plan to do with it when it is finished?"

Nora's chuckle preceded her answer. "We haven't thought that far ahead yet. I guess it's time to head to town. I'm quite hungry and there is still shopping to do."

The day had been pleasant so far with the sisters catching up on the last year. Gabby had some stories of her travels and Nora spoke of their father and how she and Nick found each other. Soon they were seated in the hotel restaurant.

"Mrs. Barkley, it's good to see you today." Gabby was impressed that even the waiter at the restaurant knew her sister's name.

"Thank you, Henry. This is my sister Gabrielle Steele."

"Very nice to meet you, Miss Steele." Gabby nodded and smiled.

"We will need a few moments, Henry."

"Look at you," Gabby said after he walked away. "Even the waiters in town know your name."

Nora had been perusing the menu and looked up. "One of the compensations of being a Barkley. Although anonymity has its advantages also."

Knowing the last was spoken for her benefit, Gabby laughed. "I try to hide out as much as possible when I am performing in a city for several weeks. But I'm sure you guessed that already."

"Well, well, what have we here?"

Nora cringed at the sound of the voice she had come to loath in her time here in Stockton. Closing her eyes before she took a deep breath and exhaled, Nora finally smiled- Gabby watching her performance.

"Hello Priscilla," she stated curtly before even looking up. Gabby would have to ask her sister later about that situation.

"Hello, Mrs. Barkley." The inflection on her marital status was quite noticeable. "Who is your friend?" she asked as she studied Gabby's fine appearance.

"Priscilla Smith, this is my sister Gabrielle Steele. Perhaps you know her as Iris Rose, the singer." Name-dropping wasn't something Nora would normally do, but Priscilla arose her dander.

The admiration in Priscilla's eyes was clear as she smiled. "It's so nice to meet you, Miss Rose, I mean, Miss Steele. I have seen you perform several times. You are a wonderful singer and pianist."

"Thank you, Miss Smith. Or is it Mrs?"

"Miss is correct," she brusquely replied. "I won't interrupt your luncheon any further, but I hope to see you around town, Miss Steele. Maybe we will be honored with a concert while you are here?"

"Gabby is here to rest," Nora quickly answered as Gabby opened her mouth to respond.

"That's too bad. Good day to you both."

"Good day," Gabby said barely above a whisper as she watched the woman saunter away. "I can tell there is quite a story to that one, but in the future, I can speak for myself, sis."

"Of course, you can. I'm sorry, Gabs, I was only trying to get rid of her. She is a nasty human being. I'll tell you all about it later, but right now I am starving," she replied as she motioned Henry over to take their order.

###

"I'm going to be an uncle? That's fabulous Nick! Congratulations!" Eugene's excitement was unmistakable by the smile on his face. "Well, we see how Nick's love life is going, anyone else? Mother, is there anyone new in your life?"

His question brought laughter to all but Victoria whose mouth dropped open. "I'll have you know that I'm not as old as all that. It's possible that I have a gentleman in my life these days."

"Well, do you?" Gene asked again.

"As a matter of fact, no. But it is possible."

"Any man would be lucky to have you, Mother. Heath, you've been quiet during lunch. Someone special on your mind?"

Nervously looking from one to the other, Heath shook his head. "I'm not seeing anyone, no," he said before going back to his food.

"So, not much has changed since I was here a couple of months ago. Well, now that Nick has started the ball rolling, hopefully, we will get some new blood in this family.

"Mother, I wanted to let you know that in about a week, I'll be moving to town to live over the doctor's office. Old Doc Jones is starting to have trouble getting up and down those stairs, so he will be moving to a small house outside of town. I know you are probably disappointed that I won't be staying here, but at least I'll be close."

Victoria reached over and took his hand with a smile. "Not disappointed. I'm glad to have you home, and being a short ride away is fine with me after the last 4 years. I'm quite proud of you, Gene."

"Here, here! That makes all of us," Jarrod added with a lift of his water goblet, everyone else following.

"And perhaps you will find someone here in Stockton, Gene, now that you are home. There are many available young ladies around town." Audra's statement was said good-humoredly as she knew that her younger brother was in no hurry to marry.

"Let me get to work and we will see how that goes. Although I am very excited about meeting Nora's sister."

Victoria glanced at Heath who was absorbed in his empty plate at the moment. If she didn't miss her guess, he was already interested in Gabby Steele.

Well, it seems Miss Priscilla Smith is still hanging around in Stockton. I'm looking forward to seeing what she gets into this time around...