Kathryn blearily blinked open her eyes.
After a moment to get her bearings, she realized she was in her bed, under the sheet and wearing clean clothes.
She sat up slowly, feeling slumberous, but didn't get very far.
"Raph, teann anonn, beag beithioch," she growled fondly.
His answer was to plop down fully on her torso, his discerning eyes twinkling mischievously at her, his snout in her face.
As she scratched him behind the ear she asked him "What are you doing here, doic? Last time I saw you, you were keeping Nick company?"
He gave a soft "woof."
"OK, OK, I missed you, too. And I know you're not happy that I sent you back; but, come on, dog breath is not the first thing I want to smell in the morning."
As Kathryn struggled into a sitting position, Raph—tongue lolling and tail wagging—jumped to the floor and sat waiting impatiently, his body vibrating with the restrained energy.
Kathryn moved stiffly to sit on the edge of the bed. It seemed that sleeping on a soft mattress had aggravated her stiff muscles from sleeping on the ground and riding in the saddle for the last week and a half, compounded with the bruises still healing from the stampede.
First things first, considering that she had gotten her rest, was a bath.
A nice, long, luxurious bath it turned out as Kathryn walked back into the bedroom, still toweling dry her unruly locks.
"Well, Vacquero's still in the pen so unless she walked off somewhere—"
"Which I wouldn't put past her to be honest. Oh, come on, Heath, don't give me that look! You're thinking it, too!"
"He might be thinking it, Nick; however, he has the sense to not voice it. So, back to the situation at hand—"
"That Kathryn has up and disappeared, again!" Nick whipped his hat off, his anger evident.
He and Heath looked like they had walked in the house and come straight upstairs.
"Heath and I are gone for a few hours, Audra had some work to do at the orphanage and I know Mother was visiting a friend; but, I thought with at least one person being in the house and that person being you, Pappy, this wouldn't happen!"
Jarrod pinched the bridge of his nose. Closing his eyes, he wearily replied "Nick, Miss Quinn is a woman old enough to make her own decisions when it comes to her person; furthermore, I am not her keeper. That being said," his voice grew a little louder and there was a hard edge to the words as he opened his eyes and pinned Nick with a withering glare that Nick knew from experience— seeing his brother wield it so effectively in the courtroom—had grown, hardened men want to blubber and hide behind their mother's skirts.
He, however, was Jarrod's brother.
It didn't work on him.
He smiled viciously, his blood beginning to roar, spoiling for a fight.
"I have been doing paperwork in the parlor all day and have not seen one strand of fiery hair of Kathryn. So, unless she slipped past me—"
"Which wouldn't have been hard to do."
The silence was deafening.
"Say that again."
"Nick..." Heath warned softly, trying to diffuse the quickly escalating exchange before it turned into a full-blown confrontation.
Nick's grin turned wicked. "You heard me." When Jarrod's eyes turned flinty, reflecting his simmering anger, Nick gladly accepted the challenge. "When Heath and I came in, stomping around and making all that racket, you didn't move a muscle. It took me standing in front of you, yelling your name and Heath shaking your shoulder. He probably thinks he was yelling, but you know Heath; only a mouse can hear his yells."
Nick was now on the receiving end of both his brothers' glares. Heath's now ice-blue eyes narrowed as he all but growled through clenched teeth. "I didn't need to bust his ears to get his attention. If you remember, Nick," was hissed icily "me being firm and insistent is how we finally got his attention."
Nick waved a hand dismissively; his expression one of boredom just to provoke his brother's tempers that they always kept controlled.
Anger wasn't meant to be restrained.
It was supposed to be seen and feared! Make people think twice about kindling it inside you!
He was getting tired of being the only one to show it.
The wicked grin returned. His brothers were just as capable of it as he was; more so because theirs was cool and calculating to his hot and intense.
They weren't perfect, after all.
He delighted in their loss of control, the tight reins loosening.
"Exactly!" He shouted in triumphant. "So it wouldn't have been difficult at all, counselor" Jarrod's eyes narrowed at the fake sweetness "for Kathryn to walk down those stairs and, when you failed to acknowledge her, leave the house and go on her merry way to where the h*l she wanted with no one the wiser!"
"That wouldn't have happened." He saw Nick about to reply and kept going "I would have heard Miss Quinn. Because I have gotten so used to you and Heath, I tend to ignore and am able to turn a deaf ear to your noise. And Miss Quinn is hard to miss if you know what to listen for."
At his brothers' confused—and, in Heath's case, concerned—expressions, he gave a long-suffering sigh. "Miss Quinn likes to tread softly and, because she excels at it, you know she's around because there is absent sound."
Kathryn bit her lip to contain her amusement as she noticed Nick struggle to comprehend his brother's explanation. "Jarrod, are you trying to tell me you can hear the quiet?!"
Jarrod crossed his arms and beaming brightly stated "Not that you know the meaning of the word—"
"Because that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Why—"
And Nick starting to rant and berate was her cue to step in.
Putting the towel down on the table next to the door, she made to walk into the room. Honestly, this was getting ridiculous—
"There you are!"
Audra stood in the doorway, a dazzling smile aimed at Kathryn. "Oh, you took a bath! You must have really needed it, or wanted it, after being on the road for so long. You were gone for quite a while and Mother wanted to make sure you had fresh sheets for tonight; but she also didn't want to wake you if you were sleeping. She said you really needed it. She'll be so happy you're awake and were able to get clean. Silas, too, he wanted to make sure you were comfortable tonight. I'm so glad I had a robe I could let you use. I received it as a gift from a dear friend, but I have a particular robe I'm very attached to. You keep this one. Now, come on downstairs." She finally took a breath as she grabbed Kathryn's hand and gently pulled her into the hallway.
Kathryn smiled as she was dragged down the hallway toward the staircase.
"Audra, wait!"
Not even slowing her brisk pace, she looked over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes at Nick. "For what, Nick? You to yell at her? Honestly, I think the whole of Stockton heard you with how loud and obnoxious you were" she replied icily.
Turning her attention back to Kathryn, her bright smile returned. "I'm so glad you're finally back! I was getting impatient; you know me, I don't wait very well, especially when it's a surprise."
That had Kathryn on her guard. "Please tell me the surprise doesn't have anything to do with me."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously to match the impish grin she now wore. "It's a surprise."
As they all made their way down the staircase, they were met by Victoria. "Ah, Kathryn, I'm so glad you're awake! And you were able to take a bath as well, I'm pleased. Come, Audra said she wouldn't open her birthday presents until we were all here." Gently taking Kathryn from Audra, she guided her to a sofa and had her sit down. "Now, you sit there and I'll take care of your hair."
Sitting behind her, Victoria produced a hair brush, from where Kathryn had no idea, and started to gently brush her unruly locks.
Kathryn made to say something when Audra declared "I'm going to open this one first."
"But it's not even the biggest one! In fact, I think it's the smallest."
Audra gave Nick a cool look. "That may be, but it's the one that first appeared and as such I think it should be the first one opened; since the person who gave it to me made sure it was here on time."
"Please, Miss Barkley, maybe leave that one for last?"
She now had everyone's attention at the hopeful, pleading words.
Jarrod smiled. "Now, Kathryn, that wouldn't happen to be your gift, would it?"
As she struggled to answer, Nick's jaw dropped open. "How did you get it here so quickly?"
At that, Kathryn huffed a chuckle. "I was able to plan for it well ahead of time. I knew exactly when her birthday was because when it's getting close to Miss Barkley's birthday, nobody talks about anything else."
Audra smiled and shook her head "Well, now, I have to open it."
And when the lid was removed, she went still.
Kathryn was immediately nervous. "If it's not to your liking, next time you're in the mercantile, let Albert know what you want and-"
"Kathryn" The name, spoken so softly, was deafening. Audra lifted her gaze to meet Kathryn's panicking one and giving a watery smile promised "It's beautiful. I love it."
As everyone encouraged her to showcase the gift, she lifted out a hair comb. It was silver and upon closer inspection, the filigree was a wolf in a forest landscape; intricate, detailed and elaborate. And in the middle, where a cameo would normally reside was-
"What kind of jewel is that?"
Kathryn beamed at Heath's quiet question, hearing the wonderment in his voice. "Tourmaline. I found it in my traveling and held on to it because of the pretty blue color. When I first met Miss Barkley, I knew I had found who it was supposed to belong to. I just didn't know how to give it to her. Then, a couple of months ago, I happened upon that hair comb and the etching made me think of Raphael. I was able to get in contact with a friend of mine who creates jewelry. He was more than happy to take my tourmaline and fashion it to be placed in the comb, and was also able to set it in the comb himself."
Victoria smiled as she continued brushing Kathryn's hair. "That's a very thoughtful gift."
"It's wonderful!" Audra exclaimed as she launched from the chair she had been occupying to exuberantly embrace Kathryn.
And so it went, Audra opening gifts from her mother, brothers, Silas and someone named Eugene.
When Kathryn asked after him, she was shocked to discover that he also was a Barkley.
"He's at school and was disappointed he couldn't get away for Audra's birthday-"
"So of course, he sends the biggest gift!" Nick's complaint interrupted Jarrod's explanation.
"My apologies, Mr. Jarrod, it's just that I've been here for two months and was not aware there was another Barkley son. Let alone, one so young."
Nick laughed uproariously. "Just wait 'til I tell Eugene you said that."
Audra clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "Thank you everyone for the gifts. And now, for the surprise."
As Victoria patted down her hair, finally finished with it, Kathryn became apprehensive at Audra's attention. "And what is the surprise?"
Audra stood, came over to Kathryn and taking her hands, had Kathryn sit down in the chair she had vacated.
"Now, we celebrate your birthday!"
Kathryn's face fell in horror as she looked around at those gathered. "Surely you jest..." She asked hopefully.
Audra laughed happily as she sat down next to her mother on the couch. "No. After you told me we had missed your birthday, I decided that we would celebrate ours together. When all the trouble happened with the stampede, I will admit I was a little put out. As I said, I'm not good at waiting, but I so wanted us to celebrate together! And it all ended up working out for the best because my gift wouldn't have been ready in time if you had come home when you were supposed to."
Bending over, Audra reached under her seat on the couch. "Happy birthday, Kathryn!" She beamed, presenting her with a large package wrapped in brown paper.
Kathryn took it. What else could she do?
Nervously untying the string and removing the paper, she lifted the lid off the box and went still.
Inside was a maroon Prairie Dancer dress, its pearl buttons winking at her as they danced down the middle to the "v" waistline. "Miss, Miss Barkley, I..." She looked up and seeing Audra's delight she swallowed thickly and managed to choke out "Thank you."
Victoria stood from the couch and walked over to the desk.
Coming back with another wrapped package she placed it in Kathryn's lap.
Leaning down, she kissed the crown of Kathryn's head "Happy birthday, dear child."
Kathryn quickly ducked her head to hide the tears that suddenly came to her eyes.
Unwrapping the gift, she found sticks of graphite and a new journal.
Her mouth open in shock, her eyes wide, she whipped her head up to see Victoria's fondly amused smile. "I should have known when I first heard you read."
"Thank you." Kathryn breathed out as she thumbed through the new, pristine book.
"Should have known what?" Jarrod inquired with a confused smile, voicing what all the Barkley children were probably thinking; judging by the matching perplexed expressions on all their faces.
Kathryn wore a jubilant smile as she teased "Yes, please, do tell. I also would like to know how you found out."
Taking her seat again next to Audra, Victoria told them "Kathryn's a storyteller. We all should have known that after the first time she read to us. The way she reads, the passion and obvious gift she has should've been our clues. I didn't discover it until I returned home earlier than expected a couple of weeks ago. She was outside, doing chores, and talking to Raphael and Vacquero. I thought nothing of it, so I walked toward her to greet her and that's when I heard what she was saying. She was telling them a story; one that I've never heard. It was about a wolf and a horse, that while the greatest of friends, at times were quite upset with each other because they were different. And instead of embracing their differences, they let them lead to problems that, at times, posed great threat to the survival of their friendship-"
Kathryn buried her face in her hands, muffling her request of "Please, stop."
Audra gasped excitedly "It sounds like a wonderful story."
Kathryn slowly lifted her head, her eyes ducking away in embarrassment. "Being alone for so long, one day I just started telling stories. If I was lucky, I could find a piece of scrap paper and something to write with. One of my bags is full of such pieces of paper." Facing Victoria she admitted "I've never had new paper to write on, let alone so much. Thank you."
As Victoria inclined her head, accepting the gratitude, Heath rose and went to the desk as well.
Coming back he informed them "Sorry, but I'm next." And handed her a beautifully adorned quiver. "Gotta make sure you have enough arrows for Nick's hare-brained scheme of you having a shooting match or, if Raph goes after a deer, bird or squirrel." He joshed.
Kathryn rolled her eyes at the friendly teasing. "Or to make sure a certain Barkley stays on his toes."
Heath's grin was sly. "My gun, your bow, name the place, day and time; and I'll make you eat those words."
Jarrod and Nick returned to the room at that moment, having gone to retrieve their gifts.
"I'm next, young lady," Jarrod announced, barging past Nick; whose jaw tightened as he kept his mouth shut, but his eyes blazed with fury.
"If you're going to insist on taking every responsibility on your shoulders," he silenced her protests, "You might as well look the part."
He handed over some material also tied with string. "Happy birthday, Kay."
Kathryn, not wanting to ruin the festivities as the nickname was uttered, was glad she had to concentrate on opening the gift.
As the knot was undone, the wrapping paper dropped open to reveal-
"Oh, Jarrod," Victoria murmured in appreciative awe.
"It's perfect!" Audra gushed "Oh, please, try it on Ryn; it looks divine."
And so it was.
The inside of the coat was lined with a material that was soft like melted butter, yet was starting to make the room unbearably warm; the dark, rich brown of the linen was stunning and the length of the coat, it came to halfway down her calf!
"Would make for a good blanket if you ever slept." Jarrod pointedly commented as she gave a little twirl of delight.
"So you're saying it's two gifts? Or are you just criticizing how and when I decide to sleep?" Kathryn replied with a mockingly sweet voice.
Jarrod smiled and pointing his finger at her said "Now, listen here-"
Silas' head peeked around the corner as he interrupted "Is I too late to give Ms. Kathryn my gift?"
Kathryn whirled around, exclaiming "Oh, Silas, I—"
He stepped into the room and walked to Kathryn; who stood frozen, her mouth open in shock at what he held in his arms.
He gingerly handed it over.
"Oh... Silas... it, it's beautiful." She managed to articulate her appreciation past the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat.
Silas smiled sadly at the blanket "It's not the softest, but... but it's the warmest." He lovingly caressed the starry night sky design "I had my heart set on a girl once, when I was much younger." He gave a wistful chuckle. "But I never told her. She made me that blanket to show that she had her eyes set on me." Tears welled up in those softhearted brown eyes "But then, she was sold away." Looking up to see that Kathryn's eyes were bright with unshed tears, he gave her an affable smile. "Take it for when you're away from the house so that you're always warm and always have light to guide you back."
Kathryn hugged the blanket to her and, shocking Silas, warmly embraced him in a tight hug.
The Barkleys smiled as Silas, not used to such displays of affection, floundered at how to respond.
He was spared any further embarrassment by knocking at the door.
"Now who could that be?!" Nick thundered as Silas, with a sigh of relief, left Kathryn's hug and went to open it.
"Nicholas, please," Victoria reprimanded gently, her blue eyes twinkling merrily as their guests were shown in. "Albert! It's so nice to see you; and Megan and Johnny of course. You look very nice. What's the occasion?" She greeted.
Megan and Johnny ran into Kathryn's hug. "We heard Miss Audra talking about the pretty dress being your birthday present—" Megan started to explain and was interrupted by Johnny shoving a card up into's Kathryn's view "Happy birthday!" Megan rolled her eyes with a long-suffering sigh.
Chuckling in fond amusement, Kathryn gently pet Johnny's curls as he hugged into her side, reading the card the children had quite obviously made from hand. "I love it; thank you so much."
As they each gave her a return squeeze, Albert stepped forward and held out a parcel.
Kathryn arched a brow. "Alfred, we talked about this, I don't—"
"Accept charity." He finished with his kindly grandfatherly demeanor. "But these are a birthday gift given with great love from your friends."
And how could she say no to that?
With the children still embracing her, it took some doing, but she at last managed to open the gift.
Inside she found the biggest, thickest, autumn gold orange scarf she had ever seen with woodstock gloves that went perfectly with her coat.
She gave Megan and Johnny each a squeeze before reaching out to bring Albert into a hug. "Thank you. You didn't have to."
Leaning out of the embrace, Albert beamed "Nonsense. We don't miss birthdays in our family." Not waiting for Kathryn's response, his attention went to Megan and Johnny. "Come along, children." As they left Kathryn's side to each grasp one of Albert's outstretched hands, he gave her a warm smile. "We'll see you tomorrow, Kathryn. Enjoy your birthday."
Kathryn returned the smile and after they had bid the Barkleys farewell, she escorted them to the door to find-
"John!" she greeted as he walked up to the door, giving a polite nod at the small departing party.
Before she could ask, his smile became self-conscious. "Happy birthday, Katie."
She returned it with a sincere thank you.
"I found you a birthday present." He told her.
Seeing her face start to scrunch into the look she had when she was about to protest, he hurried on "And when the others asked why I was buying it, and when I told them, I... well..."
He thrust out a beautiful, elegant in its simplicity, sheath and inside she found a practical knife that was the perfect size and length to be useful for just about anything; yet not too big to be cumbersome when she carried it.
"We know you don't need any help in protecting and taking care of yourself; but me and the boys, well, well we wanted to make sure that you could, you know, keep doing so, with or without us menfolk around." He managed to explain.
As Kathryn examined the gifts, she gave a kind smile and prodded gently "And the boys would be who in all?"
Kathryn had to stop herself from crying as he answered that the gift was also from Ernest, Howie, Ray, Jesse, Luther, Frank, Will, Virgil, Simon, Morris, Aaron, Adam, Gus and Mac.
Tipping his hat, he told her that he would see her tomorrow. With a pleased smile, he turned and walked back to the bunkhouse, whistling merrily.
Kathryn walked back into the house, shutting the door behind her.
"Should we be concerned that not only is Heath making sure she's always armed, but now she has a knife to add to her collection?"
Kathryn looked up at Nick's question, finding all the Barkleys standing at the entrance to the parlor.
"Sorry; when I said goodbye to Albert and the children, John walked up. He said this is from all the hands." She explained.
Jarrod let out a whistle. "That's a mighty fine gift." Turning to face Nick, he answered his brother "And I, for one, am happy that she is so well armed. Next time she decides to get into trouble, I think she'll be able to properly defend herself."
Kathryn rolled her eyes. Seriously, how did that fool notion ever get into their heads? She had to find a way to dispel it because honestly-
"Kathryn, Silas just told us that dinner is about ready." Victoria informed her.
Audra's excitement was evident. "And he was under strict orders that along with my favorites, he also had to make yours."
At the thought of seeing some of her favorite dishes gracing the table—for she and Silas had had plenty of conversations, and had gotten to know each other well so she knew he had known exactly what to prepare—she replied "Let me go put these upstairs and I'll be right back down for dinner."
As she gently set her gifts on the settee at the foot of the bed, a brow arched in curiosity at what lay unassuming on the covers of the bed just behind it.
A small wooden box that gleamed beautifully.
With a small smile, she picked it up and lifting the lid—
A soft, sweet, gay melody drifted to her ears.
She let out a soft laugh of disbelief.
"Finally, I have made you speechless."
She whirled around, careful of the treasure she held and found Nick leaning against the doorjamb; his arms crossed in triumph over his chest and an overly satisfied grin on his face. "But childlike wonder is a good look on you."
Entering the room, he nodded at his gift "It... it seemed fitting. You know, after hearing you sing." He haltingly explained in a rush.
As she cradled it close, she hoped he couldn't see the tears in her eyes. "Thank you. While each and every gift is special," she used one hand to gesture at said gifts "I can honestly say that I have never had a gift such as this."
He smiled "Well, I think we all managed to find the perfect gift for you."
At her look, encouraging him to continue, he did.
"Well, Audra found a gift for the... feminine side of you; Mother, the storyteller, which now that I know, I will expect stories as well as songs," he chuckled at her eye roll.
"Heath, your competitive side" he mirrored her arched brow "don't give me that look; you have one, whether you'll admit it or not. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to break that stallion that landed you this job."
As she inclined her head in acquiesce, he continued on "Jarrod, to the side that is responsible, yet still craves comfort; Silas, to the part that still thinks she doesn't belong, showing her she's not alone. And Albert and the kids, to the child in you; because even though you didn't tell me how old you are, I know you're still a kid."
He didn't wait for her to respond as he finished "The men, the part that's independent and me" there was his devilish grin "to the musical part of you."
Kathryn gently nestled the music box in with her other gifts "So, you think you have me all figured out Mr. Barkley? After knowing me for only two months?"
There was that same grin that he wore when he had her participate in that fool archery contest, like the cat who ate the canary. "It wasn't that hard. You're an open book."
Kathryn smiled, but inside, her stomach knotted up. If he only knew; the secrets she hid, the past she had-
At that moment, Raphael came strutting into the room and primly sat down in front of Kathryn.
Her face showed her apprehension. "And why exactly are you on your best behavior, Raph?"
Nick chuckled "Silas must have let the mutt sample the meat; last I knew, he was cooking a mushroom gravy... mixture to go with it. Since I know that we have never had that under this roof, I'm assuming it's one of your favorites and, obviously, the mutt's as well."
She kneeled in front of him and scratched him around the ears. "Well, if that's the case, you better escort me downstairs so that I can enjoy it, too."
Standing back up, she still had her gaze down on Raphael.
As Nick cleared his throat, she looked up and saw him offering his arm.
She gave a small inclination of her head in thanks and taking it, Nick led her from the room; Raphael bounding in front of them.
"Happy birthday, Kate."