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When The Fire Burns	By : Melishere Category: 1 through F > The Big Valley Views: 711 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I dont own The Big Valley and I make no money from this story

Chapter List
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Heath rode into the small mining town and looked around. This would be his home for the next few months and he was tired and ready for a good night’s sleep as well as a hot meal. Of the three Barkley brothers, he was the one with the most practical mining experience. Jarrod and Nick were good at the management side, but Heath had worked the mines.

His mind drifted back to the time he’d spent with his brothers at the lodge a few months before. He’d enjoyed himself. When they’d returned from the lodge and the family had gathered for dinner, Victoria noted how relaxed everyone seemed. In fact, Heath hadn’t felt this relaxed in years.

He loved his new family and felt fully accepted even before the trip to the lodge. He’d spent so many years wandering and trying to figure out where he belonged that he felt he was finally able to let his guard down.

Heath shifted in his saddle and thought about the discussion he’d had with his brothers before they left for home. They’d just finished a marathon of getting one another off having abandoned Nick’s suggestion of waiting, and were sitting in front of the fire finishing up dinner. They had to get up early the next morning to head back and all were tired.

“Heath…we’ve really enjoyed this time with you,” Jarrod said. Heath looked up from his plate, his eyes narrowing.

“But?” He questioned.

Jarrod looked to Nick and then back at Heath.

“We have rules that you need to know about. Everything that happened here…we don’t do this in Stockton. Well, not unless there’s a specific reason and there has been on occasion. Anyway, what we’ve done has nothing to do with ‘love’ or ‘relationship’. There are certain things you can do with a man that you just can’t do with a woman.”

Heath nodded. He’d felt the same way.

“I love Milly and she’s the only woman I want,” Jarrod continued.

“And I feel the same about Mags. Can’t imagine my life without her,” Nick interrupted.

“I understand,” Heath said. “What are the rules?”

“No women are ever involved in this. Ever. We realize you aren’t married but we know you will be one day. We also recognize how our father’s actions have had long lasting effects. We don’t want to saddle anyone else with that,” Jarrod said and again Heath nodded.

“Also, our wives are not involved in this at all. For any reason. Milly is mine. Mags is Nick’s. Whoever you marry one day will be yours.”

Jarrod’s blue eyes were piercing as he looked at Heath and Heath stared back. He then looked at Nick who wore the same expression.

“I’d never dream of…I love your wives as sisters. There’s no worry there,” Heath said and Jarrod nodded.

“Anything else?” Heath asked.

“When you do get married, for at least 6 months after we don’t engage you. Even if we go away just the 3 of us. That’s time you need to get everything established with your wife for your marriage.”

“That seems fair. And wise.I don’t have a problem with any of this.”

“I know it goes without saying but we don’t talk about this with anyone,” Nick said. “It’s no one’s business.”

“Nope. I agree.”

They finished dinner and each went to their own rooms awaking early the next morning to return to the ranch. They couldn’t resist stopping halfway and having one more quick session before returning home.

Heath stopped at the livery and paid to have Charger stabled. He then asked where he could find Carl Benton. After being pointed in the right direction, he grabbed his saddle bags and headed that way.

He approached a small home on the outskirts of town nearest the mine and knocked on the door. The sky was overcast and the temperature was beginning to fall. Heath was about to knock again when the door opened.

“Yes?”

“I’m Heath Barkley,” he introduced himself and then was ushered inside.

“Good to have you here, Mr. Barkley,” Carl said, shaking Heath’s hand.

“Please, call me Heath.”

Carl led them into an office just off of the kitchen. Heath saw a young woman with red hair walk past the kitchen door as he walked into the office. Their eyes met briefly.

Carl offered Heath a drink which he accepted putting the young woman he’d seen from his mind. The two conversed about the mine and what Heath would be doing while in town.

“We have a small house for you just down the way. It’s a bit farther out and isolated but it is closer to the mine. There’s a small barn you can use for your mount. If you’d rather, you can always stay at the hotel in town.”

Heath smiled. Living alone would be nice, he surmised. For many reasons.

“The house will do just fine. Will allow me to come and go as I please and I like the idea of being close to the mine.”

Carl nodded.

“I feel I need to tell you a few things…about the town,” Carl said. He hoped what he was about to say wouldn’t cause Heath to want to leave too soon. They needed him to get things on a better path.

“Alright,” Heath replied, wondering what he was about to be told.

Carl cleared his throat.

“The town was started by JG Hollister. He came up with some strict rules that he wants followed. There’s one saloon and no…company…is allowed to be kept there,” Carl said. At the word “company” he paused so Heath would get his meaning. Heath understood and nodded, admitting feeling a tiny bit of disappointment but it wasn’t something he would consider a deal breaker. He’d made a detour to see Mondo and get the vial refilled…and to have a visit with the man. He didn’t allow his thoughts to dwell there. He’d do that when he got to the small house later.

“JG is very opinionated and won’t put up with anything untoward. There are some single ladies in the town but unless your intention is marry one of them, it would be best if you didn’t even acknowledge them. JG has people everywhere who notice everything and report back to him. His son Jeff works at the mine and is one of the foremen.”

Heath shifted. The way Carl spoke about JG and his son Jeff made him think this could be a tougher challenge than expected. He wasn’t eager to have his every move watched.

“I’m sure there won’t be any issues though…you’re a Barkley. JG thinks a lot of the Barkleys. If he didn’t, you wouldn’t be here,” Carl assured Heath.

Heath knew Jarrod had dealt with JG over the years but his oldest brother didn’t give him any opinions one way or another about the man. Just explained what was needed and in a way Heath was glad. Jarrod was allowing him to form his own opinions.

Heath was given directions to the house where he’d be staying for the next few months. Instead of going back into town to get Charger, he’d leave him where he was for the night so Heath could check things out and make sure the barn was in good shape for his beloved horse.

The sun was beginning to set when entered the house. He closed the door and lit a lamp to take a look around. The parlor, kitchen and bedroom were all one big room. There was curtained off area that had a bed. Heath nodded and knew he’d be comfortable by himself.

He unpacked his belongings and put them in their place. The kitchen had been stocked with some dry goods and a few cans of food which Heath heated up and ate. He’d go into town the next day to stock up on what he needed. He also planned to do some hunting for fresh meat.

He undressed and lay in bed, listing things in his mind that he wanted to get done while there. He realized he’d been stroking himself and sat up. He reached over to the small table next to the bed and found the vial. He poured some of the oil in his hands and knew with just a stroke or two he’d find bliss but he wanted to prolong things.

He took his time stroking, enjoying the sensations. He told himself to be patient but he couldn’t help himself since it felt so good and soon his hand was covered in the hot, milky fluid. He got up and cleaned himself up but thought one more time wouldn’t hurt. It would help him sleep since it was his first night in a strange bed he reasoned.

Heath eventually fell asleep feeling satisfied and eager to begin his work at the mines.
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When The Fire Burns