Here's the last chapter a fourth brother added to the bond. It's very short but seemed an appropriate way to end.
Vickie
Chapter 6
They stayed huddled together until Heath was almost asleep more tired from the release of emotions than from the early hour and lack of sleep. The two older men helped the younger to his feet and each wrapped an arm around his waist. They ascended the staircase each of the older men clasping the arm of the other still wrapped around Heath's back as they escorted the youngest to his room.
Nick tucked the blanket around the blond and then lay down on top of the covers; keeping watch over the younger man.
Eugene heard his three older brothers ascend the stairs. He grew concerned when he peaked out of his room and saw Heath being helped to his room. Not knowing what had happened but knowing they'd spent considerable time in the study he decided they must have been speaking about the war. He followed them into Heath's room and helped by covering up his blond brother. He didn't ask questions, he remembered Nick's promise to tell him about the war when the time was right. Heath's obvious exhaustion told him that wasn't now; so he held his peace. He nodded at both Nick and Jarrod and somehow words weren't needed. He brought over a chair from near the window and settled into it; just wanting to be with the older men.
Jarrod, reluctant to leave the younger men he shared so much with, he drew the remaining overstuffed chair near the side of the bed where the blond was about to drop off to sleep. "Night Nick, Eugene, night kid," he said caressing the blond's cheek with his palm. The younger men returned his good night and soon the only sound in the room was the peaceful soft breathing of the four men sleeping.
Heath awoke just before dawn to the sight of his brother Jarrod in the chair by his bed and the sound of a buzz saw assaulting his ears. He flushed red when he realized his best friends; his brothers had stayed with him the rest of the night. Trying to get up without waking the older men; Heath nearly jumped out of his skin when Jarrod asked, "Time to get up?"
"Naw, you can sleep another half hour. I'm gonna go watch the sunrise," answered the blonde.
"Let's all go," suggested Nick having woken when he heard his brothers speaking softly.
They threw on their clothes and headed down the back stairs to the kitchen. There they found Eugene waiting for them and Silas ready with a steaming mug of coffee and a biscuit sandwich for each of them. "Can I come watch the sunrise with you?" asked Eugene in a tone that was at once hopeful but sure that his brothers would refuse; worrying that they just been too exhausted to kick him out of Heath's room during the night.
"Glad to have you boy. What ya waitin on an engraved invitation?" bellowed Nick.
All the brothers laughed and Silas just shook his head and herded them out the door so he could continue his breakfast preparations.
The four Barkley men walked to Heath's favorite spot to watch the sunrise. This morning's sunrise seemed to outdo itself. Perhaps it knew it was shining on the sunrise of a bond that could never be broken. Whatever the reason, all four brothers were amazed by the spectacular display that nature bestowed on them.
