*Author's note: This is my first attempt at fan fiction. I have had a great pleasure in writing it and have learned so much. A big thanks to my special friends and betas who have encouraged and helped me along the way!

Chapter One

You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face... You must do the thing you cannot do. —Eleanor Roosevelt

William drove Highway 95 on his ritual commute to work. His travels each day seemed to pass quickly. The hour shuttle each morning he didn't find bothersome. Today, he noticed, was an exceptionally bright and clear morning. Days like this he found it difficult to concentrate and keep focused on the drive. Escape from reality he welcomed. His thoughts drifted to her and he could no longer hear the thundering noise from the engine of his impressive F250.

Their life together... it was such a blessing, he recalled when they had first met. He was on a camp out in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. She worked at this wondrous place. Welcoming campers and warning them of the dangers of the wild animals in the park as she traveled from site to site. When she came upon William's, he was immediately smitten. Soon he found them spending all their time together. That week long stay was most memorable. Following the trip, they courted and in a few short months they were husband and wife. Oh how he loved her. They were so closely matched. She was what made him whole. The day they exchanged marriage vows was the happiest day of his life.

William remembered finding the small rental company for sale in Weiser. He presented this business opportunity to her convinced that it would help build their dreams. Together they were incredible and could accomplish anything. They opened the doors of Wilcox Rentals just a few weeks after purchase. Their company rented out a variety of equipment; yard and garden, automotive, home heath, and concession implements. William worked the counter, serviced the equipment, and took inventory at the store. She placed all the orders, handled billing, and balanced books. They were the perfect team. Their relationship was truly a partnership.

They lived in the rural nearby town of New Meadows. It required some travel to their business each morning, but they were madly in love and enjoyed every moment they had together. They relished the country setting where their little nest egg sat. It was beautiful there. Some relate to the phrase of 'God's' country when describing it. Although you would see an abundance of logging trucks traveling the State Route in the area, much of the land there was still untouched. The fir and alder were so thick it sheltered most of the wildlife in the area. On their property the deer, rabbit, and hawks roamed free. They found this house while they were courting. She had her heart set on it from first sight. The fifties era two storey farm house was a little run down. What so appealed to William was the ten acres of land upon which it sat. His passion was horses and with that amount of land he could certainly own and board his desires.

When they moved into their house, she worked so diligently on the restoration. She was happy and without complaint and that is what he loved about her. She had a strong will and determination to a fault and that's exactly what drew him to her. He trusted her with all their finances, personal and professional. William had some money when they met, an inheritance. He paid for their home and invested in their business. From there, she handled the rest. Of course she never felt it was a task. He was a provider. William would short change himself when it came to extending credit for his own personal strengths. When William wanted to prepare their land for horses, he arranged this in such a manner that it paid for itself. She was so impressed. He sold five acres of timber he had cleared from their land to the logging company. This alone paid for the land to be prepared and for the horse and their shelter. In very little time this house had become their home. It was presentable, meaningful, and a place of harmony.

"Are we there yet, are we there?" questioned the boy.

William snapped quickly from his thoughts to the back seat of his truck. He looked into those dark eyes and thought again of her. Now he looked away from the boy to compose himself before facing the child again. Once he felt in control, he turned back to the child.

His expressions and voice softened replying, "Soon Will, we'll be there soon."

William could see the excitement in the boy's face. It amazed him how this child could be so dedicated and jubilant day after day. Little Will knew this morning journey too well. He loved to spend a day with Jane and he knew that was exactly where they were going.

Jane and Charlie heard the boys coming down 'their' street each morning. William's truck could be heard from a block away in their quiet neighborhood. Jane hollered for Charlie, "Don't forget your guys' lunch." Charlie marched over to the kitchen and picked up the lunch cooler. Soon they were both at the front door. Charlie embraced Jane and lightly kissed her lips. His hands caressed her breasts as his lips lowered and grazed her neck. Swiftly the front door swung open and there were the Darcys. Jane rapidly tidied and straightened her blouse, blushing as Will was pleading for her attention instantly with outstretched arms. William kissed the boy atop of his head and handed him to Jane with a regard of gratitude. Charlie grabbed his work stuff and handed the cooler to William. On his way out the door, he gave Jane a quick peck on the cheek. The endearing term 'I love you' was exchanged between husband and wife.

Once Charlie and William were gone, Jane turned her attention to Will. She was more excited for tomorrow than the boy.

"How old will you be tomorrow, birthday boy?" She quizzed him.

Will held up one finger with a broad grin on his face. "ONE!" He bellowed.

Jane corrected him. "You will be two, Will."

As Jane was speaking, she also manipulated the boy's fingers so that two were now up.

"TWO!" shouted Will.

"Yes, that's right. Tomorrow you will be two," she affirmed.

Jane loved Will as if he were her own. She watched Will each day while Charlie and William were at work. This proved to be a suitable arrangement for them all. She could hardly believe that two years had nearly passed. She gazed back at the child who was now focused on his favorite toy, an abacus.