I believe as time went on, beginning with the Adam storyline and growing there after, Barnbas became quite fond of Julia. He realized what a good friend she was and all she had done to help him, even when he did not deserve that help. I think it was a fondness that sort of slipped up on him. At first she was just a doctor, which he claimed early on is all she could ever be to him. Then she became a need alley. Then as she did more for him, never exposing his secret, she became a trusted friend. As she did more for him and took chances for him, like going back to 1897 to help him and coming to P T. to save his life, he began to realize and appreciate that she was more than just a friend...she was his best friend. I don't think he loved her in the romantic sense of the word, but he loved her as a very treasured person and special friend. Their relationship was unusual and rare. Despite the deeper feelings that Julia had for him which I don't think he shared for her, they managed to not let that come between them and instead developed a bond stronger than even some people have in a romantic relationship. They depended on one another on so many levels. It was unlike any other relationship in any other soap I remember seeing.
raholt