Summary: Ben took the leadership of his wagon train when the group decided to keep moving to Fort Laramie after the tragedy at Ash Hollow. With their journey nearly complete, Ben rides ahead to make arrangements with the cavalry at the fort, leaving others to move the wagons the 15 miles from the final campsite. He’s excited to see his group arrive, but soon realizes all is not well.
Rating: K Word Count: 16,263
My apologies, I uploaded this story during December and forgot to press Publish.
Summary: Each year at Christmas a beautiful lady graces the Cartwright’s Ponderosa ranch house. From her post high atop their tree the little angel with cornflower yellow hair watches them. A smile lights her face for she knows that, without her, Ben Cartwright’s life would have been very different…
Word count: 7489
Rated: G
SUMMARY: Sheriff Roy Coffee played Santa for a benefit and noticed the Cartwrights weren’t there. When he found out why and went to the ranch, he found out how important a role Santa can play in giving a gift of his wisdom.
Rating = PG Word count = 2740
Summary: Each member of the family is important. The absence of just one or two is greatly felt, especially during the Christmas season. Ben reflects on the changes the year has brought while someone else makes a special request. A prequel story.
Rating: G
Word count: 1,253 words
Summary: While Hop Sing is away for a few days, Little Joe persuades Hoss to help with a surprise for their father and Adam.
Rating: K Word Count: 3695
Summary: The Ponderosa sets the stage for a kangaroo court that puts Ben on trial and puts a pubescent Joe through a whole lot of trouble.
Rated: T Word Count: 14,000
Summary: While Ben and young Adam are making their way west, they make a brief stop in Germantown, Ohio. An unusual festival is in progress when they arrive. Set in approximately 1834 or 1835.
Rating: K WC: 1419
Summary: A slight mishap brings the old Indian blanket that hangs on the stair rail to Joe Cartwright’s attention. His questions bring odd looks and just a little bit of pain. When his Pa breaks down and tells him the story of how the blanket came to be there and what it means, Joe realizes he will never look at his mother the same way again.
Rated PG-13
Word count: 17,653
Summary: Marie would do anything to protect her sons, anything…including this.
Rating: K+
Word Count: 737
SUMMARY: A prequel story in which a fishing trip by two young brothers is the catalyst for an important father/son conversation.
Rating = pg Word count = 2533