Summary:  A continuation of Adam and Becky.

Rating  T   (9,150 words)

Memories of Love Series:

Memories of Love
The Future of Love
Love’s Rewards
A Time to Heal
The Unlooked for Saviour
To Rage in Heaven

Memories of Love #2 – The Future of Love
Chapter One

Becky Anderson was riding back towards the Ponderosa. She had left there only a few hours earlier, spending just enough time at her home to bathe, and change her clothes. Now she was anxious to get back to Adam Cartwright, the man she was going to marry. She had sat at his bedside for two days, keeping watch over his semi conscious form.

The cougar that had attacked him had left Adam with injuries that resulted in him slipping into a coma, and it was Becky’s intervention that had brought him out of it. She had stayed with him, sitting unmovable at his bedside, as he fought his way back to consciousness. Now she was returning, still feeling the need to be near him.

As she pulled up, Adam’s father came out to greet her.

“Hello, my dear, how are you this morning?” Ben asked, putting his strong hands on her shoulders and kissing her on the cheek. His dark eyes were sparkling beneath his grey hair, as she had not seen them do since Adam had been injured.

“I’m fine, how’s Adam?” Becky asked.

“A little better. But come in and see for yourself.” Ben invited, and she followed him into the house. Ben’s younger sons, Hoss and Joe, were sitting there and they rose when they saw who had arrived. They well knew and appreciated what Becky had done for their brother. They smiled and went over to greet her.

Hop Sing, the Cartwright’s housekeeper, was just coming out of the kitchen carrying a breakfast tray, ready to take it up to Adam. At Ben’s urging Becky followed Hop Sing up to Adam’s room. She couldn’t carry the tray because her left arm was in a sling, the result of an accident over a week before.

Adam was in bed, propped up by pillows, apparently asleep. He opened his eyes as he became aware of someone in the room, and smiled when he saw who it was. The smile did not quite reach his eyes, which were tight with pain.

When she had left him he was barely conscious, and she was pleased to see this slight improvement.

“Good morning,” she said brightly, “Hop Sing has brought you some breakfast.”

The Chinese cook put they tray down on the bed while Becky leant over to kiss Adam gently on the cheek. Becky looked at his face and saw that he was still pale, his face with only a little more colour than the bandage round his head.

Hop Sing watched the exchange, a satisfied grin on his face, and then left them alone.

Adam gazed at Becky. “I thought I dreamt that you were here, but Pa tells me he couldn’t get you to leave, and that I have you to thank for bringing me back to life.” He said slowly, his voice reverberating in his head, accentuating his discomfort. He drank in the sight of her, feeling again the thrill of having her close. The depth of love he felt for this woman surpassed even the pain he felt in his head and shoulders.

“Well I guess that makes us even.” Laughed Becky, remembering the way they had met, when Adam had rescued her from the wreck of her wagon, which had crashed off the trail in the mountains, leaving her with a broken arm. “Do you remember anything I said?” She wanted to know.

“Not much, it was like a dream. I don’t know what was real and what I may have imagined.” He closed his eyes, the effort of speaking left him dizzy, but he would put up with that to be able to talk to Becky.

Becky sat on the chair at the side of the bed and took Adam’s hand in hers.

“Then you probably don’t remember me telling you that I would marry you.”

Adam opened his eyes and stared at her. When, in his stupor, he had heard the words he had fought his way back to consciousness, but then the pain of his injuries had struck him, and he had thought that perhaps he had imagined it.

“Do you mean it? You didn’t say it just to wake me up?” Adam asked, the doubt obvious in his voice. He wanted it to be true, but he didn’t want Becky to commit herself to him simply because of what had happened.

“No, I mean it. I want to be your wife.” Becky assured him.

“Kiss me.” He ordered gently, and she rose and kissed him lightly. Adam wanted desperately to hold her close, but he could not raise his arms. When the cat had attacked him, it had buried its teeth in one shoulder, and the other had hit the ground when he fell from his horse, breaking his collarbone, the fall also fracturing his skull. He felt tears of frustration burn in his eyes. She looked into his face and saw the tears, and brushed them away gently with her fingers.

“Don’t, please, everything’s going to be all right, you just have to give it time. Now, how about something to eat?” Suddenly Becky laughed. “We’re a right pair, aren’t we, only one good hand between us.” Adam smiled, loving her for trying to lighten his mood.

Adam managed a few mouthfuls of the lightly scrambled eggs that Hop Sing had made, then he lay back exhausted, and fell asleep.

Becky sat with him, watching over him, longing for him to be well, and dreaming of their future together.
Chapter Two

One morning a week later, the doctor said Adam was well enough to be allowed to venture downstairs for a little while. His right arm was in a sling to support his shoulder, and his head was still bandaged, visible reminders that he was not yet healed. The trip downstairs left him dizzy and shaking, but as Adam sat on the sofa in front of the large fireplace in the living room, with Becky beside him, he said nothing, just delighted to be able to get out of the confines if his room. She had rarely left his side, and now she sat quietly, delighted at the sight of him getting better.

As Ben sat working at his desk, his gaze went constantly to his son, alive and well, and talking in soft murmurs to the woman beside him. Ben saw them both nod as they agreed about something, and then Adam turned to his father.

“Pa, would you come over here for a moment?” Adam asked, and Ben shut the ledger he was working on, glad of the distraction. He rose and went to sit in the leather armchair beside the sofa, pouring himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the low table in front him before he sat down.

“Pa, I…that is we, Becky and I, want to tell you that we are planning to get married.”

Ben’s broad smile encompassed them both.

“Son, I’m delighted.” He said, and then standing, went over to Becky and lifted her to her feet and embraced her. He sat down on the coffee table in front of his son, and held Adam’s hand. “You couldn’t have chosen a better woman, you are very fortunate.”

Adam looked at Becky, then back to his father. “Yes, I know.”

Ben turned to Becky. “Becky, my dear, I have seen how you have cared for Adam these past days. It is mainly due to you that he is here with us now. I will be eternally grateful to you for that, and I am proud to welcome you to our family. I hope that you will be very happy.”

“Thank you, Ben. What I did was done because I love Adam very much, as I know he loves me.” She looked at Adam, who smiled at her and squeezed her hand to assure her that what she said was true.

“Becky,” Said Adam, “ I do love you and hope that I can prove worthy of you.”

“Well,” said Ben, “This calls for a celebration.” And he went to the kitchen to find Hop Sing. Five minutes later he reappeared, carrying a tray on which was a bottle of champagne and three glasses. Ben poured them each a drink, and handing one to Adam and Becky, raised his glass.

“I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you Pa.” Said Adam and sipped his drink.

“Thank you Ben.” Added Becky. And then turning to Adam said, “I don’t think you should drink too much of that, remember your head.”

“Oh no, you’re not going to start nagging me already are you.” Said Adam sighing, but smiling. But he put down his glass, knowing she was right.

At that moment they heard horses in the yard outside, and a minute later Hoss and Joe appeared through the front door.

“What’s the celebration?” Joe wanted to know as he spied the champagne.

“Your brother’s getting married.” Said Ben

“Doggone, you mean it?” Exclaimed Hoss, coming to stand beside his father.

“Yes, that’s right.” Confirmed Adam.

“Well that bang on the head sure didn’t spoil your judgement any.” Laughed Joe, who was about to slap Adam on the shoulder when he remembered his brother’s injuries, and patted his arm instead. Hop Sing had heard the brothers arrive and came in with more glasses. He was about to leave when Ben told him the news.

“Vehy good, Mitta Adam, vehy happy for you.” Said Hop Sing, bowing. Adam bowed his head in return and Hop Sing left, he was already starting to plan in his mind the arrangements that would have to be made.

They all toasted Adam and Becky again, and with laughter and good wishes, discussed the future, until Adam suddenly felt tired and announced that he was going to his room to rest.

Becky went up with him, and when he lay down on the bed, she pulled his boots off for him and covered him with a blanket.

“Your family are wonderful Adam, I love them all.”

“Not too much I hope.” He said, and with an effort he slipped off the sling, then put his arms up and pulled her towards him. He kissed her deeply and then fell back onto the pillows. She stood holding his hand while he fell asleep.

The wedding became the main topic of conversation around the house. Adam and Becky had settled on September 25th for the ceremony. Becky wanted to invite her sister, who was her only living relative, and she would have to make the journey from Chicago. It would also allow Becky and Andrea to spend a little time together before the wedding.

As Adam slowly recovered, he spent all his spare time with Becky, waiting for the time when he could again take up his full duties about the Ponderosa.

They were sitting together one evening on the swing seat on her front porch, as was their habit.

“Where do you want to live, after we’re married?” Adam asked.

“We could live here.” Suggested Becky a little nervously, not knowing quite what Adam had in mind.

“I could build you a new home, if you like.” Adam suggested. While he would be happy to live in Becky’s house, he wanted her to have the choice.

“But there’s no need. This house is here, and the ranch, and if we don’t live here I would have to sell it.” Becky argued.

“That’s settled then. My father has asked me what I intend to do after we’re married. I think he would like me to help him still at the Ponderosa.”

“Of course. This place isn’t big enough to keep you occupied, and if your father needs your help then I think you should agree. Besides, running this ranch is what I came out here for, it will give me something to do while you’re busy helping your father. But I don’t want you to live in my house.” Adam raised his eyebrows in question. Becky took hold of Adam’s hand and continued, “No, I want this to be your house, I want to give you the ranch.”

“You can’t, it’s yours, you bought it. It’s what you came out here to do.” Adam insisted.

“Yes, but I don’t want you to feel that it is not your home, and the best way to do that is for you to own it.” Becky argued.

“Then let me suggest something. I will buy the house and the land it stands on, but you keep the ranch.”

“All right.” Becky agreed. “That sounds fair. Then when you want to throw me out, I will stand in front of the house hurling curses at you and you will not be able to get rid of me.”

“My darling, I would never throw you out, unless of course you refuse to obey my every whim.” He looked at her with mock seriousness.

“In which case I would have to maroon you here, refusing you access to my land, until you starved to death.” She returned his serious look.

“Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea after all. Maybe I should buy a strip of land between here and the Ponderosa, so I can make my escape.”

”Oh no, you’re not going to be able to get away that easily.” She said and they laughed together. Then Adam became thoughtful.

“You do realise that sometimes you might be in direct competition with the Ponderosa.”

“I think that Ben need not worry about a tiny outfit like mine, but if it comes to that I expect you to give me your full support.” She teased.

“I think that if it happens, I might have to find some urgent business in San Francisco, and let the two of you fight it out. I’ll just come back to pick up the pieces of the loser.” Adam laughed.

“OK, it’s a deal.”

They sat for a moment in silence.

“When does your sister get here, I’m anxious to meet her?” Asked Adam.

“She should be here on Thursday. Will you come into town with me to meet her?”

“Of course, and I’ll give you both dinner at the International House, as a welcome for Andrea. What’s she like?” Adam was curious to know whether the two sisters were anything alike.

“She’s three years older than me, but has never married. She teaches English in a girl’s school in Chicago. She’s very independent, I suppose that’s why she has never found anyone to share her life, no one quite comes up to her standard. But I remember her as being a lot of fun.”

“When did you last see her?”

“It was at Robert’s funeral.” Said Becky and a faraway look came into her eyes as she remembered her late husband, and she didn’t speak for a minute. “Oh Adam, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You must never apologise to me for remembering Robert. You loved him, I don’t expect you ever to forget that, or the years you spent with him. I just hope that I can make you as happy as he obviously did.”

Becky turned to look at Adam, wondering how one man could be so understanding of her love for another. She leant towards him.

“Adam you will never have any idea of how much I love you.”

“Perhaps not,” he said, smiling, “But I hope that one day you will show me.”

They kissed, each dreaming of the life they would spend together, and then they sat in silence, watching the sun sink behind the far peaks of the sierras, their faces bathed in the fiery light of the sunset.
Chapter Three

Thursday found Adam and Becky in Virginia City. Adam had picked Becky up in the buggy and now they were sitting in the hotel, drinking coffee, and waiting for the afternoon stage. When they heard it arrive, they went outside and crossed over to the depot as the passengers began alighting. Suddenly Becky cried out as a woman descended the steps. She was very like Becky in looks, dark and slim, but there the similarity ended. Where Becky had a lightness about her, Andrea looked stern, and disdainful of this backwater. The sisters approached one another and Andrea presented her cheek for a kiss, which Becky gave her. Then stepping back, Becky introduced Adam.

“Andrea, I would like you to meet my fiancé, Adam Cartwright.”

Adam held out his hand, which Andrea shook limply, not really taking any notice of him.

“Welcome to Virginia City, Miss Stanley.” He said politely, only the slightest smile touching his face. At the sound of his voice, Andrea looked at him and her eyes widened. She saw a handsome man, his serious demeanour emphasised by his dark clothing. Where on earth had Rebecca found such a man in this God forsaken hole? she wondered.

“I thought that we could have some dinner, before we go back to the ranch.” Adam suggested, and Andrea nodded, still observing him.

“That might be very nice.” She said, thinking that the food would be awful, but accepting the invitation, for her sister’s sake.

Andrea saw the hotel opposite and started off towards it, leaving Adam to collect her bags. Becky looked at him and shrugged, and Adam smiled back at her.

“It’s all right, you go ahead.” He said, “I’ll catch you up.”

Becky went with her sister, into the hotel and a few minutes later Adam joined them in the dining room. Andrea looked at the menu, wondering what would be edible. She turned to Adam.

“Perhaps you would tell me what is the best thing to order? I am not familiar with the food here.” Andrea looked at Adam, encouraging him to help her.

Adam laughed, “Well, it’s the same food you might eat on Chicago, only I suspect the ingredients may be fresher. Most of it is produced right here, on local smallholdings and ranches. So I would recommend some beef. I have to admit I am prejudiced, my family supply their meat.”

“You have a ranch then?” Asked Andrea.

“Adam’s family own the biggest ranch west of Texas.” Said Becky, feeling that she had to let Andrea know that his family were not merely small time cattlemen.

“Really.” Said Andrea, this man was becoming more interesting.

“Yes, they have five thousand head on the ranch at the moment.” Said Becky. Adam looked at her, pleased that she had remembered what he had told her

“My goodness, I would like to see that. The only time I ever see a cow is when one escapes from the stockyards. The chaos that causes brings that part of the city to a standstill.” Andrea laughed and her face changed completely, becoming more attractive, Adam thought, more like Becky.

“Well, they roam free on the Ponderosa, we round them up twice a year, and try to keep them on the grazing land the rest of the time, but we have to go in search of strays when they wander too far. If you would like to see some of my home I’d be glad to show you.”

“Yes, I think I would like that. If you have time.” Said Andrea.

“Perhaps tomorrow then, if you are not too tired from your trip, we could take a picnic up to the north pasture.” Adam looked at Becky for her approval.

“That sounds delightful, thank you.” Replied Andrea.

They spent the rest of a surprisingly pleasant meal talking about the country round Virginia City, and Andrea told Adam about her life as a teacher. He mentioned her that he had spent three years studying in Boston, which left Andrea speechless. This was not what she expected of someone from this uncivilised part of the country.

By the end of the meal, Adam had revised his opinion of Andrea. She seemed interested in the ranching life and in the people concerned. Adam was interested in her work and she was happy to discuss it with him. Becky looked on, pleased that her sister and fiancé were getting on so well. But then it was time to leave, and Adam drove them all back to Becky’s house.

The following day as arranged, Adam came to take them to see some of the Ponderosa. They rode up into the hills and through the forest, enjoying the sunshine. Adam explained to Andrea about the logging business that they ran, showing her the next stand of trees to be cut, and telling her about his father’s insistence on replacing the trees they felled.

“But there’s so many trees here, why bother to replace them?” Asked Andrea.

“Because we want there still to be a forest here in a hundred years. We have this land for now, but we have to think of the future, what will be here for our children and their children.” Explained Adam.

“Oh, I see.” Said Andrea thoughtfully. She looked at Adam, not only good looking and intelligent, but caring as well she decided.

They rode on until they came upon the herd of cattle grazing contentedly. They dismounted, and Adam explained to Andrea about the cattle she was seeing, their care, and the difficulties associated with having their welfare to look after, and what would eventually happen to them. Becky had wandered a little way off, since she had bought the cattle from the Ponderosa, she looked at them with a more educated eye, and was searching out individual animals and studying their form.

Andrea and Adam were walking towards her when Andrea stumbled. She reached out to Adam to stop herself falling, and he put his hand out to catch her. Suddenly he found Andrea’s arms round his waist, and she was looking up at him. He held her shoulders and made sure that she was safe.

“Oh dear, I really must be more careful. I suppose I’m not used to walking on such rough ground. Thank you.” She said, glancing at Adam. She had felt his strong arms hold her and a thrill went through her.

“You’re right, you must take care, you don’t want to get hurt this far from help.” He said politely. “Let’s join Becky.”

They stood and looked at the cattle for a while, and then Adam suggested that it was time for lunch. He led them to a favourite spot that he knew in the forest, on a rise overlooking part of the ranch, beside a small stream. He lit a fire and put some water on to heat.

They ate lunch and were sitting relaxing, drinking their coffee and enjoying the scenery.

“This is very beautiful,” said Andrea, “But Becky, how can you bury yourself in this wilderness, Chicago had so much to offer, music and culture, everything a civilised person could want?” She addressed Becky, but she was looking at Adam to see his reaction, which was as expected.

“That is something we miss out here.” He said regretfully, then to her dismay added, “But then we can go to San Francisco for all those things.”

“But in Chicago you can have it all on your doorstep.” Andrea said, pushing her argument.

“But then here we have all this on our doorstep.” Adam swept the view with his arm as he made the comment.

Becky joined in, “I love it here. I have had all I need of culture for the moment, and I am enjoying the freedom of this land.” She looked across at Adam who smiled at her, knowing what she meant and agreeing with her.

Andrea gave up this line of argument, these two were obviously mad, to want this instead of civilisation. She rose and went to the edge of the trees, where she could see the view spread out before her. Adam and Becky joined her and she looked round at them.

“What is down there?” Andrea asked pointing to an area where the trees were thinner.

“That’s where we were logging three months ago. You can see where the trees are thinned out, but in amongst that are new trees waiting to take the place of the old.” Explained Adam. He stepped forward, looking round at Andrea. “Beyond that is the meadow we have just come from, and in the distance you can just see the house.

Andrea took a couple of steps forward to come and stand beside him, studying the area he was describing. Adam felt her lean against him lightly. He raised his eyebrows, but said nothing, he just stepped back and went to stand beside Becky. Perhaps Andrea would take the hint.

Late in the afternoon they rode back to Becky’s house, where Adam left them, explaining that he had neglected his day’s work and had to go back and make up some of the time.

“Don’t work too hard.” Becky warned him. “I don’t want you making yourself ill again.”

Adam brushed her cheek with his lips, aware of Andrea looking on.

“Don’t worry, Pa won’t let me. I still have to argue with him to let me do anything.” Adam mounted Sport and waved at them as he left.

“What’s wrong with Adam?” Asked Andrea, wondering at the exchange between them. “He doesn’t look ill.”

“It’s only just over a month ago that he was attacked by a cougar. His other injuries are just about healed, but he fractured his skull, and that is going to take a lot longer.” Becky explained to her sister as they went back into the house. “He still gets quite severe headaches if he tires himself, fortunately he usually sleeps them off.”

“He seemed perfectly all right to me.” Observed Andrea.

“He hides it very well, but Adam still has a long way to go before he’s fully fit.”

“I see.” Said Andrea, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “Did you say that you had to go into Virginia City again tomorrow?”

“Yes, I have some business at the bank.” Confirmed Becky. “Do you want to come with me?”

“No, I think I’ll stay here. Today has been quite tiring, and after the journey I could do with a quiet day.” And with that, she yawned and announced that she thought she would retire early.

Becky watched her go with uneasy thoughts. She had seen how Adam had looked at her sister when they were discussing books they had both read, and the operas they had seen. Andrea’s job meant that she was more widely read than her sister, and Becky had never really liked opera, preferring orchestral music. Becky shook her head. It was ridiculous to be jealous of her sister, and she chided herself, remembering how generous Adam had been when she remembered Robert.

Becky eventually went to bed, and dreamed of Adam lying beside her.
Chapter Four

The next morning Becky left for Virginia City. Andrea said that she would just stay quietly at home, perhaps exploring the woods behind the house. Becky had not been gone long when Adam appeared.

“I’m sorry, Becky’s gone into town, but she should be back soon. Would you like to wait for her?” Andrea asked, opening the door to let him enter.

“Yes, if you don’t mind. I didn’t know she was not going to be here.” He had taken off his hat and was fingering the brim nervously.

“Never mind, I’m sure that we can find something to occupy us until she gets back. Perhaps you would like to go for a walk. I was going to explore the woods behind the house, would you come with me?” Andrea invited.

“If you like. You really shouldn’t venture too far alone, you know.” Adam was dubious about being alone for too long with Andrea, but if Becky was expected back soon, there could be no harm in it.

Andrea went into the house and changed into a pair of Becky’s trousers. She was not used to wearing such clothing, but when she looked in the mirror, she realised that they flattered her trim figure. She went out to join Adam on the porch.

“Let’s go.” She said, leading the way into the woods.

They walked for some way, Adam naming many of the flowers they saw, and pointing out different species of tree. As they climbed, pine trees began to dominate the forest, and Adam explained that the Ponderosa was named for the soft pines that grew thickly on the ranch. Andrea showed interest in everything he told her, asking questions and, to her surprise, she enjoyed finding out about the country.

As they climbed higher Adam began to feel his legs weakening with the unaccustomed exercise, and his head had begun to ache. As they ascended, the slope became steeper and Adam was breathing heavily. He stopped and suggested that they aught to return to the house. Andrea looked at him and pleaded to be allowed to get to the top of the hill, and Adam reluctantly agreed. By the time they reached the top Adam’s head was pounding, and he knew it had been a mistake to climb so far.

Having reached the summit Andrea didn’t want to stay there for long, but turned and started back down almost immediately, with Adam following. When again they were back at the house, Adam collapsed into the swing seat. The pain in his head beat at him, and he had to force his eyes to focus. Andrea showed concern, and sat down beside him. Adam leant his elbow on the arm of the seat and rested his head on his hand, and Andrea saw that he was quickly asleep.

Gently, so as not to wake him, she moved his head until it was resting on her shoulder, and put his arm across her lap. They stayed like that until Andrea heard a horse approaching, then she lifted Adam’s head slowly and kissed him.

Adam was deeply asleep, and dreaming. He could see Becky standing in front of him, her arms outstretched towards him, wanting him to come to her. Her hair flared behind her as though driven by a slight breeze, which played across her blue dress, sending waves through the material, so that she looked as though she was dancing without moving. There was an aura surrounding her, a light that shone with her goodness, and he felt the love she had for him radiating from that light and bathing him in its glow. He reached out his hand towards her, and could see that he too was enveloped in a luminescence, but where Becky’s was golden, his was silver. As he reached out to touch her, the two lights met and joined and became something more, a shining incandescence that bound them together. Adam bent to kiss her.

Becky rode into the yard and came to a standstill as she saw the scene before her on the porch. Her sister and her fiancé in each other’s arms, kissing!

The sound of hoof beats made Adam stir, and at first he did not know where he was, the remnant of the dream was still with him. He felt the kiss on his lips, but Becky was standing in front of him. Then the dream vanished, and he realised only that he was there with Andrea, and he pulled his head back quickly, screwing up his eyes at the pain the movement caused.

“Adam!” Exclaimed Becky, putting the back of her hand to her mouth as tears threatened to fall. “How could you?!”

Adam stood quickly, swaying slightly as his vision narrowed with the sudden movement, but Becky rushed past him into the house. He followed her, and she turned as he entered the room.

“Adam I thought you loved me.” She cried. “But I see that I was mistaken. Please go, just leave, I don’t want you here ever again. JUST GET OUT!” She finished shouting, shaking with anger.

“Becky, please, I don’t know what happened. I…” He stood helplessly, arms outstretched.

“You don’t! Well I do. I’ve seen you looking at Andrea, staying close to her. And then the minute my back is turned you…you…” Becky was unable to speak she was so angry and hurt.

Adam approached her, “Becky, please believe me, it’s you I love not Andrea. I truly don’t know how it happened. You can’t think that I would ever betray you. Not with Andrea or anyone else. I love you.” He tried to reason with her. Surely, she couldn’t believe anything else.

“Get away from me. GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE!” Becky shouted, turning her back on him. Adam stood irresolute for a moment.

“Becky, I’ll come back tomorrow when you are calmer, we have to talk.” He would go, but he wasn’t going to give Becky up without a fight. He would try to work out in his mind what had happened, and then he would have to try to explain it to Becky.

She stood with her back to Adam, and he could see her shoulders rise and fall as she took deep breaths, calming herself, and then she turned back towards him. The anger had been replaced by an icy stare, and she shook her head.

“Adam, I don’t ever want to see you again. If we pass in the street I don’t want to talk to you, I want nothing to do with you, do you understand?” She said, her mouth hardly moving with the words, her lips drawn thin in anger.

Adam wanted to go to her to take her in his arms and tell her that it was a mistake, and that everything would be all right. But he could see that it was no use at this moment. He hung his head, and went out onto the porch where Andrea was waiting for him.

“I hope you know what you’ve done.” He said to her bitterly.

“I have done nothing,” she said innocently, “I only responded to your approaches.”

Adam was so mad that he could not speak, he just stood staring at Andrea breathing heavily, then mounted Sport and left.

All the way home he could think of nothing else but Becky’s words, and the hurt in her eyes. He would have given anything to take that hurt away, but she was not going to let him. Although he couldn’t explain what had caused him to kiss Andrea, he became angry with himself for letting it happen. His head throbbed, every step that Sport took resounded in his brain, until he couldn’t think straight. As he dismounted in front of his home, he saw his father coming out of the house. Adam was about to speak to him when a searing pain shot through his head, then the world went black and he collapsed.

Ben saw Adam come into the yard and was going over to welcome him home, when suddenly he saw Adam fall and lay still. Ben rushed to him, and could see that he was unconscious. He called to Hoss, who was in the barn, to come quickly and help him.

“What the Devil happened, Pa?” Hoss asked concerned, as he lifted his brother in his strong arms and carried him into the house.

“I don’t know. He just rode in and then he fell. Lay him on the sofa.” Hoss did as instructed and Ben examined his son. He could find no injury to justify Adam’s condition, and sat down on the table, bewildered.

“Hoss, send one of the men for the doctor, quickly.” Hoss went to do his father’s bidding. While he was gone, Adam stirred. Ben put his hand on his son’s shoulder.

“It’s all right son, don’t move.”

Adam looked round, surprised to find himself at home. His head still hurt and he was finding it difficult to concentrate. The last thing he remembered was leaving Becky’s house. The memory was clear and painful and he closed his eyes, hoping that it was a dream and he would soon wake up. But when he opened his eyes again the memory was still there.

“Pa, something’s happened. Becky thinks I don’t love her, she told me to leave, that she never wants to see me again. Pa, what am I going to do?” Said Adam, his eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“What do you mean, what happened?” Ben was upset to see his son so distraught.

Adam explained about Andrea, and how Becky found them when she returned.

“Did you kiss her?” Ben asked, trying to get at the truth of the matter. He would be surprised if Adam had done such a thing, but then attraction had no logic.

“Well, yes, but I don’t know how it happened. We had been for a walk, and then my head started hurting, and I think I fell asleep. And then when I woke up…” Adam was too upset to complete his explanation.

“Well, don’t worry about it now, just get some rest.” Ben was concerned at Adam’s admission of guilt.

“How can I rest?” Said Adam trying to sit up, but his father put a restraining hand on his shoulder, and Adam lay back again.

“You’re not moving from there until Paul has had a look at you.” Ben insisted, and turned to Hoss who had come back and was standing beside the sofa. “You make sure he doesn’t move.” Hoss nodded and sat beside Adam like a benign Cerberus.

Adam lay with his forearm over his eyes, but behind the closed lids all he could see was Becky’s face, and the hurt he had caused. Slowly he succumbed to the tiredness he felt, and his arm dropped onto his chest as he fell asleep. Ben covered him with a blanket, and sat with him until the doctor arrived.

Paul Martin woke Adam so that he could examine him thoroughly.

“Adam, have you taken any unusual exercise, done anything that would make you overtired?”

Adam thought back to the climb that he had made with Andrea. “Well I walked to the top of the hill behind Becky’s house. It did make my head hurt, and I was tired when we returned.”

“That’s quite a climb.” Said Paul, nodding. “That would do it.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Ben.

Paul explained that the effort involved in such a climb could cause Adam to have a relapse, that his head injury was not healed yet, and over exertion might cause periods of unconsciousness. The doctor instructed Adam to rest until he could return to examine him again.

“Paul,” Adam said, “Would it make me fall deeply asleep, so that I wouldn’t wake up easily?” Adam had an idea forming about what must have happened.

“Yes, quite possibly. Now you rest. Ben I don’t want him doing anything, except lying there or in bed, for at least twenty-four hours. Do you understand?” He finished looking at Adam sternly.

“Yes, I hear you.” Confirmed Adam, only too willing not to move for the moment.

“Don’t worry, Paul, I’ll make sure he does as he’s told.” Said Ben also looking at his son with eyes that said he wouldn’t be disobeyed.
Chapter Five

Adam was lying in bed when Hoss and Joe knocked and entered. Joe was carrying a tray with a late lunch for Adam on it, and he set it down, settling himself on the end of the bed to make sure that his brother ate something. Hoss sat in the chair, looking at Adam.

“What happened?” Hoss wanted to know.

Adam’s brows drew together, he didn’t want to talk about it.

“Come on brother, tell.” Said Joe.

“Leave it, will you?” Said Adam. He was upset enough without having to explain it to his brothers.

“No we won’t. You love Becky and she loves you, this is ridiculous. How could she think that you would want anyone else?” Joe stood up and started to pace the floor.

“She had cause.” Was all that Adam would say.

“Dadburn it Adam. Will you just tell us what happened? Perhaps we can help.” Hoss knew that it was difficult to get their brother to open up, but they were not going to let it rest.

“Adam, Hoss is right. Tell us, perhaps talking about it will help you to see a way round it.” Joe said reasonably.

Adam thought about it for a minute, he wasn’t really sure what had happened. Perhaps after all he could get it clear in his own mind if he shared it with his brothers.

“I went over to Becky’s this morning,” he started slowly, thinking back, “But she wasn’t there, she’d gone into town. Andrea was there though, and she suggested that we go for a walk. I didn’t think it would hurt, so I agreed. We went up the hill at the back of the house. I wanted to stop because my head was beginning to ache, but Andrea insisted that she wanted to go to the top, but once we got there…” Adam stopped speaking, he suddenly realised what Andrea had been planning. He looked intently at his brothers and said quickly. “Once we got there she didn’t want to look at the view or stay there, she turned right around, and we came back down again.”

“Did she know you weren’t feeling well?” Asked Joe still pacing, thinking about what Adam had said.

“I don’t know, maybe. As soon as I sat down I think I fell asleep, then Becky was there, and I was kissing Andrea, but I don’t know how that happened.” He shook his head, puzzled. Had Andrea planned the whole thing? Would Becky believe it, when she had seen his betrayal with her own eyes? Was it right to tell her that her sister was trying to come between them? If Becky didn’t believe him it would only drive her further away, perhaps out of his reach forever.

“Andrea knew you wasn’t well, the varmint planned it.” Said Hoss rising and pacing the floor angrily. Hoss was slow to anger, but once roused could be dangerous. “If’n I get my hands on her, she’s going to regret ever taking breath.”

“Hoss, calm down.” Said Adam reasonably. “You’re not going to touch her.”

“No,” said Joe who had stopped pacing, leaving the floor to Hoss, and instead leant on the end of the bed. “But Hoss is right, we need to get this sorted, and Andrea is the key. Leave it to us Adam.” He said standing straight and heading towards the door, motioning to Hoss to follow him.

Hoss and Joe started to leave, and Adam was going to get up to follow them, to stop them taking any action. Hoss saw him move, and went to his brother, pushing him back into bed. Adam wasn’t strong enough to resist when Hoss was that determined.

“You ain’t going nowhere, you hear. The doctor’ll have your hide if you move. Just leave this to us.” They disappeared from the room.

“Hoss, Joe, get back here.” Adam shouted at the closing door, but his brothers were already halfway down the stairs. Adam lay back on the pillows, hoping that their interference wasn’t going to make matters worse.

Joe and Hoss rode over to the Anderson ranch looking for Becky. When they arrived they could see no one about, so they went up to the front door and knocked. Becky answered the door, and when she saw who it was standing there, started to close it again, she knew she didn’t want to see any of Adam’s family at the moment. Hoss put out his hand to stop her closing the door, and he and Joe entered behind her as she turned away, giving in to the inevitable.

“What do you want here?” She asked abruptly, facing them.

“Ma’am,” said Hoss, “We’re here because of what happened. Between you and Adam.”

“I don’t want to talk about it, it’s over.”

“No it ain’t. You still love him, and he loves you.” Said Hoss, hoping it was true.

Becky felt intimidated by this big man. He was obviously going to support his brother, as she would support her sister. But she was not going to let these two persuade her that she had acted badly, when it was Adam who had behaved so wrongly.

“If he loves me, why did he kiss my sister?” She turned angry eyes on them, desperate to know the answer.

Joe took a step forward. “Let me ask you something. Did you ever tell your sister about Adam’s head injury? About what would happen if he over taxed himself?” He queried.

“What do you mean?” Becky thought for a moment, thrown by the apparent change of subject. “Yes I suppose I did, I really don’t remember. Why?” Becky was becoming interested. Had these men got an answer for her?

“’Cause we reckon that your sister dragged Adam to the top of that hill, just to get him so tired that he wouldn’t know what he was doin’. That’s why.” Said Hoss

“And then, when they got back here, he virtually passed out. He collapsed when he got back home, his head was hurting so bad.” Joe said.

Becky’s hand went to her throat. “Is he all right?” She asked concerned, and Joe and Hoss could see by the intensity of her expression that indeed she still cared for him.

“Yeah, he’ll be all right when he’s rested. The doc told Pa that if Adam over did things he could have a relapse. And we reckon that’s just what he did.” Hoss could see that Becky was starting to realise what must have happened.

“You’re telling me that it was Andrea…?”

“Yes ma’am. We reckon…” Hoss stopped as he saw a woman come out of the bedroom. Becky turned and saw Andrea standing there, watching them.

“Is it true?” Becky asked, wanting to believe, and yet not wanting to think that her only sister was capable of such deceit.

“No, of course not.” Andrea said defensively.

Becky went over to her and took her shoulders in her hands.

“Andrea tell me, did Adam kiss you, or did you kiss him?”

“You saw him, you know he did.” Andrea broke away from her sister’s grasp, and was going to sit on the sofa, but Becky stopped her.

“I don’t know any such thing. Did you make Adam follow you up that hill, just so you could engineer what happened.” Andrea didn’t speak. “ANSWER ME!” Becky shouted at her, desperate for the answer. Andrea jumped at her sister’s anger.

“He wouldn’t have let me kiss him, if he loved you.” Andrea held her head high, daring Becky to question her further. Becky stood looking at her sister intently.

“I remember a time when I had just met Robert, and I saw you with him.” Becky said slowly, “You were walking together when you stumbled. Robert put out his hands to help you, and you ended up with your arms round each other. Fortunately, I saw you do it, and when I asked Robert about it, he told me what you had done. But what would have happened if I hadn’t been there to see it all? What if I’d come across the two of you in an embrace?”

Andrea didn’t answer, there was nothing she could say.

“Were you trying to do the same thing with Adam? Trying to drive us apart? How you must have laughed when it worked out so well for you. Adam coming here when I was away, and my return at just the right moment.” Becky was backing away from her sister.

“Why should you have men fall for you so easily? What have you got that I haven’t?” Andrea said bitterly.

“You mean it’s true?” Asked Becky, incredulous.

“Yes, it’s true.” Andrea spat out. “I knew Adam loved you, but I wanted him to love me. I just had to get him away from you first, and I so nearly succeeded. If it hadn’t been for your interfering.” She said looking at Hoss and Joe. Suddenly she rushed at Joe, her fingers sticking out like talons. Before she could reach his brother, Hoss grabbed her and held her in his strong grip. She fought against him.

“Why can’t I find a man like Adam? It’s not fair.” She cried and went limp in Hoss’s arms. He carried her to the sofa. Becky went over to her, looking down at her sister. She had not realised how jealous Andrea was of her, how that jealousy had eaten into her. Becky felt sorry for her, then remembered what she had tried to do, would have done but for Hoss and Joe.

“Andrea, I’m going to see Adam, I just hope it’s not too late to undo what you have done. I don’t expect you to be here when I return. Is that clear? Jeb will take you into Virginia City. I never want to see you again.” Becky turned away and went out of the front door, followed by Hoss and Joe. She turned to them as they followed her to the stable to saddle her horse.

“Thank you for what you have done. It can’t have been easy for you, to come here and say the things you did. Adam has told me how close you are as brothers, and to come between me and my sister…well you couldn’t have been sure of how I would react.” She put one hand on Joe’s arm and one on Hoss’s.

“Becky, it’s because we care about Adam that we came. We could see how he was hurting, and couldn’t just let it happen, not when he loves you so much.” Said Joe, putting his hand over hers.

“Ma’am, you should know that Adam never gives his heart easy, but once he does, nothing will make him be unfaithful.” Added Hoss.

“I know that now. Thank you both.”

They saddled Becky’s horse, and rode together back to the Ponderosa. Hoss and Joe escorted Becky into the house to be greeted by a surprised Ben. He raised his eyebrows in question as he saw who is was that Joe and Hoss had brought with them.

“Please may I see Adam?” Becky asked uncertain of her welcome.

“He’s resting, and shouldn’t be disturbed.” Ben said, wanting to protect his son from any more grief.

“Pa, it’s all right, I think Adam will want to see Becky.” Said Joe, and Hoss nodded.

“Very well, you may go up.” Ben relented, trusting his sons.

Becky went up the stairs to the room that she had come to know so well. She hesitated outside the door and then knocked.

“Come in.” Said the voice she loved. She opened the door and when she saw Adam, her heart beat faster.

“Becky!” Said Adam in surprise.

“Yes. May I come in?”

“Of course.” Adam had been lying down and he raised himself up until he was leaning back against the headboard.

Becky sat on the chair beside the bed. She hung her head and couldn’t look at him. She was so ashamed of the things she had said to him, however justified they may have seemed at the time.

Adam didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know why she had come, but he held his breath, hoping without reason to hear the words he longed for.

“Adam, your brothers came to see me.”

“Oh did they?” Said Adam, his voice verging on anger. If they had upset her, he would have their hides.

Becky put her hand on his arm. “Don’t be cross, they were only trying to help.”

“I don’t need them interfering…”

“Yes you do. They told me what happened. Explained how Andrea must have planned it all. When I confronted her, she admitted what she had done. I’ve told her to leave, that is what you want, isn’t it?” Becky asked with just a trace of doubt.

Adam put his hand over Becky’s where it lay on his arm.

“I don’t care what Andrea does. I don’t care about her, only you. But how can I make you see that?”

“You don’t need to. Hoss and Joe made me see what she was doing, what she tried to do to us. Adam can you ever forgive me for doubting you?”

Adam smiled at her.

“There’s nothing to forgive. You did the only thing you could, when you thought I had betrayed you.”

“It’s just that I love you so much, and when I saw you with her, I was so hurt.”

“Becky, I know. If you didn’t love me you wouldn’t have reacted like that.”

“She planned the whole thing, you know. She admitted it, then I realised that she had tried the same thing with Robert. She couldn’t bear to see me happy.” Becky started to cry and Adam pulled her to him and hugged her.

“Oh Becky, let’s forget it, it’s over.” He kissed her and then let her go. “You go downstairs, and I’ll join you in a minute. The doctors forbidden me to do anything too taxing, but I don’t think that included being with you.”

Becky left Adam to get dressed, and after a few minutes he came downstairs and sat on the sofa beside her, with his brothers and father sitting round. Ben looked questioningly at his son.

“Pa, everything’s all right, thanks to Joe and Hoss. We know what Andrea planned, she wanted to break us up, but she didn’t succeed.” Adam put his arm round Becky’s shoulders to prove it.

“Glad to be of service.” Said Joe smiling.

“Yeah, any time brother.” Agreed Hoss. “You know you can rely on us.”

“I can usually rely on you to get me into trouble, not out of it.” Adam laughed, and then he became serious. “Truly I am grateful, we both are. It’s not until something like this happens that you really appreciate what it means to have a family. People who care for you, who will take on the fury of a woman scorned,” he turned to smile at Becky, remembering that he had first hand experience of just how furious she could be, and she smiled back, “You brought us back together, and gave me the greatest gift you could give any man. I can never thank you enough for that.”

Ben looked at his family and his heart went out to them. Adam had been away for three years, but the affinity that he had with his brothers had not been changed by his absence. They had proved the depth of love that they had for each other, no parent could ask for more from his children, than that they care for, and about, each other.

Next Story in the Memories of Love Series:

Love’s Rewards
A Time to Heal
The Unlooked for Saviour
To Rage in Heaven

 

Tags: Adam Cartwright, wife / wives