Three~~~ Supporting
Ben studied his middle son and bit back the order he was about to bellow. Ben knew better than anyone how the Cartwright stubbornness came out in Hoss, or maybe, in cases like this, it was the stubborn single-mindedness he had inherited from Inger. Hoss was the most biddable of his sons, for sure, but he was also the one hardest to turn from a decision once it was made. He could reason with Adam and play on Little Joe’s emotions, but neither approach worked with Hoss. Ben drew in a deep breath and walked up behind his son placing his hand on the massive shoulder. He felt the boy tremble beneath his touch. Despite his size he was still a boy. He was not yet seventeen and far too young for the road he had chosen.
In a voice gentle and filled with love, Ben pleaded, “I’m asking you as your father. Please, don’t do this.”
Hoss turned to face his pa. His blue eyes clouded with tears. How could he deny such a request? “Pa, please, Pa, understand. I’ve got to. The babe needs a father. That little gal needs someone to look after her.”
“Hoss, the child she carries is not yours.”
“Won’t make no matter when it comes to loving it,” Hoss replied simply.
Ben knew that for this son it would not matter, not at all. “Do you love Jennie Lynn?”
“I want to take care of her. She ain’t strong enough to face it alone.”
“That’s not what I asked you, Son.” Ben stated more firmly.
Hoss dropped his eyes. “Not like you loved Ma, no, but…”
“No, Eric, when it comes to marriage there must be no buts. You deserve a woman who you love and who loves you.”
“It’ll be fine, Pa. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s not fair to her either, Son. Doesn’t she deserve a man who loves her?”
“She needs me, Pa.”
“She needs friends. She needs our care. She will receive both. She will not have my boy as her husband.”
Black granite and blue-gray steel their eyes locked. A thousand things passed between the two but not a single word. Hoss dropped his eyes first, and Ben drew his son into his arms.
Another lovely contribution! Hoss is definitely has a caring and gentle side that was clearly present even when he was young.
I have been away from the site and missed your comment. Please let me thank you now for your kind words. DJK 🙂
Our sweet, loveable knight in shing armor. Perfect!
Than you, jojay, for responding. If you enjoy a young Hoss in the role of “knight in shining armor”, you might like my Emily’s Sir Eric series. DJK :>)
You saved the best for last. Loved them all but especially number seven. You were right – Hoss always did believe!
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed these little bits, and a special thank you for letting me know your favorite! DJK :>)
What a wonderful tribute to Hoss. ? You captured him beautifully — his goodness and openness. Thanks so much for writing!
I agree with your assessment of Hoss and thank you for your response. DJK :>)
These were all really great. Hoss has such depth to him as a character and you captured him beautifully.
Thank you for letting me know you thought I kept Hoss in character and did him justice. I appreciate your response so much. DJK :>)
These are wonderful little peeks at the big guy. He is so special and you’ve shown it in so many ways. Some moving and some funny. Yes, Hoss will always be there for others, no matter what the reason.
Hoss is a great character to write when you want to feel positive. Thank you for letting me know you thought I put him in the right light. I appreciate your responding. DJK :>)
DJK, I loved all the looks at Hoss through your writings! Great peeks into a life too brief.
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed them; I appreciate it! DJK :>)