Summary:  Ben decides to update his will, which causes his sons some anxiety

Rated: K (10,855 words)

 

Where There’s a Will

‘Now remember Hiram, I don’t want anyone to know about this … especially the boys.’ Ben Cartwright looked at the lawyer meaningfully across the table as he put the papers in front of him down.

Hiram shrugged his shoulders. ‘Whatever you say Ben.  Although I don’t know why you want to keep this from them.  I think they have a right to know.’

 

 

 

Ben picked up the papers again. ‘I’ll tell them when I think it’s appropriate,’ he said. ‘Until then I’d prefer to keep it just between us, if you don’t mind.’

 

 

 

Hiram shrugged again. ‘You’re the client,’ he said. ‘Whatever you say Ben.’  He took the papers from the other man’s hands. ‘Now we just need to fill in the details about what goes to each son.  Let me know when you’ve got that sorted out.’ He folded the papers carefully. ‘You’re happy with the wording of it so far?’

 

 

 

Ben nodded as he stood up and picked up his hat. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘You’ve done a wonderful job Hiram.  I thank you for it.’  He held out his hand and shook the other man’s warmly. ‘I’ll see you later.’

 

 

 

Hiram returned the handshake. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘The papers will be on file until you’re ready to finalise them Ben.  You just let me know when you’re ready.’  He walked Ben to the door of his office. ‘You’ve got quite a bit of thinking to do, I’d say.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded as he left the office. He certainly did have quite a bit of thinking to do.  Updating his will had been something he’d been meaning to do for a long time and he’d put it off now for far too long.  He shuddered against the cold air and pulled the collar of his jacket closer towards his neck as a gust of wind picked up around him and sent a swirl of snowflakes around his feet.  Part of the reason was that, like most men, he didn’t like facing his own mortality and the other part of the reason was that he didn’t want to face the mammoth task of how to divide his holdings and possessions between the three boys.

 

 

 

Ben wanted to be fair to his three sons but the problem was that with all the land and possessions that he had, the task of working out exactly what was to go to each of the three boys was a mighty one. Far easier to leave it to them to divide between the three of them after he’d gone really, but the perfectionist in Ben Cartwright railed against such a thing.  He liked everything to be tidied up in his life and that included after he was gone as well.  Besides, he didn’t think it fair to place that burden on the boys and there were certain things that he wanted to ensure that each one of them had after he’d gone.

 

 

 

As he mounted up and turned his horse towards home his thoughts were awhirl with the possibilities of what to do and as a consequence he didn’t hear Adam calling to him from across the street.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged as his father rode past him quickly and then turned back into the livery stable again. He hadn’t known that he had intended to come into town today and thought that it was mighty unusual that his father hadn’t told him … Particularly as he had known that Adam himself would be in here picking up the broken axle from the buggy that had been repaired. He wondered what business his father could have had in the Lawyer’s Office and made a mental note to ask him about it that night.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

Ben stopped at the top of the crest and sat forward in his saddle to get a better look.  He sighed with contentment as he surveyed the enticing view before him and closed his eyes momentarily as he thought about the many times he’d come up here to think.  The view of the blue lake before him was breathtaking and around its shores the pines seemed to reach to heaven itself. They were mirrored in the still water so that it looked to all intents and purposes as if they grew up and down at the same time.

 

 

 

Little Joe always called this his ‘Happy Place’ because of the times that he’d spent with his older brother Hoss up here, but to the rest of the family it was generally referred to as ‘Hoss Heaven’.  He still remembered the shining eyes of his middle son as he’d come home that day to describe his first sight of the view.  The boy’s round blue eyes had been lit up like lanterns as his mouth attempted to match his thoughts in describing to his father his favourite place.  Ben of course had already known of the view, but had preferred to let the boy think that he’d stumbled across it by himself.  From then on, Hoss could always be found up there whenever he had some serious thinking to do.

 

 

 

It was just like Joe, who could always be found down by the lake near his mother’s grave when he needed some time to himself. The spot seemed to calm the boy and give him back the peace that he craved for so desperately at times.  It was as if his mother’s presence there was still an influence over the youngster.

 

 

 

Ben nodded in satisfaction.  It was obvious which part of the land should go to his two younger boys.  It was as if they’d innocently picked it out for themselves over the years and it was now a natural thing that only needed their father’s seal of approval.  But Adam was a different story. There wasn’t a particular piece of The Ponderosa that was particularly special to Adam … probably because it all was.  If he divided the land in the way he thought he should to accommodate Hoss and Joe, then the vast amount of The Ponderosa would still be left over.

 

 

 

There were many men who would have disagreed with his way of thinking.  Many would argue that the eldest son should have the main proportion of his father’s land … but Ben didn’t see it that way at all.  It was like saying that he loved one of his sons more than the other and that definitely wasn’t true.  It was a problem he needed to think on a while longer.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘I saw you in town today,’ said Adam casually as they were all seated at the supper table that night. ‘I didn’t know that you were going in.’

 

 

 

Ben looked startled. ‘Didn’t I tell you?’ he said evasively. ‘I thought I had.’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Adam. ‘We could have gone in together if I’d known.’  He waited for his father to speak, but the man was silent. ‘I picked up the broken axle,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

‘Good,’ said Ben and then turned to Hoss. ‘Did you get those strays rounded up Hoss?’

 

 

 

‘Yes sir,’ said Hoss between mouthfuls. ‘Sure did.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his father an appraising stare. ‘Any particular reason you were in town?’ he asked finally.

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Ben. ‘I just had a few things to pick up at the Mercantile.’

 

 

 

‘I could have done that for you,’ persisted Adam.

 

 

 

‘I suppose you could have,’ replied his father. ‘But I preferred to do it myself. Thank you anyway son.’  He turned to Joe who was sighing dramatically beside him as he pushed the food around his plate. ‘We all know about it Joseph,’ he said. ‘There’s no need to have it affect your meal.’

 

 

 

Joe turned his puppy dog eyes towards his father and gave him a weak smile. ‘I can’t help it Pa,’ he said dramatically. ‘Breaking up with Bertha kinda makes me sad, ya know?’

 

 

 

Ben tried not to smile at the expression on his youngest son’s face. ‘I do know son,’ he said gently.  ‘But life goes on.’

 

 

 

Joe sighed again dramatically and Hoss grinned at Adam across the table as Adam winked at his brother.  Joe’s love life usually kept everyone on their toes.  It seemed that nearly every week the youngster had a new girl or was breaking up with one and each relationship seemed to be more dramatic than the one before it.  They all knew that the boy would have another girl dangling on his arm within the week and they steeled themselves to cope with his latest broken heart in the meantime.

 

 

 

Ben stood up and walked away from the table and over to his desk where he began to rummage through the various maps that were rolled up in a tin in the corner of the study. ‘Looking for anything in particular?’ asked Adam as he followed his father.

 

 

 

Ben looked up as he unrolled a map. ‘Not really,’ he said vaguely. ‘I just thought I’d check out some of those fence lines.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded and drifted over to the fireplace where he’d left the latest book he was reading. ‘Do you mind?’ he asked sarcastically as he lifted Joe’s feet off it where they were resting on the coffee table.

 

 

 

Joe looked up from where he perched on the corner of the table and sighed dramatically again. ‘Sorry Adam,’ he said. ‘I guess I ain’t thinking straight what with breaking up with Bertha and all.’

 

 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow at his intense younger brother’s look. ‘Hmph!’ he said and plonked himself down in his favourite chair.

 

 

 

‘Come on Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘It’s your turn.’  He tapped on the table impatiently with a checker piece to get his younger brother’s attention.

 

 

 

Joe looked back at Hoss. ‘Sorry Hoss,’ he said mournfully. ‘I guess I’m just …’

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Hoss. ‘Thinking bout Bertha.  Well think about the game for a change, will ya?’  He tapped the table again impatiently while Joe gave another dramatic sigh and studied the board.

 

 

 

Ben smiled at the interchange between his sons.  It seemed that they were in for a long week until Joseph could find himself another girl.  He went back to studying the problem in front of him again as he traced a line on the map with his finger from the lake to the house. The house!  It hadn’t occurred to him before … but who was to have the house? Which of his three sons should he leave this section of land to with the house on it?  He frowned as he pondered the problem.

 

 

 

It stood to reason that each of his sons would one day have families of their own … although there were times when Ben felt as if they really needed serious pushing in that particular direction … and it wasn’t feasible that all of them would be under this roof if that were the case. Which of them would be most in need of living here?  For a moment he considered Adam … after all the young man had helped his father design it and had been the one to work by his side every step of the way when it was built.  Perhaps it should go to Adam?

 

 

 

Then there was Hoss.  Hoss had always loved this house, just as he did the land around it.  Ben looked back at the map again.  The house was situated within the area of Hoss Heaven and it made sense to keep it all as one.  In practical terms the house and the land surrounding it should really go to Hoss.

 

 

 

But what about Joseph?  His youngest son had been born in this house and his mother had been such a large part of designing and furnishing it.  How could he tell Joseph that it wasn’t to be his some day?  He knew that the boy saw the house as part of his mother in a way and Ben certainly couldn’t take that away from him. He put his head in his hands as he continued to stare at the map in front of him.  What was he to do?

 

 

 

‘Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben looked up. ‘Yes son?’

 

 

 

‘Are you all right?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Ben sighed wearily. ‘I’m fine,’ he said. ‘Just a little tired.’  His head hurt from the problem he’d been trying to sort out and he was suddenly weary of trying to think it through. He stood up. ‘I think I might go on up to bed and have an early night. Night boys.’

 

 

 

His three sons watched in surprise as their father climbed the stairs slowly. ‘That ain’t like Pa to go to bed so early,’ said Hoss with a puzzled expression on his face. ‘I hope he’s OK.’

 

 

 

‘You think Pa’s sick?’ asked Little Joe suddenly.  The very thought of his father being sick always filled him with dread and he found it very hard to cope with it.  He always had since his mother had died years ago.  Something in him dreaded being left alone again and he clung to his father fiercely. ‘What’s wrong with him?’

 

 

 

‘Nothing’s wrong with him,’ said Adam. ‘No one said that he was sick.  He’s probably just tired is all.’

 

 

 

‘Well then how come he’s tired?’ persisted Joe. ‘Pa ain’t usually tired.’

 

 

 

‘Guess he’s got a right to be tired if he wants,’ said Hoss evenly. ‘I reckon a fellar his age should be now and then.’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes narrowed at the remark. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ he asked. ‘Pa ain’t that old!’

 

 

 

‘He ain’t that young either,’ said Hoss. ‘Hurry up Joe, it’s your turn.’

 

 

 

Adam sat back in his chair and thought about things.  Why had his father been so evasive about why he had been in town?  He’d said nothing about visiting Hiram Wood, and yet Adam had distinctly seen him coming out of the man’s office.  He hoped that there was nothing wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Ben walked out of the church and surveyed the small front churchyard.  He smiled at the sight of his youngest son leaning against the fence and watching Bertha Phillips as she chatted with Mitch Devlin.  Joe had such a sad look on his face and Ben hoped that the boy would find another girl to mend his broken heart quickly.  He didn’t think he could stand it for much longer.  He waved to Doctor Paul Martin and walked down the steps to greet the man. ‘Paul,’ he said. ‘Have you got time to talk?’

 

 

 

‘Of course,’ said Paul. ‘Over here.’  He beckoned Ben over to towards the side fence where Reverend Allen was also standing. ‘We don’t really have much time left before Roy’s birthday and if we’re going to make it a special party we really should finalise the details now.’

 

 

 

‘It’s very nice of you to offer The Ponderosa for the party Ben,’ said Reverend Allen. ‘It will make it very special for Roy.’

 

 

 

‘It’s my pleasure,’ said Ben. ‘After all, Roy is one of my closest friends.  Have you got Clem organised to take over for the night?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Paul. ‘Barring a bank robbery, Roy should be free to come out to the ranch when you send for him.  What excuse are you going to use to get him there?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘I haven’t decided yet,’ he admitted. ‘Something will come to me though.’ He glanced at Hoss as his son approached. ‘What is it Hoss?’ he said impatiently.

 

 

 

‘Just wondering if you’re ready to go Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘Morning Doc.  Morning Reverend.’

 

 

 

‘In a minute,’ replied Ben. He looked at his son meaningfully and Hoss took the hint and walked a short distance away while he waited.

 

 

 

‘You don’t want the boys to know?’ asked Paul.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No.  Especially Joseph.  You know how he is about this sort of thing.’  The doctor and the Reverend nodded their heads.  Joe Cartwright was not known for his ability to keep secrets. ‘It’s best if they find out later,’ continued Ben. ‘It’ll make it easier for everyone.’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned as he heard his father’s words.  It’d make what easier?’ he wondered. And what was it that Pa didn’t want them to know about?  He edged closer to listen without appearing to.

 

 

 

‘Two weeks isn’t long,’ said Reverend Allen. ‘Not with all the details to work out from my end.’  He’d been given the job of organising the entertainment and it was proving quite a challenge for him. ‘There’s the music to do of course.  It’s very important to have music.’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Ben. ‘It always adds to the atmosphere at these sort of things.’

 

 

 

‘Have you done the list of who to invite?’ asked Paul. ‘I’ll see to it that they all know.’  He held out his hand as Ben handed him a piece of paper with the guest list on it. ‘Are you sure about this Ben?’ he asked. ‘It seems an awful lot to leave to you.’

 

 

 

I can manage,’ said Ben. ‘’Just tell everyone to keep it a secret and it should be fine.’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned as he wondered what his father was trying to keep secret. He drifted over to Adam who was leaning against the buggy while he waited for his father and brothers. ‘What’s the matter with you?’ asked Adam as he noticed the expression on Hoss’ face.

 

 

 

‘Nuthin,’ muttered Hoss. ‘Well … I done heard Pa talking to Doc Martin and Reverend Allen …’

 

 

 

‘You shouldn’t have been eavesdropping,’ said Adam sternly. ‘You know what Pa would say about that if he knew.’

 

 

 

‘Well I’m glad that I did,’ said Hoss defensively. ‘Seems like our Pa is keeping a secret from us.’

 

 

 

‘Adam straightened up. ‘What do you mean?’ he asked. ‘What sort of secret?’

 

 

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘I don’t rightly know,’ he admitted. ‘He was saying something bout only having two weeks and it sounded like they was organising something.  Reverend Allen was asking bout music and Doc Martin was organising a list of folks.  Pa said that we wasn’t to know bout it.’  His eyes lit up. ‘Hey!  I wonder iffen it’s gonna be a party?’

 

 

 

‘I doubt it,’ said Adam thoughtfully. ‘None of us has a birthday coming up and there’s no special holiday at this time of year.  Besides, Pa would tell us if it was a party.’

 

 

 

‘I reckon so,’ said Hoss. ‘Well what do ya reckon it is Adam? Pa didn’t want me to hear no how and he specially said that Joe wasn’t to know.’

 

 

 

‘He did?’  Adam stroked his chin thoughtfully. ‘I wonder ….’

 

 

 

‘Ya wonder what?’

 

 

 

Adam leant close to his brother. ‘Well the other day I saw Pa in town coming out of Hiram Woods’ office,’ he said. ‘When I asked him why he was in town he said that he needed to go to the Mercantile.  He obviously didn’t want to let on that he’d been to see Hiram.’

 

 

 

Hoss scrunched up his nose. ‘What’s that got to do with this?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’m not sure if it has anything to do with it,’ said Adam thoughtfully. ‘But I aim to find out if it does.’  He smiled over Hoss’ shoulder as their father approached. ‘Hi Pa.’

 

 

 

‘Where is your brother?’ asked Ben as he got up into the buggy.

 

 

 

‘Still mooning over Bertha Phillips,’ said Adam pleasantly.

 

 

 

‘Well call him over,’ said Ben. ‘We need to get home.’

 

 

 

Adam motioned to Hoss to follow him as he made his way towards Joe who was still leaning against the fence watching Bertha.  ‘Don’t tell Joe about this,’ he whispered. ‘Not until we know for sure that something is going on.’

 

 

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Sure thing Adam,’ he said. ‘I won’t say a word.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Adam!’ Hiram Wood held out his hand to the eldest Cartwright son. ‘Nice to see you. Come on in.’

 

 

 

‘I can’t stay long,’ said Adam. ‘I hope I’m not disturbing your work.’

 

 

 

‘Not at all,’ Hiram assured him. ‘What can I do for you?’

 

 

 

‘Well … I was just wondering if I could ask you a question,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Of course,’ replied Hiram. ‘What is it?’

 

 

 

‘It’s about my father,’ said Adam. ‘I was wondering why he came into town the other day to see you.’

 

 

 

Hiram looked concerned. ‘I’m sorry Adam, but I can’t discuss that with you,’ he said immediately. ‘Client confidentiality you know.’

 

 

 

‘Yes of course,’ said Adam. ‘But he’s my father. We don’t have any secrets.’  He smiled politely at the man hoping that he’d tell him.

 

 

 

‘I’m sorry Adam,’ Hiram said, gesturing with his hands. ‘But your father has business with me that he wants to keep to himself for now. You understand.’

 

 

 

Adam frowned. ‘Yes of course,’ he said. ‘Well thank you anyway Hiram.’  He tipped his hat to the man and walked out of the office and crossed the street to where Hoss was waiting for him. ‘No luck,’ he said. ‘All I found out is that Pa has business with him that he doesn’t want us to know about.’

 

 

 

‘I still don’t see what this has to do with the conversation I heard yesterday,’ said Hoss.  ‘Why don’t we just drop it Adam?  I reckon that Pa ….’  He stopped and his eyes widened as he looked over his brother’s shoulder. ‘Hey!  Ain’t that Pa coming out of the bank?’

 

 

 

Adam turned sharply. ‘Sure is,’ he said. ‘Now why would he be in town again?  He never said that he was coming in.’ They watched as Ben walked along the sidewalk and entered Hiram’s Office again. ‘Well I’ve had enough of this!’ declared Adam. ‘Come on Hoss.  We’re going to find out what this is all about.’ He led his brother across the street and into the bank from which their father had just emerged. ‘Morning Clive,’ he said to the teller behind the counter.

 

 

 

‘Adam,’ said the man with a grin. ‘Hoss.  You’ve just missed your father.’

 

 

 

‘Did we?’ said Adam coolly. ‘We were supposed to meet him here to help him with his business.  Did he finish without us?’

 

 

 

‘Sure did,’ said Clive. ‘Took a bit of time to get all the figures together for him, but I finally got it done.’

 

 

 

‘Thanks for that Clive,’ said Adam. ‘I’m sure that Pa appreciated you getting all … exactly which accounts did you end up tallying for him?’

 

 

 

‘All of em,’ said Clive. ‘Didn’t he tell you that he wanted to know the full extent of all his accounts?’

 

 

 

‘Well yes,’ said Adam, nudging Hoss. ‘I just wondered if he was including the accounts from San Francisco or not, that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘Yep,’ said Clive. ‘He reckoned that he wasn’t going to get a true picture of what he’s worth in total without em.’

 

 

 

‘Of course not,’ said Adam, his eyes narrowing. ‘And he does need them for … for Hiram,’ he said, taking a chance.

 

 

 

Clive nodded. ‘Well you can’t make out a Will without knowing what you’re worth, can you?’ he said. ‘Sorry boys, but I’ve got work to do.  Talk to you later.’

 

 

 

‘Sure.  Thanks Clive,’ said Adam as he pulled Hoss out of the Bank behind him. The two brothers stood on the sidewalk outside the bank and were silent for a few minutes.

 

 

 

Finally, Hoss broke the silence. ‘I just don’t understand it Adam,’ he said. ‘Why would Pa suddenly be making a Will? He ain’t ever bothered with that sort of thing before.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘It makes sense,’ he said. ‘Everyone should have a Will and Pa does have a lot of assets you know.  It stands to reason that he’d want to safeguard them.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ agreed Hoss. ‘But why not tell us about it? Something is wrong Adam. I can feel it.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss don’t be stupid,’ said Adam. ‘There’s nothing wrong.’

 

 

 

‘Then why don’t he tell us bout it?’ persisted Hoss. ‘Why all this secrecy bout going to Hiram and …’ His eyes widened as a thought occurred to him. ‘You don’t reckon he’s sick, do ya Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Why on earth would you say that?’

 

 

 

‘Well ….’ Hoss thought for a moment. ‘I mean …. He’s been tired lately and maybe he’s feeling old.  That’d be why he suddenly thinks that it’s time to make a Will.’  His eyes widened suddenly and he clutched Adam’s arm. ‘Oh Lordy!’ he exclaimed.

 

 

 

‘What?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Adam!’ Hoss looked at his brother fearfully. ‘I reckon that’s what the doctor and the Reverend was talking about!  They said that there’s only two weeks to get things organised.  They was talking bout music and stuff. Adam!  They’re planning Pa’s funeral!’

 

 

 

Adam snorted. ‘Hoss, for heaven’s sake ….’

 

 

 

‘No Adam!  I reckon it’s true!’ Hoss went pale at the very thought of it. ‘That’s why they didn’t want me to hear.  They said to specially not tell Joe and all.  You know how he is about Pa …they didn’t want to upset him.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss we don’t know for sure that there’s anything wrong with Pa,’ said Adam, trying to remain calm in spite of his brother’s protests.  ‘I think we should just watch Pa carefully and see about this before we jump to any conclusions, don’t you?’

 

 

 

‘I reckon,’ said Hoss. ‘Only …’

 

 

 

‘Only what?’

 

 

 

‘I can’t stand the idea of Pa leaving us Adam,’ said Hoss, looking as if he were about to burst into tears. ‘What will it do to Joe when he finds out?’

 

 

 

‘Now don’t you go telling Joe any of your crazy notions,’ warned Adam. ‘We’ll just sit tight and watch Pa for a while.  That’s best don’t you think Hoss?’  He patted his brother on the arm as they watched their father come out of the lawyer’s office again and head off down the street.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Ben stretched wearily in front of the fireplace to ease the crick in his back. He felt quite done in tonight after all the hard work today.  He really hadn’t realised just how much work there was in organising this party for Roy, all the more because he had to keep it secret from the boys.  He’d be glad when he’d be able to tell them about it. The way Little Joe had a habit of letting things slip though, he thought he should wait until the actual day of the party before letting them in on the secret.  That way he’d be assured that Roy wouldn’t find out about it. Between the party and worry bout his Will, it seemed that things were getting on top of him lately.

 

 

 

‘Tired Pa?’ asked Adam, casting a worried look in his father’s direction.

 

 

 

‘Yes I am,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

‘You sure are tired a lot lately Pa,’ said Hoss.

 

 

 

‘I suppose I am,’ replied his father. ‘I suppose I’m just getting old boys.’  He gave a short laugh and was surprised that no one laughed with him.  Instead his two older sons merely stared at him. ‘What’s wrong with you two tonight?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Nothing,’ replied Adam.

 

 

 

Ben shrugged and walked over to his study.  He put his hands in his pockets as he studied the map of The Ponderosa on the wall over his desk. He still hadn’t worked out exactly how to divide up this land of his and be fair to all the boys in the process and it continued to prey on his mind.  He shook his head and turned to sit at his desk, fingering the three gold frames casually as he leant back in his chair.  The images of his three wives stared back at him and looked from them over to his three sons as they sat by the fireplace.

 

 

 

How to be fair to all his boys?  That was the issue which Ben wrestled with.  He’d have to think on it some more.  He fingered the gold pocket watch in his pocket and drew it out to put on the desk and look at it.  It had been given to him by his father and he’d always intended it to go to Adam as his eldest son.  A thought suddenly struck him and he put the watch back into his pocket and stood up. ‘I’m going upstairs boys,’ he said. ‘I have a few things to do.’

 

 

 

‘What things?’ asked Adam, immediately on the alert.

 

 

 

‘Just some things,’ replied his father. ‘’I’ll see you in the morning.’

 

 

 

Adam looked at Hoss meaningfully as their father left the room. ‘Hmm,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘Nothing.  I just said hmm,’ replied his brother.

 

 

 

‘You never say hmm unless you’re up to something,’ said Joe. ‘What’s going on?’

 

 

 

‘Nothing younger brother,’ said Hoss.  ‘Maybe we should go and check this out Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Check what out?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘Nothing,’ said Adam as he stood up. ‘Finish reading your book.’

 

 

 

Adam motioned to Hoss to follow him as Joe went back to reading his dime novel and muttering under his breath. ‘No one ever tells me nuthin,’ he said and sighed as he sank down into his chair.

 

 

 

Ben opened the door to the attic and frowned at the dusty smell as he did so.  He really should make it a priority to clean this place out now and then, he thought.  He lit the lantern in his hand and warily walked across the floor, avoiding the piles of old furniture and toys that were in his way.  Eventually, his eyes lit up as he spied what he was looking for and he knelt down next to an old trunk in the corner.  He set the lantern down next to him and opened the trunk, fingering the shawl that lay on top of it gently.  It had belonged to Marie and the mere touch of it brought back memories of her instantly.

 

 

 

Ben began to rummage through the contents of the trunk slowly, picking up each item and smiling as each one brought back a sweet memory of times long gone.  He sneezed a couple of times as the long-undisturbed dust settled around his nose and he took out his handkerchief to wipe it.

 

 

 

Suddenly he heard a noise behind him and he turned sharply to see Adam and Hoss standing in the doorway looking at him with strange expressions on their faces. ‘Hello boys,’ he said, sneezing again.

 

 

 

‘Pa?’ said Hoss. ‘What are ya doing in here?’

 

 

 

‘Just looking through some old things,’ said his father. ‘Come in and join me.’

 

 

 

Adam gave Hoss a strange look as they entered the room. Ben sneezed again and began to cough. ‘Are you all right Pa?’ asked Adam in a worried tone.

 

 

 

‘Of course I’m all right,’ said his father as he held up a book. ‘This brings back memories.  It belonged to your mother Adam.  I was thinking that you should have it after I’m gone.’

 

 

 

‘Where are you going?’ asked an anxious voice in the doorway and they all turned to see Little Joe standing there.

 

 

 

‘What are you doing up here?’ asked Adam crossly.

 

 

 

‘Well no one ever tells me nothing, so I thought I’d just find out for myself what’s going on,’ said his younger brother indignantly. ‘Where are you going Pa?’

 

 

 

‘I’m not going anywhere son,’ said his father as he began to cough again. ‘I’m just going through some old things here and thinking about which of you boys should have them, that’s all.’

 

 

 

Joe came over and sat down next to his father. ‘What’s that?’ he asked as he took out a picture and rubbed the dust off it, causing his father to have a coughing fit.  He leant across and patted the man on the back. ‘You OK Pa?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’m fine,’ said Ben as he took the picture from the youngster’s hands. ‘Now that’s an interesting picture. There’s a story that goes with it ….’

 

 

 

Adam and Hoss cast worried looks at each other as their father related his tale, interspersed with coughing fits. ‘You believe me now?’ whispered Hoss as he leant close to his brother.

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said in a low voice. ‘He’s organizing things while he’s still around to do it.’

 

 

 

‘I think it’s about time I went through all of this and divided it up for you boys,’ said Ben as he finished his story. ‘Why don’t you go through it all and decide which items you’d like?  There’s no point it all sitting up here if you’d like to have some of it now.’

 

 

 

‘Oh boy!’ said Joe eagerly. ‘I’ll have some of them things there.’  He grabbed a few items out of the trunk.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘They’re already yours Joseph,’ he said. ‘Don’t you remember playing with those when you were younger?’ Joe looked at the items in his hands and frowned. ‘Not really,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Remember this?’  Ben held up a worn-out knitted toy horse with a smile. ‘Your mother made this for you when you were a baby and you would never sleep without it for years.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah!’ said Joe, taking it with a grin. ‘I always wondered where that old thing got to.’  He stroked the horse’s mane gently. ‘I think I’ll take it down to my room … just for remembering,’ he added quickly, stealing a glance at his brothers to see if they were about to make fun of him.  He frowned as he noticed that they weren’t even looking at him, but were whispering in the corner. ‘What are you two up to?’ he asked suspiciously.

 

 

 

‘Nothin little brother,’ said Hoss.  He gave his father a mournful look and then shook his head at Adam.  Joe shrugged and went back to digging things out of the trunk again while his father sat next to him and coughed from the dust.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Joe gave Margaret Peterson one of his most charming smiles for which he was famous and leant closer to her as she stood beside the Mercantile. ‘So,’ he said. ‘Will I see you at the Church picnic next weekend?’

 

 

 

Margaret tried to look coy. ‘What about Bertha?’ she asked.

 

 

 

‘What about her?’ said Joe. ‘I broke up with her last week.  I told her it was over and done with.  She ain’t really my type.’  He leant closer to the girl. ‘Not like some other people,’ he added.

 

 

 

‘I see.  Well then I suppose it would be all right,’ said Margaret with a smile. She looked over her shoulder to see her mother was emerging from the Mercantile. ‘I have to go now Joe,’ she said. ‘I’ll see you another time.’

 

 

 

Sure thing,’ replied Joe, tipping his hat to her.  He turned and walked along the sidewalk, thinking about how great life was and how Margaret Adams was precisely the girl he’d been waiting to meet for a long time.  As he approached the doctor’s office where his father had told him to meet him, he stopped and sat down on a bench outside and watched the people passing as he waited and was just beginning to think that his father would never come out when he heard the man’s voice as he opened the door.

 

 

 

‘Thank you Paul,’ said Ben. ‘I’m very grateful to you for all that you’ve done.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t mention it Ben,’ replied the doctor from inside the office. ‘I’m just sorry I can’t do more for you.’

 

 

 

‘Remember … don’t mention it to the boys,’ said Ben. ‘I want to be the one to tell them myself.’

 

 

 

‘Well you’d better hurry up,’ replied Paul. ‘You’ve only got a week left.  They’ll have to know soon Ben.  They’ll need time to prepare themselves as well.’  Joe pricked up his ears and listened to the conversation eagerly. What was it that his father didn’t want them to know?

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Ben. ‘All in good time though Paul.’  He turned to leave the office and saw Joe sitting there waiting for him. ‘Joseph!’ he said. ‘You’re on time for once.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned at his father. ‘What don’t you want us to know about Pa?’ he blurted out.

 

 

 

‘What?’

 

 

 

‘You was telling the doctor that you didn’t want us to know about something.  What is it?’

 

 

 

Ben frowned at his son. ‘None of your business young man,’ he said sternly. ‘And I’ll have no more of this eavesdropping if you don’t mind.’  He turned as Paul came hurrying out behind him.

 

 

 

‘Ben!’ called the doctor. ‘Wait!’  He thrust a small package into Ben’s hand. ‘I forgot to give you this.’ He winked at his friend. ‘It should ease some of the pain during the next week. I thought you might need it.’

 

 

 

Ben opened the small bag and grinned as he saw a small bottle of whiskey. ‘Thank you Paul,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘I’m sure it’ll help get me through it. Come on Joseph.’

 

 

 

‘Help you get through what Pa?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘I told you before … none of your business,’ said his father. ‘Now move please.  We’re going to be late for supper if we don’t get going now.’

 

 

 

Joe gave his father a suspicious look and then followed him over to the buckboard, muttering to himself. ‘No one in this family tells me nothing!’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘I’m telling the truth Adam!’ Joe declared. ‘Pa said that he didn’t want us to know about it and then Doc Martin gave him something and said it was for the pain. I reckon he’s sick and he ain’t telling us!’  He gave both his brothers an anxious look that betrayed his intense feelings.

 

 

 

‘Now listen Joe,’ said Adam soothingly. ‘It doesn’t necessarily mean that.’

 

 

 

‘I reckon we should tell him Adam,’ interrupted Hoss. ‘He’s got a right to know.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe indignantly. ‘I got a right to know! … Know what?’ he added.

 

 

 

‘Know bout Pa being sick and all,’ said Hoss.

 

 

 

Joe instantly looked more concerned. ‘I knew it!’ he shouted. ‘I knew he was sick!  What’s wrong with him?’

 

 

 

Adam put a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. ‘Keep your voice down,’ he said sternly. ‘We don’t want Pa to know that we’ve found out.’

 

 

 

‘Found out what?  What’s wrong with him?  How come no one told me?’ Joe said in a softer voice. ‘Tell me Adam!’

 

 

 

Adam sighed and out both his hands on Joe’s shoulders, looking deep into his eyes. ‘It seems that Pa isn’t well,’ he said slowly. ‘Hoss and I discovered it a few days ago.’

 

 

 

Joe looked crushed. ‘Why hasn’t he told us?’ he asked miserably.

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘He don’t want to worry us Joe,’ he said. ‘He thinks that it’s best this way.’

 

 

 

‘Why?’ asked Joe, the panic now beginning to show in his face. ‘What’s best?’

 

 

 

Hoss looked at Adam who nodded slightly. ‘Well shortshanks,’ began Hoss. ‘Ya see …’ His voice trailed away and he looked away from his younger brother, his bottom lip beginning to tremble as his emotions took over in spite of his resolve not to allow them to.

 

 

 

Adam sighed again. ‘Joe,’ he said. ‘Look at me. Now listen to me carefully.  Pa has made out his Will.  He went to see Hiram Wood the other day to get it done.  Paul Martin is treating him for some sort of illness and it would seem that …’ He hesitated. ‘It would seem that he hasn’t got long to go.’

 

 

 

Joe jerked away from his brother’s touch. ‘What?’ he shouted. ‘You ain’t serious Adam! No!’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Adam firmly and steadily.

 

 

 

‘How do you know?’  Tears began to spring into Joe’s eyes as he looked at his brother pleadingly. ‘You can’t know for sure!’

 

 

 

Adam looked at Hoss before replying. ‘Hoss overheard Pa planning his … his funeral with Reverend Allen,’ he said as gently as he could.

 

 

 

‘No!’  Joe looked as if he might collapse and Adam gripped his shoulders even more firmly. ‘No!’ the youngster cried again.

 

 

 

‘Joe try to calm down,’ said Adam soothingly. ‘I know this is a shock for you buddy, but you’ve got to stay calm for Pa’s sake.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah shortshanks,’ said Hoss.  Pa needs us to be strong for him right now.  OK buddy?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded miserably, dropping his head and wiping away the tears that were beginning to fall. ‘Pa will tell us when he’s ready to,’ said Adam. ‘Until then we have to respect his wishes and wait.’

 

 

 

Joe looked up at his brothers, wiping away his tears before replying. ‘But … but Adam … I heard Doc Martin tell him that there was only a week to go!’

 

 

 

Adam put his arm around his brother. ‘I know buddy,’ he said gently. ‘I know.’

 

 

 

‘That’s why he’s been giving us all them things from up in the attic, ain’t it?’ asked Joe miserably.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Hoss. ‘Now don’t you worry shortshanks. Adam and me will always be here for ya.  We’ll get through this together somehow.’

 

 

 

‘The important thing is not to let on to Pa that we know,’ said Adam. ‘Obviously he’ll only worry more if he thinks that we do.’  He lifted Joe’s face up. ‘Joe?’ he said. ‘You have to promise not to tell him that we know.’

 

 

 

‘I promise,’ said Joe. ‘Only …’

 

 

 

‘Only what?’

 

 

 

Joe put his face in his hands and began to sob. ‘Only it just ain’t fair Adam! Pa … well it just ain’t fair!’

 

 

 

I know buddy,’ said Adam, his despair showing on his face as well. ‘I know.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘Can I get you anything Pa?’ asked Joe. ‘You want some more coffee or … something else?’

 

 

 

‘No thank you Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘I’m fine.’  He leant back in his chair and rubbed his stomach softly.

 

 

 

‘You got a sore stomach Pa?’ asked Hoss anxiously.

 

 

 

‘Just a bit,’ said Ben, thinking that he really shouldn’t have eaten that second helping of dessert. ‘It’ll settle down soon.’

 

 

 

‘Can I get you something for it?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘No thank you son,’ said Ben thinking how considerate his boys were being tonight. He reached over to get his pipe, but Joe grabbed it first and handed it to him with a sad and anxious smile.

 

 

 

‘Here you go Pa,’ he said. ‘You want me to light it for you?’

 

 

 

‘Thank you son, but I think I can manage,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

‘Do you think you should be smoking?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Ben gave his eldest son a puzzled look. ‘Well I don’t see why not,’ he said testily. ‘I do every night, don’t I?’

 

 

 

‘I suppose so,’ said Adam. ‘Just asking is all.’ He gave Hoss and Joe a helpless look.

 

 

 

‘You want a blanket Pa?’ asked Joe.  ‘Are you feeling cold?’

 

 

 

‘I told you I’m fine,’ said Ben, beginning to sound a little cross. ‘Have you boys got nothing to do tonight?’ All three of them shook their heads as they stared at him. ‘Well find something to do and stop annoying me,’ their father said. ‘I’m fine sitting here smoking as I said before. If you’ve got nothing to do then why don’t you go up to the attic and sort through some of those things we looked at the other night? They need to be sorted out.’

 

 

 

All three of them hesitated and looked at each other. ‘We’d rather not Pa,’ said Adam finally.

 

 

 

‘Suit yourselves then,’ replied his father as he began to smoke. ‘Only you don’t want to leave it until it’s too late.’ He considered a lot of the old toys and furniture up there that could well do with throwing out and considered doing so unless the boys claimed them for their own.

 

 

 

‘Too late?’ squeaked Joe. ‘Pa!’ he flung his arms around his father and hugged him.

 

 

 

Ben looked startled at the boy’s reaction, but hugged him back nevertheless. ‘What’s brought this on?’ he asked over the top of his son’s curly head.  He looked at Adam and Hoss who both shrugged their shoulders and said nothing. ‘Well Joseph, if it’s going to affect you in this way then don’t sort through the things at all,’ said his father, holding the youngster at arm’s length and observing him. ‘What’s got into you?’

 

 

 

‘Nothing’s got into him Pa,’ said Adam hastily. ‘You know how he gets. Probably still just affected by breaking up with Bertha Phillips. Come on Joe … let’s play a game of checkers … OK?’  Joe nodded and wiped his nose on his sleeve as he tried to control himself.

 

 

 

Ben looked at his three sons, puzzled as to what was going on. He gave a large yawn and thought about how tired he was lately.  The preparations for this party were certainly taking their toll on him and what with still having to make decisions about his Will and all …  He leant forward. ‘Boys I’ve been doing a bit of thinking,’ he said. ‘I’ve been trying to make a decision about something and I’m afraid I can’t come up with any solution.’

 

 

 

Adam left Joe and came to sit next to his father. ‘We’ll help you Pa,’ he said gently. ‘You know that we’ll be here for you no matter what.’

 

 

 

Ben raised his eyebrows. ‘Well that’s nice to hear,’ he said. ‘Actually I was wondering if you could all give some thought to something for me.’

 

 

 

‘Anything Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘You just name it.’

 

 

 

‘Well this ranch was always intended for all of you to share after I’m gone,’ began Ben and then stopped as Joe let out a howl and ran quickly from the room. ‘What’s the matter with Joseph?’ he asked. ‘That girl must have been very special if he’s still going on about her in this way.’

 

 

 

Hoss stood up. ‘I’ll look after him,’ he said sadly and left the room as well.

 

 

 

Adam continued to look at his father intently. ‘What is it Pa?’ he asked. ‘You can ask me anything.’

 

 

 

‘Well it actually pertains to you more than your brothers to be honest. I’ve been wondering which part of The Ponderosa is your favourite son,’ said Ben. ‘With your brothers it’s obvious … Hoss Heaven for Hoss and down by the lake for Joseph … but I really don’t know which part you’d like.’

 

 

 

‘Adam swallowed. ‘I’d … like?’ he asked in a low voice.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said his father, inhaling on his pipe again happily. ‘For when I’m not around.’

 

 

 

Adam looked away and put his hand over his eyes for a moment. ‘Oh Pa,’ he said softly.

 

 

 

Ben looked even more confused at his son’s reaction. ‘Well, you think about it,’ he said. ‘I’m just trying to get some things sorted out in my mind at the moment.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded and left the room as well. He found Hoss comforting Joe by the corral. ‘It’s gonna be OK shortshanks,’ said Hoss miserably. ‘We’re all gonna stick together through this.’  He looked over at Adam mournfully. ‘What did he ask?’

 

 

 

Adam swallowed before replying. ‘He wanted to know which part of The Ponderosa I’d like after he’s gone,’ he said and then listened as Joe’s sobs became louder. ‘Get a hold of yourself Joe,’ he said finally. ‘For Pa’s sake.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said squaring his shoulders. ‘For Pa’s sake.  You’re right Adam.’

 

 

 

Adam patted him on the shoulder. ‘Come on back inside.  He’ll be wondering what’s going on if we don’t.’  Joe nodded again and cupped his hand in the water trough, splashing it onto his face to clean it up and remove the traces of his tears.

 

 

 

‘I’m OK,’ he said sadly. ‘I’ll try to be strong for Pa.’

 

 

 

‘That’s the boy,’ said Adam. ‘Come on now.  Back inside.’ He led the way inside and all three brothers stood looking fondly at their father for a few minutes as the man sat by the fireplace enjoying his pipe.

 

 

 

Finally, Ben turned to face them. ‘Would you three stop staring at me in that way please?’ he asked in an irritated tone. ‘If you have something to say, then just come on out and say it!’

 

 

 

‘We don’t have anything to say,’ Pa,’ said Adam quietly.

 

 

 

‘Then kindly go and do something and stop standing there like three lovesick cows,’ snapped his father. ‘I’d like to be left alone if you’re all going to carry on in this way.’

 

 

 

‘Just like a dying animal,’ whispered Hoss into Adam’s ear. ‘Wanting to be left alone when the end comes.’ Adam nodded and steered Joe upstairs before their father could see the look of the boy’s face.  Ben shook his head and continued to enjoy the peace and quiet as he puffed on his pipe happily.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Adam took off his hat as he entered the small church and shut the door behind him.  He looked around and then smiled as he saw Reverend Allen kneeling in the front of the altar with a large vase of flowers in his hand. ‘Oh,’ said the Reverend, looking somewhat embarrassed. ‘Hello Adam.’  He looked at the vase in his hands and put it onto the altar table quickly. ‘I don’t normally do the flower arranging you know, but Abigail Jones couldn’t make it this week and so I’ve been rather stuck with it.’

 

 

 

Adam’s eyes widened. ‘Abigail Jones?’ he said quickly.  The name always sent a shiver down his spine.  He looked around with an expression akin to that of a hunted animal. ‘She’s not here, is she?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said the Reverend, well aware of what must be going through the young man’s mind.  Abigail’s fascination with the eldest Cartwright son was well known throughout the district. ‘She’s not here.  What can I do for you Adam?’

 

 

 

‘I’ve come for some help,’ said Adam. ‘It’s a rather delicate matter though.’

 

 

 

‘Sit down, sit down!’ said the Reverend. ‘Tell me all about it.’

 

 

 

‘Well it’s about my Pa,’ said Adam. ‘My brothers and I have been talking and … well …’ he eyed off the man. ‘We know all about everything,’ he said, watching the other man’s face carefully.

 

 

 

Reverend Allen looked startled. ‘You do?’ he said. ‘So your father has finally told you then.  I’m glad.  It’s much better to have these things out in the open.  Now you can help him get ready.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Pa didn’t actually tell us … we guessed.  Hoss heard you and Paul Martin talking with Pa the other day and Joe heard him in town as well. He’s determined to go through with this on his own, isn’t he?’

 

 

 

‘Well you know your father Adam,’ said The Reverend. ‘Paul and I wanted to help him … and we’ve done our part … but he has insisted on doing most of it by himself.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘We’ll do anything to help him now that we know,’ he said.  ‘I just don’t understand why he didn’t confide in us before.’

 

 

 

‘It was mainly because of Joe,’ explained the Reverend. ‘He thought that your brother might have blurted it out to Roy.’

 

 

 

‘Roy doesn’t know?’

 

 

 

‘No of course not. Your Pa thought that if he did he might take off and not attend.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. Roy Coffee and his father had been friends for many years. No wonder he wanted to spare the man his funeral. ‘I still think we have the right to know,’ he said. ‘Joe will handle it … I’ll see to that.’ He studied the man carefully. ‘What should we do Reverend?  How can we help Pa get through this?’

 

 

 

Reverend Allen put his hand on Adam’s shoulder. ‘Just offer your support,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘So you think that we should tell him that we know?’

 

 

 

I don’t see why not.  I’m sure he’d like the three of you to help now that you do.’

 

 

 

Adam stood up. ‘I will then,’ he said. ‘Thank you.  You’ve made things a lot clearer for me now.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t mention it,’ said the other man kindly. ‘And tell your father for me that the music and the flowers are all arranged.’

 

 

 

Adam gave him a stricken look. ‘I will,’ he said. ‘Is there anything … I mean … should I talk to Paul Martin as well?’

 

 

 

Reverend Allen shook his head. ‘I don’t think there’s anything else Paul can do for now,’ he said. ‘He’s a busy man you know.  That’s why he appreciates your father not calling on him so much about this.’

 

 

 

Adam sighed. ‘Yes.  Pa is being so strong though it all. Thank you Reverend.’

 

 

 

Reverend Allen shook Adam’s hand. ‘I’ll see you on Friday then?’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam looked startled. ‘You’re so sure about that?  He’s even booked a date?’

 

 

 

‘Well of course,’ said the Reverend. ‘You know your father. He always likes to be organised.  He said Friday … and Friday it shall be.  There should be a lot of people there and you can’t leave these things to just happen by themselves you know.’

 

 

 

Adam’s heart was heavy as he left the church.  He wondered at the strength of his father and how he was managing to cope with all of this by himself. Adam squared his shoulders. ‘Well no more!’ he said out loud. ‘We’re going to help you through this Pa.  That much I promise you!’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam looked at his father dejectedly and then across at Hoss and Joe who were standing beside him. ‘Pa?’ he ventured.

 

 

 

Ben looked up from his desk where he was poring over a map. ‘Yes son?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Can we talk to you?’

 

 

 

‘Of course.  Aren’t you all supposed to be out doing your chores though?’

 

 

 

‘I don’t think that chores are important right now, do you?’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘Chores are always important … you know that. I thought that I’d raised you boys to understand that it’s the little things that make this ranch run so well.  No matter what goes on … chores are always important.’

 

 

 

Hoss nodded. ‘You’re right Pa,’ he said. ‘And don’t you worry.  We’ll keep things going around here for ya.’

 

 

 

Ben gave a satisfied nod. ‘Glad to hear it,’ he said. ‘Now what is it?’  He gave Joe a frustrated look as the boy walked around the desk, sat on the edge of it and leant in close to his father, giving the man one of his puppy dog looks. ‘Do you mind Joseph?’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe leant back again. ‘I just want you to know that I love you Pa,’ he said in a soft voice.

 

 

 

Ben’s look of frustration turned into one of delight. ‘Well thank you son,’ he said. ‘I love you too.’

 

 

 

‘Pa?’ Adam tried again. ‘We really need to talk to you.’

 

 

 

‘Well … spit it out then,’ said Ben. ‘What’s on your mind?’

 

 

 

‘We know about … everything,’ said Adam. ‘I’ve talked to Reverend Allen and he confirmed what we already knew. Joe heard you talking to Paul Martin the other day in town about … everything.’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. ‘Joseph, how many times do I have to tell you about that eavesdropping?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’m sorry Pa,’ said Joe. ‘But we’re just concerned bout you is all.’  He flung his arms around his father’s neck. ‘Oh Pa!’

 

 

 

Ben tried to disengage his youngest son’s arms without success. ‘For heavens sake Joseph, calm down!’ he said. ‘I’m not that angry with you.’ Joe sniffed a couple of times and sat up again.

 

 

 

‘Well now that you know then you can help me organise things,’ said Ben. ‘There isn’t much time left.’

 

 

 

Hoss began to sob softly as he stared at his father. ‘Don’t say that Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Why not?’ said Ben. ‘It’s true.’

 

 

 

‘So Paul Martin can’t help?’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Paul has done all he can,’ said Ben. ‘I don’t intend to impose on him any longer. It’s up to all of us to make this an event to remember.’

 

 

 

‘I won’t wanna remember it,’ said Joe quietly.

 

 

 

Why not?’ asked Ben. ‘You always enjoy gatherings Joseph.  Lots of people will be there and it should be quite a day.’ Joe gave his father a mournful look. ‘I’ll make out a list of last minute things for you boys to do,’ continued their father. ‘I’d like The Ponderosa to really sparkle on Friday.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Sure Pa,’ he said. ‘But I think it’s more important that we look after you than worry about how the house looks.’

 

 

 

‘Look after me?’ asked Ben. ‘Why on earth would you want to look after me?’

 

 

 

‘Pa you’re always looking after us … always worrying about how we’re going to cope with things.  At least let us look after you just this once.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘I don’t understand,’ he said. ‘I don’t need looking after.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘I think you do,’ he said gently. ‘Pa stop being so unselfish for once.  Even the way you’ve been making sure that your Will is up to date shows how …’

 

 

 

‘How do you know about me updating my Will?’ interrupted his father. ‘I didn’t tell you that.  Did Hiram?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Adam. ‘He wouldn’t tell me anything.  I saw you coming out of his office a couple of weeks ago.  I found out from Clive in the Bank that you were finalising your affairs.’

 

 

 

Joe flung his arms around his father’s neck again and clung on tightly. ‘Pa don’t leave us!’ he sobbed. ‘Please don’t leave us!’

 

 

 

Ben pulled the youngster off him. ‘I have no intention of leaving you,’ he said firmly. ‘And what has updating my Will got to do with Roy’s party anyway?’

 

 

 

There was silence. ‘Roy’s … party?’ asked Adam finally. ‘What party?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘The surprise birthday party that we’ve been discussing,’ he said. ‘What party did you think?’  He turned to Joe who was staring at him with his mouth open. ‘And why on earth are you carrying on like this Joseph?  Don’t tell me it’s still that girl of yours?’

 

 

 

Joe’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times. ‘Girl?’ he finally asked. ‘What girl?’

 

 

 

‘Bertha Phillips I believe was her name.  Isn’t she the one who’s been making you so emotional this week?’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘Heck no,’ he said. ‘I’m going out with Margaret Adams now.  What’s Bertha Phillips got to do with anything? She ain’t important in my life.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Well what is all this about then?’ he said. ‘One of you spit it out please.’

 

 

 

‘You’re getting a party organised for Roy Coffee?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Isn’t that what you were offering to help me with?’

 

 

 

‘And …’ Adam looked at Hoss and Joe. ‘And you were discussing it with Paul Martin and Reverend Allen?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.  They’ve been helping me.  The Reverend has been getting the decorations and the music ready and Paul has been helping with the guest list.’

 

 

 

‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ said Adam in an accusing tone. We thought …’ He stopped, feeling rather foolish.

 

 

 

‘You thought what?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘We thought you was gonna die Pa!’ cried Joe, flinging his arms around his father’s neck again.

 

 

 

Ben disengaged himself for the second time. ‘You thought I was going to what?’ he shouted. ‘Are you boys serious?’

 

 

 

‘Well what about the medicine the doc gave you?’ asked Joe defensively.

 

 

 

‘Whiskey,’ chuckled Ben. ‘He thought I looked a bit stressed what with getting everything organised.’

 

 

 

‘And what about you making your Will and all?’ asked Hoss. ‘What about that Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Well what about it?’ asked Ben. ‘Do I need to be dying before I update my Will?  It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time.’

 

 

 

‘And all the questions about what part of The Ponderosa we’d like?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Ben tapped the map in front of him on the desk. ‘A sensible thing to start thinking about, I would have thought,’ he said. ‘I really want to make sure that each of you gets the part of the ranch that means the most to you.’

 

 

 

‘And having to know how much money you have?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘I needed to put a figure into the Will,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

‘Well what about all them things you was making us take from the attic?’ asked Joe defensively.

 

 

 

Ben fixed his youngest with a steely glare. ‘I was actually trying to tidy this place up a bit,’ he said. ‘Really boys … you can’t be serious!  You didn’t really think that I was dying did you?’  He looked from one son to the other as they all nodded.

 

 

 

Ben burst out laughing. ‘Well I’m sorry to have worried you!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘It ain’t funny Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘We really thought we was gonna lose you!’

 

 

 

Ben sobered. ‘I’m sorry son,’ he said. ‘I didn’t mean to make fun of you.  It’s all just been a tragic set of circumstances, that’s all.’  He looked at his three sons seriously. ‘I want you all to know that I have no intention of leaving you for a very long time if I can avoid it,’ he said. ‘Now let’s have no more talk about me dyin, shall we?’

 

 

 

‘Well what about your Will?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘I still intend to update it,’ said his father. ‘I might leave it until after the party now though.  I think it might be a good idea for all of us to sit down and discuss some of the issues involved as a family.’ He glanced at the map in front of him. ‘I still want to be fair to all of you,’ he said. ‘The Ponderosa has always been intended for the three of you and I want to make sure that it remains your legacy for many years to come.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

 

Twenty Five Years Later

 

 

 

Joe Cartwright dismounted slowly from his horse and tipped his hat at the portly woman walking past with nine children following her, shuddering as he watched her ample back view disappear from sight.  Margaret Peterson, or Clancy, as she had been for many years now, had certainly not aged well.  The double chin and the enormous girth made him wonder what he had ever seen in her all those years ago. He counted his lucky stars that their relationship had only been a short one, for the way he heard it she certainly gave her husband a hard time.

 

 

 

Joe opened the door to Matthew Wood’s office and grinned at the lawyer as he entered. ‘Hi Matt!’ he said.

 

 

 

Matt looked up and Joe thought for perhaps the hundredth time how very like his father Hiram he was. ‘Joe,’ he said. ‘Any news yet?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded as he drew a letter out of his pocket. ‘I got this yesterday,’ he said. Matt looked at it and noticed that the stamp on it was from Australia. ‘Adam?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Adam,’ said Joe. ‘He doesn’t want it Matt.  He says that he quite happy to let it all come to me.’

 

 

 

Matt shook his head. ‘I can’t understand it,’ he said. ‘All that land.  Joe, it’s worth a fortune … and your brother is prepared to just give it up? I can’t believe that it isn’t important to him any more.’

 

 

 

‘Well with Pa gone now … and well … Adam’s had his roots across the other side of the world for many years,’ explained Joe. ‘It isn’t that The Ponderosa ain’t important to him any more, I guess.  It’s just that with Hoss gone he’s willing to leave it all in my care.’

 

 

 

Matt nodded. ‘I suppose so,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘There’s something I’d like you to do for me please Matt,’ said Joe.

 

 

 

‘Of course.’

 

 

 

‘I want to update my Will,’ said Joe. ‘With no family of my own I’d like to at least leave The Ponderosa to Adam’s children.  Pa always wanted it to remain in Cartwright hands and Adam’s kids are the only ones left now.’

 

 

 

Matt nodded. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘I’ll have it drawn all up for you to check over.’  He smiled at Joe as the other man stood up. ‘You know it’s never too late to have some of your own Joe,’ he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

 

 

 

Joe’s eyebrows raised and he gave a short chuckle. ‘Now you’re beginning to sound like my Pa used to,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Well at least think about it,’ said Matt as Joe opened the door to leave. ‘Your Pa always wanted it to be your legacy after all.’

 

 

 

As Joe walked back out into the bright sunshine he thought about Matt’s words.  It was true that Pa had always hoped to leave his dream to his grandchildren … but those same grandchildren he’d never even had the opportunity to see, as Adam’s brood were so far away.

 

 

 

Joe sighed as he looked across the street.  Behind the stage which had just arrived, a petite blonde woman emerged, looking around her anxiously as she picked up a bag.  Joe grinned and began to cross the street. ‘No … it’s never too late,’ he mumbled to himself. ‘Morning ma’am,’ he said out loud as he tipped his hat and checked at the same time to make sure that there was no wedding ring on her finger. He gave her one of his most charming smiles. ‘Joe Cartwright’s the name.  Can I offer you some assistance?’

 

 

 

The End