SUMMARY:  A romance that starts out rocky for Adam and Monica.  Soon though those issues are resolved, but events take the romance in an entirely unexpected direction.

Rating = T  Word count = 15262

It’s a Bad Day, or Not Series:

It’s a Bad Day, or Not
Cheryl

Cheryl

Chapter 1

Sitting across from his wife, Adam Cartwright had learned that a woman could make him sweat simply by looking at him and experienced it once more. Monica stared at him intently before asking the question she had asked him several times before and gotten him to admit that he needed to explain more.

“Is that it or are there more?”

“That’s everyone who was important to me. If you think I’m going to tell you about every girl I ever kissed or every woman with whom I ever danced, then this is getting ridiculous.”

“No, I’m not asking you to do that, but I hate being blindsided by these women in town who love to throw a name at me and watch me squirm. They know when it’s clear I have no idea about whom they are talking and can say whatever they wish and I can say nothing except listen to their vile comments.”

“That’s it, then. There are no more.”

“Or there are no more that they know about?”

Exasperated, Adam threw up his hands, and Monica knew she had pushed him too hard. “Monica, how much prying into my life before I met you are you going to do? You know everything you need to know about my life here to handle the loose tongued gossips in town.”

That was enough until the fateful day Monica opened the door to greet a tall, raven haired woman standing on her porch. The sun caught her profile just right highlighting the bluest eye Monica had ever seen. When the regal woman turned her gaze to deign to look down on her, Monica saw she had a pair of those sky blue eyes.

“I’ve been told Adam Cartwright lives here. Would you be so kind as to inform him that Cheryl is here to call on him. I’m sorry I do not have a calling card, but I am quite sure he’ll know who it is.”

Then moving past Monica as if she was a servant, she settled herself in a high back chair waiting for her order to be carried out. Monica wanted to object, but other that clawing out those blue eyes, there was little she could do. She went to Adam’s office to tell him what had happened. He didn’t like being disturbed while working so he was gruff when she opened the doors.

“You have a guest. I have been ordered to tell you that Cheryl is calling on you.” Adam caught the hint of anger with some directed at him. “Apparently you left one off the list.”

Knowing he had to explain, he pushed the doors closed. “No, I didn’t. The only thing between us was from her side only. I have always been honest with her and let her know I have no interest in her. Because we have so many similar interests, she has never accepted that. She is older than I am by at least ten years. And before you ask, I had no idea she was coming here. I haven’t seen her in years. I thought she was in Europe, England in fact.”

Somehow, that made Monica feel better. “Shall we go see her then, and you can introduce me.”

Adam smiled. “Don’t hurt her. She means well, I think. She’s a performer; she sings with a piano player or guitarist on stage mostly and does quite a few benefits. Perhaps that’s why she’s here.” He was hopeful about that anyway thinking that would make his life less complicated than if she was here solely to see him.

“Perhaps we should introduce her to your father?” Monica however wanted her out of the house and definitely focused on someone other than Adam.

“I’m not sure he’s up to the challenge.”

“I think he needs a challenge.”

“We can talk later.”

Entering the parlor together, they made it clear to anyone that they were indeed a couple. That made Monica’s expanded waistline all the more significant.

“Oh, my, you’ve gone and attached yourself to a woman. Here I thought you had a roly poly little house servant, but instead you’ve got a wife instead. She is your wife, isn’t she? I mean, you always were the honorable type. I assume you would do the right thing.”

Ignoring the implication that Monica had been with child and that was why he had married her, Adam instead made introductions hoping Monica could ignore Cheryl’s unseemly behavior too. “Cheryl, this is my wife, Monica. Monica, this is Cheryl. Cheryl has amazing musical talent, but she is honest, or perhaps to be accurate, I should say she is blunt, to a fault and as you can tell, she says what she is thinking and has no limits on her speech.”

“Oh, I am sorry, Adam. You know, Monica, I can call you, Monica, can’t I, well, I say I’m sorry a lot because of what Adam said. I do have that tendency and have yet to rein it in. I know what I see and I say it.”

“As long as you are being honest, Cheryl, why are you here?”

“Well, you certainly haven’t changed at all. One would think being a bit older, you might be a bit more diplomatic or at least gentlemanly.”

“I can be when it’s suitable.”

Cheryl didn’t miss the insult, but she needed his help so chose not to respond to that. “I have decided to resurrect my career, and where better to do it than where it began. I have an engagement at Piper’s Opera House. It’s only one night, but that should be enough to get noticed and get booked elsewhere.”

“You still haven’t said what you wanted.”

“I was getting to that. I need a guitar player, and I don’t exactly have the resources to bring one here.”

“You’re broke.”

“I am currently short of ready cash, yes, but only because I needed to buy costumes and arrange for travel here.”

“If you can’t bring in a guitar player, how can you afford a hotel?” When Cheryl didn’t respond, Adam knew what else she wanted. “Oh, no, that isn’t a good option. You can’t stay here.”

“If you’re married, Adam, why would that matter?” Cheryl did her best impression of an innocent look, but she could see it didn’t seem to be working. “Well, you wouldn’t leave me with no place to stay, would you?”

Monica decided that she could offer an option to resolve the dilemma. “Adam, she could stay at the main house. Now that we’re not there, there should be plenty of room.” When she got a stare from Adam, she knew that had not been a good thing to say.

Once Monica made that suggestion, Adam tried furiously to think of a reason why he couldn’t extend that invitation. With no warning, he was unable to come up with one. Instead, he had to listen to Cheryl gushing out her thankfulness to Monica. He knew it was all fake and that Cheryl was up to more than she had said. He knew she would never have let herself get in a position where she had no place to stay so this had been a ploy to get better accommodations than she could afford. He was sure of that even if he would never be able to prove it. Even as he went outside to send her carriage back to town and hook up his own, he was trying to guess her intentions. On his return to the house, he let Cheryl go out to the carriage first so he could talk to Monica.

“You don’t know what you may have gotten us into by inviting her to stay on the Ponderosa.”

“Oh, I think I do. She wants to win you back and show you that she’s a much better match for you than your roly poly short little wife.” Monica smirked at Adam’s surprised look. “I thought it better to have her here where we could watch her than to have her in town working some scheme and not knowing what she was doing.”

“You understood her intentions rather quickly.”

“It wasn’t too difficult to see. All she had was eyes for you. You should have told me about her.”

“There never was anything to tell. It’s always been like this. She pursues, and I elude her by whatever means I have. She apparently won’t give up.”

“You were never attracted to her? She’s beautiful.”

“She is and I was, but as soon as I was with her for a short time, I knew it would never work. I don’t like being challenged constantly and I especially don’t like being manipulated. Don’t worry either about the trip to the main house. Nothing will happen.”

“She’ll try.”

“I know, but I told you nothing will happen.”

With that, Adam left the house and headed to the carriage where Cheryl already sat looking rather smug. He wasn’t sure why until they headed out and she made her first comment.

“I didn’t mean to cause trouble between you and the little woman.”

“There’s no trouble. And she is not the little woman. She is my wife, and when you refer to her, you will do so with respect if you expect any help from me and my family. I can turn this rig around and deposit you at some less than quality hotel in town if you don’t behave.”

“I’m not a child to be spoken to this way.”

“Then don’t behave like one.”

“Oh, so you would like me to act like a woman with you.”

As she raised her hand from her lap, Adam’s “Don’t!” echoed loudly across the fields where they were driving.

“I expect you to act as an adult. I was not offering anything more nor will I. My previous threat still stands. Behave yourself or you go back to town and fend for yourself. Behaving yourself extends to all time spent on this ranch. I don’t want you causing any kind of trouble here at all. Do you understand?”

Almost in a pout, Cheryl nodded. “You could be nicer about it. You should know that I’m a widow. I lost my husband and that’s why I need to try singing again.”

“Lost him or did you have something to do with it?”

“Adam! Now who should think about behaving and acting like an adult?”

“You’re right. That was churlish. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“That’s better. However, you don’t have to be too sorry. He wasn’t a very nice man. I didn’t realize it until I married him. He was so charming and exciting.”

“And wealthy?”

“His family was, yes. But I got almost nothing when he died. It was all in his name. I got my clothing, my jewelry, and not much else. At least we had no children so they have no hold on me that way and no children to taint. I never knew how money can corrupt some people, but it certainly does. Knowing you and some others, I had always thought rich people simply had more money. Now I know that some of them are very different from ordinary people.”

“There, now, being like this is going to be a lot better way to get along with me and with my family. That is, it will work unless you made that story up too.”

“Adam, that’s not fair. You know I have a flair for the dramatic and I do like to lead people on, but have you ever known me to lie?”

“That’s true. I have never known you to lie except that once, but it was for a good cause. I have never known you to lie for your own benefit, I’ll give you that.” He paused and then chuckled. “Although claiming that what you do is simply ‘a flair for the dramatic’ might be considered a lie of omission or understatement.”

Even Cheryl had to chuckle at that. “I do go on sometimes, don’t I?”

“Yes, you do, but could you please try to hold it in check while on the Ponderosa?”

“I can try. After all, who will be there for me to use my skills against? Your younger brothers are too young and your father too old. You were the one I wanted to impress and you’re rather clearly out of range.”

“Yes, and remember that. No childish games.”

“No childish games.” But she was thinking it wasn’t playing like a child that she was planning. Besides, to her, love was a game, and even a fool knew why. But it was a very grown up game, and Adam had been playing cat and mouse with her long enough. She thought it was about time he recognized the inevitable, and she was going to help him do that once and for all time. She didn’t care about marriage. He could stay married to his little wife who could have the house and the child she was carrying. Meanwhile, she and Adam could travel and see the world, something he had once told her he dreamed of doing.

As Adam sat beside Cheryl for the ride, apprehension grew as she was quiet. Any prolonged silence from her usually meant she was thinking, and in this case, he guessed that could only mean trouble. She had helped him once when he needed it in dire straits which meant he owed her, but he worried now that the price might be too high. When he got home, he needed to talk with Monica to make sure she understood the whole picture. Unfortunately, it was going to be very difficult for him to admit to her what had happened, but now it was necessary. At least, his father already knew so he wouldn’t have to explain anything when they got to the main house.

When they arrived at the main house, Hoss and Joe were only too happy to escort the pretty lady into the house. Cheryl would have preferred entering on Adam’s arm, but he hung back letting his brothers do their best to try to charm her. Knowing it wouldn’t work, he smiled at her as she gave him one of her pasted on theatrical smiles and complimented his brothers on being such gallant gentlemen. Of course, when Ben saw her, his greeting was genuine and warm. Cheryl did respond in kind to him respecting his status and fondly remembering his kind words when he had found out what she had done for Adam. Although the risk she had taken was fairly minor, it had been a risk nevertheless and one that Ben had felt deserved compensation. At the time, they had been unable to provide that, but eventually he and Adam had seen to it that she had been rewarded but not in the way she had hoped. Monetary support for her career had been welcome but not what she had desired most. Still, Ben liked her and was delighted to see her.

“Adam, I didn’t know we were going to have such a beautiful guest here.” The request for information was delivered politely but firmly.

“I didn’t know either, Pa, but Cheryl is in town to perform at Piper’s on Saturday night and needs a place to stay. I can’t have her stay at our house. I can’t have anything upset Monica’s routine at this point.”

“I understand, son. I am happy to host Cheryl here. I am sure your brothers will help me make her stay here pleasant. You go home now and take good care of Monica. I’m sure she’s concerned that you’re gone.”

Reading between the lines, Adam got the message and answered in kind. “Yes, Pa, I’ll make sure she is reassured that all is well now.”

Ben knew then that Adam had not told Monica about Cheryl and what had happened in San Francisco, but he would now tell her and clear the air about it. He knew it would be difficult for Adam to tell that story, but it would probably be good for him too. Letting go of the guilt could help him close that chapter. When Adam left, Ben turned to Cheryl.

“Now, how about a brandy before dinner, and you can tell us all about your upcoming engagement.”

“That would be wonderful. I’m sure we will have a very pleasant time together this evening unlike the reception Adam is likely to get at his home. I don’t think his little woman was very happy with him.” Cheryl saw the change in the demeanor of all three men and knew she had to tread far more lightly than she had. “I’m sorry. It’s that I didn’t know Adam was married, and I never expected him to be married to such a petite woman. I always thought Adam would marry someone who was more of a match for him, more of a challenge, shall we say.”

“Oh, Monica is a challenge. Don’t let her size fool ya, ma’am. She can put ole Adam in his place right fine.”

“She sure can. She’s not one to take anything without a fight.”

“I think what my sons meant to say is that Monica may be petite, but she has a great deal of spirit and intelligence which Adam appreciates.”

“Yeah, that’s shur what we meant, weren’t it, Joe?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“If Adam seems concerned, it is because Monica is with child and her time is close. None of us want anything to go wrong, but because Adam’s mother died at his birth, he is especially sensitive about this. You have to understand that he will allow no one and nothing to jeopardize his wife and child.”

With that rather pointed message, Cheryl realized she had more of a struggle on her hands than she had first thought. Monica had not said much so she had thought she wasn’t up to a fight, but if these three men all thought she was that strong, she would have to re-evaluate the situation. She had thought too that Adam would be more interested in his dreams than in settling down with a wife and child, but she might have to re-evaluate that idea too. Ben saw her slight frown and began to wonder what she was thinking. He had noticed an odd look earlier when he and Adam had agreed that they would all have lunch together at Adam’s house the next day to discuss what would happen on Saturday. The evening passed with stories and conversation that were pleasant enough so he didn’t give it much more thought, but he wasn’t about to forget any of it either not with Adam’s happiness and future at stake.

 

Chapter 2

At Adam’s house, there was a lot more going on as Adam had to sit down after dinner and made a full confession of something he had hidden from his wife as well as from his brothers. His father knew and his lawyer knew, but very few others knew. Adam had been named in a divorce action in San Francisco because he had gotten involved with a married woman when he had too much to drink. It was after his failed relationship with Regina and he had allowed himself to fall into a deep depression. While on a trip to San Francisco to negotiate a contract for the Ponderosa, he took a bottle to his room the first night and drank too much. It meant he was late to his meeting the next day and the contract was awarded to another timber operation. He bought another bottle and drank that the second night. On the third day, he headed out to a restaurant to have dinner when he finally got up, had too much to drink with dinner, and a woman suggested that he ride with her in her carriage rather than walk.

“You might find yourself on a ship to the Sandwich Islands by tomorrow in the state you’re in.”

“You might be right.”

“I’ll give you a ride in my carriage. You’ll be safe.”

Instead of his hotel though, she took him to her home. He was surprised but in no condition to say no. He woke up in her bed the next morning not knowing what if anything had happened between them because he had no memory of most of the events of the night before. She invited him to stay. He dressed though and left. As he walked out, he met Cheryl for the first time. She had been a guest at the house and was returning to her apartment because she and the lady of the house had an argument about what the woman had done bringing Adam home.

“She plans to use you, you know.”

“Use me? For what?”

“She’s going to tell people that you seduced her and spent the night with her. She’s trying to divorce her husband and they need grounds that the court will accept, and then they’ll go after your family’s money or property. I know it sounds strange, but she bragged about it as she was having coffee with me this morning. She knew who you were when she saw you at the restaurant and the whole plan was hatched right there. I was shocked and told her so. Then I said I was leaving. I had no idea she was like that. Well, I knew she was greedy, but I had no idea the lengths she would go to get what she wanted.”

“I was invited here by her and don’t even remember what happened last night.”

“I believe you. I saw you come in, and you were leaning on her and could barely walk. I’ll help you if you’re willing.”

“How?”

“If she does what she says she’s going to do, I’ll say you were with me so you couldn’t have been with her.”

“Out of the frying pan and into the fire.”

“No, if I tried to get anything from you, you have her statement that she was with you and not me. Check with a lawyer. I think it will work.”

So, Adam and Cheryl had stopped at the family lawyer’s office. He had agreed with Cheryl that the ploy could work for Adam, but that Cheryl faced legal jeopardy if there was any proof she was lying.

“I’ll take that chance so that the right thing happens.”

Less than two days later, Adam was served with papers. The divorce application had been filed and his name was there. He and his lawyer had to get busy. With Cheryl’s statement, they were able to quash the complaint. In addition to losing the contract, Adam incurred some expensive legal bills. When he went home, he had no choice except to explain it all to his father who wasn’t at all happy with his eldest son. Now Adam had to sit down and tell all to his wife including the huge favor Cheryl had done for him when she didn’t even know his name.

“So, she did that because it was the right thing to do?”

“Yes, she has a good heart even if sometimes her impulsiveness and emotional behavior get in the way, but that’s how we met. After what happened, when I went to the city, I did spend time with her, but it was clear we were not compatible no matter how much she wanted us to be. She kept trying, but I have made it clear on numerous occasions that I am not interested in a romantic relationship with her. I am her friend and I owe her, but not that.”

“All right, let’s go to bed. I’m tired.”

Shaking his head, Adam stood and helped his wife stand. As often happened, he was amazed by her and especially her ability to accept the truth and move on. After making sure the house was secure, he helped her up the stairs, and Adam slept well knowing that their love was as strong as ever, and he got to let go of some guilt he had been carrying for a long time. He had not had to tell Monica not to tell his brothers. She had known instinctively that this was the kind of thing they should never know because it would be too painful for him to have them bring it up in teasing which they would likely do when they got the chance. Grateful that he had a wife who valued personal privacy as much as he did, Adam wrapped his arm around her and slipped into a peaceful slumber.

For Monica though, sleep did not come so easily nor was it so peaceful. She was suspicious of Cheryl and her motives and sensed there was more going on with her sudden appearance than what she had told them. Showing up as she did and the imperious attitude she displayed had triggered all sorts of warnings for Monica. Something was wrong in this situation, and she wanted to think it through before she discussed it with Adam. She didn’t want him to think it was jealousy or some emotional response because of her condition. Step by step, she tried to logically lay out the issue as she saw it. Hours passed while she thought through the whole issue delaying her sleep. In the morning, when Adam arose, he was quiet to let Monica sleep, and he had no idea why she was so tired. He found out when she asked to speak with him before lunch when Cheryl was expected back.

“Do you trust her?”

He didn’t need to ask. He knew. “I trust her as far as knowing she will not try any underhanded scheme. She will not lie, cheat, steal, or do anything like that.”

“But you were upset when you saw her.”

“Yes, she won’t give up the idea that somehow we belong together. I’m married, but I’m not sure that will be enough to stop her. She is a bit obsessed. She tends to get that way. She gets and idea and she won’t let go.”

“So what’s the solution to this? What’s the plan?”

“All I can say is what we’re doing now. Keep her away from me. If she can’t be with me at all, she has to understand what it means. Pa knows. I think he’ll make sure she’s so busy she can’t find time to be here.”

“Except they’re coming here for lunch.”

“Yes, well, we had to do something. If you can think of a way out of that, I would appreciate hearing it.”

“Actually, I don’t have to think of anything. If you’re committed to what you said, we have the perfect solution.”

“We do?”

“Yes, I’ve never felt them before, but if I had to guess, I think the baby is letting me know it’s getting close.”

“You’re feeling pain?”

“Not so much pain yet, but I keep getting these strong aches and they’re getting more frequent. It’s like a backache that comes and goes on a rather regular schedule though.”

“Will you be all right while I ride to get some help here and tell Pa not to come over?”

“You’re not riding to town and back, are you?”

“No, I’m only going over to the main house. They can send riders for the midwife and for the doctor if he’s available.”

“I’ll be fine, then. I’ll wait right here for you.” She smiled then to try to relieve the tension she could see in Adam. He didn’t even seem to notice the small joke she had tried to make. Sighing, she relaxed in the chair and waited for the next contraction. They were more painful than she had told him, but she was well aware of his concerns and was doing her best to shield him as long as she could.

In the stable on the Ponderosa getting the carriage ready, Ben heard Adam ride in and called to him. “What’s the rush? Is there anything wrong?”

“Nothing wrong, but we do need some help. It’s time. You know, it’s time.”

Grinning at Adam’s sudden lack of facility with the language, Ben told him he would take care of everything. “You go on home and stay with Monica. We’ll be sure to have everyone and everything there that you need as soon as we can.”

When Adam hesitated, Ben was firm. “I can handle this part, son. Go home and be with your wife.” After Adam rode out, Ben asked a hand to summon Hoss and Joe back to the main house as he went in to tell Cheryl what she would undoubtedly take as bad news.

“Ah, Ben, are we ready to go so soon?”

“I’m afraid we’re not going over to Adam’s house. There’s been a development.”

“She won’t let me in her house.”

“No, Monica isn’t like that. No, their baby is on the way so that will be the focus today at Adam’s house. We’ll all stay away for a time.”

“Shouldn’t we be there to offer him support?”

“No, you least of all should be there at all. Now, Cheryl, I’m going to be blunt. Getting between a man and his wife, is foolhardy and can lead to all sorts of difficulties, but never, ever think of trying to get between a man and his child. If you do anything in any way that Adam sees as a problem where his child is concerned, you will think of hell as a safe haven. Trust me on this. I have three sons, and I know how I have felt when anyone caused a problem for any one of them.”

For a short time, Cheryl was quiet, and Ben wondered what she was thinking. Then she smiled at him.

“You’re very good, you know. You bellow better than anyone I have ever met including your eldest son. With that delivery, you could have been a preacher or a Shakespearean actor. And the lines, my goodness, that was quite impressive too. ‘You will think of hell as a safe haven.’ Now that was quite effective. I got it. I understand.”

“Do you?”

“Until you said that, I guess I wasn’t sure. Adam seemed very sure of himself, but he can act that way even when he isn’t. He wears his bravado like a shield at times. Now the rest of you didn’t seem so sure. However, I can see that you are. Although I don’t understand the attraction, I can accept that Adam loves his wife, and that the door has closed there. I guess I better try to come up with another plan for someone to accompany me at Piper’s on Saturday and for any tour I wish to have or I will have to cancel. I have never been any good singing acapella.”

“There are several accomplished piano players in town, and one young man who plays guitar quite well.”

“I prefer guitar, but a boy will hardly have the experience to accompany me on stage.”

“Mario is quite talented. He has performed on a number of stages from San Francisco to Denver. He comes back to town because his father owns a restaurant here. He needs a home base.”

“How old is he?”

“I believe he’s sixteen now.”

“Hmm, so he could have a very promising career beckoning.”

Further conversation was interrupted by Hoss and then Joe arriving. Ben filled them in on what had to be done. Joe rode to town because it was the longer ride and he was faster. Hoss rode to notify the midwife and give her a ride to Adam’s home if needed.

“Hoss, I have the carriage already harnessed. Take that.”

After Hoss and Joe left, Cheryl turned to Ben. “I suppose there will be no carriage ride for us today.”

“No, Cheryl, but if all goes well, tomorrow, I promise a carriage ride. We can go to town to see if Mario is here, and we could have a picnic too if you like.”

“That sounds delightful. It will be nice to have a day that is relaxing. I do need to rehearse though.”

“Feel free to sing to your heart’s content here today. Within a short time, you shall have the house to yourself for hours. Someone will be back by dinnertime and for the evening so that you are not alone. I can’t tell you who that will be. It depends on what happens at Adam’s home.”

“You’re anticipating a problem, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m hoping there won’t be any problem, but I know there are possibilities for which we must be prepared.”

“But Adam would be devastated if anything went wrong now.”

There was nothing for Ben to say at that point. Eventually Hop Sing came out with baskets of items to take to Adam’s house and within the hour, he and Ben left. Cheryl spent some time perusing the books on the shelves and wandering about until she finally did practice her singing although without an accompanist, she wasn’t sure it was much use. Worried about what was happening at Adam’s house, she knew any effort by her to get there to find out was going to create more trouble than she was willing to face. Ben had told her someone would be there by dinnertime so she did her best to fill the time and not worry. She noticed that the men had tracked a great deal of dust and clumps of dirt into the house that morning so she went in search of a broom and swept and then dusted. It felt good to do something that seemed worthwhile and it took her mind off worrying too. It was nearly five before anyone returned. It was Hop Sing who didn’t seem to be in a talkative mood.

“Everybody fine. Hop Sing busy. Got much work to do.”

As Hop Sing walked to the dining area though, he paused briefly staring first at the floor then around at the credenza, the table, and at other places in the room.

“You sit. Hop Sing be right back.”

Not quite used to taking orders from a servant, Cheryl nevertheless sat. She was tired and a bit cross at not hearing any details about what had happened at Adam’s house. She hoped that by cooperating, she might find out something. About fifteen minutes later, Hop Sing appeared with a tray. There was tea, some biscuits with jelly, and a few ginger cookies on delicate little plates. After setting the tray on the table beside her chair, Hop Sing actually smiled at her.

“Missy Cheryl help Hop Sing very much today. Hop Sing very grateful. Hop Sing answer any questions Missy Cheryl have now.”

“I wanted to know about Adam’s baby. Is everything all right?”

Hop Sing proceeded to tell her about the birth which had been relatively easy and uneventful, about Adam pacing the entire time and barking at anyone who told him to sit or to do anything else, and how he had sat at his wife’s side and held his baby boy only about an hour earlier. She did have to prod him with questions as he talked, but he was quite forthcoming with the answers.

“So all is well?”

“Yes, family be here for dinner soon. Everybody want to hold baby first. Then they come back home. Adam want quiet at his house tonight. He not know it no be quiet at his house for long time now.”

Hop Sing laughed and Cheryl joined in.

“Is there anything else I can do to help you, Hop Sing?”

“No, you do more than anyone expect. You guest. I do rest.”

“I would love to help. Perhaps I could put the place settings on the table for dinner?”

“You no need to do that.”

Except Cheryl could see how much he probably would love for her to do that. “I will do that. Don’t worry about the table. I will take care of it. I will do that right away and then come back and enjoy my tea and my treats. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you. Now Hop Sing has to get cooking.”

“Yes, I’m sure you do, and whatever you cook will be delicious.”

Cheryl was finishing with the table when Ben and his sons arrived home.

“Cheryl, you shouldn’t be working. You’re a guest here.”

“I was too worried to sit around. It helped to do a few things.”

It was then that Ben noticed too how clean the room was and how all the wood furniture was shiny. He nodded knowing that what she said was true. He had spent enough time worrying to know how it was.

“Thank you, then. I appreciate all that you did, and I apologize for being such a poor host. Did Hop Sing tell you about the baby?”

“Mostly that all was well and all of you would be back once you got a chance to hold the baby.”

Smiling broadly, Ben looked every bit the proud grandfather at that moment. Hoss mostly looked hungry sniffing the air wondering what Hop Sing could prepare at such short notice. Joe told him that their cook had never failed them yet so he shouldn’t worry. Ben poured out four brandies and suggested they all relax for a short time until summoned to dinner. It gave him time to tell stories of how the day had gone with Hoss and Joe embellishing the tale as often as they could. Based on the story they told, Adam was going to get a lot of teasing over the next month or so for his behavior on this day.

“Miss Cheryl, I never seen my older brother looking so nervous. He never sat down once all day until he was sitting on the side of that bed holding that little bundle. Well, maybe he leaned on things a time or two.”

“He’s not so little, and he’s got almost more hair than I do.” Joe ruffled his own curls for emphasis.

“Not quite that much, but that little one shur does have a head of black curls. Got a dimple too just like his papa.” Hoss was certainly a proud uncle.

“I don’t suppose we’ll be seeing much of Adam then?” Cheryl knew the answer but waited for confirmation from Ben.

“That’s about it. He’s going to be busy at home for a while. But that means I can take you to town tomorrow and for that picnic I promised. I’ll be your host for the week, and I promise that you will have a pleasant time here.”

Although what Ben intended was to keep Cheryl busy so she couldn’t bother Adam and Monica, he never noticed the look that Joe and Hoss exchanged. They sensed that perhaps there was going to be a bit more going on than Ben hosting a guest. Cheryl’s response and the way she looked at their father reinforced that impression.

“That sounds wonderful, Ben.”

 

Chapter 3

With the night to think about it, Hoss and Joe were ready to discuss their father and Cheryl the next morning but were wise enough to wait until they were in the barn to do so. When they were sure they wouldn’t be overheard, Hoss was the first to broach the subject.

“You think she might have eyes for Pa now?”

“Why not?”

“Well, she came here thinking on maybe marrying up with Adam or at least being with him. It’s awful fast her deciding to take a shine to Pa like this.”

“I don’t think it is. Adam has been dodging her for a long time. You know that, and he wasn’t all that nice to her when she got here. Pa has been the gentleman from the moment he saw her. He’s always been very nice to her, and any woman would be crazy not to have eyes for Pa.”

“Joe, you don’t think she was planning this all along, do ya?”

“No, I don’t think so. She’s never seemed to be the sneaky kind. Even with Adam, it was always up front. He always knew what she wanted. Heck, we all knew what she wanted.”

“That’s true, and she is nice. I wouldn’t mind having her around more especially ifn she and Adam wasn’t butting heads all the time. Might be good just to see how she is with only the good side showing.”

“Yeah, I wonder why Adam never wanted to get serious with her.”

“He don’t like bossy women, and she wanted to be the one in charge too much for him. Monica knows that and mostly lets him have his way unless she feels real strong about something.”

“You think Pa likes bossy women?”

“Joe, you shoulda known your ma.” Hoss could only chuckle. “Maybe Pa don’t seek ’em out, but he shur don’t seem to mind ’em at all.”

“Mama was bossy?”

“Nah, she wasn’t bossy at all as long as she got her way with everything.” Hoss had to chuckle at his own joke.

“Adam says that sometimes he didn’t get along with her. I wonder if that was why. We know Adam doesn’t like anyone telling him what to do, and I can bet he didn’t like a stepmother telling him what to do.”

“I think you’re real close to the truth on that one. You’d have to ask him about it to find out. I was only twelve when she died so I don’t have the best memory for everything that happened back then. Not sure he’d tell you how he felt back then. He keeps a lot of those things bottled up tight.”

“Hoss, I bet that’s why it took Adam so long to find a wife.”

“Huh?” Hoss didn’t follow the jump in topics.

“You know, Adam didn’t want a bossy one but he wants one who is strong. He wants to get his way, but he still wants someone who can stand up for herself. He likes to make the decisions, but he likes to have someone intelligent to discuss things with. That’s not an easy kind of person to be.”

“I know.”

That made Joe frown and think. Slowly he realized he had described Hoss’ position in the family in many ways. He began to giggle and Hoss stared at him. He wasn’t going to say what he was thinking until he had his horse saddled so he could ride out. When he was ready, he said it. He told Hoss that maybe Adam should have married him. Then he did one of the fastest swing mounts ever and rode out to work faster than he probably ever had. Hoss was going to mount up to chase him when his father called to him interrupting his plan. Ben asked if he had time to harness up a team to the carriage.

“Yes, Pa. I’ll get right to it.”

Then Hoss smiled as he realized Joe would be wondering why he wasn’t chasing him and begin to worry about what was coming next. He’d get his revenge by doing nothing and letting the younger man worry about him for an hour or so. When Ben and Cheryl came out a short time later, Hoss still had a little smile so Ben asked him why. He recounted the entire conversation and the plan for revenge he was implementing. Ben simply shook his head and helped Cheryl into the carriage.

“We’ll be back in time for dinner.”

Quiet for the first part of the ride to town, Cheryl finally asked a question. “What Hoss said, is that true, do you think?”

Ben tried to be as diplomatic as he could be. “The brothers know each other well.”

“In other words, Hoss described his brother well with those words. Therefore, I’m not the kind of woman he would ever have accepted into his life. He wasn’t playing hard-to-get or any game at all. He meant what he said when he told me he wasn’t interested.”

“Adam usually means what he says.”

“Oh, you must think me silly, and Adam must think even worse.”

Not answering that for what she might think of his answer, it was Ben’s turn to be quiet for a time. That was answer enough. Cheryl was embarrassed.

“I should apologize. It’s just that with many men, they say one thing and mean another especially when it comes to romance. It’s all a big game with them. I didn’t know Adam was so different. I guess I should have known.”

“Yes, well, what will you do now?”

“Oh, the rest is true. I have an engagement at the opera house and I do hope to arrange for some tour stops. Once I get started, I hope it will be enough to have a career.”

“So, your plans haven’t changed?”

“Oh, no, there is no reason to change my plans, but I am concerned. I had hoped Adam might wish to travel with me, and now I see that was a foolish dream. I guess all that talk of travel wasn’t serious. What he wants is right here.”

“I think he did want to travel and he may yet do that, but any trips will be with Monica and his son. He and Monica did spend quite a bit of time down by the Bay. When his son is old enough to travel, I wouldn’t be surprised that they do that again.”

“What about, you, Ben? What are your plans?”

“What do you mean? What are my plans? The Ponderosa, of course.”

“Really? Aren’t your sons taking over much of that?”

“Yes, they are doing some things.”

“I thought I overheard a conversation about tangible assets.”

Ben had to smile at that. It had been quite a conversation and he was surprised she had heard that much of it. He decided to tell her the rest of the story. Adam had proposed something while they had been at his house. He had made an investment of ranch funds in a mining operation. While Ben hadn’t been enthusiastic about it, his sons had outvoted him and he had gone along with it. At Adam’s house, they had found out that the investment had sextupled in size. Joe had whistled and Hoss’ mouth dropped open.

“In that short a time, son?”

“They hit that vein of ore that some had predicted and now all the investors want in. They’re buying up all the claims near them as well and beginning large scale operations.”

“That’s wonderful. I withdraw all the objections I made to that proposal originally.” Ben had been surprised when Adam hadn’t smiled. “Is there something we should worry about?”

“I’d like to sell our shares.”

“What? Why?” Joe was shocked.

“I think the demand has inflated the price and it will fall and soon. We have that money only on paper. We don’t actually have it unless we sell. We could sell, use the money to buy tangible assets like land, breeding stock, or any number of other things even other businesses, and still have cash that I could use as seed money to make new investments.”

After making his carefully planned proposal, Adam had stopped pacing for perhaps one of the only times that day. Ben had a tendency to want to hold onto what he owned so his inclination was to oppose the idea, but Hoss and Joe clearly favored Adam’s plan.

“I like it, Pa. I like them ‘tangible’ things Adam wants to get. It seems like a real good way to build up our property without worrying about taking too many big risks.”

“I like it too, Pa. We could use some of that money to have a back-up plan in case anything goes wrong. I hate it when we have to go begging for loans against the ranch when there’s a drought or other problem.”

After recounting that portion of the conversation to Cheryl, Ben smiled. “I think you know how that probably turned out.”

“You got outvoted again.”

“There was no vote. I knew how it would go. I acquiesced gracefully.”

“I bet you do that well.”

“Yes, I do. It’s something I have not been able to teach my sons. They have inherited my stubborn streak without my ability to give in gracefully when there is no alternative.”

“I’ve seen that in Adam.”

“Oh, he and Joe may have it the strongest, but it’s there in Hoss too.”

“You almost seem to glow when you talk about your sons.”

“If you think that, wait until you see me with my grandson!”

“I’d like that.” And Cheryl realized that she would like that, and it surprised her. Being with Ben was so relaxing and pleasant. He demanded nothing of her and offered so much. She thought it was too bad she had met and loved Adam first. She certainly was better matched to Ben.

“What are you thinking? You seemed to drift away there for a time.”

“Oh, just thinking that I never noticed before how impressive you are. You have so many wonderful qualities. I don’t know how I didn’t see it.”

“Oh, it was probably because all your attention was on Adam. He has a tendency to do that when he’s around. I don’t know exactly when that developed. He was such a shy one when he was young, but somehow he got to be this intimidating man who seems to draw attention whenever he walks into a room.”

“I’ve noticed Little Joe does it too but in a different way. He bounces about chattering and smiling and doing his best to charm everyone. Soon he’s got a lot of attention too. Of course, Hoss gets a lot of attention simply by his size and he does nothing except walk right into the middle of things so everyone notices.”

“I guess it does run in the family then.”

Ben had to chuckle and Cheryl joined in. The rest of the ride to town was quite pleasant as they chatted about family, the Ponderosa, and then about Cheryl’s singing and why she never learned to play the piano or guitar.

“I do so admire those who can, but I can’t seem to get my fingers to work that way. I have tried, Ben, but it is simply not a talent I have.”

“Well, you certainly have a beautiful voice. I’ve heard you singing sometimes when you thought we were gone. I have enjoyed those moments immensely.” Thinking for a time, Ben had a question. “Have you tried strumming a guitar? I know sometimes when Adam is frustrated with a song, he strums the chords instead of the melody. Because he’s singing the song, it doesn’t make that much difference.”

“No, I haven’t tried that. It’s a little late to learn that for Saturday though.”

“Yes, but for the future, that could be invaluable for you. Perhaps Adam could teach you the basics.”

Chuckling again, Cheryl looked at Ben to see if he was joking. Seeing he was apparently serious in that proposal, she had to answer. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think Monica would object to me being anywhere near her husband. The look I got from here was that she would claw my eyes out if I attempted anything. It’s probably best if I steer clear of the two of them. Once I’m gone, they will be relieved and hope to never see me again.”

“Oh, Cheryl, I don’t think you have to feel that way. I think they will understand.” Ben realized he didn’t want to think of her never coming back. In fact, he didn’t even like to think of her leaving. It was a surprise to him that he was developing feelings for her. For a few minutes, he didn’t say anything as he thought about that and how his sons especially Adam might react if something did develop between him and Cheryl.

“Now, it’s my turn to ask. What are you thinking? You seemed to drift away there.”

“Oh, I was thinking about the rest of the week and of Saturday night. Planning, I guess, what comes next.” It wasn’t a lie, but he was using one of Adam’s techniques and omitting much of the truth.

As it turned out, they needed to discuss that planning because Mario was out-of-town. When they stopped at his father’s restaurant, they found that he was in Salt Lake City for an engagement and was not expected back for two weeks. He was performing there but teaching first. They did have a wonderful light brunch together before going to the opera house to talk with the manager to see if he had any other suggestions for someone to play piano or play guitar. At such short notice, he had no one he could recommend. Ben wouldn’t let Cheryl cancel though saying they would find a solution. The manager said they had until Friday. He had a reliable local performer who could fill in at short notice. As they left town, Cheryl turned to Ben.

“What kind of idea to you have, because I have nothing in mind?”

“I want to talk to Adam. Perhaps under the circumstances, he will relent.”

“Ben, I don’t know if you should even ask him. Why cause trouble when he’s likely to say no anyway?”

“You don’t think I can persuade my own son to do this?”

“It’s not your son who worries me most.”

“Don’t worry so much. I’m sure they will discuss it, but Monica will accept whatever Adam decides.”

“I don’t know. I’m getting a funny feeling about this.”

“Let’s not worry about it anymore today. Let’s have our picnic and see the Ponderosa. The majesty of this place can’t help but inspire confidence. You’ll see.”

The picnic prepared by Hop Sing was fruit pies, biscuits, hardboiled eggs, and apples so that nothing would be spoiled by the long ride to town before they headed to the lake. Hop Sing also wanted them to enjoy the dinner he was preparing so had purposely kept the picnic light. Ben said as much to Cheryl warning her that he guessed there was going to be a sumptuous spread that evening.

“Hop Sing will want to show you how well he can cook especially as he wasn’t able to do so because he spent so much time at Adam’s house yesterday. Now he’ll be trying to do his best to impress you, and the rest of us will benefit as well.”

“I’ve thought everything has been so delicious so far. I guess I should tell him that so he doesn’t feel he has to work so hard.”

“My dear, the opposite will likely occur not that I’m telling you to hold back in your praise. However, the more a guest praises his cooking and presentation, the more he works to make them say more nice things.”

“Well, then, I guess there is no way around it. I shall have to praise him and then offer to help.”

“He will appreciate the offer, but don’t expect him to let you in his kitchen. It is his domain.”

“But he didn’t mind me helping yesterday.”

“You did things outside the kitchen. If you wish to help in that way, he’ll likely be more open to it.”‘

“Ah, I see the difference. Yes, I can do that.”

That evening, dinner was as fabulous as Ben had predicted. Cheryl was lavish in her praise, and Hoss and Joe added their words of gratitude and appreciation too. Hop Sing looked expectantly at Ben.

“Once again, my friend, you have surprised me. Each time I think you cannot do better than the last time, and then you do. This is the best food you have ever prepared for a guest. The meat melted in my mouth, and the dessert was as light as a cloud. Thank you.”

Of course, Hop Sing hardly noticed the words after ‘my friend’ because every time he was included with words like that, any praise was only superfluous. Smiling broadly, he returned to the kitchen happy to be working for a family that not only showed gratitude for his skills but true feeling for him as a person. Cheryl noted his reaction and retained that for the future too knowing what was most important to Hop Sing. She guessed it could be crucial in her conversations with him. When dinner was concluded and the men stood to retire to the great room, Cheryl said she wanted a few words with Hop Sing.

“Can I help Missy Cheryl with something?”

“No, but I wondered if I could help you. You work so hard as part of this family and I thought perhaps I could do something to ease that workload you have so you could concentrate on your marvelous cooking. I’ve been told my fancy skills are quite good, so if you had any sewing or mending that needed to be done, it would give me something to do to keep my hands busy and perhaps ease your burden as well.”

Hop Sing wanted to say no, but her earnest look and his great distaste for sewing on buttons and mending small tears in clothing won out. “I have some small tasks if you had time. I have shirts that need buttons sewn on. One shirt has small tear in seam.”

Cheryl looked over the stack of shirts especially at the offending seam. “Yes, this is perfect. Not too challenging so I can relax and take care of this. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you. Good for both of us. Yes?”

“Yes, good for both of us.”

Smiling, Cheryl took the basket with her out to the great room. Ben protested that she wasn’t supposed to be working because she was a guest. She pointed out that she had quite a bit of free time and wanted something to keep busy.

“It’s better than worrying about things. When I work on things like this, I can empty my mind of all negative thoughts and get something good done too. It’s relaxing for me, and it will help out Hop Sing too. He can concentrate on his kitchen duties.”

“Hey, Pa, I like the sound of that.” Hoss was grinning.

Joe took Cheryl’s side too. “She makes a lot of sense, Pa.”

Although Ben had other ideas for the evening, he gave up and raised his hands in mock surrender. As Cheryl worked on the shirts that needed buttons, he talked about various topics and Hoss and Joe played checkers. The evening was very relaxing for all.

The next morning, Hoss and Joe had another conversation in the barn as they saddled their horses for the day’s work. Both had about the same opinion of the previous evening.

“Joe, that was a right pleasant way to spend an evening, wasn’t it? I mean, she’s kinda nice to have around. I think Pa and Hop Sing have really warmed up to her too.”

“I think Pa has more than warmed up to her. Did you see how disappointed he was when she came out with that sewing basket. I have a feeling he was going to ask her to go out and see the moon.”

“You think so? Already?”

“Yeah, I think he’s falling in love with her. I don’t know about her though. I can’t tell how she’s feeling.”

“Me neither. She was always chasing after Adam. I can’t tell if she changed her mind on that or not either. I guess we’re gonna hafta wait and see on that, huh?”

“Hoss, maybe we can help it along.”

“Joe, don’t you go scheming. You know how that works out.”

“I wasn’t thinking of that. I was only thinking that we could kind of make ourselves scarce. You know, give them more time to be together without us there.”

“Oh, yeah, we could do that. How?”

“I don’t know yet. We’ll think of something.”

 

Chapter 4

That evening at dinner, Joe announced that he and Hoss would be spending the night in the south pasture watching for a lone wolf. Hoss had seen what they thought might be wolf tracks. They had lost a few calves in that area. Originally they had attributed the losses to people traveling through because they saw some wagon ruts, but now Joe said it might be a wolf.

“Maybe we blamed travelers and they were innocent, Pa. If it’s a wolf, we have a long-term problem we have to take care of. We thought we’d watch out there tonight for signs. If we see or hear anything, we’ll know we have to set up a wolf hunt.”

“Have you alerted your brother?”

“Ah, no, we thought we’d tell him ifn we found out more.” Hoss was nervous about the plan and it showed.

“Hoss, is there something wrong?”

“No, he just realized we should have told Adam. He mentioned it, and I forgot to go do it. He’s trying to cover for me. It’s all right. One more night shouldn’t make a difference.”

More intent on the idea of having a night alone with Cheryl, Ben didn’t see how relieved Hoss was. Cheryl did. Outside, Hoss thanked Joe for covering for him. They packed up their gear and headed out for a relaxing night of camping. Inside, Cheryl smiled as Ben poured two brandies.

“Now, no sewing tonight. We have a chance to talk about things. I saw Adam today, and I wanted to talk to you about our plan.”

“Plan?”

“Yes, I know you thought Monica wouldn’t approve, but she gave her blessing to it. Adam will be here tomorrow to practice with you. Each day, he’ll come over for a couple of hours of practice, and then he will be there for the performance. I’ll escort you to the performance.”

“Will we be able to go to town for a dress performance in the opera hall?”

“No, he’s sorry, but he doesn’t have time for that much. He’s got some work to do, and with the arrival of the baby, he lost a lot of work time. He’s doing his best to get caught up and has a deadline to meet. He’s giving you all the time he can spare.”

“And Monica is making sure that I am chaperoned while I am with him. She still doesn’t trust me.”

When Ben made no response and truly acted as if he hadn’t heard her, Cheryl understood. She accepted the brandy, and they did indeed have a nice evening of conversation. She had missed being with Ben that day, but he had spent a good part of the day with Adam and Monica and then gone to town to speak with the manager of the opera house on her behalf. It was quite nice having a man take care of all of those things for her and not demand anything in return. It was then that Cheryl realized more of the good qualities of Ben. He wanted everyone else to do well and did whatever he could to make that happen. Her heart was opening to him whether she was consciously aware of it or not.

That evening, when it was time to walk up to bed, Cheryl waited while Ben made sure the doors and windows were secure and banked the fire for the night. He guided her up the stairs by lightly holding her arm at the elbow. He didn’t let go at the top of the stairs though and at her door, she thought he might kiss her. Close enough to do so, he whispered good night in a husky voice and his hand dropped from her arm. She missed the warmth of it and almost called him back. But she knew if she did, she was calling him back for more than a kiss. You don’t call a man like Ben Cartwright back to your bedroom door for a chaste kiss goodnight. She said nothing but watched his back until it disappeared into his bedroom and the door closed. With a sigh, she stepped into her room and closed the door too leaning against it and wondering what was happening to her. If she was honest with herself, she knew, but she was surprised and not sure if it was what she wanted. She didn’t sleep well.

At breakfast, it was clear that Ben had not slept well either. Hoss and Joe were disappointed thinking their plan had failed miserably. Ben and Cheryl hardly said a word at breakfast, and then the brothers found out that Adam was coming over later. They couldn’t imagine what was going on. When Adam arrived and told them it was only for rehearsal and that their father had agreed to be there the entire time, they were relieved on that score. Rehearsal didn’t go well. Cheryl was tired and Adam was sight reading the music. Both agreed to cut the rehearsal short and spend more time on it the next day. After Adam left, Ben asked Cheryl if she wanted to take a horseback ride.

“Yes, I think a ride in the fresh air is what we both may need.”

They rode, they stopped by a small stream and hardly talked but relaxed in each other’s company. In the warm sunlight, Cheryl leaned back and closed her eyes. Startled later by the horses making some noise, she awakened and found that Ben had fallen asleep too. She woke him.

“Ben, it’s late. The sun is going down.”

“We better get going.”

“The horses woke me. I guess they’re hungry and thirsty.”

“We should water them before we go. They had grass so they’re not that hungry.”

Once the horses were watered and the saddles cinched up tight, the two rode for the ranch house and got there at dusk. Hoss and Joe came outside with grins.

“Where have you two been? We were about to send out a search party.”

“Very funny, Joseph.”

“Pa, me and Joe will take care of the horses. You two better git inside and cleaned up for dinner or Hop Sing is gonna throw a fit. You’re a mite late, and you know how he feels about that.”

As soon as she was presentable for dinner, Cheryl went to Hop Sing to offer her apology. “I am so sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I fell asleep by the side of a stream. It was so beautiful and the horses woke me. I never ever meant to insult you by being late. I hope you can forgive me.”

Walking up behind her, Ben offered similar sentiments. Hop Sing was somewhat mollified by their sincere regrets and hardly grumbled at all. Soon his scrumptious dinner was served and compliments flowed freely. All was forgiven.

After dinner, Cheryl wanted to walk outside. “I’ve had so much to eat, I need to walk around. I couldn’t bear to sit. In fact, if I keep eating like this, I won’t fit into my gown for the performance.”

“You shouldn’t be out in the dark alone. I’ll walk with you.”

When Ben walked out the door with Cheryl, Hoss looked at Joe who stared back at him. “I don’t know what’s going on either. At breakfast, they hardly spoke to each other, but then they ride back in looking guilty, and now they go for a walk in the moonlight. I give up. Pa is as sneaky as Adam. Now I know where he got it from.”

“Ya got that right, Joe.”

Outside, Ben and Cheryl had a pleasant walk with Ben naming the constellations. Cheryl remarked that Adam seemed to know all of them too, and Ben said he taught them to him when they traveled west and then over the years as they camped out until they finally settled on the land that became the Ponderosa.

“That boy has a wonderful memory. It’s amazing what he can remember.”

“He’s not a boy anymore.”

“No, but to me, they will always be my boys. I can’t help it, and I hope they understand. I know sometimes they don’t, and I do have an unfortunate habit of using that term in a derogatory way when I know I shouldn’t. I try to stop myself, but when my temper blows, there’s no room in my head for common sense.”

“It’s hard to imagine you losing your temper.”

“If you have ever seen Adam lose his, then imagine it about twice as bad.”

Cheryl had to smile at that image so at odds with the calm, dignified man beside her. “Now what could make you lose your temper?”

“Oh, anyone who threatens my family, my friends, or what I have here, and pretty much in that order.”

“I think you would be a good friend for me to have.”

“I am a good friend for you.”

“Thank you. It’s only been a few days, but it seems we’ve known each other much longer than that.”

“Oh, we have. I met you quite some time ago.”

“Yes, I know, but that was under such different circumstances.”

“But I admired you then, and I have even more reasons now to like you and admire you. I hope you know how much.”

Trembling inside, Cheryl realized that her feelings were being reciprocated. If she wanted more, he was offering more.

“Ben, I don’t know. It seems so complicated with all that has happened in the past.”

“Cheryl, none of that has to matter. We can put it all in the past. I can talk with Adam. He’s a very rational, intelligent man as you know. He will understand. If you are willing, we could see where this could go.”

By then, Ben was very close to her, and Cheryl had to look up to see his eyes and judge his sincerity. By doing so, her lips were close to his and she knew she was in effect offering more if she didn’t step back. She didn’t. The kiss was soft, gentle, but lingering. Ben’s arms moved around her and held her close. Slowly she pulled back slightly.

“Ben, let’s not rush too much. Let’s talk again after Saturday. It will give us time to think this through more and time to get to know one another better.”

“All right, but I know as much as I need to know. If you need more time, you shall have it.”

“I do love how you are always the gentleman. I don’t believe I have ever known anyone like you.”

“My dear, there may not be anyone like me.”

“That’s true. May we kiss again before we go in?”

“My pleasure.”

That kiss was deeper and more passionate. Lasting longer than the first, it was more difficult for both to break apart too.

“Cheryl, it is going to be terribly difficult to wait until after Saturday.”

“We only need to wait to talk about the future. There’s no need to wait for anything else. I’m no naïve young girl and you are no boy with your first girl.” Cheryl could see the indecision wracking him. “All right then, perhaps only kissing.”

“Yes, and probably enough of that for now before things go too far. I’ll walk you to the house. We could sit on the porch and talk if you wish.”

“I’d like that, but not too long. I need to sleep more tonight. I think I will. I made a decision when I kissed you that I wasn’t sure about last night. I’m willing to see what happens. It is certainly not something I expected, but somehow it seems right.”

“It does feel a bit odd though, doesn’t it?”

“I never even kissed Adam if you’re worried about that. I wanted him to kiss me, but it never got to that point. Maybe if we had, I would have known we were not compatible. Or who knows, but the most important thing for you to know, is there was never anything between us. It’s a clean slate, as they say.”

Ben wanted to say that it didn’t matter, but it did, and he was glad that she could tell him that. It made the whole situation much easier for him. He still wasn’t sure how to broach the subject with Adam but knew he had to find a way before his son guessed it or his brothers said something. That wouldn’t take long as curious as both of them seemed to be.

“Ben, do you think we’re going too fast?”

“Why? Do you?”

“When I think about it, my head tells me it is going so fast and that this is quite peculiar, but when I go to my heart, everything is fine and doesn’t feel at all wrong. Is that odd?”

“Not at all. Sometimes the heart is more a true measure of what is right because the mind sees all sorts of social conventions that are meaningless. But what of your plans? Will you be willing to spend time with me? It will create a problem if you wish to continue with your singing career.”

“Oh, Ben, I don’t know what to do now. I was only working on reviving my singing because I needed a way to support myself. I couldn’t see working as a seamstress. I would be so unhappy doing that. I needed something more creative with more excitement than that, more freedom. Now I don’t know what to do.”

“Stay here for a time. Give us time to find out what the future may hold. Could a few weeks really make that much of a difference?”

“Let’s talk about that after Saturday. I guess I’ll or we’ll have a better understanding of how to answer that question after I perform before an audience for the first time in many years.”

“I think you will do beautifully.”

“Thank you for that. It does help to have you say that.”

The next day, Adam could tell that something had changed but couldn’t tell what. He had little time to think about it as he had a deadline to meet and much work to do. Heading home as soon as he finished rehearsing, he had to postpone a talk his father wanted to have with him. He asked if Ben could come over that evening or if they could talk the next day as he had work to do and then had to head to town to mail some things out. Naturally, Ben agreed to accommodate his son so his talk with Adam about Cheryl had to wait. Instead Ben and Cheryl went out riding, and as usual, there was time for them to talk. Ben decided it was time to broach what might be a difficult subject, but he wanted to know.

“Cheryl, what happened to your husband?”

“Hmm, I wondered when we would have to talk about that. Adam never asked so there was that slight hope that it would never come up.” She paused to get her composure. “He was involved in some corruption tied to the royals. I don’t know what it was.”

“Tied to the royal family?”

“Some of the family, yes, but not the ones actually sitting on the throne. It was some of the cousins who technically are in the line of succession. Well, he knew they would never be brought to justice and he would take all the blame so he killed himself. He went out on a boat and drowned himself. They found the boat when it washed up on shore.”

“But there was no body?”

“Ben, you were a sailor. You know what is likely to happen to a body in the sea. No, a body was never found, but with the investigation against him, well they made assumptions. I can’t say I disagreed. He had been drinking heavily and was melancholy. Isn’t that what men are who are about to take their own lives?”

“It must have been awful for you.”

“To be honest, it was more a relief than anything. I didn’t feel sad. It was so hard to live with the fear of what he would do next. To be controlled and dominated like that was humiliating and demeaning. I wanted to leave, but he controlled everything. Even if I did perform, the money went into accounts he controlled.”

“How did you leave after his death?”

“I had my personal possessions. They couldn’t take those from me. They would have if they could. I sold some jewelry to get the money to get home. But I soon realized that the money from selling my jewelry wouldn’t last long. I needed a steady income. That’s when I decided to try to resurrect my career. I still have some years left to try to build up enough money to live. If I invest well and am careful, I should be able to do it.”

“So this performance on Saturday is very important to you.”

“It is the key to my future. If it goes well, I can use it to get other engagements and start building up that bank account and investment portfolio.”

“I’m glad we could help then.” Looking up at the sky, Ben’s brow furrowed. “Those clouds look ominous. We need to head back.”

Much too late, Ben had noticed the change in the weather for the winds were already picking up. Dust and debris pelted them as they mounted up to ride to the ranch house. It was difficult to head directly there, and soon Ben directed Cheryl to head toward the trees. They would have to go by a more indirect route than through the pastures. Even in the trees, the wind was strong but at least not as bad as it had been in the pasture. When they got to a thick copse of pines, Ben dismounted and helped Cheryl to do the same. He pulled her close and helped her into the pines as he led both horses. Once they were among the trees, he still had to shout so she could hear.

“With that wind, we’ll never get over the ridge to ride to the house. We need to stay put for a while and ride it out. This is as good a place as we’re going to find. We’ve got a blanket if the temperature drops and we’ve got water. I’m going to hobble the horses.”

After handing the blanket and canteens to her, Ben moved to secure the horses and make sure they were as comfortable as they could be under the circumstances. Pulling his rifle from the scabbard, he walked back to where Cheryl stood and lifted a large pine branch motioning that she should move under it. She bent low and did so with Ben following. As well as he could, Ben smoothed out the pine needles and then told Cheryl to sit. Moving beside her, he wrapped the blanket around their shoulders. She held one corner and he held the other as they listened to the wind howl above them until the rains came. Ben pulled the blanket up over their heads and heaped more pine needles over their legs and boots. With the protection of the trees, the pine needles, and the blanket, they stayed dry. Mostly they were quiet as it was difficult to talk with the noise of the wind. When the rain fell, they talked quietly of what Ben’s sons were likely to think when they came in all bedraggled again and laughed at their own descriptions of the likely scene. As the rain diminished, Cheryl had a question.

“Ben, what’s that smell?”

With the horses beginning to act up, Ben had a very good idea of what that was and he was worried. He pulled her up and grabbed his rifle. Realizing there must be some danger, Cheryl held up the branch as Ben stepped out with the rifle at the ready. She moved behind him as he walked slowly toward the horses who were more agitated by the second.

“Cheryl, is the smell less or stronger?”

“Stronger as we walk this direction. What is it, Ben?”

“Mountain lion, I think. This isn’t good. It shouldn’t be down this low so it’s hunting. I’m going to get you on a horse first. Ready?”

Quickly, Ben got one horse ready to ride and helped Cheryl to mount up. He got Buck ready and handed the reins to Cheryl as he walked around the two horses. Satisfied that he couldn’t see anything, he took the reins and was going to mount up when the animal charged. Cheryl’s horse reared throwing her off. Ben pulled his rifle into firing position and fired at point-blank range hitting the animal in the chest as it leaped toward him. Cheryl screamed as the animal landed on Ben and neither moved. Limping toward them, she took the rifle where it lay and prodded the mountain lion which snarled. She fired a shot directly into its brain through the eye. It didn’t move any more. Pushing it off Ben with strength she didn’t know she had, she checked him for injuries and found nothing bleeding although a lot of the beast’s blood was on Ben. As she did so though, Ben groaned and blinked, coughed, and then attempted to sit up but lay back down immediately.

“I think that damn beast may have cracked a rib. It certainly banged my head on the ground. Cheryl, I need your help.”

“What can I do?”

“I’ll need your help getting up on Buck.”

“Ben, the horses ran off.”

“The mountain lion?”

“I killed it.”

“You killed it?”

“Yes, you shot it in the chest, but it was still snarling, so I shot it in the head. It’s dead now. Ben, what should I do?”

“Take my pistol and fire three shots in the air. It’s the family signal that we need help. Wait a short time, and do it again. Once the horses are found, they will be looking for us. Firing shots will help them find us, but not too soon. I only have six shots in the pistol, and now there should be another three left in the rifle.”

“Maybe I should wait then to fire the first shots. Maybe they will not have seen the horses yet.”

“Good idea. Wait. Do you have a watch?”

“No.”

“Use the one in my vest. Wait a half hour. We were about that far from the house. If the horses ran, they should be home in less time than that, but give the boys time to get out here to start looking.”

Cheryl retrieved the blanket from under the tree and covered Ben sitting by his side then until his sons and some hands arrived about an hour later summoned by the shots she fired. As Ben was being helped to a horse, he realized for the first time that Cheryl was hurt. She couldn’t stand without help.

“What happened? You’re hurt.”

“The horse threw me off. It’s all right. It’s only my ankle.”

“Pa, me and Joe will take good care of her. Now let me get you on this horse so we kin get the two of you home. I already sent for the doc. Wouldn’t want him to get there before we do.”

 

Chapter 5

It was more than Cheryl’s ankle, but that was the worst of it. She had bruises and abrasions as well as a severely sprained ankle. Ben did have cracked ribs. He visited with Cheryl who was confined to bed with her ankle elevated to relieve the swelling.

“I’m sorry you won’t be able to perform on Saturday.”

“Oh, I plan to perform. I may have to use a stool instead of standing, but there’s nothing wrong with my voice.”

“There’s not much time left to practice. How can you do that stuck in bed like this?”

“Doctor Martin gave me permission to be up for ‘necessary’ things and practice is necessary.”

“I don’t think that was what he had in mind when he said that.”

“He didn’t define it so I’m going with my own explanation. When Adam comes over tomorrow, we can practice right here. His guitar is portable. I’m only glad I’m not working with a pianist.”

So for two days, Cheryl practiced in her bedroom with Adam with Ben nearby and fussing over her like a mother hen. When Adam got home, he had quite the story to tell Monica each day. She found it amazing and didn’t quite believe it somehow thinking it was a ploy to get in Adam’s good graces. Saturday, she planned to be in the audience for that performance even if she had to bring her infant son with her. Well, that didn’t work out as planned.

“You are not taking our son to the Opera House.”

“If I don’t take him, I can’t go.”

“If that’s how you feel, then you can’t go.”

“I can play guitar for you anytime you want.” Adam looked at her then and pursed his lips as a suspicion formed. “Except this has nothing to do with wanting to be there because I’m playing guitar.” Monica said nothing. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course, I trust you. I don’t trust her.”

“It doesn’t matter if you trust her. It only matters if you trust me.”

At that moment, it dawned on Monica that they had reached a critical point in their relationship. Her answer was crucial to their future.

“I trust you. I hope all goes well.”

“Thank you. I’ll be home as soon as I can. I still have a lot of work to do.”

When Adam kissed her goodbye that evening, she knew the passion was for more than the physical relationship they had. He poured a lot of emotional punch into that kiss too. She returned it in full measure. Ben and Cheryl were outside in a carriage waiting. A few hours later, they were back and Adam said Cheryl wished to speak with Monica. As Ben and Adam enjoyed a brandy on the porch celebrating a successful evening, Cheryl was nervously preparing to speak with Monica.

“I apologize for how I arrived here and what I intended. It was selfish. I had no idea that Adam was married nor how much he loves his wife. I was feeling a bit desperate, I admit. I feel much better now but know it is no excuse for how I behaved. I only hope you can forgive me.”

“If that apology is sincere, I can.”

“It is. I may spend more time here, and I do not want there to be animosity between us. It would make things so awkward.”

“If you’re not interested in Adam any more, why would you spend more time here. Haven’t you spent enough time here?” Then Monica paused and thought about those things Adam had told her. “Is it Ben? Really? You’re trying to snag him now?”

“No, I’m afraid he’s trying to snag me. I’m not sure I want to be, to tell you the truth. It wasn’t my plan to settle down in one place. I had thought to use my career to make money and be independent. Instead, Ben wants me to stay here and perhaps do a few performances in places like the Bay or Denver or the like.”

Cheryl looked so forlorn; Monica’s heart went out to her. “You do love him, don’t you?”

“I do, but is that enough?”

“Yes. Adam and I both had different plans for our lives, but once you’re together, you forge new plans. You may find you like the new plans much better than the ones you had before because now you have a man you love standing at your side, encouraging you, supporting you, and helping you.” Monica grinned. “At least you’re older than Adam. He’ll have a stepmother again who can help keep him in line.”

“Oh, my lord. I never even considered that part. I would be a stepmother, wouldn’t I if Ben and I married. Now Ben hasn’t brought that up. He has never once mentioned marriage.”

“Listen, when a man like Ben Cartwright asks you to stay, it’s implied. He hasn’t gotten around to asking you yet because he’s worried you’ll say no. But, you tell him you’ve decided to stay, and he’ll be asking you soon enough.”

“This is amazing. I came in here to apologize and hope that I could visit here without causing any disturbance, and I think I’ve made a friend.”

“Yes, I was ready to claw your eyes out, but I think I’m seeing the real you now, and I like what I see. You really need to work on that first impression you give, you know.”

Cheryl nodded and then shrugged making Monica laugh. Outside, the men heard and sighed in relief. It had been so quiet; both had been nervous.

“Well, Pa, are you going to ask her?”

“Ask her?”

“Don’t be coy. I saw the two of you while we were rehearsing, and that kiss after the performance tonight was not the kind of kiss a friend gives a friend for congratulations.”

“You were the one who picked her up and put her in the carriage.”

“Pa, she can hardly walk even with that cane. Now, stop beating around the bush. It was a simple question.”

“I asked her another question first. It depends on that answer.”

“What question?”

“I asked her to stay.”

“So, you almost asked her to marry, but not in so many words.”

“You might say that.”

“I think I did.”

At that point, Cheryl opened the door to tell Adam that Monica needed his help. Ben walked over to Cheryl and took her arm helping her to a chair.

“Did the two of you have a good talk? I heard some laughter.”

“We had a very good talk. I can see now why Adam is in love with her. She is a very strong and intelligent woman.”

“What did you discuss?”

“Quite a few things, and we reached an understanding of each other, I think. I made a decision too.”

“Yes?” Ben felt his heart begin to pound faster and faster.

“I thought about what you asked, and I decided that’s a good idea.”

“You’ll stay?”

“Yes, but I don’t know where. I have no place.”

“You’ll stay on the Ponderosa.”

“I don’t know if that’s proper.”

“It would be if you would consent to be my wife.”

“Marry you?”

“Yes, please marry me.”

Inside, a half hour later, Adam and Monica waited but there was no communication from Ben and Cheryl. Then the carriage pulled away headed back to the Ponderosa. Adam walked out to the porch to get the lantern that had been burning to light the area. He called to Monica to come out there.

“They were awfully quiet out here for the longest time.”

“Yes, they were busy.”

“Busy?”

“Quite. And they left us a message.”

On the porch of Adam’s home was a wooden bench Hoss had made. He had carved in all the names of the family members and recently had added Adam’s son’s name. Now below Ben’s name was carved + Cheryl.

**The End**

 

Tags:  Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright