Summary:  This is third in the series of Adam and his family.
Rating:  PG  (9,005 words)

Fatherhood Series:

Home is Never Too Far
Getting Started
Good Things to Come

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The Brandsters have included this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.  The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.

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Fatherhood:  Good Things to Come

Adam woke up early, opening his eyes while the moon still shone brightly in the sky.

He peeked in, as this door was always left open, and admired the sight before him. His son, now already nearly three years old lay holding a small stuffed dog, breathing softly into the the early morning air. Benjamin Eric Cartwright looked more like Little Joe than himself, right down to the untamed curly hair. His attitude was much like Little Joe’s also, and Adam sometimes wondered how he ended up having to raise another Little Joe. He smiled thinking how soon he would be greeted with a tight squeeze around the neck, but first things first, he had to get the barn chores done.

“Papa, Papa!” Eric cried cheerfully as his father walked in from the barn.

“Good morning little one, sleep well?” Adam walked over to his son picking him up high into his arms and brushing back those unruly curls.

“Good Papa, we wait to eat wif’ you!”

“Well thank you my dear.” He walked over to his wife giving her a quick morning kiss. Ella, I have some work to do with Little Joe today, and I was hoping you would join me on the ride over. Eric can visit his grandfather, and his uncles. Then all of us can go to the lake for a picnic.”

“That sounds fine Adam, but I am awful busy around here.”

“Ella, it’s nothing that can’t wait is it? I know my family misses you, and it’s not much of a ride.”

“Adam, it is a good hour ride over there. But, I miss your family too, and I guess I can finish my work tomorrow.”

“YEAH! We go to Grand papa’s house today. I see the t-t-titties.”

“K-K-Kitties Eric, with a K.”

“K-K-Kitties!”

“That’s right, good job. Well, we better get finished with this breakfast if were going to get an early start.

“Papa, when we go to Grand papa’s, can I go down to the creek?”

“That depends on if Grandpapa wants to take you, and don’t talk with food in your mouth son.”

“Sowwy’ If he takes me, can we stay till the picnic?”

“Like I said, that is up to Grandpapa, I will be out with Little Joe. I guess I’ll go hitch the wagon.”

Adam hitched the horses to the wagon, and watched with a smile in his eyes as his wife and son approached him. He helped his wife onto the seat beside him, and lifted his son into the back of the wagon.

“Eric, make sure you stay sitting down until I come get you off of the wagon. Remember what happened last time?”

“I fall off and hurted my head.”

“That’s right you did fall off and hurt your head. So stay sitting. Do you have your Noah’s Ark to play with?”

“Yes papa, and my tablet. I draw you and mama pitchers.”

“Pictures, baby. What are you going to draw?”

“Draw big lake wif’ lots of fishies, we catch em’ for supper.”

“That’s a great idea for a picture Eric, I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

They headed off towards the Ponderosa, Adam smiled as his wife lay a hand on his thigh.

“Thank you for coming today. I know you have a lot to do around the house.”

“Of course I came with you. Where you go, I go, right Adam Cartwright.”

“That’s what you said when we were leaving Boston.”

“That’s right, nothing else matters but our family.”

“Ella Bell,” Adam said using her pet name, “I do believe I love you.”

“I love you to Adam.”

Ben Cartwright stepped outside into the early morning air. He did this every morning, it helped to clear his head. He heard the sounds of a wagon approaching and called out to his son’s inside.

“Joe! Hoss! Adam’s riding up.”

Joe and Hoss came outside quickly. It had been nearly a week since they had seen their nephew, and they were excited to greet them.

“Hey older brother, bout time you showed up!” Little Joe said watching as the wagon slowed near the house.

“Yeah, Yeah. What have you been up a whole ten minutes?” Adam said slowing the horses. He noticed a look of panic enter his brother’s eyes and turned quickly to see the cause. Eric was standing up near the back of the wagon waiting to jump down.

‘BENJAMIN ERIC CARTWRIGHT! SIT DOWN NOW.” Adam tried his best to hold the horses steady as his son looked wide eyed, startled by his father’s harsh tone, and sat down quickly. Eric remained sitting in the wagon.

Adam stopped the horses, and quickly helped Ella off of the wagon. He then walked around to where Eric was waiting.

“I told you to sit in this wagon until I came to get you!”

“Sowwy Papa, I forgotted. I wanted to say hi to Grandpapa.”

Adam lifted Eric off of the buggy and into a tight hug, then jerked him back roughly to glare into his eyes.

“You could have been killed! If you would have fallen, the wagon could have rolled over you, or you could have broken your neck! You and I are going to the barn to have a very necessary little talk young man.”

Adam carried Eric into the barn. He already felt a pull on his heart strings, as he placed his child over his knee. This was the part of parenting he dreaded. He knew it was necessary however, and Eric had put himself in danger, as well as disobeyed him. He delivered two sharp swats to the child’s back side, then stood him up in front of him. Eric was sobbing now, as he hated his father to be cross with him, and his backside was stinging something fierce.

“Now, I want you to go in the house and get something to drink. I will be in to see you before I go off to work with Joe.”

“Yes, Papa.” Eric sniffled and walked slowly towards the house avoiding the sympathetic looks he received from his uncle’s.

“Well, son. Glad you made it out today, I need you to go over some figures with me. That timber contract is just not adding up, and I can’t find the mistake.”

“Sure Pa, Joe do you mind if I tackle that first, then we’ll ride out?”

“No, go ahead. I still have my barn chores to do, I did only get up five minutes ago.”

Little Joe smiled and ran past his father and brother avoiding their playful swats. Adam and Ben turned to walk into the house.

Ben took his chair behind the desk, and Adam sat on the edge of the desk beside his father. He picked up the contract, and began going over the figures, his father was right they were not adding up.

“Papa,” Eric sniffled tugging on his father’s pant leg. “I sit wif you a mini?”

“Of course you can sit with me a minute.” Adam lifted Eric up onto his lap and rested his chin on his soft curls.

“What you doing Papa?”

“Trying to find where these numbers aren’t matching up. I need you to sit still a minute, or would you rather get down?”

“Sit still a minute.”

“Right here, I found it. This should be an 8, not a 4. See, the numbers are just turned around. Thank goodness, for a minute I thought I was going to have to start from scratch.”

“Oh, now how did I miss that? I have been working these numbers for hours.”

“Well, Pa, you know how you get when you’re frustrated.”

“Grandpapa, will you take me to the creek today?” Eric was smiling as Adam bounced him up and down on his knee.

“Sure Eric, I would like that. Just give me a few minutes to change.”

“YEAH!”

“Eric, papa’s got to go to work, you mind your manners you hear.”

“Yes papa, I be good.”

“In a few hours we will leave for that picnic. Don’t wear your old grandfather out.” Adam laughed at his father’s expression, and ruffled his son’s hair. He headed towards the kitchen quickly, avoiding his father’s glare. He knew Ella would be in there with Hop Sing, they had a lot of conversation’s over the years, though Ella would never tell him what they spoke about. Their conversation hushed as he entered the room.

“I’m off to work with Joe. You need anything before I go?”

“No dear, Hop Sing and I are just talking.”

“Uh huh, what about?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know!” Ella smiled and playfully smacked Adam on the arm. “Is our son keeping his grandfather busy?”

“Yep, they’re headed off towards the creek. You and Hop Sing should have the morning all to yourselves.”

“Hop Sing have work to do, no stand all day talking. You number one son, you know better.”

“Oh, I know all right. You be nice to my wife Hop Sing. Oh, and you be nice to Hop Sing, Ella, you know how he gets when people are in his kitchen.” Adam ran out the back door as Hop Sing came towards him with the wooden spoon.

“So Joe, how are you and Susie Garner?”

“Susie decided that Jake Holster was a better match. We broke up about three days ago when I tried my best to rearrange his face.”

“I see, and did you succeed?”

“Not really, Susie was carrying on so much that I couldn’t bring myself to pound him too badly.”

“Well, that’s all for the better I guess. What about Hoss and Mary Lane?”

“He still turns all red when I mention her name, so I imagine all is well. Enough about us brother, how is that wife of yours? How an ugly blueblood like you could land a lady like that is beyond me brother.”

“You remember, she is a blue blood too. She is doing well, all of us are. Eric can sure be a handful, just like you were. I think I gave him the wrong name, should have named him after you.”

“I tried to tell ya brother, but ya just don’t listen. Joseph is the best name there is for a boy, but you had to go in order from age down. Just like you to follow an order, everything has to be done in sequence right brother.”

“If you had done this fence in sequence in the first place we wouldn’t be spending all morning fixing it now would we?”

“Eric, not so close to the creek please. I thought we were fishing today, not swimming.” Ben smiled down at his grandson. He looked so much like Little Joe he had to laugh. He thought of the sense of humor the lord must have to give Adam a child so much like the little brother he had tangled with all those years.

“Okay grand pappy. I just wanted to catch that minnow.”

“Grand Pappy huh, I haven’t heard that used before.”

“I like it.”

“Well, if it is what you like then I have no objections.”

“LOOK, LOOK! I CAUGHT HIM.”

“I see, are you going to use him for catching bigger fish then?”

“No, I am going to keep him as a pet.”

“Oh, but how will we get him home?”

“I brought this old jar, could we put it in there?”

“I don’t see why not. Here, I’ll punch some holes in the lid so he can breathe.”

“Can I try?”

“No, no, no. You are much too young to handle knives son. But, you can carry him back. We better be on our way if we are gonna make that picnic.”

Eric held the jar up close to his eyes. He watched as the fish swam in small circles in the jar.

“You think he is happy in there Grand Pappy?”

“Well, there is not much room to swim, and he doesn’t have any friends. What do you think?”

“I think he misses his mama and papa. I wet him go.”

“Let, Eric with an ‘L’, you’ll let him go.”

“Yeah, I’ll let him go.”

“Hop Sing, I just don’t know when to tell him. What if something were to happen? It would kill him.”

“You decide when time ready. I no tell you what to do.”

“You are the most stubborn man sometimes Hop Sing. If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were a Cartwright just the same.”

Ella hushed as Eric and Ben entered the house. She put her finger to her lip in a shush motion to Hop Sing.

“You’re back. I missed you my little handsome man.” Ella smiled and lifted her son into a hug.

“We caught a fishy mama, I was gonna keep him, but I fought he was sad, so I letted him go.”

“You thought he was sad, and you let him go baby.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, all for the better. It would have been quite a bouncy ride home, I don’t know if he would survive the trip.”

“What’s survive?”

“If he would have been alive dear.”

“You mean I coulda kiwwed him?” Eric’s eyes were quickly filling with tears.

“No baby, you wouldn’t have killed him, mama would have let him go before we left. It’s alright baby.”

Ben stifled a chuckle, the child may look and act like Little Joe a lot, but he cared for animals as much as Hoss.

“Hop Sing, our picnic ready yet?”

“Yes, Mr. Cartlight, picnic ready.”

“Cartwright Hop Sing!” Eric smiled as he was able to correct someone else’s speech for a change.

“I HOPE WE’RE READY TO GO, JOE AND I ARE ABOUT TO WITHER AWAY INTO DUST!”

“It’s ready papa, are we taking the wagon?”

“Yes, now remember, you sit still until I come and get you.”

“Yes papa, I ‘member.” Eric rubbed the seat of his pants. How could he forget he wondered.

“Eric, your momma and I are going for a walk. You mind your uncles and your grand papa.”

“Grand Pappy, he changed my name.”

“Grand Pappy huh, and what do you think of that name?” Adam laughed remembering his Pa’s struggle when Adam began referring to him as Pa instead of Sir while they were riding with the wagon train.

“I think it is a grand name, don’t you?”

“Yes Sir,” Adam laughed linking arms with his wife.

“How was your day Ella Bell?”

“Fine, I helped Hop Sing make the dessert. It’s your favorite, ginger bread.”

“Oh, well in that case, you deserve a kiss.”

Adam pulled her close, brushing his lips lightly against hers. Here he paused, savoring the softness and warmth of her body against his. Then he pressed firmly against her lips, opening his mouth slightly. They remained in this tight embrace, each enjoying the closeness of the other.

“Do you think we could……..”

“Adam, what if someone comes looking?”

“Well, we will just have to make sure we are well hidden.”

“You Mr. Cartwright…………… have made yourself a deal.”

“We have to go back. Someone will surely come looking for us soon.”

“Okay. We better get dressed then.” Ella stared longingly into her lover’s eyes.

“Let me help you dress,” Adam said reaching for her once again.

“Mama, where have you been? We had to eat wifout you. Uncle Hoss ated all the biscuits up already.”

“He did, did he?” Adam said walking up behind his wife.

“He bout to eat up all the samitches too, he said you late to eat, you not weawwy hungry.”

Adam noticed his son was very tired. His speech always turned to baby talk when he was sleepy.

“I am sure we can make do Eric. Come over with Papa to the wagon, I’ll tell you a story.”

This was Adam’s new trick. Any mention of the word nap would throw his son into a temper tantrum, Adam thought that one spanking was enough for a day, and didn’t want to have to perform again.

“A story! Will you tell me the one about Benjamin and the sea horse?”

“Sure baby, anything you say.”

Adam stood up carefully, and left his sleeping son in the wagon. He walked over to his wife, and together they shared the rest of the picnic basket. Hoss and Joe were swimming, and were getting impatient with their older brother.

“Hurry Up Adam, the water is great!”

“Who said I would be going swimming?” Adam said taking the last bite of his sandwich. “Remember, I have to wait a whole hour after eating before I can swim.”

Ben laughed, he remembered Inger telling Adam he could not swim after eating for fear of sinking to the bottom.

“Looks like your gonna sink brother!” Hoss and Joe were out of the water in a flash dragging in their fully clothed brother.

“Those son’s of your’s are something else Mr. Cartwright.”

“They sure are. Raising them was definitely trying sometimes.”

“Was it hard with three of them?”

“Sure it was, but with Adam being older, he was quite the savior. He watched out for both Hoss and Joe growing up. He was always mature, and made mostly the right choices. I was a little strict with him, but I think it helped him to become the man he is today.”

“I can tell you were strict, he is the same way with Eric. Though, Eric is such a wonderful child, Adam must be doing something right.”

“He may be a little strict, but Eric knows he loves him. In the end it is the love that makes a family strong.”

“I am proud to be a member of this family Mr. Cartwright. I love Adam more than anything.”

“He loves you the same. I wondered about that boy all my life, I worried he was too serious to be able to find love. But, he found it in you. I am proud to have you as a member of this family.”

Ben watched his three grown son’s splashing away at each other like children. He glanced at the wagon that held is young grandson, and marveled at the wealth the good lord had bestowed upon him.

“Alright, it’s pretty late. I was planning on leaving after the picnic. The sun is already setting. We’ll never make it home before dark, we better get a move on.”

“Why don’t you stay the night Adam?”

“Yes dear, I am uncomfortable riding an hour in the dark with Eric along. Why don’t we stay?”

“YEAH PAPA, STAY!”

“Well, if you all feel so strongly about it. I’ll take my old room, Ella, you and Eric take the guest room.”

“YEAH, WE STAY!”

“Hop Sing, will you draw a bath for Eric?”

“I do now, I like number one son to stay, feel like old times.”

“Papa, do I have to take baf?”

“Yes, all that rolling around you and Hoss did, you are a mess little one. Maybe Joe will let you use his toy boats to splash around with?”

“Sure thing, I’ll run up and get em. Sure has been a long time, hope I can find em.”

The house was quiet. Adam walked quietly towards the guest room to check on his family. He opened the door quietly, and met his wife’s eyes. She was heading towards the door her self, and he had startled her.

“Are you okay?” Adam asked wondering why she was still up.

“Fine, you startled me is all.” Ella led Adam into the hallway and quietly closed the door behind her. “I was coming to see you.”

“Oh really, what for?”

“Come to your room and find out.”

Adam and Ella snuck back to his room. It was akward, Adam had never had a girl in his room before. All of his adventures had taken place elsewhere. Ella began undressing the second the door was closed. She pushed Adam back towards his bed, he stumbled into it, sitting on the bed with a loud creak.

“Shhhhhhh,” she laughed unbuttoning his shirt slowly. She pushed him back onto the bed, reaching for his pants. She undid his buckle with one hand, using the other to hold Adam’s hands together above his head. He helped to wriggle free from his pants, enjoying this change of pace. He felt twinge of guilt and hoped his brothers couldn’t hear, then he jolted at the thought of his father coming in. He felt like a teenager, committing the worst of sins under his father’s roof.

“Ella, I don’t know…………”

“Hush! You let me do the work Adam Cartwright.”

“What would you say if I told you a secret?” She asked as they lay side by side, holding hands under the covers.

“That depends on the secret my dear.”

“What if it was a secret about our family?”

“The suspense is killing me.” A hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“What if our family were to grow in numbers?”

“You mean you’re…………..”

“Yes, I am.”

“How long?”

“Three months I think.”

“You’re PREGNANT!” Adam shouted, then quickly put a hand over his mouth. It was too late, Hoss startled by the shout came running to make sure everything was alright. Joe and Ben followed close behind. Everyone blushed instantly, as the couple was caught. They quietly backed out of the room, and Adam quickly dressed.

“What was this shouting,” Ben whispered harshly, more from embarrassment than anger.

“Pregnant Pa, she’s pregnant. Three months. You’re gonna be a grandfather again.”

Adam had already forgotten the embarrassment of his predicament, he was shining with glee from the new knowledge he received.

Everyone congratulated him, and went back to bed quickly, they had not forgotten their embarrassment.

“I’ll go lay with Eric, you stay here. I’m already dressed. I love you so much.”

Ella smiled at the way her husband had taken the news. They actually had not discussed having more children after Eric, and she was not sure how he would take it. She fell asleep quickly, the burden suddenly lifted from her shoulders.

Adam woke up, stretching, he reached for his wife. Remembering where he was, he looked around for Eric.

“Eric?”

He looked under the bed, but the boy was not there. Maybe Ella had already come in and gotten him. He started down stairs, and noticed his family already seated at the table. Eric was no where in sight.

“Is Eric with you?” Adam asked alarmed.

“No, we thought he was upstairs with you.”

“No, the room was empty, how long have you been up?”

“About a half hour, we haven’t seen him.”

Adam felt a lump form in his throat as worry filled him. He shouted Eric’s name repeatedly throughout the house, his family joined the search outside. Adam felt panic rise within him as he ran towards the creek. He found nothing, but the tears had already formed. He ran back towards the house, he heard Ella calling him. He began to breathe again as he saw Eric in her arms. He ran towards them wrapping them both in a tight hug. He was trying to force the lump out of his throat, and the tears from his eyes. He took Eric from Ella and held him up facing him full on.

“WHERE WERE YOU?”

“I was in the barn Papa, with the kitties.”

“WHY DIDN’T YOU ANSWER WHEN I CALLED?”

“I didn’t want to scare the kitties by yelling back.”

“YOU DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING. YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED TO YOU?”

Ben approached slowly, he knew what his son was feeling, but he had to calm him down some.

“Adam, I need to talk to you.”

“GET YOUR SELF IN THAT BARN. YOU AND I ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY NECESSARY TALK YOUNG MAN.”

Eric burst into tears and ran into the barn. He knew he was in for a spanking, but his father had never yelled at him that way before. He ran and hid behind a few hay bales, and sobbed loudly.

“Adam, I now you are scared, but he is fine. He wandered off. But, remember, he is only a two year old boy.”

“I thought he had drowned Pa. Remember on the wagon train that boy Kevin Tate, he wondered off in the night, and we found him in the lake.”

“I remember Adam, and I know your fear. But, you can not go in there and deliver punishment in anger. Calm down, count to ten, and then go in. The boy knows he did wrong, but right now he is scared to death.”

“You’re right. But Pa, what if something had happened to him?” Adam couldn’t fight the tears welling up again.

“Nothing happened son. He is in the barn waiting for you. Settle down, and go talk with him.”

Adam regained his composure and pushed down his feelings of anger. He started to head towards the barn, but turned back towards his father. He wrapped him up in a hug. Ben stared on in surprise, this was not like Adam at all.

“I’m sorry Pa, for all the worry we caused you. How am I going to deal with two of them, one is hard enough.”

“You can do it son, don‘t you worry. Now go handle your fatherly duty.”

“Yes sir.”

“Eric, come out from behind those bales.”

Eric still sniffling, and crying somewhat loudly, slowly walked towards his father.

“You scared me half to death today. I couldn’t find you, and that is the worst feeling I have ever felt. You cannot do this again.”

“Yes papa, I sowwy I scawwed you.”

“I am too Eric. Come over here now.”

Eric lay belly down over his father’s lap. He yelped with each stinging slap his father gave him. His bottom burned after the three stinging slaps were delivered, and he was hiccupping between sobs. Adam set his sobbing son down on his feet. He had just delivered the harshest spanking he had ever given his son. He fought hard not to cry right along with him. Eric stood still in front of him, still recovering from the spanking. He felt his father’s arms wrap around him, and pull him onto his lap, this time sitting upright. He lay against his father’s chest as they rocked back and forth together. Eric felt a wetness forming in his hair, and looked up at his father’s face. Tears were falling freely, as his father shook with emotion he had never felt. Father and son sat together crying until both of their tears had dried up.

Six Months Later

“How are you feeling today sweet heart?” Adam asked his wife who was sitting fanning herself in the sun room of their house.

“I’m fine, just getting everything ready for Eric’s birthday party.”

“Oh, need any help?”

“Could you load the wagon dear, we need to head on soon. Eric should be finished with his nap soon.”

“I’ll get right to it. From the looks of it we are gonna be celebrating another birthday real soon.” Adam leaned down to kiss his wife’s bulging belly. She was due any day now, and she was definitely showing signs that the end of the pregnancy was near. By the looks of her, Adam thought that the next son he delivered would be the size of Hoss.

Adam carried his still sleeping son out to the wagon. He lay him among the wrapped presents for his birthday. Adam felt as much excitement as Eric had all week, he couldn’t wait to see his son so happy with his gifts.

Ella held her stomach as she sat very uncomfortably on the wagon seat. She was very tired, and felt guilt at the way she just wanted the day to end. Adam tried hard to make her comfortable throughout the pregnancy, but these last two weeks had been very uncomfortable. She feared also that she was carrying another Hoss Cartwright.

“Papa, where we goin?”

“To your Grand Pappy’s house, for your party silly.”

“It’s time for my party. I didn’t think it would ever come.”

“Well, you’ve been bugging me about it for about a month now, ever since your Uncle Joe talked about presents.”

“Yeah, I thought my birfday would never get here.”

“How old are ya now son?”

“I’m free years old,” Eric said showing his first three fingers to his father.

“That’s right, three years old. How old will you be in two more years? Add three plus two.”

“Free plus two, is five papa, I’ll be five years old.” Eric added the numbers up on his fingers.

“Very good big boy, you learn fast.”

“Can I open just one pweasent now papa, I’ll still have free left.”

“Your right, you would still have three left, but impressing me with your math skills will not persuade me to let you open a present early.” Adam laughed, but looked with a concerned expression towards his wife who seemed to not hear a word being said.

“Remember, stay sitting until I get you off of this wagon,” Adam said hoping he did not have to talk to his son on his birthday.

“I don’t forget Papa, I wait.”

“Good Boy.”

“Go ahead and open them son.”

“Yeah, I open dis one first, then this one, then this one, then………”

“Alright already kid, just open em’ before you are another year older,” Little Joe smiled at his young nephew.

Eric tore the paper from the biggest present first. He shrieked with joy when he saw the new wooden wagon.

“You can thank your uncle Hoss for that one Eric. He’s the woodworker in the family.”

“THANK YOU UNCLE HOSS,” Eric jumped into his giant uncles arm, and covered his cheek with kisses.

Hoss blushed and tried to pry the child off of him.

“Your welcome young’un. Say, what you gonna use that wagon fer?”

“I can help Papa carry the wood, and the hay, and the eggs. Maybe you’ll give me a ride.”

“Sure thing baby, I’m glad you like it.” Adam slapped Hoss on the back, he was grinning from ear to ear.

“Wow, look papa, Grand Pappy gaved me these books. They look real good. Oh, and wow, I gotted a train set. Thanks Papa.”

“Alright buddy, now that you’ve torn through those, lets have some cake shall we.”

“CAKE!”

“Oh, wait, I have one more present for you, I almost forgot. Here, it will only take a second to open.”

Adam tried to hide his smile as he saw his son look questioningly at the gift.

“Britches Papa?”

“Yep, thought it about time that you shed those old baby drawers, now that you are three and all. How about that cake!” Adam dropped the subject knowing that his son had fought tooth and nail when his mother had tried to teach him to use the water closet.

“Pa, I hate to cut the party short, but by the looks of Ella, she needs to be home.”

“I understand son. Be careful on your way out. She could give at any time. Make sure that midwife stays near.”

“She comes by once a day Pa, told me she would start coming by twice starting tomorrow until the birth.”

“Good, make sure you get word to us when it happens son.”

“Sure thing Pa.”

Adam carried Eric’s new gifts to the wagon. He set Eric in between them, then helped his wife onto the wagon. Within minutes both his son and wife were fast asleep, and it was only seven o’clock.

“Morning son, time to wake up. You promised to help me with the barn chores this morning remember.”

“I ‘member, I can’t wait to use my new wagon.”

“Here, I laid out your new britches, now it is important that you tell me when you need to go so we can use the water closet.”

“Papa, I don’t wanna use the water closet, these britches are itchy.”

“I don’t remember asking you if you wanted to or not Eric.” Adam gave his son his best stern look, though he was rather amused. That was the same thing Little Joe had said all those years ago.

“Yes Papa,” Eric looked at the floor in a huff, he was not happy at all.

“Eric, I was using the outhouse by age two, Hoss was two, and Joe was two. You are already a whole year late. You are old enough now for more responsibilities, and using the water closet is one of those responsibilities. Now let’s go play with that wagon.”

“Alright, can I stack the wood in it?”

“Sure can. You go on out, I’m gonna check on mama.”

“Yes papa.”

“Ella Bell, how are you feeling?”

“Oh Adam, I’m gonna burst open soon. What is this baby waiting for, he is big enough already I imagine. Eric didn’t give me nearly this much trouble.”

“Oh, and just how do you know it’s a he?”

“Well, if we have a girl the size of Hoss, we are going to have our hands full.”

“Your right, you know, we never even discussed girl’s names, what if it is a girl?”

“I know Papa, you should call her Bella after momma’s middle name.” Eric said walking shyly into the room. It was lonely outside waiting for his father.

“Momma’s middle name is Lynn, Eric, daddy just calls her Ella Bell for fun. Her full name is Elizabeth Lynn Mitchell.”

“Adam, I think Bella is a sweet name.” Elizabeth said, running a hand through her sons soft curls.

“Well, two against one, Bella it could be. How about Bella Elizabeth Cartwright.”

“That would be perfect, but I still think it’s a boy.”

“Then what’ll we call him papa?”

“He will be Joseph Adam Cartwright.”

“After you and uncle Joe?”

“Yep, just like you were named after Pa and Hoss. Do you want a brother or a sister Eric, I don’t think I ever asked.”

“Neither, I want to go load wood into my wagon. C’mon Papa!”

“I’ll come on, you little rascal,” Adam playful lunged towards his son.

Eric shrieked and ran out of the room hoping his father would chase him. He headed quickly towards the wagon.

“If you need anything you holler, we won’t be far.”

“Go catch your son and let me rest in piece Adam Cartwright.”

“Yes ma’am!”

Adam chased Eric into the barn, whooping and hollering. He picked him up and flung him around, smiling at the way Eric shook with laughter.

“Papa, put me down, there is work to do!”

“Now your starting to sound more like your Pa, and less like your uncle. Where should we start little one.”

“With the wood, lets put em’ in!”

“Ready, I’ll hand them to you, you stack them. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,” Adam said counting the blocks as he handed them to his son. “Now, how many did we have?”

“Ten papa.”

“Right, what if I add four more. What’s ten plus four?”

“Let’s see, hand em’ to me papa. “Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen,” Eric said now counting for himself.

“Very good Eric!”

“Um Papa, I um, had a um, accident.”

“What do you mean?”

“I sort of wet my pants a little.”

“Oh, I see. Well that happens sometimes, we will just have to pay better attention next time. Lets go get you changed, then we will catch it next time.”

“Your not mad are ya papa?”

“No, accidents happen. We may have been having too much fun, just pay closer attention, and we will catch the next one.”

“Thanks Papa.”

Adam helped Eric change out of his wet clothing. He had not gone a little, he had gone a lot. His boots were even soaked through.

“There now, all set. Now, lets catch it next time.”

“Yes papa.”

“Can we go take a ride in my wagon Pa?”

“Well, I’m too big for a ride I’m afraid, but I will be happy to give you one.”

“THANKS!”

“Alright kiddo, it’s about time we go check on your mother, we must have rode over all of the Ponderosa.”

“That was a lot of fun, can we do it again after lunch?”

“Not today buddy, I got work to do. You’ll have to keep your momma company.”

“Can’t I work with you?”

“We’ll see, let’s check on your mom.”

“Alright.” Eric looked down dejectedly, he was sure having fun. Why did grown ups always quit playing just when things were getting more fun?

“How you doin’ sweety?”

“Fine Adam, I’m trying to talk my feet into making lunch, but I can’t seem to win the battle.”

“That’s okay, I’ll make lunch. You rest up.” Adam headed towards the kitchen, but stopped in his tracks when he heard his son call.

“Papa!”

“Yes Eric?”

“Um papa, you won’t be mad will you?”

“Eric, don’t tell me it happened again.”

“I didn’t mean it papa, it was an accident.”

“Let’s get you changed, you have to be more careful Eric.”

Adam and Eric went upstairs to change, Ella sat more uncomfortably than before. She sure wished this baby would decide to come out, and now!

“Here is your sandwich Ella Bell, I am going to take Eric with me to work. I don’t think you’re in any shape to follow after him today.”

“Thank you Adam, I think you’re right. How’s the potty training coming?”

“Don’t ask. Two accidents and counting, we have yet to make it to the water closet.”

“Oh honey, he sure can be stubborn.”

“You’re telling me!” Adam replied, his son following at his heels.

“C’mon Eric, we have things to do baby. Bring your wagon along.”

“You two are back awful soon.”

“I had another accident momma. Papa is not happy at all he said.”

“Well, I’d imagine. That’s three accidents today.” Elizabeth tried to hide a smile, this is payback she thought for the times she had tried to get him to use the water closet.

“Go upstairs and change. I’ll be up in a minute.” Adam said, his voice clipped.

“Yes Papa.” Eric ran towards the stairs, he knew he was pushing the line.

“I don’t know what to do with him Ella. I asked him several times if he needed to go, and each time he said no. Then he just let go, water was everywhere. All he had to say for himself was sorry. We’ll, if it happens again, he will be sorry.”

“Don’t be too hard on him honey, it’s only the first day.”

“That’s why I haven’t tanned his britches yet, but I sure am getting close to losing patience with him.”

“Eric, why didn’t you go when I asked you if you needed to?” Adam asked, setting the third pair of wet clothes off to the side.

“I didn’t need to go then.” He had a look of innocence about him as he smiled a crooked grin at his father.

“It was only a few minutes later that you wet your pants young man!”

“I know Pa, but then I just had to go. I couldn’t help it. I tried to stop it, but I just went anyways.”

“Well, that was the last time. If you do it again, you are going to get a spanking, understood.” Eric sighed, his father was angry.

“Yes papa, I’m sorry.”

“You will be if it happens again, now I mean it. I am going downstairs to rest, then we are going to Grand Papa’s house. The midwife is here to stay with your mom. Now we can’t stay long in case the baby comes.”

“Yeah, I love visiting Grand Pappy.”

“Get changed.”

“Yes papa!”

Adam walked downstairs and looked in on his wife. She was laying on the couch, her enormous tummy hiding her features. Adam sat down on the chair next to her.

“Mrs. Needleman is here, she will be staying with you while Eric and I head out to Pa’s. I need to talk to him about……………………”

“What is it Adam?”

“BENJAMIN ERIC CARTWRIGHT DID YOU WET IN THIS CHAIR!”

Adam stood up quickly feeling the cold wetness on the seat of his pants. He grimaced at the thought of urine staining his pants. He turned a hard stare to Ella who was laughing quietly.

“He must have done it earlier when he came in to visit me. I’m sorry Adam. You should see the look on your face. It is only fluid from your own son. Settle down now. You already spoke with him about it, it will not be fair to lecture him now.”

“Your only saying that because you’re not the one covered in urine!”

“You’re hardly covered in urine dear. Don’t you think your over-reacting.”

“YES I DO! Now let me alone you wicked woman. I need to go change my pants.”

Ella laughed as her husband headed to the bedroom to change.

“Adam, surprised to see you here tonight, is it Ella and the baby?” Ben asked rushing out to meet his oldest son.

“No pa, not yet. Actually, I need to speak with you about Eric. Eric, go in and find uncle Joe. I think he would be up for a game of checkers.”

“Yes papa. Hi Grand pappy!”

“Hello Eric!”

Adam and Ben watched as Eric bounded into his house, and listened to his gleeful shout as he was met playfully by his two uncles.

“Pa, it’s this potty training business. He had three accidents today, and I can not get him to use the water closet. What did you do with me?”

“Nothing Adam, one day when you were two, you just decided to go. You said you weren’t a baby anymore, and you wanted real britches.”

“Well that’s great! What about Hoss and Joe?”

“Hoss was a little more tough, but he had you to help him. He looked up to you, and for a while he went when you went. You would stand side by side. He had a few accidents, but only at night.”

“I remember Joe, Marie trained him in one day. She just followed him around and took him to the outhouse. But Eric is old enough to know when he needs to go, he just won’t do it.”

“Have you tried talking to him about it?”

“That’s all I’ve tried. I don’t want to spank him for it, I am afraid that will only make matters worse, but I don’t know what else to try.”

“Have you tried going with him?”

“I’ve asked repeatedly, he always says he doesn’t need to go. I sure can’t force him to go.”

“That’s true. Well, I don’t know what to tell you son. Maybe just giving him more time will do the trick.”

“Maybe, but I made the mistake of telling him I would spank him next time he has an accident.”

“ADAM, HEY ADAM WE NEED YOU IN HERE PLEASE!” Adam headed towards Little Joe’s voice wondering what the problem could be. They had only been there a few minutes.

“What is it Joe?” Adam knew instantly. He could smell it from a mile away.

“I had another accident Papa.”

Adam grabbed a hold of Eric and led him quickly from the house. He had not thought to grab a change of clothes.

“Pa, we gotta go. I’ll talk to you about this later. Eric and I need to go home and have a talk.”

“Okay son, see you soon.”

Eric and Adam rode quietly towards the house. Adam was angry now, and dreading the mess that was waiting for him. He couldn’t figure out why Eric was behaving this way. He tried to suppress his feelings, and slowly counted to ten as they pulled up to their home.

“I will get the bath ready, you go take care of your clothes,” Adam said through gritted teeth.

Eric made his way to the house feeling his father’s piercing eyes on his back the whole way there. He was certain that this spanking was going to come quickly.

“In the tub and wash yourself off. When I come back in here, you better be clean.”

“Adam, what happened? Eric looked as white as a sheet,” Ella said with a hint of worry.

“He had another accident. This time it wasn’t urine. Now you can’t tell me that he did not have time to let someone know he had to go.”

“No, I can’t say as he couldn’t have let you know. What are you gonna do dear?”

“I have to do what I said I would do, and deliver that spanking.”

“Oh dear!”

“Don’t you worry honey. Are you feeling okay?”

“I think so. No sign of little Hoss coming today.”

Adam laughed quietly and turned towards the stairs.

“Be easy on him honey. You know how he hates to upset you.”

“We’ll see about that!”

“Hi papa, I’m all clean now.”

“Good, then get yourself out of that tub,” Adam said handing his son a towel.

“Yes papa.” Eric wrapped the towel around himself and looked longingly towards the floor hoping to disappear. He didn’t want to use the water closet, he liked his mama to change him. Why did he have to wear britches just cause the new baby was coming.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had to go?” Adam asked for the fourth time.

“I didn’t know papa, it was an accident!”

“It was not an accident. You know when you need to have a bowel movement, you had plenty of time to let someone know!”

“But papa, I didn’t mean it.”

“What do you mean you didn’t mean it?”

“I don’t want to use the water closet papa. I want mama to change me!”

“THAT IS TOO BAD ERIC!” Adam was getting angry again. He took a deep breath and counted slowly to ten. “It is time you use the water closet, going back to being changed is not an option young man, and you better learn that here and now.”

“IT’S NOT FAIR!” Eric yelled at his father, and tried to run past him.

“Do not raise your voice to me son! As a matter of fact, I think you have more than earned this spanking tonight. After this, you will go straight to bed understand!”

Adam took Eric’s hand and led him to the bedroom. Eric had to run to keep up with his father’s long strides. Adam went to retrieve the chair from the corner where punishment of this kind took place. Eric went to retrieve his night clothes, but was stopped suddenly by his father. The towel fell, and Eric was lain over his father’s lap. Adam gave two sharp smacks to the boy’s bare bottom. Then led him to the dresser to retrieve the night clothes. He helped the now sobbing Eric dress for bed, and lay him down in bed.

“If you choose to have another accident like this again Eric, next time I will use the paddle.”

Eric’s eyes went wide. His father had never used the paddle before. He watched silently as his father left the room closing the door behind him. This was something else his father had never done.

Adam awoke to the sounds of muffled crying. He thought it was Ella, and stood quickly, heading down stairs. Before descending, he realized it was coming from Eric’s room. He walked quietly over and opened the door.

“Eric?”

“It was an a–a–a–cccciiiiiddeennntttt Papa!”

Eric was sobbing into his pillow now.

“Did you wet the bed Eric?”

“P P PLEASE DON’T USE THE PADDLE PAPA!”

“Shshsh, it’s alright honey. I’m not gonna use the paddle.”

“But, but you said, said you would, if, if, I had another accident papa!”

“You’re okay. It’s harder at night than in the day to control your happenings. It’s okay. Papa’s not mad. Let’s get you changed baby.”

“Don’t spank me papa, I didn’t mean it.”

“Eric, I am not going to spank you. Settle down now, you’ll wake your mother.”

Eric leaned limply against his father. He let himself be changed, and helped with changing the linens.

“How long ago did this happen Eric?”

“Don’t know Papa, just woke up, and I was cold.”

“Okay, well you and I are going to make a trip to the facilities before you lay back down.”

“Yes Papa.”

Adam picked Eric up and headed towards the water closet. They stood together, and relieved themselves, then Adam led Eric to wash his hands. Eric smiled up at his father. Adam relieved that he had finally used the facilities, even only once, picked up his son, and threw him into the air.

“See, I knew you could do it!”

“I did it papa, I did it!”

“You sure did. Wait till mama hears the news.”

“Can we tell her now?”

“Oh no, now is bed time. It is still hours before sun up. Let’s lay down and I’ll read you a story.”

“YEAH!”

Adam woke up, still lying in his son’s bed, someone was shaking him softly.

“Ella!”

“It’s time Adam, the midwife is here, and it is time. Take Eric out to your father’s house quickly. I don’t want him here for this.”

Adam picked Eric up in a flash, and ran out to saddle a horse. He put Eric into the saddle with him and sped off towards the ranch house. Eric and Adam both whooped and hollered as they approached the house. A ride that normally took an hour took only half that. Adam explained to his father and saddled a fresh horse. He made it back to his home in a flash.

“Out of here you, this is woman’s business!” The midwife said sharply.

“Ma’am, I helped to deliver both of my brothers, and my first son, no way am I leaving now.”

“Have it your way then.”

“Ella sweety, you’re doing great.”

Adam was dabbing her head with the cold towel, he saw how much pain she was in.

“Here comes the head, now I need you to push!”

Adam watched as the head emerged.

“You’re right, it is Hoss, not much hair at all!”

Ella’s laugh was stifled by a scream when the shoulders emerged. Adam gripped her hand tightly and waited for the new arrival.

“It’s a girl!”

Adam heard the baby cry, and was astonished when he thought he heard the word girl.

“A GIRL! DID YOU HEAR THAT, A GIRL!” Adam could hardly believe his eyes.

“Our Bella Elizabeth Cartwright,” Ella said, but then bucked again with pain. “Something’s wrong Adam!”

“What is it? What’s happening.” He watched in awe as the midwife pulled gently on yet another baby, bringing it out into the open.

“It’s a boy, full head of hair on him!”

“TWINS! WE HAD TWINS ELLA! Adam’s mouth hung open in shock, they had never even thought of twins. They blamed Ella’s size on the thought of the baby being like Hoss.

“Joseph Adam Cartwright! I can’t believe it Ella. Two of them.”

“Oh, Adam, they are beautiful. This boy looks just like you, look at that black hair.”

“And Ella like you, that sweet innocent face.” Adam smiled at his only baby daughter.

After the babies and there mother seemed settled, Adam left the midwife in charge and once again headed off towards the ranch.

“Pa! Joe! Hoss! Eric………………….” Adam said out of breath.

“What is it son?”

“Come to the house and see for yourselves. Eric, you’re a new big brother!”

“Son, is it a boy or a girl?” Asked Ben again impatiently.

“Bet he’s as big as a house huh brother!” Hoss said smiling and slapping his brother on the back.

“Come see for yourselves, are the horses ready?”

“They’re ready. If it’s such a surprise, let’s get going!”

Adam fetched his first horse, and rode with Eric ahead to the house. His father and brothers followed.

“Come in Eric, see your new brother and sister!”

“Brother and sister, what does that mean papa?”

“It means twins Eric. Your mother and I had twins. Go see for yourself.”

Adam met his father and brother’s outside. Ben had never seen Adam so happy, he seemed to dance about the yard waiting for them to come in.

“Where is this new grandchild of mine son, quit dancing around and lead the way.”

Adam shuffled his family towards the bedroom. He could hear a baby crying now, he wondered which one it was. He ran in ahead of his family and blocked the view of the second child.

“I would like to introduce young Joseph Adam Cartwright!” Adam said seeing his father swell with pride over his new grandson.

“And I would like you to meet my new sister Bella Elizabeth Cartwright,” Eric popped out from behind his father waiving his hand towards his sister.

Adam scooped Eric into his arms and laughed with him at the look on his families faces.

“Twins, you had twins!” Ben bellowed with excitement, scaring both babies into tears.

Everyone laughed as they took turns peeking at each child, and comparing features. As the sun began to set, his father and brothers started their goodbyes. Adam watched them ride away, and turned his attention to his oldest son.

“Well Eric, what do you think?”

“Papa, I need to use the water closet!”

“Lets hurry then!”

Adam lifted Eric and ran him to the restroom. He waited for him to finish, then pulled him in the wagon around the yard a few times. Eric was giddy from all the excitement, and didn’t protest when his bath was drawn. Adam sang silly songs while they finished in the tub, then putting Eric to bed, he went back to check on the rest of his now large family. He looked in and saw the three peaceful sleeping faces, and said a thankful prayer to the lord for the wealth he had bestowed upon him.

 

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