Summary:  Joe is reunited with a childhood sweetheart
Rating:  Teen+
Words:  3,500

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The Brandsters have included this story by 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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The Homecoming

Hoss loaded the last of the sacks into the wagon as Joe slapped him on the back.

“How about a drink before we head back to the ranch?” the youngest Cartwright suggested.

After taking a moment to secure the rope holding their supplies, Hoss turned to face his brother, the mischief in his blue eyes matching the boyish grin he wore. “That sounds like a durned good idea to me, Joe,” he replied. “I reckon I’ll even have one for you if you’d like.”

The fleeting surprise on Joe’s face turned to amusement, as he shook his head in disbelief. “I think I can handle my own drink, thank you very much,” he chuckled. “Come on.” He was about to head across the street to their favourite saloon when he felt a strong hand on his arm.

“I don’t think you can, little brother,” Hoss chuckled. “You promised Pa you’d send that telegram, remember? The way I see it, I’ll have time for two drinks before you even get back.”

The amusement melted from Joe’s features as he remembered his promise. “Oh yeah,” he muttered sheepishly as he forced a small smile. “I forgot.”

“I’ll meet you back here when you’re done,” Hoss grinned, returning his brother’s slap on the back. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure I enjoy that beer of yours just as much as if you were drinkin’ it yourself.” With that, he began to stroll across the street, obviously enjoying the amusement his younger brother’s predicament provided.

“Yeah?” Joe called, struggling for a witty retort. “Well you just make sure mine’s cold!”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way!” Hoss called, raising a hand though not bothering to turn around.

Joe watched him enter the saloon and heaved a defeated sigh. “Help Hoss with the supplies, Joe. Send the telegram, Joe,” he muttered petulantly under his breath as he headed toward the telegraph office. “Sometimes I wonder how they’d ever get along without me.”

The sound of frantic voices and gunshots pulled him out of his temporary moment of self-pity and he hurried toward the commotion, rounding the corner into an alley behind the land office. Immediately, his keen instincts took in the scene and determined what was going on.

“Hold it!” he called, drawing his gun in less time than it took the words to leave his lips. Even as he issued the warning, the stranger turned, pushing the woman away and drawing his own weapon.

In a heartbeat, Joe was on the ground, rolling out of the line of fire before bringing both hands up to fire four shots in rapid succession. In seconds, it was over and the stranger lay sprawled motionless in the dust.

“Are you all right?” the woman asked, hurrying to his side.

“That’s supposed to be my line, ma’am,” Joe replied, allowing a slight smile.

“You’re hurt!” she exclaimed, touching the thin line of blood that ran down his cheek.

Joe tentatively touched the small wound at his temple. “Just grazed me,” he assured her nonchalantly as he looked at the blood on his fingers. “Nothin’ to worry about.”

He raised his eyes to meet the woman’s anxious gaze, only then noticing the familiar features. “Trina?” he breathed in amazement.

She was silent for a moment, a smile lighting her face as recognition dawned. “Joe Cartwright,” she finally replied. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“It’s been years,” Joe laughed, hugging her affectionately. “We were what? Nine when you left?”

“Nine and a half,” she corrected, laughing as she returned the hug. “It’s good to see you again.”

“So what are you doing here?” Joe asked, holding her at arm’s length to study her face.

She’d grown into a beautiful woman, but the sparkling, blue-green eyes still held memories of the trouble they’d managed to get themselves into as children.

Her smile faltered and she glanced at the ground briefly before replying. “Father died a couple of months ago,” she replied in a quiet voice. “I guess I got a little lonesome for the past, and before I even knew it, I found myself on a stage headed for Virginia City.” Forcing a smile, she raised her eyes to meet his. “Saying it out loud, it sounds pretty pathetic, even to me.”

“Not at all,” he replied, offering a reassuring smile. Then, glancing at the lifeless body of the man in the alley, he added, “And him?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “He was on the stage, but he never spoke. I don’t even know his name. I was on my way to the hotel and he just grabbed me and tried to take my bag.”

Their conversation was interrupted as Roy Coffee and a few other men hurried into the alley.

“What’s going on here?” Roy demanded, his sombre gaze taking in the lifeless form on the ground.

“A thief, I expect,” Joe replied grimly. “Trina said he grabbed her and tried to take her bag.”

Roy studied the young woman’s face for a moment before allowing his stern look to melt into a smile. “Trina Cassidy?” he exclaimed. “Well I’ll be darned. I haven’t seen you since you were a little thing with pigtails and a slingshot.”

Trina laughed lightly, a melodic sound that made everyone feel warm and comfortable in her presence. “It’s good to see you Roy,” she answered. “I’m afraid those days are long gone. I haven’t even seen a slingshot in years.”

“I’m sure we still have one somewhere out on the Ponderosa,” Joe suggested with a smile. “You will stay with us, won’t you? Pa would have my hide if he found out I let you stay at the hotel.”

“I’d love to see your father and brothers again,” Trina assured him. “But I didn’t come here expecting an invitation to stay on the ranch.”

“Well you should have,” he scolded good-naturedly. “You’re practically family.”

“He’s right, Trina,” Roy added. “Ben wouldn’t hear of you staying here in town. I think you’d best take Little Joe up on his offer.”

“Little Joe?” she repeated, laughing lightly as she turned once again to her childhood friend. “Don’t tell me they still call you that.”

“Thanks, Roy,” Joe muttered, feigning an indignant look in the sheriff’s direction. Then, taking Trina’s bag in one hand and her arm in the other, he nodded at the body three men were removing from the alley. “You know where to find me if you need any more information.”

**********

Dinner was a pleasant affair, with everyone laughing as Joe and Trina relived childhood memories.

“I never knew a little girl who could get into so much mischief,” Ben laughed, shaking his head as they reminisced. “I wasn’t sure which one of you was a worse influence on the other.”

“The way I remember it, they were pretty evenly matched,” Adam mused thoughtfully. “Though we never did find out which one was responsible for setting fire to the loft.”

“It was her!”

“It was him!”

Everyone broke into new gales of laughter as the playful accusations were exclaimed in unison.

“Thank you for dinner, Mr. Cartwright,” Trina smiled as they rose from the table. “And for letting me stay here. The Ponderosa holds many fond memories for me. It was like a second home to me as a child.”

“And I hope it will be again,” Ben smiled warmly. “You’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.”

“Thank you,” she replied again, hugging him fondly. “I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed everyone here.”

“We sure missed you too, Trina,” Hoss grinned. “After you left, me and Adam had to put up with Little Joe following us around everywhere. It sure was a might nicer when it was you he used to tag after.”

“Yes, indeed,” Adam sighed, shaking his head sadly. “Oh for the peaceful days of yesteryear.”

“Very funny,” Joe smirked good-naturedly. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have a lot of catching up to do.” Turning to Trina, he offered his arm. “Can I interest you in a breath of fresh air?”

“Maybe a short one,” she smiled coyly. “It’s been a long day and I’m afraid I’m starting to tire.”

“We won’t go far,” he promised

“All night, then,” she accepted. Turning to Ben and the two older brothers, she bade them good night as Joe gently placed her shawl around her shoulders.

The evening sky was clear and Trina found herself looking up at the stars as though she hadn’t seen them since leaving for the East. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “I’d almost forgotten.”

“Yes, it is,” Joe murmured softly, his eyes not leaving her face. “Standing here like this, it’s like you never left.”

“But I did,” she replied quietly, leaning against the rail as she turned to face him. “We’re not kids anymore, Joe. Things are so much more complicated now.”

He frowned slightly at the wistful tone of her voice. “They don’t have to be,” he answered. “Once you’ve been here for a while, you’ll love it like you used to. It can be your home again, Trina.”

“I never stopped loving it,” she replied with a smile. “Life in the city can never compare to this. I guess that’s why I decided to come back. Once Father died, it just didn’t feel like home anymore.”

“I’m sorry,” Joe offered. “Your father was a good man.” He was quiet for a moment before broaching the question uppermost on his mind. “Did you leave someone behind?” he finally asked in a quiet voice.

She turned to him, laughing lightly at the question. “No, Little Joe,” she replied in a teasing voice. “There’s no one waiting for me back there.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he smiled, slipping his arm around her waist.

“You haven’t changed,” she laughed coyly, ducking out of his reach and through the fence to stand on the other side. “Do you remember when we were kids? Down by the stream?”

“You mean when I tried to kiss you and you nearly broke my arm?” he replied, feigning pain as he flexed his shoulder. “How could I forget?”

“I’m not quite the tomboy I was back then,” she assured him.

“More good news,” he teased as he reached for her again.

“But I could still break your arm if you forget your manners,” she returned, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he sighed in mock dejection. “Well, Miss Cassidy,” he continued in his most formal tone as he bowed slightly. “I’m sure you’d like to turn in. May I escort you to your room.”

“You may, sir,” she went along, curtsying playfully. Taking his arm, she allowed him to lead her back to the house.

“Thank you, Little Joe,” she murmured as they neared the door. “For making me feel like I still belong here.”

“No matter what you say,” he returned in a slightly more serious tone. “A part of you never left.”

At his words, she reached up and brushed her lips lightly against his. “Good night.”

Without another word, she let herself into the house and headed for the stairs.

He stood transfixed as he watched her float up the stairway, a lovely vision of the past returned to him. “Good night,” he whispered once she was out of sight.

**********

The days passed quickly as the years apart melted away. In the short time she’d been at the Ponderosa, they’d managed to not only rekindle the friendship they’d once had, but to allow it to blossom into the sweet promise of something more.

“I can’t believe it’s only been two weeks,” she sighed in contentment as they stretched a blanket out beside the stream. “At the same time, it really does feel like I never left.”

He placed the picnic basket on the blanket before lowering himself to sit by her side. “That’s the way it is out here,” he replied softly. “It gets inside you and no matter where you go, you can never really leave it, not entirely.”

“Do you ever think of leaving?” she asked.

“Not me,” he shook his head with a smile. “Adam talks about it from time to time. I think maybe he believes there’s something more for him out there somewhere. Me, I belong here like the pines and the mountains. I’ll never leave.”

“So if I come back fifty years from now, you’ll still be Little Joe of the Ponderosa,” she teased.

“I guess I will,” he replied, studying her eyes. “But in order for you to come back in fifty years, you’d have to leave. I don’t plan on letting that happen.”

“Is that a fact?” she challenged playfully.

He was quiet for a moment, taking her hand as he studied her features. “I love you, Trina,” he murmured quietly. “When we’re together, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I feel it, too.”

“We belong together,” he pointed out, touching her cheek lightly. “Like two halves of the same person.”

“The same soul,” she added, “the same heart.”

“Trina,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “Say you’ll marry me. Say you’ll stay here and live with me on this very spot forever.”

“Yes, Joe,” she whispered, tears shining in her eyes.

As he bent his head to kiss her deeply, they shared a promise that mere words could never convey.

Though Joe had gathered everyone together for the big announcement, no one seemed very surprised.

“You mean you finally got around to asking her?” Adam asked in a tone of mock amazement.

“We were figurin’ we’d have to do the asking for ya, little brother,” Hoss teased.

“Boys,” Ben warned in his fatherly tone. “Let’s not spoil the moment now that it’s finally here.” Moving to where Trina stood beside Joe, he took both of her hands in his and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “We’ll be proud to have you officially become part of the family,” he assured her warmly. “I always trusted my sons to make the right choice when the time came. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as a daughter.”

“Thank you,” Trina beamed happily, tears sparkling in her eyes.

Hoss and Adam took their turns to kiss the bride-to-be and shake their brother’s hand in a gesture of congratulations.

“Are you sure, Trina?” Hoss asked, frowning as he studied Joe critically. “I mean, now that I look at him, he is just a little feller.”

“She’s sure,” Joe replied, stepping between his brother and his fiancée, only to have Hoss grab him in a bear hug.

“Just funnin’ with ya, little brother,” Hoss laughed. “You’re a lucky man, Little Joe.”

“That I am,” Joe replied, turning once again to the girl by his side.

“We’re both lucky,” Trina added, slipping an arm around his waist. “I only wish Father were here to share in this moment.”

“I’m sure he’s smiling his blessing on you both as we speak,” Ben smiled. “This calls for a celebration. Champagne for everyone!”

The next morning, Joe and Hoss were preparing to go into town when Trina joined them in the barn. “Mind if I come along?” she asked brightly. “There’s so much to do before the wedding. I thought I’d look at some dresses and such.”

“Don’t mind a bit,” Joe grinned as he kissed her good morning. “Can’t think of a better companion on that long ride.”

“I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that,” Hoss shot a look of mock indignation at his brother before turning to offer a bright smile to Trina. “Then again, he’s got a point. The ride will seem a lot shorter with some intelligent conversation for a change.”

“And I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” Joe laughed as they hitched the horses to the wagon.

“You two go ahead and look at whatever it is married people need,” Hoss suggested as they arrived in town. “I’ll check with Charlie about those horses and then I’ll meet you over at the mercantile.”

“Ok,” Joe agreed. “We’ll head over there as soon as I check for that telegram Pa’s been waiting for.”

“Fair enough,” Hoss nodded as he tipped his hat in Trina’s direction. “Try to keep him out of trouble, will ya?” he teased. “It’s a big job for me to handle on my own.”

“I’ll do my best,” Trina laughed as they headed down the street.

As they talked about wedding plans and where they’d build their house, they didn’t notice the commotion in the alley. Only the sound of gunshots brought them back to their surroundings. Without a thought, Joe headed into the alley as he had on that day only weeks ago. He heard another shot and a scream before blackness closed in.

“Joe?”

He could hear his name but couldn’t seem to focus on the direction of the voice.

“Joseph!”

“Pa?” he replied weakly, struggling to open his eyes.

“You’re going to be all right, son,” his father’s soothing voice broke through the fog that clouded his mind.

“Trina,” Joe whispered. “Where’s Trina?”

“She’s in the next room,” Ben answered quietly.

Joe allowed a slight smile of relief. “She’s probably worried out of her mind,” he said weakly.

“You gave us quite a scare, young man,” Ben replied. “The doctor wasn’t sure you’d wake up at all.”

“I’ll be fine,” Joe assured him, wincing as he tried to nod. “Tell Trina not to worry. The wedding will go on just as planned.”

“Take it easy, Little Joe,” Hoss suggested in a concerned voice.

“I want to see her,” Joe insisted, trying to sit up.

“Lay back,” Adam cautioned with a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder. Turning to Ben, he added, “I’ll get the doctor.”

“Bring Trina too,” Joe asked, lying back as his strength once again ebbed from him.

Despite his attempts to fight it, blackness once again closed in.

When he awoke once again, Ben was by his side. As he allowed his gaze to move slowly around the room, he frowned slightly. “How’d I get here?”

“We brought you out,” Ben answered, smiling slightly. “The doctor did everything he could in town. We thought you’d recover best back in your own room.”

“How long?” Joe asked, struggling to remember all that had happened.

“Three days,” Ben answered. “But the doctor says you’re still going to need your rest. Don’t try to talk, just take it easy.”

“Trina,” Joe breathed. “Is she here? Can I see her?”

Ben was silent for a moment. “How much do you remember, Joeseph?” he asked gently.

Joe frowned as he struggled to put the pieces together. “We went into town, me and Hoss and Trina. Hoss was going to talk to Charlie and Trina and I were going to check on the telegram and then shop for the wedding.”

“Wedding?” Ben repeated, frowning in concern.

“Don’t worry, Pa,” Joe forced a smile. “I’ll be up and about in plenty of time.”

“Joseph,” Ben began. “Do you remember the gunfight in the alley?”

“Sure,” Joe nodded slightly. “It was the same alley, by the land office. The same place where that guy tried to rob Trina the day she got here.”

“And when was that?” Ben asked. “Do you remember when that was, Joe?”

“A couple of weeks ago,” Joe answered. “Really, Pa, I’m all right.”

“Joe,” Ben began. “Trina got here three days ago, not weeks ago.”

Joe frowned again. “What are you talking about, Pa? She’s been here, staying with us. We’re going to get married.”

“Joe,” Ben repeated in a slightly firmer voice. “Trina got to Virginia City three days ago. Apparently a man tried to rob her shortly after she got off the stage. You tried to stop it and you were shot.”

Joe shook his head. “No. It was just a graze. Then we came back here and had dinner…” He struggled to remember. “We fell in love, Pa. We made plans to get married…”

“No, son,” Ben argued gently. “Trina never made it back here. She…”

“What are you saying, Pa?” Joe demanded angrily. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Son,” Ben began, covering Joe’s hand with his own. “I’m sorry. Trina Cassidy died in that alley. You almost got yourself killed trying to stop it, but she’d already been shot when you got there. Clay Parker saw the whole thing.”

“No,” Joe whispered, shaking his head as he held his eyes tightly closed, oblivious to the pain throbbing in his temple. “No, Pa, you’re wrong. Clay’s wrong.”

“I wish he was, son,” Ben assured him sadly. “We buried Trina two days ago, Joe.”

Joe felt his heart break as he allowed the words to sink in. “She came back, Pa,” he whispered after a long silence. “We always knew she’d come back someday, didn’t we?”

“Yes,” Ben nodded, his eyes shining with tears. “She came back, son. She’s home at last.”

The End