Synopsis: Adam and Joe are going to be leaving the large city of Boston and must make the choice to take the girls with them or leave them forever and maybe never find women like them again.
Rating:  PG
Words: 8,900

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Author’s Note: For anyone that wants to know, I thought I’d fill you in. We’re going to guess that Joe was suppose to be like, eighteen or nineteen in the first season; in which case, during season five you will see a few episodes where Joe and Adam seem to be missing. My alibi for them is that they are in Boston at the time, I don’t know if it works, but I hope it does. Anyway, just so that you can have a general idea of when this all took place they were gone during Saga of Muley Jones and the one episode where Hoss goes to that one guy’s wedding and they end up fighting each other. I hope this helps, I found this a wonderful little coincidence to be able to place where they were. Thanks, I hope you like the second installment of my series.

Bonanza: The Next Generation
Love Changes Everything

 

~Chapter One~

For the past three months Joseph and his older brother Adam Cartwright had been living in Boston, in a small place run by Adam’s old friend who had helped him as a young boy, then again in college. The house was small, it had eight rooms, and each room had two beds in it, a dresser, credenza, and a mirror.

The room that Adam and Joe were renting was light tan; it had two windows, a chair and desk. However soon they would no longer be living in the small house with the other two guests and Annie, the woman who ran the small boarding house.

Annie was a sweet kind older woman who had never gotten married and didn’t have any children. She had reddish brown hair and bright blue eyes. She was of Irish heritage and you could hear it in her voice. She had helped Ben and Adam get started when they first lived in Boston then decided to move. When Adam had returned to Boston for college, Annie had eagerly agreed to help him out with room and board.

When Adam had shown up at her door on July 31 asking her if she remembered him, she had instantly invited him in.

“Adam James Cartwright, of course I remember you. Come in please, have a seat. What brings you to town?” She had asked. Adam smiled slightly.

“Well Annie, it’s really a long story, my brother Joseph, you remember him the one I told you about while I was in college,” Annie smiled and nodded.

“Well, he got really sick a month or so back, and our doctor in Nevada told us the only doctor able to take care of him was in Boston, so Joseph and I came up here. Anyway to make this long story short Joe is getting better now, and well we need a place to stay and I was hoping maybe you had a room at the boarding house?” Adam had asked. Annie had smiled.

“Adam I will always had room for you, and your baby brother. You just bring him as soon as you can and you’ll have a room for as long as you need it,” Adam had thanked her kindly then, explained that he had to get back to the hospital because Joe would be expecting him.

She had pampered both boys as soon as they had arrived a week later. She had spent any time when Adam wasn’t there with Joe, getting to know the young man, learning how much like his brother he really way. She would sit and tell him stories of Adam in College or Adam as a baby.

Joe had truly enjoyed the stories; he loved learning about his older brother. After the week was up Adam and Joe began to do things together, going to various plays to see what the town was like. They would take the girls with them a lot of the time, and then they would go have a nice calm dinner, or go spend some time at the girls’ house.

When the two had nothing else to do Adam would take Joe on a tour of the Boston harbor and show him the house he was born in, the place Pa had worked while living here. Joe had the pleasure of meeting Adam’s grandfather. The two had not gotten along at first but then they began to warm up to each other. Adam and Joe would spend hours sitting around a table with a cup of coffee listening to Able speak tales of both Ben and Elizabeth. Joe had found learning about Adam’s mother very interesting person. He saw pictures of her and found her beautiful and loving.

Adam would take Joe to Elizabeth’s grave and they would talk to her or just sit and enjoy the company of each other.

Now four days away from going home to Nevada Adam and Joe found themselves both reconsidering leaving Boston at least right away. Both wanted to return home to see their father and brother Hoss, but right now, they were happy in Boston.

“Adam,” Joe began as he and Adam got ready for bed. “Could we stay a few weeks longer, till November?”

“Joe, we told pa we would be home by the 21^st of October, he won’t like it if we tell him we’re staying longer, besides don’t you think we’ve been away long enough?” Joe smiled slightly.

“Adam, do you really want to leave again?” Joe asked. Adam looked at his younger brother; the boy seemed so much younger than the twenty-four years he would be on the 31^st.

“What would make you ask a question like that?” Adam asked in wonder.

“Well, I mean, this here is your home, and in a way, it’s become a second home to me.” Adam walked over to his brother and smiled slightly.

“Joe, do you remember when you were nine or ten years old and you hated to leave Pa’s side, and we always told you that you’d want to leave someday. You would always tell Hoss and me no that’s not true, he’s my Pa and I’ll always be around him. Joe why do you want to stay here?” Adam finally asked.

“Well, Adam, what if I told you I think I’m in love,” Adam smiled and walked over to the mirror.

“I’d say… so am I,” Adam said turning to his brother. Joe and Adam stood in silence for a few minutes just looking at each other.

“Don’t get me wrong Adam, I do want to go home, I miss Pa and Hoss somethin’ awful but, I think I’d really miss Vicky if I left.” He whispered. Adam turned and looked at the young man now sitting on the bed.

“You wanna know the truth Little Joe? I agree with you, I miss pa and Hoss too, but I can’t live my life without Katie or Vicky now. However, we promised Pa we would be home by the 21^st, and we have to be there.”

“Can’t we invite the girls to come with us?” Adam looked at his brother.

“Joe, where would they stay? Besides, there’s no time to mail pa and explain that they’re coming with us.”

“Sure there is, this about it Adam, we ask the girls tomorrow, mail Pa explaining what’s going on, and he’ll get it by the time we’re in Ohio,” Joe explained. Adam looked at him.

“You can’t be serious, Joe, they live here, their family lives here, what are we going to do just ask them to come with us and try to find land for sale while they are with us?”

“Why not, Pa did it. Besides Pa would be quick to give anyone land if needed. Think about it Adam we take the girls home with us and then get to know them a little better, soon we could be married.”

“What about their family Joe. They’ve been living here for awhile.”

 

“Not really, sure they have family here, but Katie has been living some where else. Come on, it’s worth a try Adam,” Joe said.

“Joe, Katie just got here, why would she want to leave again?” Adam asked.

“For love Adam, you love each other, we both know it.”

“Love doesn’t change everything Joe,”

“Sure it does, Adam have you ever been more head over heals for another woman in all your life?” Adam looked at Joe.

“Is that a trick question?” Joe smiled slightly.

“No it’s an honest one. Look Adam, you love Katie, more than anything in this world, I know you do. I’ve seen the sparkle in your eyes when you see her, trust me you don’t get that when you look at me or Pa. I’ve seen the way you act around her. Instead of that normal stuck up Adam, you’re sweet and kind, you bend yourself to make her happy.”

“I know, she is my world.”

“See, that’s why we should ask them to come with us. Besides, Steve has always talked about wanting to move west, we could wire Pa and ask him to look at some land. As for Mike, we could get him a job as a second doctor, Paul is always complaining now that Virginia City is getting bigger the place needs another doctor, I know the two would be honored to work with each other.”

“I don’t know Joe, that’s a big move from City doctor to small town doctor.”

“You’ve heard Mike talking about how he could always use a calmer atmosphere now that he’s getting older. Adam there isn’t a thing holding any of them back, they had now real commitments here,” Adam looked at his brother. Although Joe had a point the boy seemed to miss the big picture.

“Joe, there’s more to it then that. What if someone came up to you one day unexpectedly and asked you to move here. What would you say?” Joe sat there for a few seconds.

“I wouldn’t be able to leave, the Ponderosa is my home, I belong there, it’s where I grew up. It’s where mama is buried,” Joe said his head hanging. Adam came over and knelt down, he placed a hand on Joe’s knee.

“You see Joe? Our hearts, Pa, yours, Hoss’ and mine, they are in the Ponderosa, it’s what we’ve come to love. We were raised there; we learned the most important lessons there. You took your first steps there, I got my first girlfriend there. So did you and Hoss. It’s what you remember mama as, we couldn’t leave the place because to us it has meaning that no one else can understand but us, because unless you’ve lived twenty-four years on the Ponderosa then you don’t really know how we’ve lived this life. Well it’s the same with Vicky and Katie, they were born somewhere else but their hearts are here in Boston, and unfortunately that’s where they will remain, in Boston.” Joe sighed, he knew he had lost this fight, it was over, the girls would stay in Boston and the two Cartwrights would go home, alone and remain alone.

“I understand,” Joe whispered. Adam ruffled Joe’s hair and smiled.

“Good, now let’s get some sleep little buddy.”

As Adam turned the light out he watched his little brother lay down. His back to Adam, he knew how hard this would be for Joe, but Adam had made his point, this was where the girls belonged and it was here they would stay.

~Chapter Two~

Early the next morning both brothers were out of bed and ready for another day with the girls. However, this time they would be going separate places. Joe was taking Vicky to breakfast, then they would be going to the harbor and from there they would spend the rest of the day together, while Adam and Katie would be spending the day relaxing and talking.

Joe and Vicky sat in a large field talking about their dreams.

“How many kids do you want Joe?” Vicky asked. Joe looked at her and smiled.

“Hundreds,” he said. She giggled at him when he smiled.

“Seriously.”

“I don’t know, I guess about five or six, I want a lot. I want a bunch of Little Cartwrights running around.”

“Seth wanted a bunch too, did I ever tell you he was engaged?” Vicky said. Joe looked at her.

“No, I didn’t know that. I’m sorry. Who was she?” He asked.

“An old friend of the family’s, we knew her since I was a child, they had talked about their love for each other, and finally they decided not to wait, couple months before they were to get married Seth went to war.”

“Where is she now?” Vicky looked down.

“She killed herself a few months after he died. Next to Katie she was my best friend,” Vicky whispered. Joe slowly put his arms around her.

“What about you, how many kids do you want?” He asked. She thought for a moment.

“Ten,” Joe looked at her.

“Ten!” He said.

“You heard me.”

“Why ten?” He asked.

“I don’t know, because I love children,”

“Are you joshin’ me?” He asked.

“Yes, I really want six or seven.”

“Good, I don’t think I could handle ten Joes’ running around the house. I don’t think pa could either.” She smiled at him.

“Your poor father must have gray hair from you three.”

“He does,” Joe said laughing.

“You probably put it there didn’t you?”

“Probably, but whether it was from the time I feel in the lake during the winter or the time I got lost in a snow storm and almost never made it home, I’ll never know.” Vicky smacked him as he laughed aloud.

“You are a devil Joseph Cartwright,” Joe smiled at her.

“I am very well aware of that my love,” he laughed. Then they sat in each other’s arms for a few minutes.

“I’m going to miss you so much Joe,” she whispered.

“And I you,” he said. He thought for a minute remembering what his brother had said about him leaving the Ponderosa.

“Vicky, you know I love you right?”

“Of course Joe, there has never been a single doubt in my mind. I loved you the second I saw you.”

“Then, well, Vicky would you come back to Nevada with Adam and me?” Vicky looked up at Joe content with just being in his arms, but deep down, she knew she could not leave her home. She lived here, and it was here that she loved more than any thing in the world. Then again, she loved Joe more than anything in the world.

“Joe I love you, you have become my life since you got here. However, I’ve lived here since I was a little girl. I can’t just move, this is my home. I have family here.”

“Yes, I know, but I want to become part of your family.”

“You are part of my family Joe, you are the only man I ever loved, but I love my home too Joe.”

“Vicky, please I need you.”

“I know that, I really do, but I can’t just get up and move. I can’t leave a decent paying job, a family, a home.”

“And I’m not part of that family?” He asked.

“Joe listen to me, you are part of my family, but I ask you to think about your family. You father, Adam and Hoss, if I asked you to leave them what would you do. Would you change everything just because you were in love? You wouldn’t and I won’t either, and I know you understand why I won’t leave with you, no matter how much I love you.”

“Vicky when I board that train Friday morning, I’ll be leaving forever. I’m not coming back,” Joe said.

“I know Joe, I know.”

“You know what; I think we should go home. I’m not really feeling very good anymore,” Joe said as he got up. Vicky fallowed him to the buggy and the two got in.

“Joe you can’t just leave me without a reason.”

“Yes I can.”

“Why? Just because I won’t go home with you. For God sakes Joe, I’m in love with you, but love cannot stop my feelings of happiness in a place I know. Come on Joe, wake up and see the picture. You are turning twenty-four in a few weeks; you can’t seriously pout like a four year old. Joe what do you want me to say. Of course, I’ll run away from something I’ve been living for nearly eighteen years now, of course I’ll drop everything and run off with you. Of course, I’ll give up something I love for you. Joe that’s not love, that’s selfishness!” She yelled at him. He stood in front of her, trying to keep his emotions in tact. She had tears in her eyes. Joe was starting to hate his bad temper. He got in the buggy and she sat in back. The ride back to her house was quiet. She quickly got out and slammed into the house.

Adam and Katie who had been having a conversation not much different from Joe’s and Vicky’s saw her storm in and Adam took that as his cue.

“Katie, I’ll see you Thursday, why don’t you go talk to Vicky, she needs you more than I do. I have a feeling Joe is feeling at odds right now too,” he said goodbye quickly and left.

“Hey kid, mind if I hitch a ride?” Joe looked up; solemnly he scooted over and allowed his older brother to sit down next to him. They said nothing on the ride back to the boarding house, but as soon as they were in the room Adam spoke first.

“She say no too?” Adam asked. Joe looked at him, tears clouding his vision.

“She called me selfish. God Adam, she’s right. I’m a selfish little boy!” Joe yelled as he threw himself on the bed. Adam sighed and slowly walked over to Joe’s bed and placed himself by Joe’s side.

“No, you’re not selfish, you’re in love, and if she loves you like I think she does, she understands that. Joe I told you love can’t change everything. I know that’s what you think, but sometimes it just can’t. That’s how you can tell if it’s real love. If you really love her you’ll understand why she has to stay here. You understand?” Joe looked up at his brother.

“Yeah, I guess so. What about Katie?” Adam looked down.

“I couldn’t ask her, we talked about her coming with me for a few minutes but it was quickly answered with a no. She just got here, it wouldn’t be right to take her from her family when she just got here.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Katie slowly walked into Vicky’s room and smiled. She sat on her bed looking at a picture of Seth.

“Everyone makes mistakes Vicky, but don’t make the biggest mistake of your life, one that I know you’ll regret for the rest of your life. You’re happier than you have been in a long time Vicky. I’m not saying go with him, but I’m not saying stay here either, I’m saying think about it, about what you really want and about what he’s offering you. Think about what Seth would tell you. Consider it, because like he said. Friday morning at eight, they get on a train that will take them five days from us and put them back where they belong, I know they won’t be coming back. It’s time to act like that twenty-three year old girl, make your own choice, but remember he wants you to be happy, and I think he knows that if you stay here you will not be happy,” with that Katie left the room. Vicky stay on the bed and sighed. How was she supposed to make such a big choice in such a short time period?

~Chapter Three~

Adam and Joe sat beside each other on a bench close by the small grave. Suddenly they turned to see Vicky standing to their right in a long red and blue dress.

“Annie said you’d be here. Adam could I take a walk with Joe.” Adam simply smiled and nodded. Joe looked back at him and then slowly the two walked off.

Adam returned his gaze back to the headstone. Just then, Katie walked over to it and placed some flowers on the grave.

“Hello Mrs. Cartwright, I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Katie Parker, and I’m madly in love with your wonderfully loving son. You would be proud of him. He’s kind and he’s takes great care of his brothers,” She remained by the grave. Until Adam reached, out and took her hand, so that they could stand face to face with each other now.

“I’ll stay here with you. I just…” she stopped him by placing her fingers to his lips.

“No, you will not stay here. That young man needs you Adam, so does your father and brother. You said yourself that Joe probably considers you a bad brother, I know he doesn’t but he doesn’t understand why you left him, and he wouldn’t understand if you left him this time. It would destroy him Adam; he needs you something awful.”

“I love you Katie, please don’t ever forget that. I will never be the same again,” he whispered, his hands on her face. She lifted her left hand to his cheek.

“I love you more than life itself Adam,” slowly their lips met.

“Joe, I’m sorry I call you selfish, I didn’t mean it. I thought about it last night, and if you’ll still have me, I’d like to go home with you and Adam,” Joe looked into her eyes.

“Apology accepted, and I hope that you will forgive me when I say I am sorry. I was wrong to think I could take you away from something you’ve known all your life. I just couldn’t imagine life without you. Of course I want you to join Adam and I on the trip west, that is of course if you are sure you want to go,” she smiled at him.

“Forgiven and forgotten. I love you Joe,” she whispered and kissed his lips. He smiled slightly as he continued to kiss the love of his life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leaving in a day STOP

Vicky coming with us STOP

Can’t wait to get home STOP

Adam and Joe STOP

Ben smiled when he read the wire from Boston. The boys would be leaving the next day and he was excited, although it would be a week before he actually got to hold one of them, or hug them. He knew just the same that soon he would be reunited with his two boys.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday was spent well. Joe and Adam were up later than usual.

“Good morning Annie,” Adam said as he and Joe sat down for the large breakfast that they had promised her today. Tomorrow morning they would be leaving at six for the train station so there would be no time for eating or talking.

They spent two hours talking and eating with Annie. Then they went to collect the girls and headed to the harbor to watch the clipper ships come and go. From there they went to Grandpa Stoddard to visit for a while.

“You boys come back and visit me, next time you come Adam bring that father and other brother of yours,” He had told Adam. Adam smiled at his grandfather and shook his hand.

“I will grandfather, you take good care of yourself,” Adam said as he headed towards the door. He watched Joe walk over to the older man.

“Good bye grandfather, it was nice meeting you and getting to spend time with you,” Joe said, he kindly placed his hand out, but was greeted by a kind hug.

“Lizzy would have liked you son. You remind me of her, just like your brother. I know your mother was a good woman too. They’re all watching over you boys. Now get out of here before I start blubbering,” Adam smiled, he remembered his father’s tales about their last days in Boston.

“Thank you sir,” with that Joe, Adam, Katie and Vicky left. They headed to meet Steve and his family for lunch. It was a nice lunch. They talked for a few hours about the possibility of Steve moving out there some day to buy a ranch he had always wanted. Deciding he needed to get further away from where he had fought. Adam explained he would always have land ready for him to buy.

After the nice lunch, the four went to a nice play and then finally had dinner with Mike.

~Chapter Four~

It was early the next morning when they arrived at the train station. The tickets were bought, the luggage loaded onto the train and finally they all stood face to face.

“Well, I guess this is it,” Katie said.

“I guess so,” Adam said. Katie reached out for Vicky and hugged her tight.

“I love ya girl, we all do. Take care of yourself,” she whispered.

“I love you too. I’ll miss you so much Katie,” Vicky said as tears filled her eyes. Katie stepped back and looked at her best friend.

“Remember we have letters. I’ll come visit you too. Both of you,” she said looking over at Adam. Vicky nodded and looked at the man who had become more like a father.

“My baby girl,” he said as he hugged her tight.

“Thank you for being such a wonderful man to me.” She said.

“You’re welcome, and I have something to give you,” he said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box.

“Go ahead open it,” he said. Slowly she opened it to see a locket. She slowly opened the locket, and smiled. Inside was a picture of her father, mother and brother. On the other side was a picture of Mike, Steve, Will and Katie.

“It’s beautiful, where did you get this?”

“It was your mother’s locket. She gave it to me before she died and said to save it until you were of the age where I thought you should get it. Therefore, I decided to save it until you were married. Well anyway, you’re leaving and I wanted to give it to you now. You mom said it use to remind her of Seth as a boy. She use to have a picture of you two in there, I took those out and put these ones in here. That way you could always know where the rest of your family was,” Vicky smiled as tears feel down her cheeks. Reaching out she hugged him again.

“I love you so much daddy,” she whispered to him. He smiled. She hadn’t called him daddy more than once or twice in her life time. She had always called him Uncle Mike or Mike.

“I love you too angel,” he finally let go of her and kissed her forehead. He then looked at Joseph.

“You take care of my little girl,” Joe nodded and shook Mike’s hand.

“I will, and thanks again for everything you’ve done for me these past months, I can’t repay you,” Mike smiled.

“You already have. Goodbye son,” Mike said. Joe smiled at him then turned towards Katie.

“You take care of yourself Joseph; we kept you alive, now it’s your turn. Take care of Adam too. I love you,” He hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek.

“Miss ya,” he said. With that, he turned and looked at Adam.

“We’ll be on the train,” he said. He and Vicky slowly got on the train, waving one final goodbye to Katie and Mike.

“Well son, take care of those two,” Adam nodded and shook Mike’s hand.

“Thank you for saving my brother’s life,” he said.

“It’s my job, besides your brother is a good kid,” with that he headed towards the buggy, leaving Katie alone with Adam.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Adam whispered.

“I’ll miss you too. Like I said, though, I’ll visit.”

“I love you Katie.”

“I love you too Adam,” the two kissed for a few minutes then finally Adam turned towards the train. He could hear the conductor yelling all aboard.

“Thank you Adam, for making my life so complete,” she whispered. He gazed at her.

“Goodbye,” he whispered back. Slowly he walked towards the train. With one look, back at her he boarded the train.

Adam placed himself down by the window across from Joe. He watched as the train slowly pulled out.

Katie watched as Adam’s face slowly disappeared from her view. She felt a tear fall down her face. Her heart was now on it’s way to the Ponderosa, while his was still here in Boston. She felt a hand in hers and smiled at her father.

“He’s gone daddy,” she whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder. He draped an arm around her shoulders.

“Don’t worry honey; we’ll see them again soon. Let’s go home,”

Adam watched until Katie was out of view, he then leaned his head back and closed his eyes, trying to contain his tears. He knew he his heart would still be in Boston, and it hurt badly.

“Adam, do you want anything to eat?” Adam shook his head no. Vicky sighed and looked over at Joe. They gently found each other’s hands and held on tightly, knowing this would be a long ride.

The train ride home wasn’t much different from the first ride. Joe slept much of the way, while Vicky kept Adam company with talk of the ranch and talk of her brother. Finally, Adam smiled as he saw the trestle they had helped build.

“Joe,” Adam said. Joe quickly woke up and saw Adam pointing out the window. Joe looked out and smiled, remembering what they had gone through to build it.

“That’s a great bridge,” Vicky whispered.

“Yep, there was a day I thought we’d never finish it,” Joe whispered. Vicky looked at him.

“You built that?” She said.

“We did, just ask the bull of the woods,” Joe said pointing towards Adam. Adam smiled and laughed slightly.

“That was probably the longest year of my life, I think I aged eight or nine years. Between my shooting you, and Pa’s not wanting to run the ranch anymore.”

“Yeah, that was some year,” Joe admitted.

“You shot your brother?” Vicky said surprised. Adam frowned slightly.

“I shot him, then he was attacked by a wolf, then I had to dig the bullet out. Worst days of my life, I had never hated myself more than I did that week. All Joe could say when he woke up was how good I did,” Adam said looking at his baby brother. Joe smiled.

“You got him though Adam, you got that wolf good, I knew you didn’t mean to. Well, that means we’re almost in Virginia City. They looked out the window again and saw horses running. Adam pointed to a large black one. On top sat a large man.

“Joe, that Hoss?” Adam asked. Joe looked at the man and horse; though they were far away, it did look like his older brother Hoss.

“I think it is,” Adam smiled.

“What’s he doing way out here,” Vicky asked.

“This is our land Vicky, all of it,” Joe explained. She looked out and smiled.

“You weren’t kidding were you?”

“Nope, we own a lot of land,” Joe said as he continued to watch out the window at their land passing by.

“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered. Joe looked at it.

“I can’t believe how much I’ve missed this place.” Joe whispered.

~Chapter Five~

Adam, Joe and Vicky stepped off the train into the afternoon sunlight. It would take an hour or two before they would arrive on the Ponderosa and at home, by that time it would be almost dark. The ride wasn’t an easy one, but soon they were on the Ponderosa, and it wasn’t long before Joe, Adam and Vicky entered the front yard.

“Home at last,” Joe sighed. Suddenly the door opened, letting light from the great room pour out onto the front porch. Joe stopped the buggy and jumped out. He then helped Vicky out. Adam smiled at him.

“Hi pa,” Joe said running a hand through his hair. Ben stood in front of his now very healthy son.

“Joe, son,” Ben whispered. Joe walked over to his father.

“Welcome home boy,” Ben said putting his hand out. Joe needed no invitation. He wrapped his arms around his father. Ben tightly wrapped his own arms around Joseph.

“I missed you son,” Ben said. Joe rested his head on his father’s shoulder.

“I missed you too pa, missed ya something awful. It’s good to be home. Pa this is Vicky,” Joe said finally pulling away from his father. Ben smiled at her. She put her hand out, but he hugged her gently instead.

“Welcome to my family, for anyone who can entrance my son as you have, is welcome. I thank you for taking such good care of them,” she smiled up at him.

“Thank you sir,”

“Please call me Ben.”

“Only if you’ll call me Vicky,” Ben nodded. He then looked over at his eldest child. Adam smiled at his father.

“Welcome home Adam,” Adam smiled. Unlike his normal reaction, Adam reached out and hugged his father as well. Meanwhile Joe jumped on top of his brother Hoss.

“Good to see ya short shanks.” Hoss greeted his brother. Joe smiled, he was glad to be home.

“Well, why don’t we go in, I’m sure you three are tired from your trip, and hungry?” They smiled. Hoss and Joe walked arm in arm, with Vicky on Joe’s other side, while Adam and Ben also walked in.

“You know pa, I’m mighty tired, I think I’ll turn in. Goodnight everyone, night Hoss, Joe, Vicky,” Adam said heading towards the stairs with his bags.

“Good night son,” Ben said. Adam nodded towards him, his eyes meeting Ben’s. Ben saw the sorrow and love in his son’s eyes.

“Sleep well,” Adam nodded and went upstairs. Joe sighed as his brother made his way up the stairs.

“He really misses Katie,” Vicky whispered.

“Has he been like this the entire time?” Ben asked slightly worried.

“Most of the way, he opened up slightly on the way home.” Joe explained.

“Joe, why don’t you show Vicky her room, I know you must all be tired,” Joe nodded and picked up Vicky’s bags.

“Night pa, Night Hoss,” Joe said as he and Vicky went upstairs.

“Goodnight son.”

“Night short shanks, Goodnight Vicky,” she smiled at the sweet man and fallowed her lover upstairs.

Adam stood beside his window; not really looking at what was outside, just looking past it. He knew it was probably well past midnight. He could hear Hoss snoring from down the hall. He knew Vicky was sleeping in the room next to Adam. Joe was fast asleep in his room, and Pa was probably still awake. Just then, there was a knock on his door.

“Adam,” Ben called. Adam didn’t look back, his eyes still focused on the outdoors.

“You would love her Pa. Grandfather said Joe was a lot like mama.”

“Marie and Liz were very much alike, which is why you two don’t always get along.”

“It’s good to be home pa,” Adam whispered. Ben smiled and squeezed his son’s shoulder.

“It’s good to have you home son. Goodnight.” Ben turned towards the door.

“Pa,” Adam called before Ben left the room. Ben turned and looked at his son.

“I love you,” Adam whispered. Ben heard the tears in his throat.

“I love you too son,” with that Ben left.

Ben walked across the hall to Joe’s room and opened the door to find Joe fast asleep, his light still on. Ben smiled slightly. He covered Joe up with the blankets and kissed his forehead.

“Goodnight son, I love you,” he whispered. He blew out the light, just as he was leaving the room he heard his youngest son whisper back.

“I love you too pa.”

 

~Chapter Six~

Dear Katie,

Joe and I miss you, Adam misses you too. We arrived here about a week ago, I’m sorry I waited this long, but so much happened in one week. Guess what, Joe and I are getting married, on the 31^st, I can’t wait. He gave me the most beautiful ring. I hope you will come; after all I need a maid of honor. Tell Daddy and Steve too, you’re all welcome to come. Ben and Joe were out yesterday scouting some land and talking about Steve and Mike moving down here, Joe took me to see the land early this morning. It’s beautiful, tell Steve to be ready to move. It over looks the mountains, just what he always said he wanted. Mike’s land over looks the lake. Joe and I have a wonderful spot of the fields and lake. It’s a small house, but it is so cute. Well I can’t wait to see you.

Adam isn’t doing well, I mean physically he’s just fine, but he’s quiet, not like he was in Boston. Joe says he gets that way when something is wrong, and that’s usually when the two end up in some large fist fight. That worries me a little. Joe chose Adam as his best man, Adam seemed happy, but disappointed at the same time. He doesn’t smile as much, until he starts talking about you.

I have a feeling that you’re not much different than he is right now. Please Katie, I know you don’t want to leave, but Paul and Mike have been talking for nearly five days now about Mike coming down here to help Paul. Adam needs you we all do. We miss you so much.

Love always,

Victoria

~~~~~~~~

Dear Vicky,

Steve and Daddy have been talking about it, and believe it or not but in a few days we will all be coming west, forever. The kids are thrilled, Matt keeps running around the house trying to figure out if he’s left anything behind. We keep telling him he hasn’t.

Of course, like all older siblings, Carol told Matt he was losing it and that everything would be found. Matt didn’t like that much, but he lived with it.

I can’t wait to see you three again. I’m proud that you consider me friend enough that you would want me as your maid of honor. I love you and miss you too. Do not tell Adam about my coming, just Joe, Hoss and Ben, I want Adam to be surprised. Tell Ben that Steve will look at both he and Michael’s land then they will decided if they want the land. Mike mailed Paul yesterday that he was coming for a job. I think Paul will be thrilled about this.

Well we will see you in a week, don’t worry about coming into town to meet me, I’ll ask someone to drive me out there, as I said I want it to be a surprise.

Love always,

Katherine

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vicky and Joe had told Ben and Hoss about the letter when Adam was gone. They had both seemed happy and excited to help in any way possible.

Four days later on Sunday, Katie slowly rode along side the buggy up to the front of the Ponderosa. She quickly got out and thanked the driver for the ride. He nodded and quickly turned to leave. Katie sighed and slowly walked to the door. She knocked on it.

Inside Ben was sitting at his desk. Adam was in the blue chair lightly strumming his guitar. Joe and Hoss were playing checkers and Vicky sat next to Joe reading a book. They all looked up when the door knocked. Joe looked at Hoss; Hoss looked at Adam, who in turn, looked back at Joe.

“Well someone should get it,” rolling his eyes Adam slowly got up and walked to the door, muttering under his breath words to each of his brothers. He opened it and sucked in a deep breath. He stared at her, but said nothing. He looked as if he couldn’t believe it. Vicky was now looking at her best friend smiling. Joe smiled at Hoss, and Ben was coming out from his study.

“Hi to you too Adam,” she said. For the first time in seconds, Adam smiled. Within seconds, the two were in a tight embrace, kissing each other.

“Pa, I’d like you to meet Katie, she’ll say hello when they’re done,” Ben smiled and watched his son Adam. Katie parted and looked at him.

“Hello Mr. Cartwright,” Katie greeted finally shaking the older man’s hand.

“Please call me Ben. Hello Katie, I’ve heard a lot about you, I’d like you to meet my middle son Hoss,” Katie smiled and shook Hoss’ hand. Adam and Joe’s description of them had been perfect.

“Hello Hoss.”

“Katie it’s wonderful to see you again,” Adam said. Vicky smiled.

“Thanks for coming Katie, the wedding is in a few days so you and I have some shopping to do. Adam frowned.

“You came for the wedding… then you aren’t staying?” She looked up at him.

“Forever,” he smiled widely and hugged her tightly again.

“Why don’t we get you settled then you can tell me all about your trip,” Adam said as he and Katie made their way upstairs. Vicky and Joe smiled at each other.

“Well Miss Robinson, how would you like to go on an evening ride with me?” She smiled at him.

“I would love to Mr. Cartwright,” Joe looked at his father who smiled.

“Have a nice time you two,” they nodded and left.

As the days got closer to the wedding, things began to fall into place. Paul and Michael were now officially working together, Steve had a job on Ben’s ranch as a hand and was being paid well, he also owned land near theirs and a little of theirs. The kids were in school and everyone seemed happy. It had been arranged so that Katie and Vicky would spend the day before the wedding in the hotel, so Joe wouldn’t see her until the wedding. Joe of course didn’t like this idea one bit. He wanted to see his girlfriend before the wedding, but she wouldn’t hear of it.

“Joe, please calm down, looks it’s almost eleven, why don’t you go to sleep,” Ben suggested as his youngest child nervously paced around the room.

“What if she changes her mind? Pa, I really love her, I need her.” Joe whispered.

“I know son, but trust me I know women and I know Vicky she will not change her mind, under any circumstances, now go to sleep.” Joe said nothing just made his way up to his room. Ben sighed as Adam came out of the kitchen.

“That kid ain’t gonna make it to tomorrow at the rate he’s going,” Ben smiled.

“You should head up to bed too son, after all you are the best man,” Adam smiled. He had been best at least twice, but being his brother’s best man was different, Adam and Hoss had been honored when Joe had asked them to be his best men.

“Not at his rate. Joe seems happier doesn’t he pa,” Adam said.

“What do you mean son?”

“Well think about it pa. When Joe was alone, he seemed more inclined to argue, but now I guess the thought of finally being a family man is changing him.”

“What about you son, will it change you?”

“I don’t even know if I’m going to ask her yet. I mean I do plan on it, but I don’t know when or how yet.”

“She loves you Adam, and I know you love her.”

“I do. Well I’d best be getting to sleep. Goodnight pa,” with that Adam headed upstairs after his younger brother.

Ben sighed and slowly walked over to his desk. He looked at the pictures of his wives, then at Marie. He reached out and picked it up.

“Our little boy isn’t so little anymore Marie. He’s growing up. I can’t believe it’s been twenty-four years since you gave him to me. Such a wonderful little boy he had been. Grew up so fast though. They all did. You would be proud of him Marie; he’s a good honest man. I hope you’ll watch over him and Vicky when I can’t. I love you Marie, I love you all so much,” with that Ben placed the picture back down then slowly blew out the lights and went to sleep himself.

Joe tossed and turned in his bed. Finally giving up on sleep for a while, he turned on his side and gazed at the picture of his mother by his bedside.

“Mama,” he whispered.

“Hello my son,” he heard. He gasped when he saw his mother standing in front of him.

“Mama,” he whispered again.

“Such a handsome man you have become. I’m proud of you Joseph. You are worthy of Vicky’s love, and she is very worthy of yours. Have faith in God son, that’s what will help you through the thick and thin.”

“Are you all watching us?”

“Yes, even Seth is up here with us. We’ll be at the wedding. In your heart, in your mind we’ll be there.”

“I’m scared mama. I want to marry Vicky more than anything in this world, but I’m scared. I don’t want anything to happen to her.” Marie smiled at him.

“Joseph, she loves you just as much. You will always have things to worry about in life, and if you let them all get to you, it will drive you insane, she will not die Joe, I am not telling you this out of pure faith. You will have a wonderful life with her son. You all will have a wonderful life. I must go now, and you must sleep, but remember this, my son, you father and brothers love and want to help you in anyway possible, as them for it. I love you and will always be watching over you,” with that she disappeared and the room became dark again. Joe slowly got up and walked over to the window. He smiled as he looked down at the front yard, memories of him and his brothers playing when he was little. That had been before Adam had been grown up and left for college, before mama had died. He remembered it all. Every moment he had.

“Joe, it’s nearly midnight,” a strong baritone voice said. Joe smiled. Always like his older brother to take after him.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Joe said. Adam slowly walked over and joined his brother in looking out the window.

“Seems like just yesterday we use to run outside yelling, screaming, and playing, the days when we could just be kids.”

“I miss them Adam, I really do. I miss the nights when I was a little boy and could crawl into you or Pa’s lap and curl up for a story, or just a snuggle. Adam placed an arm around Joe.

“We miss those days too little buddy,” Adam said using the name he had called Joe as a child.

“Will you stay with me till I fall asleep?” Joe asked. Adam smiled.

“One last time?”

“One last time,” Joe said. Adam nodded and allowed Joe to crawl into bed. He quietly began to hum the French song Marie would sing to Joe, watching him once again fall asleep. Adam got up and gazed down at Joe. He didn’t look twenty-four.

“Goodnight little buddy, I love ya,” Adam whispered, with that he made his way out of his room and back to his own room. As he drifted off to sleep, he swore he could hear Marie saying thank you.

~Chapter Seven~

Joe stood by Katie and his father’s side. Adam and Katie were talking, as were Joe and Ben. Hoss was chatting with Jennifer Aims, an old friend of his from school, they were close to the same age and had always had a little thing for each other. Now Hoss was seriously considering courting her. Ben was happy to see that all his sons were finally happy or at least getting there. Just then, Mike came up to the group and smiled.

“Hi daddy, are they ready?” Katie asked.

“They are. Steve is walking her down the isle.” Nodding Katie took her spot, as did the three Cartwright boys. Finally, the music started and everyone turned to see the future Mrs. Cartwright walk down the isle beside her older brother Steve, both smiling wide.

Vicky’s long blond hair was up in a braid, her bright blue eyes were filled with tears of joy. Joe smiled at her. She gently smiled back. As they came face to face with each other, they knew they were just starting a new part of their lives. It wasn’t long before they got to the vows.

“Joseph, please recite your vows then say with this ring I the wed.”

“Vicky, all my life I have been some what of a ladies man, but even when everyone thought I would never get married, even dating all those women, I knew none of them were the right ones. I knew I had to wait for someone. Then I met you, and deep down I knew it, from the moment I saw you and Katie walk in with a smile. My brother told me that true love changes everything and that’s how you know if it’s true love or not. The moment you said you wouldn’t come with me to Nevada, I was ready to give everything and anything to you if it meant I would spend the rest of my life with you. Even if it meant I would have to move away from the Ponderosa, but you didn’t make me do it, you didn’t take the dreams I had of raising my children so they could know their grandparents. Thanks to you, I’m getting to live the dreams I’ve always had. Love does change everything Vicky, and your love has and will continue to change me into a better man. With this ring I thee wed,” Joe finally finished as he slipped the ring on her delicate fingers.

“Victoria please recite your vows then put this ring on Joe’s finger and say with this ring I thee wed.”

“Joe, meeting you was more than just a dream coming true, it was everything I could hope for. After the death of my brother there was a time when I was sure that I wouldn’t live without him, but then you came into my life and not only helped me live with my grief but you made me happy again. You gave me something to look forward too in the mornings when I woke up, something to remember when I went to sleep at night. Because of you, I am complete again. Because of you, I am happy. I can’t live without you Joe and I would have fallowed you to the ends of the earth and back just to be with you for life, with this ring I thee wed,” she finished. Joe smiled at her.

“Do you Joseph Francis Cartwright take Victoria Anne Robinson to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, till deaths do you part?” Joe looked at her.

“I do.”

“Do you Victoria Anne Robinson take Joseph Francis Cartwright to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till deaths do you part?”

“I do,” she whispered.

“With the power invested in me and by the state of Nevada I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride,” Joe smiled and swept his wife up in his arms kissing her with all he had. Everyone clapped and cheered. When Joe and Vicky parted, everyone quieted down. The two turned and looked down the isle at all the people important to them. They smiled when at the back they could see their mothers, Vicky’s dad and Seth all smiling.

“I proudly give you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cartwright,” Joe and Vicky smiled as they walked down the isle fallowed by Katie, Adam, and Hoss at the end.

The party was a fine one, and when it was over Joe and Vicky went up to bed to head out for San Francisco on their week honeymoon. It was late that night when Adam gently led Katie out of the house.

“It’s so beautiful here Adam,” Katie said looking up.

“I know I love this ranch more than anything, you can look up at the stars and see all of them.”

“Daddy and Steve use to tell me about how the stars could show you the way.”

“They can. My pa use to teach me and my brothers how to find out way by the North Star.”

“Adam, I’m glad I came.”

“I’m glad you came too. Katie I didn’t ask you out here to talk to you about the stars.”

“Adam what’s wrong?” Adam smiled at her.

“Nothing is wrong, I just wanted to do this the right way,” Adam slid to his knee and pulled out a tiny velvet black box.

“You have become my life, my soul. Katherine, would you do me the great honor and consent to be my wife?”