Summary: Adam gets a Fourth of July surprise.
Rating: G, Word Count: 720
Fourth of July Fun
Ben took eight-year-old Adam and two-year-old Hoss to town for their 4th of July celebration. Adam sat in the front of the wagon looking around and holding on tight to his baby brother so he didn’t fall off. There was so much to see and Adam couldn’t swivel his head fast enough. Ben parked the wagon at the livery and helped his boys down. He knelt in front of Adam and put a hand on his small shoulder.
“Adam, I want you to watch out for your brother. There are many things going on and he could get hurt. I need to go see a man about a horse and I’ll find you when I’m done. Here’s some money to get something,” Ben said handing his oldest son a few coins.
“Thank you, Pa. I’ll look after Hoss,” Adam promised.
“Good boy. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Ben stood and walked away.
Adam held onto Hoss’ hand tight as they made their way around the street. Different smells assaulted Adam’s nose as he walked by the different booths selling food. He saw a competition to catch a greased pig. He wanted to join but that would mean leaving Hoss on the side and he promised his father he’d watch out for his brother. He had also seen three legged races but Hoss was too little to participate so Adam couldn’t join in. He sighed and walked on.
Ben looked over the colt. It was a chestnut with a white stripe down its nose and four white socks on his legs.
“He’ll be just fine,” Ben said smiling.
He gave Mr. Sykes the money and took the horse to the wagon and tied him to it. He couldn’t wait to see Adam’s face when he would see the horse. Ben patted the horse’s rump then went to find his boys. He found them near a hot air balloon display.
“Would you like to go for a ride, son?” Ben asked.
Adam turned to his father and shook his head vigorously.
“No, sir. I’m fine on the ground.”
Ben laughed. “It’s starting to get dark. Let’s go find some food and a place to sit where we can watch the fireworks.”
Ben picked up Hoss and put him on his shoulders as they walked to find something to eat.
They had got fried chicken, corn on the cob, and watermelon. They also bought three pieces of cake and found a place to sit and eat. After they ate, it was dark and the fireworks show started. Hoss whimpered as the fireworks screamed, whistled and boomed. Adam turned to his younger brother.
“Come sit on my lap, Hoss.”
He climbed into Adam’s lap and curled into him. His left ear was against Adam’s chest and blocked out half the noise. Adam put his hand over Hoss’ right ear to block the noise out completely. Adam positioned himself so Hoss could still see the fireworks.
After the show was over, everyone made their way to their wagons, buggies, or to the hotel. Before the Cartwright family went to the hotel for the night, Ben led the boys to the livery stable.
“I thought we were going to the hotel?” Adam asked.
“We are but I have a surprise for you, Adam.”
In the dimly lit stable, Adam saw the colt tied to their wagon.
“Is that for me?” He asked in surprise.
“Yes, it is. It’s for you to raise.”
Adam rushed to the pony and stroked him.
“He’s beautiful. Thank you, Pa.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Horsey!” Hoss said excitedly.
“Yes, Hoss, a horsey. Come and pet him,” Adam said.
Hoss went up to the horse and patted him.
“Nice, horsey.”
“What are you going to name him?”
“I think I’ll name him Sport,” Adam replied.
“That’s a good name. All right how about we go to the hotel and get some sleep,” Ben said.
The three went to the hotel room as Adam excitedly told his father about the three- legged races, the arm wrestling the older men did, listening to the women talk about their preserves or quilts, watching the older boys racing horses or pitching horseshoes. Ben smiled as he listened to Adam’s descriptions of his day. It had been quite a day for the young family.
From the Brandsters. The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site. Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.
