Summary: What happens when one boy and one girl lock eyes across a dance floor? Based on the song “One Boy, One Girl” by Collin Raye.

Rating: G, Word Count: 970

One Boy, One Girl

In a room filled with music and dance, one boy and one girl looked at each other across the room. He smiled and she smiled as she watched him make his way across the room to her. Adam Cartwright was that one boy and Margaret Larson was that one girl.

“Would you care to dance?” He asked holding his hand out to her.

She smiled and nodded as she took his hand and followed him to the dance floor.

“I’m Adam Cartwright.”

“I’m Margaret Larson. Everyone calls me Maggie. I moved here with my family a week ago.”

“Welcome to Virginia City.”

As they danced everyone seemed to disappear around them and the music was faint. Adam looked into her light blue eyes and fell in love with her. They didn’t hear the end of the song or the beginning of another as they continued to dance. The spell was broken when Adam felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked at the gentleman who wanted to dance with Maggie. He reluctantly handed Maggie over to the gentleman and joined his father and brothers at the punch table.

“That’s a beautiful girl you were dancing with.” Ben complemented.

Adam nodded as he poured himself a drink.

“Pa, I think she’s the one.” Adam announced.

Little Joe had started drinking his punch when he choked on it and wiped his mouth with a napkin. Ben’s and Hoss’ eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“You think she’s the one? After two dances with her?” Ben asked not believing his ears.

Adam nodded.

“Are you sure? You boys tend to jump the gun in romance when it comes to a pretty face.” Ben pointed out.

“Pa, I feel it. I’ve never felt like this with any other woman.” Adam said.

“I hope you’ll take time to get to know her.” Ben advised.

“Don’t worry, Pa, I will.” Adam said.

He refilled his glass and another and found Maggie sitting on a chair. She smiled at him when she saw him walk up to her.

“Thank you,” she said taking the glass from Adam and took a sip.

Adam sat on the empty chair next to her. He asked her about her family. She had an older brother who was fighting in the war. They moved to Virginia City from Philadelphia to get away from the war and her father was also a newspaper man. Her mother was a dressmaker. Adam told her of the Ponderosa and how he had gone to college in Boston. Maggie’s parents John and Hazel found their daughter and thus had a chance to meet Adam. John seemed very impressed with Adam. Adam and Maggie danced a few more dances and enjoyed each other’s company. Even Ben got in a dance to get to know Maggie a little better.

After the dance, Adam asked John if he could take Maggie home and he let him. The Larsons lived in town so Adam and Maggie walked around town. Adam guided her arm through his as they walked and talked. Two hearts beat wildly as they stopped in front of her house and Adam leaned down to kiss her.

A month had gone by and they were courting. Joe was jealous because Adam had snagged the prettiest girl he had ever seen and Hoss was happy for his older brother. Ben was still apprehensive but would not stand in his oldest son’s way in case this really was the real thing.

It was love at first sight when Adam saw Maggie so many months ago. They were at the lake having a picnic and enjoying each other’s company. He was laying his head on her lap with his eyes closed while she was leaning against a tree, running her fingers through his hair as she daydreamed.

“Maggie.” Adam mumbled.

“Hmm?” Maggie responded.

“Will you marry me?”

Her fingers stopped and she looked down at him in surprise.

“What?”

He got up on one knee and held a ring in his hand.

“Maggie, will you marry me?” He repeated. Would you like to show what his expression might be as he asked?

“Yes, Adam, I will!” She said. Would you like to show what her expression or reaction might be as she answered?

He placed the ring on her left finger and they hugged and kissed.

A month later, they stood in a little church in front of their friends and family. The preacher told them what to say and they repeated those sacred words.

The preacher said “son, kiss your bride” and Adam raised her vail. Like the night they met time just stood still. One boy, one girl two hearts beating wildly as they kissed.

Nine months later, Adam held her hand as the doctor said “Congratulations, you have twins” as he held one boy and one girl.

Adam took the boy and handed him to Maggie then took the girl in his arms. Doctor Martin opened the door and beckoned Ben, Joe and Hoss into the room to introduce them to the two babies.

“What are their names?” Ben asked.

“Elizabeth Hazel and Benjamin Adam.” Maggie said.

Ben took his namesake from Maggie as Adam handed Elizabeth to Hoss. Ben and Hoss spoke quietly to the twins as the parents looked on with wide grins. Hoss handed Elizabeth to Joe who then spoke quietly to her.

After a while, Ben declared it was time to let the babies and the mother sleep. They handed the babies to Adam and walked out. Adam laid next to his wife with the babies between them.

“I love you.” Adam whispered.

“I love you, too.” She whispered back.

He kissed her and snuggled near her, and they fell asleep still carefully cradling the twins.

 

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.