Summary: Adam and Emma move forward with their relationship. Just when things are rosy, tragedy strikes.

Rating: PG, Word Count: 4663

A Love Tested

Chapter 1

Emma organized the boxes on the shelves at the mercantile and looked back at that year and a half of marriage to Adam Cartwright and couldn’t believe all that happened over that time. Adam had been there for Emma when she had nightmares of Josh. She had been having nightmares and had been jumpy after she had been rescued. Though she knew Josh was dead, she couldn’t help but feel edgy. She finally got over the nightmares with Adam’s help.

Thoughts of her courting Josh in California and being abused came to her mind. She then thought of when he found her in Virginia City and followed her around. Making threats and going through with them. That wonderful yet dreadful day when Adam proposed to her and watching Adam being shot and being kidnapped was cruel to think about. She would forever be grateful to Ben and Hoss for rescuing her. A baby laughing pulled Emma out of her thoughts and she looked down.

They had a seven-month old daughter. They named her Elizabeth Marie after both parents’ mothers. She looked like Adam with dark hair, hazel eyes, bow shaped lips and was a happy baby. She was learning to crawl and Emma had quite the time chasing after her. Adam loved his daughter and didn’t mind chasing after her even after working all day with his father and brothers on the Ponderosa. She had Adam wrapped around her little finger and she was daddy’s little girl. Lizzie was the only grandchild of the Cartwright family and was spoiled by her grandfather and uncles.

Emma loved working at the mercantile. Adam and Hoss helped out and Emma would bring Elizabeth when Adam would be busy on the Ponderosa. Adam made a little playpen and toys for Elizabeth to play with while she was at the store and to keep her in one place.

Emma saw movement out of the corner of her eyes and turned around. She saw her friend Charlotte.

“Emma, I need some flour please.” Charlotte said.

Emma got the bag of flour and put it on the counter.

“How are you today?” she asked.

“I’m doing well. I’ve been taking care of Irving. He’s been sick with a cold. Sometimes he’s worse than the children when they’re all sick.” Charlotte said laughing.

Emma chuckled. “Adam is the same way. I’ve been blessed he hasn’t been sick a lot since we’ve been married. And when he is, Hoss and Joe have been good to take Elizabeth to watch her.”

“You’re lucky to have the Cartwrights there to help out.”

“I am indeed. If you need any help let me know.”

“That’s sweet, Emma. I think we’ll be all right.” Charlotte said.

She paid for the flour, picked it up and left. A man came in and Emma looked up. She quietly gasped because he looked like Josh. She silently told herself that she was being silly because Josh was dead. She got herself together and smiled.

“How may I help you?” she asked.

“I’d like some supplies. My family and I just moved here. I’m Kenny Johnson.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Emma Cartwright. I own this establishment.” Emma said taking the list.

She gathered everything together in a crate. He paid her, took the crate and left. Emma realized she was still shaking and sat down. She couldn’t believe she was still shaken by the memory of Josh when he came in the store when he found where she was.

The bell jingled and Emma looked up and saw Adam.

“Hello, Adam.” She said. Adam saw the worried look on Emma’s face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing, I’m fine. How is everything on the ranch?” she asked trying to change subjects.

“Just fine. I thought I’d come see how my two favorite girls are doing.” Adam said walking to Elizabeth and picking her up.

She squealed as he tossed her up and down then held her. He walked to Emma and put an arm around her. He felt her shaking.

“Are you sure you’re all right? You’re shaking.”

“It’s nothing.”

Adam didn’t believe her but he knew she’d tell him eventually.

Later that night Emma dreamt about Josh. He had killed her family and made her watch. Then he came to kill her but right then she woke up screaming. Adam woke up when he heard his wife’s screams. He held onto her while she sobbed into his chest.

“It’s all right. It was just a nightmare.” He said.

When she calmed down she told him her dream.

“You never need to worry about Josh. He’s dead. What brought on the dream?” Adam asked.

“There was a new family who moved in and the man looked almost like Josh. That’s why I was shaking.” Emma
explained.

“Oh honey, I’m sorry those memories came back.” He whispered.

He started rocking her side to side until he felt her go limp and her breathing became even. He knew she was asleep and laid her back down then laid next to her with his arms around her. He slept light that night just in case she had anymore nightmares.

Adam, Emma and Elizabeth went for a picnic by the lake a few days later. Emma finally felt safe with going to the lake without being scared from what Josh had done. Elizabeth sat and watched everything around her. She then decided to crawl off the blanket and go after a leaf she saw. Adam got up quick and got the leaf out of her chubby hand before she could eat it.

“No, that’s not to eat.” He said.

He picked her up and swung her around. She laughed as she went up and down in her father’s arms.

“You’d better stop or you’ll make Liz throw up.” Emma waned.

“Oh it’ll be fine.” Adam said.

Just then Elizabeth threw up all over Adam’s clean black shirt.

Emma burst out laughing. “I told you so.”

Adam put Elizabeth on the blanket and cleaned the spit up as best as he could. He could hear Emma snicker.

“You think that’s funny huh?” he asked.

“Yes, I do.” She said bursting out laughing again.

“I’ll show you what I think.”

Emma saw the look of mischief in his eyes. He growled and started to get up. She jumped up and ran from him laughing. He chased her around trying to catch her. Adam got close to Emma and she yelped as she felt his hand brush her back but she got away. They ran onto rockier ground and Emma tripped over a tree root and fell. She held her ankle in pain. She knew it was only sprained but it hurt like crazy. She saw Adam running toward her with a worried look on his face. He didn’t see the rock when he tripped and then smacked his head on the tree root that Emma had tripped over just a few minutes before.

Chapter 2
Emma watched Adam fall and thoughts of him getting shot by Josh played through her mind but Instead of being kidnapped and not being able to help Adam, she could now help him. She tried to get up but collapsed because of her sprained ankle so she dragged herself to him. She looked him over and found he was breathing. She also found a gash and bump on his forehead. She ripped her petticoat and wrapped it around his head. She left him there and dragged herself to the blanket. She saw Elizabeth was asleep and was grateful for a good baby. She packed up everything as best as she could, got a sleeping Elizabeth in the buckboard and pulled herself up into it. She went as fast as she could to Adam.

Emma knew she had to get up if she was to get Adam into the buckboard. She got up and leaned against the buckboard to steady herself then limped to Adam ignoring the pain in her ankle. She had a difficult time getting Adam in the back of the buckboard. She wished that he was either awake or that one of his family members were there to help. After she got him in, she climbed back in, put Elizabeth on her lap and sped to the Ponderosa.

“Hoss! Ben! Little Joe! Come quick!” Emma yelled as she pulled up to the house.

Hoss was the first one to burst out the door and ran to the buckboard.

“What happened?” he asked.

Ben and Joe joined them.

“Adam’s hurt. I don’t know how badly though.” She explained what happened.

“Joe, get the doctor quick.” Ben said.

Joe nodded and ran to his horse and left. Hoss carefully picked up Adam and carried him inside and to his old room laying him on the bed. Ben took Elizabeth, who was now awake, from Emma and went inside forgetting to help Emma. She sighed as she tried climbing down from the wagon. She had a hard time of it. She got down and collapsed.

Hoss noticed that Emma did not come in after Ben.

“Where’s Emma?” Hoss asked.

“I thought she was behind me.” Ben said.

Hoss ran out and saw that Emma wasn’t downstairs and ran outside and found Emma on the ground dragging herself to the house.

“Emma, are you all right?” Hoss asked running to her and knelt beside her.

“I’m fine.” Emma said.

“Don’t lie to me, Emma. What happened?”

“I hurt myself too. My ankle is sprained.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? Dadburn your hide, Emma, you could have hurt yourself worse.” Hoss chewed her out.

He picked her up and carried her in the house and up to Adam’s room.

“I can’t believe you got him in the buckboard by yourself with a twisted ankle. You are amazing.” Hoss said in awe.

Emma smiled.

“What happened to Emma?” Ben asked as Hoss and Emma came in the room.

“Fool girl twisted her ankle at the lake. She tried to get out of the buckboard alone.” Hoss said.

Emma shot him a look as he set her on a chair next to Adam’s bed.

A while later, Doc Martin and Joe came in and the doctor looked over Adam.

“He’s got a concussion. Just watch him and let him rest.” He announced.

“I’ll make sure he rests.” Emma said.

“Doc, before you go, will you check on Emma’s ankle?” Hoss asked.

Emma started to argue but Hoss shot her a look and she quieted down.

Paul checked her ankle and wrapped it.

“It looks like it’s sprained. You’re lucky you didn’t break it when putting Adam in the buckboard.” Paul chided.

“I know.” She said quietly.

Just as Paul finished wrapping Emma’s ankle, Adam woke up.

“Adam, how do you feel?” Ben asked.

“Pa, is that you?” Adam asked.

“Yes, son.”

“Pa, I can’t see anything. Can you turn up the lamp?”

Everyone looked at Paul in horror.

“Adam, it’s the middle of the afternoon.” Ben replied.

Adam lay quietly letting what Ben told him sink in.

“Pa, I can’t see!” Adam said hysterically.

“Adam, calm down. It’ll be all right. It was probably from the blow on the head. It’s temporary.” Paul said.

Ben gently touched his son’s arm and Adam moved his head toward his father.

“How temporary?” Ben asked.

“A day, a week, months. I don’t know.” The doctor admitted.

“What will Emma think of me now? She has to take care of a baby and now a blind husband.” Adam said bitterly.

“I don’t think anything different. I’ll continue to take care of you.” Emma said taking Adam’s hand in hers.

“What if it’s permanent?”

“It won’t make a difference, Adam.” Emma said tenderly.

Ben quietly motioned for his sons and the doctor to leave the room. Emma watched them leave.

“I take it they left?” Adam asked.

“Yes they did.”

“Now you can tell me the truth. You don’t want to really take care of me.” He said in a tight voice.

“Adam Cartwright, how dare you say something like that! Do you not remember our wedding vows? In sickness and
in health? I will always be here for you, Adam. I’ll get Hoss to watch the store and perhaps hire someone. I will take care of you and Elizabeth. I love you, Adam.” She went to lean in for a kiss but Adam turned away when he felt her breath on him.

Stung, Emma sat back.

“You rest.” She said quietly and limped out with the help of a cane Ben had.

Ben motioned for them to go downstairs and talk so Adam could rest.

“You can stay here until Adam regains his sight.” Ben offered after Emma said they were leaving.

“No, we’ll go back to our place. Hoss, I was wondering if you could look after the store and perhaps hire on
someone so you won’t have to be there all the time. I know you have things to do around here,” Emma said, then looking at Joe, “No, Little Joe, you cannot help. You are banned from the store.”

Joe closed his mouth and frowned.

“I’ll help you get to the house.” Hoss offered.

“Thank you, Hoss.” Emma whispered.

Chapter 3

Emma’s ankle finally healed a few days later. She had been taking care of Adam and Elizabeth. Adam was grumpy and negative. Emma showed him the love he needed but he hardly reciprocated. Emma felt hurt and betrayed. She knew that Adam was frustrated because he couldn’t help her. She was up nights worried about Adam and how to help him.

Adam was angry because he felt guilty for not being able to help his wife. Never in his life had he felt so helpless. He heard her up nights pacing or lying in bed tossing and turning. He knew he hurt her by his actions towards her. He snapped at her when she tried to help. He threw his tray of food at her. Yet she never complained. He hoped he could see soon because he hated these feelings of anger and guilt.

Emma had gone into the store to see how things were. Joe stayed with Adam and Elizabeth. Hoss was at the store that day. Hoss was helping someone while Emma was getting something from the back. She heard a familiar voice gossiping.

“Did you hear that Emma is having an affair with Hoss? Poor Adam blind and can’t do anything. Emma thinks she needs a whole man. One who can see and help around the house.”

Emma’s blood boiled at the accusation. She turned the corner and was face to face with Helen and a blushing and embarrassed Martha.

“Oh, Emma, how are you? How is Adam?” Helen asked in a syrupy voice.

“He’s doing well. But I’m sure you won’t believe that. I heard your lies, Helen. I am not having an affair with Hoss. He’s been kind enough to help me with the store until Adam regains his sight. He is my brother-in-law and dear friend. Just as Ben and Joe are. That is all. Your life is so pathetic with your husband always gone I don’t blame him one bit. I sure wouldn’t want to be around a gossip and an old hag like you. Now, get out of my store and never come back!” Emma yelled as she hit the door frame.

It was better than striking Helen. Helen walked out in a huff. Emma finally calmed down and looked at Martha.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted.” Emma apologized.

“No need to apologize. You have every right to react the way you did. Just so you know, nobody believes her
stories. We’re all behind you.” Martha said smiling.

“Thank you, Martha. You don’t know how much that means to me,” Emma said in relief.

“I tried to get away from her but she just wouldn’t let me go. I came asking if I could help run the store while you take care of Adam and Elizabeth?”

“That would be wonderful. I was trying to get some help besides Hoss. Elizabeth has been sick with a cold lately.”
Martha saw the relief on Emma’s face and her start to sag. She grabbed Emma by the shoulders and helped her to a chair.

“Martha, you’re an answer to a prayer.” Emma said starting to cry.

Martha hugged her friend. “It’s all right. Everything will be fine. You take all the time you need to take care of Adam and Elizabeth. We’ll be fine here.”

“Thank you.” Emma whispered.

Hoss had heard the commotion but couldn’t get to Emma. He saw her hugging Martha and crying. When the customer left, he went over to Emma.

“Are you all right?” He asked.

Emma straightened up wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I’m fine, Hoss. I just had some problems with Helen. She’s no longer welcomed here.” She informed.

“All right.” Hoss replied.

Emma saw the worried look in his face.

“Hoss, I’ll tell you about it later.” Emma said.

Hoss smiled and nodded.

Chapter 4

Emma walked in the house later that night and felt drained. She saw Joe in the living room playing with Elizabeth and heard her squealing with laughter and break into a cough. Joe stopped and held her tight with a worried look on his face. Adam was sitting on the sofa with a scowl on his face.

“Hi everyone.” Emma said in a chirpy voice.

Joe looked up at Emma with a smile then frowned. He saw the tired look on her face.

“Emma, how was today?” Joe asked.

“Well, Helen is no longer allowed in the store. I’ve listened to her gossip and lies to last me a life time. Martha
asked if she could take care of the store. I told her she could. How have Elizabeth and Adam been?”

“They’ve been fine. I’d better get going. Let us know if you need anything.” Joe said handing Elizabeth to Emma.

“Thank you, Joe. I appreciate your help.” Emma said quietly.

“Any time. Listen, Adam hasn’t really had anything to eat today. He’s been grumpy and grumbling. He tried to
help but he ended up hurting himself. It’s nothing bad. Just a bit of a sore ankle. Oh and Lizzy seems to be coming down with a cold.” Joe said quietly.

“Yes, I know. She’s had it since yesterday.”

“How have you been? You look tired.”

“I’m doing all right. Just worried about Adam.” Joe nodded understanding.

“Well, I’d better go before Pa takes a belt to me.” Joe said smiling.

Emma chuckled knowing Ben wouldn’t do that to Joe for helping out family.

“Thanks again.” She replied hugging him.

Joe smiled and left.

“Adam, I’ll put Lizzy to bed and we can talk. Sound all right?” Emma asked.

“I’m a little tired. I think I’ll go to bed.” Adam replied monotone.

Emma’s face fell. She walked over to Adam and helped him to the bedroom. He grumbled the whole way.

“Adam, it does no good to grumble.” Emma said.

She left him standing in the doorway in Elizabeth’s room. She put the baby down and walked out taking Adam’s
arm.

“Adam are you mad at me?” Emma asked.

“No, what makes you think that?” Adam asked unbuttoning his shirt.

He was glad that he could at least dress and undress without much help.

“You’ve been grumpy with me. You haven’t kissed me since the accident. I feel like you don’t love me anymore.”
Emma revealed. She had kept her feelings in ever since the accident.

She watched Adam’s face in the dim light of the lamp. Before he could answer, she heard Elizabeth start to cough.

“Just a minute, Adam.” She said and rushed to the baby’s room.

She picked Elizabeth up and felt her forehead. It was burning and she laid her back down and ran to the bedroom.

“Adam, Elizabeth is sick and has a high fever. I’m going to get the doctor. I’ll be right back.” Emma said.

She was grateful she hadn’t changed as she ran to her horse and raced to Virginia City.

The doctor and Emma arrived at the house and Paul checked on Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth has croup. It’s been going around.” Paul said.

Emma sat down when she heard the news. She figured Elizabeth could have got it the other day at the store. Emma didn’t hear anything else Paul said and didn’t see him leave. She heard the barking cough and she picked up her baby. Elizabeth started to cry which made the cough worse. Tears formed in Emma’s eyes as she tried comforting her child.

“Emma?” Adam asked.

She looked at him in the doorway. He felt his way to his wife and baby. Emma took Adam’s hand and pulled him to her.

“Paul just told me.” He said.

Emma stayed silent. She didn’t know what to say. She felt Adam’s arms wrap around her and Elizabeth. She looked at him in surprise. He hadn’t touched her like this since the accident. He had been so distant and cold toward her this had become a surprise. She leaned her head on Adam’s chest.

“You’d better get some rest, Adam.” She said.

“What about you?” He asked.

“I’ll stay with Elizabeth.” She saw the worried look on his face.

“Adam, things will be fine. Let’s get you back into bed. You need to rest if you are to regain your eyesight.” She took Adam’s hand and led him into their room and got him into bed.

It was cool outside so Emma decided to take Elizabeth outside to try and help with her breathing. It pained her to hear her daughters breathing and coughing. She shivered in the cool night air. She was tired but couldn’t sleep. She prayed for Elizabeth to get through this and for Adam to get his eyesight back. She would have to do everything alone for a while. Tears slid down her face as she held Elizabeth tight.

Chapter 5

After two days, Elizabeth died. There was nothing they could have done though Emma kept blaming herself. When Emma heard Elizabeth take her last breath and die in her arms she screamed in agony. She hugged her baby but was angry. She laid Elizabeth’s body in her cradle and began to hit the wall over and over screaming and crying. Adam had heard and ran to her. He found her on the floor with hardly any strength left as she sobbed. He gathered her in his arms as she sobbed into his chest. They both didn’t realize Adam had regained his eyesight. Emma pulled away a few minutes later and looked at him.

“How did you know I was here?” She asked in surprise.

He looked at her and blinked.

“I…I saw you. I saw you, Emma! I can see!” He said excitedly suddenly realizing he could see her.

She smiled and laughed.

“Oh I’m so happy you can see. I must look a sight though.” She said, self-consciously pushing her hair out of her
eyes. He looked at her messy hair and swollen red eyes.

“You look beautiful. Why were you screaming?” Adam asked concerned. His face changed from smiling to a frown.

“Our daughter is dead.” Emma said remembering why she was crying.

Adam let the news register. He let go of Emma and got up. He walked cautiously over to the cradle and saw his daughter laying still. He picked up the stiff, cold body and held her to him. Tears formed in his eyes and slid down his face. He wished he could have helped. Had he been able to see or even if he hadn’t been so wrapped up in his own selfish pity he could have helped Emma. Guilt spread through Adam as he began to sob.

“I’ll go get the doctor.” Emma said wearily.

Adam said nothing while holding tight to his daughter and wrapping her in a blanket.

“I’ll go with you. You can’t go alone or drive the team with your hand.” He handed Elizabeth to Emma and they went
to town.

They arrived in town and went to Doctor Martin’s office. Adam took Elizabeth’s blanket wrapped body, helped Emma down and they slowly walked into the office.

“I’m sorry, Emma and Adam. I wish there was some way to have got her through this. I can take her into town to the undertaker if you’d like.” Paul said.

Adam nodded. Paul checked over Adam and had positive news for him. He’d have no lasting effects from the accident. He also looked at Emma’s hand after Adam told him about her hitting the wall. It was only sprained and bruised. Paul volunteered to take Elizabeth’s body to the undertaker. Adam and Emma hugged their baby one more time then Paul took Elizabeth.

Emma and Adam had gone to the Ponderosa to tell Ben, Hoss and Joe about Elizabeth. They mourned together. Ben saw the strain Emma was under. She hadn’t slept or cried. She was in shock and hardly heard what anyone said.

“Adam, has she slept any?” Ben asked quietly.

“No, she hasn’t. She’s been in shock. I’ve tried to get her to sleep but she just won’t. I don’t think she’s really
slept or ate since the accident. She’s been so worried about me, the baby and the store. It’s been a blessing that Martha asked to help and also having Hoss there.” Adam said in an equally quiet tone.

“He’s been good to go there every day. We should have had you both stay here.”

“Emma didn’t want to be underfoot. I suggested it to her but she snapped at me. She said she didn’t want to be a bother.”

“You wouldn’t have been a bother.”

“I know that but you know how stubborn she is.”

“Yes I do. She reminds me of her stubborn husband.” Ben said with a slight grin on his face.

Adam gave his father a crooked smile.

The funeral was two days later. Adam held onto Emma as she silently sobbed into his chest and held onto him tightly. Tears slid down his face. Elizabeth was buried next to Joe’s mother, Marie. She wouldn’t be alone and they could visit both graves. Adam helped Emma into the buggy and started to climb in but Doctor Martin stopped him.

“Adam, here is a sleeping powder for Emma.” He handed Adam a brown bottle.

Adam slipped it into his pocket. “Thank you, Doc.”

He got in and headed home.

At home Adam tended to Emma. He gave her water with the sleeping powder in it and took her up to their room.

They passed by Elizabeth’s room and Emma looked in it. Fresh tears filled her eyes.

“Adam, we’ll never see our baby grow up, get married or have children of her own.” She whispered.

Adam held her tight. Her words caused more pain to his aching heart.

Adam led her into their room. They laid on the bed and he held her tight as she cried. He heard her stopped crying and her breathing became even and he knew she was asleep. He prayed to know what to do to help her. He still felt guilty but didn’t want to burden Emma with those thoughts. He promised himself he’d help Emma heal in any way he could.

Over the next few weeks they grieved together and slowly got back to the store and the Ponderosa. Life got somewhat back to normal. They kept Elizabeth’s memory in their hearts and talked about her. They would try for another child. Emma knew things would be all right. Adam kept his promise and helped Emma when she would have a hard day thinking about Elizabeth. He did more to try and get over the guilt that he still felt. He knew, in time, things would be better and the pain they felt would dull.

 

 

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.