Summary: After a great loss, Adam and Emma learn to move on and soon fine love can grow from unexpected sources.
Rating: PG, Word Count: 6499
A Love Grown
Chapter 1
Emma Cartwright ran around the store to get orders for customers. It was a busy Saturday and she was grateful for Martha helping her out. Hoss and Adam couldn’t help because they were helping with the cattle drive.
After the rush was over, Martha and Emma collapsed into two chairs they had behind the counter. They looked at each other and laughed.
“I’m so grateful to you, Martha. I wouldn’t have made it.” Emma said as she calmed down.
“I’m happy to help. How have you been feeling?” Martha asked.
“I’ve been all right. I do have morning sickness.” Emma had found out that she was pregnant about 5 months after Elizabeth passed away.
She was only a month along. She and Adam were both excited when they found out she was carrying another child.
“When does he get home from the cattle drive?”
“Next month some time. At least, I think so. Who knows? I’ll talk to Ben.”
“What made Adam want to go on the drive? I thought he would have wanted to stay.”
“I made him go. Ben was going to go but I thought Adam should go instead. He’s younger and can handle it.”
Emma explained.
“Did Adam fight you on it?”
“He did. So did Ben. They both said Adam needed to be here to take care of me. I told them I’d be fine. So Adam
relented.”
Martha nodded. The bell jingled as a customer came in.
“I’ll help the customer.” Martha said and got up.
“I’ll work on the books.”
Emma stayed at the mercantile while Adam was gone. He had been gone a month and she hated being alone. She figured she’d be better at the store since she’d be close to the doctor just in case anything happened. She sank into bed that night and relaxed. She sighed in contentment. Although pleased she’d been kept busy, the day had been too long for her. She fell asleep and started dreaming about Adam and his brothers. Adam and Hoss had been hurt in a stampede. They were both thrown off their horses and injured. Emma woke up screaming their names. She was now worried more about Adam and his brothers. She hoped it was a dream and nothing more.
Chapter 2
The rain began to pour down from heaven as the Cartwrights moved their cattle on. Lightning struck, followed by a crashing of thunder. It scared the cattle as they started to scatter in different directions and made pitiful noises.
“Stampede!” Joe yelled.
The Cartwright brothers and the cowboys tried to get the cattle rounded up. Thunder rumbled loud and scared the already skittish horses. Adam and Hoss were both thrown off their horses. Adam landed in the soft mud but his left leg was trampled by a steer and he cried out in pain. Hoss fell hard on his left arm and heard a crack. His cries of pain mixed with Adam’s.
Joe heard his brothers and turned to them. He jumped off his horse and ran to his brothers. He tripped in the mud, got up and then slid to Hoss. Joe checked Hoss and wrapped his kerchief around Hoss’ shoulder then went to Adam. Adam was unconscious.
“Joe, how’s Adam?” Hoss yelled.
“Not good. His leg is broken and he’s unconscious. We’ve got to make something to take him in and take him to the next town.” Joe called back.
Adam woke up and saw Joe hovering over him.
“How bad is it?” he asked.
“Bad. You’ve got a broken leg.” Joe replied.
“How’s Hoss?”
“He’s got a broken arm. We’re going to make something to transport you to the next town.”
Joe got up and told some of the men about his brothers and told them to take care of the cattle. They made a travois for Adam, got him in it and went into town. Joe was careful not to jostle Adam too much but he still heard his older brother’s grunts.
They arrived in town and found the doctor. Hoss looked at the sign hanging over the door. “Doctor Hezekiah Carter.” The doctor came from his office when he saw the three men come in. Joe noticed the man was older, about in his 60s, with a full head of white curly hair. He smiled at the three men.
“Doctor, my brothers were injured in a cattle stampede.” Joe said explaining all what happened.
“Bring them in back and I’ll look them over.” Dr. Carter said.
Joe pulled Adam in the back and Hoss followed. The doctor looked at Adam first.
“His leg is broken and luckily it wasn’t shattered. He won’t be able to help with the cattle drive.” He then turned to
Hoss and looked at his arm.
“His arm is broken also and will have a nice bruise of a hoof print on his arm. We do have two rooms they can stay
in until they can get up and around.” Dr. Carter offered.
“That’s great. Thanks for the help.” Joe said.
He looked at his brothers and saw the grimaces. The doctor walked out so the brothers could visit for a while.
“I’m sorry that you’ve both got to stay. I’ll take care of the cattle and be back in a couple of weeks.” Joe said.
He was disappointed that his older brothers got hurt but he was secretly happy because it meant he was trail boss and in charge. He finally got to do something in place of his older brothers. He hoped that the hands would listen to him as they did Adam and Hoss.
“This whole thing rides on you. You’re the boss now.” Adam said.
“I know. I’ll do you proud.” Joe said with a smile on his face.
“You’ll do well.” Hoss said clapping Joe on the shoulder.
Chapter 3
Emma had worried about her husband and brothers-in-law days after the dream. She kept busy and hardly slept. When she slept she dreamed about her family getting hurt. The bell jangled pulling her out of her worried thoughts. She saw Ben and smiled.
“How are you, Ben?” Emma asked.
“I’m well. I was wondering how you were. I haven’t seen you for a few days.” Ben replied setting his hat on the
counter.
He looked at his daughter-in-law and saw the tiredness in her eyes.
“Have you been sleeping well?” He asked worriedly.
“Not really.” Emma said and told him her dreams.
“I’m sure they’re all right. I know we both worry about them but it was just a dream.”
“I hope it was.”
“I came to see if you’d like to have dinner at the Ponderosa tonight? You need to keep your strength up and take care of yourself and the baby.” Ben smiled warmly at Emma.
“That sounds good. I’ll come.” She said smiling.
That night Emma went to the Ponderosa for dinner and enjoyed the evening.
“The food was delicious, Hop Sing.” Emma complemented.
“Thank you, Mrs. Emma.” Hop Sing said smiling wide.
“May I help you with the dishes?” Emma asked.
“No, Mrs. Emma, Hop Sing can do dishes. You rest.” Ben smiled and tried not to chuckle with what Hop Sing said.
Emma was in her barn a few days later cleaning the loft. She figured she had better get some work done around the house so it would look presentable for Adam when he returned. She hummed “Early One Morning” as she cleaned. She missed Adam and hoped he and his brothers were all right. Emma didn’t notice where she was moving and lost her footing on the edge of the loft. She screamed as she fell and spun in midair. She landed facedown with her arm under her stomach. She lay on the floor trying to breathe as she had knocked the wind out of herself and the world spun around her. She tried putting pressure on her right arm but collapsed. It wasn’t broken but she knew it had to be sprained. After much struggle, she got up, got in the wagon and raced to town.
“Well, my dear, it looks like your wrist is sprained. You need to take it easy. I know it’s easier said than done with Adam being gone, but you need to try.” Doctor Martin advised.
“I will. Thank you, Doctor.” Emma said and walked out of the office.
As she walked out she bumped into Ben.
“Ben, I swear everywhere I turn you’re right there. I feel like you’re following me.” Emma joked.
Ben laughed. “I decided to come into town to get a few things.”
He saw her arm in a sling and asked. “What happened?”
Emma told him her story.
“Emma, you are staying at the Ponderosa until Adam gets back. No arguments. With you having a baby, you need
someone to help.”
“Ben, I’m not that far along and will be all right.”
“Don’t argue with me. We’ll get your clothes and other necessities and you’ll come with me to the Ponderosa.” Ben said sternly.
“All right.” Emma sighed and did just as her father-in-law requested.
They rode to her house and she packed her clothes and other essentials. She loaded it into the wagon and went with
Ben to the Ponderosa. She didn’t want to stay at the Ponderosa and be underfoot. She felt that she would be in the way. But you can’t argue with Ben Cartwright and win.
Chapter 4
A few days went by when Emma started feeling cramps while she was cleaning. She collapsed to the ground and moaned in pain. Ben heard the thud and Emma’s moans from his desk and ran to her.
“Emma, what’s wrong?” Ben asked lifting her and resting her against his leg.
“Cramps. It hurts, Ben.” Emma cried.
“Hop Sing!” Ben hollered.
The Chinaman ran in the front room.
“Hop Sing, go get Doc Martin.”
Hop Sing bowed then rushed out of the house. Ben picked Emma up and saw blood on the floor. He took her up to Adam’s old room and made her as comfortable as he could. Emma curled up into a ball of pain and Ben prayed Hop Sing and Doc Martin would get there fast.
Hop Sing finally arrived an hour later with Doctor Martin.
“Up here, Paul.” Ben yelled from upstairs. Paul rushed up the stairs and went into the bedroom and saw Emma in the bed crying and moaning in pain.
“Emma had a miscarriage. She can no longer have children.” Paul said after looking her over.
Ben sat down on the chair in shock. He heard Emma’s soft cries in the bed next to where he was sitting. Both Emma and Ben thought about Adam and what he would think. Emma felt horrible that she could no longer have children. What would Adam think of her now that she couldn’t give him a child?
“Do you know where the boys are?” Paul asked.
Ben shook his head. “I don’t. They should be close to delivering the cattle. If the weather holds out they should be back within a week.”
“Here’s something for Emma to help her sleep. She needs to rest and not do anything strenuous.” Paul said handing Ben a brown bottle of powder.
“I’ll see she gets it.” Ben took the bottle.
Paul left and Ben gave Emma the powder to help her sleep. Ben sat with her until it took effect. He knew she needed comforting at this time. He wished Adam was here but he would have to do until his oldest son returned.
“Ben, what will Adam think about me when he finds out about the baby?” Emma asked looking at him.
“He won’t think any less of you.” Ben took her hand to reassure her.
“I hope not. I know that husbands want their wives to carry and bear their children. I can’t have anymore. I’ll sure be the gossip of Virginia City. I’ll be a disgrace to Adam and even to the Cartwright family and name.” She said sadly.
“Emma, you know Adam will still love you. He always has and always will. The town will not say a word nor will they condemn you for this. Things will be all right.” Ben promised.
Ben’s heart broke for Emma as he watched the tears slide down her face.
“We’ll all get through this together.” He said.
“Thank you for being here for me, Ben.”
“You’re welcome. Now, you’d better get some rest.” Ben noticed Emma starting to fall asleep as the powder took effect.
Ben went to the doorway and looked at his daughter-in-law. He knew how much she and Adam wanted this child especially after Elizabeth’s death. He walked downstairs as he started thinking about Adam and what his reaction would be. Would he really stop loving Emma like she feared? He shook his head no and told himself the thought was stupid. Ben knew how much Adam loved Emma. He smiled to himself replaying the discussion they had about the cattle drive. Ben and Adam thought Adam should stay and Ben go to take care of Emma.
“I’m not that far along. I can handle things just fine, Adam. You need to go. You’re younger and stronger than Ben. Sorry, Ben.” She said turning to her father in law.
“No offense taken. Adam, I think our argument is a lost cause. Your wife is as stubborn as you are and I say listen to
your wife. Wives are supposed to win arguments.” Ben said placing his hand on Adam’s shoulder.
Adam sighed. “Fine, I’ll go. But you take care of yourself. I think you should stay here.” He held his hand up to stop Emma from saying anything. “Before you argue with me hear me out. I want you to stay here in case anything happens and Pa can take care of you.”
“Adam, if I stay in town I’ll be by Doctor Martin.” Emma argued.
“Fine, but if there’s a chance that my father says to stay here. You stay here! Stop arguing or I’ll take my hand to you.” Emma smiled knowing full well he’d never take a hand to her.
Ben sat down on his chair looking at the fire dancing and crackling in the fireplace. He rested his chin on his hand as his thoughts turned to his own sweet wives. How he missed them. Death was too prevalent in their family. Although it was something that happened in life, he still hated it. He hated it more seeing his oldest son and wife going through the death of Elizabeth and now this baby. He had wondered how Emma had the strength to go on after holding and watching her daughter die in her arms.
He thought of his sons being gone for so long on the cattle drive. He prayed they would be kept safe and come home in one piece. He knew he couldn’t really make the drive for a long period of time. He was getting older and not as spry as his sons were. He sighed to himself. He didn’t like getting old. Ben was just grateful for the life he was living and having three sons and also a daughter-in-law.
Chapter 5
A few days had gone by and Adam was able to get around with the help of crutches. Hoss helped take care of Adam. They walked by an orphanage when two young children ran around a corner and ran into Hoss. The little boy fell to the ground when he hit Hoss. Adam saw the fear in their eyes.
“I’m sorry, Sirs. We didn’t see you. Please don’t be mad at us.” The girl apologized.
Hoss knelt down. “You’re fine. Accidents can happen.”
He helped pick up the boy and wiped the dust off his torn and dirty brown pants. The boy moved behind the girl. Hoss looked at them both. The boy wore brown pants held up by suspenders and a tan shirt. His shoes were starting to get holes in them. His face was smeared with dirt and his hair was standing all over the place on his head. The girl wore a blue gingham dress with a white pinafore. Her brown hair was in braids. Her stockings were starting to get holes along with her shoes. He wondered where their parents were for them to look as dirty as they did.
“What are your names?” Hoss asked.
“My name is Mary and this is my brother Jimmy. I’m ten and he’s five.”
“Where are your parents?” Adam asked. He had also noticed their clothing.
“They’re dead. We live here.” Mary said pointing to the orphanage.
“Does your brother talk?” Hoss asked.
“Only to me.”
Before they could ask any more questions they heard a shrill voice. “There you two are. Get in here right now! You should have been in here five minutes ago.”
Jimmy hid behind Mary and she held onto his arm.
“I’m sorry, Ma’am, that was our fault. We were talking to them.” Hoss apologized.
“That’s no excuse. These two know the rules and will be punished for it.” She snapped.
Hoss moved to yell at the woman but Adam placed a hand on his brother’s arm to stop him. Hoss looked at his older brother and closed his mouth. Adam wondered though if it was for his brother or for himself to keep from yelling at the stern woman. He wanted to tell her what a horrible woman she was but he knew she would not listen. She grabbed the children and pulled them in sharply. Hoss and Adam both heard the whimpers of the children.
The brothers wandered down the street lost in their own thoughts but thinking the same thing: the children. Adam sat down on a bench near a mercantile.
“Hoss, I want to adopt them.” Adam finally said breaking the silence.
Hoss turned to Adam in surprise. “What would Emma think?”
“She’d be all right with it. We talked about adopting after Elizabeth died and before we found out she was going to
have a baby. They’d be good siblings to the baby.” Adam explained.
“I say do it. There is something about them that drew me to them. Especially Jimmy. Let’s go and ask about it.” Hoss suggested.
Adam nodded and the two of them headed back to the orphanage.
The brothers walked in the building and looked around. It looked clean and big. There were no noises except for the ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner of the room and the clicking of Adam’s and Hoss’ boots on the hardwood floor. Hoss felt uncomfortable as they walked to the receptionist desk.
“May I help you?” the receptionist asked.
She was around thirty with dark hair pulled up in a bun with steel blue/grey eyes. She wore a black dress and didn’t really look friendly.
“Yes, I was wondering if we could talk to the head of this establishment please?” Adam asked.
“Of course. Excuse me while I get him.” She said and walked away.
“Adam, I don’t like this place. Not one bit.” Hoss whispered.
“I don’t either.” Adam whispered back.
A few minutes later, the receptionist returned with a white haired man in his sixties. He was stern looking, dressed in a pin stripped suit.
“Gentlemen, my name is Martin Smith, how may I help you?”
“My name is Adam Cartwright and this is my brother Hoss. We met Mary and Jimmy and we wondered if we could
adopt them.”
“Adopt both siblings? That is unheard of. Usually it’s the boy who is taken for work on a farm.”
“We don’t want to split them up. We have enough money for both and have a home where they would be treated well.” Adam explained.
“Well, they have been here since the boy was a baby. We will let you adopt them today. Nobody seems to want them. The boy doesn’t talk to anyone but his sister. He is nothing but trouble.” Mr. Smith said.
“Fine, we’ll take them.”
“You’ll have your hands full with that boy. He’s nothing but trouble. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Consider us warned.” Adam said in a tight voice trying not to lose his temper. He was tired of listening to this man speak.
“Miss. Sawyer, please go get Mary and Jimmy.” Mr. Smith said.
She nodded and left. A few minutes later the children came in.
“Children, these gentlemen here want to adopt you both. You’ll be going together and today.” Mr. Smith announced.
Mary shyly smiled while Jimmy hid behind his sister. Mr. Smith told them how much the adoption would be and Adam paid and signed the papers. Hoss knelt down to the children and Jimmy ran to Hoss but still didn’t say anything. Mary walked to Hoss with a smile still on her face.
“Looks like you’ve got yourself a family now.” Hoss said.
They smiled as they took Hoss’ hands and headed for the hotel.
Chapter 6
Joe joined his brothers a couple of days later.
“How did you do?” Adam asked.
“It went well. We got them sold and made a fair bit of money.” Joe said showing Adam the money.
Adam gave a low whistle.
“I knew you could do it.” He said smiling at his youngest brother.
“Where’s Hoss?” Joe asked.
“We have a surprise for you.” Adam said.
He swung himself around and opened the adjoining door to Hoss’ room. Joe walked in Hoss’ room and saw him with two children.
“Hey Joe. We’ve got a surprise for you. This is Mary and Jimmy. They’re your new niece and nephew.” Hoss said.
“What? When did this happen?” Joe asked.
“A few days ago.” Hoss said and explained the story to Joe.
“That’s wonderful! Emma will be happy.” Joe said smiling widely.
“Mary and Jimmy, this is your Uncle Joe. We sometimes call him Little Joe.” Adam said.
Joe knelt down and they ran to him and hugged their new uncle.
“Mary, you are a very beautiful young woman. Jimmy here looks strong enough to help with the Ponderosa.” Joe said.
Mary smiled shyly. Jimmy went to the other side of Joe and hugged him. Hoss and Adam looked at him wide-eyed.
“Well, lookie there. It took him a while to warm up to us. You must have a touch with Jimmy.” Hoss laughed.
“I was thinking we could buy a wagon and team to let you rest in, Adam, and Hoss or I could drive it.” Joe said.
“That sounds like a good idea.” Adam said.
“I’ll go talk to the man at the stables right now. Would you two like to come with me?” Joe asked the kids.
“Yes please!” Mary said. Jimmy nodded.
“He doesn’t talk to anyone. Just me.” Mary explained.
Joe nodded. He picked up Jimmy and took Mary’s hand and walked out of the room.
“They sure took to Joe quick.” Hoss said.
“That’s good. At least they’re starting to feel comfortable.” Adam replied. Hoss nodded.
Joe and the children rode Sport and Cochise to the livery stable and spoke with Mr. Josiah Hawkins about buying a wagon and team.
“Hello, children. How are you? Who is this with you?” Mr. Hawkins asked.
“This is our new uncle! His name is Joe Cartwright.” Mary said.
“New uncle? Don’t tell me you two finally got adopted.” He asked kneeling down to her level.
“We did! Our new pa’s name is Adam Cartwright and our other uncle’s name is Hoss. Hoss is big but he’s very nice. We get to meet our new ma when we go home.” Mary said excitedly.
“Well I sure am happy you two have been adopted. It sounds like you’ll have a good family to live with. Now, how may I help you Mr. Cartwright?” Mr. Hawkins asked standing.
“I wondered about purchasing a wagon. My brother broke his leg during a cattle stampede and we need to get him home in something.” Joe said.
“We do have one you can buy.” Mr. Hawkins said steering Joe to the wagon. Joe looked it over and found it sturdy.
“I’ll take it.” Joe said.
Mr. Hawkins told Joe the price and Joe handed him the money.
“Let’s get some blankets and other supplies for the trip home.” Joe suggested.
“All right.” Mary said.
Mr. Hawkins bent back down to the children’s level.
“I’ll sure miss you two but I’m very happy you’ll have a good home to go to.”
“We’ll miss you too, Mr. Hawkins. Thank you for all you’ve done for us.” Mary said and hugged the older man.
Jimmy hugged him next. The kids then ran to the wagon and climbed on it. Mr. Hawkins stood and shook Joe’s hand.
“Mr. Cartwright, you tell that brother of yours he adopted two wonderful children. They’ve been through a lot and I’m glad to see they’ll be going to a good home where they’ll be treated well. They weren’t treated well at the orphanage. I wanted to adopt them but I’m not married nor do I make enough to support two children. That Mr. Smith wanted to separate the two but it wouldn’t have been good. Especially with Jimmy and his selective mutism. He only talks with Mary. I’m not sure as to why he speaks only to her. Something must have happened for him to have the selective mutism. I do remember him starting to talk when he was about two. He did pretty well. Then he just stopped around the age of four. Who knows what would have happened had they been separated.”
“My brother doesn’t like to break up a family if he can help it. His wife is expecting their second child and they will be of good help to Emma and the baby. I thank you for all you’ve done.” Joe said.
“Safe travels to you all.”
“Thank you. All right kids, I’ll get the horses hooked up and we can go.” Joe said and the siblings helped him.
Afterwards they went to the mercantile to get supplies for the trip home. Joe had bought night clothes and a change of clothes for three days. He figured Adam and Emma would buy more clothes for the children. After shopping they headed back to the hotel.
“We’ve got everything together and ready to head out in the morning. We’ll line the back of the wagon with the blankets and rest of the supplies. We’ll try and make it as comfortable as we can.” Joe said when they walked in Adam’s room.
“Sounds good. Hoss paid the hotel bill and the doctor also. I can’t wait to get home and see Emma.” Adam said.
Joe and Hoss chuckled.
“I’m sure she can’t wait to see you.” Hoss said.
Adam looked over at the children and smiled. “I can’t wait for her to meet Mary and Jimmy. I know she’ll love them.”
“It’ll be a great meeting. I’m sure Pa will be just as excited.” Joe said.
“Well, let’s get these two off to bed. We’ve got to get up early and it’ll be a long drive.” Hoss said.
He untied the packages of clothes they bought for the children. They rushed to get into their new nightgowns and jumped into bed. Hoss told them a story and they fell asleep. The brothers then got ready for bed and fell asleep enjoying their last night for a while in a soft, warm bed.
Chapter 7
The Cartwright party left for the Ponderosa the next day. Joe and Hoss had filled the back of the wagon with blankets and pillows to make it comfortable for Adam. They hitched up the new horses to the wagon and tied Sport and Cochise in the back. Mary sat in back with Adam while Jimmy rode with Joe. Hoss rode near the wagon and would talk to Joe at times. Mary asked about the Ponderosa and Adam told her what it looked like.
“What about our new ma? What’s she like?” Mary asked.
“She’s beautiful and friendly.” Adam said.
“Does she like kids?”
“You bet she does. She’ll love to meet you both.”
“Do you have any other children?”
“We did but she died. But Emma is going to have another child.” Adam said.
“I’m sorry she died and glad she’s going to have another baby.” Mary said.
She lay next to Adam’s chest and relaxed. He wrapped her arms around her and heard her deep breathing. He had already loved these two children. Adam knew they’d be spoiled rotten by Ben, Joe and Hoss.
Adam, Hoss, Joe, Jimmy and Mary arrived at the Ponderosa a few days later. Ben heard the horses and ran out of the house to greet his sons. He looked behind him and saw Emma standing in the doorway apprehensive about what was going to happen. He then saw a sling around Hoss’ arm as he swung off Chubb.
“Hoss, what happened?” Ben asked.
“Stampede.” Was all Hoss said when he saw Emma running to them with worry written on her face.
“Did you and Adam get stepped on by cattle?” She asked gripping his arm.
“Yes we did. How did you know?” Hoss asked in surprise.
“I had a nightmare about it. Where’s Adam?”
“He’s in the back of the wagon.” Emma let go of Hoss and ran to the wagon and saw her husband there with a white bandage on his leg.
“Adam, are you all right?” She asked.
“Yes, Em, I’m fine. I want you to meet two special people.” Adam said putting his arm around Mary.
For the first time Emma noticed the children.
“Emma, this is Mary and her brother Jimmy. I adopted them. I figured they’d be good older siblings to the baby.”
Adam’s mention of the baby brought tears to Emma’s eyes. She hesitated and Adam saw sorrow in her eyes.
He started to react when she cried out, “Adam, I lost the baby.”
The news sunk in and Adam sat in stunned silence, as did Hoss and Joe. Emma cried as she told her family what happened. The feelings Adam had when Elizabeth died came back. Her cries hurt him. He wished he could take her pain away.
“I’m sure you are disgusted with me now.” She finished.
Adam moved to the end of the wagon and pulled Emma close to him. “Emma, I love you and I am not disgusted with you. We can have another one.”
“No, Adam, I can’t. The doctor told me I could no longer carry children.” She wept into his shoulder.
He tightened his grip on her as he started to cry. The pain intensified knowing she’d never carry another child. Adam knew that with Elizabeth, their hopes and dreams of her growing into a lovely young woman had died when she did. Now their dreams of their unborn child also died. Adam wondered how Emma could still be so strong through this pain. Emma pulled away and Adam placed his hands on the sides of her face and looked at her.
“Emma Cartwright, you are my one true love and no matter what happens in life I will always love you. It has grown more. We now have Mary and Jimmy. They are good children and I know we’ll get to see them grow up.”
Emma nodded, too choked up to say anything.
Adam wiped the tears away then leaned in and kissed her. He then turned his attention to the children.
“Emma, this is Mary and this is Jimmy. He doesn’t talk to anyone but Mary.” Adam explained how he and Hoss
met them and Adam was able to adopt them.
“I am so happy you did, Adam.” Emma said getting her voice back and smiling wide.
Emma held out her arms to Mary and the young girl hugged her tight. She then went to Jimmy and helped him from the wagon and held him.
“I’m so happy to have you children here. You will love living with us.” Emma said.
Ben helped Adam out of the wagon, handed Adam his crutches and followed the rest of the family into the house.
Chapter 8
Time had passed by quickly for the Cartwrights. Adam’s leg had healed; so had Hoss’ arm. Both were happy to be able to get back to work and playing with the kids. The town had indeed heard about Emma’s miscarriage. Helen tried to talk to someone about it and spread gossip once again but she was told to “hush up” from her own husband. She didn’t say anything after that. Emma decided to sell the store to Martha to spend time with Jimmy and Mary. She figured it was more important to spend time with her children instead of working. When she mentioned it to Adam, he told her that it was up to her what she wanted to do and he was behind her either way.
Emma and Adam had turned Elizabeth’s room into Mary’s room and the extra room they had was for Jimmy.
“We have our own rooms? We’ve never had that before.” Mary said excitedly and hugged her parents.
Adam read the kids a bedtime story and saw Jimmy had fallen asleep. After he finished the story, he carefully picked Jimmy up and took him to his room. He then went back in Mary’s room, tucked her in and kissed her good night. Emma followed suite. When they had settled in for the night, Emma and Adam had been woken by Mary’s screams.
They both rushed into her room and woke her up.
“What is it, Mary?” Emma asked.
“A nightmare. I was back at the orphanage and I was being beaten for not getting an answer correct at school.” Mary cried.
Adam held onto his daughter. “Mary, what happened there?” He asked.
Mary pulled back and looked at him. “They were mean there. They’d beat us if we did anything wrong. After we
met you and Uncle Hoss, we didn’t have supper and had to stay in our rooms all day. Jimmy got tired and he also wet his pants because they wouldn’t let him use the outhouse. They hit him because of it and then he had to clean it up.”
“I’m glad we got you two out of there. What about the other children?”
“They got punished. A lot of them did get adopted or sent to work on farms. I hope they are happy.” Mary said quietly.
“You don’t ever have to worry about being punished like that.” Adam reassured and hugged her.
“I feel very safe here. Jimmy told me he does too.” She said.
Emma reached over and hugged Mary and Adam. “We love you, Mary.”
Adam and Emma bought more clothes for the children along with games and toys.
“These are wonderful. Thank you, Ma and Pa.” Mary said hugging her parents. Jimmy hugged them also still saying nothing.
Pride swelled up in Adam and Emma when they heard Mary call them “ma and pa.”
Mary and Jimmy were loved and spoiled by their uncles and grandfather and even Hop Sing. Jimmy still didn’t talk to anyone but Mary. Joe became the favorite uncle to Jimmy while Hoss became Mary’s favorite uncle. Hoss taught Mary to ride a horse and she became a natural at it. She chattered to Hoss about many things as they rode from school to the Ponderosa. Both children had been placed in school and were doing well. Jimmy was smart with the work he did. The teacher didn’t force him to talk which Emma had worried about when they went to take them to school. Adam explained to the teacher what he had heard from Joe. The teacher was understanding. Mary loved learning and loved playing with other girls at recess. She was happy to have loving parents again and didn’t worry about being hurt.
Adam and Emma had gone to visit Ben while Hoss and Joe took Mary and Jimmy outside to play. They had been
running and playing when Joe tripped and fell and hurt his ankle. He lay in the dirt holding his ankle.
“Uncle Joe, are you all right?” a little voice asked.
Joe looked up and saw Jimmy kneeling next to him with worry on his face. Joe forgot about his ankle.
“Jimmy, you just spoke to me! Hoss, Mary, Adam, Emma, Pa come quick!” Joe yelled sitting up.
Joe tried to stand but his ankle protested in pain so he stayed sitting. Adam, Emma and Ben had heard the commotion and ran outside. Hoss grabbed Mary off her horse she’d been riding and joined the family. They were all worried something happened to the children when Joe yelled.
“What’s wrong, Joe?” Adam asked.
“Jimmy! He spoke!” Joe said.
“You’re just joshin’ us, Joe.” Hoss said.
“I’m not. He spoke. I fell and he asked if I was all right.” Joe said looking at Jimmy hoping the boy would talk.
Jimmy looked at everyone around him and smiled.
“I did talk. Uncle Joe fell and I was scared he was hurt.”
Everyone sent up a cheer as Adam picked his son up and hugged him.
“It looks like Joe may have just hurt his ankle. Doesn’t look like a sprain but he’ll have to take it easy for a while.
It’s good to hear you speak, Jimmy!” Hoss said.
“I want to play more. Mary, Uncle Hoss will you play with me until Uncle Joe gets better?” Jimmy asked.
“We sure will.” Hoss said.
Hoss, Mary and Jimmy started running around playing Tag.
Ben helped Joe to the porch and into a chair. Adam took Emma by the hand and led her to the porch to watch the family play. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned against his chest.
“We are very lucky.” Emma said.
“How so?” Adam asked.
Though he knew what she was thinking he still wanted to hear it.
“I’m lucky to have a wonderful husband and two wonderful children which Providence brought to us. I guess there
was a blessing for you getting injured in the stampede.” Emma chuckled softly.
Adam laughed. “Yes, I think so.”
“I have a loving father-in-law who has helped me with the trials I’ve been going through lately and also two brothers-in-law who love our children and spoil them.”
Adam turned Emma around to look at him. “I have a wonderful wife who is loving and has been loving to those
around her. I have been blessed to have you in my life. I love you, Emma Cartwright.”
“I love you, Adam Cartwright.” Emma whispered.
Adam leaned down and kissed her tenderly. As they pulled apart Emma leaned against his chest and felt his chin rest on her head. Her love had grown over the years even through the losses. She was a very lucky woman for what she had in her life.
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.
