Summary: Life married to a Cartwright can be fun but challenging as well. Emma learns this when Adam has to go on a cattle drive at the last minute and Emma encounters her own danger on the ranch.
Rating: PG, Word Count: 5909
Author’s Note: A little background story with the Indian, that actually happened! It happened to my 4th Great Grandmother Jane Johnston Black. She’s from Ireland and they eventually moved to Southern Utah. Though in her story, the Indian wanted something but the story never said what so I said tobacco. The rest of Emma hitting the Indian in the head with the stick to the brave coming to Adam is all true! It’s one of my favorite stories of hers.
Stormy Nights and Injuries
Chapter 1
Emma was hanging the wet laundered clothes on the line as Mary handed them to her mother. Emma looked down at her daughter and noticed she had been quiet. It was rare when Mary was quiet. She would usually talk about what was going on at school, what she saw around town, the things Hoss would show her about animals, and the pranks she and Adam would pull on Jimmy and Joe. It had worried Emma slightly.
“Your birthday is coming up. Do you want a party? We can invite your friends over.” Emma suggested.
“I don’t have any friends. Besides, it’s Pa’s birthday, too. He should choose what to do.” Mary said sullenly.
Emma put a clip on the shoulder of Adam’s shirt on the line and knelt down next to her daughter.
“What do you mean you don’t have friends? What about Kirsten Andersen?”
“She’s moving to California this week.”
Kirsten had been Mary’s only friend. Many kids shunned Mary and Jimmy because they said they weren’t real Cartwright’s and they don’t play with orphans. This had hurt Mary and she had kept it to herself. She had shielded her younger brother from it because he’d finally been talking and she didn’t want something else to make him stop talking again.
“What would you like to do for your birthday?” Emma repeated.
“It’s Pa’s birthday, too. He should have a choice.” Mary said again.
“All right, we’ll talk to him when he gets home, which should be soon. Let’s finish up the laundry and we’ll go start supper.” Emma got up and the mother and daughter finished the laundry.
It had been over a year since Adam adopted Mary and Jimmy and brought them home. Emma loved the children dearly. She knew she was blessed to have such wonderful children. Emma watched Mary gather the dishes and set the table then help her with the carrots. She didn’t say anything.
“Mary, what’s the matter? You didn’t want to go with Pa to the Ponderosa and go see Uncle Hoss. You always jump at the chance to see him.” Emma asked.
She had decided on stew and was cutting the potatoes and Mary cut the carrots. The meat was in the pan. Mary shrugged but didn’t look at her mother.
“You know you can tell me.” Emma said kindly.
She saw Mary’s shoulders sag and then she looked up.
“Ma, why did Pa adopt me and Jimmy? He knew you were going to have a baby. Why would he want us?”
“He loved you both when he and Hoss saw you. They felt you both needed to be in the family.”
“But why both of us? Most of the kids in the orphanage got split up. They were never together. Did he do it to make himself look good?”
“Where are these questions coming from?” Emma asked.
“At school we were talking about families and kids were saying that Jimmy and I were adopted to make Adam Cartwright look good because his wife couldn’t produce a male heir. They said they heard people in town and their parents talk about it. Some have said Pa should divorce you and marry someone who can have his children.” Mary explained.
Emma tightened her jaw and fought the tears that threatened to appear. Her heart broke for Mary to have to hear the gossip of the town. She didn’t need to hear it. Mary started to cry and Emma pulled her daughter to her, wrapping her arms around her.
“Oh, Mary, please don’t believe a word they say. They forget that your pa adopted Jimmy and you before he knew I lost the baby. He wanted older siblings for the baby. But he wanted you and your brother because he loved you both. He doesn’t believe in separating families. He didn’t do it to make the Cartwrights look good. Your pa would never divorce me because I can’t carry a child. He has told me so and I’m telling you this. You have been taken care of and loved by me, your pa, your uncles and your grandfather. I hope you believe me.” Emma explained.
“I do.” Mary whispered.
Emma wiped the tears away and smiled.
“I love you so much, Mary. Both you and Jimmy. You are my children. Now, how about we finish making supper before you pa comes home and takes a switch to us.” Emma teased.
Mary giggled when she heard the last part. She knew that Adam would never raise a hand to her, Jimmy or Emma.
They had got back to making supper when a shadow filled the light in the doorway.
“It’s good you’re home.” Emma said turning to the door to see Adam but instead saw an Indian.
Her smile dropped from her face. Mary slipped into the corner to try and hide. She had heard stories about Indians kidnapping children and women. She prayed they wouldn’t be kidnapped.
The Indian came in and asked for tobacco.
“We don’t have any. Please leave.”
She tried to hide her fear as the brave walked up to her. Mary held her breath as she watched the Indian. He looked at the food and spit in it. Anger welled up in Emma as she grabbed a two-inch-thick stick for the fireplace and hit the Indian over the head. The stick broke in two over his head and he fell as if he’d been shot. He scrambled out on his hands and knees trying to get up. When he reached the door he got up and ran out with Emma chasing him.
“Never come back here you dirty savage! You’ll get worse!” Emma yelled as she stopped and watched the Indian running over the hill.
Emma returned to the house to check on Mary. She ran in and found her hidden in a corner. When Mary saw her mother she got up and ran to her. Emma felt her shaking and crying.
“Everything is fine. We’re all right.” Emma soothed.
Just then the sound of boots and another shadow came in the door. Emma let go of Mary and spun around hiding the girl to protect her from the intruder. She saw it was Adam and collapsed. Adam ran to her worriedly.
“Emma, are you all right?” He asked.
He put his arms around her and felt her shake. The shock of what had happened had worn off and Emma began to sob into his chest. Mary joined her parents and Adam put an arm around her. He saw the fear in his daughter’s eyes and he became more concerned.
“What happened?” Adam asked.
Emma finally calmed down and told him what happened.
“I’m just glad you are both all right. That was brave of you to do what you did.” Adam said and started to chuckle.
Emma looked up at him.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’m laughing because I was thinking about you breaking that stick over his head and yelling at him. I know I’ve had your wrath before but I don’t think I’ve seen that much come from you.”
Emma smiled and laughed. She then looked around and noticed a child was missing.
“Where’s Jimmy?”
“He’s at the Ponderosa. I asked him if he wanted to come but he said that he wanted to stay with Joe. Pa invited us to have dinner and by the sound of it, it’s a welcomed invitation.” Adam said.
“Yes, it is. I wonder what mischief our son is up to with your brother. He’s a bit of a bad influence on our son.” Emma said with a smile on her face.
Adam helped Emma stand and picked Mary up. They headed out to the wagon. As Emma shut and locked the door, she heard a cry from Mary. Adam and Emma both turned to see where Mary was pointing. A small band of Indians came riding to the house. Emma ran to Adam and he gently pushed her behind him for protection. The Indians stopped a few feet in front of the small family. Adam could feel Emma shake. The Chief got off his horse and walked in front of Adam. Adam realized it was Chief Red Hawk of the Paiute tribe.
“Adam Cartwright, you have a very brave squaw. Brave tell us what happen. We flogged him. He will not bother you or your family.” The Chief assured.
“Thank you.” Adam said shaking hands with the Chief.
The Chief nodded, got on his horse and left with his small band of men. Adam turned to his wife and she leaned on him.
“I always knew I had a brave squaw.” He said laughing. Emma laughed and so did Mary.
“Let’s go to the Ponderosa.” Adam said and helped Emma get up in the wagon.
Chapter 2
Later that night after dinner was over, Jimmy begged Joe to go outside and they ran out. Hoss got up and leaned near Mary with his hand out.
“Would you like to join me for a walk, miss?”
Mary smiled and nodded while taking his hand and went outside. Ben, Adam and Emma went into the front room and sat on the chair and settee to be comfortable.
“Those two sure have picked their favorite uncle and have them wrapped around their fingers.” Emma said.
“They sure do. Joe has been recruiting Jimmy to help with chores around here. He’s doing really well.” Ben
complemented.
“It’s good to see Mary smiling after what happened earlier.” Emma replied.
“What happened?” Ben asked.
Emma explained about the Indian and also what the kids had said about Mary and Jimmy not being Cartwrights. Adam and Ben looked at her in surprise.
“I explained to her why Adam adopted them and that they are Cartwrights no matter what anyone says.” Emma said.
“Poor Mary! I’m glad she’s shielded Jimmy from it. She’s a good sister. I’m afraid of what he’d do if he had heard. He would probably stop talking again. I enjoy seeing him run around and listening to his chatter.” Adam said.
“I was thinking that next weekend we should go camping. What do you think?” Ben asked.
“That would be wonderful. The kids have never been. I think they’d enjoy it.” Adam said.
“Adam, before I forget, Mary told me that she wanted to discuss with you about what to do for both of your birthdays this weekend. I asked if she wanted a party but she refused and said to talk to you about it since it’s your birthday also.” Emma said.
“I’ll talk to her later about it. Thank you for telling me.” Adam replied.
“Let’s go out and talk to the kids about camping.” Ben suggested.
The three got up and went outside.
They found Hoss and Mary on the porch talking about animals, nature and whatever else they could talk about.
“Where are Joe and Jimmy?” Adam asked.
“Last I knew they were in the barn.” Hoss said looking up at his older brother.
“I’ll get them.” Emma said and walked to the barn.
“Everything all right?” Hoss asked.
“Just fine. Pa suggested we go camping next weekend.” Adam said.
“That’ll be fun.” Hoss replied.
Just then they heard a splash and Emma’s surprised yelp which then turned into a chewing out. They ran to the barn and saw Emma stand in the doorway soaking wet and angry.
“What did you two do?” Ben demanded.
“We put a bucket above the door and Emma opened the door and it got her wet.” Joe explained.
“You both had shocked expressions on your faces. I take it Emma wasn’t the intended target. Who was it?” Adam
asked.
Joe hesitated.
“It was for Hoss and Mary.” Jimmy whispered.
“Why those two?” Ben asked.
Jimmy sighed and looked down at his feet.
“Because I wanted to play a prank on them. Joe told me what we could do.”
“Joseph, you know better.” Ben scolded.
“Jimmy, you also know better.” Adam scolded his son.
“Let’s get Emma into something dry.” Ben said.
Adam led Emma to the house. When they got into the house Emma turned to Adam.
“I told you your brother was a bad influence.”
She then started to laugh. Adam began to laugh with her.
“Their faces were funny when they realized who it was. I wanted to laugh but I didn’t want Jimmy to know this was proper behavior.” Emma said as she calmed down.
“I agree. Let’s get you changed. Your lips are starting to turn blue and your teeth are chattering.” Adam said.
He led her upstairs. They had spent many evenings in the past at the house and they learned to keep spare clothes in the armoire in Adam’s old room.
Adam’s and Mary’s birthdays had come to the Ponderosa. They had a small party with just the family. Mary received a doll from her parents and Jimmy, a new saddle from Joe, a Palomino horse from Hoss which she named Major and a red dress from Ben. She was thrilled with all of the gifts she had received. This was her first birthday with her new family. She had never received gifts from the orphanage.
Adam received a pocket watch from Emma which had an inscription in it that said “To my beloved husband. My love to you always, Emma.” His father bought him a new pocket knife. He noticed Adam’s had started to wear out. Hoss and Joe bought Adam a new gun that was for hunting.
They played games in the front of the house. Ben even joined in then ended up on the porch watching everyone running after each other. He had a wide smile on his face. For the millionth time he knew he was a very rich man for the family he had. Three strapping sons, a caring, sweet and yet strong headed daughter-in-law whom he admired and two grandchildren who were happy, healthy and were needed in this family. He laughed as he heard Mary and Jimmy squeal in surprise when Adam ran to catch them. Emma saw Ben on the porch and joined him.
“It’s fun watching my boys play as if they were Mary’s and Jimmy’s ages.” Ben said.
“It is. The children love playing with Adam at night. I have to get after him at times during bedtime when he gets
them wound up and they can’t sleep before bed. I don’t do it often because I know how important it is for them to play with him. He needs that release after working hard on the Ponderosa. He is good at calming them down after he’s played with them. He’ll pull out his guitar and start singing lullabys which gets them to sleep quickly. He also reads to them. He’s a wonderful father.” Emma said.
“You’re a good mother to those children. They needed you and Adam for parents. Adam sings your praises just as much as you do him.” Ben said looking at her and smiled.
“Thank you, Ben. I’ll admit I still wonder if I’m a good wife and mother after all that’s happened.”
Ben reached over and took Emma’s hand and looked her square in the eyes.
“Emma, you are a wonderful wife and mother. You have done nothing to lose Adam’s love. He doesn’t blame you about the deaths of your children. He’s told me on many occasions how you’ve changed him for the better and how he falls in love with you more and more as the days pass by. You know Adam doesn’t express his feelings often. He does more because of you. Emma, you need not worry if you’re a good wife and mother because you are. The children are happy. I’m very proud to have you for my daughter-in-law. You’re doing just fine.”
Emma fought back the tears that threatened to appear.
“Thank you, Ben.” she whispered and squeezed his hand as she smiled at him.
He smiled back and winked at her. He released her hand and went inside. A few minutes later he came out with a cake and Hop Sing trailed behind him.
“Let’s sing Happy Birthday to Adam and Mary and then we can have some cake.” Ben said.
They sang the song and after, Adam and Mary blew out the candles and everyone cheered and clapped. The cake was cut and the pieces distributed. After a while Adam and his family gathered the gifts and headed home
During the week, Emma had been trying to get things together for their camping trip but it was hard to get anything done with two children arguing over something and underfoot. Adam picked up on Emma’s frustrations and decided to take the kids to visit at the Ponderosa.
“Are you sure you don’t need help? I can see if Joe and Hoss will watch them and I can come back and help.” Adam asked.
“No, it’s fine. I can do this alone. I just need a bit of peace and quiet and get my thought’s together.” Emma said smiling.
“All right. We’ll be back in a couple of hours.” Adam said.
Emma nodded. Adam kissed her and left with the kids.
An hour later while getting the kids’ bedrooms cleaned, Emma heard screams. She looked out the window and saw Indians rushing down the hill on their horses. Renegades. She knew that’s who they were. She could have sworn she saw a few white men because of how they were dressed. Fear flooded her. They had torches and as they grew closer to the house, they threw the torches at the window shattering the glass and starting fires in the lower part of the house. Emma smelled smoke as she raced downstairs and out the back door. She was spotted by an Indian and he shot her in the back with an arrow. She fell to the ground unconscious as the renegades rode off and the house burned.
Rain began to fall as the Cartwrights arrived at the house. They had finished branding cattle and went to the house for supper.
“I’ll go get Emma.” Adam announced.
He turned his horse around and headed for their home. He nodded to a neighbor as he rode up.
“Adam, I need to tell you something. Ben, there’s renegades. They’ve burned down homes and killed people.”
Adam and Ben looked at each other as fear flooded them thinking about Emma.
“Do you know about my place?” Adam asked.
“Your house has been burned. I didn’t see anyone around so I figured you were all here.”
Adam didn’t hear anymore and raced off.
“Thank you, Mike, for bringing the news.” Ben said.
“I hope Emma is all right. I’ll be on my way.” Mike said and rode off.
Ben was grateful the children were in the house and didn’t hear the news. Hoss and Joe had come outside to unsaddle their horses when they heard the news. Joe immediately got on his horse and sped to town to get the doctor and sheriff.
Chapter 3
Adam had a hard time seeing through the rain that was now coming down in sheets. He pulled his hat low over his eyes to block some of the rain from his face. He got to the house and saw it in a ruined mess. The rain had put the fire out and the frame was still standing. He got off his horse and started looking for his wife.
“Emma!” he yelled through the rain and thunder that crashed overhead.
He continued to look. Because of the dark clouds it had become hard to see around him. The lightning flashed overhead and Adam saw a lump lying on the ground. He knew it was Emma and ran to her. When he got close he saw an arrow sticking out of her back. His breath caught in his throat. Memories of Inger being killed by an Indian’s arrow went through his mind. He was a child and holding his baby brother sitting in a corner watching around him and watching the only mother he knew die and his father’s grief with the loss of a wife. Adam knelt down by her and felt for a pulse. It was faint but still beating. He breathed a sigh of relief. Adam then broke off part of the arrow so he could hold Emma on the horse. He carefully picked her up which she moaned but didn’t wake up. He got her on the horse and then got up behind her. Adam positioned her when he got on. He had her facing him as a mother would hold her baby so the arrow wouldn’t go in deeper in her back. He rode as quickly as he could to the Ponderosa.
It seemed like months to get Emma to the house but they finally arrived. He saw Doctor Martin’s and Sheriff Coffee’s horses tied up. Hoss burst out of the house like a cannon and rushed to Adam. He reached up to take Emma.
“Be careful she’s got an arrow in her.”
Ben came out to join his sons.
“What happened?” He asked.
“Emma’s been shot with an arrow. Hoss, don’t let the children see her.” Adam said.
Hoss nodded and took Emma inside.
“The doctor and Roy are here.” Ben said.
Adam nodded and they went in the house.
The doctor removed the arrow and wrapped the wound.
“Just let her rest. She’s not to do anything for about a week. I’ll come back tomorrow and check on her.” Paul said.
“Thank you, Paul.” Adam said.
He nodded and left. Ben was sitting in a chair in the corner staring into space. Adam turned to him and walked over.
“Are you all right?” Adam asked.
“Hmm? Yes, I am. Why do you ask?” Ben asked.
“You were far away. What were you thinking about?”
“Hoss’ mother.”
“I was too when I saw Emma. My mind went right back to when Inger was killed. I’m grateful that Emma survived since it only hit her in the shoulder but why did Inger have to die?” Adam asked.
“I don’t know, son.” Ben replied.
Adam sighed. “I should go check on the children but I don’t want to leave Emma.”
“I’ll stay here and you go be with them.” Ben volunteered.
“Thanks, Pa.” Adam walked out.
Adam found the kids drawing at the table. Mary looked up from her paper.
“Pa?” She asked.
“Yes, Mary?”
“Is Ma going to be all right?”
Jimmy looked up from his paper at stared at his pa.
“Yes, Mary, she will be. She’s just got a cold from the rain.” Adam said with a smile.
The thunder boomed loud over them and the kids flinched. The door opened and Joe came in from putting the horses in the barn.
“It sure is a stormy night.” He said.
Joe saw the worry on Adam’s face but didn’t say anything in front of the kids.
“Mary, Jimmy you’ll need to clean up now. It’s time for bed.” Adam said.
“We’re staying here?” Jimmy asked.
“Until your mother gets better.”
“Yippee!” The boy shouted.
“Jimmy, you need to be quiet so your ma can sleep.” Adam scolded.
“Yes sir. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll race you up the stairs, Jimmy.” Mary said.
“All right.” Jimmy said.
“On your mark. Get set. Go!” She said and the two thundered up the stairs almost running into Hoss who was
coming down the stairs.
He laughed as they scurried past him. When he knew the kids were out of earshot, Adam spoke with his brothers and Roy.
“Emma will be all right. She just needs to rest for a while.”
“What happened?” Roy asked.
“Mike came and said it was renegades. They’d been going around burning homes and killing people. I couldn’t say if
Emma saw them. We’ll have to ask her when she wakes up.” Adam explained.
“I’ll come by tomorrow and speak with her. I should get going.” Roy said.
“I’m sorry you had to wait so long and that we don’t have much more information to give you, Roy.” Adam said.
“It’s all right. I know a little and I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious going around.” Roy said and
walked out.
Adam went upstairs to tuck in the kids. He read to the kids until Jimmy fell asleep. Mary was still awake as he finished the story.
“Mary, are you all right?” Adam asked.
“Is Ma going to die?” Mary asked.
“No, she’s not. She’ll be fine.”
“I saw an arrow in her. Was it that Indian that was at the house today?”
“How did you see it?”
“I saw it really quick. Uncle Hoss was trying to shield her from us. Jimmy didn’t see. May I see Ma?”
“Not tonight. She needs sleep and so do you.” Adam said pulling the covers over her and kissing her forehead.
The next morning everyone but Emma was eating breakfast. Adam and Mary picked at their food because they were worried about Emma.
“She’ll be all right.” Ben said looking at the father and daughter.
Both nodded but still didn’t eat.
“Pa, when will Ma get better?” Jimmy asked.
“I don’t know, Jim. But we’ll be here for a while for another reason.” Adam said.
“What’s that?” Joe asked.
“Our house burned down.” He said.
There were collective gasps and silverware clanking against the plates and they gaped at Adam in surprise. Not wanting to say anything he got up and walked out. Hoss followed his brother out. He found Adam leaning against the pillar on the porch. Hoss leaned on the other side mirroring his brother by putting his hands in his pocket and crossing his left leg over his right. He looked across the yard waiting for Adam to say something. He didn’t have to wait long.
“It’s not fair, Hoss.” Adam whispered.
“What’s not?” Hoss asked.
“Things keep happening to us. Especially Emma. She gets kidnapped by an old beau, she loses two children and now she’s fighting for her life because she’s been shot and has an infection and also our house is burned down.”
Hoss could hear the quiver in Adam’s voice as he was trying not to cry.
“We’ll rebuild your house and Emma will be all right.” Hoss assured.
“I know but this is hard. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I didn’t realize how much I depend on her. She’s the best thing that’s come into my life. I’d be lost without her.” Adam confided.
Hoss smiled and nodded.
“We feel the same way about her. She’s a wonderful woman.”
They both wiped the tears away, looked at each other and chuckled. Hoss clapped Adam on the shoulder.
“Emma will be just fine.” He said.
Adam nodded and they went back in the house.
Chapter 4
Adam had stayed with Emma the rest of the day. Jimmy and Mary did come in to visit. Hoss and Joe had kept the kids from underfoot after they had come in to see their mother. They were both quiet not sure what to say. Paul had come in to check on Emma and change the dressing.
“Her temperature is up. Everything looks fine in the wound.” Paul said with concern in his voice.
“We’ve been doing everything we could.” Adam said.
“I don’t doubt you have. Just keep on doing what you’re doing. I’ll come back again tomorrow to check on her.” Paul said.
“Thanks, Doc.” Adam said.
Adam sat by the chair next to her bed and started talking to her and pleading for her to stay live. He could no longer hold in the tears and he cried. She was still laying on her stomach and he held her hand.
Sometime during the night, Adam was awakened by Emma’s mumblings. He sat up then leaned in towards her. Emma’s eyes flew open.
“Adam, it was an Indian. They’ll come back and get the kids. Get them away from the house.” She said in a panic and then closed her eyes. Adam felt her head and it was still raging with fever.
Adam thought about Roy. He had come over earlier that day to see how Emma was and to also say that he gathered a posse to find the renegades. He hoped they would get them soon. Adam prayed they’d be found. He had wanted to go with them but he couldn’t leave Emma. Adam had spent time with the kids and would tuck them into bed at night. His thoughts were always with Emma with whatever he was doing.
The next day a bleary eyed Adam walked out of the bedroom to face his family.
“How is she?” Ben asked.
“Her fever broke about an hour ago.” Adam said.
“That’s wonderful.”
“Where are the kids?”
“They’re playing with Joe and Hoss outside. They were starting to become noisy so I sent them outside so they
didn’t bother you. Would you like something to eat?”
Adam shook his head no and walked back in the room.
Hours later, Emma woke up and saw Adam with a book in his hand but his eyes were closed. She smiled to herself. She went to move her arm but grunted in pain which woke Adam up.
“Emma, you’re awake. How do you feel?”
“Awful.”
He put the book on the nightstand and moved closer to her and put his hand on her head.
“How’s the house?” she asked.
Adam hesitated. “It was burned down.”
Tears sprang to Emma’s eyes and spilled down her nose.
“I’m so sorry.” She whispered.
“It’s not your fault, honey. Whether or not you were there they would have burned it down.” Adam whispered back.
Emma didn’t reply.
“Are you up to some broth? I can have Hop Sing make some for you.”
“Sure.”
Adam helped her turn over and sit up carefully. Emma winced in pain when she moved.
“I’m sorry.” Adam apologized.
He got up and went into the kitchen.
Just then the kids came screaming in the house. Adam went in the front room to shush the children before his brothers were even in the house.
“I’m sorry, Adam, we tried to stop them but they just ran in.” Joe apologized.
“It’s fine. Kids, Ma’s awake. Go in quietly to see her.” Adam said.
Mary quietly opened the door and the kids went in and shut the door behind them.
Roy knocked on the open door and walked in.
“Roy, it’s good to see you. How can we help you?” Adam asked.
“I wanted to tell you we caught the renegades.” Roy said.
“That’s great news.” Adam said with a relieved sigh.
“Yeah, we caught them when the Bernards family were running away from them. They were lucky to have gotten
away. I guess Mrs. Bernards was in the kitchen and heard the noise. She looked out and when she saw them she grabbed her husband who was in the barn and took off runnin’. We found the renegades burning the house. We circled them and they did fight. Some were killed or injured but we did get what was left.” Roy explained.
“Do you know who it was or why they did it?” Hoss asked.
“It was John Stevens and his gang from the mine. They wanted to do it because they were bored and thought it
would be fun to burn down homes.”
“But killing people in the process? Did they find fun in that?” Joe asked in a tight voice.
“They didn’t say. How’s Emma?” Roy asked turning to Adam.
“She just woke up.” Adam said with a grin.
“That’s good to hear. Well, I’d best be going. I just wanted to come by and tell you the good news.”
“Thanks, Roy. I’ll go tell Emma.” Adam said and walked into the bedroom.
“Let us know what happens with the men.” Hoss said.
“I will. See ya.” Roy said and left.
“Let’s go see Emma.” Joe said.
Hoss nodded and they went in.
Chapter 5
A month went by the house had been rebuilt by the Cartwrights and their friends and Emma was up and around. Paul told her to take it easy but there were times she still overdid it and got scolded by Adam. She became frustrated working one handed and having to have help. Adam loved every minute of helping his wife dress and wash her hair. He had fallen deeper in love with her. They were sitting on the bed while he brushed her hair. When he was done he’d pull her to him and wrap his arms around her lightly brushing his lips across her neck. She leaned against him enjoying his arms around her.
“I’m glad you’re doing better.” He said.
“I don’t know how better I really am with my arm in a sling. It’s hard to do anything.” She said.
He chuckled and gently squeezed her. The kids came bursting in the room and jumped on the bed which had made Emma grunt in pain. She tried to hide it by clearing her throat but Adam had heard.
“Kids, calm down. You just hurt your mother.” He said.
They bowed their heads and apologized.
“It’s all right. You didn’t know.” Emma said kindly.
“When are we going camping?” Jimmy asked.
“Not for a while Big Jim. Your ma’s gotta get better first.” Adam replied tousling the boy’s hair.
“All right.” Jimmy sighed.
They hung the men who had been arrested for killing the settlers. Emma was happy to be in her own home again and not underfoot while at the Ponderosa. In time, her shoulder got better and they did go camping much to Jimmy’s delight. Ben looked at his oldest son who was watching his wife. He walked over to Adam and sat down.
“Penny for your thoughts.” Ben said.
Adam looked over at his father. “I was just thinking about Emma. I’m grateful she’s alive. And again I was thinking
about Inger. I wish she could have survived to see Hoss grow up and see what kind of man he grew up to be.”
They watched Hoss being chased by the kids then spinning around and catching Jimmy. He squealed in delight and made everyone laugh.
“I wish your mother could have lived also to see what sort of man you grew up to be. And to see your family. A stormy night and injuries can make you think about many things.” Ben said.
“Yes it can and make you appreciate what you have.” Adam replied.
Ben smiled and clapped his son on the back and got up to join the rest of the family. Emma took Ben’s spot and wrapped her arms around Adam. Yes, stormy nights and injuries can make you think about many things and be grateful for what you have. Adam thought as he put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
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.
