Summary: Samantha Malloy returns to Virginia City to live with her two older brothers. They all grew up with harsh step-parents but Sam was the last to leave. Her brothers hope she finds healing at last as she settles into her new home and meets new friends, such as the Cartwrights.

Rating: PG, Word Count: 8997

A New Life

Chapter 1

The stagecoach rolled to a stop in Virginia City as Samantha Malloy looked out the small window. Freedom, sweet freedom. The only gentleman on the stage opened the door and stepped out. He helped two other ladies out before assisting Sam who was the last to get off. She looked around with a grin on her face.

“Sam! Sammy!” voices called out behind her.

Sam turned and saw her brothers. She ran to her oldest brother Fred and threw her arms around him.

“Fred, it’s so good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too.”

“What about me?”

Fred let go of his sister as she turned to hug Levi. Levi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her off her feet.

“We’re so glad you’re here,” Levi said, setting her down.

“I’m glad to be here.”

Fred took a closer look at Sam and saw a faded black eye.

“Sam, what happened to your eye?” Fred asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

“All right. Let’s get your things,” Fred said.

“They’re over there.”

Sam pointed to her trunk and bag. The boys picked them up and took her to the buggy. Soon they were heading for the brothers’ home outside of town.

Sam looked around as they rode. The scenery was vast and beautiful.

“I’ve never seen anything so open,” Sam said in awe as they pulled up to the house.

“It’s not much but it’s home,” Fred said.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Sam said as Levi helped her down.

They took her things in and to her room.

“This is your room. Do you need help with anything?” Levi asked.

“No, I’m all right. I’ll get unpacked and be out in a minute,” Sam said.

“All right.” Levi said and walked out.

“Did you see her black eye?” Fred whispered to Levi.

Levi nodded.

“I have a feeling it was Max,” Levi said.

“I think so too.”

“I wish we could have gotten her out of that house after she graduated college,” Levi said regretfully.

“Me too. But you know we couldn’t do that. We weren’t set up like we are now. Even though Ben made me a ranch foreman we still weren’t ready. You were just scraping by with the mine. What could we do for Sam then? It’s just frustrating to know that she was under Max’s thumb and we couldn’t do a thing,” Fred said rubbing his face.

“Fred? Levi?” Sam asked.

The boys looked at her. She was standing in the doorway playing with her necklace.

“Can I talk to you?” She asked uncertainly.

“Of course. Come sit down.”

Sam went to the table and sat down. She was trying to gather her thoughts of their mother Martha, step-father Max and the twins William and Bobby and how they had treated her. Their father Marty had died from a tumor when Sam was about twelve. Martha had met Max at a social gathering. They courted and married a year after their father died. Then a year after that, the twins William and Bobby were born

“This is going to be hard to tell you. Max and Mother were terrible at home. I stayed at college through the holidays. I didn’t want to go home. When I did get home after graduating, Max and Mother made life hell. They had fired all the help but Matilda. She had mostly taken care of William and Bobby when they were little. So she and I ended up doing the cleaning, cooking and whatever else they ordered us to do. The twins were just as bad when they got older. They’re eight now. Max had me meet a man named Scott Whitaker. We got engaged and it was horrible. Oh, he’d act nice to everyone but when we were alone, he’d beat me. He tried to…he tried to push himself on me. I hit him many times but he’d hit me back. A week before we got married, he was killed in a carriage accident. Max and mother blamed me since I had been in the carriage. But something spooked the horse and the axle broke, throwing us both out of the carriage. After the funeral, Max gave me a few days before he forced me to meet another man, Tyler Rogers, and wanted me to marry him.”

“Wait, Tyler Rogers, the kid who bullied you in school?” Levi interrupted.

Sam nodded. “He is worse than he was in school if you can believe it. He was worse than Scott. Max and Mother didn’t care how he treated me. They encouraged it. They said that I should be more compliant. I heard rumors about me which weren’t good. I’m not sure who started it but I hated it. The rumors were that I was a loose woman. But I’m not. I never have been. I was humiliated and Max and Mother wouldn’t do a thing to stop the rumors. Matilda had given me a letter you sent and I was ready to come out here. I wanted to start new. It was Matilda who sent the wire to you. She helped me pack my things and get out here. I tried to get her to come with me but she refused over and over. Heaven help her when they find out what happened,” Sam explained.

Fred and Levi took in the news. Their hearts ached for their sister.

“I hate that Max and Mother are like that. They’re teaching William and Bobby how to hate us. I always thought Mother was bad when Father was alive but she’s much worse with Max.”

“I’m sorry we couldn’t bring you out here sooner,” Fred said.

“Don’t feel bad. I heard you two talking. You’re right about not being ready to have me come. I understand. I’m not mad at either of you. It’s about supper time. What can I make for you?” Sam asked.

Fred and Levi laughed.

“Sammy, you just got in today and you’re wanting to cook for us? How about we cook for you? Tomorrow we’ll take you over to the Cartwrights to take their buggy back and you can meet them,” Fred said.

“Tell me about them,” Sam said.

Levi got up to fix dinner while Fred told Sam about the Cartwrights. “You know that Levi and I left while you were at college. Well Levi got a job at the mines. I didn’t want to work there and saw Mister Cartwright signing men up to work on his ranch, so I signed up. I worked my way up and made it to ranch foreman. It took a while to do. They treated me like a family member too. Ben was married three different times. They each had a son but the wives died when their boys were babies.”

“Poor Mister Cartwright and his boys. Such sadness,” Sam said.

“Well, that hasn’t stopped them from building the Ponderosa. They’re a good family.”

“I can’t wait to meet them.”

Over dinner they talked about other things happening around town.

Chapter 2

The next day, Levi went to the mines while Sam and Fred went to the Ponderosa. They rode to the front of the house and Fred pulled the horses to a stop. There was a big man that walked out of the barn. Fred helped Sam down then saw the big man.

“Hoss, how are you?” Fred asked.

“I’m good. I’m surprised to see you here today. I figured you’d be getting your sister settled,” Hoss said.

“She came in last night. This is my sister, Sam. Sam, this is Hoss Cartwright.”

Sam had been partially hidden behind Fred. She was nervous around Hoss because of his size. He looked like he could hit someone and leave marks. She’d remember not to cross him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sam,” Hoss said.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” she replied shyly.

“Pa’s in the house if you want to see him,” Hoss said, turning to Fred.

“Sure.”

Hoss led the way and Sam still stayed behind her brother.

Hoss opened the door and called for his father. An older man walked out from his office and had a big grin on his face.

“Fred, it’s a surprise to see you. You didn’t need to get the buggy back so soon.”

“Well, I figured I would. This is my sister, Sam. Sam, this is Ben Cartwright.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sam. We’ve heard a lot about you from Fred.”

Sam looked at her brother then Ben.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mister Cartwright.”

“Please, call me Ben. Fred, would you, Levi and Sam like to have dinner with us this Friday?”

“Yes, we’d like that. Thank you. We’d best get going. I just need to get my horse from you.”

“Oh, before you go, we have something for Sam,” Ben said.

“Something for me?” Sam asked, surprised.

“Yes, come out to the barn,” Ben led the way.

They walked in the barn and Ben brought out a Palomino horse.

“This is for you. When Fred told us you’d be coming to live with them, Hoss suggested getting you a horse. He picked out the finest horse we have.”

“But why?” The words slipped out of Sam’s mouth before she could stop herself.

Ben chuckled.

“Out here you need a horse. We wanted to surprise you with it and welcome you to Virginia City,” Ben said.

“Thank you. It’ll take me awhile to pay you back.”

“Sam, it’s a gift. You don’t pay us back. We’re glad you’re here and that we finally get to meet you.”

“Thank you.”

She took the reins from Ben and walked the horse out.

“Thank you, Hoss,” Sam said when she walked by him.

“You’re welcome,” he said.

She got up on the horse and followed Fred home.

After taking a few days to settle in, Sam had got a job working at the mines doing the cooking with the other women. There were other women doing laundry. She had enjoyed it so far. Levi walked up to her while she was washing dishes.

“Hey there,” he said.

Sam jumped and sliced the palm of her right hand with the knife. She dropped it in the water and held her hand.

“Oh, Sammy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Here, let me look at it,” Levi said.

He got the dish towel next to Sam and put it on her hand. She sucked in her breath as he put pressure on it.

“We may have to take you to Doctor Martin.”

He led her to their horses and helped her up. He got on his horse and they headed to town.

Paul looked at her hand.

“You’re lucky it wasn’t too deep so it won’t need stitches. This’ll sting but it’ll keep any infection from setting in.”

Paul poured something on her hand. Sam tried not to scream with the pain. She grabbed her skirts and tightened her grasp on it. After he let it dry, he bandaged it.

“Just keep an eye on it and be careful. Here’s something for the pain too,” Paul said handing her a brown bottle.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Sam said.

Levi paid him and they left.

“Let’s get you home,” Levi said.

She nodded and they headed home.

When they got home, Sam went to take a nap. Fred walked in the door and Levi told Fred what happened when he got home.

“I guess we should cancel dinner with Ben and Hoss tonight,” Fred said.

“I forgot about that. Yeah, we should,” Levi said.

“Let’s not. It’ll be alright,” Sam said from the doorway.

“Sam, are you sure? How are you feeling?” Fred asked.

“I’m all right. Let’s go. It would be rude to cancel at the last minute.”

“If you’re sure,” Fred said, blowing a breath out.

“We’ve got an hour to get ready,” Levi said looking at the clock.

“I’ll change,” Sam said and went back to her room to change.

“She’s a stubborn one,” Fred whispered to Levi smiling.

“She takes after you,” Levi jabbed back.

Fred playfully shoved his brother.

Chapter 3

Sam listened to the menfolk talk during dinner. She was never invited into the conversations at home so she kept to her own thoughts. She followed the same pattern tonight although Ben and Hoss tried to engage her a few times. Fred was talking to Ben about the ranch while Levi was talking to Hoss about the mines and activities in town. Sam was trying to use her left hand and was glad it was meatloaf instead of soup. It was less of a mess. She hoped that nobody was watching her. Hoss had been watching her at different times and wanted to help her but didn’t want to embarrass her. Hoss kept to his conversation with Levi.

After dinner, they went to the living room and talked more. Sam excused herself and went outside. She needed to get out into the fresh air. She held her throbbing hand trying to block the pain. Sam heard footsteps behind her and before she could stop herself, she turned and punched whoever was behind her. She heard the groan and saw in the dim light of the lamps that it was Hoss. Her hands flew to her mouth as she gasped. He was doubled over trying to get his breath back.

“Oh Hoss, I’m so sorry. You startled me.”

Hoss got his breath back and he stood his full height. Sam then flinched waiting for him to hit her. Instead of hitting her, he took her right hand seeing the blood on the bandage.

“Your hand is bleeding. Come with me.”

He led her to the kitchen through another door so as to not draw attention to them. Hoss found a clean bandage and took care of it.

“You’ve got quite the fist,” Hoss said smiling.

“I’m sorry about that. It’s just defense now when I get scared. I’m surprised you didn’t hit me back. You had every right to,” Sam said.

Hoss looked at her sadly.

“Sam, I could never hit a woman. A man should never raise a hand to a woman.”

He finished tying the bandage and led her back outside. They sat down. Sam felt Hoss looking at her and she turned and he was looking at her.

“Hoss?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you staring at me?”

“I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t realize I was.”

The front door opened. The two stood as they saw Ben, Fred and Levi walking out.

“Here you two are,” Ben said.

“We were just enjoying the evening,” Sam said nervously.

“We’ve got to be going. Thanks again, Ben, for supper,” Fred said.

“Sam, may I help you on your horse?” Hoss asked.

“Sure.”

The two walked to her horse and he helped her up.

“Thank you,” she said.

The Malloy siblings waved as they left.

“Hoss, do you have feelings for Sam?” Ben asked.

“No. She’s a nice gal with a good punch.”

“What?”

“I accidentally scared her and she punched me in the stomach.”

“From what her brothers told me she’s been abused so it’s not surprising she’d react that way. They taught her to fight when they were younger. They felt I should know. I’m sure she’ll tell you more in her time,” Ben said.

Hoss nodded, still watching where they had left. Hoss really had thought she was beautiful.

Sam’s hand got better and she was back to work. Levi told her and Fred about a baseball game coming up.

“Sammy, we need you to play for us,” Levi said.

“Why?”

“Because you’re the best player I know. You played for your college team.”

“That was just women playing. We never played against the men,” Sam said.

“Aw come on, Sammy. It’ll be something nobody has ever seen in the west,” Levi pushed.

Sam looked at Fred. “What do you think, Fred?”

“It’s up to you. I’d like to see you against the men. They all think that women should stay in the kitchen,” Fred replied.

“All right, I’ll do it,” Sam sighed.

“Great! Let’s go out and practice,” Levi said jumping up from the couch and running outside.

“You’d think he was ten years old again,” Sam joked.

“He is. Let’s go outside,” Fred said.

They both joined their brother to practice.

Chapter 4

The day of the baseball game came. Everyone in town came to watch the game. Word spread like wildfire that a girl would be playing baseball with the men. Sam looked at the men and became nervous.

“Levi, are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Of course. You’ll be great,” Levi said patting her shoulder.

The game started and everyone cheered or jeered at the players. Sam was the fourth player up. There were three men already on base. Sam got up to base and got ready. She missed the two pitches which made the men catcall worse. Sam hit the third ball which had flown past the men in the field. All four ran to home. Everyone cheered.

“I told you, you could do it,” Levi said.

“Thanks.”

The game continued and towards the end Levi’s team beat the other team 6-0. Sam even pitched a no hitter which surprised the men that a girl could throw so well. After the game, many of the men came up to congratulate Sam. Sam finally had enough of being mobbed and left. Hoss had seen the game and was impressed at how she played. He knew his brothers would never believe this. He figured they should be home within the evening or the next day. It would be great to see their reactions.
Hoss told his father and brothers about the game a couple of days later.

“You’re joshing. A girl playing ball with the men?” Joe scoffed.

“She’s been to college and plays baseball? Educated women should not play games like that with men,” Adam said.

Joe nudged his brother. “Aw, come on Adam. Why not? That’s something I’d like to see.”

Adam rolled his eyes.

Hoss just smiled.

“I believe him and I didn’t see the game,” Ben said, walking by the boys to go to his office.

“Where does Sam work?” Adam asked.

“She’s been at the mines helping the ladies but she just got a job as a telegrapher. Mister Hooper gave her a job there after the game,” Hoss said.

“You’re kidding,” Adam said.

“No, he’s not. I was in town today and Sam was there,” Ben confirmed.

“I need to meet this girl,” Joe said.

Hoss saw the gleam in Joe’s eyes and rolled his.

Sam had been working as a telegrapher for a month and enjoying it. It was better than working at the mines. Not that she didn’t like it but this was a tad easier. She had gained celebrity status after the baseball game. Everyone wanted to see the girl who could play baseball just as well as a man. It became an annoyance after a few days. She had even made the papers which escalated the status more. There were some who told her to stay home and let the men play ball. She learned to ignore those men.

Due to her new job she had decided to move into town. It was easier to get to work and her brothers could have their space back. They argued with her to stay but she wanted her independence. She found a boarding house and moved in.

Sam had seen Hoss at different times. He’d pop into the office to say hello. Fred had told her that Adam and Joe had got home from the cattle drive but they hadn’t left the ranch since they got back. She had yet to meet them. The bell jingled as the door opened. She looked up and saw Hoss.

“Hoss. how are you? I was just thinking about you.”

“You were?”

“I was. I realized I hadn’t seen you since the ball game.”

“I’m sorry. It’s been busy on the ranch. I have been wanting to see you. My pa is having a dance this Saturday night. He invited your brothers and I wanted to invite you,” Hoss said.

Sam could tell he was nervous.

“I’d love to, Hoss. Thank you. I’ll come with my brothers.”

Hoss turned to leave then turned around but looked down.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asked.

“I, uh, wondered if you wanted to do dinner with me after work?”

Sam was surprised he’d ask her to dinner.

“I would love to,” she said.

Hoss looked up surprised.

“Really?”

“Yes, really,” Sam said smiling.

“I’ll come pick you up when you’re off.”

“All right.”

Hoss walked out but took another look at her through the window and smiled. Sam smiled too. There was something about Hoss that she liked. Maybe it was just him and nothing specific. Could she really fall for him after what she had been through with Scott and Tyler? Would he be kind and caring now and then turn when they courted or even married? Would he beat her? Too many questions started swimming around in her head and she sat down and held it wishing them to stop.

That night, Hoss and Sam went to dinner and had a wonderful time. Sam was still apprehensive about him but yet something told her he was a good man. Afterwards, he walked her home but they sat outside on the porch swing to talk.

“Sam, um,” Hoss started but stopped.

He wanted to know more about her but he felt he’d be prying.

“What is it?” Sam asked, looking at him.

“I shouldn’t ask. It’s not polite to pry.”

“You want to know about my life in Boston?”

Hoss nodded.

“I take it Fred told you and your father a bit about me?”

Again came the nod.

“Do you think I’ll be angry?”

“Yeah,” he whispered.

She took his big hand in her small ones.

“Hoss, I want you to know I am not mad at you for wanting to know. You should know. We are friends.”

She told him about her home life including Scott and Tyler.

“That all really happened to you?” Hoss asked in surprise.

“It did. I don’t know what you think of me now. I wouldn’t be surprised if you thought me a hussy,” Sam chuckled.

Hoss couldn’t help but laugh. He found her laugh infectious.

“I won’t call you that or even think it. I knew you were a great girl from what I had heard from Fred. I think you’re wonderful,” he said in awe.

“You’re joking.”

“I’m not. I have thought about you all this time.”

“Really?”

“Sure. I know I’ve seen you sometimes but Pa asked if I was starting to have feelings for you. At first I said no but now I think I may. He asked if it was because of what Fred had told us and only liking you because I felt bad for you and wanted to help in some way. I can’t say whether the feelings I have are because I still feel bad or if they’re genuine,” Hoss admitted.

Sam smiled.

“You know, you’re pretty easy to fall for. I was scared of you at first because you’re so big. I thought oh no don’t make him mad because he can squash you. Hoss, can we take things slow and see where it goes?”

“Of course,” he said.

Sam wanted to kiss him so bad but she resisted the urge. Especially after she just told him to take it slow.

“I’ll let you go in. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

The two got up and hugged.

“I can’t wait,” she said and went inside.

Chapter 5

The dance was in full swing when Sam and her brothers arrived. Music was playing and couples were dancing. Sam and her brothers walked in the house. Those who weren’t dancing saw the siblings and waved their greetings.

“There’s Hoss,” Fred said pointing to the big man by the staircase.

Hoss saw them and broke into a big grin. He made his way through the crowd to the Malloy siblings.

“It’s good to see you,” Hoss said to them.

“We’re glad we made it. Levi here took forever to get ready. You’d think it was the womenfolk who took a long time. In our family it’s Levi,” Fred teased.

“Hey, I’ve gotta make a good impression on these ladies,” Levi joked back.

“Would you like to dance?” Hoss asked Sam.

“I’d like that.”

He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

“I think Hoss is sweet on our sister,” Levi said.

“I figured that out days ago,” Fred replied, not taking his eyes off his sister and Hoss.

“What? Why didn’t you say anything?” Levi asked, trying to not shout.

Fred then turned to Levi and smiled.

“Because he’s hardly kept his mind on his work since he took our sister to dinner”

Levi smacked Fred’s arm. “You could have told me,” he said irritated then chuckled.

He then went to find a girl to dance with.

After the music was over, Hoss led Sam to the punch bowl. Adam, Joe, Fred and Ben were there. Levi was off flirting with a girl he just met.

“Adam, Joe, meet Sam. Sam, these are my brothers Adam and Little Joe.”

“Just Joe, Ma’am.”.

“We’ve heard a lot about you,” Adam said.

“I hope all good,” Sam said with a smile.

“We heard you’re a ball player,” Joe said.

“I am.”

“How did you get into it?” Joe asked.

“My brothers taught me growing up, we played at school and I played on a team when I was in college.”

“You went to college and played ball?” Adam asked, surprised.

“Sure. There was a woman’s team there. They thought it was good exercise for the women.”

“It sure looks like it,” Joe said slyly, looking her up and down.

Sam stiffened at his words and him looking at her. Now she wasn’t sure about Joe.

“Joe, stop it,” Hoss hissed.

He could feel Sam getting uncomfortable about Joe’s remark and looking her up and down.

“I need some air. Excuse me,” she said and walked out.

“Way to go, Little Joe” Hoss said and shoved his brother’s shoulder.

“What did I do?” Joe asked bewildered.

Adam just shrugged.

Hoss went outside and found Sam by the corral. Tears streamed down her face.

“Sam?”

Sam quickly wiped the tears from her face before facing Hoss.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t like how Joe was towards me. I know he doesn’t know anything but I just didn’t like the feeling.”

“I know. Joe’s a flirt but he don’t mean any harm. May I hug you?” Hoss asked.

Sam nodded and Hoss enfolded her into a tight hug.

“Do you want to go in or stay out here?” Hoss asked when they pulled away.

“Let’s go inside,” she replied.

He held his arm out and she took it as they went back in.

Chapter 6

Hoss and Sam spent more time together as the days went on. Hoss even talked Sam into playing ball. It was just Hoss’ family and Sam’s brothers. Adam still felt that an “educated woman” could never really play ball, but he kept those thoughts quiet in front of Sam. Hoss pitched to Sam and she whacked it over the house. Adam was stunned and Joe ran for the ball. When he came back, he cheered for her.

“That was great, Sammy.”

“Show them how you pitch,” Hoss said.

She took the ball from Joe’s hand.

“Sammy took my ball,” he teased.

Ben laughed.

“Come on, Joe your turn to bat,” Sam said.

Joe smiled and grabbed the bat. Fred stood behind Joe.

“You won’t need to stand there, Fred, I’ll hit the ball,” Joe said smugly.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Fred replied.

Sam pitched and Joe missed.

“Wow, Sammy that’s great. So Adam, what are your thoughts about educated women and baseball?” Joe asked smugly.

“I was wrong,” Adam admitted and tipped his head to Sam.

“Glad I could change your mind,” Sam said with a smile.

Adam chuckled.

The town had another ballgame for the Fourth of July. Everyone turned out for the game. Even Adam and Joe wanted to watch the game. Again, Sam’s team won. Later that evening, the Cartwrights and Malloys joined the
town for a potluck dinner and fireworks. Hoss led Sam away from the families to talk to her privately. Sam was nervous being led away from people. She knew he wouldn’t harm her but still felt uncomfortable being alone with a man. Hoss stopped and turned to Sam. The moonlight was bright so she could see a bit of his face.

“Sam, I uh, wondered if you want to go courting with me?” Hoss asked nervously.

Sam was relieved by the question. “I’d love to,” she replied, surprised by her own reaction.

“You would? Really?”

“Yes.”

Hoss pulled her into a hug and then kissed her.

A few months later at work, Sam was working on a telegraph for a lady in town when the bell over the door jangled.

“I’ll be with you shortly,” she said, not looking up from what she was writing.

When she finally looked up and saw Tyler Rogers standing behind the woman, she gasped but tried keeping her composure while helping Missus Singleton with her telegraph.

“All right, Missus Singleton, it’ll be a dollar,” Sam said.

“Thank you so much for helping me, Sam. I always appreciate your help,” the older woman said with a big grin on her face.

“You’re welcome. I hope you have a good day and tell your daughter hello for me.”

“I will.”

Missus Singleton left.

“What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Sam hissed at Tyler.

“Well this is a surprise reaction for your fiancé,” he said.

“I’m not your fiancée and never was. You didn’t answer my questions. What are you doing here and how did you find me?”

“Your father told me where you were. Seems that a certain servant told him.”

“He’s not my father. And what did Max do to Matilda?”

“He beat her. She finally told him everything.”

Anger rose in Sam. Then guilt. She had left Matilda there to face Max alone. How she wished Matilda had come with her.

“I had to come get my fiancé.”

He leaned over the counter towards her. Sam drew back.

“I told you I’m not your fiancée. I have my own life here and a beau.”

“A beau? You’re a nothing, Samantha. You need someone to dictate what you do and beat you into submission when you don’t follow what your husband says.”

“If I’m nothing then why are you here wanting me to marry you?”

“Because you need me.”

“I do not need you. Not then. Not now. Not ever,” she spat.

Tyler slapped Sam in the face. Just as Sam fell backwards and hit her head on a chair the door opened. Hoss stood there watching the whole thing. He didn’t know who this man was but he did not treat Sam that way. Hoss grabbed his shoulder and spun him around and punched him. Tyler fell on the floor unconscious. Hoss then went to Sam and checked her pulse. It was beating. He then checked her head. There was some bleeding. The door opened and Roy walked in. Hoss stood up to see who it was.

“Roy, glad to see you. This man beat up Sam. I don’t know who he is.”

“All right. I’ll get him up and take him to jail.”

Roy knelt by Tyler and shook him awake. Hoss took Sam to Paul.

Chapter 7

Paul looked Sam over and put a bandage around her head. Sam was coming to.

“Sammy, how are you?” Hoss asked.

“I hurt,” she whispered.

“You had a nasty fall when that feller hit you. Who was he?”

“Hoss, this isn’t time for questions,” Paul said.

“It’s fine, Doctor Martin. His name is Tyler Rogers.”

“Isn’t he the feller you told me about. The one Max wanted you to marry after Scott died?”

Sam nodded and regretted that move. She held her head and groaned. Hoss took her hand and gently squeezed it.

“He’s in jail right now. Roy happened to come in and I told him what I saw. You’ll have to tell him about Tyler. But it’ll be done when you are feeling up to it. You’ll need to tell your brothers too,” Hoss said.

“I know. I’m going to hate what they’ll say.”

“If you want, I can ride and find them,” Hoss suggested.

“No, please stay with me,” Sam pleaded without thinking.

“Of course. I won’t leave you,” Hoss said softly.

“I’ll send for your brothers,” Paul said and left the two alone.

“Sam, I’ll admit I’m surprised you wanted me to stay.”

Sam chuckled. “I am too.”

She then told Hoss what Tyler told her. Hoss was still holding her hands and squeezed harder in anger.

“Ow, Hoss, let go.”

Hoss let go and felt guilty.

“Sam, I am so sorry,” he apologized and kissed her hands.

Fred and Levi came to the doctor’s office and saw Sam.

“What happened, Sammy?” Fred asked.

Sam told them what happened.

“Tyler is here?” Fred asked in surprise.

“Yeah.”

“Fred, may I talk to you for a minute?” Hoss asked.

“Sure.”

The two went out of the room.

“Fred, I’m worried about Sam. I worry about this Tyler feller. If he’s capable of harming her before and now, what makes any of us think he’ll stop because he’s in jail? I wouldn’t doubt it if he got out,” Hoss said worriedly.

“I agree,” Fred sighed.

“What do we do?”

“I don’t know. We can’t hover over her; she’d kill us for that,” Fred chuckled. Hoss chuckled too. Fred put a hand on Hoss’ shoulder.

“We’ll figure it out.” he reassured soberly.

The two went back to be with Sam.

Tyler had been released from jail. He was able to pay his own bail. As time went on, he still pestered Sam. Sam grew frustrated and they’d get into arguments and fist fights. Tyler was tossed in jail but out again. He was in contact with Max and Max would help as best as he could so far away. Sam tried her best to concentrate on work. She also spent much time at the Ponderosa with Hoss. Those were the times she wasn’t frustrated.

Hoss took her to a little place on the Ponderosa where there was a pond. Not many knew where it was and he knew it was a place they could be alone and Sam could be away from Tyler. They were there on a hot summer day relaxing. There was a tree by the pond that Hoss was leaning against holding Sam. Sam loved being with Hoss and felt safe in his arms. They had talked about the goings on in town and the Ponderosa.

“Hoss?”

“Hmm?” Sam looked at Hoss and saw his eyes were closed and his head against the tree. Sam smiled and kissed him.

“I’m glad you brought me here. I love this place,” she said snuggling against him.

“I am too,” he said holding her tighter. There they fell asleep there under the tree.

The next day, Sam was at work sending a wire to someone back east for a customer. The door opened. She turned and saw Tyler.

“Tyler, will you leave? Why do you not listen to Roy and leave?”

“Because you’re my property.”

“I am not your property. I belong to someone else.”

“Not yet you don’t. You’re not engaged to him. You’re engaged to me.”

“You never proposed to me. I don’t care what you say. I don’t care what Max and Mother say. They have no hold on
me anymore. Why would anyone want to be with someone who abuses them?”

“You need to learn respect.”

“That’s no way to show respect by getting beat up. The Cartwrights and my brothers don’t beat me and I respect them. Now leave,” Sam said angrily.

Tyler hit her in the face and left. Levi walked in a few minutes later and saw the black eye forming.

“Honey, what happened? Wait, don’t tell me. It was Tyler.”

Sam nodded.

“I’m going to get him.”

“Levi, he’ll just keep coming back. He hasn’t taken hints from me or Sheriff Coffee. I’m just going to have to deal with it now.”

“Sammy, you can’t just deal with it. It’s not right. What does Hoss say?” Levi asked.

“He is just as frustrated as I am. When Tyler goes to jail he either bails himself out or Max sends him money. He doesn’t listen to Roy. Levi, I don’t know what to do,” Sam said, frustrated and ran her hands over her face.

“Come here, Sammy,” Levi said, holding his arms out.

Sam came around the desk and hugged him.

After work, Sam rode to the Ponderosa to see Hoss. He wandered out of the house as she rode up.

“Sammy, how are you?” Hoss asked with a smile.

He helped her down then saw the black eye.

“What happened?”

“I’ll give you one guess.”

“Tyler?” She nodded.

Hoss sighed and hugged her.

“I know it’ll probably be too late to get the swelling down but let’s try something anyway,” Hoss said, leading her into the house.

She gave her greetings to the rest of the family as Hoss led her to the kitchen.

“Hoss, you don’t need to do anything.”

“I know but I feel like I do.”

He found some ice, chipped it and put the bits in a towel and handed it to Sam. She placed it on her eye and drew in a breath. After a while, the couple went for a ride to their special place. They didn’t say much. Hoss didn’t know what to say about everything. But he knew that just being there for Sam was all she needed. How he loved this woman for how strong she was and didn’t take anything from anyone. He wanted to protect her so much but didn’t know how.

Chapter 8

Hoss, Adam, Ben, and Joe had gone into town to get a beer after a long day of ranch work.

“Hoss, are you gonna marry Sam? You’ve been courting for a while now,” Joe asked.

Hoss looked up from his mug of beer.

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know? I know she ain’t been hinting but she has that look about her,” Joe said.

“Joe, Tyler is in the way. He won’t get the hint or be told no when Sam has told him to leave. He’s been awful to deal with.”

“Is that where she got that shiner?” Adam asked.

Hoss’ jaw twitched as he nodded.

“Can’t he go back to jail?” Adam asked.

“Yeah but he’ll be back out like before. He won’t listen to Roy when he’s been told to leave town. He’ll leave but he keeps coming back.”

“What does Sam think about all this?” Adam asked.

“She’s frustrated. It’s stressing her out, along with her brothers,” Hoss said, taking a swig of beer.

Just then there was a commotion outside. Hoss, his brothers, and the men in the saloon went to see what was going on. Hoss saw Sam trying to fight Tyler. Other men had tried to help, but Tyler would hit them too and the men gave up. Sam would get hit but get up and swing. She connected a few times on Tyler’s jaw. He would just laugh. Hoss had had enough and went up behind Tyler and pulled him by the back of his collar. Ben went and helped Sam and took her to the doctor while Adam and Joe took their beers to watch Hoss fight Tyler.

“For a dandy, he sure can fight,” Adam said.

Joe chuckled and took a swig of his beer.

“Shouldn’t Roy be breaking this up by now?” Joe asked.

“I heard Roy and his deputy were called out to a ranch somewhere. Sounded like trouble.”

“Adam, that doesn’t sound right. Why would they both have a reason to leave?”

Before they could discuss it more, they saw Tyler hit Hoss hard.

“Get ‘im, Hoss!” Joe yelled.

Adam pulled out his pocket watch after a while to check the time.

“They’ve been going at it for thirty minutes,” Adam said showing Joe the time.

“Wow. It does look like Tyler is slowing down,” Joe replied.

Adam noticed it and nodded. Hoss took one last swing and Tyler went down and stayed in the dirt. Hoss swayed to and fro getting back to his brothers then plunked down on the wagon tongue.

“Where’s Sam?” Hoss asked.

“Pa took her to Paul’s. We should take you there to get looked at,” Adam said.

He handed Joe his mug and Joe ran the empty mugs back to the saloon and followed his brothers to the doctor’s office.

The brothers dragged Tyler with them to have Paul look him over before he was sent to jail. Adam put Tyler in a corner. Nurse Maddie looked Hoss over.

“Where’s Sam?” Hoss asked.

“She’s in back. She got hurt pretty bad. The doctor is having to do surgery on her,” Maddie said, dabbing the blood still oozing on Hoss’ cheek. Hoss paled.

“She’ll be all right, Hoss.” Maddie reassured seeing his look.

“I hope so,” Hoss murmured.

“There,” she said, finishing up.

“Thanks.”

Maddie went to the back leaving Hoss and his family waiting.

“I should go tell Fred and Levi what happened,” Joe said.

“There they are now,” Ben said looking out the window.

The Malloy brothers walked in.

“We were coming to see Sam. Some of the townspeople told us she was here,” Fred said.

“What happened?” Levi asked.

“We’re not sure. We just know that Sam and Tyler were fighting in the street,” Ben said.

“I hope the doctor won’t be long,” Levi said.

Paul came out some time later and the men stood.

“How is she?” Fred asked.

“She’s lucky to be alive. She has some cracked ribs and one broken rib. That broken rib was close to puncturing the lung. I was going to look at Tyler. Did you bring him in?”

“He’s in the corner,” Adam pointed.

“Listen, we need to go find Sheriff Coffee and Deputy Troy,” Joe said.

“I’ll stay here,” Hoss said.

“We figured you would,” Adam said with a smile.

He gave Hoss’s shoulder a squeeze of reassurance. Paul took care of Tyler while Hoss, Ben, and Sam’s brothers went to see Sam. She was still unconscious. A blanket was over her body and her hand was bandaged. Her face was bruised.

“Fred, Levi, I am so sorry she was hurt. I blame myself,” Hoss apologized.

“Hoss, it’s not your fault. We don’t blame you at all,” Fred said.

“I know, but…”

Fred turned to Hoss and put his hands on the big man’s shoulder and looked at him.

“But nothing, Hoss. Tyler has been a thorn in all our sides since he’s been here. This time it stops. I know he’ll end up killing her. This is Max’s fault. I know he’s pushing Tyler to keep going until she breaks and goes with him. We will do what we can to stop him,” he said firmly.

Hoss nodded and held onto that thought.

Chapter 9

Sam finally awoke an hour later. She saw her brothers, Ben, and Hoss sitting together talking quietly. Fred was the first one to notice her wake up.

“Sammy,” he said in relief.

They stood and gathered around her.

“How are you feeling?”

“How would you feel if someone bigger’n you hit you?” she teased.

“What happened?” Fred asked.

“Tyler tried to get me to go on the stage with him to go back east. I wouldn’t. I fought him but he fought back and dragged me. Many of the men tried to help but he kept throwing them off,” Sam explained.

“Where was the sheriff and deputy?” Luke asked.

“I think I heard something about trouble at a ranch. But nobody rode into town to get help. I don’t know how they knew,” Sam said.

Paul came back to see Sam.

“Glad to see you awake, Sam,” Paul said.

“When do I get out of here?”

Paul chuckled.

“You’ll be staying overnight, young lady.”

Fred, Hoss and Levi looked at each other in concern.

“ Boys, I would like to talk to you outside,” Paul said.

The three followed him out.

“Tyler vowed to kill Sam when she walked out of here. I don’t want to scare Sam but would you three mind staying here overnight?” Paul asked.

“Of course,” Fred said.

Hoss’ jaw tightened. This trouble with Tyler had to end. After they spoke, they went back in to visit Sam.

Chapter 10

Later that night, Sam awoke to a noise. She knew her brothers were in the front of Paul’s house while Hoss was with her. They had told her they’d be staying overnight, and she knew it was because of Tyler. She heard Hoss’ footsteps as he paced back and forth but when she heard a noise that wasn’t Hoss, Levi or Fred, she became scared. She got her wits about her.

There was a bit of light from the lamp flickering. She saw a shadow coming from the backdoor. She sat up but
regretted it when her ribs exploded in pain. A shot fired and Hoss fell. Sam stumbled out of bed as another shot fired. She saw Hoss’ gun next to him. She grabbed it and fired a few shots at the shadow. As she saw the shadow fall, Fred and Levi ran in, guns drawn. Fred turned up the lamp more and saw Hoss lying there and Sam holding her ribs trying to breathe. Fred ran to the backdoor and Levi went to Sam. Paul came in.

“What happened?” Paul asked.

“Shots were fired. Hoss is hurt and so is Sam. Sam, did you get hit?” Levi asked.

“No. I just jumped up too fast to get whoever was in the shadows. How’s Hoss?” She asked, gritting her teeth in pain.

“He’ll be fine. Just gotta get the bullet out of his shoulder,” Paul said.

Levi helped Sam up and she tried not to cry out in pain. He held onto her while she tried breathing normal.

“I’ll get something for the pain, Sam,” Paul said.

Fred came back in dragging in Tyler’s body. Everyone stopped and looked.

“He’s dead. Sam, you shot him,” Fred said in surprise.

Sam was in shock. She had actually killed someone. Relief then flooded her as she collapsed into Levi’s arms and sobbed. She ignored the pain as she sobbed. Paul had given her some Laudanum to help her sleep then went to work on getting the bullet out of Hoss.

“Levi, it’s over. It’s finally over,” she said over and over.

“Yes, it is Sammy. You don’t need to worry anymore. Now, go to sleep,” Levi said softly.

Sam nodded and fell asleep.

The next morning, Fred went to the sheriff’s office to tell him what happened the night before.

“What will happen to Sam?” Fred asked.

“Nothing. She won’t stand trial or anything. It was justified. He fired shots and she was protecting herself and
Hoss. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to stop the fight that afternoon. The report of someone being in trouble was false. I guess it was Tyler’s way of getting us out of town,” Roy said.

“I’m glad nothing will be filed against Sam. We don’t hold you to blame either. Hoss blamed himself for her getting hurt. We’ve had to tell him not to do that.”

“How are Sam and Hoss today?”

“They’re good. Sam’s still pretty sore after moving so much last night. Levi and I told her we’re thinking of keeping her at our place to keep an eye on her while she gets better. She argued and said she’ll stay at her place. We got into it a bit. I told her that the landlady is too busy with others to take care of her. She ended up winning with the help of Doctor Martin who said she should stay in town so he can check on her,” Fred chuckled.

“Well, good. I’ll check in on her from time to time, too,” Roy said.

“Thanks, Roy,” Fred said and left.

Chapter 11

Hoss and Sam recuperated and healed. Sam finally felt free as she and Hoss continued courting. Trouble brewed again when Max came to Virginia City. Fred, Levi and Sam had been in town when they saw Max climb out of the stagecoach. Sam groaned. Fred held onto her.

“It’ll be all right. We’ll go talk to him,” Fred assured her.

They walked up to their stepfather.

“Max, what brings you to Virginia City?” Fred asked.

“Samantha. We hadn’t heard from Tyler for a while and since he never showed up at home, your mother and I figured I needed to come out here. Where is Tyler?” Max asked.

“Well, he’s in the cemetery,” Fred replied.

“Why would he be there?”

“He was killed a month ago.”

“Killed? How? By whom?” Max demanded.

“He was shot by Sam.”

Sam moved slightly behind Fred.

“What? Samantha murdered her fiancé? How dare you girl!” Max shouted and lunged for Sam.

Fred blocked his path as Levi pulled Sam out of the way.

“You’re a murderer, Samantha! I’m surprised you are walking free!” Max yelled.

People were starting to look at them.

“She was in her right to kill him. He tried to kill her and her beau. Sheriff Coffee even said that she was protecting them,” Fred explained.

“Beau? She can’t have a beau. Tyler was her fiancé.”

“No, he wasn’t. He never was,” Sam finally spoke up.

Max glared at her.

“He nor Scott treated me right. I didn’t deserve how they treated me. I am much happier here. And you are welcome to leave,” Sam said angrily.

Max tried again to get at Sam and Fred grabbed him by his collar and shoved him onto the stage which was still there.

“You can go back home. You are no longer welcomed here. We don’t want any part of your family. Good-bye,” Fred said.

The driver climbed on and the stage left.

“Good riddance,” Fred muttered.

Hoss had seen the whole thing and walked up to the siblings.

“Howdy, Hoss. What brings you to town?” Fred asked happily.

“Howdy. I just wanted to come see Sam. Who was that feller you were talking to?” Hoss asked.

“That was our stepfather Max. He said he hadn’t heard from Tyler for a while so he decided he needed to come check things out. He wasn’t any too happy finding out Tyler’s fate. He threatened our little sister, and I told him he was no longer welcomed here and to go home,” Fred said.

Hoss looked at Sam then back at Fred.

“I hope you’re all fine after your meeting,” Hoss said.

“We’re just fine. You’re welcome to take Sam off our hands. She’s been like a burr,” Fred teased.

“Oh Fred,” Sam said playfully swatting him.

Hoss held out his arm to Sam and she took it. Fred and Levi looked on.

“Hoss is going to propose to Sam,” Fred said.

Levi looked at him shocked.

“How do you know?”

“Because he asked me about it yesterday while we were working on the ranch.”

“Why you? Why didn’t he talk to both of us?”

Fred looked at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Because, little brother, I am the oldest.”

Levi shoved his brother.

“Well, she couldn’t have picked anyone better,” Levi said.

Chapter 12

Hoss took Sam to their secret spot and they sat enjoying each other’s company. They sat silently watching the water.

“Sam?”

“Yeah?”

She looked over at him. He had a ring out.

“I’ve loved you since I first met you. And fell in love more and more since. Will you marry me?”

Sam’s eyes grew wide.

“Yes, Hoss! Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said and hugged him tight then kissed him.

He slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her again.

“Let’s go tell our families,” she said in excitement.

The wedding was two months later at the Ponderosa. Sam was the happiest she had been since she had arrived in Virginia City. At the reception, Fred and Levi pulled Sam aside to talk to her.

“This is a different you. We haven’t seen you this happy before,” Fred said.

“If you had told me I’d come to Virginia City and meet a wonderful man who treats me like a lady, I’d have told you, you were crazy.

She hugged both of her brothers tight. After the reception, the newlyweds headed to San Francisco. The Cartwrights and Malloys watched them leave.

“I can’t believe our baby sister is married,” Fred said.

“And to a good man. Something she deserves,” Levi said.

“We’re happy to have you in our family officially.” Ben said.

Hoss and Sam got in the stagecoach heading to San Francisco. Sam looked out the small window thinking of when she rolled into Virginia City to start a new life. She smiled to herself.

“What are you smiling about?” Hoss asked.

“I was just thinking that when I came to Virginia City I was looking to start a new life. I never could have imagined it would include a gentle and loving man like you. I’m so happy.”

Hoss replied, “And I’m the luckiest man on earth.”

He hugged her tight and kissed her.

 

From the Brandsters.  The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.  Brand it happy to offer this story a new home.