Sweet Caroline

Wrapping his heavy jacket about him more tightly in a futile attempt to block out the December wind, Hoss made his way to collect the mail while his brothers loaded the wagon with winter supplies. It had been a dismal two months since the Harvest Dance. Hoss had thought he’d found a girl but he hadn’t been able to get back to town to visit her. Now that storm clouds were building he figured it’d be Spring before he got to see her again. He knew another fellow was interested and figured he’d lost out once again. Slipping his hands from the warmth of his pockets to receive the mail Hoss quickly shoved hands and mail back into the pockets and took long strides back to the mercantile.

Inside the store, he left the mail with Adam who was paying the bill, and went to help Joe finish loading the wagon. After the last box was loaded the brothers headed inside to warm up before heading home. Adam’s face brightened into a smile when he handed an envelope to Hoss.

“Thought you’d like to look at this before we head out.”

Puzzled, Hoss opened it and quickly read the contents.

Dear Hoss,

I hope you don’t think I’m too forward but since the Harvest dance I couldn’t think of anyone else but you. I enjoyed meeting you, dancing with you and talking with you in the garden. Hoss, I know it’s expected for a lady to wait for a man to ask for another visit, but I just can’t do that. I’ll be honest with you, I have been out with a couple of other gentlemen but they didn’t hold a candle to you.

Hoss you are the most gentle man I’ve met and so interesting too as we talked about ranch life and how you care for all the animals.

I hope this letter finds you well and maybe, if you aren’t upset by my lack of propriety, you can come to dinner at my house sometime soon.

Kindest regards,
Caroline Sweet

When Adam and Joe realized Hoss wasn’t going to move from the front counter, they quickly ushered him toward the alley door for a bit of privacy.

“Hoss, what’d the letter say? Is it bad news?”

Hoss looked at the letter again then handed it to Adam. Joe read over Adam’s shoulder and let out a low whistle at the end. Before Joe could announce it to everyone in the store, Adam spoke up. “Hoss what do you want to do?”

Hoss shook his head to clear it and took the letter back. “‘Reckon I need to go see her. I mean I want to go see her. But –”

Adam gently shoved his brother outside. “Go on Hoss. We’ll move the wagon to the livery and wait for you at the Silver Dollar.”

Hoss disappeared around the corner, and was gone for another hour. Seeing him enter the saloon, his brothers knew it had gone well.

“I’m gonna stay an’ have supper with Miss Caroline an’ her parents tonight. I’ll get a room in town after an’ see you and Pa at church t’morrow.”

Before any questions could be asked, Hoss was gone. Adam and Joe shared smiles and prepared to head home. Neither could wait to tell their Pa why Hoss wouldn’t be home for dinner.

Based on Annie’s Song

My Dearest Katherine,

I was overjoyed to receive your letter. The intervening months have been long and filled with sadness and regret. I fully understand how the circumstances surrounding Eden’s death made it impossible for you to stay at that time. The thought of you even considering a return to Nevada fills my heart with hope.

After years of heartache and emptiness, you were a lovely spring flower, a refreshing gentle rain to my parched heart. My senses were awakened and filled as I became open to love once more. My deepest desire is that you will return, that we would share the love that blossomed between us, and let it grow into something even more beautiful. I offer you my heart and long to see your sweet smile and hear your laughter. Please come and let me love you for all our remaining days.

With all my love and eager anticipation for your reply,

Ben

There’s a bit from Annie’s Song.

My Dearest Hoss,

How I miss you while you’re out on the drive. As I sit here watching Little Eric playing, I can’t help but feel a love for him and you. I thought of our first date at the lake. I remembered how you would point out the little things like the sun reflecting off the lake and how the water quietly lapped on the shore. Just being in your arms was a wonderful feeling.

I took Eric to the mountains for a walk to show him the areas you have shown me and love so much. The birds sang their songs and then a light rain came down. Oh, how our son giggled at the rain as it hit him though I covered him as best as I could. I thought of when we got caught in the rain when we had gone for a walk and took shelter in a cave.

As I think back of the times we were together. I breathed you in. You are always on my mind as I watch our son. I can’t wait until you get home so I can hold you and let me drown in your laughter. Let us lie together and love each other.

Yours forever,
Annie

This story occurs post-series.

Adam guided Sport to the lakeside graves. He was returning home from Virginia City after submitting a big lumber contract and placing an order at the mercantile. When he’d finished both, he’d picked up the mail. There was a letter in the stack he needed to open, but hesitated. He knew he needed to read it before he got home, yet when he saw the return address he both dreaded and welcomed it. He hoped he’d feel better after reading it. Right now, he needed the peace of the lake to calm his racing heart. And he needed to be alone to read it.

He dismounted and looked at the envelope. He turned it over and over in his hands, not knowing if he should fear or be relieved it could change his life and that of his family forever. For several minutes he paced back and forth until he felt ridiculous.

Good grief, it’s just a letter! I’ve faced down outlaws, gunslingers and wild animals with less trepidation!

He slipped his pocket knife out. After taking a deep breath, he slit the envelope open and gently removed the letter and read it.

My Dearest Love,

I don’t know why I hesitated last year when you were here, but I enthusiastically accept your proposal. You are the only man for me. I want to spend the rest of our lives loving you and caring for our babies.

I know my hesitation hurt you and realized after you left that you probably thought I had second thoughts about our time together. Never! It was all me. I’m sorry that I reacted that way, and if you’ll allow me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.

You are the best man I know. I see your tenderness and strength of character inside that others overlook too easily. I know you’ve been hurt by women before, and you know my painful past. I had to be sure of my own feelings before I said yes.

It took me a while to realize that home isn’t here; it’s wherever you are. And just like Ruth in the Bible, I am ready to go wherever you go, and make your family and church mine. I’ve been ill, so couldn’t write sooner.

Although I don’t want to pressure you in any way, and normally I wouldn’t write this in a letter, I want you to know as soon as possible.

We have a beautiful daughter!

There, I’ve written it. It’s not as personal as I’d like, but since I haven’t heard from you in so long, I just couldn’t wait any longer. I hope you’ll agree it’s good news.

I hope you still want to marry me. I’ll be waiting for your answer. You can send me a letter or a telegram and I’ll get to Virginia City as soon as I can. Or, you are welcome here anytime.

All my love,
Annie

A second letter was behind the first. After reading it, Adam wiped away the silent tears that had tracked down his cheeks. He turned to the grave beside him and asked the question in his heart.

“Oh, Hoss, how do I make this right?”

After a few moments, a gentle, warm wind enveloped him in an embrace and dried his tears. In his heart, Hoss spoke the words that had healed Adam after his ordeal with Kane.

“Love will fix it, ’cause it lasts forever and endures all things. Give it time to work.”

Gathering himself, Adam mounted Sport and headed back to town to send a telegram.