Summary: Love is in the air for one of the Cartwrights. While this older story wasn’t written for Valentine’s Day, I felt it was a good choice to post today. Enjoy!

Rating: G, Word Count: 3618

Sweet Caroline

Late December

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 his hands and mail back into the oversized 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 gentlest 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 elbowed him in the ribs while studying Hoss’ face. “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 afterward 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.

After dinner that evening, Caroline’s parents remained in the kitchen while Caroline led Hoss through to the parlor.  

“Thank you for coming back tonight, Hoss. Mama and Papa were quite excited to meet you.”

“It was my pleasure Miss Caroline. Your Pa’s got a nice place here. Lots of room for cattle and growing food. Um, are you happy to be back in Virginia City?”

When Caroline smiled, Hoss’ heart skipped a beat.  She had the purtiest smile, in Hoss’ humble opinion. “Yes, Hoss. Papa learned a lot about ranching in Montana but it’s been good to be back around folks we know.  Montana’s very pretty but it’s so far to any town from the ranch where Papa worked.” 

Silence fell between the couple for a moment until Hoss spoke up. “Miss Caroline, I jest wanted to say that I thought your letter was very sweet. I didn’t mind in the least that you wrote, in fact I’m mighty glad ya did. Winter’s a hard time on the Ponderosa as we can get some big snows that can keep us there for weeks at a time. I was tryin’ to find a way to see you today when I got your letter.”  Hoss paused as he felt his face redden a bit after talking so much. “I reckon we must’ve been thinkin’ the same thing.”  A smile crept across his face as he looked at Caroline’s deep blue eyes.  

Caroline smiled that sweet smile again. “I reckon so.” 

“Well, who would like some apple pie and coffee?”  Mrs. Sweet entered the room carrying a tray and set it on a side table by the sofa. After another hour Hoss thanked his hosts and bid goodnight to Caroline promising to meet her at church the next day. He mounted the horse he’d rented and rode quickly back to town, but only with desire to get out of the icy wind. If it had been warmer he would have ridden more slowly so he could think all about the wonderful evening he’d just had.

The next morning, Hoss walked to the church, having returned the horse to the livery the night before. The morning was clear and crisp, and thankfully, the wind had stopped.  Hoss grinned upon spotting his family. Judging the way his Pa smiled at him he knew his brothers had told him about the letter. Hoss didn’t mind one bit. 

“Mornin’ Pa.”  

“Morning, son.”  

Hoss found it difficult to ignore his family’s askance expressions but he wasn’t prepared to discuss the evening just yet. “Miss Caroline an’ her parents should be arrivin’ any time now.” 

Taking Hoss’ cue, Ben headed toward the church just as the Sweets rode up. Hoss walked over to greet the family and waited to walk in with them, just behind his own family.

After the service, Hoss asked Caroline’s father for permission to take Caroline for a short ride. After receiving the go-ahead, the couple strolled over to the livery where Hoss rented a buggy. Ben, Adam, and Joe followed John and Abigail Sweet to their home for a visit. 

As the couple rode along, Hoss and Caroline chatted about the landscape, the weather and their families. On the way back to town Hoss noted the dark clouds building over the western mountains. His heart sank but those clouds couldn’t completely dampen his mood. The more he and Caroline talked the more both began to realize they belonged together. 

Entering the drive to her house, Hoss stopped the buggy under a cluster of trees and turned to Caroline. Seeing her deep blue eyes smiling at him, he hated what he had to say. Dadburn those ornery clouds!

“Miss Caroline, I had a wonderful time last night and today. I hope you did too.”

“I did Hoss, but something seems to be troubling you. What is it?”

“Well, it’s the weather.  You see, I want to see you again, real soon, but them clouds over the mountains yonder mean snow’s comin’.  If it’s a big storm I may not be back to town for a month or maybe longer.  I don’t really like that idea, ‘cause I’m gonna miss seein’ you somethin’ fierce.”

Hoss held her hands as he studied her face for her reaction.  Caroline dropped her gaze to look at Hoss’ hands over hers. His hands were so big compared to her small, delicate hands yet his were so gentle, so careful not to hurt, just like she knew Hoss was being right now with his words. She returned her gaze to his face and those pale blue eyes. She couldn’t help but smile which made his eyes brighten as well. 

“Hoss, we can’t control the weather, much as I wish we could. I’ll be here whenever you get to town. You know that don’t you?”

A grin broke out on Hoss’ face and his large, gentle hands moved up to cup her face. “No amount of snow can keep me away for long, my sweet Caroline.”  

Suddenly, Caroline giggled and Hoss followed as they both realized how he’d changed her name around.  Catching her breath, Caroline reached up to touch Hoss’ cheek. “And you’re my sweet Hoss.”  She reached up to her hair and removed a lavender ribbon and placed it in Hoss’ hand. “Keep this until we can see each other again.”

Hoss fingered the soft ribbon. “Thank you. I’ll keep it safe ‘til I see you again. Wait here.”

He left the buggy and reached up to cut a pine sprig from a branch above him. Returning to Caroline’s side, he handed it to her. “This is like the pines that grow all around the Ponderosa. Will ya keep this until I return?”

Caroline accepted the small branch. “I’ll keep this in my journal, and I’ll come out here to this tree whenever I get to missing you.”

Her blue eyes shone with tears drawing Hoss in to place a kiss on her rosy lips, then he drew her to him for a moment longer before driving the rest of the way to the house. 

On the doorstep he explained to her parents about the snows on the Ponderosa, letting them know he’d like to see more of Caroline but that it could be a couple of months before he could return to town. After that, he kissed Caroline on her cheek then left, following his family back to town. He wouldn’t allow himself to look back, knowing what it would do to his heart. She stood in the cold air until he disappeared around a bend in the drive, then entered her home and closed the door. Though sad, Caroline knew in her heart she would see her sweet Hoss again. Smiling, she joined her parents by the fire in the living room and shared with them all she had learned about Hoss. 

Two months later – the end of February

The Cartwright family was enjoying lunch and talking over plans for Spring when a knock sounded at the front door. Each man glanced at the others, then three pairs of eyes landed on Joe who surreptitiously avoided the gazes by concentrating hard on his sandwich. 

“Oh never mind. I’ll answer it.”  Adam placed his napkin on the table and headed for the door.

“Hello Hank. What brings you out here in all this snow? Are the passes clear?”  Adam invited their former ranch hand into the dining room. 

After greeting him, Ben invited him to stay for lunch. Hank willingly accepted as he dropped his saddle bags to the floor by his chair. 

“I can’t stay long, Ben, as Abigail was none too happy with me making this trip.  But I can’t rightly turn down an invitation for a meal, now can I?”

Everyone laughed and it was Hoss who asked about the bags while Hank waited for Hop Sing to bring him a plate and coffee. 

“Well, that’s why I’m here, actually. I stopped by to get my mail and Mike asked if I could get your mail to you since the snows were meltin’ and he thought I was still workin’ for you. I’d heard the main road was still blocked but I knew a route I could take so I agreed to bring your mail out here.”  Hank emptied one bag onto the table. Ben took everything and sifted through it as Hank reached for the other saddle bag. “Abigail also made me bring some things she thought Hop Sing could use, including some of her prize jellies. I hope you don’t mind, Ben.”

“Mind?  Hank, you know we all enjoy Abigail’s jellies and jams, and I’m sure Hop Sing will be pleased to have the supplies she sent.  Do thank her for us.”

“Hoss and I just checked the trails to town yesterday. We figured we’d try to get in next week for supplies.”

“Well actually Adam, if you can’t wait, you could take a couple of pack horses across the southern meadow. That’s the way I came and it was easy for a horse but not for a wagon.”

“Thanks for the suggestion. We’ll check it out.”

After eating his sandwich, Hank left and Ben passed out the mail. Hoss received a couple of his supply catalogs and two letters. Everyone figured they were from Caroline, so they weren’t surprised when Hoss excused himself and headed to the barn. 

Wanting to discuss the trip to town, Adam and Joe wondered what was taking Hoss so long in the barn. They found him sitting on a hay bale staring at the letters. 

Adam and Joe exchanged worried looks and pulled up some crates to sit on either side of their brother. 

Adam scratched his neck as he broke the deepening silence. “Uh, is there trouble with Caroline?”

“Nah, she’s fine. She mentioned that there’s a Spring dance planned as soon as all the snow melts.” Hoss brightened at that which made the brothers collectively sigh in relief. 

Joe nudged Hoss. “So what’s the problem?”

Hoss scrunched up his nose as he held out the second letter. Joe yanked it away first, read it and then passed it to Adam. 

“Annie Miller is asking you to the dance? Hoss, have you ever been out with her?”

“Nah, I ain’t but I did dance with her a couple of times at the Harvest Dance.” He quickly added, “That was at the beginning, before I met Caroline.”  

Hoss began pacing. “Oh Lordy, what am I gonna do? Caroline’s the one I want to be with. I mean Annie’s nice an’ all but she’s a city gal. She’d never like it out here on the Ponderosa, said so herself.” 

“Well, there’s your answer. Just tell her you have another date for the dance.”

“Ah Adam, I cain’t break her heart like that.”

“Hoss, you’re not breaking her heart,” it was Joe’s turn to scratch his neck, “well, maybe just a little but at least it’s the truth.” 

Hoss started to speak but then Joe snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. We get to town and you let me deliver a note from you to Annie. You tell her simply that you already have a date for the dance, then I’ll offer to take her.”

“Joe….”

“No really, I don’t mind. She’s really nice but truly Adam, she’s not Hoss’ type. So what do you say big brother?”

Adam pursed his lips as he watched Hoss’ face. Joe’s eyebrows climbed higher after each successive minute. Finally, Hoss spoke. “Okay, but you promise you won’t do nothin’ to make Annie sad.”

Joe crossed his chest. “Cross my heart, brother.”

The next day the brothers arrived in town with two pack horses so they could bring home a couple weeks’ worth of supplies. They learned that the Spring dance had been scheduled for the end of March which gave them a month to get ready. 

After loading up the supplies, Hoss made a beeline for Caroline’s house. Seconds after he left, Annie entered the store, rather disappointed to find only two Cartwrights and neither one the one she sought. Joe stepped up and spoke to her.

“Mornin’ Miss Annie. How are you on this fine day?”

“Hello, Joe. I’m quite fine, thank you. Have you seen Hoss? I sent him a letter and was hoping to speak to him about it.”

“Actually, Annie, Hoss got your letter and he asked me to give you this.”  Joe slipped the envelope from his pocket. 

Annie took it outside and read it. Joe could tell she was distraught. He approached her. “Oh Joe. I’m so embarrassed. I should have known. Hoss never danced with me again after he found Caroline Sweet. I guess we just weren’t meant to be. Excuse me, I have to get home.”

“Annie, wait. I’m sorry it didn’t work out the way you wanted it to, but if you’re willing, I’d really like to escort you to the dance.”

Annie studied Joe’s face and saw nothing but honesty there. “You’re not just feeling sorry for me are you Joe?  I couldn’t abide by that.”  

“Oh no Annie. I really do want to take you. I feel like we have more in common than you and Hoss would have. I’ll tell you what, how about you and I go for a ride after church on Sunday. We can get to know each other better, then you can decide if you still want to go to the dance with me.”

Annie smiled and accepted Joe’s offer, then headed home to tell her Ma. Adam sauntered up behind Joe. “I seem to always underestimate your ways with women, little brother.” He smirked, then headed to the saloon as he saw Hoss heading in the same direction. Joe followed, eager to tell Hoss about Annie. 

March

The snows melted pretty quickly by the time March rolled in but the passes took a bit longer due to avalanche concerns. By mid month, the road to town was clear and well traveled by two Cartwrights. Joe and Hoss were eager to get to town to see their girls but had to work in visits around Spring roundup and branding. 

By the time of the Spring dance, all four Cartwrights were ready for some fun. The dance was just beginning when the men, dressed in their finest suits, arrived. Ben and Adam chose to attend without ladies on their arms. Adam had heard some new families had moved to the area and was hoping to meet a new girl at the dance. Hoss and Joe waited outside the town hall for their dates to arrive. 

Annie was the first to arrive and was greeted with a kiss on the hand by Joe as he helped her from the buggy. Joe assisted Mrs. Miller as well, who reminded the young couple of the curfew, then disappeared inside. Joe winked at Hoss as he passed, then turned to chat with Annie as they climbed the stairs.

Hoss waited nervously for Caroline to arrive. As the strains of the first song drifted outside Hoss frowned. He looked up and down the street and finally spied the surrey in the distance. Moving toward the street, he met the ladies as they exited the surry. Mr. Sweet drove off to park the rig. When he returned, the foursome entered the hall. Mrs. Sweet immediately hinted to her husband that she wished to dance. Taking Caroline’s hand in his Hoss guided her to a quiet corner. 

The couple stared at each other with moonstruck eyes until Hoss cleared his throat and spoke, “Caroline, I have somethin’ special to say to ya. Although we haven’t had much time ta see each other ‘cause of the snows, I feel I want ta spend all my time with you. You an’ I find so many things to talk about an’ I, well, I just cain’t get ya outta my head…or my heart. What I’m tryin’ ta say is, would you consent to let me court you?”

Caroline didn’t hesitate one second. With misty eyes, she nodded vigorously and stood on her tiptoes to give Hoss a big kiss and a hug. At that moment, Adam nudged his father, who, after following his son’s gaze, tilted his chin for Joe to turn and look. The three men sported grins as big as Hoss’, who looked right at them after Caroline kissed him. The next song was a waltz during which all four Cartwrights had found a special lady to dance with. After the waltz, Joe and Annie realized they were becoming good friends with Joe hopeful it might become more serious by the end of summer. Ben had made the acquaintance of several ladies but none had filled that hole in his heart. Adam was last seen with a lovely young woman on his arm, leading her to the gardens. No one saw him again until it was time to leave for home. 

Throughout the dance Hoss spent time with his family and Caroline’s parents to share the couple’s exciting news, then shared many dances with Caroline.  Suggestions of a summer wedding were made but the couple chose to wait until Fall, closer to the time they had first met. That evening began a new life for Hoss, a life always filled with his sweet Caroline. 

The End

——

Author’s Note: Written for a challenge on another site: to use a Song Title for the story theme. I chose Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. 

Sweet Caroline

Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing

But then I know it’s growing strong

Was in the spring

Then spring became the summer

Who’d have believed you’d come along

Hands, touching hands

Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I’d be inclined

To believe they never would

But now I…

Look at the night and it don’t seem so lonely

We filled it up with only two

And when I hurt

Hurting runs off my shoulders

How can I hurt when I’m holding you

One, touching one

Reaching out,…