Adam Cartwright walked slowly into the large Ponderosa house. Since his father’s death he and Joe were sharing it. Joe had plans for another house, though, for himself and his bride Sarah. If only Adam could find the time to help him build it!

But Adam was tiring more and more easily. Since his father’s passing he had been managing the large spread of land. It was not easy. Adam understood now how hard it must have been for his father to oversee the Ponderosa when he was in Europe. Adam almost regretted ever leaving the Ponderosa. Only one thing kept him from regretting it and that was Sophie. Sophie was his wife of five years. She had a wild temperament like Joe’s and a sweet voice that matched his own. She could be cool and calm or high strung and spirited. And as she came slowly towards him in the black dress she had worn to the funeral Adam sensed that she was cool and calm.

“Adam?” she asked, softly. The look in his eyes told her that he was tired, very tired. He smiled at her with his lips, not his eyes, and took her in his arms.

“There is something wrong.” She drew back from him. After five years of married life she could sense when he was upset. Adam was a living memorial of his father. She could read Ben like a book, too. Adam’s face was becoming softer with age and more mature, just like his father. He no longer had wanderlust in him and he was content to remain at home with his wife and daughters. Now if the two of them could only grab some much needed intimate time!

He sighed and placed his hands gently on her hips. “I have to leave the Ponderosa tomorrow.”

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Carson City.” He answered. “I forgot that Pa promised a herd of cattle to a man over there. I have to go with the round up tomorrow.”

After five years of married life Sophie knew better than to complain. “Tomorrow?” she asked. “How long will you be gone?” this in a quieter tone of voice as she lowered her head.

“At least three days.” He answered. “Why?”

“I was afraid of that.” She plucked at the lace hem of her sleeve.

“Why?” he repeated.

“Our anniversary is tomorrow.” She answered. “Have you forgotten about it?”

To tell the absolute truth he had. He was so tired, so overworked. His lips assured her that he had not but his eyes betrayed him. She knew better than to get angry at him, though. He had so much on his mind, so much to do since Ben had died.

“How about if we have a celebration tonight?” he asked her, trying to pacify the temper that he was sure was about to flare any moment.

“Do you have a suggestion?” she asked.

Adam’s tired body ached but he laughed. “We could send the kids to bed early, dim the lights, and play a game.”

“What kind of game?” she asked suspiciously.

“Adam smiled and ran his hand down her back. “Grown up games.” He answered.

“Oh, no you don’t.” she pulled away from him. “How about a nice dinner tonight that I don’t have to cook?”

“Why doesn’t Sarah cook?” Adam asked.

“She did.” Sophie answered.

“So let’s eat what she made.”

“Adam, I am not eating pork chops, baked beans and johnny cake for my anniversary.” She answered.

“How about a nice filet mignon and a baked potato?” he asked her.

“Are you cooking?”

“On our anniversary?” he laughed. “Don’t be silly. Get your wrap, love. We’re going to Virginia City for dinner tonight.”

“But it will be so late when we get home.” She protested slightly.

“So we’ll get a hotel room.” Adam answered reaching up to the rack where he hung his hat. His wife’s wrap was nearby. He gently hung it over her shoulders then took her arm. “I demand payment for this, you know.” He perked up.

She looked him over and laughed. “I don’t doubt it.”