“You promised you would give me a chance.” Joe Cartwright faced his brother Adam angrily, his hands resting defiantly on his hips.

Adam swallowed hard before replying. He had to think about what he was going to say before he said anything that he would regret. “I gave you your chance.” He finally answered. “But you paid me no heed.”

The two brothers glared at each other. Adam knew that there would be a conflict when he brought Candy back to the ranch. His conscience had told him that it was a bad idea but he had no choice. How many times had he given Little Joe a chance? And how many times had Joe repented only to break his resolution within a matter of days? Adam shook his head. He had run out of patience. That was why he had taken his wife’s advice and hired Candy. Candy Canaday knew Little Joe almost better that Adam. Candy was the one there when Joe’s first wife Alice died. Candy had been there to help Joe transition back into life as a bachelor. Candy had been there when Hoss died. Candy had been there to help Joe and Pa prepare the memorial services for Hoss and Alice. Yes, Joe liked Candy. Adam hoped his entrance back into life on the Ponderosa would heal some of the breach between the remaining Cartwright brothers. They were capable of so many things together. Oh, if only Hoss had not passed away, Adam thought watching Joe sadly as the latter stormed out of the room. He was the healing glue that kept the family together. With a him gone Hoe and Adam were like a cannon that had been ignited and was about to explode. Their only hope was that Candy could extinguish the cannon before it exploded and caused pain that could never be healed.

 

Adam,” Sophie Cartwright leant over her husband that night and gently whispered in his ear, “what’s wrong?”

Adam rolled over in the bed so that he faced his wife. “Joe and I had another fight today.” He answered. “I just don’t know what to do with him.”

Sophie leant back on the pillow and sighed. Adam, though stalwart and noble to a fault, had his hands full with his younger brother. “I thought Joe would be happy that Candy had come back.” She murmured.

“Joe thinks I betrayed him.” Adam replied.

“Well, what do you do now?” Sophie asked. “You and Joe are capable of such great possibilities together.”

“I know.” Adam nodded. “I know.”

Sophie shook her head and laid her hand on her husband’s arm. “Give him time, Adam. Perhaps he will come to understand how important it is that Candy be here. The ranch is very big. You and Joe share equal ownership in it. But you have no foreman. With Candy here you can spend more time with your family.”

Adam shook his head. “I still have to go on the roundup with the men.” He replied. Then he stopped and looked at his wife. “Do you think that I do not spend enough time with my family?” he asked.

Sophie smiled in the dark of the room. “Let’s just say you could spend more time with the girls. Faith told me last night that she had a dream that you stayed home one Saturday and played with her.”

Adam shook his head. “Running a ranch is not easy work.” He answered.

“But Candy is here now. He can take over some of the work.” Sophie replied.

Adam smiled.

“Adam, promise me something.”

“Anything you want, love.”

“Promise me that you will spend at least one day with your family. One day a month.”

Adam smiled and took his wife’s hand. “Anything you want, Sophie. Come here, darling.”

 

“Mrs. Cartwright, these are the best biscuits I ever tasted.” Candy smiled at Sarah Cartwright.

Sarah laughed. “It’s Sophie’s recipe.” She answered. “She just has not been feeling well lately so I promised to make the biscuits for dinner.”

“Did you say Sophie was not feeling well?” Adam asked entering the kitchen a look of consternation on his face.

“She has been sick for at least three days.” Sarah answered. “Haven’t you noticed, Adam?”

Adam shook his head, hating himself for not paying attention to his wife. Ever since they had their talk three weeks ago he had been busy reacclimating Candy to the Ponderosa. Candy had taken over a lions share of the work and even Joe was doing more than he ever did. Adam was surprised. But Joe told him that since Sarah was no longer experiencing sickness with her pregnancy he felt more comfortable leaving her. “Until she gets closer to her due date.” Adam had moaned to Sophie. “Then he’ll be with her all the time.”

Sophie had laughed. “Just like you have been, love.” She reminded him.

Had she been sick lately, Adam wondered. She was always so sparkling and full of life. Sarah must be mistaken. Still Adam decided that he had better check on his wife.

He took the steps up to their room three at a time. “Sophie,” he knocked gently before entering.

She was standing in front of the mirror, looking radiant in a dress of green. “Come in, Adam.” She smiled.

“Are you all right?” Adam asked concerned. “Sarah told me you have been sick.”

Sophie smiled. “It’s nothing I don’t know how to take care of.” She answered walking to her husbands side and taking his hand. “How are you?”

“Good.” He answered. “I thought that I would make this Saturday that one day a month I promised to spend with my family. What do you say, Sophie, how about taking the family down to the river for a picnic?”

“Adam, that’s a wonderful idea.” She smiled. “I’m so glad you decided to do this.”

Adam leant his face closer to her and kissed his wife. “I always try to take you advise.” He laughed.

She smiled. “Adam, when we are on the picnic I have to tell the girls some joyful news.”

“What kind of news?” he asked.

“Why I’ve been so sick.” Sophie replied.

“Tell me why.” Adam slipped his arm down his wife’s back.

“Faith and Victoria are going to have a little brother or a little sister by next year.” Sophie answered.

“You…you’re pregnant.” Adam asked and she nodded happily. “Darling, that’s wonderful!” Adam swept her up in his arms and twirled her around the room. “It’s a wonderful day!” he sang.

Sophie smiled. It was indeed a wonderful day. For once the family was working together. She hoped this moment could last forever.