Summary:  During his last year at college, Adam falls in love with the sister of a classmate and friend.  Can he convince her that she would make him a “good wife”?

rating: T/PG13     word count: 5049

 

Adam’s Lady

A Romance in Ten Glimpses 

by DJK

 

 ONE  

“Are you hurt?”  Adam’s voice contained more politeness than concern. 

 

“No.” Her response was curt; her attention focused on brushing the dirt from her skirt. 

 

“You said that you had ridden before.” 

 

“I have.”  She stopped brushing and managed to look up at him and down her nose simultaneously.   Adam’s eyebrow traveled upward.  “Well, I have.  It was that dang fool horse.” 

 

“Dang fool?” 

 

She blew out an exasperated stream of air that raised the bangs from her forehead.  “Dang is not swearing; Allen has told our mother that dozens of times since he learned the word from you, and a horse can be a fool.  That one certainly is.” 

 

“I would say that claiming a skill you do not have is foolish.” 

 

Her chin rose.  “Are you calling me a liar?” 

 

“I would never be so ungentlemanly or so bold.  My pa taught me better manners.  He also taught me the proper side from which to mount a horse.” 

 

“Oh.”  She gave a small shrug.  “The other times a groom assisted me.” 

 

“I would have gladly assisted you.  I would gladly assist you.”  He smiled then.  “Why ever did you try mounting yourself?” 

 

She chewed the corner of her lip.  “You told Allen you preferred independent girls.  I’m sure your hometown is just full of independent Western girls who can spring onto the back of a horse with grace and gallop off to…to… to do whatever.” 

 

Adam shook his head.  “Not exactly.  Actually, my, umm, hometown isn’t full of girls, independent or otherwise.” 

 

“It’s not?” 

 

“No.” 

 

“Good.”  She looked up at him through her demurely lowered lashes and watched his dimples appear. 

 

“It matters to you which girls I prefer?”   

 

“If it did, I would hardly admit it; that would be highly unladylike.  My mother taught me better than that.” 

 

“And she didn’t teach you that eavesdropping was unladylike?” 

 

“Eavesdropping?”  She managed to sound affronted. 

 

“You had to be eavesdropping to hear which girls I prefer.” 

 

She chewed her lip again before she answered.  “It would be unladylike if I eavesdropped on you; I was eavesdropping on Allen which makes it simply sisterly.” 

 

“Sisterly?” 

 

“Extremely.  I suppose your little brothers have never eavesdropped on you?”  Her sarcasm was clear.  

 

“Not without retribution.” 

 

“Retribution.”  She wrinkled her nose as if the word carried a foul odor.  Then the corners of her lips turned upward.  “Big brothers may use retribution on little brothers, but big brothers like Allen spoil their little sisters.” 

 

“I’ve noticed.”  He allowed a gleam to creep into his eyes.  “In the West, a good friend sometimes steps in and does what is needed.  Perhaps, I should…”  He took a step that obliterated the distance between them. 

 

She tilted her head and gazed into his eyes.  “You’re not my brother.”  He was close enough for the scent of her breath to reach his nostrils. 

 

“No, I’m not.”  His hands slipped around her waist.  “For which I am profoundly grateful.”  He kissed her slowly.  I owe that dang fool horse! 

 

 

 TWO  

“Adam.”  He turned and saw her, backlit by the light from the window.  She walked over to him.  “Please don’t let Albert’s remarks spoil the party.”  She wrinkled her nose as the corners of her lips turned downward.  “He thinks anyone whose family hasn’t lived in Boston since, well, since Boston was in the wilderness, is little more than…, well, definitely less than he and his ilk.”  Her hand waved dismissively.  “His opinion doesn’t really matter, at least not to me and my ilk.”  She smiled then, and though the night was dark, and the light very dim, he knew that her eyes sparkled.  

 

“It doesn’t to me either; I assure you.  If his veiled insults bothered me, I would have invited him to join me outside and learn how we deal with rude popinjays back in my wilderness.”  He leaned against the low wall that surrounded the garden.   

 

“Then why did you come out here?” 

 

“Even the most patient man will eventually start swatting at the flies that annoy him.  My pa taught me better manners even out in the wilderness.” 

 

She bit the corner of her lip.  “Ah, yes.”  She sighed heavily.  “I wish your pa had taught you less manners sometimes.”   She leaned closer.  “Allen punched Albert in the nose at my eighth birthday party; I told him it was the best present I got that year.”  She sighed again.  “I was very sorry that Papa did not see it in the same light as I.” 

 

“I imagine Allen felt the same.”  Adam’s dimples appeared but disappeared as quickly.  “Albert is ignorant; he knows nothing about the wilderness.  He’s never seen a mountain peak at sunset or a lake so clear and still that it reflects the sky and the trees perfectly.  He’s never smelled the perfume of a pine forest or listened to the songs of a dozen different birds blend into a chorus.  He’s never ridden for days without seeing a single structure made by men’s hands.” 

 

Her hand settled on his arm.  “You miss it, your beautiful wilderness.” 

 

“Yes.” 

 

“But…but isn’t…at times, isn’t it lonely in that wilderness.”  Her voice had softened until it barely reached his ears.  He reached out and encircled her with his arms. 

 

“Would you feel lonely with my arms around you?”  She shook her head and placed her arms around his neck.  He lowered his lips to hers, and she accepted them, pressing her body to his.  When he released her, she looked into his eyes and then turned away taking a step back toward the French doors of the house. 

 

“Could I live in your arms every hour of every day?” 

 

“It would be heaven if you did.” 

 

“Heaven’s not for mortals.”  She turned back to face him.  “I’m no angel, Adam.  Allen can tell you that I never could be.” 

 

“I wouldn’t want to marry an angel.”  He smiled then.  “I’ve far too much of the devil in me.  My pa would tell you that.” 

 

 

THREE  

Adam closed the French doors against the rain and turned toward the girl who had preceded him into the room.  “We just made it!” 

 

She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself.  “It’s chilly in here.” 

 

He smiled and reached for her.  “I have an idea for warming up.” 

 

She danced out of his reach.  “Papa could walk in any moment; we’ll have to settle for a fire.   I’ll ring…” 

 

“No need.”  He strode across the room.  “There should be wood in the box.  I’ll start it.” 

 

“But the …” 

 

“Don’t be silly; starting a fire is hardly back-breaking labor.”  When the flames caught and began to spread, he straightened and turned to see her studying him.  “There, the chill will be gone soon.”  He crossed the room, and when he reached her, he found that the chill departing the room had settled in her eyes.  “What?” 

 

She took a step back from him.  “Is that the way you really see me?  As silly and useless?” 

 

Adam’s eyes widened.  “No, no, I didn’t mean…I never…” 

 

“Not useless maybe, but, umm, ornamental, yes, that’s it, purely ornamental.”  She took another step back and started to turn away. 

 

He caught her by the waist and drew her back into his arms.  Placing his lips next to her ear, he spoke softly.  “Beautifully ornamental, I’ll have to admit, but purely ornamental, never.”  She did not relax into him.  “What’s gotten into that head of yours?” 

 

“I’ve never started a fire.” 

 

“So?” 

 

“There’s a great many things I’ve never done, that I don’t know how to do.” 

 

He saw the true concern in her eyes.  “Anything you need to know you’re quite capable of learning.” 

 

She chewed the corner of her lip.  “I don’t mind ringing for a servant, in fact, well, in fact, I’m glad I can.” 

 

“I have nothing against servants.”  He watched her eyes drop and her teeth sink into her lower lip.  “I don’t come from a family of paupers; I shan’t be one.”   An edge had entered his voice. 

 

She pulled free.  “I’d love you if you were.  It’s not that.  I like being rich, but I really think…I believe I could be poor and still be happy.  I just…” 

 

“Just what?” 

 

“I don’t know…I don’t know if…” 

 

“If what?” 

 

“If I could be a…”  She turned her back to him and walked to stand before the fire. 

 

“What is it you think you couldn’t be?”  He had learned that tone of command from his father. 

 

“A good enough wife for you.”  Her voice had faded with each word.  He had not yet actually spoken directly of making her his wife. 

 

The tone of his voice warmed her more than the fire.  “Wouldn’t I be the best judge of that?”  His arms were around her in seconds.  “I know you are the wife I want, so if you think I can be a good enough husband for you, say that you’ll marry me.” 

 

“I do, oh, I do, and I will.” 

 

 

FOUR 

She bit down on her lower lip and then gazed up at him. Dropping her eyes, she let the paper in her hand fall to her lap.   It was not the reaction he had expected and certainly not the one he had desired. 

 

“You don’t…” 

 

“It’s beautiful, simply beautiful.”  Her words sounded sincere, but her lower lip was again caught by her teeth, and her eyes remained fixed on her lap. 

 

“Not half as beautiful as the one for whom it was written.” 

 

“Don’t.”  Her voice was low but vehement, and she rose and turned away from him. 

 

He caught her arms, turning her to face him.  “Whatever is wrong?  I thought to please you…I thought you…I thought you felt the same way I do.” 

 

“I love you, Adam; you know I do.”  

 

“Then what is wrong?” 

 

She pulled back, and he allowed her to slip from his grasp.  Raising the paper in her hand, she brought her gaze to his.  “Are these just pretty words, or do you really, really mean them?” 

 

“Of course I mean them.” 

 

Her lips moved reciting what she had memorized with one reading, “All I need is the air that I breathe and to love you.” *  The paper dropped from her fingers.  “I can’t…I can’t be that.” 

 

“Can’t be what?” 

 

“That.”  Her finger pointed to the paper at their feet.  “I can’t be what that demands of me, Adam, maybe some girl could, maybe no one, I don’t know.  I just know I can’t.” She trembled like the aspen leaves in the wind, and the tears slid down her cheeks. 

 

He reached out and wrapped his arms around her.  “All I want you to be is my wife, my little love, now and for eternity.” 

 

“I want to be your wife, truly I do, I just…” She buried her head in his chest, and the rest of her words were lost. 

 

His hands rubbed her back.  “No, I shall not have you going back to that nonsense of not being a good enough wife for me.  I thought we’d settled that.  I love you; I want you; I’ll have no other.” 

 

She was still trembling.  He lowered himself to the settee and pulled her into his lap. She burrowed into him and sobbed.  He let her weep as he patted her back, petted her hair, and hummed softly into her ear.  When she stilled, he whispered, “What makes you so afraid?” 

 

He barely heard her answer.  “I’m a realist.” 

 

His brow furrowed.  “As am I.” 

 

She shook her head.  “No, no, you’re not, you’re… you wrote that to the woman you love, and I… I’m afraid that I, the real me, that I’m not her.  That you love someone you think I am, someone you created, someone I can’t be.  One day your eyes will open, and…”  Her voice broke. 

 

Adam shook his head.  “I love you, you, not some dream girl.”  He set her on the settee and retrieved his poem.  “If these words make you think that…”  His fingers shredded the paper before he walked to the fireplace and tossed the pieces into the flames.  “There, they’re gone.  They will trouble us no more.” He returned to her and drew her up into his arms.  “Do you hear me?  They will trouble us no more.” 

“Yes, Adam.”  She smiled at him but then bit her lower lip and looked into the flames. 

 

 

FIVE  

“It’s called hearts a-bursting.”  Adam’s voice came softly over her shoulder.  She turned and looked up into his eyes.  She was startled by the shadows she saw there. 

 

“Hearts a-bursting…I can see why.  Still, it’s rather a mournful name.” She bit her lower lip and tilted her head toward his shoulder.  “Maybe…maybe the hearts are bursting with joy.  Yes, bursting with joy.” 

 

“Perhaps.” 

 

“Adam?” 

 

His arm slipped around her waist, and he smiled down at her.  “Not perhaps.  Definitely.  All hearts here may only burst with joy.”  He kissed her.  She would have said that she could taste his sorrow on his lips. 

 

Her hands settled on his shoulders.  “Tell me.” 

 

His lips turned up, but his dimples did not appear.  “Tell you that I love you?  I do; I love you with all my heart.” 

 

Her own lips formed a pout.  “I’ll not be dissuaded.  If I’m to be your wife, I need to know what brings the shadows to your eyes.  If I’m to share myself with you, you must share yourself with me.”  She studied his face.  “It’s only fair, Adam.”  It was an admonition, but her admonitions always held a teasing tone. 

 

His arms released her, and he turned to stare down at the flowering bush.  “When my mama died…my mama Inger…”  His voice had faded away, and his hand came to rub the bridge of his nose. 

 

“She died on the way west?” 

 

“Yes.  I suppose Allen told you that much.” 

 

“He said she was killed by Indians.  He said that you were very young.” 

 

“Barely seven.  We buried her and then had to move on.” 

 

“And?” 

 

“There were very few flowers to gather.  Mostly… mostly they were hearts-a-bursting.” 

 

 “Oh.”  Her arms came around him from behind as her head settled against his back.  “You loved her very much.”  She knew him well enough that it was a declaration not a question. 

 

“She was the first woman I remember loving.”  He took her hands and drew her arms more tightly around him.  “She loved me.  Pa says my mother loved me.  My mind believes that she did, I suppose, but, well, my heart knows that Inger loved me.”  She felt him tremble and strained to hear the faint words that followed.  “Even when her own son was born…she loved him even before he was born, but she loved me first, and even when Hoss was in her arms Mama never loved me any less.” 

 

She stood with her arms around him pressing her warmth into his body.  After a few minutes, she spoke softly.  “I’ll never love you any less.  Never less, only more.  Every day from now on, I’ll love you only more.” 

 

He turned then without losing contact and kissed her yet again.  “Never more than I love you.”  A sound in the trees drew them apart, and Adam led her to their horses swinging her into the saddle.   

 

“Adam.” 

 

“Yes, love?” 

 

“Someday we’ll go together and put more hearts-a-bursting on her grave.” 

 

 

SIX  

“You’ve written your father?” 

 

“Weeks ago, but it will still be weeks before we can expect to receive the family’s congratulations and felicitations.” 

 

“Are you sure they will be sending congratulations and not advice to think again?” 

 

“I am sure!”  Adam sighed.  “Pa and the boys want me to be happy, contented, and loved.  I told them that you make me happy, that only marrying you can make me contented, and that you love me.  You do love me, don’t you?”  His voice had become teasing with his last query, and his dimples slipped onto his face as his arms encircled her waist.   

 

“You know I do.”  This time she was the one who sighed.  “Do you think they will like me?” 

 

“Yes.”  He said it simply; to him it was indisputable. 

 

“But I… I’m not…”  The rest of her words were lost in a spat of coughing. 

 

Adam rolled his eyes.  “Always not.  You are what I want.  It is as simple as that.  I shall tolerate no more of your I am nots.” 

 

“Oh, you will not tolerate…. you said tolerate?” 

 

“Tolerate.  After all, the marriage vows say love, honor, and obey.”  His teasing voice emphasized obey.   

 

Another cough took her eyes from his face and moved his hands from her waist to pat her back. She took a step away from him.  When her coughing stopped, she cocked her head and frowned at him.  “Do you really expect my obedience?” 

 

He tugged his left ear with his right hand.  “Only at times, in certain instances.”  He gave her a devilish grin.  “I shall be a benevolent master.” 

 

“And if I shall have no master?” 

 

“Then I shall be your adoring, henpecked husband who expects you to obey only when my experience, expertise, and concern for your welfare require it.” 

 

She shook her head and laughed.  The laughing ended in another spat of coughing.  “Mother says that a shrewd woman need not worry about the vow of obedience, that a man who loves you can be, um, handled.  I shall know all her secrets before I sign the marriage certificate.” 

 

His right eyebrow raised. “Is that so?”  She nodded. “Well, actually, I can envision a number of ways that I shall enjoy being handled by my wife.”  The look in his eyes had the blood rising into her cheeks. 

 

“Would you be such a naughty boy if your father was not across the continent?” 

 

“Not if I thought you might actually tell him what I said, but Allen assures me you have never been one for carrying tales.” 

 

“Oh, I seldom carried tales.  Dear brother Allen was always amiable to blackmail.” 

 

“Is that so?”  Before she could answer, the coughing returned.  Adam turned serious.  “Have you seen the doctor?” 

 

“He is coming in the morning.”  She recognized the concern in his eyes.  “It’s just a cough, Adam, not even that deep a cough.  The doctor will give me something for it.  I’ll be fine for the party Saturday.” 

 

“You will follow all the doctor’s orders, and if he says, “no party” we shall not be attending.”  His voice held an underlying tone of command; he had given orders to toughened cowhands and little brothers. 

 

She rolled her eyes.  “You’re sounding like my father!”  Her tone indicated that her words were not meant as a compliment. 

 

“Good, even you shall not be able to defy all three of us.” 

 

“Three?” 

 

“Your father, your big brother, and your determined betrothed.”  He pulled her back into his arms.  “I am determined to care for you and see that you care for yourself.  Be assured of that.” 

 

“Fine!”  Her eyes softened.  “But only if you agree to let me take of you and see that you take care of yourself.” 

 

“Agreed.”  They sealed the agreement with a kiss. 

 

 

Seven  

“There you are.”  He had found her sitting in the garden.  “Your mother insisted I bring you a wrap.” 

 

She rolled her eyes but allowed him to place the shawl around her shoulders.  He noticed two things as he did so: the damp handkerchief in her hands and the touch of red around her eyes and on her nose.  

 

 “Mother is, well, my mother is over-protective.” 

 

“Is she?”  She heard the challenge in his voice and hesitated before she shrugged.  

 

“Absolutely.” 

 

“The doctor said that everything would be well then?” 

 

A fit of coughing allowed her to study his eyes.  “Allen told you.”  Her tone was flat but somehow angry. 

 

“And you did not intend to?” 

 

“I asked him not to.  I don’t need another person worrying, hovering…”  She turned to face away from him. 

 

“We do not need a lie between us!”  His voice was edged with his own anger.  He had been angry at the world since Allen had told him. 

 

“It soon will not matter what is or is not between us.” 

 

“Do you really think…”  He grabbed her arms, but another coughing fit overtook her, and he drew her gently into his arms.  “It makes no change in how I love you.” 

 

“Oh, but it does.  It drenches it in pity.  I don’t want your pity!”   She tried to pull away, but he refused to release her.  Eventually, she lay limp against his chest. 

 

“What you have, what you shall always have, is my love.  This, this illness, we shall fight it together.”  His hand cupped her cheek and raised her gaze to his.  “I am an accomplished fighter.  This is a fight I intend to win.” 

 

“But…” 

 

“All I have is yours, little love, that includes my strength.”  His eyes insisted that she fight, not him but fate. 

 

“Your strength.”  Her hands rested on his arms and felt the muscles beneath her fingers.   

 

“My strength, my determination, my…”  For the first time it was her lips that stopped his words.  There was a fierceness to their kiss that had never been there before. 

 

His breath was hot against her ear when he next spoke.  “You will not give up.  Promise me you shall not give up.”  His voice held the gentle but granite firm command he had often used with his little brothers.  As they had, she gave in to his resolute insistence. 

 

“I promise.” 

 

“Say it all.” 

 

“I shall not give up.  I shall fight.  We shall fight.  I shall not give up.” 

 

“Then, my little love, we shall win the fight. 

 

 

Eight  

“Adam.” 

 

“What, my dear?  Do you need…” 

 

“I don’t need anything.  It’s you who need; you need to attend class.  You should be in class now, shouldn’t you?”  Adam waited for her coughing to recede before answering. 

 

“I need to be with you.” 

 

“But you’re missing…” 

 

“Nothing important.”  He watched her frown.  “Besides, I’ll copy Allen’s notes; I made him go.” 

 

“Allen takes terrible notes.  You’ve said it yourself.” 

 

“Then I’ll borrow Bartlett’s.  Do not let it concern you.” 

 

“But it does!”  The force of her exclamation resulted in another bout of coughing.  Adam shook his head in admonition.  She spoke more softly.  “It does.  You and Allen both are spending too much time waiting on me hand and foot.  There’s no need.” 

 

“I have a great need to be with you.  Your brother, well, Allen wants to spend time with you too.”  Adam did not voice the thought that her brother wanted to spend what little time was left with his baby sister. 

 

“You’re both going to fail.”  There was a wail in her voice. 

 

“No, but even so, classes can be retaken.  There are more important things than degrees.” 

 

She shook her head, and the resulting coughing left her weak and breathless.  “I… I don’t…” 

 

He placed his finger against her lips.  “Do not waste your strength.”  It was an order, and she capitulated.  “Shall I continue reading?” 

 

“No.”  She sighed.  “Sing to me.” 

 

“I shall sing you to sleep then.” 

 

“Something cheerful.” 

 

He drew her into his arms and sang softly into her ear until she slept.  He slipped her back onto the pillows before he wiped the tears from his face. 

 

 

Nine  

She was in his arms, settled against his chest, and he whispered softly in her ear.  “I’ve spoken to Reverend Cuttler…” 

 

“No!”  She managed a fierceness of purpose even though her voice was incapable of any force. 

 

“But…” 

 

She struggled to rise, but he held her against him.  “I have said no again and again!” 

 

“Why, my love, why?  I want you for my wife no matter how short a time…”  He shook the thought away.  “You gave me your word that you would marry me.  I’ve not released you from that promise.” 

 

She shook her head and then lost herself in a coughing fit.  Afterward, the handkerchief that dropped into her lap was flecked with red.  “Would you marry when our vows…  I haven’t the strength to consummate a marriage.” 

 

“You think that I only…  I love you; I love your soul. I want it joined to mine.” 

 

“I’ll not bind you to me for eternity.  I’m selfish but not that selfish.  You’re too young to be a widower.” 

 

“Widower or not, I’ll have no heart to give another.” 

 

“In time…”  the coughing came again.  More red was added to the white linen and lace.  

 

He sighed and surrendered.  “We’ll wait then.  When you are stronger, when you are well, then I shall demand you do the honorable thing.” 

 

“When I’m stronger.”  She tugged his sleeves, and he drew his arms more tightly around her.  “Sing me to sleep and then go.  It’s late.  You have shadows under your eyes.  You all have shadows.” 

 

“Your mother insisted I take one of the guestrooms as my own.  If you need me…” 

 

“I need to see you rested.” 

 

“A song then.  A ballad or something brighter?” 

 

“Your mama’s lullaby.” 

 

 

Ten  

He heard the door shut behind her family.  She had asked for time alone with him. 

 

“Adam.”  He leaned closer to catch her words.  “Carry me out to the garden, to our bench.” 

 

“But, love, the doctor…” 

 

“Please, the doctor said I should be spoiled.  Please, Adam, please. You can use the French window.  I have.” The ghost of a smile flickered across her face. 

 

He could not stand against her desire.  It was a warm and sunny spring day.  He wrapped her in the bedsheets and carried her easily, stepping through the French window and walking through the garden to settle on the bench in the back corner.   He sat down with her in his lap.  “There, you’ve gotten your way.  I shall be as henpecked as I feared.” 

 

Her chuckle was faint, but it was a laugh.  “Do you think that in Heaven people walk about and meet those they never knew?” 

 

His brow furrowed.  “I suppose they might.” 

 

“I want to meet your mothers, all three of them.  I never met your father and brothers.” 

 

“I…”  He swallowed repeatedly. 

 

“You told me once you wrote letters to your Mama Inger.” 

 

“For a time when I was a boy.” 

 

“Will you write a letter of introduction for me.  It can be placed in my…” 

 

His arms tighten around her.  Her coughing shook them both. 

 

“If you insist, but there really isn’t any need to.” 

 

“Adam, I’ve fought; I’ve fought so hard.” 

 

“I know, love; you’ve been truly brave.” 

 

“Now you must be.  Adam, I need you to release me from my promise.  I need you to let me go.” 

 

“I, I can’t.” 

 

“It’s not giving up, Adam; it’s not.  If Hoss were here, he’d tell you…” Her voice faded into another cough. 

 

She felt him shudder. “He’d tell me what I have told him so many times.  Sometimes it is the greatest kindness to let go.”   Grief was already there in his voice. 

 

“Yes.  And when I’m gone, you must truly let me go.” 

 

“I shall always love you.” 

 

“I know.  I… I think I would have made you a good wife.  Let me be a good memory.” 

 

He settled her against him so that he could look into her eyes.  He held her and leaned down to whisper in her ear.  “Goodbye, my little love.  I release you.”   He kissed her softly and held her until he knew he was alone.  Then he carried her back to her bed and went in search of Allen.   

 

 

Epilogue 

He knelt and traced her name etched into the marble.  Then he looked up at the friend who would never become his brother.  “She would have been so proud of you.”  They had come to show her their newly awarded diplomas. 

 

“And you, though I’m sure she worried more about me actually obtaining mine.” 

 

A brief smile came and went from Adam’s lips.  He sighed and rose.  “My passage is arranged for Saturday.” 

 

“Do you think you might return one day?” 

 

“One is wise to never say never.  When Grandfather…well, it’s too long a journey for even his funeral.” 

 

“Or your father and brothers would have come to be with you for hers.” 

 

“Pa, at least.” 

 

“I… I had thought to visit your home in the West sometime.” 

 

“You will always be welcome at the Ponderosa.” 

 

“Adam, I…”  Allen’s voice broke. 

 

“One of the things I grieve is that I shall not gain you as a brother.” 

 

“Yes, I grieve that too.  She was so pleased that she could give me the brother I always wanted.”  Allen swallowed.  “She would want you to give those brothers of yours a sister.” 

 

“Allen.”  Adam’s tone was chiding. 

 

“She loved you, Adam.  You brought her so much happiness.” 

 

“I…” 

 

“Loved her, but do not let that love become a chain.” 

 

“Would you do me a favor?” Allen nodded.  “Once a year I shall send a sealed letter.  Would you bring it here and place it with a yellow rose upon her grave?” 

 

“Should it be upon a certain day?” 

 

Adam nodded. “On, on…”  The date caught in his throat. 

 

“The day you were to have been married?” 

 

“Yes.”  Allen looked down at his sister’s grave. “I vow to do it faithfully.”  He looked up at Adam and let the corners of his lips rise.  “But you must write me regularly and keep me well apprised of your doings if you expect me not to read hers.” 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow.  “Is that so?” 

 

“You know me.  I’ve always been a very curious cat.” 

 

Adam shook his head.  “You must write me in return.” 

 

“Agreed.  Do you want me to wait for you by the gate?” 

 

“No need.”  Adam placed his fingers to his lips and then leaned to touch them to her name. “Tell my mamas that I love them and know that I love you always.”  His voice was barely a whisper, but a gentle breeze touched his cheek, and he knew he had been heard. 

 

The End 

 

*Adam borrowed his declaration from the song “The Air that I Breathe” by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood.   This section was based on a prompt that required the inclusion of the quote. 

**Glimpses one through five were written in response to specific challenges on another site. You may have read them previously as stand lone vignettes.