Summary: Amelia Swanson and her daughter, Abigail are on the run from a former friend of Amelia’s late husband who is after her inheritance and she finds refuge with the Cartwrights. This is the ninth and final story of my Forever Reimagined series. 

Rating: PG 

Word Count: 41,735

Forever Reimagined series: 

Book 1: Vengeance is Mine (By MelissaR1992)

Book 2: No More Promises (By MelissaR1992)

Book 3: The Second Honeymoon (By MelissaR1992)

Book 4: Remember Me (By MelissaR1992)

Book 5: Once In A Lifetime (By MelissaR1992)

Book 6: The Most Precious Gift of All (By MelissaR1992)

Book 7: To Love, Honor, and Cherish (By MelissaR1992)

Book 8:  Trapped (by MelissaR1992)

Book 9:  Amelia, My Love (by MelissaR1992)

Chapter One 

It was a quiet evening at the Ponderosa as the Cartwrights along with Candy and his very pregnant wife, Hannah were seated in the living room, chattering away and enjoying each other’s company. 

Joe’s wife, Alice, who was seated near the fireplace, suggested, “Why don’t I make us some more tea?” 

Hannah slowly rose from the settee. 

“Here, I’ll help you.” 

She struggled to push herself up as she tightened her grip around the armrest. Candy rushed to her aid. He cautioned, “Honey, you really shouldn’t be on your feet for too long.” 

Hannah rolled her eyes with an irritated sigh. “Candy, I’ll only be a minute. Besides, Doctor Martin said a little exercise would do me some good, so I really don’t think…oh!” she gasped. 

Candy’s eyes widened as he took hold of her arms. “What, what is it? What’s the matter?” 

Hannah giggled and remarked, “That’s the third time this baby has kicked me in the past hour.” 

Candy closed his eyes as he breathed a sigh of relief. He then opened them and questioned, “That’s normal, right?” 

Joe and Alice both tried with all of their might to keep from laughing when Alice spoke. “The baby kicking? Yes, I’d say that’s very normal, Candy.” 

Hannah started to walk to the kitchen when Candy moved in front of her and offered, “Well, why don’t I give you a hand then?” 

Hannah’s impatience with him grew. “Candy, you really don’t need to do that. I can manage.” 

“Are you sure?” Candy pressed. 

“Yes. Now, why don’t you sit down, I’ll only be a moment.” 

Candy relented. “All right, but if you do need anything….” 

“I’ll be sure to let you know,” Hannah interjected. 

Candy nodded. “Right.” 

Hannah shook her head and then waddled into the kitchen. Alice began to follow her when Joe touched her arm and said in a soft tone, “Please tell me I was not that bad.” 

Alice answered with a small smirk, “You were not nearly as bad.” 

After Hannah and Alice left the living room, Candy took a breath and awkwardly made his way back over to the settee. “I guess you can tell I’m nervous, huh?” 

Joe bit his lower lip and remarked with a hint of sarcasm, “You know I wouldn’t have guessed that.” 

Ben rested his hands in his lap and said with a small smile, “Well, I suppose that’s natural for any new father.” 

Joe intertwined his fingers together and placed them over his knee. “So, what do you think the baby’s gonna be? A boy or a girl?” 

Candy shrugged. “I don’t know. Hannah thinks it’s gonna be a boy, but I guess it doesn’t really matter to me one way or another as long as it’s healthy.” 

Ben, with his eyebrows raised slightly, stated, “Now that’s the right answer.” 

Alice and Hannah returned from the kitchen with a fresh pot of tea. After Alice took a seat next to Joe, she asked Hannah, “So, have you thought of any names for the baby?” 

Candy and Hannah exchanged glances and Hannah answered, somewhat embarrassed, “No, we simply can’t decide on any.” 

Candy shrugged his shoulders with a sideways smirk while Alice smiled and said, “Well, I’m sure whatever you pick will be wonderful.” 

All of a sudden, the sound of pots and pans rattling rang out from the kitchen. Everyone in the room turned their attention to the noise when Joe and Alice’s three-year-old daughter, Sara Marie came running out of the kitchen, giggling followed by Hop Sing shouting in Chinese and covered in flour. 

Hop Sing chased little Sara around the settee and all through the living room while everyone in the room tried hard to contain their laughter, but failed. 

Embarrassed, Alice finally begged Joe to take control of the situation and he scooped up a giggling Sara in his arms. 

An enraged Hop Sing stomped over to Ben and yelled, “Mr. Cartwright! You keep her out of….” 

“Out of the kitchen. I know, Hop Sing,” Ben interjected with a chuckle. 

Hop Sing pointed his finger at him and warned, “You better or I quit!” He turned around and muttered in Chinese as he marched back into the kitchen. 

Ben shook his head and pointed out, “I believe that’s the third time this week Hop Sing has threatened to quit. That’s a new record for him,” he chuckled. 

Little Sara opened her mouth wide and yawned in Joe’s arms and that was everyone’s cue that it was time to turn in for the night. 

Joe and Alice gathered their children and said goodnight to Ben along with Candy and Hannah. Alice apologized to Ben for Sara’s little disruption in which Ben brushed off and told her not to worry about it. Joe asked for his pa to give his and Alice’s apologies to Hop Sing before they walked out the door. 

After Candy and Hannah said their goodbyes and left, Jamie descended the stairs. 

Ben came up to him and asked, “Well, how’s the studying for that examination coming along, hm?” He glanced up at the staircase and noted, “You’ve been up there for quite a while, you must be studying hard.” 

“Yeah, I have,” Jamie shrugged. 

“Good, because your graduation depends on it,” Ben told him as he pointed his finger at him. 

“I know. I was just coming down to get a glass of milk and then get some more studying in before I go to bed.” 

Ben smiled as he placed his hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “All right, but don’t study too hard now. You want to be well rested for that test tomorrow.” 

Jamie gave a faint smile. “Yes sir.” 

After Jamie went into the kitchen, Ben took a brief pause before he took a few steps towards the settee. He scanned the living area, taking in the quietness of the room. And while he had grown used to the quiet, there was still a part of him that missed the noise. Adam strumming on his guitar—Joe’s rowdiness, even the dreaded sound of Hoss snoring. 

After Ben settled into his nightclothes, he slipped into bed and pulled the covers over him. He laid there as he thought about how much his life and the lives of his sons had changed in the last few years. 

And while he was happy for his sons finding happiness in creating families of their own and giving him grandchildren in which he loved dearly, he still couldn’t help but feel the loneliness which was hitting him even harder that night. 

He longed for a companion of his own; someone to share his life with that he missed with Elizabeth, Inger, and Marie. He pushed those thoughts aside however as he finally drifted off to sleep. 

***

Meanwhile, it was nighttime as Amelia Swanson and her daughter, Abigail hurried through the woods on the run from two men chasing after them. 

Amelia had tripped over a hidden tree branch, twisting her ankle in the process. Her daughter had her lean on her for support while she carried a rifle in her other hand. 

With Amelia’s energy depleting, she pleaded, “Wait, please.” She came to a stop and leaned against a tree, out of breath. 

Abigail urged, “Mother, we have to keep moving.” 

“I can’t,” Amelia panted. 

“You have to try,” Abigail encouraged. 

They suddenly heard the voice of a man shouting, “Over here!” 

Abigail took hold of her mother’s waist. “Come on, they’re getting closer. We need to move now.” 

Amelia used what strength she had left to push herself up and away from the tree as Abigail hurried her along through the bushes. 

Abigail spotted a fence in the distance and whispered, “Mother, look.” 

Amelia glanced over at the fence which read: Ponderosa North Ranch KEEP OUT. 

“Now’s our chance,” Abigail said. 

Amelia answered, “Abigail no, that’s trespassing, we can’t.” 

“Mother, we have to. We don’t have much of a choice, now come on.” 

Abigail pulled her mother along and then came to a stop near the fence before she pried the fence open with her hands. She grunted and used all her strength before she made a big enough opening. She grabbed her mother and hurried her through the fence, leaving it wide open. 

After Amelia and her daughter made it through the fence, the two men who were chasing them came up to the fence. 

“Which way you think they went?” 

“I don’t know.” He scanned the woods. 

“Let’s head this way, come on.” 

They moved in a different direction away from Amelia and Abigail, putting them in the clear. 

Meanwhile, Abigail looked over her shoulder. “I think we lost them.” 

“Good, because I can’t run anymore,” Amelia huffed. 

“Here, we’ll make camp here and rest for a little while,” Abigail suggested before she helped her mother sit down on the log near them. “I’ll gather some twigs to start a fire, just wait here. I’ll leave the rifle here for you just in case.” 

Amelia waved it off. “Oh, that isn’t necessary, I’ll be all right.” 

“Well, I’ll leave it for you anyway. Just rest, Mother. I’ll be right back.” 

Abigail searched the woods while Amelia breathed a sigh of relief that she and her daughter were out of danger at the moment. But for how long? She thought. 

Chapter Two 

The next morning, Jamie Cartwright was on his way to school—books in hand as he walked along the dirt road when he came across the north fence. As he moved closer, he noticed the sign hanging sideways and the fence had been broken into. 

With scrunched eyebrows, he laid his books down on top of the post and inspected the fence before he pulled it back and stepped through it. 

Meanwhile, Abigail poured some water from the lake over the campfire and it sizzled when her mother woke up. Amelia slowly lifted her head as she squinted her eyes. 

Abigail glanced over at her. “Morning, mother,” she said. 

Amelia put her hand up to her head and groaned, “I had hoped I dreamt all of last night.” 

“We need to get moving,” Abigail urged. “They might still be coming for us.” 

Amelia sighed. “Oh, Abby, I’m sure they’re long gone by now. They wouldn’t come through here and risk getting caught trespassing. Vincent would get a hold of them before the sheriff would. He knows they would talk. And besides that, where would we go? Me with my ankle, we wouldn’t make it very far.” 

“Well, we can’t stay here either. We have to find someplace where we can….” 

Abigail gasped as she heard rustling in the bushes when Jamie appeared from behind a tree. 

Abigail grabbed the rifle that rested against a log and pointed it at Jamie. “You just stay right there little boy and don’t you come any closer,” she warned. 

Amelia shouted, “Abby!” 

Jamie froze and slowly lifted his hands up. “Ma’am…I saw my pa’s fence had been broken into. I thought I might find out who it was.” 

“Well, it was me,” Abigail barked. “And you didn’t see us neither, so you just go on back to your Pa now, little boy.” 

“Abby, please…” 

Jamie stood up straight with brows furrowed as he informed Abigail in a surly tone of voice, “Well, do you know what the penalty is for trespassing on someone else’s land? My pa could have you thrown in jail you know—seeing how he owns this land and all. And I’m not a little boy, I’m a man!” He slumped his shoulders slightly. “Well, almost,” he shrugged. 

Amelia tried to diffuse the situation as she told Jamie, “You’ll have to forgive my daughter, she seems to have forgotten her manners. You see, young man, we didn’t mean to trespass on your land. We were running away from some men who were chasing us. I knew it was wrong and I didn’t want to do it, but we didn’t have much of a choice. I hope you can understand.” 

Jamie shifted his demeanor, feeling a bit of guilt. “Well…who was it that was chasing you? Are you in some kind of trouble?” 

“That ain’t none of your business!” Abigail shouted.

Amelia raised her voice. “Abigail that is enough!” She shifted her gaze to Jamie. “I’m terribly sorry we trespassed on your land and we’ll leave just as soon as we’re rested enough. You see, I twisted my ankle and it’s very difficult for me to walk right now.” 

“Well, if you need a doctor, my pa could help you,” Jamie told her. “I can take you to the Ponderosa, it’s not too far from here.” 

“We don’t need any of your help, thank you,” Abigail answered, sternly. 

Amelia pressed her lips together as she stared sternly at her daughter before turning her attention back to Jamie. “I appreciate your offering, young man, but I don’t want to burden your pa with our troubles.” 

Jamie’s lips formed a small smile. “Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I’d be glad to take you.” 

Amelia was hesitant but seeing as how exhausted she was and how swollen her ankle looked, she relented. “Well, if you insist.” 

Abigail pleaded, “Mother, no, we can’t trust him.” 

“Oh, Abby, you know as well as I do that with my ankle we don’t stand a chance out there. Now this kind young man is offering us help. I think we should take it.“ 

Abigail loosened her grip around the handle of the rifle before she lowered it. “Well, all right.” Abigail glared at Jamie and warned, “But you better not try anything or I swear to you, I’ll….” 

Amelia snapped, “Abigail!” She calmed herself before thanking Jamie. 

Jamie urged Amelia and Abigail to stay close to him before offering to help Amelia. 

Abigail barked, “No, and you are not to come near her, you hear me?” 

Jamie, losing his patience, responded, “I was only trying to help, lady.” 

Amelia interjected, “And we appreciate it. Now, let’s get out of here.” 

Abigail helped her mother up from the log before they followed Jamie out of the woods. 

***

After Jamie made it back to the Ponderosa, he peeked his head through the door to see if the coast was clear before he hurried Amelia and Abigail inside. 

Amelia briefly scanned the living area in awe while Abigail set her down on the settee. Jamie placed his books down on top of the chest near the door. 

“Just wait here. I’m gonna go look for my pa.” 

After Jamie hurriedly ascended the stairs, Hop Sing came out of the kitchen and noticed a few unfamiliar faces. He moved closer to them when Abigail quickly rose from her seat and grabbed hold of the rifle. 

“Now you just hold it right there, mister!” Abigail shouted as she pointed the rifle at Hop Sing who let out a yelp and raised his hands up. 

“Who are you?” Abigail asked. 

“My name Hop Sing. I am Mr. Cartwright’s number one cook. Who are you?”

“That ain’t none of your concern, now you just stay right where you are!” Abigail demanded as she pushed the rifle further towards him. 

Hop Sing flinched and pointed at the rifle. “You put that thing away!” 

“I will as long as you don’t try anything,” Abigail scowled. 

Amelia rolled her eyes and huffed, “Abigail, please.” 

Jamie reached the top of the stairs and spotted his pa walking down the hall. “Pa?” 

Ben lifted his head and crinkled his eyes. 

“Jamie, what in the world are you doing back here? Why aren’t you in school taking that examination.” 

“Well, you see, Pa, we sort of have a problem.” 

Ben rested his hands on his hips. “What are you talking about? What kind of problem?” he questioned. 

“Well, I saw the north fence had been broken into on my way to school and…oh, I better just show you, come on.” Jamie stomped back over to the stairs. 

Ben shifted his gaze towards the ceiling and said with dread in his voice, “Ohh, this better be good.” 

Ben came to a stop next to Jamie at top of the stairs when he saw Abigail with a rifle pointing at Hop Sing. He shouted, “Hold it now, hold it!” 

Abigail jumped at Ben’s booming voice as her eyes darted up at him. Ben rushed past Jamie down the stairs. 

“Now, wait a minute, what do you think you’re…” 

Abigail shifted the rifle towards Ben. “You hold it yourself, mister!” 

Amelia pushed herself up from the settee as she shouted, “Abby no!” 

Amelia lost her footing and started to fall when Ben rushed over to her and caught her in his arms. 

She lifted her head up and locked eyes with Ben for a brief moment. “Oh…hello.” 

“Are you all right?” Ben asked. 

Amelia stared into his eyes as she answered, “Yes, I’m fine. I just feel a little faint is all.” 

Ben brought her back over to the settee when Hop Sing stormed over to him and yelled, “Mr. Cartwright! She crazy! She try to kill Hop Sing!” 

He continued muttering in Chinese when Ben sighed in frustration and growled, “Hop Sing! Hop Sing, would you please go back into the kitchen and let me handle this.” 

Hop Sing turned to Abigail and shook his finger at her. “You better watch it, missy.” 

After Hop Sing stomped back into the kitchen, Ben turned to Jamie. “Now, Jamie, what’s this all about? Who are they?” 

Amelia answered, “Oh, forgive me, we haven’t been properly introduced.” She reached her hand out towards Ben. “I’m Amelia Swanson.” Ben gently took hold of Amelia’s hand as he gave her a faint smile. Amelia took notice of his firm yet gentle grip. She smiled and shifted her gaze towards Abigail. “And this is my daughter, Abigail.” 

“Oh, well, I’m Ben Cartwright. I own this house.” 

“Oh, then you must be this handsome young man’s father,” Amelia noted as she looked over at Jamie. “Your son, Jamie, was very gracious in bringing us here since I hurt my ankle.” 

Jamie spoke. “She needs a doctor, Pa.” 

Ben looked down at Amelia’s swollen ankle. “Oh, well, why don’t I bring you to one of our guest rooms? You’ll be more comfortable there.” Ben moved his gaze towards Jamie. “Jamie, help me get her up the stairs.” 

Amelia informed them, “Oh, you really don’t need to go through all the trouble. I’m perfectly fine right here.” 

“Nonsense, a bed would be much more comfortable than that old couch, believe me,” Ben told her with a chuckle. 

Abigail snapped, “She’s my mother, I’ll do it.” 

“Abigail, mind your manners,” Amelia said in a stern tone as she rose from the settee. 

Ben wrapped his arm securely around Amelia’s waist and helped her up the stairs while Abigail and Jamie trailed behind them. 

When Ben brought Amelia into the guest room, she told him, “I thank you kindly for your help.” 

“Oh, it’s no trouble.” Ben gently helped Amelia onto the bed and informed her, “I’ll send for Doc Martin to come out and take a look at that ankle. He’s one of the best doctors here in Virginia City.” Ben glanced over at Abigail who took a seat near her mother’s bedside, “You just make yourself at home.” 

After Ben came out of the bedroom, Jamie approached him. 

“I’m really sorry, Pa, I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t just leave them.” 

“I know, it’s all right. I’m gonna need you to go into town and get Doc Martin. And once you do, have him ride out here alone because I want you off to school to take that examination.” 

Jamie shrugged, “I knew I couldn’t get out of it that easy.” 

Ben gave a soft chuckle and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’m afraid not. You better hurry.” 

“Right, Pa.” 

Jamie hurried down the staircase while Ben stood there and stared at the door, curious of his newfound houseguests. 

***

Meanwhile, Joe and Candy rode their horses down a steep hill and across a quarry before they were back on the trail to the ranch. They rode in silence before Joe asked Candy, “So, how’s Hannah doing? Is she as nervous as you are about the baby?” 

“No, she’s handling it a lot better than I am. I guess at least one of us has gotta be holding it together or else we’ll be in a lot of trouble when that baby gets here.” 

Joe chuckled and then offered, “Well, I can give you some pointers if you like.” 

“Sure, that’ll give me some idea of what not to do,” Candy teased. 

Joe chortled, “Hey, thanks a lot.” 

Candy flashed a grin, but it faded once he looked ahead of him and saw the north fence. He tugged on the reins of his horse. “Whoa. Hey, look.” Joe shifted his direction to where Candy was pointing. “It looks like someone tried to break through the north fence,” Candy observed. 

Once they reached the fence, Joe dismounted Cochise and made his way over to the fence. He bent down, picked up the sign, and then inspected the fence. 

Candy glanced over at Joe and asked, “What do you think, rustlers?” 

“Could be.” Joe turned over the sign in his hands and then laid it down. “Come on, let’s see if they left us a trail to follow.” 

“All right.” Candy dismounted his horse and followed Joe through the fence. 

Joe, with Candy trailing behind him, searched the woods, looking for tracks. Joe suggested, “Why don’t we split up, cover more ground.

Candy nodded. “Right.” 

Candy and Joe parted ways and began searching in different directions when Candy spotted some tracks. He let out a whistle to get Joe’s attention. 

Joe’s head snapped up and he hurried over to Candy. “You find something?” 

Candy pointed to the dirt on the ground and Joe made out a footprint. “They lead this way.” He pointed ahead of him through the trees. 

“Let’s go,” Joe said. 

Joe and Candy made it about halfway when they came across a burn out campfire. Joe knelt down in front of it. “It looks like someone built a fire and made camp here.” 

With his hands placed on his hips, Candy noted, “Well, the tracks end here, so they must have turned back from the way they came after they spent the night out here.” 

Joe pushed himself back up. “We better head back and tell Pa.” 

Joe and Candy mounted their horses and rode off in the direction of the Ponderosa. 

***

Back at the Ponderosa, Ben sat in the guest room and leaned forward with his hands pressed together. “Now. Amelia is it?” 

 Amelia nodded with a smile. 

“Amelia…” A smile escaped Ben’s lips. “That’s a very lovely name.” Amelia’s cheeks flushed red at that remark. Ben rubbed his hands together. “Now, you said that two men were after you and your daughter, why?” 

Abigail snapped, “You don’t have to answer him, Mother.” 

Amelia rolled her eyes and begged, “Abigail, would you please wait outside while I have a talk with Mr. Cartwright.” 

“But Mother…” 

“Abby, please.” 

Abigail rose from her seat while glaring at Ben. “You better watch yourself, mister.” 

After Abigail stormed out the door, Amelia looked over at Ben. “I apologize for my daughter’s behavior, Mr. Cartwright. She’s very protective of me as you can probably tell.” 

Ben gave a half-smile. “Oh, that’s quite all right, I understand.” 

Amelia hung her head down before she added, “She’s like her father in that way.”

Ben said with hesitation in his voice, “I don’t mean to pry, but if you and your daughter are in danger, I just want to be able to help you in any way I can.” 

“I know and I appreciate it,” Amelia responded before she crinkled her eyebrows slightly. “It’s just rather difficult to explain.” 

“Well, could you…try?” Ben asked. 

She took a breath. “All right. The men who were after us work for a man named Vincent Callaway. He worked for my late husband, Luis. He was always jealous of Luis; he wanted everything he had. Little did I know that included me. After Luis died, Vincent started taking an interest in me. I thought it was just his way of showing sympathy towards me. But then he wouldn’t stop pursuing me even after I told him I didn’t share those feelings. Then I found out the real reason for his interest in me: The inheritance. Luis had left quite a bit of money to me in stocks and bonds. It was his life’s savings. Oh, he told me he loved me, but…I know better. He loves the money more than he loves himself. Anyway, he threatened to hurt me and my daughter if I didn’t agree to marry him, but we both managed to escape. We’ve been on the run for weeks now. Vincent hired some men to come after us, but we managed to get away and that’s when I hurt my ankle. But I can assure you as soon as my ankle is well enough to travel again, we’ll be on our way.” 

Ben readjusted in his seat having listened so intently to Amelia’s story. “Well, now there’s certainly no hurry for that. But if you say this man is threatening you and forcing you into marriage when you don’t love him, shouldn’t you be bringing this matter to the Law?” 

Amelia sighed in frustration. “Oh, I’ve tried, but Vincent has too much influence. He’s a very good liar and manipulator. And besides that, I don’t want to cause any trouble for you. My daughter and I will be just fine on our own. We’ve made it this far,” she shrugged. 

Ben told her in a gentle tone of voice, “Ma’am, with all due respect, two young women like yourselves would not stand a chance against him out there alone.” 

Amelia scoffed. “Young? Oh,” she chortled. “That’s very flattering, Mr. Cartwright, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.” 

Ben gave a faint smile. “Well, nevertheless, we don’t have to discuss the matter now.” Ben rose from the chair he was sitting in. “Right now you just rest up that ankle and we’ll wait for the doctor to arrive, all right?” 

“All right. I want to thank you again for all your help,” she said. 

Ben smiled warmly at her. “It was my pleasure.” 

After Ben left the room, he paused with his hand still on the doorknob and couldn’t help but notice the familiarity in the way Amelia smiled. It was almost similar to his late wife, Inger. Her dark hair however, minus the streaks of gray, reminded him of his first wife, Elizabeth. He brushed it off however and proceeded to the staircase. 

Downstairs in the living room, the front door opened and Joe walked in, calling out to his pa with Candy trailing behind him. “Hey, Pa!” 

“Hold it right there, mister.” 

Joe and Candy came to a halt when they looked down and saw a rifle aimed right at them. Joe, followed by Candy slowly lifted their hands up. 

Abigail demanded, “Who are you and what do you want?” 

Joe stuttered, “I’m Joe Cartwright, ma’am.” 

“Cartwright?” Abigail said as she scrunched her eyebrows. “You live here too?”

Joe shook his head. “No, I used to. I’ve got a place of my own not too far from here. You mind, uh…putting that rifle down, dear?” 

Abigail shifted the rifle towards Candy. “What about you?” 

“Oh, uh…” Candy swallowed. “I don’t live here either. I work here though, my name’s Candy.” 

Abigail crinkled her eyebrows with a tilt of her head. “Candy? What kind of name is that?” 

“I don’t know, ask my folks,” Candy responded with a nervous chuckle. 

Ben appeared at the top of the staircase when he saw Abigail with her rifle pointed at Joe and Candy. “Oh, what in the…Abigail!” 

Abigail’s head jerked up along with Joe and Candy’s. 

Ben hurried down the staircase. “Abigail, put that…” He snatched the rifle out of Abigail’s hand. “Put that thing away before you hurt somebody.” 

Abigail crossed her arms. “I just thought they were intruders, that’s all.” 

“Intruders? No, this is my son, Joseph and my foreman, Candy.” 

Abigail glanced over at Joe and Candy who both gave nervous smiles. “You have another son? How many sons you got anyhow?” she asked. 

“Too many,” Ben grumbled. 

Abigail fixed her gaze on Joe and remarked with a smile, “He’s kind of cute. The other one too.” 

Joe’s face flushed red. “Oh, well that’s very flattering, but…I’m married.” 

“So am I,” Candy shrugged. 

Joe snapped his finger faking disappointment. Ben rolled his eyes and asked, “What are you both doing back here so soon anyway?” 

Joe answered, “Oh, well we saw the north fence was down. We thought it was maybe rustlers trying to break in.” 

Abigail snapped, “No, it was me. You got a problem with that?” 

Joe shook his head profusely. “Oh, no…no, I don’t have a problem,” he stammered. 

“Me neither,” Candy said.  

Ben sighed. “Joe, Candy, I’ll explain everything to you later. Would you give us a moment, please?” 

Joe pointed his thumb towards the door. “We’ll go see about those horses. We’ll see you later.” 

Joe turned as he raised his eyebrows and took a breath before he walked out the door with Candy. 

Ben turned to Abigail and looked her sternly in the eye. “Now as for you young lady.” 

Abigail shrugged, “Well, how was I supposed to know who they were?” 

“Nevermind, just try to stay out of trouble. And no more of this,” Ben added as he held up the rifle in front of her. “Is that understood?” 

“You ain’t my pa, you can’t tell me what to do, mister,” Abigail barked. 

“Maybe not, but this is my house and you and your mother are my guests, so you will do as I say.” Ben leaned his head forward and said in a surly yet stern tone of voice, “Now do you have a problem with that?” 

Abigail gave a low growl before she stormed off and stomped up the stairs. 

Ben set the rifle down on the chest near the door and waited for Doc Martin to arrive. 

***

Meanwhile, the men who were chasing Amelia and Abigail rode their horses up to an abandoned shack. 

Inside, Vincent Callaway sat down at a table when there was a knock at the door. He grabbed his gun from the table and pointed it to the door. “Come in!” 

The door opened and the two men slowly stepped inside. 

Vincent set the gun back down on the table and asked, “What took you so long? Where’s Amelia?” 

The two men exchanged nervous glances when one of them answered, “Well, you see now…we lost her.” 

“You what?” Vincent rose from his seat. “What do you mean you lost her?” 

“Well, we had her and her daughter in our sights, Vince but she somehow got away from us.” 

The other man added, “She couldn’t have gotten far though with that bum ankle of hers, we’ll find her.” 

“You just better pray we do or else I’m gonna personally hold you two responsible is that understood?” Vincent scowled. 

“Yeah, sure Vince, we understand.” 

Vincent flashed a smug grin. “Good.” He sat back down in the chair. “We’ll find her. She’s here somewhere in Virginia City.” He picked up his gun again and examined it. “And when we do find her…” He spun the cylinder around. “She’s gonna wish she never left me.”

Chapter Three

Doc Martin arrived at the Ponderosa and examined Amelia’s ankle. 

“It’s just a mild sprain, it’ll heal in about a week.” Doc Martin gently wrapped her ankle up in a bandage before he recommended, “Until then I would keep it elevated and be careful not to apply too much pressure onto it. So no foot races unfortunately.” 

“I wasn’t planning on it, doctor,” Amelia noted. 

Doc Martin chuckled and finished wrapping her ankle. “I’ll be back to check on it in a couple of days to see how it’s healing, but try to rest that ankle as much as possible.” 

“Well, no guarantees on that doctor, but I’ll try,” Amelia promised. 

“I have a few more rounds to make this afternoon, but I’ll see you later.” Doc Martin grabbed his medical bag and said to Amelia, “It was nice meeting you, miss.” 

“I’ll walk you out,” Ben offered before he and Doc Martin left the room. 

As they descended the staircase, Ben said to Doc Martin, “I appreciate you coming by on such short notice, Paul.” 

“It was no trouble at all, Ben, anything for a friend.” 

When Ben and Doc Martin reached the bottom of the stairs, the door opened and Jamie walked in. 

Doc Martin greeted him. “Oh, hello Jamie.” 

Jamie gave a half-smile. “Hi, doctor.” 

Doc Martin turned to Ben and reminded him, “Make sure she rests that ankle, Ben.” 

“I will, doctor, thank you,” Ben replied as he opened the door for him. 

After Doc Martin left, Ben strolled over to Jamie and asked with a smile, “Well, how did the examination go? You think you did pretty good?” 

Jamie hung his head down and answered in a gloomy tone, “I didn’t take the exam, Pa.” 

Ben scrunched his eyebrows. “What do you mean you didn’t take the exam, why not?” 

“It was just too late,” Jamie shrugged before he took a few steps towards the settee. “I missed it because I went to get help for Amelia and Abigail, that’s why.” He slipped his hands in his pockets. 

Ben held his hand out and asked, “Well, didn’t you explain to Miss Griggs that you didn’t mean to be late? That you were helping someone in need?” 

“Yeah. She said she was sorry, but it didn’t matter. I wasn’t on time to take the exam, so I can’t graduate. Now, I have to wait until next year to retake the exam.” 

“Well, there must be something we can do,” Ben stated before he suggested, “Let me talk to her and explain everything. I’m sure once she understands the situation, she’ll let you retake the test. She’s a very understanding and reasonable woman.” 

“Well, you’re welcome to try, but…” Jamie let out a sigh. “Who am I kidding, Pa? Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be for me to graduate.” 

“Now, that’s nonsense, just let me explain…” 

“I’ve got some reading to do,” Jamie said. “I’ll be up in my room.” 

Ben watched Jamie ascend the stairs with an ache in his heart for his son’s disappointment. He thought to try and get through to him one last time, but he figured it was no use, so he resumed his work for the day instead. 

***

Later that evening, Ben explained to Joe and Candy about Amelia and Abigail’s situation. Ben stood in front of the settee with his arms crossed. 

“Both Amelia and Abigail managed to get away, but Vincent hired some men to track them both down and that’s when they ended up here in Virginia City. Vincent’s men found them and that’s why they broke through the north fence.” 

Joe, who sat on the settee with his hat in his hands, stated, “It sounds like they had no choice.” 

Ben explained further. “Amelia told me they lost them, but she’s sure they’ll be back.”  

Candy, who sat on the armrest of the chair near the settee, folded his arms. “It sounds like this Vincent fella doesn’t know when to quit,” he remarked. 

“No, he doesn’t,” Ben responded. “I think the worst part of it is that he doesn’t even love her or seem to have one thought or concern as to how she feels.” 

Candy asked, “Well, why doesn’t she just bring this to the sheriff— let the Law take care of him.” 

Ben answered, “She said she tried, but it was no use. He’s very persuasive. And besides, she didn’t want to involve us in the matter. The problem is we can’t just let her and her daughter go and have them keep running from this man for the rest of their lives either.” 

“So what are you gonna do?” Joe asked. 

Ben sighed, “I don’t know. But right now she can’t do anything until that ankle heals, so there’s no use worrying about it now. I’ll figure something out.” 

Joe offered, “Well, just let us know if you need anything.” Ben thanked him before Joe rose from the settee. “Well, I better get home. I’m sure Alice has supper waiting for me.” 

Candy got up from the armrest of the chair. “And I’m sure Hannah has a good home cooked meal waiting for me too.” 

“Well, I’ll see you boys tomorrow,” Ben said as Joe and Candy headed to the door. 

Joe turned around and spoke. “Oh, we heard about what happened with Jamie—we’re sorry.” 

From upstairs, Amelia came out from around the corner and overheard their conversation. 

Ben sighed. “Yeah, he was really looking forward to passing that exam and receiving his diploma. I tried talking to his teacher and convincing her to let him retake the exam, but she was persistent that there are simply no exceptions and that he would have to wait until next year.” 

Amelia’s mouth opened as she was filled with remorse. 

Ben lamented, “I didn’t have the heart to tell Jamie. I couldn’t.” 

“Well, tell him how sorry we are and to hang in there, will ya?” Joe patted Ben’s shoulder. 

“I will,” Ben promised. 

After Joe and Candy left, Amelia composed herself before she slowly descended the stairs. “Mr. Cartwright?” 

Ben turned around and immediately rushed to Amelia’s aid. “Amelia… He gently placed his hand around her waist as he helped her down the rest of the stairs. “I thought Doc Martin told you to rest that ankle.” 

“Well, I did say I would try,” Amelia noted. 

After Ben helped her onto the settee, he asked in a stern tone, “Now, just what do you think you are doing out of bed?” 

“Well, one thing you’ll learn about me, Mr. Cartwright, I’m a very impatient person. I can’t stay in one place for too long.” Ben gave a soft chuckle when Amelia confessed, “I couldn’t help but overhear about your son, Jamie.” 

Ben pressed his lips together as he hung his head down. “Yes, well…” 

“And I can’t help but feel responsible,” Amelia added. “If it hadn’t been for me and my daughter then this never would have happened.” 

“Oh, now it wasn’t you or your daughter’s fault,” Ben assured her. “If it hadn’t been for Jamie, you’d still be out there in the cold neck of the woods with a hurt ankle.” 

“I know, and we’re very grateful to him.” She moved her gaze towards her hands resting in her lap. “But I still can’t help but feel guilty.” 

“Don’t be. You know I’m curious…” Ben crossed his arms. “How were you able to get out of that room past your daughter, hm?” 

Amelia let out a soft chuckle. “She’s asleep. But even if she wasn’t, she would never win that argument no matter how hard she tried.” Ben laughed before Amelia added, “I’m also a very stubborn patient.” 

“I believe you. Well, we’re going to have supper in a little while, but why don’t I help you back up to your room and this time…” Ben shook his finger at her. “You are going to stay in that bed.” 

Amelia rolled her eyes with a sigh. “Well, all right.” 

Ben proceeded to help Amelia up from the settee and brought her back to her room. 

***

The next morning, Amelia sat up in bed in the guest room with a breakfast tray in front of her which had barely been touched. She couldn’t stop thinking about Jamie despite Ben’s reassurance that it wasn’t her fault. 

Her thoughts were disrupted by Abigail who had taken notice of her mother’s plate. “Mother, you really should eat something. You need your strength so we can get out of this place.” 

Amelia sighed, “Oh, Abby, what’s the hurry? The Cartwrights have been nothing but kind to us ever since we arrived here.” 

“I still don’t trust them.” Abigail moved her gaze towards the door. “Nobody is that kind.” 

“Oh, Abby, don’t be so cynical. Not everyone is after something. And besides, you only have to look at this place to know money is the least of their troubles.” 

Abigail shrugged, “Well, still.” 

Amelia shook her head with a little smirk. “Nevermind, right now I need you to do something for me.” 

“What’s that?” she asked. 

“I need you to help me get dressed and then I want you to go find a rig we can borrow. We’re going to take a little drive over to the schoolhouse.” 

Abigail crinkled her eyebrows. “Schoolhouse, what for?” 

“I’ll tell you on the way, just help me get dressed.” 

Amelia removed the covers and turned herself around to the edge of the bed. 

Abigail rose from her seat and warned in a quiet tone, “You’re going to get us in trouble with Mr. Cartwright.” 

“Well, then allow me to take the blame. Now, please, Abby. We must hurry.” 

Abigail helped her mother get dressed before they snuck away from the ranch. 

Before long, Amelia and Abigail were riding in a buggy along the dirt road with Abigail steering the reins. 

“I still think it’s a silly idea,” Abigail complained. “If Mr. Cartwright couldn’t change her mind, what makes you think you can?” 

Amelia smiled. “Oh ye of little faith, my dear.” 

Abigail rolled her eyes before they came across the schoolhouse and Abigail brought the buggy to a stop. 

Inside the schoolhouse, Jamie’s teacher, Mrs. Griggs, sat at her desk, grading papers when Amelia limped her way through the doorway—Abigail trailing behind her. 

“Pardon me, miss?” 

Mrs. Griggs lifted her head up. “Yes, can I help you?” 

“Yes, I believe you can.” Amelia moved closer to her with Abigail keeping a close eye on her. “You don’t know me, but I know one of your pupils and I wondered if I might have a word with you about him.” 

Mrs. Griggs scrunched her eyebrows slightly as she stared at Amelia with curiosity and puzzlement. 

***

Meanwhile, Ben searched the guest room—pacing back and forth when Jamie came into the room. 

“Pa?” 

Ben turned around with a slightly irritated expression. “Jamie, have you seen Amelia and Abigail?” 

“I don’t know, I haven’t seen them,” Jamie shrugged. “I just came in to tell you the buckboard is gone.” 

“Gone?” Ben said in bafflement. “What do you mean it’s gone?” 

Jamie informed him, “Hal said he saw two women riding out in it over an hour ago. It must have been them.” 

Ben sighed in frustration. “Now, where in the world could they be going?” 

When Ben heard a low-pitched whirring sound of a buggy from outside, he rushed past Jamie and hurried down the stairs. 

Outside, Abigail drove the buggy up to the ranch and pulled on the reins. Ben and Jamie came out of the house and headed over to the buggy. Ben slowed his pace down and with his hands on his hips, asked in a stern tone, “Now, just where have you two been, hm?” 

Amelia answered, “I’m very sorry, Mr. Cartwright, but I just had to borrow your buggy for just a little while. I was going to bring it right back, honestly I was.” 

Ben calmed himself and questioned, “But if you needed to go somewhere, why didn’t you just come to me instead of sneaking around?” 

“Because if I told you what I intended to do, you would have tried to stop me.” Amelia moved her gaze over to Jamie and announced, “Jamie, you are going to take that examination. I talked it over with your teacher—it’s all been arranged.” 

A big smile spread across Jamie’s face. “You mean it?”

“I most certainly do,” Amelia declared. “You’re going to pass that exam and receive your diploma.” 

“Oh, thanks Miss Swanson. You don’t know what this means.” 

“Please call me Amelia,” she said with a smile. 

“Amelia. Well, I gotta get to studying,” Jamie shrugged before he thanked her again and hurried back into the house.

Dumbfounded, Ben rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t understand, how did you ever get her to change her mind?” 

Amelia flashed a cocky smile. “I have my ways of persuasion too, Mr. Cartwright.” 

“Well, I can’t thank you enough,” Ben said. 

Amelia looked down with a shy smile. “It was the least I could do. You’ve been so kind to us, I wanted to return the favor.” 

“Well, I’m very grateful for your help.” Ben let out a relieved sigh. “Well, let’s get you off that ankle and back into bed.” 

Ben along with Abigail helped Amelia back up to the guest room. 

***

The next day, Amelia was brought into the living room where she rested on the settee when Ben walked through the door. She turned her head and saw Ben removing his coat before she greeted him. “Good morning, Mr. Cartwright.” 

“Oh, good morning.” Ben hung up his hat before he strolled over to her. “And how are we doing this morning, hm?” 

“Oh, fine, thank you. I had Abigail bring me down here. I just couldn’t stay in that room any longer.” 

Ben gave a soft chuckle. “Well, I can understand that.” 

Amelia moved her gaze over to the window. “It must be a beautiful day outside. I always love the smell of the morning air—hearing the birds singing. I know I certainly could use a little fresh air right now.” 

Ben glanced over at the window as he pondered over a thought that came to him. “I’ll tell you what, I’ve got an idea. I don’t have anything to do for the rest of the day, so why don’t I hitch up the buggy and give you a little tour of the Ponderosa?” 

Amelia flashed a smile. “Oh, that would be lovely. Are you sure…heh, well, I probably should have asked this sooner, but are you sure your wife won’t mind?” 

Ben gave a hearty chuckle. “Oh, I’m not married. I haven’t been for quite some time.” 

“I’m sorry, I just had to ask,” Amelia shrugged as her face flushed red. 

“No, that’s quite all right,” Ben responded. “Now, you just wait right here. I’ll go get the buggy and then we’ll be on our way.” 

***

After Ben hitched up the buggy, he and Amelia rode along the countryside as Ben showed her around the Ponderosa. They talked about Ben’s family; his three wives whom he lost. His three sons and their different personalities including the tragic loss of his middle son, Hoss. 

Amelia also told of her family; her husband, Luis and their life together before he tragically died in a mining accident. 

Upon hearing each other’s stories, Ben and Amelia discovered they shared something in common in that despite their losses, they both persevered and found strength through their children. 

Ben steered the buggy up to a hill and tugged on the reins. Amelia stared at the view in awe— watching the luscious green pinewood swaying back and forth in the wind. 

“It’s simply breathtaking,” she marvelled. 

Ben smiled at her and shifted his gaze towards the view of the pinewood trees. “Over six hundred thousand acres of prime timber. It took me a lot of years to build it up to what it is now, but it was worth it.”

“You certainly have lived a very fascinating life, Mr. Cartwright,” Amelia expressed. 

Ben snickered. “I suppose I have. I think our very own St. Paul said it best. I know what it means to be in want and I know what it means to have plenty.” 

“I believe that’s from the book of Philippians, is that right?” Amelia asked with a tilt of her head. 

Ben nodded. “That is correct. I see you know your Bible.” 

“Why of course. I raised my daughter to be a God-fearing woman. Although she’s not quite there yet,” Amelia noted. 

Ben chuckled at that. “Well, I’m sure she will.” 

Amelia turned her attention back at the view and Ben found himself staring at her, mesmerized by her beauty. He snapped out of it however when Amelia spoke. 

“Well, as much fun as this has been, we should probably head back to your place. I don’t want to worry my daughter.” 

“You’re right,” Ben said, softly before he lightly whipped the reins and steered the buggy in the direction of the ranch. 

When Ben and Amelia arrived back at the ranch, Ben pulled the reins to a stop and turned to Amelia who smiled at him. 

“Thank you, Mr. Cartwright, I had a wonderful time.” 

“It was my pleasure. It was the least I could do after what you did for Jamie. But you can do me another favor now.” 

“What’s that?” Amelia asked in curiosity. 

Ben shook his head as he decreed, “You can stop calling me Mr. Cartwright and call me Ben.” 

Amelia gave a shy smile. “Ben. Thank you.” 

Ben flashed a faint smile. “You’re welcome. Well, we better get you back upstairs and into bed.” 

Amelia rolled her eyes and gave a disgusted sigh. “Ugh. All right, if you must.” 

Ben chuckled and stepped down off of the buggy before he went around to Amelia’s side and reached his hands out to her. Amelia rose from the bench and set her hands securely on Ben’s shoulders before Ben lifted her off of the buggy. 

When he set her back down, their eyes met for a brief moment and found themselves staring at each other when Abigail came out of the house and saw them with their arms around each other. 

“Thank you,” Amelia scoffed with a small smile.

Ben snapped out of his trance and said, “Let’s get you back inside the house.” Ben wrapped his arm around her and helped her to the door when Abigail stepped in front of them. 

“I can help her back to her room,” she said. 

“Oh, well, that’s fine. I’ll go unhitch the buggy. If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” 

While Ben went into the barn, Abigail placed her hand around her mother’s shoulder. “Come along, Mother.” 

After they stepped through the door, Abigail closed it and asked her mother with crossed arms, “All right, what was that all about?” 

“What?” Amelia asked in puzzlement. 

Abigail unfolded her arms. “You and Mr. Cartwright that’s what. Don’t you think you were being a little too friendly with him?” 

“Oh, Abby, I was just being polite. After all, we are his guests,” Amelia stated. 

“Well, I don’t like it,” Abigail sneered. “What would Papa think?” 

“Abby, your father has been gone for nearly five years now and besides, there is nothing going on between me and Ben.” 

“Oh, so it’s Ben now is it?” Abigail asked in a surly tone. 

“That is enough,” Amelia snapped. “Now, would you please take me back to my room and stop with all this foolishness?” 

Abigail gave an irritated sigh. “Fine.” 

She then helped her mother back to her room. 

Chapter Four

A few days later, Jamie took his examination and passed with flying colors, receiving his diploma. The Cartwright family along with Candy and Hannah returned to the Ponderosa after the ceremony.

 Amelia laid back on the settee with Abigail sitting in a chair near her as the Cartwrights, Candy, and Hannah came through the door. 

 Amelia smiled as she asked, “Well, how was the graduation ceremony?” 

 “It was wonderful.” Ben turned to Jamie and placed his hand around his shoulder. “I must say it made me quite proud to see him walk up there and receive his diploma; very proud.” 

 “Oh, I’m so happy for you, Jamie,” Amelia beamed. 

 Jamie thanked her when Joe leaned back against Ben’s desk with his arms folded and asked, “So, Jamie, now that you graduated, what do you plan on doing?” 

 Jamie shrugged his shoulders. “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.” 

 Candy pressed, “Come on, there must be something you wanna do.” 

 Jamie moved his gaze to the floor. “Well…” He lifted his head up and looked over at his pa. “I kind of want to stay here and help out at the ranch. If that’s all right, Pa.” 

 Ben smiled and patted Jamie’s shoulder. “I’d say that’s just fine, Jamie. Just fine.” 

 Hannah, who had been standing near the settee’s smile faded when she arched her back forward slightly—moving her hand over her swollen belly. She tried to keep calm as she straightened herself up. 

 “Candy?” Candy turned his attention to her when she asked, “Are you going into town today?” 

 “I wasn’t planning on it. Why?” 

“Because I feel I’m going to need Doc Martin,” she breathed. “I’m pretty sure this baby is coming now.” 

Everyone in the room exchanged glances. Candy stared at her, wide-eyed as it slowly started registering to him what was happening. 

“Ohh boy, uh…” Candy smoothed his hair back as he turned around and trembled, “Some…somebody get Doc Martin now.” 

 Ben turned to Joe. “Joe, go get Doc Martin now.” After Joe bolted out the door, Ben motioned towards the stairs. “Candy, you better get her upstairs.” 

 Candy hurried over to Hannah and wrapped his arm around her waist and helped her up the stairs as Alice trailed behind them. 

 Amelia asked, “Is there anything Abigail and I could do to help?” 

 “No, thank you,” Ben responded. “I’m sure Alice can handle it. Why don’t you and Abigail go on upstairs for right now.” 

 Abigail took her mother upstairs while Ben waited for Doc Martin with Jamie. 

 ***

A little while later, Hannah laid in bed in one of the guest rooms with Candy near her bedside holding her hand as he helped her through the labor. She moaned as she gripped tightly onto Candy’s hand. 

 The contraction finally passed and she let out a soft chuckle. “That was a really good one.” 

 Alice, who stood near the nightstand, encouraged her. “You’re doing a wonderful job, Hannah.” 

 Candy glanced over at the door and asked in frustration, “Confound it, where’s Doc Martin? He should have been here by now.” 

 “He’ll be here,” Alice assured him. “He’s never missed a birth.” 

 Hannah looked over at Candy and smiled. “I’m all right.” 

Candy, trying and failing to hide his nervousness, stated, “Hey, I know that. I’m not worried.” 

Hannah could see past his act. Through labored breaths, she quipped, “You’re a terrible liar, Candy.” 

 Candy flashed a grin before he pressed his forehead against hers. 

 To Candy and Hannah’s relief, Doc Martin finally arrived and stepped into the room. 

 “Well, we’re a little early, aren’t we?” Doc Martin noted as he placed his medical bag down on the nightstand. 

 Before Hannah could answer, she was hit with another contraction. She cried out in pain as she squeezed tightly onto Candy’s hand while Candy soothed her with his other hand, gently brushing it over her hair. 

 Alice spoke. “Her pains are getting closer now, doctor.” 

 “Yes, it’s almost time,” Doc Martin declared before he rolled up his shirt sleeves. “I’m gonna need the room, so Candy if you would kindly step outside. Alice and I can take it from here.” 

 Candy stared into Hannah’s eyes and she could see the fear in his which she calmed with a smile. She moved her hand up to his face and caressed his cheek. “I’ll be fine.” 

 Candy gave a faint smile before he leaned in and kissed her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered. 

 Hannah repeated the words to him and Candy let go of her hand before he slowly made his way over to the door. 

 Alice smiled at him and promised, “I’ll take good care of her, Candy.” 

 Candy smiled back at her and then left the room. 

 ***

In what seemed like hours, Candy paced the living room while Ben sat in his chair, reading a book and Joe and Jamie played a game of checkers. Candy nervously brushed his hand over his hair before he looked over and saw everyone in the room quiet as a mouse, seeming unmoved by the anticipation. Candy stressed, “I don’t understand how everyone can be so calm right now.” 

 Joe rolled his eyes and emphasized, “We’ve been through this before, remember?” 

 Candy took a breath and started pacing again. “What’s taking them so long in there?” 

 Ben answered, not looking up from his book, “Well, just like with a calf or foal, the birthing process is sometimes quick and sometimes it isn’t.” 

 Joe reassured him with a smile, “Don’t worry. Alice is in there with her, so she’s in good hands.” 

Candy glanced up at the staircase. “Yeah, you’re right.” He went over to the settee and sat down, burying his head in the palms of his hands when he heard the sound of a baby wailing. His head snapped up as he jumped up from his seat. 

 Doc Martin appeared at the staircase, wiping his hands with a cloth. Candy anxiously hurried over to him along with Joe and Ben. 

 Candy’s words were out in a rush. “Doc, my wife, is she all right?” 

 “She’s just fine,” Doc Martin answered before he announced, “And you have a healthy baby boy.” 

 Candy’s face lit up with a smile. “It’s a boy?” He chuckled before he spun around, letting out a joyful holler. “Woo! I have a boy!” 

 Ben and Joe along with Jamie congratulated him as they chuckled with joy before Alice appeared at the staircase and anxiously called for Doc Martin. 

 Everyone turned their attention to Alice who said, “There’s something wrong, I need your help.” 

 Doc Martin rushed back up the stairs leaving a confused Candy, questioning, “Wrong? What does she mean there’s something wrong?” 

 Ben placed his hand on Candy’s shoulder and reassured him, “Now, Candy, don’t panic. It could be nothing at all.” 

 “That’s right,” Joe said. 

 Suddenly Doc Martin came back down the stairs shaking his head when Candy rushed over to him. “Doc, what’s wrong? My wife…the baby.” 

 “Oh, nothing’s wrong, but uh…” He rubbed the back of his neck, perplexed. “Well, it seems I made a slight error.” 

 “You mean it’s not a boy?” Candy asked in puzzlement. 

 With his head tilted slightly, Doc Martin answered, “Well, no.” 

“Then it’s a girl.” Candy scoffed with a smile. “I’ve got a little girl.” 

Joe patted his shoulder with a smile when Doc Martin answered, “Well, yes and no.” 

 Joe, Ben, and Candy all stared at him as they scrunched their eyebrows in confusion. 

 “What?” Joe said. 

 Doc Martin revealed, “You have a boy and a girl—twins. Congratulations.” 

 Candy’s eyes widened as Ben and Joe expressed their excitement for him. Candy, on the other hand, froze, still as a statue when Joe tried to snap him out of his trance. “Hey, buddy, you all right?” 

 “I think he’s in shock,” Ben said with a chuckle. 

Joe waved his hand in front of him. “Candy? Hey.” 

Candy finally snapped out of it as he turned his attention to Joe. “Huh?” 

Joe chuckled, “You all right?” 

“Yeah.” Still in a daze, Candy turned to Doc Martin and asked, “Can I see my wife?”

 “Of course. She’s been asking for you,” Doc Martin told him with a smile. 

 Candy forced himself to move and he slowly ascended the stairs. 

 Candy opened the door to the guest room and saw Hannah holding one of their newborn twins while Alice held the other one. Hannah lifted her head, beaming with happiness despite her exhaustion. “Oh, Candy, we have twins.” 

 Candy stepped further into the room and went over to Hannah’s bedside. He knelt down and stared at the baby in her arms who looked up at Candy with big blue eyes. 

 Alice handed the other twin over to Candy and left the room to give them some privacy. 

 Hannah smiled at the twin she was holding as she played around with his tiny hand. “They’re perfect,” she said. 

 Candy, still in shock, could barely form words. “Yeah, I…how did we…how did this happen?” 

 Hannah raised her eyebrows, trying to hold back laughter. “You don’t know?” 

 Candy shut his eyes tight. “I know that part of it, what I mean is how did we end up with twins?” 

 “I don’t know, maybe we’re just blessed,” she shrugged with a smile. 

“Yeah, I guess I didn’t know I was that lucky.” Candy then expressed, “The problem is I only built one room, we don’t even have another cradle for them.” 

“We can manage.” She lifted her gaze towards him and asked, “You are happy aren’t you?” 

“Of course I’m happy. I guess I’m still trying to warm up to the idea,” he confessed. 

 “Well, you better warm up to it fast,” she giggled. 

 Candy looked down at the baby in his arms who wiggled around and made a soft cooing sound. He smiled and asked, “Which one am I holding?” 

 “Our little girl. And this is our son.” Hannah delicately brushed her finger over her baby boy’s cheek as he yawned. 

 “She’s very beautiful.” Candy moved his gaze over to their son. “And he’s a handsome boy.” Hannah smiled warmly at him when Candy sighed. “Well, we can say goodbye to sleep for a little while, but at least our lives will be twice as exciting.” 

 Hannah giggled at that. Candy gave his baby daughter a gentle kiss on her head before he leaned into Hannah and whispered, “I love you.” He kissed her as she softly repeated the words to him. 

The Cartwrights visited with them a short time later, giving their congratulations and marveling at their newborn twins before Candy and Hannah revealed the names they chose. John Edward after Candy’s father and Samantha May after Hannah’s grandmother whom she was close to. 

Candy and Hannah also named Joe and Alice as the godparents in which Joe and Alice delightfully accepted. Ben invited Hannah to stay at the Ponderosa to allow her to rest before everyone left the room, giving the new parents some time alone. 

***

Later that night, Amelia laid in bed in the guest room while Abigail slept in a chair near her bedside when there was a knock at the door. Ben peeked his head and greeted Amelia before he stepped into the room. 

“I was just checking to see if you both needed anything before I turned in for the night.” 

“No, we’re fine. Thank you,” Amelia replied. 

Ben looked over at Abigail. “You know we do have another guest room if your daughter would be more comfortable sleeping in a bed.” 

“I appreciate that, Ben, but I think you’ll have a bit of trouble convincing her,” Amelia told him. 

Ben gave a soft chuckle. “You’re probably right. Doc Martin said he’ll be by in the morning to check on your ankle.” 

“That’s fine.” Amelia asked in curiosity, “How is your foreman and his wife? Candy is it?” 

“Yes, they’re doing just fine.” Ben slipped his hands inside his pockets. “The babies are both healthy. They’re going to be spending the night here to give his wife, Hannah, a chance to rest.” 

Amelia flashed a smile. “Oh. You know, I think it’s wonderful how you treat your foreman as if he were a part of your family.” 

Ben tilted his head slightly as he moved towards the nightstand. “Well, in a way Candy has become part of our family. He’s shown his loyalty to us and even risked his life at times to help us.” Ben glided his hand along the dresser. “I know he’s become very close to my youngest son, Joe. Ever since Joe lost his brother, Hoss, Candy has sort of taken on that role and I think Joe even thinks of him as a brother. So in a way I guess you could say I gained another son,” he chuckled. 

Amelia shrugged, “I suppose it just shows how special your family really is.” 

“Yes, well, I always thought so.” Ben tapped the top of the dresser. “Well, I’ll let you get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” 

Ben and Amelia said goodnight to each other before Ben left the room. 

***

The next morning, Doc Martin stopped by and examined Amelia’s ankle. 

“Well, it looks to be healing quite nicely and the swelling has gone down. So I’d say you’re well enough to travel again.” 

“Oh, I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you say that, doctor,” Amelia said in relief. 

Doc Martin chuckled. “I’m sure it does. Well, I need to head back to my office, but if that ankle is giving you trouble again, be sure to let me know.” Doc Martin gathered his medical bag and said to Ben, “I’ll see myself out.” 

Ben thanked him before he opened the door for him. 

After Doc Martin left the room, Amelia laid her head back against the bed frame. “Well, that’s a relief.” 

Abigail, who sat in a chair near the window agreed. “Yes, now we can get out of this place and go back to San Francisco like we planned.” 

Ben rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, if you’ve already made plans, I can arrange for the stagecoach to take you there if you’d like.” 

Abigail barked, “You’ve done enough. We don’t need any more of your charity, thank you.” 

Amelia furrowed her eyebrows at her. “Abigail.” 

Ben shrugged, “It really is no trouble. I’d be more than happy to take you to the stage office. The only thing that concerns me is those men who were after you. I wouldn’t want to send you both on your way without knowing you’ll be safe getting there all by yourselves.” 

Amelia bit down on her lower lip. “Well, about that…I’ve decided that maybe it is about time we stopped running.” Abigail’s head snapped up as Amelia then said, “I think maybe we should have a talk with the sheriff about Vincent.” 

“Mother, no,” Abigail pleaded.  

“Abigail, please. You and I both know we can’t keep running. This has to end one way or another. I don’t want that kind of life for you, I never did. We can’t let Vincent control our lives any longer. I want to be rid of that man for good.” Amelia shifted her gaze over to Ben and asked, “Would you take us to the sheriff, Ben?” 

“Of course. Sheriff Roy Coffee and his deputy, Clem Foster are very fine men and also very fair. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you in any way they can and ensure your protection.” 

Amelia thanked him and Ben went to hitch up the buggy. 

After Ben left the room however, Abigail looked sternly at her mother and said, “You’re making a big mistake, Mother.” 

Amelia crinkled her eyebrows. “How so?” 

“You know going to the sheriff won’t do any good,” Abigail argued. “Vincent will just get to them like he did all the others.” 

“You don’t know that for sure. And besides, we can’t just keep running from him for the rest of our lives either. We have to put a stop to this,” Amelia urged. 

Abigail leaned forward as she gripped tightly onto the armrest of the chair. “It’s Mr. Cartwright isn’t it? That’s why you don’t want to leave.” 

Amelia pressed her lips together in a firm line, trying to hold back anger. “Abigail, you know very well that’s not the reason. Now, I don’t know what you have against Ben, but he’s been more than kind to us and I expect you to show a little more appreciation. Now, we are talking to that sheriff and I don’t want to hear another word from you about it, is that understood?” 

Abigail sighed in frustration as she crossed her arms. “Fine.” 

“Thank you. Now, if you would help me get ready please.” 

Abigail rose from her seat and helped her mother up from the bed. 

While Amelia was frustrated at her daughter’s criticism of Ben, she also feared that maybe her feelings towards him were beginning to be more than just gratitude. 

***

Ben, Amelia and Abigail arrived in Virginia City that afternoon and talked with Deputy Clem Foster in the sheriff’s office. Amelia explained her situation to Clem and he then placed Amelia and her daughter in Ben’s protective custody for the time being until Vincent and his men were found. 

When they left the sheriff’s office, Amelia turned to Ben and said, “Well, I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, won’t we?” 

Ben chuckled. “I suppose so. Clem just wants to be cautious and so do I.” 

Amelia smiled. “I know, and we appreciate it. Well, since we’ll be staying with you for a while, how about I cook supper for you and your family tonight?” 

“Oh, there’s no need to do that,” Ben objected. 

“No, I insist. It’ll be our way of showing our appreciation for all you’ve done for us.” 

“Well, I can’t say no to that,” Ben then warned her with a tilt of his head, “Although Hop Sing is gonna take some convincing.” 

Amelia stood up straight, holding her chin up towards him. “Well, you just leave that to me.” 

Ben chuckled, “All right. Well, let’s get you back to the ranch.” 

Ben helped Amelia and Abigail into the buggy before he took off in the direction of the Ponderosa. 

Meanwhile, one of Vincent’s men, Cole, peeked his head out from around the corner of the general store and watched Amelia and Abigail ride off in the buggy down the street with a mysterious benefactor. 

Cole moved away from the building and got the attention of one of the pedestrians walking down the street. “Hey, who’s that fella riding away over there?” he asked, pointing towards the buggy. 

The gentleman squinted his eyes. “Oh, that’s Ben Cartwright of the Ponderosa. He owns the biggest spread here in Nevada. Ain’t nobody not heard of Ben Cartwright around here.” 

Cole nodded as his mouth formed an oval shape. “Thanks, mister.” 

The gentleman man tipped his hat to him. “Good day.” 

After the man walked off, Cole stared down the street which was now filled with townspeople wandering about. He rubbed his chin as a big grin spread across his face before he hurried down an alleyway, eager to tell his boss he found Amelia and Abigail. 

Chapter Five 

Cole made it back to Vincent’s hideout and hurried through the door. “Hey Vince!” he hollered. 

Vincent’s other man, Brock fell backwards in a chair, startled. He threw his book on the ground and snarled, “You idiot, why don’t you warn somebody if you’re gonna bust through the door like that. I could’ve shot you full of holes.” 

“Oh, sorry, Brock, where’s Vince?” he asked. 

“Right here.” Cole’s eyes darted over to the door frame of the kitchen. “What is it, Cole?” Vincent demanded. 

Cole removed his hat and stepped further into the room. “I found Amelia and her daughter, Vince. They were with this fella named uh…Cartwright, yeah, that’s it, Cartwright.” 

“Cartwright, huh?” Vincent tilted his head slightly in curiosity. 

Cole nodded. “Yeah, he owns some big spread around here. He’s pretty famous with folks here from what I hear.” 

“Yeah, I’ve heard that name in town.” Vincent rubbed his chin. “He’s pretty well known here in Virginia City; built himself quite a reputation. But if he’s so rich and famous, what would he want with Amelia?” He looked over at Brock who sat at the kitchen table. “Brock, I want you to ride back into town, find all the information you can about the name Cartwright.” 

Brock scowled, “What for? I ain’t your errand boy.” 

Vincent’s muscles tightened as he furrowed his eyebrows slightly. “As long as you work for me you’ll do as I say. Now get going.” 

Brock glared at him before he stormed out the door. 

Cole looked over at Vincent. “What are you gonna do, Vince?” 

“I’m just gonna find out who this Cartwright fella really is and see what I can use against him.” Vincent nodded his head towards the door. “Why don’t you ride out with Brock—see what else you can find. There might even be a little bonus for ya, depending on what information you give me.” 

A wide grin spread across Cole’s face. “Yes sir.” 

***

One week later, Ben walked through the door of the Ponderosa and removed his hat and coat. He turned and came to a halt when he saw the living room all spick and span. He crinkled his eyebrows with a tilt of his head when Amelia came out of the kitchen holding a vase filled with yellow flowers. 

She placed it down on the kitchen table when she noticed Ben had walked in. “Oh, hello Ben.” Ben greeted her and scanned the room as he made his way over to her. Amelia opened her mouth as she held her hand up. “I know you’re wondering about the room, but I just couldn’t take it any longer; sitting around all day doing nothing. So I thought I would tidy up a bit. It was my way of keeping myself busy. I hope you don’t mind.” 

“Oh, not at all,” Ben shrugged. “It looks very nice.” 

Amelia looked down at her dress. “Alice took me and Abigail shopping in town today.” She came around the table and asked, “Do you like it?” 

Ben gave her dress a quick glance and nodded. “Oh, yes, it looks very lovely.” 

“Thank you. It was Alice’s idea. I guess she was tired of seeing us wearing the same clothes as much as we were,” she chuckled. 

Ben held his hand out as he shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I would have been more than happy to take you into town if you needed to.” 

“Oh, that’s all right, you’re a very busy man.” Amelia made her way into the living room. “And besides, you’ve done more than enough for me and my daughter. I feel like I owe you a great deal for your hospitality.” 

Ben gave a soft chuckle as he followed after her. “Oh, well, that isn’t necessary. In fact I actually haven’t minded you and your daughter staying with us.” 

Amelia smiled. “Well, that’s a relief to hear.” 

Hop Sing strolled out of the kitchen and greeted Ben before he asked, “What do you think of house? You like?” 

Ben looked around the room. “Yes, it looks very nice.” 

Hop Sing informed him, “You should see what Missy Amelia did to Hop Sing kitchen. She good little housekeeper.” 

Ben chuckled. “Well, I’m sure she did a good job.” 

“Supper almost ready,” Hop Sing announced before he turned to Amelia and motioned for her to follow him. “Come.” 

Amelia sighed. “I better go help him.” 

Ben raised his eyebrows. “You mean Hop Sing is actually allowing you to help him with the cooking?” 

Amelia turned around. “Yes. Hop Sing and I have come to an understanding you might say.” 

“Well, I don’t know how you ever managed it,” Ben questioned. 

Amelia gave a smug grin. “I have my ways. Supper will be ready in a little while.” 

After Amelia headed back into the kitchen, Ben shook his head with a chuckle when Jamie descended the stairs. Ben lifted his head and greeted Jamie. 

 “Hey, Pa,” Jamie said in a gloomy tone. 

Ben scrunched his eyebrows. “What’s wrong?” 

“Pa, it’s not that I don’t appreciate Amelia helping out and all, but could you please ask her to stay out of my room?” 

“Why?” 

“Well, for one thing she put all my clothes away and made my bed,” Jamie griped. 

Ben pressed his lips together, trying to hold back a smirk when he crossed his arms and asked, “You mean she did everything that you’re supposed to be doing?” 

Jamie slumped his shoulders, feeling a twinge of guilt. “Well, I liked my room the way it was. I don’t want some girl coming in and ruining it. It’s a boy’s room—I mean a man’s room! I’m a man and I should be able to arrange my room the way I see fit.” 

Ben nodded. “Oh, I see. Well, yes, you are a man now, Jamie. It is your room and you’re more than welcome to do with it as you please.” A smile crept onto Jamie’s lips when Ben held up his finger towards him. 

“But, you also have a responsibility to the other members of this household and you must hold to your end of the bargain and that includes keeping your things in order.”

“But Pa…” 

“No buts,” Ben interjected. “As long as you still live under my roof, you will show some respect and that includes respecting our guests, is that understood?” 

Jamie gave an irritated sigh. “All right. But can you still talk to her about it, please?” 

Ben placed his hand on his shoulder with a nod of his head. “Yes, I will talk to her about it. But right now I want you to go upstairs and call Abigail down to supper, please.” 

“Do I have to?” Jamie asked in annoyance. 

Losing his patience, Ben answered, “Yes, now what problem do you have with Abigail, hm?” 

“Well…I don’t like her,” Jamie shrugged. 

“You don’t like her,” Ben nodded. “Well, you may not like her, but she is still our guest in this house for the time being, so would you at least try and get along with her?” Jamie reluctantly agreed. Ben said in relief, “Thank you. Now go and get Abigail, please.”

After he ascended the stairs, Jamie stomped his way over to one of the guest rooms and knocked before he opened the door. “Abigail, Pa wanted you…” He stopped suddenly when he saw Abigail’s back covered in dark-colored bruises. 

Abigail quickly pulled her dress back up over her shoulders and demanded in a sharp tone, “What do you want?” 

“I was just…Pa wanted me to let you know that supper’s almost ready.” 

“Well, I’ll be down in a minute,” Abigail snapped. 

“All right,” he murmured. 

Jamie closed the door and stood there in shock, debating whether he should tell his pa. He pushed it aside for the time being, however and headed back downstairs. 

Later that night, Jamie passed his pa down the hall to his bedroom. Ben said goodnight to him and was about to descend the stairs when Jamie spoke. 

“Pa?” Ben stopped and gave Jamie his full attention. Jamie hesitated, but deep down he knew he couldn’t keep it from his pa. He let out a sigh. “I wasn’t gonna say anything, but…well, I feel like I should.”

Ben’s interest was piqued. “What?” 

“Well, when I went upstairs to get Abigail down for supper, I accidentally walked in on her and saw…” He bit down on his lower lip in hesitation. 

“What? What did you see?” Ben pressed. 

Jamie took a breath. “I saw bruises up and down Abigail’s back.” Ben’s eyes widened slightly. Jamie probed, “I think maybe they’re from that man who’s after them. It sounds like he did more than just threaten them.” A million thoughts raced through Ben’s mind when Jamie said with guilt in his voice, “I feel kind of bad for the thoughts I had about her, seeing what she’s been through and all.” 

“So, that’s why you were so quiet at supper, hm?” Ben inquired. 

“Yeah. I’m really sorry, Pa.” 

Ben gave a faint smile as he gently placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “It’s all right. I thank you for telling me.” 

Jamie added, “It explains why Abigail is so angry all the time.” 

“Yes it does…Jamie, I’d wonder if you would mind just keeping this between us for now.” 

“Sure, Pa.” 

Jamie said goodnight to his pa and went over to his bedroom. Meanwhile, Ben stood there, disturbed by this new revelation and he wondered if Amelia bore those same bruises and for how long. He glanced over the door of the guest room before he turned in for the night to his bedroom. 

***

The next morning, Joe and Candy were in the barn of the Ponderosa, gathering their saddles. 

Candy’s appearance was slightly disheveled like he had just gotten out of bed. He yawned as Joe looked over at him, smirking. “So, how are the new parents doing, huh?” 

Candy sighed as he leaned over the stall. “Well, as much sleep as I’ve gotten these past few days, I’m lucky I was even able to dress myself this morning, let alone find my horse.” 

Joe let out a boyish giggle. “Well, I’d say you and Hannah both got your work cut out for you. Alice and I only had to deal with one at a time, you have to deal with two at once.” 

“Yeah.” Candy lips formed a smile. “I still can’t believe it. It just doesn’t seem real. I never really saw myself as the fathering type, but now that I am one, it…” 

“It’s pretty great, isn’t it?” Joe interjected with a smile. 

“Yeah, it is. Sometimes I find myself just staring at them, wondering how I got so lucky.” 

“Yeah, I remember that first week after Sara was born,” Joe reminisced. “I’d come into her room and just…look at her. I probably drove Alice nuts as many times as I snuck off in the middle of the night just to take a peek at her in her cradle.” 

Candy pondered, “You know it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago we were still bachelors competing over every pretty girl that came along.” 

Joe chuckled. “Yeah, and I’d say we both won big this time.” 

“We sure did,” Candy affirmed with a wide grin. 

Their moment of reflection was interrupted by Ben who strolled into the barn. “Joe?” 

Joe turned around as Candy yawned again. “Oh, hey, Pa.” 

“I’m glad I caught you.” Ben pulled a piece of paper out of his vest pocket. “I need you to take this bank draft over to the bank before you and Candy pick up those supplies. I want to get everything taken care of before that cattle drive next week.” 

“I’ll take care of it, Pa.” Joe tucked the bank draft inside his green jacket. 

Ben announced, “I’m going to check on Amelia and Abigail, see if they need anything before I head into town myself.” 

“Hey, how’s it working out with them?” Joe asked in curiosity. 

Ben rubbed the back of his head. “All right, I suppose. It’s still taking some adjusting, but it’s better than them being vulnerable out there where that Vincent character can find them.” 

With a sideways smirk, Joe said, “Yeah, that’s true.” 

“I’ll see you later.” Ben left the barn and went about his business for the day.

“See ya.” Joe turned and said to Candy, “Hey, we better get going.” Candy was nowhere in sight. Joe crinkled his eyebrows as he scanned the barn. “Candy?” 

He looked down and there was Candy laying over a pile of straw fast asleep. Joe leaned his arm over the stall with a smirk, shaking his head. He knelt down next to Candy and placed a wool blanket on top of him. “Night, buddy.” He patted him on the chest before he got back up and headed out of the barn. 

***

Later that afternoon after Candy awakened from his nap, he and Joe rode into Virginia City by wagon. Joe brought the wagon to a stop in front of the bank. 

“Pa wanted us to take care of this at the bank before we load up those supplies.” 

Candy rubbed his tired eyes. “All right.” 

“Are you gonna make it to the bank or do I have to carry you inside?” Joe teased. 

“I can make it thanks.” Candy rose from the bench and hopped down. “If all that coffee didn’t help, I don’t know what will.” 

Joe chuckled as they made their way onto the boardwalk and into the bank. 

Inside the bank, Joe came up to the teller who greeted him. “Oh, howdy Joe.” 

Joe took the bank draft out of his jacket. “Hi, Caleb, I just need to take care of this for my pa.” 

The teller conducted the transaction as Joe rested his hands on the counter. Candy leaned against the counter next to Joe and asked, “Hey, do you think maybe we have time for a beer before we head back?” 

“Well, I don’t know, considering we’re late as it is.” Joe turned his head slightly as a little smirk appeared on his lips. 

Candy scrunched his face. “I’m sorry about that, Joe.”

Joe giggled. “I’m just messing with you. Pa understood, I told ya.” 

Candy gave a half-smile. “Thanks.” 

As they were waiting on the bank teller, Joe crinked his eyebrows with a sideways smirk prompting Candy to ask, “Something wrong?” 

“Well, ever since we left the ranch, I keep having this feeling like I’m forgetting something, I don’t know.” Joe shook his head slightly. 

The bank teller finished the transaction and asked Joe to sign off on it. Joe was about to sign when he paused and asked, “What day is it?” 

Candy looked over at him and remarked with a snicker, “I am the last person you should be asking that right now.” 

Joe rolled his eyes and asked the teller, “Hey, Caleb, what day is it?” 

“The 24th of February,” Caleb replied. 

“Thanks.” Joe started to write it down when he stopped suddenly. “The 24th…February.” His eyes widened. “Oh no.”

Candy’s head perked up. “What?” 

Joe brushed his hand over his face as he murmured, “No, no, no.” 

“What? What’s wrong?” Candy urged. 

Joe removed his hand. “It’s Alice’s birthday.” 

“You forgot Alice’s birthday?” Candy asked with raised eyebrows. 

“Yeah, it completely slipped my mind,” Joe groaned. 

A chuckle escaped Candy’s mouth. “Oh-ho-ho.”

Flustered, Joe said, “It’s not funny, I’m in a lot of trouble here.” 

“I’d say you are,” Candy affirmed with a smile. 

Joe remembered, “I thought she was acting a little strange this morning before I left. She must hate me.” 

Candy tilted his head towards him. “Well, you’re certainly not her favorite person right now.” 

“What am I gonna do?” Joe questioned with dread in his voice. 

“I don’t know, but you better think of something fast or else that barn is gonna look awful cozy,” Candy noted as he leaned back against the counter. 

Joe was so distracted he didn’t realize the bank teller handing over the receipt. Joe took the receipt and gave his thanks before he left the bank with Candy. 

Outside, Joe slumped his way over to the hitch rail—his hand resting over his gun belt. Candy leaned back against the post of the bank with crossed arms. “So, how about that beer? I’m sure you could use it now,” he chuckled. 

“Forget the beer, I need to come up with a plan fast. Got any ideas?” 

“No, I remembered my wife’s birthday.” Candy flashed a wide grin. 

“Thanks a lot,” Joe grumbled. 

Candy gave a soft chuckle and sighed. “Well, old buddy. I’m sorry to say I don’t think you’re going to be able to get out of this one.” 

“No, at least not by myself anyway,” Joe murmured. 

Candy tilted his head slightly. “What do you mean?” 

“Well, there’s only one thing left I can do,” Joe said. 

“What’s that?” 

“Ask Pa for help. Come on.” 

Joe started walking towards the wagon when Candy spoke. “Uh, Joe?” 

Joe turned around. “What?” 

Candy motioned towards the mercantile. “The supplies.” 

Joe shut his eyes tight. “Oh, right. After.” 

He changed course and headed over to the mercantile. Candy grinned as he moved away from the post and followed after him. 

After they picked up the supplies for Ben, Joe and Candy headed back to the Ponderosa. 

Joe hurried through the door with Candy following close behind. He saw his pa walking over to his desk, looking down at a stack of papers in his hands and anxiously called out to him. “Pa?” 

Ben gave Joe a quick glance. “Joe. Did you get those supplies?” 

“Yeah. Pa, I really need your help,” Joe stammered. 

“I’m very busy, Joseph,” he huffed. “Can’t it wait?” 

Amelia ascended the stairs and overheard Joe answer his pa. “Not really, I’m kinda in a bind right now and I could really use your help, please.” 

Ben sighed and placed the papers down on his desk. “All right, what is it?” 

“Well, you see, it’s Alice’s birthday today.” 

Ben nodded his head slightly. “Oh, well, tell her happy birthday for me.” 

Ben was about to resume his work when Joe said, “Yeah, but Pa, you see I sort of…forgot.” He gave a nervous chuckle. 

Ben raised his eyebrows. “You…forgot?” 

“Yeah, I guess we’ve been so busy with this cattle drive coming up, it sort of slipped my mind,” Joe said with guilt in his voice. 

Ben folded his arms over him. “And what is it you want me to do about it, hm?” 

Joe suggested in hesitation, “Well, I just thought that maybe we could throw a little party for her…tonight.” 

“You want to throw her a birthday party right here tonight?” Ben asked with raised eyebrows. “Joseph, have you completely lost your head? I haven’t got time to throw your wife a birthday party tonight, I still have that timber contract with Myers, we have that cattle drive next week…” 

“Please, Pa, you’d be doing me a huge favor, I’m desperate,” Joe pleaded. 

Ben gave an irritated sigh. “I’m sorry, Joseph, but I just don’t have the time.” 

He started to head towards the kitchen when Amelia spoke. 

“I could help you with that.” 

Ben, Joe, and Candy shifted their attention to Amelia who gave a soft chuckle. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear. I would be more than happy to help you with all the arrangements.” 

Joe’s head perked up. “You would?” 

“Sure. I think a party sounds like a lovely idea.” 

Ben gave Joe an annoyed glance before he walked up to Amelia. “Amelia, I appreciate your offering, but I don’t want you to go through all the trouble because of my son’s irresponsibility.” 

With her hands pressed together, she assured him, “Oh, it’s no trouble at all. In fact it would give me something to do. I feel like I’ve been going crazy here. You would be doing me the favor and besides that I would feel awful if my husband forgot my birthday.” 

Ben exchanged a few quick glances between her and Joe, “Well…” 

Amelia persisted. “Please. You won’t have to do a thing. All I ask of you is that you come to the party looking your absolute best. I can make all the arrangements. I’m sure Abigail wouldn’t mind helping.” 

Candy interjected, “I’m sure Hannah would love to help.” 

“Then it’s all settled.” Amelia looked over at Ben. “Right?” 

Ben could see the spark in Amelia’s eyes and he didn’t want to take that away from her after all she had been through. “Well, all right. If you want to have a party, then I won’t stand in your way.” 

Amelia flashed a big smile. “Thank you.” 

Joe grinned from ear to ear as he took hold of Amelia’s hands in his. “Ma’am, you have no idea what this means. You just saved my hide.” 

“It’s no trouble really, but I expect you to do your part as well, young man,” Amelia told him in a serious tone. 

Joe responded, enthusiastically, “Oh, of course, anything you need. You name it, I’ll do it.” 

Amelia took a few steps towards the settee as she scanned the living room. “Well, we’ll need to spruce the place up a bit with some decorations. A big and beautiful banner can go right up there above the mantle.” She pointed to the fireplace and turned to Joe. “We’ll need to invite all your friends and neighbors. Hop Sing and I can take care of the food and we’ll also need the finest champagne you can find.” 

“Hey, count me in,” Candy said. 

Joe rubbed his hands together. “I’ll just tell Alice we’re having supper here tonight, you know keep having her think I forgot,” he said with a wink. 

Candy raised one eyebrow at him. “But you did forget.” 

Joe gave Candy an annoyed glance. “I know, don’t remind me,” he murmured. 

Candy flashed a smile when Ben placed his hand gently over Amelia’s back. “Well, I’ll leave you to the party planning.” 

As Ben was heading to the door, he turned and watched Amelia going over the party plans with Joe and Candy. A smile escaped his lips before he walked out the door. 

***

Later that afternoon, Ben carried a ladder in his hand as he made his way over to the front door. When he opened the door, he saw Amelia sitting down in a chair near the fireplace with a bouquet of flowers in her hands. She lifted her head up and smiled. Ben returned the smile as he walked over to her. 

“Jamie said you needed this.”

“Yes, if you would just set it down right over there, thank you.” Amelia nodded towards the settee. 

Ben placed the ladder down near the coffee table while Amelia rose from the chair and took hold of one end of a flower display. She stepped onto a little stand and stretched on her tippy toes to hang it up above the fireplace mantel. 

Ben came around the coffee table as he asked, “Do you need some help with that?” 

“If you don’t mind. Just grab that other end over there, please,” Amelia prompted. 

Ben grabbed hold of the other end of the display and hung one end of it while Amelia hung the other end. Ben stepped back and smiled at the display of flowers before he turned to Amelia and asked, “Well, is there anything else I can help you with?” 

Amelia smoothed out her skirt and raised one eyebrow at Ben. “I thought you were a very busy man, Ben.” 

Ben gave a soft chuckle. “Well, I have some time if you need me for anything.” 

“No, thank you,” Amelia said with a smile. 

Ben looked around the room at the decorations and held his hands out as he told her, “It seems like I keep finding more reasons to be thanking you.” 

Amelia shrugged, “Well, I don’t mind helping after everything you’ve done for me and my daughter. I guess you could say I’ve grown quite fond of all of you. After all, you were willing to take in a total stranger into your home and treat her as one of your own. You don’t find that too often in this part of the country.” 

Ben shook his head. “No, I guess not.” 

Amelia turned to the display and sighed, “Well, that should do it.” She started to take a step back. “Now, I’ll move on to the…” She squealed as she lost her footing. 

Ben rushed to her aid and caught her, lifting her up in his arms. 

“Oh,” she scoffed. “How clumsy of me.” 

Ben asked if she was all right and Amelia replied with a chuckle, “Yes, I’m fine.” She lifted her gaze towards Ben and stared into his eyes. She brushed her hand over his shoulder. “You’re very strong.” 

“Here, let’s set you down here.” 

Ben gently set her back down in his chair. 

Amelia noted with a chuckle, “I believe this is the second time you’ve had to come to my rescue.” Ben gave a half-smile when she sighed and said, “Well, all this sitting around is not going to get anything done now is it?” She pushed herself up from the chair as Ben helped her back up. “After all, I promised your son a birthday party for his wife and that is what I am going to do.” She straightened herself up. “Well, I’ll see how Hop Sing is coming along.” 

She marched into the kitchen as Ben held his gaze on her. He let out a sigh and redirected his focus back on his work. 

***

Later that evening, Ben strolled into the living room, wearing his Sunday best: a dark gray suit and black string tie. He pulled down on his suit sleeves as he made his way into the living room. He paused and admired the various decorations before he placed his hands behind his back and went over to the display table filled with an assortment of foods, champagne glasses, and a bowl of punch. 

“Well, how do you like it?” 

Ben’s head snapped up and Amelia smiled at him from the top of the stairs. She was wearing a red and gold evening gown—her hair pinned up in a bun. Ben stared at her as she descended the stairs, encapsulated by her beauty. He barely heard her repeat the question. 

“Well, do you like it?” 

Ben snapped out of it. “Hm?” 

Amelia flashed a grin. “I asked how you like the decorations.” 

“Oh,” Ben chuckled. “It looks simply marvelous, you did a wonderful job.” 

“Thank you, Ben. Hannah took the liberty of buying me a new dress for the party even though I insisted I was perfectly fine with the dress I came here with, but she was persistent.” 

Ben looked down at her dress. “Well, it looks very beautiful on you.” 

“And you look very handsome,” Amelia noted. 

Ben’s face flushed red before he informed her, “Joe should be here with Alice any minute now.” 

“Well, then let’s not keep them waiting.” 

Amelia held her arm out to Ben and he smiled as he gently wrapped his arm around hers before they headed into the kitchen together. 

***

A little while later, Joe and Alice arrived at the Ponderosa. Alice thought it odd for Joe to suggest they dress up for dinner, but considering she hadn’t been in the best of spirits that day, she didn’t bother to argue with him. However she never anticipated the surprise that awaited her inside. 

Joe opened the door of the Ponderosa while holding his little daughter, Sara Marie’s hand. Alice stepped through the doorway holding their son, Benjamin Joseph when she was startled by all of her friends and neighbors greeting her with a big, “Surprise!” 

Her breath caught in her throat as she heard an array of happy birthdays sent her way. Joe smiled wide seeing Alice’s face beaming with joy. 

Hannah embraced her before she pulled away and asked, “Are you surprised?” 

“Very,” Alice responded with a chuckle. 

Hannah glanced over at Amelia. “Well, you can thank Amelia. She’s the one who put all of this together.” 

Amelia rolled her eyes with a shrug. “Well, I can’t take all the credit, it was your husband’s idea, really.” Amelia winked at Joe whose smile faded a bit. 

Ben motioned towards the living room. “Well, Alice, why don’t you say hello to your guests and open your presents, hm?” 

Alice stepped further into the living room and greeted the rest of her friends while Joe watched her, feeling a twinge of guilt. 

As the party commenced, various couples danced in the middle of the living room to a band playing a soft melody. Ben stood off to the side near the punch bowl when Amelia caught his eye. She was seated near the fireplace next to her daughter. He tilted his head slightly with a faint smile before he made his way over to her. 

Amelia had her gaze fixed on the couples dancing when Ben approached her. “Amelia?” She shifted her gaze up at Ben who held his hand out to her. “May I have this dance?” 

Amelia stared at him wide-eyed before a smile formed on her lips. “Yes, I-I’d love to.” 

Amelia took hold of Ben’s hand as she rose from the chair and Ben led her to the middle of the living room before they began dancing together in sync to the music while Abigail glared at them. 

Meanwhile, Jamie looked over at Abigail as a battle raged in his mind on whether or not to ask her to dance. He took a deep breath and stood up straight before he marched over to her. 

Abigail held her gaze on the floor as Jamie came up to her. “Abigail?” Abigail’s head jerked up at Jamie when he asked, “Would you like to dance with me?” 

Abigail raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “You want to dance with me?” 

Jamie shrugged with a smile, “Well, sure, if you want to. Do you?” 

Abigail blushed as she confessed, “I’m not much of a dancer.” 

Jamie flashed a smile as he reassured her, “Oh, that’s okay, neither am I.” 

A smile crept up Abigail’s lips as Jamie held his hand out to her. She gently took hold of his hand and Jamie led her to the dance floor. 

Alice, however, had stepped away from her party and wandered into the kitchen. Joe searched all over for her until he came into the kitchen and found her.  

“Hey, what are you doing in here? Why aren’t you out there enjoying your party?”

Alice took a breath before she confessed, “Joe, I know.” 

Joe crinkled his eyebrows. “Know what? What are you talking about?” 

“I know you forgot my birthday, Joe.” 

Joe scoffed, “Forgot? I didn’t…” 

Alice placed her hand on the side of his shoulder. “Joe, you don’t have to keep pretending with me, it’s okay.” 

Joe’s smile faded as he hung his head down. “You’re mad.” 

Alice shook her head. “No, I’m not mad.” 

“No, you’re mad, I know you are,” he murmured. 

“No, I’m not. Joe, just listen to me, please.” 

Joe’s eyes met hers and she explained, “I’m not mad at you. I’ll admit I was a little hurt and disappointed…but knowing you went through all of this trouble just for me…that means more to me than anything else in the world.” 

Joe’s smile returned and he confessed, “Well, you know it is Amelia who deserves all the credit, I don’t deserve any of it and I don’t deserve you.” He took her hands in his. “You do so much for me— for our children. There just isn’t enough I could do on this earth to show you how much you mean to me.” He moved his hands up to her face. “I love you so much.” 

“I love you,” she repeated. 

Joe gave her a soft and tender kiss before he gazed into her eyes and whispered, “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” Alice smiled warmly at him when Joe told her, “And I will make it up to you, I promise.” 

Alice leaned her head closed to him as her expression turned serious. “You better, mister.” Her frown morphed into a grin making Joe chuckle. 

Joe brushed his finger over her nose. “Hey. I still haven’t gotten a dance with the birthday girl yet.” 

Alice wrapped her arms around him. “Well, there’s no one else I’d rather dance with.”  

Joe kissed her again and said, “Come on, let’s go back to your party, huh?” 

With their arms around each other, Joe and Alice walked out of the kitchen together. 

After her dance with Ben, Amelia stepped outside for some fresh air. She came up to the hitching post and rested her hands on top, staring up into the night sky. 

“It’s a beautiful night isn’t it?” 

Amelia jumped as she whipped her head over her shoulder. 

Ben chuckled as he came up to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” 

Amelia gave a soft chuckle. “Oh, that’s all right. I just thought I would come out here for some fresh air.” 

Ben leaned his arm over the post. “Well, the party seems to be a big success. Joe certainly thanks you.” 

“Well, I was happy to help him. He’s a fine young man. He’s very much like his father in a lot of ways. Handsome—kind.” Amelia turned to him and expressed, “I have very much enjoyed getting to know your family, Ben.” 

“Well, it’s been nice getting to know you. You’re a very lovely woman, Amelia.” 

Amelia gave a faint smile before she found herself staring into his eyes. Ben stared back into hers—the moonlight giving her a heavenly glow that drew him closer to her. Amelia leaned her head forward as her lips touched his. 

Abigail appeared from the doorway and watched them as her mouth gaped open in shock before she hurried back inside the house. 

Amelia opened her eyes and realized what she just did before she pulled away from him—her hand over her mouth. “I…I’m so sorry.” 

Ben shook his head slightly in confusion when Amelia ran back into the house. 

Ben tried calling out to her, but she wouldn’t hear him. He stood there as his hand gripped the hitching post, feeling a mixture of emotions before he took a breath and headed back inside the house. 

Chapter Six 

The next morning, Ben walked down the hall to the guest room. He hadn’t stopped thinking about what happened between him and Amelia that night at the party. He came up to the bedroom door and knocked. Amelia answered, her expression stoic. 

“Hello Ben.” 

Ben slipped one hand in his pocket. “You didn’t come down to breakfast, I thought I would come check on you to see if you’re all right.” 

“Oh, I’m fine. I just wasn’t very hungry this morning, that’s all.” 

He sighed, “Amelia…I think we need to talk about last night.” 

“There’s nothing to talk about, Ben.” 

“I think there is,” Ben pressed. 

“It was a mistake. That’s all there is to it,” she told him with a shake of her head. 

Ben pursed his lips. “Well, despite what you think about it, it happened and we can’t avoid it.” 

Amelia responded in a firm voice, “Well, I’m trying to avoid it, Ben and I don’t want to talk about it any further. So please, let’s just forget it ever happened, all right?” 

Ben could see the desperation on her face and he relented. “All right.” 

“I’ll get dressed and be down in a little while.” 

Amelia went back into the bedroom while Ben gave a deep sigh and headed back downstairs. 

While inside the bedroom, Amelia laid out her clothes to wear on the bed when she paused and let out a sigh. 

Her daughter, Abigail appeared at the door. 

“What did Mr. Cartwright want?” 

Amelia jumped. “Oh, Abby, you startled me.” She collected herself and answered, “Oh, he was just seeing if I was all right since I hadn’t come down to breakfast, but I simply told him I wasn’t hungry.” 

Abigail stepped further into the room. 

“You love him don’t you?” 

Amelia’s mouth opened as she scoffed. “What? Abby, don’t be absurd.” 

Abigail furrowed her eyebrows. “Don’t you lie to me, mother, I saw you at the party last night. You kissed him!” 

Amelia stared at her wide-eyed as she shook her head. “Oh, Abby…” 

Abigail seethed, “How could you do this? How could you do this to Papa?” 

Amelia placed her hand over her arm. “Abigail, darling, please, what happened with Ben was a mistake and that’s what I told him.” 

Abigail yanked her arm away and turned towards the door. “We never should have come here. We should have just kept on running.” 

“And do what?” Amelia questioned. “Allow Vincent to keep controlling our lives? I don’t know what you have against Ben Cartwright, but he has been nothing but kind to us ever since we’ve been here. He’s a good man who happens to care about us.” 

Abigail turned back around to face her mother as she hissed, “So you do love him?” 

Amelia pressed her lips together in a firm line. “I love him as a friend, nothing more.” 

“I don’t believe you,” Abigail barked. 

“Well, it’s the truth,” Amelia fumed. “Now I don’t want to hear another word about it.” 

Abigail stormed out the door while Amelia shut her eyes tight, holding back tears. She couldn’t help but feel that she was indeed lying to her daughter because as much as she wanted to deny it, she was starting to fall in love with Ben. 

***

The next night, Ben and Joe went over the plans for the cattle drive, hovering over Ben’s desk. 

“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Ben pointed to a spot on a map in front of Joe. “You and Candy can take the herd South towards Juniper Springs while Jamie and I take the rest of the herd North.” 

“Sounds good,” Joe said. 

“I’ll go over the plans with Candy tomorrow.” 

Ben moved away from his desk while Joe laid back in the chair he was sitting in and stated, “I’m sure Jamie’s looking forward to this trip.” 

“Yes, well, he’s old enough now. I’d say he’s earned it. And as I recall Jamie is around the same age you were when I had you along for your first cattle drive.” 

Joe smiled. “Yeah, I remember.” 

Ben looked over at Joe as he moved towards the settee. “How does Alice feel about the trip? I hope she’s not taking it too hard.” 

Joe shook his head with a sideways smirk. 

“No, we talked it over, she’s handling it pretty well. I think Candy’s been taking it a lot harder having to leave Hannah with the twins.” 

“I’d imagine. But she’ll be all right. She’s a strong woman,” Ben noted. 

“Yeah.” Joe played around with the pencil in his hand and then asked his pa in curiosity, “How is Amelia taking you leaving?” 

Ben turned around. “I don’t know, why do you ask that?” he questioned. 

Joe shrugged, “Well, it just seems like you and Amelia have been spending a lot of time together lately, that’s all.” 

Ben’s muscles tightened. “Well, that’s only because she’s been staying here with her daughter as my guests and…well, after all they’ve been through I just want them to feel welcome and you know, safe.” 

Joe nodded slightly as his mouth formed an oval shape. “Oh, well, that’s understandable, but uh…you did ask her to dance at the party.” Joe bit his lower lip, trying to hold back a smirk. 

“Well, I was just being polite,” Ben shrugged as his voice trembled. “She was sitting there all by herself and well…she was the one that put the whole thing together for you, it was only fair that I…” 

“Yeah, that’s true.” Joe shook his head as he remarked, “She did look awful pretty in that dress though, mm-hm.” 

Ben raised one eyebrow as he made his way back over to him. “And just what is it you’re getting at, hm?” 

“Well, I’m just wondering when you want me and Jamie to start handing out the invitations,” Joe teased. 

Ben scrunched his eyebrows. “Invitations? For what?” 

Joe held his hands out as he emphasized, “Oh, for the wedding of course.” 

Ben’s lips formed a frown, unamused by his son’s ribbing. “Oh, that’s funny, that’s very funny.” Joe giggled when Ben pointed out, “Amelia and I are merely…friends, that’s all, just friends.” 

“I’m just messin’ with ya, Pa.” 

Ben slumped his shoulders back. “Oh.” 

Joe plopped the pencil down on top of the desk and rose from his seat. “It’s getting late. I better get home before Alice starts worrying. See ya in the morning, Pa.” 

After Joe left the Ponderosa, Ben took a few steps towards his desk as he rubbed his temple, wondering if his feelings towards Amelia really were nothing more than friendship. 

*** 

A few days later, Joe and Candy were outside the ranch near the barn stacking sacks of grain onto the back of a wagon. 

“You know, I’ll be glad when this cattle drive is over,” Candy huffed as he tossed another sack of grain onto the wagon. 

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I’m not really looking forward to it myself,” Joe grunted. 

Candy leaned forward as he rested his arms over the wagon. “You know what I’m gonna do after it’s over? I’m gonna take me a nice long hot bath. Then I’m gonna enjoy a good home cooked meal, maybe even a candlelight dinner for two, just me and Hannah.” 

Joe added as he loaded another sack, “And I suppose you’re gonna ask the godparents to watch your kids for ya while you’re enjoying this little romantic evening away with just the two of you, huh?” 

Candy flashed a grin. “You know me too well, Joe.” 

Joe giggled. “I’m sure Alice wouldn’t mind watching them, she’s grown quite attached to them. I think she’s hoping our kids will be best friends.” 

Candy gave a soft chuckle then jerked his head up. “Hey, how’s it been going with Alice by the way since she knows you forgot her birthday?” 

Joe gritted, “Well, I’ll tell you one thing, she’s not gonna let me forget it again. She had me write down every single important date including our anniversary so I won’t ever forget it.” 

The sound of Candy’s laughter was interrupted by a smooth familiar voice. 

“Well, it’s gonna take a lot more with you, little brother.” 

Joe turned around and his mouth dropped open at the sight of his older brother, Adam staring at him with a wide grin. 

“Adam?” Joe’s face lit up with a big smile as he embraced him. “Hey,” he chuckled before he pulled away with his hands on his shoulders. Adam’s hair had a touch of gray and he sported the beginnings of a goatee. “Hey, it looks like you’re getting a little gray there, huh big brother?” Joe patted the top of his head. 

Adam gritted, “Not as gray as yours.” 

Joe chuckled and moved his hands over his hips. “So what are you doing here?” 

“Well, I had some business here in Virginia City, so I thought I’d stop by and see if the ranch was still in one piece.” 

Joe placed his hand on his shoulder and turned to Candy. “Oh, you remember Candy, don’t you?” 

“Ah yes, Pa’s foreman.” Adam held his hand out to Candy. “It’s good to see you again.” 

Candy shook Adam’s hand as he said hello to him. Adam scanned the ranch and asked, “Is Pa around?” 

Joe nodded towards the house. “Yeah, he’s inside. He’s gonna be happy to see you.” 

“Well, I’ll head over there now.” Adam was about to turn around when he looked over at Joe. “And oh, I heard you have a son now, congratulations.” 

“Thanks, he’s great. Alice is good, the kids are good. I’ve never been happier,” Joe said. 

“That’s good to hear. Well, I’ll see you later.” Adam headed towards the house when Joe spoke. 

“Oh, before you talk to Pa. I feel like I should inform you of what’s been going on around here lately to give you some idea of the kind of mood Pa’s in.” 

“Oh?” Adam said with intrigue in his voice. 

“Yeah, come take a walk with me and I’ll explain everything.” 

Joe patted Adam’s shoulder and started walking with him over to the house while Candy finished stacking the grain. 

Meanwhile, Ben sat at his desk doing some bookkeeping when Amelia came out of the kitchen. Ben and Amelia had barely said two words to each other since the morning after the party. 

Amelia glanced over at him and gave a small smile, trying to act cordial with him. Ben returned that smile when the door opened and Adam burst through it. 

“Well, the prodigal son has returned!” 

Ben’s eyes widened. “Adam?” He got up from his desk and chuckled, “Well, this certainly is a nice surprise.” Ben went over to his eldest son and gave him a warm embrace. 

“Hey, Pa.” 

Ben pulled away with his hands on Adam’s shoulders. “Let me take a look at you. I barely even recognize you. How are you?” 

“Oh, fine. How are things here?” Adam asked. 

“Good, uh…” Ben turned and noticed Amelia standing there. “Oh, Amelia…” He brought Adam over to her and introduced her. “This is my oldest son, Adam. Adam, this is Amelia Swanson. She and her daughter have been staying with us these past few weeks.” 

“Yes, Joe told me a little about you.” Adam held his hand out to her. “It’s a pleasure, ma’am.” 

“Pleasure to meet you,” Amelia said. 

Ben turned to Adam. “Oh, Joe already knows you’re here?” 

“Yes, I thought I’d surprise him.” Adam crossed his arms in front of him. 

Ben chuckled. “Well, I’m sure he was. So what brings you here?” 

“Well, I have some business here in Virginia City and I thought I’d stop by for a visit.” 

“Well, it’s good to see you. I actually have some business to take care of in town as well if you don’t mind me tagging along?” 

“Sure, why not,” Adam shrugged. 

“Good, I’ll get the buckboard ready.” Ben turned to Amelia and told her, “I shouldn’t be gone for more than a couple of hours.” 

“Oh, that’s all right, we’ll be just fine here,” Amelia responded. 

Ben grabbed his hat and coat while Adam tipped his hat to Amelia. “It was a pleasure meeting you, ma’am.” 

Amelia smiled. “You as well, Adam.” 

Ben left the Ponderosa with Adam while Amelia went to check on Abigail upstairs in the guest room. 

As Ben and Adam were riding into town, Adam told his pa, “Joe told me a little of Amelia and her daughter’s story. How Jamie found them on our land and brought them back to the Ponderosa; how you took them in like a couple of strays and helped them. Some things never change do they?” 

Ben chuckled softly as he steered the reins of the buckboard. “No.” 

Adam gave a faint sigh. “So what do you plan to do with them?” 

“I don’t know. But I can’t just turn them loose knowing that man, Vincent is still out there,” Ben stressed. 

“Yes, Joe told me about him too,” Adam said. 

With a slight nod, Ben informed him, “Yes, but he might not have told you about the bruises Jamie found on Abigail’s back. There’s no question those were his doing. I just can’t consciously allow myself to let them be handed over to a man like that.” 

“No, that’s true. But you can’t have them stay with you forever,” Adam noted which made Ben all the more tense. 

“I know,” Ben squirmed before changing the subject. “So, how’s the family?” 

“Oh, they’re fine. Although Emily hasn’t been feeling too good lately.” 

Ben tilted his head as he scrunched his eyebrows. “Oh?” 

“Yes, but it might have something to do with the uh…pregnancy,” Adam smirked. 

Ben’s eyes widened. “You mean…” 

Adam nodded. “Mm-hm. Emily and I are having another baby.” 

Ben chuckled with joy. “I don’t believe it, that’s wonderful. It seems you boys just keep on giving me grandchildren.” 

Adam shrugged, “It looks like it.”

“Well, my congratulations to you both,” Ben offered with a smile. 

Adam thanked him as Ben drove the buckboard down the dirt road. 

When they arrived in Virginia City, Ben and Adam sat at a corner table at the Silver Dollar as Ben finished conducting his business with a man named Timothy Myers on a timber contract. After the deal was done and Myers left the saloon, Adam rose from the table and remarked, “Well, he seemed like a nice fella.” 

 “Yes, I’m just glad the deal’s over with and done,” Ben said in relief as he picked up his hat from the table. “Now there’s only that cattle drive to worry about.” 

“Well, I certainly don’t miss those.” Adam turned his attention over to the bar and offered, “How about a drink? I’ll buy.” 

Ben answered with a shake of his head, “Well, you talked me into it.” He patted Adam’s shoulder with a chuckle and Adam headed over to the bar. 

“Sam, two beers, please,” Adam said as he came up to the bar. 

Sam the bartender grabbed two glasses from underneath the counter when in another corner of the saloon, a group of men were sitting around a table having one too many drinks and chattering away. 

“Hey, did you hear about Cartwright’s new lady friend staying at the Ponderosa?” 

Ben’s head perked up slightly. He usually ignored that kind of talk involving his name, but for some reason he found himself listening intently to their conversation that time around. 

“Yeah, I hear she’s quite a looker. She’s got a daughter too I hear.” 

“Yeah, she’s also supposed to be rich. I hear this fella who’s after her wants her for her money, but I don’t buy it.” He took another drink from his beer mug. 

One of the other fellows sitting at the table asked, “Why not?” 

“Well, why else would she be cozying up to Cartwright? It’s obvious she’s the one who wants money and Cartwright’s loaded.” 

Ben’s muscles tightened as anger started welling up inside him. Sam placed the beers on the counter and Adam slid one over to Ben who moved his gaze on the beer in front of him while also continuing to listen intently to the conversation from the other side of the saloon. 

“I don’t believe that,” one fella spouted. “What about her daughter? She wouldn’t put her own daughter through all of that over money.” 

“I wouldn’t be surprised. I’ll bet she’s using her too. A pretty young girl like her? She could be setting her up with every scoundrel in town just to earn a living. Maybe even that fella who was after them.” 

Ben could no longer stay silent thinking of Abigail and the bruises on her back. He pushed himself away from the bar, startling Adam who turned his head towards Ben. “Pa?” 

The men at the table cackled as Ben marched up to them. “Excuse me, gentlemen.” 

The man leading the conversation lifted his head up at Ben. “Hey, look who it is, Ben Cartwright! We were just talking about you.” 

“I know you were,” Ben acknowledged in a calm yet firm voice. “And I would appreciate it if you would keep your opinions about my guests to yourself.” 

“Hey now…” The man rose from his seat. “We was just talking and having a little drink, that’s all.” 

“Then have your drinks and leave that kind of talk about my guests out of your mouth,” Ben told him, sternly. 

The man moved around the table and staggered over to Ben. “Come on now, Cartwright, you and I both know she ain’t worth the fuss over. Why, she ain’t nothing but a no-good gold digger is what she is.” 

Ben’s brows furrowed as he delivered a strong blow with his fist across the man’s face which sent him flying over the table next to them, breaking it along with the few glasses on the table that shattered onto the floor. Adam shot up from his seat when Sheriff Coffee burst through the saloon doors. 

“All right, what’s going on in here?” he bellowed. The man Ben punched hoisted himself up from the ground and glared at Ben before he charged at him, but Roy pushed him back. “Simmer down. Now, I asked a question and I want an answer now.” 

With lips pressed together, Adam stepped forward. “Well, you see, Roy…” 

Ben spoke, his voice almost a whisper. “No. It was me, Roy.” 

Roy shifted his gaze over to Ben as he raised his eyebrows slightly. “Ben? Why I never thought I’d see the day when Ben Cartwright was starting fights in saloons.” 

“I had a reason, Roy,” Ben told him in a soft tone. 

Roy shrugged, “Well maybe you did, but you of all people should know that I don’t allow that kind of behavior in this town.” 

Ben hung his head down. “I know that, Roy and I apologize. I don’t know what came over me.” 

Adam gave a nervous chuckle. “Roy, there wasn’t any harm done, so why don’t we just let the matter go, huh?” 

“Well, all right,” Roy said before he pointed his finger towards Ben. “But it’s only because we’ve been friends for years, Ben.” 

Ben thanked him when the man Ben hit stared daggers at him and sneered, “Wait, sheriff, I ain’t through with him yet.” 

Roy held him back as he grumbled, “Well, I say you are, now you get outta here and cool off.” He grabbed hold of his shoulders and dragged him out of the saloon doors. 

Meanwhile, Ben picked up his hat off of the table when Adam came up to him. “Pa, are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Let’s just get out of here.” 

Ben took some money out of his wallet and placed it on the counter in front of Sam. “This is for the damages, Sam.” 

Sam waved it off. “Oh, that’s all right, Ben.” 

Embarrassed, Ben slowly made his way out of the saloon. 

Adam stood there as he exchanged a few quick glances over at the broken table and the saloon doors—his eyebrows creased slightly before he left the saloon himself. 

The ride back to the Ponderosa was a quiet one. Ben hadn’t said a word since he and Adam left the saloon. 

When they returned to the ranch, Joe came up to them as Ben pulled on the reins to stop. 

“Hey, so how did that meeting go with Myers and the timber contract? Is it done?” Ben ignored Joe’s question as he hopped down off of the buckboard and went inside the house. Joe wrinkled his eyebrows. “Pa?” He shifted his gaze to Adam. “What’s wrong? What happened?” 

Adam got down off of the buckboard. “Joe, I need to talk to you for a minute; privately.” 

Joe shrugged, “Sure.” 

Adam led Joe into the barn. He came up to one of the stalls as he placed one hand on his hip and the other up to his temple when Joe asked, “Adam, what’s going on? Why are you and Pa acting so strange?” 

Adam turned around and stated, “Look, I know I’ve only just met this Amelia Swanson and I don’t know much about her, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Pa is in love with her.” 

Joe scoffed with a chuckle, “What? Oh, come on, Adam, that’s absurd.” 

“I’m not so sure,” Adam suspected. “When we were in town at the Silver Dollar, Pa and I overheard some men in the corner saying some not very flattering things about Amelia and her daughter. Now Pa is usually not one to be bothered by any gossip said about him or any guests we’ve had stay at the Ponderosa over the years, but this time: he took it personally.” 

“Meaning what?” Joe asked as he crossed his arms. 

“Meaning, he walked over to them, confronted one of them and next thing I knew, Pa lost his temper and decked him right in the nose.” 

Joe chuckled, “What? Yeah, but he was only defending her, that doesn’t mean he’s in love with her.” 

“Well, we’ve had many other single or widowed ladies stay with us before and Pa never defended them in quite that way before. He’s always held back his anger and managed to keep his emotions under control as he taught us to in those situations but this time he couldn’t, why?” Adam questioned. 

Joe shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, but I’m sure if he was in love, he would certainly tell us, wouldn’t he?” 

Adam’s lips curled into a little smirk. “Joe, you know as well as I do how Pa is. And besides, I don’t think Pa even realizes it himself.” 

“I still think you’re making a big deal out of this,” Joe told him. 

Adam sighed in irritation, “Oh, come on, Joe, you haven’t noticed anything peculiar about Pa’s behavior lately?” 

Joe shook his head slightly. “No, I mean, well, he did get a little sore at me when I teased him about him dancing with Amelia at Alice’s birthday party, but I was just messing with him, I wasn’t serious about it.” 

Adam’s mouth opened slightly as he lifted his head. “All right, let me put it to you another way, one you’ll actually understand.” Joe rolled his eyes with a smirk before Adam gave him a scenario. “Suppose you were in the same situation as Pa. You overhear some men spreading some terrible rumors about Alice. How would you feel?” 

“I’d be angry, very angry,” Joe replied. 

“Right. And what would you do about it?”

“I’d kill’em.” 

Adam rolled his eyes and chuckled softly. “Let’s for your sake try to think of something a little less extreme, shall we?” 

Joe moved his gaze towards the ground. “All right, I’d punch them all right in the nose.” 

Adam held his index finger up. “Ah-ha. And why would you do that?” 

“Because she’s my wife, I love her.” Joe’s eyes widened as the realization hit him. “Adam, he loves her.” 

Adam smiled. “Yes, Joe, he does.” 

Joe could hardly contain his excitement. “I don’t believe it, Pa’s in love.” 

“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone about this, not even Alice,” Adam cautioned. “This is something Pa has to decide for himself. He has to be the one to tell us, it can’t come from us, understand?” 

“Yeah, yeah, I just can’t believe it,” Joe shrugged, still smiling big. 

“Yeah, well, I need to get back in town, but remember what I told you,” Adam stressed as he placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Pa has to be the one to tell us about Amelia.” 

Joe promised Adam again before Adam left the barn leaving Joe standing there, beaming with excitement. 

***

Sometime later, Ben sat back in his chair at his desk, lost in his thoughts over his behavior at the saloon and how he had been denying his feelings for Amelia for so long that he had finally come to the realization that he may actually be in love with her. 

His thoughts were interrupted when he looked up and saw Amelia come out of the kitchen. She acknowledged him with a faint smile as she made her way over to the stairs when Ben got her attention. 

“Amelia?” He rose from his seat as Amelia turned to him. “I need to talk to you,” he said. 

Amelia hung her head down and said with frustration in her voice, “Ben, I already told you….” 

“No.” Ben sighed before he told her, “Amelia, we can’t keep going on with this not speaking to each other, it isn’t getting us anywhere is it?” 

Amelia held her gaze on the floor as she brought her fingers together. “No, I suppose you’re right.” 

Ben motioned towards the door. “There’s something I want to show you, if you don’t mind.” 

Amelia lifted her head up to him and stared at him with intrigue. Ben then grabbed his hat while Amelia picked up her shawl and wrapped it around her before they both headed out the door. 

Ben took Amelia to a spot on the Ponderosa. He led her up a hill and when she reached the top, she stared out at the view of the pinewood trees swaying back and forth in the distance. 

She smiled wide. “Oh, it’s so beautiful, Ben.” 

Ben looked out at the view. “Yes it is. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited this place. I suppose it’s because it brings too many painful memories for me.” Amelia shifted her gaze over to Ben who revealed, “This was the last place I took Joe’s mother, Marie, before she died.” 

Amelia moved her gaze back over to the view and said, “You really loved your wife, didn’t you?” 

“I did, very much. As much as I loved my other wives. And I’ll always carry them with me in my heart, as I’m sure you do your husband.” 

Amelia turned around and took a few steps towards an oak tree before she told him, “Abigail saw us that night at the party when I…kissed you.” 

Ben gave a deep sigh before he placed his hand gently on Amelia’s shoulder. “Let me talk to her…” 

“No. No, Ben, it won’t do any good. She thinks that I…” She closed her eyes tight. “She thinks that I’m in love with you.” 

Ben’s head perked up. “Are you?” 

Amelia lifted her head up towards the sky. “Oh, I don’t know. That’s the trouble.” 

“Well, maybe this will help you decide…” 

Amelia turned around when Ben took hold of her shoulders and kissed her. Ben pulled back slowly and with his hands still wrapped around her shoulders, he confessed, “I’ve been in denial these past few days now, trying to pretend that I don’t have these…feelings for you. But I don’t want to keep pretending anymore…and I don’t think you do either.” 

Amelia stared into his eyes. “Oh, Ben.” She laid her head against his shoulder and cried, “I do love you.” 

Ben wrapped his arms around her as he nuzzled his head against her hair. Amelia lifted her head up and gazed into his eyes as Ben smiled at her while tenderly caressing her cheek. 

Amelia moved closer to the oak tree and Ben followed after her. She rested her back against it while Ben came up to her and gently took hold of her hand. 

He looked down at her and smiled. “Now we don’t have to hide it anymore.” 

Amelia turned to him and returned the smile but it soon faded as she remembered Vincent. She placed her hand up to his face and moved away from the tree.

Ben’s eyebrows creased in puzzlement. “Amelia, what’s wrong?” 

“It won’t work between us, Ben,” she told him in a somber tone. “Vincent will kill you and your whole family as soon as he finds out. You and I can never be.” 

Ben moved away from the tree as he shook his head. “It will. You said it yourself you can’t let that man control you for the rest of your life. He doesn’t love you, I do.” He took hold of her shoulders from behind her, giving them a light squeeze. “We can make it work…together.” 

“I wish we could,” she said before Ben turned her shoulders around to face him. 

“We can,” he assured her. “Because I am going to do everything in my power to stop him from hurting you. He won’t hurt you or your daughter ever again I promise.” Amelia’s head fell on his shoulder and Ben held her close before he said, “I promise.” 

Ben wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her back over to the buggy before they headed back to the ranch. 

Chapter Seven 

The next day, Ben and Amelia arrived in Virginia City by buggy to the sheriff’s office to find out from Clem if there was any news about Vincent. They had decided not to officially announce their courtship until after Vincent was out of the way and gone. 

Ben pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the sheriff’s office. Amelia paused as she looked over at the sheriff’s office and confessed, “I’m scared, Ben.” 

“Why, there’s no reason to be scared,” Ben consoled. 

“I know, but part of me fears I’ll never be rid of him,” Amelia lamented. 

“You will. Come on, we better head inside.” 

When Ben and Amelia reached the sheriff’s office, Amelia spoke. “But what if…” 

“But nothing,” Ben interjected. “Now quit worrying. Everything is going to be all right.” 

His smile calmed her fears as they headed inside the sheriff’s office. 

Clem informed Ben and Amelia that he still has not been able to locate Vincent or the two men who had been after her. He reassured her though that it might actually be good news and maybe it signified the end of his pursuit of her. 

Amelia still wasn’t hopeful, but Clem reassured her the wanted posters were still up all over town and he promised he would inform her if there was any new information. Ben thanked him and he and Amelia left the sheriff’s office. 

While outside, Ben closed the door behind him as Amelia sighed. “Well, it wasn’t the news I was hoping for, exactly.” 

“No, but the fact they haven’t found him is still good news,” Ben noted. “So maybe what Clem said is true, it really is over.” 

“Maybe. But there’s just something about it that doesn’t feel right to me,” Amelia expressed. 

Ben took hold of her shoulders. “Look, how about I take you to dinner tonight? It will help get your mind off of things, what do you say?” 

Amelia’s worried expression immediately shifted to a happy one. “I’d like that very much.” 

“Good.” After Ben helped Amelia back into the buggy, he noticed her change in demeanor. “What’s wrong now, hm?” 

“I’m just worried about telling Abigail about us. She knew there was something between us even before I did and I lied to her. I told her we were just friends, nothing more.” 

“Well, I told my son, Joseph the same thing.”

“Yes, but your boys are much more understanding. Abigail…well, she loved her father very much. I just don’t feel she’ll ever accept us.” 

“She may, in time. But there’s something you need to remember and it’s the same thing I learned with my boys: you and her both have your own lives to lead. You can’t live her life for her and she can’t live yours. And you don’t need her approval or permission to live yours either.” 

Amelia’s lips formed a smile, admiring his wisdom. “You’re right.” She placed her hand up to his face and gave him a tender kiss before Ben lightly whipped the reins and they took off down the street. 

***

The next morning at Candy and Hannah’s homestead, Hannah stood in front of the stove cooking breakfast when Candy walked in, tying his lavender-colored neckerchief around his neck as he yawned. 

Hannah turned to him. “Good morning. Your breakfast is almost ready.” 

“Thanks, but I just don’t have the time,” Candy told her as he finished tying his neckerchief. “Ben wants me at the ranch bright and early.” 

“Oh, well, I packed a lunch for you.” She went over to the counter and picked up a satchel bag. “Try not to work too hard, all right?” she told him as she handed the bag over to him. 

“I won’t. I’ll see you later.” He gave her a quick kiss when they heard the sound of one of their twins crying from the next room. Hannah sighed in irritation when a smirk appeared on Candy’s lips and he said, “Try not to work too hard yourself.” 

She couldn’t help but giggle at that, making Candy grin when he snuck another kiss on her cheek and said goodbye to her before he headed out the door. 

Later that afternoon, Hannah was back in the kitchen preparing Candy’s favorite pie for dessert as a surprise for when he returned home that evening. She stood in front of the counter as she flattened out the door with a rolling pin when there was a knock at the door. 

She laid the rolling pin down and wiped her hands on her apron before she answered the door. 

When she opened it, Vincent Callaway stepped forward as he removed his hat. “Ma’am. I wondered if you’d mind helping me.” 

Meanwhile, Candy rode his horse, Scout, along the trail to his house. Ben didn’t have any more work for him that day so Candy decided to surprise Hannah by coming home early. 

He looked ahead of him and slowed his horse to a stop when he noticed a few unfamiliar horses tied to the hitching post in front of his house. He steered his horse and rode around to the back of his house before he dismounted. 

Candy crept up to the side of his house and pulled out his gun from its holster. He made his way onto the porch and spotted a man leaning back against the house near the front door. 

Vincent’s man, Cole, had his arms crossed when he heard the sound of a gun cocking near his ear. 

“In the house now.” Cole turned to Candy who had his gun pointed at him. Candy jerked his head towards the door. “Go on, move.” 

Cole moved away from the house with his hands up and went inside as Candy trailed behind him.

Inside, Candy took a few steps with his gun still pointed at Cole when Vincent’s other man, Brock shot up behind him, cocking a gun near his head. 

“Drop it cowboy.” 

Candy turned his head slightly and froze in place. He slowly lowered his gun when Brock grabbed it out of his hand. Candy scanned the room and spotted Hannah sitting in a chair in the living room. 

He searched her eyes when he heard a gruff voice of a man say to him, “You must be Mr. Canaday. You’re just in time.” 

Candy glared at him when Vincent motioned to the chair near him. “Have a seat, Mr. Canaday.” 

Brock pushed him towards the chair and forcibly sat him down in it. With eyebrows furrowed, Candy asked in a stern tone, “What’s this all about? Who are you?” 

Vincent moved towards the dining table. “You’re the one they call Candy, aren’t you?” 

Candy leaned his head forward—eyebrows slightly raised. “Yes and you are?” 

Vincent ignored the question and instead began interrogating him. 

“You’ve got quite an impressive resume, Mr. Canaday. Ex-army—born and raised on an army post; your father a sergeant. It was there that you married a colonel’s daughter, but the marriage was later annulled by her father. I guess he didn’t take too much of a shine to an army brat.” 

Candy barked, “What are you, the national guard? How do you know so much about me?” 

With a half-smile, Vincent kept on badgering him. 

“You work for the Cartwright family as their foreman, is that correct?” 

Candy grew impatient as he answered with an agitated, “Yes.” 

“You’re very loyal to Ben Cartwright, aren’t you?” 

“He’s done all right by me.” 

“Well, I’m gonna find out just how loyal you are, Mr. Canaday.” Vincent grabbed one of the dining room chairs and spun it around, taking a seat in front of Candy. “Your boss has someone I want. Her name is Amelia.” 

The realization hit Candy and he scoffed, “Oh. You must be Vincent.” 

Vincent flashed a grin. “Now if you’ll be ever so kind as to tell me where your boss is hiding her.” 

Candy responded with a sarcastic, “Well, you know so much about me, I’m sure you can figure it out.” 

Vincent pressed his lips together, unamused by Candy’s snarkiness. “Listen, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, your choice.” Candy shook his head with a scoff. Vincent’s eyes darted over to Hannah. “I wonder if your wife is as loyal to him as you.”

Vincent rose from the chair and picked it up before he moved over to Hannah and took a seat in front of her. Candy’s whole body tensed and he yelled, “You lay a hand on her, I’ll kill you!” 

Vincent stared at Hannah with his head tilted slightly, giving her a sinister-like smile. “Now, Mrs. Canaday…where is Amelia?” 

Hannah hung her head down, avoiding his cold dark eyes. Vincent gently began caressing her cheek infuriating Candy who jumped up and shouted, “Keep your hands off her!” 

Brock pushed him back down again. “Simmer down, cowboy.” 

Hannah’s eyes filled with tears as Vincent leaned closer towards her and repeated his question. “Now, my dear. Where is Amelia?” 

Hannah shut her eyes tight. “Please.” 

All of a sudden, they heard the sound of a baby wailing from the next room. Vincent glanced over at the nursery door and inquired, “Perhaps your children can help you with your answer.” He moved his gaze over to one of his men. “Cole…” 

Cole started to move towards the nursery door. Candy’s eyes widened in disbelief as Hannah screamed, “Don’t you touch my babies!” 

Candy shot up from the chair, toppling it over and lunged at Cole, tackling him to the ground. He hoisted him up by the shirt collar and punched him across the face. 

Brock came up and grabbed Candy by the shoulders when Candy whipped around and elbowed Brock in his side. He yelped and wobbled backwards when Candy slammed him back against the wall in an adrenaline-fueled rage. He swung his fist hard into Brock’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him when Cole shot back up and lunged at Candy. 

Cole grabbed Candy and pinned his arms behind him as Candy shook his whole body violently trying to escape his firm grasp. Brock collected himself before he threw punches at Candy left and right. He threw one more strong punch into Candy’s stomach before Cole let go and punched him across the face. Candy spun before he slammed into the wall and slid down it. 

Hannah screamed, “Stop it!” She hurried over to Candy and gently took hold of his bloody and bruised face. “Oh, Candy,” she cried. 

Candy let out a hacking cough as his chest heaved when Hannah glared at Vincent and seethed, “I want you out of my house…now!” 

“Very well, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Vincent headed to the door with Cole and Brock trailing behind. He opened the door and said, “I’ll be seeing you again real soon.” 

After Vincent left with his henchmen, Hannah brushed Candy’s wavy hair back when Candy looked up at her and asked in a soft tone, “Are you all right?” 

Hannah stared at him, not being able to fathom how he could ask that question. Her breath shuddered before she broke down crying into his shoulder. 

Her crying was disrupted by the sound of their children’s cries from inside the nursery. She lifted her head up and sniffled as Candy moved his hand up to her face. “Go, I’m alright.” 

She moved away from him and headed inside the nursery while Candy slowly pushed himself up from the floor. 

A little while later, Candy sat at the dining table with his red shirt unbuttoned and opened as Hannah sat across from him, dabbing an alcohol-soaked cloth against his bruised face. 

Candy grimaced while Hannah apologized profusely to him when Candy, still fuming with anger, kicked the chair in front of him. 

Hannah suggested, “I really think you should have Doctor Martin take a look at your ribs.” 

“I’m fine. I’m so doggone angry right now I don’t even care,” he snapped. 

Hannah paused before she asked, “How did he know all those things about you?” 

“I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.” 

Candy slowly rose from the chair and started buttoning his shirt as he headed towards the door. 

Hannah pleaded, “Candy, please don’t go after them.” 

“I’m not. I’m just gonna ride out to the Ponderosa to talk to Ben.” Candy finished buttoning his shirt and then grabbed his vest. 

Hannah shot up from her seat and trembled, “Promise me that you won’t go after them…please. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I can’t lose you.” 

She broke down crying again when Candy hurried back over to her and took her in his arms. “Hey, I’m not gonna go too far, I promise,” he told her as he stroked her hair. He pulled away and gently brushed his hand up to her face. “All right?” She nodded with a sniffle. “While I’m gone, I want you to take the rig and head over to Joe and Alice’s, you’ll be safe there.” 

“Candy, I’ll be fine,” she argued. 

“No. I can’t risk you being here alone all by yourself. You heard what Vincent said. I want you and our children to be safe. Please.” She nodded in agreement before Candy gave her a soft kiss and pressed his head against hers. “I love you.” 

“I love you,” she repeated before Candy rushed out the door. 

At the Ponderosa, Ben sat at his desk while Joe leaned over the desk when the door swung open. Ben and Joe turned and their eyes widened at a disheveled-looking Candy. 

“Good heavens, what happened to you?” Ben questioned. 

Amelia and Abigail emerged from the kitchen and Candy’s eyes darted over to Amelia before he answered Ben. “Ask her.” 

Amelia shifted her attention over to Candy who came up to her and informed her, “Your boyfriend came to pay me and my wife a visit earlier today.” 

Amelia shook her head in confusion. “I don’t know what you mean.” 

“I think you do know,” Candy stressed in a sharp tone. 

“I can assure you, I don’t,” Amelia told him. 

“Vincent Callaway. He came into my house with two other men and threatened me, my wife and our children if we didn’t tell them where you were.” 

Amelia gasped, “What?” 

“And not only that but he knew an awful lot about me,” Candy sneered. “Where do you suppose he got that information?” 

Amelia trembled as she shook her head, “I don’t know, honestly I don’t.” 

Candy moved his hands over his hips. “Well, he got it from somewhere and you and your daughter are the only ones that know anything about him.” 

Abigail moved in front of her mother and barked, “Are you calling her a liar?” 

“I’m just saying that maybe you’re not being honest about a few things,” Candy snapped. 

Abigail charged at him. “Now you listen here you…” 

Ben stepped in between them and tried to diffuse the situation before it escalated. “Now, stop it, the both of you.” Ben turned to Candy. “Now, Candy, if Amelia said she doesn’t know anything then she doesn’t know.” 

Candy looked into Ben’s eyes and questioned, “How do we know what she knows? We don’t know anything about this woman, for all we know she could be sending him information about us behind our backs.” 

“I can assure you, I haven’t,” Amelia answered in a sharp tone. 

Ben said, sternly, “Candy, that is enough.” He calmed himself and then asked, “Now, did you tell Vincent anything about Amelia’s whereabouts?” 

Candy stared at Ben in disbelief. “No, I didn’t. It’s nice to know you’re so concerned about what happened to me and my family.” 

Ben sighed. “It’s not that I…I didn’t mean…” 

Candy scoffed. “You know what, forget it. I guess it was just a waste of time coming here because it’s obvious you care more about this woman than your own friend who stuck his neck out for you and who you consider family.” Candy’s words felt like a knife through Ben’s chest as he stared at him with hurt in his eyes. “Well, I guess I was wrong. You know I think this Vincent fella might have been onto something about loyalties.” 

Candy stormed out the door. 

While outside, Candy went into the barn and stomped over to his horse. He picked up his saddle and then swung it around in a fury before dropping it to the ground. He leaned forward against the stall as his chest heaved when Joe walked into the barn. Candy barely even noticed him. 

Joe came up to him and asked, “Don’t you think you were out of line?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, Joe, I guess I’m a little on edge from almost getting myself killed trying to protect my family,” Candy answered in a surly tone. 

“Candy, you know Amelia had nothing to do with what happened with you and Vincent.” 

“Well, I’m not so sure. I’m not sure of anything anymore,” Candy snapped. 

“Pa didn’t mean it like that and you know it,” Joe told him. “He does care about you, Candy; he always has. I’m sure he feels awful about what happened.” 

Candy relaxed his shoulders. “Well, it certainly didn’t seem that way.” 

“Well, he does. And pointing the blame isn’t gonna solve anything either,” Joe noted. 

Candy barked, “Oh, don’t give me that, Joe, if it had been your family, you’d be as angry as I am right now.” He pointed towards the barn doors. “You’d be out there ready to string up every last one of them.” 

Joe sighed. “All right, maybe I would. But accusing a frightened woman and her daughter…that’s wrong.” 

Candy calmed himself before he admitted, “All right, maybe I was a little rough on them, but if you had seen what happened, you would understand why.” Candy’s anger returned as he recalled, “He put his hands on my wife, Joe, he even threatened to harm our children if we didn’t talk. What kind of sick, twisted man would threaten to harm a baby?” 

“I’m sorry that happened. Are they all right?” 

“Yeah, they’re all right. I sent Hannah over to your place for a while. Then I might have her stay here at your pa’s for the night. I just don’t want to risk anything, at least for right now.” Candy gave an irritated sigh. “I just don’t see why your pa doesn’t just hand them over to Clem, why do we have to be involved in this fight when it isn’t our fight to begin with and risk our lives and the lives of our families?” 

Joe pressed his lips together. “It’s not that simple,” he said. 

“What do you mean it’s not that simple?” Candy asked, exasperated. 

Joe remembered his promise to Adam, but he knew then that he didn’t have a choice. 

“Pa’s in love with her.” Candy’s head perked up as he stared at Joe, wide-eyed. Joe sighed and explained, “He hasn’t told us yet, but Adam and I…we can see it. That’s why he’s doing all he can to protect her and her daughter. It is his fight now.” 

Everything became clear for Candy as he breathed, “And that makes it our fight.” 

Joe nodded. “Yeah.” 

Candy rested his hands over the stall. “Well, right now I only care about my own. So I’m gonna do whatever it takes to protect them.” 

“And Pa and I will make sure of it. Even if I have to guard them myself, I will,” Joe offered. 

Candy felt a twinge of guilt and responded in a soft tone, “No, you don’t need to do that. You’ve got your own family to worry about.” 

Joe gave a small smile. “They’re my godkids, remember? So that makes them my family too.” 

Candy flashed a smile. “Thanks.” Joe patted his shoulder when Candy warned him, “Vincent had a lot of information on me, so chances are he knows a lot about you too. So watch yourself.” 

“I will, thanks.” Joe turned to leave when Candy spoke. 

“Tell your pa I’m happy for him, will ya?” 

Joe imparted, “Why don’t you tell him that yourself, huh?” 

Candy smiled as Joe left the barn. 

***

Later that night, Joe stood out on the porch of his house as he leaned over the railing when he heard the door open. He turned and Alice greeted him as she came up next to him. 

 “Are you all right,” she asked. 

 “Yeah, I’m fine,” he answered before he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I was just thinking about what happened with Candy.” 

“Hannah told me what happened. How could a man threaten to harm an innocent child?” she questioned. 

“Candy was right though. If it had happened to us, I would be as angry as he is right now, maybe more. I don’t blame him for acting the way he did. I also can’t blame Pa.” Joe shook his head and scoffed with a smile. “I still can’t get over it though. Pa being in love. I always hoped he would find somebody.” 

“Well, I’m very happy for him.” Alice moved her hand over Joe’s chest and laid her head down on his shoulder as she said, “Amelia is perfect for him.” 

“Yeah, she is.” Joe looked down at Alice as he gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “We better get some sleep, huh?” 

Joe and Alice started to head back inside when they heard hoofbeats on the ground. Joe looked out into the night and spotted a few riders approaching. 

Alice scrunched her eyebrows. “Who’s that?” 

“I don’t know.” Joe’s body tensed when he remembered what Candy said about Vincent. “Get inside.” 

Joe hurried Alice inside the house and closed the door. 

“Joe, what is it? Who are they?” Alice begged in a frightened tone. 

“It’s Vincent, Candy said they might pay us a visit.” Joe gently placed his hands on her shoulders and instructed as he pointed towards the bedroom, “I want you to get the children, go into the bedroom and lock the door. Don’t come out until I say.” 

“Joe, you can’t face them alone, they’ll kill you,” Alice told him. 

“I’ll be fine, just go.” 

“Joe, please…” 

“Just do what I tell you!” Joe said in a firm voice before Alice hurried into the nursery. 

Meanwhile, Joe went over to the fireplace and grabbed the rifle hanging up over the mantle. He checked to see if it was loaded before he headed outside. 

Vincent and a group of men brought their horses to a trot up to the porch. Joe moved up to the steps and pointed the rifle at them. 

“That’s far enough.” 

Vincent dismounted his horse. “You must be Cartwright’s youngest son, Joseph. The one they call Little Joe. Allow me to introduce myself…” 

“I know who you are,” Joe barked. “My friend Candy told me about you. How your men beat up on him.” 

Vincent flashed a smug grin. “Then you know why I’m here…and what I want.” 

Joe held a stern gaze on Vincent. “Yeah, and I’m gonna tell you right now, you’re not getting a thing outta me. So why don’t you just turn around and get off of this property now.” 

Vincent studied him before he moved his hand from his gun belt. “I heard about you. You’ve got quite a temper. The kind that can get you killed.” 

“Yeah, and I wouldn’t test it if I was you, so I suggest you get outta here now,” Joe warned. 

Vincent glanced over at the door. “Perhaps your wife…Alice can help us.” 

Joe tightened his grip around the rifle. “You’re not getting anywhere near her. You’ll have to kill me to get in this house.” 

Vincent’s eyes shifted over to Cole and he nodded his head towards him. Cole dismounted his horse and moved towards the house when Joe fired a shot at his feet. He reloaded the rifle and aimed it at Cole. 

“The next one’s going right through you,” Joe fumed. 

Vincent glared at Joe before he tilted his head slightly. “Do you really want to play this game, Joe?” 

Joe sneered, “I’m not gonna ask you again. Get off this property now.” 

Vincent sighed. “Have it your way then. You want to start a war then so be it. Consider this your last warning. Bring Amelia to me or else you and your whole family are gonna regret crossing me.” 

Vincent mounted his horse and took off down the pasture along with his men before they disappeared into the night. 

Joe lowered the rifle—his pulse beginning to slow again and he went back inside the house. 

Inside their son’s nursery, Alice sat on the floor with her back against the wall trembling with fear for Joe as she held their son close to her chest while their daughter sat beside her, oblivious to the danger outside. 

Her head jerked up when she heard the front door opening. She shot up from the floor and placed little Benjamin Joseph inside his cradle and pleaded with her daughter to stay put as she left the nursery. 

She came into the living room and saw Joe hanging up the rifle over the mantle. She ran over to him and embraced him. “Oh, Joe, thank goodness you’re all right. I heard the shot and I thought that…” 

“No, I’m fine.” 

Alice pulled away from Joe and glanced over at the door. “What did he want?” 

“He wanted me to tell him where Amelia is, but I wouldn’t. One of his men tried to get into the house, but I fired a shot to warn him, that’s what you heard. He’s not giving up.”

“What are you gonna do?” she asked. 

“I don’t know, but it’s not safe here. I’ll have to take you and the children to Pa’s for the night.” 

“All right, but what about you?” 

Joe gave a small smile as he tenderly brushed his thumb against her cheek. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you. I’m not going anywhere.” He nodded towards the door. “Go get your things and I’ll get the buckboard ready.” 

Alice nodded before she went into the bedroom while Joe hitched up the buckboard. 

***

At the Ponderosa, Ben paced the living room when Candy walked through the door. 

“Mr. Cartwright?” Ben turned to Candy with one eyebrow slightly raised before Candy informed him, “Hal and Smokey said the men finished their work and they’re down for the night.” 

Ben nodded. “All right, that’s fine. Thank you for letting me know.” 

Candy stood there awkwardly before he said, “Well, goodnight.” 

Candy started heading over to the stairs when Ben spoke. “Candy…” Candy stopped at the foot of the staircase when Ben took a few steps towards him and stated, “So we’re back to Mr. Cartwright now?” Candy pressed his lips together and held his gaze on the floor. Ben shrugged, “You haven’t called me that in close to what? Four years now? I was under the impression that you were more than just a hand…because you are. I always thought you were, that’s never changed.” 

Candy’s lips formed a small smile. “I know. I was out of line and I’m sorry. I was angry…” 

“I know and after Hannah told us what happened, you have every right to be. Of course there is someone else you should be apologizing to,” Ben noted. 

“I know, I’ll apologize to her in the morning. I want to thank you for letting me and Hannah stay here.”  

“Of course, you’re always welcome here.” Ben leaned his head forward. “I hope you know that.” 

“Yeah, I do. Goodnight, Ben.” 

Ben smiled as he said goodnight to him. Candy started to ascend the stairs when they heard the squeaking of wheels from outside. Ben and Candy headed outside the door to see who it was. 

Outside, Joe pulled the buckboard up to the ranch with Alice and their children seated next to him. 

Ben came up to him and asked, “What are you doing here this time of night?” 

“Vincent and his men came by our place tonight,” Joe told him. 

Ben’s eyebrows crinkled. “What? Are you all right?” 

“Yeah, we’re fine, he didn’t hurt us. But I didn’t want to risk him coming back so I thought to bring Alice and the children here so they’ll be safe.” 

“Yes, of course.” Ben stepped around to Alice’s side and helped her down. He turned to Candy and nodded towards the back of the buckboard. “Candy, get their bags.” 

“Yeah.” Candy went around to the back of the buckboard and grabbed their bags. 

Joe stepped down off of the buckboard and lifted Sara up and brought her down to the ground before he took her hand and led her over to Alice. “Go with your mother, honey, all right?” 

Alice took hold of Sara’s hand while holding little Benjamin Joseph in the other when Ben placed his hand on Alice’s back and motioned towards the house. 

“Just go on inside, darling.” 

Alice went into the house with Candy trailing behind carrying their bags. 

Ben turned to Joe and asked, “What happened?” 

Joe sighed. “He’s not giving up, Pa. He won’t go down without a fight. He warned me that if we didn’t hand Amelia over to him, we were gonna regret crossing him.” 

“Oh, he did.” Ben moved his hands over his hips. “Well, neither are we. We’re not giving into his demands.” 

“So what do we do?” Joe asked. 

“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now. We’ll just get some rest and then I’ll head into town in the morning and tell Clem we found him.” 

Joe and Ben wished each other a good night before Joe headed inside the house while Ben unhitched the buckboard. 

Chapter Eight 

The next morning, Ben sat at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee when Amelia came out of the kitchen holding a coffee pot in her hand. 

“I made a fresh pot of coffee if you’d like some.” 

“Oh, yes, thank you, dear.” Ben held his coffee cup to her and she poured him another cup. 

She placed the coffee pot down and took a seat across from him. “I just feel awful about this whole thing.” 

Ben gently placed his hand over hers. “It isn’t your fault.” 

“I can’t help but feel like it is. If we hadn’t come here, none of this would have happened.” 

“And if Jamie hadn’t found you, you both could be dead right now,” Ben countered. 

“Maybe. I don’t blame your foreman one bit for being angry at me especially after hearing what happened to him and his wife.” 

“Candy doesn’t blame you…” 

“I know. I just can’t believe Vincent would do something so…evil.” 

Ben moved his gaze down and breathed, “I know.” 

Amelia confessed as she held back tears, “I can’t help but wonder after everything that’s happened to your family that…that I’m even worth all this trouble.” 

Before Ben could respond, the door opened. Ben lifted his head up as he rose from his seat. He turned the corner and saw Adam removing his hat. 

“Adam?” 

“Hey, Pa.” Adam hung his hat up on the rack near the door. 

Ben slipped his hands in his pockets. “I thought you’d be heading back to Boston by now.” 

“Well, I was, but Joe told me what happened and I thought you might need some help.” 

“Well, I appreciate it, Adam, but I’m sure you want to get back to your family; they need you too.” 

Adam tilted his head slightly. “Yes, well, I’m afraid it’s a little too late. I already sent a wire to Emily explaining my extended visit. She’ll understand.” 

“But your wife is expecting a baby, shouldn’t you be there with her?” 

Adam bit his lower lip, trying to suppress a smirk. “Emily isn’t due for another six months, Pa, I think she’ll be all right without me for a little while.” 

Ben flashed a faint smile. “Oh, good.” 

Amelia emerged from the dining room. Ben turned around and noticed her standing there. “Oh, Amelia, you remember my son, Adam.” 

Amelia smiled.“Yes, of course. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” 

Adam gave a small smile with a nod of his head. “Pleasure to see you, ma’am.” 

Amelia brought her hands together. “Well, I don’t want to keep you. I’ll go see what Abigail is up to.” 

After Amelia ascended the stairs and disappeared around the corner, Adam turned to his pa and asked, “So, what’s the plan?” 

“I don’t know. I was gonna ride into town and talk to Clem, tell him what happened.” 

“I’ll come with you,” Adam offered. 

“Thank you, but before we do, I need to talk to you, Joe and Jamie; it’s important.” 

“What’s it about?” Adam asked in curiosity. 

“Well, if you’re gonna be a part of this, there’s something I need to tell all of you. I wanted to wait until after this thing with Vincent was over with, but I feel it’s best to let you know now that way you’ll know just how important this fight really is,” Ben explained. 

Adam could sense what it was, but he didn’t pry. “All right.” 

Ben nodded towards the door. “Would you go get Joe and I’ll find Jamie. We’ll meet back here.” 

Adam headed out the door while Ben went upstairs to Jamie’s room. 

***

A little while later, Ben paced the living room floor while Adam leaned against the fireplace mantle and Joe and Jamie sat on the settee with Joe on the armrest nearest to Ben. “The reason I called you boys here…” Ben began. 

Joe interrupted. “Pa, come on, we’re all grown men here…” He glanced over at Jamie. “Well, most of us anyway.” 

Jamie furrowed his eyebrows as he perked his head up slightly making Joe bite back a smirk. 

“Well, you’ll always be boys to me,” Ben noted. “Anyway, I called you all here because there’s something I want to ask you and I want you to be completely honest with me.” He took a pause and then asked, “What do you think of Amelia?” 

Joe answered, “I like her just fine. Adam?” 

“Well, I hardly know her, but she seems like a nice woman to me.” Adam crossed his arms over him. 

Jamie shrugged, “I like her okay, I guess.” 

Ben nodded slightly and shrugged his shoulders. “Well, that’s good because I…” He hesitated before he said in a soft tone, “I don’t know why this is so hard for me to tell you. Amelia and I have…fallen for one another.” Joe and Adam exchanged glances as they both tried to keep from smiling. Ben rambled, “We didn’t plan on it, it just sort of happened. There’s just something about her that…well, she makes me feel something I haven’t felt in a long time since both of your mothers and I love her.” 

Silence filled the room as Joe, Adam, and Jamie all stared at him until Ben couldn’t take it any longer. “Well, somebody say something.” 

A smile crept on Adam’s lips as he spoke. “It’s about time.” 

Joe chimed in. “We’ve been waiting for you to tell us, Pa.” 

Ben raised his eyebrows. “You knew?” 

Adam answered as he shrugged, “It was obvious, Pa, anybody could see it.” 

Joe added, “I’m surprised you waited this long to tell us.” 

“Well, I hesitated because I didn’t know how you all would feel, given that it’s so sudden,” Ben told them. 

“Well, we think it’s great,” Joe said as he got up from his seat. “We love Amelia and we couldn’t be happier for you, Pa.” 

“Yes, it will be nice to have her as a member of the family,” Adam told him as he moved away from the fireplace mantle. 

“You don’t know how much it means to hear you boys say that.” Ben breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, now that that’s over with, I’ll head into town and talk to Clem.” 

“I’ll go saddle the horses,” Adam offered before he headed over to the door. 

Joe informed his pa, “I’m gonna see about that corral with Candy. I should be back this afternoon.” 

“That’s fine,” Ben said as he patted Joe’s shoulder. 

After Joe left, Ben went over to Jamie who got up from the settee. “Jamie? You’ve hardly said a word, is everything all right?” 

“Yeah, I’m fine, Pa.” 

“Well, are you…happy?” 

Jamie gave a half-smile. “Yeah, I’m happy for you, Pa.” 

Ben placed his hand on his shoulder. “Good.” 

“I’m gonna go see if Joe and Candy need a hand with that corral.” 

After Ben ascended the stairs, Jamie’s smile faded before he went out the door. 

Meanwhile, upstairs in her bedroom, Amelia finally confessed her feelings for Ben to her daughter, Abigail. 

“You lied to me!” she hissed. 

“I know I did, darling, and I’m sorry, but it didn’t seem like a lie at the time because I didn’t want to believe it to be true. But I can’t keep denying how I feel anymore. It’s just when I’m with him…it feels like I’m with your father again.” 

“And you’re betraying him, that’s what you’re doing, don’t you understand that?” Abigail cried. 

Ben appeared in the doorway when Amelia confessed, “Abigail, your father is not the man you think he was.” Amelia glanced up at Ben. 

Abigail turned around before she stormed past him out of the door. Amelia sighed as she brought her hand up to her temple. Ben stepped into the room and walked up to Amelia. 

“Is everything all right?” 

“I finally told Abigail about us. She took the news much like I thought she would.” 

Ben placed a soothing hand over her shoulder. “Just give her some time. If she loves you, she’ll come around.” 

“I hope so,” she said. 

Ben gave her a reassuring smile. “She will.” 

Amelia looked up at him in amazement. “You always have a way of making it seem like everything is going to be all right.” 

“Because I believe it to be true.” Ben moved his hand and slipped it into his pocket. “I talked to Adam, Joe and Jamie. They were very happy for us.” 

Amelia flashed a wide smile. “Oh, that’s wonderful, Ben. It feels so good for it to finally be out in the open.” 

“Yes, it does.” 

Ben gently placed his hands around Amelia’s shoulders and they both stared into each other’s eyes before they found themselves leaning forward. They were interrupted however by the sound of Jamie yelling for his pa. 

Ben turned around as Jamie rushed into the room. “Jamie?” 

“Pa, you gotta come quick,” Jamie huffed. 

Ben touched his shoulder. “Why, what’s wrong?” 

“Joe and Candy said they saw some men riding along the trail heading towards the ranch. They think it might be Vincent and his men,” Jamie told him. 

“All right, I’ll be right down.” Ben turned to Amelia. “I want you to listen to me very carefully. I don’t want you or your daughter to leave this room. I want you to keep it locked and don’t come out until I say, do you understand?” 

“Yes, but please be careful,” Amelia urged. “You don’t know Vincent like I do. He will kill you.” 

Ben gave her shoulder a light squeeze. 

“Stay here.” 

Ben hurried out of the room while Amelia went to get Abigail. 

Ben reached the top of the staircase and spotted Adam, Joe and Candy near the door. As he hurried down the stairs, he asked, “What’s going on?” 

Joe answered as he went over to his pa, “We saw Vincent and his men heading down the trail on our way to Salt Creek.” 

Ben pressed, “Are you sure it’s him?” 

Candy affirmed, “Oh, it’s him, all right. I’d never forget that face, not for the rest of my life.” 

Ben fixed his gaze on Joe, Adam and Candy. “All right, let me talk to him…alone. I want you all to stay out of sight, don’t come out, until I signal for you, understood?” 

Joe urged, “Pa, you can’t face them alone. You need us.” 

“And I won’t be,” Ben told him. “I want you in position until I give the word, is that clear?” 

“We’ll be ready,” Adam said. 

“All right, let’s go.” Adam, Joe and Candy all hurried over to the wall of guns and each took down a rifle, loading it with shells while Ben turned to Jamie. “Jamie, I want you to wait upstairs until…” 

“No, Pa, I’m staying.” 

“Jamie…” 

“No. You need the help, and I’m not gonna just stand by and do nothing. I’m the one who found Amelia and Abigail and brought them back here, so it’s my responsibility too. I’m not a boy anymore, Pa. I can handle it.” 

Ben felt proud as he placed his hand over his son’s shoulder. “All right, but be careful.” He reached over and picked up a rifle. “But take this one.” 

Jamie looked down at the rifle with a spark in his eyes as he took it from his pa’s hand. “The gold-plated rifle. This is the rifle I broke that first year I came to live with you, remember?” 

“Yes, I remember,” Ben recalled. “I’d say you’ve more than made up for it.” 

Adam came up to the window and took a peek outside. “They’re coming, Pa.” 

“All right, get into position, now,” Ben ordered. 

Adam, Joe, and Candy along with Jamie dispersed through the kitchen and out the back door while Ben went over to the chest by the door and took his gun out of his gun belt. He checked to see if it was loaded before he went out the door. 

Outside, Vincent and a group of men rode up to the ranch. Ben came up to Vincent who folded his arms over his saddle. 

“Well, you must be the famous Ben Cartwright. We meet at last. Do you know who I am and why I’m here?” 

“Yes I do,” Ben said as he held a stern gaze on him. 

Vincent scanned his surroundings. “You’ve got quite a spread here. It’d be a shame if someone came and…destroyed everything you’ve built.” Ben stared daggers at him when Vincent shifted his gaze back over to Ben. “Anyway, let’s get down to business, shall we? You have someone I want. So if you would be so kind as to go and get her for me, we’ll be on our way.” 

“I’m sorry, but I’m not going to do that,” Ben told him. 

“That woman is going to be my wife, Mr. Cartwright. She belongs to me,” Vincent declared. 

Ben shook his head slightly. “No, she doesn’t. She wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth. She doesn’t love you and you don’t love her.” 

Vincent perked his head up. “And just how would you know that?” 

“Because just like you know everything about me I know everything about you and what kind of man you are.” 

Vincent flashed a sinister-like smile and nodded his head to the right. “You recognize him, don’t you?” Ben followed Vincent’s gaze and his eyes widened slightly when he recognized the man he punched out at the Silver Dollar. “You and him got into a little scuffle at the saloon in town,” Vincent relayed. “He told some pretty heinous lies about my Amelia, even got some of the town believing them. But I’ll be more than happy to set everyone straight…if you give her back to me that is.” 

“Well, you can’t have her because she’s not yours to take,” Ben indicated. “Now, I want you all off my land or just like you told my son…you’re going to regret crossing me.” 

Vincent glared at Ben. “I’m not leaving here without Amelia. Don’t make me have to kill you for her, Cartwright.” 

“And I don’t want to have to kill you, Mr. Callaway. Not if you don’t force me to. Now, I won’t ask you again…get off my land now,” Ben urged. 

Vincent held his gaze on Ben while upstairs in the guest room, Amelia watched them from the window as fear gripped her entire body. 

Ben informed Vincent, “I’m going to walk away now. And when I do, I expect you all to be gone.” 

Ben took a few steps back before he headed to the door. Vincent signaled to his man, Cole who dismounted his horse and marched over to Ben. Cole was inches away from Ben when Ben whipped around to him and cocked his gun and Cole. “Don’t…even…try it.” 

Vincent scowled, “You won’t win this fight, Cartwright, so you might as well give her up.” 

“I’m not giving her up. No matter how many threats you give me,” Ben stated.

Vincent scoffed. “You’re only one man, Cartwright. You can’t stop us all from breaking into your house.” 

“Am I?” Ben inquired before he gave a signal. Adam, Joe, Candy, and Jamie soon emerged from out of the bushes—guns pointed at Vincent and his men. “Do you really want to play this game? Because if you do…you’ll lose.” 

“Well, we’ll just see about that, won’t we?” Vincent signaled for his men and they dispersed from the ranch. Vincent glared at Ben and snarled, “You’re gonna regret this, Cartwright. Believe me you will.” 

After Vincent rode off, Joe, Candy, and Jamie all lowered their rifles while Adam brought his up over his shoulder. He asked with a sigh, “Well, now what?” 

“Now we wait,” Ben instructed. “He’ll be back, no doubt. But we’ll be ready.” 

Adam stated with a tilt of his head, “All right, but there’s no doubt about it now, you have a war on your hands, Pa.” 

“Yeah. We better head back inside.” 

Ben went back inside the house while Adam, Joe, Candy and Jamie trailed behind him. 

***

Later that night, Joe and Candy said goodbye to their wives as they got themselves ready to take turns keeping watch for Vincent or his men around the perimeter of the Ponderosa. Joe waited outside the house for Candy when he came out the door as he finished putting on his vest. 

Joe handed him a rifle and informed him, “Adam is keeping watch over the north side, so we’ll take the south.” 

“All right,” Candy said. 

“Let’s go.” 

They each mounted their horses and rode off down the trial. 

***

Meanwhile, inside the Ponderosa, Ben came up to Amelia’s bedroom door and knocked. Amelia answered and Ben smiled. “Hi. I just wanted to see if you needed anything before I turned in for the night.” 

Amelia returned the smile. “Oh, no, I’m fine, thank you.” 

“All right, well, I’ll see you in the morning.” Ben started to walk away when Amelia spoke. 

“Ben? Are you sure your boys will be alright out there?” 

“Oh, yes, they’ll be fine,” Ben assured her. 

“I just hate the thought of something happening to them,” Amelia feared. 

Ben placed a comforting hand over her shoulder. “There’s no need to worry, just get some rest.” 

Amelia agreed and said goodnight to Ben before she returned to her room. 

***

As the night went on, Joe wandered the woods—rifle in hand when he heard rustling in the bushes. His heart skipped a beat as he pointed the rifle near them when Candy appeared from out of the bushes with his hands up. 

“It’s just me,” he whispered. Joe relaxed as he lowered the rifle. Candy came up to him and asked, “Mind if I join you?” 

“Why not.” Joe took a seat against one of the rocks while Candy sat down next to him. Joe sighed as he stared out into the woods. “It’s been quiet ever since we got here.” 

“Too quiet,” Candy added before he slapped the back of his neck. “That’s the fifth mosquito I’ve killed in the past half hour,” he complained. Joe scoffed when Candy admitted, “I’d rather be inside in a warm bed next to my wife than out here.” 

Joe turned to him and barked, “And you think I don’t?” 

“Well, this was your idea, Joe,” Candy noted in annoyance. 

“Yeah, I know it was. But I’d rather be out here making sure they’re safe than in there worrying about them.” 

Joe and Candy’s bickering was interrupted by a smooth familiar voice. “Then don’t.” 

Joe and Candy’s heads snapped up as Joe’s brother, Adam came up to them and suggested, “Why don’t you let me keep watch for a while. Go back inside and be with your families.” 

“Are you sure?” Joe asked. 

“Yeah, my family’s all the way in Boston, so I got nothing to worry about.” Adam brought the rifle up over his shoulder and nodded his head towards the direction of the ranch. “Now go, before I change my mind.” 

Joe and Candy both shot up with big smiles on their faces as they thanked Adam. 

“Don’t mention it,” Adam said

Joe patted his shoulder and pressed, “Are you sure you’ll be all right?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Go.” 

As Joe and Candy headed down the trail, Candy said to Joe, “Hey, that brother of yours is pretty great.” 

Joe glanced over at his brother. “Yeah. Hoss taught me a lot, but Adam practically raised me and Hoss as kids. I owe him a lot.” He patted Candy’s shoulder. “Let’s go home and see our wives, huh?” 

“Right,” Candy said.

After Joe and Candy left, Adam took a seat against a hollow log and laid his rifle down next to him before he laid down and placed his hat over his face to rest. 

Back at the Ponderosa there was a knock at the door. Ben appeared at the top of the stairs in his robe as the knocking continued. He hurried down the stairs as he tied his robe and answered the door. It was Deputy Clem Foster. 

“Oh, Clem.” 

“Ben, I’m sorry for the late visit, but it’s very important I talk to you.” 

“That’s all right, come in.” Ben stepped aside as Clem removed his hat and walked through the door. He closed the door behind him and asked Clem, “What brings you here?” 

“It’s Vincent Callaway, the man who was after Amelia Swanson and her daughter.” 

“What about him?” Ben asked as he slipped his hands inside the pockets of his robe. 

Clem sighed, “Well, the strangest thing. He just came into my office and…gave himself up.”  

Ben scrunched his eyebrows. “What do you mean he just…gave himself up?” 

Suddenly the door opened and Joe walked in with Candy trailing behind him. “Hey, Clem, what are you doing here?” Joe asked. 

Ben answered, “Clem just told me that Vincent just turned himself in.” 

“He what?” Joe said in disbelief. 

Candy commented, “Just like that, huh?” 

Clem explained, “He wouldn’t give me a reason. He just told me he wanted to give himself up and to let you know about it.” 

Ben shook his head. “I don’t believe it.” 

Clem added, “I wired the judge, he should be here in a couple of days for the hearing. I’ll let you know when I hear anything.” 

Ben thanked him and Clem left the Ponderosa. 

Joe turned to Ben as he placed his hands over his hips with a puzzled expression. 

“I don’t understand, Pa, this doesn’t make any sense.” 

Ben held his gaze on the floor. “No, it doesn’t.” He lifted his head up to Joe. “I don’t want to let Amelia know anything just yet, not until we know what this is about.” 

“All right. We’ll see you in the morning.” Joe patted his shoulder and started heading over to the stairs with Candy when Ben spoke. “Joe, where’s Adam?” 

“Oh, he’s out keeping watch by the south fence.” 

Ben’s mouth formed an oval shape when Joe wished him a goodnight and ascended the stairs. 

Back by the south fence, Adam rested his eyes when he heard rustling in the bushes. He opened his eyes and slowly lifted his head up. He grabbed the rifle as he got up and called out, “Is anyone there?” 

The rustling stopped and Adam crinkled his eyebrows as he crept towards the bushes. He walked past a tree when a man jumped out from around the corner and knocked Adam over the head before he dragged Adam’s unconscious body away. 

Meanwhile back in Virginia City, Vincent laid down on a bunk bed in a cell with his arms folded underneath his head and a sinister-like smile across his lips. 

“You want a war, Ben…you got one.” 

Chapter Nine 

The next morning, Ben was outside the ranch saddling up his horse, Buck, to get ready to go into town to the sheriff’s office when he heard the voice of a panicked Joe call out to him. Ben turned around and Joe hurried over to him. “Joe, what’s wrong?” 

“Adam’s gone,” Joe huffed. 

“Gone, what do you mean gone?” Ben asked in puzzlement. 

Joe showed him the rifle Adam was using and his hat. “They were left over by the south fence. Candy and some of the other hands are out searching for him now.” 

Ben stared at Adam’s hat when Joe asked, 

“Do you think it was one of Vincent’s men?” 

“It has to be,” Ben said before he grabbed Buck’s reins. “Tell Candy and the others to keep searching, I’m paying a little visit to the sheriff’s office.” He mounted onto Buck and took off in the direction of Virginia City. 

After Ben arrived in Virginia City, he marched into the sheriff’s office. Clem was seated at his desk when he saw Ben walk in. “Oh, hello Ben.” 

“Clem.” Ben came up to Clem’s desk and urged, “I need to speak to him…now.” 

“All right. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did.” Clem rose from his desk and led Ben inside the jail. 

Vincent lifted his head when he saw Ben. 

“Oh, Ben.” He sat himself up from the bunk. “I had a feeling I’d be seeing you.” 

Ben glared at Vincent and asked in a soft but firm voice, “Where is my son?” 

Vincent’s mouth formed an oval shape. “Oh, yes, your son. Don’t worry, he’s safe…for now.” 

Ben demanded, “What kind of game are you playing?” 

“I didn’t want to play games, Ben, I told you that, but you wouldn’t listen.” 

Ben stared into his cold eyes. “Are you really filled with so much jealousy and greed…that you’re willing to let innocent people die?” 

“I’m just taking back what’s mine,” Vincent answered, nonchalantly. 

“And she isn’t yours to take,” Ben scowled. “You don’t want her because you love her, no…you want her because of what she can give you. And I’m willing to bet that as soon as you marry her and you have her money, you’ll kill her and her daughter. I know about the bruises on Abigail’s back and there’s no doubt that Amelia has them too.” 

“She deserved what she got,” Vincent claimed. “She’s nothing but a spoiled brat. Someone had to teach her a lesson.” 

“Well, let me tell you this,” Ben cautioned.

“You won’t ever be able to hurt her or her mother ever again because you are going to stay locked up in that jail cell where you belong.” 

“I wouldn’t count on that. By the end of tomorrow, you’ll be begging that sheriff to let me out of this cell, I can guarantee it.” 

Ben held a stern gaze on him. “If anything happens to my son…I’ll kill you.” 

Ben was about to leave the jail when Vincent spoke. “I’ll be seeing you again, Ben.” 

Ben paused before he stormed out of the jail. 

***

Later that night, Ben was outside on the porch as he looked out into the night, filled with worry for his son, Adam when Joe walked out of the house. Ben hardly noticed him when Joe came up onto the porch. 

“Hey. Candy, Hal, and Luke are gonna head out again tomorrow. Candy thinks they might have found a trail they can follow.” 

“All right,” Ben said, softly. 

Joe could see the worry on his pa’s face. He reassured him, “We’ll find him, Pa.” 

“Yeah. I’m gonna check and see how Amelia’s doing.” 

Ben stepped down off of the porch and went inside the house. 

Amelia stared out the window of her bedroom when Ben knocked on her door. 

“Come in.” The door opened and she gave a small smile when she saw him. “Hi.” 

Ben stepped through the door. “I just thought I would check on you, see how you’re doing.” 

“Oh, all right I suppose.” She moved away from the window and asked, “Have you heard anything about Adam?” 

Ben shifted his gaze to the floor as he shook his head. “No. We’re going to look again tomorrow. We’ll find him though.” He sighed and told her, “I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing, but we’re gonna put a stop to this once and for all.” 

“And you will.” Amelia pressed her lips together as she closed her eyes and moved her head down. “Ben, I’ve made a decision.” Ben wrinkled his eyebrows slightly at her when she lifted her head up to him and declared, “I’m going to give myself over to Vincent.” 

Ben’s eyes widened. “What?” 

“It’s the only way,” Amelia told him as she turned and moved towards the bed. 

Ben came up to her and took hold of her shoulders, turning her around to face him. 

“No, you are not going to do that, I refuse to let you.”

“He’s going to kill your whole family, Ben— your friends. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.” 

“And that’s why we keep fighting,” he encouraged. “You know we can’t give in to a man like that, he has to be stopped.” 

“But at what cost? I don’t want to watch your whole family die, I can’t. I’m not worth it, Ben, I’m not.” 

“He’ll kill you, Amelia, don’t you understand that? He doesn’t care a thing about what happens to you or your daughter. I know about the bruises, Amelia. The ones on Abigail’s back. Do you want to turn yourselves over to a man like that?” Amelia opened her mouth but words escaped her. Ben squeezed her shoulders. “Do you love me?” 

Amelia lifted her head up to him as her eyes welled up with tears. “Yes, I do.” 

“Then we keep fighting, whatever it takes. Because to me you are worth everything. And I love you…so much.” 

“Oh, Ben.” She laid her head down on his chest. “I just want this to be over so we can be together.” 

“We will be, darling. We will be.” Ben placed his hand underneath her chin and lifted her head up to him before he gave her a soft and tender kiss. Their little moment was interrupted however when an anxious Joe rushed into the room. 

“Pa? There’s someone heading this way.” 

Ben stared into Amelia’s eyes for a brief moment before he let go of her and hurried out of the door. 

In the hallway, Candy came out of one of the bedrooms wondering what the commotion was about before Ben filled him in. He soon followed Ben and Joe down the stairs. 

They made their way outside and saw a horse trot up to the ranch with a lifeless body hanging over the horse and a sheet covering it. Ben and Joe stood there motionless as fear gripped their bodies. They couldn’t bring themselves to see who was under that sheet. 

Candy could sense what they were thinking and stepped forward. “I’ll see who it is.” 

Candy made his way over to the horse while Ben and Joe held their breaths in anticipation. Joe turned away as he struggled to hold back tears, praying it wasn’t his brother under that sheet. 

Candy lifted the sheet up and immediately recognized the face. He closed his eyes tight and let out a sigh. “It’s one of our own. Eddie Simms.” 

Ben exhaled in relief along with Joe who patted Ben’s shoulder. Ben’s muscles tightened as anger began to overtake him. He kept it under control however when he told Candy, “Take his body into the barn. We’ll give him a proper burial tomorrow.” 

Ben turned and saw Amelia standing there, wide-eyed at the body before she shifted her gaze over to Ben. He walked past her into the house as Amelia’s eyes filled with tears. 

Candy took a few steps past Joe when he stopped and said, “I worked with Eddie, he was a good guy. He had a wife and son.” 

Joe asked, “You want me to tell them?” 

“No. I’ll do it,” Candy said, softly. 

“Here, I’ll help you put him in the barn.” 

Joe and Candy took Eddie’s body and placed him in the barn. 

***

The next morning, Candy brought his horse out of the barn when he heard a commotion coming from inside the bunkhouse. He tied the reins down and hurried over to the bunkhouse as the shouting grew louder. 

He quickly opened the door and saw a fight about to break out between the other hands. He shouted, “Hey!” They continued arguing before Candy came between them and held them back. “Hey, that’s enough!” 

The hands calmed their tempers before Candy asked, “All right, what’s it about?” They all hesitated to answer. “Come on, come on, out with it,” Candy pressed in irritation. 

Shorty spoke. “We were just wondering how many of us have to die before this is all over. You saw what happened to Eddie, any one of us could be next.” 

“That’s not gonna happen, Shorty, because we’re not gonna let it,” Candy assured him. 

“Well, I’m not waiting around to find out,” Shorty snapped.  

Candy motioned towards the door. “Well, the door’s right there, you can walk out anytime. But if you do…just remember everything that Ben Cartwright has done for ya. And if you stay that means you’re in it. You’re in it all the way, no turning back. So I would think on it; think on it long and hard, whose side you wanna be on.” 

The room fell silent as some of the hands held their heads down. Candy ordered,  

“Now, all of you, get to work. We still got a ranch to run.” 

Shorty and the other hands dispersed out the door. Candy placed his hands on his hips and rubbed his temple when Ben walked in. 

“What’s all the yelling about?” he asked. 

“Just a little argument, I took care of it. I think after what happened with Eddie, the guys are starting to get panicky. Shorty told me he wonders who’s gonna be next.” 

Ben sighed. “Nobody, that’s who.” 

“You know, Ben, I don’t blame them. I think we’re all starting to get a little panicky.” 

Ben stressed, “Well, we’re not giving in, no matter what. I’m not giving her up.” 

Candy gave a half-smile before he nodded his head towards the door. “I’m gonna head over to Willow Crest with Joe and continue to look for Adam.” 

Candy headed out the door while Ben proceeded to start his work for the day. 

***

Later that afternoon, Ben sat at his desk, trying to occupy his mind on ranch matters, but found himself unable to concentrate. He tapped the pencil in his hand against the top of his desk before he threw it down and leaned back in his chair. He couldn’t stop thinking about the events of the past few days and Vincent’s words to him in the jail: By the end of tomorrow, you’ll be begging that sheriff to let me out of this cell, I can guarantee it.”

Ben rubbed his temple when Amelia came out of the kitchen carrying a tray with a tea kettle. 

“I was wondering if you’d like some tea or coffee.” 

Ben shook his head slightly. “No, thank you.” 

Amelia stared at him, taking notice of the dark circles under his eyes. “You look tired.” She placed the tray down on his desk. 

Ben sighed. “I am tired. We just had to bury one of my men. He had a wife and son.” 

Amelia hung her head down, close to tears again. “I’m sorry.” 

Ben reached over and placed his hand over hers. “No. I won’t have you apologizing. None of what’s happening now is your fault. I want you to remember that.” 

Amelia looked into his eyes and nodded. Ben gave her hand a light squeeze when the door opened and Joe and Candy walked in. Ben could tell from the look on their faces, it was not good news. 

“Still no luck, huh?” 

Joe shook his head. “No.” 

Candy asked, “You think maybe they took him somewhere off of the Ponderosa?” 

“I don’t know,” Ben answered. “And I doubt I’ll even get a word out of Vincent either.” 

“Well, we’re not giving up,” Joe said. “He’s around here somewhere, we’ll find him.” 

All of a sudden, they heard knocking at the door. Joe went to answer it and his eyes widened in shock at seeing Jamie’s appearance. His face was bloodied and bruised—his clothes torn. 

“Jamie?” 

“Pa…” Jamie croaked before he wobbled slightly and fell into Joe’s arms. 

Amelia gasped as Ben shot up from his seat. “Dear God…” he murmured. 

Joe wrapped his arm around Jamie while Candy rushed over and helped Joe move Jamie over to the settee. 

After Joe and Candy laid him down, Ben came around to him and knelt down next to him. “Jamie?” He gently lifted his head up to him. “Son, can you hear me?” 

“Pa…” 

“Who did this to you? Tell me.” 

“It was…Vincent’s…men.” Jamie laid his head back against the armrest of the settee. 

Ben held his gaze on Jamie as he tried to control the anger burning inside of him. 

“We need to get Doc Martin.” 

However, Joe’s temper flared and he stormed over to the door. Ben looked up and shouted, “Joseph!” 

Candy stared at Jamie before he took off after Joe. 

Outside, Joe untied the reins of Cochise from the hitching post when Candy came up to him. Joe noticed him and seethed, “Don’t even try to stop me.” 

“Who says I’m stopping you?” Candy questioned. “I’m going with ya.” 

Candy grabbed hold of his horse’s reins and mounted onto him while Joe mounted onto Cochise before they took off down the trail. 

Back at the Ponderosa, Ben was up in Jamie’s bedroom applying a wet cloth to his son’s forehead near his bedside. Jamie turned his head back and forth as he moaned. “You’re going to be all right, son, just lie still,” Ben murmured. He looked over at Amelia who stood near the doorway. “I want to thank you for helping me bring him to his room.” 

“Of course. I don’t suppose you know where Joe and Candy ran off to.” 

“I have some idea…I just pray I’m wrong.” 

“How could Vincent be so cruel?” Amelia cried. “Is there no end to his…madness?” 

“He told me by the end of today I would be begging the sheriff to let him out of that jail cell. I’m starting to believe he may be right.” 

Amelia stared at him in disbelief. “You’re not considering it, are you?” 

Ben ignored her question and instead said, 

“Hal should be back with Doc Martin soon, I need to ride into town. Would you mind keeping an eye on Jamie while I’m gone?” 

“Of course.” 

Ben rose from the chair and handed the damp cloth over to Amelia. “Just keep applying this cloth to him, I’ll be back.” 

Ben started to head to the door when Amelia called out to him. “Ben?” Ben stopped with his hand on the doorknob as he turned to Amelia before she told him, 

“Be careful.” 

Ben gave a slight nod of his head and left the bedroom. 

***

Meanwhile, Joe and Candy rode up to a run down shack where two of Vincent’s men, Brock and Cole, were sitting outside in front. Cole was whittling away on some wood with his pocket knife as he sat on a tree stump when Brock looked up and saw Joe and Candy approaching. 

Brock got Cole’s attention and pointed to them. A wide grin spread across his face. 

“Well, look who it is, Brock. How nice of them to come pay us a visit, huh?” 

Joe and Candy dismounted their horses and came up to them. Joe glared at them as he asked in a calm but firm voice, “Which one of you beat on my younger brother?” 

Cole squinted one eye as he rubbed this chin. “Say, which one is he now? You got so many of’em I plumb forgot.” He chuckled. 

Brock looked over at Cole and answered, “I think he means the shaggy haired one with the squeaky voice.” 

Cole’s lips formed an oval shape. “Oh, right, that one. He’s a tough little son of a gun; put up a good fight.” He rose from the stump. “We just wanted to send you a little message. You see Vince ain’t playin’ around no more. He wants his woman and he’s gonna get her. Even if he has to kill to get it, just like we did to that fella of yours…just like we’s gonna do to your other brother if you don’t hand her over.” 

Joe stared daggers at Cole as a fury blazed within him when he gave into it and charged at Cole, tackling him to the ground. 

Brock hurried over to him and tried to pull Joe off when Candy grabbed him and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. 

Brock wiped at his mouth and shot back up again. Candy moved closer to him, fixing a stern gaze on him. Brock flashed a grin. “You know I gotta hand it to that Eddie fella, he put up a good fight. Too bad we had to kill him…just like we’re gonna have to kill you.” 

“You keep running off that mouth, it’s just gonna make it a whole lot easier for me,” Candy snarled before he took another swing at Brock. 

***

Meanwhile, Ben arrived in Virginia City and stormed into the sheriff’s office. Clem was seated at his desk when the door swung open. 

“Ben?” Ben ignored him as he walked past his desk and into the jail. Clem shot up from his desk as he shouted, “Ben!” 

Ben entered the jail and saw Vincent sitting on the bunk. He looked up at Ben and grinned. “Well, well, well. You’re right on time, Ben. I told you I’d be seeing you again.” He got up from the bunk bed and came up to the bars. “I heard you lost one of your men; shame. I hear he had a wife and son too. And the kid? That was an accident, really. I told my boys not to be too rough on him, but you know them, they just can’t….” Ben reached through the bars and grabbed Vincent, slamming him up against the cell bars. 

Clem yelled his name from outside the jail, but Ben didn’t budge. 

Vincent cackled. “I was wondering what it took to ruffle your feathers. Not so holier than thou now are you, Cartwright?” 

Ben stared into his eyes and questioned, “Is there no end…to your monstrosity?” 

“Oh, but there is, Ben, and you know what that is.” 

“I’m not letting you out of this cell and I’m not giving Amelia over to you. I won’t,” Ben scowled. 

Vincent studied him and asked with a tilt of his head, “What do you want with Amelia anyway? Why are you fighting so hard for her?” Ben held his gaze on him and didn’t answer. Vincent pressed, “There must be a reason.” 

An exasperated Ben blurted out, “Because I love her!” Vincent crinkled his eyebrows as he stared at him. Ben repeated, softly, “I…love…her.”

“Oh…well, this changes things, doesn’t it?” Vincent posed before he fixed a stern gaze on Ben. “I’m gonna have to kill you too.” 

Ben tightened his grip around Vincent and he changed his demeanor. “All right, all right, I’ll make a deal with you. I still have your son, remember? And I’m willing to give you his location if you let me out of this cell.” Ben squinted his eyes at him, searching for a motive. “I can have your son dead in less than a minute, I just have to give my boys the word and they’ll do it. You don’t want your son to die, do you? You already lost one son, remember? Hoss was it?” Ben’s head perked up slightly as Vincent flashed a grin. “He was a pretty big fella too from what I hear. That was one burden off our backs.” 

Ben glared at him and growled, “And he was much more of a man than you’ll ever be.” 

Vincent said, “The choice is yours. Now what’s it gonna be?” 

Ben loosened his grip on Vincent slightly as many thoughts plagued his mind at once. 

Meanwhile, Cole and Brock’s unconscious bodies were lying in the grass as Candy crouched down near a creek bed and splashed some water onto his face. Joe came up to him and crouched down next to him. He rubbed the back of his neck and moved it in a circular motion. 

Candy took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his face before handing it over to Joe. 

“Thanks.” Joe dipped it into the water and wrung it out. 

Candy glanced over at Cole and Brock before he remarked, “I guess those two aren’t as tough as they thought they were, huh?” 

“Yeah.” Joe looked over at Candy as he tapped him in the shoulder. “Hey. Thanks.” 

Candy gave a faint smile before he confessed, “The truth is I wanted to kill them just as badly as you. But I also knew I didn’t want you doing something you were gonna regret either.” 

Joe gave a slight nod of his head before he wiped his face and neck with the handkerchief. “Hey, if you thought what they did to us was bad, just think of what our wives are gonna do to us when they find out what we did.” 

Candy shut his eyes tight and groaned. “Oh. I don’t even want to think about that right now.”

Joe wrung the handkerchief out and handed it back over to Candy. “Come on, we better get them over to Clem and then head back and see how Jamie’s doing.” 

“All right.” Candy rose from the ground and stretched out his muscles. “Hey, can you do me a favor and knock me over the head that way I’ll be unconscious when Hannah yells at me.” 

Joe chuckled and patted his shoulder. “Come on.” 

Candy rubbed the back of his neck as they walked back over to their horses. 

Back at the Ponderosa, Amelia was tending to Jamie as she waited for Doc Martin to arrive. She dabbed at Jamie’s forehead with a wet cloth when she called out to Alice. 

Alice appeared at the doorway shortly after. “Did you call for me, Amelia?” 

“Yes.” Amelia got up from the chair. “I wondered if you’d mind looking after Jamie until the doctor gets here. I need to talk to my daughter.” 

“Of course.” 

Amelia headed to the door before she mentioned, “Ben just said to keep applying that cloth to his head until the doctor arrives, he should be here soon.” 

Alice went over to Jamie’s bedside while Amelia left the room. 

A little while later, Amelia paced back in her bedroom when Abigail walked in. 

“Mother, what’s wrong?” 

“Abby, I need to talk to you, come here, sit down.” 

Amelia took her hand and led her to a little table near the window. After they each took a seat, Abigail spoke. 

“Mother, if it’s about you and Mr. Cartwright, then you’re wasting your…” 

“Abby, please, it’s not that.” Amelia hung her head down as she pursed her lips, trying to hold back tears. 

Abigail asked, “What is it then?” 

Amelia closed her eyes and took a breath before she told her, “I’m going to give myself over to Vincent.” 

Abigail gasped, “What? Mother, you can’t, he’ll kill you.” 

“It’s the only way. I just can’t keep standing back and watching Ben’s family fall apart because of me, I can’t…I won’t. This is my decision and I want you to understand.” 

Abigail shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t understand and I don’t want to!” 

“Abigail, please.” She squeezed her hand tight. “This is what’s best for all of us.” 

Abigail cried, “If it’s about what I said about you and Mr. Cartwright then I’m sorry. I don’t care about you being with him anymore, just please don’t do this!” She wrapped her arms around her and Amelia held her close. 

“Oh Abby. I love you and I loved your father very much. But I love Ben and I love his family. I can’t let Vincent destroy them. So I have to do this. I want you to stay here at the Ponderosa with Ben. He’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” Abigail sobbed into her chest as Amelia stroked her head, fighting tears. “I want you to be happy. I want you to have all the happiness in the world. Because I love you so much.” 

Abigail continued sobbing as Amelia held her tight, not wanting to let go. 

***

A little while later, Joe and Candy returned to the Ponderosa. Alice and Hannah emerged from the door and hurried over to them. 

Joe and Candy dismounted their horses and Alice ran into Joe’s arms while Hannah ran into Candy’s. 

Alice said, “We were so worried about you.” 

“I know, we’re all right,” Joe told her as he brushed his thumb over her cheek. 

“Where have the two of you been?” Hannah asked. 

“We uh…ran into a few of Vincent’s men,” Candy answered. 

“Oh no,” Alice murmured. 

Hannah looked sternly at Candy. “You both could have been killed.” 

“I know,” Candy sighed. 

Alice reached up and gently caressed Joe’s cheek. “I’m just glad you’re all right.” 

Joe gave her a warm smile before he kissed her forehead. 

“So am I,” Hannah said before she brushed her thumb over Candy’s bruised face. “I’m getting awfully tired of cleaning up your wounds.” Candy shrugged his shoulders when Hannah kissed him. 

Joe asked, “How’s Jamie?” 

“We’re not sure. Doctor Martin is with him now,” Alice told him. 

Ben rode up to the ranch and dismounted his horse. Joe came up to him and Ben asked, anxiously, “How’s Jamie doing?” 

“He’s alright as far as we know. Doc Martin’s here now,” Joe replied.

Ben sighed in relief. “Oh. Good.” 

“So, where have you been?” Joe asked. 

Ben moved his gaze to the ground. “I found out where they’re holding Adam.” 

Joe flashed a smile as he patted his shoulder. “That’s great, how’d you find out?” 

Ben hesitated before he answered, “Vincent told me. I went to see him at the sheriff’s office.” 

Joe stared at him in disbelief. “What?” 

Ben continued. “He told me on the condition that I would let Clem release him.” 

Joe’s eyes widened. “Pa, you didn’t.” 

“I had to. I had no choice, he would have killed him, Joe,” Ben told him with guilt in his voice. 

All of sudden, they heard Abigail screaming for Ben. “Mr. Cartwright!” Ben’s head snapped up as he saw Abigail running towards him and he rushed over to her. 

Ben took her shoulders. “Abigail, what is it, what’s wrong?” 

“It’s my mother. She’s gone. She went to see Vincent. She’s gonna hand herself over to him, she told me,” Abigail cried, tears spilling down her cheeks. “You have to stop her, Mr. Cartwright, please.” 

Ben pulled her close to him. “It’s all right. We’ll get her back. I promise you we will.” He turned and said, “Alice, Hannah…I need you to bring her inside.” 

Alice and Hannah approached Abigail and tried to keep her calm as they brought her inside the house. Ben turned to Joe and Candy. “We need to round up some of the men, go get Adam and then find Amelia before Vincent does.” 

Joe grabbed the reins of Cochise while Candy hurried over to the bunkhouse. Ben mounted onto Buck and took off down the trail with Joe, determined to save the woman he loved. 

Chapter Ten

Amelia had borrowed one of the horses in the barn and took off down the trail. She traveled a few miles when she heard voices up ahead. She pulled on the reins and dismounted the horse before hurrying into the bushes. 

Meanwhile, Ben, Joe, Candy, and a few of the hands: Hal, Andy and Lucas searched for Adam. Ben looked on ahead and said, “He should be a few miles down that road and over the ridge.” 

“Are you sure, Pa?” Joe asked. 

“No, but right now I don’t have any other choice but to trust Vincent at his word. I’ll go look for Amelia while you boys get Adam, we’ll meet back here.” 

“Right, Pa,” Joe said. 

They all steered their horses and parted ways. 

A few miles down the road, Adam laid back against a tall oak tree with his hands tied behind his back as two of Vincent’s men guarded him. One of his men came up to Adam with a rifle in his hand and studied him before he scoffed with a smile. 

“You’re a quiet one, ain’t ya?” 

“Maybe there’s nothing worth saying to you,” Adam remarked. 

“You Cartwrights are supposed to be pretty tough, but you don’t look so tough to me,” he grumbled. 

Adam held his gaze in front of him as he quipped, “Well, untie me and I’ll show ya.” 

Meanwhile, Joe and Candy crept up behind a tree. Joe signaled to Candy of the two men ahead of them and Candy slipped past Joe over to the next tree. Candy cupped his hands together as he eyed Vincent’s men and began giving a bird call of a nesting jay. 

The two men’s heads perked up at the sound. Joe held his gun up in the air and fired a shot making the men scatter. Candy signaled to Joe that the coast was clear and they both moved quickly over to Adam. 

Joe came up behind Adam and whispered, “Adam.” 

Adam turned and remarked, “About time you showed up.” 

Joe pulled out a knife and cut through the rope, freeing Adam’s hands. “Let’s go.” 

Adam got up as he rubbed his sore hands and followed Joe and Candy through the woods. 

They made it halfway when Vincent’s men spotted them and fired shots at them. Joe, Adam, and Candy ducked before Joe shouted, “Move! Go!” 

They all started running as Joe shot at them from behind along with Candy. 

They came across their horses and Candy mounted onto his while Joe fired another shot and mounted onto Cochise. He helped Adam up onto the back of Cochise and they both took off along with Candy on his horse down the dirt road as they continued firing shots behind them. 

Once they were in the clear, Joe and Candy slowed their horses to a trot and then dismounted. Joe helped Adam down and asked, “Are you all right?” 

“Yeah, I’m alright,” Adam replied before he looked around and asked, “Is Pa here?” 

“Yeah, he’s here with some of the other hands, he went looking for Amelia,” Joe answered. 

Adam crinkled his eyebrows. “Amelia?” 

“Yeah, I’ll explain it on the way, come on.” 

Joe took off in the woods while Adam and Candy trailed behind him. 

Meanwhile, Ben searched for Amelia through the woods. He moved past the trees as he called out her name. 

Amelia, who wasn’t too far from Ben, ran through the woods when she tripped over a log and fell to the ground. She moved her hand through the dirt and leaves—all the energy draining out of her. About to give up hope, she heard the faint voice of Ben. 

 “Amelia?” 

Amelia lifted her head as the voice became more audible. 

“Amelia?” 

Amelia used all her strength and shouted, “Ben!”

Ben stopped moving when he heard Amelia’s voice. He then changed course and continued calling out to her. 

He finally found her lying on the ground. She reached out to him as she huffed, “Ben…” 

“Amelia.” He hurried over to her and lifted her in his arms, holding her close. “Why?” he asked. “Why would you do it?” 

“I had to. I just couldn’t let him hurt you anymore,” she said. 

“But there was another way, Amelia, there always is. It doesn’t have to be this way.” 

She lifted her head up to him and smiled. “I guess I just love you too much to see your family be driven apart, Ben.” 

Ben looked down at her and declared, “And I love you too much to lose you.” 

They gazed into each other’s eyes and leaned in closer when they heard a branch break and the voice of Vincent. 

“Well, isn’t this nice?” Ben and Amelia shifted their gaze towards the trees and saw Vincent standing there with a gun pointed at them. “Too bad I’m gonna have to break it up,” he sneered. 

Ben let go of Amelia and got up from the ground. “You’re not getting her. You’ll have to kill me.” 

Vincent flashed a sinister-like smile. “With pleasure.” 

Vincent cocked the gun and was about to pull the trigger when Ben grabbed that hand and smashed it against the tree making him drop the gun before punching him in the face, knocking him to the ground. 

Ben came at him when Vincent pushed his feet up and shoved Ben to the ground. Vincent lunged at Ben and wrapped his hands tightly around his throat. Ben tried with all his might to fight him off. 

Vincent grunted, “You know, you’re pretty tough…for an old man.” 

Amelia hurried over to them and tried to pry Vincent away from Ben. “Let go of him!” 

Vincent pushed her off and the distraction was enough for Ben to gain the upper hand. He used all his strength to punch him across the face knocking him backwards to the ground. 

Vincent attempted to get up again when Amelia grabbed the gun and pointed it at him. “That’s enough!” 

Vincent gave a soft chuckle. “You won’t do it,” he huffed. “You don’t have the spine, woman.” 

“Don’t I, Vincent? I think it’s about time you started listening to the truth. I don’t have anything! I never did. Luis wasn’t the perfect man you thought he was. He owed money to a lot of people. We were in debt before he died. So there is no money, none whatsoever.” 

Vincent pushed himself up as he yelled, “You’re lying!” 

Amelia shook her head. “I tried to tell you so many times, but you wouldn’t listen. You were so blinded by jealousy that you couldn’t see that he was just a man; a good man who loved me and my daughter with all his heart—something you wouldn’t know anything about. You wanted something so badly that doesn’t even exist. And I pity you, Vincent. Luis loved you and all you cared about was competing for something he never had. You were jealous over a lie.” 

Vincent’s chest heaved as he growled, “You lying jezebel…” He reached down to his ankle and pulled out another gun. 

Ben eyed the gun as he trembled, “Amelia…” 

Vincent pointed the gun at Amelia when Ben lunged in between them, pushing Amelia out of the way as the gun went off, hitting Ben in the shoulder. 

Amelia screamed, “No!” 

Ben clutched at his arm when he reached into his holster with his other hand and pulled out his gun, lifting it towards Vincent before he fired a shot, hitting Vincent in the chest. 

He yelped and hit his knees before falling over dead on the ground. 

Amelia scurried over to Ben who moved up against a tree and slid down it to the ground, wincing as he clutched at his shoulder. 

She brushed her hand over his white hair. “Ben, are you all right?” 

“I’m fine,” he gritted. 

She moved her hand over his arm. “Oh, Ben, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth. I did it to protect Abigail. I wanted her to remember her father as a good man. Because he was despite the things he did. I hope you can understand.” 

“I understand,” Ben told her through labored breaths. “But you didn’t have to keep it from me too.” 

“I know and I’m sorry.” She moved her gaze towards the ground as she shrugged her shoulders. “I have nothing left except my daughter. No home, no family, no money. Not any kind of wealth whatsoever.” 

“You can have mine,” Ben said. Amelia’s head perked up and her eyes met his. “Marry me, Amelia.” 

Amelia’s eyes widened as she took a breath. “Marry you?” 

They were soon interrupted by the voice of Joe calling out to Ben. 

Joe hurried over to Ben along with Adam and Candy. Joe crouched down near Ben while Adam came around the other side to him. 

“Pa, are you all right?” Joe asked, anxiously. 

“Yes, I’m alright.” Ben turned and looked at Adam. “Adam?” 

Adam flashed a small smile. “Yeah, Pa, I’m alright.” He glanced over at Vincent’s body. 

“I had to,” Ben said. 

Adam gave a slight nod of his head and examined Ben’s wound. “How bad is it?” 

Ben winced, “It feels like fire.” 

“Let’s get you back to the ranch.” 

Adam and Joe wrapped their arms around Ben’s waist and helped him up while Candy helped Amelia up from the ground before they headed in the direction of their horses. 

Clem was able to round up the rest of Vincent’s men and no charges were brought against Ben for killing Vincent since it was in self-defense. Adam also decided to stay in Virginia City for a few more days. 

***

Later that night, Amelia finally told Abigail the truth about her father. Ben, with his arm in a sling, came out of Jamie’s bedroom having just checked on him when Amelia opened the door to Abigail’s bedroom. 

Ben came up to her and asked, “How did it go?” 

“Well, better than I thought it would,” Amelia replied. “She asked me to leave her alone for the rest of the night.” 

“Well, it’s understandable. It’s a lot for her to take in, she just needs time,” Ben assured her. 

“I know, you’re right.” Amelia gently touched his arm. “How does that arm feel?” 

“Oh, better. I just went to check on Jamie and he’s doing a lot better. Doc Martin said he only had a couple of bruised ribs and to stay in bed for a few days.” 

“Oh, that’s such a relief.” Amelia’s smile soon faded as she hung her head down. “I still can’t help but feel guilty. If I had convinced Vincent of the truth a lot sooner, one of your men might still be alive.” 

Ben placed his free hand over her arm. “That wasn’t your fault. You weren’t responsible for Vincent’s actions. You said you tried telling him the truth before, but he wouldn’t listen. I don’t blame you for anything that happened. So I don’t want you feeling guilty, all right?” She lifted her head up to him and gave him a reassuring smile. Ben suggested, “Get some rest.” 

“And you better rest that arm,” Amelia said in a firm voice. 

Ben pressed his lips together. “Hm, you’re already treating me as if we’re already married.” Amelia flashed a shy smile when Ben mentioned, “You know, you never answered my question.” 

“I suppose I didn’t,” she said, slightly embarrassed. “I’m going to need some time to think about it if that’s all right.” 

“Oh, well, of course,” Ben shrugged. “Well, Joe and Candy are back in their own homes with their families, so this house is gonna be awfully quiet tonight.” 

“Well, I don’t mind that at all,” Amelia told him. 

“Neither do I. In fact I kind of missed it.” 

Amelia smiled when Ben found himself staring at her. He snapped himself out of it and said, “Well, goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” 

Amelia placed her hand up to the side of his face and gave him a kiss before they both returned to their bedrooms. 

In the middle of the night, however, Abigail quietly made her way downstairs and out the door. She hurried to the barn and grabbed hold of the reins of a horse before she mounted onto it and took off down the trail. 

***

The next morning, Ben came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in one hand and looking at a newspaper with the other when he heard a panicked Amelia call out to him. 

Ben’s head snapped up and he saw Amelia rushing down the stairs. Ben placed the coffee cup and newspaper down on the table before he hurried over to her. 

“Amelia, what’s wrong?” 

“It’s Abigail, she’s gone.” 

“Gone, what do you mean gone? Are you sure?” 

“Yes, all of her things are gone and I can’t seem to find her anywhere. I looked all over this house.” 

Suddenly the door opened and Candy walked in. 

“Ben? I was just out in the barn and one of your new mares is missing.” 

Ben and Amelia exchanged glances and Amelia said, “It has to be her, Ben, you’ve got to find her.” 

Ben touched her shoulder. “All right.” He turned to Candy. “Candy, I need you to round up a search party. Abigail’s run away.” 

“On it.” 

Candy hurried out the door while Ben went over to the chest and grabbed his gun belt. As he was putting it on, he said to Amelia, “I need you to stay here until I get back.” 

“No, Ben, she’s my daughter. I’m coming with you.” 

“Amelia, I mean no disrespect, but you are the last person she would want to talk to right now.” 

“But I’m her mother,” Amelia stressed. 

“I know. But right now she’s feeling a lot of anger and resentment towards you and trying to talk to her would only make things worse. She needs a father, so it’s best I talk to her. All right?” 

She let out a sigh. “All right, just bring her back.” 

“I will.” 

Ben grabbed his coat and hat before he headed out the door. 

Ben searched all throughout Virginia City for Abigail when he came across her sitting on a bench with her bags next to her in front of the stage office. He dismounted Buck, tied the reins to the hitching post and made his way over to her. 

She had her head down as Ben strolled up to her. He stopped next to her as he held a stern gaze on her. 

“All right, young lady, just what do you think you’re doing, hm?” 

“I’m gonna hitch a ride to San Francisco.” 

Ben nodded with pursed lips. “Mm-hm. And then what are you going to do?” He crossed his arms.

“I don’t know, maybe look for a job.” 

“And what about your mother?” Ben asked. 

“I can get along just fine without her. She doesn’t need me,” Abigail stated in a sharp tone. 

“Oh, really,” Ben said. 

Abigail barked, “And why would I go back to her when everything she’s ever told me has been nothing but lies?” 

Ben unfolded his arms. “Well, all I know is that right now your mother is very worried about you. So I believe she does need you and you need her.” 

“She doesn’t need me,” Abigail said. 

Ben nodded. “Oh, yes, she does.” 

“Then why would she lie to me?” Abigail asked in frustration. 

Ben sighed and took a seat next to her. 

“Abigail, did you ever stop and think about why she lied to you? She wanted you to hold onto the good memories of your father. She didn’t want you to hold any grudges or think badly towards him for the mistakes he made. Is that so wrong?” Abigail held her head down, unable to give an answer while Ben spoke further. “All a parent can ever do is try their best. I’ve done some things in my life that I’m not proud of, does that make me a bad father? No, it just makes me human. I didn’t know your father, but I know he loved you and your mother very much. And whatever mistakes he made I’m sure he only wanted the best for you. It may have been wrong for your mother to withhold the truth from you, but she did it because she loves you very much and didn’t want to hurt you.” 

Abigail’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m really not a bad person, Mr. Cartwright.” 

“I never thought you were.” 

“Vincent thought I was. Maybe I did deserve what I got.” 

Ben stared at her with sympathetic eyes before his expression turned serious. “Now, you listen to me. You and your mother did not deserve that kind of abuse from anyone, do you understand? What he did was wrong.” 

“But I was so awful to you and to my mother. I don’t know how you could ever forgive me for the things I’ve said,” Abigail cried. 

“Well, that’s the thing about making mistakes. You learn from them and move forward. Start all over again.” 

Abigail lifted her head up to him. “I’m sorry for all the things I’ve said to you and the way I treated you. I did appreciate everything you did for me and my mother.” 

Ben’s lips formed a smile. “It’s all right.” 

“Can we start over now?” Abigail asked. 

“There’s nothing I would want more.” 

Abigail sniffled. “You know it might not be so bad to have you as a father.” 

Ben smiled warmly at her and placed his hand over hers. “And I would be honored…to have you as a daughter.” Abigail returned the smile and Ben gently stroked her head. “Let’s get you back to your mother now.” 

Abigail rose from the bench along with Ben who grabbed her bags before they headed back to the ranch. 

***

Back at the Ponderosa, Amelia paced the living room floor, worried for her daughter when Hop Sing emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with a teapot. 

He came up to the coffee table and set the tray down. “I bring you tea, Missy Amelia, nice and hot.” 

“Oh, thank you, Hop Sing.” 

Hop Sing turned to Amelia and shook his finger at her. “You not worry about Missy Abigail. Mister Cartwright will bring her back safe and sound.” 

A smile escaped Amelia’s lips. “I know. You’re very gracious, Hop Sing.” 

Hop Sing bowed his head. “Thank you, Missy Amelia.” 

After Hop Sing went back into the kitchen, the door opened and Ben walked in along with Abigail. Amelia turned around and cried out in relief, “Oh, thank heavens.” Amelia embraced her daughter. “I was so worried.” 

Amelia pulled away and Abigail stared into her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mama.” Her head fell on her shoulder as she cried, “Please forgive me.” 

Amelia held her close. “It’s all right.” 

“I love you,” Abigail sniffled. 

“And I love you.” Amelia placed her hands on her shoulders and instructed, “Why don’t you run along upstairs while I have a talk with Ben, all right?” 

Abigail nodded when she glanced over at Ben and rushed into his arms. 

“I never thanked you for saving my mother’s life,” she said. “Thank you.” 

Abigail’s embrace took Ben by surprise. He struggled to hold back tears as he said, “You’re welcome, darling.” 

After Abigail hurried up the stairs, Amelia came up to Ben and said, “Well, I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.” 

Ben looked up at the staircase. “Well, I’ve come to love Abigail as if she were my own.” 

“That makes me happy to hear because I’ve made a decision,” Amelia told him. 

“Oh?” Ben said with intrigue in his voice.

“Yes. I will marry you, Ben.”  

Ben’s eyes widened as his head perked up. “You will?” She nodded and Ben chuckled with joy as he took her in his arms. “Let’s tell everyone the news.” He started pulling her arm to the door. 

Amelia said through her laughter, “Wait, wouldn’t it be better if we told everyone together at once?” 

“Oh, I can’t wait, I’m too excited,” Ben told her. 

“I know, but I really think we should wait, please?” 

“Oh, all right. How about we tell everyone tonight, hm?” he asked. 

“All right.” 

Ben shook his head and kissed her. “I love you.” 

“And I love you,” she repeated. 

***

Later that evening, Ben gathered the whole family in the living room including Candy and Hannah. He stood up from his chair and got everyone’s attention. 

“I have an announcement to make…” Amelia came up next to him and Ben wrapped his arm around her. “Or rather we have an announcement to make.” The room fell silent when Ben smiled. “Amelia and I are getting married.” 

Joe, Adam, and the others exchanged glances. Joe, who sat on the armrest of a chair, raised his eyebrows. “And?” 

With crinkled eyebrows, Ben shrugged, “Well, I thought you’d be surprised.” 

Adam spoke. “Well, the truth is, Pa, we sort of already expected it, so it’s not really much of a surprise.” 

“Well, but you are happy though,” Ben said. 

Joe flashed a smile. “You bet we are, Pa.” 

Adam moved away from the fireplace and congratulated Ben along with Joe and Candy while Alice and Hannah embraced Amelia. 

Hop Sing wandered into the living room and exclaimed, “What all the yelling about?”

Ben turned to him. “Oh, Hop Sing, we have wonderful news.” He reached over and wrapped his hand around Amelia’s shoulder. “Amelia and I are getting married.” 

“Married?” Hop Sing said in exasperation before a big smile appeared. “That’s wonderful Mister Cartwright! I cook you big meal for wedding.” 

Ben chuckled when Amelia spoke. “That would be wonderful, Hop Sing, thank you.” 

“You and Mister Cartwright be very happy together,” Hop Sing told her. 

Amelia thanked him when Joe touched Abigail’s shoulder. “Hey, you know it’ll be nice to have a little sister to mess with every once in a while.” 

Candy joked, “I don’t know, Joe, I think she could whip us both.” 

Abigail admitted, “I always wanted brothers. And I could whip you both.” 

Joe chuckled. “I believe you.” 

Everyone continued chattering away when Jamie, who was less than thrilled, walked out the door. Ben saw him walk out the door and called out to him. “Jamie?” Ben sighed and turned to Amelia. “I should have known. I knew there was something wrong when I told him about us, I just didn’t take it seriously enough. I better go talk to him.” 

Ben started to head to the door when Amelia touched his arm. “Let me. After all he’s going to be my son too.” 

Ben gave a small smile and agreed. 

Jamie stood outside on the porch when Amelia came out of the door and walked up to him. Jamie turned as Amelia said to him, “I couldn’t help but notice how you left so suddenly, is everything all right?” 

Jamie shrugged, “I’m alright, ma’am.” 

“Oh, well, that’s good to hear.” She came up next to him and placed her hands over the railing. “I know how you must be feeling right now.” 

Jamie perked up. “You do?” 

“Yes. You’ve had to get used to Ben being your pa and now you have to get used to having a mother again. I’m sure it isn’t easy for you.” Jamie held his head down in silence when Amelia tilted her head. “What was your mother like?” 

“She was kind—beautiful. I still think about her sometimes.” 

“I’m sure you do. She sounds like a lovely woman. She must have been if she raised a handsome and strong boy like you, who has grown into an exceptional young man.” 

Jamie confessed, “I guess it’s just harder for me to accept a new mother than it was for me to accept Mr. Cartwright as my pa.” 

“Well, I’d say that’s understandable,” Amelia said. “You were close to your mother, weren’t you?” 

“Yeah, I was.” 

Amelia told him, “Well, I’ve never had a son before, so it’s going to take some getting used to for me as well. But I would love to get to know you, if you’re willing to give me a chance to.” 

Jamie paused before he lifted his head up to her and smiled. “I guess I’m willing.” 

Amelia flashed a wide smile. “Thank you.” She gave him a kiss and said, “Let’s go back inside so your pa can see that you’re all right.” 

“All right.” 

Amelia wrapped her arm around Jamie and they went back inside the house. 

Everyone was still in the living room when Amelia and Jamie returned. 

Ben came up to them. “Is everything all right?” 

Jamie glanced over at Amelia who smiled at him. “Yeah, everything’s fine, Pa.” 

Ben placed his hand on his shoulder. “Good.” 

“I think I’ll go back to my room, I’m kind of tired,” Jamie told him. 

“All right,” Ben said. 

Jamie said goodnight to everyone and headed upstairs to his room. 

Joe turned to his pa and asked with crossed arms, “So, when’s the big day gonna be, huh?” 

“Well, I suppose we could have the wedding after the cattle drive is over,” Ben replied. 

“Well, I’m willing to wait if you are,” Amelia said as she placed her hand up to Ben’s shoulder. 

Joe groaned. “Oh, I was hoping we still wouldn’t have to go through with that.” 

Ben chuckled. “I’m sorry, but we still have a responsibility to this ranch.” 

Adam said, “Speaking of responsibility, I better catch that stage back to Boston before Emily worries too much about me.” 

“Well, can’t you at least stay and have supper with us before you leave?” Ben asked. 

“I’d like to, but I really should be going,” Adam told him. 

Ben patted his shoulder. “All right. You’re still coming to the wedding, aren’t you?” 

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Pa.” 

“Good.” 

Adam informed him, “I’ll try and bring Emily and A.J. along if Emily is feeling up to traveling.” 

“That would be wonderful,” Ben responded with a smile. 

“Well, I’ll see you in a few weeks, Pa.” Adam placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Joe.” 

“See ya, Adam,” Joe said. 

After Adam left the Ponderosa, Amelia brought her hands together. “Well, there’s so much to do before the wedding, we better get started.” 

“Well, I will leave you ladies to the wedding plans,” Ben told her. 

Amelia spoke in a firm voice, “Well, this is your wedding too now, Benjamin. You get a say in it, don’t you agree?” 

Joe looked over at Candy and tried to hold back laughter as he mouthed, “Benjamin?” 

Ben replied, nervously, “Well, um, it doesn’t really matter to me as long as it’s nothing too extravagant.” 

“Well, where are we going to have the ceremony, in a church?” Amelia asked. 

“Well, that’s the idea,” Ben nodded. 

Alice suggested, “How about we have the ceremony here at the Ponderosa?” 

A big smile spread across Amelia’s face. “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea. Now we just need to go over the decorations, the guest list…” 

“We can help you with that,” Hannah said.

“Splendid. We must get started right away.” 

Amelia continued chattering away into the kitchen as Alice, Hannah, and Abigail followed after her. 

Ben let out a breath as he slipped his hands in his pockets and wandered over to Joe and Candy. 

Joe remarked, “It looks like we’re spending the night here again, huh?” He giggled. 

Ben rubbed the back of his neck. “It seems that way, doesn’t it.” Candy gave a sideways smirk with a shrug of his shoulders before Ben stated, “Well, I don’t know about you, but I need a drink.” 

Joe raised his hand up as he rose from his seat. “Right behind you, Pa.” 

“Yeah,” Candy said as he followed them over to the bottle of brandy sitting on the table. 

***

It was the day of the cattle drive. Joe and Candy said their goodbyes to their wives before they joined Ben and Jamie, along with the rest of the hands, on the trail. 

Night fell and Ben laid back against his bedroll, staring up into the sky. Joe came up next to him and poured himself a cup of coffee. He glanced over at Ben and asked, “You feeling all right, Pa?” 

Ben shifted his attention over to Joe. “Hm? Oh, yes, I’m fine.” 

“You’ve been kind of quiet since we left.” Joe took a seat on a log as he took a sip of coffee. 

Ben sighed, “Well, I was just thinking.” 

“About her, huh?” Joe smirked. 

Ben chuckled softly. “Well, yes, but…it’s more the fact that in just a few weeks, I’ll be a married man again. It’s hard to believe.” 

“Hey, I couldn’t believe it all the way up until my wedding day when I saw Alice walking down that aisle,” Joe quipped before he took another sip of coffee. 

“You know, it’s funny…” Ben pushed himself up by his elbows. “After losing three wives, I never would have imagined finding someone to share my life with again. To feel that same warmth, love—someone to hold. I haven’t felt those things since your mother. And it feels good to be feeling them again.” 

Joe stared at him before a smile appeared. “I know what you mean, Pa.” 

“I also can’t help, but have my doubts,” Ben admitted. 

Joe raised his eyebrows slightly. “You’re not getting cold feet, are ya?” 

“Oh no. No, I know I love her and I know I want to marry her, it’s just that I…I’m just not sure if it’s the right thing to do. That I’m not…rushing into it too soon. I just don’t want to end up hurting her.” 

Joe placed his coffee cup down. “Pa, you love her, don’t you?” 

“Yes, of course.” 

“And she loves you,” Joe emphasized. 

“Yes, she does.” 

Joe shrugged, “Then what are you so worried about?” Ben held his gaze on Joe, unable to respond to his question. “Pa, you’ve spent all these years taking care of me, Adam, and Hoss. Don’t you think it’s about time someone took care of you for a change?” Joe questioned. “I say you and Amelia will be just fine.” 

Ben gave a warm smile. “You know, Joseph, I thought I’d never see the day when you’d be the one giving me advice.” 

Joe scoffed with a smile. “That’s because I learned from the best.” Ben returned the smile and Joe picked up his coffee cup. “Well, I better get some sleep, we got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Joe downed the rest of the coffee before he said goodnight to his pa. 

“Night, Joe.” Ben laid back against his bedroll and soon drifted off to sleep. 

***

A few weeks later, the big day finally arrived. Joe strolled the hall of the Ponderosa in his formal blue suit as he came up to Ben’s bedroom door and knocked. 

“Hey, Pa? Everybody’s ready downstairs waiting for you, are you ready to go?” Ben didn’t answer. Joe knocked again. “Pa?” 

A clean shaven Adam came up to him in a black suit. “Hey, what’s the hold up, everybody’s waiting downstairs.” 

“I’m uh, having a little trouble getting the groom downstairs.” Joe pointed to the door. 

“Ah.” Adam shouted through the door, “Hey, come on, Pa, everybody’s waiting for ya.” 

Joe hollered, “Yeah, Pa, hurry up!” 

No answer. Adam sighed while Joe shrugged his shoulders. 

Adam reasoned, “Now, look, Pa, there’s no need to be nervous.” 

Joe said, “Yeah, Pa, you know what they say, fourth times the…” Joe shook his finger as he looked up towards the ceiling. 

Adam scrunched his face. “No one says that.” 

Joe flashed an awkward smile when the door finally opened and Ben walked out, wearing his dark gray suit. “I’m ready now.” 

Adam took notice of his tie. “Wait, Pa, here let me…” He began straightening his tie. 

Joe reached over and said, “Here, let me just make sure…” He started fixing Ben’s hair. 

Ben sighed. “Boys, I’m…I don’t need…” Joe and Adam continued making adjustments when Ben yelled, “Stop it!” Joe and Adam jumped and immediately stopped. Ben yanked his shoulder away. “Take your hands off me.” Adam and Joe backed away and Ben straightened himself out. “I’m nervous enough as it is without you…” He took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”

Ben marched over to the stairs while Joe and Adam stood there awkwardly before Adam motioned towards the stairs. “After you.” 

“Yeah,” Joe said before they both followed after Ben. 

A little while later, Ben and Amelia were in the living room of the Ponderosa, standing in front of the reverend holding hands. 

The reverend turned to Ben. “And do you, Ben Cartwright, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health till death do you part.” 

Ben smiled at Amelia. “I do.” 

The reverend turned to Amelia and said to her, “And Amelia, do you take Ben to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part.” 

Amelia stared into Ben’s eyes as a smile spread across her lips. “I do.” 

“The ring please.” 

Ben turned and Jamie passed the ring to Joe who passed it onto Adam who then passed it along to Ben. 

“Now, Ben, I want you to place the ring on Amelia’s finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.” 

Ben placed the ring on Amelia’s finger and repeated the words. “With this ring…I thee wed.” 

“Now by the powers invested in me and the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. You may now kiss the bride.” 

Ben and Amelia leaned into each other and kissed as the room erupted with applause.  

After the ceremony, Ben and Amelia hurried out of the house as rice was being thrown at them before they got into a buggy. 

Ben turned to Amelia and kissed her before he gave her a loving gaze and whispered, “Amelia…my love.” 

Amelia smiled as Ben gave her another quick kiss before he whipped the reins and took off while their family and friends waved goodbye to them. 

The End