Summary: Their first little bird has flown the coop, and more change is on the way for Adam and Moira. (Part of the More than a Memory series, written for Camp in the Pines 2026)

Rating: T   Word Count: 3445

More than a Memory series

More Than a Memory
Convergence
These are the Days
Bitter, Sweet, Wonderful Everything

 

1884

“Are you sure?” Adam Cartwright met his wife’s eyes with a look of surprise bordering on disbelief. “I mean, really sure?”

“Believe me, Adam, I’ve been pregnant enough times to know.”

“But how?”

“There’s only one way I know of.”

“You know what I mean. I thought we didn’t have to worry about that anymore.”

“Apparently it’s a gradual process, and things can still happen for a while.”

Her flow had been hit and miss for the past year, and the last one over three months ago was light. She had ignored the usual signs because there were plenty of other reasons why a mother of seven would be tired, not the least of which was her daughter’s recent wedding. It was frustrating that she’d had to let out the seams of her dress just days before the event, but Moira assumed her expanding waistline was due to middle age, like the strands of silver in her hair. But lately her breasts had become fuller and more tender. And this morning, the unmistakable flutter below her navel confirmed it.

Adaline was four when she and Adam married, and they spent the next ten years growing their family with another six babies, all boys, the youngest of whom was now five. Moira felt as though she could finally breathe. And now she was starting again, at forty five years old with baby number eight.

Guilt for what she was feeling, disappointment, made her turn away so he wouldn’t see her tears.

Moira felt Adam’s hands on her shoulders, and his gentle touch made her even more weepy as she turned into his arms. “I just wasn’t expecting this.”

“I know. I never meant for you to go through this again after Danny.”

Her last pregnancy had been difficult, the labor and delivery horrific. Danny was breech, and both of them nearly died. She saw the reminder in Adam’s face.

She didn’t know how to respond so she just let him hold her. After a few moments she pushed away from him. “I’ve got to get supper started.”

“No, you don’t. I can see to it tonight and get the boys to bed. I want you off your feet. I mean it. Tomorrow I’ll have Mrs. Hopkins in to take over for a while. She’s always glad for the work.”

Moira didn’t argue. She lay down with her arm draped over her eyes. Lord, give me strength.

 

~*~

She didn’t know how long she had slept when Adam brought her supper tray. Eggs, bacon, and milk. “The boys ate all the pancakes,” he told her by way of apology. “They’re cleaning the kitchen. I left Jamie in charge.”

Moira smiled. Even though John Adam was the oldest by eleven months, fourteen year old Jamie was the leader of the pack who could coax the younger boys to do just about anything; a red-headed Robin Hood, and they his Merry Men. Adam swore he would be governor some day, maybe even president. By contrast, John Adam was more scholarly, a lover of books and solitude.

“It looks delicious.” She wasn’t hungry, but she couldn’t refuse her husband’s gallant efforts. After she had eaten most of it, he took the tray to go downstairs and check on the boys’ progress.

“They’ll be in to say goodnight when they’re finished. Danny was worried when I told them you weren’t coming down.”

Five year old Danny was a winsome child with a serious, sometimes solemn demeanor. He had dark curly hair like his father and deep brown eyes that matched his Grandpa Ben’s. If there was such a thing as a mama’s boy, that was Danny. But he wouldn’t be her baby much longer.

Moira had made herself presentable and cheerful by the time the boys traipsed into her bedroom for goodnight hugs. Aside from Danny, nine year old Jordy was the most affectionate. He was a year older than Drew, and the two could almost pass for twins, both sandy-haired and blue eyed; not John Adam’s sky blue, but the light clear blue of Jamie’s. They were cohorts in mischief and between them had racked up more “necessary talks” than the others combined. Her middle child Jarrod, eleven, looked the most like Adam but in temperament was more like his mother. Tall for his age, he was a natural horseman who worshiped his Uncle Joe.

There was a lot of talking all at once, with the young ones eager to tell how they had contributed to the evening’s task. It was music to Moira’s ears, the sound of happy children. She shared a smile with Adam before giving each one a good night kiss.

When Adam joined her in bed later, she thanked him for the respite. “I’m sorry for falling apart earlier. I guess I just needed a moment. Seeing the boys tonight reminded how much I love our big family, all of us together. One more would just add to the love, wouldn’t it?”

He smiled. “Of course it would. And we do make beautiful children, don’t we?”

She snuggled next to him. “We certainly do.”

“Maybe this one will be a girl.”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Moira knew the answer.

“Yes, I would. I missed seeing Adaline as a baby.”

“She looked like you, even then.”

“Tired?” He stroked her hand, interlacing his fingers with hers.

“Not anymore. I had a nap remember?”

“Well, do you want to…play cards…or something?”

“Shut up and kiss me. I’m sure something will come to you.”

 

~*~

Adam’s side of the bed was empty when Moira woke up the next morning, so she took a few extra minutes for herself. It was still hard to comprehend that she was pregnant again, but it didn’t feel like the catastrophe of the day before. It was just the shock of it that set her off her feet, that was all.

She smiled remembering last night with Adam. The man could still make her quiver all over. She blushed like a virgin bride just thinking about it. Oh well, better get your head out of the clouds, Mrs. Cartwright, and get on with the day.

Adam and the boys were seated at the table when she came down, and they all cheered, making her laugh.

Danny rushed to hug her. “Feelin’ better, Mama?”

She picked him up and gave him a squeeze. “Fine as a frog’s hair.”

“Moira, maybe you shouldn’t…” Adam began, but she sent him a warning look that cut him off. Still, she complied by setting Danny on the floor and ushering him back to the table.

“John Adam, bring the coffee from the kitchen for your mother.” To Moira, as she sat down, “Good morning, dear.”

The familiar smirk playing at the corner of Adam’s mouth told her he was thinking of last night, too. She tried not to blush.

“Good morning.”

“I sent word to Mrs. Hopkins yesterday, and she’ll be here this afternoon. I want you to take the day off.”

Moira saw the look that passed between her two oldest sons. “Don’t be ridiculous, Adam. I don’t need another day off. But I’ll be happy to have Mrs. Hopkins here to help with the cooking, if she needs the work.”

“Well, she’s coming and she’ll be here indefinitely, so you might as well take advantage.” His brows drew together in a slight frown.

“Whatever you think best, dear.”

“Mrs. Hopkins makes good cookies,” said Drew.

“And cinnamon buns,” added Jordy.

“And fried apple pies,” Jarrod chimed in.

“Yes, she is a wonderful cook and baker, and we are lucky to have her,” said Adam, directing the last part to his wife, who merely smiled.

 

~*~

Mrs. Hopkins showed up early, heaven-sent, in time to prepare lunch. As much as Moira hated to admit it, fatigue caught up with her again, and at her husband’s insistence she retired to her room afterwards for a nap.

Adam also gave the older boys a directive, to do whatever was necessary to keep the house quiet for a while. John Adam seemed ready to protest, but his father stopped him. “You can get your nose out of a book for one afternoon, Professor. Your brother needs backup. He shouldn’t be expected to do it all. Jarrod can entertain Danny, and the two of you can mind the trouble twins. That’s a fair division of labor.”

“No problem,” said Jamie. “What’s wrong with Mama?”

“Nothing is wrong, she just needs rest. Your sister’s wedding was a lot of work, and she did most of it. It’s all catching up to her now.” The explanation seemed to suffice.

“Okay, Pa.” John Adam put a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “We’ll handle it.”

Adam was pleasantly surprised at how well his plan worked and was using the time to catch up on a few things. He was reviewing some blueprints when someone knocked on the door of his study.

“Hello, Papa. Are you busy?”

“Adaline! I didn’t realize you were back.” He hugged his daughter, the new Mrs. Wesley Thomas Jennings, Esq., and shook hands with his son-in-law. “Hello, Wes. How was New York?”

“We had a wonderful time, but it’s good to be home.”

“Where is everyone?” asked Adaline.

Your mother is napping, and I told the boys to do something quiet this afternoon. For once they took my words to heart.”

“What’s wrong with Mama? She never naps. And why is Mrs. Hopkins here?”

“Nothing; she’s just resting. She’s been exhausted since before the wedding. Mrs. Hopkins is here to help out for a while, until your mother is feeling more like herself.”

“Papa, there’s something you’re not telling me. I know there is, because I know you.”

His daughter was the only one who called him Papa. To the boys, he was Pa. And she was right. She did know him. He had never been able to keep anything from her.

“Adaline, everything is fine, but I might as well tell you even though I’ve said nothing to your brothers…your mother is going to have a baby.”

Her jaw dropped and her eyebrows arched above a slow blink. “What?” It sounded more like an accusation than a question. Or maybe an expletive.

Wes tried to be helpful “He said your mother is going to…”

“I HEARD HIM, WESLEY!” She blinked again and gave her head a quick shake, like a shudder of disgust. “Oh, Papa, how could you? I mean, really!

“Keep your voice down, please.” It wasn’t a request, even though he said please. “You asked me a question, I gave you the answer. I’m sorry you disapprove, but it doesn’t change anything. And you need to calm down, because I don’t want you upsetting your mother.”

“By the look of things I’m guessing she’s already upset, isn’t she?”

“Adaline, I don’t intend to discuss this further, because you’re the one who is upset, and I’m getting there. And I don’t want to feel this way on the day of your homecoming. So what I think you should do is leave now and come back when you’ve had time to get your emotions under control. I hope it won’t be long.”

She put a hand over her eyes, and Adam knew she was trying not to cry, though he was feeling less than sympathetic after her outburst.

Wes touched her elbow, leading her away. “Your father’s right, Ad. We should go.” He mouthed “sorry” to Adam.

They were on their way out the door when she turned and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and sobbing. “I’m sorry, Papa. I don’t know what came over me. It was just such a shock and…and all I could think about was what happened the last time. After that I prayed every day that she would never have another baby. It scares me so to even think about it.”

“Oh my.” He consoled her, patting her on the back. “I never knew that.”

“That’s because I never told anyone.”

“Honey, it was a shock to your mother and me, too. We’ve hardly had time to get used to the idea ourselves. And I can honestly tell you, she’s not upset. But she is tired, and I’m going to make sure she is taken care of. Now, dry your eyes, because she is going to be so happy to see you and hear all about your trip. I’ll go up and tell her you’re here, and then the two of you can have one of those heart to heart mother daughter talks that always seem to do you both good.”

 

~*~

The day ended with a delicious homecoming meal in honor of the newlyweds, Adaline basking in the glow of her family. She had been a beautiful bride, and now she was a beautiful wife with a husband who adored her. Adam had every confidence that Wes could handle his headstrong daughter, who would be a challenge for any man. Not only did Wes have a sharp legal mind, he had a practical approach to life in general. When he had formally asked Adam for Adaline’s hand, they’d had a long conversation on a variety of subjects. One of the things Wes shared was some advice he’d received from his own father, a brilliant jurist, who warned him that no matter how skilled he was in the courtroom, be wary of arguing with a woman. There were only two theories about that, and neither one works. Yes, Adaline was in good hands.

It was late by the time everyone was settled in for the night. Adam was reading when Moira slid into bed next to him.

“Everything all right?”

“Fine. Danny just needed some extra attention, that’s all.”

“So did Adaline, and I’m assuming all is well now?”

“Yes and no.”

He put down his book and took off his glasses. “What do you mean?”

“Adam, she told me she doesn’t want children.”

“Because of what happened with Danny?”

“Apparently it was far more traumatic for her than either of us realized. I was so ill and you were understandably distracted.”

“Well, that’s putting it mildly. I thought we were losing you. I was terrified.”

“She was too, and she still is, not just for me. And I’ve never known her to be afraid of anything.”

“What did you tell her?”

“What could I say? That there’s no risk? She knows better. I reminded her that I had five out of seven with no problems. She didn’t remember about Jamie, but that was minor in comparison. I also told her I believe the reward of having children is worth the risk, and the way she loves her brothers I couldn’t imagine her and Wes not having a family of their own. They would be wonderful parents.”

“Have they talked about it?”

“No, and that’s what worries me. If this is really how she feels, she should have told him.”

“I agree. But that’s something they’ll have to work out between themselves. So what about you? How are you feeling now about our situation? It seems to me you’ve relaxed a little.”

“I was very relaxed after last night. It was almost like our honeymoon.”

He chuckled. “You flatter me. But it’s good to know I can still impress you.”

“You impress me in a lot of ways, especially the past couple of days. I feel ridiculously pampered. And in answer to your question, I certainly wouldn’t have planned it, but now that it’s happened, I feel good about it.”

“You do?”

“There was a time I thought I’d never be a mother, and look at how we’ve been blessed. This is just another blessing.” She placed a hand on her middle. “And I know it’s going to be a very special one, just like all the others.”

“There’s the woman I married.” He leaned over and kissed her.

“Adam, try not to worry.”

“Does it show that much?”

“Maybe only to me. And I understand it, but I don’t want it to take over our lives. I’m certainly not going to lie in bed all day for the next six months. I want you to let me do what I know I can do. I promise, I’ll take care of myself. Having Mrs. Hopkins here to do the cooking is going to be a tremendous help, and I appreciate it. But there are things I can do, and I want to do them. If something happens to change that, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Are you through talking, Mrs. Cartwright?”

“For now.”

“Good, because I’d like to move on to something else if you don’t object.”

“No objections whatsoever…”

 

~*~

 

1885

She arrived with the breath of spring, twenty one years after the first and last female born into the Adam Cartwright clan, and the entire family gathered to celebrate. Baby Emily slumbered in Moira’s arms, oblivious to the oohs and aahs of her adoring fan club.

“I think she looks like Adam,” said Joe. “What do you think, Moira?”

“I wouldn’t bet against it, since her mother is practically his spitting image.” She smiled at Adaline, beaming next to Adam. Then she sent a look of sympathy to her son in law. “Sorry, Wes. Maybe next time.”

Wes grinned. “I’m not complaining. I think she’s perfect.”

“She’s perfect because she’s yours,” said Adam. “That’s the way it is.”

“I think Grandpa Ben might like to hold his first great-grandchild, don’t you?” Moira handed the baby to Adaline. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

She stared out the window at nothing in particular, thinking how quickly time goes by, like a spool unwinding. It seemed like only yesterday she was holding baby Adaline in her arms. And now she was a grandmother.

“Are you all right?” Adam was at her side.

“Yes. Are you?”

“Yeah.” His smile was wistful. “I knew today would be bittersweet, though. Especially for you.”

The initial shock absorbed, they were relishing the idea of adding to their lively family when she lost their baby. It was too early to know for sure, but Moira’s heart told her it was a girl. She hadn’t expected to feel the loss so deeply. Adam had felt it too.

“It is, but more on the sweet side, don’t you think? We have so much to be thankful for, including a precious granddaughter. I couldn’t wish for more, honestly.”

He used his thumbs to brush the tears from her face. “I could never wish for more as long as I have you.”

Their children’s laughter floated from the next room as Hoss regaled them with a story. Adam paused to listen. “Hear that? Do you know what that is? It’s everything.” He pulled her closer. “You…made everything possible for me.”

She touched his cheek. “Oh, Adam. Just when I think I couldn’t love you more, you give me another reason to fall in love with you again.”

“Even though I’m getting old and gray and losing my hair?”

“I don’t see those things when I look at you.”

“What do you see?”

“I see the man who holds my heart.”

More laughter erupted from the dining room. They smiled at one another. Their life was calling. Their big, beautiful, unpredictable, sometimes messy, ultimately wonderful life.

Truly, it was.

 

END

 

Adam and Moira’s children:

Adaline Spencer Cartwright Jennings – After baby Emily, she would have four more children and write a book on the history of the Cartwright family from the pre-territory days of Nevada, through statehood and into the twentieth century.

John Adam Cartwright – Graduated from Harvard Law School to begin his legal career as junior partner of the Jennings Cartwright firm in Carson City. Later became a federal judge.

James Benjamin Cartwright (Jamie) – Graduated from West Point with a degree in engineering. Served in the army before returning to Nevada where he was elected to the state legislature and subsequently the U.S. Congress.

Jarrod Ross Cartwright – Earned a business degree from the University of Nevada and became a successful rancher/horse breeder, respected community leader and prominent conservationist.

Jordan Matthew Cartwright (Jordy) – Graduated from the US Naval Academy and served in the navy during the Spanish American War and World War I, later in Washington. Retired as a rear admiral.

Andrew Michael Cartwright (Drew) – Earned his  agriculture degree from the University of Nevada, worked with the US Forest Service and Department of the Interior in Washington. Retired to Virginia where he and his wife raised eight children.

Daniel Morgan Cartwright (Danny) – Graduated from Harvard Medical School, opened a private practice in Reno focused on obstetrics and pediatrics. Patron of the arts and noted philanthropist.

 

Author’s Note:  I used one plot twist and one “cowboy quip” in my story — There are two theories for arguing with a woman. Neither one works.