Summary:  Little Joe Cartwright celebrates his 21st birthday with his family on the Ponderosa Ranch.

Rated: K+ (830 words)

August Moon

It was October 8, Little Joe Cartwright’s 21st birthday! He woke up to the sound of Hoss singing “Happy Birthday” next to his bed. He sat up, eyes half opened, and weakly smiled.

“Oh Hoss! What are ya tryin’ to do, wake the dead?”

“You’d think I’d get at least a ‘thank you’ for that sonnet. But forgive me if I am imposing on your sleeping time, Your Majesty! I’ll go!” Hoss said in a hurtful tone as he walked to the door.

“Oh Hoss, come back!! I apologize, I did like your song,” Joe grinned, making Hoss feel better.

“Well, thank you, Little Brother. Now, get up, get up, you got a big day ahead!” Hoss said as he pulled Joe out of bed leading him to the door. “It’s not everyday a boy turns 21. You’ve got to get dressed, and look all spic-and-span for you party with—Oops!!”

“Party?” Joe’s eyes lit up. “Did you say ‘party’?”

No, no, I didn’t say party. I said….uh…oh dadburnit, me and my big mouth!!”

“You did say party! When, where?” Joe asked excitedly.

“Now, Joe, I wasn’t supposed to say nothin’. It was supposed to be a secret,” Hoss complained.

“Well, you did say something and it’s not a secret anymore, not spill it!”

Hoss gulped. “Well, alright, but you have to promise not to let on. Pa’ll skin me ‘live if he finds our I told you!”

“Okay, okay, I promise. Now come on!!”

“Oh alright! Well, Pa and Adam have been planning this for about a month now, and it’s gonna be great, Joe! There’s gonna be balloons and cake and decorations and presents, and girls.”

Joe’s eyes brightened. “What girls?”

“Real pretty girls,” Hoss winked. “Beautiful and dignified ladies!”

“Okay, okay! That’s enough for now.”

Hoss exhaled heavily. How in the world did Joe talk him into telling him all that?

He’s Joe, he can talk me into anything!

XXXXX

Well, that evening, Ben had sent Joe to town so they could get his party set up. After a few minutes, Adam noticed Hoss looking a little nervous.

“Hoss? Are you alright?”

“No.”

“What’s wrong, son?” Ben asked.

“Dadgummit, Pa, I slipped!! I told Joe all about the party.”

Adam rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Adam!” Ben snapped.

Before the conversation could flow any farther, they heard someone riding up. Ben looked out the window and saw Joe.

“Okay everyone! Joe’s back! In your places!”

Ben and his sons his along with their guests. Joe walked in and everyone tell ‘surprise.’ He faked his surprise-face wonderfully. Adam couldn’t help but roll his eyes again, followed by being elbowed by Ben. After some dancing, and flirting, it was time for Joe to open his presents.

First came a gift from Adam and Hoss. Joe opened it, to find a beautifully painted portrait of Lake Tahoe during the sunset. Majestic horses ran freely through the cliffs, being struck by the rays of light beaming from behind the clouds.

“We had it painted especially for you, Joe. It’s called “August Moon,” Adam said.

“Wow. It’s beautiful, guys! Thank you!!”

The two smiled at their brother’s delight.

After Joe put down his picture, he opened his gift from Pa. At first, it looked like a watch, but then he was told to open it. Inside, was a picture of his mother, holding a baby. It was Joe. His mother was wearing a beautiful orange dress, accented with lace and silk. Little Joe sat smiling and laughing in her arms wearing a little sun-hat and overalls. As he stared at his mother’s face, Joe couldn’t help but cry a little. She stood like such a noble and proud woman with her son.

“Pa, I….. Pa….. I never even knew this picture existed. I couldn’t have been more than a year old.”

“10 months, Joseph. It was a miracle that we got you to look straight ahead.”

Joe smiled. “Thank you, Pa!”

Ben hugged his boy, happy that he had given him the picture.

After a few more hours of dancing and celebrating, the guests went home and the Cartwrights went to bed. Just before Joe went into his room, Ben came out.

“Oh, Joseph. I didn’t get to tell you earlier, you staged your astonishment of the party wonderfully.”

Joe’s eyes widened. “Hoss told you!”

Ben laughed. “Good night, son.”

“Good night, Pa.”

As Joe was about to blow out the lamp, he couldn’t help but pick up his mother’s picture again. He put it underneath his pillow before going to sleep. As he lay in bed, he thought about his mother.

“I love you, Mama!”

*THE END*

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.