Summary: A simple vignette about Little Joe, a girl, and a watchful big brother.
Rated: K+ Word count: 624
Sweeter Than Pie
He swallowed hard and managed to get the last bite of dry, overly sour apple pie down his throat. He set down the plate with a smile. Of course, the smile came more from relief than pleasure, but Susannah wouldn’t know that. So, the pie was sour, Little Joe thought and shrugged. I didn’t buy her basket for the pie anyway. What I’m after is sure to be sweet!
“Did ya like it, Little Joe?” Susannah leaned forward setting the curls around her face bouncing gently. Her pansy eyes sparkled, and her voice tinkled like bells.
Reaching out and taking her hand in his, Little Joe Cartwright answered smoothly. “Could anything touched by this be less than angel sweet?” He lifted her hand, turned it upward, and pressed his lips to her palm. “Mmm, even better.”
“Now, Little Joe,” she murmured tugging back her hand but not hard enough to make him release it. “Somebody might be watching.”
He was on his feet in one swift move still holding her hand in his. “Then let’s walk a little further on.” He had her on her feet and his arm around her waist before she finished saying, “Little Joe, if my pa. . .”
Little Joe leaned close and whispered into her ear, “Has me horsewhipped, you can tend my wounds and kiss them better.”
Her blush deepened the pink of her cheeks, but she kept walking until they found deep shadows and the cover of sweet-smelling lilac bushes. He wrapped his arms around her and managed three kisses before he felt the tug on his collar and surrendered to its pull.
“Hoss will be walking Susannah back to her folks.” Since Adam’s hand was still on his collar and Hoss had already taken Susannah’s arm, Little Joe let his elder brother’s statement go unchallenged. Susannah gave him one lingering look over her shoulder as she walked away. When they were out of sight, Adam released his hold on Little Joe.
“We’ll wait a few minutes before returning.”
Little Joe sent Adam a petulant glare. “You just had to do that, didn’t you?”
Adam’s answer was simple and direct. “Yes.”
“You just waited and watched.” It was an accusation.
“I know you well, little brother.”
“I don’t. . .”
“Ever think. Her father is a church deacon and swings a fifty pound hammer all day.”
Little Joe’s body slumped with his attitude. “I spent three dollars on her basket.”
“And you got three kisses in return; it seems a fair deal to me.”
Little Joe realized the import of his brother’s words, studied Adam’s face, and noted the absence of any anger. “You gonna tell Pa?”
“No.”
He cocked his head. “Because you’ve done the same?”
Adam shook his head and put his finger over his lips. Then he slipped his arm around his little brother’s shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get back.”
Little Joe took a few steps before he mumbled, “You wouldn’t think it so fair if you’d had to eat Susannah’s pie.”
“Bad, was it?”
“Terrible!” Adam turned in time to see the expression on Little Joe’s face. He laughed and slapped the boy’s back. Little Joe returned a giggle.
“Our basket’s got one of Hop Sing’s peach pies. Of course there’s only one piece left.”
“Race ya for it!” Little Joe took off before the words left his mouth. Adam smiled for a second and then dashed after him.
Cute little snippet! Joe might not appreciate it now, but he’ll be thankful later that older brother watches out for him.
Protective older siblings are a two-sided coin. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this little story! DJK :>)
This was a really delightful little story. Yes, it’s nice to see the Adam-Joe relationship as at was especially in the first few episodes. Adam had the responsibilities and the authority, but he also had the experience and the knowledge, and although Joe chafed at Adam’s bossiness and dismissal, he still automatically looked to Adam for guidance — and apologized when he realized that he’d been too quick to jump to a conclusion. In Death on Sun Mountain, Joe glances at Adam to see what he’s doing before aiming his rifle and later asks Adam why Hoss isn’t firing. In another, he looks to Adam to see if they should move to protect Hoss and when Adam shakes his head slightly he sits back.
All of this is a lot more natural than any real antagonism.
I’m so pleased that you find my view of the Adam-Joe relationship true to the series and enjoyable to read. I appreciate very much your thoughtful comments on this little story. I agree there are many times in multiple episodes where Joe looks to Adam as a respected older brother. Thank you for reading and commenting. DJK :>)
Fun story….gotta love brothers!
Older siblings sometimes get a bad rap undeservedly. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this one. DJK :>)
I love this story. I feel it truly captures a piece of Little Joe and Adam’s relationship. Adam being the eldest often gets a bum rap; it was customary in those times for the oldest sibling to act as a secondary parental figure. It was clearly indicated that Ben raised his Hoss and Joe to mind Adam as a voice of authority. Adam was always entrusted with a large amount of responsibility when it came to his brothers; especially Joe considering the age difference. So it makes sense they had moments of strife; Little Joe was always trying to be independent and Adam was always the sensible brother, restrictive but protective.
I see a discouraging trend in fan fiction; Adam and Little Joe are often written adversarial. Their few instances of friction was overshadowed by their strong brotherly bond and fierce loyalty. I can’t imagine them ever exhibiting some of the hostility written. Very few writers have captured the essence of the loving relationship between ALL of Cartwright brothers but that does not apply to this tale. You hinted at the playful, understanding side of Adam as he allowed his little brother to have fun; probably more fun then he was ever allowed to have. I look forward to reading more. Great job.
Such a long and thoughtful response to such a little story is much appreciated. Sorry that computer problems kept me from responding sooner. I always saw way more love and respect in Adam’s and Joe’s relationship than real friction and try to show that in my stories. I hope you can enjoy some of the others. DJK :>)
A sweet vignette indeed! Love this “day in the life ” glimpse!:)
Thank you so much for letting me know that you enjoyed this little peak into Adam and Joe’s relationship. DJK:>)