Adam stood in the sunshine as the buggy from the livery was loaded with everything he and Shiloh would need for their long weekend at the Fischer Ranch, except the food which Shiloh was procuring at that moment in the hotel dining room.
Extending his arms out, he stretched, glad to be out of dress trousers, jackets and ties. Today, he wore his comfortable black cotton trousers and his black shirt along with the black hat he wore around the ranch. The sunshine felt warm enough on his dark clothes that he removed his yellow barn jacket and tucked it securely between the small trunk and bags in the buggy.
Shiloh frowned when she stepped out of the hotel bearing a rather large picnic basket. Rushing over to her, he took it from her and found a place for it in the back of the buggy. “Sweetheart, it’s turning out to be a beautiful day. Why the frown?” he asked, smiling, unwilling to allow anything to spoil the trip he had been looking forward to.
“Do you need to wear that?” she asked, pointing to his gun.
“Yes,” he said, stealing a quick kiss before he guided her to the buggy.
“Why?” she asked just as he was about to lift her to the seat.
Bouncing his head side to side, he answered, “Because we’ll be out of the city and in the country. There are no police there. In fact, there’s no sheriff either.” He smiled, hoping that answer satisfied her and waited for her permission to help her into the buggy. She acquiesced, and he swept her up to the seat, making her squeal with laughter. “That’s what I want to hear,” he said, sitting beside her.
“You’re really looking forward to this, aren’t you?”
“You, my love, are about to see some of the most beautiful country on the West coast,” he said, flicking the reins.
“How far is Jim’s ranch?”
“It’s five or six hours away. But I promise you, the ride will not be boring,” he said.
Their travel might have been hampered by mud and puddles from the last two day’s downpours, but the ground consisted of sandy loam that sucked up the moisture quickly. In fact, the road out of town and through the countryside was remarkably free of ruts and holes.
Shiloh reached behind them and pulled a bonnet out of one of the bags. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear one of those,” commented Adam.
“I usually wear my hat, but I think it would look odd with this dress.”
As they left the tall buildings and stately homes of the city, they began to pass small homes, barns, and livestock from cattle to goats, pigs and chickens. Soon, the green, lupine covered pastures gave way to rows and rows of vegetables with clusters of trees with peeling bark here and there. Shiloh had been contentedly breathing in all the different aromas, but suddenly coughed. “Adam, what is that pungent smell?”
Pointing to his right, he said, “See those tall trees over there? They’re eucalyptus trees. They were brought from Australia because they grow quickly, but lumber from them twists and cracks too easily. People here on the coast use them as windbreaks.”
“Can we stop for a minute?” she asked.
Adam pulled back on the reins, stopping the buggy. “Is something wrong?”
She laughed. “No silly,” she said, putting her hands on his cheeks and giving him a loud smack on the lips. “I want to see.”
Sitting still for a moment, he watched her climb down from the buggy as he savored the memory of the joyful look that had been in her eyes when she kissed him; a carefree, childlike look he hadn’t seen in a very long time. “Where are you going?” he asked, turning on the seat to watch as she ran behind the buggy to the other side of the road.
She pointed up a steep hill to their left. “Up there,” she said, giggling. “I want to see.”
He stepped down and leaned back against the buggy, watching with a disbelieving look as she climbed, sometimes leaning so far forward she had to put her hands on the ground to steady herself. Her floral dress fluttered in the breeze, and her long hair below her bonnet danced as she climbed, balancing herself with her hands out to her side. She looked innocent, naïve, uncomplicated…like a child. When she reached the top and turned, her face showed the wonder of a child seeing the ocean for the first time, giggling, clapping, and jumping lightly on her toes. This wasn’t his wife. This was Shiloh as a child…before her world came crashing down around her. This was the childhood she had missed.
Looking out over the expanse in front of them, she marvel at row after row of textures and greens of all shades spread out before her as far as she could see, all neat and uniform and glistening in the sun. It was like some far away land from a storybook, only this was real, and she couldn’t wait to touch it, to taste it, to stand in the middle of it and breathe it in. She laughed as she scrambled down the hill. The road they were on would take them right through the middle of it.
“Shiloh, slow down.”
She hurried until her foot slipped, and she caught herself on her hands before her backside hit the ground, sliding. Adam rushed over and up the hill part way to catch her. “Didn’t I tell you to slow down?”
He held her hands the rest of the way down, and when she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting another kiss on his lips, he took her arms and pushed her back. Suddenly, all that joy disappeared from her eyes. “Adam, what’s wrong?”
His brow furrowed, and he looked at her disquietedly. “Micah might have every right to punch me.”
“What? Adam, what are you talking about?”
“There’s still…a child…in you,” he said, hoarsely.
She looked behind her up at the hill she had climbed, realizing she had let the serious, responsible adult in herself go. And even though it felt good in that moment, she knew it must have made him feel…irresponsible…and crude. Kneeling, she wiped the mud from her hands in the tall green grass next to the road. “I’m sorry, Adam, I didn’t mean to make you feel that way,” she said with her head bowed. She glanced back up at him, and he still wore the same uncertain look. Stepping into him, she took his hands, placing them on her hips, and looking unflinchingly into his eyes, she said in an assured voice, “I am not a child.” She tiptoed and teased his lips with hers, drawing her hands from his waist all the way up his back.
As she pressed her body into his, he felt the curve of her hips under his hands, the generous roundness of her breasts smashed into him and finally, the sweetness of her mouth as he gave into her. He lifted her off the ground, and she broke away from his kiss, still delectably close, and breathing sensually, saying softly again, “I am not a child.”
They kissed fervently, and Adam slowly let her body slide down him until her feet were back on the ground. “We should go,” he said, and still, they stood in an embrace, two lovers taking in each other’s essence. Finally, he bent and scooped her up, sitting her on the seat of the buggy, climbing in after her, and urging the horses down the road.
When they reached what she imagined would have been the center of the landscape she had seen, she sat still with her hands clasped in her lap, quietly enjoying the lush, green scenery that had made her feel so alive on top of the hill.
After a few hours of silently watching the countryside go by, Adam pulled the buggy into a grove of trees. The two spread a blanket on the ground, and Shiloh started unloading the picnic basket of its sandwiches, grapes and wine. They ate in silence for a few minutes, until Adam stopped eating. “I didn’t mean to spoil the ride for you.”
“You haven’t…exactly…spoiled the ride.”
He picked up his sandwich and took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “It was…an odd feeling…watching you act the way I remembered you…before Micah died.”
“Adam, didn’t you have childish moments when you were younger? I’m twenty-four…well, next month. Didn’t you have those moments when you were my age?”
He snorted. “I was much too serious for that at twenty-four. People expected me to behave like an adult, and along with that came a lot of responsibility.”
“That’s how I feel now, and I have to admit it felt good not to feel like an adult with responsibilities for a moment. Didn’t you feel that…just a little…when we had that snowball fight at Christmas?”
“No. Not that indestructible, light-hearted, not-a-care-in-the-world feeling. I learned early on that people aren’t indestructible, that light-heartedness led to not paying attention and could get you killed, and that not having a care in the world was a dream that you can’t quite reach.”
She sniffed. “You’ve always been responsible, haven’t you; traveling across the country with your father, building a home on the Ponderosa, and taking care of your brothers when your father couldn’t. I never thought about you missing your childhood…for different reasons than me, but still, you missed it. I had enough to occasionally find that spark, but you…you never had that spark, did you?” She picked up both plates and set them aside, sliding over beside him, and leaning into him. “I want to share my spark with you,” she said, her eyes twinkling like stars.
A playful grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’ll spark you,” he said, pulling her down next to him on the blanket, digging his fingers in her side to tickle her despite her corset. He moved his hands up under her arms to find actual flesh, and she squirmed and squealed, batting his hands, so he moved them below the corset, which made her twitch like her skirt was on fire, and in the end, he slowly stopped laughing as he gazed into eyes that had regained their joy. He held her and buried his face in her hair at her neck, taking in her scent.
“It will always come back to this, won’t it?” she whispered.
He raised his head and looked into her eyes before he kissed her. “Always.”
You know, some people thought this one is the worst of them all…kind of a fantasy that never would have happened. I don’t know about that. All these places really did exist back then. The Lick House was real and accurately described, the Cliff House and the beach, too. And Santa Cruz in the mid-1800s was the way I described it. The Meders were real, and so was their dairy. In fact a couple of those buildings are still there. Thomas Maquire and his opera house in San Francisco and VC were real. Even the San Francisco mayors I have in the stories were all real. This one’s a story back, but Eliza Biscaciante was real and her story was real. She eventually regained her popularity in South America (from Adam’s encouragement, of course!), but she was singing in Gentlemen’s Clubs in San Francisco for drinks at one point. I love working history into my stories.
I suppose my favorite part of all of this was their time on the beach. I’ve been to that very beach, but it’s not a little hideaway any longer…it’s got quite a surfing crowd these days. But the description of the creek coming off the bluff down through the woods is true as well as the small pool of water on the beach. And you can get stuck on that beach at high tide. The cliffs are so high, you can’t climb out. You either have to swim around the points or you have to wait for the tide to go back out. A lot did happen in this one, but as I said, I think this one is my favorite of them all.
Thanks so much, Marie. I think you have just a little ways to go to the end of this one.
I was in a lot of pain last weekend so I didn’t get to finish it. I’ve been busy all week so I’m looking forward to figuring out where I left off. I love this story. I’m loving the entire series! I love long long stories and a series to boot? What more could I ask for! Okay, off to figure out where I left off before I hurt my back last weekend. 🙂
~ A great way to start a new beginning! I look forward to reading each chapter and commenting about them as I read them. 🙂 I just love this couple!
~ Poor Shiloh, she doesn’t do well on those stage coaches. I don’t think I would have either! I just can’t imagine having to travel via a stage coach to get anywhere. I’m glad they arrived at Sacramento safe and sound…Who is this mysterious man?
~ What an opulent hotel, Adam. Presidential Suite? Very impressive indeed! Who was the gent inquiring about them that didn’t want to identify himself? Hmmmm
~ Adam was very adamant about not letting Shiloh sing even if it was for just one night. I can’t blame him though, they’re on their honeymoon! Somehow I don’t think Shiloh will be in that beautiful nightgown and robe too long after breakfast is over. 😉
~ Oh snap! That witch, Natalie Peterson and Will! I just knew he was the “mystery man”. Those two…ooooooh, this is going to get GOOD! LOL
~ Who is this mysterious thug? No doubt a hinchman for Will. I was hoping Adam would get him and show him a thing or two. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him, Will, or that nasty Natalie.
~ I sure would have loved to been at dinner! The food sounded divine. Is Adam and Shiloh moving to SFO? I must keep reading! 🙂
~ I don’t like this Daniel guy. Not respecting the institution of marriage. I think he has a thing for Shiloh. He’s trouble indeed!
~ What is that no good Daniel up to? It seems the whole world is after poor Shiloh. First it’s Will, Natalie and the mystery man, now Daniel. Somehow I think their honeymoon is going to be a firestorm!
~ It’s almost like she saw a ghost! Who…or what did she see? The plot thickens. 😮
~ Shiloh is so good to go along with Adam, even though these types of events are what she despises the most. She’s such a trooper. The mayor’s wife was so excited to see they had a celebrity in the house, however, she was quite rude to drag her around like a rag doll. Poor Shiloh. Oh boy, the well just got deep! Will is going to make it tough for Adam and his new firm. I know Adam will work it out. Don’t mess with a Cartwright, buddy! That darn Peterson woman…I can just see her body language now; like she’s got the upper hand and she’s going to make Shiloh’s life a living hell. rrrrr
~ Well, the mayor’s reception went well….Cartwrights 1, Will and Natalie, 0. ROTFL
~ What a powerful chapter. How stupid is Will? I mean to come to the hotel where Adam and Shiloh are staying and make such a scene. Did he think it would end well for him? Now the hotel has his face and he will be escorted out if he tries to step in again. I can’t wait to see what Natalie has up here sleeve. I almost feel sorry for her, though…Natalie, that is…She’s just a pawn in this scheme. I’m not sure if she wants Will or if she wants Adam, but she’s a sad lost soul; I pity her.
~ How cute was this chapter. I loved the “escort” Shiloh had for the banquet hall and the “password”. Pretty clever of shiloh to come up with something only Adam would know. I loved their banter at the breakfast table. Too cute!
~ How sweet are Mary and Harold? The seawall thing was so fun! I don’t think I would want to do it in the dead of winter but it might be something fun to share with your beloved in the summer! I loved this chapter!
~ The Alta California is nothing but a sleazy rag paper. On the front page no doubt. I wonder how much money Will paid them to run that article. He’s such a sleaze bag. I sure hope Shiloh does not find out about this; she’ll be heartbroken thinking she’s caused all of this drama for Adam. What she doesn’t know is if you mess with the Cartwrights, you’re messing with a mighty empire nobody can defend against.
~ What a lighthearted chapter. It was so good to see Shiloh smile and be childlike again. I was so sorry Adam couldn’t fully enjoy it with her. 🙁 I hope she is able to get him to feel the inner child he never got to experience. I was just glad they were finally free of all the drama which had encapsulated them in SFO. I just wonder if there is not drama around the bend….
~ Will is a scoundrel! Thank goodness the mayor sees through his stupidness and told him to keep his personal life out of his professional one. I have a sneaking suspicion good ole Will is going to amp it up a notch to try and discredit Adam with not only SFO but with Shiloh, too! Spec, Spec, Spec…She’s a character! I love that girl! ROTFL
~ Sounds like they’re finally going to be able to have the honeymoon they were expecting. The little town they are going to visit sounds delightful. The thought of Shiloh getting kidnapped by Will…makes me shiver.
~ Okay, I don’t know if I was stone cold drunk would I try a fried grasshopper. LOL but wow, that was too funny! The food sounded fantastic, however, I don’t do any seafood or fish, but I do love empanadas! Loved seeing them having such a great time in Spanishtown, even if the jerk who’s following them showed up.
~ What is Daniel up to and what does he want with Will? Those two along with Natalie; a deadly combo. 🙁 Shiloh seeing Micah? What?? Oh poor thing. She wants so much for her brother to be alive. :'(
~ I feel so bad for them, they can’t seem to catch a break on the drama left behind at SFO. Hopefully their time in Santa Cruz will be more enjoyable. The clipper ship sounded lovely.
~ Shiloh’s so cute. She’s a feisty thing and Adam has her hands full. I can understand her frustration with Adam not being forthright about the accusations Will thrusted upon him trying to get the Mayor to take away the contract for the courthouse, but at the same time I see Adam’s point, why burden her with the nonsense when he knew there was no merit to it and the mayor dismissed Will’s claim? She has so much already on her plate and what purpose would it serve her for him to tell her about Will’s ridiculous attempts to try and hurt him and the new company he is with.
~ What a great chapter. It seems maybe they should have gone to Santa Cruz for their honeymoon instead and just let everyone think they were going to San Francisco. LOL Loved how she got a bit tipsy again. Very cute! “Liar,” she said. ROTFL Loved it!
~Somehow I don’t think Shiloh’s to keen on learning the ropes of a dairy farm. LOL She did seem to enjoy the trip to the Meder farm though. 🙂
~ Interesting on how they made cheese and butter back then. I don’t think I like the whole rennent thing though. 🙁 Thank goodness I wasn’t born back in the 19th century or on a farm. I’m too much of a city girl! LOL
~ Why do I feel something is going to happen while they’re camping? Sounds blissful though…If you like camping and fishing. Seems it’s right up Shiloh’s alley!
~ I think Adam may have trouble getting Shiloh to leave their little private slice of heaven. I loved this chapter. I’m glad everything is going so well…for now. 😉
~ Shame on you, Adam Cartwright, for making Shiloh…no forcing her to face her fear of the water the way you did. He needs to realize you have to slowly let someone adjust to a fear. Help them in a safe environment. He’s lucky it didn’t backfire on him and her fear become worse when she was knocked about by the wave that took her under. I’m a good swimmer and that’s happened to me on more than one occasion and it’s scary as heck! Oh, Adam, I’m not happy with you. 🙁 Thank goodness Shiloh is strong and is willing to try it again.
~ My heart stopped when Adam called for Shiloh and she didn’t answer. I thought I can only imagine the fear that set in to him as he called her and no answer came. I can breathe again.
~ Ick…I don’t know if I would want to wake up to raccoons, skunks, and rabbits in my camp. LOL
~ Awe, I wonder if she is pregnant. She’ll make a great mom. She just doesn’t know it yet. 🙂
~ I never thought Ben would be such a “traditionalist” not wanting to move The Ponderosa forward. I can see how that would frustrate Adam. He’ll have to use his ingenuity at the Flying W.
~ I hope she’s not going to have issues having children. They’ll both make great parents. I kind of hope she is with child. 🙂
~ This poor couple haven’t had much of a honeymoon when they’ve been in the city. I guess that’s why Shiloh enjoyed the beach and Santa Cruz so much. Nobody knew them and most of all, they were away from Will!
~ Wow! What a great ending! Such a great opportunity for both Adam, Shiloh, and both ranches to be involved with the railroad. I know it was hard for Shiloh to have Adam sign the contracts instead of her now that she was married to him. I’m glad those times have changed! While I still am somewhat of a traditionalist at heart, I believe a woman can stand firmly on her own and share equally in a marriage partnership. It seems Shiloh and I think a lot alike. 🙂
Looking forward to the next story in the series!
Thanks for such a sweet tender story. I hope we get to see Will and his sidekick again. I love seeing them make fools of themselves. LOL