Adam emerged from the house wearing a dry pair of black trousers and a deep red shirt. He had replaced his own gun, which he’d taken apart and left in pieces in the bedroom to dry, with a similar one borrowed from Jim.
Shiloh was inspecting the horses in the stable, choosing which one she’d like to ride. Jim had asked her to look at them herself, rather than deciding for her. He wanted to know what she thought about the rest of his stable of horses.
“You’ve got all types here, Jim. But I gravitate to length in the back and the legs. How about this one?”
“You’ve picked the most expensive horse of the lot.”
“He’s a Thoroughbred, isn’t he? And he’s a race horse.”
“And how do you know that?”
She laughed at Jim testing her. “He’s long and lean with a well-rounded hindquarter and a solid chest. He also carries himself upright…he doesn’t slump. He’s used to being ridden and ridden fast.”
“Very good. So you’re riding him?”
“No, though Adam might enjoy him. I want the Arabian. I like the Arabian attitude.”
“That’s right. I remember now. You ride a white Arabian.”
“Gray,” she corrected.
Adam had been standing in the door, watching, and now walked up behind them. “You, young lady,” he said with his hands on her shoulders, “are not supposed to be working.”
“I wasn’t working. I was just picking out your horse,” she said, handing him the reins.
Once the horses were saddled, they were on their way across the fields. Adam reached down and plucked a handful of grapes. “These are sweet. Table grapes?”
“These in the front here are. We have more farther out that we sell to a local winery.”
The three rode all over the property, tasting the vegetables and breathing in the fresh salt air. From a cliff above the beach, they watched the sun slowly sink on the horizon, the bright yellow emblazoned across the sky that slowly changed to orange as the sun dipped down below the horizon leaving a small sliver at the ocean’s edge until it disappeared and almost immediately released orangy-pinks into the feathered clouds, making the sky look like it was smoldering from an enormous fire. Once it had faded to a pale pink, the riders turned back toward the house, good food and good wine.
“So, you two. Has the trip been all you hoped it would be?” asked Jim. Shiloh raised her eyebrows, looking at Adam, who looked back at Jim as he scratched his head. “Uh oh, I know that look. Is there a problem with the partnership?”
“Not exactly,” said Adam, “but you probably need to know what’s going on just in case you somehow get drawn in. It’s a long shot, but I may need to call on your services again.”
“What is it?”
“Will Stewart.”
Jim leaned back in his chair. “Oh yes. I read not too long ago that he was being appointed the city attorney. I have some clients that work for the city, and I’ll have to deal with him. Not something I look forward to. Do you remember Rachel?”
Adam nodded. “Yes, well, this has to do with Shiloh. And Natalie is still his henchwoman.”
Shiloh sat back and crossed her arms. “Shiloh, if this is uncomfortable, Adam and I can discuss it later,” said Jim.
She twisted her mouth and took a deep breath. “There is no good time to talk about Will Stewart as far as I’m concerned, but having said that, it’s always better to know what Will has been up to, especially if you have to deal with him. In a nutshell, he will try his best to destroy Adam because he married me. He may also try to destroy you, Jim, simply because you and he were at odds at some point in the past, and you know Adam.” She took a sip of wine. “You know, it would serve him right if he was dismissed, and you were appointed city attorney in his stead.”
“No, that’ll never happen. I prefer to stay out of politics.”
“Even so, it would be worth it to see his head explode.”
Adam took her hand. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about it. This was supposed to be a relaxing weekend.”
“Adam, really it’s alright. Jim needs to know. And maybe it will do both of us some good to get it off our chests.”
Adam and Shiloh finished their account of the last few days over dessert…hot apple pie and coffee served in the courtyard near a gurgling fountain surrounded by paper lanterns and basking in the warmth of a kiva fire.
“With Will as the city attorney, we expect to have trouble from him with the new courthouse. It was Robert who sent us away…said he’d handle it, but I have to admit, I’m anxious to see what Will might do,” said Adam. “Robert was confident that Childers can handle anything that he might try.”
“And what about Shiloh?”
Adam reached for her hand again. “I don’t think Will wants to hurt her, at least, not physically. But I have no idea how far he’ll go to satisfy his obsession.”
“Well, my advice right now is to let me send a letter to his office, telling him specifically that he is to stay off the Flying W and Ponderosa property, that if he comes on the property for any reason you will charge him with trespassing.”
“Why send it to his office?” asked Shiloh.
“Because he’ll have a clerk that works for the city whose job is to open and log every piece of mail that goes into the city attorney’s office. There will be a record of it.”
“I don’t know,” said Shiloh. “This could make things worse. There’s no reason for him to come to the ranch.”
Adam squeezed her hand. “That doesn’t mean he won’t. Jim, go ahead and send the letter.” Shiloh looked at Adam to protest and met an arched eyebrow. She looked away and exhaled.
“Well, we have a full day tomorrow. And we won’t be talking about Will Stewart. There’s a nice little town just down the coast. They just recently renamed it Spanishtown. It’s unique in that there are people from almost everywhere…German, Irish, English, Chinese, Mexican, Italian…just about anyone you can think of, and they all get along. Some are fisherman, some are farmers. There’s a woman named Consuela who does the most amazing things with crab.”
“Sounds interesting,” said Shiloh, finally smiling.
“You know, you should do that more often?” She raised her eyebrows. “Smile. Tomorrow evening, I’ve invited some people here I want you to meet. They’ve all ridden at least one of the horses I brought back with me, and they’re all interested.”
“Why are you interested in my horses, when you have access to something like the horse Adam rode today?”
“That horse is one in a million. Besides that, he’s a racer. He’s really not that nice to ride when he does nothing but run all out.”
Laughing, Shiloh said, “I see your point. I should probably go to bed. It’s been a long day.” She rose from her chair, asking for Jim’s hand, and squeezed it. “Thank you for having us here. It’s a relief to get out of the city for a while…away from the unexpected…and unpleasant.”
Jim stood, still holding her hand and kissed her cheek. “Adam watched my back in college. I’m more than happy to return the favor. Good night.”
Adam stood and took both of her hands, bending and kissing her. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
When she had disappeared down the hall, Adam turned back to Jim. “After we leave for home, I need to know if Will or Natalie leaves the city. Can you take care of that?”
“Is it that bad?”
“He came to the hotel and tried to start a fight in a crowded lobby, and the only reason he didn’t is because Shiloh stepped in front of me and wouldn’t let go. He’s still using Natalie. I can’t afford to underestimate his obsession. He could take her and disappear.”
“When do you leave?”
“April fifth.”
“Consider it done.”
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