When Shiloh awoke, she opened her eyes to the dim morning light just coming in through the glass of the French door, and recalling the night before, she relaxed and smiled, closing her eyes and letting her head sink back into the pillow. She remembered…him…last night. Last night had been different from his normal slow, deliberate ways. Last night had been unplanned, urgent…raw and unfettered by inhibitions or propriety.
She reached over and felt…nothing? Raising her head, she looked over and found his empty pillow, and just as she was about to sit up, he came through the door, his hair wet, his face clean shaven.
He laid his brush, razor and toiletries on the end of the bed and looked at her. Her hair was puffed up, her eyes blinked rapidly to fend off sleep, and her lips slowly formed the shape of a deep, long yawn. She blinked again, then smiled, holding the sheet up in front of her.
“Modesty? After last night?”
Letting the sheet go, she rose up on her knees, and made her way to the end of the bed where he was standing. She moved her hands up his chest and over his shoulders until they reached the back of his neck where she pulled him down to her, locking lips with him.
He ran his hands all the way down her back and beyond, enjoying the coolness of her skin. “Hm,” he groaned. “As much as…” he stole another kiss. “…I’d like to continue this…” He cupped her chin in his hand, and kissed her again. “…we have to get going.” He pulled her arms from around his neck, smiling, and reached over to the chair where her robe was laying over the back, then held the robe behind her for her to slip her arms into the sleeves. “Your bath awaits, my love.” She stepped off the bed, and he pulled her into him, his lips hovering over hers. “Thank you.”
“For what?” she whispered.
“Last night,” he said, smiling. “Now go take your bath.”
***
Sitting at the desk, Ben looked up from his books and listened. Amid the howling of the wind outside, he herd hoof beats; a lot of hoof beats. He rose and walked quickly to the front door, and when he opened it, a gust of wind blew snow in. Closing it, he grabbed his coat from the hanger behind the door and stepped outside while he slid his arms into the sleeves. Joe, Hank and Johnny rode into the yard each leading four of Shiloh’s tall, black horses.
“Joe, I sent you to the Flying W to find out how they were doing. What the devil is this?”
“The hay shed for the corral next to the house collapsed in the wind. We salvaged as much hay as we could, but we can’t keep it dry.”
“Mr. Cartwright, if this is too much trouble, I’ll find another place for the horses,” said Hank.
Ben smiled. “It’s not too much trouble. We have plenty of hay here. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Shiloh’s horses.”
Another gust of wind came up, and Joe raised his collar and shoved his hat down on this head. “Four of the mares are expecting. I’ll put them in the barn and put the rest in the corral next to the barn. The only stallion I’m worried about is Satan.”
Putting his hands on his hips, Ben sighed and looked at the ground, then looked back up at Hank. “Satan has been a problem for a long time, Hank. She hasn’t gelded that animal?”
“No Sir. She had planned to before Max was killed, but she thought she might need to breed him.”
“Breed him,” said Ben under his breath in aggravation. “What was she thinking?” Hank opened his mouth to speak, but Ben raised a hand. “Put Satan in the front paddock here.”
“Mr. Cartwright, Johnny came to stay to take care of them.”
“That’s a good idea. Johnny, there are extra beds in the bunkhouse.”
“Yes Sir, Mr. Cartwright. I’ll throw my things in after we get the horses in the corral.” Johnny and Hank turned away and started moving horses.
“Pa, I didn’t know what else to do. Shiloh’s barn isn’t big enough for all of them.”
Ben put his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “It’s alright, Joe. It would be quite a blow to Shiloh if something happened to these horses. The only one I’m worried about is Satan.”
“He’s been calm enough.”
“Joe, I watched that animal corner a man and kill him. Amos should have gelded him a long time ago.”
***
By the time Shiloh was dressed with her hair pulled back in a pony tail, Adam had moved everything but her last bag to the lobby. He went back for her, and when they both got to the lobby their buggy had arrived at the front of the hotel from the hotel’s own livery.
While the doorman loaded the buggy, Adam helped Shiloh up into the seat, and she busied herself tying a wide-brimmed hat that matched her dress underneath her chin. Once the hat was secure, Adam drove the buggy away from the hotel, slowly winding down the street to the bottom of the hill, then out of town into the wide open country.
“How long will it take to get to the Meder’s ranch?” asked Shiloh, wrapping her arm around Adam’s.
“Oh, about an hour.”
The white, purple, blue and yellow wildflowers all around them turned their faces to the morning sun shining warmly down on them. To the west, the ocean sparkled, and closer to the shore waves crashed into the rocks sending showers of sea water glistening into the air. The air was crisp and fresh in the light breeze and smelled faintly of the ocean. The sky was a cloudless azure. Spring had arrived on the coast, and Adam and Shiloh soaked it up like the sun.
It was just before noon when Adam drove the buggy up to the ranch house. He stepped out, climbed the porch stairs and knocked on the door. When no one answered, he came back to the buggy, commenting, “Maybe they’re somewhere in the back.” Reaching up to her waist, he lifted her out of the buggy. “Come take a walk with me.”
Before they turned the corner of the house, they were met by a woman about Adam’s age. She jumped, startled, and dropped the basket of vegetables she was carrying. “I’m sorry,” said Adam, “but I was looking for Mr. Meder.” All three of them stooped to pick up the scattered vegetables. “I’m Adam Cartwright, and this is my wife, Shiloh. Mr. Meder is expecting us.”
The woman stood up with the basket and considered Adam. “I remember you. I was only about fourteen when we came out to the Ponderosa.”
Adam cocked his head and creased his eyebrow. “Angeline? It can’t be you. You had pig tails and freckles.”
Sitting the basket on the ground next to her, she stepped into Adam, giving him a warm hug. “Oh, it’s me. We all grow out of our pig tails and freckles. And look at you…still the serious look, but you’re…well, you’re not skinny anymore. It looks like ranch work agrees with you.”
The two stood, remembering for a moment while Shiloh stood rigid and cut her eyes up, first at Adam, then at Angeline. Adam turned to Shiloh. “Angeline, I’d like you to meet my wife, Shiloh.” The two women nodded at each other. “Do you remember Micah Whitney?”
Angeline laughed. “How could I forget Micah Whitney?”
“Shiloh is his little sister.”
“This is Micah’s baby sister? I do remember you. Micah always doted on you.” Turning to Adam, she asked, “And what did Micah have to say about you marrying his little sister?”
When Shiloh looked away, Adam glanced at her solemnly. “Angeline, Micah died two years later.”
“Oh, I’m…Shiloh, I’m so sorry.”
Turning back and smiling coolly, Shiloh said, “It’s alright, really. You had no way of knowing.”
“What about your father?”
“He died a little over a year ago. The doctor said it was an infection in his lungs.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. When my father worked with Mr. Cartwright and your father, we stayed for several months while they built a sawmill. All of us older kids spent quite a bit of time together, but you and…what was your baby brother’s name, Adam?”
“Little Joe.”
“That’s right. You and Little Joe stayed with my mother and Mrs. Cartwright. Mama was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Cartwright’s accident. They got on quite well while we were there. Well, look at me, keeping you two standing in the yard. I’ll leave this basket on the porch, and we’ll go see Papa and Mama out in the creamery. I’ll have a ranch hand take your bags to your room and put away the buggy.”
Before they got through the door, Angeline was already speaking. “Papa, Mama, Adam and Shiloh Cartwright are here.”
Moses looked up. “Adam, we’ll be with you in a minute. We need to finish pouring this butter into the molds. Come on over here and watch. You two are going to have to learn how to do this.”
Shiloh looked back at Adam, bewildered. “We’re learning this?”
“Yep,” he laughed.
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