Adam opened his eyes and yawned, having dozed off in the warm afternoon sun. Shiloh’s head was pitched forward with her chin on her chest. He lifted his arm resting on his side, and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, waking her. Reaching up, she stretched and yawned with him.
“I think I’m going to try and catch our dinner,” said Adam, as he sat up and kissed her neck.
“Do you have any idea what time it is?”
“It’s daytime,” he said, laughing and walking back to the windbreak.
She turned away from the ocean and shouted, “I just thought I’d make some coffee.” She watched as he pulled on his trousers, making sure the legs were still rolled up, and then ducked down. “What are you doing?”
“I’ll be there in a minute.” She turned back toward the water and pulled her knees up in front of her, waiting. When he appeared at her side, he dropped his fishing pole and handed her a wine glass, then pulled the cork out of a bottle of wine and poured. “We can have coffee after dinner.”
“I didn’t know you brought wine,” she said, smiling and taking a sip while he sat down in front of her.
Taking the glass and sipping, he said, “You’d be surprised what Mrs. Meder packed in that gunnysack. There’s enough wine for the whole week.”
“So that’s the plan. You’re going to get me drunk and have your way with me, is that it?”
He leaned into her, grinning. “I don’t have to get you drunk to have my way with you. I’m just waiting for the moonlight,” he teased, then stole a kiss. “Besides, if I get you drunk you’ll fall asleep, and then no one will be having anyone’s way.”
She tossed her head back in laughter, then lifted her hand to his face, and stroked his cheek, her eyes sparkling happily. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked softly.
“For bringing me here.” Looking up at the sky and around at the cliffs bordering their own private beach, she said, “It’s perfect.”
“Even though I almost drowned you,” he said, smiling impishly.
She puckered her lips and narrowed her eyes, then snorted, “You’re forgiven.”
Sitting nose to nose, they gazed blissfully into each other’s eyes, sharing small kisses until Adam moved his arm around her shoulders and held her to him, pressing his lips to hers. He sucked her bottom lip, then nipped it, and felt her shiver. Moving away slightly, he whispered, “Are you cold?”
“Hm? No, warm…very warm.”
Finishing his kiss, he looked into her eyes. “Well, we could do this all day, but then we wouldn’t have any fish for dinner.” She smiled when he kissed her nose, then rose, grabbing the fishing pole.
“You don’t have any bait.”
“Oh, yeah,” he said, walking down to the water. He looked down at the sand, then bent and started digging.
When he brought something up in his hand, she shouted, “Wait, let me see,” and got up and ran to him. “Eew! It looks like a big bug.”
“This, my love, is a sand crab.” He turned it over in his hand and showed her the legs underneath. “Here, hold it.”
She reluctantly opened her hand and let him drop the crab into it. When it started crawling, she yipped, dropping it on the sand, and it instantly began to dig. Adam scooped up a handful of sand and let it sift through is fingers, uncovering the crab. Unwrapping the line from the pole, he hooked the crab through its underside and stood up, holding the pole away from them.
“Adam, it’s still alive.”
“Fish won’t bite dead crabs.” Walking out into the low surf, he threw the line out beyond the small waves closest to the shore and waited.
Shiloh walked back to the blanket and sat down, digging shells out of the sand. By the time Adam had his first fish, she had an impressive pile. As she sat by the creek rinsing her shells, Adam brought the fish over, tied a string to a rock, and dropped the fish into the creek. “That fish won’t live very long will it?”
“Long enough for me to catch another one. After that, I’m going to teach you how to clean and cook them. He squatted down next to her, looking at her shells. “You’ve got quite a collection there.”
“Well, you were counting on carrying them back, so I figured I’d better collect some.”
He laughed as he walked back down to the water. Shiloh watched him dig into the sand and pull up a handful, then hook the sand crab he had found and throw his line back into the water.
Once she had finished cleaning her shells in the creek, she laid them out to dry on a small rock ledge on the side of the cliff, then went back to the windbreak and dressed in a blouse and skirt. Walking back to the beach, she gathered everything they had taken out and carried it back to the windbreak, carefully putting everything where it wouldn’t fall over in the light breeze that had begun to blow. She shook the canteen. It was only half full, so she walked up the beach toward the cypress trees, looking for a place deep enough to dip the canteen and fill it.
Adam had been glancing back to check on her. He had caught another fish and busied himself bringing it in, and when he got to the string at the creek, he looked up for her. She wasn’t at the windbreak where she had been the last time he looked, so he turned and looked back over the beach from one side to the other. He called for her and got no response. Dropping the string back in the creek with both fish attached, he went into the canyon where the horses were grazing, and came back, yelling louder for her. She shouldn’t be anywhere she wouldn’t be able to hear me. Panic began to set in, and he looked toward the cypress trees where the creek flowed onto the beach. Running into the forest, he looked for any sign of her. “Shiloh!” Again she didn’t answer, and he began to climb the rocks that lead up a steady slope next to the stream. When he topped a rise, he looked into the darkness created by high canyon walls and the canopy of the trees, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her white blouse. He climbed to her. “Shiloh, didn’t you hear me calling?”
“What? I can’t hear you over the waterfall.” She looked at his face, and stood. “Adam, what’s wrong? Are you alright?” He brought his hand up over his mouth, and wiped his chin, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. By this time, Shiloh had come down to him with the canteen. “What’s wrong?”
Pulling her into his arms, he hugged her tightly. “Would you do me a favor while we’re here, and tell me before you come back here? I had no idea where you were.”
She wrapped her arms around him. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” she said, looking up at him. “Come see what I found,” she said, taking his hand and leading him up to where she had been sitting. “It’s so lovely here, I sat for awhile. I guess I didn’t realize I was gone that long.” Adam took in the waterfall coming down from above them, falling over a wall of lush, green fern, then splashing over mossy rocks as it meandered its way down the hill. “Isn’t this the most beautiful canyon you’ve ever seen,” she said, smiling and looking up, the filtered light from the canopy catching her bright, happy eyes.
He chuckled and took her hand, turning back down the hill. “Come on. We don’t want to be back here when the sun begins to set. It’ll get dark here long before it gets dark on the beach. Besides, we have fish to clean and cook.”
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