“Ow!” said Shiloh, jerking her hand away.
Adam took it back. “Let me see it.” Opening her hand, he examined the cut. “I’ll need to clean it out.”
“With what?” she asked uneasily.
“Well, I don’t know yet,” he answered as he sorted through the contents of the gunnysack. Pulling out a small bottle of whiskey and a rolled white strip of cloth, he said, “It would seem that Mrs. Meder thought of everything.” He took her other arm and pulled her up off the sand. “We’ll clean it in the creek.”
“But the tide is in. It’ll be salty.”
“That’s the idea.” Taking his bandana out of his back pocket, he dipped her hand into the water and gently washed it. “This’ll teach me to try to teach you to clean fish.”
She looked pitifully at him. “I didn’t mean to. My hands got slimy from the fish, and the knife slipped.”
He looked at her from under his brow as he worked on her hand. “That’s why I told you to hold the fish with the cloth.” Drying her hand, he poured a little whiskey over the cut, and she quickly drew back and cringed. He didn’t say anything, but rather raised his eyebrows and held out his hand. She slowly gave hers back to him. “I know this burns, but we don’t want it to get infected. If the skin around it turns red, we’ll have to get you to a doctor.”
“It’s a little bitty cut. I don’t need a doctor.”
“It’s not a little bitty cut, and you don’t want it to get infected. How would you feel if you lost a finger and couldn’t play your piano anymore?”
“Oh, now you’re just being dramatic. I thought you didn’t want to perform,” she said sarcastically.
Looking at her with flared nostrils, he bit, “Shiloh, an infection is nothing to mess around with. If it gets into your blood, it can spread all through you.”
“It’s just a little cut,” she snapped back.
Tightening his lips and glowering, he retorted, “It’s a deep cut with fish slime in it.” He took a deep breath and chuckled as he wrapped the strip of cloth around her hand.
“What’s so funny?” she asked in aggravation.
“You are. No, we are. I don’t know why we’re arguing about it. We both know it has to be cleaned.” He put a finger under her chin and raised her face to his. “You just don’t like being taken care of, do you?”
“I’m not angry at you. I just wanted to show you I could do it. And then I go and cut myself and look like an inept…baby,” she said, drawing one side of her mouth in. “Besides that, I’ve always been able to take care of myself.”
“Sweetheart, you aren’t by yourself anymore,” he said, helping her to her feet, and putting his arms around her waist. “Get used to it,” he said softly, kissing her.
She leaned into him. “You can have anything you want if you keep kissing me like that.”
“There’s no moonlight yet,” he said with a gleam in his eyes as he took her hand and led her back to the windbreak. He went into the woods and came back out with two strong sticks which he whittled down to clean, fresh wood.
She pulled the coffee out of a saddlebag and prepared the pot, then put it on a rock that Adam had moved right next to the fire.
“Now, sit right there and watch.” He finished cleaning the fish, telling her everything he was doing as he went. Once he had them on the sticks lying across short sidebars, he sat back and watched the sunset with her.
“Our first night on the beach,” she said.
“Mm hm.”
“Will anything come up on the beach at night,” Shiloh asked, moving into his side.
“Oh, maybe some crabs, but they’ll stay near the surf. We’re more likely to be visited from something in the woods back there,” he said, pointing toward the cypress trees. “But nothing you wouldn’t have seen at home.” He looked down at her and grinned. “Like skunks.” She pinched him. “Ow! What was that for?”
“For teasing me.”
“I’m not teasing you. There’s probably skunks, raccoons…rabbits…among other things back there.”
“Fine. Then I’m sleeping next to the wall of the windbreak.”
“So you’re going to let me take care of you?”
“Adam,” she said, taking his hand. “I know I fuss a lot, but…it’s nice…to know that someone wants to take care of me.”
Wrapping his fingers around her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. “Are you ready for fish?” She smiled and nodded. He took the fish off the fire and placed them on plates, handing the plates to Shiloh. Then he retrieved a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, leaving one side longer for him. Next, he retrieved the wine and glasses, and sat next to her. Holding his glass up, he toasted, “Here’s to life on the beach.”
“Here, here,” she said, touching his glass with hers and drinking. She set her wine glass on a flat rock next to her and tasted her fish. “This is good. What did you season it with?”
“I have no idea. The seasoning came from…”
“Mrs. Meder,” she said, nodding.
After dinner, the two took a walk to the other side of the beach where the rocks went out into the ocean. “We should come out here tomorrow morning when the tide is low and see what we can find,” said Adam. They sat and watched as the moon appeared, casting a white light over the landscape. The foam of the waves looked as if it was glowing against the dark water it capped.
“Moonlight,” she whispered, laying her head on his shoulder.
“So it is,” he said, smiling and laying her back on the sand.
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