Summary:  In this story Storm returns to Nevada with hopes that her past will help her deal with her future only to find that her past is her future.  Rated: MA  (54,711 word)

Storm series:

Return to England
The Special Rope
Foolish Questions
Ante Up
Love Lost, Destiny Found

 

 

                                                                       Love Lost, Destiny Found

CHAPTER 1

“Adam you believe me, don’t you? You believe it wasn’t my fault.”

“Of course it wasn’t your fault Storm.”

“Then why is papa so angry with me?”

“He’s just worried about your mama that’s all.”Adam held Storm while she cried. Surely Matt wouldn’t blame his daughter for what had happened. She was only ten years old.

“Storm, come here.”

“Matt maybe it would be best…..”

“Thank you Ben, Adam. Storm come here!”

Ben knew that he and his son had just been dismissed; he also knew his son wouldn’t leave that easily.

Storm walked slowly to where her father stood. She had never feared her father, because even when he had been angry with her before she knew he loved her, but she feared him now. “Papa how is mama?”

“She’s dead Storm. She’s dead and it’s all your fault.”

“MATT.”

“She’s my daughter Adam! MINE! I will handle this my way. Now you go to your room Storm and think about what you allowed to happen.”

“Yes papa.” Storm ran to her room and laid on her bed and cried. Surely papa was wrong, mama couldn’t be dead.

“Matt, she’s just a child.”

“Yes Ben, but she could have run for help. She could have tried to get me. How I wish she were dead instead of Skye.”

“You don’t mean that Matt.”

“Don’t I Ben? Don’t tell me there was never a time you wished one of your wives were still alive.”

“Not if it meant I would have to trade one of my sons!”

“Yes, your sons. You have sons. What do I have? Skye would have given me wonderful, strong sons, if she was still alive, but she’s not and it’s all her fault.”

They saw him look towards the room they could all clearly hear Storm crying from.

“Maybe we should take Storm to stay with us for a while.” Adam headed towards Storm’s bedroom. Hoping that Matt’s apparent hatred for his daughter would ease as his grief did. Maybe if she were away from him he would realize just how much he truly did love and need her.

“NO! Adam she is my daughter!”

“FINE!” Adam only relented because he knew Storm would never go against her father, at least not now. “If you hurt her……” He let the threat go unfinished knowing Matt understood. He then approached the door to Storm’s room.

“Storm if you need anything you know where I am.” He saw the door open a crack, just enough so that she could see him. He wanted to hold her and dry her tears but was afraid Matt might take it out on her.

“Yes Adam I know.”

Ben and Adam reluctantly left and headed back to the Ponderosa.

“Pa he can’t really blame Storm for what happened. She was only doing what Skye told her to do.”

“Son, I’m sure, given time Matt will soon realize there was nothing that Storm could have done. In no time at all he’ll remember she’s his daughter and that he loves her.”

This was one of the very few times that Ben Cartwright would be proven wrong. It would take more time than he could ever imagine. Matthew Kendall was a man whose heart had been so hardened by the loss of his wife it became incapable of feeling love for his daughter. In his defense he never raised a hand to Storm, but then he never offered her one either. She would spend whatever time she could at the Ponderosa. Perhaps that’s the reason her father’s indifference never touched her soul. She spent much of her time trying to be the son her father had wanted, the one he had said his wife hadn’t had a chance to give him because of her. The older she got, the harder that became. It was hard to be taken seriously as a man’s equal in what were usually considered to be manly endeavors when she began to look more and more like a woman. In spite of this Storm never stopped trying.

“Storm what are you doing?”

Adam was tired; it had been a very long day following a very long night.

“I’ll help with the branding.” Storm could tell Adam was tired and she wanted to help him.

“No Storm.”

“But Adam I always help you.”

“Storm you’re not a child anymore.”

“I was last year! I helped last year.”

Maybe Adam knew where she was last night because she knew where he had been.

“That was last year, this is this year Storm.”

“Storm, why don’t you come and help me over here.” Ben offered as he knew Storm either didn’t understand or, more likely, didn’t want to understand what Adam was trying to say. He knew she felt if she started to believe and started acting like the young woman she was becoming, she would never please her father. In the five years that had passed since her mother’s death, earning her father’s approval and love were the things that drove Storm the most. Ben could still remember the night almost two years ago that Storm had come to them fearing she was dying. It was one of the few times he could recall seeing everyone of his son’s faces turn red, he had even felt a slight color go into his. Luckily Mrs. Keyes was able to put that fear to rest by explaining to Storm that what was happening was just a natural part of becoming a woman. That proved to be one of the worst things Storm could have been told. From that time on she tried even harder to best every man she could. It was as if she believed that by excelling in any unwomanly task she could delay the inevitable.

CHAPTER 2

“Good evening Miss. Kendall.”

“Adam you’re being silly.”

“Am I? I hadn’t realized I’d done anything that was silly.”

“Well you have. You never call me Miss. Kendall”

“That’s how I address every young woman I am going to ask if she would allow me the honor of dancing with her.”

“Are you asking me to dance?” “

If you’d like to.”

“I would love to.”

Ben watched as Adam led Storm onto the floor. He had noticed quite a change in Storm this past year. It had all started that day that Adam had told her she couldn’t help with the branding. Ben remembered that he knew it would take more than his abilities to explain all that had come up that day to Storm. He had no experience when it came to young ladies; after all he only had sons. Once again he had turned to Mrs. Keyes. Thinking on it now he smiled. He had asked Storm to come and help him and she had grudgingly done so. Ben had always felt more to please Adam then him.

“Storm, Adam just doesn’t want you to get hurt.” “

I never have before.”

Ben was willing to try his hand at finding a way to help Storm accept what was happening, to help make her embrace it. He would appeal to the female that was in her even if she tried to deny its presence. He had only managed to raise more questions.

“Storm do you wish for every man to see you as a child? Don’t you hope someday to have one see you as the beautiful woman you’re sure to become?”

“You mean like courtin’ and stuff?”

“Yes like courtin’ and stuff.”

“Some of the girls at school have beaus. They say that kissin’ feels nice.”

“So long as it goes no further.”

“Further?”

That’s when he knew he was very glad to have had only sons. He found he wasn’t prepared to discuss this with Storm. He was about to try and change the subject when a very disturbing thought occurred to him. If he didn’t find a way in helping Storm to understand about the rights and wrongs of relationships between men and women, who would? He knew that Matt wouldn’t. He again turned to Mrs. Rebecca Keyes.

“Storm why don’t we go for a little ride. There is someone who might be able to explain this a little better than I.”

When they approached Mrs. Keyes house, Ben asked Storm to wait on her horse until he came and got her. He wanted to make sure Rebecca was alright with what he was asking her to do. “

Of course Ben. Tell her to come inside. That poor child, well, maybe not so poor she does have you and your sons to turn to.”

Storm stared at Mrs. Keyes as she explained what happened between men and women. She felt frightened to think that what she was being told was true and yet she found something buried deep inside her hoping it was true. She now understood why Ben had said he would wait for her outside.

“You mean that he……that she….that they…..Is this just another natural part of becoming a woman?”

Again Rebecca found herself feeling sorry for Storm. Sometimes a girl needed a mother much more than she needed a father and, considering just how Storm’s father acted, it was almost as if she had neither.

“Storm it can prove to be one of the more pleasing parts. When it’s between two people who love each other and of course only after they are married.”

Rebecca quickly added that last detail.

“But I thought you said it hurt?”

“Only the first time. It is also the only way for you to have a baby. There are some who will have you believe that’s the only reason for it’s existence, but believe me Storm it can be so much more. When two people love each other the act of making love can be a way of saying how much you love each other without words in a way that words could never express. It’s a way, if only for a short while, to cease being two separate people and become one soul, one heart.”

Storm didn’t understand why, but the entire time Mrs. Keyes was talking she was thinking about Adam. Ben had asked her if she wanted one man to see her as something other than a child. The answer was yes, she was beginning to feel that that one man was Adam. How though? She had spent her whole life trying to prove to everyone she wasn’t a girl.

“Mrs. Keyes will you help me?”

“Help you what child?”

“Learn how to be a woman.”

“Of course.”

From that day on Storm seemed to be trying to embrace her feminine side. Not that she still didn’t try to best the boys around town; it just seemed that she was now realizing if done right they didn’t seem to mind losing to her as much anymore.

As Storm and Adam danced, her father watched. There were times he almost regretted not being able to love his daughter, not being able to forgive her. At those times he found himself going to her and thinking maybe he would take her in his arms and tell her he was sorry. Then he would see her and see in her eyes or a simple gesture something that reminded him of his wife. He would remember seeing her body and that would reawaken all the rage and he would forget his regrets and only remember his loss. He could never seem to understand that he may have lost his wife that day, but Storm had lost her mother and her father. The music ended and Storm joined her friend, Marybeth, while Adam went to get them some punch.

“It would appear as if she’s very happy Adam. Happier than I‘ve seen her in some time.” Ben knew that was due in part to where she had just been and in part because she too must have noticed the slightest of changes in how his son looked at her.

“You know something pa, she’s becoming a very lovely young lady.”

“Yes she is son. One sure to become a very beautiful woman.”

“Ben did you want to see me about something?”

“Yes Matt. I’m sure you are aware that next month will be Storm’s sixteenth birthday. We have been talking it over and we would like to have a surprise party for her at the Ponderosa.”

Actually Ben wasn’t too sure if Matt remembered. Every year for the past five Storm’s birthday had been celebrated at the Ponderosa. The only reason Ben felt a need to get permission this time was because he wanted more than just he and his sons to help Storm celebrate.

“That’s very kind of you but I’m afraid it will be impossible. You see by that time we will be already on our way to England.”

“England! Storm hasn’t mentioned anything about going to England.”

“That’s because she doesn’t know yet and I would prefer it if you didn’t mention it to her. I have told you before Adam, she is my daughter.”

“You sure wouldn’t know it by how you treat her!”

“Be that as it may Adam, she is. I will ask you to not write to her but if you do I can assure you she will never read a word of any letter you may send. Storm!”

She looked up at the sound of her father’s voice and saw him standing with Ben and Adam. The nearer she got to them she could tell Adam was angry, she just couldn’t think of a reason why. She hadn’t done anything wrong and while Storm knew Adam didn’t particularly agree with everything her father did, he would never put her in a position where she had to choose between them. She was very glad of this because she loved them both so very much that it would tear her apart if she ever had too.

“You called me papa?”

“We are going to leave now Storm so please go get your wrap.”

“But papa.” Storm had so hoped to have another chance to dance with Adam.

“Now Storm!”

Another dance was what Matt was tying to prevent.

“Yes papa.”

Adam hated the way Matt seemed to be the only one who could dampen Storm’s spirit.

“Storm.”

“Yes Adam?” She quickly turned back to them.

Maybe if he asked right now her father would be willing to allow them one more dance or maybe at least half of one.

“You know where I am.”

“Of course I do.” Now Storm was confused. What was Adam trying to tell her?

“I want you to remember that I’ll always be there for you. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes Adam, I’ll remember.”

Matthew wasted no time in telling his daughter of his plans. He felt a slight twinge of guilt when he saw the happiness in her eyes buried under the sadness his announcement made her feel, but it was quickly forgotten when the simple way in which she asked her next question reminded him of Skye.

“Why papa? Why do we have to go to England?”

“I think it is about time you met my family, see where I was born and grew up.”

“But we’ll come back, right?”

If lying to her would make it less of a struggle then he would lie.

“Yes Storm, we will come back.”

Storm thought that if she did this, if she didn’t give her father any trouble and agreed to leave Virginia City, to leave Adam, then he would just have to love her. He had to know how much it would hurt her to leave, even if it were to be for only a little while.

“Alright papa.”

Alright, Matt thought? It was as if she thought he would give her a choice. He wasted no time after that. He made sure Storm would be kept busy packing up her things and putting the house in order. She believed it would be shut up only until their return but he had already made arrangements for it to be sold after they left.

“Storm we leave tomorrow.” He had waited until now to tell her. He had waited until he knew it would be too late.

“But papa I have to see Adam, I have to tell him goodbye.”

“It is too late to start out for the Ponderosa and it will be too early tomorrow. You can write him a letter.”

“But papa!”

“Storm! I will hear no more about this. Now go to bed, we will have an early start tomorrow.”

“Yes papa.”

Storm lay silently in her bed. She didn’t want to risk missing the slightest sound. Only after she was absolutely certain that her father was asleep did she attempt doing something she knew would anger him greatly if he found out. She got out of her bed and snuck out of her window. She just had to go and say goodbye to Adam.

“Storm what are you doing here at this hour?” When Ben had heard the knock on the door he had jumped. Then he remembered that all his sons were home and that eased the fear that something had happened to one of them.

“We’re leaving in the morning. If I didn’t come now I wouldn’t have been able to see you. I just had to come and say goodbye.”

“ADAM.” Ben knew it was him she wished to see the most. He thanked God that Adam had decided against going into town tonight. Afraid if he had, Storm would have followed him there.

“Little Joe! Hoss!”

He knew his two other sons would be very upset if they didn’t get to see Storm before she left.

“Hey what are you doin’ here this late?”

“We’re leaving tomorrow Hoss.”

“It’ll be good to see you go.”

“Joseph!” Ben knew this was his son’s way of trying to hide the hurt, he was feeling but he knew that Storm was too upset to realize this.

“I’m sorry Storm, I didn’t mean it. I’m gonna’ miss you.”

“What you’re gonna’ miss more then me is all the homework answers I give you.”Ben saw his son look quickly at his feet. “We will discuss this later.” Ben saw that Adam had finally come downstairs. So he gave Storm a hug and a kiss and his two youngest followed his lead and then followed him upstairs.

“Adam, papa says we will come back.”

Adam didn’t believe that for one second but he could see that Storm needed to believe it. He knew it was the only thing that was making leaving bearable for her. He just couldn’t let her know he didn’t think he would ever see her again.

“Then you will come back.”

“Adam, I don’t want to go.”

He could tell she was pleading with him to find a way to keep her here but he knew of no way to accomplish that. He had spent many a sleepless night trying to.

“I don’t want you to go either, but he is your father Storm.” Lord knows he has told me this more times than I care to think of.

She ran to him. Maybe if he held her tight enough time would stop. Maybe her father would be so angry when he found she had gone he would leave without her and she could stay with Adam forever.

“It’ll be alright Storm. Storm I want you to promise me something.”

“Anything Adam.”

“Promise me that you will always remember that I care for you. That I’m always here for you no matter how it may appear. Will you promise me that?”

“Yes Adam, I promise.”

“Good. Now you had better get on home before Matt realizes you’ve gone.”

“Yes Adam.”

He walked with her out of the house and he watched her ride away. He couldn’t know that he would see her again, but then it would be him who needed her to make the pain the world can give go away.

 

CHAPTER 3

“Congratulations Adam, Emily.”

“Thank you Mrs. Keyes.”

“It’s rather hard for me to believe that you are married.” Perhaps, Rebecca Keyes thought, because the ceremony had taken place in San Francisco.

“Hard for me to believe as well.” Adam pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her.

“ADAM. Not in front of everyone.”

Sometimes he would forget just how proper an upbringing his wife had had. He hoped in time she would be able to recognize that this was not San Francisco society, that she could ease the tight restraints she put on her emotions when in public because she had not such difficulties in private.

“Do you know who I found myself thinking about the other day Adam?” Mrs. Keyes knew it was because of this party to celebrate Adam’s marriage that she had thought of her.

“Who Mrs. Keyes?”

“Storm Kendall. She must be gone, what, four years now?”

“Yes I believe it’s been four years Mrs. Keyes.”

Emily noticed that the mention of this name brought a sadness to Adam’s eyes. When they said she was gone did they mean she had died and that was why Adam was saddened by the mere mention of her name?

“Just who is this Storm?”

“No one for you to worry about Emily. She was just a very special young girl. You could say she was like the little sister I never had, not counting Little Joe of course.”

“Ha, Ha. Don’t you pay him no mind Emily.”

“I have to mind him Joseph, he’s my husband.”

And although this was taken as a joke, Emily meant it in all seriousness.

“Then it’s a real good thing he married you and not someone like Storm.”

“How did you know we were talking about Storm?”

“That’s easy, Emily. For a long time Storm was as much a part of this family as any of us and the only one who actually seemed to like being around Adam.”

“If that’s true, you will have to tell me all about this Storm.”

“I promise you someday I will, but not tonight.” He knew his meaning was quite clear by Emily’s reaction.“ADAM!”

They didn’t speak of Storm again for some time although there were times she crossed both of their minds. Adam and Emily were very happy. Happier still when they found out they were to become parents.

“Darling are you sure you don’t want to go to San Francisco? You could be with your mother.”

Emily knew Adam would gladly swallow his pride for her peace of mind, which was why she was so willing to face down her fear for him.

“No Adam. I want our child to be born right here! Not in some stuffy, crowded city.”

Adam knew she was saying this to not only try and convince him, but herself as well and he loved her all the more for it. He knew it hadn’t been easy for her to adjust to living on the ranch, but she never gave up trying. He also found that when they were in his family’s company she was no longer embarrassed to accept his kisses although she was still reluctant to even allow him to hold her hand while in town.

“Adam?”

“Yes Emily?”

They had just finished a very fine game of chess that Emily had won, if you asked Adam only because he was too busy concentrating on her ever growing middle because that was the most obvious proof he would soon be a father. He had decided to try and concentrate on a book to try and avoid his wife’s triumphant looks of victory. His attempts were interrupted by his wife’s question.

“Tell me about Storm.”

“Storm? What brought her to your mind after all this time?” Adam wouldn’t tell her that she had been on his mind more then once since their wedding. He had even thought about reminding Emily of her desire to know about Storm before this, but that would have required him to tell her and sometimes remembering all that had happened could make him feel down-hearted so he didn’t.

“Oh, I don’t know, I guess I was thinking about our wedding and I recalled Mrs. Keyes mentioning her name and how happy and yet sad you were upon her saying it. Adam she‘s not dead is she?”

Like Adam, Emily too had thought of Storm, and it was his apparent sadness that thinking about her caused him that had made her delay asking him about her until now. Like most woman her curiosity had finally won out. “

No Emily, Storm is alive, or as far as I know she‘s alive. How can I describe her to you? Pretty much her name says it all. She and her mother and father moved here when she was about four. Matthew, Skye, and Storm.”

“Skye, that was her mother’s name? It’s such a pretty name.”

“She was a beautiful woman. She was Comanche. I believe her Indian name was She Who Was Born of the Skye and Storm’s was She Who Brought Down the Storm. Little Joe and her were about the same age, Little Joe being about four or five months younger. Matthew came here shortly after they arrived looking to buy some stock and some horses. He had brought Storm with him. He said she was better at picking a good horse than he was. It was a beautiful day in early September. It was so warm you would have sworn it was more like early summer then almost autumn. I was sitting outside pretending to be reading, but more listening to pa and Matt talk business when she walks over to me as bold as you please and tells me she can read too. I looked up to see her standing there with her hands on her hips and a look in her eyes just daring me to tell her she was lying. I found out it was a good thing I didn’t because she could. Matt said he was teaching both her and Skye.

“From that day on whenever Matt would come here Storm would be with him but that only lasted until she was old enough to come by herself. After that there was no telling when she would appear. Matt would scold her about coming too early or too late, but I never really minded. It’s kind of like Little Joe said, I know he was kidding but there was some truth to it, she always liked to be around me. She always seemed to be looking up to me, always made me feel important. I guess I felt like pa must have when I, Hoss and Little Joe would look at him and ask him questions. It was as if she believed I knew everything, like in her eyes I could do no wrong. Don’t take that to mean that even at her age she didn’t try to argue with me about how she was old enough to do things when I told her she wasn’t. I’m not saying that Hoss and Little Joe didn’t, back then at least, look up to me; it was just different with Storm.”

“Probably because she was a girl and maybe you could see that she would be as beautiful as her mother someday.” Selfishly Emily felt very thankful that something had taken Storm away from here. She began to fear that if it hadn’t Adam would not be her husband but Storm’s. After she found out what the reason was she felt guilty for feeling pleased that Storm had gone.

“No, I mean yes, you could see that she would be beautiful, but she was only a child. They lived here for twelve years, they were happy for six of them. If you were to have asked me before Storm was ten if I thought Matt loved her, I would have sworn to you no father could love his daughter more.”

“What happened when she was ten to change that?”

“Skye died, or more accurately, she was murdered. Matt blamed Storm.”

“How could he blame her? She didn’t do something to kill her own mother did she?”

“No. Skye hid her in a trunk when she saw the men ride up. She told her to stay still and not make a sound, she made Storm promise. Matt always said that she should have tried to go for help, but Storm never broke a promise.”

“What if she had tried and they killed her too?”

“I like to believe he didn’t think of that possibility, but I’m afraid even if he had it wouldn’t have mattered to him. All he would ever dwell on was that he had lost his wife, not that he still had a daughter. Up until she turned sixteen she spent more of her time on the Ponderosa than at home, then when she was sixteen they went to England. Matt forbade me to write to her, even went as far as to say that if I did he would see to it that she never read a word, but I did try once. I didn’t again when I got it back saying if I did, Storm would pay the price. I always hoped that Storm didn’t ever think I’d forgotten about her.”

“Adam maybe, once this baby is old enough, we should go to England.” If they did maybe they would find that Storm was happy and Adam wouldn’t be so sad to think about her.

“Maybe.” It was nice to think that they would even though he knew they wouldn’t. He didn’t want to see what Storm might have become having only her father’s coldness to try and warm her heart by. He couldn’t know that the memory of the love and caring he and his father and brothers had always shown her could have kept her heart warm for an eternity.

In October Adam welcomed his son into his heart and a great sadness into his soul.

“Paul, what’s wrong? The baby?” Adam didn’t like the expression on the doctor’s face.

“Your son is fine Adam.” Paul hoping the news that it was a boy would ease Adam’s pain.

“Emily?”

“I’m sorry Adam.”

“No. You’re lying. She’s gonna be alright. Just wait and see she’ll prove that…..”

“Son.” Ben knew only too well what his son was feeling.

“NO! Pa she’s gonna be alright!” Adam ran upstairs.

“Hey did you see your son?” She sounded so tired.

He had taken a quick glance into the cradle and would look better later, but right now he had to see his wife. “Yes. He is very handsome, but how are you?”

“Tired. I’ve never felt this tired.” Emily knew what was happening and she knew that Adam knew. “Adam you won’t be like Storm’s father will you? You won’t blame your son?”

“Blame him for what? There will be nothing to blame him for. You’re going to be fine Emily.”

“Adam.” She could hear his heart breaking and cursed herself for doing this to him. “Adam will you name him after you. I thought that would be a perfect name because then we could call him AJ. Oh Adam, maybe it would have been better if you had married someone more like Storm.”

Adam felt her hand go limp in his. Almost as if he knew his mother was gone AJ began to cry and so did Adam.

“Pa.” Ben could hear the tears in Little Joe’s voice, he could see them on Hoss’s face and he could feel them on his own. He knew that they all wanted to help Adam and they would all try too, soon.

“We’ll leave him for a little while. He needs some time right now.” Ben knew the pain losing a wife brought and he hated that now, so did his son. Twenty minutes later they heard Adam in the hall. After another two or three they saw him coming down the stairs holding the only thing that would make this bearable for all of them.

“Would you like to see your grandson, pa?”

“Very much.” Ben walked over to his son and watched him gently pull the blanket from the baby’s face.

“He’s got Emily’s nose.”

“Adam?”

“I’ll be alright pa.” For some reason Ben felt it might take more than just his or his other son’s love and understanding to help make that come true.

 

CHAPTER 4

“Storm come in here.” Matt had finally found something a daughter was better suited for than a son.

“Yes papa. Oh hello Lord Duncan.”

“Hello Storm.”

“Storm, Lord Duncan has asked for my permission to marry you.”

“Papa?”

This couldn’t be happening. Surely her father hadn’t agreed.

“I’ve given it.”

“But papa. What about Nevada, Virginia City? You said we would go back.”

She would have mentioned the Ponderosa and Adam but was afraid what anger that would bring out of her father. When they had first arrived she had expected a letter from Adam every day but as the days, months and years passed and none came she began to suspect the truth. Never once did she feel the blame was Adam’s she knew that somehow her father had kept him from writing to her. That was why Adam had made her promise to remember he always cared for her.

“I never intended to go back and I believe you knew that all along. You are twenty years old. You haven’t shown any interest in finding a husband of your own choosing so you can’t complain when I make the choice for you.”

“Matthew! That is rather cruel. Storm do you wish to marry me?”

“I’m sorry Lord Duncan. You are a fine gentleman; it’s just that I had always hoped to at least visit Nevada one more time.”

“Perhaps we can go there on our wedding trip. We’ll tour all of the Americas.”

“Of course Lord Duncan. That would be a fine honeymoon.” Storm knew it to be useless to argue, useless to try and go against her father. She had been kept from mentioning returning again when her father had said that she couldn’t honestly believe that Adam wasn’t already married. She had begun to wonder if that were true would she want to see him as another woman’s husband or would she rather hold on to the dream that he could be hers? She found that she had little interest in any of the plans that had to be made; she had little need to be. Except for the dress, and that only because it needed to be fitted to her, Lord Duncan hired whoever was needed to handle every detail.

“Storm you look exceptionally lovely tonight.” He liked to believe it was because she had tried to but knew that without any effort at all she looked lovely.

“Thank you Lord Duncan.” She had tried harder but not for him. Today was a very special day for her, it was Adam’s birthday and when she closed her eyes tonight while they were at the opera she would pretend she was with Adam.

“Storm, will you call me Lord Duncan ever after we are married?”

“I suppose not.”

Lord George Duncan was not a cruel man, just a desperate one. Desperate in the way a man can become when he realizes life has been passing him by and he only now recognizes it. When he was young he believed, as do all young men, that they will never grow old. Now as he approached fifty he realized he was alone. It couldn’t be said that he didn’t care for Storm, he did. Which was the reason he did what he was about to do.

“Storm, I have something for you.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“But I feel it is. It’s an early birthday present.”

Birthday present? Why did everything today have to remind her of Adam? “Why don’t you just wait till it’s my birthday?”

“Because then it will be too late.” He handed her an envelope and when she opened it she expected to find tickets to some opera or play. What she did find made her smile as he had never seen. “These are tickets for a ship?” The dream of what might be momentarily overshadowing the reality of what she knew to be. “Yes, a ship that will take you and your father to New York. From there you can take the railroad to Saint Louis, then the stage to Nevada. I believe that’s the way it goes.”

“THANK YOU, thank you so very…..” He saw the smile that had been lighting her face shatter into tears as once again the truth of her situation was remembered.

“What’s wrong?”

“Papa will never go. He’ll never let me go.”

“Why don’t you let me talk to him.”

“Really? You would really talk to him?” Storm thought he might stand a chance of convincing her father. It wasn’t because he had more money than her father, because he didn’t, just that he was more commanding a presence than her father. For the first time Storm realized that maybe the reason she hadn’t fought so hard to stop this wedding was because Lord Duncan reminded her of Adam. A little older and not quite as handsome but of very much the same character.

“Yes Storm and, I promise you, you will be on that ship when it sails.”

“Matthew how can you be so heartless? The wedding will be delayed but not by much.”

“George, you don’t understand, if she goes there without being married first she will never come back. The only reason she left four years ago was because she had no choice and he had no way to stop me. The only thing that kept her from running away back then was that she believed we would go back. Now if she sees him she won’t leave. If she asks for his help he will give it.”

“If that’s true then I don’t want her to marry me. I’m getting old Matthew but unlike you I don’t want to be alone. If I am going to take a woman to be my wife I would like it to be because she wants to be, not because in doing so she will please her father.”

“Maybe if I tell you the real reason we left you will better understand. If you truly want my daughter as your wife you will not take her back there. I didn’t take her here because I wished for her to see England. I took her here because it was the farthest I could think of to get her away from him. You see that night at the dance he said she was lovely.”

“And because of that you feared he might grow to care for her? You feared he would……” George now understood something. Something Matthew himself didn’t yet realize. “You feared he would take her away from you.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I? You are as afraid as I am of being alone; you are just too stubborn to admit it.”

“I don’t care about her.”

“I think you do. I think you love her a great deal but if you admit it then you give her the ability to hurt you. You give fate another way to make you suffer as it did with your wife.”

“You can play the philosopher if you wish but the truth is she’s the reason my wife is dead not fate.”

“Fine! Then I will escort her to America. I’ll see to it that she reaches Virginia City safely.”

“You can’t. You are not married.”

“I give you my word nothing untoward will occur.”

“I could care less if it did.”

 

Storm could hardly believe she was on her way to America. She had wished her father would have changed his mind but she had known he wouldn’t. There had been a few days when she had begun to think that maybe she shouldn’t go either but on those nights she would have a dream that seemed to be telling her that Adam needed her and so she knew she must go. The day she left her father didn’t even say goodbye. He had turned his back to her as she was going to give him a kiss goodbye and he didn’t look at her again. He just told her, as she and Lord Duncan were walking out the door that if she left the only way he would welcome her back was if she were Lady Duncan.

The closer they got to Nevada the more nervous Storm became. When the stage pulled into Virginia City Lord Duncan realized just how nervous when he took her hand to help her down. “My God, you’re trembling.”

“I suppose I am. It’s just that I’m so excited.”

“Storm are you sure we will be welcome at the Ponderosa? Maybe we should get rooms at the hotel, just in case.”

“Lord Duncan, unless there have been some very drastic changes, we will be welcome.”

They hired a carriage and arrangements were made for their luggage to be brought to the Ponderosa. At first Storm pointed out things in town to him. It seemed she had a story for every building, every street, and every ally. George realized one Cartwright or another was involved in every one. As they left the town behind, Storm grew quiet. They had traveled in silence for fifteen minutes or so when George felt the need to break that silence.

“Storm?” “I’m sorry, you startled me.” He didn’t need to be told that it was obvious by the way she had almost fallen out of the carriage. “Forgive me. I just wanted to ask you if you would let me know when we near the Ponderosa.”

“We’ve been on the Ponderosa for ten minutes now.”

Eventually George caught a glimpse of the house he had heard so much about. He had to admit, even if it was quite rustic, it was as lovely as Storm had described it. He was a bit disappointed by this. Somewhere he had hoped she had been wrong in her memory of it because then maybe she would be wrong in her memories of him.

“Are you going to stand there, or are you going to knock?”

They had reached the house and he had thought that she was waiting for the driver to leave before knocking but he had been gone for almost two minutes.

“I’m just so excited.” Storm wouldn’t admit that she was a little nervous and perhaps afraid as well. She raised her hand again this time with every intent to knock but when the door opened it became unnecessary.

Ben had heard the carriage ride up and became very curious when he had heard it ride away and no one had knocked or called out. When he opened the door and saw a rather lovely young woman standing there he was a little startled. “Can I help……?”

“BEN!” She threw her arms around his waist. Once again she was where she was safe. It was as if the past five years had never happened. It had not escaped George’s attention that she called this man by his given name. He supposed things were different here. He began to wonder how Storm would be different here.

Ben couldn’t believe it. Had his prayers been answered? Had the miracle he had been praying for arrived in the form of this ‘lovely young lady’ as his son had called her?

“Storm? Angel is that you?”

“Yes Ben it’s me. I’m finally back.”

George watched as once again they hugged. He was beginning to think that Storm had forgotten all about him. Finally the hug ended and Storm turned to him.

“Ben, I would like for you to meet Lord George Duncan. Lord Duncan is…”

“A friend of Matthews. I offered to escort Storm to America.”

“Then you have my heartfelt thanks Lord Duncan.”

“Please from what I have been told titles don’t carry much weight here. I would like you to call me George, Mr. Cartwright.”

“It’s Ben, George. And look at you. All grown up.”

“It was bound to happen someday but don’t let it fool you. I can still……” The sound she heard from inside stopped her words as well as her heart. For it was a sound that frightened her, worried her, but also pleased her. “Ben? Is that a baby?”

“Yes it is Storm.”

“Don’t tell me you went and had a fourth son.”

“It did appear for quite some time that that would be the only way I would ever hold another baby, but no he’s Adam’s.”

“Adam’s? Oh Ben that’s wonderful. He’s happy than?” And she realized that she would be glad to know that he was happy. To know that at least his life was what he wanted it to be. Ben knew she meant it even though he could see a sadness in her eyes. He knew she would be happy to see Adam happy. Maybe now that wouldn’t be as unattainable a goal as he had begun to think.

“Storm, George, why don’t we go inside.”

Storm sensed something was wrong. She prayed it wasn’t something with Adam. Ben walked over to where AJ was laying and picked him up. Storm watched and allowed him to try and quiet the baby for two minutes before she went and took the baby from his arms, happy that he didn’t seem to mind. She wondered where was the baby’s mother, where was Adam? AJ was no sooner in Storm’s arms, than he began to quiet down.

“That is truly amazing. He usually needs to be walked around for five minutes before he even begins to quiet down.”

“That’s because I’m soft where you’re not.” She looked at Adam’s son as he rested his head on her chest.

“What?”

“Ben, if your head were resting on a rock or a pillow, which one would be more apt to make you comfortable and there by put you in a pleasant mood?”

He noticed exactly where his grandson’s head was placed and understood. He was glad that some things hadn’t changed while George was surprised to see how some things had.

“Alright.”

“Ben where is Adam? Where is his wife?”

Ben motioned for everyone to take a seat.

“First let me tell you about Emily, Adam’s wife. They were married sixteen months when AJ was born.”

“I can hardly wait to meet her Ben. She must make Adam so happy.” And although it did make her a little sad she was so very content to know he was happy.

“Storm, Emily….Well she died when AJ was born.”

“No. Oh God Ben. Adam, how is he?” For a second she had feared that maybe he had abandoned his son blaming him for his mother’s death as her father had blamed her for hers but she remembered Adam was nothing like her father.

“It’s been six months now and he does a little better each day. There are still times he…..well.” How could he tell her that there were times his son was someone he didn’t know. Someone he wouldn’t have thought his son capable of being. “He’s taken a very big step this week. He and Hoss went to Tucson. They left yesterday and should be back next Sunday. It’s the first time in six months that he’s been away from the Ponderosa, from AJ, for more than a few hours.”

“And you’re taking care of the baby?”

“Why do you sound so surprised? Remember young lady I did raise three sons.”

“And did a very good job of it but that was some time ago.”

“Are you trying to imply that I’m too old?”

“No just a lot smarter.”

“Ah, so you’re saying I’m older and wiser.”

“Ben.”

“Actually in the week Mrs. Keyes comes out during the day. Adam is usually the one to handle the times she is not here, nights and weekends. Of course he does get help when he needs it and at times when he doesn‘t. He is really quite an amazing father.”

“He had an amazing teacher.”

“Thank you Storm.”

“So I have to wait a whole week to see him or Hoss but where is Little Joe.”

“Little Joe should be back later this evening or, if it gets too late, he’ll come home tomorrow morning.”

“Ben, AJ needs to be changed.”

It was something that could not be denied no matter how much Storm wanted to stay and talk. Ben got up and walked to where Storm was sitting and put out his arms. “Give him to me.”

Instead of pushing him into his arms as had happened on many occasions in the past, Storm stood up without relinquishing the smelly bundle she kept cradled to her. “No, I’ll do it, just tell me where I can find what I’ll need.”

“In Adam’s room. Are you sure Storm?”

This was one area where even women who had come in hopes of impressing Adam had backed down, and now that Adam wasn’t here to impress someone had accepted the challenge. Then Ben remembered this was Storm and knew she wasn’t doing it to impress anyone but because she wanted to. He only hoped she would accept the challenge to change his son’s decaying spirit as easily as she accepted the challenge of changing his grandson’s foul-smelling diaper.

“Ben he is not the first baby I’ve changed.”

It was too late to ask Storm to explain what she meant by what she had just said. She was already halfway up the stairs not needing to be told just where Adam’s room was. This fact too did not escape George.

“George.” Ben turned his attention to his remaining guest, actually his only guest as he could never think of Storm as a guest in his house. It was as much her home as anyone’s. “You said you were a friend of Matthew’s?”

“Yes.” At first when they had been told that Adam was married he began to have hope that Storm would be returning with him after all, but now he was beginning to feel it was a lost cause. “Can I be honest with you Ben?”

“I would hope you would be and seeing as you are here with Storm I know you will be.”

“When we first arrived here I saw a joy in Storm’s eyes I have never seen and I knew she would be staying. Then when you said Adam was married I thought maybe she would come back to England with me, but now I know she will stay behind. She’ll stay because she knows he needs her.”

“I had hoped that over the years his heart had softened towards her but am I to take it that you are saying that Matthew doesn’t expect her to return, that he doesn’t want her to return?”

“Only as Lady Duncan. I do believe those were his exact words. I had never realized how cold he was towards her because in England it is not uncommon, even for those who share a great love, to act towards each other as he did towards her in public. It was only after I asked for his permission to marry her that I began to see the truth.” He could see the shock on Ben’s face even if he was trying to suppress it. “I know, I’m old enough to be her father. I hope that you will agree with me that there is nothing more foolish than an old man, except maybe one who believes he can recapture some of his lost youth by taking a young wife. I do care greatly for her, Storm is like no one I have ever known and I am beginning to believe that you are the one to be thanked for that. When I told Matthew of my idea for Storm to come here he told me to do so only after we were married. He believed once she saw your son she would not return, I guess he was right and she hasn’t even seen your son, but I knew she had to come here before we were married. I had originally intended for Matthew to come with her but he wouldn’t hear of it, so I offered to escort her. You see Ben I don’t want a wife who will regret the day she married me, I don’t want a wife who will be wishing I were another man every time I take her in my arms. If we came here after we were married that would be exactly what I would have. I may be an old fool but I am not a blind one. Would you like to know the true reason Matthew said he took Storm away from here? He said it was because he heard your son say that he thought Storm was a lovely young lady.”

“There wasn’t a blind man who couldn’t see that, even then.”

“I may be in the minority but I believe Matthew loves Storm a great deal. I believe he is afraid of losing her and I also believe that he thinks your son is the one man who could take her away from him. By making Storm try to win his approval, his love, he made it impossible for any man to try and win her heart, except your son because he already had her heart. I just hope Matthew will realize what he is giving up before it is too late.”

“So what have you two been talking about? Ben have you been telling Lord Duncan stories of my willful childhood?”

Ben noticed that AJ looked very happy in Storm’s arms. George had noticed how naturally AJ seemed to fit in Storm’s arms.

“No we have just been getting to know each other.”

They spent the rest of the day talking and laughing. They remembered old times and discussed things that had happened in the past five years. When Hop-Sing saw who had come he was as happy as Ben. They stopped briefly to eat lunch and then supper and also when AJ needed a bottle or to be changed. In this way time passed and soon it was time for AJ to go to bed, or at least that’s what Storm thought.

“You can try Storm but it’s only half past eight, he usually refuses to go to sleep before ten o‘clock.”

“Ben are you the same man who made his seventeen year old son go to bed at 8:00 because he had to get up early the next day?”

“That was different.”

“Only because that was your son and this is your grandson.”

“No because it is impossible to get him to sleep before ten. We have tried Storm.”

“Who here is the adult?” Storm gathered what she needed and took AJ upstairs.

When Ben heard the lullaby he couldn’t help but think she wasn’t being fair. How could any infant refuse to sleep when cradlesongs were being sung by an angel.   It was the first time in six months that the house was this quiet at this time. Usually, as Ben had said, AJ didn’t even begin to settle down until ten o’clock; what he had failed to say was that even then it was a struggle. A struggle that he and his son had more than once given up on trying to win.

He knew that he would have never been that lenient with his sons but had been afraid to point this out to Adam. There were certain subjects that Ben found himself hesitant to speak of with his son, he hoped Storm wouldn’t be. When the door slammed open both Ben and George jumped.

“Pa! I’m back.”

“JOSEPH. Keep quiet.”

“It is quiet. Pa where’s AJ?” He hoped that Adam hadn’t come back and decided to move back to the house he had built for Emily. When Emily had died Adam had come back to stay with them but had said it would only be temporary.

“He is sleeping, and if you wish for him to remain so you will keep it a little quieter for at least another fifteen or twenty minutes.”

Little Joe watched as a very beautiful woman walked down the stairs and crossed the floor until she was standing before him.

“Hello Joseph.”

It took a few minutes for him to recognize just who was standing before him. When he did he was never happier to see anyone then he was to see her. “Storm? Oh Storm. Adam will be so happy to see you.” Little Joe pulled her into a very tight hug. “You know at first I was worried that Adam had come back, but even he can’t get AJ to sleep this early.”

“Only men would think that this is early. This is not early for a six month old baby.”

“Storm?”

“Yes Ben?”

“Just how is it you know so much about babies?”

“It could be because I had one for almost a year.”

“What?” Ben didn’t understand and part of him was afraid to have the answer that would help him to. Was Storm married once before her present engagement? Did she lose a child?

“There was a young girl who worked for papa, Colleen. She had a baby and when the baby was three months old she took ill and died. I made a promise to her that I would take care of little Patrick until his father returned. His father worked on one of papa’s ships. He had gone to sea and wasn’t due back for almost a year.”

“And what happened when he did come back?” Ben felt certain if she could have she would have done anything to keep that baby.

“He felt it best to return to his home town in Ireland. He wanted to be close to his family and Colleen’s as well. He knew that there he would get all the help he would need.”

“Storm it’s really good to have you back home.”

“If I remember correctly Joseph, you said it was really nice to see me go.”

“Ah Storm, you know I was only joking.”

“Yes I do.”

“And as I recall after you left his school grades did drop.”

“Not by that much pa and it was only because I missed her.”

“Me or my answers?”

“You.”

“That was the correct answer and it gets you something to eat.” She went to make her way into the kitchen. “Ben, Lord Duncan, would you like something as well?”

“No Storm, thank you.”

“I’m feeling a little tired so if you will excuse me I think I will follow AJ’s example and go to bed.” George hated to admit it but he was feeling a little bit envious. Storm appeared to be so at home here it was almost as if she had never left but, more than that, loving these men seemed to be so natural for her.

The following morning when Mrs. Keyes arrived she was surprised to see AJ completely washed and fed. Even more surprising was that he was smiling. “Why Ben Cartwright. I do believe you have been holding out. You should teach Adam just how it’s done.”

“It wasn’t me.”

“It couldn’t have been Joseph.” She was well aware that both Hoss and Adam were not home.

“Hello Mrs. Keyes. I do believe that the secret to having a happy baby at this time of the morning is getting him to bed before ten o’clock at night.”

“Storm? Storm Kendall is that you child?”

“Yes Mrs. Keyes. It is.”

“Oh Ben if anyone can bring Adam back to his old self it has to be her.”

“Yes Rebecca it does.”

“Mrs. Keyes would you mind greatly if I help you with AJ?”

“Not at all. From the looks of it he’s already taken to you.” Rebecca remembered that even though she had become a daily part of AJ’s life when he was only two months old he had still needed time to take to her.

“That’s only because I tell him he’s a very handsome baby and like any man he has an enormous ego.”

“Or maybe he can sense that you care for his father, that you can help him. You still do care for Adam don’t you?”

“Of course I do Mrs. Keyes. I care for all the Cartwright men.”

All week long Mrs. Keyes had help. Help that for once was really help and not a hindrance. There were a few times that Little Joe or Ben managed to pull Storm away, mostly when AJ was napping. They would take her riding or show her and Lord Duncan the Ponderosa. When Mrs. Keyes left on Friday she wasn’t feeling as guilty as she had thought she would. Ben had accompanied her outside and they were standing there listening to Storm talking to AJ.

“You know Ben I was going to offer to come and help out tomorrow but I do believe you’ll be just fine.”

“Yes Rebecca I think we will all be just fine.”

“Now I want you to tell me just how Adam reacts when he sees her.”

“I will be sure to tell you every detail.”

“Ben can I tell you something?”

“Anything Rebecca.”

“You have to promise me that you won’t repeat it, especially not to Adam.”

“I promise.”

“I liked Emily. She was a very kind and sweet young woman and I never doubted that she and Adam loved each other.”

“But?”

“I just never felt she was right for Adam. I guess I was afraid that in time she would take him away from here, from you. Everyone could see that she was trying to fit in but she wasn’t made for life here and in time because they did love each other Adam would have taken her to where she did fit in because, well Adam can fit in anywhere.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“Maybe it’s just the romantic in me but I suppose I had hopes that Storm would come back. I always thought she was perfect for Adam. That, well, she was made just for him. I can recall that she use to come to me after that first time I explained to her about men and women. She had asked for my help to learn how to act and do things like other woman do. I tried to teach her how to make dresses and how to fix her hair. One time we somehow got back on the topic of the special relationship that happens between a man and a woman. She was never ashamed to speak what was on her mind. She looked me square in the eyes that day and asked me if I thought that Adam had ever been with a woman in that way.”

“What did you tell her?” Ben didn’t know how he would have handled such a question.

“I told her the truth. I told her that no man is a saint. That at one time or another every man has felt the need for a woman’s company, for the comfort a woman’s arms alone can give him. Then she wanted to know why I had told her that it was something men and women do only after they were married because Adam wasn’t married to Marinda and she saw him kissing her. She said she had seen him going with Marinda to her house one night and she had followed. When she knocked on the door Marinda told her to go away, that Adam needed a woman not a little girl. That she had closed the door in her face. She said she heard Adam ask Marinda who it had been at the door and she heard her tell him it was no one. She said she believed that Marinda knew she was out there listening because she told Adam to come and help her get out of her dress and she would show him what a real woman was for.”

“Rebecca I never believed myself capable of raising saints I only wished to be able to say I’d raised decent men so there must be another reason for you to tell me this.”

“And you have most definitely succeeded but there is another reason. You see I don’t recall ever seeing Storm so hurt and yet so determined. She loved Adam so much then, I only pray she still does.”

“So do I Rebecca, so do I.”

 

CHAPTER 5

A little after nine o’clock Saturday night Storm was upstairs singing to an already sleeping AJ, Lord Duncan was lying on his bed listening to her and, not for the first time, regretting slightly that he hadn’t followed Matthew’s advice and taken her here only after they were married.

Ben and Little Joe were sitting downstairs both lost in their own thoughts of just how Adam would react upon coming home tomorrow and finding Storm here.

“Pa, that sounds like horses.”

“Yes it does.”

“You think Adam and Hoss came back a little early?”

“It really wouldn’t surprise me. This week may have passed quickly for us but I’m sure it felt like it was taking forever to Adam.”

Little Joe wondered why his father was getting up? “Pa where are you going?”

“To make sure your brothers come in quietly.” Before Ben could reach the door it opened.

“Hello pa.” Adam had almost walked into his father.

“Hello Adam. Where’s Hoss?”

“Seeing to the horses. He knew how anxious I was to see AJ so he said I should just come and see him. Where is he?”

“Judging from the silence he’s probably fast asleep.”

“Pa it’s barely past nine.”

“True enough son, but we have been blessed to have an angel come and stay with us.”

“You mean Mrs. Keyes offered to stay? Somehow I thought she might.”

“Not Mrs. Keyes Adam.”

“Emily’s mother? Have Andrew and Judith come to visit?” Adam wasn’t to certain if that would be a good thing.

“No Adam.”

“Then who? Who is up there with my son?”

Ben saw Adam look up the stairs with a very protective look in his eyes. When he saw that look soften into one of disbelief Ben knew Adam had his answer.

“Little Joe why don’t we go help Hoss.”

Little Joe wanted to stay right here. He wanted to stay and see if his brother would smile as only Storm seemed to make him but he knew his father was right. Adam deserved to be alone with Storm because maybe he wouldn’t want to smile just yet maybe he would be want to share his tears with her as he hadn’t with anyone else.

Hearing the door close behind him seemed to rouse Adam from the trance he’d fallen into. He watched as she came downstairs. His legs must have moved of their own accord because he couldn’t remember telling them to and yet here he was meeting her at the bottom of the steps.

She reached up and gently caressed his face. “Hello Adam.”

“Storm?” He reached out and pulled her into his arms. Unaware that tears had begun falling the minute he had found himself in front of her. “Storm? Angel.”

“It’s alright Adam. It’s alright. I’m here now.” The only other time she had seen Adam cry was when Little Joe’s mother had died and even though she had been only five she had held him then as she was now. They didn’t know they were being watched.

When Lord Duncan saw Adam take Storm in his arms he knew for certain he would be returning to England alone. He quietly returned to his bed feeling it would be best to wait until tomorrow to meet the man who had always possessed Storms heart.

“When did you get back?”

Fortunately by the time Ben had allowed his sons to come back in Adam and Storm had already been sitting on the settee. Ben could see that Adam had indeed been crying.

After saying hello to Hoss she had gone to make some coffee and they were now sitting around each enjoying a cup.

“I’ve been back a week Hoss.”

“I sure am glad you’re here.”

“So am I Hoss.”

“Is Matt with you?”

“No Adam, Lord Duncan escorted me here. He must be sleeping. You will meet him tomorrow.”

“So what made you come for a visit?” Adam wondered if somehow she had heard about Emily.

Not knowing that Ben knew the truth she chose to tell Adam what Lord Duncan had at first said. “Lord Duncan knew how much I wished to return to Nevada. He gave me this trip as a birthday present.”

“Storm I haven’t forgotten, your birthday isn’t for some months yet.”

“He said it was an early birthday present but oddly enough he gave it to me on your birthday.”

“Then I will have to remember to thank him for a wonderful present but Matthew let him escort you here?” Not having met him Adam was picturing Lord Duncan as a young and handsome nobleman.

“Originally Lord Duncan had intended for father to come with me, but you know papa.”

“Yes I do. God forbid that for once he should……”

“ADAM.”

Adam looked at his father. He knew he was only succeeding in hurting Storm by reminding her of something she didn’t need to be reminded of.

“I’m sorry Storm.”

“No, as usual you’re right. It has taken me a long time to realize it, a long time to have a reason strong enough to make me see it. I can’t make him love me, I can’t make him proud of me. I know I have done nothing wrong, nothing that makes me deserving of his hatred. But that is all in the past and no longer important. I’m here now and here I will stay until you no longer need or want me too.”

“That could take a very long time or at least until you teach me you’re secret of getting my son to bed at a decent time.”

“I’m afraid that is a secret you had to be born with not one you can learn.”

“What pa?”

“Go ahead and tell him Storm.”

“I believe I said that if your head was resting on a rock or a pillow which one would put you in a better mood.”

“What?”

“Next time you hold AJ Adam you’ll understand.”

“If you say so pa.” It wasn’t the next time he held AJ but the first time he saw Storm holding him that he did.   Not too shortly after everyone finished their coffee they all went to bed and it wasn’t too long after that AJ woke up.

Storm, having had a more restful week, got up before Adam. So when he walked into his son’s room he saw Storm already sitting and rocking him, gently singing and feeding him a bottle. Storm knew he was there, she could feel him watching her, could sense he was near. She looked towards the door and she could tell that he was upset, she just assumed it was for a different reason than it actually was.

“I’m sorry Adam, I thought you could use a good nights rest. If you would rather……” Storm began to rise out of the rocker but Adam walked over to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders to stop her.

“Storm.”

“It’s just that you looked so upset.”

“And you thought it was because you were taking care of AJ?”

“Well he is your son.”

How could he blame her for thinking that? How many times had she heard her father remind him that she was his daughter?

“Storm, I know you would never do anything to cause him any harm. I know you care for him, I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice as you sing to him. It’s not because I wish to keep him all to myself it’s just that seeing you here, holding him, has made me realize just how much…..”

“Adam I’m here for you too.”

He sat on the floor by her feet and rested his head in her lap. She held AJ in one arm and used the other hand to caress Adam’s face. Then once again she began to sing.

The following morning Adam and Hoss were introduced to Lord Duncan.

“It’s real nice to meet you Lord Duncan.”

“You as well Hoss.”

“Lord Duncan I would like to thank you for helping Storm to get back here. You would have to be quite a remarkable man to convince Matthew to allow her to return. It is an honor to meet you.”

“No Adam, the honor is all mine. Storm, I take it you will be staying here indefinitely?”

“I do believe so, Lord Duncan.”

“Then if it’s alright Ben, at your earliest convenience, I will request your help in arranging my trip back to England.”

“When is it you would like to leave?”

“As soon as possible.”

The soonest was on Wednesday. In the few days that he was in Adam’s presence Lord Duncan could understand why Storm was so taken with him and again Storm found herself thinking that he and Adam were very much alike.

 

When Wednesday arrived Storm found herself feeling a little uneasy. She and Lord Duncan were saying their goodbyes, Hoss, Little Joe and Adam having said theirs earlier.

“You’ll tell papa…..?”

“What would you like me to tell him Storm?”

“Nothing. I don’t think he’d care to listen to anything I had to tell him anyway.”

“Now you’re sure Storm? You really wish to remain? If you would like I could wait if you only wish to stay for a little longer.”

“No, I’m not too sure how long I’ll be staying and yes I really do want to stay.”

“If you need anything just write and let me know.”

“Thank you, I will.”

“You’ll write even if you don’t need anything?”

“Yes I’ll write.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“You know something, England is going to be a whole lot gloomier without you there.”

“It’s nice to know one person will think so Lord Duncan.”

He tenderly kissed her cheek and got into the wagon Ben was waiting to take him into town in. He had requested that they say their goodbyes here instead of in town. Storm had thought he wished to avoid being surrounded by strangers when they had bid farewell but truthfully it was because George had something he wanted to discuss with Ben. As the wagon disappeared Storm went back into the house. She didn’t recall ever feeling this unsure about any decision that she had ever made. Had she made the right one? She had just watched every chance of security ride away. She was here now without any money or means of support. Oh, she knew she would never be hungry or homeless but she had turned her back on a future that she knew was one almost any woman would hope theirs could be, for one that held no promise of being what she wished for it to be. The more she had gotten to know Lord Duncan and the more she realized how alike he and Adam were she had begun to believe maybe life with him wouldn’t have been so bad. Maybe in time she would grow to love him as she loved Adam. Had she made the right choice? Then the door opened and she watched Hoss, Little Joe and Adam come in. They each gave her a smile and she noticed that Adam’s was a little weaker than his brothers and she knew for certain that she had made the only choice she could have.

They had been riding for almost ten minutes before George decided to discuss with Ben what he had wanted to. He had foolishly been hoping to see Storm come riding after them saying she had changed her mind. As he had said there is no fool like an old fool.

“Ben.”

“Yes George?”

“You realize that Storm is now on her own.”

“Not as long as myself or any one of my sons is around.”

“I know that, there is no way to not see that you all care for her a great deal, but you know Storm. She will live off of your good graces for only so long. That’s why I’m going to arrange to have a monthly deposit sent to a bank account I have already set up for her in Virginia City.”

“What makes you think she will accept charity from you?”

“She won’t know it’s from me. I am going to send you a letter from my barrister stating that Matthew is the one making the deposits. We have the same barrister and I am sure he will do this at my request, that and the fact that he too has a soft spot in his heart for Storm. I’m sure that she will not find it to be unusual that Matthew would not write to her himself.”

“Do you honestly think she will believe this?”

“I think she will so want to believe it.”

“You know her pretty well George.”

“I may not have know her as long as you or your sons Ben, but I love her too.”

 

 

CHAPTER 6

The nearer June came, the meaner Adam became. Ben and Hoss and Little Joe all seemed to forgive him his outbursts and unprovoked anger but Storm wouldn’t. There was more than one occasion when she stood with him toe to toe and matched him word for word until he would turn and stomp away. Storm recognized that there may have been times she should give him a little slack, but she knew he’d already been given enough by everyone else, and too much slack could be just as dangerous as not enough.

“Storm may I please speak with you?”

“I would hope you would know that you always can.”

They were alone in the house, Hoss and Little Joe having gone into town and Adam being out with AJ.

“Tomorrow is going to be a bad day.”

“Bad days seem to be becoming common around here.”

“Storm you haven’t seen a bad day yet.”

“Ben what makes tomorrow so different?”

“Tomorrow would have been Emily and Adam’s second wedding anniversary.”

“I see. So what you are trying to do is to tell me to let him do whatever he pleases.”

Ben would have thought Storm would be more caring. She must realize how hurt Adam would be by this memory.

“I’m not saying that. I’m just asking you to understand.”

“Understand what? That he’s acting no different than papa.”

“STORM.”

“NO! Don’t you see Ben? Why can’t you see it? Papa needed someone to blame. He wasn’t strong so he couldn’t blame himself. Adam is strong and he is blaming himself, even more so because of his mother.” She saw the look on Ben’s face. “Ben, I’m not saying that you ever made him feel as if he were responsible but we’re talking about Adam. Even if he doesn’t believe he’s to blame he’s feeling he is. I know you, Hoss and Little Joe, maybe you can accept his behavior because being men you can see it from his perspective, but I’m a woman Ben and I can see it from Emily’s. I know that I would rather die giving life to the child of the man I loved then to live and never know that joy.”

“Maybe you do understand, maybe more than I do. I was going to suggest that you go and stay with Mrs. Keyes. I’ve asked her and she has agreed to take AJ. She will keep him for th….”

“NO! If there is one thing he needs it’s to have his son here.”

“Storm, Adam agrees it might be for the best if AJ is not here.”

“Ben, I don’t recall ever defying you, but on this I will. Even if it means you throw me out. Adam needs his son here tomorrow even if he doesn’t know it.”

“Okay Storm, we will do it your way but don’t be surprised if….”

“If he hates me for it? Ben I’d rather him hate me if that hatred gives him the strength to be the man I know he is, then to have him love me and use that love as a crutch to lean on and be the man I’ve watched him become these past weeks.”

Ben’s reaction was not what she was expecting. He slowly began to smile at her.

“What?”

“I thought you were the answer to my prayers to help Adam but it appears as if you are here to help us all.”

Ben’s warning proved to be a well founded one. Hoss and Little Joe went about their work as they would normally have done. A little sadder then most days and one man short. Adam didn’t go about the day normally at all. He sat down to breakfast but was so sullen it made everyone else lose their appetite, everyone but Storm who enjoyed hers which probably added to Adams surly manner. She had even commented once or twice at how delicious everything was. He had become so lost in his own emotions he failed to notice that Mrs. Keyes never arrived to take AJ. Ben had ridden over and informed her of the new plans right after Storm had changed them. Remarkably Rebecca seemed to approve of them quite emphatically. Except for breakfast Ben was surprised to see that Storm was allowing Adam some room. Right after breakfast she had taken AJ upstairs and had remained there with him.

AJ’s nap time was drawing near so Storm came downstairs to prepare his bottle. When she noticed that Adam seemed to be losing himself in a bottle of his own she decided it was time for his self pitying to come to an end. She grabbed the bottle from his hand and threw it into the fireplace. Ben came in the room just as Adam raised his hand and slapped her. Ben watched as Storm slowly turned her head back until she was once again looking Adam in the eyes.

“If you ever raise your hand to me again Adam Cartwright you will find yourself to be as any other man would find himself right now, minus one hand!”

“It sure is nice to see that all those years living in England surrounded by such culture has helped to make you such a fine lady.”

“And it is nice to see that dealing with this tragedy has helped to show just what a fine gentleman you are.” She turned around and headed back upstairs. Her reason for coming down momentarily forgotten.

“Adam.”

“Please pa, just leave it.”

“I will ignore that you raised your hand to her but I can’t leave it. I just can’t do that Adam. Not until you know what she has given up.”

“Given up? Just what has she given up?”

“Everything son. Everything.” Ben felt it was time for Adam to know the truth. “Adam I loved Emily. I loved her for a lot of reasons, but mainly because you loved her. When she came here it was as your wife and with all the security that brings with it. She came here knowing that you loved her as she loved you. She also knew that she could always go back home.”

“If Storm wishes to return to England then she should just go, as a matter of fact I will tell her that.”

“That’s just it Adam she can’t go back. When I said she gave up everything I meant everything.”

“What are you talking about, Matt sends her money every month.”

“No he doesn’t, Lord Duncan does. Matt told Storm that the only way he would ever accept her back was if she were married to Lord Duncan as he had promised.”

“Married? But he’s old enough to be her father.”

“Yes he is but he would have given her security, he would have given her love. She let that go, she turned her back on something every woman wants something Emily had and for what reason? To put it simply, you needed her. She loves you Adam, she always has.”

“So what do you want me to do? Ask her to marry me?”

“No. Adam you are my son and I love you but right now you are acting like a complete jackass.”

Adam watched open mouthed as his father left the house. He heard a door upstairs shut and watched as Storm came down with AJ in her arms.

“Adam will you watch AJ while I go get a bottle for him. I think he would much prefer to take his nap outside. It is so very hot upstairs.” She laid his son on the couch, smiled at him, and went into the kitchen. If it hadn’t of been for the mark his hand had left on her cheek he would have sworn nothing had happened. After a short while she appeared with a basket in her hands.

“Storm where are you going?”

“I told you, to let AJ take his nap outside.”

“Would you mind if I came with you?”

She smiled at him. “No of course not Adam.”

He picked up everything else and she picked up AJ.

She sat on the porch with an amazed Ben as Adam hitched up the wagon.“You truly are a miracle worker Storm.”

“No Ben, I just love him.”

Before Adam had stopped the wagon AJ was fast asleep. Adam went and laid the blanket under the tree and then placed AJ on in. Once he was sure that AJ was soundly asleep once again he turned to go and help Storm down but should have known she wouldn’t have waited, she was already walking towards him basket in hand.

“So what’s in the basket?”

“I hope Hop-Sing doesn’t mind but I stole some of that delicious pork he made last night and made some sandwiches.”

“I’m sure he won’t mind.” He watched as she unpacked the basket she had prepared and it was then that a realization came to him.

“Storm, you knew I would come with you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you packed this basket before I said I would. Unless you are exceptionally hungry you must have known I was going to come.”

“I didn’t know, I just hoped, you would come.”

He sat down next to her and reached over and caressed the cheek he had slapped not too long ago. “I’m sorry I hit you Storm.”

“You’re forgiven this time but you had best heed my warning.”

“I will.” He kept gently rubbing her cheek as if in doing so he could erase the mark and therefore the memory of it. He watched a change come over her. He saw her lips part slightly, her eyes close of their own accord. He saw how her head tilted back as if she no longer had the strength to hold it upright. He found himself placing his hand behind the back of her neck and gently pulling her close to him. He stopped only when their lips were touching.

Storm’s heart kept telling her this was not what Adam needed. Her head kept telling her he was kissing her but he was thinking of Emily. Her body, oh her body, kept telling her if he were willing to kiss her again then to hell with what her heart and head were saying.

“Adam.”

He heard in her voice a hunger he had never heard in a woman’s before but that wasn’t what had him puzzled. What was puzzling him was what he was feeling.

“Storm I….I’m…”

“It’s alright Adam. Would you like something to eat?”

“I would love something to eat.”

They spent the rest of the day talking and laughing. They recalled past days until AJ seemed to realize he must be missing something and woke up.

Hoss and Little Joe had decided that perhaps today would be a good day to stop work early, truthfully they thought that of every day but today their reason was a valid one. They were both worried about their brother.

“Hey pa.”

“Hello Joseph, Hoss.”

Without needing to be told Ben knew they were home because of their concern for Adam but chose to tease them. Perhaps if things had gone differently with Adam he wouldn’t be in such a playful mood. “You boys finished everything that needed doing already? It is kind of early isn’t it?”

“Yeah, well about that pa, you see me and Little Joe were kinda’ worried about Adam.”

“I think I knew that Hoss.”

“Pa he didn’t go into town did he?” Little Joe was afraid that if he had he and Hoss would have to go and drag him home, literally.

“No Little Joe, as a matter of fact he went on a picnic with Storm and AJ.” Ben saw the expressions on his son’s faces and knew he had probably worn the same when he had realized where Adam was going.

“A picnic?!” Little Joe couldn’t believe it.

“Pa, Storm really is an angel.”

“Yes Hoss she is.” And hopefully, Ben thought, given time your brother will realize it.

There were only a few more hours of light left, and as Adam, Storm and AJ had not yet returned, Ben was beginning to worry. Mercifully he didn’t have to worry for long.

“Pa I hear the wagon.”

“Thank God, I was starting to think that….” What Ben had begun to fear was that the argument that had started before the picnic had somehow been resumed.

“What pa?”

“Nothing Joe, nothing.” There was no need for them to know what had happened earlier. “Why don’t you go and help your brother with the wagon.”

“Sure pa.” Little Joe was happy to go. He couldn’t wait to see Adam to know that he really was okay. Hoss would have gone to help as well if he weren’t already busy helping himself to some of the cookies Hop-Sing had made.

When the picnickers came in Ben was happy to see them all smiling, including AJ. “It looks as if you’ve all had a good day.”

“All things considered pa, it was a very good day.”

“If you two will excuse me, I do believe that AJ is long past due to be changed.”

“You couldn’t tell by his smile.” But as the odor his grandson was emitting reached him, Ben knew Storm to be right.

“Are you sure Storm?”

“Unless you would prefer to Adam.”

“No.” That was one chore Adam gladly gave up.

“How are you doing Adam?” Ben had noticed how his son had watched after Storm as she took AJ upstairs.

“Fine pa. A little confused but fine.”

“Confused about what?”

“It’ll work its way out. Pa I’m sure glad Mrs. Keyes didn’t take AJ today.”

“You have Storm to thank for that. I do believe if Mrs. Keyes had tried to take him she would have used any and all means necessary to stop her. She alone knew you needed him here.”

“It would seem she knows me better than I know myself.”

“She’s known you a long time.”

“And she’s loved me a long time.”

“Yes she has son. Adam is something wrong?”

“Pa will you please tell Storm I’ve gone into town. That I just need to…..Tell her I’m alright, tell her I swear I won’t drink too much. Tell her I…..Tell her I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, I understand, go.”

“Pa where’s Adam going?” Little Joe had just finished with the wagon and was on his way into the house when Adam had come out and gone into the barn and saddled his horse.

“To Virginia City Joe.”

“Why? I thought he was okay.”

“He is. Now why don’t you and Hoss go and wash up before dinner.”

Both Hoss and Little Joe knew where Adam would end up. They were also glad their father had given them permission to leave and not have to be there when he told Storm. Ben waited for Storm to come down, uncertain if she would comprehend why Adam had gone to town, afraid of what would happen because he knew she would know where he had gone even if she didn‘t. He heard Storm in the hall as she said hello to Hoss and Little Joe. When he heard her coming downstairs he knew that the time of reckoning was here.

“There we go all clean and…..Ben where is Adam?”

“Storm he’s gone to town.”

“Town? But why?”

“Storm do you remember what Mrs. Keyes once told you?”

“About what?” Mrs. Keyes had told her many things but Storm was afraid she knew exactly what Ben meant.

“About no man being a saint.”

“You mean he’s gone to be with Marinda.”

“Storm try to understand.”

“No. I won’t let him do this.”

“Please Storm, just leave it go. Right now Adam doesn’t need understanding, he doesn’t need love, he just needs.”

“And I don’t? You want to know something Ben, the whole time Mrs. Keyes was explaining to me about men and women I should have been terrified. I should have told her that what she was telling me was a lie. I know that what she was saying was what those men had done to mama but that’s not what I kept thinking about. What I kept thinking about was Adam. Since Adam was a man and Adam would never do anything wrong it couldn’t be wrong, but if he goes to Marinda tonight it’s wrong.”

“Are you saying that any other time it would be right?”

“It’s not just the day it’s also the reason. He’s not going because he misses Emily, he’s not going because he needs the comfort of a woman’s arms, he’s going because he kissed me. What he’s trying to prove to himself is that the only reason he kissed me was because he needed to, not because he wanted to”

“So you believe he wanted to?”

“I believe he’s afraid. I believe he felt something, maybe the realization that he could feel something made him see that maybe he just might fall in love again. Maybe that made him feel as if he were betraying Emily but now if he goes with Marinda then there was no emotion it was just a need, a need he would have never allowed himself to satisfy with me, but that’s wrong because he deserves to love again, he deserves to be happy, whether or not it’s with me. Now please take your grandson so I can go get your son.”

Ben took AJ from her noticing the slight look of disappointment on his face as he was handed over. Once they heard the front door close Little Joe and Hoss came downstairs. They had thought that perhaps their father had decided to go after Adam so were surprised to find him holding AJ and Storm no where in sight.

“Pa where’s Storm?”

“She’s gone to get your brother Hoss.”

“But pa if Adam’s gone where I think he’s gone.”

“She’ll be alright Joe.”   Storm rode to the house where Marinda lived. She remembered the way there well. She once again knocked on the door.

“Go away, I’m busy.” Storm could hear the laughter in Marinda’s voice. She knocked again, this time louder and harder.

“I said go away!”

She knocked once more, this time using her foot instead of her fist and kicked at the door repeatedly. She could hear footsteps approaching.

“Boy you sure are…..” Marinda opened the door and found herself looking at the one person she truly hated above all others. Even though it would never have been true, Marinda felt in time Adam would have tired of the woman he had married. She felt that, while Emily was beautiful, she just wouldn’t have been able to keep a man like Adam satisfied. She was just so proper. Marinda had seen them in town once and Adam had kissed his wife on the cheek and Emily had told him he shouldn’t do such things in public. But this one, this Storm, could match Adam in almost everything. She was a lady without being too much of a lady, just the fact that she was standing at her door proved that. “I thought I told you once he needed a woman not a little girl.”

“I’m no longer a little girl Marinda, now get out of my way!”

“Are you sure? Aren’t you afraid that what you will see might offend you?”

“Move Marinda.” Storm pushed past Marinda. She no sooner stepped inside the door than she saw him.

“Storm? What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to get you.”

“Do you honestly believe you can make him leave?”

“Shut up Marinda. Adam this is wrong, you know it’s wrong.”

“It’s going to take more than words to make him leave.”

“I said shut up Marinda! If I believed being here with you was what he needed I wouldn’t be here.”

“Are you saying that he needs to be with you? You think you are so much better than me?”

“I think a rat on the street is better than you. Oh it’s not because of what you do it’s because of what you are. Marinda there are a lot of woman who do what you do and I think no less of them but you could be the queen of England and I would think no better of you.”

“YOU. You think you’re so much better than me! You’re nothing more than a half-breed!”

“And you’re nothing more than a whore.”

Adam could see the rage in Marinda’s eyes; he could also see the same in Storm’s. He did the only thing he could think of, he stepped between them. “Storm please go home.”

“Not without you.”

“Are you saying that you would be willing to give him what he would get here?”

Storm looked at Adam. She knew there was no use to deny it. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Marinda couldn’t believe it. “Of course you would want a wedding first.”

“Storm.” Adam was afraid to hear Storm’s response to Marinda’s remark. He was afraid if he did hear it he might act on it. “Please go home.”

“Alright Adam, I’ll go, but only if you kiss me. If you can kiss me and still want to be here with her I’ll go.”

He took her face in his hands but he just couldn’t kiss her. He couldn’t risk feeling as he had that afternoon. He knew it for what it was even if he wasn’t ready to put a name to it.

“It’s alright Adam. I know, really I do. When you kissed me this afternoon you felt something and in feeling something you realized you could feel. Adam it wasn’t love you felt, it was hope. Hope that someday you would love again. That’s not betraying Emily. If she loved you as you say she did, she would want nothing more than for you to love again.”

He pulled her into his arms. “When did you get to be such an expert on men?”

“Not men Adam, just you.”

Marinda watched them as they left and all she kept thinking was that this was not over.

Ben could only sit and hope that he had done the right thing by letting Storm go. When the clock chimed twelve o’clock and she still hadn’t returned, with or without Adam, he began to worry. As he watched the hour approach one he was getting ready to go into Virginia City and find her. Then he heard the horses and settled back into his chair. He didn’t know if he was annoyed because they seemed to be laughing or from the relief he now felt knowing that they were safe. That was why he spoke before they had completely entered the house.

“Do you realize how worried I’ve been?”

“I’m sorry Ben but…..” Storm heard AJ start to cry and knew she would have to give him an extra kiss tonight. “but I had best go get a bottle. Adam why don’t you go get your son.”

“Gladly.” Although Adam had seen his father’s annoyance for what it was he was still happy not to have to hear what he was sure his father would say.

“We can discuss this in the morning. Right now I’m just glad you’re both home. Goodnight Storm, Adam.”

“Goodnight Ben.”

“Goodnight pa.”

Mrs. Keyes arrived the following morning with a bit of news she wasn’t quite sure how to tell. “Ben can I speak with you for a minute?”

“Of course Rebecca.” Before she had a chance to begin Storm came downstairs with AJ.

“Good morning Ben, Mrs. Keyes.”

“Good morning Storm.” Rebecca had hoped to speak with Ben alone but she now realized Storm had every right to know what she had to tell. “Storm why don’t you take AJ outside. Rebecca and I were….”

“No Ben she should hear this as well.”

“Hear what Mrs. Keyes?”

“The new rumor going around Virginia City. It concerns what happened last night when you came to get Adam.”

“Go on Mrs. Keyes.” Storm knew of only one person who would be spreading any rumors about that and was sure it wouldn’t be flattering to her, or true. “Marinda said that you forced your way into her house. That you had come to fetch Adam because you didn’t want him with her. She said she warned you that Adam wasn’t himself, that he had been drinking, but you said it didn’t matter. You told her you weren’t leaving there without him. She went on to say that Adam told her to leave, that he wanted to talk to you alone. She said that she again tried to warn you that what Adam was there for wasn’t talking but that you told her that anything he wanted or needed from her he could get from you. She said she left but listened outside the door just in case you might need her help. She heard you struggle a little but once she heard sounds of….well sounds that no longer sounded like struggling she went to wait at the saloon. Witnesses say she was there until twelve o’clock.

“When she got back to her house she said it was quiet so she went in thinking that you had left but she found you waiting for her. Adam, it seemed, had fallen asleep. You said you wanted to talk to her, to tell her that Adam would never again be coming to her because he now had you. She said you told her that was your plan all along, that you knew of his wife’s death even before you had returned. You told her that he would now marry you because he would see it as the right thing, the only thing, to do. She implied that it was the only way someone like you could have ever gotten Adam to marry her in the first place.”

“I suppose people believe this.”

“People did see you in town, they did see you go to Marinda’s”

“I guess I had better go tell Adam. I‘m just not too sure how to.”

Storm needn’t have worried because while the version Adam was told was shorter it amounted to the same end.

“Hey Cartwright.”

“Yeah Stayton.”

“I bet it feels real nice to have two women fighting over you. It must be real good to have such a fine lady willing to do anything for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Now that the whole town knows the truth there’s no need for you to marry her.”

“Marry who?”

“That Storm. Marinda told everyone how she said she came to you willingly but that she would make you think you‘d forced her. How she would use the guilt you’d feel about taking her to trap you into marrying her.”

“Marinda said all this?”

“Yeah. Tell me something is a fine lady whore as good as a regular one. You see I ain’t never had me a fine lady……”

Not another word had a chance to pass Stayton’s lips, Adam’s had hit him hard enough to stop his lips from moving. When the door slammed open it startled everyone, especially AJ who had only moments before settled down.

“Now look what you have done.”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Keyes. Where is Storm?”

“She’s upstairs getting ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“To go into town.”

“She can’t!”

“I can’t what Adam?”

“You can’t go into town Storm.”

“Why?”

“Because I have to tell you something.”

“If it’s about what Marinda has said I already know, Mrs. Keyes told me.”

“And you still want to go into town?”

“Yes. Do you think I’m going to let her lies force me to hide away? The people who believe her are the same ones who have always seen me as something less than human anyway. Their opinions never mattered. The people who have any faith in me, if I don’t go into town, will take my avoidance as an admission of guilt.”

“Just when did you get so smart?”

“I think I have always been rather smart.”

“I’ll go and hitch up the wagon.”

“Adam if you come with me you have to promise me something.”

“What?”

“No fighting. I don’t care what anyone says, no fighting.”

“Storm I don’t know if I can keep a promise like that.”

“Than I’ll go myself.”

“Storm.”

“Adam if you fight you give credence to what she’s saying. If you walk away you prove that what she’s saying is so totally ridiculous it’s not even worth fighting over.”

“Alright, I promise.” Adam went to hitch the wagon and Storm followed him out.

Ben and Rebecca just looked at each other and smiled.

They rode into town mostly in silence. When they finally got there it was as Storm had thought it would be. By the time she and Adam had reached the general store word had spread through the whole town that they were there.

It didn’t take long before the news reached Marinda. “I can’t believe you have the nerve to show your face in town.”

“Why Alice is there some reason I shouldn’t?” Alice Fisher was one of the people who believed Storm was most definitely below them.

“Surely you must have heard that everyone knows what you did last night.”

“I know that everyone knows what Marinda said happened last night.”

“Are you saying she was lying?”

“Suddenly everyone takes what Marinda says as gospel.” By now a small crowd had gathered. Adam knew there was no way to stop Storm, so he just stood there and waited in case she needed him. “I really don’t care what you believe me to be capable of doing. That doesn’t matter anymore now than it ever did. Those of you who believe me capable of this believed it for a long time. No, what surprises me, what angers me, is that you’d believe it of him.”

The truth hit Adam like a lightening bolt. How could he have been so blind? She hadn’t come here to defend herself but to defend him. He saw that Marinda was making her way through the crowd as did Storm, so it was too late to grab her and run.

“Marinda, it’s so nice to see you again. I have one question I wish to ask of you. Why?” Storm had met Marinda halfway through the crowd and they were now standing face to face. “Why the need to start this.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Everything I said was the truth.”

“I won’t deny the truth. I don’t deny that I came to get him and I don’t deny I told you whatever he needed from you I would give him. GIVE HIM Marinda. You made it sound as if he would have needed to force me, that he would have forced me.”

“Storm, this is not helping.”

“Adam please. I told you those who believe the worst of me have always done so. Those who believe the best have also always done so. Whether it’s the ones who believe the worst or the best they both know I love you and always have. Now Marinda, you tell me why you lied. You could have told the truth and I wouldn’t have cared, but once you dragged him into it, once you lied about him you made this a fight. So you tell me WHY?!”

“WHY!? You want to know why! Because if he goes with you he will never come back to me! That other one, he would have tired of her soon enough, but not you. You would do anything to keep him happy, anything to satisfy him. She was raised in the city, you were raised here. You’re the kind of woman he needs, the kind he’d never tire of.”

Adam listened and started to think that maybe Marinda was right.

“But why the lie?”

“Because I thought it would shame you enough to make you leave. I figured you would be on the next stage out of here!”

“Marinda it doesn’t matter what is thought of me, I told Adam I would never leave, not as long as he needed me. Adam?”

“Yes Storm?”

“Can we go home now?”

“If you want to.”

Marinda watched them go. She swore she would have Adam, one way or another.

CHAPTER 7

One day in late September Marinda saw her chance to act on the plan she had been thinking up ever since that day in town. It was Wednesday but she had seen Mrs. Keyes in town. That meant that more than likely Storm was watching AJ alone. She knew that the Ponderosa would have every available man busy getting ready for winter. She waited until after lunch just to be sure they wouldn’t be disturbed. She walked into the house without knocking. She hadn’t wanted to alert anyone that she was coming but she saw no one. She stood and listened and could hear Storm upstairs singing to AJ. She waited patiently and was glad when she finally heard the door upstairs close and someone in the hall.

When Storm saw Marinda she couldn’t imagine why she was there, but Storm being Storm thought perhaps she had come to talk about what had happened in June and decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Hello Marinda, is there something you want?”

“Something I want? I want Adam.”

So do I thought Storm but that‘s not what she said, not exactly. “It’s not for me to give him.”

“You made sure he’d never come back to me.”

“No Marinda you made sure of that.”

“Do you think that you’re the only one who loves him?”

“Marinda you don’t know what loving him is. If you loved him you would understand that loving him doesn’t mean it will make you happy, it’s just wanting him to be happy.”

“Are you saying you’re not glad that wife of his is dead?”

“NO! I’ve seen how sad he is, I’ve seen how he’s hurting. There is nothing I wouldn’t…….Oh it doesn’t matter. What do you want?”

“I’ve told you I want him, one way or another.”

“When he comes home I will be sure to tell him.” Storm made her way to the door to make sure Marinda knew the way out and that she was well aware that she was being told to take it. If Storm could have only comprehended how far Marinda was willing to go to get what she wanted she would have never turned her back to her, but Storm would have never been able to fathom Marinda’s plan because to Storm love was giving not taking. As she reached out her arm to open the door she saw something shinny in Marinda’s hand as it came down. She felt the pain as the knife slashed at her arm.

Marinda looked triumphantly at Storm sure she would see fear in her eyes, but she was disappointed. Storm wasn’t afraid to die her only concern was Adam because she was sure that not even Marinda would hurt AJ.

“Do you think killing me will get you him?”

“You really don’t understand do you Storm. If I can’t have him, I’ll take his son. That way I will always have a part of him with me. I’ll raise him as my own.”

“The hell you will!”

Storm’s anger gave her strength. She jumped at Marinda knowing she only had to hold her off for a half an hour. Unlike Marinda she knew that they would be coming home early tonight. She and Adam were supposed to go into town, they were supposed to go to the opera house. That’s why Mrs. Keyes was in town, she had taken the day off because they were to bring AJ to her for the night. She had managed to hit Marinda a few times but she didn’t have a knife. She had made an attempt to grab the knife from Marinda but had only succeeded in allowing her to slice open the palm of her hand. She must have lost more blood than she had thought because she was beginning to feel very weak. She tried once more to grab Marinda’s arm but fell forward as Marinda backed away.

“Marinda please don’t.” She was finally pleading.

“Don’t what? Don’t kill you?”

“No, don’t take AJ. You say you love Adam, then you can’t take his son away from him.”

“Yes I can, but I’ll tell you what I will do I will leave him you. Let’s see how much he cares for you once he realizes he lost his son because of you.”

Storm tried to grab Marinda’s legs before she could get to the steps, but found she barely had enough strength to reach out her arm. She looked at the clock and knew they should be home in fifteen minutes. Oh God how she prayed they would be early. She heard AJ cry as his sleep was disturbed. She again tried to delay Marinda, she knew she didn’t have the strength to try and stop her.

“Marinda, leave AJ, kill me, but leave AJ.”

“I think it will be more satisfying to know that you will blame yourself for this. To know that he will probably hate you for it. To know that I’ll have something you never will, I’ll have his son.”

Storm knew she had to get up. She had to appear unharmed because if they knew she was hurt they might delay going after AJ. She finally managed to make her way to the doorway. It was a trip that normally took only seconds, but that was walking, when you had to crawl and drag yourself it took almost five minutes. If Marinda hadn’t of left the door open it might have taken Storm a few more to open it. She used the door to pull herself up and to lean on to keep her that way. When she heard the horses approaching she braced herself and tried to look strong. She gathered whatever strength she had left and used it to call out.

“ADAM! Marinda took AJ. She left ten minutes ago.” She watched as they turned their horses in the direction of Marinda’s trail. She managed to stay on her feet long enough for them to leave. Only after she was certain they could no longer see her did she let go.

“Adam you and Hoss keep following the trail. Little Joe you and I will go into town and get Roy.”

Adam was only half listening to, and not really caring, what his father was saying. The only thing on his mind was that he had to get his son. If his head wasn’t so consumed with that one thought he would have realized what Ben had.

“Pa! I want to go with Adam and Hoss!”

“Joseph I need you to go and get Dr. Martin.”

“Doc Martin? Why?”

“Joe would Storm ever let anyone take AJ?”

“Not without a fight.” Little Joe was beginning to realize what his father already had.

“Right Joe and what do you take it to mean if Marinda has taken AJ?”

“That Storm lost.”

“Now go get the doctor and tell Roy what’s going on.” Ben was afraid of what he would find waiting for him at home. He rode up and saw Storm still lying where she had fallen after they had ridden off.

Storm could feel someone’s hand on her forehead and she managed to open her eyes. “Ben you should be helping Adam.”

“Hoss is with him. Don’t worry they’ll bring AJ home.”

“I tried Ben. Tell Adam I tried.”

“Hush. Little Joe has gone to get the doctor. Let’s get you inside.” Ben picked her up and could feel the blood on her clothes he could see it on the ground. He carried her to her room.

Ben anxiously awaited not only Adam and Hoss’ return but also Dr. Martin’s report of how Storm was.

No sooner was Little Joe back with the doctor then he left to go and help his brothers. Little Joe had caught up with them just in time.

“Marinda please give me AJ.”

“He’s mine Adam.”

“Marinda why don’t you come here and we can talk about this.”

“About what Adam?”

“About just what it is you want.”

“I already told that half-breed what I want! I want YOU!”

“Alright Marinda. Give AJ to Hoss and come to me.” He saw her begin to start to walk towards Hoss. “You mean I can have you?”

“Marinda, you and I, as well as everyone else knows you’ve always had me.”

“That’s true, not even that half-breed has had you and I bet that wife of yours couldn’t satisfy you like I can.”

“Your right Marinda.” He held his breath as she drew closer and closer to Hoss. “That’s right give AJ to Hoss and come to me.” As soon as the baby was out of her hands she turned and ran to Adam.

“Adam can we keep Storm to watch after AJ. I mean once we’re married.”

At the mention of Storm’s name, AJ safely in his uncle’s arms, Adam realized now what he couldn’t before.

“Joe.” Adam took hold of Marinda. “Joe come here and take Marinda.” He looked into her eyes and saw the anger that came when she finally understood what was happening.

“What did you do to Storm, Marinda?”

“Why do you think I did anything to her?”

“Because she would never have let you take AJ, not without a fight.”

Marinda felt Little Joe tying her hands. “I hope she’s DEAD!”

“You had better pray she’s not Marinda, because if she is I’ll make sure you hang.”

“Adam.” Little Joe was afraid his brother might hang her right here.

“Yes Joe?”

“Doc Martin is already at the house.”

“How’s Storm?”

“I don’t know I came after you as soon as I got him.”

 

“Paul how is she?” Ben watched as Dr. Martin came downstairs. He didn’t look too pleased.

“I don’t know? Ben she’s lost a lot of blood, more blood than anyone I know, at least anyone living. Do you know how many cuts she has? Five on her right arm, four on her left, in addition to the one on her right palm. Of those the one on her palm is the deepest but those don’t compare to the two that worry me the most. The ones in her shoulder and her side are deep, real deep.”

“Maybe the reason for her to hold on is finally home.”

“Pa, Paul how’s Storm?”

Ben was relieved to see Adam and even more relieved to see AJ in Hoss’s arms.

“Adam.”

“PAUL ?” Everyone could hear the fear in Adam’s voice.

“She’s alive Adam. Adam stay close to her. Tell her how much you need her, how much AJ needs her. Make sure she has a reason to keep fighting.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t?”

“No I suppose not.”

Adam ran upstairs to begin letting Storm know she couldn’t leave, after all she had promised she wouldn’t.

“Hoss, where’s Little Joe?”

“He’s bringing Marinda into town. Pa is Storm really that bad?”

“Yes she is Hoss.”

“Ben I’ll be back out tomorrow. You know where I am if you need me before.”

“Yes. Thank you Paul.”

 

Rebecca had at first thought that something had made Adam or Storm change their mind and that’s why they hadn’t brought AJ to her but once Little Joe came into town with Marinda and she heard what had happened she rode out to the Ponderosa as fast as she could. She told Ben she would stay until Storm was well.

She had been there three days and Adam had barely left Storm’s side. On the fourth night she thought that maybe if they laid AJ in bed next to Storm she just might wake up. She picked him up and made her way to Storm’s room. She stopped in the hall when she heard Adam talking.

“Storm you have to be alright, can’t you see. What will AJ do without you, my God Storm what will I do without you.”

“Adam?” She pushed the door completely open. “I thought you should take a little break.”

“I’m alright. Mrs. Keyes I want to thank you.”

“Don’t be silly. There is nothing to thank me for. Now why don’t you go and get some coffee, I would like to have a little talk with Storm.”

“Would you like me to take AJ?”

“No, I think she will know he’s here.” She watched as he bent and kissed Storm on the forehead.

“If there is any change or if you should need me I’ll be right downstairs.” He left the room slowly.

As soon as she was sure he was gone Rebecca sat down and began talking. “Storm I want you to listen to me.” Even though Rebecca knew what she was about to tell Storm was in no way true, she hoped Storm would be confused enough to perhaps believe it, or at least question it. “You realize that if you let go AJ will be the reason you die, just as he was the reason for Emily’s death. What if Adam decides he can’t forgive him for both?”

“I must say that is one tactic I hadn’t thought of?” Ben had seen Adam come downstairs and had decided to come see how Storm was doing.

“Oh Ben, you and I know, and even Storm knows, it’s not true but if it works who cares.”

“True enough Rebecca.”

When Adam came back into the room he found Mrs. Keyes sitting in the chair and AJ sleeping in the bed next to Storm.

“Adam maybe we should leave him there for tonight.”

“Maybe we should.” Adam didn’t realize how much more peacefully his son slept when he was next to Storm.

“I’ll come and get him when he wakes.” Adam sat down and watched Storm sleep. Maybe he was only seeing what he was hoping to see but he would swear that since AJ was next to her she seemed to be resting easier.

At AJ’s first cries Mrs. Keyes came to take him.

“Mrs. Keyes why don’t we leave him for a minute.”

“You mean let him cry? He’ll wake the entire house.”

“I certainly hope so.”

“Adam? Well I suppose it’s worth a try.”

Sure enough after only one minute they would have both sworn Storm moved. After one more minute the entire house, except for Storm, was awake and in the room.

“Adam maybe I should take him.”

“Just one more minute Mrs. Keyes. I swear she’s waking up.”

“Adam, we all…..”

Adam turned to face his father. “No pa I know she’ll….”

“Adam!”

They all looked towards the bed.

“Can’t you hear AJ? Why don’t you go get him a bottle and I’ll change him.”

They watched as she made an effort to get up but was stopped not only by her lack of strength but by Adam’s hand as well.

“Storm just lay back down. Mrs. Keyes I believe you can take him now.” Adam picked up his son, kissed him, and handed him to Rebecca.

 

Storm’s memory of what had happened and why she felt so weak and tired finally returned. “Adam, you got him back.”

“Did you seriously doubt that I would?”

“No, I just wasn’t too sure if I’d be alive….”

“Storm! No more talk like that. You’re alright now.”

“I suppose. What about Marinda?” Despite what she had done Storm hoped that Adam hadn’t caused her any unnecessary harm.

“She’s in jail and I don’t want you to think any more about her.”

 

Over the next two weeks Storm grew stronger and more unreasonable. She became restless and bored with staying in bed. The only time she found it bearable was when Adam would come and sit with her.

She had been told that everyone was going into town to make arrangements for AJ’s first birthday so she believed she was alone in the house. She decided that since she was alone no one would know if she got up and walked around a little by herself. It would do her good to be up and might make it easier to accept being forced to stay in bed once everyone came back, beside hadn’t Dr. Martin said she was okay. She had only planned to go downstairs but once there she couldn’t resist the need for some fresh air. She was standing on the porch when she could swear she heard someone in the barn. She knew it was further than she should probably venture but couldn’t deny the curiosity she was feeling. When he saw her he wasn’t too sure if he were more angry or relieved.

“What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here? What are you doing here? I thought you were going to make plans for AJ’s birthday?”

“We did. Everyone else chose to stay in town a little while longer. I felt a little guilty about leaving you here all alone so I decided to come and keep you company.”

“Adam can we go for a ride?”

“A RIDE!?” He realized two weeks was a long time for anyone to stay in one place especially Storm. “No, no ride. How about a little walk though?”

“Okay Adam.” He watched as a smile lit up her face. “Tell me about the plans so far?”

“We have made sure everyone knows about the party and we picked up some decorations…..” She stepped in front of him and placed her hands on his arms. She knew while this was AJ’s birthday it was also the anniversary of Emily’s death.

“Adam how are you?”

“I’m alright Storm. Of course if you had asked me that a year ago I would have told you the same thing, but I wouldn’t have meant it then. I do now.” He looked at her and decided to give into what he felt like doing. He picked her up in his arms.

“Adam I can walk.” In spite of her attempt at sounding cross he could hear the laughter in her voice.

“I think you have done enough walking for today, besides you use to like when I carried you.”

“I was just a child then.”

“I see, and now that you are no longer a child you no longer like it?”

“It’s not that, it’s just when I was young being in your arms always made me feel safe, secure.”

“And it no longer does?”

“There is no place I feel safer, but now there is something else as well and it scares me a little.”

“Why does it scare you?” Adam didn’t need to ask what it was, that was clearly written in her eyes.

“Because I so want you to feel it too and I know that I can’t make you no more than I can make papa and it’s too soon to expect you too. Besides you need someone who would never do anything to put AJ in danger. You need someone like Emily.”

He knew why she felt what had happened was her fault. Roy had told him how Marinda had said it was all Storm’s fault. How if she hadn’t come back none of it would have ever happened. She had also told him of how Storm had begged her to kill her instead of take AJ away and to Marinda that was an admission of guilt on Storm‘s part but Adam saw it for what it was. He knew that Storm loved his son so much that she would have gladly sacrificed herself for him.

“Storm I already had Emily. Would you like to know something, she told me that I needed someone like you.”

He let her legs go so that she was once again standing on her own two feet but he that was the only part of her he released.

“But she didn’t even know me.”

“No she didn’t. She only knew what I told her, as you only know about her what I’ve told you.”

“No Adam I know so much more than that. I know you loved her and that tells me more than words ever could.”

“You know something you two were so opposite. Emily was blonde hair and blue eyed; you are dark hair and brown eyed. She was quiet and reserved, you…well you are anything but. There are so many differences between you two and yet your spirits are so alike.” He began to wonder, had he been drawn to Emily because she had in some way reminded him of Storm?

“I know of one more way we’re alike.”

“How’s that?”

“Our hearts, because both of them belong to you.”

“Oh Storm.” He gently pressed his lips to hers.

“Adam?”

“Marry me Storm.”

“What?” Had he just said what she thought he had?

“Marry me.” He couldn’t believe how easily those words had passed his lips. When he had asked Emily he had planned for a whole week and down to the last detail.

“Why, because Emily said you needed someone like me?”

“No because I love you. Please Storm believe that I love you.”

“I so want to believe you, so very much.”

“Then do. I’m asking you to believe me but if asking doesn’t work I’ll beg you to.”

Before the discussion could go any further Ben arrived home with AJ. “Well it’s good to see you up and about Storm. I’m sorry Adam but your son got tired of all the excitement.”

“Pa I need your help.”

“My help? Help with what?”

“In convincing Storm that the reason I’m asking her to marry me is because I love her. For some reason she’s having a hard time believing that.”

“I thought it was going to be something hard. Storm?”

“Yes Ben?”

“Has he ever lied to you?” Ben didn’t wait for an answer; he just took his grandson out of the back of the wagon and went inside. As he walked he whispered something to AJ that he would always swear made him smile “It looks like she’s going to be your mommy in name too.”

 

CHAPTER 8

Although they didn’t officially announce their plans until Christmas, anyone who saw Storm and Adam together knew that what everyone believed would have happened sooner had Storm not gone to England would be happening soon. Not even an unfortunate incident that occurred at AJ’s birthday could completely dampen the joy they felt.

“Adam would you mind very much if I wrote and invited Lord Duncan?”

“Why would I mind?”

“I wasn’t quite honest with you about who he was.”

“You mean regarding the fact that you were supposed to marry him?”

“You know about that?”

“Yes, same as I know you’re hoping that he will tell your father.”

“Oh Adam why does he hate me so?” Adam knew this was one ache he could never take away from her.

“Because he’s a fool Storm.” He took her in his arms hoping to ease her hurt but it was AJ who made her smile.

Storm felt a small tug on her skirt. She looked down into a small version of Adam and swore they both had the same expression of concern.

“Mama.”

She looked at Adam not too sure if he would be angry. “Adam?”

He knew what her question was. “Storm you are his mother. In his eyes and in mine. When he is old enough to understand we will tell him about Emily, but even then she will just be someone he’ll think of as his mother but you will be his mother. In his thoughts, in his heart, in his soul.” He bent down and picked up their son. “Now why don’t you go write your letter.”

She went upstairs and sat down in front of a blank piece of paper for what felt like hours. She wasn’t sure of where to begin. She had written to Lord Duncan at last once a month ever since he had left and he had written back. He told her of what was going on and let her know how her father was doing.

 

Dear George,

I hope this finds you as well as my previous letters have. There is something I have to tell you, something I need to ask of you. Adam and I are to be married come September. I hope you will consider attending. I know you will tell papa of this as ,I am sure, you have told him of every other letter I have sent, even though he has in no way acknowledged them. Please give serious thought to coming but know that I will understand if you don’t.

Love, Storm

 

She placed the paper into an envelope and addressed it. She then went in search of the man who would soon be her husband. She finally found him lying in bed with AJ. She could see he was half asleep, thankfully, AJ was completely asleep. She stood there and watched Adam and the longer she stood the greater the urge to kiss him became, until she could no longer deny it. She bent over and touched her lips to his. She was about to stand up when she felt his hand behind her head. She found that even after his hand moved from her neck her lips remained on his. She felt as he placed both his hands on her hips and before she knew what was happening she found herself stretched out on top of him. She could feel their bodies touching in places they never had before. She now found herself with a slight problem, if she rolled one way she would be on the floor and if she rolled the other she would be on top of AJ so she stayed where she was. She raised her head slightly so as to allow her the ability to look into his eyes.

“Adam?”

He now realized it hadn’t been a good idea to pull her to him but it had seemed to be at the time. He could feel his need for her growing and he could tell by the unspoken question she had just asked she could feel it too. He sat up and in doing so forced Storm to do the same. He lifted her off of him and began to leave the room.

“Adam where are you going?”

“To jump in Lake Tahoe.”

“Adam?”

“Oh sweetheart, not to drown myself. It’s just that that is the coldest water around here.”

“I don’t understand?”

“It’s been a very long time Storm.”

She knew what he meant and knew it had been longer than it would have been had she not come back. “And no man is a saint.”

“Now it’s I who doesn’t understand.”

“That’s what Mrs. Keyes told me when I asked her if you had ever been with a woman.”

“I see. So you no longer see me as a saint.”

“Adam I don’t want you to be a saint; I need you to be a man.”

“Storm this is not helping.”

“Oh Adam. I need you. I don’t fully understand how I know that but I know I need you.”

“Storm I want you to listen to me.” He should have never closed his eyes but he found if he didn’t see her it was easier to deny what he wanted, but in doing so it gave Storm the courage to act on something she wanted to do without fearing she would see judgment in his eyes.

“Sweetheart,” He hadn’t heard her get off the bed. He didn’t know she had until he felt her hands on his chest. “STORM!” His shout had done what even the cold waters of Lake Tahoe would have had a hard time doing, it awoke the one thing that could make both of them forget about what they wanted and needed.

“Adam why don’t you go get a bottle and I’ll change him.”

AJ was now sleeping through the night, unfortunately, Storm wasn’t. She had grown so use to waking up every two hours or so that it would take some time for her to break out of that habit. Normally she would sit and read or go downstairs and watch the embers glow in the fireplace. On some nights she would go stand outside and watch the stars. On those nights she wondered if her mother was watching her, if Emily was happy that she would be raising her son. On this particular night she had decided to go and check on AJ before going downstairs. In order to do this she had to pass by Adam’s room. Since his door was usually closed there was no danger of her being distracted but on this night for some reason his door was open. She told herself she would only peek in to make sure everything was alright. That was all that she intended on doing. Somehow, though, she found herself standing next to his bed.

Once again she watched him sleeping and once again she felt the need to kiss him and yet again she gave into that need. This time he didn’t gently take hold of her but grabbed her and pulled her into the bed beside him. This time she found herself lying beneath him but still their bodies touched in places that awoke a hunger in her she didn’t fully understand. Adam opened his eyes to realize this was no longer just a dream.

“Storm! What are you doing in here?”

“I was going to check on AJ but I saw your door open. It’s usually shut so I thought that perhaps something was wrong. I didn’t mean to come in, honest Adam I didn’t. I was standing in the hall one minute and the next I was kissing you. It was almost as if you called to me but not with words. Oh Adam I swear I heard you call me with every part of my body but my ears. I know that makes no sense.”

He began to consider what he had been dreaming and thought it made perfect sense but was she really so attuned to him that she could respond to his dreams? “Storm I need you to promise me something.”

“What?”

“That you will not come into this room again, whether or not the door is open. As Mrs. Keyes said I am not a saint, I am a man who needs you, one that wants you but I am also one that loves you. It is because of that love that I will try to hold off on fulfilling that need or want until after we are married but a man can only take so much Storm. Even I have a breaking point and if you come into this room like this again I am afraid I will pass it. So promise me, PROMISE ME, you will at least try.”

“Alright Adam, I promise to try but I want you to understand something; I know it should be me who is stopping you. I know it should be harder for a man but…..Oh God Adam I’ve wanted you for so long. Long before you ever saw me as something other than a child.”

“Sweetheart I began to see you as a more than a child a long time ago.”

“Adam I’ve just been back for a little over a year.”

“It was long before that, before you left for England even. You remember that party before your sixteenth birthday? Pa was right; you did become a very beautiful woman. Maybe if you hadn’t of gone…..” He let the rest remain unspoken. He became lost in the thoughts that idea stirred.

“If I hadn’t of gone and you had married me you would have never met Emily. You would have never married her and we wouldn’t have AJ now.”

“Yeah and maybe she would be alive and you would be dead.”

“Adam! You are no more to blame for Emily’s death then I am to blame for my mothers.”

“I think there’s a bit more of a chance of me being found to have contributed to….”

“Adam are you saying you would give AJ back?”

“No, of course not, but if I had known what would happen beforehand I’m not too sure of what I would have done. Now go.”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, go.”

Storm left not seeing the foreshadowing of things to come in the conversation just past.

“Hoss where is Storm?”

“I’m not too sure. She said she was going for a ride.”

Adam could tell there was more on his brother’s mind. He just waited for him to think of the right words to tell him what it was.

“Adam, she seemed to be kinda upset. When she left I told her to wait just a minute and I’d go with her but she said she’d be alright and that she wanted to be alone. You don’t think she’s upset because she hasn’t heard from Lord Duncan, do you?”

“No Hoss, if anything has her upset it’s that she hasn’t heard from Matt.”

Matt? Skye. How could he have been so forgetful?

“Hoss what is today’s date?”

“I believe it’s the seventh, why?”

“I know where she’s gone. Hoss when pa gets back with AJ remind him of what day it is.”

“You mean the seventh?”

“No, the day Skye was killed.”

 

Storm rode to the house that she had once been so happy in. On the way there she wondered who had bought it. Had they changed it much? It hadn’t been a grand house, but it was more than just a one room cabin. She had often felt that next to the Ponderosa it was the most splendid of houses anywhere. The house that greeted her was wonderful. She had feared that whoever had bought it had torn down the house her father had built, but they hadn’t, instead they had added on to it. She found herself believing it was now as grand as the Ponderosa itself.

“You should have reminded me.”

“Adam you startled me.”

“You should have reminded me. I would have never left you; I would have never taken AJ away.”

“It’s alright Adam. Last year I was…well so worried about you I didn’t really have time to think about it but today? I just wanted to come here. Adam do you know who bought it?”

“Do you like it Storm?”

“Like it? Adam it’s spectacular. If I were to have a house of my own, I’d want one just like this. Adam, do you think they would mind very much if I asked to go inside?”

“I don’t think they would mind at all. Of course they won’t be home until September.”

“Oh.” September? Come September she would be occupied with other things. Perhaps planning a house of her own.

Adam could see the thoughts going through her mind. He had wanted it to be a surprise but seeing how sad she was he chose not to wait. “You didn’t honestly believe we would have let anyone else live here, did you?”

“You bought it?”

“Yes we did. I think partly because if it were still in a way yours then we could always hold on to the hope that you would return.”

Storm, at first, didn’t understand why they would change the house if it had only been bought as a memento of sorts. Then the truth began to dawn on her. “Adam is this…?”

“Ours. It will be our house. Would you still like to go inside?”

“You were going to surprise me.”

“I had hoped to but that doesn’t matter. If it will make you feel better then we can go inside.”

“It’s alright I already feel better.” Suddenly another question occurred to Storm. “Adam, where did…I mean I would…..Adam you didn’t have to build another house.”

“Storm I don’t think you would have been happy in the house Emily and I shared.”

“Adam I would have been happy anywhere with you.”

“I know that but you and Emily’s ideas of a perfect house are also another way in which you differ. You love a house to fit into the land it stands on. To almost be lost in it. Emily loved a house that was grand, one that would have been more at place in a town or city. Would you like to see it?”

“I’d love to, if you don’t mind.”

“No I don’t mind. I haven’t gone there in a while and having you with me will make it easier.” He went to help her onto her horse only because it was the right thing to do, not because he thought Storm needed him to. He put his hands on her waist but before he could begin to help her up she turned around to face him.

“Adam?” Why was it just a slight change in the tone of her voice could affect him so?

“Storm, please.” It was no use. He could see by her eyes she wasn’t hearing the meaning of his words, or at least they were not what she was responding to. “Adam this is our house, right?”

“It will be after we are married.”

“That’s just it Adam, we are going to be married.”

“In a little over two months.”

“And there is nothing that could make you change your mind?”

“Storm I love you. There is nothing in this world that could change that.”

“Is our house furnished?”

Foolishly he believed her curiosity was getting the better of her, and he was right, just wrong about what that curiosity was about. It was only after he looked into her eyes that there could be no question. “Are you asking me if every room is furnished?”

“Not every one, just one in particular.”

“Storm.”

“Oh Adam, why do we have to wait? WHY? It won’t change anything if we don’t.”

“Storm,” He tried very hard to think of something. “for the life of me I can’t think of anything.” He saw her smile. “Save one thing, you are not my wife yet.”

“Adam, I have always been your wife, at least in my mind. When I was young I thought a wife kept her husband happy by seeing he was fed and keeping his house clean, sharing his bed and raising his children. I didn’t know then that they used that bed for something other than sleep because I didn’t know how those children came to be but once Mrs. Keyes explained it to me, oh Adam I wanted to be your wife in that way too. I know I shouldn’t be saying these things, I shouldn’t even be thinking them.”

“But you are you and God how I love you. Now do you still wish to go and see the other house because there is no way I am going to take you in there now.”

They did go and Adam told Storm everything there was to tell about him and Emily. It was only later that Adam realized most other woman would have resented having to listen to him go on and on the way he had, but not Storm. She actually had stopped him a few times and asked questions. He hadn’t meant to say so much but had found once he started he couldn’t stop. It was as if in telling Storm it became a part of their life, that Emily became a part of their life. Only later did he realize that in allowing that to happen Storm had insured that there would never be anything between them. In eagerly offering to share all aspects of his past it would mean he would never be hesitant to share anything in his future. It also made him realize he would have to keep his eyes open and mind sharp because his soon to be wife was smarter than he had even thought. It wasn’t that she had done it that had made him realize this but because she had done it not because she consciously knew the effect it would have but because instinctively she knew.

 

CHAPTER 9

One day in late July visitors came to the Ponderosa and they brought with them some very bad memories and even worse news.

“Andrew, Judith it is so good of you to come to visit.”

“Hello Ben. I would like to introduce to you my sister Estelle Blunt. She is visiting from England and wished to see Emily’s son.”

Ben did not fail to notice how Andrew had referred to AJ as his daughter’s son, as if Adam had nothing to do with his existence. Ben refrained from pointing out that if it weren’t for Adam there would be no AJ, knowing in pointing that out Andrew would in turn point out that if it weren’t for Adam he felt his daughter would still be alive. “Of course. I recall you mentioning her. You wanted to invite her to the wedding but said she would never have enough time to come from England.”

“That’s correct Ben and although I tried I was told the wedding would not be delayed. I did of course write and tell her of Emily’s death and she came as soon as she could.”

“Of course Andrew. I would offer to go and get AJ except that he’s not here at the moment. When it’s this warm Storm usually likes to take him down by the river. Today Adam is teaching him how to fish.”

“Storm, that would be the young lady we met at AJ’s birthday, the one Adam is now going to marry.”

“Yes it would be Andrew.”

“My brother tells me her name is Storm Kendall.”

“Yes, perhaps you knew her in England.”

“I do believe we may have met.”

“Then I’m sure you will have to agree with me that she is a wonderful person.”

“I’m afraid I didn’t know her very well.”

“That’s a pity.”

“Ben, I’m afraid I’m rather tired.”

“Of course Judith, please forgive me. I will show you to your rooms.”

“We wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It is no imposition Andrew. I’m sure Adam wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope you will forgive me though, but while you are resting there is an appointment I must keep. Please feel as if this is your home I won’t be long.”   For some reason Ben felt it best if Adam were warned that they had guests. He rode to where he knew he, Storm and AJ would be. He stopped and looked down to where they were. He could see Storm sitting on the blanket watching his son and grandson by the river. He could clearly hear their laughter. How he hated to go and spoil what was such a welcome sight.

“Ben. So you decided to join us after all.”

“No Storm. I need to speak with Adam.”

“Okay I’ll go get him.” She didn’t know what was wrong but she could tell something was. She stayed by the river with AJ while Adam went to speak with his father.

“Why are they here? I mean not that they don’t have a right to want to see AJ, just why like this? If they had written of their arrival I would have made sure to have AJ home.”

“I don’t know Adam. It’s almost as if they didn’t want us to have time to prepare for their coming.”

“Whatever it is he wants I’m sure we’ll find out.” Adam didn’t believe Emily’s mother felt the same as her husband as for Emily’s aunt he had never met her so he couldn’t judge one way or the other. The only thing he knew of her was that Emily had told him she barely knew her and wouldn‘t delay their wedding for someone she barely knew, he also knew that Emily was afraid that if the wedding was delayed she might lose her courage to defy her father.

“Do you think we should tell Storm, Adam?”

“I think we had better.”

“ADAM! Come quick! AJs caught something.”

Adam went towards the welcome sound of laughter and Ben rode back to the house.

“Look at the size of this fish.” As she looked at Adam she could feel the smile leave her face. He looked somehow worried.

“Yeah papa look at fish.”

“It sure is a big one AJ but did you catch it all by yourself?”

“Mama help.”

“Adam is something wrong?”

“No sweetheart. Maybe we should head on back to the house. There are some people there who want to see AJ.”

“Who?”

Adam recognized the protective tone in her voice and smiled.

“Yeah papa who?”

He smiled even more at AJ’s attempt to copy Storm’s tone.

“Do you remember Grandma Judith and Grandpa Andrew?”

“No, just grandpa grandpa.”

“Adam, how can you expect him to remember. He was just a year old and he hasn’t seen them since.”

“Yeah and we know the reason for that.”

“Adam.”

“I know, it doesn’t matter, it’s not my fault.”

But that wasn’t what Emily’s father believed. At AJ’s birthday he had made it very clear that he did blame Adam for his daughter’s death.

The ride back to the house wasn’t exceptionally long but it was long enough for AJ to fall asleep.

“Hello Adam.”

“Hello Judith, Andrew.”

“Hello Adam, Miss Kendall. I see my grandson is asleep.”

“He has a very busy day Mr. King. Adam why don’t you give him to me and I’ll carry him upstairs.”

Adam handed AJ over to Storm not too sure of what would happen once she was gone.

“I hope you will forgive me Andrew, but is there a purpose behind your visit?”

“Do you mean that I have to have a reason to come and see my grandson? Isn’t that reason enough? Or are you telling me that we are not welcome here.”

“Of course you’re welcome. It’s just knowing how you feel about me I didn’t honestly believe you would wish to be in my company for any length of time.”

“Well seeing as to how for now in order do see my grandson I have to see you it would appear as if I have no choice.”

“Andrew please. Adam you must forgive him.” In spite of how her husband felt Judith knew that Adam had made her daughter happier than she would have ever been if he had not come into her life.

“Must I?”

“Adam.”

Storm had put AJ in his bed and quickly went to join the Adam downstairs. It was then for the first time that Storm noticed the other woman who was there.

“Mrs. Blunt.”

“Hello Miss. Kendall.”

“I must say it is quite a surprise to see you here.”

And, Storm thought, not a welcome one.

“I’m sure it is. I have come to see my grand nephew. You see Emily was my niece.”

Storm knew her presence meant only trouble. She needed to speak with Adam because there was something he needed to know.

Storm had tried all night to find a moment to be alone with Adam but had failed. If she didn’t feel what she needed to tell him to be so very important she would have never broken her promise.

“Adam?”

“Storm please, not now.” He knew the uncertainty, fear if you will, that he was feeling would weaken his defenses. He knew that to have Storm in his arms tonight would make everything seem better. He also knew that if she were to spend the night in his arms he would most definitely prove to her he was not a saint. In an attempt to keep to the spirit if not the letter of her promise Storm didn‘t take another step nearer to Adam.

“No Adam you don’t understand. Her being here only means trouble.”

“Her who? Emily’s mother? Storm it is not her mother that worries me.”

“Not her mother, her aunt.”

“I take that to mean you know her?”

“Yes. Let’s just say that I came between her and a long wished for desire.”

“What desire?”

“Her desire to be Lady Duncan.”

“So just what is it you think she wants?”

“I don’t know Adam, not exactly. I only know that she hates me and blames me for something I had nothing to do with.”

“It sounds as if she and her brother are very much alike.”

 

The following morning the true reason for the visit was revealed. Adam had asked Storm to keep AJ upstairs when Andrew had said he wanted to talk with him.

“Are you insane?! Do you honestly think I will let you take AJ away from me?! He’s my SON!”

“Yes and Emily was my daughter! Yet you took her away! You killed her!”

“Andrew.”

“No Judith! He took my daughter against my wishes.”

“So now you think you will take my son against mine?!”

“We will take it to a court of law. I don’t think there is anyone who will believe that I am not a better choice for raising him. At least with me he will know who is real mother is, not believe her to be a half-breed.”

Adam wasn‘t too sure of what angered him more, that Andrew would think they wouldn‘t tell AJ of Emily or that he seemed to think Storm was a bad mother.

“Andrew if that is the only reason you have you will find that there are a lot of people who will testify to just how good a mother Storm is to AJ.”

“Yes that very well may be Adam but everyone has a price.”

“Funny, you never found mine.”

“Judith, Estelle, I think it would be best if we go stay in town.”

After they were gone Adam didn’t know just where to turn. He knew if it came right down to it, if this became a battle fueled by cash, he had no hope of beating Andrew King.

“Adam. He could never win.”

“I’m not too sure of that pa but I am sure that Storm not be told of this, at least not what Andrew feels to be his most compelling reason he would be allowed to take AJ.”

It was already too late for that. Storm had already heard. She couldn’t help but hear the worry in Adam’s raised voice and had gone to do whatever she could to calm him down. She had turned back when she had heard what Andrew King had said. She knew what she had to do. No matter how much it hurt, she knew. She had to wait for three days to follow through with her plan. Three days of watching Adam fall apart, of watching everyone fall apart. Perhaps that was for the best, it helped to make her solution a little easier to carry out.

It gave her more of a reason. Storm was upstairs trying to decide what to take when she heard the knock on the door. Since she was alone in the house it would be up to her to answer it.

“Hello Mrs. King. I’m afraid there is no one here but me. Now if you will please excuse me I was in the middle of something. If you would like to wait for someone else please make yourself comfortable.”

“Actually I came to see you.”

“Me? Why?”

“I wanted to talk to you.”

“Mrs. King I am very busy. Please excuse me if I don’t have the time to talk to you.” And besides, Storm thought, once today is over there will be no need.

“It is rather important.”

“Not as important as my leaving before Adam and AJ return!” She went upstairs and back to her packing. She barely noticed that Judith followed.

“You’re leaving? I thought you loved them?”

“I do Mrs. King but if I go I take away what your husband seems to think is his one legally acceptable reason for taking AJ. It will also give Estelle what she wants without making your husband hurt them. In time I hope Adam will forgive me, perhaps understand why I left. AJ; he’s young, he will forget me. I would rather leave and have Adam hate me then to stay and be the reason he loses not only his son but the Ponderosa as well.”

“Why do you think they would lose the Ponderosa?”

“Because your husband has made it quite clear that this will be a battle that will be fought until one side runs out of money. While they have money Mrs. King, it is no where near as much as you and your husband have.”

“You love Adam very much.”

“Yes I do.”

“And yet you would walk away? Most women would be happy to have any reminder of their husbands other wife taken away. They would be happy if they didn’t have to share him with something that would bring to mind another woman.”

“Those are selfish women Mrs. King. Ones who don’t know the true meaning of loving someone. I could never hate AJ because he isn’t my son, I can only love him because he is Adam’s. If Adam sees Emily in him it’s alright because I see Adam in him.”

“I don’t believe your leaving will make any difference. You see you are not the reason Andrew is trying to take AJ away. You may be what he is using as a motive but you are not the cause.”

“I know, I remember. Your husband feels Adam is responsible for Emily’s death. He feels if she had stayed in San Francisco she would still be alive. Do you believe that as well?”

“No. Emily never was very strong, even as a child, but she loved Adam and he loved her. It wouldn’t have mattered if she were here or in San Francisco; if it were Adam’s child or another man’s. At least with Adam she knew what true love was, what it was to be truly happy.”

“Still if I go, what excuse could he use then?”

“I don’t know but he’ll find one.”

“Then you have to talk to him. You have to convince him that he’s wrong. You have to tell him to stop listening to his sister. She is only doing this to try and hurt me.”

“How did you know she was the one who put this idea into his head?”

“Because she hates me and would do anything to hurt me. She wouldn’t care how many innocent people got hurt to accomplish that.”

“Alright I will talk to him with one condition.”

“What condition?”

“That you unpack and stay. I believe you when you say that you love Adam but even more I believe you when you say you love AJ. Someone told me how you almost died trying to protect him. I know Emily could never want for anyone better then you to be like a mother to her son.”

“Mrs. King, I am not like his mother, I am his mother. I may not have given birth to him but I have been here since he was six months old. I have tried to ease the pain he felt when he was teething, I have changed countless diapers, I have fed him endless bottles. There were nights I couldn’t fall asleep because he had a fever and he would sleep only when I held him. Adam tried but as I told him I’m soft where he’s hard. Mrs. King I don’t want to leave him. I remember how excited we all were when he took his first steps. I can remember how upset I was when he fell and got hurt, I don’t know who cried more him or me.”

“I believe it was you.”

“Adam.”

“Storm what is going on?” He had noticed that she appeared to be packing. “Where are you going?”

“She’s not going anywhere Adam and neither is AJ.”

“Are you saying that you can convince Andrew to stop this Judith?”

“Storm is right. There is no mistaking that Andrew will put every cent he has into this fight. Unfortunately for Andrew most of the money is mine. It would seem, Adam, that you have given me the same strength you gave Emily. You have given me the strength to stand up to Andrew.”

“I’m glad to hear it Judith but it may not be necessary.”

“What do you mean Adam?”

“There is someone downstairs who would like to see you Storm. Someone who just may be able to end this before it can begin.”

Storm followed Judith and Adam downstairs. She wasn’t too sure who would be waiting but there was a very small part of her that hoped it would be her father.

“George!”

Everyone could see she was happy to see him but only Adam could hear the slight disappointment in her voice and he could guess why.

“Now she calls me George.” He was happy to receive the same greeting that Ben had when they had first arrived at the Ponderosa.

“I’m so very happy that you’re here.”

“Not nearly as happy as I am to be here.”

Storm noticed that there were two more guests that had arrived.“Lady Olivia? Ivy! What are you doing here?”

“Let’s us just say that George finally came to his senses.”

“Given time I find that most men will recognize what has always been right in front of them.”

Adam and George looked at each other knowing exactly what was being implied.

“At least Storm yours didn’t take quite as long.”

“Why didn’t you write and tell me? You should have let me know you were to marry.”

“I didn’t wish to upset you.” George had thought that upon learning of his plans to marry that Storm would be upset to think that she could be so easily replaced in his heart and he knew nothing was further from the truth. He found he still did love Storm, loving her was not something one could stop doing, it was just a different kind of love.

“Now why would it have upset me? To know that you were happy could only have made me happy.”

“I’m sorry Storm it’s just that I keep forgetting what a remarkable person you are. I am glad to see that he has realized it.”

“Yes it would seem that you and Adam have switched places. You went from loving me as woman to loving me as a sister and Adam has finally opened his eyes to see I am no longer a child.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but just how is it that this gentleman can stop my husband?”

“I’m not too sure if I can stop your husband, but I can stop Estelle. If she is the one who started this I will make sure she finds a way to stop it.”

“But how?”

“By making sure she knows that if she ever wishes to show her face in Europe again she will stop this.”

“How could you stop her from returning to Europe?”

“I couldn’t stop her from returning I could just make sure she would not be very well accepted when she did. You see there I am Lord George Duncan and there titles carry a great deal of weight.”

For the first time in a while Storm felt optimistic. She didn’t want to talk of this anymore so she changed the subject to one she was always happy to talk about.

“So tell me Ivy do you think I lied, or do you agree with me that he is one of the handsomest men you have ever seen.”

“STORM.”

Unlike her Adam knew that not all woman were of the same opinion as to what made a man handsome and he didn‘t like that she had just put this poor young lady on the spot.

“Well Adam I would like to know if I was exaggerating as some had suggested or if I have been found to have been telling the truth.”

“I will tell you that you were most definitely telling the truth.”

“Thank you Lady Olivia.” For the first time in many days Storm heard laughter pass Adams’s lips. “Oh Adam it is so good to see you smile.”

“It’s good to smile.” He pulled her too him which made everyone else around them smile.

 

When Andrew and Estelle showed up for their next meeting they were surprised to find Lord Duncan in attendance as well. Judith, of course, knew he would be there although she had been asked to keep it from the others.

“Lord Duncan?”

“Hello Estelle.”

“I’m surprised to see you here.”

“I came to attend Storm’s wedding and upon hearing of the trouble that is occurring I have offered whatever help I can, but of course you wouldn’t understand that would you. You could never understand how after being refused by her I would want to see her happy, why I would wish to help her. You could never understand that because in order for you too you would have to have an understanding of what it really means to care for someone. I only want what is best for her and I believe what is best for her is Adam. So if you or your brother continues to try and hurt Storm by hurting Adam I will do whatever is in my power to stop you. Whether that aide comes in the form of money here or influence in England, I will stop at nothing to stop you.”

“Lord Duncan you have no right to interfere. He is my grandson.”

“Really Mr. King? Are you saying the only reason you are trying to take AJ away from his father is because you believe it to be in his best interest? Then why have you waited almost two years. Why did this only occur to you only after your sister suggested it. Tell me did your sister return because she found out about your daughter’s death or because she found out who Adam was to marry? You, sir, are not serving your purpose, you are serving hers.”

Judith could see her husband as he began to doubt his sister’s motives and while he was she decided to try and give him reason to doubt his actions.

“Andrew, Emily wouldn’t want this. You say that you love her, then why would you do something you know in your heart she wouldn’t want?”

“Are you saying Judith that you believe she would be a good mother to our grandson”

“I know she would be. Emily please forgive me for what I am about to say, Adam I beg your forgiveness too. Andrew I believe she will be a better mother then Emily.”

“What are you saying!? You don’t think your own daughter would have been a good mother?”

“NO, she would have been a wonderful mother! I just don’t think she could have died to keep AJ safe.”

“She died giving him life Judith!”

“That wasn’t her choice. I know she accepted it and I’m sure she didn’t regret it, but it wasn’t her choice.”

“Then what you’re saying is that, given the choice, your daughter would have sacrificed her son to save herself.”

“There is a fine line between saying you would die to save someone and actually being capable of doing it. Adam you know as well as I that Emily wasn’t that strong. Storm, give me your hand.”

“Judith?” It was not because she was embarrassed by the scar but because Storm was not the type of person who liked to have her sacrifices displayed for the world to see. When she did something it wasn’t to have others praise her but because it was the right thing to do. Her mother had once told her that the greatest deeds are those unknown.

“Please Storm. You asked me to try and stop this then help me too.”

Storm looked at Adam. He smiled at her and nodded so she offered her hand to Judith.

“Andrew, that cut alone would have made our daughter stop fighting. Chances are she would have fainted. The fact that she is weaker than Storm didn’t make me love Emily less, that was just who she was. It doesn’t mean she loved AJ less than Storm. I know she would have fought until she couldn’t any longer. Her strength her fortitude is just less than Storm’s.”

“Then you‘re saying she should have never come here? That if she had stayed in San Francisco she would still be alive.”

“Perhaps, but she would be miserable. Andrew would you have wanted your daughter to live her whole life not knowing what love was. I know you Andrew and I know you loved her. I know that you would have sacrificed your life to save her. You saw how happy Adam made her and the only reason you tried to discourage her was because you knew as well as I what that would mean. You knew that she would follow him anywhere. You also know that it wouldn’t have mattered if it were Adam or some other man, if it were here or back in San Francisco. Andrew you may continue this if you wish but you will find that you stand alone. I will no longer be beside you and I am sure you will find that your sister has discovered that this can no longer be beneficial to her. She may wish to hurt Storm but not at what it may cost her to do so.”

“Estelle?”

“Well Andrew I do have to get back to my own life?”

“But you said it was for the best. You told me that she was a bad person. That because of her father and Lord Duncan people turned their heads to the person she truly is.”

“Mr. King, you still have time. My father has blamed me for my mother’s death since I was ten years old and yet I still wish he would love me. Because of that I know Adam would forgive you if you would only ask him too.”

“You think I have done something wrong?”

“You blame him for something that he is not guilty of, so yes you have done something wrong. He loved your daughter. I know that because no one knows Adam as well as I do. He has been a part of my life for a very long time and he has been in my heart for just as long. Mr. King, Adam would never deny you the right to be a part of AJ’s life I’m just sure he would prefer it if you and he could at least be amicable towards each other, if only for AJ’s sake.”

“Is that true? If I offered you my hand would you take it?”

“Why don’t you try and find out?”

Andrew King held out his hand uncertain if he deserved to be forgiven. Adam took it as Storm knew he would.

“Andrew, Judith how would you like to come and spend the day with your grandson.”

“We would like that very much, wouldn’t we Andrew?”

“Yes Judith. I would like nothing more than to spend the day with your son Adam.”

Estelle got back to her life and Andrew King started living his again. He even admitted that Adam wasn’t quite as bad as he had originally thought. When he and Judith left for San Francisco they did so with a promise to return for the wedding. As the days passed Storm was grateful to have so many people to help her. Lady Olivia and Mrs. Keyes were like mothers to her. They offered her advice and help as all mothers do. Ivy was a friend, a sister almost, someone Storm confided things to as all sisters do. Ivy had been one of the few girls her age in England who hadn’t looked down on her because they felt she was not their equal.

“Storm do you think we could go riding today?”

“Ivy, Storm has other things to do besides go riding with you today.”

“Yes mother.”

“No Ivy, I think I could use a ride. It will help to clear my head and make me forget about all the things I should be worrying about. I never realized how much work goes into planning a wedding. I’m beginning to think that Adam and I should have just eloped.”

“Oh God forbid. You know as well as I that Ben would have never forgiven you.”

Rebecca knew that Ben would love nothing more than to see his son marry here in Nevada.

“I think he would have, at least he would have after his grandchild was born, but I still could use a ride. Why don’t you and Lady Olivia stay here and keep on planning. You know as well as I that I have managed to secure the most difficult item for this wedding. I have supplied the groom.”

“Yes you most certainly have.”

After she and Ivy had been riding for a short while Storm asked what she wouldn’t before. She knew if she had Ivy would have been embarrassed and may have changed her mind about going riding and Storm did truly wish to get away for a while, if only a short while.

“So just where is the destination you wish to arrive at?”

“How did you know I wanted to go someplace in particular?”

“Oh I just guessed. Ivy you like Little Joe don’t you?”

“He is rather charming. Oh I don’t think I can say I love him but he is fun to be with. I know that sounds rather wicked.”

“I find that the Cartwright men can bring out the wickedness in most women.”

“Storm I don’t want you to think that he has done anything that is in any way improper.”

“Are you telling me that in all this time he hasn’t even kissed you? I’ll be sure to ask Adam to have a talk with him.”

“Now you are being wicked. Storm you wouldn’t really talk about such things with Adam would you?”

“Ivy there is nothing I haven’t talked to Adam about already.”

“But about things such as that?”

“Ivy I have known Adam since I was four years old. He has taught me a number of things but mainly to never be afraid or ashamed to talk to him about anything. I am sure there have been times he has regretted that slightly but he has never turned me away. He hasn’t always answered my questions but he has never ignored them or made me feel as if I had been foolish to ask them. On the few occasions he didn’t give me an answer he would tell me I wasn’t old enough or he felt I wasn’t ready to know the answers. I might have argued a little that I was but only because I liked to try and sway him. Truth is I always respected his judgment.”

“Storm you make him sound so wonderful.”

“He is Ivy and if we don’t stop talking about him I am going to leave you right here and find him and once I do I will proceed to kiss him until my lips hurt.”

“STORM. You truly are wicked.”

“I may be but at least I’m speaking of the man who will soon be my husband. You have taken me away from my wedding plans under the pretense of only wishing to go for a ride when in actuality you wish to find a man that you consider to be charming.”

“Storm.”

They knew they had reached their destination when they spotted Little Joe and Adam working to repair some fencing.

“Hello Little Joe; Adam.”

Adam didn’t mistake the tone in Storm’s voice when she had said his name for anything less than what it was.Unfortunately Little Joe was too intent on Ivy to have noticed.

“What are you two doing out here? I thought you would be busy making plans.”

The way Storm was staring at him made Adam feel even warmer then he had in spite of the fact that he had removed his shirt long before she had ever arrived.

“Ivy wished to go for a ride.” God why couldn’t she take her eyes off of him? “Little Joe why don’t you take Ivy up to the bluff. I don’t feel like riding anymore.”

“That sounds like a very good idea.” Little Joe liked Ivy too but like her he knew it wouldn’t lead to love, he just enjoyed being with her.

“JOSEPH. Storm you should know better than to give him an excuse to stop working.”

“As I see it Adam I am going to be your wife so I may as well get use to helping you.”

“There you go Adam, besides the hardest part is already done all Storm has to do is hold the poles straight.”

“JOSEPH.” Adam could see that his brother didn’t understand his unspoken plea because he was already preparing to mount his horse.

Little Joe may not have understood why his brother sounded nervous but he hadn’t missed that he did. “Adam is something wrong?”

“No of course not Little Joe. Like you said the hardest work is already done so go on.”

“Storm he didn’t ask you.”

“Maybe not brother but I think I like her answer better than I’ll like yours.” With that Little Joe and Ivy rode off leaving Adam feeling very insecure.

“Alright, now what Storm.” Adam should have known better than to ask. What was on her mind was very easy to read in her eyes.

“I think…..no I know……Adam I have heard of men ravishing women, is it possible for a woman to ravish a man?”

“STORM.”

“Well I can’t help it! All this talk and planning for our wedding day only makes me think about our wedding night all the more, and you, you’re no help standing there like that. Tell me just how you would feel if I were standing in front of you bare-chested.”

“STORM!!” He had to concede she was right. Just the thought of her standing before him as he was before her made him lose some of his resolve to wait. “Alright Storm.”

She saw him reach for his shirt but she grabbed it first. “Storm give it here.”

“No.”

“Storm please.”

“Adam.”

There it was again, that sound in her voice that set his whole body on edge. “Storm don’t talk to me, don’t even look at me, just…..” He should have remembered the lesson he had learned when he had closed his eyes on her in a situation such as this before, the difference was that time he had at least been wearing a shirt. “STORM!” He felt a warmth go through him the instant her hands touched him. “Oh God Storm.”

He pulled her into his embrace and began to kiss her entire face knowing it would take more then any will power he possessed to stop this time.

“Adam, oh Adam.”

“That does it!”

“Pa! Thank God.”

Ben could tell his son meant it.

“Ben go away.”

He could also tell Storm meant it.

“Storm Margaret Kendall!”

She knew she was in trouble, very rarely did Ben ever use her full given name.

“Oh DAMN IT.”

“STORM.” When Adam looked at her face he couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny!?”

“You. You had that same pouty expression when I told you you couldn’t help with the branding.”

“That’s because I wanted to do that really badly too.”

“Pa how did you know I would be needing your help?”

“How? I met Little Joe and Ivy riding without Storm and figured she would be with you. Then when Little Joe said that you had sounded kind of nervous when he had left you I thought it would be a good idea to come and see just what was going on.”

“Nothing, not any more.”

“Sweetheart it’s only for two more weeks.”

“Yes two weeks that you will be staying in town young lady.”

“What?”

“Ah pa, isn’t that a little extreme?”

“Judging from the scene I just rode up on? NO.”

They both watched with smiles as Storm stomped over to her horse and rode away.

“I think right now she just might hate me a little.”

“No pa. I don’t think she could ever hate you.”

“Son do you think you can keep up with her?”

“Honestly pa, I don’t know but I do think it will be worth every effort it might take to try.”

As always Ben was true to his word and saw that Storm, along with Lady Olivia, Lord Duncan and Ivy, moved into town. He had met with less resistance than he had thought.

“Storm what are you doing? This is the fifth night in a row I have found you standing like this.”

“Ivy, before we left the Ponderosa I made Adam promise me something. I made him promise me that at ten o’clock every night for five minutes he would look up at the North Star and I would do the same. That way, for a little while at least, I would know what he was doing and he would know what I was doing. For those five minutes we would be together.”

“Do you really think he is keeping that promise?”

“Of course he is Ivy.”

“I find it hard to believe that any man is that wonderful.”

Lady Olivia had known where to find Storm because, as Ivy had said, she had been in the same place for the past five nights.

“Lady Olivia, every man is that wonderful, at least in the eyes of the woman who loves him.”

“I suppose your are right about that.”

 

CHAPTER 10

The day finally arrived and to everyone’s surprise Storm was calm and quiet. It was all those around her who had seemed to lose their senses. Surprisingly, much the same was happening at the Ponderosa. Adam was peacefully going about getting ready while his father and brothers seemed to have lost their minds. It was probably due to the fact that both Storm and Adam’s minds were on what would happen that night and had no room to be worried about what was about to happen.

The ceremony went along as most do. From the moment Storm joined Adam at the altar the smiles that had come to their faces when they had first seen each other left neither one of their faces, at least not until the preacher asked if anyone saw just cause why they shouldn’t be joined in holy matrimony.

“I know of a reason.”

All heads turned to the gentleman who few had even seen enter, those that had noticed that he had kept himself to the shadows. While everyone strained to see who would dare to come between them, neither Storm nor Adam needed to see him to know who he was.

“Papa?! You can’t object, you gave up that right a long time ago.”

“You can’t marry him. I know you won’t want to when I tell you the only reason he is marrying you is out of guilt.”

“Guilt? Over what?”

“You don’t know this, I had hoped to spare you, but he is responsible for you mother’s death.”

“I see papa, when it suits your purpose he’s to blame otherwise the fault is mine.”

“It was men he hired who did it!” They had been some of the first men Adam had hired on his own.

“I already knew that papa. He told me a long time ago. Adam has never lied to me and he has never kept a truth from me.”

“You forgave him!”

“Forgave him? Papa there was nothing to forgive. The only ones to blame for what happened to mama are the men who did it. Not me, not Adam, not even yourself. Sometimes things happen just because they are meant to happen. Mama would be the first one to tell you that. Now you can stay here or you can leave because I am done. Papa I am done trying to please you. I’m tired papa, I’m tired of doing everything you say in hopes of gaining an ounce of acceptance because it never comes. I am going to marry Adam because I love him and I know that he loves me. So stay or go papa. I want you to know that if you stay we will be very happy to have you as a part of our lives but if you go remember that the door will always be open for you to come back. I love you papa, I always have and I always will.”Storm once again faced the preacher. “Now may we please continue.”

Everyone followed Storm’s lead and turned to face the front of the church. They all jumped when the door slammed shut. Adam looked at Storm expecting the sadness he saw but not the relief. He realized that for the first time in twelve years she believed that she had done everything within her power; it was now up to her father.

 

“Good evening Mrs. Cartwright.”

“Adam you’re being silly.”

“Am I? I hadn’t realized I’d done anything that was silly.”

“Well you have, you never call me Mrs. Cartwright.”

“I will from now on.”

“Adam, that’s not what you said, you were supposed to ask me to dance.”

“I’d love to.” He pulled her into his arms and led her around to the music.

“Adam, am I dreaming or are we truly married.”

“We are truly married.”

“Does that mean I finally get to ravish you?”

“Storm I don’t think you know what that means.”

“I’m sure you will show me.”

The party had been going on for hours and Ben was enjoying himself. Storm had just come in search of Adam but had been distracted by Little Joe’s request of a dance. Ben decided to see if he could find his son for her.

“What are you doing over here? Don’t you know you have one very beautiful bride looking for you?”

“Pa what if…..” Ben could hear the worry in his son’s voice. “What if I lose her. Then what? There isn’t a person in this world who could see me through that pain.”

“Adam, she is not Emily.”

“I know that pa. God how I know that.”

“Here you are.” Storm had begun to worry. She had also begun to feel rather anxious. “You know Adam it is too late to be having second thoughts.”

“I suppose you would have to wait and find out just what those second thoughts were about.”

She reached up and tenderly caressed his cheek. “You mean you’ve only thought of it twice? Adam can we go home now?”

“See pa, not Emily at all.”

Ben helped them to leave fairly unnoticed. The few that did notice were more than willing to keep their secret.

When they reached their house Storm asked a question she had asked before. “So will you tell me now if our house is furnished?”

“Yes Storm, every room is completely furnished.” She did something so totally out of character, so unexpected, it almost made Adam think he had taken the wrong woman with him. She lowered her eyes. “My God Storm, are you blushing?”

“NO. It’s just very warm.”

“Yes and getting warmer by the minute.” He got out of the carriage and found that for one of the first times he could ever remember she actually waited for him to help her. He carried her in his arms into the house. “Aren’t you going to tell me that you can walk?”

“No, because I’m not too sure if I can.”

He didn’t let her feet touch the floor again until they were in their bedroom and if you asked Storm she would tell you they didn’t touch even then. At first he tried to arouse her desire by kissing her and slowly undressing her. As a part of her body that he had never seen before was revealed he would kiss it.

“Adam, oh Adam please.”

He knew that each breathless word that she had uttered had only been through great effort on her part. Once she stood before him completely naked he again lifted her off her feet and tenderly placed her on their bed. After he was as she was he joined her there. When their naked flesh touched for the first time each felt a fire hotter than any branding iron.

“Adam please.”

She didn’t need to put into words exactly what she was asking of him, he knew. It was a plea he could refuse no longer, one he was happy he didn’t have to try to any more.

“Storm I love you.” It was what she said next that compelled him to put an end to their unfulfilled desire. “Adam I need you.”

He felt her whole body tense at the pain and the new sensation the joining of their bodies brought to her. He waited until he could once again feel her relaxing and then began to move within her.

As he lay there next to her watching her sleep he was happy to see a smile on her face. He found sleep for him a little difficult to find. He was as exhausted as she but his mind kept thinking about what he had done. He swore to himself that it had been done unconsciously. It was something a deep down fear had caused him to instinctively do. Storm was, for one of the first times in a long time, so very happy. She had Adam, she had AJ, and yet somewhere inside she felt something wasn’t quite right. There was a tiny hole inside that seemed to be always empty and even though after making love she felt completely satisfied that emptiness would always feel greatest then.

 

The New Year came and with it a great battle of wills.

“Adam will you be home for lunch or should I fix something for you to bring?”

“I would love to say I’ll be home but where we have to ride to is about three hours away, so I guess you had better pack something for me.”

She went into the kitchen and a few minutes later appeared with a saddlebag.

“Do you think I’m going to be out all night?”

“Now Adam do you really think I would send you out without something for Little Joe and Hoss as well?”

“You spoil them. They’re never going to find wives of their own.”

“Are you saying the only reason you married me is for my ability to pack lunches?”

“You do possess other very pleasing abilities.” Once he started kissing her he was sorry. Not because he found it unpleasant and wished to stop but because he knew now it would be very difficult to stop. He had promised his brothers he would meet them at eight o’clock and it was already seven thirty.

“Adam you had best get going.”

“Yes I had otherwise it will be you and I sharing this lunch instead of me, Hoss and Little Joe.”

“And what of AJ?”

“Mrs. Keyes can take him with her when she comes.”

“ADAM.”

“I will probably be home around five or six.”

“I will be waiting.”

 

“Well don’t you look happy.”

“I am Mrs. Keyes, I really am.”

“Storm I saw Marybeth in town the other day.”

“How is she? How is Cory? They have been married; what four months now.” When she had first returned Storm was happy to find that her old friend was still living in Virginia City. Once her concerns for Adam had been put to rest she was once again able to rekindle that old friendship and found it easier than she had thought it would be.

“Yes it has been four months. Do you want to know what she told me? She said she’s going to have a baby.”

“Really? That’s wonderful news.”

As the day wore on Storm began to wonder what was wrong with her. Jealously was not an emotion Storm was use to feeling and not one she liked to feel but the more she thought on what Mrs. Keyes had told her the more it kept eating away at her. Marybeth was going to have a baby after being married for only four months and she and Adam had been married for six months now. Was it possible that Adam’s fears were without merit? Was it possible that he needn’t worry about her dying in childbirth because she would never have children? If that were true than the fault was her, not Adam’s, AJ was proof of that. Then she remembered something Adam had said. Something that had stayed with her even if she didn’t understand why. He had once said something about if he had known what would happen beforehand. He had never finished that remark but Storm understood what he had meant. He couldn’t mean he would have never made love to Emily but was there another way to prevent a child?

Storm could think of only one person to ask. “Mrs. Keyes where’s AJ?”

“Playing in his room. I swear I have never seen a child with so many toys.”

For the first time Rebecca looked at Storm and what she saw scared her.

“Storm, what’s wrong?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course you can.”

“Will you answer me honestly?”

“Haven’t I always?”

“Adam was with Marinda more than once and I’m sure he has been with other woman as well.”

“Storm that is in the past. You can’t be thinking that he…”

“No I don’t question his fidelity. What I can’t understand is how, in all those times, he never had a child with her or any other woman.”

“Storm a man has ways to keep from giving a woman his child.”

“How?”

“Storm you have been married for six months now and I am not foolish enough to believe that in that time you and Adam have not….well not made love. You must know by now what happens when a man is…well when he has reached that certain point.” Rebecca knew she was avoiding the words when that was what Storm needed to know, for some reason, she needed to know. “Storm if a man doesn’t wish for a woman to have his child he simply doesn’t remain inside her when he feels he is about to…..”

“It’s alright Mrs. Keyes, I understand.”

Rebecca could see the tears forming in her eyes, could hear the heartbreak in her voice.

“Storm, child what is wrong?”

“Nothing. Mrs. Keyes will you do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Will you take AJ to Ben? Will you please ask him, if he doesn’t mind, will he keep AJ with him tonight?”

“Yes but may I ask why?”

“Because I have to find out the truth and I don’t want AJ to hear it.”

Around four o’clock, against her better judgment, Rebecca took AJ and left Storm alone. An hour and a half later Adam came home to find her in the same spot Rebecca had left her.

“Well good evening Mrs. Cartwright.” He went to her as he always did when he got home and bent to kiss her. He was surprised when she raised her hands and placed them on his chest.

“No Adam.”

“No?” If it weren’t for the fact that he could see she had been crying or the hurt tone in her voice he would have thought she were playing some new game.

“Adam I want you to tell me something.”

“Storm what’s wrong?”

“Just tell me did you ever love me or did you just want a whore you knew you could trust your son to.”

“What are you talking about?” He didn’t know what was upsetting him more, that she would question his love or that she could think of herself as a whore. “You treat me as you have any other whore and you knew that I loved you so much that I would be willing to whore myself for you.”

“STORM I want you to STOP saying that!”

“Saying what Adam? Whore? Why should I stop? WHY! It’s true! You keep from me the one thing that would make me your wife so when you married me you made sure I would nothing more than a socially acceptable whore.”

“So help me Storm if you say that word one more time I will….”

“You’ll what ADAM!? Hit me? You’ve already done it once and as far as whores are concerned I hear it’s quite an acceptable thing.”

“So are you saying you wouldn’t cut my hand off, because it is considered by some to be acceptable for wives as well!”

“No Adam if I were your wife I would most definitely carry through with my threat because a man should never treat his wife like that, but I’m not your wife Adam!”

Couldn’t she see how much her words were hurting him? “Storm will you please tell me what this is all about?”

“Alright Adam. You’ve withheld from me, from the very day we were married, the one thing a man gives to his wife alone. You have kept from me what would give me a chance to have your children.”

“And you think it’s because I don’t love you! You think it’s because I think of you as some kind of a…..” He couldn’t even bring himself to say it. “Storm I love you more than anything and I don’t think God would ever forgive me for killing an angel.”

“I’m not an angel Adam no more than you are a saint! Why can’t you see! If Ben had followed your reasoning neither Hoss nor Little Joe would have been born!”

“Storm this is a little different.”

“Why!? Because of your mother Adam? Then I suppose AJ should feel so guilty……”

“STORM!” One thing he found difficult was to argue with her when she was making perfect sense.

“Oh Adam, don’t you understand, I’d rather die loving you then to live hating you.” She could tell the argument was almost over now.

“Are you saying that if we don’t have children you would hate me?”

“No only if you don’t allow us the chance to.”

“I do believe that is called blackmail.”

“Please Adam, just have a little faith. Faith in me, faith in us, faith in God. Adam you have to know that life is a very fragile thing. I could go riding tomorrow and be thrown and break my neck.”

“Then you’ll never go riding again.”

“Would you really deny me that knowing how much I love it? Of course you would because you deny me yourself when you know how much I love you. Oh Adam don’t you think that every time you leave this house I’m afraid. Why is it you think I cling to you as I do every morning? Why is it I always seem to need just one more kiss? Why do I seem to need to lie so close to you every night? The dangers you face are so much greater than mine. You could be thrown just as easily but you stand a greater chance of being trampled or shot. Would you like to know what makes the time you’re away from me bearable? AJ, I have AJ, and whenever I start to think things like that I look at him and I see you and I know that in him I’ll always have you. Same as in him you will always have Emily. Isn’t that what made losing her sufferable? What of me Adam? What if I should…?”

“Don’t say it Storm.”

“What if I should die tomorrow? What would you hold on to? How would you remember me?”

“As if I could ever forget you.”

“Adam you have said it so many times, I am not Emily.”

“No you most definitely are not.”

“Then stop treating me as if I am.”

He pulled her to him, but knowing she was right didn’t erase the fear.

“Please Adam. Please trust me.”

He heard that hunger in her voice again and surrendered to it. He picked her up and began to make his way upstairs. Halfway up he realized something was missing. “Storm where is AJ?”

“With Ben. I asked Mrs. Keyes to bring him there for tonight.”

For the first time in six months of marriage that empty hole in Storm was filled and for the first time in those six months Adam attained a state of complete bliss.   Even if Adam were to have second thoughts there wasn’t enough time for him to. It seemed as if Storm needed only one chance to start proving to him she was different from Emily in this as well.

 

“Good morning Adam.”

“Good morning Mrs. Keyes.”

“Where is Storm?

“I’m afraid she’s not feeling too well. I’m sorry to have to rush off but I’m already late.”

“I’m sure in this instance your brothers would forgive you.”

“I’m sure they would but I’m afraid to tell them. If I did tell them they would want to rush over here and see her.”

“Would that really bother you?”

“No but if they did then Storm would get no rest and I think that’s what she needs most right now.”

“Why do you have to tell them anything?”

“Because I packed my lunch today and they will know by that that something must be wrong.”

“Then why don’t you rush off and just tell them she was sleeping when you left.”

“Because Storm hasn’t slept this late since….I can’t think of a time she ever slept this late.” Adam bent and picked up his son. “AJ you be a good boy and mind Mrs. Keyes.”

“Yes papa.”

“And don’t go bothering mama too much.”

“No papa. Papa I love you.”

“I love you too AJ.” Adam kissed his son and left to join his brothers. Adam had been gone maybe five minutes when Storm came downstairs.

“Good morning Mrs. Keyes.”

“Good morning to you. I thought you would be sleeping most of the day. The way Adam was talking I thought you were pretty sick.”

“I was, but now I’m hungry.”

“Mornin’ mama.”

“Good morning AJ.”

“Papa said I ain’t suppose to bother you.”

“Not suppose to, and you never bother me.”

“AJ why don’t you go on upstairs and I will be up in a few minutes to read you a story.”

“Okay Mrs. Keyes.”

They both watched as he slowly made his way up the steps to his room.

“He is getting so big.” Storm said this with a longing Mrs. Keyes understood only too well.

“Yes he is. It would sure be nice to have a newborn baby to take care of.”

“A new baby? Mrs. Keyes are you trying to tell me something?”

“Not me silly, you.”

“ME? Why would you think……I mean just because….do you really think so?”

“Are you saying it isn’t a possibility?”

“I suppose it is now.”

“Is everything alright?”

“It’s just that Adam is going to be so….”

Rebecca couldn’t understand why Storm hesitated. “Happy?”

“I hope so Mrs. Keyes. I hope so.”

“Of course he will be happy.”

“Your right of course but maybe I should go see the doctor to make sure before I go and…..”

“Get his hopes up? I’ll tell you what we’ll do. I’ll ask Doc Martin to come out tomorrow. This way no one will see you go into town and start spreading rumors about what the possible cause could be for you to go and see the doctor.”

“Thank you. I would like to keep this a secret, at least until I tell Adam.”

 

When Hoss and Little Joe saw the lunch Adam had they did indeed know something was wrong. They had originally thought that perhaps it was due to an argument he and Storm had had and this was one way for Storm to punish him but they both felt that she would never punish them as well and that would be exactly what she would have done in not packing Adam‘s lunch. Adam told them the true reason not because he was giving in to their constant hounding but because he was beginning to worry about his wife.

When they went inside both Hoss and Little Joe believed that their brother had lied to them. “I thought you said you were late this morning because Storm was sick.”

“Well she was.”

“I was Little Joe, but I’m feeling much better now.” She gave them all a kiss hello. “Now how about something to eat. I’m sure, Adam, that the lunch you packed for yourself wasn’t anywhere near enough.”

“That sounds real good Storm.” Hoss just loved Storm’s cooking almost as much as he loved Hop-Sing’s or maybe just as much. Storm smiled and made her way to the kitchen.

Adam followed her there. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

“I’m fine Adam. Now why don’t you go on up and tell Mrs. Keyes it’s time for lunch and to bring AJ down.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Adam, I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Adam knew Storm well enough to know there was something on her mind. She seemed to be happy and yet worried. He also knew her well enough to know that in time she would tell him what it was.   That night, for one of the very few times in her life, she couldn’t fall asleep. Now that the possibility that she was to have a baby was a real one she began to be a little frightened. What if Adam wasn’t happy, what if he were angry? What if she turned out to be more like Emily than she thought? She prayed that everything would be alright. She didn’t want to think that she would die like Emily, like Adam’s mother. She began to wish she had never made Adam give her this child because she would rather live her whole life alone then to hurt him like that.

“Hey sweetheart.” Storm had been so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t heard him get out of bed. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He pulled her close till he could feel her back against his chest.

“You’re cold, why don’t you come on back to bed and get under the covers with me.”

“Maybe I will.” She felt him begin to remove his arms from her waist but she wouldn’t let him.

“Adam?”

He could hear the worry, the doubt and the tears in her voice. It always surprised him how she could reveal so much with one word.

“Storm what’s wrong?”

“I was going to wait until I was sure.”

“Sure about what? Honey you’re scaring me. Does this have anything to do with your being sick today?”

“I suppose it does. Mrs. Keyes has asked Dr. Martin to come out tomorrow.”

“Paul? Why?”

“Adam will you please promise me you won’t be angry, that you won’t hate me?”

“Storm what is it?”

“I think that maybe I…that we…..Adam I think we’re going to have a baby.”

“A baby?” For Adam, now that it was a possibility, instead of the fear he had expected to feel he found himself feeling joy. “You’re scaring me like this because you think we might be having a baby?”

“I just thought you would be upset.”

“So did I.”

“You’re not?”

“No Storm I’m not.”

“Then you will be happy if it’s true?”

“Happy? Storm, it would be more like completely, wholly, totally, utterly overjoyed.”

 

The next morning Mrs. Keyes arrived the same time she always did. Storm noticed that she kept watching the clock and if she weren’t so busy being happy she might have remembered why. The first time Mrs. Keyes had a chance to speak with her alone she was reminded.

“Storm, the doctor will be here in a little while. When is Adam going to be leaving?”

“I’m sorry, I had forgotten or I would have told you.”

“You told him. I should have remembered that you can’t keep anything from him.”

“Good morning Paul.”

“Good morning Ben.” Ben was riding over to see how Storm was feeling today. He was a little anxious because Adam hadn’t shown up this morning and it had taken great effort to convince Hoss and Little Joe to go on without their brother. Now that he had met with Paul his anxiety heightened.

“Paul is there something wrong? Is it something I should know about?”

“No Ben.”

“You’re sure? Adam mentioned yesterday that Storm wasn’t feeling too well and now I meet you on the way to his house.”

“Don’t worry Ben. Now that were here why don’t we go on in.” Dr. Martin was a little surprised to find Adam still at home.

Rebecca could hear the uncertainty in his voice.

“Good morning Adam. I was just out riding and……”

“It’s alright Paul. We should have known there was no way she would be able to keep it from him.”

“Keep what from who? Paul, Rebecca? Adam?”

“Don’t worry pa, we’ll know soon enough. Paul, Storm is waiting for you upstairs.”

As Ben watched Paul go upstairs he knew what he hoped was going on but was afraid of what that might do to his son.

“Adam what’s going on?”

“Storm thinks that we may be having a baby.”

“Really? Is she sure?”

“That’s why Paul is here, to make sure.”

AJ couldn’t understand why everyone was just sitting around except for his father who seemed to be unable to sit still. He kept trying to get his father’s attention but when that didn’t work he tried to get his grandfather’s, finding that too failing he again turned back to his father.

“Papa?”

“One minute AJ.”

“But papa?”

“AJ I said ONE MINUTE.”

“Don’t you speak to him like that and don’t tell him one minute. Come here AJ.” Storm could see the tears beginning in their son’s eyes. She knew that Adam was only worried and hadn’t meant to answer AJ so sternly but AJ didn’t know that. “Adam if that is how you’re going to treat this baby as well I will just have to go and find another husband.”

“Then you are…I mean we are?”

“Yes we are.”

When Adam took her in his arms she knew he was happy but she could also sense his apprehension.

When Storm was almost five months along Paul gave her some news. News she wasn’t quite sure how to handle but news that would prove that if it were for Adam’s own good she could keep a secret from him. “You’re sure Paul?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I would have thought you would be happy.”

“I am Paul. It’s just that, well I know Adam says he’s no more worried about me than any other husband is when his wife is in this condition, but I think he is and this will only make him worry even more. Paul, will you please promise me that you won’t tell him. Please.”

“I’ll promise you if you’ll promise me that you will take it extra easy. No riding, no lifting, not even AJ. I want you to rest as much as possible. Is it a deal?”

“Yes, it’s a deal.”

“Storm if I find out that you aren’t keeping your word I will tell the one person I know who will more than likely keep you in bed for the remaining four months.”

Storm needn’t be told who. She knew he meant Adam. Paul kept his word, he never told Adam, but he did tell Ben. That couldn’t be taken as him breaking his promise.

“Ben are you here alone?”

“Yes. Paul what brings you all the way out from town? It’s not Storm is it?”

“Well no and yes Ben.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No. Nothing is wrong. Actually I’ve just come from seeing her and she is doing fine. I’m here Ben because I need your help.”

“Help with what?”

“First you must give me your word that you won’t repeat what I am about to tell you to anyone.”

“What is it?”

“First your word.”

“Alright Paul, you have my word.”

“No one Ben, especially your sons, or I can’t tell you.”

“Alright Paul, now what is it?”

“I need you to make sure that Storm takes it extra easy. I’ve told her that I don’t want her lifting anything and no riding. I want her to get as much rest as possible.”

“Paul is there something wrong with Storm? Is there something wrong with the baby?” God forgive him but Ben didn’t know which would upset him more.

“Babies, Ben. Storm is going to have twins.”

“TWINS? Why wouldn’t she want to tell Adam?”

“She’s afraid it will make him worry even more. If he worries more about her then she’ll worry more about him and that wouldn’t be good for her. So it is best for us to keep her wish and not tell him because I think she may be right.”

“Alright Paul. It won’t be easy but alright and I will keep an eye on her but I’m sure she will do as you have told her. She does want this baby…I mean babies very badly.”

“Yes she does, if only to prove to Adam that Emily was not his fault.”

 

CHAPTER 11

It was a week before Christmas and Storm wasn’t due to have the babies for four more weeks so when she suggested that Adam leave her alone and go with AJ to the Christmas party no one was exceptionally worried.

Even so as he was getting ready Adam began to think this might not be such a good idea.

“Now you’re sure Storm? I could bring AJ and come right back.”

“Don’t be silly. I’ll probably just spend the time resting and enjoying being alone. It will be nice to be able to walk around without having someone constantly looking over my shoulder.”

“Just remember, no lifting.”

“Lifting? Adam I can’t even bend over let alone lift something.”

“You’re sure? It’s just that you look especially uncomfortable today.”

“Well you try carrying this much extra weight around and we’ll see just how uncomfortable you are, as a matter of fact tomorrow we will strap a full sack of grain to you and see just how comfortable you feel.”

Adam gave her a kiss and a smile. He could see she was trying to sound annoyed but she wasn’t doing a very good job of it. “Now you just stay here in bed. I’ve brought you up some water and some fruit. I’ve also brought some cookies and sandwiches.”

“I tell you how fat I am and you offer me food.”

“I’m not offering it to you, I’m offering it to my baby.”

“Well the only way for your baby to have anything is if I eat it.”

“Exactly. AJ you go and get ready so we can get going to grandpas.”

“Adam make sure to dress him warmly. It’s very cold out tonight.”

“Yes my love.” Here we go, Adam thought. Here comes the list.

“Adam be careful.”

“Yes sweetheart.”

“Adam remember to kiss everyone for me.”

“Yes dear.”

“Adam make sure everyone knows that I’m okay.”

“Yes darling.”

“Adam make sure that AJ behaves himself.”

“Yes my beloved.”

“Adam if it gets too late just stay there tonight and come home in the morning.”

“If it gets too late I’ll leave AJ there but I’ll not leave you alone tonight, or any night that I can help it.”

“Adam I love you.”

“And I love you my dearest.”

“Papa, I’m ready.”

“AJ come here and give me a kiss. Now you be a good boy remember Santa is watching.”

“Yes mama.”

They had been gone for almost three hours when Storm began to fear that maybe she should have told Adam to come back.

“Paul.”

“Good evening Adam. How is Storm doing?”

“I was going to talk to you about her but I was beginning to think you weren’t going to come.”

“There was a little trouble in town that required my attention but everything is alright now.”

“Paul would you mind very much riding over with me to see her? When I left she looked really uncomfortable.”

“She is eight months along. I expect it would be more worrisome if she weren’t uncomfortable.” Especially given that she is having twins. Paul so longed to say this but could tell that Storm was right, it would cause Adam too worry much more than he already was.

“I know and I’m probably just worrying for nothing but I can’t help but feel that…”

“I’ll go get my coat and meet you outside.”

“Thank you Paul.” Adam had been standing outside for five minutes before Paul joined him. “I was about to go back inside and look for you. I thought maybe you had forgotten.”

“He didn’t forget Adam.”

“Pa? What are you doing here?”

“The same thing you are. I guess we both had the same concerns.”

“Well can we go then?”

“In a minute Adam.”

“Why what are we waiting for now?”

“Just one more minute.” The door opened again and Adam found himself to be a little surprised to see his youngest brother coming out. “Little Joe?”

“Adam? Pa? What are you two doing here?”

“The same thing you are. So can we go now Paul?”

“What do you think Adam? Each time I headed for the door I was stopped by someone else asking me the same thing you did.” Paul had just finished when the door opened again.

“Hello Hoss.”

“Pa? Little Joe? Adam?”

“Shouldn’t one of us stay here? You know the first thing Storm is going to want to know is who is here watching AJ.”

“You’re right big brother, you stay.”

“ME? Joe she’s my wife.”

“Adam why don’t you and Paul go. We’ll stay here and figure out who will stay and who will join you.”

“Okay pa but there’s probably no reason for anyone to join me. Paul?” Adam and Paul left and Ben turned to his two other sons.

“Little Joe I want you to go on in and ask Mrs. Keyes if she wouldn’t mind going with you and Hoss.”

“Yeah but pa I….me and Hoss? You mean your gonna’ stay here?”

“For now but if our suspicions are proven to be correct then I want one of you to come back and let me know. Is that clear?”

“Sure thing pa.” Hoss had already gone inside to ask Mrs. Keyes if she would come with them. Not wanting to wait for his brother and father to finish talking.

“Pa why do you want Mrs. Keyes to come with us?”

“Because if Storm is having the baby Paul will need Rebecca’s help.”

“I think Dr. Martin has delivered a baby or two on his own.”

“Perhaps but not at the same time.”

“What pa?”

“Nothing Joseph. Please just do as I ask.”

Thankfully Hoss and Rebecca came out at that moment because Ben wasn’t too sure he could have kept the truth from Joe for very much longer. It wasn’t because he wanted to tell someone but because he needed to tell his sons. It had been very hard for him to keep the secret that had been entrusted to him only because it was one that made him so very happy and he wanted his sons to feel the same joy he was.

Paul and Adam arrived at the house and at first glance Adam could tell something was wrong. The house was too dark. Storm would have left a lantern burning for him in their bedroom window even if she had gone to sleep. As he placed his hand on the front door latch he found himself taking a deep breath and trying to steel himself to what might be ahead of him tonight.

“Storm! Are you alright?”

“ADAM! Oh Adam come quickly.”

He ran upstairs faster than Paul had ever seen any man move. When he had finally managed to reach the top he found Adam gently helping Storm into bed.

“I’m sorry Adam. I was so hot I just wanted to open the window a little. The pain didn’t hurt quite as much when I was lying down on my side so I just laid on the floor. I didn’t fall Adam I swear I didn’t I was just going to…..” She reached for Adam’s arm and squeezed. “It hurts.”

They hadn’t heard the door open but there was no way to mistake Hoss’ voice.

“ADAM! STORM!”

“We’re up here Hoss.”

Paul saw Little Joe had reached the bedroom door first. “Joe I need you to ride back and ask Rebecca to come and help me.”

“I’m already here Paul.”

“Good, now Joe go on downstairs Hoss before you go take your brother”

Storm looked at her husband and saw all the worry and fear he had been holding at bay for her sake hit him all at once. She smiled at him as strongly as she could.

“Adam I’ll be fine. Go on down with Hoss and Little Joe.”

He took her into his arms. She heard him softly whisper to her. “Don’t you dare leave me.”

She whispered back. “I won’t Adam, I promise.”

 

Adam and his brothers went downstairs to wait. Each one remembering the last time they had waited like this. That time they had only expected to hear joyous news, this time they were all expecting the worst.

“Hoss I had best go get pa. He said one of us should go if what we suspected was right.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay and I’ll go get him?”

They both looked at their older brother pacing back and forth on the other side of the room.

“No Hoss I think if he tries to go upstairs you stand a better chance of stopping him than me.”

They both knew that normally that would be true but given the circumstances Hoss wasn’t too sure if even he would be able to stop Adam if he really wanted to go. While this was one reason why Little Joe believed Hoss should stay there was another more urgent one. Little Joe was afraid to stay. He figured if he went for their father then he would more than likely be put in charge of AJ and any remaining guests. If there was to be any bad news to be heard at least he wouldn’t have to see Adam torn apart like that again because by the time he would see him Adam would have his emotions under control. Little Joe knew that it sounded selfish but seeing his brother like that had hurt as much as losing Emily.

 

“PA!” Ben, as well as everyone else, turned to see Little Joe standing in the doorway.

“Pa it’s time.”

“Alright Joseph, you stay here and keep on eye on AJ. I’ll go and….”

“Ben excuse me.”

“Yes Andrew?”

“Why don’t you both go? Judith and I can keep an eye on AJ as well as things here.”

“Thank you. Joseph would you like to return with me?” Ben knew that Little Joe had suffered greatly at seeing his brother’s pain.

“I didn’t think I would pa but I do. I want to be there, for Adam.”

“Andrew we will send word as soon as we can. Everyone please stay and enjoy yourselves. It would seem as if I have grandchildren on the way.”

A few people had noticed that Ben had said grandchildren but attributed it to the fact that his mind was elsewhere.

Little Joe and Ben arrived at Adam’s house but before they went back in there was a question on Little Joe’s mind that he felt best to ask out here. “Pa, before you said something about Paul not delivering two babies at once, then before we left the party you said grandchildren.”

“Did I? I must have made a mistake.”

“Pa what’s going on?”

“Nothing Joseph. I’m just very excited so excuse me if I’m not thinking too clearly. Now why don’t we go inside and see how everyone is.” Ben walked in and over to his eldest son. Little Joe was still sure something fishy was going on but what it was never occurred to him. “How are you doing Adam?” “I don’t know pa. I just don’t know. One minute I think that everything is alright, that it has to be alright because that’s Storm up there and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Then I think that if Emily had the choice she wouldn’t have left either.”

“No she wouldn’t have. Unlike Emily, though, Storm is a bit more hard headed and prone to doing things against the most powerful of authority figures. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Are you saying that Storm is capable of fighting fate?”

“If in not doing so she would cause you pain son, yes.” The time between their arrival and the time they heard a baby’s cry was spent mostly watching Adam pace in front of the fireplace. Every now and then they would hear Storm cry out in pain but those times weren’t too often and Ben believed that was because Storm knew how hard it would be on Adam. On the few occasions that her cries were louder than the others Hoss did indeed have to stop Adam from going upstairs.

“Pa what’s taking so long? I mean even with…” What Adam was about to say was that even with Emily by now they had already known she was dying.

“Adam maybe I should tell you…” Ben was interrupted by an infant’s cry. He looked at the clock and noticed it was near to midnight. After a few minutes more, and the clock striking midnight, they heard an infant cry again. Ben, of course, knew the significance of this but no one else did. They just all assumed they were the cries of the same baby.

“Paul why don’t you go on down and let Adam know I’m alright.”

“Just let me finish checking on everyone in here.”

“Why is there something wrong? My babies?”

“No Storm you and your babies are fine.”

“Then please go tell Adam.”

“Okay. Rebecca can you handle the rest in here?”

“I believe so.”

The first thing Rebecca did when she and Storm were alone was to show her the babies.

Paul left the room so much happier with the news he had to give Adam this time. He was also very curious as to what everyone’s reactions would be and his curiosity had nothing to do with the fact that Ben was the only one to know it was twins.

“Paul, how is Storm? How is the baby?”

“Fine Adam, just fine.”

“Funny you don’t look as if everything is fine. Storm is okay?”

“Better than a lot of woman who have done what she has.”

“Then the baby?”

“Adam I’ve already told you…”

“I’m sorry Paul. It’s just the way you look I would think that the baby had two heads or something.”

“That’s not far from the truth.”

“WHAT?!”

“Adam, it’s twins.”

Once what Paul had said was fully comprehended they all watched as Adam climbed the stairs faster than anyone thought possible.

“Paul I’ve had a little longer to get use to this idea then my sons so I am able to think to ask if they are boys or girls. You see in his excitement Adam has forgotten.”

“I’m glad he did. I’m not too sure just how much more of a shock he could have stood without having Storm beside him.” Paul saw all six Cartwright eyes turn toward him.

“Hello Adam.”

“Hello Mrs. Keyes.”

“Well if you four will excuse me.” Rebecca closed the door as she left. It was again the sound of the door shutting behind him that roused Adam from his trance.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“And have you worry twice as much as you already were?”

“I thought I did pretty good.”

“You did. That’s why I didn’t want to give you any reason to worry. Adam who has AJ? I mean if Mrs. Keyes is here and Paul said that Ben, Hoss and Little Joe are all downstairs then who has AJ?”

He knew this question would be one of the first Storm asked, he was only surprised that he hadn’t. He supposed it was because he trusted his father wouldn’t leave AJ with anyone who couldn’t be trusted. It wasn’t that Storm didn’t trust his father as well just that she….well she was a mother. “I’m not too sure. I suppose Andrew and Judith are watching him.”

“You didn’t tell me that they were coming.”

“They weren’t too sure if they would make it. They were going to come over and surprise you tomorrow.”

“I guess it will be them who get to be surprised. It will be nice to see them. Adam do you think that they would mind if the twins call them grandma and grandpa? I would like them to feel as if our children are their grandchildren as well. Unless of course you think that….”

“Storm, somehow I don’t think they will mind but I will ask them. Now speaking of our children may I see them?”

“Of course.”

As Adam leaned down Storm pulled aside the blanket from the face of the first born twin. “This young man arrived first. Adam if it’s alright can we call him Benjamin Matthew?”

“I think that is a wonderful name.”

“Good.”

Storm then proceeded to pull the blanket away from the face of the second born twin.

“Next arrived this most beautiful young lady.”

“Lady? Storm did you say lady? But Storm the blanket is blue.”

“It would seem that everyone assumed as you do, that you would only have sons.”

“Then some knew you were having twins?”

“Of course. Adam you’re not angry that I didn’t tell you?”

“Angry? Sweetheart right now I am so filled with joy there isn’t any room for anger.”

“Then as I was saying you have met your son now let me introduce you to your daughter. Would you mind if we named her Elizabeth Hope?”

“Not at all. Benjamin and Elizabeth. I think they sound wonderful together.”

“On that I would have to agree with you son. Now may I see my two new grandchildren.”

“You knew pa. That explains all the questions on if Storm was taking it easy, if she was eating and getting enough rest.”

“Paul told me, yes, but only because he wanted to make sure….”

“Does it really matter? I mean it’s over, I’m fine and the twins are fine.”

“I guest it doesn’t matter. Storm I love you.”

“It would seem twice as much as I thought.”

“Only twice as much?”

“If this is how you intend on showing it, it had better never be more than twice as much.”

 

CHAPTER 12

Adam and Storm settled into a very happy and comfortable life. For eleven months they enjoyed their three children. They enjoyed watching the twins grow and learn all manners of new things. AJ loved trying to teach his younger siblings everything he could. Storm would say he was very much like his father in that way. It was a day in late November that Adam came home and was very surprised by the greeting he received.

“Hello Mrs. Keyes. Come here you three.” He collected his three children into his arms and gave them hugs and kisses.

“AJ where is your mama?”

“Upstairs. Papa, mama’s sick.”

“Mrs. Keyes? Is Storm alright?”

“Why don’t you go on up and find out for yourself.”

Adam was sure if it were anything serious Mrs. Keyes wouldn’t be so complacent so he went up not really too concerned.

“Storm?” He saw her sitting on their bed looking rather pale.

“I hate you Adam Cartwright.”

“WHAT?” He looked at the face she had raised up to look at him and couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you pouting again?”

“Oh Adam.” She ran to him with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t mean it. I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. I love you so very much.”

“I think I know that sweetheart. Now why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

“We’re going to have another baby.”

“Storm, are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s the only time I have ever found that I spend all morning being sick and the rest of the day and night eating.”

He pulled her once again into his arms.

“Adam are you really happy?”

He took her chin into his hand and looked into her eyes.

“Am I happy? Storm there isn’t a man alive who has known this much happiness. How about you? Do you think you’ll be alright with another baby to take care of?”

“I’ll be fine. I do have Mrs. Keyes to help.”

“Storm will you promise me something? Will you please promise that if it’s twins you’ll tell me this time?”

“Oh ADAM. Don’t say such things. It’s not that I wouldn’t be happy if it is twins but I would so very much like to give birth to only one baby this time.”

“What about next time?”

She was happy to know that he seemed to be looking forward to a next time. That he wasn’t so certain that this time would end in tragedy.

“Let’s worry about this time.”

“So then you’re willing for there to be a next time?”

“Seeing how much I enjoy what is required from both of us for a next time to occur, I am very willing for there to be more than just one next time.”

“Storm.”

She saw a look in Adam’s eyes she could not recall seeing before. It was as if he were struggling with what he wanted to say. “Storm you know there are ways to make sure there is no next time. Ways for us to control it.”

“Not with us Adam.”

He took her back into his arms. He knew she was right. With them ever since, in her mind, he had begun to treat her as his wife he found he couldn’t control anything.

 

They had made plans to invite everyone for dinner so that they could tell them there would be another baby come July but like all the other plans they had made for their lives these didn’t go quite as they thought either.

“Good evening Adam.”

“Hello pa, Little Joe, Hoss.”

“Grandpa, Uncle Hoss, Uncle Little Joe.”

“Hello AJ.” Ben took his grandson into his arms.

“So young man where are your brother and sister?”

“Upstairs. Mama’s cleaning them up. Grandpa?”

“Yes AJ.”

“Mama says she’s gonna’ get fat again because she got another baby grownin’ in her belly.”

“AJ.”

AJ had been so amazed at what he had been told Adam should have known he would never be able to keep it to himself, even if he had been told to keep it a secret.

“It’s true. Papa ain’t it true?”

“Isn’t it true.”

“Well isn’t it papa?”

“Adam?”

“Yes it’s true pa.”

Storm came downstairs holding Benjamin and Elizabeth.

“What’s true? “ Hoss and Little Joe each went and took a baby from her arms.

“Adam what happened?”

“We should have waited to tell AJ as well. It seems he can’t keep a secret.”

“But papa I thought I wasn’t suppose to keep secrets from grandpa.”

“You’re not AJ.” Ben went to Storm and kissed her, then he took her arm and led her to the table and helped her into a chair.

“Ben we have until July. I won’t be treated like glass from now until then.”

“Oh yes you will.”

“But Adam.”

“No buts Storm.”

“Yeah mama no buts.”

“I give up. I can’t possibly argue with the two of you.”

Storm found it wasn’t so bad. Mrs. Keyes came earlier and left only after Adam was home. Storm was just happy that Adam hadn’t insisted that she be confined to bed. Adam had asked Mrs. Keyes if she would like to come and stay with them when Storm’s time grew near. Rebecca was more than happy to. She had never told her but she felt in a way that Storm was like the child she had never had. At the Christmas party the rest of the town was let in on the good news. Storm wrote and let George and Lady Olivia know. Winter passed and spring arrived. Spring of course is always followed by summer and this summer would be filled with two reasons for celebrating. June would find everyone celebrating the announcement of the future wedding of Mr. Hoss Cartwright to Miss. Pollyann Moore and in July Adam and Storm would be welcoming their fourth child.   Storm and Polly were sitting on the front porch of Storm and Adam’s house one warm summer day in mid July.

Both Adam and Hoss were happy that they seemed to truly like each other. Adam had watched as Storm had treated Hoss as if he were one of their children. The first time Polly had come over to dinner Storm had treated her as if she were some criminal, asking her so many questions, but as time passed her suspicions seemed to disappear. Adam had asked what had brought about the change and she had told him the fact that she could see that Polly loved Hoss.

“Storm?” Polly had at first felt that what she had been told about Storm was true. When she had first started dating Hoss some of the other girls in town had said that if she really wanted to have a chance at winning Hoss’s heart she had to at first get Storm’s acceptance because Hoss would go against his brothers he would even go against his father but he would never go against Storm. Some went as far as to say she would never approve because she liked having all the Cartwright men, not to mention the Ponderosa, to herself and her children. The more time Polly was in Storm’s company she knew that what she had been told were all lies.

In the beginning Storm had, perhaps, treated her as if she was some kind of an enemy but Polly knew it was only because she loved Hoss as much as she herself did. Not in the same way, but just as much.

“Yes Polly?”

“How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Please don’t get mad and don’t take this the wrong way but, well, it’s just that sometimes Adam scares me.”

“Scares you?”

“I don’t mean like a monster or anything. It’s just that he and Hoss are so different.”

“Yes they are but then all of Ben’s sons are different. I always thought of it that Hoss thinks with his heart, Joe with his emotions, and Adam with his head. Although not necessarily and not exclusively. I know people think Adam is always in control and that he is logical and pensive at all times, but I am his wife Polly. I have seen him do things no one would think him capable of thinking of let alone doing.”

“Really?” Polly could never imagine him doing some of the things Hoss had.

“Would you like an example? Just be warned it may make you look at him a little differently the next time you see him. It was about ten days after the twins were born. I’d not been allowed out of bed in those ten days and upon Dr. Martin’s visit that day I found out I would be remaining there for another week or so just to be safe. Before Adam came home Mrs. Keyes asked me, as she always did, if I wanted or needed anything. I was feeling a little dejected because I knew I would be in bed for at least another seven days and I guess I kind of took it out on Mrs. Keyes because I answered her rather sharply and told her what I really wanted was a bath. She must have told Adam because later that night, right after the twins had fallen asleep, he came and asked me if I was tired. I told him a little thinking he wished to talk but instead of sitting down he came and carried me downstairs. I saw he had prepared a bath in front of the fireplace. Polly there is nothing more tender, more love affirming, than when a man washes your hair for no other reason than because you need him to.”

“You mean you only need to wait ten days after having a baby to…well to…”

“No Polly. I have been told you should wait at least two months but we didn’t make love that night. That wasn’t why Adam did it. He did it because it was something I needed, not because he thought there would be something for him in the end. Quite honestly if I had even suggested we make love he would have turned me down knowing that it might cause me harm. After we both agreed that I was finally all clean he left me in the tub. He told me that when I wanted to get out, or if the water got too cold, to call him. Then he went upstairs and left me alone. I hadn’t realized how long it had been since I’d been alone.”

“I guess it’s the same with Hoss. People just can’t believe he can be as gentle as he is just because he’s so big.”

“Only those who don’t know him. I have seen him take the twins into his arms and…..OOOH.” Polly heard Storm take in a gasp of air, saw her eyes widen, and watched as she covered her mouth with her hand as if to stop something from escaping. “Storm is everything alright?”

“I think it may be time Polly. Do you think you could go and find someone? Ben should be at the house.”

“I’ll go and see. Will you be alright?”

“I’ll be fine.”

 

Polly did arrive at the house happy to find not only Ben but Adam and Hoss there as well. Ben, Adam and Polly rode back to Storm while Hoss went for the doctor. They found Storm sitting in the chair Polly had left her in. Polly watched as Adam went to Storm and gently kissed her forehead then he tenderly cradled her in his arms and carried her upstairs.

“Are you ready Polly?”

“I’m sorry? Ready?”

“Ready to see just how much a man can walk back and forth and still not wear a ditch into the floor.”

“He loves her very much.”

“Yes Polly, as Hoss loves you very much.”

“I know that, it’s just that, well…”

“Adam isn’t Hoss.”

“No he’s not.”

“One need only to look at Hoss to know what he’s feeling, while with Adam most people have to dig before they can tell you what he’s feeling. Most people do, even I find myself having difficulty reading his emotions sometimes, but not Storm. She knows what he’s feeling sometimes before he even feels it.”

“Do you think it will ever be that way with Hoss and I?”

“I’m sure it will.”

 

Rebecca took the children to Ben’s house after she and Little Joe saw Hoss in town. Little Joe and she had taken them into town for a treat and also to give Storm some time to rest. Rebecca thought that it seemed as if Storm would be getting very little rest today.

“Now Little Joe you let me know as soon as possible how everything goes.”

“I will Mrs. Keyes. AJ you help with your brother and sister and mind Mrs. Keyes.”

“Yes Uncle Little Joe.” AJ stood there waiting while Mrs. Keyes got the twins out of the back of the wagon. He knew something was happening and he knew it had to do with his mother. He had overheard his papa once saying to his grandpa that he was worried that something bad might happen to his mama. He decided to ask his Uncle Little Joe because he would never lie to him.

“Uncle Little Joe is mama gonna be okay?”

Little Joe caught himself smiling. He couldn’t help but think, as he looked at AJ, how much he looked like his brother. It struck him as funny but it was almost as if Adam was looking to him for answers. “Yes AJ she’ll be fine and when you see her next she’ll have a new baby brother or sister for you.”

“That’ll be good.”

“Yes it will.”

“Uncle Little Joe?”

“Yes AJ?”

“Tell mama I love her.”

“I will.”

 

Everyone was waiting patiently for Adam’s new child to come into the world. Adam still didn’t sit still but he wasn’t quite as bad as last time. Perhaps if it had taken as long as last time he would have gotten as bad but thankfully it didn’t.

Polly had gotten up from where she had been sitting next to Hoss and went over to where Adam was standing. “Adam?”

“Yes Polly?”

“Storm was right.”

“I have found that she usually is, but if I may ask just what is she right about now?”

“You aren’t always in control.”

“Where she’s concerned Polly, I very seldom am the one in control.” Polly stood there seeing a small trace of the man Storm could see in Adam, she could see a small trace of something that reminded her of Hoss. After only a few minutes they all heard the baby cry.

“That’s one.”

“What Adam?”

Was it twins again and this time it had been kept from everyone except Adam?

“The baby. It sounds like the baby is alright pa that just leaves Storm. Why were you thinking it might be twins?”

Soon after they heard the door close and watched as Paul came downstairs.

“Paul?”

“She’s fine Adam and so is your daughter.”

“Daughter? Just how many fingers can I be wrapped around? First Storm and then Elizabeth, who is barely nineteen months old, and now this one. How am I going to handle all three?”

“As far as Storm goes son I think you have had enough experience with that. Where your daughters are concerned we are all going to have fun watching you try.”

“Sure pa, laugh. What you fail to realize is that I may have two daughters but you have two granddaughters.”

“I haven’t failed to realize it Adam, I know it only too well, and I thank you for it.”

“Can I go up and see them Paul?”

“Of course Adam.”

They all managed to keep their desire to see the new baby in check for ten minutes, then Ben, Hoss and Little Joe all went upstairs. Hoss had told Polly to come with them but she said she would wait.

“Adam may we come in?”

“Of course pa, come on in.”

“So isn’t she beautiful?”

“Yes she most certainly is Storm. Equal in beauty to my other granddaughter and only surpassed by the beauty of their mother.”

“Only for now, in time they will both be even more beautiful then me. Hoss where is Polly?”

“Downstairs waiting. She said she thought you might be tired.”

“Will you tell her she is a part of this family and I could use another woman up here? Tell her if she doesn’t come up I will send Adam down to fetch her.”

As Hoss left the room Adam turned to Storm. “Why did that sound like a threat?”

“Because it was.”

“May I ask why Polly would consider me a threat?”

“Because unlike me some people see your hard headedness as something to be frightened of.”

“And you?”

“I see it as something to conquer.”

Hoss and Polly came into the room. Polly seemed to be trying to hide behind Hoss which, considering the difference in their sizes, wasn’t too difficult.

“Polly come here. Don’t you want to see your niece?”

“My niece? I guess I hadn’t realized she’d be my niece.”

“Well she is, same as Elizabeth is and as AJ and Benjamin are your nephews.”

“What’s her name?”

“That’s right Storm you haven’t told us her name.”

“I’m not sure Ben. Adam I named the twins.”

“Yes you did and you picked fine names.”

“Emily named AJ.”

“Yes she did.”

“So I think this one is all yours.”

“All mine?”

“All yours.”

Adam sat on the bed beside Storm and looked into his daughters face.

“Well Adam?”

“I’m thinking Storm.”

“Are we going to know her name before her first birthday?”

Adam sat and stared at her a little while longer. Finally he recognized that the answer was right in front of him the whole time. “I have it. Skye Kendall Cartwright. Do you approve Storm?”

“Yes Adam I most definitely approve.”

“So was it easier this time?”

“I don’t know Ben. Last time the twins were just over six pounds each. This one was almost eight pounds and look at the size of her head.”

“Storm you’re embarrassing Polly.”

“Polly, Adam? I think Hoss looks more embarrassed than Polly.”

“Ah Storm.” Hoss found himself looking at the baby’s head and had found himself thinking about what Storm was implying.

“Why don’t you gentlemen go on downstairs and leave me and Polly alone for a few minutes.”

“Are you sure you’re not too tired?”

“I’m not so tired, besides I think Polly has something she wishes to ask me.”

The last part had been whispered so that only Adam could hear. “I think I could use a drink, how about the rest of you?”

“Adam, before you go, where are my other babies?”

“Mrs. Keyes has them at the house. Storm I almost forgot, AJ said to tell you that he loves you.”

“When you see him Little Joe tell him I love him too.”

“I will.”

They left the room to go in search of their celebratory drink.

“It’s funny Polly, why is it woman do all the work and the men get to celebrate. Why don’t you come closer? Would you like to hold her?”

“Can I? Storm I have never held a baby this new before.”

“There may be a time soon when you may get the chance to hold a baby even newer.” Storm saw the look on Polly’s face as she took the newborn baby into her arms. It was the look of wonder and joy, of disbelief that anything so miraculous could really happen. She thought on what Storm had said and instead of feeling self-conscious she found herself hoping that in the not too distant future she would be holding her own miracle.

“Storm did it hurt?”

“I suppose so. I mean I can remember yelling out, so it must have hurt, but I can’t remember the pain itself. Don’t be afraid Polly. Look at her and tell me if it isn’t worth suffering any amount of pain to be able to look into the eyes of your children and to know that the love you and your husband share will live on in them.”

Polly saw that Storm’s eyes were only being kept open through extreme effort on her part. “Storm you look tired.”

“I am.”

“Should I put the baby in the cradle?”

“Why don’t you take her down to her father, he’ll bring her up later.”

“Goodnight Storm.”

“Goodnight Aunt Polly.”

 

Two days later AJ and the twins were allowed to see their new sister. The twins weren’t too interested but AJ was. He wanted to stay even after the twins had been taken downstairs to play. At Storm’s insistence he was allowed to.

“So do you like her AJ?”

“Yes mama. She’s real pretty.”

“Yes she is.”

“Mama?”

“Yes AJ.”

“Papa says I have to go to school soon.”

“Yes in a few months.”

“But I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with you.”

“It will be alright. Maybe on some days while you’re at school me and your brother and sisters will wait in town for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes really. Now why don’t you go on downstairs and play with Benjamin and Elizabeth.”

“Alright mama.”

AJ ran downstairs and found his father sitting and reading. “So how are your mama and new sister feeling?”

“Good. Papa, mama said that when I go to school she’ll wait for me in town sometimes.”

“I’m sure she will.”

“Papa where are Elizabeth and Benjamin?”

“Outside with Mrs. Keyes.”

“Okay.”

Adam watched as AJ ran outside to join his siblings. He glanced up the stairs and knew he would need to talk with Storm. She had to know that she couldn’t keep on eye on AJ all the time no matter how much she wanted to. It wouldn’t do him any good and it wasn’t good for her either. He supposed she was just acting as any mother would.

“It’s nice of you to join us AJ.”

“Hello Mrs. Keyes. I was just talkin’ to mama and papa.”

“Oh.”

She watched as he joined his brother and sister. It brought a smile to her face to see how like Adam he was. A while later she noticed a man watching the children. She called AJ and got up to get the twins.

“AJ I want you to go inside and tell your papa there is a strange man here.”

“Yes Mrs. Keyes.”

AJ would have asked more questions but Mrs. Keyes sounded scared about something. He would go get his papa as Mrs. Keyes had asked because his papa could make any fright go away. Adam looked up from his book when he heard the front door open.

“AJ what’s wrong?”

“Mrs. Keyes said I should come and tell you that there is a strange man outside.” Adam quickly got out of his chair and went to find out just who this stranger was and what he wanted. He should have told AJ to wait inside but was in such a hurry that he had forgotten to.

“Are these Storm’s babies?” Adam knew who he was. He could hardly believe it but he was certain.

“Yes they are Matt.”

“Matt? Adam this is Storm’s father?”

“Yes Mrs. Keyes it is. Matt if you are here to slam another door on Storm’s offer I will……”

“No I’m not Adam. Where is she?”

“Upstairs. She’s probably sleeping right now.”

“Sleeping? Adam if you don’t wish for me to see her just say so. I remember how hard it was to get her to sleep even when she was a child. Adam she is my daughter.”

“As you have told me countless times Matt. Now, though, she is my wife. Right now she is probably napping because so is the baby.”

“Baby? The babies are right here.”

“No, our new sister, Skye. Papa should I tell mama that her papa is here?”

“No AJ. You stay and play out here. Matt would you like to come inside?”

“Yes I would.”

Adam prayed that this was what it seemed to be. Would Matt finally give Storm the one thing he himself could not, the one thing he wished he could? Would Matt finally give her his love, his acceptance, or at least tell her he knows she wasn’t to blame for her mother’s death. That he had finally realized there was nothing she could have done.

“I hardly recognized you Matt. I don’t think I have ever seen you anything but clean shaven.”

“True but when a man is out in the wild he tends to forget about what his daily civilized life consisted of, that includes shaving and customary bathing.”

“I’ve noticed, but where have you been? Storm doesn’t know that you never went back to England after the wedding. By the time I received word from George, Storm was already carrying the twins. Then….well I just never told her. I didn’t want her to worry about you too.”

“You were right not to tell her. She would have worried, although I can’t imagine why.”

“Matt, as I told you, Storm just had a baby three days ago so I would like to know why you’re here.”

“Skye? Is that really the baby’s name?”

“Yes it is.”

“But stop trying to avoid the question. Why am I here.”

“Yes.”

“Still watching over her. You always were her protector. You were the one she turned to, the one she would run to. Even before Skye…..Skye once told me that she had a dream that you and Storm were married. Imagine being told your nine year old daughter had already met the man who would take her away from you. Maybe now you can understand a little better now that you have daughters of your own.”

“I’m afraid not. Storm would never let me….”

“Yes and Skye would have never let me. You wanted to know where I’ve been. I’ve been all over. I’m not sure if I was running away from or trying to find something. What I do know is that one day, one very lonely day, I met a man. A man so afraid of losing the one person that he loved more than anything he pushed her away. He had pushed her right to the one person he feared would take her away. When I realized that I thought that if I took her away from here, from you, her heart would always be mine. I couldn’t see that even if she loved you she still loved me. No matter how I hurt her she still loved me.”

“Of course she does, you’re her father.”

“Even though I haven’t always behaved as such. Adam if I could I would go back and change so much.”

“You can’t change the past Matt but you can change future. Storm is always saying that things happened as they are meant to. She once told me that she was happy that I had married Emily. That if I hadn’t we wouldn’t have AJ but even more than that she was happy that Emily had gotten to know what it was like to be truly loved. That if it was Emily’s destiny to die young she knew what it was like to love someone and be loved in return. She said even if she and I had never gotten married she knew that I cared for her.”

“Your wife is an amazing woman Adam.”

“Your daughter always was amazing Matt.”

“Do you think it would be possible for me to clean up a bit? I’m afraid if I try to see my new….” Adam had heard his voice falter.

“Granddaughter? Matt, she’s your granddaughter as is Elizabeth, and as Benjamin and AJ are your grandsons.”

“Instead of taking her away from me, you help her to give me so much more than I deserve.”

“Take her away from you? Matt I could have never taken her away from you. God help me if I had even suggested such a thing.”

 

Matt went and cleaned up while Adam went to see how Storm was. If he didn’t think she was strong enough to handle the news of her father’s arrival then he would tell Matt to wait, that it was too soon after Skye’s birth. He figured that Matt would accuse him of trying to keep her from him after all but Adam didn’t care, if necessary he would throw Matt out of the house and tell him to come back in a few days and by then Storm would be strong enough. When he saw Storm he realized once again that his wife had never been nor would she ever be too weak to handle anything life held for her.

“Sweetheart, are you awake?”

“Yes my love, we’re both awake, although one of us is slightly hungrier than the other.”

Adam now recalled hearing Mrs. Keyes go into the kitchen with the children while he and Matt had been talking. “I’m sorry angel, it’s past lunchtime isn’t it?”

“I would have come and gotten something for myself but I thought you would be angry if I tried.”

“Concerned not angry.” For the first time she noticed the odd smile on Adam’s face. “Adam what is it?”

“Do you know how much I love you?”

“Almost as much as I love you. Now would you please tell me what it is that has you smiling like that.”

“First you have to promise me something.”

“What now?”

“Promise me that you will stay in bed.”

“Adam you do know that there are some women who have a baby and then go out and plow a field.”

“Not YOU. Now promise.”

“I promise.”

“Okay. There is someone here to see you.”

“Who? Is it George and Olivia?”

“No.”

“Andrew and Judith?”

“No, they won’t be here for another two weeks.”

“Than who Adam?”

“Hello my little angel. Am I still welcome?”

“Papa? Oh PAPA!”

Adam stepped aside and let Matt go to Storm. After their tear filled hug ended Storm reached to wipe away the tears from her eyes.

“Papa, did you see your grandchildren?”

“Yes, all but the newest one.”

“Skye, Skye Kendall. Adam named her papa.” Storm reached over and uncovered the bundle that held the baby, that had since fallen asleep, lying beside her. “Isn’t she beautiful papa?”

“Yes she is. She looks just like you.” Matt knew he didn’t need to ask but he felt he had too. “Storm can you forgive me?”

“Papa there is nothing to forgive. I’m so happy now, perhaps if everything that had happened before had never happened I wouldn’t be this happy now.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“Yes it does papa. It does.”

“Storm I love you and I am so proud of the woman you’ve become.” It felt so good to Matt to finally say it, to finally allow himself to feel it.

“Papa I love you.”

Matt hugged his daughter once again.

 

Later that afternoon Ben came to see his grandchildren and was very surprised by what he found.

“Matt? Is that really you?”

“Ben you didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun of watching my daughter’s children grow up.”

“I hoped you wouldn’t. Now is that our new granddaughter in your arms?”

“Yes it is. Skye. Her name is Skye.”

“Yes Matt, I know.”

 

Two weeks later Andrew and Judith arrived very happy to meet Matt and know that Storm had finally gotten something she wanted. They both had seen how much she was willing to sacrifice for everyone she loved, it was nice to see she finally had something work out for her. It had been planned for Hop-Sing to come and make supper for everyone at Storm and Adam’s house because Storm had been informed that she wasn’t strong enough yet.

“I’m not strong enough?”

Adam sensed that perhaps he should have used different words. “I didn’t mean it like that Storm.”

“You had better not have. I have given birth to three babies, so don’t you go and tell me I’m not strong enough.”

He decided that a change of tactics would be best. “It’s just that you’ll be so busy with the children I thought I would try and make it a little easier for you.”

“So now you’re implying I can’t handle my children and the house.”

Adam had learned through the years he and Storm had been together that there was only one sure way to quiet her and appease her anger. He took her into his arms and kissed her.

“Adam.”

The tone in her voice made him realize just where her recent incessant anger sprang from. “Storm, Skye is not ever a month old.”

“I know. Adam what’s wrong with me?” He again pulled her close to him. “Adam I want you so badly, I miss you so.”

“And I miss you but you know what Paul said.”

“Yes. It’s best to wait for two months, but Adam I don’t want too.”

“Neither do I but it’s what is best for you so we will, so stop pouting.”

If Storm knew one thing it was that Adam would refuse her if in not doing so he might harm her, so she gave up the fight. “When will Hop-Sing be here?”

“He’s already here.”

“Do you think it would be alright if I help him?”

“I think that will be an acceptable compromise.”

“Adam I was thinking about something the other day.”

“What?”

“Well Mrs. Keyes is just like family.”

“Yes she certainly has become like an aunt to our children.”

“Do you think, well that maybe we could build a small house for her closer to here?”

“You want me to ask her if she would agree to such a move.”

“Will you? Tell her she can pick out where she wants you to build it and tell her she can tell you just what she wants it to look like.”

“Is there anything else I should tell her?”

“I can’t think of anything right now but if I do I will let you know. Now I’m going to help Hop-Sing.”

After a wonderful supper everyone was sitting around. The men were having an after dinner drink and the women were having coffee. Storm, for once, had empty arms and even though she thought she would like it she didn’t. Matt was holding Skye, Ben had Elizabeth, AJ was sitting between Judith and Andrew, and Benjamin was in his father’s arms.

“Adam?”

“Yes Storm?”

“We need another baby.”

“WHAT?”

“My arms are empty.”

They all watched as AJ got off his seat and ran to his mother.

“Mama you can hold me.”

“Thank you AJ. I would like that.”

He climbed into her lap and rested his head on her chest. Anyone with eyes could see that Storm loved AJ as much as any child she had given birth to.

“Mama?”

“Yes AJ?”

“Timmy says that when his mama had his sister it hurt her real bad. He said he heard her screamin’ and everything.”

“AJ.”

“No Adam. You never stopped me from asking questions so I won’t let you do that to our son. What is it you want to know AJ?”

“Is it true mama? Did I hurt you?”

“No my little love, you are the only one who didn’t”

“But Elizabeth, Benjamin and Skye did?”

“AJ do you remember when you came in the other day and said you had fallen down? Do you remember that you had scraped your knee and when we looked it was bleeding?”

“I remember mama.”

“Do you remember you said it hurt?”

“Yes.”

“Now do you remember feeling the hurt?”

“No. I just remember it hurt and that you cleaned it and gave me a hug and a kiss and it didn’t hurt no more.”

“It’s the same with babies. I know it hurt but I can’t remember hurting and every time I hold and kiss your brother and sisters I even forget that it hurt.”

“I love you mama.” He threw his arms around her neck and hugged her as only a five year old can.

“And I love you.”

“And I love you both, but young man it is time for bed.”

“But papa.”

“No buts AJ. Now say your good nights.”

“I’ll help you with the twins.”

“No. I mean if it’s alright Storm I would like to help Adam.”

“Of course Polly. One should start practicing as soon as possible.”

“Ah Storm.”

Everyone was surprised to see what a bright shade of red Hoss turned. “I love you Hoss and while I do enjoy watching you with my children I can hardly wait to see you with a child of your own.”

“I love you too Storm.”

“Hey what about me?”

“I love you too Joe but you will have to find a girl willing to marry you before I try to picture you with a baby.”

“WILLING to marry me? Do you think I couldn’t find a girl to marry me?”

“A girl yes but it’s a woman you’d have a hard time finding.”

“Very funny Storm.”

“Mama?”

“Yes AJ?”

“Have you known papa for a long time?”

“AJ it’s time for bed.” Adam knew his son was trying to stall.

“Adam it will only take a minute to give him an answer.”

“As I recall when you first came here it was I who couldn’t put him to sleep.” Storm chose to ignore Adam’s comment. “AJ I have known your papa since I was a year younger than you are right now.”

“That’s a long time.”

“It’s not quite that long, AJ. Mamas not that old.”

“No, but papa is.”

“Yes he is and he’s getting rather grumpy in his old age so you had best go to bed as he has said.”

“Goodnight mama.”

“Goodnight my most handsome son.”

 

CHAPTER 13

Later that evening Storm sat in bed nursing Skye. Adam lay next to her as he had many a night watching her with awe. It was times like these his love for her filled him to the point of overflowing. It was these times that he wanted to take her into his arms and never let her go. “Storm I love you so very much.”

“And I love you. Adam do you realize how lucky our children are.”

“How? I mean besides the fact that they have the most wonderful and most beautiful mother in the world.”

“They have three grandfathers.”

“But only one grandmother.”

“Maybe but they have an Aunt Rebecca and an Aunt Polly. They also have an Uncle Hoss and an Uncle Little Joe, and maybe when Little Joe finds that woman who is willing to marry him they will have another aunt.”

“You were baiting Joe, weren’t you?”

“Well he is getting old enough to at least start thinking about settling down.”

“You women, never happy to see a man single.”

“Keep it up and you just may find yourself single.”

“Not me my love, I could never go back to living without you,”

“Good, because I would never let you try.”

“Storm our anniversary is coming up.”

“Yes in another month we will be married three years.”

“Three years? Has it really been three years?”

“I believe so. Three glorious and wonderful years.”

“I was thinking Storm that maybe we should get away. Just the two of us for a few days”

“Okay.”

“Now Storm it will do everyone good to……”

He had his argument all ready and had started before he had realized her answer had made it unnecessary. “Did you just say okay?”

“Yes I did. It will be two months by then, or at least near enough, and you’re right we could use some time alone.”

“I love you Storm and God forgive me because I would never really want it to be but…”

“There are times you wish it were just you and I?”

“Sometimes.”

“I know because sometimes so do I, but then AJ hugs me, or I hear the twins laughing about something only they can understand, or Skye starts to cry and then I realize if I didn’t have them to give some of the love I feel I’d just explode or I’d kill you with trying to satisfy that love.”

“It would be an enjoyable way to die.”

They decided that they would go to Carson City for four days. Mrs. Keyes, who had finally convinced Storm and Adam to call her Rebecca, would come and stay at the house. Ben would stay there as well just in case she needed any help. Rebecca was helping Storm with last minute details before she and Adam left.

“Now you two behave yourselves.”

“Storm.”

“Why Rebecca I do believe you are blushing.”

“I am not young lady.” Suddenly Storm became aware of something. “Rebecca you love Ben don’t you.”

“Now Storm you know as well as I that everyone loves Ben.”

“Not as you do. All these years. How could I have been so blind.”

“Because as I said everyone loves Ben and you were so lost in your love for Adam.”

“Rebecca, Adam always knew how I felt.”

“I know. That is one of your strengths. You have the ability to tell people just how you feel without fearing that they will reject you. You never cared if it was proper. When you loved someone you told them, you showed them, it didn’t matter to you who was around to see it.”

“After mama died I realized that life is so short. When you have the chance or urge to tell someone how you feel you had best do it because you may never get that chance again.”

“But what if Adam…..”

“Had never loved me back? It wouldn’t have changed the way I felt about him but at least he’d know. I wouldn’t have to hide it from him. More than that Rebecca what if I hadn’t of told him, look at all I would be missing. I may not have had the easiest life but I wouldn’t change one minute of it.”

“Storm! Come on sweetheart. We have to start going because it will take you another hour before you will be able to leave the children.”

“He’s right. Oh maybe we shouldn’t go.”

“Storm it’s only four days. It will do you good to be away from them, just as it will do them good to be away from you.”

“What about Skye? She’s still nursing.”

“You can nurse your husband for four days.”

“Can I? I mean I didn’t think….”

“Now that that thought is in your head, go.”

To Adam’s surprise it only took thirty minutes for Storm to say her goodbyes to their children. AJ had a hard time understanding why he couldn’t go with them, after all he wasn’t a baby like his brother and sisters were. Ben tried to tell him he couldn’t be missing that much school and wouldn’t he be happy to show his mama and papa how well he did his work, but it was his father’s promise of a present if he was good that made his attempt to argue cease. It could also have been that he knew he wasn’t going to win.

They arrived in Carson City in the late afternoon. Once they were checked into the hotel and in their room, Adam thought that perhaps Storm would like to go and get something to eat.

“So are you hungry?”

He watched as she walked over to the window and closed the drapes. She then walked over to the door and locked it. Adam began to feel like a snared rabbit. When she turned around to face him he knew no rabbit was ever as happy as he to be caught. “Yes my love, I’m starving.” It was the first time in quite a while that they made love without the fear of being interrupted. Quite a while since they had made love.

“Storm I was talking about food before.”

“Why didn’t you say that then? Now I’m much too tired to get up.”

“That’s alright I’m not as hungry as I was before.”

“That’s because you ate more than any of your children ever did. I swear I have never felt this empty.”

“I’m sorry. You have to understand I have never….” She had heard the teasing leave his voice. “Adam I love you, so I wish there was something more I could say, more I could do.”

“More you could do? Storm you have given me three beautiful children and you are helping me raise four amazing people. What more could you do?”

“I don’t know. There are times I just wish I could take away every pain you have ever felt.”

“Storm, you of all people should know everything that has happened has made me who I am. The good and the bad. You take away the bad and I’d be a different person. Is that what you’d want?”

“No. I love you just as you are.”

“As I love you.”

“Adam?”

“Yes?”

“Ben likes Rebecca doesn’t he?”

“Now where did that question come from?”

“I don’t know. He does, doesn’t he?”

“I’m sure he does.”

“Do you think that he might even love her a little?”

“Storm, you trying to get Little Joe married is one thing; but pa is another.”

“Why Adam? Why should Ben spend the rest of his life alone?”

“Storm, my father has lost three wives. I lost one. How he survived that pain three times I can’t understand.”

“Adam isn’t loving someone worth the risk of losing them? You must believe it is or you wouldn’t have been willing to take the chance and fall in love with me.”

“You are not a fair example. I loved you before I ever met Emily, so it would have been impossible for me to keep you out of my heart.”

“Would you have Adam? Would you have really been like papa and closed your heart?”

“I suppose not. It would have meant I would have had to close my heart to AJ as well and I could have never done that.”

She reached and slowly ran her hands over his face and down his chest. As her hands approached his lower stomach he laid his own hand over hers.

“Please Adam; let me.” As she touched him she saw his eyes close, heard him begin to breathe heavily. Even if by now she didn’t know what these signs meant, the evidence of what she was doing to him was apparent in her hand. When he opened his eyes it was to find her straddling his body.

“Storm?”

“Adam, help me.” He helped her to position herself and then helped her to slowly lower herself. When he was completely inside her she lay down and rested her head on his chest. “Adam.” She again sat up.

“Now what?” He placed his hands on her hips and moved her up and down. After he had removed his hands she kept moving. As her passion grew he could sense she was losing the ability to control her movements by herself, so he again placed his hands on her hips and helped her. After she had reached her climax he could tell she was completely spent so he kept her moving. Only later did he think he may have been a little too forceful but he had needed her so very badly. When he was as spent as she he removed his hands from her hips and wasn’t surprised when she again laid her head on his chest.

“Adam?”

“Yes Storm.”

“How do you do it? How can you keep such control over your movements when…..Adam all I know is that I couldn’t even think.”

“Shhh, sweetheart. I’m a man and the only way I’m going to find that kind of satisfaction is if I keep moving.”

“But Adam?”

“Sweetheart if it means so much to you we will keep practicing, okay.”

“Okay Adam. Adam I’m hungry.”

“I can’t imagine why? Do you want to go out and get something to eat?”

“I was kind of hoping that maybe….”

“Maybe I could go and get something and bring it back?”

“Would you?”

“Anything in particular you want?”

“No, whatever you can find will be just fine.” When Adam left the room he found out it wasn’t quite as late as he had thought. He decided to see if he could find a present to bring to Storm.

“Why Adam Cartwright. It’s good to see you.”

“You too Mrs. Borne. How is your husband doing?”

“Fine. He’s around here somewhere. I heard that you were coming for a visit.”

“Storm and I decided we needed some time alone.”

“How many children now?”

“Four. Two boys and two girls. AJ is five, Elizabeth and Benjamin are twenty-one months, and Skye is two months.”

“Your father must be so happy.”

“Yes he is, even more now that Hoss will be married come June.”

“So that leaves only one son home with him.”

“Yes it does.” And, Adam thought, in time Little Joe would marry and that would leave his father alone. His father would never be alone in the emotional sense but nights could get lonely when you have no one in the house with you, when you weren’t expecting someone to come in the door. He knew his father would never come and live with Storm and him; he was too independent for that.

“Is something wrong Adam?”

“No. I was just thinking. Mrs. Borne could you wrap up this music box. I’m sure you will see Storm tomorrow. We promised presents for everyone.”

He picked up some food for he and Storm and made his way back to the hotel. Adam went to their room and was a little alarmed to find the door unlocked. Than he thought that perhaps Storm had been watching out the window and had seen him coming and had unlocked it for him. He had even begun to hope that she would be waiting for him in bed. He went in and laid the present and food down. He headed to the bedroom and was surprised to find her not there.

“Storm?” He wasn’t sure why he called out her name he could see she wasn’t there. Maybe she had decided to go and get some air. After all they had spent all the time since they had arrived in this room. He went down and looked around outside but didn’t see her anywhere. He was sure she wouldn’t have wandered far from the hotel without having left word so he went back inside to ask the clerk if he had seen her leave.

“Excuse me but did you happen to see my wife? Did she leave a message for me?”

“I’m afraid not Mr. Cartwright but than I only came on duty ten minutes ago. It is possible that she left a message with Otto and he forget to mention it. Would you like me to send someone over to ask him?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m sure she just decided to get some air and will be back soon.”

 

“What do you want?” Storm knew that Adam was probably already back at the hotel. She was worried about what he would think when he saw she wasn’t there.

“What do we want? We want money Mrs. Cartwright. It’s something your husband has and something he will gladly give us to get you back.”

“How can you be so sure? There a lot of men who prefer their money over their wives.”

“Yes there are but a woman like you any man would be willing to give all he has to get back or that man would be a fool. Is your husband a fool?”

“No, my husband is no fool. So tell me just how much will it cost him to get me back?”

“For something so pretty I think we could go as high as ten thousand.”

“That is a lot of money.”

“Not for a Cartwright.”

“You don’t honestly believe he has that much money with him?”

“Maybe not but he can get it.”

“Not that quickly. Like I said that is a lot of money.”

“I’m sure he’ll find a way or he’ll be finding someone else to raise those kids of his.”

“You go near my children and I’ll kill you!”

“I believe you just might.”

Adam waited and when almost an hour had passed he began to really worry. “Excuse me?” He was again standing at the desk in the lobby. “Can you tell me where this Otto lives? I would like to go and talk to him.”

The clerk again offered to send someone but Adam insisted that he wanted to go himself, so he was given directions and he made his way there. He knocked at the front door of the house he had been directed to. “I’m sorry to bother you at this hour but, well I’m afraid I only have a first name, is Otto here?”

“I’m Mrs. Ritten. I’m afraid my husband is already in bed. Is there something I can help you with?”

“I’m afraid not. I need to speak with him. My name is Adam Cartwright. My wife and I are staying at the hotel and I need to know if my wife left a message for me with your husband.”

“I’m sure if she had he would have left it at the hotel.”

“Please Mrs. Ritten. I need to know.” Mrs. Ritten knew the man in front of her was not going to leave unless he talked with her husband. “One minute and I’ll go and ask him.” Adam could hear arguing as he waited in the open doorway. “He’s not going away Otto.”

“Tell him I don’t know anything.”

“You tell him. I don’t think he will be happy until he hears it from you.”

“Well I can’t face him.”

“Why Mr. Ritten? Why can’t you face me?”

“Mr. Cartwright.”

“What is it you know about my wife?”

“I don’t know anything.”

“Mr. Ritten you can tell me now while you are still unharmed or I can make you tell me what you know.”

Otto knew he was a dead man if he told and he also was beginning to fear he would be a dead man if he didn’t. The later being the more eminent danger he would deal with it first. “They said they wouldn’t hurt her. They just want money.”

“They? They who? Who has my wife?!”

“Clive Brooke and Martin Drake. They said if I didn’t help them they would kill my wife.”

“Why didn’t you just go to the sheriff instead of trading mine for your’s?!”

“I couldn’t. I owe them money. All I had to do was give them the key to your room and I could forget about what I owed them. They were going to wait until after you were asleep tonight but when they saw you leave without your wife they figured it would be easier to take her then instead of wait and have to fight you to take her. They thought they might hurt you maybe kill you and then who would pay to get her back?”

“Maybe they were afraid I’d kill them. Maybe they knew that between my wife and me they wouldn’t stand a chance. They would have known that if I were dead my family would have paid to get her back. It could be that they are cowards and figured the only way they would survive was to face my wife alone. Now tell me just how are they going to get word to me?”

“They said they would leave word at the hotel.”

“Mr. Ritten, I suggest you go to the sheriff and tell him just what is going on. I also suggest you ask him to lock you up because if any harm comes to my wife I will kill you.”

Otto wished he could sense some anger in Adam’s words because then he wouldn’t have feared them so much.

 

The two men had left Storm alone with the young lady who appeared to be their maid, cook and also their entertainment. Storm did as she always did and tried to believe the best of a person until the worst was proven to be true.

“What’s your name?”

“Clive said I ain’t suppose to talk to you.”

“Why? What harm can come of talking?”

“None I suppose.”

“Right, none. Now I guess you already know that my name is Storm so what’s your name?”

“Eve.”

“Eve? My husband’s name is Adam.”

“I know. Clive says he’s gonna give us a lot of money to get you back.”

“He’d give his life to get me back but God help anyone who tried to collect it.”

“He really love you that much?”

“Yes it’s almost as much as I love him.”

“Clive said you got kids.”

“Yes we have four.”

“Four? You don’t look to be no older than me.”

“Probably not. Our first boy, AJ, is five he’s from Adam’s first wife. Then there’s the twins, Benjamin and Elizabeth, their twenty-one months old and our new baby, Skye, she’s two months old.”

“It must be nice.”

“It’s a lot of work but I wouldn’t trade one minute of it. Eve do you love Clive?”

“I use to but now sometimes I really don’t feel nothing’”

“What if I told you that if you help me to get away I could get you enough money so you could get away from here and start a new life.”

“Clive would kill me.”

“He would never find you. You would have mine and Adam’s help and if you were to help me Adam would never let any harm come to you.”

“How much money could you get me?”

“As much as you want.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll think on it.”

“Please Eve, while you’re thinking, think about my children as well.”

Storm thought maybe she might get out of this before anything too bad had a chance to happen. Within an hour the two men came back and Storm realized what a bad judge she had been.

“Hello Mrs. Cartwright. Eve.” The way he said her name Storm knew right then that she had been wrong to expect any help from Eve. He had said it the same way she had said Adam’s name, the same way she had heard Adam say hers.

“Clive she tried to convince me to help her. She said she would give me enough money so that I cold get away from you.”

“Do you want to get away from me?”

“Of course not, I love you.”

“Mrs. Cartwright, did you really believe I would have left you here alone with Eve if I wasn’t certain I could trust her? Do you think your husband is the only man who can command such devotion.”

“No but unlike you he deserves it.” Storm felt the slap for a while after it was over. It hadn’t surprised her that Eve had slapped her because if anyone had implied about Adam what she had about Clive she would have done no less.

“You think you’re the only woman who loves her man!”

“Unlike your man loving mine won’t bring me more grief than joy.”

“Are you so sure?”

“Eve how long have you two been together? Adam and I have been married for three years, we have known each other for so many more and in all that time he has given me more joy than any woman deserves. He has given me four beautiful and wonderful children. He proves to me every day that he loves me. Can you say the same?”

Eve didn’t answer she was too busy thinking about what had been said.

Adam had sent a wire to his father letting him know what was going on. That was the only time he left the hotel. Otto had the good sense to go to the sheriff, who had come by to let Adam know he knew the men Otto had told him about and would keep an eye out for them. Adam had asked that he not do anything to interfere with them because he might not find out where they were keeping Storm if he did.

“Are you Adam Cartwright?”

He had been sitting in the lobby thinking things he didn’t want to think. He raised his head to see who had just spoken. He found himself looking at a young woman. One not much older than Storm. “Yes I’m Adam Cartwright.”

“Some fella’ said I should give you this letter.”

“What fella’?”

“Don’t know. He just gave me a whole dollar to give it to you.”

“Thank you.” Adam took the note to his room and opened it. “So how much do they want?”

“Joe? What are you doing here?”

“Did you really think we wouldn’t come?”

“Hoss you should have stayed with Polly.”

“He didn’t have to stay with me because I came with him.”

“You have been around Storm too much Polly, your starting to act like her.”

“I don’t find that to be a bad thing Adam.”

“No I suppose not Hoss.”

“You still haven’t told us how much they want?”

“Ten thousand Joe, they want ten thousand.”

“How are we supposed to get it to them?”

“The note says I have three days to get the money, and then they’ll send word about when and where to drop it off.”

“Do you want me to go and send a wire to pa?”

“Yes please Joe, I’d rather wait here in case there are any more messages. I gave the clerk instructions to bring any messages straight here.” Little Joe left and Adam turned to Hoss and Polly. Storm was not the only one he was worrying about. “How are the kids?”

“They’re fine. Pa hasn’t told them anything ‘cept that you might be stayin’ a little longer than you had said. AJ might suspect something though. Adam he’s real smart, like you. If it weren’t for the fact that pa believed that he is the only one who can keep AJ calm he would be here too.”

In the three days they had to wait for further instructions Little Joe, Hoss and Polly all watched as Adam did his best to hold himself together. Polly never told Hoss of how she had come upon Adam when both he and Little Joe had been out picking up some food. She could tell he had been crying and although he had wiped any trace of tears from his face he could not erase the redness from his eyes. She had walked over to him and all he said was what would he do without Storm. She had done the only thing she could think of, she hugged him. From that minute she was convinced that Adam and Hoss were more alike than she had ever thought possible.

Finally on the third day there was a knock on the door and they heard the clerk ask if he could come in. Adam went and opened the door. “Did you get a message?”

“Yes it came a few minutes ago.”

“Who delivered it?”

“Some young lady I have never seen before.”

“Thank you.” Adam ripped open the envelope and read what was inside.

“What does it say Adam?”

“Once I have the money I’m to bring it to a cabin just outside of town. I’ll find Storm there. I’m to leave the money and take Storm. If they think I’ve cheated them they will kill us as we leave.”

“Adam you can’t just walk into a trap like that.”

“And what do you suggest I do Joe?”

“I don’t know?”

“You should know by now if I don’t go back with her….”

“So help me Adam if you say it I will……Would you really think nothing of deserting our….”

Before another word could pass her lips Storm found herself in Adam’s arms “Not that I’m not surprised but just how did you get away?”

“From what you said before I didn’t think you had that much faith in me.”

“Storm?”

“When those two men return they are going to be very disappointed when they see I’m no longer the one tied up.”

“Who is?”

“Her name is Eve. She’s Clive’s girl. At first I thought she might be convinced to help me but I found that was a serious misjudgment on my part. I guess since she believed I was such a fine lady lying trying to mislead her would be against my nature. Maybe she just figured I would be like any other woman like me and would choose to sit back and wait for you to rescue me.”

“There are no other women like you and the very idea of you sitting and waiting for anything is a completely ridiculous one.”

“She doesn’t know me as well as you do Adam so when I told her I needed to…..well when she untied me I hit her. She wasn’t prepared for that so I hit her again. The next time I hit her it was over the head with the coffee pot. She blacked out and I then proceeded to switch clothes with her and I came here. Before they’d left they had told her to make sure I was tied up real good and to bring that note here. I knew that if I showed up here with her clothes on they wouldn’t suspect anything. Oh Adam we have to get back home! What if they go after…..”

“Hush Storm. We’ll send a wire to pa. No one will get near our children. Now do you know where you left this young lady tied up?”

“Of course but I think they’re probably watching. If I don’t leave soon they’re liable to get suspicious.”

“Do you think I’m going to let you leave this room? Do you think I’d let you walk out of here alone to avoid raising suspicions?”

“No I don’t”

“Good. I’m glad we don’t have to argue about it because it would be a short argument that you would end up tied in a chair anyway. Joe will you go and get the sheriff?”

“Sure Adam. Storm I’m glad your safe.” He kissed her as he passed. “Thank you Joe and will you please send that wire to Ben?”

“Sure thing Storm.” For the first time since Adam had pulled her into his arms and the room she looked around and noticed that Polly was there. “Polly? What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t find a way to make her stay behind.”

“I’m sorry Hoss.”

“It’s not your fault Storm and besides it was kind of fun arguing.”

“Hoss I have always found the making up to be more fun than the arguing.”

“Ah Storm.”

“Come on Hoss, you don’t really believe the reason I argue with your brother is because I enjoy the fighting do you? You will find that once you are married making up is even…..”

“STORM. Come over here and sit down.”

Little Joe arrived with the sheriff and Storm explained where the men who had taken her were hiding out. Once she told him the young ladies name he seemed to know where he would find them. When Clive and Martin saw the sheriff going into the hotel with Cartwright they became suspicious. They knew that the money was in the bank because a certain teller there owed them money as well. Clive thought that Eve had betrayed him, that maybe Cartwright’s wife had gotten to her with all her fine words and promises because she sure was spending a lot of time in the hotel. He had decided it would be best for him and Martin to get out of here but first they would go back to the cabin and leave Cartwright a reminder of what the cost of double crossing them was.

When the sheriff and the posse rode back into town it was with two bodies and one very upset young woman. The sheriff had gone and asked Storm if she wouldn’t mind coming to identify the gentlemen and lady as the ones who had taken her.

“Yes sheriff those are the gentlemen. I told you Eve that loving him would only bring you grief.” Storm thought long on something. She only hoped that Adam would understand. “Sheriff if I don’t press charges…”

“Storm! What are you doing?”

“Please Adam I think she has suffered enough. If I don’t press charges sheriff will she go free?”

“Yes.”

“Why would you want to help me?”

“Because Eve we can’t choose who we love. I will warn you that if you come near my children or husband, if you attempt to do them any harm, I will kill you.”

Eve didn’t doubt that she would. “I have no intentions of coming after you or yours. You weren’t the one’s who killed him.”

They all watched as Eve left. Adam would have argued further if he thought it would have done any good. The only thing he hoped was that Storm would tell him why. “Storm, are you sure?”

“Adam she only did what she did because he asked her to. She loved him and if you had asked the same of me….”

“You would have told me no.”

“Adam I would do anything you asked of me. It is just my good fortune that you are an amazing man. Not all women can be as lucky as me because not all men can be as wonderful as you.”

 

CHAPTER 14

June finally arrived and Hoss and Polly were married. The circumstances of this wedding were almost exactly the same as it had been with Adam and Storm’s, except that this time Storm had more than just herself to get ready.

Afterwards Polly went to Storm for a lot of advice which Storm was only to glad to give. Rebecca’s house had been finished and she was happily making it a second home, or maybe third, for Storm and Adam’s children.

On their fourth wedding anniversary Adam and Storm decided to stay home and share the day with their family. Hop-Sing had volunteered to do the cooking so Storm and Polly went to Ben’s house to await their husbands’ arrival.

“Storm would you like me to keep the children here tonight?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Don’t you want to be alone with Adam tonight?”

“I want to be alone with Adam every night but I’m afraid the damage has already been done Ben. I mean it would be like shutting the corral gate after the horses have already escaped.”

“Storm?”

Was she saying what it seemed?

“Yes Ben. I am just going to have to learn to say no to that son of yours.”

“Storm this is wonderful news.”

“You would think so. I’m telling you now Polly this is going to be my last contribution to the Ben Cartwright grandchild club. If there are to be any more they will have to be made by you and whomever Joseph marries.” Storm noticed a very strange expression on Polly’s face. “Polly what’s wrong? I didn’t mean to…..”

“Storm when is your baby due?”

“May. Why Polly?”

“So is mine.”

“So is your’s? You mean you’re both…at the same time?” They saw Ben fall into a chair.

“Ben I hardly think they will be born on the same day. Polly, beginning or end of May?”

“Beginning.”

“See mine isn’t due until the end of the month.”

As his sons arrived home they could only guess at what had Storm and Polly so happy and their father in such a daze. The children were all ready and waiting with their grandfathers and Rebecca. Storm went upstairs and sat on the bed and watched as Adam washed and dressed for dinner. She could hardly believe they had been married for four years. It still made her body tremble to see him undressed.

“Adam?”

“Yes sweetheart.”

“I love you so very much.”

He could hear the tears in her voice. Storm couldn’t understand why they were there except to say that when she was with child she did tend to be slightly more emotional then usual.

“Storm what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just do.”

“And I love you but why are you crying?”

“I’m not.”

“Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Yes I’m sure. You know Polly and I realized something today.”

“And what’s that?”

“You and Hoss are alike in more ways than we ever suspected.”

“In what ways?”

“You’ll find out later. Now hurry up and get dressed. They really can’t start our anniversary dinner without us can they.”

He watched her leave the room. Four years? Had it really been four years? It seemed like only yesterday that she had walked up to him and announced that she could read, only yesterday that he had taken her into his arms and made love to her for the first time. With Storm he found that he was still, even after four years, learning new things about her. He had better stop thinking and finish dressing or he just might not make it to dinner. He found the memories to be more satisfying than any meal could hope to be.

“Good of you to join us son.”

“You will have to admit Ben that it was certainly worth the wait.”

“Why thank you ma’am.”

“Papa why did you call mama ma’am?”

“Because I love her AJ.”

“Oh. Hi mama ma’am.”

“I love you too AJ.”

“Everyone dinner ready.”

“Thank you Hop-Sing.” Ben was glad to get this evening started even though he didn’t want it to end. Neither Hoss nor Adam missed the many smiles and glances that passed between Storm and Polly throughout the entire meal. When everyone was done eating Ben prepared to make the announcement he had been appointed to make, actually he had volunteered.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” Ben waited until everyone was looking towards him. “There are a few things I wish to say. First I wish to thank Storm for managing to survive another year married to my son.”

“Thanks pa.”

“You’re welcome Adam. Second I would like to thank Polly for accepting the challenge Storm already has and has been able to survive for four years now.”

“Thanks too pa.”

“Your welcome too Hoss. Third I would like to say it is very good to have both Rebecca and Matt here with us. Now to the most important thing I have to say. I have been given some very interesting information to pass on. I may have had to wait longer than I would have liked, but seeing as to how well it’s turning out I’m no longer too upset by it. I have four wonderful grandchildren and I found out today that come May…..”

Hoss didn’t let his father finish. “Polly?”

“Yes Hoss. We’re going to have a baby.” Everyone got up and went to congratulate Hoss and Polly.

“Excuse me.” Everyone turned back to Ben. “I wasn’t quite finished.”

“What do you mean pa?”

“Adam I realize that it’s not exactly new for me any more but I was expecting a little…..”

“STORM?”

“Yes Adam. It’s just as I told you, you and Hoss are becoming more and more alike.”

“You’re telling me that our baby is due in May as well?”

“Yes……” Something seemed to become very clear to Storm.

“Oh it can’t be.”

“What can’t be?”

“You remember in July when Hoss was away for ten days in the beginning of the month and then you left for a week at the end of the month?”

“I remember it well.”

“What I remember well is the night you got back.” One look at Hoss and Polly only confirmed that they too fondly remembered the night of Hoss’s return. “Poor Paul. I think it may be a good idea if maybe we share a room Polly.”

“I’d like that.”

“Mama?”

“Yes AJ.”

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

“I don’t know we will all just have to wait and see.”

As April came the more time Polly did spend with Storm until by the time May arrived it was finally decided that they should indeed stay at least in the same house. It seemed that having Storm near kept in helping Polly stay calm and having Adam near helped to keep Hoss calm as well.

“Storm are you afraid?”

“Polly that’s not a fair question to ask me, remember I’ve been through this before.”

“I know but are you afraid?”

“Afraid of what Polly? Are you asking me if I’m afraid of dying? No I’m not afraid because if I were to die it would be in giving life to this baby. I may not wish to leave Adam and our children but I wouldn’t be afraid too. Are you afraid?”

“Maybe a little.”

“It’s alright for you to be, like I said I’ve done this before so I kind of know what to expect. I know what the end result will be so after this time next time will be easier for you too.”

“Next time? I can hardly think about this time.”

“I know I can remember the way it was with Benjamin and Elizabeth.” They were sitting there when suddenly Storm saw an expression on Polly’s face. It was one of surprise and pain, and one Storm knew the meaning of only too well. “And so it begins Polly.”

“You mean?”

“Yes I do believe so.” Storm yelled for Ben. He came running from outside where he had been since he had gotten back from dropping his grandchildren off at Rebecca’s house. He would have stayed with her but since he would be the only one here with Storm and Polly he came back besides Matt had promised to stop by Rebecca‘s.

“What is it?”

“I think it might be a good idea if someone goes and gets Paul.” After helping Polly and Storm upstairs, Ben rode to his sons. Little Joe went for the doc and Hoss and Adam went to their wives. “Hoss why don’t you stay with her until Paul gets here.”

“Okay Storm.” You would never have known that Hoss was five years older than Storm by the way he just obeyed her without a second thought. Of course Adam knew that Hoss’s mind was otherwise occupied but even when it wasn’t both he and Little Joe never questioned Storm’s opinions and ideas. Adam walked over to where his wife was sitting.

“Storm how are you?”

“I’m fine. Will you please help me downstairs so I can sit and wait with the rest of you? I have never been the one sitting and waiting. Polly everything will be alright.”

“Thank you Storm.”

Everyone gathered downstairs to wait for Hoss’s child to be born. Hoss joined them once Paul arrived. Storm was so very glad to see that they were all lost in their concerns for Polly. They were so lost they failed to notice when Storm began to show signs of the pain she had begun to feel. Once they heard the baby’s first cries, they were happy to see Paul appear.

“Congratulations Hoss. It’s a boy.”

“A boy? How’s Polly?” Hoss was afraid of the answer because he didn’t think he could be as strong as Adam had been if it were bad news.

“She’s fine.”

“Can I go see her?”

“Of course you can Hoss.” Paul glanced over at Storm and could see something was wrong. “How are you feeling Storm?”

“Fine, Paul. Just fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now why don’t the rest of you go and see Polly. I know she’ll want to show her baby off to all of you. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of having a baby.”

Storm knew they wouldn’t need too much of a push to go up. She watched them run up the steps. She noticed that Paul had remained behind. “Now back to you.”

“I just didn’t want to make Polly miss her chance to see how it felt to have everyone staring at your baby with so much love. To know that in some small way you had put the joy you see in their faces there. I’m sorry Paul.”

“Sorry for what?”

“It’s just that you look tired. I promise I won’t take quite as long as Polly.”

“When did the pains start Storm?”

“I guess almost two hours ago or maybe longer I can‘t really be too sure.”

“If I help you do you think you could make it upstairs?”

“I’m sure I can.” Thankfully, Storm thought, they wouldn’t have to pass by the room Polly was in.

“Adam, where is Storm?”

“Probably still trying to get out of the chair. I had better go help her.” Adam braced himself for the reprimand he was sure would be coming, and rightfully so. When they had come up he hadn’t even offered to help Storm.

“No Adam leave her, she’s probably real tired.”

“Polly I’m sure she can’t wait to see….just what is my nephew’s name?”

“I would like to name him after his father.”

“Hoss Jr?”

“No Joe; Eric Jr.”

Paul had failed in getting Storm upstairs by himself so he went to get some help. No one had noticed he had come back into the room so in an attempt to get Adam’s attention he asked a question fitting the situation. “So how are you feeling Polly?”

“Fine Paul. Just fine, although I am a little tired.”

“Good.” Paul saw all faces looking at him in surprise. “What I mean is that you have done a wonderful job and have every right to be tired. I think you should all go downstairs and let Polly rest.”

“Paul just where is Storm?” Paul picked up on the subtle tone of concern in Adam’s voice. He had heard it three times before. “She’s downstairs where you left her.”

“Is that where she should be Paul?”

“Alright! If someone doesn’t come help me get her upstairs your next child will be born on the settee.” Paul had said this with annoyance but not very loudly. He didn’t wish to disturb the baby or Polly who it appeared were beginning to fall asleep. Adam ran out of the room followed closely by Little Joe. If Hoss had heard he probably would have followed but he had been so lost in his son’s eyes that he had heard very little.

“Paul is there something else?” Ben alone saw him hold up two fingers. He walked over to where Paul was standing and talked low enough so that Hoss and Polly couldn‘t hear them.

“Paul are you saying it’s twins?”

“Yes Ben. She didn’t…..”

“Want Adam to worry.”

“Yes and she didn’t want for you to have to keep the secret. She’s going to tell him now.”

Ben and Paul heard Little Joe and Adam as they helped Storm up the stairs. They could hear them in the hall and making their way into the bedroom.

“Joe go and get Paul, tell him she’s upstairs.” Adam turned to Storm as Joe walked out. “When did this start?”

“About two hours ago. Don’t be angry.” She wouldn’t dare tell Adam it might have been longer than two.

“I’m not. I guess eventually you would have had to say something. I’m sorry I should have known.”

“I don’t mean to not be angry that I didn’t tell you that it was time.”

“Is there something else you haven’t told me?” He looked at her face and knew. “Storm are you trying to tell me it’s twins?”

“You said I should tell you; you didn’t specify when.”

“Storm. So help me.” She watched as he released a very deep breath. “Because I love you and that means I could use all the help I can get.”

“Oh I don’t know Adam you seem to love me quite well without any help at all. Does this mean you’re not angry?”

“No Storm I’m not angry. So we’re going to have two more. That means that we’ll have six. Six? Six!”

“Just keep on saying it!” Ben and Paul had come into the room unnoticed.

“Adam?”

“Pa it’s twins.” Ben found himself smiling at the disbelief in his son’s voice as he made this declaration

“Yes Paul just informed me of that. Maybe he needs Rebecca’s help. Maybe Hop-Sing wouldn’t mind going to…..”

Ben stopped short upon hearing Storm’s muffled yell. “I’m sorry Ben but I don’t think there is enough time for that. Paul if you need any help you’ll have to settle for Adam’s”

“MINE?”

“Yes yours, you are my husband.”

“Ben take your sons downstairs. If I should need any help I’ll call.”

“Adam?”

Hoss had sat with Polly until both she and the baby were asleep. He still hadn’t been told that Storm was having her babies as well. He had noticed she wasn’t with the others but had assumed she had just been tired and gone to sleep. Paul’s absence wasn’t questioned as he figured he had just gone back to town.

“Yes Hoss?”

“I’m sure glad that Polly only had one baby, I mean I was so worried with her just having one I hate to think how much worse it would have been if she….” The odd way in which Adam was looking at him made Hoss stop. “Is something wrong? Adam? Pa?”

“No Hoss nothing is wrong it would seem as if I am going to be blessed to welcome three more grandchildren today.”

“You mean Storm is….you mean she’s having twins?”

“So it would seem. The realization of what he had said earlier hit him even harder than when he had said it. His father and brothers watched Adam do something he had never done while waiting for his child to be born; he sat down. They heard him say something but weren’t quite too sure of what it had been. “Son what did you say?”

“Six pa, I have six children.”

“Yes you will. Joe why don’t you go and get the brandy I think we could all use a drink.”

True to her word Storm didn’t take as long as Polly and an hour and a half later they heard each baby’s cry. Although Adam would have gone to help Paul he was so very glad that didn’t prove to be necessary. Paul came downstairs and found himself facing three very concerned faces. “Paul?”

“She’s fine Adam. I would think that by now you would know that.”

“The babies?”

“Another son and another daughter. Why don’t you go on up and see for yourself.” As Adam made his way upstairs he heard his father offer Paul some of the brandy, stating that it he had had a very long night.

“Hey there beautiful.”

“Why hello there handsome. Why don’t you come closer and see the newest additions to our wonderful family.”

“They’re perfect Storm.”

“Yes they are. Adam if I tell you something will you try not to get angry?”

“Angry? Why is it you always ask me not to be angry when there is no possible way for me to be.”

“Adam this is different. This is…..Marinda asked me once if I wasn’t glad Emily had died, and I’m not Adam really I’m not. It’s just that sometimes….well sometimes I am thankful that she died. I love you so much and I love AJ so much. I promised Emily I would be the best mother I could to AJ, the best wife I could be to you, as a sort of a way to try and apologize for feeling that way.”

“Sweetheart you have most definitely succeeded in doing that. Now just what are we going to call these two?”

“Don’t say you like them if you don’t. If you like other names better it’s alright with me.”

“Storm?”

“Can we call our new son Chase Zachariah? Chase because I feel as if I finally have everything I have ever chased after. Zachariah, well just because I like the way it sounds.”

“I think I like the name and the reasons for them. Now how about our daughter?”

“I’ll tell you the names but the reasons for them I think you will know by yourself. I would like to call her Emily Rebecca.”

“I love you Storm.”

The following day Polly was surprised to learn that Storm had not only had her baby but that it was twins. She couldn’t believe that Storm had kept that from her but than thought that of course Storm would keep it from her for the same reason she had kept it from Adam. AJ and his siblings were happy to learn the same even happier to see that their mother was alright.

EPILOGUE

One day Adam came home to find his father sitting on the floor surrounded by his seven grandchildren. He couldn’t ever remember seeing him so happy. He could hear Polly and Storm in the kitchen talking to Rebecca as they set about preparing lunch for him and his brothers, who would be joining them shortly. Little Joe had indeed begun to seriously think about finding that woman who would be willing to marry him. So seriously that he had told he and Hoss earlier that he might have found her.

As for Storm’s wishes for Ben and Rebecca that was not a topic that Adam felt comfortable discussing with his father but going on what it appeared to be she just might be proven right in that as well. “Pa would you like some help?”

“Not one fingers worth.”

“I think I’ll go in and see if maybe Storm could use my help.”

Ben watched his son as he made his way into the kitchen. “Adam who would have believed that little four year old spitfire would do all this.”

“Not me pa.”

“Adam?”

“I know pa, I know.”

Adam did. He could see it in his father’s eyes. He could see love, pride and so much more. He knew without being told because it was everything he himself felt when he looked at his children.

 

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