{"id":11358,"date":"2014-05-01T17:34:28","date_gmt":"2014-05-01T21:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11358"},"modified":"2026-03-05T08:16:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:16:06","slug":"priorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11358","title":{"rendered":"Priorities (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/em><\/strong>A tasking mistress draws Ben away from his family. Will it take losing his family before he sets his priorities right?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (19,460 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Priorities<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph! What are you doing in there?\u2019 Marie Cartwright came in from the kitchen to see her three year-old son happily picking up handfuls of soot from the fireplace and watching fascinated as they fell from his little hands. She had left him only two minutes ago sitting on the floor with his blocks and now\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe turned to face his mother, his face showing the black smudges of many little handprints that had wiped across it. \u2018Look mama,\u2019 he cried excitedly, \u2018black snow!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She strode over to her small son, grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away from the fireplace. Sending up a short prayer of thanks that the fire hadn\u2019t actually been lit, she bent over and deposited a swift smack on his bottom before she said. \u2018Joseph! How many times have you been told to stay out of there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked up at her with an angelic smile and said, \u2018Lots mama.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shook her head in exasperation. \u2018Then why did you go in there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018To get the soots mama,\u2019 he explained patiently to her. \u2018I needed it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She bent down and gave him another swift smack on his backside and began to pull him towards the kitchen. Little Joe had by this time realised that his mother was angry with him and he began to resist, guessing what was coming next.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph keep still!\u2019 Marie ordered. \u2018We\u2019re going into the washhouse to give you a bath young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t want no barf!\u2019 he yelled and stamped his little foot. \u2018Ain\u2019t gonna have one!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You most certainly are going to have a bath,\u2019 she replied. \u2018You\u2019re all covered in soot and you need one whether you want it or not.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tried to struggle out of her grasp, but she had a firm grip on his wrist and wasn\u2019t about to let go. As they went through the kitchen towards the outer door she called to Hop Sing their cook, \u2018Hop Sing could you heat some water up please? I need to give Joseph a bath.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 yelled Little Joe and struggled even more. \u2018Ain\u2019t gonna have no barf!\u2019 He put his little mouth down and bit his mother\u2019s hand as she tried to drag him forward, causing her to take step back in surprise and let go of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Marie stood there rubbing her hand, Little Joe ran through the open doorway and straight into his father\u2019s arms. \u2018Well hello there young man, \u2018said Ben picking him up. \u2018What have you been up to?\u2019 He frowned as he noticed the child\u2019s black face and clothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wriggled in his father\u2019s arms as he saw his mother coming through the doorway. \u2018Down Papa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Marie questioningly. \u2018In the fireplace again?\u2019 he asked with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked at him crossly. \u2018Yes, in the fireplace! And not only that, but he bit me as well!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the child in his arms with a frown. \u2018Joseph! Why did you bite your mother?\u2019 he said in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put out his bottom lip and stopped struggling. He crossed his small arms over his chest and informed his father. \u2018Don\u2019t want no barf!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned him around and swatted him none too gently a couple of times on the backside. \u2018You will do as you\u2019re told young man!\u2019 he ordered. \u2018Now you apologize to your mother!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bottom lip came out even further. \u2018No!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked. Lately this little one was beginning to defy them all. He sensed a very strong character emerging behind the cherubic face, and he was determined that the youngster would learn to obey him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I beg your pardon!\u2019 he said. \u2018Do as you\u2019re told Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave the child another couple of swats, and was about to keep going when Marie held onto his arm. \u2018There\u2019s no point when he gets like this,\u2019 she said. \u2018Give him to me and I\u2019ll get him in the bath. When he\u2019s calmed down I\u2019ll deal with him then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and carried his son into the bathhouse where Hop Sing was filling the tub with water. \u2018No!\u2019 yelled Joseph kicking out at his father. \u2018Ain\u2019t gonna have no barf!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Quiet!\u2019 yelled Ben and dumped the little boy onto the table. \u2018You will do as you\u2019re told. If your mother says you\u2019re having a bath then you\u2019re having one. Now no more fuss!\u2019 He began to take the child\u2019s clothing off while Marie gathered up the washcloth and soap. When he had stripped him, Ben picked the little boy up and deposited him in the tub without a word. Joe began to yell and kick out at his father, sending drops of water in all directions. Ben picked him up, gave him a resounding smack on his bare backside and sat him down again. \u2018Not another sound out of you!\u2019 he said. \u2018Now sit still!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared back at his father, but sat still as he had been told too. Ben reached to take the soap and washcloth from his wife. \u2018Here I\u2019ll do it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now that I\u2019ve got him this far I may as well keep on going.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Be my guest,\u2019 she said, sitting down on a chair next to the table. \u2018I\u2019ve just about had enough of dealing with him today. She wiped a stray strand of hair off her forehead and slumped down wearily into her seat. \u2018I thought you weren\u2019t coming home for lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wasn\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But we got the fences finished quicker than I thought we would, so I\u2019ll be able to start on the books this afternoon now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If you\u2019ve finished, then why don\u2019t you take the afternoon off?\u2019 asked Marie. \u2018You could do with the break you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can\u2019t. I haven\u2019t got the time to spare,\u2019 he replied rubbing his little son\u2019s back with the cloth and holding onto him firmly with his other hand. Joe sat still, seemingly calmer now that he was in the water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing could watch Joe when he goes down for his nap after lunch,\u2019 persisted Marie. \u2018We could go for a ride.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you Marie, I don\u2019t have the time,\u2019 he replied. \u2018What with the roundup starting in a couple of weeks, the branding next week, as well as trying to get the sawing started at the lumber mill, I don\u2019t have time for anything lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s obvious!\u2019 she retorted. \u2018Have you got the time to eat lunch at least?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll grab something quickly. I\u2019ll see what Hop Sing\u2019s got in the kitchen,\u2019 he said as he picked up the little wet body and handed his son to his mother. She wrapped him in the towel she had been holding and started to rub him dry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fine!\u2019 she said crossly and glared at her husband as he left the room. \u2018Come on little one,\u2019 she said to the now calmer child in her arms. \u2018Let\u2019s get some clean clothes for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached up and put his little hand on her face. \u2018Go ride?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018Yes I think I will,\u2019 she said to herself. \u2018If I wait for your father I\u2019ll never get on a horse again.\u2019 She stood up and hugged him to her as she carried him upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss? Would you like some more?\u2019 Marie asked the boy as she held the platter out to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes ma\u2019am,\u2019 replied her stepson. \u2018Them\u2019s good potatoes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019re good potatoes,\u2019 she corrected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at her puzzled. \u2018I know they are,\u2019 he said, wondering why she was repeating what he\u2019d already said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie put a small spoonful of the vegetables on Little Joe\u2019s plate and ignored the dark look he gave her. \u2018So how was school today boys?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up from his plate. At fifteen years of age he was a quiet and studious boy who loved school and learning with a passion. She knew immediately what his response would be, and smiled when he replied. \u2018Great!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was not so enthusiastic. He was not a natural student like his brother and found school to be difficult and challenging. He was a large boy for his age and towered over most of the other nine year-olds around, and often his size meant that people expected more of him than he was able to deliver. School was not the happy place for him that it was for his older brother. He shrugged. \u2018OK I guess,\u2019 he said with his mouth full.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Marie, where\u2019s Pa tonight?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie gave him a small frown as she tried to push another spoonful of potatoes into Little Joe\u2019s mouth. \u2018He\u2019s in town. He had to go to that meeting with the Mines Association and said he wouldn\u2019t be able to make it home for supper. He\u2019ll eat in town and be home later.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We never get ta see him no more,\u2019 mumbled Hoss. \u2018Seems like he\u2019s never around.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa\u2019s real busy at the moment Hoss,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He can\u2019t help it.\u2019 Marie glanced at him. She knew that Adam missed having their father around as much as Hoss did, but as usual he would never make an adverse comment about the man. Adam adored his father and aspired to be just like him, that was obvious. The boy spent his whole life trying to emulate his father\u2019s actions and held him in very high esteem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie felt it probably came from the time they had relied on each other so much before she had come into their lives. They were so close, that Adam had even felt for a while that she had come between them. It had taken quite a bit of effort on both their parts to come to the understanding that she would do anything to enhance the boy\u2019s relationship with his father, not destroy it. Adam tried not to give away his feelings most of the time, but Marie was getting to the stage where she could read him well. He constantly strove to please his father and praise from Ben was like gold to the boy. He was a son to be proud of.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head from side to side as his mother continued to try and get him to open his mouth. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t want it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie shook her finger at him. \u2018You\u2019re being a baby Joseph,\u2019 she said. \u2018Only little babies need their mothers to feed them like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at her, while Hoss and Adam watched to see what he would do. If there was one thing their stubborn little brother hated, it was being called a baby. He felt that he was very grown up and tried his best to imitate his big brothers in everything he could. He grabbed the spoon from his mother. \u2018I do it!\u2019 he said and put the spoonful into his mouth. Marie winked at the two boys who grinned back at her. It had worked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do ya think Pa\u2019ll have time tomorrow ta take a look at my saddle for me?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018It needs fixing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know dear,\u2019 replied his stepmother. \u2018You\u2019ll have to ask him in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll look at it if he can\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam, and Marie shot him a grateful look. He stood up, wiping his mouth on his napkin. \u2018I\u2019ve got homework to do, may I be excused?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Marie. \u2018Do you have any Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u2018Yeah, spose I\u2019d better do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll help you as soon as I get Joseph to bed,\u2019 replied Marie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe heard the word bed and began to kick at his chair. \u2018No bed! I not sleepy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you are,\u2019 said his mother in a tired voice. \u2018You\u2019re very sleepy Joe, I can tell.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glared at her. \u2018No!\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Does that kid know any other word but no?\u2019 asked Adam as he walked away from the table. \u2018It\u2019s all he ever says lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sometimes I wonder,\u2019 said Marie wearily. \u2018He\u2019s been such a handful today.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Would you like me to put him to bed for you?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked up at him gratefully. \u2018Thank you Adam, that would be wonderful. Then I could get Hoss started on his homework quicker.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bent down and picked up his little brother, avoiding the little face that was liberally smeared with food as it brushed close to his own. \u2018Come on little buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You want a ride?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Horse! Horse!\u2019 yelled the little boy flapping his arms and legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swung him around and put him up on his shoulders as he started towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wash his face well please Adam,\u2019 Marie said as she motioned for Hoss to get his books and join her over near the fireplace. The boy made a face, but did as he was bid. \u2018Now, what do you need to start with?\u2019 she asked with a small sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she sat and watched the boy\u2019s head bent over his work she felt a weariness come over her. She glanced at the clock and wondered just how long it would be before Ben made it home tonight. She really had to agree with Hoss, they hardly ever got to see him any more. If it wasn\u2019t something happening around the ranch that needed his attention it was the never-ending paper work that seemed to be ever increasing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She knew that Ben was looking forward to the day when Adam would leave school and join his father full-time on the ranch. He hoped that it would ease the burden somewhat. The problem was that Ben didn\u2019t realise just how anxious Adam was not to join his father just yet. The boy had a very keen mind, and was bound and determined to go to College if it was at all possible. She and her stepson had had many talks about his future, and they were both agreed that it was the right way for him to proceed. The problem was convincing Ben about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie knew of course that her husband wanted the very best for all his boys, but just at this time she didn\u2019t know that he would feel he could spare Adam. She sighed again. It was just an example of the many problems they were facing lately. Money was another issue, and the main reason why Ben worked as hard as he did. Or so he said. Marie suspected that it wouldn\u2019t have mattered how much or how little they had, Ben would always be the sort of man who would have worked himself hard rather than leave it to others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had put so much into the establishment of this ranch in the last few years. He saw it as his legacy to his sons \u2013 and she had to agree it was a wonderful legacy to leave to them. But it seemed that now things were at the stage where their lives could be a little easier he just wasn\u2019t prepared to back off a bit and hire others to do some of the work for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed as she bent forward to check Hoss\u2019 arithmetic. She didn\u2019t really mind after all. She had great respect for her husband and his dream of The Ponderosa, but it did place a burden on her all the same. It hadn\u2019t been easy taking on a ready-made family and then adding to it all in the first year of marriage. Not that she regretted it of course! She loved her husband and the boys dearly, but sometimes she felt as if she were drowning and needed Ben around a little more to help keep things afloat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If it wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s need for her support in his dealings with his father, it was Hoss\u2019 problems with school and the fact that he missed his father so much. Then there was Joseph and the demands that he was constantly putting on her time and energy. She suspected that the little boy was going to be quite a handful as he grew older. And then there was the running of the household. How grateful she was to Hop Sing in this regard. The man was an absolute treasure, and she knew that without his quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) support the place would probably have fallen down around them quite some time ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Time for bed if you\u2019ve finished now Hoss,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss closed his book happily and stood up to kiss her good night. \u2018Good night Ma,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Goodnight dear,\u2019 she said as she gave him a hug. She dearly loved this gentle boy who had accepted her so willing as a substitute mother. \u2018I\u2019ll be up to check on you soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She walked around the large room straightening up before going upstairs and checking on the boys. Adam was seated at his desk still working. \u2018Don\u2019t stay up too late Adam,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked up from the book he was reading. \u2018I won\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just want to finish this chapter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Any trouble from Little Joe?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No. He drifted off as soon as I started to read to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you. He\u2019s been difficult today, and I needed the break. Goodnight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Night,\u2019 he said turning back to the book again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was in bed, and she turned down the lamp for him. \u2018What time will Pa be home?\u2019 he asked, watching her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat down on the edge of the bed. \u2018I don\u2019t know dear. Soon I hope.\u2019 She stroked his sandy hair. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be around a bit more on the weekend.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes lit up. \u2018Do ya think he might go fishing if I ask him to?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at him. \u2018I don\u2019t know. You can ask I guess.\u2019 She sincerely hoped that his father would have the time, and made a mental note to mention it to him later. Hoss really seemed to be missing his father\u2019s attention at the moment, and she was becoming worried about it. She knew that Ben didn\u2019t mean it and wouldn\u2019t do anything to hurt the boy, but it was painful to watch the hope in the child\u2019s eyes dashed time and again when his father was too busy for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She left his room and went to Little Joe next. She smiled when she saw the way he was lying in his bed, sprawled sideways and uncovered as usual. She bent down to straighten him up and re-cover him, noticing what a deep sleep he was in. As she stroked his curls she felt her heart constrict over this child of her heart. Nothing meant more to her than this one small little person who gave her just so much joy in her life. And such anxiety too! He was developing into quite a handful that was for sure and was probably the main reason why she was so tired lately. In his small way, this little boy needed his father so much as well. She only hoped that as the years went by Ben could be more available for him and his brothers. Lord knows they needed their father in their different ways.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later on as she lay in bed she was very conscious of the empty space beside her. There were so many times lately when she had felt so alone. She longed for the man she loved to be here beside her and her whole body ached for him. After a while she heard his horse down in the yard and smiled to herself contentedly as she waited for him to come upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben entered the bedroom he began to undress in the dark. \u2018Put the lamp on,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t want to wake you,\u2019 he said quietly. He turned on the lamp and continued to get ready for bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam asleep?\u2019 she asked. She knew that he would have checked on all the boys as he came up, as he did every night no matter what time he came in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes. He had a book in the bed with him as usual,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss was asking about going fishing with you on the weekend,\u2019 Marie said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be able to. There\u2019s just so much to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed. \u2018Ben he really needs some of your time at the moment. He\u2019s feeling very neglected. I can see it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I can\u2019t give it just at the moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018With the new hands starting things are hectic, plus there\u2019s the branding about to start. I\u2019ll take him another time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He needs to go now,\u2019 she insisted. \u2018Why can\u2019t Charlie take charge of the branding?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stared at her. \u2018You know I always do it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know you do, and that\u2019s exactly my point.\u2019 she replied. \u2018Why can\u2019t you just for once let go of something around here? You don\u2019t always need to be right on the front line for every little thing that happens. Charlie is capable of doing it, and it would give you a bit more time for your sons. They need you Ben and so do I.\u2019 She leant across and stroked him on the arm. \u2018We miss not having you around so much.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He frowned at her. \u2018Marie, a ranch like this doesn\u2019t run itself you know. I have to be on the front line as you call it. I don\u2019t think I\u2019m neglecting anyone in this family by doing it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed. \u2018Ben I don\u2019t mean to criticise you. I know you\u2019re doing what you think is best, but I can see the boys suffering at the moment. Hoss needs you to pay him more attention, and Adam \u2026. well there are things Adam wants to talk to you about, but he feels such an obligation to you that he doesn\u2019t want to upset you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What things?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll talk to you about them. Things about his future.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You mean about College?\u2019 She looked at him startled. \u2018I\u2019m not completely blind you know Marie. I do know what\u2019s on the boy\u2019s mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think about it then?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not against it. It\u2019s just the timing that we need to look at. I need him around here at the moment, the ranch\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s always the ranch isn\u2019t it?\u2019 she interrupted. \u2018Why does the ranch come first and your sons second?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think they come second!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019ve never put them second to anything!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it seems like you are at the moment,\u2019 she said. \u2018Even Little Joe needs you at the moment. When was the last time you had any time for him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I gave him a bath this morning,\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Only because you didn\u2019t have much choice in the matter. He literally had to run into you before you were forced to do something for him!\u2019 She lowered her voice. \u2018Ben I know you love them all dearly. It\u2019s just that I think you need to show them that a bit more attention at the moment. I don\u2019t mean to\u2026.\u2019 Her words were cut short by a scream that cut through the stillness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not again!\u2019 exclaimed Ben angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He can\u2019t help it,\u2019 she said as she got out of bed. \u2018He\u2019s just a little boy!\u2019 She walked down the hallway to Little Joe\u2019s room and turned on the lamp. The child was sitting up in the middle of his bed shaking, with his thumb in his mouth and tears rolling down his cheeks. \u2018It\u2019s all right little one,\u2019 said his mother picking him up and rocking him gently. \u2018Did you have a bad dream again?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe cuddled into his mother and nodded his head. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he sobbed as he clung to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat down on the rocking chair and pulled a blanket around them both as she soothed the child in her arms. His little body was trembling and she stroked his hair and sang to him softly as she rocked, trying to calm him down further. She looked up as Ben appeared in the doorway. \u2018Do you want me to do it?\u2019 he asked. She shook her head and he disappeared again. As she rocked, she stared out of the window at the star-filled sky and thought about the things that had just been said between the two of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How could she get through to that man just how much he meant to his boys \u2013 and to her? She knew that he loved them all, but the situation at the moment just wasn\u2019t what they had both had planned it to be. How could they make it better?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood on the front porch and drank a cup of coffee, drinking in the fresh pine-scented air as he did so. He loved the early morning and the stillness that heralded the start of another day. It made him feel so at peace with this land that he had come to love so dearly and was now so much a part of him. He frowned as he thought about Marie\u2019s words last night. Was he putting the ranch before his family? He really didn\u2019t feel that he was!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She of all people should know just how much work there was to keep this place going. He had shared so much of his dreams with her and they had always pulled together with the same goals in mind, but lately he had felt a distance between them. Was it true what she had said? Not only was she criticising him for neglecting his boys, but she had begun to hint that she was feeling that way as well. He really didn\u2019t want to hurt her or his sons, but couldn\u2019t she see that he was doing what he had to for their sakes? He shook his head as he tried to make sense of it all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Boss,\u2019 said Charlie his foreman as he emerged from the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Charlie,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll need some time with you this morning before I go to town. We have to sort out a few issues for the branding next week.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure thing. I\u2019ll be around for a while before I go out to the North Pasture,\u2019 the man said as he walked over to the barn. He swatted Adam gently on the head as he passed the boy who was emerging from the building. \u2018Morning,\u2019 he said pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hi Charlie,\u2019 said Adam with a smile. \u2018Morning Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved at his oldest son as he watched him going about his chores. He could always rely on Adam to be up and around when he was supposed to be. The boy was a great support to him \u2013 always had been \u2013 and now that he was coming to the end of his schooling he would be around to \u2026.. he stopped as he thought about what Marie had said last night. He knew the boy needed to go to College, for a mind like that couldn\u2019t be wasted! But he desperately needed him for a while longer around here. Ben felt torn between doing what was best for his son. On the one hand his education was so important, but on the other so was the ranch. It was after all the boy\u2019s future inheritance. He just didn\u2019t know what to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A noise behind him made him turn. \u2018Morning Pa,\u2019 said Hoss as he hugged his father. \u2018Ma said ta start my chores before breakfast.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the hug. \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said. Hoss walked away towards the barn. Ben smiled to himself. That second boy of his was such a delight at times. He wondered if he really was feeling neglected? He never would have shown it himself of course, for it just wasn\u2019t in the Hoss\u2019 nature to make a fuss about anything. He must make more time for the boy when he was able to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and went into the house, smelling the breakfast that Hop Sing was placing on the table as he entered the dining room. Marie was standing at the table putting Little Joe into his chair and Ben walked over and kissed her before placing a kiss on the top of the child\u2019s head. \u2018Good morning,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at him. \u2018Morning. Ben, I\u2019m sorry for last night. I didn\u2019t mean to \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put a finger over her mouth. \u2018Shh. Let\u2019s forget it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She frowned. He just didn\u2019t get it did he? She didn\u2019t want to forget it \u2013 the things they had talked about were so important! But he seemed to feel that the problems would just all go away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not what I meant\u2026\u2019 she started to say, but her words were interrupted by Hop Sing entering the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys should come for breakfast. I call. Eggs get cold!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe heard the word eggs and wrinkled up his little nose. \u2018Don\u2019t want no eggs!\u2019 he pouted and hit his spoon on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him as he sat down. \u2018You\u2019ll eat what you\u2019re told to young man,\u2019 he said as he put a spoonful of the eggs on his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018No! Yucky!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie sat down as well as Adam and Hoss came into the room. \u2018Come and eat boys,\u2019 she said and began to hand their plates to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben began to pour himself a cup of coffee when he was startled by a spoonful of eggs that hit him on the side of the head. He turned quickly to see his youngest son pouting at him as he held his spoon up. \u2018Yucky eggs!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 Ben thundered. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare throw your food around the table!\u2019 He glared at Hoss who began to giggle. \u2018And don\u2019t you encourage him either young man!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knelt up on his chair and leant forward to push the plate of eggs away from himself. \u2018Don\u2019t want them!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie calmly poured him a glass of milk as she pushed the plate back towards him. \u2018Eat them Joseph\u2019 she said quietly. He pouted at his mother, but sat down again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa,\u2019 said Hoss with his mouth full of eggs. \u2018Can we go fishing tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and glanced at Marie before he replied. \u2018Not tomorrow Hoss. I need to do a few things around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How about Sunday?\u2019 persisted the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noticed a frown on Marie\u2019s face. \u2018I just can\u2019t this weekend son. Maybe next week,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his plate. \u2018OK Pa, next weekend will be fine, \u2018he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence and Ben felt his wife\u2019s disapproval as he ate. He turned to Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll need you to help out tomorrow son,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 replied his son. \u2018Are we doing the fences?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No I got them finished yesterday. There\u2019s some work to do to get ready for the branding next week though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can I help too Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I help too!\u2019 declared Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him, still not too pleased about the egg-throwing incident. \u2018You can help mama,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him. \u2018I help you papa,\u2019 he insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No. You help mama,\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hit his little fists on the table. \u2018Not help mama! I help you!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, that will do!\u2019 yelled his father. \u2018Now eat your eggs and be a good boy.\u2019 He leant over and put a spoonful of eggs into the child\u2019s hand, but frowned as he dropped it again. \u2018Eat!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie leant over and picked up the spoon. \u2018That\u2019s not the way to get him to do it,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to her. \u2018I\u2019ll handle him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She frowned. \u2018I only meant\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know how to deal with my own son,\u2019 he interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie turned to the other two boys who were staring at them. \u2018Time for school boys,\u2019 she said. \u2018Get your books now.\u2019 They both stood up, said their goodbyes and headed for the door. She waited until they had left before she turned back towards her husband. \u2018There was no need for that in front of the boys!\u2019 she declared angrily. \u2018I was only trying to give you some helpful advice!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, you\u2019re very good at giving advice lately aren\u2019t you?\u2019 Ben retorted. \u2018Seems like you think I need advice about how to handle all my sons.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared back at him, her anger rising. \u2018Yes, as a matter of fact I think you do!\u2019 she declared. \u2018I meant every word of what I said last night! It\u2019s time you realised that these boys need more from you than just a part-time father!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I have never been a part-time father in my life!\u2019 declared Ben angrily. \u2018How dare you say that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I dare because I care about them all Ben,\u2019 she said. \u2018I think it\u2019s\u2026.\u2019 Her words were cut short by Little Joe knocking his glass of milk over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben uttered a curse and leant over to mop it up. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough of you!\u2019 he yelled at the child. \u2018Why does every meal time with you have to be like this?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben he\u2019s only a little boy, you\u2019re frightening him!\u2019 said Marie angrily. \u2018Leave him alone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s old enough to know how to behave himself at the table,\u2019 said Ben. He picked up the child and gave him a swat on the backside before replacing him on his chair. Little Joe began to cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t take your bad temper out on a little boy,\u2019 said Marie angrily as she picked up her son. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just go to work if that\u2019s how you\u2019re going to behave?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and flung his napkin down on the table before he stormed out. Marie glared at him as he left the room. Little Joe put his thumb in his mouth and sucked on it noisily as he always did when he was upset, watching his mother\u2019s face. After a moment he put his little hand up to touch her cheek. \u2018Mama crying,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, mama crying,\u2019 she said softly as she held him close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Ben and Marie sent that day thinking a lot and trying to work out how to work through their problems. Ben stayed away for the entire day and had lunch in town, and Marie busied herself around the house, keeping Little Joe occupied and supervising the older two boys when they returned from school. By the time the family gathered around the supper table both of them were ready to keep the peace again, and even though nothing was said about the incident both tried to show their concern for the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was full of his day at school and kept them all entertained with the news of what had happened. His eyes shone as he spoke about the work that his teacher had given him to complete, and Marie resolved as she listened to him to bring the topic of College up again with Ben when the time was right. For once Little Joe behaved himself, which helped to keep things on an even keel. Hoss as usual ate heartily and listened to his older brother with wide eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wish I knew all the stuff that you do Adam\u2019 he said wistfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie patted him on the arm. \u2018You\u2019re doing the best that you can at school dear,\u2019 she said to him. \u2018I\u2019m sure your teacher is very pleased with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at her. \u2018Well I\u2019m pleased tomorrow is the weekend,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m gonna help ya ain\u2019t I Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said his father. \u2018Oh yes, there are lots of chores for you to get done son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think Hoss was hoping to help you to get ready for the branding,\u2019 Marie said as she noticed the little boy\u2019s face fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at her before turning to his son. \u2018That\u2019s what I meant,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need all the branding irons cleaned and lots of wood chopped while Adam and I are out.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie shook her head. He just doesn\u2019t understand!<\/em> she thought. The boy wants to be with him, it\u2019s not the nature of the work that\u2019s important! She held her tongue, not wanting to start another argument.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hey there\u2019s going to be a picnic on Sunday after Church,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018They were talking about it at school today. Can we go?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked at Ben meaningfully. He opened his mouth, but then shut it again as he saw the look in her eye. \u2018We\u2019ll see,\u2019 he said after a moment and noticed her nodding her head slightly. He supposed that would be the topic of another argument later. It seemed that all they did lately was go from one argument to another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe climbed down from his chair and walked over to his father. \u2018Come up,\u2019 he said, holding his arms up to his father. Ben bent down and put the little boy on his lap, kissing him on the top of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie smiled to see the two people that she loved more than anything in the world together like this. \u2018Tell papa what you did today,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t tell me the fireplace again,\u2019 said Ben with a laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No nothing like that,\u2019 she said. \u2018Tell papa about the hens Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy looked up into his father\u2019s face, his eyes shining brightly. \u2018I got the eggs,\u2019 he said proudly. \u2018From the hens.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did you?\u2019 asked his father with a serious expression on his face. \u2018And how many did you break along the way?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe held up both hands and showed all his ten fingers. \u2018Four,\u2019 he said proudly. \u2018Hop Sing tooked the ovvers.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s very good,\u2019 said Ben, as Hoss and Adam giggled at their younger brother\u2019s maths. \u2018I hope that means you\u2019re going to eat them now that you\u2019re collecting them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie stood up and picked up her son. \u2018I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll get into that now,\u2019 she said. \u2018I doubt that he really sees one thing having anything to do with the other. Say goodnight to everyone now Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Goodnight everyone now,\u2019 said the little boy and laughed along with his family as they chuckled at his words. He wasn\u2019t sure what the joke was, but loved to join in with any laughter regardless. He waved to them over his mother\u2019s shoulder as she carried him up the stairs to his bedroom, his curly head bobbing up and down. Ben sighed as he picked up his coffee cup. This was how he liked it, with everyone happy and contented. Why couldn\u2019t they always be like this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hurry up Hoss,\u2019 called out Marie from the bottom of the stairs. \u2018It\u2019s time to go!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss appeared at the top of the staircase dressed in his Sunday best. \u2018Coming,\u2019 he said as he bounded down the stairs and out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie moved to follow him, noticing Hop Sing carrying the large picnic basket across the dining room and through the front door ahead of her. She smiled. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing. It looks like we\u2019ll have plenty to eat.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Plenty food,\u2019 the man agreed. \u2018Bring nothing back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll do our best,\u2019 she agreed with a laugh. Hop Sing loved nothing better than people appreciating his food, and measured its success by the amount that was consumed. Hoss was becoming a major help in that department! She put on her bonnet as she walked through the front door, happy that she had been able to convince Ben that they needed to attend the picnic together as a family. It would do them all good, and help to heal some of the feelings that had been less than positive lately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she entered the yard she gasped to see Adam trotting around the yard with Little Joe seated in front of him on his horse. The little boy was bouncing up and down in the saddle crowing with excitement. \u2018Faster! Faster!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 she called. \u2018Be careful with him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over to her. \u2018He\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said with a grin. \u2018He loves it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from the buggy as he finished tightening the reins. \u2018He\u2019s all right Marie, the boy\u2019s got no fear of horses.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know that! That\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of,\u2019 she said as she reached up to take the protesting youngster from his older brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018One of these days he\u2019ll get hurt because he can\u2019t stay away from them.\u2019 She had already noticed how difficult it had become to keep the child away from any horse that came within his line of vision. \u2018Get into the buggy please Hoss,\u2019 she instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t see why I can\u2019t ride like Adam is,\u2019 complained the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because we need someone to watch the picnic basket,\u2019 she said as Ben helped her up into the buggy and handed Little Joe up to her. \u2018We can\u2019t have it fall off.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u2018Spose not,\u2019 he said, satisfied with her explanation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trip to church was very pleasant, apart from the constant battle they had with Little Joe trying to reach the horses in front of them. So finally Ben took the little boy and put him on his knee. He let him touch the end of the reins to give him the impression he was actually driving the team, and Joe sat proudly and quietly for the rest of the journey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the service was over they made it out to the picnic ground and found a pleasant spot near the creek. Hoss immediately began to hint about eating, so they decided to have lunch first. As Marie handed around the sandwiches she noticed a faraway look in Ben\u2019s eye, and wondered what he was thinking. She hoped it wasn\u2019t about work. To distract him, she pushed Little Joe in his direction. \u2018Give this to papa,\u2019 she said handing the little boy a sandwich.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child eagerly trotted over to his father and handed it to him. \u2018Sambich papa,\u2019 he said with cheeky grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled back at the child and took it from him, pulling him onto his lap as he began to eat. \u2018There\u2019s David Warner,\u2019 he said as he looked around. \u2018I\u2019ll have to talk to him about those timber costings today.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can\u2019t you just forget about work just this once?\u2019 said Marie. \u2018This is supposed to be a family day.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It won\u2019t take long,\u2019 he said as he got up. \u2018I won\u2019t get the chance to see him again for a while, so I should do it now.\u2019 He put a protesting Little Joe down on the rug and walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come here baby,\u2019 said Marie, but Little Joe shook his head. \u2018No! Want Papa!\u2019 he said. Don\u2019t we all!<\/em> she thought to herself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up as he stuffed the last of his sandwich into his mouth. \u2018I might just go and see Pete Henson,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to talk to him about something.\u2019 Marie smiled. She knew it wasn\u2019t Pete that her stepson wanted to talk to, but his sister Ruth. Adam had recently begun to notice girls in a big way, and even though he tried to be discreet about it she knew exactly what was on his mind. She wondered if Ben knew just how much his son was growing up? She doubted if he\u2019d even noticed this new interest of Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glanced over to Hoss, still engrossed in his lunch. \u2018I suppose you want to go off as well?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No ma\u2019am,\u2019 he mumbled through a mouthful. \u2018There\u2019s still plenty of food left.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laughed. Trust Hoss to stick close to the picnic basket! He seemed to feel it was his personal duty to make sure that Hop Sing had nothing to complain about. She stood up. \u2018Well you keep going Hoss, but close the basket when you\u2019ve finished please,\u2019 she said. \u2018Come on Joseph, we\u2019ll go and find something to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stood up and took his mother\u2019s hand as they walked away. Throughout the afternoon Marie took the opportunity to acquaint herself with all the news from the other families in the district, while keeping an eye on her little son at play. It was a pleasant day, but she decided as they were driving back to the ranch that it had done nothing in the way of family bonding as she had hoped. She had hardly seen her husband as he had gone from one business acquaintance to another, and she doubted that the boys had either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed like nothing she did meant much to him any more. He was far too busy to even notice what any of them were doing! She wondered if he would even notice if she were around or not. She shifted on the seat and eased her arm that was going to sleep with the weight of a little curly head that leant on it. She smiled down at Little Joe who was asleep in her lap, and then glanced at Hoss who was diving into the picnic basket beside her checking for any crumbs that might be left. She noticed the far-away look on Adam\u2019s face as he rode beside them, and smiled to think what that might be about. She glanced at her husband beside her and noticed with irritation the frown that was on his face as he drove. Work-related no doubt!<\/em> she thought. Could that man ever think about anything else?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During the next few days Marie hardly got the chance to see her husband, let alone talk to him. She spent her time immersed in the needs of the boys and the household, feeling more and more frustrated as the days went on. What she did see of Ben she didn\u2019t like either. He was very short tempered with them all, probably as a result of tiredness she knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He continually pushed Hoss aside and the boy was becoming quite unhappy about it. He hardly had anything to do with Little Joe at all, and she noticed with unease that the child didn\u2019t even ask for his father as much any more. But it was Adam who really had her concerned. Ben seemed to just take the boy for granted at times, so much so that she became angry on his behalf. It seemed to be a given to his father that his oldest son work on ranch business every spare minute that he wasn\u2019t at school or doing his homework. Not that he complained of course \u2013 Adam would never do that \u2013 but she could see in his eyes the frustration of doing a good job and not getting the recognition for it from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As for herself, she felt as if her presence was not even noticed. She doubted that her husband would have known if she were there or not sometimes and wondered how long it would take him to realize it if she packed up and left. She resolved to try and get through to him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She waited until all the boys were in bed one night before she attempted to talk to him. Ben was seated at his desk in the study finishing off some paperwork when she approached him. \u2018Ben?\u2019 she said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mmmm?\u2019 he said without looking up from his work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben, I\u2019d like to talk to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can\u2019t it wait? I have to finish this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No it can\u2019t really wait. It\u2019s important,\u2019 she said in a frustrated tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put his head up. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked irritably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at him, feeling her temper rise. \u2018Well excuse me!\u2019 she said. \u2018If it\u2019s too much trouble for you, then forget it!\u2019 She turned and walked away from him, expecting him to call her back, and was surprised when he didn\u2019t. As she reached the top of the stairs she glanced back and saw him hard at his work again, and her blood boiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stormed down the hallway, checking on the boys quickly before she reached her room and started getting ready for bed. As she lay on her back with her arms crossed over her chest she felt her anger rising even more, and her frustration spilling out of control. The tears began to fall as she wondered just how important she was in her husband\u2019s life after all. Did he even care what was on her mind? She doubted it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while she heard his footsteps on the stairs and listened to his slow approach up the hallway as he also stopped to check in on the boys. As he reached their doorway she turned over and faced the wall, pretending she was asleep. \u2018Marie?\u2019 he called softly as he began to get undressed. \u2018Are you awake?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She kept still and didn\u2019t open her eyes. Two can play at this game,<\/em> she thought. Let him see if he likes being ignored! <\/em> As he slipped into the bed beside her he put his arms around her and said quietly into her ear, \u2018I know you\u2019re awake.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She brushed his arms away and moved further over in the bed. \u2018Keep away from me!\u2019 she said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on darling, I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018It\u2019s just that I needed to get that finished. \u2018Now tell me what\u2019s on your mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned to face him. \u2018Oh yes! It\u2019s all right when you\u2019re ready isn\u2019t it? Why does everything have to be in your time Benjamin Cartwright? Everything in this world doesn\u2019t revolve around you, you know!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was taken aback by the force in her voice. \u2018I never said that it did,\u2019 he bit back angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you certainly act like it!\u2019 she replied. \u2018You never have time for any of us any more! You act like it\u2019s a privilege if you pay us any attention at all! Sometimes I think you wouldn\u2019t care if I was even around or not!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stared at her. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid,\u2019 he said wearily and turned over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at him. \u2018Stupid am I? Well you might just come home one day and find me not here! How would you like that, or would you even notice?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I\u2019d notice,\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018I need you around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You need me? What for? To look after your sons and your house, that\u2019s about it! Nothing else that\u2019s for sure! When was the last time we even sat and talked about anything other than the ranch or the boys?\u2019 She pointed her finger at him. \u2018You count yourself lucky that I\u2019ve stayed here as long as I have.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018Marie, come on! You know I appreciate you around here! I married you didn\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you married me. And I\u2019m beginning to wonder why! Maybe we\u2019d be better off apart!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Stop talking like that. You know you\u2019d never leave the boys, so why go on about it?\u2019 he mumbled into his pillow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was talking about leaving you! I don\u2019t intend to leave the boys,\u2019 she said getting quite heated now. \u2018As if I would!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to face her again. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever talk about taking my sons away from me!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018That\u2019s not funny Marie!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat up and leant towards him. \u2018I\u2019m not trying to be funny, can\u2019t you understand that? Adam is old enough to cope of course, but the two younger ones would definitely come with me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat up as well. \u2018How dare you!\u2019 he said pointing his finger at her. \u2018You will never take my sons away from me! Little Joe I agree you have a claim to, but Hoss is mine!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a tense silence between them before she exploded, all her anger and frustration spilling out towards him in one rush. \u2018What?\u2019 she yelled incredulously. \u2018How could you say a thing like that?\u2019 She began to cry. \u2018After all I\u2019ve done for you and these boys, to have you fling that back in my face this way. That child is as much mine as if I gave birth to him. They both are! I feel as close to them as I possibly could and you dare to say that to me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He touched her on the arm. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean it like that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know how you feel about them and they certainly love you.\u2019 He sighed. \u2018Why are we talking like this anyway? It\u2019s pointless and you know it as well as I do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stared at him, unable to believe that he was still not taking her seriously. \u2018There\u2019s no point in talking to you,\u2019 she said with the tears falling down her face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached for her. \u2018Marie\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pushed his arms away angrily. \u2018Don\u2019t touch me!\u2019 she yelled as she began to get out of the bed. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough of\u2026.\u2019 She turned as she heard a small sound near the doorway and saw Little Joe standing there in his nightshirt with his thumb stuck in his mouth and a worried expression on his face. \u2018Mama?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She reached out for him and turned to Ben with the child in her arms. \u2018See what you\u2019ve done now? Are you satisfied? You\u2019ve woken him up and upset him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes wide. \u2018I\u2019ve upset him?\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re the one who\u2019s been doing all the yelling.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at him. \u2018Well excuse me!\u2019 she said and flounced out of the room with the little boy in her arms. Ben sighed and lay down in the bed again, waiting for her to return. After a while it became apparent that she wasn\u2019t going to, and he wearily closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ray of sunlight reached her face and Marie opened her eyes sleepily. She hesitated for a moment as she saw the different surroundings, and then it all came rushing back to her as she looked at the ceiling of her son\u2019s room. She moved slightly in the bed and smiled to see her little boy\u2019s face so close to hers in repose. Little Joe\u2019s legs were entangled around her nightshirt and his arms were tightly clasped around her waist. His breathing was deep and even and she leant forward and immersed herself in his baby smell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed as she slowly tried to disentangle herself from the little boy\u2019s grasp without waking him, but his eyes opened when she moved away from him. \u2018Good morning little one,\u2019 she said gently as she planted a kiss on his curly head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put his head up so that his face was nearly touching hers. \u2018Hello mama,\u2019 he said sleepily. \u2018What you doing in my bed?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m giving you a hug,\u2019 she said, doing just that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He giggled in glee and hugged her back with an impish expression on his face. \u2018Love you mama,\u2019 he said happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I love you too baby,\u2019 she said, stroking his curly hair. At least someone does! <\/em>she thought ruefully. She hopped out of bed and dressed the little boy quickly before leading him into her room. She sat him on the empty bed and gave him a hairbrush to keep him amused while she dressed herself quickly, not looking forward to facing her husband downstairs. Never before had she left his bed like that, and she was sure he would be very upset with her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she came downstairs she noticed Adam and Hoss already seated at the table eating breakfast. Little Joe ran over to them and gave each of them a hug. \u2018Good morning boys,\u2019 she said as she seated her son and then herself at the table and began to serve breakfast for the two of them. \u2018Is your father still outside?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s gone,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He said to tell you he had to go out early to the North Pasture with Charlie. He won\u2019t be back until supper time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at her plate and tried to calm herself, anxious for the boys not to see the tears that she felt were forming. He couldn\u2019t have even waited to say goodbye to her! After all that she had said last night, he didn\u2019t even think it was important enough to wait and make his peace with her before he left!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a quiet breakfast, punctuated at intervals by Little Joe\u2019s announcements of his dislike for the foods that were placed in front of him. When the two boys had left for school, Marie sat dejectedly watching Little Joe gleefully mixing his eggs in with his milk and didn\u2019t even feel she had the energy to correct him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What was she to do? She really felt she couldn\u2019t go on like this, but what after all was the alternative? She thought back to her threat of last night and wondered if she should do it just to prompt Ben into acting. Maybe if she moved into town for a couple of days he\u2019d be shocked into realising that she was right?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed. He\u2019d been right of course about the boys, for she couldn\u2019t do it to them. She looked at her little son beside her with his face smeared with eggs and butter, grinning at her. She smiled back at him. Sometimes he was just so cute! It was a shame that his father wasn\u2019t around often enough to see this little one growing up. He was missing out on so much. She put her chin on her hand and sighed again. Maybe she should do it? It would certainly make him sit up and take notice. He would probably come storming into town begging her to return and then things could go back to the way they had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She thought back to the time when she had first come to The Ponderosa. That first year had been a difficult time for them all, but she and Ben had been so close to each other through it all. They had weathered the problems with Adam. The ranch had begun to take off. They had welcomed their own darling little son. But most importantly of all they had gotten to know each other so well and supported each other through all their trials. Yes, they had been good days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The problem was perhaps that now that things were a little easier for them all, the effort just didn\u2019t need to be made any more. And with the lack of effort came a complacency that had taken the fire and passion out of their relationship. Maybe she had to do something drastic to get it back again? Maybe this was the answer to their problems? One thing for sure, talking about it wasn\u2019t working.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stood up abruptly and picked up Little Joe. \u2018Come on baby,\u2019 she said. \u2018We\u2019re going on a little trip. You\u2019d like that wouldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ride?\u2019 he asked delightedly,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, ride,\u2019 she said with a grin. \u2018We\u2019re going on a ride into town my darling. And then papa will come looking for us.\u2019 She swung him around as she mounted the stairs, and he chuckled mischievously in her arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped aside to let his little brother into the house in front of him. Hoss was always anxious to get in first after school, usually keen to see what Hop Sing or Marie had ready for them to eat. Adam flinched as he heard the front door bang open and closed it quietly, expecting Marie to come bounding around the corner and tell them off for waking up Little Joe from his afternoon nap. He was surprised when she didn\u2019t appear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ma! Hop Sing! We\u2019re home!\u2019 yelled Hoss as he ran into the kitchen. He stopped as he saw the cook pounding some pastry on the table. \u2018Where\u2019s ma Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Gone town,\u2019 Hop Sing replied and motioned to the snack he had prepared and left on the table. \u2018Eat.\u2019 Hoss fell on the food eagerly as Adam come into the room. Hop Sing handed him a letter. \u2018Missy Cartwright left for you,\u2019 he said. He looked at the boys carefully. He had a very good idea of what was happening, as nothing much escaped his notice. He had seen the two bags Marie had piled into the buggy before she left, and was fairly sure that she didn\u2019t intend to come back again that day. They both knew without saying the words that he would watch over the boys as he always had done, but he was still anxious to know what was in the letter she had written. He had seen her worried expression when she had written it, and he wanted to reassure the boys until their father got home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at the paper in his hand puzzled. \u2018For me?\u2019 he said. \u2018Why would Marie have written me a letter?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Probably because she didn\u2019t want to write it to that father of yours,<\/em> thought Hop Sing as he pounded the pastry. He knew that she would intend Adam to show the letter to his father to get a message to him that she preferred not to say to the man directly. He thought these things, but merely shrugged and said, \u2018Open and see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam did just that. He ripped the envelope open and read it out aloud to his brother and Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Adam,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry that I\u2019m not at home for you and Hoss this afternoon. I have taken Little Joe with me and we are staying in town for a little while. Your father will explain it to you when he gets home tonight. Please look after Hoss for me while I\u2019m gone, and make sure that you both eat well and do as your father and Hop Sing tell you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I will be staying at The International House. Please bring Hoss to see me if you would both like to come after school tomorrow. I would love to see you both, and I know that Joseph will be missing you too. I love you both very much,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Love from,<\/p>\n

Marie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Hop Sing and his brother. \u2018She doesn\u2019t say why she went,\u2019 he said puzzled. He noticed the worried expression on Hoss\u2019 face and quickly changed his attitude. \u2018Well, we\u2019ll show the letter to Pa when he gets home. He\u2019ll explain it to us. Come on Hoss let\u2019s get our chores done.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing continued to pound the pastry as the boys left the kitchen. He had his own theory about just what Mr Ben would think about all this, and wondered just how the man would explain it all to those two boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he first read the letter, Ben wondered that too. His first feeling was of anger and frustration that she had actually carried out her plan, and then he looked at the worried faces of the two boys in front of him and knew that he couldn\u2019t show his true feelings. \u2018Don\u2019t worry boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018Marie just needs a bit of time to herself at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then why\u2019d she take little Joe with her Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018Well she couldn\u2019t really leave him here could she? With you and Adam at school all day and Hop Sing and I busy, who would look after him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018When will they come home?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure about that,\u2019 said Ben truthfully. \u2018I\u2019ll have to go into town and ask her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can we go after school tomorrow?\u2019 the boy persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his hair. \u2018Of course you may. Adam will take you.\u2019 He looked questioningly at his oldest son who nodded with a worried expression on his face. Ben knew that he wasn\u2019t fooled about his father\u2019s nonchalant attitude. \u2018Hoss run upstairs now and get washed up for supper,\u2019 instructed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the boy mounted the stairs, Ben turned to Adam. \u2018I suppose you realise that this comes as a shock to me son,\u2019 he said. Adam nodded, but didn\u2019t say anything. \u2018Adam, Marie and I have been having a few problems lately. It\u2019s true what I said about her needing some time out. I\u2019m sure that\u2019s all it is.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you going to go in and talk to her Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes of course I am. I\u2019ll give her tonight to calm down, and then go in tomorrow,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hopefully by the time you take your brother over to see her she\u2019ll be ready to come home.\u2019 He put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Don\u2019t worry son, this sort of thing happens all the time to married couples. Marie will be back home again after she calms down.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Yeah sure Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018And don\u2019t worry about Hoss, I\u2019ll look out for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018I know you will. You always have, haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that evening when the boys were in bed, Ben sat on the front porch deep in thought. He had sensed Hop Sing\u2019s disapproval during supper, and wondered if he had made the right decision about not going into town tonight to have it out with his wife. He shook his head. No! Judging by her attitude during the last few days it would be best for both of them if he waited and gave her a cooling off period. He would go in tomorrow to see her. He knew that she would be expecting him, after all she hadn\u2019t left the name of the Hotel for just Adam\u2019s information!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wondered what he was going to say to her. He knew that she was partially right about the things she had said to him, but he honestly didn\u2019t know how to make things any better. There were just so many demands on him with the running of this ranch, and he needed to put so much energy into it for just a while longer. Couldn\u2019t she see that? He didn\u2019t mean to neglect her or his boys, but it was just the way it had to be for a while at least. Surely he could make her understand that? He sighed. He would have to, there were no two ways about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked out of the window onto the street below. She had spent hours waiting for Ben to arrive and now it seemed that she had waited in vain. Behind her Little Joe slept peacefully in the bed that they were both to share that night.\u00a0\u00a0 She had found it difficult to keep the lively little boy occupied all day and had certainly breathed a sigh of relief when he had finally given in to sleep earlier. She had resorted to getting him a haircut to fill in an hour or so, and it had proved to be a big mistake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For some unknown reason Little Joe had always had a great aversion to having a haircut, and she usually tried to avoid the scene that always accompanied them. That was why his hair was always longer than was usual for a child his age. It took both his parents to hold him still long enough for the barber to do the job properly and today without Ben there to help hold onto him it proved to be more than she could handle. The result was rather a botched job that made his little head look somewhat strange. His curls were slightly uneven and stuck out from his head a peculiar angle, making him look almost like a little rag doll. A few people had laughed at him on their way back to the Hotel, but she was just too tired and dispirited to care.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the lonely hours had passed she longed for Ben to arrive and take her back to where they both belonged, but he didn\u2019t come. She had really thought he would be here as quickly as he could, but apparently she had been wrong in thinking that he cared that much. Maybe she had been wrong about him and he didn\u2019t care at all? In spite of herself the tears began to fall again and she gave herself up to the luxury of sobbing her grief and loneliness out to the empty night air before turning away from the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was close to midday when Ben rode into town. He had spent the morning getting the men organised and left them under Charlie\u2019s supervision, and had grabbed a bite to eat before coming in to face what he felt was going to be a difficult session. He knew very well just how riled up his wife could get, and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to this at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he knocked on the door of her room in The International House he wondered what for the hundredth time that day just what he was going to say to her. He truly regretted the problems they were having and wanted her to come back with him straight away where she belonged, but on the other hand he couldn\u2019t really agree with everything she had said to him. He was still wondering what to say when the door was opened and Marie stood in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello,\u2019 she said calmly opening the door and letting him enter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Papa,\u2019 cried Little Joe and flung himself on his father as if he hadn\u2019t seen him for at least a week.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello young man,\u2019 said Ben hugging him close. \u2018My God Marie, what did you do to him?\u2019 he exclaimed as he held the child away from him and looked at his strange haircut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She bristled immediately. \u2018I took him to the barber,\u2019 she said haughtily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is that the best he could do?\u2019 Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, under the circumstances,\u2019 she replied. \u2018It was hard enough keeping the child amused for the day without having to deal with getting his haircut by myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then why did you?\u2019 he replied. \u2018There was no need to. And who\u2019s choice was it to be here anyway?\u2019 He stopped himself as he realised that they had launched straight into fighting before they had even said hello properly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie realised it at the same moment, and bit her tongue on her sarcastic reply. \u2018This isn\u2019t getting us anywhere,\u2019 she said. \u2018I suppose you\u2019ve come to talk so we might as well get it over with.\u2019 She motioned to the table and chairs in the corner of the room and they sat down, Little Joe still perched on his father\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie waited for Ben to speak, but he hesitated not quite knowing how to begin. So in the end it was Little Joe who broke the silence for both of them. \u2018We go home wiv papa now?\u2019 he said innocently to his mother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s a good question young man,\u2019 said Ben looking directly at his wife. \u2018Are you prepared to answer him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at him. This was not going the way she had expected at all. She had thought Ben would be very contrite and humble, ready to beg her to come home straight away and yet here he was taunting her with her own son. \u2018I\u2019ll come home when I\u2019m good and ready,\u2019 she said, \u2018and not before.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew a deep breath. This wasn\u2019t how he\u2019d hoped it would go. He\u2019d thought she would be all through her anger with him and ready to return so that they could talk it all out at home. Instead, she seemed all set for another session right here and now. \u2018Well if that\u2019s the way you feel Marie, I just don\u2019t have it in me now to carry on with all this nonsense.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nonsense? You call ignoring me and your sons nonsense? You have a lot to learn Ben Cartwright, and I thought you might have done some of that learning during the past day. Apparently I was wrong!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ve been wrong about quite a few things lately haven\u2019t you?\u2019 he replied. \u2018You seem to feel that you have all the answers. Well you don\u2019t! When you\u2019re ready to listen to reason just let me know and I\u2019ll come back to talk this thing through. Until then, I suggest you give some serious thought to just what you\u2019re doing to this family.\u2019 He stood up and sat Little Joe on his chair as he vacated it. \u2018Let me know when you\u2019re ready to be reasonable and I\u2019ll come back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018When I\u2019m ready to be reasonable!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018And what I\u2019m doing to this family? Just think about your own actions before you going blaming me for this!\u2019 He turned to walk towards the door. \u2018That\u2019s right!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018Just walk away from it like you always do! Just ignore me like you\u2019re always doing lately!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe held his hands up to his father, distressed to hear his parents fighting. \u2018Papa!\u2019 he cried as Ben put his hand on the doorknob. \u2018I go wiv papa!\u2019 he cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie bent down and picked him up. \u2018No little one, you stay here with mama,\u2019 she said to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Go wiv papa!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back to his son and took him from his mother\u2019s arms. \u2018It\u2019s all right Little Joe,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018Mama and papa aren\u2019t angry with you.\u2019 He caressed the child\u2019s misshapen locks. \u2018You stay with mama now.\u2019 He tried to hand him back to Marie, but the little boy kicked out at them both and tried to cling onto his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No!\u2019 he yelled as Ben opened the door. \u2018Papa!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie tried to soothe him. \u2018It\u2019s all right little one,\u2019 she said into this ear. \u2018It\u2019s all right.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben went down the staircase he could hear his son\u2019s sobs behind him and they wrenched at his heart. He didn\u2019t want this to be happening! He wanted to turn back to the room and gather his wife and child to him and take them back to where they belonged. But he couldn\u2019t back down against such uncalled for remarks! He needed to have time to think, and maybe it was for the best if they did have time out from each other for the moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie held onto her sobbing son and tried to comfort him as she walked to the window and looked down to the street. As she watched her husband depart on his horse she felt as if a part of her were going down the street with him. Why was it that they just couldn\u2019t even spend ten minutes in a room together without fighting? Maybe they did need time away from each other for a while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He said it was Room 17.\u2019 He led his younger brother down the hallway towards the room the desk clerk had indicated and knocked on the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a moment Marie opened it with a smile on her face. \u2018Boys!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018I\u2019m so glad you came!\u2019 she opened her arms and hugged Hoss to her and then patted Adam on the shoulder. She knew from experience that he didn\u2019t like to be touched as much as his younger brother, and often found it difficult to know just how far she could go in showing him her affection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both grinned at her. \u2018Where\u2019s Little Joe?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019s here!\u2019 declared the little boy jumping up and down with excitement to see his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hi there little buddy,\u2019 said Adam bending down to give him a hug. \u2018You looking after your mama?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said the little boy proudly. \u2018And I get haircut!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him oddly. \u2018You sure did,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss flung his arms around his little brother. \u2018Hi Little Joe!\u2019 he said. \u2018How ya been buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good Hoss,\u2019 replied little Joe. \u2018How ya been Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I been good too!\u2019 his older brother declared happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie motioned over to the table. \u2018I thought that you\u2019d both come, so I ordered up something for us all.\u2019 She indicated the food and drink on the table. \u2018Help yourselves boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They fell on the afternoon tea, doing great justice to it. Even Little Joe seemed caught up in the moment and managed to finish a drink and a whole piece of cake before getting down from the table and wandering over towards his crayons and paper that his mother had put on the floor for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are ya coming home with us now ma?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie drew a deep breath and glanced at Adam before she replied. \u2018No not right now dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018Did your father tell you what this is all about?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He just said that you need some time to yourself for a while,\u2019 said Adam looking at her carefully. \u2018He didn\u2019t really say why, except that he and you had some problems to sort out.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018Yes that\u2019s about it boys. I want you to know it\u2019s got nothing to do with either of you. It\u2019s just some issues between your father and myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So when are ya coming home ma?\u2019 persisted Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure it will be soon dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018Sometimes it\u2019s best to have patience with these things.\u2019 She was talking more to herself than to the boys, and she felt that Adam probably sensed it. \u2018I need you both to help your father at the moment,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll all get back to normal very soon.\u2019 She sincerely hoped her words would come true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they were saying goodbye and hours or so later, she held Hoss tightly to her and whispered in his ear. \u2018You be good for your Pa and brother Hoss. Come and see me again after school tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grinned up at her. \u2018I will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can we have more of them cakes if I do come?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at him. \u2018We\u2019ll see,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stepped over to Adam and drew him close to her. For once the boy didn\u2019t pull away, but allowed her to give him a brief hug. \u2018You look after yourself too Adam,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I will,\u2019 he said looking at the floor. She sensed his embarrassment, and didn\u2019t push him any more. Watching as they said good-bye to their little brother she couldn\u2019t help but feel a lump come into her throat. Why did it have to be like this? Why couldn\u2019t they all just get back to where they had been before? Why did that stubborn husband of hers insist on causing all these problems for them all? She clung onto Little Joe\u2019s hand and waved to them both as they descended the stairs. \u2018Come on Little Joe, she said. \u2018Let\u2019s get you a bath.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy looked up at her and said firmly. \u2018No barf!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here we go again! <\/em>she thought. Oh well! At least fighting with him gives me something to do!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next few days were very long ones for Marie. She certainly had her work cut out for her in trying to keep Little Joe amused and out of mischief, which she thought was probably just as well for it helped to keep her mind away from other things. Every morning they would spend in the shops or taking walks around the surrounding outskirts and she made a point of telling everyone that she had come into town for a few days to catch up on some purchasing for herself and the boys. Not that many people believed it. She could tell from the looks that they gave her that they weren\u2019t fooled, but there was no way that she was going to let anyone know the true cause for her stay in town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Each afternoon while Little Joe took his nap she would try and read, but usually wound up just staring out of the window trying to make sense out of all this. The boys came to visit each afternoon after school and they helped to break up the monotony of the day by keeping Little Joe amused for her and telling her all about their day as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She asked several times how their father was, and each time she got the same reaction. The answer was always that he was fine and working hard, but was said with a hesitation that made her feel that they either weren\u2019t comfortable in commenting or didn\u2019t quite believe what they were saying. Whatever the reason, she didn\u2019t press them, but tried to make light of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss asked each day when she was returning to the ranch, and she found it increasingly difficult to explain to him why she couldn\u2019t just now. In fact she found it increasingly difficult to justify it to herself as the time went on as well. With each day that passed she missed her husband more and more, and the problems that they were facing just seemed so silly now. She knew that when Ben did come to see her they would have a very different conversation to the last one, but the thought kept crossing her mind \u2013 why hadn\u2019t he come? Had he really meant it when he said that he would wait for her to make the first move? She really hoped not, as she found it so hard to back down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She supposed it was her stubborn temper. She had always been told as a child that she was too stubborn for her own good, and now as an adult she found that old habits were hard to break. Not that the man she had married wasn\u2019t stubborn too of course! No one could come close to him in that department, and she did feel justified in believing that he was just as bad as her. The time was coming when one of them would have to back down, and she just hoped that one of them could bring themselves to do it sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the meantime she waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had spent his time keeping busy as he always did on the ranch. He did try to give the boys more of his attention at night now, to fill the hole that he knew they were feeling with Marie not there. He couldn\u2019t believe just how much he missed her! He knew she was right and he hadn\u2019t given her and the boys the attention he should have in the recent past, and in the last few days she had definitely prompted him to look at his priorities again. Maybe he did need to readjust his life and concentrate on what was most important in it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His wife and children would always take precedence over anything else, even this land that he loved so well. He had always known it to be so, but maybe he needed to show it more. Maybe he just needed to show them how he felt? Maybe he had been taking them all for granted?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He missed Little Joe as well, and he knew that the boys did. He had never realised just how much that little boy had brought to their lives before now, and sadly missed the mischief that he caused each day. The house just wasn\u2019t the same without his constant questions and giggles resounding around it. Ben smiled as he thought about the fact that he even missed the infernal yelling of \u2018No!\u2019 every time they had a conversation. It definitely was the youngster\u2019s favourite word!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Each day he thought about going into town and confronting Marie with his thoughts, but each day something held him back.\u00a0\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to make things any worse than they already were and wanted to be sure that she would be receptive to him when he did go in. The boys gave him a daily report on just how the two of them were doing and he was satisfied that things were comfortable for them, but he knew the time was drawing close when he would need to confront her. He knew that Marie would never be the one to back down first, for it just wasn\u2019t in her nature to do something like that. She was the sort of woman who would take the peace offering when it was initiated by someone else, but couldn\u2019t bring herself to be the first one to hold it out. She was just about the most stubborn person he had ever come across, and maybe that was why he loved her so much! He knew that he was stubborn too and that didn\u2019t help matters, but surely one of them had to give in soon. He sighed as he realised just who that someone would have to be, and prepared himself to make the decision before it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maire was bored! She was so bored that she could have screamed at the wall just for something to do. It had been a difficult morning with Little Joe and she was ready to shake him as well, and that worried her. She knew she had to do something to ease the tension and decided to go for a buggy ride. After all, the buggy was just sitting in the Livery Stable doing nothing and she felt she might as well make use of it. She ordered a picnic lunch for the two of them from the kitchen and packed it into the back and off they set for her favourite spot near the lake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no way that Ben was going to keep her away from where she wanted to go. He didn\u2019t exclusively own The Ponderosa and she had every right to be travelling there if she wanted to! She only hoped she wouldn\u2019t run into him on the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe sat beside her bouncing up and down on the seat. \u2018Keep still Joseph,\u2019 she said irritably. \u2018Mama has to drive the horses and I can\u2019t hold onto you at the same time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Me drive!\u2019 the little boy yelled and tried to grab the reins from her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She slapped his hand away. \u2018No! I said to be still!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pouted at her and crossed his little arms over his chest. \u2018Papa let me drive!\u2019 he announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m not papa,\u2019 she said. \u2018Look over there at that little rabbit, did you see him?\u2019 She tried to distract the child, but he wasn\u2019t to be fooled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018I drive!\u2019 He tried to grab the reins from her again and she turned to push him back onto the seat. \u2018Joseph I said to sit down!\u2019 she said. \u2018Do as you are told please or I\u2019ll stop this buggy and give you a real smack young man!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stuck his tongue out at her and hit her on the arm. \u2018Mama mean!\u2019 he yelled at her. \u2018Me drive!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie lost her temper with him and turned to face him on the seat. \u2018I told you once to sit down Joseph and I meant it,\u2019 she yelled. \u2018Now stop being a naughty \u2026..\u2019 her words were cut short by a sharp jolt and she turned back to see the ground tipping sideways as the buggy hit a rock. \u2018Oh my \u2026..\u2019 she began and reached out to the little boy beside her. She let go of the reins and held him tightly to her as they were thrown through the air and landed heavily onto the ground. The buggy tipped over the top of them and came to rest with a resounding crash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The horse reared in fright and attempted to free himself from the restrictions of the reins, but his movements only served to entangle himself more in them and he became quite frightened. As the animal struggled to free himself he tipped the buggy over even further and pulled it along the ground, dragging the bodies that were caught under it with him as well. Finally he stopped and came to rest under a tree, panting with the exertion. His eyes rolled back in his head and he stood still waiting for the familiar hand to calm him down, but it didn\u2019t come. Gradually his breathing quietened down and he stood still, staring into the distance while waiting to be freed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him the buggy remained upside down and underneath it Marie lay still and unconscious, her body shielding that of her little son who lay beneath her. The only sound that could be heard was a bird singing in the tree above them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran down the hallway and pounded on the door of Number 17. \u2018Hey ma,\u2019 he yelled, \u2018We\u2019re here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came sauntering along behind him. \u2018Keep your voice down,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re not at home you know!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at him. \u2018She\u2019ll be real pleased when she sees my spelling test,\u2019 he said as he pounded on the door again. \u2018Hey ma!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few minutes it became apparent to the two boys that no one was there. \u2018That\u2019s strange, said Adam. \u2018She knows we always come at this time. Let\u2019s go downstairs and check.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He led his brother back down into the hotel lobby and asked the desk clerk if he knew where Marie had gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She left about noon with the little boy,\u2019 the man said. \u2018Didn\u2019t say when they\u2019d get back, but she took a picnic lunch with them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It\u2019s OK Hoss, they just went somewhere for a picnic that\u2019s all. You\u2019ll have to wait until tomorrow to show her your spelling.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Aw!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Now we don\u2019t get no more of them cakes, and we don\u2019t even get to see Little Joe today!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing\u2019ll have something for us to eat when we get home,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018And I\u2019m sure you can do without seeing that little scallywag for one day.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing was surprised to see them home so early, but did indeed have something for them to eat. \u2018How Missy Cartwright and Little Joe today?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Hoss with his mouth full. \u2018They weren\u2019t there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you mean they weren\u2019t there?\u2019 asked his father coming in behind them. \u2018Where were they?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s OK Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018They only went on a picnic. The desk clerk said.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 said Ben relieved. \u2018Well get to your chores boys, I want to have supper early tonight so I can go into town afterwards to see your mother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Adam and pulled Hoss out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing glared at his employer. \u2018About time too!\u2019 he declared. \u2018This family not same without Missy Cartwright and Little Joe here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I agree Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben with a rueful smile. \u2018I\u2019ll just have to get them back won\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slight movement under the buggy caused the horse to turn his head and look at the small curly head that popped out from under it. Little Joe looked around him with wide eyes, and then wriggled out from under his mother\u2019s body. As he sat up unsteadily and stuck his thumb into his mouth he looked down at her face and shook her. \u2018Mama!\u2019 he said. \u2018Mama wake up!\u2019 She didn\u2019t move, so he tried again. \u2018Mama wake up now!\u2019 Still she didn\u2019t move, and he frowned as he wondered why she was asleep on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a few moments he sat looking at her, then he nestled down next to her and cuddled into her body. \u2018Me sleep too,\u2019 he said and closed his eyes tightly. As the horse quietly munched at the grass by the side of the trail the little boy slept contentedly next to his mother who was still unconscious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a few hours they remained as such, until the sinking sun brought a chilliness that caused the little boy to shiver and wake up. Sleepily he rubbed his eyes and looked around him, grinning at the horse that still stood there beside him. His eyes travelled down to his mother again and he noted that she was still asleep. He shook her insistently. \u2018Mama,\u2019 he said. \u2018Time to wake up now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie groaned and shifted slightly, opening her eyes to see a small face peering down at her. Little Joe\u2019s thumb was firmly planted in his mouth and he was sucking on it noisily. As she focused her eyes on him he grinned and said. \u2018Hello mama, you awake now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes baby, mama\u2019s awake now,\u2019 she said shakily. She tried to reach up and touch him with her hand, but the movement cause a sharp pain down her back and she cried out in anguish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe took his thumb out of his mouth and put his hands on her head. \u2018Mama?\u2019 he said again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She tried to smile at him. \u2018It\u2019s OK baby, mama\u2019s OK.\u2019 She realised with horror that she was pinned under the buggy and tried to move again to shift it, but found that the pain only increased with every movement she made. She began to cry with the frustration of it all and couldn\u2019t stop the tears from falling. She felt two little hands on her face and opened her eyes again to see the worried look on her little boy\u2019s face as he stared intently into her eyes. \u2018It\u2019s OK baby,\u2019 she said trying to convince herself as well as him. \u2018It\u2019s going to be OK. Come and give mama a hug.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nestled down next to his mother again and put his arms around her neck. After a few moments he lifted his head and looked at her, but her eyes were closed and she had drifted off into unconsciousness again. He sat up and looked around. He felt cold and hungry and didn\u2019t quite know what to do. All he knew was that his mother wasn\u2019t able to help him. He stood up and looked around for someone else to go to, but couldn\u2019t see anyone. \u2018I go look,\u2019 he said and toddled off across the field.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hitched his horse at the rail outside The International House and entered the building. \u2018Evening Dave,\u2019 he said to the desk clerk as he passed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked up. \u2018If you\u2019re looking for your wife Mr Cartwright, she and the little boy haven\u2019t returned yet,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Ben surprised. \u2018But it\u2019s dark outside. Marie would never have Little Joe out this late.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shrugged. \u2018Can\u2019t help you there,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked outside again, puzzled. He stood and looked up and down wondering just where he could start to ask first, when he heard a commotion down the other end of the street. Someone yelled as a wagon drew up and several men ran out to meet it. He wondered briefly what could be happening, but decided not to investigate, as finding Marie and Little Joe had to be his first priority right now. He stepped off the porch and started to make his way up to Roy Coffee\u2019s office, hoping that his friend may have seen Marie about and be able to point him in her direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he approached the sheriff\u2019s office he heard the shouts from the other end of the street getting louder and turned to see if he could make out what was happening. They seemed to be carrying something or someone into Paul Martin\u2019s office, and he hoped no one had been seriously hurt. Entering the sheriff\u2019s office he greeted his friend. \u2018Hello Roy, how are you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff looked up from his desk. \u2018Ben! Good to see you! I haven\u2019t seen you in here for a few days.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018No. I\u2019ve been \u2026. well rather busy actually,\u2019 he said. \u2018Roy I suppose you\u2019ve noticed that Marie and Little Joe have been staying at The International House for the past few days.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked a bit embarrassed. \u2018Yes \u2026 well I did kinda notice they\u2019d been around,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I wondered if you\u2019d seen her at all this afternoon? I\u2019ve just been over there and she hasn\u2019t come back yet. It\u2019s not like her to keep Little Joe\u2026..\u2019 He stopped as the door was flung open and a man entered the office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sheriff Coffee\u2026.\u2019he began. \u2018Oh Ben, thank God you\u2019re here! I saw your horse down the street and we\u2019ve been looking everywhere for you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018Why Pat? What\u2019s wrong?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man stopped to catch his breath. \u2018It\u2019s Marie, Ben. The Patterson\u2019s found her on the road to the Ponderosa trapped under her buggy. There\u2019d been some kind of accident. They brought her straight into Doc Martin\u2019s office, and she\u2019s up\u2026.\u2019 He realised he was talking to the thin air as Ben pushed past him and sprinted up the street towards the doctor\u2019s office. Roy Coffee ran after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where is she?\u2019 Ben yelled as he pushed through the crowd that had gathered in the doctor\u2019s waiting room. \u2018Where\u2019s my wife?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several hands pushed him down onto a chair. \u2018Ben, Paul has everything under control,\u2019 said a kindly voice. \u2018He\u2019s looking after her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked into the face of Sophia Patterson. \u2018What?\u2019 he said, not comprehending.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She\u2019ll be all right Ben,\u2019 the woman said calmly. \u2018Michael and I found her trapped under her buggy, but she wasn\u2019t seriously hurt I\u2019m sure of it. Just some cuts and bruises and a lump on her head.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I want to see her!\u2019 he said standing up. \u2018I have to know she\u2019s all right!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment the door into the outer office opened and Doctor Paul Martin stuck his head out. \u2018I thought I heard your voice,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on in Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rushed through the door and straight over to the examining table where Marie lay. She had several bruises on her face and numerous cuts on her arms and throat. Her eyes were closed, but she seemed to be breathing normally. He looked up at Paul with a question in his eyes, unable to say the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Doctor nodded at him and patted him on the shoulder. \u2018She\u2019ll be fine Ben, she\u2019s just weak at the moment. It\u2019s the shock that\u2019s all. She must have been out there several hours by the look of her and she hasn\u2019t really fully regained consciousness yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But she\u2019ll be all right?\u2019 he asked worriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, I\u2019m sure of it,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Maybe a slight concussion that\u2019s all. She\u2019s a very lucky woman.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben breathed a sigh of relief and bent down to kiss her on the top of her head. \u2018It\u2019s all right now darling,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m here with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie heard his voice from a distance and her eyes fluttered open. Dimly she saw his face hovering above hers and tried to speak. \u2018Ben,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018Ben, I\u2019m\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shh,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t try to talk now. Just lay still and rest.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben\u2026.\u2019 she tried again. \u2018Little Joe\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted. He jerked as he realised that he hadn\u2019t even asked about his little son yet. He looked up at the doctor standing beside him. \u2018Where\u2019s Little Joe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Where\u2019s my son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked down at him, confused for a moment. No one had said anything to him about the child at all. \u2018Just a moment,\u2019 he said and rushed to the door. He turned back to Ben in an instant and said. \u2018He wasn\u2019t with her. It\u2019s all right Ben, he wasn\u2019t there. She must have left him with someone when she went out in the buggy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie clutched onto her husband\u2019s arm. \u2018No\u2026..\u2019 she said weakly. \u2018He was\u2026. with me. Ben\u2026.. my baby\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked her hair and tried to calm her. \u2018It\u2019s all right Marie, you rest now. I\u2019ll find him.\u2019 He stood up. \u2018Paul,\u2019 he said with a pleading look in his eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul came over to him. \u2018Ben she\u2019ll be fine. Really. I\u2019ve given her a sedative and she\u2019ll sleep now, so there\u2019s nothing more you can do here. Just go and find that little boy. Go!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned without a word and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he entered the outer office, Roy was immediately at his side. \u2018I\u2019ll round up some men Ben. We\u2019ll meet outside my office as soon as you get your horse.\u2019 Ben nodded and left without speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sophia Patterson touched Roy on the arm as he made to go after him. \u2018Roy I\u2019m so sorry,\u2019 she said. \u2018I didn\u2019t even think about the child. I just assumed that she was by herself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at her reassuringly. \u2018It\u2019s all right Sophia. You weren\u2019t to know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but he\u2019s so little! He\u2019s just turned three years old! A child that small out there all alone at night? Roy, I hate to think of what could happen to him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He patted her on the arm and turned to leave the office. Moments later a group of men galloped out of the town, Ben at the head of the group with a lantern in his hand. His heart raced with the sheer terror of what they might find, and he prayed with all his heart that his little boy would be all right when they found him..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Simon Bruxton put down his rake and heaved a sigh of relief as he stretched his aching limbs and surveyed the clean barn. It felt good to finish up for the day and know that there was a hearty supper waiting for him inside. He bent to get his jacket when he heard a small noise near the door of the barn and turned quickly to grab his gun. You never could be too careful around here at night, what with all the feral animals just waiting to pick off a chicken or two. He crept forward slowly with his gun poised, then lowered it abruptly when he saw the small child in front of him looking up at him with wide eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My God!\u2019 he said shocked, \u2018Now where did you come from?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy continued to stare at him, sucking on his thumb. Simon bent down and picked him up, noticing he was trembling \u2013 although whether it was from fear or the cold he really couldn\u2019t tell. \u2018What\u2019s your name little fellow?\u2019 he said, but the child merely looked at him and continued to suck on his thumb noisily. \u2018Come on then, let\u2019s get inside and get you warmed up eh?\u2019 He carried him to the house and entered, calling out to his wife. \u2018Mary! Come and see what I found outside!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary Bruxton looked up from the stove and put her hand to her mouth. \u2018Oh my Lord!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018What on earth have you got there?\u2019 She stared at the child in her husband\u2019s arms. \u2018Why that\u2019s the little Cartwright boy isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her husband looked at the little closely. \u2018Is it? He\u2019s an awfully long way from home if it is.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s an awfully long way from anywhere,\u2019 she said, taking the child from his arms and holding him close to her. \u2018This child is freezing Simon. Get me a blanket quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moments later Little Joe was bundled up in front of the fireplace on Mary\u2019s knee, still sucking on his thumb but grinning at them both. \u2018I just can\u2019t understand it,\u2019 Mary said. \u2018Marie and Ben would never let this child out of their sight. How could he just be wandering around like this?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Simon. \u2018But there\u2019s something strange here. Have you noticed his hair?\u2019 They both looked at him closely and noted the strange head of hair and the way it all stuck out unevenly at different angles. \u2018You don\u2019t think some wild animal got to him do you?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary frowned at him. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid,\u2019 she said. \u2018Although it does look rather odd, I must say.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Looks more like a group of Indians have half-scalped him,\u2019 Simon continued with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary hit him on the arm. \u2018That\u2019s not funny!\u2019 she said. \u2018We\u2019ve got to get this child home, Simon. Ben and Marie must be out of their minds with worry about him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up at her. \u2018Mama asleep, \u2018he said and waved his arm towards the door. \u2018Over there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled down at him. \u2018Yes darling. We\u2019ll take you back to your mama.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at her. \u2018Go for ride now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She hugged him to her. \u2018Simon you\u2019d better saddle up and get this little one back where he belongs before Ben Cartwright has the whole of Nevada out looking for him\u2019 she said. \u2018Hurry now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She bundled the little boy up in her arms and followed her husband back outside to the barn, waiting while he saddled his horse. \u2018Don\u2019t you think we should take the buggy?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You should come too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No. It would take too long,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Just get this child back where he belongs as quickly as possible.\u2019 She handed him up to her husband, who held him on the saddle in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe bounced around in the man\u2019s arms. \u2018Ride! Ride!\u2019 he said delightedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hang on there young fella,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Take it easy.\u2019 He held onto the squirming child tightly. \u2018Are you sure you don\u2019t want to come?\u2019 he asked his wife pleadingly. \u2018You\u2019d be better with him than me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She motioned to him impatiently. \u2018Surely you can control one little boy,\u2019 she said. \u2018Now go!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave her one last look, turned the horse and trotted out of the yard. Mary stood there watching him ride into the distance and smiled as she heard a small voice repeating over and over again, \u2018Ride! Ride!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked anxiously at the buggy that still lay on the ground while he and those around him scoured the ground for any signs of the child or an indication of where he might have gone. Ben\u2019s heart was in his mouth as he looked, wanting so much to find a clue as to his son\u2019s whereabouts, but also dreading what he might find. As the buggy was turned over he hardly dared look at what might be beneath it, and felt the adrenaline leave him as he opened his eyes to see nothing there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thank God,\u2019 he heard one of the men say. \u2018He must have wandered off Ben. It\u2019s the only explanation.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes, see if you can find any footprints.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They set their lanterns close to the ground and went over it inch by inch. Suddenly one of the men straightened up. \u2018Over here!\u2019 he yelled and they all clustered around. There in front of them was a tiny footprint in the dirt. Ben breathed another sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It seems to be going in this direction,\u2019 said Roy Coffee. \u2018Best if we stay on foot for a while.\u2019 They gathered up their reins and walked slowly forward trying to find any other indications that the little boy had gone in this direction. Their work was hampered by the lack of light, and with only a few dull lanterns to see by were not really making much progress at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked at Ben and hesitated for a moment before he spoke. \u2018Ben it\u2019s difficult to say which direction he took off in. We\u2019re really guessing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben straightened up and looked back at him. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said, rubbing his hand over his eyes. \u2018Maybe we should all separate until we come across\u2026\u2019 his words were cut short by a shout from one of the men beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he said. They all turned towards the noise of a horse approaching, when out of the darkness rode Simon Briggs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s going on here\u2019 he asked as he noticed them all on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at him. \u2018There\u2019s been an accident,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re looking for \u2026\u2026..Joseph!\u2019 he yelled as he saw the little boy on the saddle in front of the man. \u2018Oh my God! Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe poked his head out of the blanket he was wrapped in and took his thumb out of his mouth. \u2018Hello papa!\u2019 he said. \u2018How ya been?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached up and pulled his son towards him, hugging him tightly. \u2018Oh my God!\u2019 he said again. \u2018Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men around him were silent, each with their own prayers of thanks that the little one had been found. \u2018Where was he?\u2019 Roy asked finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He just wandered into my barn,\u2019 explained Simon. \u2018We couldn\u2019t understand where he came from.\u2019 His eyes travelled to the upturned buggy as he registered the shocked looks on the faces of the men around him. \u2018Was anyone hurt?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No thank God,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018My wife was driving but she\u2019s all right. Little Joe must have wandered off before they found her.\u2019 He hugged the little boy to him again. \u2018Thank God he made it to your place Simon. How can I ever thank you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t mention it Ben,\u2019 replied the man. \u2018Glad to help. You\u2019d better get him back to his mama though. She\u2019ll be worried about him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned to those around him. \u2018Thank you all so much,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sorry that\u2026..\u2019 his voice broke and he buried his face onto that of his son\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy patted him on the back. \u2018It\u2019s all right Ben. We understand. Let\u2019s get back to town now everyone. I think this little boy needs to see his mama.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe bounced up in his father\u2019s arms. \u2018Mama asleep,\u2019 he said and pointed to the buggy. \u2018Over there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No baby. Mama\u2019s asleep back in town now. We\u2019ll go and see her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ride on horse?\u2019 he asked delightedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben as he swung up into the saddle. \u2018Ride on horse.\u2019 He hugged the little boy to him as he turned back towards Virginia City and his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eye fluttered open and she stared at the ceiling above her. She turned her head towards the window and noticed the sun streaming in across the room, then frowned as she tried to place exactly where she was. Turning her head the other way, she smiled as her eyes found the two most important possessions she had in this world snuggled together on an easy chair beside the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was fast asleep, his chin resting on his hand and his other arm wrapped tightly around Little Joe who was wrapped in a blanket on his knee. The little boy was also fast asleep with his thumb in his mouth. They looked a picture of contentment together, and she couldn\u2019t help but reach out and touch Ben\u2019s leg to make sure that the picture was real.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened his eyes with a start and smiled as he saw her looking at him. \u2018Well, you\u2019re back with us at last,\u2019 he said softly and reached out to grasp hold of her hand. \u2018Welcome back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled back at him, and then her eyes flitted once more to her small son curled on his lap. \u2018Is he\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s fine,\u2019 Ben assured her. \u2018Just tired from all his adventures last night.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She lifted her head. \u2018The boys\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019re fine too. Roy sent one of the men back to the ranch to tell Hop Sing what had happened. He\u2019s probably chased them off to school by now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed and stretched under the covers. \u2018How do you feel?\u2019 he asked her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He laughed. \u2018You\u2019d say you were fine even if you were half dead,\u2019 he replied with a twinkle in his eye. He leant forward, being careful not to disturb the sleeping child in his arms. \u2018Marie, I\u2019m so sorry about everything. You were right. I\u2019ve been selfish and I\u2019ve had my priorities all wrong. I nearly lost you both because of it too. Can you ever forgive me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No my love. It wasn\u2019t you, it was me,\u2019 she replied with tears in her eyes. \u2018I should have been more understanding. I know that you\u2019re trying to do the best for us all, that\u2019s why you work so hard. I wasn\u2019t willing to have the patience I needed, that was all. Ben I nearly destroyed our family because of it. I\u2019m the one who needs to ask for forgiveness darling.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u2018I think we\u2019re just two stubborn people. I love you and our sons more than anything in this world Marie, don\u2019t you know that? I\u2019d never let The Ponderosa come between us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She squeezed his hand. \u2018I know. I was very wrong to think that you would. Forgive me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He bent down and kissed her. \u2018There\u2019s nothing to forgive,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The movement disturbed Little Joe who squirmed in his arms and opened his eyes. \u2018Mama awake!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018Hello mama. How ya been?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine my darling. How are you?\u2019 she said holding out her hands to him. He chuckled as he leapt across from his father\u2019s lap and hugged her tightly. \u2018I\u2019s good mama. I went on a ride on papa\u2019s horse. And the other man too!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked across at Ben with her eyebrows raised. \u2018I\u2019ll explain it all to you later,\u2019 he said. \u2018It seems our little boy has had quite an adventure.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled as she hugged the child to her. \u2018As long as he\u2019s all right now,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018My baby boy. Ben this is what\u2019s important after all, isn\u2019t it?\u2019 she looked up at him, the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. \u2018Our three boys. They\u2019re the most important priority we have, aren\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stroked her head softly. \u2018Of course they are,\u2019 he said. \u2018And nothing will ever come between any of us darling.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The late afternoon sun was struggling to make its presence still felt as Ben drove the buggy into the front yard of the ranch. Marie sat beside him with Little Joe held firmly on her lap, trying desperately to keep him still. His adventure hadn\u2019t seemed to slow him down at all that was for sure. He tried time and time again to grab the reins from his father\u2019s grasp and it was all she could do to keep him from falling off the edge of the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up from doing his chores and ran to them. \u2018Ma! Little Joe!\u2019 he called. \u2018Ya\u2019re back!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie smiled at him and handed his little brother down to him as they pulled up. \u2018Yes darling we\u2019re back,\u2019 she said happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe flung himself on his brother and they hugged each other tightly. \u2018Hi Hoss. How ya been Hoss?\u2019 he said when he could get himself free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ruffled his uneven locks and laughed at him. \u2018Ya sure do look funny little buddy,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I go on horse wiv papa!\u2019 Little Joe said excitedly, and then turned as he saw Adam coming out of the house. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he yelled as if they hadn\u2019t laid eyes on each other for a month.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his parents as he came across the yard. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said. \u2018Is everyone all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Right as rain,\u2019 said his father putting his arm around Marie while Hoss hugged her around her waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe leapt up into Adam\u2019s arms. \u2018I go on horse wiv papa!\u2019 he exclaimed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did you?\u2019 You\u2019re lucky,\u2019 said his big brother giving him a hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ride horse now Adam!\u2019 the little boy demanded and Adam laughed as he swung him up onto his shoulders and began to trot around the yard, while Little Joe bounced up and down giggling with glee. Hoss ran over to them and chased them around as they ran.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at Marie as she watched the boys with a deep look of contentment in her eyes. \u2018This is what it\u2019s all about isn\u2019t it?\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I\u2019ll never lose sight of it again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She reached up and put her finger on his mouth. \u2018Don\u2019t make promises you can\u2019t keep,\u2019 she warned with a twinkle in her eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No I mean it!\u2019 he said seriously. \u2018This time I\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben, as long as you try,\u2019 she said. \u2018And don\u2019t forget I\u2019ll be here to remind you my dear!\u2019 She hit him on the arm and they both laughed as they turned towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on boys,\u2019 Ben said over his shoulder. \u2018Come inside for supper now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they wandered in through the front door with the three boys behind them, Hop Sing peeked out from the kitchen door where he had been enjoying the scene. He gave a satisfied grin and nodded his head as he closed the door behind him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: A tasking mistress draws Ben away from his family. Will it take losing his family before he sets his priorities right?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (19,460 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3761,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2767,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/renotrip.jpg?fit=1182%2C778&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":36476,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=36476","url_meta":{"origin":11358,"position":0},"title":"Second Son (by Sierras)","author":"Sierras","date":"May 31, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Marie feels fear after the birth of her son, Joseph. 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Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,385 words) The Man in Black Series, links to all stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2920,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2920","url_meta":{"origin":11358,"position":3},"title":"Springtime Memories (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"May 18, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0It's the day before a big event, past and present, in Joe's life, and he shares it with someone special.\u00a0 Word Count: \u00a0 1,832\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10365,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10365","url_meta":{"origin":11358,"position":4},"title":"On this Night (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"November 27, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Ben is lying on his death bed when three ghostly visitors from the past step in to change the course of fate. 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